Royal Caribbean has made a name for itself as the operator of the world’s largest cruise ships — Icon-class vessels, while the Meyer Turku shipyard holds the distinction of being the builder of those ships.

Currently in the process of constructing the fourth ship in the class, temporarily known as Icon 4, the Finnish shipyard celebrated a notable building event on January 9, 2026, when the ship’s first cabins were hoisted onto the vessel.

Meyer Turku proudly updated the ship’s construction progress in a Facebook post on January 13, 2026, describing how the first of 2,800 staterooms was delivered to the shipyard.

“Icon 4’s assembly phase is progressing, and the vessel’s first cabins were lifted into the ship last Friday, January 9,” the post confirmed. 

“The modular cabins are fully prebuilt by our daughter company Piikkio Works. They are then delivered to the shipyard, where they are lifted into the ship,” Meyer Turku explained.

Since they are prebuilt, the stateroom accommodations can be expeditiously and easily transferred into the vessel. Piikkio Works manufactures cabins and bathroom units at its factory in Piikkio, Finland.

When Icon 4’s construction is completed and the ship enters service in late 2027, she will join three sister ships: Icon of the Seas, launched in January 2024, Star of the Seas, which debuted in August 2025, and Legend of the Seas, set to begin operating in July 2026. In fact, Legend of the Seas is being built right next to Icon 4 at the Meyer Turku shipyard.

The Icon class represents the industry’s largest ships, each at 248,663 gross tons and with capacity for 5,610 guests in double occupancy. They can accommodate a staggering 7,600 passengers with all berths occupied.

Like her sister ships, Icon 4 will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and feature advanced alternative energy systems, such as fuel cells that will be used to generate electrical power.

Construction of Icon 4 began in September 2025, when the shipyard and cruise line held a keel-laying event. The maritime tradition calls for good-luck coins to be placed under the first steel block of the ship’s hull.

The next major construction milestone will be the ship’s float-out, when the vessel leaves her construction bay and touches water for the first time. This typically happens about a year before launch.

Royal Caribbean announced it had placed the order for the fourth ship in the class in August 2024. The order included options for a fifth and sixth ship in the class.

What Makes Icon-Class Ships So Popular?

Aside from their immense size, the Icon-class vessels feature pioneering activities and spaces, offering experiences for all ages.

The Category 6 Waterpark, for instance, offers thrill rides that include Frightening Bolt, a water slide with a trap door that opens beneath participants, and Pressure Drop, the industry’s first free-fall slide with a drop of 282 feet.

Read Also: What Are Royal Caribbean’s Icon-Class Cruise Ships?

Crown’s Edge offers a challenging ropes course while Adrenaline Peak tempts guests to try rock climbing. Laser tag and mini golf are featured for guests who don’t need such major thrills.

Like other ship classes at Royal Caribbean, Icon ships feature several neighborhoods and zones designed to appeal to certain demographics.

Surfside is ideal for families, for instance, with a dedicated pool and children’s club, while The Hideaway is for adults seeking serenity. It features an infinity pool and has a beach club atmosphere.

The existing ships in the class, Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas, are homeported in PortMiami and Port Canaveral, respectively, and sail Caribbean and Bahamas cruises.

When Legend of the Seas enters service in summer 2026, she will spend the season in Europe, sailing from Rome and Barcelona. In October 2026, Legend of the Seas will reposition to Fort Lauderdale for a winter series of Caribbean and Bahamas voyages.

Where will Icon 4 be based? It’s anyone’s guess.

Royal Caribbean’s 4th Icon Class Ship Just Entered a Huge New Phase