Royal Caribbean has confirmed it will build a fifth ship in its trailblazing Icon-class series, set to launch in 2028. This move underscores the cruise line’s commitment to expanding its most innovative fleet yet, offering larger, more eco-conscious ships filled with record-breaking entertainment and amenities.
The Icon-class made waves when Icon of the Seas debuted as the world’s largest cruise ship. Each successive vessel has pushed the boundaries of design, sustainability, and guest experience. By announcing a fifth ship, Royal Caribbean signals that demand for this new era of cruising remains strong and that it plans to stay ahead of competitors in capacity and onboard offerings.
Pioneering Features and Sustainability Goals
The Icon-class vessels are known for their themed neighborhoods, cutting-edge waterparks, and high-tech entertainment venues. Royal Caribbean has hinted that the fifth ship will go even further, with new attractions not seen on previous models. Guests can expect multiple pools, family-focused areas, and expanded dining and nightlife options.
Sustainability is a key part of the design. Like its predecessors, the new ship is expected to be powered by LNG (liquefied natural gas) and feature advanced waste treatment, energy-efficient systems, and shore power connectivity. These innovations reflect the company’s pledge to reduce its carbon footprint while still offering the scale and spectacle passengers expect.
Shipyards and suppliers are already working closely with Royal Caribbean to ensure that lessons from the earlier Icon-class vessels translate into smoother construction and even more reliable systems. With shipbuilding timelines running several years, the cruise line is setting itself up for a strong pipeline of new tonnage well into the next decade.
A Growing Icon-Class Fleet
Royal Caribbean’s strategy has been to stagger Icon-class deliveries to maintain market excitement and give each ship its moment in the spotlight. This fifth order means the company will have a continuous rollout of new hardware to meet demand from loyal cruisers and first-timers alike.
Travel advisors are reporting that Icon-class sailings sell out quickly, especially for new itineraries. The fifth ship is likely to attract similar enthusiasm once bookings open, potentially serving new regions or expanding into markets that the earlier Icon-class ships couldn’t reach.
By doubling down on the Icon concept, Royal Caribbean is reinforcing its brand as the leader in large-scale, entertainment-driven cruising. The fifth Icon-class vessel, slated for 2028, represents not just a new ship but a continuation of a formula that has reshaped the modern cruise industry. Passengers can look forward to an even bigger, greener, and more immersive vacation at sea.