The first block of Icon 4, Royal Caribbean’s fourth Icon-class cruise ship, has been lowered into drydock at the Meyer Turku shipyard. This symbolic breakthrough was celebrated with a traditional keel-laying ceremony, which included the deposit of coins under the hull to ensure protection and good fortune.
The relocation of the Icon 4 block
During the ceremony, representatives of Royal Caribbean and the shipyard will highlight the efficiency of the joint work. The experiences gained during the construction of the three previous ships have allowed the technical and logistical processes to be optimized in this new phase of the project.
The Icon 4, like its predecessors, will be powered by liquefied natural gas(LNG), an energy solution that minimizes emissions and responds to the growing environmental demands of the maritime industry. The vessel’s design has been conceived to maximize operational efficiency, integrating technological innovation with environmental responsibility.
The construction of the Icon 4 represents an important economic driver for the region. According to Casimir Lindholm, CEO of Meyer Turku, each cruise ship of this size generates approximately 13,000 person-years of employment, ranging from design to implementation.
With the initial block in dry dock, the project enters a strategic stage. Continued structural assembly and installation of major components will set the pace of progress over the coming months. Final delivery of the Icon 4 is scheduled for mid-2027, cementing Royal Caribbean’s commitment to expanding its sustainable cruise fleet.
Source and photo: Meyer Turku
