The building of Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas has reached a “pivotal milestone” ahead of its fall 2023 debut.
A keel-laying ceremony took place yesterday at Finnish shipyard Meyer Turku to officially mark the start of the ship’s physical construction.
The ceremony was attended by Royal Caribbean and Meyer Turku senior executives and teams.
The keel laying involved a 3,000-ton crane lifting a massive steel block that is placed into the new ship’s building dock and on top of freshly minted coins, which represent the shipyard and cruise line.
The coins are meant to bring luck during construction, and they will be retrieved and given to Icon’s captain and crew before setting sail.
“Five years ago, we began dreaming of Icon of the Seas, and now the next phase of this iconic adventure is beginning,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International.
“As this game-changing ship takes shape, the excitement from families and travellers alike, travel advisors and our partners continue to build.
“Later this year, we’ll reveal the lineup of firsts and favourites that will set a new standard for vacations come fall 2023.”
At the ceremony, the working teams behind constructing Icon were joined by Jason Liberty, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group; Richard Fain, Chairman, Royal Caribbean Group; Meyer Group Managing Partner Bernard Meyer; and Meyer Turku CEO Tim Meyer.
Icon will set sail next year. The first of three Royal Caribbean ships will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) – the cleanest fossil fuel available to cruise ships today.
For more details on Icon, visit Royal Caribbean’s website.
