Icon of the Seas: A historic moment for Meyer Werft

The Icon of the Seas Icon of the Seas has been called the most advanced cruise ship of its time and takes a significant step towards the green transition, which of course is the shipyard’s most important competitive advantage.

“Icon of the Seas is the world’s largest, but above all, the world’s most advanced cruise ship. Together with Royal Caribbean, we set the bar exceptionally high in terms of design, technology, safety and reducing energy consumption,” said Tim Meyer, CEO of Meyer Turku.

”Such a demanding project has only been possible because we cooperate closely within the maritime cluster. In particular, I would like to highlight the finishing expertise of our supply chain. I am extremely proud of the people of Meyer Turku and everyone who has participated in this project.”

Complex project

In what has been called the most complex project in the industrial history of Finland, several smaller, yet huge sub-projects were run at the same time between Meyer Turku and its partner companies.

“Icon of the Seas represents everything that can be achieved in responsible vacationing thanks to commitment and strong partnerships,” said Jason Liberty, CEO, Royal Caribbean Group.

Some notable achievements include the ship’s AquaDome, the heaviest and in terms of surface area largest glass-steel structure ever lifted onto a ship.

The Pearl meanwhile, is a 15-metre diameter round thrill staircase that is part of the ship’s load-bearing structure.

Icon of the Seas has eight different themed areas including the largest water park in the seas, the Central Park consisting of living plants, the AquaTheatre offering water acrobatics entertainment and forty different places to eat.

The vessel will depart for its first customer cruise from its home port of Miami at the end of January 2024. 

Hull assembly of the second ship in the series, Star of the Seas, will begin at the Meyer Turku shipyard in December.

Icon of the Seas fast figures

Length: 365 m

Hull width: 48.5 m (waterline), 57.8 m (deck building), 65.8 m (bridge)

Gross tonnage: 248,655

Passengers: 7,600

Crew: 2,350

Flag State: Panama