By
Alex Smith |
Shipbuilder Meyer Turku has laid the keel for Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas during a ceremony at its yard in Turku, Finland.
A 3,000-ton crane lifted the first steel block into the new ship’s building dock on top of freshly minted coins, which represent the shipyard and cruise line. The coins are meant to bring luck during construction and will be retrieved and given to Icon of the Seas’ captain and crew before the vessel sets sail.
The ceremony was attended by the teams working on constructing Icon, who were joined by Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group; Richard Fain, chairman of Royal Caribbean Group; Bernard Meyer, managing partner of Meyer Group; and Meyer Turku CEO Tim Meyer.
Icon of the Seas will set sail next year and will be the first of three Royal Caribbean ships to be powered by LNG fuel.
"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 of Royal Caribbean International. "As this game-changing ship takes shape, the excitement from families and travellers alike, travel advisors and our partners continues to build. Later this year, we'll reveal the line-up of firsts and favourites that will set a new standard for vacations come fall 2023."