Royal Caribbean Cruises is in the process of ordering yet another Icon-class cruise ship from shipbuilder Meyer Turku. While details have not been made public, the report says the new vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2025.
This class of ship features environmentally-friendly innovations such as being powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). The new ship will join a pair of sister ships slated to be delivered in 2022 and 2024, respectively.
According to the news from the cruise line, the new ship will accommodate approximately 5,000 passengers and introduce fuel cell technology as part of an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Richard Fain, Chairman, and CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., had this to say in a statement issued to reporters:
“We are thrilled to announce the newest addition to our Icon-class fleet that affirms our commitment to clean-power technologies at sea. We’ve designed a class of ships powered by liquefied natural gas that leverages the latest, environmentally-friendly applications. We believe that innovative shipbuilding can reduce our carbon footprint and boost energy efficiencies to help to build a cleaner future.”
In his own statement, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO, Michael Bayley, called these “exciting times” for the cruise line.
“Building on our vision with the addition of a third order is a testament to our confidence in the innovative design and energy-efficient technology and engineering that will, without a doubt, make Icon class a game changer,” he added.
Royal Caribbean said the order is contingent upon financing.