Bigger, Bolder, and Greener: What to Expect From Royal Caribbean’s Icon 6 & 7

• A Growing Mega-Ship Family: Royal Caribbean has firmed up contracts for its 6th and 7th Icon-class vessels, locking in deliveries for 2029 and 2030.

• The Neighbourhood Framework: Expect the continuation of game-changing zones like the Category 6 waterpark, the family-focused Surfside, and the breathtaking AquaDome.

• Expanded Destination Network: The upcoming vessels will connect seamlessly with an ever-growing portfolio of private resorts and exclusive beach clubs.

Royal Caribbean has officially given holidaymakers something massive to look forward to. The global cruise giant recently firmed up a contract with the legendary Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland to construct the 6th and 7th Icon-class cruise ships.

The agreement extends a long-term framework that secures vital shipbuilding capacity through to 2036. With the original Icon of the Seas taking the world by storm in 2024 and Star of the Seas launching in 2025, the cruise line's revolutionary class is growing at an unprecedented rate.

These multi-billion-pound marvels are designed to completely redefine what a holiday at sea can be, packing in record-breaking features and next-generation green tech.

The Icon-Class Rollout Timeline

To understand just how dominant this ship class is set to become, you only have to look at the massive deployment pipeline.

Royal Caribbean has mapped out a steady stream of mega-ship launches extending right into the next decade.

Unrivalled Scale and the Iconic Neighbourhood Layout

While specific names and unique onboard features for Icon 6 and 7 are still being kept under wraps, they will inherit the record-breaking blueprint that has made the Icon class an instant hit with British families.

The Ultimate Passenger Ecosystem

Spanning 20 decks and measuring over 250,000 gross tonnes, these upcoming vessels will easily accommodate up to 7,600 passengers at maximum capacity.

To prevent the ships from ever feeling overcrowded, Royal Caribbean will continue to rely on its masterfully engineered neighbourhood concept. This design segments the ship into distinct zones, spreading crowds out naturally.

Retaining the Fan-Favourite Zones

Passengers can safely expect the return of pioneering spaces that have redefined cruise ship entertainment. Thrill Island will undoubtedly serve up adrenaline-pumping fun with its Category 6 waterpark, the largest waterpark at sea, complete with open-ocean drop slides and raft rides.

For a slower pace, Chill Island will offer multi-deck pool spaces, whilst the Surfside neighbourhood will remain the dedicated haven for young families, keeping splash pools, casual dining, and the kids' club closely connected.

Next-Generation Marine Engineering

It is not just about massive waterslides and record-breaking pools. Royal Caribbean is using the extension of the Icon class to push the boundaries of modern naval architecture, ensuring these massive vessels offer the smoothest and most advanced ride at sea.

Advanced Hull and Propulsion Design

Like their older sisters, Icon 6 and Icon 7 will utilise state-of-the-art hull structures and hydrodynamic engineering to glide effortlessly through the open ocean.

Because these ships are launching at the turn of the decade, they will incorporate the latest iterations of maritime technology.

The vessels will feature advanced computerised stability systems, refined bow designs, and highly efficient engine mechanics designed to maximise onboard comfort.

This suite of technical engineering is central to Royal Caribbean Group's goal of creating the most sophisticated and smoothly navigating fleet on the water.

Reimagined Entertainment and Dining

With each evolution of a ship class, Royal Caribbean famously refines its dining and entertainment lineups.

More Dining Options Than Ever

The current Icon-class ships boast more than 28 distinct dining options, ranging from upscale speciality steak houses to quick-service marketplace stalls.

Icon 6 and 7 will likely introduce brand-new culinary concepts inspired by global food trends, expanding the open-seating options available to guests.

Next-Level Performance Spaces

The cutting-edge entertainment hubs will also get a futuristic upgrade. Expect jaw-dropping high-diving and aerial acrobatics inside the massive glass AquaDome, alongside Broadway-calibre theatrical productions in the main theatre and high-speed ice-skating spectacles inside the onboard ice arena.

Part of a Massive Island Destination Network

One of the most exciting aspects of booking a future Icon-class voyage is how the ships will interact with Royal Caribbean's land-based destinations. By 2028, the line plans to expand its highly rated private island portfolio from 3 locations to 8.

This means that by the time Icon 6 and 7 enter service in 2029 and 2030, passengers will be able to pair their mega-ship experience with multiple exclusive stops.

From the award-winning Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas to upcoming, multi-million-pound Royal Beach Clubs across the Caribbean and the Pacific, these ships will act as gateways to some of the most exclusive beach resorts on Earth.