Royal Caribbean & Meyer Turku: Securing Cruise Ship Supplies

Royal Caribbean Group has secured its long-term shipbuilding future through a new framework agreement with Finnish shipyard Meyer Turku, ensuring vessel delivery capabilities into the 2030s.

The move anchors the supply chain supporting one of the cruise sector's biggest operators, tying together industrial production, maritime technology and international cooperation across the next decade.

The long-term arrangement secures Royal Caribbean Group’s rights to build at Meyer Turku through 2036.

Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, explains: “As we continue to reimagine the future of vacations, we are excited to continue collaborating with Meyer Turku to grow the Icon Class – a first-of-its-kind series that delivers exceptional vacation experiences – and position us to usher in a new era of innovation that will disrupt the vacation sector through 2036.”

Royal Caribbean’s supply chain for shipbuilding relies heavily on Meyer Turku, a major shipyard located in Finland that specialises in complex cruise vessels.

The yard has already delivered two Icon Class ships: Icon of the Seas in January 2024 and Star of the Seas, set to sail in August 2025. Legend of the Seas is scheduled for summer 2026, with Icon 4 due the following year.

The new framework is designed to carry the partnership forward, offering Royal Caribbean Group a direct route to future expansion, while sustaining Meyer Turku’s industrial base and network of specialist suppliers.

Casimir Lindholm, CEO of Meyer Turku, says: “With the framework agreement now signed, we announce our common plan for the next decade in cooperation with Royal Caribbean Group and other key partners to build more Icon Class ships and drive the future of shipbuilding over the next decade.

"I am extremely proud of the recognition that these orders bring to the skilled personnel at Meyer Turku and to the Finnish maritime industry expertise.”

With a share of more than 10% in the global cruise ship construction market, Meyer Turku is not only a key component in Royal Caribbean Group’s supply chain, but also a critical employer in Finland.

Each ship project involves up to 13,000 workers across the yard and its extended network, generating more than €1bn in annual added value for Finland.

Maritime innovation 

Finland’s maritime industry is known for its design expertise, project management skills and energy-efficient shipbuilding.

Meyer Turku’s projects benefit from this wider ecosystem, drawing in support from research institutions and a network of specialised companies.

Petteri Orpo, Prime Minister of Finland, describes the new agreement as a positive signal for the national economy: “This new framework agreement is excellent news for Finland.

"The longstanding collaboration between Royal Caribbean Group and Meyer Turku will continue to have a significant positive impact on Finland’s economy, creating jobs across the country and energising our unique maritime ecosystem.”

Sakari Puisto, Finland’s Minister of Economic Affairs, also points to the wider impact: “Our strong shipyards, industrial networks and leading research institutions around them, deliver innovative and sustainable world-class ships, making Finland an attractive destination for future investment.”

With its ongoing investment in shipbuilding and an expanding portfolio of land-based destinations, Royal Caribbean Group’s supply chain now supports more than ocean travel.

Its vacation ecosystem includes Perfect Day at CocoCay and the Royal Beach Club collection, as well as a pipeline of nine new ships and seven land-based destinations expected by 2028.

The diversified approach to vacation experiences, from cruise ships to beach clubs, requires a secure and scalable supply chain. The long-term Meyer Turku agreement allows the company to maintain forward momentum without risking gaps in production capacity or innovation cycles.

Royal Caribbean Group also holds a 50% joint venture in TUI Cruises, which operates Mein Schiff and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, further extending the company’s reach into European markets.

As part of its commitment to responsible travel, Royal Caribbean Group and its shipbuilding partners focus on environmental technology development, with an emphasis on energy efficiency and supporting the green transition.

Looking ahead to new classes 

Although the Icon Class continues to roll out with vessels scheduled into 2028, the new framework agreement also sets the groundwork for a post-Icon generation of cruise ships.

While orders beyond Icon 5 depend on exercising further options and finalising construction contracts, subject to financing and other conditions, the framework provides flexibility and continuity in ship design and production.

This means the Royal Caribbean Group is not just securing tonnage, but ensuring that supply chain capacity, technology development and environmental targets align with long-term strategic goals.

The result is a cross-border partnership that connects a global cruise operator with one of Europe’s most advanced shipbuilding hubs, all while anchoring thousands of jobs and billions of euros in economic activity.