Debuting in autumn 2023, Icon of the Seas is currently under construction at Finnish shipyard Meyer Turku. 

Icon ships will reportedly have an approximate capacity of around 5,600 passengers, making the vessels larger than Quantum-class ships, but slightly smaller than Oasis-class.

Royal said Icon would sail next year with the “latest innovations and signature features”, including the use of cleaner liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel.

Icon of the Seas is the first of three Icon-class ships powered by LNG, which will also utilise shore power connectivity and waste heat recovery systems repurposing excess energy to help power ship operations.

Attending the ceremony were the construction teams building Icon, joined by Jason Liberty, president and chief executive of Royal Caribbean Group; Richard Fain, chair of Royal Caribbean Group; Meyer Group managing partner Bernard Meyer and Meyer Turku chief executive Tim Meyer.

Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International’s president and chief executive, said: “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," said Bayley.