Is a new record on the horizon? Royal Caribbean has ordered what could potentially be the largest cruise ship in the world

Another massive new ship from Royal Caribbean is on the way, and possibly three more.

On Tuesday, the world's largest cruise line placed an order for a fourth ship in its new Icon Class series — set to be the largest cruise ships ever built.

This order, made in partnership with Finnish shipbuilder Meyer Turku, also includes options for two additional vessels in the series that may be constructed later.

According to the agreement with Meyer Turku, the fourth Icon Class ship is expected to be completed and ready to set sail by 2027.

Meyer Turku was responsible for creating the inaugural ship in the Icon Class series — the highly publicized, seven-month-old Icon of the Seas. The shipyard is also constructing the series' second vessel, Star of the Seas, which is set to launch in 2025.

In addition, Meyer Turku has an order for a third unnamed Icon Class ship, scheduled for delivery to Royal Caribbean in 2026.

"With the tremendous success and positive market feedback following the launch of Icon of the Seas and the anticipation for its sister ship, Star of the Seas, coming in 2025, we are excited to partner with Meyer Turku once again to broaden our fleet of Icon Class ships and further our growth ambitions," stated Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, in a press release regarding the announcement.

Royal Caribbean Group oversees Royal Caribbean as well as Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises.

"Since its launch, Icon has revolutionized vacation experiences and surpassed our expectations in terms of guest satisfaction and financial success," Liberty noted.

The largest cruise ship in the world?

Royal Caribbean has not disclosed the exact size of the new Icon Class ship. However, the line has a tradition of creating progressively larger vessels with each new addition to the series.

For example, every ship in the ongoing seven-vessel Oasis Class series has been slightly larger than its predecessor. The Oasis Class vessels held the title of the world's largest ships until the arrival of Icon of the Seas.

Weighing in at 248,663 gross tons, Icon of the Seas currently reigns as the largest ship in the cruise industry. It debuted nearly 6% larger than the previous record-holder, Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, which has a gross tonnage of 235,600.

Icon of the Seas boasts a remarkable capacity of up to 7,600 passengers, setting a new record for passenger ships. This represents an increase of about 7% compared to the largest ships that preceded it.

Including a crew of 2,350, the ship can occasionally host nearly 10,000 individuals on board, establishing a new all-time record for a vessel.

The increased passenger capacity is partly attributed to the ship's emphasis on family travelers. Unlike earlier Royal Caribbean ships, Icon of the Seas features significantly more cabins with additional bunks designed for families with children. It also includes more family-oriented amenities, such as a brand-new outdoor "neighborhood" named Surfside, specifically for families with young kids.

Royal Caribbean did not disclose the specific features of the newly ordered Icon Class ship, but it is expected to share similarities with Icon of the Seas while introducing some fresh elements. This is common for ships within the same series.

During a recent conference call with Wall Street analysts, Royal Caribbean executives reported that Icon of the Seas has been operating at record-setting occupancy levels since its launch.

Royal Caribbean is the latest cruise line to place orders for massive new ships as the cruise industry experiences a resurgence. Just last month, Carnival Cruise Line secured three enormous new vessels. Additionally, the parent company of Norwegian Cruise Line commissioned four large ships for that brand in April, along with four more for its sister brands Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises.

Disney Cruise Line is also ramping up its fleet, recently announcing plans for four new ships this month, adding to several others that were already in the pipeline.

With the order placed on Tuesday, Royal Caribbean now has a total of four ships on order — three from the Icon Class and one from the Oasis Class.

Currently, the line operates 28 ships across seven different classes.

Royal Caribbean executives have suggested that the brand may consider ordering a new series of smaller ships in the near future.