Aker Yards and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. have reached an understanding regarding the basis on which Royal Caribbean will order a fourth ship in the Freedom class — currently the world’s largest cruise ship. The vessel would be delivered in the second half of 2011. The placement of the order is still subject to a number of conditions, including board approval and finalization of terms and conditions.

Aker Yards, has previously delivered two of these record breaking cruise ships, and will deliver the third ship in April this year from its yard in Turku. This fourth vessel is scheduled to be delivered second half 2011.

The Freedom class vessels will be 126 feet by 1,112 feet (38.6 meters by 339 meters), and will stand 18 decks high. Their gross tonnage is 158.000. The ships will carry 3,600 guests, and 1,400 crewmembers.