Construction for Royal Caribbean's next Oasis Class cruise ship has reached a major milestone.
At the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, the keel was layed for Utopia of the Seas.
A keel-laying ceremony was held for the first liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered Oasis Class cruise ship. Utopia will be the second Royal Caribbean cruise ship to be powered by LNG, following Icon of the Seas.
Keel-laying is a very important milestone because it signifies the official start of physical construction.
Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley talked about the importance of this occasion, "The keel laying for Utopia of the Seas represents the first milestone of an incredible ship and the next step toward a bolder, thrilling future for Royal Caribbean and vacations."
"Utopia’s debut in 2024, on the heels of Icon of the Seas setting sail in fall 2023, will build on a new, exciting chapter that is set to redefine family vacations and getaways for all ages in ways we’ll soon reveal."
"Today, we are celebrating with Royal Caribbean International an important tradition and milestone for Utopia of the Seas" said Laurent Castaing, General Manager of Chantiers de l’Atlantique.
"The construction of Utopia is an exciting opportunity for the Chantiers de l’Atlantique teams that are aiming to make this cruise ship one of the most environmentally friendly ships in the world equipped with new generation dual-fuel engines."
Utopia of the Seas will be Royal Caribbean's sixth Oasis Class cruise ship, and final Oasis Class ship that they currently have on order. Royal Caribbean has been cagey about confirming they will not order another Oasis Class ship.
Utopia of the Seas is scheduled to enter service in spring 2024.
Royal Caribbean believes having Utopia powered by LNG is an important step forward in its commitment to the environment.
The ship’s LNG technology will join a lineup of the cruise line’s already-established environmentally friendly initiatives on its ships. From shore power connection to waste heat recovery systems, the applications have been developed and continually enhanced as part of Royal Caribbean’s dedication to innovation and making strides toward a clean-energy future.
