Construction on the sixth ship in Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis Class is now underway in Saint-Nazaire, France. The cruise line revealed the name of the upcoming ship, Utopia of the Seas, at a steel-cutting ceremony that took place in the Chantiers de l‘Atlantique shipyard. In spring 2024, Utopia of the Seas will debut as the first Oasis Class ship powered by LNG (liquefied natural gas).
“We are excited to begin construction on Utopia of the Seas,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “On the sixth Oasis Class ship, vacationers can look forward to the signature combination of Royal Caribbean experiences and many brand-new adventures that has and will continue to make the Oasis class of ships the ultimate vacation for guests of all ages.”
At the ceremony, Utopia’s first piece of steel was cut to mark the start of the 30-month long construction process. Representatives from Royal Caribbean and Chantiers de l’Atlantique attended the milestone event, including Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group; and Laurent Castaing, General Manager, Chantiers de l’Atlantique.
By introducing the first LNG-powered Oasis Class ship, the cruise line will take yet another step toward its clean-energy commitments after its first LNG ship, Icon of the Seas, debuts in fall 2023. According to Royal Caribbean, the use of the "cleanest fossil fuel available" to cruise ships and additional environmentally friendly applications on board Utopia will boost energy efficiencies and further reduce emissions overall.
For more information on Royal Caribbean International, visit its web site.
