By
Alice Chambers |
Royal Caribbean International has begun constructing its upcoming vessel, Utopia of the Seas, and marked the occasion with a traditional steel-cutting ceremony at Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, on 8 April 2022.
Utopia of the Seas will be the first LNG-powered and sixth ship to enter into the cruise line’s Oasis class, following Wonder of the Seas.
During the ceremony, the shipyard cut the first piece of steel for Utopia of the Seas, triggering the start of the 30-month construction process. The event was attended by representatives from Royal Caribbean and Chantiers de l’Atlantique, including Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, and Laurent Castaing, general manager of Chantiers de l’Atlantique.
“We are excited to begin construction on Utopia of the Seas,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of 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.”
Utopia of the Seas will be completed in spring 2024, following the launch of the cruise line’s first LNG-powered ship, Icon of the Seas, which will debut in autumn 2023.