123 INTERVIEW Utopia of the Seas is set to be the world’s second largest cruise ship and Royal Caribbean International’s sixth Oasis-class vessel when it debuts in summer 2024. According to Northern Ireland-based outfitter MJM Marine, which is currently building multiple onboard public spaces, the ship will take cruising to a new level of accessibility and adventure. “We’re excited to work with Royal Caribbean again to bring Utopia of Seas to life,” says Fiona Nevin, head of global business development at MJM Marine, which has carried out major work on each of the six Oasis-class ships and served as lead outfitter on dry docks for Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas. “Each of the five areas on the ship that we’ll be creating will bring something fresh to the fleet, which all members of the family can enjoy.” MJM Marine will work on the Playscape area; a new poolside food truck concept; a Caribbean-style bar called Pesky Parrot, which will be located on the Royal Promenade; a Starbucks; and an immersive dining experience designed to transport travellers on a multi-course, locomotive culinary journey. “The playscape incorporates a feature lighthouse for access between decks 15 and 16 and will have curved slides and arches for activity sections such as climbing,” says Nevin. “It will also feature floor-mounted starfish and crab elements to match the beach theme and shaded seating areas. We’re also very excited to work on the dining experience area that will make guests feel like they are touring the golden age of rail travel with a variety of sights, sounds and flavours.” Utopia of the Seas is currently being built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France, and MJM Marine will work closely with Royal Caribbean International and the shipyard to ensure the project is completed ahead of time. “Collaboration is at the heart of MJM operations,” says Nevin. “We will liaise with the shipyard to ensure the project is structured and organised proactively for optimum efficiency. Manufacturing efficiency always starts before the production stage, planning prepares the cruise line and shipyard for the job that lies ahead, outlines tasks involved and the order in which they should occur. We have partnered with Royal Caribbean International on many projects and will schedule regular touchpoints to monitor progress and implement any outstanding actions so that our work on Utopia of the Seas is a success.” Images: Royal Caribbean International Creating a utopia MJM Marine’s Fiona Nevin tells Alice Chambers about the outfitter’s upcoming work onboard Royal Caribbean International’s Utopia of the Seas MJM Marine will build several public areas onboard Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas, including Pesky Parrot, a Caribbean-style bar, and a new poolside food truck concept
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