58 INTERVIEW Pioneering innovation and adventure After launching two new ships in the first half of 2024, Royal Caribbean International is preparing to further expand its fleet and portfolio of private destinations. Gerard Nolan tells Laura Hyde more Royal Caribbean International launched the largest cruise ship in the world, Icon of the Seas, in January 2024. After being christened by Argentina and Inter Miami CF footballer Lionel Messi, the ship set sail from Miami, Florida, on its inaugural passenger voyage. The vessel, which was constructed by Finnish shipbuilder Meyer Turku, is the product of more than 50 years of innovation, according to Gerard Nolan, vice president of Europe, Middle East and Africa at Royal Caribbean International. “We’re delighted to have received our top guest satisfaction scores on Icon’s sailings since launch,” explains Nolan. “With Icon, the team set out to design something truly unique – a family holiday experience that leads the way in the industry. The response from global media, travel partners and suppliers has been nothing short of phenomenal. Icon represents the ultimate multigenerational holiday, changing the status quo in family travel and offering the ideal holiday for everyone.” Royal Caribbean International’s second Icon-class ship, Star of the Seas, is currently under construction at Meyer Turku in Finland, and is expected to launch in summer 2025. In June 2024, the brand took delivery of the Oasis-class Utopia of the Seas from French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique after two years of construction. Royal Caribbean Group president and CEO Jason Liberty was joined in the ship’s AquaTheater by the brand’s president and CEO Michael Bayley and the shipyard’s general manager Laurent Castaing, as well as more than 1,600 crew members and workers. “This was Utopia’s first party of many and recognised the achievements of the nautical engineers, designers, architects and others,” says Nolan. Ahead of welcoming its first guests in July, Utopia of the Seas was christened by Grammy award-winning US singer Meghan Trainor. “[Trainor is] a fitting partner for the ultimate short getaway which brings weekend energy to every day of the week,” says Nolan. “Trainor hosted the ultimate party and concert onboard for the ship’s inaugural sailing. With the combination of more than 40 ways to dine, drink and celebrate; more pools than the days to count; ways to thrill and chill; and more of all the above at Perfect Day at CocoCay – Royal Caribbean’s private island in The Bahamas – Utopia brings unmatched In April 2024, Royal Caribbean International broke ground on the cruise line’s new Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau
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