Royal Caribbean International's next ship, Utopia of the Seas, is moving full steam ahead with its first major construction milestone. The keel-laying ceremony for the first LNG-powered ship in the Oasis class was held today. The event, held at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, marks the official start of Utopia , which will culminate with the ship's debut in spring 2024.
“The keel-laying ceremony for Utopia of the Seas represents the first milestone for an incredible ship and a step toward a bolder, more exciting future for Royal Caribbean,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. “ Utopia in 2024, immediately following Icon of the Seas ’ launch in fall 2023, will mark the beginning of a defining chapter that will redefine family vacations and getaways for all ages in ways we will soon reveal.”
At the ceremony, the teams building Utopia witnessed newly minted coins being placed on the ship's first 948-ton steel block. Maritime tradition dictates that coins, representing Royal Caribbean and Chantiers de l'Atlantique, be placed on the ship to bring good luck during its construction and throughout its lifespan.
“Today, we celebrate with Royal Caribbean International an important tradition and a milestone for Utopia of the Seas,” said Laurent Castaing, CEO of Chantiers de l'Atlantique. “The construction of Utopia is a challenge for the teams at Chantiers de l'Atlantique, who aim to make this cruise ship one of the most environmentally friendly in the world, equipped with next-generation dual-fuel engines.”
Utopia will be Royal Caribbean's second ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), reinforcing Royal Caribbean's decades-long commitment to the environment. The ship's LNG technology will complement a range of environmentally friendly initiatives already implemented by the cruise line across its ships. From the ship-to-shore electrical connection to waste heat recovery systems, all systems have been continuously developed and improved as part of Royal Caribbean's commitment to innovation and advancing toward a clean energy future.
