Royal Caribbean International’s latest addition to the Oasis Class, Utopia of the Seas, is on its way to making a splash in the cruising industry. The first LNG-powered ship in its class, Utopia reached a major construction milestone with its keel laying ceremony that took place at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. The event marked the official start of Utopia’s physical construction and celebrated the first of many exciting milestones on the road to the ship’s debut in spring 2024.
Photo Credit: © Bernard Biger – Chantiers de l’Atlantique
Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, expressed his excitement for the future of the company and the impact that Utopia of the Seas will have on vacations. “Utopia’s debut in 2024 will build on a new, exciting chapter that is set to redefine family vacations and getaways for all ages in ways we’ll soon reveal,” he said.
The keel laying ceremony was a traditional event where the working teams constructing Utopia watched as newly minted coins were placed on the ship’s first 948-ton steel block. The coins, representing both Royal Caribbean and Chantiers de l’Atlantique, were placed as a sign of good luck for the ship’s construction and its future voyages.
Photo Credit: © Bernard Biger – Chantiers de l’Atlantique
Laurent Castaing, General Manager of Chantiers de l’Atlantique, expressed his excitement for the opportunity to build such an innovative and environmentally friendly ship. As the second Royal Caribbean ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), Utopia will be a leader in sustainability and will continue the company’s commitment to environmentally friendly initiatives. From shore power connection to waste heat recovery systems, Royal Caribbean is dedicated to innovation and making strides towards a clean-energy future.
In conclusion, Utopia of the Seas is on track to make waves in the cruising industry with its upcoming debut in spring 2024. With its innovative LNG technology and commitment to sustainability, Utopia is set to take family vacations and getaways to the next level.