“The keel laying for Utopia of the Seas represents the first milestone of an incredible ship and the next step toward a bolder, thrilling future for Royal Caribbean and vacations,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International.
“Utopia’s debut in 2024, on the heels of Icon of the Seas setting sail in fall 2023, 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.”
At the ceremony, the teams constructing Utopia of the Seas watched as newly-minted coins were placed in the ship’s first 948-ton steel block. Maritime tradition calls for coins, representing both the cruise line and shipyard, to bring luck to the construction process and while the ship is at sea.
Utopia will be Royal Caribbean’s second ship powered by liquefied natural gas — a cleaner burning fossil fuel — following its first Icon-class ship, Icon of the Seas, which is scheduled to sail next year.
“Today, we are celebrating with Royal Caribbean International an important tradition and milestone for Utopia of the Seas,” said Laurent Castaing, General Manager of Chantiers de l’Atlantique.
“The construction of Utopia is an exciting opportunity for the Chantiers de l’Atlantique teams that are aiming to make this cruise ship one of the most environmentally friendly ships in the world equipped with new generation dual-fuel engines.”
Utopia of the Seas is scheduled to debut in spring 2024.
Tags: Construction on Royal Caribbean’s next Oasis-class ship, Royal Caribbean International, shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, Utopia of the Seas
