Royal Caribbean Lays Keel for First LNG-Powered Oasis-Class Cruise Ship
by Dori Saltzman
Photo: Bernard Biger - Chantiers de l'Atlantique
Royal Caribbean celebrated the keel-laying for Utopia of the Seas at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. The ship will be the first LNG-powered Oasis-class ship for the cruise line.
“The keel laying for Utopia of the Sea 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 of Royal Caribbean International. “Utopia’s debut in 2024, on the heels of Icon of the Seas setting sail in 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.”
“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.”
The keel laying marks the official start of Utopia’s physical construction for the ship, which is scheduled to debut in spring 2024.
