Royal chief teases 'thrilling future' as Utopia keel laid

Utopia of the Seas, the first Oasis vessel to be powered by liquified natural gas, will join Royal’s fleet in spring 2024.

The event celebrated the official start of the ship’s construction as shipyard workers watched newly minted coins be placed on Utopia’s first 948-ton steel block. 

The maritime tradition, which uses coins representing Royal and Chantiers de l’Atlantique, aims to bring luck during the vessel’s construction process and while sailing at sea.

Utopia, the sixth ship in the Oasis-class series, will become Royal’s second ship to be powered by LNG following the arrival of Icon of the Seas in autumn 2023.

During the ceremony, Michael Bayley, president and chief executive of Royal Caribbean International, said Utopia’s keel-laying “represents the first milestone of an incredible ship and the next step toward a bolder, thrilling future for Royal Caribbean and vacations”.

Bayley promised Utopia’s arrival soon after Icon would “build on a new, exciting chapter” for the line and “redefine family vacations and getaways for all ages” with more details about the ship set to be revealed soon.