SAINT-NAZAIRE — Construction on the sixth ship in Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis Class is now underway in Saint-Nazaire, France.

The steel-cutting ceremony for the new ship, Utopia of the Seas, took place in the Chantiers de l‘Atlantique shipyard. Utopia of the Seas, scheduled for delivery in spring 2024, will be the first Oasis Class ship powered by LNG (liquefied natural gas).

“We are excited to begin construction on Utopia of the Seas,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “On the sixth Oasis Class ship, vacationers can look forward to the signature combination of Royal Caribbean experiences and many brand-new adventures that has and will continue to make the Oasis class of ships the ultimate vacation for guests of all ages.”

At the ceremony, Utopia’s first piece of steel was cut to mark the start of the 30-month journey that is the construction process. Representatives from Royal Caribbean and Chantiers de l’Atlantique attended the milestone event, including Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group; and Laurent Castaing, General Manager, Chantiers de l’Atlantique

Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class got its start in 2009 with Oasis of the Seas. By introducing the first LNG-powered Oasis Class ship, the cruise line says it’s taking yet another step toward a clean-energy future after its first LNG ship, Icon of the Seas, debuts in fall 2023.

The use of the cleanest fossil fuel available to cruise ships today and additional environmentally-friendly applications on board Utopia will boost energy efficiencies and further reduce emissions overall, says the company.