Construction on the sixth ship in Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis class has started in Saint-Nazaire, France.

The cruise line revealed the name of the upcoming ship, Utopia of the Seas, at a steel-cutting ceremony at the Chantiers de l‘Atlantique shipyard.

Representatives from the line and Chantiers de l’Atlantique attended the event, including Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group, and Laurent Castaing, general manager of Chantiers de l’Atlantique.

Utopia of the Seas is scheduled to launch in spring 2024 and will be the first Oasis ship powered by liquefied natural gas.

Royal Caribbean International president and CEO Michael Bayley said: “We are excited to begin construction on Utopia of the Seas.

“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.”

Earlier in April, Royal also held a keel-laying ceremony for Icon of the Seas, which is due to sail in 2023 and will also be powered by LNG.

At the Icon ceremony, Bayley said:“Later this year, we’ll reveal the lineup of firsts and favourites that will set a new standard for vacations come fall 2023.”

The latest new ship updates follow the launch of Wonder of the Seas – described as the world’s largest cruise ship.

Wonder of the Seas will spend a summer season in the Mediterranean, before returning to Florida to offer year-round Caribbean cruises.

Image credit: Bernard Biger – Chantiers de l’Atlantique