Royal Caribbean takes delivery of Utopia of the Seas
Royal Caribbean International has taken delivery of new ship Utopia of the Seas following a handover with French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire
On 19 July the Oasis class vessel will make its debut from Port Canaveral in Florida, where it will sail a series of three- to four-night sailings.
While addressing a packed-out audience made up of crew and media, Royal CEO Michael Bayley laid down the gauntlet, saying he wanted the ship to usurp Icon of the Seas in revenue by the end of the year.
“It’s a very proud day for Royal Caribbean and another incredible milestone,” he added. “We take delivery of this phenomenal ship which is going to bring a huge amount of happiness and joy to millions of families who trust Royal Caribbean and come back to Royal Caribbean again and again and again.”
He continued: “[Icon] is the best performing ship we’ve ever launched in the history of our business; it is absolutely knocking it out of the park. With this ship going to Perfect Day on the itineraries we’ve got, we’re hoping you’re going to beat Icon of the Seas by the end of the year.”
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Jason Liberty, president & CEO of Royal Group, added: “For those that watch what’s happening with our share price, we’re seeing record performance at the company.
“We know ships like this incredible one here are about putting smiles on our guests faces. It takes an incredible city of the very-best skills, craftsman and knowhow in order to make this come together.”
