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Utopia of the Seas Construction Update: Royal Caribbean Lays Keel, Marking First Milestone

July 2022 – Construction on Royal Caribbean International’s upcoming ship, Utopia of the Seas, reaches the first major milestone. A keel-laying ceremony, a longstanding maritime tradition, took place at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. The event marks the official start of physical construction for the first LNG-powered ship of the industry-defining Oasis Class. Utopia’s bold introduction of first and favorites is set for spring 2024.

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Utopia of the Seas Construction Update: Construction Begins on Royal Caribbean’s New Oasis Class Ship

April 2022 – A new adventure begins: Construction on the sixth ship in Royal Caribbean International’s revolutionary Oasis Class is now underway in Saint-Nazaire, France. The cruise line revealed the name of the upcoming marvel, Utopia of the Seas, at a steel-cutting ceremony that took place at the Chantiers de l‘Atlantique shipyard. Come spring 2024, the first Oasis Class ship powered by LNG (liquefied natural gas) will be a bold evolution of the class of ships that changed the industry more than a decade ago with the signature combination of Royal Caribbean experiences and brand-new thrills made for guests of all ages. Watch as Utopia’s first piece of steel is cut to mark the start of the 30-month construction process.

Behind the Scenes of Star of the Seas: Installing the AquaDome

September 2024 – Going behind the scenes of Royal Caribbean’s construction of the highly anticipated Star of the Seas, the installation of the AquaDome’s 367-ton (332 tonnes) dome is a sight – and feat – of iconic proportions. At the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, the largest glass and steel structure to ever be lifted onto a cruise ship is a days-long process that takes months of planning. The installation also marks the next phase of work, when it all starts to come to life with the buildout of the neighborhood’s restaurants, bars and the deck-defying entertainment venue, the signature AquaTheater. In August 2025, Star debuts as the next combination of every vacation in Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida.

Utopia of the Seas Construction Highlights

June 2024 – After more than two years of construction, Utopia of the Seas has officially joined the Royal Caribbean family. From the first cut of steel in April 2022 and the installation of the signature AquaTheater in July 2023 to the moment the keys were handed over in June 2024, the ultimate short getaway is five weekends away from its July debut in Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida. Watch the highlights of Utopia’s construction in Saint-Nazaire, France, to see how it’s all come together.

Behind the Scenes on Utopia of the Seas: Installing The Ultimate Abyss

June 2024 – Royal Caribbean’s new Utopia of the Seas, the ultimate short getaway, introduces the boldest Ultimate Abyss yet. A behind-the-scenes look at the installation of the longest dry slide at sea – now 43 feet longer at 259 feet – shows how the experts in Saint-Nazaire, France, lifted and assembled multiple pieces and new features like zoom booster rollers and transparent racing windows. The piece de resistance? The signature anglerfish and its 38 teeth. Thrill seekers can cheers to weekend energy – and adventure – any day of the week when Utopia debuts with 3-night weekend and 4-night weekday getaways from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, in July.

Utopia of the Seas Construction Update: Sailing for the First Time

May 2024 – Royal Caribbean International’s Utopia of the Seas is almost ready for its debut. The ultimate short getaway is back in Saint-Nazaire, France, after five days of testing and sailing the open ocean for the first time. The sea trial, one of the final construction milestones, saw more than 900 experts push the ship to its limits as it covered more than 1,700 miles and reached speeds of up to 25 knots. Everything was inspected, from the navigation and engines to the signature AquaTheater’s stage elements and resort-style pools – all less than 10 weekends ahead of the new vacation’s homecoming party at Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, in July.

Icon of the Seas Highlights

A new era of vacations is here: Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas, the first-of-its-kind combination of the best of every vacation, debuts its all-encompassing lineup of firsts and next-level favorites for every kind of family and vacationer. On 7-night vacations from Miami to the Caribbean, adventurers can experience highlights like six record-breaking waterslides, an adults-only retreat, seven pools, the first neighborhood designed for young families, 40-plus ways to dine, drink and be entertained; and more.

Making an Icon Episode 15 Teaser

November 2023 – *Episode 15 Teaser* One of eight neighborhoods on the record-breaking Icon of the Seas is Central Park, a real park and all that comes with it, including more than 33,500 plants. Go behind the scenes in “Making an Icon: Creating Central Park” as the experts share what it takes to bring to life a park in the middle of the ocean that’s lusher and livelier than ever before. With a new live music venue, windows with champagne and sushi, and even an all-new dining experience that pairs eight courses with music, wine and more, evolving what’s become an all-time favorite was anything but a walk in the park.

Royal Caribbean’s Making an Icon: Creating Central Park

November 2023 – One of eight neighborhoods on the record-breaking Icon of the Seas is Central Park, a real park and all that comes with it, including more than 33,500 plants. Go behind the scenes in “Making an Icon: Creating Central Park” as the experts share what it takes to bring to life a park in the middle of the ocean that’s lusher and livelier than ever before. With a new live music venue, windows with champagne and sushi, and even an all-new dining experience that pairs eight courses with music, wine and more, evolving what’s become an all-time favorite was anything but a walk in the park.

Icon of the Seas Construction Highlights and Feats

November 2023 – After more than seven years of dreaming, Royal Caribbean International’s highly anticipated Icon of the Seas has become a reality. The recently completed construction of the first-of-its-kind vacation took place over the course of 900 days in Turku, Finland, starting with the first cut of steel in June 2021. Thousands involved have since accomplished a series of milestones and never-before-seen feats, like the installation of the single largest glass and steel structure to be lifted onto a cruise ship and engineering more water on board than ever before across seven pools, six record-breaking waterslides and more. Watch the highlights of the two-plus years of Icon’s construction to see how it all came together.

Icon Extra: Behind Icon of the Seas and the AquaDome Lift Teaser

November 2023 – *Icon Extra Teaser* Royal Caribbean International's Icon of the Seas debuts the first-ever AquaDome, a tranquil oasis by day and vibrant hot spot by night with restaurants, bars, wraparound ocean views and entertainment in the next-level AquaTheater. A record-breaking milestone in constructing the new neighborhood was installing the single largest glass and steel structure onto the new ship in November 2022 – an 80-hour process from start to finish. Go behind the scenes with the specialists on the ground as it all came together in Turku, Finland.

Icon Extra: Behind Icon of the Seas and the AquaDome Lift

November 2023 – Royal Caribbean International's Icon of the Seas debuts the first-ever AquaDome, a tranquil oasis by day and vibrant hot spot by night with restaurants, bars, wraparound ocean views and entertainment in the next-level AquaTheater. A record-breaking milestone in constructing the new neighborhood was installing the single largest glass and steel structure onto the new ship in November 2022 – an 80-hour process from start to finish. Go behind the scenes with the specialists on the ground as it all came together in Turku, Finland.

Making an Icon Episode 11 Teaser

July 2023 – *Episode 11 Teaser* Memorable vacations start with memorable first impressions, and Royal Caribbean International delivers that from the very first step onto Icon of the Seas. In “Making an Icon: Creating Royal Promenade,” the experts show and tell how the heartbeat of the ship has transformed in 25 years since its introduction in 1999. The next generation of Royal Promenade comes together with revolutionary feats in engineering, architecture and design to create a place with experiences for everyone day and night. From the neighborhood’s first ocean views to the seamless connection between two floors of 15-plus new and returning restaurants, bars and lounges, alongside dedicated areas for kids and teens, shows, activities like ice skating, and more, it’s the place to be and be seen.

Royal Caribbean’s Making an Icon: Creating Royal Promenade

July 2023 – Memorable vacations start with memorable first impressions, and Royal Caribbean International delivers that from the very first step onto Icon of the Seas. In “Making an Icon: Creating Royal Promenade,” the experts show and tell how the heartbeat of the ship has transformed in 25 years since its introduction in 1999. The next generation of Royal Promenade comes together with revolutionary feats in engineering, architecture and design to create a place with experiences for everyone day and night. From the neighborhood’s first ocean views to the seamless connection between two floors of 15-plus new and returning restaurants, bars and lounges, alongside dedicated areas for kids and teens, shows, activities like ice skating, and more, it’s the place to be and be seen.

Health and safety protocols, guest conduct rules, and regional travel restrictions vary by ship and destination, and are subject to change without notice. Due to evolving health protocols, imagery and messaging may not accurately reflect onboard and destination experiences, offerings, features, or itineraries. These may not be available during your voyage, may vary by ship and destination, and may be subject to change without notice.