French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique has delivered a cruise ship ordered by Miami-based Royal Caribbean International. Named Utopia of the Seas, the cruise ship is the only one in the Oasis class to be powered by liquefied natural gas.
With a length of 1,188 feet (362.1 meters), a beam of 210 feet (64 meters), a draft of 30 feet (9.3 meters), and a gross tonnage of 227,700 tons, the newbuilding can accommodate 6,800 passengers and 2,400 crew on 18 decks. It also boasts a variety of restaurants, lounges, bars, retail outlets and 2,867 staterooms, one of which is a large suite that can accommodate up to 10 people.
For recreation, guests have access to a water park, climbing wall, spa, fitness center, surf simulator, full-size basketball and volleyball courts, ice rink, mini-golf course, casino, game room, jogging track, children’s play area, and theaters, including a 1,400-seat theater. Guests can access any of the 16 decks via 24 lifts located throughout the ship.
In addition to being able to run on liquefied natural gas, the cruise ship boasts a number of eco-friendly initiatives, such as a shore power connection and a waste heat recovery system. It is equipped with new dual-fuel engines supplied by Finnish technology group Wärtsilä. Specifically, it is equipped with six Wärtsilä 46TS-DF engines, including valve units, NOx reducer SCR systems, LNGPac and transverse thrusters.
The naming ceremony for Utopia of the Seas took place on July 15 and will begin its maiden voyage on July 19 from Port Canaveral, Florida. The ship will primarily serve shorter itineraries.
The introduction of Utopia of the Seas follows the delivery of Royal Caribbean’s first LNG-fueled ship, Icon of the Seas, at the end of 2023. Icon of the Seas is the lead ship in the cruise line’s Icon class. The keel was laid in December 2023 for the second ship in the class, Star of the Seas. Third ship delivery is scheduled for 2026.
