Today's announcement closely follows Carnival Corp. & plc's order for another Excel-class ship for Carnival Cruise Line, as the cruise giants return to orders following a pandemic-era drought.
Utopia of the Seas this year
'While we eagerly anticipate the debut of Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas this summer, we're already dreaming up her sister ship and the next installation in the brand's extremely popular Oasis class,' said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group.
The first Oasis-class ship was built in Turku, Finland by what was then STX Europe, and introduced in 2009, bringing 'neighborhoods' and entertainment across air, ice, water and stage.
Construction moved to what was then STX France (now Chantiers de l'Atlantique) for the third in the series, Harmony of the Seas. The latest, Wonder of the Seas, arrived in 2022 as the world's largest cruise ship until the new Icon class surpassed it.
Royal Caribbean Group's orderbook
Utopia of the Seas and Silver Ray (Meyer Werft) are due this summer, then Icon sister Star of the Seas in 2025 and a third Icon in 2026, both from Meyer Turku. Joint venture TUI Cruises has Mein Schiff 7 coming this year from Meyer Turku and, from Fincantieri, Mein Schiff Relax in 2025 and a second InTUItion-class ship in 2026.
Continued confidence in Chantiers de l'Atlantique
The seventh Oasis order 'signals Royal Caribbean Group's continued confidence in our partnership that has delivered some of the most innovative ships at sea,' said Laurent Castaing, general manager, Chantiers de l'Atlantique. 'We look forward to building upon this relationship as we help bring this ship to life.'
Lucky No. 7
Added Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International: 'These are exciting times for Royal Caribbean, and we have an incredible partner in Chantiers de l'Atlantique to bring to life the lucky seventh Oasis-class vessel of what is a remarkable class of ships.'
Royal Caribbean Group has just introduced Icon of the Seas, Celebrity Ascent and Silver Nova.
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