It’s the big start! This week-end, l’Utopia of the Seas, the new baby of the Royal Caribbean fleet took flight and left Chantiers de l’Atlantique this Sunday. He left the port around 6:30 p.m., in front of the eyes of many spectators who had come especially for the occasion. Before setting sail towards Puerto Rico, the liner will have to make a stopover in La Rochelle to refuel. An important operation awaiting the port of La Rochelle, to fill the four enormous tanks with liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Inauguration of the liner with 1,600 people invited. © sbw-photo
The ship, delivered last Thursday to its owner, after 2 years of construction, welcomed more than 1,600 people, crew members and workers, to the AquaTheater for an American-style inauguration show.
A behemoth of the seas
L’Utopia of the Seas is the fourth ship of the class Oasis the company. Measuring 362 meters in length, the liner will be able to accommodate up to 7,000 passengers in 2,773 cabins. The liner is the first in its class to run on LNG, a last minute decision taken by Royal Caribbean management, in order to integrate their new responsible policy. “The delivery of Utopia of the Seas is an extremely important milestone, as it marks a further evolution of our groundbreaking ships and our mission to create the best vacation experiences responsibly”said Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group.
This ship, at a staggering price of 1.5 billion euros, wants to offer its customers the best possible cruise experience. Thus, there are more than 40 restaurants and bars present to satisfy everyone’s tastes and desires. Five swimming pools are available on board, with different atmospheres in each to meet the expectations of young and old. Shows are planned in the boat’s various theaters, a never-before-seen aquatic show worthy of Cirque du Soleil will take place in the AquaTheater. Of course, like any self-respecting cruise liner, a spa and fitness center are available, a central aisle with numerous stores. There are numerous fun activities, including a zip line, a sports field, a mini-golf course, a climbing wall and even a wave pool to learn surfing.
One of the many aquatic areas on the boat. © Royal Caribbean International
With all of its facilities, the company’s goal is to offer the perfect weekend. Indeed, the cruises planned on the liner do not exceed 4 days, and are towards the Bahamas and the Royal Caribbean private island, CocoCay off the coast of Florida.
Before welcoming its first passengers in mid-July for its first cruise, some 300 Chantiers de l’Atlantique employees will be on board to complete the fitting out and carry out the final finishing touches.
