The new Royal Caribbean mega-ship is officially making its debut in France.
The cruise line has hit a major construction milestone. Seventh Oasis class shipKeel laying ceremony held Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France.It is a traditional moment that marks the start of the entire ship assembly and the start of the final fabrication process prior to launch.
The as-yet-unnamed vessel is expected to debut next year. 2028 And it will be the latest addition to Royal Caribbean’s lineup of the world’s largest and best-known cruise ships.
Key moments in construction
The event marked the laying of the first steel blocks in dry dock, a milestone known throughout the maritime industry for the laying of the ship’s keel.
As part of the tradition, representatives Royal Caribbean and atlantic shipyard A newly minted coin was placed under the keel. This custom dates back centuries and is intended to bring good luck to the ship, its crew and future passengers.
Now that the keel has been laid, construction has entered a new phase as the shipyard begins to assemble what will ultimately become Royal Caribbean’s next Oasis Class vacation experience.
Next-generation Oasis class ship
Royal Caribbean has not yet revealed the ship’s name, homeport or deployment plans, but the ship will join a class that includes some of the company’s most successful ships, including: Wonder of the Sea, Utopia of the Sea, Symphony of the Sea, Harmony of the Sea, Oasis of the Sea and charm of the sea.
Oasis Class transformed the cruise industry upon its debut, introducing neighborhood-style ship design, expansive entertainment precincts, outdoor parks, water attractions, large-scale production shows and a variety of dining concepts.
The new ships are expected to continue that formula while adding updated experiences and new features developed for the next generation of Royal Caribbean travelers.
What Royal Caribbean says
According to the company, the seventh Oasis class ship is New adventures, dining destinations, entertainment experiences and attractions designed to suit a variety of vacation styles..
Specific details remain secret, and Royal Caribbean says additional information will be released closer to the ship’s debut.
This still leaves many questions unanswered, including where the ship will sail, what new attractions it might include, and whether it will introduce another evolution of the Oasis Class concept.
Why it matters to cruisers
Royal Caribbean continues to invest heavily in large ships and destination-focused experiences, particularly across the Caribbean, where it maintains one of the largest cruise networks in the region.
Many of the company’s newest ships feature extensive Caribbean itineraries and visits. A perfect day at CocoCay With ports in the Bahamas and throughout the Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean.
The ship’s future deployment in 2028 has not yet been announced, but the Caribbean remains the most likely stage for Royal Caribbean’s latest flagship experience.
The keel-laying ceremony may be largely symbolic, but it marks the point where the cruise ships of the future begin to become a reality. Over the next two years, thousands of workers at the Saint-Nazaire shipyard will recruit what will become the newest members of one of the most influential classes in cruise travel.
Royal Caribbean said more details about the ship’s name, features and itinerary will be released over the next few years as construction progresses as expected. Debut in 2028.
