Royal Caribbean is celebrating another major achievement as construction officially moves into the next phase for its seventh Oasis-class cruise ship.
Just days after taking delivery of its newest Icon-class vessel, the cruise line marked the start of physical assembly for what will become one of the largest cruise ships in the world.
The milestone took place at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, where executives, shipyard workers, and project partners gathered to witness the keel-laying ceremony.
While the ship remains unnamed for now, the event signals that the vessel is no longer just a blueprint—it is beginning to come together block by block inside the shipyard’s massive construction dock.
Expected to enter service in 2028, the new ship will continue the legacy of one of the most successful cruise ship classes ever built.
A Tradition That Marks the Beginning
In shipbuilding, the keel-laying ceremony is considered one of the most symbolic moments of construction.
It represents the official start of assembly and has long been associated with maritime traditions dating back centuries.
As part of the ceremony, specially minted coins were placed beneath the first section of the ship.
The tradition is believed to bring good fortune to the vessel, her crew, and the millions of guests who will eventually sail aboard.
Key facts about the project so far:
- Construction is taking place in Saint-Nazaire, France.
- The vessel is currently known as Project B35.
- The ship is expected to enter service in 2028.
- Assembly officially began on June 11, 2026.
- Steel cutting originally started in October 2025.
- The vessel is expected to measure roughly 236,900 gross tons.
With the first block now positioned in the dry dock, workers can begin the complex process of assembling the ship section by section over the next two years.
Following in the Footsteps of Cruise Industry Giants
Although Royal Caribbean has not revealed many details yet, the new ship will join an elite lineup that includes some of the most famous cruise ships ever built.
The Oasis-class family currently includes:
- Oasis of the Seas
- Allure of the Seas
- Harmony of the Seas
- Symphony of the Seas
- Wonder of the Seas
- Utopia of the Seas
Each ship introduced new features, attractions, and experiences while maintaining the signature design that made the class so successful.
Guests can likely expect the return of several iconic neighborhoods and attractions that have become synonymous with Oasis-class cruising.
Fan-favorite features typically found on Oasis-class ships include:
- The open-air Central Park neighborhood.
- The lively Boardwalk entertainment district.
- The Royal Promenade.
- The AquaTheater.
- Multiple waterslides and thrill attractions.
- Dozens of restaurants, bars, and lounges.
- Family-friendly entertainment venues.
While the overall design is expected to remain familiar, Royal Caribbean is known for introducing fresh concepts with every new ship, ensuring that each vessel develops its own identity.
Why Building Another Oasis Ship Was a Surprise
When Royal Caribbean first announced plans for a seventh Oasis-class vessel in early 2024, many cruise fans were caught off guard.
At the time, the company was heavily focused on the rapidly expanding Icon Class, with Icon of the Seas already sailing and additional Icon ships under construction.
Many industry observers assumed the Oasis era was winding down.
Instead, Royal Caribbean made a bold decision to continue investing in the class that helped redefine modern cruising.
The move reflects just how popular Oasis-class ships remain among travelers.
Even years after the first vessel debuted, these floating resorts continue attracting both first-time cruisers and loyal repeat guests thanks to their unmatched combination of entertainment, dining, accommodations, and onboard attractions.
A Sister Ship to Utopia of the Seas
Current plans indicate that Oasis 7 will be closely related to Utopia of the Seas, the newest ship currently sailing in the class.
Utopia introduced a slightly different concept by focusing on shorter three- and four-night vacations rather than traditional week-long itineraries.
Many cruise fans questioned whether a ship of that size could succeed on shorter cruises.
The answer turned out to be yes.
Why Utopia’s model has been successful:
- Guests can enjoy a mega-ship experience without using an entire week of vacation time.
- Weekend sailings attract first-time cruisers.
- Frequent cruisers can enjoy shorter getaway trips.
- The ship itself is considered a destination.
That success may influence how Royal Caribbean positions Oasis 7 when it finally launches.
What Happens Next?
For now, most details remain under wraps.
Royal Caribbean has not announced:
- The ship’s official name.
- It’s homeport.
- Planned itineraries.
- Specific onboard attractions.
- Dining concepts.
- Entertainment offerings.
However, based on previous launches, more information is expected to emerge gradually over the next two years as construction progresses.
As the ship begins to rise from the dry dock in France, anticipation is already building among cruise fans eager to see how Royal Caribbean plans to evolve the Oasis-class experience once again.
With construction officially underway and delivery targeted for 2028, the countdown to Royal Caribbean’s next floating mega-resort has officially begun.
