Even before the third member of the Oasis Class, Harmony of the Seas, takes to the waters; Royal Caribbean have commenced construction on the as-yet-unnamed fourth Oasis Class ship. Set for a spring 2018 launch, the ship looks set to become the joint largest ship in operation, but could include a number of unique and world-first features.
Construction has begun at the STX France shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, the same shipyard which completed the exterior work of the Harmony of the Seas. The ship will be built around a 16 deck, split superstructure design and feature a staggering 2,700 staterooms – expected to match the Harmony’s 6,360 passenger capacity.
Like all other members of the Oasis Class of ships, the 2018 vessel is set to feature the Central Park area – a live garden with more than 12,000 living trees and plants as well as a hand-crafted carousel and AquaTheatre arena.
With more than two years until the ship’s official launch, Royal Caribbean are expected to announce a selection of new features and additions to the vessel.
Royal Caribbean are yet to announce the home port or any planned itineraries for the upcoming ship. The two original members of the Oasis Class currently sail around the Caribbean and the Harmony of the Seas is set to join them in late 2016.
With the growing trend of cruise lines sending major liners over to the quickly growing Chinese cruise market – it would not be surprising if Royal Caribbean sent the new Oasis Class vessel to Asian waters.
Next year is set to be an incredibly busy one for the cruise line, with the line set to launch the Harmony of the Seas as well as the Quantum Class vessel, Ovation of the Seas, and welcome back the 2,020-capacity Empress of the Seas from Pullmantur Cruises.
As Royal Caribbean release more information about the upcoming members of their fleet, the Cruise1st team will endeavour to keep you up to date and well-informed.
Images sourced via Royal Caribbean Press Center
