By
Rebecca Gibson |
German shipbuilder Meyer Werft has laid the first keel block for Royal Caribbean International’s Ovation of the Seas.
Marking the start of the construction phase, Adam Goldstein, president and COO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, placed a lucky coin in the dock before the 740 ton piece of keel was lowered into place. In total, the ship’s keel will be formed of 74 blocks.
Ovation of the Seas, which is Royal Caribbean’s third Quantum-class ship, is due to be delivered in spring 2016.
Her sister ship Anthem of the Seas entered the Meyer Werft outfitting dock in February and is due to debut in April 2015. The first Quantum-class vessel, Quantum of the Seas, was delivered and christened in November 2014.
Royal Caribbean’s 167,800gt Quantum-class ships have 16 guest decks and can accommodate 4,180 passengers at double occupancy. The vessels also feature the cruise line’s largest staterooms, including the industry’s first cabins with Virtual Balconies, which offer guests in interior staterooms real-time views of the ocean.
In addition, the three ships offer a series of ‘first-at-sea’ onboard experiences including the new Bionic Bar where guests can place orders via tablets and then watch robotic arms mix their drinks; the Ripcord by iFly skydiving experience; SeaPlex, the largest indoor active space at sea; Two70°, which spans three decks at the stern of the ship; and North Star, a glass pod that extends more than 300 ft above the ship.
Guests can also enjoy the Dynamic Dining concept, which comprises 18 restaurant concepts and speciality restaurants created with partner-chefs Jamie Oliver, Devin Alexander and Michael Schwartz.