Royal Caribbean has released the first episode of its new behind-the-scenes series Engineering the Experience, offering a look at the immense engineering and creativity behind building a modern cruise ship. Titled How Is a Cruise Ship Built?, the episode features the line’s newest vessel, Utopia of the Seas, as the star example.
At nearly the height of the Empire State Building if stood on end, Utopia of the Seas boasts almost 3,000 staterooms, over 40 dining and drink venues, and onboard amenities like a theater and ice rink. But its construction starts not with steel but with vision.
The process begins with ideation, where designers and brand teams define the future guest experience. “What do they want? What are their needs? And how can we exceed those expectations?” the team asks. Innovation and imagination form the backbone of every new ship, long before the first piece of steel is cut.
Once the shipyard is selected and designs are finalized, construction kicks off with a steel-cutting ceremony—a symbolic moment that marks the beginning of the ship's physical journey. The vessel is built in blocks, which are prefabricated and assembled like a giant puzzle inside a dry dock. The keel-laying ceremony, another maritime tradition, follows next. Coins are placed beneath the keel to symbolize good fortune and teamwork.
Over the course of two years, these blocks are joined, welded, and filled with the ship's vital components: engines, propellers, cables, air ducts, and more. Cabins are also prefabricated off-site and then craned aboard, while public areas are constructed in parallel. When the outer hull is complete and painted, the ship is ready for float out the moment it touches water for the first time.
Next are the sea trials, during which engineers test the ship’s performance in real conditions, from speed and engine power to navigation systems. Only after all performance criteria are met does the ship return to the yard for final outfitting.
The delivery marks a major milestone: ownership is officially transferred to Royal Caribbean. Final touches such as art, signage, and last-minute customizations are completed during the owner’s work phase. Once the ship is cleaned, furnished, and stocked, she’s ready for the most anticipated step: welcoming her first guests.
With every light switch tested, every venue prepared, and every crew member trained, Utopia of the Seas is set to deliver what Royal Caribbean calls “the vacation of a lifetime.”
From concept to completion, it’s a feat of engineering, passion, and precision—one that takes millions of working hours and unites thousands of experts. As the series shows, building a cruise ship is not just construction—it’s storytelling on a massive scale.
