ArtLink’s Manta Rays for Utopia of the Seas
Discover How ArtLink Produced and Delivered the Monumental Art Installation for Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas.
ArtLink recently completed one of its most complex projects yet: a stunning art installation featuring five monumental manta ray sculptures for Royal Caribbean’s new Utopia of the Seas ship. This project wasn’t just about creating art—it was about telling a story, representing the unique culture of the Caribbean, and transforming a space into an experience that resonates with the ship's passengers.
ArtLink managed every aspect of this massive undertaking: from concept development, design, engineering, production management, shipping and installation, we ensured that the installation not only met the client's vision but also would enhance the overall guest experience. Here's how we brought these sculptures to life.
Concept & Design: From Vision to Reality
The project began with a vision to fill the ship's expansive atrium space with an installation that could be seen and admired from every height and angle. The idea was to suspend five manta ray sculptures from level 2 to level 16, creating a dynamic visual experience for anyone moving through the atrium, especially as they rode the panoramic elevators.
Reflecting the spirit of the Caribbean where the ship would be heading, ArtLink curators, together with the Royal Caribbean team, chose the manta ray as the featured form for their prominence among the natural ocean habitats and cultural mythology. Drawing inspiration from oceanic history and art of the region, the team dedicated the surface design to the tribal manta ray tattoos common amongst the local population. Representing wisdom and strength, tribal manta ray tattoos serve as a protector of the spirit and a reminder to stay true to oneself. Incorporated on each manta ray tattoo design would be traditional Taino motifs, representing different Caribbean countries such as The Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago. Every detail, from the tribal patterns to the choice of national symbols, was meticulously crafted to embody the spirit of these islands.
The two Bahamian manta rays blend elements from the national flag, sea-related symbols such as conch shells and starfish, wildlife motifs such as the flamingo, the national bird, and waves representing the power of the sea; The Puerto Rican manta ray blends symbols from Taino culture, such as the coqui (a native frog), the sun, and the national flower, the flor de maga; The Barbadian manta ray blends the symbols of the national flag, the flying fish, representations of the national flower, the Caesalpinia pulcherrima, and other local wild life; The Jamaican manta ray features national symbols like the hummingbird, tropical flora, and cultural motifs from Jamaican festivals such as musical symbols; and The Trinidadian and Tobagonian manta ray features Carnival-inspired designs and motifs from calypso music such as steelpan musical instruments, alongside national symbols like the scarlet ibis and the Chaconia flower.
Engineering & Safety: Building with Precision
Creating large-scale sculptures for a ship’s atrium comes with unique challenges, especially when considering the constant motion and vibrations of a marine environment. ArtLink collaborated closely with its team of engineers, designers, and manufacturers to develop a design that would be visually striking, capable of integrating with the six panoramic elevators that traverse the height of the atrium, and be structurally sound.
After an extensive structural analysis including detailed calculations and mechanical specifications for connection points, cable systems, and the assembly process, the ArtLink logistics team devised a a sophisticated matrix of steel cables that would securely anchor the manta rays to the atrium walls. This setup not only ensured safety but also gives the illusion of the rays gracefully swimming through the space.
Production & Logistics: Bringing the Design to Life
The production phase was where our attention to detail truly shone. ArtLink coordinated the collaboration between the manufacturers, designers, and client, ensuring that every element of the design was faithfully executed and adhered strictly to the dimensions and calculations provided by the marine engineers. During the manufacturing process, careful consideration was given to the choice of materials to ensure the sculptures’ longevity and resilience, particularly within the challenging floating marine environment. A robust stainless-steel structure was selected for the interior framework, providing the necessary strength and resistance to the corrosive effects of saltwater and other environmental factors. For the exterior surface, we chose translucent acrylic, allowing the design to be enhanced by an innovative internal lighting system.
ArtLink’s project managers were on-site at the fabricator’s premises multiple times to oversee quality control, ensuring that every aspect—from dimensions to structural requirements—was in line with our exacting standards.
Delivery & Installation: A Seamless Process
When it came time for delivery, ArtLink handled all the logistics, arranging, shipping, and on-site delivery in the most economical and sustainable way possible, while remaining on schedule.
Once the crates for each manta ray were delivered to the pier, the crate was disassembled, and our logistics team oversaw each section craned onto the ship. A specially made trolley was used to safely transport the manta ray parts to the assembly platform. The five manta rays were assembled by our local installation team together with the fabricator’s technicians.
The final step was to connect the lighting system, which brought the sculptures to life, highlighting the intricate designs and creating an unforgettable visual experience for guests.
Explore more of the extensive collection for the Royal Caribbean Utopia of the Seas, featuring a variety of captivating works and other site-specific installations. Click below to dive into the full collection and discover the artistry and craftsmanship behind each piece.