Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. exercised its option to build a second ship in its “Genesis Project” today. Destined to become the 24th ship in the Royal Caribbean International fleet, the 5,400-guest, 220,000-gross-registered-ton ship would be built at Aker Yards in Finland, with delivery projected for August, 2010.

Like the prototype ship due out in Fall, 2009, the second Project Genesis ship will be a trailblazer in cruise-ship and vacation innovation.

New icons and amenities will continue to challenge and expand guests’ expectations of cruising, and the latest technology and design will continue to increase efficiencies.

The company estimates the all-in cost of the ship will be approximately $260,000 per berth. The contract is contingent on the completion of customary financing.