Royal Caribbean taps STX France to build new ships
Royal Caribbean Cruises, US-based cruise line operator, is expanding its fleet with three additional ships to be built by STX France.
According to MANA,The cruise operator said it has signed a memorandum of understanding with STX France for the latter to build a fifth Oasis-class ship for delivery in the spring of 2021. An additional Edge-class ship will be delivered in the fall of 2021 and another of the same class in 2022.Royal Caribbean Cruises unveiled its additional orders about a week after its 5,479-passenger Harmony of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship, arrived at the port of Southampton, its first arrival into port.
The Oasis-class Harmony of the Seas, which is Royal Caribbean's 25th ship in its fleet, will sail from Southampton on a series of short trips to northern Europe before embarking on its maiden cruise on May 29.
The final contracts for the three ships, which include the definitive payment shcedules, are expected to be completed within the quarter, Royal Caribbean said in its statement. No other details such as the cost of the ships were disclosed.
Royal Caribbean said its capacity increases for 2016 through 2020 would be unchanged.
New York-listed Royal Caribbean Cruises in November last year ordered a fifth Quantum-class ship from Germany-based Meyer Werft to be delivered in the fall of 2020.
Royal Caribbean Cruises owns six brands namely Royal Carribean International, Celebrity Cruises, Pullmantur, Azamara Club Cruises, CDF Croisieres de France and TUI Cruises. These six operate a combined total of 47 ships with an additional 12 on order.