First and foremost, you are absolutely correct, from the Covid low till now is an amazing transition that they should hold their head high on their performance. Paying down that enormous debt and still order 5 new builds is simply outstanding.
Where they go and how they will deploy is still far off, but I would not be shocked if there not some surprises along the way.
I have never seen a thing that does analysis between cabins and open space (whatever that means). The reason I asked is the news just came out. Is the relationship between occupants and number of cabins divided by tonage (water displacement) to cabins? Is it open air or inside? How does one determine or value “open space” anyways.
I am sure some of those ships days are numbered (as can be said for all of us, more or less). For both RCCL and Carnival, it seems as though they have these growth spurts where they turn over a good portion of the fleet in a relatively short period of time. Great when you go through it but the down side is they reach a level of maturity at around the same time frame.
All that said, I would echo your thoughts on older ships, especially in Europe.
I had seen that. To me, it is extremely interesting to see the lines adapting to this new built up (post covid) demand. Add in the size component and it creates a virtual whirlwind of variables. The whole ship as the destination can only go so far...., at least to me.
These home ports, Tampa, Jacksonville, Baltimore and to a much lesser extent (Charleston, Mobile, etc.) have significant obstacles. RCCL is rumored to be coming out with a new class that is significant lower but wider that will breach these issues. I will wait till I see the conceptual on CCL's new class before making my mind up.
I did say that you did, just stating the facts of why the Spirit class size (and I love it as well) will not come to pass (at least for the CCL line anyway). Your point on the age of the ships that serve the height issue access markets is a valid one. Not sure I have heard any true response to what happens when....