cjknox

The thing I find interesting here is the move away from Fincantieri, which traditionally has been the primary shipbuilder for Carnival Corp. Either they cannot produce ships of this size, or lack the technical ability to handle construction of the LNG systems that Meyer Shipbuilders posses.

 

I will be interested to see how much the physical architecture of the ships vary from the footprint of the Breeze/Vista vessels.

Unlike Fincantieri, Meyer has the vessel platform and the design for the LNG vessels. In addition, I believe Fincantieri's largest yard can only build a vessel up to 170,000 tons (Monfalcone). These LNG vessels are 180,000 grt.

From the preliminary information I've received the people at Carnival are excited about this new class as it will allow them to get even more creative with on board layout and entertainment options.

During a 3 week drydock (Sept. 4 - 25) Carnival will be adding 2.0 venues to Imagination including: Guys Burger Joint, Blue Iguana Cantina, Red Frog Rum Bar, Alchemy Bar, Blue Iguana Tequila Bar, and Cherry on Top.

 

Sure seems like a commitment to the Fantasy class is continuing.

 

 

 

Thanks for sharing Jimbo; it sure seems like the Fantasy class will be around for awhile. They are wonderfully designed and were built to last!

Have not seen you around in a while.....

Yes it's been a while since I've commented; I've just been browsing the forums as of late. :rolleyes::cool:

Loved the Quantum esp the Classic DD[emoji8] but only 2nd to Oasis class ships. Hope we still have the vitality by then..can't handle the long flights anymore, don't know why RC won't add more ships out here in the West coast, SF

Ever thought about taking the train? It's a bit longer but you'll be able to travel in comfort and still get to your destination. Just a thought.;)

I'm so sorry to hear this news; just know your extended family here at CC is supporting you all the way. I'm so glad you have these memories with your father that I'm sure you'll always treasure. Stay strong.

Oh I think Micky is still part of the decision making process. He is still Chairman of the Board and a major stockholder. No doubt he still has major influence, but has stepped back to a certain extent. The press release actually states that Micky has been involved with the design of these new ships.

One the contrary Ernie, Micky publicly stated during a recent interview that the Arnold has "control of the reins" now, so while I'm sure he has some influence Arnold is the decision maker and even if he didn't agree with the decision it's Micky's job as chairman to support the CEO and that's what he's doing, as evidenced by his ''involvement'' in various parts of the design process.

No sure where you got this information from

 

I would speculate the following based on information I have heard:

 

2: AIDA

2: Costa

2: P&O

2: Carnival

1: Princess

 

Of course the beauty of this arrangement is flexibility. Carnival Corp. has secured the building slots but doesn't have to decide the brand allocations just yet. It can be changed or adapted depending on market conditions and brand performance in the next few years or soon after the actual contracts are signed.

Like you mentioned, the arrangement is flexible and while I expect Cunard to receive a new build I suppose they can be considered a "wild card" of sorts as it could go either way at this moment; but I can definitely see your scenario playing out.

From what I've heard this is how the 9 ship order will be broken down:

Carnival: 1

Princess: 1

Costa: 2

HAL: 1

Aida: 2

P&O UK: 1

Cunard: 1

(Both Costa and Aida's new builds being announced today.)

So they each get one new ship, and the article indicated that Costa was getting two 175,000 ton ships. =9. Looks like Carnival is only getting one out of this order, plus the two already on order. On the surface it looks like a huge order, but in reality, it's not really very aggresive.

I think you'll see Sunshine being quietly pushed out within the next 5 years too. It's already been relegated to mop up duty on the east coast. Not what you would expect of a "premium" ship.

Highly unlikely Richard, since they just put over 100 million dollars into her the Sunshine will be around for at least another decade, probably a lot longer.

Not sure if Costa will get newbuilds from Fincantieri for China. Carnival's strategy in China appears to be to have a Chinese subsidiary (either a new entity or Costa) that builds in China, flags Chinese, and gets around the cabotage laws that will restrict foreign built ships.

 

I think Carnival will get 2 ships, Costa 2, P&O one, China 3, HAL maybe one, Aida one, leaving one for the other lines. And remember, this order book is reported to stretch out over the next 14 years.

 

I suspect the Chinese market, for Chinese passengers, not North Americans looking to cruise China, will be the big winner.

The only thing i can come up with as to why costa would get the big ship is for them to compete with the quantum class in china. Especially after RCI announced a second quantum class is to go to china. costa has a presence in asia. Just hope for the sake of the company they don't let joe farcus design a 170k gt ship. I would say carnival cruise line would get a few of the 10 since it has an aging fleet.

I heard a rumor a few months ago that Costa was designing a prototype about that size so I guess it was a valid rumor. With Royal Caribbeans quick movement into China with new tonnage I expect one if not both of the prototypes to go right to China, or perhaps one of the prototypes and the new Costa Diadema.

I'm sure Carnival Cruise Lines will get two or three new builds for themselves, in anticipation for Virgin cruises and the MSC seaside both coming stateside in a couple of years. Probably one or two of the Fantasy class will be retired in the next 4 years, too.

Here's a sneak peak at what the Virgin twins may look like: http://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/12370-virgin-cruises-ship-renderings-and-details-shown-in-lawsuit-filings.html

I thought the Magic would go to port Canaveral but going to NYC make sense too. Just as the Splendor was a placeholder for the Vista, I think the Magic will be there until Vista II comes in 2018 to replace her.

Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. There's just something special about the Fantasy class and Carnival knows it that's why they are still around; and will be for a long time.

While I certainly get the innuendos presented in the commercial and think to some degree it is funny I feel like the "Message in the Bottle" is the best.

 

Carnival's largest ships are still smaller than Royal Caribbean's Voyager class with more passengers.

This has absolutely nothing to do with the OP's question so what was the point of bringing it up? :confused:

How are they completely different, Cameron? They both provide an opportunity to have private access to a pool when staying in a specific stateroom type at a higher cost. Even with limited hours and the Havana Bar, it is still a private pool.

The Haven is a completely immersive experience. You could literally spend your entire cruise there because it contains a pool area, restaurants, and of course the staterooms. In the haven you don't have to mingle with the ''general population" if you don't want to.

On the other hand the Vista new Havana Club experience is nowhere near as "reclusive" as the haven. So again I say they are nowhere near the same concept.

It's simply a way for them to compete with NCL's "The Haven," which offers a private pool to suite guests.

The two are completely different. The Haven is an entire area dedicated for certain passengers 24/7. While the Vista's is only during the day, mind you other passengers will still be in the vicinity at the Havana bar and on the promenade. In other words the haven is an immersive experience while this is for convenience during the day.