New ships for RCCL

[Ourusualbeach]

Looks like Celebrity is getting a new class of ships just a bit larger than the Radience class.

 

Won't be too long before there is nothing smaller than a Voyager class left at RCI.

 

 

MIAMI, Dec. 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --*Celebrity Cruises has taken a bold step in ship design with the signing of a letter of intent for a new class of vessels, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and French shipbuilder STX France announced today. The two 2,900-guest, 117,000-gross-registered-ton ships, developed under the project name EDGE will build upon the modern luxury experience of the brand's Millennium and Solstice class vessels.

 

At 984 feet long, 123 feet wide and 190 feet high, Project EDGE will deliver small ship itineraries with large ship amenities, a perfect vacation experience in step with today's premium vacationer.

 

"The addition of two project EDGE vessels to our fleet delivers on our long-term strategic plan of moderate capacity growth, and continues the positive momentum the Celebrity brand has achieved in the premium segment of our industry," said Richard D. Fain, chairman and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

 

"Our new class of ship will set the standard for premium world travel and deliver the next generation of modern luxury experiences that our guests know and love," said Michael Bayley, president and chief executive officer of Celebrity Cruises.*"STX France designs and builds some of the most innovative and stylish cruise ships in the world, and project EDGE offers them the opportunity to again set a new standard for modern iconic architecture. On this stunning new ship we will bring our guests even closer to the must-see destinations of the world, while indulging them onboard in the most luxurious accommodations, the finest culinary experiences, and the best hospitality delivered by our dedicated staff."

 

"We are excited to be collaborating with Celebrity on this dramatic step forward in premium cruise ship design," said Laurent Castaing, managing director of STX France. "This class of ships will be designed to deliver the destination to vacationers who want to experience all the world has to offer."

 

These vessels also represent a significant leap forward in environmentally friendly ship design, benefiting from new technologies to drive significant fuel efficiency and an ongoing process to ensure the extensive use of sustainable materials.*

 

The company expects delivery of the first ship in Fall 2018, with the second vessel delivered in the early part of 2020. The order is contingent upon the completion of customary conditions, including financing. *

 

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/celebrity-cruises-orders-two-new-iconic-ships-2014-12-04

[DarthGrady]

Well at least they're going in the right direction. I hope they keep getting smaller, and I also hope that RCI follows suit. I no longer have any love for the big ships, the Radiance and Vision class ships are just right IMO.

[OfTheSeasCruiser]

This got me thinking… I'm wondering if Royal's future plans are to eventually phase out all of the smaller ships, without building anything small to replace them, and basically sending anyone who wants a more traditional cruising experience over to Celebrity.

 

Or maybe, just maybe, Royal will follow this practice and design a smaller class of ships to fulfill the more interesting and port intensive itineraries.

Edited December 5, 2014 by OfTheSeasCruiser

[kkorman]

This got me thinking… I'm wondering if Royal's future plans are to eventually phase out all of the smaller ships, without building anything small to replace them, and basically sending anyone who wants a more traditional cruising experience over to Celebrity.

 

Or maybe, just maybe, Royal will follow this practice and design a smaller class of ships to fulfill the more interesting and port intensive itineraries.

 

I wouldn't define Celebrity as traditional cruising.

 

The EDGE class ships are closer to S-class than Radiance. Bottom line is that in general, the bigger the ship, the more cost effective.

 

Perhaps the ports will build infrastructure to draw larger ships.

[OfTheSeasCruiser]

I wouldn't define Celebrity as traditional cruising.

 

The EDGE class ships are closer to S-class than Radiance. Bottom line is that in general, the bigger the ship, the more cost effective.

 

Perhaps the ports will build infrastructure to draw larger ships.

 

I just meant more traditional than the way Royal seems to be heading. (Such as Dyanmic Dining, etc.)

[cruiserdudebobby8]

Oasis plus class :D maybe they will go bigger!

 

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Forums mobile app

[nelblu]

Bigger is better.

[wolfcathorse]

Bigger is better.

 

bigger may be better but where does "big" go? Governments are already balking at dredging again and again and again to accomodate these larger ships. That's why Quantum is not going to Bermuda. The Bermudan government has balked at coming up with more money to dredge again, when they had just finished dredging for NCL's Breakaway and Getaway. If they drag their feet in starting again, even Anthem may not get to to to Bermuda.

[Tyler80]

I wouldn't define Celebrity as traditional cruising.

 

The EDGE class ships are closer to S-class than Radiance. Bottom line is that in general, the bigger the ship, the more cost effective.

 

Perhaps the ports will build infrastructure to draw larger ships.

 

You are right Kevin. San Juan just spent almost 10M to make changes to their port to accommodate larger vessels. And since Quantum is a mix (per Fain) of the best of Oasis and Solstice Class, wouldn't surprise me to see some Celebrity Edge prototype designed ships sailing for Royal Caribbean someday.

[Ladysilver]

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/royal-caribbean-orders-two-cruise-062502762.html

[DELTABLUE]

Would LOVE to have a new smaller ship that would fit under the bridges to reach Baltimore! I've had great times on Grandeur and Enchantment but it would be wonderful to have some new, updated equipment!;) I can dream, can't I?:p:rolleyes:

[delirious9876]

We really don't like smaller ships. Anything smaller than Voyager class is not for us :)

[Silvery Seas Cruiser]

Though I love the big ships, I find these two new Edge ships to be promising of a different experience and I look forward to giving them a try. I trust Celebrity to provide us with an excellent experience.

[JKrise]

DW and I prefer the smaller ships.

 

 

JKrise

[aloha of the seas]

DW and I prefer the smaller ships.

 

 

JKrise

 

I prefer the smaller ships also, but find the Solstice class ships very passenger friendly. As long as X does not go to Dynamic Dining I might look into the new ships, but that is a long way down the road