Royal Caribbean Expands Deployment and Investment in China

[Royal Caribbean International]

In an effort to further our commitment to growing the China vacation market, we will be basing our third Quantum-class ship, Ovation of the Seas, in Tianjin, China. The news was given today by President and CEO, Michael Bayley, in a Beijing press conference. Launching in April 2016, Ovation of the Seas will be our fifth cruise ship based in the region.

 

Cruising has become very popular for Chinese consumers and Royal Caribbean is already capturing their imaginations with our industry-leading cruise ships," said Bayley. "We are furthering our commitment by bringing two of the world's newest and most advanced Quantum-class cruise ships to the region. Once launched, Ovation of the Seas' maiden sailings will include a 52-night Global Odyssey from Southampton, UK to Tianjin. Vacationers can be among the first to experience the new ship on the 2016 Ovation Global Odyssey, which will explore 17 destinations including Barcelona, Rome, Dubai, Hong Kong and Vietnam. Ovation of the Seas' Itineraries open for sale on Thursday, March 26, 2015.

 

Available for booking now is our newest Oasis-class ship, Harmony of the Seas, which will call Florida home starting in 2016. The third Oasis-class ship sailing from Florida, Harmony of the Seas, will join Anthem of the Seas in the North America market, giving vacationers plenty of options for a truly memorable Royal Caribbean cruise.

Edited March 25, 2015 by Royal Caribbean International

[big al]

In an effort to further our commitment to growing the China vacation market, we will be basing our third Quantum-class ship, Ovation of the Seas, in Tianjin, China. The news was given today by President and CEO, Michael Bayley, in a Beijing press conference. Launching in April 2016, Ovation of the Seas will be our fifth cruise ship based in the region.

 

Cruising has become very popular for Chinese consumers and Royal Caribbean is already capturing their imaginations with our industry-leading cruise ships," said Bayley. "We are furthering our commitment by bringing two of the world's newest and most advanced Quantum-class cruise ships to the region. Once launched, Ovation of the Seas' maiden sailings will include a 52-night Global Odyssey from Southampton, UK to Tianjin. Vacationers can be among the first to experience the new ship on the 2016 Ovation Global Odyssey, which will explore 17 destinations including Barcelona, Rome, Dubai, Hong Kong and Vietnam. Ovation of the Seas' Itineraries open for sale on Thursday, March 26, 2015.

 

Available for booking now is our newest Oasis-class ship, Harmony of the Seas, which will call Florida home starting in 2016. The third Oasis-class ship sailing from Florida, Harmony of the Seas, will join Anthem of the Seas in the North America market, giving vacationers plenty of options for a truly memorable Royal Caribbean cruise.

 

Terrible decision..it's obvious that you don't want American cruisers to experience the Quantum ships..first you say the Anthem will be based in Port Everglades, then you switch her to NY..now you're putting another Quantum ship in China? I'm both a cruise agent & Diamond on RCI, and I can tell you by reading here on Cruise Critic that most people do NOT want another Oasis class ship in PE, they want a Quantum class ship here..not everyone has the money to fly to NY from the South, then pay extra $$ to cruise, so you can pass Florida & the other Southern states on the way down...I hope you put the 4th Quantum ship in Florida..I know I am encouraging my clients to cruise Norwegian from Miami, MSC from Miami, & Princess from PE..they all have put THEIR new ships in Miami & Port Everglades..I will continue to support RCI with the 2 Oasis ships in PE, the Freedom, Liberty of The Seas, but it is getting difficult since your itineraries are the same for those big ships every year...

 

BTW, if you were ask the cruisers on the RCI thread which ship would they prefer to have in Port Everglades, the Harmony Of The Seas, or the Ovation Of The Seas, I GUARANTEE the Ovation would win at least 70-30%..go ahead & put a poll up..you should be doing these things regularly to see what the RCI loyalists want..it seems obvious that the $$ sign is more important than the loyal passengers...I hope you get smart & put the 4th Quantum ship where it belongs- Port Everglades!!

 

Big Al

[Iluvcruising2]

.it seems obvious that the $$ sign is more important than the loyal passengers...I hope you get smart & put the 4th Quantum ship where it belongs- Port Everglades!!

 

Big Al

 

The part in bold has been obvious all along!

[roxette]

What will the legs of the Global Odyssey be? Would love to book from Dubai.

[setsail]

I think this is a great decision. People in Asia will have a rci ship/s homeported so they won't have to make the long trip to Florida. Anybody that has sailed the big girls knows that often the us/north American pax are in the minority, sometimes below 40%. Asians make up a large part of the mix.

 

Its also a good decision for investors as rci is a global company. US people can travel just like people from Europe and Asia have been doing for years now.

 

The us market only accounts for around 55%, and that is only because the big girls are in Florida. So I would look for a more even split now between us/Asia with Europe next.

Edited March 25, 2015 by setsail

[DEIx15x8]

The Quantum class is the greatest design in the fleet, and it seems like nobody is supposed to see it. From day 1 it's seemed like Royal didn't care about or understand this class and they just keep pushing it away. Glad I got to try Quantum while she was still a good ship, and hopefully I can get onboard Anthem before she inevitably heads to China as well. Won't be trying Ovation out of the UK like I was planning on though, likely won't be trying her ever since she'll be coming from the ship yard all setup for China.

 

Shame there was no way to put Two70º on Harmony, that venue alone outshines any other ship in the world.

[cot427]

While I understand that this is purely a business strategy, I can't help but feel upset about this for a variety of reasons.

 

First off, I am planning a Mediterranean cruise in 2016 and was hoping to sail Royal. After seeing Harmony's prices, I know that's out of the question, but I was hoping for more options out of Barcelona. They really cut back and now only have Harmony and Brilliance. I was hoping that Ovation would at least offer more Mediterranean cruises before they send her to China.

 

Secondly, two Quantum class ships to China? I understand the demand, but why not put a ship that U.S. has experienced so that we can actually experience the Quantum class out of Florida?! I even live close enough to drive to Bayonne and I hate it. I'd much rather fly to Florida.

 

Just my two cents.

[RealNorwegianCruiser]

Great! This is logical and natural for a company that wants to expand and grow.

 

Good decision by Royal! I welcome this, and will be looking for many exciting cruises in Asia. First one from Singapore in January!

 

Way more interesting destination than Caribbean!

[big al]

I think this is a great decision. People in Asia will have a rci ship/s homeported so they won't have to make the long trip to Florida. Anybody that has sailed the big girls knows that often the us/north American pax are in the minority, sometimes below 40%. Asians make up a large part of the mix.

 

Its also a good decision for investors as rci is a global company. US people can travel just like people from Europe and Asia have been doing for years now.

 

The us market only accounts for around 55%, and that is only because the big girls are in Florida. So I would look for a more even split now between us/Asia with Europe next.

 

Why is this a great decision?? TWO Quantum ships in China?? BTW, on my 30 cruises the last 20 years, I MAY have seen 2-3% Asians on those ships... What about people in the USA? A trip to China & cruise from the East coast will cost about $ 6000-8,000 for 2 people for a balcony cabin, probably more when you figure hotels & food..Where do you get your data from? 55% is a lot..BTW, it is much higher in Florida, closer to 65-70% ..I was fine with the first Quantum going to China..a bit pissed off the Anthem was suppose to be in PE, then switched to NY..now the Ovation goes AGAIN to China? Sorry, not cool & not the best way to keep RCI loyalists happy.."The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few"...

 

Big Al

Edited March 25, 2015 by big al
addition

[kccrzr]

I hope with this many ships the itineraries become more interesting and varied. I have been wanting to book an Asia cruise for some time but none of the itineraries during times we can travel have wowed us.

[LMaxwell]

No Waterslides. An INDOOR sports arena. No dance venue. A covered pool area and covered solarium. These aren't the warm weather ships Florida wants. If RCI thinks they can make the big bucks in China with these ships more power to them; they will help finance new builds more suited to warm weather markets in the future.

[PompeySailor]

Ovation now available for bookings 3/25, 24hr early window

For those interested, just received email

 

 

 

Happy Days!!

[DEIx15x8]

No Waterslides. An INDOOR sports arena. No dance venue. A covered pool area and covered solarium. These aren't the warm weather ships Florida wants. If RCI thinks they can make the big bucks in China with these ships more power to them; they will help finance new builds more suited to warm weather markets in the future.

 

Yeah, the Quantum class really does not work for Florida, but I'm surprised the UK isn't getting one, especially to head to northern Europe for places the like the Norwegian Fjords and Russia. This class would be great for those. Even if they send it to Florida in the summer it would still work, even if it's not designed for sunny weather. Both Quantum and Ovation are altered though, Ovation has no Music Hall from day 1 already, so neither will be coming back from China anytime soon. Even then would Royal spend the $40 million to convert them back to good ships or just leave them as is? Not sure I'd want either as is.

[PompeySailor]

Why is this a great decision?? TWO Quantum ships in China?? BTW, on my 30 cruises the last 20 years, I MAY have seen 2-3% Asians on those ships... What about people in the USA? A trip to China & cruise from the East coast will cost about $ 6000-8,000 for 2 people for a balcony cabin, probably more when you figure hotels & food..Where do you get your data from? 55% is a lot..BTW, it is much higher in Florida, closer to 65-70% ..I was fine with the first Quantum going to China..a bit pissed off the Anthem was suppose to be in PE, then switched to NY..now the Ovation goes AGAIN to China? Sorry, not cool & not the best way to keep RCI loyalists happy.."The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few"...

 

Big Al

 

The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, seriously:rolleyes:

 

 

When I think that it is only the top 1% of the Chinese market that will even be potential passengers, the strategy of putting old ships to develop this high end market does not seem very wise now.

This was quoted by "Madflyer"

 

For just one country with a population of 1,363 950 000 billion people

At 1% that's still targeting 13,639 500 pax just for China.

Interesting where you got the 1% from

 

Now the U.S. population at 324,444 843 at 1% would be only 3,244 484 pax

I can see why they targeted China

If we just take Florida those numbers would decrease even more.

 

And to add with probably 80% of those on the ships gambling, I can see the bean counters already licking their lips

 

Will also include others from the East and Australasia and Europe as well.

I am sure RC have done their math and homework..

 

NOTE: populations were accurate at 6:00PM according to world population clock, yesterday 3/24

 

Now with a world population of around 8billion

There will now be 2 ships that 7,656 000 000 billion possible pax won't have to pay out expensive flights to get to Florida to experience.

 

THE NEEDS OF THE MANY CERTAINLY OUTWEIGH THE FEW!!!!!

 

It is not Royal Caribbean America (RCA), or even Royal Caribbean Florida (RFA)

Funnily it is Royal Caribbean INTERNATIONAL!!!:eek:

 

And a poll on CC would probably give a result of 0.0001% of cruisers who would

Vote on Ovation being based in Florida.

 

Important: does not matter to me what ship is where, if I want to sail on it, I'll find a way to get on it.

Choices and variety is what makes cruising such fun

[PompeySailor]

No Waterslides. An INDOOR sports arena. No dance venue. A covered pool area and covered solarium. These aren't the warm weather ships Florida wants. If RCI thinks they can make the big bucks in China with these ships more power to them; they will help finance new builds more suited to warm weather markets in the future.

 

They get the 2 ships to pay for themselves in 1/2 the normal ROI, and then yes more ships for elsewhere.

 

Everyone will then be happy:D

[Jenjer]

With so much negativity toward Quantum I am really not surprised. The Quantum class is a new animal and not a good fit for many loyal to Royal cruisers. I for one can not wait to sail her next week.

 

Are people from Florida really complaining that they don't have enough cruise ships options? really? Florida sails more ships than any other place I know. Please correct me if I am wrong.

 

I thought she would be doing Europe myself. Since she is a cold weather ship and too big for Alaska.

[roquejo]

I cruised both Asia (China,Japan,Korea), the US (Caribbean, Alaska, Hawaii) on equal frequencies both on RCCL and NCL, and has just recently cruised Australia New Zealand so is not biased on location so can just give an objective observation on this without any emotions involved:

 

This just gives us a reality check that whether we like or it not. China has the so much money now. The US even owe China lots of money at the moment...and there is even a big possibility that China will overtake the US soon as the world's biggest economy.

 

As I browse cruises by region in the last 2 years, it is China cruises that are frequently sold out, especially those that are RT from China. The average prices is way higher than the Caribbean, and there are many cases an entire ship got chartered. Compared with cruises from other regions where there are constant price drops just to fill the cabins.

 

This is true especially for Quantum of the Seas in all of its Asia sailings so far, prices remained high, never dropped, and is always rising and many cruises sold out already. The average price is actually double vs Voyager classes that is why I only booked a short Quantum 3 night cruise and booked longer cruises on Voyager or Mariner whenever I cruise Asia where it is more affordable..

 

And I have read that mainland Chinese spend more per trip than other tourists worldwide and they can clean up a European branded store's inventory even during these hard times for most countries.

 

so yes, $$$ is the reason why RCCL sent 2 Quantum classes ships to China coz they have seen that the bookings on a Quantum ship for China is in demand as reflected by the prices I've been monitoring for quite a while.

 

My objective take on this decision? Why 2 Quantum ships on one region? Why not send an Oasis class instead for the Chinese market to try another type of ship??

 

Like in Europe, eventually all 3 Oasis class ships will go and have gone through there.. but not one have been to Asia....

 

I've seen RCCL's intention for this decision... but won't hurt for a little variety of ships per region for those in the area to try will certainly help keep the market happier.

Edited March 25, 2015 by roquejo

[Big_G]

No Waterslides. An INDOOR sports arena. No dance venue. A covered pool area and covered solarium. These aren't the warm weather ships Florida wants. If RCI thinks they can make the big bucks in China with these ships more power to them; they will help finance new builds more suited to warm weather markets in the future.

 

 

I understand why people here get peeved because they think they're missing out but you're right, it makes complete sense.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Debde]

The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, seriously:rolleyes:

 

Thank god the inmates don't run the prison!!

 

totally agree with your statement!!

Edited March 25, 2015 by Debde

[scooter90]

I'm probably in the minority here....but take the Athenem to FL. Give us a Freedom class ship that has been retrofitted with an option to open/close the solarium. Also expand some sailings from NJ...there have to be more options than Port Canaveral and Nassau....JMO.

[Mott1086]

Last I recall hearing, RCL skipped on the option for a fourth Quantum class...

[Bobal]

Well since Royal Caribbean official posted this I'm hoping they come back here to read the comments.

 

Disappointed that - apart from 3 days on Anthem - I won't get to experience Quantum class in the near future but have 2 questions to ask which I hope they will answer:

 

1. Will you be making the same alterations as you plan on Quantum - i.e. more casino/high end shops and less entertainment venues. Having recently sailed on an excellent cruise in the Far East (with Celebrity) I would like to do more Far East itineraries but not on a glorified casino and shopping ship.

 

2. Since you are taking away another opportunity to try Dynamic Dining - and yes there are many of us who really want something different - will you please stop pussy-footing around with Allure and Oasis and actually introduce it on there soon