For Royal Caribbean: Bigger is Better X2

     
       If you have any interest in the cruise industry, from the occasional cruiser to the most hard core fan of cruising; you have heard of Royal Caribbean Line's ships, the Oasis of the Seas and the Allure of the Seas.  These two mega ships, each capable of carrying more than 5400 passengers, are the largest cruise ship ever built.  Even though they are very popular with travelers and command a premium price, they also have many detractors because of their size and inward ship focus.  Well, love em or hate em, Royal Caribbean is doubling down.  It has ordered not one, but two new ships of the Oasis-class, each in fact will be larger than the existing vessels.

       According to a report from Reuters, Royal Caribbean has just ordered a 4th ship of the Oasis-class to be built for delivery in 2018.  The 3rd ship in the series was ordered last year and is scheduled to go into service in 2016.  The two vessels will be built in France, and at 225,300 tonnes, will be larger than the existing ships, capable of carrying over 6000 passengers.  Each ship is budgeted to cost $1.8 billion.  Overall Royal Caribbean has increased its ship building budget from $5 billion to $6.8 billion thru 2018.

       No matter what you think of the Oasis-class vessels, just based on their sheer size and capacity, they will have a huge impact on the cruise industry.  Very few ports can handle ships of that size.  But with a booming demand for cruises in Asia, the cruise industry is responding by adding more capacity in that region.  Royal Caribbean has just reported it will send its newest ship, Quantum of the Seas, to China year round starting in 2015, after it was reported the Chinese are building a brand new port terminal for her.  Other ports in Asia and the Caribbean are reported to be expanding their port capacities in order to handle the larger vessels.  In the US, Port Canaveral in Florida is planning to build a brand new terminal and 1000 space parking garage for Royal Caribbean; for the rumoured new home port for one of the Oasis-class ships.

Coming Soon to a Port Near You

       This is a great time to take a cruise.  Coming to a port near you, many of the cruise lines are bringing a spectacular new generation of cruise ships which will revolutionize the cruise industry.  With new innovations, fantastic new levels of service, revolutionary new activities, specialty dining, and more; these new ships will set a new standard  sure to please both the first time and experienced cruiser.  Here is a sampling of what you get to look forward too.

       With the launch of the Norwegian Breakaway last year, cruising out of New York year round, a whole new standard was set for Norwegian Cruise Line. Just entering service, and sailing year round out of Miami is the sister ship, the Norwegian Getaway.  They will will be joined by two other ships in the new Breakaway Plus class; the Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Bliss, scheduled for 2015 and 2017.

       Royal Caribbean International is set to change what can be offered on a cruise ship with the launch of the Quantum of the Seas, sailing year round from New York, in the Fall of 2014.  She will be followed by her sister, Anthem of the Sea in the Spring of 2015.  Also planned are new Oasis and Quantum-class ships to be launched in 2016.

       Carnival Cruise Line is set to take its popular "Fun Ship 2.0" program to the next level with the Carnival Vista.  This 4000 passenger ship will make its debut in 2016.

       Princess Cruise Line wants you to "Comeback New" in their new flagship, the Royal Princess.  After the successful launch last year, she will be joined by her sister, Regal Princess, when she enter service in June.  She will feature the popular "Seawalk", which towers 128 feet over the ocean.

       Holland America has announced a new ship for early 2016.  It will be the first of a new design which will redefine the word "elegant".

       This year Viking Cruises launched an unprecedented 14  for their Viking River Cruises.  In addition, Viking Cruises will make a spectacular entrance on the ocean with Viking Star; setting sail in 2015.

       If you love luxury cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises has an eagerly awaited addition to its fleet, Seven Seas Explorer, debuting in 2016.