Navigator of the Seas Arrives in Miami Following Huge Refit

Posted on 2 March, 2019 by Spacejunkie2

Royal Caribbean International’s newly amplified Navigator of the Seas is in Miami following a $115 million refit aimed at the important short-cruise market.

Among the features are new waterslides, a new poolside area, new retail and restaurants and much more.

“We have really dialled up the adventure and Caribbean vibes in ways that will make Navigator of the Seas the ultimate getaway to take from Miami,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Independence and Mariner of the Seas, the first two modernized ships in our Royal Amplified program, have quickly become standout hits, and Navigator builds on this momentum with a combination of new, exciting features and signature Royal Caribbean offerings that will surprise and delight guests cruising with us for the first time and those who have vacationed with us before.”

The Navigator of the Seas is the third ship to be reimagined as part of the Royal Amplified modernization program, an investment of more than $1 billion in the cruise line’s fleet and part of the booming drydock market.

The effort spans 10 ships in four years and touches every facet of the guest experience with the introduction of a wide range of new thrills and Royal Caribbean staples meant to appeal to every generation, the company said.

Beginning Friday, March 1, Navigator will sail five- and 9-night Caribbean itineraries through May 2019.

The ship will then set course for The Bahamas with three-night weekend and four-night weekday cruises, including visits to the cruise line’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Beginning May 2019, each sailing onboard Navigator of the Seas will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay

Sixth Oasis class mega ship ordered by Royal Caribbean

Posted on 19 February, 2019 by Spacejunkie2

Image result for Harmony of the Seas

A sixth Oasis class mega cruise ship is due to be delivered to Royal Caribbean International in autumn 2023.

Parent company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd yesterday revealed that it has entered into an agreement with French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique to order the latest in the family of giant vessels.

The ships, reputed to cost more than $1 billion each to build, are capable of carrying 6,680 passengers.

The Oasis class ships made their debut a decade ago with Oasis of the Seas followed by Allure of the Seas.

Harmony of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas have since entered service for the line.

The line’s fifth Oasis-class ship is due for delivery in spring 2021.

The new order is contingent upon financing, which is expected to be completed in the second or third quarter of this year, according to the company.

RCCL chairman and CEO Richard Fain said: “It is such a pleasure to announce the order of another Oasis-class ship.

“This order is a reflection of the exceptional performance of this vessel class and the extraordinary partnership between Chantiers de l’Atlantique and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.”

The French shipyard’s general manager Laurent Castaing added: ”This is the 23rd cruise ship that Royal Caribbean will be building at our shipyard, and we are especially proud of it.

“The order reflects the confidence our customer puts on us, based on the exceptional quality of our long-term co-operation between the two companies and on our capacity to bring innovative solutions to meet our customer’s expectations.”

RCCL brands operate a combined total of 60 ships with an additional 16 on order.

Royal Caribbean International reveals the name of the second Quantum Ultra class ship

Posted on 4 February, 2019 by Spacejunkie2

Royal Caribbean International reveals name of second Quantum Ultra class ship

Royal Caribbean International will name its second Quantum Ultra class ship Odyssey of the Seas when it launches next year.

The decision was announced as the first piece of steel was cut for the vessel at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, on Friday.

Odyssey of the Seas will sail from the United States after it launches in fall 2020. Additional details will be revealed later this year, the line said.

The first Quantum Ultra class ship, Spectrum of the Seas, is slated to launch in spring 2019.

Quantum Ultra class is only slightly larger than Quantum class.

Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, and Ovation of the Seas currently make up the Quantum class ships in the entire Royal Caribbean fleet.

Each ship is 168,666 gross tons compared to Quantum Ultra class vessels which are 168,800 gross tons.