Summary
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) announced on September 8, 2004, that it has exercised its option to build a second Ultra Voyager-class ship. This new vessel is scheduled for delivery in the spring of 2007 and will operate under the Royal Caribbean International brand. This decision reflects the company's strategy of investing in larger, innovative ships to meet market demand and enhance its fleet. The second Ultra Voyager will be approximately 15 percent larger than its Voyager-class predecessors, accommodating 3,600 guests and 1,400 crew members at full capacity. The company highlighted that despite unfavorable foreign exchange rates, the cost efficiencies gained from building a sister ship will result in an all-in dollar cost comparable to the first Ultra Voyager, scheduled for delivery in spring 2006. This move underscores RCL's commitment to innovation and expanding its premium offerings.
Key Highlights
- 1RCL exercised its option to build a second Ultra Voyager-class ship.
- 2The new ship is slated for delivery in Spring 2007.
- 3It will be operated by the Royal Caribbean International brand.
- 4The second Ultra Voyager will be roughly 15% larger than its Voyager-class counterparts, carrying 3,600 guests and 1,400 crew at 100% capacity.
- 5Building a sister ship offers beneficial cost efficiencies, with an all-in dollar cost similar to the first Ultra Voyager.
- 6The first Ultra Voyager is scheduled for delivery in Spring 2006.