8-KRegulation FD

ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD 8-K Report, Regulation FD Disclosure (Jul 19, 2006)

Filed July 19, 2006For Securities:RCL

Summary

This 8-K filing from Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) announces a significant expansion of its Celebrity Cruises brand by ordering a third Solstice-class ship. This move underscores a strategic commitment to growth and innovation within the upscale cruise segment. The new vessel is scheduled for delivery in June 2010, joining two previously ordered Solstice-class ships set to launch in Fall 2008 and Summer 2009. The order with German shipbuilder Meyer Werft reinforces a strong partnership and highlights Celebrity's focus on delivering a differentiated, guest-centric experience with enhanced amenities and larger staterooms. This investment signals confidence in the future demand for premium cruising and the strength of the Celebrity brand.

Key Highlights

  • 1Celebrity Cruises, a subsidiary of RCL, has ordered a third new Solstice-class ship.
  • 2The new ship is scheduled for delivery in June 2010, expanding the Solstice-class fleet to three vessels.
  • 3The first two Solstice-class ships are slated for delivery in Fall 2008 and Summer 2009.
  • 4German shipbuilder Meyer Werft is contracted to build all three Solstice-class ships.
  • 5Each Solstice-class ship will accommodate 2,850 guests and feature enhanced amenities, larger staterooms, and a higher percentage of balconies.
  • 6The estimated all-in cost per berth for the new ship is approximately $245,000.
  • 7This order signifies a substantial investment and a commitment to the growth and innovation of the Celebrity brand.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main purpose of this 8-K filing is to announce that Celebrity Cruises, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., has ordered a third ship in its new Solstice Class. This is a significant expansion of their fleet and brand strategy.

The first Solstice-class ship, Celebrity Solstice, is planned for delivery in Fall 2008, the second, Celebrity Equinox, in Summer 2009, and the third ship ordered in this filing is scheduled for delivery in June 2010.

Each Solstice-class ship will be approximately 118,000 gross-registered-tons, designed to carry 2,850 guests. They are expected to feature larger standard staterooms, a higher percentage of balconies, and an extensive range of guest-inspired services and amenities.

The ships are being built by German shipbuilder Meyer Werft. Celebrity estimates the all-in cost of each ship to be approximately $245,000 per berth, based on current exchange rates.