Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE, OSE: RCL) announced today that it has signed a contract with the Meyer Werft shipyard to construct a third Quantum-class cruise ship for delivery in mid-2016. The price and terms of the new ship are similar to the price and terms of the first two Quantum-class ships and the contract is subject to financing conditions.
The company recently unveiled details of this new class of ship and was gratified by the public response to the design innovations. It also said that the new design included an advantageous configuration which includes a greater proportion of higher priced staterooms and that it achieves some of the greatest energy efficiencies at sea.
“We are creating a compelling experience for vacationers with innovative design, winning service, and appealing destinations around the world,” said Richard D. Fain, chairman and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Brian J. Rice, vice chairman added, “This order follows our stated goals of moderate growth, driving improved returns and leading to an investment grade rating.”
“We are encouraged by the very positive response we received from travel agents and consumers when we first announced some of the unprecedented offerings on Quantum Class last month,” said Adam Goldstein, president and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean International. “The Quantum class will offer vacationers more unexpected activities in the most extraordinary spaces, and a third ship will offer even more opportunities for vacationers to experience Quantum cruising.”
The yet-unnamed Quantum-class vessel will join the Royal Caribbean International fleet, alongside Quantum of the Seas, which will make its maiden voyage in 2014, and Anthem of the Seas, scheduled to debut in 2015.
Quantum ships span 16 decks, encompass 167,800 gross registered tons, carry 4,180 guests at double occupancy and feature 2,090 staterooms. Quantum cruising will dazzle guests with never-before onboard features, such as a skydiving experience, a thrilling adventure that transports guests more than 300 feet in the air on a breathtaking journey; cutting-edge transformative venues including the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea with bumper cars, roller skating and more; and the cruise line’s largest and most advanced staterooms. These new, larger staterooms enable innovation in design, storage and comfort, including the industry’s first interior staterooms with Virtual Balconies, ensuring that every stateroom on Quantum of the Seas will have a view. To see the reveal film that introduces at-sea “firsts” to debut on the Quantum Class, please go to http://tinyurl.com/pyhh6ff.
“We are excited to construct these tremendous ships to meet guests’ demand for an exceptional cruise experience,” said Bernard Meyer, managing partner Meyer Werft. Meyer continued, “And we are honored by our long partnership with Royal Caribbean, a true innovator in modern ship design.”
Including today’s contract and existing ship orders, projected capital expenditures for 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 are $700 million, $1.2 billion, $1.2 billion and $2.1 billion, respectively. Including Quantum III, the company’s capacity growth rate from 2012 to 2017 will be approximately 4% per annum.
