Royal Caribbean in new cruise ship deal with Meyer Werft

Will Royal Caribbean Cruises’ latest newbuildings incorporate solar power? That’s an intriguing question given that the Miami-based cruiseship operator recently signed a letter of intent (LOI) with Germany’s Meyer Werft to build a new generation of 158,000 grt, 4,100-passenger cruise ship code-named “Project Sunshine.” The ship design was subject of more than a year of R&D.

The order calls for one ship to be delivered in the fall of 2014, with an option for a second ship for spring 2015. The new ship will carry just over 4,100 guests based on double occupancy. The estimated all-in cost per berth is about euro 170,000. This all-in cost includes the yard’s base contract price plus everything needed to design, operate and build the vessel, from architect fees to supervision costs and all loose inventories from computers to art and bed linens.

“Royal Caribbean has worked hard to earn a reputation of offering the most innovative ships in the cruise industry and this next generation will not disappoint,” said Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. “While we continue our policy of keeping our newest ideas and features under wraps during the early stages of construction, I can say that I am very excited about the passion and imagination that our teams have devoted to the project. Project Sunshine builds on the best ideas of our existing ships and adds exciting new activities and entertainment concepts.”

Fain also said: “I am also excited about the energy efficiency and environmental technologies which have been incorporated. Our existing ships are some of the most energy efficient in the world and Project Sunshine takes this one further step.”

The letter of intent is subject to customary conditions being satisfactorily met.

February 11, 2011