By
Cherie Rowlands |
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines (RCCL) has confirmed it is negotiating for a third Oasis-type newbuild with delivery anticipated in 2016.
RCCL is expected to enter formal agreement with STX Finland shipyard in Turku, by the end of 2012. Both the 5,400-passenger Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas, the first two Oasis-class vessels for the cruise company, were built at the Finnish shipyard.
“The Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas have proven themselves to be exceptionally attractive ships by generating the highest guest satisfaction ratings in the fleet coupled with very compelling financial returns,” said RCCL chairman and CEO Richard Fain. “Ordering another such ship for delivery in 2016, at a lower cost, with better energy efficiency is very consistent with our balanced goals of prudent growth, return improvement and debt reduction.”
The new ship is expected to cost less on a per berth basis than either of the first two Oasis-class vessels, according to the cruise line's third-quarter earnings release on 25 October 2012.