By
Rebecca Gibson |
Royal Caribbean International has ordered a fifth Quantum-class ship from German shipyard Meyer Werft.
Due for delivery in autumn 2020, the newbuild will join sister ships Quantum of the Seas, which was launched in November 2014; Anthem of the Seas, which was christened in February 2015; Ovation of the Seas, currently under construction at the Meyer Werft yard and due for delivery in spring 2016; and a yet-to-be-named fourth Quantum-class ship, which will be delivered in 2019.
“It is such a pleasure to announce the order of another Quantum-class ship as we are welcoming Anthem of the Seas to North America,” said Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “These ships have been received with excitement, and performed exceptionally well, across the globe. We fully expect that momentum to continue as we add to this innovative class of ships.”
Based upon current ship orders, Royal Caribbean’s projected capital expenditures for 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 are US$1.6 billion, US$2.4 billion, US$0.5 billion, US$2.5 billion and US$1.4 billion, respectively. Capacity increases for the same years are expected to be 5.4%, 6.4%, 3.4%, 3.7% and 6.6% respectively.
“At Royal Caribbean we are focused on continuously improving efficiency and sustainability, and the fifth Quantum class vessel will be clear evidence of this," said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, at Royal Caribbean International. “Of equal importance is our ability to consistently surpass guest expectations, and we are harnessing the power of the latest technology to do so on this ship.”