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5,400-passenger cruise ship plan by Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean Cruises has placed an order for the world’s largest cruise ship carrying 5,400 passengers for around £615 million.
The 220,000-gross-ton ship will be 1,180 feet long, 154 feet wide and 240 feet high – far outstripping any existing passenger vessel and double the size of most existing cruise ships.
To be developed under the project name Genesis, the new ship will be bigger than Royal Caribbean’s Voyager and Freedom-class vessels and is due for delivery in autumn 2009.
The company said it estimated the all-in cost of the ship to be approximately $230,000 per berth or roughly comparable per berth to a Freedom-class ship, despite it being a prototype with “significant advancements”.
The contract with Finnish shipyard Aker is contingent upon the completion of certain conditions by the end of the month. Royal Caribbean also has an option for a second ship.
Company chairman and CEO Richard Fain said: “It is exhilarating to take such a giant step into the future. We are fortunate to have such gifted collaborators as Aker Yards, and such valued supporters and advisors as our guests and trade partners.
“Project Genesis truly is a remarkable ship. Its bold design, daring innovations and technological advancements will delight our existing cruisers and help us draw in new ones.”
Yrjo Julin, president of Aker Yards Cruise and Ferries, added: “After developing so many generations of cruise ships together, we are excited about jumping so far out in front of cruise-ship design with this highly innovative and exciting ship.
“Working together, we will create an unparalleled experience for the next generation of cruisers.”
No details have been given about where the megaliner will operate, although 3,600-passenger Freedom will sail the Caribbean from Miami when it enters service in June after a preview call in Southampton.
Report by Phil Davies
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