Comment: Robin Shaw, Royal Caribbean, on the arrival of Oasis of the Seas

Robin Shaw – Royal Caribbean Cruise Line UK and Ireland Vice President and Managing Director
It’s been a strange year for me, all told. I’ve lost count of the number of good friends and colleagues in the travel industry who have come up to check if I’m OK. “How are you coping?” they ask, as if I’ve just watched my dog get run over.

Most people seem to think the imminent arrival of Oasis of the Seas is weighing heavy on my mind. After all, you’d have to be worried – just think about filling all those staterooms!

The ink is still wet on Royal Caribbean International taking delivery of the world’s largest and most innovative cruise ship.  Setting sail in early November and making her first transatlantic crossing where she will finally be unveiled at her new home at Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, Florida at the end of this month, once again raising the bar in a sector that has been transformed over the last 15 years.

The figures surrounding Oasis of the Seas are astounding.  With 2,706 guest rooms, weighing in at more than 220,000 GRT and costing in the region of £800 million, it is probably no surprise that everyone is enquiring after my sanity.

There can be no doubting that the downturn has had an effect. There has been some discounting and overall yields across the company have declined, but what sets Royal Caribbean Cruise Line apart from many other travel businesses is that we really have something to look forward to with plenty to delight guests with.  

Oasis of the Seas is a good news story, not just for us but for cruising as a whole. From drawing board to first paying customer in less than six years – now that is stimulating the market.
The building work hasn’t just been going on in Finland, though. We’ve been building excitement and building a new customer base. 

The innovative features built into our ships are helping to expand the appeal of cruising to new audiences.  Thanks to the fantastic hardware being introduced and diverse itineraries being offered, the average age of our guests is early forties and getting younger which means the stereotypical customer is no longer our sole focus.  

Onboard facilities such as rock-climbing walls and surf simulators encourage first-timers an opportunity to see the versatility cruising offers encouraging them to give cruising a try. Oasis of the Seas takes that a step further by raising the general expectations of what can be found on a ship, as well as offering even greater value for money to consumers.

Of course, we have not ignored the vital role the trade plays in filling our ships. Royal Caribbean has invested heavily in training, sales support and incentives because we appreciate fully that our agents are among our greatest ambassadors.

Customers in the UK and across Europe are increasingly considering cruising as a genuine holiday choice and we are sure they will be out in force to experience Oasis of the Seas. 

If you are lucky enough to be invited to the launch celebrations – catch me and I’ll tell you how fine I’m feeling and I can tell you now that I’ll already be looking ahead to the other launches planned.

Robin Shaw, Royal Caribbean Crusie Line UK and Ireland vice-president and managing director