Countdown begins for debut of new Oceania Cruise ships

Oceania Cruises and Fincantieri have announced that they have finalized the agreement for two new 1,260 guest mid-size cruise ships for delivery on September 30, 2010 and July 30, 2011, with an option for a third vessel to be delivered on May 30, 2012.

The total value of the contract, including the option for the third ship, is $1.6 billion dollars. The ships will be constructed at Fincantieri’s Sestre Ponente facility in Genoa, Italy.

Frank Del Rio, Chairman and CEO of Oceania Cruises said, “I am delighted to have finalized the contracts for these magnificent ships and I am confident that Oceania Cruises and Fincantieri will set new standards with the new Oceania Class when they debut in just a few short years.”

Now that all technical specifications have been finalized, Oceania Cruises and Fincantieri will now move forward with detailed design work for the interiors, with the world-renowned architectural firm of Yran & Storbratten having been retained to design the ships’ luxurious accommodations and dramatic public areas.

“Fincantieri and Oceania Cruises share a legacy of innovation and superior product delivery, and I am certain that our guests and travel agent partners will find that the new Oceania Class will elevate our upper premium experience to new heights,” stated Del Rio.

Steve Martinez of Apollo Management commented, “We are extremely pleased with the expedient manner in which Frank and the entire team at Oceania Cruises have finalized the agreement with Fincantieri.

Oceania Cruises has enjoyed tremendous success and we are confident that these spectacular new ships will further solidify their leadership position within the hospitality industry.”

The design specifications for the Oceania Class call for the vessels to be 782 feet long, 105 feet wide, with a draft of 24 feet, and will accommodate 1,260 guests on 11 guest decks.

The ships will feature 630 staterooms and suites that are on average, 50% larger than the Regatta Class; 98% of all guest accommodations will feature sweeping ocean views and 95% will boast oversized, private teak verandas. The ships will be powered by diesel-electric engines and operate with twin screw propellers, with a speed of 20 knots.

They will be equipped with two bow thrusters to enhance manoeuvrability, and will also be “green ships” employing the most advanced environmental systems and technology.  

“We are very happy and enthusiastic to start work on this new project and Fincantieri is a well-established leader in the cruise sector and is in a strong position to take up this challenge given the company’s wealth of expertise and experience in this field.”

“Moreover, these vessels will further extend our product range which spans from mega yachts of over 70 metres to cruise ships of more than 113,000 gross tons,” stated Giuseppe Bono, CEO of Fincantieri.

Report by The Mole

Related News Stories: