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CRUISE EUROPE 2013
oyal Caribbean has named its two new 4,100-passenger Quantum Class ships Quantum of the Seas (autumn 2014), and Anthem of the Seas (spring 2015). Although destined at 167,000 to be the second largest cruise ships in the world compared with 154,407 tons for Freedom Class and 225,282 tons for the two gargantuan Oasis class ships, the Quantum class will carry less passengers (4,100) than the 4,370 passenger Freedom class (of which Independence of the Seas, is a frequent visitor to Cobh) and well below the 5,400-passengers carried on the Oasis class at full double occupancy. Royal Caribbean says the first piece of steel for the first of its two Project Sunshine vessels was cut this month at a shipyard in Germany. Royal Caribbean CEO Adam Goldstein says in a statement: “After three years of design and advance planning, this is the first step of the construction of the ship, and I look forward to seeing it all come together in the coming months. The new ship will be such a leap forward in terms of vessel design and guest experiences that we thought the name Quantum of the Seas was perfectly appropriate." “While the Oasis class ships have been a notable success, commanding premium pricing, the line needs a mix of different size ships to allow for flexibility in itinerary planning. Royal Caribbean currently operates 22 vessels spread among six classes that range in size from about 69,000 tons to 225,282 tons.
What your clients should know
Size matters Third ship in biggest in the world class to be built The 5,400 passenger Allure and Oasis of the Seas are the biggest ships on the ocean Apart from tonnage and passenger numbers, which suggest it will be similar to the Freedom Class in size but not in design, the line otherwise has released few details about the ships. The ships are being built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.
2013
J
ust four giant cruise ships are due for delivery next year, the lowest total since the 2008. They will include the stylish Norwegian Breakaway, joint third largest ship on the seas with its sister Epic. This will be surpassed in late 2014 by two 4,100 passenger Project Sunshine ships from
Royal Caribbean which to be delivered six months apart, the second largest class of passenger ships behind Royal Caribbean International’s existing two giants, the 5,400 passenger Oasis and Allure. Norwegian Cruise Line will launch Project Breakaway Plus in 2015 to reclaim third place.
Eight large ships were delivered in 2007, four in 2008, eight in 2009, six in 2010, six in 2011 and seven in 2012. The number of international cruise customers is expected to rise again this year. Carnival ordered a 4,000-capacity ship, and Holland America a 2,660passenger vessel.
THE CRUISE LINE: BUILDS OVER NEXT FOUR YEARS
n MSC Preziosa - 3,502 passengers n Norwegian Breakaway - 4,028 passengers n AIDAstella - 2,192 passengers n Europa 2 - 516 passengers n Avalon Artistry II - 164 passengers n Scenic Jewel - 169 passengers n Royal Princess - 3,600 passengers n Le Soleal - 264 passengers
2014
n Regal Princess - 3,600 passengers n Unnamed Viking Ocean Cruises - 888 passengers
n Norwegian Getaway - 4.028 passengers n Unnamed Tui Cruises - 2,500 passengers n Project Sunshine Royal Caribbean 4,100 passengers n Unnamed Costa Cruises - 4,000+ passengers
2015
n Unnamed P&O - 3,611 passengers n Unnamed AIDA Cruises - 3,250 passengers n Project Sunshine Royal Caribbean II 4,100 passengers n Unnamed Viking Ocean Cruises -
Get closer to beautiful shores and dramatic coastlines ON A HURTIGRUTEN VOYAGE
888 passengers n Norwegian Breakaway Plus 4,200 passengers n Unnamed Holland America - 2,660 passengers
2016
n Unnamed Carnival Cruise Lines 4,000 passengers n Unnamed AIDA Cruises - 3,250 passengers n Titanic II - 1,680 passengers n Third Oasis Class ship Royal Caribbean - 5,400 passengers
From the magnificent Norwegian fjords to the ice-filled bays of Antarctica, Hurtigruten is renowned for its voyages to some of the most remotely beautiful and dramatic coastlines on the planet. And this year, we’ve got even more reason to celebrate our history for the year 1893 saw the first Hurtigruten ship begin its course along the Norwegian coastline. 120 years later, Hurtigruten’s voyages and port-to-port travel have become an integral part of Norwegian coastal life. We’d love you to celebrate our anniversary with us on board! From winter’s Northern Lights to summer’s Midnight Sun, Norway is a fascinating destination to visit all year round. We also offer a choice of expedition voyages to the frozen lands of Svalbard, Greenland, Antarctica as well as a selection of European voyages that embrace the continent’s cultural traditions. And through programmes of enlightening, exciting and pre-bookable excursions the true diversity of the lands, histories and cultures can be fully appreciated. Get closer to the real Norway on a Hurtigruten voyage.
In search of the Northern Lights – Arctic Highlights voyage 6 days including direct flights from Belfast, departs on 30 January 2014
Sailing through breathtaking landscapes
To book please call 01
V7545
The magical Northern Lights
Spitsbergen
The mesmerising Midnight Sun
607 4420 visit your local agent