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Quantum of the Seas delivered
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- Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä
- Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines
- Published: 28 October 2014 28 October 2014
Today (October 28, 2014) in Bremerhaven Meyer Werft delivered the 167,800 gross ton cruise ship Quantum of the Seas to the U.S. cruise operator Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (Miami).
The first ship of the Quantum class sets new standards in terms of eco-friendliness. It features highly energy-efficient systems, optimised hydrodynamics, heat recovery, an effective underwater paint coating, a state-of-the-art exhaust gas treatment plant (hybrid scrubber) as well as energy-saving LED lighting systems.
Sophisticated alarm, safety and communication systems combined with the latest technology in propulsion and navigation are typical for Royal Caribbean cruise ships. The same high standard applies to entertainment and interiors.
The theatre is equipped with stage technology which has yet to find its peer ashore. Relax with a book at ”Two 70” and come back at night for a spectacular aerial show. The North Star on deck 17 allows the guests to travel in a glass gondola at a height of 90 m above sea level where they can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view. On deck 17 aft the RipCord simulates parachuting at sea both for beginners or seasoned parachuters. Surf aficionados may want to look for the perfect wave high above water level on the FlowRider on deck 16.
As to interiors, the Quantum leaves nothing to be desired. 4,180 guests can be accommodated in 2,090 cabins, and are taken care of by a crew of approx. 1,550. On board of the Quantum-class ships the traditional main restaurant has been replaced by dynamic dining, where the guests rotate in five different restaurants which are included in the cruise rate, and which offer a wide culinary variety. All told, the guests can choose from 18 restaurants on board, among them Jamie’s Italian, the first restaurant at sea of the British chef Jamie Oliver. Plenty of shops, bars, lounges and spacious spa and wellness areas as well as spectacular open-deck areas and facilities offer endless pastime opportunities. “Seaplex” features the largest indoor activity area at sea that offers entertainment like bumper cars, roller skating, a competition-size basketball court as well as a circus school.
The “Two70”° stretches from deck 4 to 6, a spacious area offering a 270-degree panoramic view of the sea. The “Two270°” combines entertainment and technology which allows the guests to travel smoothly from day to night.
Art lovers will appreciate impressive works of art, among them “From Afar”, a very special polar bear installed on deck 15 which consists of 1,430 metal triangles.
The Quantum of the Seas is another milestone by Royal Caribbean that will create a “wow” affect among its guests. The ship will depart from Bremerhaven to Southampton on 28 October 2014, from where she will set off to her Atlantic crossing on 2 November. The maiden voyage is scheduled for 23 November from New York (Cape Liberty) to the Bahamas.
RCCL’s Europe yields enjoy third year of double digit year growth
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- Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen
- Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines
- Published: 24 October 2014 24 October 2014
European itineraries of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCCL), the world’s second largest cruise shipping group, have enjoyed their third consecutive year of double digit yield growth in 2014 despite a weak economic environment, noted Robin Farley, cruise industry analyst at UBS Securities in New York.
"Europe this year had its third year of double-digit yield increase even with Black Sea and Holy Land impact, and will end the year with European pricing 5% ahead of 2008 peak. Demand from Europeans this year and next year is higher despite economic slowing,” she said in a research note. TUI Cruises, a joint venture with TUI AG in Germany, is growing yield faster than RCCL's consolidated fleet with its new tonnage.
In Asia, China will account for 10% of the group’s 2015 summer capacity, and Asia overall will be 15% of deployments up from 12%. RCCL still pursuing conversations with C-Trip about China cruising joint venture. The Chinese company acquired celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Century earlier this autumn.
RCCL says 2015 outlook encouraging as Europe itineraries sell well
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- Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen
- Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines
- Published: 24 October 2014 24 October 2014
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCCL), the world’s second largest cruise shipping company, said the both Europeans and Americans are keen to book 2015 European cruises and that the outlook for next year is encouraging
The company is experiencing strong early booking trends for 2015. “Booked load factors and APDs are higher than same time last year and the booking window has extended. Europe sailings are off to a particularly good start, with strong booking trends from North America and from Europe. Caribbean pricing pressure continues through the first quarter, but we expect it to improve thereafter,” the company said in a statement.
“It is early days yet, but the view looking forward is very encouraging and the company is optimistic that 2015 will be the sixth consecutive year for yield growth. The company has sufficient visibility into 2015 to say that it is comfortable with the Street consensus of $4.55 per share. That would represent more than a 30% increase over this year's record profitability,” RCCL said.
"We anticipate another record year in 2015, an important step on the way to DOUBLE-DOUBLE," said Richard D. Fain, chairman and chief executive officer. "Our strategy continues to drive better revenues, and coupled with cost discipline and moderate growth, we will continue to excel."
RCCL on track seen in July as Europe, Asia shine
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- Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen
- Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines
- Published: 24 October 2014 24 October 2014
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCCL), the world’s second largest cruise shipping company, said the outlook for the rest of 2014 remains as foreseen in July, with strong markets in Europe and Asia offsetting weakness in the Caribbean.
"Despite the usual swings, the trajectory for 2014 continues along the path described three months ago," said Jason T. Liberty, chief financial officer. "Our satisfaction with the positive results in Europe and Asia continues unabated, as does our eagerness to lap the highly promotional Caribbean environment."
Bookings since the July earnings release have been solid and the company continues to be booked ahead of last year in both load factor and APD. Double-digit yield improvements on Europe and China sailings continue to offset the continuation of a highly promotional Caribbean environment.
The company expects full year adjusted EPS to be approximately $3.45 per share. Constant-Currency Net Yields are expected to increase approximately 2.5%, consistent with the mid-point of previous guidance. NCC excluding fuel are expected to be flat to slightly down on a Constant-Currency basis, consistent with prior guidance.
In the final quarter, Constant-Currency Net Yields are expected to be up approximately 3.5% in the fourth quarter of 2014 and NCC excluding fuel are expected to be up in the range of 2% to 3%. TUI Cruises' additional capacity continues to be a key contributor to earnings for the fourth quarter. Based on current fuel pricing, interest rates and currency exchange rates and the factors detailed above, the company expects fourth quarter Adjusted EPS to be in the range of $0.35 to $0.40 per share.
RCCL third quarter net profit reaches $490.2 million
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- Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen
- Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines
- Published: 24 October 2014 24 October 2014
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCCL, the world’s second largest cruise shipping group, reported third quarter results and provided a preliminary outlook for 2015.
Group net profit rose to $490.2 million in the third quarter from $365.7 million in the same period last year, while revenues increased to $2.39 billion from $2.31 billion.
In the first nine months of the year, the profit increased to $654.4 million from $466.7 million, while revenues reached$6.25 billion, an increase from $6.10 billion a year earlier.
The company said early books for 2015 are robust and that it expects earnings of $4.55 per share for next year.
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