Royal Caribbean Cruises to come up with ‘next-gen’ ships

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., known for offering the most innovative ships in the cruise industry, has signed a letter of intent with Papenburg-based shipyard Meyer Werft to build two new generation Royal Caribbean International cruise ships, adding to its fleet of 40 ships, the company said on Friday.

The global cruise vacation company that operates Royal Caribbean International cruises, celebrity cruises and more, will develop the new ship under Project Sunshine, one of which will be ready by fall 2014, followed by the second vessel to be delivered in 2015 spring.

The new vessel will be based on double occupancy and accommodate up to 4,100 guests on board, the company said.

The Miami-based Royal Caribbean Cruises operates 40 cruise ships and also offers land-tour vacations across Alaska, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Dubai, Europe and South America. Known for their innovative technologies in the cruise industry, Project Sunshine ships will have travelers and industry experts looking forward to new cruise offerings in the coming years.

According to the Royal Caribbean cruise line, the new vessels will be “new generation” ships in many innovative ways - housing exciting new activities and entertainment concepts to environment friendly factors.

“It will offer features for everyone: from grand, spectacular spaces to small intimate settings; from active, invigorating activities to the serenity of more personal space; and from a plethora of dining alternatives to a cornucopia of opportunities for families,” Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. said.

Pollution from ships is a major concern for environmentalists as ship pollution affects marine biodiversity, coastal areas and is indirectly linked to human health and climate change.

Fain said the cruise line has incorporated the latest, cutting edge energy efficiency and environmental technologies for developing the new ships.

“Our existing ships are some of the most energy efficient in the world and Project Sunshine takes this one further step. Based on our over 20 years of experience with Meyer Werft, along with their compelling proposal, we know they will deliver on all of the innovations Royal Caribbean's guests have come to expect, he said.