For example, Princess is paying $525 for Emerald Princess--a 116,000 ton ship from the same yard. And Eurodam is contracted at $450 million for 86,000 tons. All of these ships are being built at Fincantieri.

I would imagine [& hope] anything for Oceania is a fresh newlook and design throughout, not something already 'on the block'.

I know this ratio doesn't tell everything as the ship lay out, design, service, crew, food (...) are likely to relativise it. But it's anyway a good indication. I think we may guess this newbuilts will position below the "six stars" market and slightly above Celebrity and HAL products.

Anyway, it's very nice to see a new class of middle sized ships, and quite exciting to imagine what will be Oceania's first "home made" vessels.

Did anyone get a chance to read the comments on Seatrade Insider from Micky Arison on private equity investments? This was in response to Apollo taking over Oceania. A very high return is expected by these equity firms, and although they often infuse capital there is a price to pay. Control. It was an interesting article as my comprehension of exactly how these equity firms operate is vague.

quote:

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shipsnorway wrote:
Interestingly, the news item on the link I posted above has now been changed... But I guess it dosen't have to mean the newbuildings are off.

Cruise Business Review is usually a very reliable source.

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When I checked it earlier, before your last post, there was no news item. No one else as yet has published anything to do with Oceania's newbuilds. Maybe the press release was withdrawn. Tim at Oceania will tell us when it happens, I guess.

******

quote:

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Originally posted by bulbousbow:

When I checked it earlier, before your last post, there was no news item. No one else as yet has published anything to do with Oceania's newbuilds. Maybe the press release was withdrawn. Tim at Oceania will tell us when it happens, I guess.

******

Cheers

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They state it will be announced during a news conference on Wednesday. They go on to say that the multiple ship order was won by Fincantieri to be built at the Sestri Ponente yard for delivery starting in 2010.

There you have it!

quote:

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Originally posted by eroller:
Seatrade Insider is now reporting the expected newbuilds.

They state it will be announced during a news conference on Wednesday. They go on to say that the multiple ship order was won by Fincantieri to be built at the Sestri Ponente yard for delivery starting in 2010.

There you have it!

Ernie

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That's interesting. This was the lead article in Cruise news published earlier this evening.

I guess it must be true

hi malcolm,

i can't agree no more

therefore i'm really doubting this move by Oceania
or is it the Apollo management

I think Oceania really made inroads by their timing of introducing their 3 ships on a very even pace
and the fact that this R class ships were so suitable for their customers

their failure to succeed in obtaining any of the other 5 ships into their fleet (and no wonder these ships are very succesfull) and if i remember well
they once even did proclaim it.. caused quiet a gap
for a number of years for a next possible expansion

i doubt very much if their customers would like to cruise on a ship twice as big and even more
3 times as many passengers...

is this to make up for numbers?

quote:

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Originally posted by buddhaJoe:
i doubt very much if their customers would like to cruise on a ship twice as big and even more
3 times as many passengers...

b.Joe

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R class : 30000t, 700pax
New class: 65000t 1260pax

The ships will be 2,16 times bigger and there will only be 1,8 times more passengers, very far from 3 times.

[ 03-13-2007: Message edited by: Pascal ]

******

The ships will be 2,16 times bigger and there will only be 1,8 times more passengers, very far from 3 times.

UOTE] [/QUOTE]
Pascal,

you are right ofcourse, i did confuse the
silversea ships which carry 388 pax

however i don't believe that bigger is better......

OCEANIA CRUISES ENTERS INTO NEWBUILD AGREEMENT WITH FINCANTIERI

Two New 1,260-Guest Ships to Be Delivered in 2010 and 2011

Larger Version

Miami, FL, March 14, 2007 — Oceania Cruises announced today that it has entered into a memorandum of agreement with Italy’s Fincantieri shipyard that calls for the construction of two 1,260-guest, 65,000-ton ships to be delivered in the fall of 2010 and summer of 2011. The agreement includes an option for a third vessel to be delivered in 2012. The contract price for each vessel is $500 million dollars.

“This new class of elegant, mid-size ships will define upper-premium cruising for years to come and demonstrates our commitment to providing our guests and travel agent partners with an extraordinary onboard experience. We have elevated the onboard product in every area and as a result, guests will be able to dine in an unprecedented number of gourmet restaurants, and revel in the luxury of accommodations that will set a new standard in terms of size, spaciousness and comfort,” stated Frank Del Rio, Chairman and CEO of Oceania Cruises.

Designed by the world renowned architectural firm of Yran & Storbratten, the new Oceania-Class vessels will usher in new generation of luxurious, mid size cruise ships. Under the direction of Executive Architect, Gunnar Aaserud, the new Oceania-Class represents an evolution of the line’s extremely popular Regatta-Class ships. This new class of mid size cruise vessels will retain all of the warmth, popular design elements and signature amenities of the Regatta-Class while affording guests an additional level of comfort, convenience and many new luxury amenities. Designed to cruise to all corners of the globe, the new ships will boast a cruising speed 20% faster than the Regatta-Class. In addition to their greater speed, the Oceania-Class will have a greater range that enables them to undertake the itineraries to virtually any destination worldwide.

The new Oceania-Class vessels will set a new standard in culinary excellence, featuring six open-seating gourmet restaurants which boast the capacity to seat 150% of the ship’s guests in a single seating. The magnificent Grand Dining Room will be an opulent space crowned with a magnificent frescoed domed ceiling. The four specialty restaurants will feature the line’s signature Polo Grill and Toscana along with two new specialty dining venues, an elegant French bistro and a Pan-Asian restaurant.

These new ships have been designed with all the signature elements that guests and travel agents cherish, and the décor will be imbued with the same warmth and charm that the Regatta-Class is renowned for. Signature public spaces will include the Martinis, Horizons, The Patio, and a Grand Staircase that sweeps up both sides of the lobby. Public areas and accommodations will include rich wood paneling and granite accents, opulent furnishings and a museum quality art collection that will include many rare nautical antiques.

“With our new financial partners and this one billion dollar order, Oceania Cruises is poised to take its place as the market leader in upper-premium cruising. While the Regatta-Class ships have provided us with an exceptional foundation for the line and are extremely successful, the new Oceania-Class will be the perfect complement to our fleet and have been designed with all the signature features our unique and discerning guests love, plus new amenities to enhance their Oceania Cruises experience,” stated Del Rio.

The design specifications for the Oceania-Class call for the vessels to be 825 feet long, 105 feet wide, a draft of 23 feet, and accommodate 1,260 guests on 9 guest decks. The ships will feature 630 staterooms and suites that are on average, 50% larger than the Regatta-Class; 96% of all guest accommodations will feature sweeping ocean views and 93% will boast oversized, private teak verandas. The ships will be powered by diesel-electric engines and operate with twin screw propellers, with a service speed of 20 knots. They will be equipped with two bow thrusters to enhance maneuverability, and will also be “green ships” employing the most advanced environmental systems and technology.

Giuseppe Bono, Fincantieri's Chief Executive Officer, commented: "The agreement with Oceania Cruises proves that Fincantieri, with the experience and expertise developed in all these years as world leading cruise shipbuilder, is ready to enter the rapidly growing upscale market. With this project, Fincantieri is further enhancing its offerings to cover all market segments - from mega yachts to 130,000-ton cruise ships and over – along with "niche" products such as special "exploration" ships."

Del Rio said that travelers and travel agents seeking a truly exceptional cruise experience will be ecstatic when the ships are unveiled. “The addition of these spectacular new ships will provide greater opportunities for guests and travel agents alike and allow us to sate the pent up demand for our award-winning product,” added Del Rio.

About Oceania Cruises
Oceania Cruises is the world’s only upper-premium cruise line. Featuring a fleet of intimate and luxurious mid-sized ships, Regatta, Insignia and Nautica, Oceania Cruises sails to the most alluring ports in Europe, China and the Far East, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Central America and the Caribbean. Combining the finest cuisine at sea, exceptional personalized service, luxurious accommodations and extraordinary value, Oceania Cruises is setting a new, worldwide standard for luxury cruising. For additional information, to make a reservation, or to order a brochure, please contact your Travel Agent or Oceania Cruises at 800-531-5658. Visit us at OceaniaCruises.com.

SOURCE:
Oceania Cruises, Inc.

CONTACT:
Tim Rubacky
Director of Corporate Communications
Oceania Cruises, Inc.
+1-305-514-2311

[ 03-14-2007: Message edited by: joe at travelpage ]