I wonder if this could be the 4th Freedom class ship, or a new series of ships. I could see them doing a hybrid of the Oasis class and the Freedom class. Possibly incorporating a much smaller version of Central Park, or a very open aft area that could have gardens and pools.

At this point, I think it time for Majesty and Monarch to join their sister in the Pullmantur fleet. They just can compare with the rest of the RCL fleet anymore, not even the vision class.

I think the 'Oasis' class represents the limit of maritime technology and imagination at present, especially given the dark clouds of recession. Therefore I do not think RCI will be build bigger for at least a few years - if ever? (One day the bubble will burst!)

I certainly like the idea of a new class of smaller RCI ships. Let's not forget that not everybody is excited by 220,000 gt floating resorts.

I am a fan of the 'Radiance' class which production was terminated in favour of the Voyager class and bigger. Of course Azamara fills the gap for much smaller ships - I'm talking around 90,000 gt.

I think the people that would be attracted to smaller RCI ships are not worried about Ice Rinks and Flow Riders. Therefore I picture a more traditional designed of ship.

As for the old RCI tonnage, I think the Carnival/QE2 principle applies: If the ships are still economical to maintain and the bookings keep coming, they will retain them. If there is an increase in empty berths across the fleet, they will lose them.

I do wonder if the introduction of two big new ships actually increases the number of RCI passengers or just sucks passengers from other RCI ships?

[ 12-16-2010: Message edited by: Malcolm @ cruisepage ]

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Originally posted by Malcolm @ cruisepage:

I do wonder if the introduction of two big new ships actually increases the number of RCI passengers or just sucks passengers from other RCI ships?

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I would think if they were going to consider flexibility in this decision, it might be a hybrid between the Radiance class and Voyager class....both of which have been very successful. Perhaps something in the 115K GRT range? This would probably be around 2,500 pax. Only problem with this logic, is that it is contrary to the report which started the thread.

[ 12-16-2010: Message edited by: JohnHJ ]

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Originally posted by LeBarryboat:
I wonder if retractible domes on ships are a thing of the past?

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If not retractable Barry, then at least a closed area like the Solstice class. I think it still remains necessary for a ship that has the potential to sail in all climates.

BTW Barry, what is the wireless Mic you use in your videos and is it still available somewhere?

Thanks,

quote:

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Originally posted by LeBarryboat:
I wonder if retractible domes on ships are a thing of the past?

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I wonder whether we might see a variation of that in the future. For a ship similar to Oasis or Allure it would be attractive to be able to cover large areas like 'Central Park' e.g. when the ship is deployed to another region. Of course, this can not be achieved with a roof stored aboard. However, one could leave such covers ashore in a convenient location and hoist them aboard the ship when needed (e.g. before a repositioning cruise to another region). Such 'temporary' elements could of course go beyond roofs and include other features possibly even 'interior space'. This way one could 'rebuild' or adopt a ship for (slightly) different purposes without having to live with a compromise all the time.

[ 12-18-2010: Message edited by: Ernst ]

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Originally posted by hydrojim:

BTW Barry, what is the wireless Mic you use in your videos and is it still available somewhere?

Thanks,

Jim

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Jim, I use an Olympus LS-10 for my videos and my audio show. I've been told it looks like mickey mouse with the two microphones that stick out the top. Of course in addition to making the actual recording, I always master the audio using Logic Express for the best possible audio. Oh, and it's NOT wireless. I have to sinc the audio separately from the video camera audio.

I can see RCI expanding on the boardwalk concept, but maybe not the water theater area.

[ 12-20-2010: Message edited by: LeBarryboat ]

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Originally posted by goodclicks:
Celebrity widening the hull of the last Solstice class ship suggests to me that it will be the basis for any new 4000 passenger RCL design.

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Originally posted by Magic Pipe:

But the Solstice class hull is proprietary to Meyer Werft. If the new Royal Caribbean ships are built by STX, they will have to start with a clean sheet.

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Harri Kulovaara, evp maritime for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. speaks of some ideas we might see in the future. He also mentions how this lag in newbuild orders is allowing him (and his team) time to R&D new ideas that may be used on future Royal Caribbean/Celebrity newbuilds.

One thing that I think is here to stay (at least for Royal Caribbean) is the large atrium space (aka the Royal Promenade). It appears they are quite pleased with this concept (as well as the passengers) so it's likely to continue on RCI newbuilds.

You can read the entire article at this link:
Click Here

Ernie

[ 12-20-2010: Message edited by: eroller ]

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Originally posted by eroller:
One thing that I think is here to stay (at least for Royal Caribbean) is the large atrium space (aka the Royal Promenade).

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An interesting link Ernie, thanks for sharing.

I'm surprised that none of the other major cruise lines have adopted the 'Royal Prom' type concept.

"posted 12-18-2010 04:58 AM In finnish press is strong rumours that VikingLine will anounce the new ship order jet before christmas, thats next week. The company say's they have a LNG supplier in sweden and looks like they are gonna get the environmental support from finnish goverment, so it all looks green for now.

And possible RCI order early next year... lets hope it will be those 7 ship, new class replacing vision class, wow we have something to hope for, maybe its gonna be christmas this year after all."

If RCI is looking at replacing the oldest tonnage, i.e. Majesty, and Monarch, as well as splendor and Legend, they wouldn't necessarily want ships as big as Voyager or Freedom. Once agin, the size of the Solstice class would be a nice fit for replacing those ships. New amenities, fresh design, carry over some current favorites of the other class vessels, and you would have a big winner.

Ernie, I just came back from the 10 Equinox southern caribbean cruise, and the ship really impressed me. Great feel to the design, nicely thought out, very comfortable. The only down side was this particular week the ship was being used as an retirement home. The oxygen, walker, and scooter crowd dominated 70% of this cruise, and found reason to complain about most everything. in 30 cruises I have never see anything quite like this… it was interesting to say the least.

Anyway, I'm really looking forward to what ever the new design will be, and it is certainly interesting to speculate based on bit's of info. I'e nice to have some new ship excitement. Maybe in January we will hear some news of the new builds.

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Originally posted by hydrojim:

Ernie, I just came back from the 10 Equinox southern caribbean cruise, and the ship really impressed me. Great feel to the design, nicely thought out, very comfortable. The only down side was this particular week the ship was being used as an retirement home. The oxygen, walker, and scooter crowd dominated 70% of this cruise, and found reason to complain about most everything. in 30 cruises I have never see anything quite like this… it was interesting to say the least.

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I'm glad you enjoyed EQUINOX. This class of ship is really exceptional isn't it? Absolutely one of my favorites. For a while it was all doom and gloom for Celebrity, and I'm pleased to say I think they found their "happy place".

The passenger demographic you describe sounds more like Holland America, but it can happen on Celebrity too (longer cruises during the Winter months). On one HAL cruise I was nearly run over by a motorized scooter. Amazing! They were everywhere and the cabin corridor was more like an obstacle course.

I'm not sure what it is about cruises that prompts people to complain excessively. I mean what is there really to complain about, and would that level of complaining happen at an equivalent hotel? I doubt it. I've found the complainers always claim their last cruise was so much better, regardless of the line. Of course on their next cruise they will rave about how much better EQUINOX was. Go figure. Some people just love to complain and they often try to recruit anyone that will listen and complain with them. I ignore them and when someone starts to complain, I try to change the subject or quickly excuse myself.

quote:

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Originally posted by Malcolm @ cruisepage:
So when did RCI last have no newbuilds on the books?

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In the last two decades, there have only been three years that Royal Caribbean did not introduce a new ship. 1993, 1994, and 2005.

FYI in 2011 Royal Caribbean will be the largest cruise line in Europe, overtaking Costa in capacity. Interesting turn of events ... a cruise line with "Caribbean" in the name, being the largest cruise line in Europe.

I can only see this relates to the period over the summer months. The wording is ambiguous.
RCI, Costa and MSC all have 11 vessels in Europe over the main summer period with 2 berth capacities totalling, 29694, 26996 and 24044 respecitvely.

You can however bet your bottom $ £ € or whatever, that Costa and maybe MSC too, will actually carry more passengers overall with the extra 3 & 4 berth offers for families, children free etc.

quote:

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Originally posted by PamM:
The statement:-
"Our offerings in Europe next year are a remarkable step for Royal Caribbean. With Liberty of the Seas in Barcelona and a total of eleven ships in the region during the summer, we will have more capacity in Europe than any other cruise line."

I can only see this relates to the period over the summer months. The wording is ambiguous.
RCI, Costa and MSC all have 11 vessels in Europe over the main summer period with 2 berth capacities totalling, 29694, 26996 and 24044 respecitvely.

You can however bet your bottom $ £ € or whatever, that Costa and maybe MSC too, will actually carry more passengers overall with the extra 3 & 4 berth offers for families, children free etc.

Pam

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I'm not sure how the figures are gathered, but I don't think the statement refers to just the Summer months.

In any case whether it be for Summer or full year 2011, it's quite an achievement for a "Caribbean" based cruise line.

RCI are not far short in total [the whole fleet] of the capacity of both Costa and MSC put together, and only about 3 vessels short as well, so it's not surprising in the summer months when other areas are in season they move their other ships away from Oasis and Allure, who don't need any competition in the Caribbean. You need 2 or 3 other vessels for the same capacity.

Just hope there isn't some event that sends everyone running home again. All I can see is that the Med will be far too crowded, unless all stick to the major cities where the thousands can be absorbed easily.