Celebrity Orders Two New Iconic Ships
Celebrity Cruises has taken a bold step in ship design with the signing of a letter of intent for a new class of vessels.
The two 2,900-guest, 117,000-gross-registered-ton ships, developed under the project name EDGE, will build upon the modern luxury experience of the brand’s Millennium and Solstice Class vessels.
At 984 feet long, 123 feet wide and 190 feet high, Project EDGE will “deliver small ship itineraries with large ship amenities.”
“The addition of two project EDGE vessels to our fleet delivers on our long-term strategic plan of moderate capacity growth, and continues the positive momentum the Celebrity brand has achieved in the premium segment of our industry,” said Richard D. Fain, chairman and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
“Our new class of ship will set the standard for premium world travel and deliver the next generation of modern luxury experiences that our guests know and love,” said Celebrity president Michael Bayley. “STX France designs and builds some of the most innovative and stylish cruise ships in the world, and project EDGE offers them the opportunity to again set a new standard for modern iconic architecture.”
The company expects delivery of the first ship in fall 2018, with the second vessel delivered in the early part of 2020. The order is contingent upon the completion of customary conditions, including financing.
Based upon current ship orders, projected capital expenditures for full year 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 are $1.4 billion, $1.5 billion, $2.3 billion, $0.4 billion and $2.2 billion, respectively.
(http://www.celebritycruises.com)
