RCCL returns to Meyer Werft…

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd has signed a letter of intent with Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, to build the third and fourth Vantage-class vessels for Royal Caribbean International. The total price for the two ships is approximately $800 million, and the contract includes an option for two more ships.

Already under construction at Meyer Werft are the first two 88,000-ton Vantage class ships, Radiance of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas, scheduled for delivery in June 2001 and April 2002, respectively.

Taking this most recent order into account, by 2006, Royal Caribbean International could have as many as six of the 2,100-passenger ships in the Vantage class in service.

The third and fourth Vantage class vessels, as yet unnamed, are scheduled for delivery in June 2003 and June 2004. They represent a continuation of the Eagle class and Vantage class design philosophy that emphasises larger staterooms and unique public spaces for guest activity.

While not as large as the 142,000-ton Eagle class series (Voyager of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas and Adventure of the Seas), the Vantage class ships will be built to Panamax dimensions, but will be capable of greater speeds.