Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. announced today the signing of a MOU for a fifth Oasis-class ship for delivery in the Spring of 2021 and two additional Edge-class ships scheduled for delivery in the Fall of each of 2021 and 2022. All three ships to be built at STX France’s yard in St Nazaire.
Orders are still contingent on Royal Caribbean securing favorable financing terms. We should have a formalized contract for the ships completed by the end of the summer. Remember, financing was how STX Finland lost the exclusivity for the Oasis class of ships.
Here are some select quotes from executives with the lines and shipyard.
Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.:
“The response to the arrival of Harmony of the Seas is staggering, eliciting excitement from eager cruisers from markets on both sides of the Atlantic. And Edge-class is one of the most highly anticipated new projects, following the high bar of Modern Luxury design set by its predecessor, the Solstice Class.”
Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International:
“The Oasis-class ships have delivered beyond expectations each time. Harmony of the Seas’ warm reception is evidence that growing this class of ship will continue to drive exceptional performance for the brand.”
Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises:
“Although our first Edge-class vessel is still over two years away from delivery, there has been a tremendous amount of interest around the new standard of style Edge-class will introduce. Solstice-class ushered in a new era of design for modern cruise ships, and Edge-class will not disappoint as the new generation of high style and design.”
Laurent Castaing, Managing Director of STX France:
“We are extremely pleased with the recent success of Harmony of the Seas and take great pride in our partnership with Royal Caribbean. It is especially exciting to collaborate on such diverse projects from Oasis to Edge, both marvels in their own space.”