Royal Caribbean to Expand Fleet with Three More Ships

Miami-based Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. has signed a memorandum of understanding with French shipbuilder STX France to build a fifth Oasis-class ship and two additional Edge-class ships.

The vessels are scheduled to join their owner in the spring of 2021 and the fall of 2021 and 2022, respectively.

“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,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises.

“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,” Lutoff-Perlo added.

This order is contingent upon the completion of customary conditions, including documentation and financing, and final contracts, which include the definitive payment schedules, are expected to be completed within the quarter.

Royal Caribbean further said that capacity increases for 2016 through 2020 remain unchanged.

The company took delivery of its largest cruise ship, Harmony of the Seas, on May 12 when the vessel officially joined its owner’s fleet in Saint Nazaire, France.

At 227,000 gross registered tonnes, the cruise ship will sail from Southampton on a series of short getaways to Northern Europe including Rotterdam and Cherbourg, before it sets sail on its inaugural voyage on June 5 from Barcelona, Spain.