Celebrity Cruises, a premium brand subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCL), has signed a letter of intent for two cruise ships of new class with French shipbuilder STX France.
The said ships, developed under the project name EDGE and worth 117,000 GRT, are due for delivery respectively in fall of 2018 and early 2020.
At 300m long and 38m wide, they will host 1,450 staterooms and 2,900 guests.
Construction is planned to start by summer 2016 for the 1st ship and one year later for the second one. They represent about 11 million working hours for both STX and sub-contractor workers.
The order is contingent upon the completion of customary conditions, including financing.
“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.
These vessels also represent a significant leap forward in environmentally friendly ship design, benefiting from new technologies to drive significant fuel efficiency and an ongoing process to ensure the extensive use of sustainable materials.
“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. On this stunning new ship we will bring our guests even closer to the must-see destinations of the world, while indulging them onboard in the most luxurious accommodations, the finest culinary experiences, and the best hospitality delivered by our dedicated staff,” said Michael Bayley, President and Chief Executive officer of Celebrity Cruises.
STX France has already in its order book two OASIS class ships for RCL. Those ships are known to be the world’s biggest. With this new order, the yard order book stretches up to 2020.
Press Release