Royal Caribbean International has ordered two further 2,100-capacity ships for its fleet.
The cruiseline has signed a letter of intent with Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany for two 86,600-tonne Vantage-class vessels which will cost a total of $800m. They are due for delivery in June 2003 and June 2004 and have yet to be named. Its first two ships, Radiance of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas are already being built at the shipyard and are due to be delivered in June 2001 and April 2002.
Options have also been taken for a further two of the ships, smaller than the 140,000 tonne Eagle-class series, which can navigate the Panama Canal.
The Vantage ships are powered by GEgas turbines, which significantly reduce airborne emissions and lower the noise and vibration levels.
Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean’s chief engineer was arrested over the cruiseline’s pollution convictions on-board Nordic Prince.
The cruiseline pleaded guilty to the pollution charges and agreed to pay an £18m fine. The equipment and staff related to the pollution incident have since been replaced.