A sixth Oasis class mega cruise ship is due to be delivered to Royal Caribbean International in autumn 2023.
Parent company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd yesterday revealed that it has entered into an agreement with French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique to order the latest in the family of giant vessels.
The ships, reputed to cost more than $1 billion each to build, are capable of carrying 6,680 passengers.
The Oasis class ships made their debut a decade ago with Oasis of the Seas followed by Allure of the Seas.
Harmony of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas have since entered service for the line.
The line’s fifth Oasis-class ship is due for delivery in spring 2021.
The new order is contingent upon financing, which is expected to be completed in the second or third quarter of this year, according to the company.
RCCL chairman and CEO Richard Fain said: “It is such a pleasure to announce the order of another Oasis-class ship.
“This order is a reflection of the exceptional performance of this vessel class and the extraordinary partnership between Chantiers de l’Atlantique and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.”
The French shipyard’s general manager Laurent Castaing added:”This is the 23rd cruise ship that Royal Caribbean will be building at our shipyard, and we are especially proud of it.
“The order reflects the confidence our customer puts on us, based on the exceptional quality of our long-term co-operation between the two companies and on our capacity to bring innovative solutions to meet our customer’s expectations.”
RCCL brands operate a combined total of 60 ships with an additional 16 on order.