Celebrity Cruises has signed a letter of intent to build two new ships for delivery in 2018 and 2020.
The line, which is part of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, has announced that the vessels will belong to a new class of ship for the brand, each carrying 2,900 guests.
They will be developed under the project name EDGE and will build upon the modern luxury experience of the brand’s Millennium and Solstice-class vessels, according to the company.
“At 984 feet long, 123 feet wide and 190 feet high, Project EDGE will deliver small ship itineraries with large ship amenities”, the line announced.
“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 Fain, chairman and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
“Our new class of ship will set the standard for premium world travel and deliver the next generation of modern luxury experiences that our guests know and love,” said Michael Bayley, president and chief executive officer of Celebrity Cruises.
“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 on board in the most luxurious accommodation, the finest culinary experiences, and the best hospitality delivered by our dedicated staff,” Bayley added.
“We are excited to be collaborating with Celebrity on this dramatic step forward in premium cruise ship design,” said Laurent Castaing, managing director of STX France. “This class of ships will be designed to deliver the destination to vacationers who want to experience all the world has to offer.”
Celebrity said the vessels also represent a significant leap forward in environmentally-friendly ship design, benefiting from new technologies to drive significant fuel efficiency and an on-going process to ensure the extensive use of sustainable materials.
The company expects delivery of the first ship in autumn 2018, with the second vessel due to be delivered in the early part of 2020. The order is contingent upon the completion of customary conditions, including financing.
Based upon current ship orders, projected capital expenditures for full year 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 are $1.4 billion, $1.5 billion, $2.3 billion,$0.4 billion and $2.2 billion, respectively.
Capacity increases for 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 are expected to be 2.4%, 5.5%, 6.7%, 3.8% and 4.3%, respectively. These figures do not include potential ship sales or additions that the company may elect to make in the future.
Celebrity Cruises UK and Ireland managing director, Jo Rzymowska, added: “The news of two new ships is a very upbeat way to end the year. 2014 has been all about investments – our dedicated Celebrity Cruises UK and Ireland team, a new agent loyalty programme, enhancements to our ships and now confirmation that two new ships are on order.
“We’ve made it clear that we are eying growth, and two new cutting-edge ships in 2018 and 2020 confirm our commitment to further enhancing the cruise sector.
“Whilst we aren’t ready to unveil more details about the new ships now, we are really excited about the opportunities they will bring for affluent travellers and agents selling premium holidays. The two Edge ships will set new standards in cruise and deliver the next generation of modern luxury experiences.”