Project Sunshine details to be revealed early 2013

Grandeur of the Seas

Details of Royal Caribbean International’s ‘Project Sunshine’ ships are to be revealed early next year, its president and CEO said at its recent annual meeting.

Adam Goldstein, president and CEO at RCI told shareholders details will emerge in the next seven to eight months when the company receives a prototype from Meyer Werft. RCI has one ship order confirmed with the option for a second.

Meanwhile, RCI’s chairman and CEO Richard Fain confirmed the Azamara Club Cruises brand has gone through a transformation but no new ships will be introduced until demand is needed. “It will come but we are not there yet,” Fain told shareholders.

Commenting on its European brands, Fain said the joint venture with TUI Cruises is “doing remarkably well” thanks to the strong German travelling market. Anew build for that brand is underway at STX Finland for delivery later this year and an option for a second will be decided upon at a later stage.

The Spanish market is the most challenging of all the lines’ European markets although its Pullmantur brand is said to be holding up, while in France capacity has continued to grow at Crossiere de France (CDF) and expansion is expected. 

Royal Caribbean’s annual meeting in Miami came as Grandeur of the Seas completed its £33.5 million refurbishment last Friday at the Navantia shipyard in Cadiz. The bow-to-stern revamp included in the addition of five new dining venues, technological upgrades, a poolside LED screen, furniture refresh, upholstery and staterooms as well as new entertainment offering including an aerial displays in its six deck Centrum. A new Diamond Lounge was added for the line’s Crown and Anchor Society members, Concierge Lounge for suite guests , Royal Babies and Tots Nursery as well as a transformed Viking Crown Lounge.

By Ernie, 6 June 2012, Wednesday 10:38 AM