Cruise ship building confidence returns

 

 

An order has been placed for a new ship for Carnival Cruise Lines for delivery in 2012.

 

The agreement between Carnival Corporation and Italian ship builder Fincantieri to construct a 130,000-ton sister vessel to newly launched Carnival Dream ends a period of stagnation in new ship orders. It is Carnival’s first new order in two years.

 

Other lines are also expected to place orders for new ships, with Princess Cruises and MSC Cruises tipped to be considering new tonnage.

 

The order was confirmed the day that Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis of the Seas, the biggest cruise ship in the world, was formally named in a ceremony involved seven godmothers.

 

The newly ordered 3,690-passenger Dream-class ship, costing $200,000 per lower berth, will be the third in a series, joining Carnival Magic, currently being built for a targeted launch in May 2011, and Carnival Dream.

 

Carnival Corporation now has 13 new ships due for delivery between January next year and spring 2012.

 

Carnival Cruise Lines’ president and CEO Gerry Cahill said: "Barely in service for two months, Carniva dream is earning rave reviews from guest and travel agents and ordering a third Dream-class ships speaks volumes about the confidence we have in the continued success of this series.

 

"The Dream class of ships emodies the evolution of our brand by providing the type of fun, affordable vacation that today’s consumers are seeking."

 

by Phil Davies