Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines 2005 Annual Report Download - page 5

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efficient LEDs and are upgrading much of our onboard navigation and vessel-performance software to
do an even better job of determining the most efficient routes from one port to another.
Despite a second record-breaking hurricane season, one that severely affected ports of call across the
Caribbean, both the Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises brands continued to experience strong demand.
Building for the Future With that increased demand comes the need for the steady, sustained growth of
our fleet. No longer just a means of travel from one place to another, ships themselves continue to
assume a greater role in the overall vacation experience. Today’s cruise vacationers are looking for more
variety and higher service levels while onboard. Choice is the buzzword, whether referring to activities;
creature comforts, such as flat-screen TVs and sheets with higher thread counts; stateroom configurations;
dining options; or trip duration. With six ships either under construction or on order, both brands are
well positioned to meet the rising expectations of current and future guests in a competitive cruise market.
The first vessel in Royal Caribbean International’s new Freedom Class, Freedom of the Seas, is about to make
her debut, and we have ordered two additional ships in the series for delivery in 2007 and 2008. Freedom
of the Seas builds on Royal Caribbean’s five popular Voyager-class ships, which introduced rock-climbing,
ice-skating and Royal Promenade into cruising’s vernacular. Through a series of carefully timed
announcements and preview events held throughout the year, Freedom of the Seas generated considerable attention
with its industry-first FlowRider®surfing simulator, which will allow guests to surf and body board at
sea; full-size boxing ring, cantilevered whirlpools, H2O Zone interactive water park and new family
friendly stateroom configurations that can accommodate as many as 14 guests.
We also moved forward with plans to build Project Genesis, a 5,400-guest, 220,000-GRT ship. At 1,180
feet long, 154 feet wide and 240 feet high, Project Genesis will give Royal Caribbean more than enough
room to create memorable attractions and amenities designed to heighten our guests’ cruise experience.
Energy efficiency also was prioritized in the new design with significant modifications made in the form
of the hull and in the air-conditioning and water production and treatment systems. Project Genesis has an
expected delivery date of fall 2009.
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. 3