Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines 2009 Annual Report Download - page 16

More recently, Royal Caribbean International took delivery of the 3,600-berth Freedom of the Seas, the first of three Freedom-
class ships in 2006. The Freedom-class ships have some of the largest staterooms and balconies in the industry, flat screen televisions,
cell phone services and other amenities. The launch of the Freedom-class ships also introduced several new experiences to cruising,
including a surf simulator and an interactive water park called the H2O Zone . Royal Caribbean International took delivery of a
second Freedom-class ship, Liberty of the Seas, in April 2007 and the third Freedom-class ship, Independence of the Seas, in April
2008.
Building upon the innovations of the Freedom-class ships, Royal Caribbean International took delivery of the first Oasis-class
ship, Oasis of the Seas in October 2009. The second Oasis-class ship, Allure of the Seas, is expected to enter service in the fourth
quarter of 2010. This new class of ships has approximately 5,400 berths. Each ship spans 16 decks and 2,700 staterooms. These ships
also allow for a greater percentage of staterooms with verandas and outside staterooms which provide for premium pricing. The new
Oasis-class ships have introduced several new experiences to cruising including the new neighborhood concept. The neighborhood
concept consists of seven distinct themed areas which include Central Park, a park open to the sky and Boardwalk, an outdoor
family-friendly area featuring a handcrafted carousel and an amphitheater at sea known as AquaTheater. Additional new features
include an elevating bar, a zip line ride that races diagonally nine-decks above an open-air atrium, a sloped-beach entry pool and a
wide variety of specialty restaurants and dining options. The Oasis-class ships also offer new categories in onboard accommodations
including bi-level, urban-style two bedroom/two bathroom suites and balcony staterooms facing some of the distinct neighborhoods.
Celebrity Cruises. Celebrity Cruises was founded in 1990 and has introduced several classes of ships each building on the
brand’s primary strengths. The progression and innovation of these ships have elevated Celebrity Cruises’ position in the premium
segment of the marketplace. Some of the brand’s signature elements include gourmet dining, spacious staterooms and suites with
verandas, spa facilities, piano, champagne and martini bars and lounges. Celebrity Cruises improves its existing fleet to keep them
current with the newest innovations. Most recently, Celebrity Millennium underwent a renovation of its onboard amenities and public
areas in 2009.
With a strong focus on product innovation, Celebrity Cruises ordered a total of five Solstice-class ships, two of which have been
delivered. The Solstice-class ships are a new wide-body construction class of ships with approximately 2,850 berths. This new wide-
body construction design provides for many intimate areas onboard the ship. The Solstice-class ships incorporate many new and
improved design features including the industry’s first ever “Lawn Club”. The Lawn Club is over a half acre venue featuring live
grass for guest enjoyment. Celebrity Cruises also introduced the “Hot Glass Show,” a fully functional glass blowing studio which
operates at the Lawn Club. The Solstice-class ships are also equipped with solar foils and solar panels, another industry first.
Approximately 90% of the ships’ staterooms are outside and approximately 85% of the staterooms have verandas. Celebrity Solstice
and Celebrity Equinox, the first and second of the five Solstice-class ships were delivered in 2008 and 2009, respectively. The
remaining three ships, Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Silhouette and a still unnamed ship, are expected to enter service in the second
quarter of 2010, third quarter of 2011 and fourth quarter of 2012, respectively.
Pullmantur. Pullmantur was founded in 1971. We acquired Pullmantur in November 2006 and it currently operates five ships
which range in size from approximately 1,000 to 2,300 berths for a total of 7,650 berths.
In May 2007, Zenith was redeployed from Celebrity Cruises to Pullmantur. Before redeployment to Pullmantur, Zenith
underwent renovations to incorporate Pullmantur’s signature elements, while adding approximately 38 new verandas and 25
staterooms. Empress of the Seas and Sovereign of the Seas were redeployed from Royal Caribbean International to Pullmantur in
March 2008 and November 2008, respectively. Before redeployment to Pullmantur, each ship underwent renovations to incorporate
Pullmantur’s signature elements which include Spanish signage, logos and expanded disco areas. Upon the return of Island Star in
April 2009 from Island Cruises, the ship was redeployed to Pullmantur and has been sailing under the name Pacific Dream since May
2009. Before redeployment to Pullmantur, the ship underwent renovations to incorporate the signature elements. This ship is
dedicated to the Latin American market in support of Pullmantur’s Latin American expansion.
7
TM