Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines 2009 Annual Report Download - page 17

Azamara Club Cruises. In May 2007, Blue Dream was redeployed from Pullmantur to Azamara Club Cruises, and is sailing
under the name Azamara Journey. In September 2007, Blue Moon was also redeployed from Pullmantur to Azamara Club Cruises
and is sailing under the name Azamara Quest. Before redeployment to the Azamara Club Cruises brand, each ship underwent
renovations including the upgrade of guest suites and staterooms, and adding two new specialty restaurants.
CDF Croisières de France. In April 2008, Holiday Dream was redeployed from Pullmantur to CDF Croisières de France and
sails as its first ship under the name Bleu de France. Before redeployment to CDF Croisières de France, Holiday Dream underwent
renovations, including the addition of a French bistro and a spa with a sea water center, to customize the ship for French guests.
New Markets and Itineraries
Our ships operate worldwide with a selection of itineraries that call on approximately 400 ports. New ships, including both
newly constructed ships and those we acquire, allow us to expand into new markets and itineraries. Our brands have expanded their
mix of itineraries, while strengthening our ability to penetrate the Asian, Caribbean, European, and Latin American markets further.
In 2009, we continued to focus on the acceleration of Royal Caribbean International’s and Celebrity Cruise’s strategic
positioning as global cruise brands while expanding Pullmantur. An unprecedented 22 of our ships sailed in Europe and Royal
Caribbean International had the most European capacity of any non-European brand as it increased its capacity to eight ships. In late
2009, Royal Caribbean International returned to Asia and commenced year round deployment through 2010. In addition, Royal
Caribbean International returned to Israel in 2009, having last visited Israel in 2000. During 2009, Royal Caribbean International also
expanded into new North American markets by operating Mexico cruises from San Diego and Los Angeles, California and offering
seasonal Caribbean itineraries from the Dominican Republic. Royal Caribbean International debuted Oasis of the Seas in the Eastern
Caribbean in December 2009. Also starting in December 2009, Royal Caribbean International increased its capacity in Brazil.
Royal Caribbean International continues its international expansion in 2010 by adding sailings from Dubai, which started in
January 2010. In North America, Royal Caribbean International will now offer year-round cruising from Baltimore starting in June
2010. In late 2010, Allure of the Seas will make its debut from Fort Lauderdale joining Oasis of the Seas with both ships offering
alternating Eastern & Western Caribbean voyages allowing guests to enjoy the opportunity to book back-to-back cruises.
Celebrity Cruises also increased its capacity in Europe in 2009. With five ships, the brand had its greatest presence ever in
Europe. The 2009 season also marked the debut of Celebrity Equinox with Holy Land sailings from Rome, which was a first for the
brand. Starting in the fall of 2009, Celebrity Cruises also expanded into new North American markets operating Caribbean cruises
from Baltimore, Maryland and Charleston, South Carolina.
The Solstice-class expansion has allowed the brand to expand into new markets and to broaden its mix of itineraries for 2010.
Celebrity Eclipse will be the third vessel of the class, will debut in the second quarter of 2010, and will be deployed in Southampton.
This will mark the first time in the brand’s history that it will have a dedicated product in the UK market. Celebrity Cruises will also
return to offering year-round cruising in the Caribbean with Celebrity Solstice and will offer cruises to Bermuda and Canada.
Azamara Club Cruises will continue to offer sailings in Western & Northern Europe, Asia, the Mediterranean, the Panama Canal
and the less-traveled islands of the Caribbean. Also, Pullmantur and CDF Croisières de France will continue to offer European
itineraries on all ships.
In an effort to secure desirable berthing facilities for our ships, and to provide new or enhanced cruise destinations for our
guests, we actively assist or invest in the development or enhancement of certain port facilities and infrastructure, including mixed-
use commercial properties, located in strategic ports of call. Generally, we collaborate with local, private or governmental entities by
providing management and/or financial assistance and often enter into long-term port usage arrangements. In exchange for our
involvement, we generally secure preferential berthing rights for our ships. During 2009, an extensive renovation of the Labadee pier
and port facility in Haiti was completed which emerged undamaged from the January 2010 earthquake. The renovations allow the
Royal Caribbean International’s Freedom and Oasis-class ships to dock at the newly constructed pier without the need for tendering.
The renovation also included an overhaul of the facilities and dining venues and a complete revamp of Labadee’s shoreside areas,
including the construction of new bars, the replenishment of beach erosion, the construction of a roller coaster and two new meeting
areas which offer shopping, shows and cultural activities. We are also currently assisting in the development of a new pier and port
facilities at the Port of Falmouth, Jamaica. This will allow for the simultaneous berthing of one Oasis and one Freedom-class ship
along with the addition of several new port and shoreside facilities.
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