The new Ultra-Voyager would be roughly 15 per cent larger in space and in passenger capacity that the earlier Voyager-class vessels. It would carry more than 3,600 guests (double-occupancy), 500 more than its predecessors. At just under 160,000 gross tonnes the Ultra-Voyager would provide even more room for passenger facilities and amenities and would provide even greater economies of scale than her predecessors.
Royal Caribbean has four Voyager-class ships in its fleet today. The fifth sistership, Mariner of the Seas, is due for delivery at Kvaerner Masa-Yards Turku yard in October this year.
One key factor affecting whether this agreement leads to a firm contract is how much the current euro-dollar exchange rate improves. Royal Caribbean hopes that circumstances will allow it to finalize the order later this year and that these new berths will enjoy a lower capital and operating cost than earlier Voyager-class ships.
"We are pleased that Royal Caribbean continues to place its faith in Kvaerner Masa-Yards and hope that conditions will allow us to proceed with our mutual plans. We will work hard to improve our cost efficiency even further, without compromising our high quality standards," said Jorma Eloranta, president and chief executive officer of Kvaerner Masa-Yards Inc.
ENDS
For further information:
Media:
Geir Arne Drangeid, Senior Vice President, Aker Kvaerner, Group Communications. Tel: +47 913 10 458. Email: geirarne.drangeid@akerkvaerner.com Media:
Investor relations: Tore Langballe, Vice President, Aker Kvaerner, Group Communications. Tel: +47 67 51 31 06. Email: tore.langballe@akerkvaerner.com
Notes to editor:
Aker Kvaerner
is a leading global provider of engineering and construction services, technology products and integrated solutions. Group activities span a number of industries, including Oil and Gas upstream and downstream, Process, Pharmaceuticals, Metals, Power, Chemical Pulping, Environmental and Shipbuilding. Aker Kvaerner is a multi-local group of businesses with nearly USD 6 billion of annual revenues and around 33 000 employees in more than 30 countries.Aker Kvaerner
Kvaerner Masa-Yards is a Finnish shipbuilding company specialised in designing and building advanced cruise ships, passenger-car ferries and other technically demanding vessels. The company has two highly modern yards in Helsinki and Turku respectively. The shipyards are structured to handle technically advanced ships requiring innovative design and production technologies and R&D input. Kvaerner Masa-Yards is owned by Aker Kvaerner and is part of the Aker Kvaerner Yards Group of shipyards.