Hi Everyone,
I received this press release from Oceania and thought it would be of
interest. If you have missed any of my news' postings, they are
available on my web site.
Best regards,
Ray
LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL
800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905
http://www.lighthousetravel.com
OCEANIA CRUISES ENTERS INTO NEWBUILD AGREEMENT WITH FINCANTIERI
Two New 1,260-Guest Ships to Be Delivered in 2010 and 2011
Miami, FL, March 14, 2007 — Oceania Cruises announced today that it
has entered into a memorandum of agreement with Italy’s Fincantieri
shipyard that calls for the construction of two 1,260-guest,
65,000-ton ships to be delivered in the fall of 2010 and summer of
2011. The agreement includes an option for a third vessel to be
delivered in 2012. The contract price for each vessel is $500 million
dollars.
This new class of elegant, mid-size ships will define upper-premium
cruising for years to come and demonstrates our commitment to
providing our guests and travel agent partners with an extraordinary
onboard experience. We have elevated the onboard product in every area
and as a result, guests will be able to dine in an unprecedented
number of gourmet restaurants, and revel in the luxury of
accommodations that will set a new standard in terms of size,
spaciousness and comfort,” stated Frank Del Rio, Chairman and CEO of
Oceania Cruises.
Designed by the world renowned architectural firm of Yran &
Storbratten, the new Oceania-Class vessels will usher in new
generation of luxurious, mid size cruise ships. Under the direction of
Executive Architect, Gunnar Aaserud, the new Oceania-Class represents
an evolution of the line’s extremely popular Regatta-Class ships. This
new class of mid size cruise vessels will retain all of the warmth,
popular design elements and signature amenities of the Regatta-Class
while affording guests an additional level of comfort, convenience and
many new luxury amenities. Designed to cruise to all corners of the
globe, the new ships will boast a cruising speed 20% faster than the
Regatta-Class. In addition to their greater speed, the Oceania-Class
will have a greater range that enables them to undertake the
itineraries to virtually any destination worldwide.
The new Oceania-Class vessels will set a new standard in culinary
excellence, featuring six open-seating gourmet restaurants which boast
the capacity to seat 150% of the ship’s guests in a single seating.
The magnificent Grand Dining Room will be an opulent space crowned
with a magnificent frescoed domed ceiling. The four specialty
restaurants will feature the line’s signature Polo Grill and Toscana
along with two new specialty dining venues, an elegant French bistro
and a Pan-Asian restaurant.
These new ships have been designed with all the signature elements
that guests and travel agents cherish, and the décor will be imbued
with the same warmth and charm that the Regatta-Class is renowned for.
Signature public spaces will include the Martinis, Horizons, The
Patio, and a Grand Staircase that sweeps up both sides of the lobby.
Public areas and accommodations will include rich wood paneling and
granite accents, opulent furnishings and a museum quality art
collection that will include many rare nautical antiques.
With our new financial partners and this one billion dollar order,
Oceania Cruises is poised to take its place as the market leader in
upper-premium cruising. While the Regatta-Class ships have provided us
with an exceptional foundation for the line and are extremely
successful, the new Oceania-Class will be the perfect complement to
our fleet and have been designed with all the signature features our
unique and discerning guests love, plus new amenities to enhance their
Oceania Cruises experience,” stated Del Rio.
The design specifications for the Oceania-Class call for the vessels
to be 825 feet long, 105 feet wide, a draft of 23 feet, and
accommodate 1,260 guests on 9 guest decks. The ships will feature 630
staterooms and suites that are on average, 50% larger than the
Regatta-Class; 96% of all guest accommodations will feature sweeping
ocean views and 93% will boast oversized, private teak verandas. The
ships will be powered by diesel-electric engines and operate with twin
screw propellers, with a service speed of 20 knots. They will be
equipped with two bow thrusters to enhance maneuverability, and will
also be “green ships” employing the most advanced environmental
systems and technology.
Giuseppe Bono, Fincantieri's Chief Executive Officer, commented: "The
agreement with Oceania Cruises proves that Fincantieri, with the
experience and expertise developed in all these years as world leading
cruise shipbuilder, is ready to enter the rapidly growing upscale
market. With this project, Fincantieri is further enhancing its
offerings to cover all market segments - from mega yachts to
130,000-ton cruise ships and over – along with "niche" products such
as special "exploration" ships."
Del Rio said that travelers and travel agents seeking a truly
exceptional cruise experience will be ecstatic when the ships are
unveiled. “The addition of these spectacular new ships will provide
greater opportunities for guests and travel agents alike and allow us
to sate the pent up demand for our award-winning product,” added Del
Rio.
About Oceania Cruises
Oceania Cruises is the world’s only upper-premium cruise line.
Featuring a fleet of intimate and luxurious mid-sized ships, Regatta,
Insignia and Nautica, Oceania Cruises sails to the most alluring ports
in Europe, China and the Far East, Australia, New Zealand, South
America, Central America and the Caribbean. Combining the finest
cuisine at sea, exceptional personalized service, luxurious
accommodations and extraordinary value, Oceania Cruises is setting a
new, worldwide standard for luxury cruising. For additional
information, to make a reservation, or to order a brochure, please
contact your Travel Agent. |
736986. Oceania 2 New 1,260-Passenger Ships!
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