While other cruiselines are shouting from the roof tops about the new ships they are launching next year, Oceania Cruises is being extremely quiet.
Its new ship Marina is supposed to launch at the end of next year, but although we have had itineraries for Cunard's Queen Elizabeth (out Oct 2010), and Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas (out Dec 2010) for a long time, we don't even have a launch date for Oceania's new 1,258-passenger baby.
Instead I've had a hint that launch will be delayed until the start of 2011, which would explain why the 2010/11 winter programme released a couple of weeks ago doesn't even mention the new ship.
However, I see that while Nautica and Insignia are each back in the Med for summer 2011, Regatta's winter season finishes in Los Angeles.
I'm thinking the Mexican Riviera and Hawai'i could be on the cards, varying depending on time of year, which would be something new - and leave much-needed room in the Med for the new ship.
Jane Archer
Comments (1)
I think the problem is that money is running tight at Oceania Cruises these days. The ship yards are not busy and European unemployment is at an all time high so the story of not being able to get staff at the yard just rings hollow. Also if the ships where as FULL as claimed why an I constantly getting offers of thousands of dollars off (up to $4000 pp for some cruises) already 2 for 1 pricing free air and many other concessions.Mr. Del Rio built a great product but we must remember he also is the one who overbuilt Renaissance Cruises and we know the story there. Where these are great ship they where also loved products when Renaissance operated them. I heard the option for the 3rd new ship was extended (meaning it won't happen) and that the plans for sister company Regent to build a new ship have been shelved even with the claim of Regent having sold out 60% of it's 2010 voyages by mid Sep. Overall Oceania has a great product but much of what it was able to do was based on getting 3 excellent ships well below market cost out of the Renaissance bankruptcy, now with the new ship that advantage is gone and the cost of operation is much higher. If you look at the cost per berth of the new build it is well over $400,000 per bed this is much higher than in the premium class and nearing the cost of lux lines. I think Frank bit off more than he can chew with this one. I hope he holds the ship off as long as he can so the market can rebound. If he can't I fear Oceania Cruises will become another Renaissance just a fond memory.
Posted by Anonymous | November 9, 2009 9:26 PM
Posted on November 9, 2009 21:26