Do you think RCI should build smaller ships?

[Royalty X]

I know the question has been asked before by other people, but the recent issues with Empress, along with the sale of Splendour and Legend, makes me believe they should perhaps look at building some smaller ships.

 

I believe Splendour and Legend would've been moved on due to their age. In fact, I can see RCI moving the remaining Vision class vessels on in the next couple of years. I believe the Vision class will all go to TUI, Majesty will end up at Pullmantur (so they would have all three Sovereign class ships) and I think RCCL will grow SkySea in Asia, by moving the remaining Galaxy class from TUI.

 

I don't believe RCI intended on spending as much money on Empress as they did. They obviously want to keep their fleet fresh and young which, if they moved the remaining Vision class ships on, would leave Voyager as the oldest ship in the fleet (excluding Empress) and Radiance class as the smallest. The only reason they brought Empress back was because they needed a small ship.

 

I can't see Empress being around long term. Does anyone think RCI should invest in building three or four smaller ships, around the 50000 GRT mark, which would be fresh and new (thus fitting with their image)? They could be custom built with some of the latest bells and whistles, rather than having to try and build the bells and whistles onto ships that weren't meant to have them. Those ships could do the itineraries like Cuba etc, while still giving people the RCI experience.

 

What do people think?

[hapster85]

I think small ships have their place in the market, but don't know if they fit in with Royal's plans. As long as they keep filling the big ones, they keep building those.

[Firefighterhoop]

YES! I would like to see them build some smaller ships... but not that small.

 

Around the 90,000-100,000 mark would be nice (Radiance class or a tad larger)

 

Vision Class range from 1995-1998 - so 18-21 years old

Radiance Class ships range from 2001-2004, so 12-15 years old.

 

Some ports have restricted clearances due to bridges (Baltimore/Tampa) and it would be nice to keep some newer ships into those popular ports.

 

Also, as much as I like the larger ships, the smaller ships are fun as well. I think it is easier to get to know other cruisers and crew on the smaller ships than the bigger ships. Also for those with mobility problems, the smaller ships seem to be better for them.

 

A lot of the smaller ships don't have the "bells and whistles" of the larger ships, however as long as there is a bar and a pool many people would be more than happy.

Edited June 3, 2016 by Firefighterhoop

[norcalemt02]

A radiance size ship with an esplanade.

[GUT2407]

I think all lines should build some smaller ships.

 

But I'm not holding my breath.

[IsanTom]

Maybe build some new ones for Azamara. I like medium size ships myself with 2000

passengers.

[ade1982]

RCI works on economies of scale though, so smaller ships = less people = more expensive. They have the Azamara brand to do that.

[WrittenOnYourHeart]

The day Radiance Class and below are gone is the day I will no longer consider RCCL for cruises.

 

I have no desire to sail on a Behemoth of the Seas. I have the real Central Park and real boardwalks right in my backyard. I can see real Broadway shows ON BROADWAY any time I choose. I don't surf or rock climb. I have no desire to have a robot making my drinks. And I haven't set a toe in a mall since I escaped suburbia years ago - and I have no desire to do so ever again be it on land or sea.

 

Not everyone wants all the crap on the big ships.

[Clarea]

RCI works on economies of scale though, so smaller ships = less people = more expensive. They have the Azamara brand to do that.

Agreed.

[cruiseguy1016]

The day Radiance Class and below are gone is the day I will no longer consider RCCL for cruises.

 

I have no desire to sail on a Behemoth of the Seas. I have the real Central Park and real boardwalks right in my backyard. I can see real Broadway shows ON BROADWAY any time I choose. I don't surf or rock climb. I have no desire to have a robot making my drinks. And I haven't set a toe in a mall since I escaped suburbia years ago - and I have no desire to do so ever again be it on land or sea.

 

Not everyone wants all the crap on the big ships.

 

I'm with you 100% on this. Unfortunately, I think we're the minority.

[Big_G]

RCI works on economies of scale though, so smaller ships = less people = more expensive. They have the Azamara brand to do that.

 

Agree. If you want small, there's already a market for that. The real question should be do you want to pay for it?

Edited June 3, 2016 by Big_G

[Royalty X]

Agree. If you want small, there's already a market for that. The real question should be do you want to pay for it?

 

But clearly RCCL still believes there is a market under the RCI brand for a smaller ship. Otherwise, why spend $50million on updating a 26 year old ship which hasn't been part of the fleet for 8 years? They would've moved Empress to Azamara if they believed that was the way they could've gone.

 

For those saying they don't enjoy "small ships", why don't you? Is it the facilities onboard? In which case, new small ships could be built with some of that stuff.

[BillB48]

Certainly Royal has niche with Azamara for those who are looking for the small ship of 700 pax or so. I think what most here are interested in is ships in the 2000 pax range as opposed the mega ships like the Oasis and Quantum class. It won't be long before Royal will be decreasing the size of their fleet while increasing the number of berths available. That's where the guys with the green eye shades get happy.

 

Yes, I would love Royal to build smaller ships!!

[Philly Steve]

Yes, absolutely. Baltimore is our favored embarkation port and the big ships won't fit. I also look the lines of the "smaller" ships.

[Big_G]

But clearly RCCL still believes there is a market under the RCI brand for a smaller ship. Otherwise, why spend $50million on updating a 26 year old ship which hasn't been part of the fleet for 8 years? They would've moved Empress to Azamara if they believed that was the way they could've gone.

 

For those saying they don't enjoy "small ships", why don't you? Is it the facilities onboard? In which case, new small ships could be built with some of that stuff.

That ship was brought back for Cuba. As for sailing smaller ships, they don't meet our needs. It's that simple.

 

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[cb at sea]

I LOVE the Voyager class sized ships...well designed, comfortable...not too big...not too small...just right!

[Royalty X]

That ship was brought back for Cuba. As for sailing smaller ships, they don't meet our needs. It's that simple.

 

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So why not use Legend or Splendour?

I'm just curious (trying to keep conversation going), what are your needs that wouldn't be met by a smaller ship?

[Teeara]

I LOVE the Voyager class sized ships...well designed, comfortable...not too big...not too small...just right!

 

I'm with you. Just did Freedom and it felt too big and way too crowded. Not even going to try the bigger ships.

 

The Radiance class was a bit too small, but if there was a way to incorporate a smaller Promenade inside a Radiance class, then I would say "yes" to a smaller ship. I loved the outside dining area on the back of Jewel. Otherwise, I'm not a fan of the smaller ships since there isn't as much to see or do onboard (IMO). I know there are fans of the Radiance class, but it just isn't for me. But isn't that what makes cruising so great? Different sizes and types of ships for all of us.

[Big_G]

So why not use Legend or Splendour?

I'm just curious (trying to keep conversation going), what are your needs that wouldn't be met by a smaller ship?

That's a good question. I don't have the answer. Maybe someone else will jump in.

 

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[beachnative]

Yes, I would like for Royal Caribbean to build some smaller ships.

 

This does not mean that I would like to see them stop building the huge ships.

 

Each ship class/size/age has its appeal but the current smaller ships do lack some of the features that attract us to the new big ships: Coastal Kitchen, Suites Lounge, variety of entertainment.

 

We have future cruises booked on every class of ship in the Royal fleet, but...

 

A re-designed, up-dated Radiance class would be nice.:)

[Havingfun2010]

One of the things a big offers is something for everyone. Small ships, do not offer something for everyone. So they become restricted to those that only want to use the casino, and are happy with one or two bars. It's very restrictive.

 

I personally know a person that loves to sit on a balcony "in private" all day and is perfectly happy. She can achieve that on Monarch or Allure.

 

However, both myself and wife enjoy going out in the evening, and enjoy the different activities, such all the shows and entertainment/bars being offered. I played adult dodge ball, used the rock climbing wall and tried unsuccessfully flow riding. I found the zip line a little boring.

 

My friend can go with us, enjoy sitting on the balcony while the rest of us go a little crazy. Big ships achieve this mix, but the little ships, are limited to who will get on them.

 

I completely see why RCCL would continue making ships a destination instead of just a means of island hopping.

[island lady]

 

A re-designed, up-dated Radiance class would be nice.:)

 

I will second that motion!! :D

 

Hi you two, hope you are having a great cruising season. We don't sail

again until August. :(

 

We are taking the summer off to put in our new kitchen. Cracking the whip

on Bucky the installer. ;)

Edited June 3, 2016 by island lady

[alfaeric]

So why not use Legend or Splendour?

I'm just curious (trying to keep conversation going), what are your needs that wouldn't be met by a smaller ship?

 

Probably because it does not fit in the harbor. If it did, they would already be planning that.

 

Just like the Carnival cruise that went to Havana was a very small one in her brand.

 

Once Havana puts in a larger port, I agree that the Empress will be gone. But that will probably take a very long time.

[SheehanDJ]

I'd like to see them build more smaller and medium sized ships. I'd also like to see a couple dedicated cool to cold weather ships. Meaning ships specifically built for Alaska/Pacific and Atlantic NW with enclosed pools.

 

Like someone above posted though, don't see it happening as RCCL makes more money on the enormous ships. I have zero interest on going on one of those. So RCCL is pushing me to other brands, which is fine.

[indychristine]

We prefer smaller ships. Love them! Having said that, we booked a cruise next March on Oasis. It's the only ship, besides CCL, that fit our needed dates and port. We always said we would never sail a mega ship! Had zero desire to. Felt very much like the poster above. Yet we said we wanted to stay open minded and try one of them at least once. And well, I guess that day has arrived.

i am still excited to be sailing!! But i do believe smaller ships will always be my preference!

 

 

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