Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas...

New Oasis Class ship offers short sailings and stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay island

Talking at a press conference on board new ship Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International President and Chief Executive Michael Bayley said the ship was "perfect for families – particularly young families" as well as the new-to-cruise market.

He cited Royal Caribbean International’s private island in the Bahamas as among the most significant highlights of Utopia of the Seas sailings.

“Once you’ve been to Perfect Day, you’re going to be sold on the experience,” he said.

The cruise line has been successful at growing the number of multi-generational families coming on board. New-to-cruise customers are especially likely to be attracted to the line’s new ship, said Bayley.

“It’s giant for new to cruise. The percentage of new-to-cruise that will sail on Utopia is fantastic,” he said.

He added that Utopia of the Seas was the first Oasis Class ship to be entered into the short-break market, which has traditionally been the preserve of older vessels. Giving customers the chance to sail on a three- or four-night trip is likely to prove popular with those who are more time-pressured, Bayley added.

“It’s no big deal to hop on a cruise on a Friday and be back in the office on Monday morning,” he said.

He anticipated that families would be interested in adding Utopia of the Seas sailings to holidays incorporating trips to Orlando-based theme parks.

“You can go to Disney, Universal, Perfect Day and Utopia,” he said. “What kid wouldn’t be happy with that?”

The cruise line president also reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to the trade during a press conference on new ship Utopia of the Seas.

Asked whether debts within the cruise industry had the effect of hampering investment in the trade, Bayley said Royal Caribbean International was “always willing to invest”.

“We’ve been steady all along with our commitment to the trade. We’ve never walked away from that,” he added, giving the example of support issued during the pandemic.

Interest-free loans totalling US$75 million were distributed to trade partners to help them through that period, he said, despite Royal Caribbean International’s lack of revenue and high expenses.

All of the loans have since been paid back, he added, signalling the strength of the relationship with the trade.

To partner with Royal Caribbean Arabia call UAE +971 4 331 4299, KSA 800 897 1419, or email book@rccl.ae. For more information, visit www.royalcaribbean.ae

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