(RCI) Royal Caribbean International is a subsidiary company and largest brand of RCCL (Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd) - Norwegian-American corporation, ranked world's second largest passenger shipping company (after Carnival Corporation). However, RCCL owns the world's biggest passenger ships. As of 2018, RCCL controls around 32% of the global ship cruising market (revenue) and 23% (passengers), with full ownership of 4 brands (RCI, Celebrity, Silversea, Azamara) plus 49% stake in Pullmantur (51% owned by Springwater Capital) and 50% stake in TUI Cruises (50% owned by TUI AG).
Company history
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd is based in Miami FL (USA) and incorporated in Liberia. The company was formed in 1997 when RCCL (Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, established 1968) purchased Celebrity Cruises (established 1988). A decision was made to keep the two brands separate. As result, RCCL was re-branded Royal Caribbean International (RCI) and RCCL was founded as the parent company of RCI and Celebrity. RCCL headquarters address is "Royal Caribbean International, 1050 Royal Caribbean Way, Miami, FL, 33132-2096 USA".
Around 55% of RCI's total revenue comes from USA. Company's other major markets are Europe, Latin America and Asia-Pacific.
Since March 2018, RCCL offers one login for RCI and Celebrity websites and mobile apps. The new policy allows one account to be used for loyalty program benefits, bookings, and reservations with both brands. The account security was also simplified and strengthened to ensure customers' personal data.
Since May 2018, RCCL also uses fleetwide only cage-free eggs and gestation stall-free pork. By the year 2024, for all its USA-based ships, RCCL will purchase poultry only from GAP-certified producers and dealers. The corporation will require chickens to be slaughtered and processed in a manner that doesn't involve live dumping and shackling, thus eliminating conscious throat-slitting and scalding.
Since June 2018, RCI ship bars serve cocktails with optional plastic straws (not by default) - a new policy aiming to reduce sea pollution. "Why no straws?" signs at onboard bars fleetwide now indicate that drink orders will not automatically receive a straw, but only upon request.
(deposit program changes) Since November 2018, RCI customers booking non-refundable deposit cruise fares don't receive onboard credit (USD 100) per stateroom. Instead, they are promised the lowest pricing on the fare.
RCCL's has a call centre in Springfield OR, operated since 2006. The customized office resembles a cruise ship. In 2014, the company employed there over 700 people. In Aug 2018 was announced that RCCL plans to outsource most of its Springfield jobs (~90%, excepting only sales employees) to company's call centers in Jamaica and Guatemala. This means that US sales agents will do the bookings, but when customers call back with issues they will be re-routed overseas.
Since 2017, Royal Caribbean has joint ownership of Freeport shipyard, where major drydock refurbishments and ship maintenance works take place.
All RCCL cruise ships are serviced by Wartsila (Helsinki Finland-based corporation, marine equipment manufacturer and maritime services provider). In 2018, RCCL and Wartsila extended their service agreement to 2028. Under the agreement, Wartsila optimizes machinery efficiency through improved Turbocharger maintenance, also provides OEM (original equipment manufacturer) spare parts, workshop services, technical assistance for the entire RCCL fleet. The deal covers a total of 196 marine diesel engines on 46 vessels. Most RCCL liners are equipped with Wartsila-developed monitoring technology sending real-time engine data to a land-based center for analysis.
In June-July 2018, RCCL acquired the brand Silversea Cruises.
On June 14, 2018, RCCL and Manfredi Lefebvre D'Ovidio (Silversea's majority stock owner) announced an agreement for RCCL to acquire 66,7% equity stake in Silversea, at purchase price around USD 1 billion. At the time, Silversea was valued around USD 2 billion. RCCL financed the deal through debt. In addition to the cash money, Lefebvre family qualified for around 472,000 RCCL shares.
With the addition of Silversea (4 expedition ships) and the newbuild Celebrity Flora (Galapagos), RCCL's expedition fleet in 2019 grew to approx 2,5% of corporation's combined fleet (compared to 0,5% in 2018).
By combined expedition cruise berths, RCCL is ranked world's 4th largest operator - following Ponant, Hurtigruten and Lindblad Expeditions.
Accommodation in a cabin of the selected category;
All-inclusive meals (except for alternative restaurants);
non-ferrous drinks: water, tea, coffee at self-service points on the ship;
cultural program on board: evening shows, theater, live music, etc.;
visiting nightclubs and discos;
active entertainment on board;
visiting the library;
participation of children in children's clubs;
visiting swimming pools and jacuzzi;
gym and sports court;
steward services and cabin cleaning;
port fees and taxes.
air travel;
transfers;
visas along the route;
hotel before and after the cruise (if necessary);
tips for staff*;
alternative restaurants;
alcoholic and some non-alcoholic drinks;
Internet and telephone on board;
casino on board;
laundry/dry cleaning services;
beauty salon, SPA center;
excursions in ports (optional).
*The size of the tip depends on the chosen cabin category:
Interior cabin/window/balcony/Junior suite – $18.00 /person/night
Suite (except Junior Suite) – $20.50 /person/night
