Royal Caribbean Moves into Luxury Cruise Market

Royal Caribbean and Silversea Cruises? Kind of like a cross between the Odd Couple and My Fair Lady. But it’s for real.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd and the owner of Silversea Cruises announced an agreement today that gives RCL a 66.7% stake in the privately-owned Silversea Cruises.

The agreement reads a little bit technical but the gist of it is that Royal Caribbean and Silversea Cruises see a mutually beneficial future in the luxury and expedition cruise market. Because of this, Royal Caribbean has made an major move to acquire a leading stake in this luxury nine-ship fleet.

Under the agreement, Silversea owner, Manfredi Lefebvre, will remain Executive Chairman of Silversea. Richard Fain, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. envisions a long-term partnership as they work together to broaden both brands.

“Silversea is a crown jewel, and the acknowledged leader in luxury and expedition cruising, two key markets that are poised for growth,” said Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “Uniting our two companies presents an extraordinary opportunity to expand vacation options for guests and create revenue in strategic growth areas.”

The goal is to drive passengers in the direction of the growing luxury and expedition cruise markets, more effectively than Silversea could do on its own. Of course, I think Royal Caribbean would like to add a truly ultra-luxury brand to its portfolio of cruise lines. RCL is parent company also to Azamara Cruises and Celebrity Cruises.

With additional ships and increased passenger count for both Royal Caribbean and Silversea Cruises, new destinations and vacation options would be available. Keep their loyal Royal Caribbean family of passengers and move them into a new categories of cruising.

A little about Silversea

Silversea is a fleet of all-suite ships that cruise to over 1000 destinations worldwide. Silversea has four luxury expedition ships in motion around the world. None of their vessels carry more than 600 guests while most have under 300 passengers.

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