Royal Caribbean, the world’s second-largest cruise line operator, after Carnival Corporation, has unveiled plans for the launch of its giant new musical-themed ‘mega ship’, Anthem of the Seas, which will be based in the UK, The Telegraph has reported.
The announcement was made by radio DJ’s Lauren Laverne and Stuart Maconie at a ‘celebration of music’ event that included a live performance of Robbie Williams’ Angels by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, among other pop and classical ‘anthems’.
The second ‘Quantum-class’ ship from Florida-based Royal Caribbean International, Anthem of the Seas will be based in Southampton following its launch in spring 2015. Starting April, the 4,180-passenger ship will offer summer cruises to the Mediterranean, before moving to its Florida home port of Fort Lauderdale during the winter.
Adam Goldstein, president and CEO at Royal Caribbean International said: ‘Over the last decade we have increased annually the number of cruise opportunities from the Port of Southampton. We are eyeing more growth with the introduction of Anthem of the Seas to the UK market.’
Anthem of the Seas will have a ‘state of the art, edgy’ live music and entertainment focus aimed at younger customers. Venues include the Music Hall, a location for DJ sets and theme nights, and venue Two70-degree, featuring a three-storey bar and offering 270-degree sea views provided by floor-to-ceiling glass walls.
The line’s vice president International, Dominic Paul, said: ‘Capacity in the live venues is around 370 so it’s a pretty intimate setting. It will move us out of traditional cruise industry territory.’
It is not clear whether the musical entertainment will be free or ticketed, and no pricing has been announced. Itineraries are scheduled to go on sale in early 2014.
Anthem joins its sister ship, Quantum of the Seas, which will debut in autumn 2014 and sail out of New York Harbour from its homeport of Cape Liberty.
