Setting sail for a new Adventure (From Daily Echo)

Adventure of the Seas cruise ship to be based in Southampton

12:40pm Tuesday 9th October 2012 in News By Ian Murray, Editor-in-chief

Adam Goldstein

THE head of cruise giant Royal Caribbean has underscored his faith in the British travel market ahead of plans to site another ship in Southampton.

Adam Goldstein, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, was speaking on a visit to the UK.

In an interview with the Daily Echo, Mr Goldstein, praised the resilience of the British travelling public which, he said, played a large part in the company’s decision to site its second super cruise ship in the Hampshire port from spring 2013.

From next year Adventure of the Seas will join Independence of the Seas to offer cruises from Southampton to the Mediterranean, the Baltic and Scandinavia.

“These are challenging conditions, in the UK and just about everywhere, but we consider that the market here has the capacity to warrant siting a second ship in Southampton at this time,” said Mr Goldstein.

“Our relationship with Southampton began with Legend of the Seas and has been growing step by step ever since. In fact, this has been a 40-year relationship with the UK market.

I began to work with the British cruise market in 1991 when we had 10,000 customers.

Now we have 15 to 20 times that amount.”

This year will see the UK cruise market top the two million passenger mark, but worldwide 21 million people will take a cruise.

However the UK remains the second largest cruise market next to the USA.

“We have been able to generate a strong following among UK cruisers who appreciate our Crown and Anchor offering,” commented Mr Goldstein.

“It is too early to report on bookings for Adventure out of Southampton as we have only just begun to market the services, but we are confident of a strong response.

“Siting two ships in Southampton is a significant increase in capacity which is why we have some strong offers at this stage to get those bookings locked in.”

The offers include upgrades to balcony staterooms as well as prices that include regional flights to Southampton. Mr Goldstein added that Royal Caribbean’s customer base in the North and Midlands remained strong and they wished to see that continue.

“Our offer of service, amenities and destinations remains popular with travellers. The British have more holidays and seem determined to take that holiday abroad despite challenging times,” added Mr Goldstein.

Adventure of the Seas arrives in Southampton in May 2013. Features include a rock climbing wall and Royal Promenade as well as a variety of dining experiences, including the Johnny Rocket’s 50’s burger restaurant.