The UK looks set to see a Quantum-class ship remaining in Southampton for the foreseeable future, Royal Caribbean International’s vice president confirmed to TTG.
Speaking onboard Quantum of the Seas last weekend, Dominic Paul admitted that positioning sister ship Anthem of the Seas out of Southampton was a “massive move” for the line.
“For us to place a brand new $1 billion ship in the UK is massive. By bringing it to the UK, we’re saying that we recognise this is a strategic market for us,” he said.
“We’ve been sailing out of the UK for 10 years [with Independence of the Seas] I think we’re ready for the next thing. The goal is to have a Quantum-class ship staying in the UK – we’re not just doing this for one season. We want Anthem to be seen as an iconic UK ship, assuming that it is successful.
“I would think it would have a long successful future here [in Southampton],” he added.
Meanwhile, Paul defended the decision to up prices for Anthem, insisting that demand remained strong for the ship, despite the higher cost. “It’s selling well – we’re seeing strong demand for 2015 in general, but in particular for Anthem – there seems to be a real desire to try the ship.”
He also said he was unconcerned by fears about the extra capacity being put into Southampton next year.
