Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCL) today announced its commitment to long-term investment in Europe and plans to expand its fleet on the continent. With the European cruise industry growing by 111% over the past 10 years, Royal Caribbean Cruises aims to strengthen its position to meet increasing demand.
The investment will bring with it a restructuring of RCL's European business, consolidating its sales structure from six to four defined territories in Europe: the UK and Ireland, the Nordic countries, the Eurozone, and EMEA International Representative. The new Eurozone will incorporate the sales teams from Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Austria, and Switzerland, and will be headquartered in Barcelona, led by a new Associate Vice President & Managing Director, Belén Wangüemert, who previously served as Managing Director for Spain and France.
This consolidation process will involve an increase in the sales team across Europe, reflecting the company's ambition to keep pace with the growing demand for cruises in Europe.
“This is a pivotal moment for the industry. We are witnessing growing consumer interest in cruises, as well as a significant increase in shipbuilding investment by RCL and other cruise lines. Our vision is to develop the best sales team in Europe to support our agents in attracting new customers and, consequently, bringing the newest and best ships to our shores,” commented Stuart Leven, Vice President EMEA & Managing Director of RCL Cruises Ltd.
“Our sales partners are essential to the success of Royal Caribbean’s business. For us, this is an excellent opportunity to grow, deepen our relationship with them, and even open the door to new opportunities for both parties,” added Leven.
“Barcelona is a strategic port for Royal Caribbean, and these changes and investment reflect our long-term commitment to the city,” said Belén Wangüermert, Associate Vice President & Managing Director of RCL Cruises Ltd. Eurozone. “Our team is more than ready for an immediate and successful transition, as well as for continued growth as the industry evolves across Europe.”.
RCL's announcement of its European business comes at a time when the cruise industry continues to benefit from a surge in popularity. Following the success of Harmony of the Seas in Europe last year, RCL is preparing to further its expansion in the region with the arrival, in 2018, of Symphony of the Seas – which will be the most innovative cruise ship in the world. In addition, RCL, owner and operator of three global brands (Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Azamara Club Cruises), will launch ten ships over the next nine years, including the recently announced Celebrity Edge, and the company will continue to invest in port infrastructure and shipbuilding.
The European cruise market has grown steadily over the past ten years, and in 2016, almost 6.7 million Europeans chose cruise holidays over land-based vacations. Cruises remain the fastest-growing form of holiday in Europe (and worldwide).
