Founded in 1969 as a partnership of three prominent Norwegian shipping companies, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. was the first company to launch ships designed for year-round Caribbean cruising. Founded in 1969 as a partnership of three prominent Norwegian shipping companies, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. was the first company to launch ships designed for year-round Caribbean cruising. The vessels proved to be so popular that within five years more capacity was needed. Two vessels were stretched—cut in half, then lengthened by inserting prefabricated midsections, and more superliners with unique designs were added. In a surprise move in 1997, RCCL bought Celebrity Cruises—a deal worth $1.3 billion. Celebrity operates as a separate brand. In 2002, RCCL’s attempt to buy Princess Cruises, one of its main competitors, was thwarted by Carnival, which won out in the end after a heavy bidding war.
Unofficial Guide © 2009
.jpg_thumb.jpg "Santorini sunset")
