Are Royal Caribbean set for Expedition cruising?

Royal Caribbean group own Celebrity, Azamara and have a number of shares in Tui Marella cruises as well as Spanish cruise line Pullmantur cruise. this allows the brand to have a great cruise presence in the united states as well as all over Europe with German and Spanish options for their guests.

I am going to let you in on a little insider secret I read in both the FT as well as the ABTA magazine this week.

RCI Royal Caribbean international are buying Silversea that’s right it seems a 6 star luxury price partner doing smaller Yacht like expedition like cruising is on the Cards for Royal Caribbean

Richard Fain the CEO of RCI has said openly that Silversea is a crown Jewel and the acknowledged leader in luxury and expedition cruising two key markets that are poised for huge growth uniting the two companies. RCI feel this represents a huge opportunity for the two companies.

Its only last week I did a quotation on The Azamara Pursuit doing an expedition cruise around Antarctica and South America’s southern Cape in Argentina so I understand the companies are very different but I had thought Azamara were the brand within the group to take their expedition to new levels.

People love the diversity in the brand with Celebrity great for couples and are high end 5 star. Royal Caribbean are really moving to dominate the family market, Azamara have 3 ships all wonderfully refurbished throughout carrying just over 650 passengers all inclusive with very special Az Amazing Azamara evenings getting you closer to the action in each port around the world.

Silversea only offer Suites with Butlers and ultimate indulgent high end smaller cruising in a luxury way.

I personally see this as a fantastic addition to the Royal Caribbean Brand and can see this forward thinking company are really diversifying to take over the cruising world.

What are your thoughts on this acquisition? does this business side of cruising appeal to your interests?