Now that Royal Caribbean International's splashy new Quantum of the Seas is calling regularly at Port Canaveral, the port director thinks it's time the company bases a mega-ship in Central Florida.
While welcoming the 4,180-passenger Quantum on its first visit Dec. 15, Port Canaveral CEO John Walsh said he's lobbying Royal Caribbean to homeport a similar or larger ship at the Brevard County port, according to a story in Florida Today.
Royal Caribbean's two largest ships, the 5,400-passenger Oasis and Allure of the Seas, are based at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, but two more ships of that size are scheduled for delivery in spring 2016 and 2018. Where those mammoth ships will be based is of some speculation, but some wonder if one will head for Asia.
The Quantum of the Seas now sails from Cape Liberty in Bayonne, N.J., but is moving to Shanghai, China, in May. Its sister ship, Anthem of the Seas, will take its place in New York Harbor in November.
The third Quantum-class ship, Ovation of the Seas, is scheduled for delivery in fall 2016.
Earlier this year, Royal Caribbean reached an agreement with Port Canaveral that expands its business there for 10 years with two five-year options.
The cruise line will become the priority user of the new Cruise Terminal 1 expected to open Dec. 27, according to Florida Today, in the Cove area of Port Canaveral.
Currently, Enchantment of the Seas and Freedom of the Seas sail year-round from Port Canaveral. Explorer of the Seas began homeporting there on Nov. 15 and will offer nine- and five-day cruises through March. Grandeur of the Seas also makes port-of-call stops.
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