Royal Caribbean Cruises has announced that it has entered into an agreement with Meyer Werft in Germany to order a fifth Quantum-class ship for delivery in autumn 2020.

“It is such a pleasure to announce the order of another Quantum-class ship as we are welcoming Anthem of the Seas to North America,” said Richard Fain, chairman, Royal Caribbean Cruises.

“These ships have been received with excitement, and performed exceptionally well, across the globe. 

“We fully expect that momentum to continue as we add to this innovative class of ships.”

Based upon current ship orders, projected capital expenditures for full year 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 are $1.6 billion, $2.4 billion, $0.5 billion, $2.5 billion and $1.4 billion, respectively.

Capacity increases for 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 are expected to be 5.4 per cent, 6.4 per cent, 3.4 per cent, 3.7 per cent and 6.6 per cent respectively. 

The figures do not include potential ship sales or additions that may be made in the future.

Royal Caribbean Cruises is a global cruise company that owns Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Pullmantur, Azamara Club Cruises and CDF Croisières de France, as well as TUI Cruises through a 50 percent joint venture. 

Together, these six brands operate a combined total of 44 ships with an additional eleven on order. 

They operate diverse itineraries around the world that call on approximately 480 destinations on all seven continents.