A spokesperson at Disney Cruise Line’s Florida HQ said the cause of the water “intrusion” was still unknown and claimed it would be wrong to suggest – as some reports in Germany had – that sabotage or vandalism was a factor. However, given the standards of workmanship at the yard, it is almost unthinkable that defective workmanship could be to blame, and if it were, that would have to be an even greater cause for concern.

Shortly after taking delivery of the 122,000grt ship, Celebrity and parent company Royal Caribbean international christened the panamax ship. The event took place dockside in Hamburg, Germany.

The godmother of the 2,886-pax ship is Signature Travel Network president and CEO Michelle Morgan. The ship debuts several new venues for a solstice class ship. The Lawn Club Grill overlooks the real grass lawn, and features culinary demonstrations. Guests can watch demonstrations and cook their own cuts of meat with the careful eye of their expert chefs.

Another venue is The Alcoves. a series of eight cabanas lining the edge of the lawn. Each cabana comes with an interactive media guide, wifi, fresh fruit plates, hand-held fans, chilled towels and four bottles of water. A cabana attendant is available should guests require anything.

While talking to the crowd of lucky travel writers, Celebrity Cruises CEO, Dan Hanrahan, stated that after the Celebrity Reflection is launched in 2012, the line plans no more newbuilds. The Silhouette and Reflection will be the 4th and 5th ships in the highly acclaimed Solstice-class. Instead they will focus on upgrading their older tonnage in a process dubbed “Solsticizing.”

Celebrity Just took delivery of their newest addition to the Solstice class, the Silhouette.

The 1,033ft vessel will be christened in Hamburg tomorrow. At 144,000grt she will be the largest ship christened in the German port.

That’s RCI CEO Richard Fain the the middle there toasting the transfer of the funds (total amount of $750 million) and receiving the Ship in return.

Big money and Champagne; ah! the life of a Cruise line CEO.

More photos can be found here.

…will be the name of NCL’s new builds. More details can be expected tomorrow when they will be revealed by NCL.

Richard Fain, Chairman and CEO of RCI:

Royal Caribbean has worked hard to earn a reputation of offering the most innovative ships in the cruise industry and this next generation will not disappoint. While we continue our policy of keeping our newest ideas and features under wraps during the early stages of construction, I can say that I am very excited about the passion and imagination that our teams have devoted to the project. Project Sunshine builds on the best ideas of our existing ships and adds exciting new activities and entertainment concepts. It will offer features for everyone: from grand, spectacular spaces to small intimate settings; from active, invigorating activities to the serenity of more personal space; and from a plethora of dining alternatives to a cornucopia of opportunities for families.

I am also excited about the energy efficiency and environmental technologies which have been incorporated. Our existing ships are some of the most energy efficient in the world and Project Sunshine takes this one further step. Based on our over 20 years of experience with Meyer Werft, along with their compelling proposal, we know they will deliver on all of the innovations Royal Caribbean’s guests have come to expect.

Bernard Meyer, managing partner of Meyer Werft shipyard:

Meyer Werft is pleased to be working with Royal Caribbean especially in light of their reputation for building such innovative ships. I am very happy we are continuing our long time partnership with Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and its brand Royal Caribbean International. Their projects always present incredible opportunities for Meyer Werft to create the latest cutting edge hardware in the cruise industry

Germany was where RCI had the 4 Radiance’s built and all their 5 Solstice’s.

There is no word on the size, but my guess would be absolutely smaller than Oasis. Physically, if said rumor is to be believed, Meyer Werft in Germany is limited by size restrictions. Due to the Ems River the ship has to transit. A good guess as to the sizes can be seen in Germany’s recent work: the 128,000grt Disney Dream, and the Solstice Class of 122,000- 126,000 grt.

The Disney Dream just completed its passage down the River Ems. The shipyard that it was built at, Meyer Werft of Papenburg, Germany, is technically inland, linked to the sea only by this narrow, twisty river. There are even parts that they have to sail the ship backwards through.

Well the Dream just completed this task and is now docked at the ocean port of Eemshaven, The Netherlands. She will completed and outfitted and then sail over to Port Canaveral on Jan. 26, 2011.

NCL Newbuild

NCL announced last week that they will build 2 new ships in German’ys Meyer Werft Shipyard. Here is what we know so far:

Each ship will be about $750 million. Pretty much average although compared to the Epic’s over 1 billion price tag, quite the bargin.

Will measure 143,500grt.

No name announced. Not even a code name Epic’s was ‘F3’

Will have single cabins

Will not have the see-through bathrooms on Epic

Will have the courtyard villa but not in the esthetically controversial “crown” “hat” or whatever you want to call that.

The wave cabin phenomenon is in jeopardy.

Elements from the Epic will transfer over to the two new ships, but NCL wont say yet.

Quote after the break:

NCL CEO Kevin Sheehan:
“We have some learnings from the Epic. It is a fantastic ship, but we have some learnings and will build on that knowledge.”