Royal Caribbean International is developing a “value” family concept inspired by its £30,000-per-week Ultimate Family Suite for future ships in its fleet, the line has revealed.
Speaking onboard new vessel Symphony of the Seas – which features the first and only Ultimate Family Suite - boss Michael Bayley told TTG the line had been “really surprised by the demand” for the eight-person, two-floor room which includes a slide, 3D cinema system and Lego wall.
“Obviously the price point we have got on the Ultimate Family Suite is very high so it would be wonderful if we could figure out how to create an experience which really hits the spot for families at a better value point. I think it will be something that we will do,” he said.
Bayley said Royal’s intention for creating the Ultimate Family Suite – which is sold out for the rest of 2018 – was to do something “whimsical and fun”.
“We have been really surprised by the demand – and it’s at the top end of the pricing. I mean $85,000 for a week [over the Christmas holidays] is a lot of money.
“It’s clear that what we see is everybody’s time is shrinking. Anything you can do to create more memories as a family - people will pay for it.”
Discussing the Ultimate Family Suite during a TTG Facebook Live event onboard Symphony, Simone Clark, senior vice-president of global supply at Iglu called on Royal Caribbean to add more of the suite type.
Iglu were the first UK travel agency to secure a booking for the suite. Clark said: “I think [the Ultimate Family Suite] is the thing that has really captured the imagination across our sales team and our customers as well.
“Obviously it has sold out now very quickly so we are just hoping there are going to be more available in the future.”