Rumors and speculations regarding Project Phoenix continue to flourish as the year progresses. The newspaper, Norges Handelsog Sjofartstidende, reported on March 27, that unless something dramatic happened, the approximate $450-million contract to build the giant ship would be given to the German Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft.
A surprised Knut Klaster, NCL Chairman of the Board, denies this claim, however, insisting that several shipyards are still being considered, and that a decision won’t be made until later this year.
To get a sampling of some thoughts on Project Phoenix, CIN asked several people in the cruise industry their impressions. Some of the responses were:
“Everyone is intrigued!” – Travel Editor, Trade Press
“Bold and imaginative approach.” – Cruise Line President
“You need more than just size to attract people; the on-board facilities must offset the scariness of size.” – Travel Editor, Trade Press
“It will bring many new people into cruising.” – Cruise Line President
“Kloster’s an optimist. Cities are exactly what people want to get away from.” – Cruise Line President
“I haven’t heard of Phoenix.” – Travel Editor, Trade Press
“Is that the ship with the marina inside?” – Travel Editor, Trade Press
“Beyond 1800 or 2000 passengers, you start to reach diseconomies of scale from the standpoint of human engineering.” – Carnival Cruises V.P.
