Nobody typically considers the engine of a cruise ship until it malfunctions.
A recent incident involving a Carnival cruise resulted in a complete change to its itinerary due to engine issues. The cruise line was unaware that the problem could not be rectified before passengers boarded. When the new stops were communicated, passengers responded with frustration and vocal discontent.
Carnival offered the affected passengers a full refund if they chose to disembark or onboard credit and future cruise credit if they stayed. Despite the altered schedule, most passengers opted to remain on the vessel, but the incident attracted significant negative attention.
Cruise lines aim to maintain their ships in optimal working condition. However, engine problems can necessitate itinerary changes or even lead to cruise cancellations. In worst-case scenarios, engine troubles can leave a ship stranded at sea or force it to return at reduced speed, situations that cruise lines strive to avoid. To prevent such occurrences, Royal Caribbean has implemented a significant measure.
Royal Caribbean has entered into a five-year lifecycle agreement with the technology group Wärtsilä, covering 37 ships across multiple brands. According to Wärtsilä, the service agreement helps manage the lifecycle of the vessels and other assets to maintain a competitive edge.
This agreement is focused on enhancing the performance, reliability, and availability of the ships’ engines, ensuring high operational efficiency and supporting Royal Caribbean’s sustainability goals. Wärtsilä Marine President Roger Holm stated that the agreement exemplifies the mutual dedication of both Royal Caribbean Group and Wärtsilä teams. It strengthens their long-term partnership and enhances collaboration, committing both parties to achieving top operational reliability and meeting stringent sustainability and decarbonization standards in the cruise industry.
The objective of the deal is to ensure continued ship operations while achieving environmental targets. Installing appropriate technological solutions onboard is just the beginning; ensuring their optimal performance throughout their lifespan is equally crucial. Wärtsilä highlighted that this framework minimizes the risk of unplanned maintenance and costly downtime, improves performance to save fuel, and reduces emissions, allowing ships to operate optimally while maintaining regulatory compliance.
While passengers may appreciate sustainability efforts, their primary concern is that their cruises proceed as scheduled. Royal Caribbean’s agreement with Wärtsilä aims to address both operational reliability and environmental objectives effectively.
