The Bahamas is without doubt the flag of choice for the world’s largest passenger ships after it welcomed the world’s newest wonder, the Wonder of the Seas to its register.
Built at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, the 236,857gt vessel, featuring 18 decks and accommodation for up to 6,988 guests, is the largest of Royal Caribbean Group’s Oasis class cruise ships.
All of the Oasis class vessels – the 226,838gt Oasis of the Seas; the 225,282gt Allure of the Seas; the 226,963gt Harmony of the Seas; the 228,081gt Symphony of the Seas and now the Wonder of the Seas are registered with The Bahamas flag.
A sixth vessel, due to be delivered in the fourth quarter of next year, is also expected to join The Bahamas flag.
Welcoming the addition of the Wonder of the Seas to the Bahamas flag, Stephen Keenan, Deputy Director and Head of Inspections & Surveys at the Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA), said it now meant that 28 out of the world’s 50 largest passenger vessels by gross tonnage, were registered with The Bahamas.
“We are delighted that our friends at Royal Caribbean have once again put their faith in the Bahamas and we look forward to welcoming the sixth Oasis class vessel to our flag in the coming months. We also look forward to continuing to support RCCL on the development of the novel design elements of the upcoming Icon class.
“For us it has been really good to be involved with the Oasis class vessels from the start, in particular the Oasis of the Seas which was ground-breaking in her own right when she was delivered. We are proud to have these vessels under our flag,” he said.
Source: The Bahamas Maritime Authority
