News from the world of cruising ~
November 11-20, 2001
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P&O Princess Cruises plc and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Combine to Create the World's Largest Cruise Vacation Group
LONDON, NEW YORK, and OSLO, Norway, Nov. 20 - P&O Princess Cruises plc and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. have agreed to combine forces to create the world's largest cruise vacation group with the most modern fleet among the major cruise companies. The combination will be a merger of equals under a dual listed company structure. The combination has an aggregate market capitalisation of circa $6.0 billion as at 19 November 2001 and the following characteristics:
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Aggregate revenues of over $5 billion in the 12 months to 30 September 2001
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Served some 3 million customers in 2000 on a combined basis
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41 ships and some 75,000 berths with presence in key vacation markets
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Leading positions in the Caribbean trade and destination trades, including Alaska, the Mediterranean, the Baltic and the Panama Canal
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Well known brands, including Royal Caribbean, Princess, Celebrity, P&O Cruises, Swan Hellenic, AIDA and A'ROSA
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Youngest fleet of the major cruise companies with an average age of six years, and largest ships, with an average of over 1,800 berths
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Estimated annualised operational synergies in excess of $100 million
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Combined group to be renamed on completion with the corporate entities of P&O Princess and Royal Caribbean each taking the new group name
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The combination is being effected based on current market capitalisations, resulting in Royal Caribbean representing 49.3% of the equity value of the combined group and P&O Princess representing 50.7% of the equity value of the combined group
Royal Caribbean and P&O Princess have also today established a joint venture to target customers in southern Europe.
Richard D. Fain, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer designate of the combined group, said:
"The combination of Royal Caribbean and P&O Princess will maximise our ability to take advantage of the long-term potential of our industry. This deal brings together well known brands and the youngest fleet in the industry to create a strong customer offering that will drive future growth both in existing and new markets. It also brings near-term cost savings and increased efficiencies that will help us respond to any short term challenges while building a stronger group. I am confident that shareholders in both companies will see real value created as a result."
Peter Ratcliffe, Chief Executive Officer of P&O Princess Cruises and Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer designate of the combined group, said:
"Our industry has sustainable long term growth characteristics, despite the impact of recent events on short term trading. The key indicators of demographics, penetration, high levels of customer satisfaction and trends in leisure spend point to significant growth over the long term and the increasing globalisation of the industry. We will be well placed to benefit from this while reducing unit costs. With a high-quality fleet of over 40 ships, we will have the flexibility to respond to changes in demand around the world, open new markets, maximise the potential of our brands and benefit our customers and shareholders alike. These operational and strategic advantages will underpin this combination, both now and in the longer term."
Lord Sterling of Plaistow, Chairman of P&O Princess Cruises, said:
"This is an outstanding opportunity for both companies and a natural strategic combination. We obviously know each other well and I feel that our European and American heritages are a key to the future. Having personally been involved in the creation of P&O Princess out of the great liner division of The Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company, when I step down as Chairman in the next few months, I will have the pleasure of knowing that our people, both at sea and on shore, will have a tremendous future working together in this new global cruising enterprise. I have no doubt whatsoever that it will go from strength to strength."
Introduction
P&O Princess Cruises plc and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. have agreed to combine in a merger of equals, creating the world's largest cruise vacation group. The combined group will have the most modern fleet of the major cruise companies, comprising 41 ships operating in key vacation markets. The combined group served some 3 million customers in 2000 and had aggregate revenues for the 12 months to 30 September 2001 of over $5 billion.
Structure
The combination will be achieved through a dual listed company ("DLC") structure. The combined entity will be managed as a single, unified business with principal corporate headquarters in Miami, Florida and a significant corporate office in London. Appendix C contains a summary of the principal terms of the DLC. Richard D. Fain, currently Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Royal Caribbean, will be Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the combined group. Peter Ratcliffe, currently Chief Executive Officer of P&O Princess, will be Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of the combined group.
Existing P&O Princess shareholders will, in aggregate, have economic ownership of 50.7% of the combined entity and existing Royal Caribbean shareholders will, in aggregate, have economic ownership of 49.3% of the combined entity. No shareholders in either company will need to exchange or tender their shares in order to effect the combination. Contractual arrangements between the two companies will ensure that distributions of both income and capital to shareholders take place in a "fixed equalization ratio", subject to adjustment for certain events, which reflects the respective economic interest of the shareholders in the combined group. Under the terms of the combination, an existing Royal Caribbean share will have an economic interest equivalent to 3.46386 existing P&O Princess shares.
Principal trading markets following completion of the transaction will continue to be the New York and Oslo stock exchanges for Royal Caribbean and the London Stock Exchange for P&O Princess. Based on the closing prices of P&O Princess and Royal Caribbean shares on 19 November 2001, the aggregate market capitalisation of the combined entity is approximately $6.0 billion and the aggregate enterprise value of the combined group, based on 30 September 2001 balance sheets, is $11.8 billion. Aggregate EBITDA for the 12 months to 30 September 2001 exceeded $1.2 billion.
RATIONALE FOR THE COMBINATION
Demographic changes and consumer appetite for leisure activities, coupled with high levels of customer satisfaction, support a positive long-term outlook for the cruise industry. Through the combination, both Royal Caribbean and P&O Princess believe they will be able to benefit from this long-term growth trend and create value for all the combined group's shareholders.
Through its well known global brands, the combined group will be a strong competitor in all the major vacation markets in the US and Europe. The combined group will have an enhanced product offering in the vacation markets already served by the two existing companies and will be able to expand into new vacation markets through enhanced redeployment flexibility offered by its large, modern fleet.
The combined group will have a fleet of 41 ships offering approximately 75,000 berths, with a further 14 ships on order for delivery over the next three years, offering over 30,000 additional berths. The combined fleet will be the youngest of the major cruise operators with an average age of just six years, featuring the highest proportion of cabins with balconies. The combined, modern fleet will also have a highly efficient operating cost structure.
The combined group carried some 3 million customers in 2000 and generated aggregate revenue during the 12 months ended 30 September 2001 of over $5 billion. Brands operated by the two companies include Royal Caribbean International, Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises, all aimed primarily toward North American customers, P&O Cruises and Swan Hellenic in the UK, AIDA Cruises and the recently launched A'ROSA brand in Germany and P&O Cruises in Australia. The combined group will have a strong position in the Caribbean trade, and in the larger destination trades including Alaska, the Mediterranean, the Baltic, the Panama Canal and other exotic destinations world-wide. The combined group will benefit from a substantial tour operation infrastructure in Alaska, including five wilderness lodges, and will also have three private destination ports of call in the Caribbean islands.
By combining, the two companies expect to:
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maximise the potential of their ships through strategic redeployment;
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enhance their product offerings in existing vacation markets;
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accelerate the geographic penetration of cruising into new global vacation markets; and
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realise significant cost savings.
The combination is expected to deliver significant cost savings, estimated to be at least $100 million on an annualised basis, 12 months after completion. These savings are incremental to the existing cost reduction programmes that each company has already put in place. The additional savings are expected to come primarily from marketing efficiencies, improved purchasing, rationalising offices in various locations, reduced information systems costs and combining Alaska tour operations. One-time cash costs of integration are expected to be less than half the level of the annualised savings.
BOARD AND MANAGEMENT
Following completion, the combined group will be managed on a unified basis and in effect will have a single board, as the composition of the boards of Royal Caribbean and P&O Princess will be identical. Initially, the boards will comprise twelve directors, half of which will be nominated by P&O Princess and half by Royal Caribbean. These will include Richard D. Fain, currently Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Royal Caribbean, who will be Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the combined group and Peter Ratcliffe, currently Chief Executive Officer of P&O Princess, who will be Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of the combined group.
Following completion of the transaction, Nick Luff, currently Chief Financial Officer of P&O Princess, will become Chief Financial Officer of the combined group and Richard Glasier, currently Chief Financial Officer of Royal Caribbean, will assume a new operational role within the combined group.
The principal corporate headquarters of the combined group will be in Miami, Florida, with a significant corporate office in London. The combined operation will maintain a substantial presence in Los Angeles and Seattle, as well as other offices in the US, UK, Germany and Australia.
The combined group will be renamed on completion with P&O Princess and Royal Caribbean each taking the new group name.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
For the four quarters ended 30 September 2001, P&O Princess and Royal Caribbean (on their respective accounting policies and under UK GAAP and US GAAP respectively) had the following results:
P&O Princess Royal Caribbean
$m $m
Gross revenue 2,451 3,131
EBITDA 494 781
Net income 266 324
Net assets 2,633 3,833
Royal Caribbean and P&O Princess intend to prepare a single set of combined accounts, denominated in US dollars, presenting both UK and US GAAP figures. They will also prepare other financial information as necessary for statutory purposes.
The combined group expects to retain the majority of the debt facilities currently in place for P&O Princess and Royal Caribbean. It is intended to put in place additional debt facilities in due course to fund the new ships on order that do not already have financing in place.
DIVIDEND POLICY
Following completion, dividends will be paid in accordance with the equalisation ratio on a quarterly basis. The combined group will set future dividends taking into account trading conditions, balance sheet considerations and future prospects. It is expected that the tax treatment of dividends will remain unchanged.
APPROVAL PROCESS AND TIMETABLE
Documents will be posted to the shareholders of Royal Caribbean and P&O Princess as soon as practicable, setting out further information on the proposed transaction and seeking shareholders' approval for the transaction. Shareholder meetings for both companies will be held approximately three weeks later. Completion of the transaction is expected to take place, subject to, inter alia, shareholder and regulatory approvals, in the second quarter of 2002.
Royal Caribbean has agreed to use its reasonable best efforts to deliver shareholder voting agreements representing at least 44.5% of the voting control of Royal Caribbean on or before 3 December 2001. Procuring certain of these shareholder agreements may be dependent upon such shareholders obtaining satisfactory comfort with respect to the Norwegian tax treatment of the transaction. If these voting agreements have not been delivered by such date, P&O Princess has the right to terminate all agreements related to the combination.
JOINT VENTURE
As an initial step in combining the two companies' operations and to accelerate the development of cruising within European vacation markets, the two companies have also entered into a joint venture agreement that will become effective immediately. The joint venture company will target customers in southern Europe.
The joint venture company is owned 50% by P&O Princess and 50% by Royal Caribbean. It is expected to commence cruise operations in 2003, deploying four new ships, with two contributed by Royal Caribbean and two by P&O Princess. The four new ships are currently on order and are scheduled for delivery in 2003 and 2004. The joint venture will have an asset base, after delivery of the initial four ships, in excess of $2 billion.
Initial equity commitments of $1 billion will be made to the joint venture on a 50/50 basis by P&O Princess and Royal Caribbean. The remaining capital requirements will be debt financed. The joint venture will provide a product tailored for southern European customers, primarily from Italy, France and Spain.
Under the agreement, all material decisions will require the consent of both parent companies and each company has agreed that it will not compete with the joint venture. In certain circumstances, including a change of control, Royal Caribbean or P&O Princess would lose management and voting rights in the joint venture. On a change of control, there are put and call arrangements over the shares of the affected party in the joint venture company, where the consideration can be satisfied by the acquiring party issuing either preferred equity or 20 year subordinated loan notes with a coupon of 5%. If certain commercial targets are not met, the joint venture may, unless either party has been subject to change of control, be terminated in January 2003. The joint venture agreement is not conditional on the approval of the shareholders of P&O Princess or Royal Caribbean or any regulatory approval.
OTHER INFORMATION
Principal trading markets following completion of the transaction will continue to be the New York and Oslo Stock Exchanges for Royal Caribbean and the London Stock Exchange for P&O Princess. It is expected that P&O Princess will continue to be included in the FTSE series of indices post completion and Royal Caribbean will continue to be included in its existing indices post completion.
An amount of $62.5 million will be payable by either Royal Caribbean or P&O Princess, in certain circumstances, if the transaction does not proceed.
Further information on Royal Caribbean can be accessed at its website, www.rclinvestor.com, and at the Head Office of Royal Caribbean (1050 Caribbean Way, Miami, Florida 33132, USA). Further information on P&O Princess can be accessed at its website www.poprincesscruises.com .
Schroder Salomon Smith Barney acts as financial advisor and joint corporate broker to P&O Princess and Goldman Sachs acts as financial advisor and joint corporate broker to Royal Caribbean. Credit Suisse First Boston (Europe) Limited acts as joint corporate broker to P&O Princess and Cazenove acts as joint corporate broker to Royal Caribbean. Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Sullivan & Cromwell act as legal advisors to P&O Princess and Davis Polk & Wardwell and Slaughter and May act as legal advisers to Royal Caribbean.
Form of Safe Harbour Wording
Certain statements contained in this release are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions with respect to P&O Princess and Royal Caribbean and their respective subsidiaries, including certain statements concerning the transactions described herein, future results, plans and goals and other events which have not yet occurred. These statements are intended to qualify for the safe harbours from liability provided by Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which are part of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can find many (but not all) of these statements by looking for words like "will", "may", "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "plans" and "estimates" and for similar expressions. Because forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are many factors that could cause the transactions described herein not to occur and/or each of P&O Princess' and Royal Caribbean's actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied in this release. These include, but are not limited to, regulatory and shareholder approvals, achievement of planned synergies, general economic and business conditions and in particular, conditions in the travel and vacation industry, including changes in industry capacity and competition from other cruise ship operators and other vacation alternatives, safety and security concerns, incidents at sea and weather conditions and their impact on the foregoing and each company's business and cash flows of P&O Princess and Royal Caribbean; the political climate, fluctuations in interest rates, or the price of oil, changes in the tax and regulatory regimes under which each company operates, capital expenditures, and factors impacting each of P&O Princess' and Royal Caribbean's international operations. In addition, the sections entitled "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in each of P&O Princess' and Royal Caribbean's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2000 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission contain important cautionary statements and a discussion of many of the factors that could materially affect the accuracy of each company's forward-looking statements and/or adversely affect their respective businesses, results of operations and financial position, which statements and factors are incorporated herein by reference. P&O Princess and Royal Caribbean do not plan to update any forward-looking statements.
Schroder Salomon Smith Barney and Credit Suisse First Boston (Europe) Limited which are regulated in the United Kingdom by The Securities and Futures Authority Limited, are acting for P&O Princess in connection with the proposed combination and no-one else and will not be responsible to anyone other than P&O Princess for providing the protections offered to customers of Schroder Salomon Smith Barney and Credit Suisse First Boston (Europe) Limited nor for providing advice in relation to the proposed combination.
Goldman Sachs International and Cazenove & Co. Ltd, which are regulated in the United Kingdom by The Securities and Futures Authority Limited, are acting for Royal Caribbean in connection with the proposed combination and no-one else and will not be responsible to anyone other than Royal Caribbean for providing the protections offered to customers of Goldman Sachs International and Cazenove & Co. Ltd nor for providing advice in relation to the proposed combination.
This announcement does not constitute a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of the ordinary shares of P&O Princess or the common stock of Royal Caribbean. Shareholders should seek advice from an independent financial adviser as to the suitability of any action for the individual concerned. This announcement does not constitute an offer or invitation to purchase any securities or a solicitation to vote in favour of the proposed combination. Any shareholder action required in connection with the proposed combination will only be set out in documents to be published in due course and any decision made by shareholders should be made solely on the basis of information provided in those documents.
About Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is a global cruise vacation company that operates Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Royal Celebrity Tours. In addition, the company owns a 50% share of Island Cruises, a cruise joint venture with First Choice Holidays in Europe. Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises have a combined total of 23 ships in service with a passenger capacity of 47,400 berths. In addition, the company has six ships on order offering an additional 14,600 berths. Royal Celebrity Tours operates land-tour vacations in Alaska, Florida, British Columbia, and Europe and maintains a fleet of glass domed railcars and motorcoaches to support its Alaska tour operations. Island Cruises will operate the 1,512 passenger Island Breeze beginning in the summer of 2002.
About P&O Princess
P&O Princess Cruises plc is a global cruise vacation company operating under the following brand names: Princess Cruises in North America; P&O Cruises in the UK and in Australia; AIDA, A'ROSA and Seetours in Germany and Swan Hellenic also in the UK. It provides cruises to Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe, the Panama Canal and other exotic destinations. The group currently has a fleet of 18 ships offering a total of 27,370 berths, with 8 new ships on order, offering a further 17,520 berths. Princess' tour division, Princess Tours, is a leading tour operator in Alaska with four riverside lodges (with a fifth being built), a fleet of deluxe motorcoaches and luxury Midnight Sun Express rail cars.
The DLC structure
P&O Princess and Royal Caribbean will, subject to, inter alia, shareholder and regulatory approvals, combine their operations though the creation of a DLC structure.
Upon completion of the combination:
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P&O Princess shareholders will collectively have a 50.7% voting and economic interest in the combined group and Royal Caribbean shareholders a 49.3% voting and economic interest in the combined group. A Royal Caribbean share will have the same economic and voting interests as 3.46386 P&O Princess shares.
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Arrangements will be put in place to ensure that dividends are paid on an equalised basis and to ensure that shareholders are not prejudiced by capital actions which have different effects on shareholders of the two companies.
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P&O Princess shareholders will continue to receive dividends from P&O Princess paid in pounds sterling (unless shareholders have elected to receive dividends in US$). Royal Caribbean shareholders will continue to receive dividends from Royal Caribbean in US$.
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The boards of directors of P&O Princess and Royal Caribbean will be identical and the combined group will be managed as a single enterprise.
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The shareholders of P&O Princess and Royal Caribbean will vote on key decisions, including the appointment of directors, through a joint electoral procedure in which the shareholders of P&O Princess and Royal Caribbean will effectively vote as one body. However, where a matter may impact differently on the two groups of shareholders, separate approval of the shareholders of each of P&O Princess and Royal Caribbean will be required.
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Arrangements will be put in place so that each parent company will guarantee the future creditors of the other parent company.
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Each company's Articles will also be amended to ensure that an offer to acquire one parent company must be accompanied by an equivalent offer to acquire the other parent company.
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P&O Princess and Royal Caribbean will continue to have separate legal identities, tax residencies and stock exchange listings. Each will take the name of the combined group on completion. SOURCE P&O Princess Cruises plc; Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
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Royal Caribbean Intl Honored as Hispanic Marketer of the Year
Miami, Nov 19, 2001 - The Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce recognized
Royal Caribbean International as the Hispanic Marketer of the Year. The annual award, presented by the Chamber's Hispanic Business Group, recognizes the company that has been most successful in executing a cohesive marketing campaign targeting Florida's Hispanic market. The award was presented at the Chamber's 12th Annual Hispanic Market Luncheon.
"We are proud to have our work in the Hispanic market recognized by the Chamber," said Dan Hanrahan, Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President, Marketing and Sales. "However, we are especially appreciative of the strong support from the important Hispanic market, and the loyalty and preference shown for the Royal Caribbean brand."
As Royal Caribbean's Hispanic Agency of Record, Coral Gables-based
CreatAbility prides itself on results-oriented campaigns. "For us, it's always been about selling our clients' goods and services as if they were our own," said José López-Varela, CreatAbility's Managing Partner. "Royal Caribbean's commitment to the Hispanic market has been exemplary, this company has recognized the importance and buying power of this segment in its own back yard. Other Miami-based companies should take note."
Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 15 ships in service and five under construction or on firm order. For additional information about the cruise line, please visit the company's Internet web site at www.royalcaribbean.com. CreatAbility is marketing agency specializing in Hispanic communications. The agency is a shareholder in Worldwide Partners Inc., the largest network of independently owned agencies with offices in 39 countries, billing $4.2 billion last year. This occasion marks the second time one of CreatAbility's clients has received this award.
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STAR PRINCESS TO OFFER SPECIAL SPRING COASTAL VOYAGE
Floating Resort Features New California Ports of Call
11/14/2001 - The newest "star" to hit Hollywood, Star Princess, will offer a unique Pacific Coast sailing this spring as she transitions between her Mexican Riviera and Alaska seasons.
The seven-day Los Angeles to Vancouver cruise departs May 4, 2002 and features stops at San Diego, Santa Barbara, Monterey, San Francisco and Seattle. Following the voyage, Star Princess, a sister ship to the line's famed Grand Princess, will begin her first season of popular Gulf of Alaska cruises between Vancouver and Seward.
"This one-of-a-kind itinerary provides West Coast residents with the ultimate get-away vacation, without leaving their own backyard," said Dean Brown, Princess' executive vice president of customer service and sales. "And as host, Star Princess offers her guests more award-winning services, amenities, cuisine and entertainment than can be found at any one resort."
This special coastal sailing is a perfect opportunity for passengers to become acquainted with the Personal Choice Cruising options found aboard the 2,600-passenger Star Princess, which enables them to customize their cruise experience with a myriad of dining, entertainment and activity alternatives. Guests will have the freedom to do "what you want, when you want" with nine daily dining choices and three major stage shows each evening. In addition, many passengers will appreciate the special privacy afforded by the ship's 710 balcony cabins.
Star Princess features many of the same popular innovations that made headlines when her sister Grand Princess debuted, among them a wedding chapel and wedding-at-sea program, two specialty restaurants and three separate show lounges. In addition, the ship also offers both traditional and restaurant-style dining options as part of the line's unique Personal Choice Dining program. The vessel also sports a signature disco/observation lounge set high atop the ship and accessible only by a glass-enclosed, moving "skywalk," as well as a 24-hour AOL Internet Café, a nine-hole putting green, a swim-against-the-current lap pool and an expanded children's and teen's center.
Fares for this one-time-only itinerary begin at $939 per person based on double occupancy. Third- and fourth-berth fares begin at $199.
More information on Princess Cruises and this special voyage is available through a professional travel agent. Brochures are available by calling 1-800-PRINCESS.
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JACK WILLIAMS NAMED PRESIDENT AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER OF ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL AND CELEBRITY CRUISES, RICHARD SASSO TO LEAVE CELEBRITY CRUISES
Miami, Nov 14, 2001 - Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. today named Jack Williams president and chief operating officer of Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises. In his new role, Williams, previously president of Royal Caribbean International, will manage the day-to-day operations of both cruise lines. The two lines will continue to operate independently under Williams.
Williams' appointment follows an earlier announcement today that respected cruise veteran Richard Sasso, president of Celebrity Cruises, will resign from the company, effective January 1, 2002.
"Rick has done an outstanding job of establishing Celebrity as a five-star cruise line with accolade after accolade for superior service, spa facilities and cuisine," said Royal Caribbean Chairman and CEO Richard Fain. "He has built a solid framework for us to build from, and we will continue his legacy of excellence.
"My association with Celebrity has exceeded even my expectations," said Sasso. "The professionalism and dedication of the staff, officers and crew. The perfection of detail in the cruise product itself. And, the trajectory of growth that has doubled our fleet in two years. I wish Celebrity every success in the future, and I will be cheering loudly from the stands as I pursue other exciting opportunities."
There are no internal departmental changes for either line under the new reporting structure. Celebrity department heads will now report directly to Williams. Royal Caribbean departments will continue to report to Williams, who will still oversee Royal Celebrity Tours. Corporate Communications will now report to the chairman's office.
"Royal Caribbean and Celebrity have performed well for us, and we are committed to keeping the two operations separate," said Fain. "I am confident that both lines will continue to capture market share and convert new prospects to cruising under Jack's very capable leadership."
"I am excited about leading the world's two best cruise lines and am equally committed to maintaining the uniqueness of the two brands," said Williams. "I am honored to have this opportunity and will work hard to validate this trust."
Jack Williams has served as president of Royal Caribbean International since 1997. Previously, he held various management positions at American Airlines, where, most recently, he was vice president and general sales manager. He began his career at American in 1972.
Richard Sasso has been president of Celebrity Cruises since 1995. Previously, he was senior vice president of Sales and Guest Services. He had held senior positions with Costa Cruises and Chandris Cruises earlier in his career, which began at Costa in 1971.
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is a global cruise vacation company that operates Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Royal Celebrity Tours. The two cruise lines operate 23 ships and have six under construction or on firm order. Royal Celebrity Tours operates land-tour vacations in Alaska. Additional information can be found at www.royalcaribbean.com or www.celebritycruises.com
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MIAMI, Nov 13 - Cunard Line has selected world-famous Canyon Ranch health resorts to design and operate the spa, beauty salon, wellness and fitness facilities on board their new $800-million flagship Queen Mary 2, announced Deborah L. Natansohn, the line's senior vice president, worldwide sales and marketing. The extraordinary 150,000-tonne luxury liner is expected to enter service in December 2003.
Queen Mary 2 (QM2) will measure 1,132 feet in length and 237 feet in height from keel to funnel top, with beam of 135 feet, making it not only the longest, but also the widest passenger ship in the world. The ship's health club -- Canyon Ranch SpaClub -- will feature 20,000 square feet of state-of-the-art spa and fitness facilities located on two decks and employ 51 staff.
The Canyon Ranch SpaClub will offer 24 massage, body and skin care treatment rooms, a gymnasium and weight room with more than 50 pieces of cardio and weight-training equipment, a juice bar, and men's and women's locker rooms. Designers will incorporate unique water features throughout, emphasizing the healing and therapeutic benefits of water and heat.
Facilities will include a 30x15-foot co-ed Thalassotherapy Pool that features airbed recliner lounges, neck fountains, a deluge waterfall, air tub and body massage jet benches. The pool area also will have a whirlpool. Adjacent to the pool will be an extensive Thermal Suite featuring an herbal sauna, Finnish sauna, reflexology basins and an aromatic steam room.
Passengers aboard QM2 will be able to experience an array of rejuvenating spa treatments, including massages and therapeutic bodywork, mud, aromatherapy, Ayurvedic and seaweed treatments, facials and masks, conditioning body scrubs and therapeutic body cocoons.
The ship's SpaClub also will offer the exotic Rasul Ceremony, a Canyon Ranch signature treatment. This medicinal mud and steam therapy, which takes place in an ornately tiled steam chamber, is derived from an ancient Middle Eastern cleansing ritual.
The beauty salon will be a luxurious facility offering a full menu of Canyon Ranch services for both women and men, including hair design and nail care treatments, manicures, pedicures, makeup consultations and makeovers.
In addition to the ship's extensive spa, beauty and fitness facilities, Canyon Ranch certified instructors will conduct daily group and private fitness, yoga and tai chi classes for passengers. Canyon Ranch ``healthy living experts'' will offer on-board lectures and workshops addressing lifestyle change, health and medical issues, stress management, smoking cessation, healthy aging and disease prevention.
According to Jerry Cohen, Canyon Ranch president and CEO, "We are delighted to be part of Queen Mary 2 and make our unique experience available to the passengers of what will be the world's grandest passenger vessel ever constructed.''
In an effort to provide passengers with a more complete experience, Canyon Ranch chefs will design spa selections for various QM2 restaurants. "Cunard's highly acclaimed menus will be complemented by Canyon Ranch cuisine that is both nutritious and created with the highest gourmet standards,'' said Natansohn.
The SpaClub aboard QM2 will be the first such facility for Canyon Ranch on board a ship. The company also operates another SpaClub at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas and two destination health resorts: the original Canyon Ranch in Tucson, Arizona, and Canyon Ranch in the Berkshires, Massachusetts.
For the last six decades, there has always been a Cunard "Queen'' on the sea. QM2 will be the heir to their grace and elegance and at the same time the greatest liner of the new century. She will be just 117 feet shorter than the Empire State Building is tall, yet she will carry just 2,620 passengers. Accommodations will range from 194 to 5,000 square feet, with 77 percent offering ocean views, and nearly three-fourths having balconies.
Stylistically, QM2 will recall the grand ocean liners, with sweeping staircases, towering domed public rooms, five swimming pools, a grand ballroom and a 360-degree promenade deck. Yet she will be technologically advanced, with a four-pod propulsion system, sophisticated multi-media, conference and classroom facilities and even the world's first shipboard planetarium.
Cunard Line has set the standard for luxury ocean travel since 1840. The Cunard fleet has a classic British heritage and includes Caronia and the famed Queen Elizabeth 2, among the most acclaimed vessels in the world. For more information on QM2, contact a professional travel agent, call Cunard toll-free at 1-800-7-CUNARD or visit the website www.cunard.com.
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CARNIVAL RECEIVES MOST HONORS IN PORTHOLE MAGAZINE'S 2001 ANNUAL READERS' CHOICE AWARDS
MIAMI (11/13/01) - Carnival Cruise Lines has taken top honors for 10 categories in Porthole Cruise Magazine's 2001 Annual Readers' Choice Awards, receiving more accolades than any other cruise line for the third consecutive year. This year the line also received the "Editor-in-Chief" award as "Cruise Industry Trendsetter" for the second year in a row, an honor given out by Porthole Editor-in-Chief Bill Panoff to recognize the company's innovative on-board features and amenities.
The Readers' Choice Awards, which are featured in the magazine's December 2001 issue, were based on a survey covering cruise lines' various services, amenities, and activities. Several thousand readers responded to the survey by completing mail-in ballots or voting online at the Porthole Web site at www.porthole.com.
Carnival's 10 Readers' Choice Awards include:
* Best Moderately Priced Line
* Best Value for the Money Line
* Best Singles Line
* Best On-Board Entertainment
* Best Children's Program
* Best Dining Room Service
* Best Onboard Activities
* Best Discos
* Best Lounges
* Best Staterooms
"We are extremely gratified to be recognized in so many categories by the readers of Porthole, who are savvy and well-educated in the field," said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president. "Whether it's our trend-setting dining initiatives or our top-ranked production shows, we place a strong emphasis on detail and are pleased and honored that the readers of Porthole have taken note," he added.
Carnival Cruise Lines is the largest and most popular cruise line in the world with 15 "Fun Ships" operating voyages from two to 17 days in length to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, New England, the Panama Canal, Canada, Bermuda and Europe. The company has six new ships at an estimated value of $2.6 billion scheduled for delivery over the next three years.
Porthole Cruise Magazine is one of the many titles published by The PPI Group. The publication is distributed through Warner Publisher Services, a division of the media giant AOL-Time Warner, and appears as well in the seatbacks of all Spirit Airlines flights, which carry more than five million passengers annually. PPI also handles many onboard magazines and commemorative books for various cruise lines, the exclusive magazine of the Fisher Island Club in Miami, and the in-flight publication for Spirit Airlines, Skylights. In addition to publishing, PPI's broad menu of other services offered include video production, entertainment management, art auctions, creative services, and a host of port shopping and lecture programs.
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CARNIVAL TO INAUGURATE 'FUN SHIP' CRUISING FROM MOBILE
World's Largest Cruise Line to Operate Series of Two- to Six-Day Sailings from Mobile in March 2002
MIAMI (11/13/01) - Carnival Cruise Lines, the world's largest cruise operator, will inaugurate "Fun Ship" cruising from Mobile, Alabama, when it launches a series of two- to six-day voyages aboard the 1,452-passenger Holiday in March 2002.
"We've been eyeing 'Fun Ship' departures from Mobile for some time and are delighted to offer this special series of voyages, which provide a convenient and affordable vacation option for residents of the southeastern U.S.," said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president. "And with consumers placing a greater emphasis on value and desiring 'close-to-home' vacation options, we expect these voyages to be extremely successful," he added.
"We are pleased that Carnival Cruise Lines has welcomed Mobile aboard. We are anxiously awaiting the first sailing of the Holiday from the Port City," said Brenda J. Scott, CEO/president Mobile Convention & Visitors Corporation. "Cruising has become an affordable and efficient means of travel for millions who enjoy sailing the seas each year," she added.
First-Ever Sailings from Mobile, Alabama
Carnival's first-ever "Fun Ship" cruise program from Mobile will consist of a two-day cruise-to-nowhere and five- and six-day western Caribbean cruises departing in March 2002, aboard the 46,052-ton Holiday. The two-day cruise-to-nowhere will depart Mobile Saturday, March 2, and return Monday, March 4, providing the perfect weekend getaway. Following this voyage, the Holiday will depart on a five-day western Caribbean cruise to Playa del Carmen and Cozumel, Mexico, March 4. A six-day western Caribbean cruise to Playa del Carmen; Belize City, Belize; and Cozumel will depart March 9.
"We've assembled a terrific program from Mobile, combining a value-packed two-day cruise with exciting five- and six-day Caribbean voyages featuring port calls to some of the region's most charming tropical destinations," Dickinson said.
Continued Expansion of Short Cruise Market
Including the new departures from Mobile, Carnival will offer 29 different "short" cruise itineraries (voyages of five days or less in length) from nine U.S. ports in 2002, with roughly half of the line's ships operating short cruise itineraries in the coming year. "Short cruises have become the fastest growing segment of the cruise industry, offering the convenience and flexibility desired by today's time-crunched consumers, and no other cruise line offers a greater variety of short cruises and departure points than Carnival," Dickinson said.
Variety of Dining, Activity, Entertainment Options
The SuperLiner Holiday houses eight passenger decks featuring 10 bars and lounges, three swimming pools, one with a 115-foot-long water slide, a health and fitness facility, and a children's playroom, part of the line's top-rated "Camp Carnival" children's program. As part of Carnival's Total Choice Dining (SM), cruising's most comprehensive dining program offering the widest variety of formal and casual options at sea, the Holiday also features two full-service main dining rooms and a casual poolside eatery featuring breakfast, lunch and dinner alternatives, and 24-hour pizzeria and ice cream/frozen yogurt. Complimentary 24-hour stateroom service is also available.
Pricing and Reservations
Carnival is currently accepting reservations on the Holiday's departures from Mobile. Special rates for third and fourth guests sailing in the same stateroom are also available. Round-trip air transportation from a variety of North American gateways can be purchased in combination with the five- and six-day Caribbean cruises. Prices for the two-day cruise begin at $199 per person, the five-day cruise at $299 per person and the six-day cruise at $349 per person. If booked through Carnival's "Fun Finance Plan (SM)," which allows consumers to purchase a "Fun Ship" vacation via fixed monthly payments over a 24-month period at the lowest annual percentage rate available, the two-day cruise is available starting at $10 per month, the five-day cruise at $14 per month, and the six-day cruise at $17 per month. Actual monthly payment and terms may vary according to the applicant's credit qualifications. Valid for U.S. individual bookings only. Certain other restrictions apply. For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, or visit www.carnival.com.
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PRINCESS RECOGNIZED BY PORTHOLE MAGAZINE'S READERS' POLL
Line Garners Top Honors for Service, Medical Care and Itineraries
11/12/01 - Princess Cruises was a top vote getter in Porthole Magazine's recently announced 2001 Annual Readers' Choice Awards. The company earned top honors in four award categories -- Best Cabin Service, Best Onboard Medical Facilities, Best South American Itineraries and Best North European Itineraries.
"We're quite pleased to see that our ongoing dedication to providing our passengers with a high-quality, innovative product has earned the approval of Porthole readers," said Dean Brown, Princess' executive vice president of customer service and sales. "As frequent cruisers, their feedback plays an important role in the future expansion of both our cruise offerings and onboard services."
Princess has long been regarded as a leader in cruise ship medical care. The debut of the line's Grand Princess in 1998 raised seagoing medicine to a new level with the industry's first telemedicine program. Today, her sister ship, Golden Princess, continues the line's pioneering efforts as the first ship serving the North American cruise market to feature fully integrated digital telemedicine and teleradiology systems.
The company's 2001-2002 South America offerings feature a variety of itineraries, ranging from 12 to 18 days, aboard Royal Princess. The popular 14-day Strait of Magellan sailing between Santiago and Buenos Aires includes dramatic passage around Cape Horn, as well as calls in Chile, the Falkland Islands, Argentina and Uruguay. Also available are two cruises up the mighty Amazon River, combined with visits to exciting ports in South America or the Caribbean.
Princess' 2002 Northern European offerings feature a variety of connoisseur cruises, including several that extend beyond the Arctic Circle. Royal Princess sails on both a 12-day Norwegian Fjords itinerary roundtrip from London with calls at such quaint coastal towns as Geiranger and Trondheim, as well as the North Cape of Norway; and a 12-day Iceland/British Isles voyage that includes visits to the colorful, such as the Shetland Islands and Reykjavik, along with the most enchanting ports found in Britain and Ireland.
Princess Cruises, one of the best-known names in North American cruising, is a global cruise and tour company. Part of P&O Princess Cruises plc (NYSE: POC), it operates 10 ships on nearly 150 different itineraries calling at nearly 260 ports around the globe. Destinations include the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Panama Canal, Mexico, South Pacific, South America, Hawaii/Tahiti, Asia, Canada/New England and Bermuda.
Porthole Magazine, a bimonthly magazine geared toward cruise passengers, reaches more than three million readers annually.
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NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE TO OFFER LIVE WEBCAST OF
FIRST SIMULTANEOUS CRUISE SHIP CHRISTENING
E! Entertainment Star Brooke Burke and Miss America 2001 Angela Perez Baraquio to Christen Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Star
MIAMI - The public will have the rare and fun opportunity on Saturday, November 17 to get an insider's view of an historic nautical event during a live webcast of Norwegian Cruise Lines' (NCL) groundbreaking dual christening ceremony for its newest ships: Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Star. Those who log onto NCL's website, www.ncl.com beginning at 10 am EST can see two of America's brightest new stars team to christen the world's brightest new ships, positioned bow to bow, from Miami, Florida.
Brooke Burke, model and popular host of E! Entertainment Television's "Wild On", and Miss America 2001 Angela Perez Baraquio will act as the godmothers of NCL's first ships purpose-built for the groundbreaking Freestyle Cruising concept. The colorful ceremony will be the first simultaneous christening on record of two commercial passenger vessels.
Web users will need to have access to the latest version of RealPlayer on their computer in order to link to the ceremony. RealPlayer may be downloaded free in advance through RealNetworks at www.real.com/player.
A Morning of Fun and Festivities
Among the fun and festivities at the ceremony will be flag dancers, a high-energy, 150-piece local high school marching band that will split into two "dueling" groups playing songs with sun and star themes, Mylar streamers shooting from the sea to the sky, and cliff dancers who will dance on the bows of the ships.
Web users will also, of course, have the opportunity to watch two of America's most heavenly stars shine as they simultaneously christen each ship with bottles of Nicolas Feuillatte champagne.
Brooke Burke is the well-traveled celebrity host of "Wild On" which takes her to such exotic, adventuresome, and far-flung places as Spain, the Mayan Riviera, Belize and Aruba. Known for her stunning beauty and bubbly personality, Burke is a major reason why "Wild On" is one of cable television's hottest shows. She has also appeared on national television commercials and recently hosted NCL's Freestyle Cruising video as well as other upcoming NCL promotional activities.
Miss America 2001 Angela Perez Baraquio is a native of Honolulu, Hawaii, which will be the year-round homeport for Norwegian Star. A graduate of the University of Hawaii - Manoa, she adopted a platform stressing character in the classroom and traveled approximately 20,000 miles a month during her reign urging students, educators, parents and communities at large to make character education a part of their daily lives.
Delivered to NCL in August, the 78,309-ton, 1,936-passenger Norwegian Sun offers a choice of nine different restaurants, including 10 distinctive menus every evening; larger staterooms; and a new category - mini suites with balconies. Seventy percent of all staterooms are outside cabins.
The 2,240-passenger Norwegian Star will be NCL's largest ship at 91,000 tons and is built at the maximum size to fit through the Panama Canal. Norwegian Star will feature more dining options than any other ship in the world offering passengers the flexibility of 10 different restaurants and 11 different menus every night.
Miami-based Norwegian Cruise Line is an international cruise company and industry innovator that currently operates a fleet of nine ships sailing to more than 200 ports around the world. NCL is currently building Norwegian Dawn, a 2,200-passenger sister ship to Norwegian Star for delivery in December 2002.
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HOLLAND AMERICA LINE CAPTURES AWARDS FROM READERS OF PORTHOLE & CONDE NAST TRAVELER MAGAZINES
Seattle, 11/12/01 - Among the top-ranked premium cruise lines in the world, Holland America added several more accolades to its long list of awards. Holland America ranked among the top three large-ship cruise lines in the much-anticipated Conde Nast Traveler 2001 Readers' Choice Awards. This month, the premium line also received the Porthole Cruise Magazines' Annual Editor in Chief Award for operating the Best Private Island in the cruise industry, as well as top awards for Best Shore Excursions, Best Lecture Series, Best Cruise Line for Physically Challenged and Best Alaskan Itinerary in Porthole's own Reader's Choice Awards.
"We are delighted that the readers of these two high profile publications feel so strongly about the quality of the Holland America cruise experience," said David A. Giersdorf, senior vice president, marketing and sales, Holland America Line. "These awards continue to validate the hard work and efforts of the crew and staff to provide an experience that travelers continue to value, enjoy, and rave about."
More than 29,000 Conde Nast Traveler readers judged the large-ship cruise lines in six categories: itineraries, crew/service, cabins/ambience, food, entertainment/events, and recreation/activities. Holland America Line received an overall score of 75.5, which means that 75.5 percent of the respondents judged the premium line as excellent or very good in all six categories.
With the Porthole Magazine Editor in Chief Award, Holland America won for its private island experience of Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas, which has been cited as a role model visitor destination by the Bahamian government for its balance of environmental and cultural concerns. Most Caribbean cruises include a visit to Half Moon Cay, where guests may sail, swim, and snorkel in the turquoise waters, bask on white sand beaches, have a beachside massage, and then enjoy an array of traditional barbecue fare. The island also offers a fun time for kids, too, with a variety of age-appropriate activities through the company's Club HAL children's program.
The four other Porthole awards recognize several important features of the Holland America Line cruise experience:
* Best Lecture Series - To enrich cruise programs of 10 days or longer, noted guest speakers featured in the Flagship Forum Lecture Series weave art, literature, politics and natural history into memorable portraits of places and people. In addition, Alaska bound cruises include a resident on-board naturalist to provide insight into wildlife sightings and the beauty of the region.
* Best Cruise Line for Physically Challenged - Recognized as a leader in providing access for passengers with disabilities, Holland America offers facilities and services to give these guests as much assistance as possible when they choose to vacation aboard its ships. The line offers accessible staterooms, restrooms and public areas and provides such equipment as visual alert alarms and closed caption decoders for persons with visual or hearing disabilities. Holland America also developed the industry's first accessible tenders to allow guests using wheelchairs to safely board tenders via hydraulic ramps and lifts for shore visits.
* Best Shore Excursions - Holland America leads the cruise industry in the number and choices of shore excursions, offering 1,400 shore excursions worldwide in which 40 to 60 percent of guests participate, depending on destination.
* Best Alaskan Itinerary - As the leader in Alaska travel, Holland America offers 115 premium cruises in 2002, including the new round-trip Inside Passage sailings from Seattle. The company is committed to providing the very best Alaska cruise experience, combining superior itineraries with exceptional value and appeal for all ages.
"I'm very pleased about the Porthole awards," added Giersdorf. "They affirm our belief that Holland America's exclusive experiences, premium service, itineraries, and enrichment programs provide guests with enhanced vacations."
With a readership of more than 750,000, Conde Nast Traveler has become the vanguard of travel periodicals providing information on art, fashion, architecture, culture, cuisine, shopping and other experiences at a variety of destinations throughout the world. Porthole, an international consumer cruise travel magazine catering to experienced and first-time cruisers, reaches more than 600,000 readers worldwide and is known for its explosive four-color photography.
About Holland America Line
Holland America's high-value cruise experience features mid-size ships that afford a more intimate cruise experience, staterooms that are 25 percent larger than average, and a 2:1 average ratio of staff to guests. Several on-board enhancements include Internet centers, ESPN programming in the sports bars, Club HAL children's activity program, festive bon voyage and sailaway parties, new production shows such as the lavish new "Barry Manilow's Copacabana," fitness center and spa, new Signature Cuisine dishes in the dining rooms and casual Lido dinner program.
Holland America also provides many services and amenities at no additional cost: espresso drinks, premium ice cream, popcorn at the movies, alternative restaurants and more. Holland America Line has 10 luxury ships sailing to more than 280 ports of call and scenic cruising destinations on all seven continents, including Antarctica. In 2002, Holland America Line will offer 360 sailings within a half-day's drive of 40 percent of North American households and departing from 15 North American home ports. Affordable air arrangements are available through the Home City Air program and Holland America offers the only trip cancellation program in the industry that offers cash back for canceling for any reason prior to 24 hours before departure. Source: HAL
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ADVENTURE OF THE SEAS ARRIVAL IN NEW YORK CITY
See Arrival Photos
New York City, Nov 10, 2001 - Royal Caribbean International's
Adventure of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship, arrived at 10:00
a.m. at New York harbor, making her the first major passenger ship to
return to the harbor since the tragic September 11 terrorist attacks.
The 142,000-ton ship was officially named by representatives from the Fire Department of New York and New York Police Department in a ceremony on
the ship at Pier 88 at 5 p.m. Representing the firemen and police officers who saved so many lives and lost their own in the collapse of World Trade Center towers were Maggie McDonnell, widow of Police Officer Brian McDonnell; Tara Stackpole, widow of firefighter Captain Timothy Stackpole; fireman Kevin Hannafin, who lost his brother, firefighter Tom Hannafin; and Sgt. Richard Lucas of the NYPD Harbor Unit, which assisted rescuers.
Approximately 2,000 police and firemen's family members joined the four godparents and Mayor Giuliani for the naming ceremony. The families then sailed on a special two-night tribute cruise. Royal Caribbean will also make a $50,000 contribution to the Twin Towers Relief Fund.
Sister-ship to Voyager of the Seas and Explorer of the Seas, Adventure boasts some of the most innovative shipboard amenities in the industry. She will sail year-round cruise vacations roundtrip from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to the Southern Caribbean beginning November 18, 2001, visiting Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curacao; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and St. Thomas, USVI.
Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 15 ships in service and five under construction or on firm order. For additional information about the cruise line, please visit the company's Internet web site at www.royalcaribbean.com.
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Silversea Cruises Announces Organizational Developments
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, Nov. 9 - Silversea Cruises' CEO Albert Peter today announced organizational developments designed to keep the company strategically sound as it moves forward in the new world and business environment. The developments include appointments of key staff members to new positions, an agreement with Monte Carlo-based V.Ships, consolidation of some functional areas, and an expanded marketing and sales focus on international markets.
Captain Guido Mazzetti, a master with Silversea since the line's inception in 1994, has been promoted to Vice President, Marine and Technical Operations, a position vacated by Captain Ferruccio Rocconi following his retirement earlier this year. In conjunction with Mazzetti's appointment, Silversea will enter into an agreement with V.Ships whereby they will assume many of the marine and technical functions currently handled in-house. Silversea will open an office in Monaco, where Mazzetti will manage an in-house staff and direct the activities of V.Ships. The line has also appointed Amerigo Perasso to the new position of General Counsel.
The Silversea executive team--President Bill Smith; Sr. Vice President and CFO Pradeep Bajaj; Sr. Vice President Vessel Operations Robin Lindsay; Sr. Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Americas, Bill Leiber, CTC; and Sr. Vice President, Sales & Marketing, UK, Aris Zarpanely--remains unchanged. The fall-out from the events of September 11th prompted the line to make the strategic decision to take Silver Wind out of service through 2002. The move from a four ship to a three ship fleet has caused the line to consolidate some functional areas for greater efficiency, resulting in a staff reduction at the company's Ft. Lauderdale office.
"We have had to make some difficult yet necessary decisions to remain cost-efficient during these challenging times," Peter stated. "Moving forward, we see a significant opportunity to grow our already strong international markets, and will be expanding our London office operations to support that mission. North America is, and will undoubtedly remain, our strongest market and it is our goal to maintain and grow our American client base. Our ultra-luxury product transcends nationalities, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to deliver an exceptional vacation." "As I announced last week, we have the continued commitment of our financial institutions and shareholders. Travel agents and the traveling public can continue to book Silversea with confidence," Peter concluded.
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