News from Royal Caribbean & Celebrity

Celebrity Cruises Honored For Environmental Protections

Three Celebrity Cruises ships were honored as the world's first ships to receive Lloyd's Register's Environmental Protection Certificates. The certificates were presented to Richard D. Fain, chairman and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., parent company of Celebrity Cruises, and Richard E. Sasso, president of Celebrity Cruises.

The certificates recognize Celebrity Cruises' compliance with Lloyd's Register's Provisional Rules for Environmental Protection and confirm Celebrity's commitment to ensuring both existing and new ships are operated above and beyond environmental standards.

"Everyone at Celebrity Cruises is very proud to receive this recognition," said Admiral Angelos Argyropoulos, senior vice president of Fleet Operations for Celebrity Cruises. "Our Office of Fleet Operations has worked for two years to reach this day. It is a great accomplishment for all of us. We have great respect for our environment and work very hard to protect it every day. We look forward to continuing those efforts and upholding this honor for years to come."

The Environmental Protection Certificate program was launched by Lloyd's Register in 1998. Celebrity Cruises was the first maritime business to apply for a Certificate, for its ships Century, Galaxy and Mercury. The three ships are the first ships in the world to receive the certificates, after numerous onboard evaluations and audits taking place over eight months in 1999.

The evaluations measured the ships' compliance with requirements for emission levels of nitrogen oxide and sulfur oxide; restricting or prohibiting the use of ozone-depleting refrigerant gases and firefighting media; mandating essentially zero discharges of oily wastes to the sea; treatment or holding of black and grey water; and effective garbage management and disposal.

"It is a great pleasure to present our first-ever Environmental Protection Certificates to Celebrity Cruises," said John Stansfeld, president of Lloyd's Register Americas, Inc. "I hope others in the cruise industry will work as hard as Celebrity to gain this recognition through protecting our environment."

"Receiving these certificates from Lloyd's Register is a testament to years of dedication to, and oversight of, environmental matters by Celebrity's Office of Fleet Operations, their Captains, Environmental Officers and crewmembers," said Nancy Wheatley, senior vice president for Safety and Environment for Celebrity Cruises.

Celebrity Cruises maintains a strong environmental program to ensure a high degree of environmental stewardship. That program consists of three broad areas:


Jackie Joyner-Kersee Named Godmother
Of Explorer Of The Seas

Royal Caribbean International has named "Female Athlete of the 20th Century" Jackie Joyner-Kersee godmother of Explorer of the Seas. Sister ship to the 3,114-passenger, 142,000-ton Voyager of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas debuts in New York City October 16. Explorer of the Seas includes many of Voyager's innovative features like an ice-skating rink, in-line skating track, rock climbing wall and Royal Promenade. Explorer also features the cruise industry's first full working oceanographic and atmospheric laboratories.

"Jackie embodies the spirit of leadership and a commitment to an active, healthy lifestyle that complements the design and personality of Explorer of the Seas," said Jack Williams, president of Royal Caribbean International. "We believe the ship will delight the public in the same way Jackie's accomplishments have inspired her fans."

Joyner-Kersee has dominated track and field's seven-event heptathlon since 1984, when she won the Olympic silver medal. In 1986, she became the first woman to score 7,000 points in the heptathlon. In the following years, she won two Olympic gold medals (1988, 1992); captured four Goodwill Game heptathlon championships; and set world, American and Olympic records, including becoming the first American woman to win both multiple and individual events in one Olympic Game (1988). In addition to the heptathlon, Joyner-Kersee excels in the long jump, holding the American record and first-place titles in eight championships, including a gold and two bronze Olympic medals (1988, 1992, 1996).

As godmother, Joyner-Kersee joins a distinguished group of godmothers for Royal Caribbean International's fleet of ships, which includes Olympic champion figure skater Katarina Witt, Whoopi Goldberg, former First Lady Roslyn Carter, Gloria Estefan, Lauren Bacall and Queen Sonja of Norway.

Explorer of the Seas makes her maiden U.S. arrival on October 16 in New York City, before making her first revenue cruise on October 28. Explorer of the Seas will sail seven-night Caribbean cruises from Miami to Labadee, San Juan, St. Thomas, and beginning January 2001, Nassau.


Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Statement Regarding
The Celebrity Cruises Ship Millennium

Celebrity Cruises has been working in cooperation with Chantiers de l'Atlantique, the builder of its newest ship, Millennium, to evaluate the ship's performance. The ship is equipped with the cruise industry's first gas turbine engines, and testing has demonstrated that Millennium has unusually low levels of noise and vibration. However, testing also has shown that under certain unusual sea conditions a vibration could be felt within certain areas of the ship.

While this has not been, and is not expected to be, a problem on the ship's current European sailings, it is possible that the sea conditions in question could be more prevalent in the Caribbean. Because of the high standards to which Celebrity Cruises holds its ships, the company is working with the ship's builder to resolve the matter prior to its sailing in the Caribbean this winter.

The joint effort could lead to a decision to put the ship in dry dock for a period of time following its arrival in New York on November 15. That decision, however, has not yet been made. Celebrity Cruises will provide more detailed information as it becomes available and will contact all guests whose cruises may be affected.

In the event dry docking is necessary, the company expects the bulk of any costs associated with it will be covered by contracts with the ship's builder.


Celebrity Cruises Launches New Millennium
Luxurious New Liner Offers Series of Trend-Setting Firsts

Celebrity Cruises celebrated the newest addition to its award-winning fleet, Millennium. In naming ceremonies in Southampton, England, the premium cruise line formally launched the 1,950-guest Millennium and unveiled intriguing design details about the ship.

One of the many distinguishing elements of the vessel is an authentic and exclusive maritime treasure: Adorning the interior of Millennium's specialty dining room is the actual interior paneling from the R.M.S. Olympic, sister ship to the celebrated R.M.S. Titanic.

Celebrity Cruises' first specialty restaurant, appropriately named "The Olympic," is a gem of history recreated within a 134-seat gourmet restaurant. The origin of the room's design stems from a rare collection of wood paneling that once graced the premier á la carte dining room onboard the glamorous R.M.S. Olympic. First launched in 1911, the R.M.S. Olympic drew the wealthiest and most influential travelers from Europe and the United States who enjoyed dining in Louis XV splendor within the ship's most elegant dining room.

First discovered by Celebrity Cruises in a private English residence and offered for sale at Sotheby's, the paneling from R.M.S. Olympic's restaurant has been installed onboard Millennium to become the genesis for the stylistic statement of the room, and a framework for theming The Olympic restaurant.

The room becomes the signature for fine dining afloat, creating a commanding visual statement as well as an outstanding culinary experience. Millennium's Olympic restaurant also offers the industry's first demonstration galley, along with a dine-in wine cellar.

"Millennium's Olympic restaurant offers our guests the opportunity to experience the elegance and romance of one of the great, turn-of-the-century trans-Atlantic liners," said Celebrity Cruises President Richard Sasso.

To make the experience even more enticing, Master Chef Michel Roux unveils the French culinary arts of decoupage and flambé within The Olympic restaurant, where Celebrity's gourmet cuisine is theatrically presented and finished tableside by a special team of highly skilled servers and maitre d's trained by Mr. Roux and his senior executive staff.

Additional Shipboard "Firsts"


Celebrity Cruises Announces Inaugural Season Of Summit
Bookings Now Open For Celebrity's Third Millennium-Class Vessel

Celebrity Cruises has announced that bookings have opened for the inaugural season of Summit, the third of four 91,000-ton Millennium-class ships to be launched by the premium cruise line between 2000 and 2002.

The 1,950-guest Summit will make its maiden voyage on October 1, 2001, embarking on an 11-night Western Caribbean itinerary from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

"Just as its name implies, Summit marks yet another milestone in Celebrity's newest series of sleek, luxurious ocean liners," said Rick Sasso, president of Celebrity Cruises. "Like her sister ships, Celebrity's Summit will present the sophisticated environment and superior service that are synonymous with Celebrity Cruises." Celebrity's $350-million Summit is under construction at Chantiers de l'Atlantique in St. Nazaire, France.

Like its sister ships, Millennium and Infinity, Celebrity's Summit will offer the industry's largest luxury suites, and ocean views in abundance: 80 percent of the ship's staterooms will have an ocean view; 74 percent of those will have verandas.

Like Millennium and Infinity, Celebrity's Summit will expand upon the line's highly acclaimed signature elements, including the fleet's museum-quality contemporary art collections; 25,000-square-foot AquaSpa(SM) facilities, the largest, most sophisticated spa at sea; COVA Cafe Milano; Michael's Club cigar lounge, and the award-winning cuisine of renowned Master Chef Michel Roux.

Continuing the unique tradition begun with Millennium, Summit will offer a specialty restaurant with a demonstration galley and dine-in wine cellar, with classic maritime theming yet to be announced.

In another extension of a proud tradition begun with Millennium -- the industry's first cruise ship to incorporate gas turbine engines -- Summit, like Infinity, will include the same environmentally sensitive propulsion system.

Celebrity's Summit also will feature a spacious conservatory, a unique botanical environment of flowers, plants, trees, mini-gardens and fountains, designed by award-winning floral designer Emilio Robba of Paris.

Each of Celebrity's four Millennium-class ships are being built to Panamax standards to enable Panama and Suez Canal transits for international deployment.


RCI Raises The Standard In All-Inclusive
Cruise Vacations On Its Voyager-Class Ships

Royal Caribbean International has announced that several onboard activities and services found only on the innovative Voyager-class series of ships will now be provided free of charge to all guests. This includes activities such as ice-skating, rock-climbing, inline skating, miniature golf, and all food items at the Johnny Rockets restaurant on Voyager of the Seas. This will extend to Explorer of the Seas, which is scheduled to sail on her maiden Eastern Caribbean voyage on October 28, 2000.

"From the start, we were excited about introducing a variety of activities on Voyager of the Seas that are above and beyond traditional cruise vacation offerings," said Dan Hanrahan, senior vice president, Marketing and Sales, Royal Caribbean International. "While the demand for these activities has been strong, we've found that we don't need to maintain charges in order to provide sufficient access to the activities and deliver a superior guest experience."


RCI Announces 2001 Europe Program

Royal Caribbean International announced that Grandeur of the Seas will join Legend of the Seas in Europe for the 2001 season. Grandeur of the Seas will sail seven- and 14-night cruises to the Mediterranean and Western Europe. Legend of the Seas will sail an expanded roster of 10- and 12-night Europe cruises. The 2001 season features more than 45 exciting ports of call. Splendour of the Seas' European season will now be dedicated to international sourcing, with the product specially designed to meet market demands.

"Our expanding presence in Europe allows us to tailor our unique vacation experiences to the varied needs of our growing guest base," said Dan Hanrahan, senior vice president, Marketing and Sales, Royal Caribbean International.


Ocean Fund Awards $1.2 Million In New Grants
from Royal Caribbean International And Celebrity Cruises

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. has awarded $1,215,000 in eight new grants to marine conservation organizations through its Ocean Fund, Chairman and CEO Richard D. Fain announced. In the 3 1/2 years since the launch of the Ocean Fund, the global vacation company has awarded $3,327,600 on behalf of Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises to 30 organizations working to protect the marine environment.

The latest grants range from $30,000 to $150,000 annually and will underwrite projects related to marine pollution prevention, fisheries certification, seafood consumer education, and field research. Major three-year grants of $450,000 were awarded to both the Center for Marine Conservation (CMC) and World Wildlife Fund. The Ocean Fund also continued its support of Alaska SeaLife Center, the Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF), National Audubon Society, and Earthwatch Institute, each receiving a grant for the third consecutive year.

New grantees include the Miami Museum of Science and the Tongass Coast Aquarium in Ketchikan, Alaska.

"We share the excitement of our Ocean Fund partners in the significant work they are doing to protect marine habitats," Fain said. "The scope and quality of their environmental programs are more impressive every year. We are fortunate to play a role in both their past and future success."

CMC will use the Ocean Fund grant to expand its Caribbean Model Communities program, which aims to reduce marine pollution and improve waste-management practices in Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, Bermuda, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Model Communities, using education and citizen involvement to design local solutions, focuses on recreational boating and marina operations and urban and coastal littering. CMC collaborates with local initiatives and groups, such as the San Juan Bay Estuary Program, the Bahamas National Trust and Keep Bermuda Beautiful.

World Wildlife Fund's Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) will launch a public awareness campaign in the United States, Europe, and Australasia to promote long-term sustainable fishing, using the power of consumers and the certification of fisheries. Through global use of the MSC logo, seafood companies and consumers will be encouraged to purchase fish only from certified sources -- fisheries that have complied with environmentally responsible practices. Fisheries for Australian rock lobster and Alaskan salmon are the first ones eligible for MSC eco-labeling. Up to 10 small-scale fisheries around the world will be certified by 2002.

The complete list of Ocean Fund grant recipients:


Celebrity Cruises Continues Expansion with Infinity

Bookings have opened for the inaugural sailings of Infinity, the second of four 91,000-ton Millennium-class ships to be launched by the premium cruise line over the next two years, and the first Celebrity ship to enter the alluring Hawaiian cruise market.

Infinity will make its maiden voyage on February 3, 2001, embarking on a 14-night westbound trans-canal itinerary from Fort Lauderdale to San Diego.

"Infinity extends Celebrity's new era of vessels designed to appeal to the sophisticated tastes and lifestyles of our discriminating guests," said Rick Sasso, president of Celebrity Cruises. "Guests onboard Infinity will experience the exceptional style and service excellence that Celebrity is known for providing on one of the most technologically advanced vessels at sea."

Celebrity's approximately $350-million Infinity is under construction at Chantiers de l'Atlantique in St. Nazaire, France. Like its sister ship, Millennium, which makes its maiden voyage June 17, 2000, Infinity will offer the industry's largest luxury suites and a wealth of ocean views: 80 per cent of the staterooms will have an ocean view; 74 per cent of those will have verandas. Like Millennium, Celebrity's Infinity will expand upon the line's highly acclaimed signature elements, including the fleet's museum-quality contemporary art collections; 25,000-square-foot AquaSpa(SM) facilities, the largest, most sophisticated spa at sea; COVA Cafe Milano; Michael's Club cigar lounge; and the award-winning cuisine of renowned Master Chef Michel Roux.

Continuing Celebrity's tradition begun with Millennium, Infinity will offer a specialty restaurant with a demonstration galley and dine-in wine cellar, with classic maritime theming yet to be announced.

At launch, Celebrity's Millennium and Infinity will be the first cruise ships to incorporate environmentally sensitive gas turbine propulsion. The two vessels will be the industry's first to feature glass elevators on the exterior, allowing guests panoramic ocean views as they move from deck to deck. Infinity also will introduce the industry's first conservatory at sea: a unique botanical environment of flowers, plants, trees, mini-gardens and fountains, designed by award-winning floral designer Emilio Robba of Paris.

Each of Celebrity's Millennium-class ships are being built to Panamax standards to enable Panama and Suez Canal transits for international deployment. "Infinity represents another major step in Celebrity's continued effort to offer our guests more options in itineraries and destinations worldwide, while offering them the same luxurious onboard experience that Celebrity is known for providing," said Sasso.

Infinity in 2001 will sail trans-canal itineraries and Mexico-Hawaii voyages before offering Alaska sailings round-trip from Vancouver.


Celebrity Cruises Soars to Number 2
in Prestigious Survey

Celebrity Cruises soared to Number 2 among cruise lines in the annual readers' survey by Condé Nast Traveler. More than 28,000 subscribers to the prestigious travel magazine evaluated cruise lines on the basis of itineraries/ports of call, staf/service, cabins/ambience, food/restaurants and recreation/entertainment.

Only the two-ship luxury fleet of Crystal Cruises ranked ahead of Celebrity Cruises, which introduces its sixth ship, Millennium, on June 17, 2000.


Click HERE to request further information or to book any of these cruises.

Call Abigail Best if you are ready to book and deposit Now.


Cruise SpecialsCruise News Menu

Home ] Up ] Cruise Weather ] American Canadian Caribbean Line ] American Hawaii Cruises ] Carnival Cruise Lines ] Classical Cruises ] Clipper Cruise Line ] Commodore Cruise Line ] Costa Cruises ] Crystal Cruises ] Cunard Line ] Delta Queen Coastal Cruises ] Delta Queen Steamboat Company ] Glacier Bay Cruises & Tours ] Holland America ] News from INTRAV ] Mediterranean Shipping Company ] Norwegian/Orient ] Princess Cruises ] Radisson Seven Seas ] [ Royal Caribbean & Celebrity ] Royal Olympic Cruises ] Seabourn Cruise Lines ] Silversea Cruises ] Special Expeditions ] Swan Hellenic ] Windjammer Barefoot Cruises ] Windstar Cruises ] News from CLIA ] Miscellaneous Cruise News ]

 

© 1998 Abigail Best Cruise Agency
Last Update: 09/23/00