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Contact: Lynn Martenstein (305) 539-6573 For Immediate Release ROYAL CARIBBEAN
INTERNATIONAL, CELEBRITY CRUISES MIAMI September 6, 2004 Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises today started winding down its weeklong operational response to Hurricane Frances, which pounded the Caribbean and Florida coasts for much of the week. The massive storm, which moved excruciatingly slowly over a large swath of Caribbean and Southeast Florida cruising routes, closed three of Floridas major turn-around ports, canceled three of the lines cruises, and upended the itineraries of seven of the companys ships. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity staff worked round-the-clock throughout the week to minimize the disruption to its guestsredirecting ships to safer seas, re-accommodating guests on alternate sailings, and booking scarce airlift and hotel rooms. Hurricane Frances was a huge storm that demanded a huge measure of flexibility, contingency planning and good old-fashion communication with our guests and travel partners, said company President and COO Jack Williams. I am proud of the way our team responded and impressed with the way our guests handled a very fluid situation. Hurricane Frances was the most disruptive storm in Royal Caribbeans 33-year history, company officials noted. The unusual confluence of the size, path and time of the storm on top of the simultaneous and multiple logistical demands on company operationsfrom planning and provisioning ships to moving ships and transporting guestscreated a rare combination of circumstances and events. 1 of 2 |
ROYAL CARIBBEAN
INTERNATIONAL, CELEBRITY CRUISES While the residual effects of the stormcleanup operations, port dredging and safety checkswill continue to affect company operations for the remainder of the week, Royal Caribbean expects scheduling to be back to normal by this weekend. The company estimates the financial impact of Hurricane Frances to be in the range of $0.07 to $0.09 per share. By comparison, Hurricane Andrew cost the company about $0.01 per share. Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises are operated by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., a global cruise-vacation company with a combined total of 29 ships in service and two under construction. The company also offers unique cruise tour vacations in Alaska, Canada and Europe. Additional information can be found on www.royalcaribbean.com, www.celebrity.com and rclinvestor.com. 2 of 2 |
SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. |
ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD. (Registrant) BY: /S/ BONNIE S. BIUMI Bonnie S. Biumi Senior Vice President, Treasurer |
Date: September 7, 2004