The Yachts of Seabourn Orders Third New Ultra Luxury Ship
Additional Order Based on Strong Advance Bookings
MIAMI, November 5, 2007-A year after The Yachts of Seabourn announced that
it would build two new, ultra luxury ships, advance booking activity for the
first, Seabourn Odyssey, has led to the line's decision to exercise the option
for another. The third sister ship will be built by T. Mariotti S.p.A. of Genoa,
Italy for delivery in summer, 2011. Seabourn, a division of Miami-based Carnival
Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), has agreed to the project
at an all in cost of approximately Euros 200 million.
Seabourn Odyssey will debut in June of 2009. Bookings for its maiden season
are being accepted from the general public starting today, after a successful
advance booking period reserved for past guests of the line. The second ship
in the series is scheduled to enter service in the summer of 2010.
"Our decision to order a third new ship is based partly on the enthusiasm
we have already seen for our new ship design," explained Seabourn's president
& CEO, Pamela Conover. "That enthusiasm, combined with research indicating
a continuing robust expansion in demand for ultra luxury cruising in general,
convinces us that we have the right formula at the right time," she continued.
That formula is embodied in the new, 32,000-GRT ships, which will accommodate
just 450 guests in 225 luxury suites, ninety percent of which will offer private
verandas. The ships are specifically designed to achieve a balance between Seabourn's
small-ship signatures, such as its highly personalized service, truly fine dining
and exceptional delivery of destinations, with the added spaciousness, features
and amenities that a larger ship will allow. Seabourn's guests will continue
to enjoy an unmatched level of personalized service from a skilled and dedicated
staff, and one of the highest space-per-guest ratios in the industry. The new
ships will maintain the yacht-like onboard ambience that has won the (more)
loyalty of affluent travelers, who appreciate all-inclusive policies such as
complimentary open bars, open-seating dining and a myriad of thoughtful touches
the company calls its Signature Delights.
According to Micky Arison, chairman and CEO of Carnival Corporation & plc,
"This new trio of beautiful, yacht-like ships will maintain Seabourn's
role as the leader in the ultra luxury segment, and position the company to
satisfy the growing demand among affluent travelers for more ultra luxury cruising
options."
Marco Bisagno, president of T.Mariotti S.p.A. noted, "Seabourn's decision
to exercise the option well in advance of its expiration indicates that they
are pleased with our relationship and the progress of the work thus far. It
has become increasingly clear that this design is the perfect balance of intimacy
and amenities that foretells the future for ultra luxury cruising vessels."
The design specifications call for hulls 650 feet long, with a beam of 84 feet
and a draft of 21 feet. The ships will be powered by diesel-generated electricity
and operate with twin screw propellers, with a service speed of 19 knots. They
will be equipped with two bow thrusters to enhance maneuverability and two stabilizers.
The ships will also be "green ships" employing advanced wastewater
treatment technology.
For information on Seabourn cruise vacations, contact a travel agent, call Seabourn
at 1-800-929-9391 or visit Seabourn's award-winning website at www.seabourn.com
.
# # #
The Yachts of Seabourn provide the ultimate in ultra luxury cruise vacations
to the most desirable destinations on earth. Seabourn is a proud member of World's
Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines,
Holland America, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line and Costa Cruises. Sharing a
passion to please each guest, and a commitment to quality and value, our member
lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Together we offer exciting
and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations. The
Yachts of Seabourn is a brand of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL;
NYSE: CUK), and supports the Ocean Conservation & Tourism Alliance, dedicated
to education and promotion of best practices for protecting the marine environment.
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Melanie Vigliotti/Jamey Ivey
The Zimmerman Agency
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