STARS SHINE WITH CELEBRITY CRUISES: “SOAP CRUISE” TO SET SAIL ON CELEBRITY CENTURY

MIAMI – July 28, 2008 – Cruise enthusiasts who enjoy the intrigue, drama and romance of daytime TV’s most popular soap operas – and the actors who star in them – are likely to find the vacation of their dreams in “Soap Cruise,” which will be held on Celebrity Century in 2009.
Soap Cruise – the second voyage of its kind – will pair Celebrity’s Star TreatmentSM with exclusive activities allowing guests who have purchased the Soap Cruise package the opportunity to directly interact with 16 of the hottest actors on all eight of daytime TV’s top shows. The activities will include autograph and photo sessions, soap opera trivia games, an elite cocktail party with the stars, and other special events, including the opportunity to write a script and act it out with one of the stars.
Hosting Soap Cruise will be Cameron Mathison, who plays “Ryan” on All My Children, and has appeared on Dancing with the Stars.  Mathison will be joined on Celebrity Century by fellow All My Children actors Alicia Minshew (“Kendall”) and Jacob Young (“J.R.”); Austin Peck (“Brad”) from As the World Turns; Brandon Beemer (“Owen”) of The Bold and the Beautiful and formerly “Shawn” on Days of Our Lives; Winsor Harmon (“Thorne”) and Lesli Kay (“Felicia”) of The Bold and the Beautiful; Nadia Bjorlin (“Chloe”) and Jay Johnson (“Philip”) of Days of Our Lives; Bradford Anderson (“Spinelli”) and Greg Vaughn (“Lucky”) from General Hospital; Murray Bartlett (“Cyrus”) and Ricky Paull Goldin (“Jake”) of All My Children, formerly (“Gus”) on Guiding Light; Kamar de los Reyes (“Antonio”) on One Life to Live; and Don Diamont (“Brad”) and Christian LeBlanc (“Michael”) of The Young and the Restless.
The soap stars will mix it up exclusively with guests who have booked the Soap Cruise package on Celebrity Century’s January 22 itinerary departing roundtrip from Miami, with visits to Key West, Fla., and Cozumel, Mexico. A limited number of staterooms have been reserved for guests interested in experiencing Soap Cruise. For reservations and to view images and video from last year’s Soap Cruise, visit www.soapcruise.com or call (248) 855-7918. Bookings on Celebrity Century’s January 22 itinerary through other avenues will not include access to Soap Cruise activities.
Celebrity Cruises offers comfortably sophisticated, upscale cruise experiences with highly personalized service, exceptional dining, and extraordinary attention to detail. Celebrity sails in Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, California, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Galapagos Islands, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal and South America. The line also offers unique cruisetour vacations in Alaska, Australia, Canada, Europe and South America. Noted for four of the top 10 “Top Cruise Ships in the World,” as voted by the readers of Conde’ Nast Traveler  (February 2008 readers’ poll), Celebrity’s current fleet will be joined by Celebrity Solstice in 2008, Celebrity Equinox in 2009, Celebrity Eclipse in 2010, and a fourth Solstice-class ship in 2011. For more information, call your travel agent, dial 1-800-437-3111 or visit www.celebritycruises.com.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD. ANNOUNCES SECOND QUARTER EARNINGS AND MAJOR COST SAVINGS INITIATIVES

MIAMI – July 21, 2008 – Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE, OSE: RCL).

Key Highlights
Second Quarter Net Income of $84.7 million, or $0.40 per share.
Cost savings program expected to save approximately $125 million annually.
Revenue environment remains solid:
Net Yields expected to be up 3% to 4 % for the full year.
Full year 2008 results in line with original expectations except for fuel.
2009 load factors and pricing ahead of same time last year.
At current fuel prices, full year 2008 earnings per share expected to be $2.55 to $2.65, including estimated restructuring-related expenses of $15 million, or $0.07 per share.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. today announced net income for the second quarter 2008 of $84.7 million, or $0.40 per share, compared to a net income of $128.7 million, or $0.60 per share, for the second quarter 2007.  Net Income for the first six months was $160.3 million or $0.75 per share, compared to net income of $137.6 million, or $0.64 per share, for the same period last year.

Second Quarter Highlights
Key metrics for the second quarter 2008, as compared to the second quarter 2007, were as follows:
Net Yields improved 1.0%.
Net Cruise Costs per APCD increased 6.7%.
Net Cruise Costs excluding fuel, per APCD increased 2.0%.
Fuel prices increased 55%, while fuel costs per APCD increased at a lower rate of 31%, due mainly to fuel initiatives and hedging.

The improvement in Net Yields was consistent with previous guidance for the company’s Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises brands.  Net Yields were somewhat weaker than expected for the company’s Spanish brand, Pullmantur Cruises, the effect of which was offset by lower than expected general and administrative expenses.

Net Cruise Costs per APCD increased 6.7% versus guidance of an increase of 7% to 8%.  Excluding fuel, Net Cruise Costs per APCD increased 2.0%, versus guidance of an increase of 3% to 4%.  This was driven primarily by lower general and administrative expenses

Cost Savings Program
The company also announced a significant cost savings initiative that is expected to reduce spending by approximately $125 million annually. “Too much of our profitability is being eroded by the increase in fuel prices.  This is unacceptable and we are evaluating everything we do to find ways to do it more efficiently and effectively,” said Richard D. Fain, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.  “While our brands continue to attract premium prices even in this difficult environment, it is imperative that we find ways to reduce our costs.”

As part of the restructuring, the company announced it is eliminating approximately 400 shore-side positions. In addition, the company announced it had discontinued some non-core operations, including The Scholar Ship, an educational partnership aimed at college students studying aboard cruise ships.  The company expects to incur charges related to this restructuring of approximately $15 million, or $0.07 per share, in the third quarter 2008.

“This is a difficult period for virtually all businesses, but we are determined to improve our operating results through tight cost controls, while preserving our outstanding guest experience and continuing to strongly support our travel agent partners.  We will also continue to make measured strategic investments, especially in growing the international operations of our business,” Fain continued.

In 2009, based on the targeted reductions, selling, general and administrative expenses per APCD are expected to be around the levels that the company incurred in 2004, and Net Cruise Costs excluding fuel, per APCD to be similar to 2007 levels.

“Over the last few years, we have made significant investments to seed our growth in many strategic markets,” said Brian J. Rice, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. “These costs are now being absorbed by capacity and revenue growth in the emerging markets around the world. In addition, our scale and exceptional brand positioning in North America are enabling us to drive further efficiencies.”

Revenue Environment
Despite the worsening economic environment, the company continues to enjoy healthy demand for its products and its revenue expectations have not changed materially.  The company’s Net Yields improved by 1.0% in the second quarter 2008.  This was lower than the 2% forecast, mainly due to lower yield performance by Pullmantur Cruises, as a result of weaker demand in Spain and a grounding incident involving the Sky Wonder.

The company’s other brands saw Net Yield improvement of approximately 2%, consistent with previous guidance.  Close-in demand, booked within 90 days of sailing, continued to show strength and provided year-over-year pricing premiums.  Forward bookings for 2009 are strong, with higher load factors and higher prices in the first quarter and for the full year compared to the same time a year ago.

The company expects Net Yields to increase in a range around 2% for the third quarter 2008; to increase 4% to 5% for the fourth quarter 2008; and to increase 3% to 4% for the full year 2008.

“Although pressure on the consumer persists and there is much uncertainty in the market, demand for our cruises and onboard spending continues to be resilient,” said Rice. “Our yields should improve in all four quarters this year.”

Outlook
The company expects third quarter 2008 earnings per share, including the restructuring charges, to be $1.65 to $1.70, and to be $2.55 to $2.65 for the full year 2008.  This forecast is virtually unchanged from that provided at the beginning of the year and at the end of the first quarter, except for the direct increase in fuel costs.

Mr. Fain commented that, “We continue to watch with concern both the high oil price and the weakening economy. While we can’t solve high oil prices, we are gratified that, except for the oil price, our business continues to do as well or better than expected despite the economy.  One might have assumed that we would have been impacted by both, but the fact that our business continues to overcome these economic pressures says volumes about its resilience.  We believe this is due to several factors, including the strength of our brands, the success of our newest ships, the value of cruising to the consumer and our growing penetration of new global markets.”

CELEBRITY CRUISES OFFERS VACATIONERS A WAY TO “WRAP”WINTER HOLIDAY PLANS EARLY

Booking promotion highlights Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, Presidents’ Day sailings

MIAMI – July 14, 2008 – Cruise enthusiasts who wish to leave the carving of the Thanksgiving turkey to someone else and escape the crush of the December holidays can rest easy by taking advantage of Celebrity Cruises’ “Wrap Up Your Holidays” booking promotion. The promotion’s two-week booking window for select Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and President’s Day sailings from November 2008 through February 2009 began today.

Guests who book, between July 14 and July 27, 2008, these select sailings, will receive onboard credit based on the length of their cruise. Those who book a cruise of nine nights or more will receive $200 in onboard credit per stateroom; those who book a six-to-eight-night cruise will receive $100 in onboard credit per stateroom, and those who book a cruise of five nights or less will receive $50 in onboard credit per stateroom.

The 16 different sailings included in the promotion range in length from five to 14 nights, and take place on Celebrity Century, Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Galaxy, Celebrity Infinity, Celebrity Mercury, Celebrity Millennium, and Celebrity Summit. Six eligible Thanksgiving sailings in the promotion include destinations in the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal and Australia/New Zealand. Four eligible Christmas sailing destinations are in the Caribbean and Australia/New Zealand. One New Year’s sailing is on offer, sailing for 11 nights in the Caribbean, and five Presidents’ Day sailings are included in the promotion, sailing in the Caribbean, Australia/New Zealand, and South America.

All aspects of Celebrity’s Wrap Up Your Holidays promotion are valid for new, individual bookings only. The promotion does not apply to group bookings, transatlantic sailings or repositioning sailings, and cannot be combined with any other offer. The onboard credit received through the Wrap Up Your Holidays promotion is not transferable. If guests do not use the full amount of onboard credit during their sailing, they will not be refunded any remaining credit.

Celebrity Cruises offers comfortably sophisticated, upscale cruise experiences with highly personalized service, exceptional dining, and extraordinary attention to detail. Celebrity sails in Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, California, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Galapagos Islands, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal and South America. The line also offers unique cruisetour vacations in Alaska, Australia, Canada, Europe and South America. Noted for four of the top 10 “Top Cruise Ships in the World,” as voted by the readers of Conde’ Nast Traveler  (February 2008 readers’ poll), Celebrity’s current fleet will be joined by Celebrity Solstice in 2008, Celebrity Equinox in 2009, Celebrity Eclipse in 2010, and a fourth Solstice-class ship in 2011. For more information, call your travel agent, dial 1-800-437-3111

ROYAL CARIBBEAN TO HOLD CONFERENCE CALL ON SECOND QUARTER EARNINGS

MIAMI – July 14, 2008 – Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE, OSE: RCL) has scheduled a conference call with analysts for 10 a.m. Eastern time, Tuesday, July 22, 2008, to discuss the company’s second quarter financial results. The call can be listened to by all interested parties at the company’s investor relations web site, www.rclinvestor.com. To listen to the call, please dial (877) 663-9606 in the US and Canada. International phone calls should be made to (706) 758-4628. There is no passcode or meeting number. A replay of the webcast will be available at the same site for a month following the call.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is a global cruise vacation company that operates Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Pullmantur Cruises, Azamara Cruises and CDF Croisières de France. The company has a combined total of 37 ships in service and seven under construction. It also offers cruisetour vacations in Alaska, Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, Latin and South America and New Zealand.

CELEBRITY CRUISES DISHES UP “SPARKLING” SERIES OF CULINARY UPGRADES

Celebrity’s Star TreatmentSM includes new dining enhancements

MIAMI – July 10, 2008 – Celebrity Cruises is shining the spotlight on a series of enhancements to its award-winning dining experience. A core component of “Celebrity’s Star TreatmentSM” array of fleetwide features and amenities, Celebrity’s culinary program now includes more than 200 new menu offerings, a significantly upgraded casual dining area, and an entirely new brunch offering.
According to Celebrity’s Vice President of Food & Beverage Operations Jacques Van Staden, a highly accomplished chef and restaurateur who joined Celebrity just one year ago, the enhancements were inspired by a combination of extensive studies of guest surveys, constant monitoring of trends in the food and beverage industry, and an unwavering eye on innovation.
“Our objective is to set the trend, not follow it,” said Van Staden. “That’s what makes a great dining experience. You have to shake things up now and then, and regularly introduce new and different offerings, along with the items our guests tell us they can’t live without.”
Celebrity’s new evening menus are so widely varied that guests on even 14-night itineraries will never be presented with the same menu twice. Each menu contains expanded selections in all categories, from appetizers to desserts.
Casual dining “on the rocks”
Celebrity has made significant enhancements to its lido café/casual dining area on every ship, expanding its culinary selections, modernizing the ambience, and upgrading signage and equipment.
One of the most innovative aesthetic enhancements in the lido/casual dining area is the replacement of ice with chilled river rocks throughout the buffet area. Resting on the rocks are literally hundreds of new menu items, new service ware and presentation styles, new action stations and made-to-order areas, and more destination-influenced and ethnic cuisine, including Asian, Italian, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and English.
Celebrity also has upgraded its complimentary coffee to the European brand, “Seventh,” a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans, which guests can sip from new, full-sized coffee mugs.
Let’s do brunch
Celebrity has replaced its former once-per-cruise midnight gala buffet with a sumptuous brunch – complete with the line’s lauded ice, fruit and vegetable carvings – in the main dining room.
“Our guests loved viewing the elaborate creations we presented at the midnight gala buffet, but very few wanted to actually eat that late,” said Van Staden. “Now, we still proudly present our culinary team’s great artistry, but at a time when our guests can thoroughly enjoy it.”
Once per cruise, guests can indulge in a lavish brunch with an enormous selection of fresh fruits; made-to-order smoothies; gourmet cheeses; cold cuts; a wide variety of salads, sandwiches, meats and seafood; pizzas, paninis and wraps; sushi and stir-fry selections; eggs of nearly every style, and delectable desserts ranging from individual, bite-sized selections to sorbet and ice cream.
New options for late-night noshing
For guests interested in late-night desserts, sandwiches, specialty coffees or other libations, Celebrity has introduced an “after-theater” menu in its Cova Café venues, to replace the former “Gourmet Bites” served throughout the ships on alternating evenings.

“Our guests enjoyed the service and presentation of ‘Gourmet Bites,’ but very few actually indulged in them,” said Van Staden. “The new options in Cova Café allow guests who are interested in late-night dining a light, varied menu, featuring sandwiches, savories, tartlets, hot brochettes, canapés, artisan cheeses, fresh fruit, crackers, petit fours and napoleons.”
Celebrity’s Cova Café presents the new late-night menu from 11 pm to closing.
Celebrity Cruises offers comfortably sophisticated, upscale cruise experiences with highly personalized service, exceptional dining, and extraordinary attention to detail. Celebrity sails in Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, California, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Galapagos Islands, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal and South America. The line also offers unique cruisetour vacations in Alaska, Australia, Canada, Europe and South America. Noted for four of the top 10 “Top Cruise Ships in the World,” as voted by the readers of Conde’ Nast Traveler (February 2008 readers’ poll), Celebrity’s current fleet will be joined by Celebrity Solstice in 2008, Celebrity Equinox in 2009, Celebrity Eclipse in 2010, and a fourth Solstice-class ship in 2011. For more information, call your travel agent, dial 1-800-437-3111

CELEBRITY CRUISES DANGLES ‘CARATS’ AND DAZZLING COLLECTIONS

Boutique on Celebrity Solstice to be exclusive source of first-ever 86-cut diamond

MIAMI – July 9, 2008 – This year’s most eagerly-awaited cruise ship – Celebrity Solstice – just added another first to its series of exceptional offerings: a 10-sided diamond cut for the first time, and available exclusively on Celebrity Solstice. Aptly named the Solstice Diamond, the patented gem’s 86 facets create a visible, distinguishing star pattern even more sparkling than the familiar 58-facet brilliant-cut diamond.
Sourced from conflict-free stones mined in Canada, the Solstice Diamond was created by UK-based Harding Brothers, who will manage the retail shops onboard. Mounted in hand-created settings and in varying sizes for rings, pendants and earrings, no two pieces will be alike.
The diamonds will be available in Celebrity Solstice’s luxurious “Boutique C,” one of 18 shops spanning three decks and 6,500 square feet onboard the ship.
“Celebrity Solstice’s boutique areas have been designed to reflect the stylish and authentic ambience our guests will find throughout the ship,” said Celebrity’s Vice President of Hotel Operations Lisa Lutoff-Perlo. “Each shop will have its own distinct look, feel and, in some cases, even aroma. It will be a phenomenal collection of sights, sounds, styles and scents.”

In addition to the high-end Boutique C, Celebrity Solstice’s retail venues include:

The Lawn Club Shop
The refreshing aroma of freshly-cut grass will welcome guests in Celebrity Solstice’s Lawn Club Shop, with golf-oriented merchandise, wine-related items, and a casual, contemporary resort line designed by Bobby Chan, whose apparel highlights pro shops and lifestyle specialty stores around the world. The shop also will feature a “grass”-soled flip-flop sold exclusively on Celebrity Solstice.

The Showcase
Sparkling glass works from around the world will be the focus of The Showcase, where guests can purchase creations such as those found at The Corning Museum of Glass, whose alliance with Celebrity led to the industry’s first Hot Glass Show and Studio on Celebrity Solstice. Among the brands “showcased” are Mats Jonasson, Kosta Boda and Steuben. The Showcase also will feature limited edition and retired pieces sold exclusively on Celebrity Solstice.

The Solstice Shop
Celebrity Solstice’s signature store, The Solstice Shop, will offer a variety of fashion-forward, private-label apparel, accessories and souvenirs, all tastefully marked with the ship or brand logo.

Exquisites
The largest jewelry boutique onboard, Exquisites will present a vast array of necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets from new designers, as well as recognized, world-class brands such as Bellarri and H. Stern. The boutique also will present canary, pink and blue diamonds, as well as Tanzanite creations.

The Artisan Store
Guests interested in one-of-a-kind jewelry and artifacts will find it hard to bypass The Artisan Store, where they can observe and interact with resident artists as they string pearls, carve cameos, and mount gemstones to suit each shopper’s interests and preferences. The venue also will present special enrichment lectures and demonstrations.

Pieces of Time
The timeless elegance of fine watches will be evident in the product line found in Pieces of Time, with featured brands including Dior, Gucci, H. Stern and Tag Hauer.

The Collection
Style is in the bag at The Collection, where guests will find classic and contemporary purses of all styles, sizes, colors and textures, as well as belts, scarves, and other accessories.

The Men’s Store
True to its name, The Men’s Store will feature casual yet sophisticated apparel for men from Newport Blue and Saltaire, as well as Celebrity’s exclusive Blue Collection, among other brands.

Moda
Chic women’s fashions ranging from everyday, active wear to cocktail apparel will highlight Moda, with selections from leading designers such as Joseph Ribkoff, Celebrity’s exclusive Blue Collection, and a number of variations on the classic “little black dress.”

Jasmine
Celebrity Solstice’s Jasmine will focus on perfumes, cosmeceuticals and other skin care products. The venue also will offer personalized cosmetics consultations, and interactive workshops focused on color.

Adagio
The ambiance of indulgence and tranquility found in Adagio will be reflected in its products, ranging from self-tanning products to scrubs, rubs and body butters. The venue also will present many of the world’s most popular fragrances, along with new launches.

Serendipity
Shoppers in Serendipity will have the good fortune of finding an eclectic mix of merchandise that is constantly evolving, reflecting the unique character of each destination on the ship’s itinerary. The selections will range from ethnic foods to apparel to accessories.

The Sundialer
Fashionable watches and sunglasses are always timely, and will be the focus of The Sundialer, with hip selections from a variety of designers, within a fun, relaxed environment.

Glitz
Trendy costume jewelry from established international brands as well as up-and-coming designers will be the focus of Glitz, with selections made of acrylic, crystal, gold and/or silver.

Sol Y Mar
Sun worshipers will find Sol Y Mar a welcome venue, with its vast array of designer sunglasses, suntan lotions, pool cover-ups and other beach apparel, and paperback books.

Spirits & Such
In a departure from the traditional shipboard liquor store, Spirits & Such will offer not only premium liquors, but also bar and kitchen accessories, and tote bags to ease the process of carrying purchases home. The venue also will host tastings.

Travel Made Easy
Guests who need additional luggage to take home all the products they can’t resist onboard will find relief in Travel Made Easy. There, accessories, sunglasses, hats and beach blankets are sold, along with luggage, tote bags, and electronics.

Celebrity Cruises offers comfortably sophisticated, upscale cruise experiences with highly personalized service, exceptional dining, and extraordinary attention to detail. Celebrity sails in Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, California, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Galapagos Islands, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal and South America. The line also offers unique cruisetour vacations in Alaska, Australia, Canada, Europe and South America. Noted for four of the top 10 “Top Cruise Ships in the World,” as voted by the readers of Conde’ Nast Traveler  (February 2008 readers’ poll), Celebrity’s current fleet will be joined by Celebrity Solstice in 2008, Celebrity Equinox in 2009, Celebrity Eclipse in 2010, and a fourth Solstice-class ship in 2011. For more information, call your travel agent, dial 1-800-437-3111

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