New Celebrity!

Celebrity Cruises recently confirmed its order for a fourth Solstice-class cruise ship. The new vessel will commence operation in Autumn 2011, following sister ships Celebrity Solstice in Autumn 2008, Celebrity Equinox in Summer 2009, and Celebrity Eclipse in Summer 2010, bringing Celebrity's total fleet to 11 ships. The contract is contingent on the completion of customary financing.

Like its sister ships, Celebrity's fourth Solstice-class liner will have larger standard staterooms, 90 percent of which will be outside, and 85 percent of all staterooms will have verandas. The 2,850-guest vessels will have an exceptional range of guest-inspired services and amenities, and will measure 1,033 feet in length and 121 feet in width. German shipbuilder Meyer Werft will be responsible for building the 122,000-ton ship.

"Ordering a fourth Solstice-class ship is obviously a testament to the demand we've received from travel agent partners and travellers alike for more cruise vacation options with Celebrity," said Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Chairman & CEO Richard Fain. "This expansion also is yet another vivid illustration of the incredibly exciting growth and momentum behind the Celebrity brand." Celebrity estimates the all-in cost of the ship to be approximately $280,000 per berth, based on current exchange rates.

Celebrity Cruises offers comfortably sophisticated upscale cruise experiences with highly personalised service, exceptional dining, and extraordinary attention to detail. Celebrity sails in Alaska, Antarctica, Bermuda, California, Caribbean, Europe, Galapagos Islands, Hawaii, Mexican Riviera, Panama Canal and South America, and will begin sailing in Australia and New Zealand this year. The line also offers unique land-tour vacations in Alaska, Canada, Europe and Australia through its cruisetour affiliate. Noted for "The World's Best Large Ships," as voted by the readers of Conde' Nast Traveller (February 2007 Cruise 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.