Yachts of Seabourn Orders Third New Ultra Luxur...
The Yachts of Seabourn Orders Third New Ultra Luxury Ship
Additional Order Based on Strong Advance Bookings
MIAMI, Nov. 6 -- 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 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
http://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.
SOURCE Carnival plc
-0- 11/06/2007
/CONTACT: Melanie Vigliotti, MVIGLIOTTI@ZIMMERMAN.COM, or Jamey Ivey, of
The Zimmerman Agency for Carnival plc, +1-850-668-2222/
/Web site: http://www.seabourn.com
http://www.carnivalcorp.com /
(CCL CUK)