Bearing units in Infinity's propulsion system will require more extensive repairs than originally expected, Celebrity
Cruises announced today, following a thorough examination of the ship's
propulsion equipment. These repairs will take longer than estimated
earlier, and, unfortunately, will result in one additional sailing--on Feb.
23--being cancelled. Infinity is expected to resume service March 9.
The company cancelled two sailings on
Infinity last week-a Feb. 2 sailing
from Ensenada, Mexico, to Hawaii and a return trip Feb. 13-to make needed
repairs. It also shortened a Jan.19 cruise. The ship is in transit today,
traveling to a dry-dock facility in Newport News, Va.
Guests holding a booking on the cancelled sailing will receive a full
refund for their cruise, plus a voucher for a 50-percent discount on any
Celebrity cruise of 14 nights or less, departing on or before April 1,
2004, excluding Europe, Christmas and New Year's sailings.
A special Help Desk has been set up to assist travel agents or guests with
rebooking, air transportation and other issues. The toll-free number is
1-888-701-7192.
The total financial impact of Infinity's being out of service is expected
to have a negative impact on the earnings of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
of $.05 per share.