Renaissance Cruises announced today that its board of directors has appointed Manfred Ursprunger as Chief Executive. Ursprunger joins Renaissance Cruises from Celebrity Cruises, where he was one of the two key senior executives. On April 20, 2001, Renaissance Cruises announced that Malvern Maritime, led by Norwegian shipowner Peter Gram, has become the majority shareholder of R Holdings, the parent company of Renaissance Cruises, through a major investment in the company. The Company also announced the decision of Richard L. Kirby, former president and Co-CEO, to resign in order to pursue personal interests. Under Ursprunger's leadership, Celebrity Cruises has earned top travel industry honors for lodging and service quality.