Repairs Halt More Infinity Sailings

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.