Freedom Is ... Finding a Guiding Spirit

Freedom Is ... Finding a Guiding Spirit

NBC's 'Today' and Royal Caribbean International Launch Unprecedented 'Today Sets Sail' Search for Godmother for Freedom of the Seas

NEW YORK, Nov. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Royal Caribbean International is putting a new twist on a long-standing maritime tradition by launching a national search for the Godmother of Freedom of the Seas -- the world's largest and most innovative cruise ship scheduled to debut in May 2006.

Historically an honor reserved for heads of state, politicians and celebrities, Godmothers officially give ships their names and serve as guiding spirits. Royal Caribbean Godmothers include Her Majesty Queen Sonja of Norway, Rosalynn Carter, Lauren Bacall, Whoopi Goldberg, Gloria Estefan, Katarina Witt, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, champion wheelchair marathoner Jean Driscoll and 2004 Teacher of the Year Kathy Mellor.

Through an unprecedented partnership with NBC's "Today," Royal Caribbean is seeking to honor all adults by searching for an outstanding individual -- someone who has demonstrated exceptional spirit, courage and integrity -- to serve as the Godmother of Freedom of the Seas. One of the privileges of being a Godmother is that the individual will be allowed to cruise for life on any Royal Caribbean ship or itinerary once a year with the guest of their choice.

"We have had so many remarkable, well-known women serve as Godmothers of our ships over the years," said Royal Caribbean Chairman and CEO Richard D. Fain. "Recently, we realized that we have the opportunity to bring attention to amazing individuals who are not in the spotlight, but have lessons in courage, dedication and determination that are inspirational to all.

"We hope that the millions of people who watch the 'Today' show will be inspired to look at the adults in their own lives and nominate someone remarkable to be the Godmother of our unparalleled new ship," he continued.

In order to enter, people are encouraged to go to http://msnbc.msn.com/id/9085102/ and complete an online application form and write an essay, no more than 500 words in explaining why they (or someone they would like to nominate) would be the perfect Godmother for Freedom of the Seas. All entries must be received by 5:00 p.m. EST on Friday, December 2, 2005.

The winner selected to be Freedom of the Seas' Godmother will preside over the most exciting and innovative ship at sea. Freedom will feature the first- ever surfing simulator at sea, an interactive water park, two cantilevered whirlpools that extend 12 feet out from the sides of the ship and a pool deck with dedicated sports pool that transforms into an open-air nightclub each night.

At 160,000 GRT and holding 3,634 guests double-occupancy, Freedom of the Seas will be the largest cruise ship in the world when she debuts in May 2006. The first in Royal Caribbean's new Freedom class, she will be the most forward-looking and innovative ship the company has built to date. Freedom of the Seas will sail seven-night Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami calling in Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; Montego Bay, Jamaica; and Royal Caribbean's private destination, Labadee, Hispaniola. For more information or to make reservations, go to http://www.royalcaribbean.com/ or call 800.327.6700.

Source: Royal Caribbean International

CONTACT: Meaghan McGee, Royal Caribbean, +1-212-445-8353, or
mmcgee@webershandwick.com

Web site: http://www.royalcaribbean.com/
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/9085102

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