Newest Cruise Ship Innovation To Be Unveiled Live On NBC Today on Aug. 31

Newest Cruise Ship Innovation To Be Unveiled Live On NBC Today on Aug. 31

Royal Caribbean International to Reveal 'What's Next' in Active Cruising

MIAMI, Aug. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Royal Caribbean International is set to reveal to America one of the best kept secrets in the vacation industry on NBC "Today" on Wednesday, Aug. 31. TODAY and visionary CEO Richard Fain of Royal Caribbean will unveil "what's next" in active cruising. The cruise line that introduced rock-climbing walls, ice-skating rinks and miniature golf courses at sea will share its newest attraction, set to debut on the world's largest and most innovative cruise ship -- Freedom of the Seas.

A few things are already known about Freedom of the Seas, scheduled to make her first U.S. appearance in New York Harbor on May 11, 2006. She is 160,000 gross registered tons, holds 3,600 guests double-occupancy, is 15 decks tall and will include features such as:

* The H2O Zone, a colorful, water wonderland of large, brightly hued sculptures doubling as interactive fountains that spray, sprinkle and spurt water in every direction.

* A jungle-themed, adults-only Solarium featuring two large hot tubs cantilevered out 12 feet from the sides of the ship. Suspended 112 feet above the ocean, the hot tubs will offer breathtaking, panoramic views.

* A designated sports pool where guests will be invited to challenge themselves, and each other, in a variety of water sports, from pool volleyball and basketball to floating golf and synchronized swimming.

The unprecedented attraction to be unveiled next week has been kept under wraps for almost two years now and will raise the bar for innovation and excitement in the cruise industry.

In addition, Royal Caribbean will announce another surprise in which all TODAY viewers can participate. Be sure to catch the action live on NBC "Today" or by accessing http://www.today.msnbc.com/ or http://www.royalcaribbean.com/ on August 31.

At 160,000 GRT and holding 3,600 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.

Contact: Meaghan McGee Weber Shandwick (212) 445-8353 mmcgee@webershandwick.com

Source: Royal Caribbean International

CONTACT: Meaghan McGee of Weber Shandwick, +1-212-445-8353, mmcgee@webershandwick.com for Royal Caribbean International

Web site: http://www.today.msnbc.com/ http://www.royalcaribbean.com/

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