Press Release: Royal Caribbean International
December 8, 2000
JUNEAU, AK -- Following a review of their Alaska itineraries for the 2001 season, when Royal Caribbean International
and Celebrity Cruises will bring five ships to Southeast Alaska, plus offer a new rail service, the two lines have
decided to cancel their calls to Haines, beginning in 2001, to offset rising operating costs. They will continue
to offer shore excursions that showcase Haines, however, and will continue to work with many long-time local partners.
Starting in 2001, shore excursions to Haines will be staged from nearby Skagway. The specifics of the shore-excursion
packages have not been finalized yet.
The elimination of Haines as a port of call was an economic decision for the two cruise brands. Rising fuel costs
have forced the lines to evaluate several ports of call, which were not fuel-efficient. By bypassing Haines and
heading straight from Skagway to Juneau, for example, a ship can slow its speed considerably and consume far less
fuel.
``We routinely evaluate our ports and itineraries for operating efficiencies and customer satisfaction. This decision
was purely an economic one,'' said Royal Caribbean President Jack Williams.
``Royal Caribbean and Celebrity remain committed to the people and community of Haines,'' added Celebrity President
Richard Sasso. ``We will continue to work with several of our long-time partners to offer shore- excursions and
will honor our pledge to complete the baseball field for Haines residents.''
Haines has been a port of call for the Royal Caribbean brand since 1990.
Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises are the two cruise brands operated by Royal Caribbean Cruises
Ltd. For more information, please contact www.royalcaribbean.com or
www.celebritycruises.com.
SOURCE: Royal Caribbean International