RCI's Exclusive 2005 European Cruisetours

[Jason]

MIAMI, Jan. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- From sipping an espresso in Madrid's Plaza Mayor to shopping along the Champs-Elysees, Royal Caribbean International is once again offering guests unforgettable experiences in some of the most beautiful and historic areas of Spain, France and England.

Four exclusive cruisetour vacations will be offered in 2005, allowing guests the opportunity to pair a multi-day land vacation package with either a Mediterranean or Northern Europe cruise aboard one of Royal Caribbean's three ships in the region.

"A Royal Caribbean cruisetour is an ideal way to explore Europe. Guests get the chance to sample the attractions of numerous countries by sea and the opportunity to immerse themselves in the customs and cultures of a specific region by land," said Craig Milan, president of Royal Caribbean International's cruisetour division. "Guests also get a great value in Europe with the current exchange rate since our cruisetours, like our cruises, are purchased in advance in U.S. dollars."

In 2005, Royal Caribbean is offering four land packages to pair with its European cruises -- one to London and Paris, two to Spain, and one to the historic English cities of London and York. The cruise line has partnered with Akorn, a division of Abercrombie and Kent and one of the leading customized tour operators in Europe, to provide a superior experience for guests.

Land tour portions range from three to five nights and are escorted by knowledgeable, local tour directors who not only provide historical and expert commentary, but also serve as personal concierges to assist with anything from dinner reservations to show or museum tickets. Also included are four- and five-star hotel accommodations in the heart of the city centers, breakfast each morning, a farewell group dinner, and guided tours of top cultural attractions, as well as plenty of free time to pursue individual interests.

Guests on seven-night Splendour of the Seas Mediterranean itineraries or 12-night Brilliance of the Seas Mediterranean/Venice or Mediterranean/Greek Isles sailings can enhance their cruise with a three-night Madrid and Barcelona land tour. A five-night land tour, which includes visits to Madrid, Barcelona and Seville, also is available to Brilliance of the Seas' guests.

Ten-night cruisetours on Splendour of the Seas start at $2,199 per person, double occupancy. Fifteen- and 17-night cruisetours on Brilliance of the Seas start at $3,199 and $3,949 per person, double occupancy.

Jewel of the Seas will sail 12-night Scandinavia/Russia cruises from Harwich, England, and will offer guests the option of either a four-night London and Paris land tour or the four-night Journey through England. The London and Paris cruisetour begins in Paris with a half-day free for sightseeing and shopping. After another full day of sightseeing in Paris, guests board the Eurostar for a train ride through the Chunnel to London. While in London, guests enjoy two days with both city tours as well as free time for shopping and sightseeing.

The Journey Through England cruisetour begins in London where guests enjoy both a guided bus tour and plenty of free time to enjoy the city's famous sites such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey, before heading north by train to explore the historic, walled city of York. Prices start at $3,949 per person, double occupancy for the London and Paris cruisetour and $3,599 per person, double occupancy for the Journey Through England cruisetour.