Newly Renovated and Renamed Nordic Empress
Arrives at Cape Liberty with a Dramatic Facelift and a New Port to Call Home

MIAMI, May 6, 2004 – Royal Caribbean International’s Empress of the Seas, formerly Nordic Empress, returns to the Northeast this weekend with a new look, a new name and a brand new berth to call home. The newly revitalized Empress of the Seas will be the first cruise ship to sail out of Cape Liberty Cruise Port, in Bayonne, N.J. Empress of the Seas will sail a special one-night preview cruise on May 8. On May 9, the ship will depart on a six-night cruise to Bermuda from the new port, which will be officially opened in a ceremony on May 14, when Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas, makes her Northeast debut.

Empress of the Seas offers alternating six- and eight-night Bermuda vacations from May through October. The popular 1,602-passenger ship underwent extensive renovations from top to bottom, bow to stern. To reflect the magnitude of the revitalization, the line officially renamed the ship Empress of the Seas, bringing her in line with the remainder of Royal Caribbean’s fleet, which all feature “of the Seas” names.

“Empress is a classic beauty and a longtime favorite of Royal Caribbean guests,” said Adam Goldstein, executive vice president, Brand Operations, for Royal Caribbean International. “This fresh look and the addition of exciting new dining, entertainment and fitness areas are sure to please both returning cruisers and passengers experiencing Empress for the first time.”

Increased dining options are in high demand among cruisers, and Empress of the Seas features an elegant new specialty restaurant, Portofino, in addition to an upgraded Windjammer Café and refurbished main dining room. Guests also can enjoy specialty espresso drinks from Seattle’s Best Coffee® or 16 different flavors from Ben & Jerry’s® at the combined Latte’tudes coffee bar and ice cream scoop shop.

Guests who take advantage of Empress of the Seas’ ShipShape Fitness Center and Day Spa will be treated to more than a great workout or spa treatment. The expanded spa and gym complex occupies two levels, including a state-of-the-art fitness center overlooking the Viking Crown Lounge, perched at the top of the ship, offering spectacular, panoramic sea views. In addition, the ship features the line’s signature rock-climbing wall.

Vacationers looking for high-quality entertainment will find plenty to choose from. The former High Society Lounge on Deck 6 is now Royal Caribbean’s Latin-themed bar, Boleros, offering specialty tequilas and cocktail favorites like mojitos, as well as outstanding live entertainment. Empress of the Seas also now features the line’s popular Schooner Bar, a nautical-themed lounge with sing-along piano entertainment. Guests will enjoy a variety of entertainers and Broadway-caliber productions in the refurbished main theater, the Strike Up the Band Showroom, while those in a gaming mood can head to the Casino Royale or the newly created Card Room just off the Centrum.

Guest staterooms in all categories have new and upgraded bathrooms. In addition, some staterooms, including the Royal Suite and Superior Ocean View staterooms, feature new décor. Empress of the Seas’ Owner’s Suites have been completely redesigned, with new furniture and finishings. Other refurbishments include general facelifts to the lobbies, elevators, landings, corridors and restrooms, and enhancements to the shopping areas and Pool Deck.

Unique Itineraries to Bermuda and the Southern Caribbean

Empress of the Seas is offering alternating six- and eight-night Bermuda itineraries from May through October from Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, New Jersey. The six-night Bermuda itineraries depart on Sundays and include stops in King’s Wharf and Hamilton, Bermuda. The eight-night cruises depart Saturdays and visit King’s Wharf, Hamilton and St. George’s, Bermuda.

In late October, Empress of the Seas will reposition to San Juan, where she will offer guests a choice of four Southern Caribbean adventures. The highlight is the 11-night Exotic Caribbean itinerary that takes guests to St. Maarten, St. Barts, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Barbados, Grenada, Margarita Island, Aruba and Curacao.

Empress of the Seas also will sail three-night St. Thomas/St. Maarten and St. Kitts/St. Maarten sailings, as well as four special, four-night Dominican Republic cruises, with stops in Santo Domingo and Catalina Island, on Oct. 25, Nov. 1, 8 and 15.

Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise vacation company with 19 ships in service and one more under construction. The company also offers unique cruisetour vacations in Alaska, Canada and Europe. Additional information can be found on the company’s web site at www.royalcaribbean.com or call 800-327-6700.

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