ROYAL CARIBBEAN'S PRIVATE CRUISE DESTINATION COCOCAY CERTIFIED TO GLOBAL SUSTAINABLE TOURISM STANDARD

Attractions and Tour Operations Awarded Gold-Level Certification, Confirming Cruise Line’s Commitment to Environmental Stewardship

MIAMI, February 7, 2013 – The attractions and tour operations at Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.'s tropical island paradise, CocoCay have been awarded a Gold-Level Eco-Certification by Sustainable Travel International as part of the Sustainable Tourism Education Program™ (STEP). The cruise line’s private 140-acre island –located in The Bahamas' Berry Island chain between Freeport and Nassau – attained the globally recognized sustainable tourism standard after a thorough assessment of all areas including work place practices, guest education and communications, and environmental management policies and practices.

Sustainable Travel International, a non-profit organization that supports sustainable tourism development through responsible travel has partnered with Royal Caribbean since 2008 to enhance the cruise company's Environmental Stewardship Strategy. STEP was developed to provide industry tour operators, attractions and other providers with educational tools, including the STEP Sustainable Shore Excursion Program, which helps cruise industry operators manage a variety of sustainability efforts to the highest standards. STEP includes one of the first global certifications to be formally recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), and is considered to be the gold standard in sustainable business management for the travel and tourism industry.

“We are thrilled that CocoCay has achieved this prestigious certification that further emphasizes our commitment to environmental stewardship,” said Rich Pruitt, associate vice president Safety and Environmental Stewardship, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “By working with organizations such as Sustainable Travel International Royal Caribbean continues to focus on providing an incredible vacation experience both onboard its ships and its private destinations like CocoCay.”

CocoCay’s three white-sand beaches and lush greenery provide an exclusive tropical oasis for Royal Caribbean guests to enjoy while on their cruise vacation.  While there, guests can relax in a shaded hammock, shop at the local craft market, explore one of the island’s nature trails or snorkel to the sunken replica of Blackbeard’s flagship “Queen Anne’s Revenge,” or enjoy an exhilarating Wave Jet tour around the island. Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 22 innovative ships, calling on more than 270 destinations in 72 countries across six continents. The line also offers unique cruise tour land packages in Alaska, Canada, Dubai, Europe, and Australia and New Zealand.

Royal Caribbean provides a world-class vacation experience with a wide range of signature onboard amenities, entertainment, and award-winning family programming. The cruise line has a 40-year history of giving guests the Royal Advantage – the most innovative cruise ships, exciting itineraries to popular destinations, and world-renowned friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service. Royal Caribbean has been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for nine consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards. For additional information or to make reservations, call your travel agent, visit www.RoyalCaribbean.com or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN. Follow Royal Caribbean on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/RoyalCaribbean or on Twitter, @RoyalCaribbean. Travel professionals should visit www.cruisingpower.com or call (800) 327-2056. Media can find information at www.royalcaribbeanpresscenter.com.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE/OSX: RCL) is a global cruise vacation company that owns Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Pullmantur, Azamara Club Cruises and CDF Croisières de France, as well as TUI Cruises through a 50 percent joint venture.  Together, these six brands operate a combined total of 41 ships with three under construction. 

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