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Improvements in emissions underscore Royal Caribbean's commitment to sustainability

Improvements in emissions underscore Royal Caribbean's commitment to sustainability
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.’s 2014 Sustainability Report, released today, showcases improved efficiencies across its fleet.  In the report, the company noted the successful delivery of the breakthrough Quantum-class ships, the expansion of its Advanced Emissions Purification program and its plans to update its Save the Waves goals into the next decade.

New technologies like RCL’s air lubrication system, which creates a reduced friction layer of billions of microscopic air bubbles on a ship’s hull, have helped RCL’s new Quantum-class ships, for example, emit about 20% less carbon dioxide than previous designs.

'At Royal Caribbean, we are working to ensure that sustainability remains at the heart of our business,' said Richard D. Fain, chairman and ceo Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. 'We bring 5,000,000 guests to nearly 500 ports around the world every year, and we understand the need to act responsibly towards the oceans that we sail and the places we visit. Our mantra is continuous improvement and we constantly strive to find new and better ways to meet those goals.'

Other highlights from the report include: 2014 greenhouse gas emissions are 21.4% lower than the 2005 baseline; Royal Caribbean International became the first cruise line to launch a specialised autism initiative, in collaboration with Autism of the Seas, to make the ships a more welcoming environment for autistic guests and their families; the company increased responsible local sourcing in Europe, Asia and Australia and New Zealand, with a 20% increase in Australia
and New Zealand; RCL also received a first-ever certification from RAINN, the largest anti-sexual violence organisation in the United States, recognizing the company’s professionalism in preventing and responding to security incidents.

The full Sustainability Report may be viewed at www.RCLCorporate.com/environment.