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Bari, Italy Will be New Port of Embarkation for Royal Caribbean in 2012

Voyager of the Seas made her last stop in Bari, Italy this season before she heads west to Caribbean. In 2012, however, Bari will become the new port of embarkation for Royal Caribbean, according to Royal Caribbean Italy’s General Manager John Rotondo. To confirm the growing interest in Royal Caribbean towards the Italian market and the role very strategic city of Bari, it has been announced that next year Bari will become the port of embarkation for ships of the group, with significant benefits for tourism in the city, natural gateway to discover the beauty and culture of Puglia. Royal Caribbean Marketing Directory in Italy, Robert Pirrera, thinks the year of 2012 will bring its own set of obstacles for the cruise giant to overcome, “The year 2012 promises a year full of new challenges. With enthusiasm, we will promptly respond to growing demand from the market with the opening of new ports of embarkation in Bari and Messina, extending the seasonal cruise from Genoa, the introduction of 7 night cruises aboard Brilliance of the Seas in Northern Europe, new promotions, and especially the strengthening of our brand in Italy”. Mariner of the Seas is ready to celebrate its debut in Genoa on July 22, when an event is scheduled for members of the press and other cruise industry figures. On that day, Mariner will sail from Civitavecchia to reach Genoa, new home port for Mariner of the Seas. ‘Friday Night Fever’, the name given to the event, will involve more than 500 travel agents and journalists who will spend the night before the first call in Genoa. The next day, in Genoa, Mariner of the Seas will be welcomed by local authorities and port with the press conference and ceremony “Plaque & Keys”, the exchange of crest and plaques from local authorities to the officers on board. Meanwhile Pirrera confirmed that Royal Caribbean is doing quite well in Italy, with 100% growth since last year, “We have grown over 100% compared to last year, with excellent returns on advertising investments. Without forgetting the excellent performance of the website, which last January after redesign, has more than doubled visits.”