PORT OF LOS ANGELES WELCOMES ITS NEWEST WEEKLY-CALL CRUISE SHIP – THE MARINER OF THE SEAS

SAN PEDRO, Calif. — February 19, 2009 — Today, the Port of Los Angeles will welcome the Royal Caribbean International’s  Mariner of the Seas, the largest ship on the west coast, as she arrives to make the Port her new home.  One of the prestigious Voyager-Class cruise ships featuring the highest public-space-per guest ratio in the industry, she will be making weekly Sunday sails to the Mexican Riviera.

“We are so pleased to have one of the jewels of the well-known Royal Caribbean International cruise line here at the Port of Los Angeles, she is a welcome addition to the family” said Port Executive Director Geraldine Knatz, Ph.D.  “Having a steady stream of thousands of cruise passengers each week for this ship alone is a great benefit to the economy of the harbor area and the entire Southern California region.”

The ship is replacing the smaller Vision of the Seas vessel which had been sailing seasonally from the Port of Los Angeles for the past six years.  Royal Caribbean has committed to homeporting Mariner of the Seas at the Port of Los Angeles until April 2011, which is a good indication that the desire for Mexican Riviera cruises remains strong.  Bookings for Mariner of the Seas cruises through mid-2010 are currently available.

Mariner of the Seas Stats
Maiden Voyage:  November 16, 2003
Passenger Capacity:  3,114 (double occupancy)
Godmother:  Jean Driscoll
Gross Tonnage:  142,000
Length:  1020'
Max Beam: 157.5'
Draft:  29'
Cruising Speed:  22 knots
Amenities:  Enhanced guest rooms, Ice-skating rink, in-line skating, rock climbing wall, 9-hole golf course, golf simulators, full-size basketball court, Johnny Rockets ® 50s-style diner, day spa and fitness center

The Port of Los Angeles, also known as “America’s Port,” has a strong commitment to developing innovative strategic and sustainable operations that benefit the economy and the quality of life for the region and the nation it serves.  A recipient of numerous environmental awards, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 2007 Clean Air Excellence Award, the Port of Los Angeles is committed to innovating cleaner, greener ways of doing business.  As the leading seaport in North America in terms of shipping container volume and cargo value, the Port generates 919,000 regional jobs and $39.1 billion in annual wages and tax revenues.  A proprietary department of the City of Los Angeles, the Port is self-supporting and does not receive taxpayer dollars. The Port of Los Angeles - A cleaner port.  A brighter future.