Royal Caribbean issues statement about Concordia disaster, safety of its ships - Atlanta N... Page 1 of 3

Examiner.com

FAMILY & PARENTING | JANUARY 23, 2012 Royal Caribbean issues statement about Concordia disaster, safety of its ships

Jackie Kass Atlanta Northside Family & Parenting Examiner

Thousands of families in Atlanta take cruise vacations with their kids, so last week’s disaster (http://www.examiner.com/tv-in-national/special-20-20-episode- to-focus-on-concordia-disaster) raised concerns for parents. If you’ve ever cruised on Royal Caribbean, then you’ll find the following message from Adam Goldstein, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean to be of interest. It was sent out this morning via email to past passengers.

(http://www.examiner.com/northside- family-parenting-in-atlanta/concordia- All of us at Royal Caribbean International disaster-photo) continue to extend our heartfelt sympathies to Royal Caribbean issues an official those affected by Carnival Corporation's recent statement about the Concordia tragic incident on the Costa Concordia. As a disaster. Credits: Tullio M. Puglia/ Crown & Anchor Society member and loyal Royal Caribbean guest, we know you may have some questions as the situation continues to unfold.

At Royal Caribbean International, the safety and security of our guests and crew is our highest priority. It is fundamental to our operations. Our maritime safety record over our 42-year history illustrates our commitment to the safety of the millions of guests and crew that sail on our

ships. The measures we take in the interest of (http://www.examiner.com/northside- family-parenting-in-atlanta/royal- safety are many, often exceeding the regulatory caribbean-safety-video) requirements – these are all part of our ongoing Video: Royal Caribbean safety (http://www.examiner.com/northside-

http://www.examiner.com/northside-family-parenting-in-atlanta/royal-caribbean-issues-sta... 1/26/2012 Royal Caribbean issues statement about Concordia disaster, safety of its ships - Atlanta N... Page 2 of 3

family-parenting-in-atlanta/royal- commitment to innovation and continuous caribbean-safety-video) improvement in every aspect of our business.

By Jackie Kass To address some of your questions and Atlanta Northside concerns, here is a video that will provide an Family & Parenting overview of safety onboard our ships; the Examiner training of our crew, officers and captains; and Jackie Kass is the busy the many regulations that govern our practices. mother of a teen and a 'tween with a passion As a past cruiser, we know your friends and for words, both writing family may be asking about your own time at sea. and reading them. In We hope that you'll share this video along with between endless carpools, she is... your personal Royal Caribbean experiences with them, and reinforce that cruising continues to maintain the best safety record of any industry in travel.

Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to welcoming you aboard again soon on one of our ships sailing to 270 destinations worldwide.

Embedded in the email from Royal Caribbean’s CEO is a new video about the safety of its fleet of cruise ships. Be sure to check it out (to the left) if you still have concerns about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise with your family.

The (http://www.examiner.com/tv- in-national/chris-coumo-from-abc-tweets-live-from-the- concordia-disaster) proves why it’s critically important to develop a family emergency plan and go over it right after boarding the ship. In case of an at-sea emergency, it’s mandatory that every family knows the plan and is able to follow it to the tee.

Despite the recent disaster, cruising is still a very safe vacation option for families. Cruise lines have made upgrades to ensure their ships are safe for children of all ages. A cruise is a wonderful vacation option for families. With unlimited on- board entertainment options, it’s a stress-free way to reconnect and spark your spirit of adventure. Be sure to check out the adventures while in port for a fun-filled vacation. With a little advance preparation, a cruise vacation is a family- friendly and safe vacation option.

http://www.examiner.com/northside-family-parenting-in-atlanta/royal-caribbean-issues-sta... 1/26/2012 Royal Caribbean issues statement about Concordia disaster, safety of its ships - Atlanta N... Page 3 of 3

For families in Atlanta, the closest ports of departure are Charleston, Mobile, Jacksonville and Port Canaveral. For your first cruise, be sure to consult a travel agent that specializes in cruises. He or she will point you to the ship that best meets your family’s needs and expectations. Joseph Robinson (http://jrobinson.cruisesinc.com/travel/HomePage.html) is an Atlanta cruise specialist who can answer all your questions and book your cruise.

Update on the Concordia Disaster:

According to Business Week (http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-01-23/concordia-s- death-toll-at-13-as--prepares-fuel-removal.html) , the death toll from the Concordia disaster stands at 13 and there are still two dozen people missing. Preparations are being made to remove 500,000 gallons of fuel from the crippled . The Costa Concordia struck rocks on January 13th, close to the small island of Giglio, just hours after leaving a port near with 4,200 passengers and crew for a Mediterranean cruise. The cruise line has suspended Captain , who was placed under house arrest on January 17th for allegedly causing the shipwreck.

Do you want to stay in-the-know about Atlanta? If so, then click on SUBSCRIBE to have my articles personally delivered to your in-box.

http://www.examiner.com/northside-family-parenting-in-atlanta/royal-caribbean-issues-sta... 1/26/2012