Celebrity Equinox Navigates Narrow River Ems

LONDON - The second of Celebrity Cruises (www.celebritycruises.co.uk) luxurious new Solstice Class ships, Celebrity Equinox sailed on 20th June from Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany in a milestone event known as “The Conveyance”. Celebrity Equinox took just over 12 hours to make the 42km journey - backwards down the River Ems to Eemshaven in the Netherlands.

At its tightest point along the course, there were as few as four metres - not even adequate room to park a London black cab - between each side of the 317 metre-long, 37 metre-wide ship and the riverbank.

During Celebrity Equinox’s transit from Papenburg to Eemshaven, Netherlands, the ship had to navigate a railway bridge in Weener, a highway bridge in Leer, and a lock in Gandersum.

“The conveyance is an interesting challenge for any Captain,” said Celebrity Equinox’s Captain Apostolos Bouzakis. “The limited space available for navigation, the nature of sailing in reverse, and the number of locks and bridges to traverse are all factors that cruise ship captains normally do not have to contend with. But, a real benefit of this event is the opportunity to test the maneuverability of the ship at reduced speeds. With an average channel breadth of 111 metres it is a bit like taking a brand-new sportscar down winding country lanes: It’s exhilarating, but not without its share of trepidation.”

After sea trials followed by provisions and loading in Eemshaven, Celebrity Equinox will be officially delivered from Meyer Werft to Celebrity Cruises on July 16. The ship will then sail to Southampton, England and complete a series of inspections, followed by eight days of launch celebrations, including the maritime tradition of a naming ceremony over which the ship’s Godmother will preside.

The 122,000-gross-registered-tonnes Celebrity Equinox is scheduled to enter service on July 31 from Southampton, England, on an eight-night cruise through the majestic Norwegian Fjords, followed by a series of romantic Mediterranean sailings from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, beginning 8 August.

Like Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Equinox will present guests with brand-defining, industry-first features, including a half-acre Lawn Club with real, growing grass; a glassblowing show and studio developed with The Corning Museum of Glass; 10 unrivalled dining venues, and widely varied entertainment, including shows with breathtaking aerial acts.

For more information see www.celebritycruises.co.uk/pages/news.php

Media contact Celebrity Cruises: www.celebritycruises.co.uk Briony Peters (bpeters@rccl.com) Surinder Manku (smanku@rccl.com) +44(0)1932-834-200 Siren PR: Sarah Rathbone sarah.rathbone@sirenpr.co.uk +44(0)7595-055-882 / +44(0)20-3008-6284

Source: Celebrity Cruises

Media contact: Celebrity Cruises: Briony Peters (bpeters at rccl.com), Surinder Manku (smanku at rccl.com), +44(0)1932-834-200; Siren PR: Sarah Rathbone, sarah.rathbone at sirenpr.co.uk, +44(0)7595-055-882 / +44(0)20-3008-6284