Maritz Travel, one of the premier meetings, events and incentive travel management companies in America, has honored Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. with the 2004 Pinnacles of Excellence award.

The honor marks the third consecutive year the company has won this prestigious award. One of the most coveted awards of its kind, Maritz Travel`s Pinnacles of Excellence honor is awarded in the categories of airline, hotel, destination management company and cruise line. The annual award recognizes travel industry leaders throughout the world for their gold level of service, the highest distinction a participant can earn based on a combined score in financial adherence, marketing support, operations and communications.

Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises have distinguished themselves for the quality and commitment they offer at all levels of the group travel industry, said Maritz Travel President and CEO Jeff Reinberg. In doing so, they deliver the highest levels of service to their customers. We are pleased to recognize the lines` hard work and expertise with a 2004 Pinnacles of Excellence Award.

Maritz is our largest incentive account and we work with them on multiple programs each year, said Lisa Bauer, CTC, senior vice president, Sales, North America, for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. They have extensive experience working with all aspects of our company and ships, which is why we are especially pleased to be recognized by them as a provider of excellent services.

Maritz created the Pinnacles of Excellence award in 1993 as a result of its intensive evaluation of travel products and services to assure that its travel customers receive superior service throughout the world. The company quickly perceived that its gold-level companies deserved an award for their superb facilities and service.

To be eligible for the Pinnacles of Excellence award, companies must be invited by Maritz to enter the competition, and then undergo an extensive evaluation by Maritz Travel representatives, as well as a detailed self-evaluation. Points and criterion in each category are weighted to reflect relative importance in achieving performance excellence, with the final score determining whether companies reach the gold, silver or bronze achievement level. Those companies reaching the gold achievement level win the Pinnacles of Excellence award.