Chamber Cruise Ship Update #1
Tuesday 9 November 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chamber continues to pursue cruise ship charter for temporary accommodations

Click here to express your interest in reserving accommodations.

Click here to view photos of the ship.

Businesses and individuals interested in reserving space aboard a cruise ship that can be used for temporary accommodations for up to four months are asked to submit a letter of intent with the Chamber of Commerce before Tuesday, 16th November.

The Chamber is seeking to confirm the level of interest from the business community and the general public. The minimum rental commitment per person is for two months. Negotiations for the charter will be discontinued unless there is sufficient support from Government and the private sector by this date.

Following an extensive review of several types of vessels in early October, the Chamber identified the Ocean Countess, a recently refurbished vessel that was used during the Athens Olympics as a floating hotel, as the best option to serve the requirements for comfortable temporary accommodation.

The vessel was built in 1976 (ex Cunnard Countess), rebuilt in 1987 and refurbished again in 1996. It includes 1,018 berths in 423 cabins, all with private facilities. Cabins are double occupancy and range in size from 88 to 265 square feet.

Estimated rental prices per person based on a minimum occupancy of 80% and waiving of all Government fees will range from $60 to $149 per day all inclusive, depending on the accommodation deck. The rental price includes all meals, utilities, all facilities and amenities aboard the vessel including tendering services to and from the ship. All rooms are a minimum of double occupancy and special arrangements are available for families.

Amenities aboard the vessel include but are not limited to, general deck recreational areas on each deck level, gym, two whirlpools, a swimming pool, a cinema/theater with seating capacity of 112, a library, child minding centre, shop, dining room for almost 500 and a number of both inside and outside bars and lounges throughout the vessel.

The Chamber submitted a proposal to the Cayman Islands Recovery Operation on 22nd October. A meeting with the Recovery Manager and Operations Manager was held last Friday (5th November) to discuss the proposal. The meeting was inconclusive with no commitment being received unless there is conclusive evidence that there is confirmed interest in writing from businesses and the general public to secure berths aboard the vessel. In the interim, the Chamber has obtained a limited extension of time for the charter from the owners of the vessel.

"We are hopeful that Government will consider being the charterer of the vessel and commit to providing the necessary security guarantees required for the charter of the vessel, once there is evidence that the private and public sectors confirm their equity interest in the project," said Mr. Joseph Hew, President of the Chamber of Commerce. "If the level of interest is not confirmed by next week, then we will be forced to cease negotiations for the vessel."

Persons wishing to obtain further information about the vessel including the deck plan and layout are asked to contact the Chamber office at 949-8090 or email info@caymanchamber.ky.