76,000 GT Cruise Liner Auroradelivered

Papenburg, 15.04.2000 - On 15th April 2000 the MEYER WERFT shipyard of Papenburg/Germany will deliver the 76,000 gt cruise vessel Aurora to the British shipping company P&O Cruises at Eemshaven in the Netherlands. Aurora is the second luxury cruise liner to have been built by MEYER WERFT for P&O Cruises. This newbuilding will further contribute to the positive development of this shipping company and strengthen its position as one of the four world leaders in the cruise shipping industry. Aurora combines British style luxurious decoration with state-of-the-art technology. In addition to the novel design this luxury liner offers a variety of comfortable features: approximately 70 % outside cabins, more than 60 % of them with private balconies; excellent service and highest safety and entertainment standards guaranteed by the technically advanced diesel-electric propulsion plant, most modern interactive communication systems and state-of-the-art stage equipment. The building process and the Ems passage of the latest cruise vessel from Papenburg were witnessed by more than 250,000 people. After the hand-over Aurora will leave Eemshaven for Great Britain. Her home port is London. The new cruise liner will be named by Princess Anne in Southampton on 27th April 2000. The first cruise is scheduled to start on 1st May 2000 from Southampton to the Mediterranean. Aurora will operate cruises in the Mediterranean, the North Sea and the Baltic as well as voyages around the world. Main Particulars

All passenger cabins are equipped with colour TV, telephone, safe, and individual temperature control. Public Spaces

Atrium (Decks 5-8) The focal point of the vessel is the Atrium which extends over 4 decks. Main features of decks 5, 6 and 7 are the natural stone walls and columns. Highlights of the atrium include the waterfall statue, the main stairway with bronze handrails and steps of natural stone as well as the illuminated marble ceiling. Palm Court (Deck 5) Palm Court is situated on deck 5 of the atrium and accommodates the reception, various conference rooms and the hotel office. Main feature is the 50 m² hand tufted carpet in the middle of the court. Piccadilly Court (Deck 6) The Piccadilly shops on deck 6 offer a wide choice of clothes, electronic equipment and souvenirs. The travel bureau Explorers is also situated on this deck. Mayfair Court (Deck 7) Among the Mayfair shops located on deck 7 are a perfume shop and a jeweller´s shop. In the Champagne Bar passengers can relax and enjoy piano music. Raffles Court (Deck 8) In the Raffles Bar afternoon tea is served, a must for every British passenger. In the uppermost deck of the atrium the library including Internet workstations is located. Champion´s (Deck 7) In the sports bar on deck 7 port side the passengers can watch the latest sporting events on large LCD monitors or enjoy snacks and drinks while listening to piano live music. The sail arrangement in the middle of the room together with many other accessories express the sporting character of this area. Monte Carlo (Deck 7) On deck 7 starboard side the casino is located. Passengers may try their luck at various gambling tables or the more than 60 one-armed bandits. Focal point is the extravagant domed ceiling in the window area. Café Bordeaux (Deck 8) This modern French style café offers a wide choice of sweets. The ceiling dome is greater than 7.5 m in diameter and decorated with hand-painted glass panels. The surface is covered with a pounced material similar to leaf gold. Crow´s Nest (Deck 13) During the day this room serves as an observation lounge, at night it is used as a disco. The room has a dance floor of parquet and a stage adjacent to it. In the bar area a half ship model is displayed. The spacious and open character of the room is achieved by the big windows and the large headroom. Medina Restaurant (Deck 6) The restaurant, which is located amidships, is accessible both from the stairtower and a grand stair from the Arcade on deck 7. Seating is provided for approximately 550 passengers. The tables are arranged at different levels. Special features are the extraordinary ceiling and column decorations. Alexandria Restaurant (Deck 6) The restaurant in the aft part of the vessel seats approximately 520 guests. The tables are arranged at different levels to provide unobstructed views. The restaurant features large plaster ceilings decorated with glass-fibre illuminated stars and other decorative ceiling elements. Carmen´s (Deck 7) This show lounge seats 400 passengers. The focal point is the decorative parquet dance floor which is shaped as a star. Adjacent to the dance floor is a raised, movable stage for varied artistic performances. The round sofas are arranged at different levels to provide passengers with unobstructed views of the stage. Toybox, Jumping Jack, Quarterdeck, Decibels and Intergalactica (Deck 8) Adjacent to the terrace pool is a 550 m² large kids area. In order to meet the different requirements of kids aged 2 to 17 years this area is divided into five zones including soft play facilities for the little ones and video and computer games, Internet and two discos for teenagers. Oasis (Deck 12) This recreation area is connected with the fitness and aerobics areas via a spiral staircase and includes hair and beauty salons, massage rooms, hydro-therapy bathtub, sauna and steam bath as well as a raised area overlooking the outdoor pool. Orangery (Deck 12) The self-service restaurant seats approximately 400 passengers and offers a wide choice of dishes at different counters. The Orangery can be divided into two rooms so that this area can also be used as a dance bar at night. Adjacent to the self-service restaurant is an Outdoor Café overlooking the children´s pool. Playhouse (Deck 8) In the cinema seating 210 passengers movies and dia shows are presented. In addition the room is fitted with a stage to perform concerts. Anderson´s (Deck 7) This typically British style pub is largely decorated with laminated panels. Special feature is the copy of a chimney in the middle of the room. The ceiling is fitted with several domes, each incorporating a decorative chandelier. Curzon Theatre (Deck 7) The theatre, which is located in the forward part of the vessel, seats approximately 700 passengers. It is equipped with most advanced technical equipment such as revolving stages and orchestra lifts, video projectors and sound and effects lighting systems which enable elaborate performances of musicals and shows that are in no way inferior to those performed in big municipal theatres ashore. Pools (Decks 12 and 8) The vessel has three outdoor pools. The Mediterranean style forward pool area comprises two waterfalls, a whirlpool, a bar as well as sun bathing areas arranged at different levels. Crystal pool in the centre of this deck is covered by a 20m x 20m large sliding roof, which consists of four glazed sections. In the forward part of the roofed pool passengers may order a chilled drink at the bar, a stage is arranged at the back and two whirlpools are provided adjacent to the pool. Between the pools the fast-food restaurant Sidewalk Café is located where pizzas and hamburgers are freshly made and served. Technical Outfit

Safety Systems The ship is divided into 7 main fire zones and complies with the rules for a 2 compartment vessel and is designed according to the latest IMO regulations. The vessel is provided with 4 tenders, 10 lifeboats and 2 rescue boats. In addition, the ship is equipped with 2 so-called "Marine Evacuation Systems" which enable the passengers to be evacuated via a chute onto the liferafts. Galleys Passengers and crew are catered for by 4 galleys as well as a number of pantries and bars, including the bakery and the main galley on deck 6, the crew galley on deck 5 and the French galley on deck 8. All areas where food is prepared are fully made of stainless steel to comply with the strict US Public Health rules and regulations. Lighting Approximately 31,500 lighting points are installed on board, including 1,350 illuminated directional signs, e.g. EXIT signs by which passengers are guided in an emergency. In addition, all passenger corridors and stairways are fitted with low location lighting totalling 7,500 metres. Stage Equipment Curzon Theatre is fitted with modern stage equipment including 4 separate orchestra pit lifts, two revolving stage waggons, 20 scenery flies and various curtain rails. All equipment is computer controlled from different locations. Video Systems Many areas of the vessel are equipped with video projectors, plasma screens and or TV sets. In Curzon Theatre three video projectors are installed for movie shows and live pictures of onboard events. TV System The vessel is fitted with an interactive aerial system applying ATM technique and using glass fibre and CAT5 cables. This system offers the passengers a wide choice of interactive programmes (pay TV, booking shore excursions, tele-shopping etc.). Integrated Bridge System The vessel is fitted with the integrated navigation and command system ATLAS NACOS 65-3. This system includes all components required to ensure safe navigation even in much frequented and narrow waters. The main feature of the system is the Multi Pilot II. All radar units have high resolution colour monitors providing the navigator with advanced means of distinguishing between the different symbols used. Radio and Satellite Communication The communications and safety systems do not only comply with the latest Global Maritime Distress and Safety (GMDSS) regulations but exceed by far the usual international standards. Automation System The automation system supplied by Siemens consists of a system bus level and a field bus level. The I/O units and some independent systems (propulsion, main switchboard, freshwater evaporators, watertight doors system) are connected to the self-sufficient main process stations. They are controlled and monitored in the engine control room, the bridge and some offices.

The following main functions are integrated in the overall automation system:

• general monitoring and alarm system
• emergency shut-down system
• safety systems for all diesel engines
• power management system for the complete propulsion system and electrical installations
• temperature and pressure control systems
• tank level and draught gauge systems
• complete air-conditioning control and monitoring system

Safety Management System The safety management system by Siemens/Martec is capable of controlling and monitoring the different safety systems (e.g. fire detection system, fire doors and sprinkler systems, watertight doors system and the automation system) on the bridge and in the engine control room respectively. Telephone System The digital telephone system comprises 4 independent switchboards. Each passenger cabin is equipped with a telephone with integrated modem connection for Internet, fax, e-mail etc. Manoeuvring Aids For the purpose of optimum manoeuvrability the vessel is equipped with 2 fixed pitch propellers, 2 bow thrusters, 1 stern thruster and 2 spade rudders, all operated by a joy-stick. Electric Power Supply and Propulsion For the electric power generation 4 diesel generator sets (make MAN B&W, type 14 V 48/60) are installed, each developing an output of 14,700 kW at 514 rpm and driving a synchronous generator (make ABB). For the vessel´s propulsion 2 electric motors (make STN/AEG), each with an output of 20,000 KW, are installed. These motors transmit their power via shaft lines to the fixed pitch propellers. Water Supply and Discharge Systems On board the vessel up to 1,280 m³ (= 1,280,000 litres) of potable water can be produced within 24 hours. The potable water supply is divided into 5 systems serving decks 2-12 each via a ring line. The hot water circuit is heated with steam. Potable water can also be taken via bunker stations from ashore. Sewage Treatment Plant All black water is collected through vacuum piping in 4 vacuum systems and treated in 4 biologically operated sewage treatment plants. Waste Handling System Waste is separated into burnable and non-burnable waste, then shredded and stored in silos and from there either led to the 2 incinerators or to a recycling plant ashore. Air Conditioning System The vessel is fitted with an air conditioning system which is suitable for worldwide operation and thus guarantees a constant room temperature of 24 °C. The 234 AC and ventilation plants on board handle a total air volume of approximately 2,150,000 m³/h.