Freedom of the Seas is the world’s largest and most innovative cruise ship

Bayonne, NJ – May 12, 2006 – With news-channel helicopters hovering over her bow and amidst the spray of fireboats, Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, arrived yesterday at Cape Liberty Cruise Port at The Peninsula at Bayonne Harbor.

“This is an exciting time for The Peninsula at Bayonne Harbor and for the citizens of Bayonne. The arrival of the world’s largest cruise ship here in Bayonne is the culmination of the hard work of the Bayonne Local Redevelopment Authority (BLRA) and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines (RCL),” said Bayonne Mayor Joseph V. Doria, Jr. “The cruise industry and Bayonne are an excellent match,” he added.

The BLRA and RCL have entered into a 35-year agreement allowing RCL to berth cruise ships at Cape Liberty Cruise Port at The Peninsula at Bayonne Harbor. The long-term agreement is valued at more then $140 million and is expected to create an additional 250 port jobs. Additionally, in only its third year in operation, Cape Liberty Cruise Port has emerged as the #3 passenger port on the East Coast (after Miami and New York).

“We have a wonderful collaboration with Royal Caribbean. Their capital investments and the finalization of the long-term agreement are proof positive of the company’s commitment to Bayonne,” explained BLRA Executive Director Nancy Kist.

According to RCL, Freedom of the Seas towers 208 feet tall, approximately the same height as two Statues of Liberty, placed head to toe. The cruise liner can carry nearly 4,000 passengers and will offer amenities including an ice-skating rink, full-size boxing ring and the first FlowRider® surfing simulator at sea.
Freedom of the Seas can be seen from the Waterfront Walkway (adjacent to the South Cove Mall and golf course) from May 10 through May 18.

For more information about The Bayonne Local Redevelopment Authority, please visit www.bayonnenj.org/blra.



 

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