SHANGHAI, China, Nov. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Royal Caribbean International has been named "Best Luxury Cruise Operator" in Travel Weekly's China Industry Awards 2008, after just one year of operations in Asia. The award was presented at a ceremony held in Shanghai last evening.

Royal Caribbean was selected by almost 600,000 readers of Travel Weekly and Travel Weekly China for its award. Initiated in 2002, the awards recognize the best in the tourism industry and acknowledge their contributions to China's tourism industry, both inbound and outbound.

Since opening its office in Shanghai in July 2007, the cruise line has been bringing its Chinese guests the Royal Caribbean vacation experience closer to home. After its successful first season in Asia, with sailings onboard Rhapsody of the Seas between December 2007 and May 2008, Royal Caribbean is looking forward to the arrival of Legend of the Seas, which will begin sailings out of Singapore in December 2008 and Shanghai in February 2009. Onboard Legend of the Seas, like Rhapsody of the Seas, guests will be able to enjoy the most innovative cruise experience with the brand's signature onboard amenities, such as its rock-climbing walls, and its friendly, engaging and personal Gold Anchor Service. Legend of the Seas will also be deployed year-round in Asia starting in November 2009, with an extended season in China, homeporting in Shanghai and Tianjin.

"This is a great achievement for us to receive this award, after our first year of service in Asia," said Eve Lu, China Country Manager, for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Lu is based in Shanghai and received the award on behalf of the company. "This is a testament to the high service standards that Royal Caribbean is well-known for, onboard our ships and in our operations throughout Asia, especially in China. We thank our industry partners and customers for their strong support, as we continue to provide them with our distinctive, memorable cruise experience and high quality of service."

Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 20 ships currently in service and two under construction. The line also offers unique cruisetour vacations in Alaska, Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, South America and New Zealand. For additional information, visit http://www.royalcaribbean.com .