Celebrity RewardsSM WorldPoints Visa( Offers Cruise and Non-cruise Vacation Benefits
MIAMI - November 4, 2004 - Celebrity Cruises has joined with MBNA America Bank to create a comprehensive rewards credit card offering both cruise and non-cruise vacation benefits, including travel, merchandise and cash rewards. According to Celebrity, the Celebrity RewardsSM WorldPoints Visa(credit card is designed for people seeking ways to balance their work and leisure time.
"Our new rewards card is designed for socially active people who are interested in travel, culture, cuisine, art and a taste of luxury," said Celebrity's Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales Steve Hancock. "It's ideally suited for people interested in an innovative new way to reward themselves and those they care about with the broadest array of choices of any credit card available."
Utilizing WorldPointsSM developed by MBNA, holders of the Celebrity Rewards WorldPoints Visa credit card will be able to redeem WorldPoints for travel on major U.S. airlines with no blackout dates, or for leading hotel and car rental arrangements in the U.S., as well as for brand-name merchandise and gift certificates, and unlimited cash rewards for additional vacation enjoyment.
Cardholders also will receive the following benefits: * Double points for purchases of Celebrity Cruises vacations or onboard products and services * Points for everyday purchases at grocery stores, gas stations and restaurants, or for recurring monthly bills * The benefits of "MyConcierge," an exclusive, 24-hour personal concierge service offering assistance with reservations at restaurants, tickets to sporting events or theaters, travel planning, flowers, birthday or other gift orders and special deliveries.
"MBNA is pleased to be working with Celebrity to provide this innovative product," said Michelle D. Shepherd, MBNA group executive. "Giving Celebrity guests a way to get greater value from their everyday spending demonstrates real leadership by Celebrity. We look forward to serving the needs of Celebrity cardholders now and for many years to come."
Celebrity introduced the new Celebrity Rewards Visa credit card on October 28, and is actively marketing to past guests and first-time cruisers. Additionally, with its travel agent partners and MBNA, Celebrity will solicit cardholders from among 20 million experienced cruisers and land-based travelers.
MBNA (NYSE:KRB), the largest ndependent credit card lender in the world and the recognized leader in affinity marketing, is an international financial services company providing lending, deposit, and credit insurance products and services. MBNA credit cards and related products and services are endorsed by more than 5,000 organizations worldwide. MBNA employs more than 29,000 people, each of whom is committed to satisfying the Customer. For more information, visit the company's web site at
www.mbna.com.