Statement issued to passengers on board the Marco Polo this afternoon:

Friday 10th July 2009

At Sea

Dear Passengers

Further to the announcement made by the Cruise Director earlier today, we have pleasure to confirm to you on behalf of your tour operator/travel agent with whom you booked your cruise the following arrangements.

As you know, the investigation into the virus outbreak that has affected this cruise is still ongoing and, at this time, its cause remains unknown.

However, without prejudice to those issues, after due consideration, it is advised that, as gesture of goodwill, you will receive, via your tour operator, an ex-gratia payment in full compensation of the full amount of your cruise fare. In addition, your personal on board beverage expenses will be refunded and therefore your shipboard account will be re-credited with all the items of your bar expenditure.

A voucher entitling you to a 50% discount from the brochure price of one of our future Marco Polo ex-UK cruises (up to 33 night’s duration) will also be issued to you. It has been arranged that you will receive a letter from your tour operator within the next few days confirming the payment procedure.

We reiterate our thanks for your patience and understanding during the last few days but sincerely hope that we shall have the privilege of welcoming you aboard Marco Polo, in happier circumstances, again in the future.

For your guidance, once you have left the ship, any future correspondence should, in the first instance, be directed to the tour operator/travel agent, with whom you booked your cruise.