NEW YORK, NY  – Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, the world famous New York City sightseeing company that has hosted more than 60 million passengers since 1945, celebrates a milestone 70 years of operations this year. Ensuring its leadership well into the future, Circle Line announced today that it has ordered three new vessels for its industry leading sightseeing fleet. The new ships, which were introduced at an official keel laying ceremony at Gladding-Hearn Ship Yard in Somerset, MA on January 6, 2015, come as the first in a series of announcements to be made over the course of the celebratory year.

Daniel Boockvar, Chief Executive Officer of New York Cruise Lines, the parent company of Circle Line, sees the anniversary as a reinforcement of the Company's position as a global leader in tourism. Said Mr. Boockvar, "Circle Line is one of New York's known icons, and recognized worldwide as America's favorite boat ride. We will be celebrating this exceptional accomplishment throughout the year, while also introducing a number of exciting initiatives and programming that build upon our seven remarkable decades of innovation, storytelling and heritage. The first are the new vessels, which will set the standard in the U.S. tours and activities sector and provide unparalleled waterfront memories for millions of our customers for many years to come."

Costas Markou, President and Chief Operating Officer of New York Cruise Lines, added, "The vessels will make their debut beginning in 2016, offering guests an enhanced sightseeing experience on every level. Notably, visitors will enjoy upgrades in classes of service and the introduction of a variety of new and innovative experiences, including improvements in content and entertainment options, viewing sight lines, as well as enhanced food and beverage selections."

In addition to building towards the future, in 2015, Circle Line will reflect back and commemorate its proud heritage. During the year, the Company will encourage its guests and employees to share their most cherished Circle Line memories, and has plans to host a momentous birthday celebration in early June. The Company is also currently refurbishing the Circle Line X, a former WWII warship and working vessel in the Circle Line fleet for 50+ years. As 2015 also marks the 70th Anniversary of the end of World War II, plans are being made to turn the Circle Line X into a museum and passenger terminal.

Stay tuned for a series of upcoming announcements from Circle Line as it continues to celebrate its 70th anniversary year. To receive up to the minute Circle Line news and updates on construction, follow @CircleLine42NYC on Twitter and Instagram or visit Facebook.com/CircleLineSightseeingCruises.

ABOUT CIRCLE LINE SIGHTSEEING CRUISES
Celebrating its 70th Anniversary in 2015, Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises at 42nd Street has hosted more than 60 million passengers in NYC. Sailing since 1945, Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises is owned and operated by New York Cruise Lines. It is New York's oldest and largest provider of scheduled and chartered sightseeing and special function cruises. Residents and tourists can choose from five different leisurely tours including a Full Island Cruise, a Semi-Circle Cruise, Liberty Cruise, twilight Harbor Lights Cruise or a 30-minute thriller boat ride aboard The Beast, coupled with convenient schedules to accommodate guests needs, state-of-the-art vessels, first class service and attentive crews. Cruises are not only designed to provide the best viewing opportunities, but to also be informative, comfortable and entertaining as well. Today, the company is recognized as one of the most famous boat rides in the world and is one of the oldest 42nd Street landmarks.

ABOUT NEW YORK CRUISE LINES
Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, New York's oldest and largest provider of scheduled and chartered sightseeing and special event cruises, and one of the most famous boat rides in the world, has hosted over 60 million passengers in New York since 1945. Today, Circle Line, located in Hudson River Park on 42nd Street and the Hudson River, convenient to Time Square, the High Line and Hudson Yards, is the only cruise line dedicated exclusively to sightseeing, while using the most modern vessels offering magnificent views of the Manhattan skyline, year round. Circle Line's parent company, New York Cruise Lines (NYCL), also operates New York's first and finest dinner cruise fleet - World Yacht Dining Cruises, and Manhattan's very own thrill ride, The BEAST speedboat. In 2014, NYCL innovated casual dining cruising with the successful launch of the North River Lobster Company. North River Lobster Company offers fresh and affordable seafood in a convenient and casual "floating lobster shack," with up to seven sailings on the Hudson daily.

Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises (http://www.circleline42.com/)
World Yacht Dining Cruises (http://worldyacht.com/site/home.aspx)
North River Lobster Company (www.northriverlobsterco.com)

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
Lindsey Guinn (212) 630-8181
lguinn@nycl.com

EVINS Communications, Ltd.
Samantha Stier
(212) 377-3586
Samantha.stier@evins.com