Royal Olympic signs deal with Athens 2004
Royal Olympic Cruises (ROC) yesterday signed in Piraeus an agreement with Athens 2004, the organizers of the Olympic Games, to provide three recently built cruise ships, Olympia Voyager, Olympia Explorer and Olympia Countess, for the accommodation of visitors. The first two have a capacity of hosting 836 people in 420 luxury cabins and suites each, while Olympic Countess is for lower-budget visitors. «The hospitality program on cruise ships is the biggest in the history of the Olympic Games, and we believe that in combination with the upgrading of the port facilities it will project Piraeus as one of the most important ports in the Mediterranean,» said Athens 2004’s Spyros Kapralos. Work in the area of the port where the cruise ships will dock has already begun and includes restoration of listed buildings, tree-planting and extensive improvements in street lighting. Athens 2004 today is due to sign another contract, concerning programs, projects and activities relating to the Games for which responsibility belongs to the Labor Ministry, such as construction of the Olympic Village. The project is proceeding at a satisfactory pace and is projected for completion ahead of schedule, the ministry said in a statement yesterday. After the event, the apartments will be distributed to working people on favorable terms. The ministry’s operational plan for the Games includes specialized activities such as training of prospective volunteers and employment promotion programs.
