What are the main purposes of the Annual Meeting of Shareholders?

The Annual Meeting on May 25, 2004, has four main purposes: to elect four directors to the Board, to approve the amended and restated 2000 Stock Award Plan, to ratify the selection of independent certified public accountants, and to handle any other business properly brought before the meeting.

Who are the largest shareholders identified in the filing?

As of February 27, 2004, the largest shareholders listed are Cruise Associates, beneficially owning 48,281,900 shares (24.4%), and A. Wilhelmsen AS, beneficially owning 42,966,472 shares (21.7%).

What is the purpose of amending the 2000 Stock Award Plan?

The amendment aims to provide greater flexibility and a wider variety of incentives for directors, officers, and key employees. It expands the types of awards beyond traditional stock options to include stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and performance shares, while keeping the total number of shares available under the plan at 13,000,000.

How is the company addressing corporate governance?

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. has adopted corporate governance standards that align with New York Stock Exchange requirements. These standards cover director qualifications, independence, compensation, and board committees. The company also has an Audit Committee, Nominating and Director Affairs Committee, Compensation Committee, and an Environmental Committee, with most members being independent.

RCL 8-K SEC Disclosure

Summary

This 8-K filing from Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) on May 3, 2004, primarily serves to furnish documents related to their Annual Meeting of Shareholders scheduled for May 25, 2004. The key documents are the Notice of Annual Meeting and the accompanying Proxy Statement. Investors should note the primary agenda items for the meeting: the election of four directors, approval of an amended and restated stock award plan, and ratification of the independent auditors. The filing also provides details on significant shareholders, including A. Wilhelmsen AS (21.7%) and Cruise Associates (24.4%), and the structure of the Board of Directors. The updated stock award plan aims to provide greater flexibility in executive compensation, while the ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as auditors indicates continuity in financial oversight.

Key Highlights

1Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is holding its Annual Meeting of Shareholders on May 25, 2004.
2Key proposals include the election of four directors, approval of the amended and restated 2000 Stock Award Plan, and ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent auditors.
3Major shareholders A. Wilhelmsen AS and Cruise Associates collectively hold approximately 46.1% of the common stock.
4The amended stock award plan expands incentive options beyond stock options to include stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and performance shares.
5PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has served as the company's independent auditors for over 15 years.
6The company is emphasizing corporate governance with adopted standards aligning with NYSE requirements.
7Shareholders are encouraged to vote by proxy to ensure their vote is counted, whether or not they attend the meeting.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD 8-K Report (May 3, 2004)

Summary

Key Highlights

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