New York Cruise Lines Announces Appointments of New President and Chief Executive Officer

NEW YORK, Aug. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- New York Cruise Lines, parent company of internationally celebrated tourism companies Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, The Beast and World Yacht today announced the appointments of Gus Markou to President and Chief Operating Officer reporting to Samuel Cooperman, Chief Executive Officer.

Promoted from Vice President of Operations, Mr. Markou is a 25 year veteran of New York Cruise Lines and has been instrumental in the growth of Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, The Beast and World Yacht.  As a long-standing member of the board of directors since 2005, Mr. Cooperman was named Chairman of the Board and CEO in 2010.  Both Mr. Markou's promotion to President and COO and Mr. Cooperman's appointment to Chairman and CEO ensure a continuity of leadership as the company seeks to pursue its growth as one of the world's best known tourism brands.

"Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises and World Yacht have relied on Gus Markou's expertise and leadership over the past two decades and we are thrilled to move him to a position where the entire company and its partners can leverage his wealth of experience and insights," said Samuel Cooperman.  "Gus' story is the American Dream.  He worked his way up from ship's engineer to President through hard work, ingenuity and tremendous commitment.  I am very proud of him," continued Cooperman.  Gus Markou states, "I look forward to working together with Sam to strategically move New York Cruise Lines towards achieving its long term growth strategies."

ABOUT CIRCLE LINE SIGHTSEEING CRUISES

Sailing since 1945, Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises at 42nd Street has hosted more than 60 million passengers in New York City.  Owned and operated by New York Cruise Lines, Inc., Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises 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 three-hour Full Island Cruise, a two-hour Semi-Circle Cruise, 75-minute Liberty Cruise, two hour 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 entire world and is one of the oldest 42nd Street landmarks.  Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises is not affiliated with Circle Line Downtown.

ABOUT WORLD YACHT

Operating since 1981, World Yacht at Pier 81 is New York City's premiere destination on the Hudson River. With a fleet of luxury vessels, World Yacht is an idyllic setting for a wide range of events, including romantic dinners, dinner parties, corporate events, and weddings. Each vessel offers a two-level dining room, spacious outdoor decks, floating rooftop lounge, music and dancing. During World Yacht's three-hour dinner cruise, guests enjoy a four-course dinner, breathtaking views of the city skyline, music and entertainment. World Yacht operates daily from May through December for dinner cruises, Sunday brunch cruises are offered between May and October. Each year, World Yacht hosts over 125,000 guests from around the world.

SOURCE New York Cruise Lines