Girls Who Code & Celebrity Cruises Launch Unique Coding Program Promoting S.T.E.M Education

‘GIRLS WHO CODE AT SEA’ FEATURES SPECIALLY DESIGNED CURRICULUM FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AS PART OF CELEBRITY’S CAMP AT SEA CLASSES

Ft. Lauderdale, FL Nov. 3, 2021 – Today, Girls Who Code and Celebrity Cruises launched a new collaboration offering ‘Girls Who Code at Sea’, an educational coding program, as part of Celebrity’s Camp at Sea S.T.E.M. experiences onboard Celebrity Apex and Celebrity Edge. While onboard, children ages 6-17 will be able to design and develop two modules based on basic computer science and coding, covering topics within the Marine Life and Bioluminescence fields. The new programming coincides with the announcement that Girls Who Code and Marshall Plan for Moms founder Reshma Saujani has been named the Godmother of the Celebrity Apex.

"Similar to the mission of Girls Who Code, which is centered around closing the gender gap in tech, Celebrity is leading the way to create a more diverse future in the cruise industry,” said Reshma Saujani. “The brand’s commitment to the cause is clear not only through the leadership of its CEO and President, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, but in its incorporation of on-board STEM programming. I can’t think of a more inspiring place to learn about the wonders of the maritime industry than on board Celebrity Apex and Girls Who Code is honored to help in this effort."

“Reshma is someone that I’ve admired deeply. She is an industry trailblazer that encapsulates what Apex stands for: pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, challenging stereotypes, and making everyone feel included,” said Celebrity Cruises’ President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo. “Her work championing the advancement of women in an industry dominated by males has been nothing short of inspiring. We are so proud of this partnership and be able to give young women (and men) who sail with us the chance to experience the Girls Who Code platform aboard our two extraordinary ships.”

Through unplugged activities, students will learn about binary code, the foundation of all computer code, while creating posters that share information about an endangered marine animal, and about the phenomenon of bioluminescence, while designing a simple paper circuit to model how marine life uses this quality to survive in the deep ocean. Students will also hear about real women in S.T.E.M -- the pioneers who have gotten us to where we are today, and those who are currently working to make our world a better place.

We’re thrilled to have a platform as incredible as Celebrity Cruises to showcase our fun and challenging ‘Girls Who Code At Sea’ curriculum,” said Tarika Barrett, CEO of Girls Who Code. “Sparking an early interest in coding and computer science is key to reaching our north-star mission of closing the gender gap in tech by 2030. More than that, it’s important for young people of all ages and backgrounds to understand that they have pathways to success in the tech industry, whether they’re interested in building the next gaming app, or in saving oceanic wildlife.”

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About Girls Who Code:

Girls Who Code is an international nonprofit organization working to close the gender gap in technology, and leading the movement to inspire, educate, and equip young women with the computing skills needed to pursue 21st century opportunities.

Since launching in 2012, Girls Who Code has reached 450,000 girls through our in-person programming and we have nearly 90,000 college-aged alumni. We have sparked culture change through marketing campaigns and advocacy efforts, generating 13 Billion engagements globally. In 2018, the organization was named the #1 Most Innovative Non-Profit on Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies list.

Follow the organization on social media @GirlsWhoCode.

About Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises’ iconic “X” is the mark of a fleet of 14 award-winning ships redefining luxury cruise travel with cool, contemporary design and accommodation; dining, spa and entertainment experiences for modern tastes; and culturally rich and diverse destination experiences, all complemented by warm, personalised service. Celebrity has pioneered many industry firsts at sea, including: the first use of solar panels on a cruise ship; the first to eliminate use of plastic water bottles; the first American female Captain of a cruise ship; the first-ever all-female bridge and officer team sailing; the first West African woman to work on the bridge of a cruise ship; and one of the first legal same-sex weddings performed at sea. Driven by wanderlust and a passion for opening the world, Celebrity journeys to all seven continents, visiting nearly 300 destinations in more than 70 countries. Celebrity Cruises is one of five cruise brands operated by global cruise company Royal Caribbean Group. (NYSE: RCL).

Health and safety protocols, guest conduct rules, and regional travel restrictions vary by ship and destination, and are subject to change without notice. Due to evolving health protocols, imagery and messaging may not accurately reflect onboard and destination experiences, offerings, features, or itineraries. These may not be available during your voyage, may vary by ship and destination, and may be subject to change without notice.

For more details on Celebrity Apex offerings and destinations, visit www.celebritycruises.com/cruise-ships/celebrity-apex. Connect with Celebrity Cruises on social media at:

Instagram: Instagram.com/CelebrityCruises

Facebook: Facebook.com/CelebrityCruises

Twitter: Twitter.com/CelebrityCruise

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Robyn Fink

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Poonam Mantha

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