The American-Norwegian group RCCL -ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD- (turnover of USD 2.54 billion in 1999), number two worldwide in cruises, and the British tour operator FIRST CHOICE (turnover of GBP 1.46 billion for 1998-99) have announced a "strategic alliance" under which RCCL will acquire 20% of the British firm for EUR 333.3 million. It will later have an option on acquiring up to 29.9% of the capital. The two partners will create a joint venture active exclusively on the European market,...