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Cruise News - May 9, 2005

This week, we have additional details and understand that the current plan calls for the 1,035 ship to be converted into a stationary hotel and casino and then incorporated into a larger resort complex being built near the Singapore cruise terminal. In February Star Cruises announced that they had made a joint proposal with sister company Genting International to develop an "integrated resort" facility at the Singapore Marina Bayfront and Sentosa sites. Genting International has owned, managed or financed resorts and casinos in Australia, the Bahamas, the Philippines and the United Kingdom. Star Cruises and Genting International are member companies of the Genting Group.

If the resort plan fails to materialize Norway would be used as gambling ship sailing from Singapore. Under this scenario, her damaged boilers would be sealed off and she would operate at slow speeds powered by two of the remaining boilers. It is unclear how realistic the backup plan is given the state of the boilers and the potential liability of operating them following the explosion in May of 2003 without significant and expensive repairs.

On that same day in Cannes, George Lucas will debut the long-anticipated, worldwide preview of the latest -- and last -- of one of the most popular sagas ever created, "Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith." The film opens in theaters worldwide on May 19.

George Lucas joins the ranks of a prestigious group of personalities from around the world previously honored with the "Trophy of the Festival" at Cannes, including Ken Loach, Max Von Sydow, Melanie Griffith, Philippe Noiret, Jeanne Moreau, Sean Penn, Alain Resnais, Gong Li, Gregory Peck, and others.

The Trophy will be presented to Mr. Lucas by Thierry Fremaux, Artistic Delegate of the Cannes Film Festival, with Veronique Cayla, General Manager of the Cannes Film Festival. The ceremony will be preceded by a tribute film to George Lucas directed by Gilles Jacob, President of the Cannes Film Festival.

"The new stateroom categories on Freedom of the Seas give guests the ability to spend downtime together comfortably between onboard activities and shoreside adventures," said Richard D. Fain, Royal Caribbean Chairman and CEO. "We're introducing several new configurations, giving guests the freedom to choose from different stateroom sizes and price ranges."

The biggest addition will be the 14-person Presidential Suite, the largest stateroom the line has offered to date, with 1,215 square feet of interior space and an 810-square-foot outdoor living area. The oversized suite will have dual entryways as well as two master bedrooms, sleeping two people each, with 30-inch, flat-panel televisions and en suite bathrooms with bathtubs. Two additional bedrooms will accommodate four people each, with convertible twin/queen beds and two Pullmans. Both of these rooms will feature a 23-inch, flat-panel television, which also will be found in all staterooms shipwide.

The common area will include two additional bathrooms with showers, a spacious living room with a sectional sofa that sleeps two, a card/dining table and an extensive entertainment center, including a 42-inch, plasma TV. Suite guests will be tempted to spend all their time outdoors on the spacious balcony equipped with a whirlpool, wet bar, eight lounge chairs and a 14- person table for dining al fresco.

Freedom of the Seas will offer five additional types of extended family accommodations over and above the standard triples and quads. Each category includes twin beds, convertible to a queen bed, as well as additional bunks to accommodate the whole family. Guests can choose from:
  - Four eight-person Royal Family Suites, each with two bedrooms, including a master bedroom with an en suite bathroom with bathtub, a second bathroom with shower, and a living area with a sectional sofa and an entertainment center with a 30-inch, flat-panel TV. Royal Family Suite balconies include four lounge chairs and an al fresco dining table for eight. Each of the four suites can be expanded to accommodate 10 people via a connecting door to a neighboring stateroom. (600 sq. ft. with a 270 sq. ft. balcony)
  - One six-person Accessible Family Stateroom with balcony, featuring a curtained-off sleeping alcove with bunk beds, sleeper sofa, an accessible bathroom and shower, and accessible closets. (400 sq. ft. with a 120 sq. ft. balcony)
  - Eight six-person Family Oceanview Staterooms, each with a curtained-off sleeping alcove with bunk beds, sleeper sofa and two or more windows. (Up to 495 sq. ft.)
  - Four six-person Promenade Family Staterooms, each with a curtained-off sleeping alcove with bunk beds, sleeper sofa, walk-in closet and bathtub. These suites also have two windows, each with a window seat, overlooking the Royal Promenade. (335 sq. ft.)
  - Two six-person Inside Family Staterooms, each with a curtained-off sleeping alcove, sleeper sofa and walk-in closet. (330 sq. ft.)

Families on Freedom of the Seas may find there is too much to do in other areas of the ship to spend much time in their staterooms. Freedom of the Seas will take onboard adventures to new heights with the largest rock-climbing wall at sea. The 43-foot-tall by 44-foot-wide, free-standing wall will feature a central spire that will add a whole new dimension to the experience. Guests will be able to choose from 11 different routes, from easy to expert.

Freedom's younger guests will enjoy Royal Caribbean's award-winning Adventure Ocean Program. From wacky science experiments and Adventure Art by Crayola® crafts projects to sports tournaments and dance parties, guests 3 to 17 will have a full social calendar. Teens, in particular, will have plenty of space to call their own with three, exclusive areas just for them -- Fuel nightclub, The Living Room hangout and the Back Deck sundeck. In addition, Freedom of the Seas will feature the line's Aqua Babies and Aqua Tots playtime programs developed by partner Fisher-Price®, Inc. for cruisers ages 6 months to 36 months and their parents.

Freedom also will offer families plenty of ways and places to enjoy time together, including an unparalleled, top-deck aqua environment with an interactive water park; outstanding production shows in the main theater; ice skating spectaculars and free-skate parties on the ice rink; and non-stop action on the Royal Promenade, a 445-foot-long shopping, dining and entertainment boulevard that will feature nightly entertainment and festive parades.

"Freedom of the Seas' combined pool area is 43 percent larger than on our Voyager-class ships, giving us the ability to create three distinctive spaces to appeal to our varied audiences," said Richard D. Fain, Royal Caribbean Chairman and CEO. "Guests will have the freedom to splash in the family pool area, relax in the adults-only Solarium or soak in the sun at the main pool area."

One of the most spectacular spaces on Freedom of the Seas will be H2O Zone, the farthest aft of the three areas. H2O Zone will be a colorful wonderland of large, brightly hued sculptures doubling as interactive fountains that spray, sprinkle and spurt water in every direction.

The oversized sculptures will depict family members of all shapes and sizes, including the family dog, and will give guests numerous ways to get soaked -- and soak each other -- by turning wheels, setting off sensors and dodging dumping buckets. The sculptures will be spread throughout a large, central wading area that also will include a number of spray cannons, water jets and ground gushers.

In one corner of the water playground, a circular pool will shoot a current of water in a river around a central island. Guests can float with the flow as they are misted by one of the fountain sculptures.

Next to the circular pool, a shallow pool, fed by a flamingo-shaped fountain, will create a secluded space for the ship's youngest cruisers. At the back of the park, a rectangular swimming pool will be flanked by wading areas and fed by a waterfall cascading from an overhanging bridge. At night, the water park will turn into a dramatically lit sculpture garden.

Toward the front of the ship, Freedom of the Seas' adult guests will find the most remarkable relaxation areas at sea in the jungle-themed Solarium. This adults-only oasis will feature two large hot tubs cantilevered out 12 feet from the sides of the ship. Suspended 112 feet above the ocean, the hot tubs will offer breathtaking, panoramic views.

The Solarium also will feature lush tropical foliage, rainforest-inspired mosaics and murals, towering sculpted metal palm trees and hammocks. Two seven-foot-tall parrot sculptures will edge the Solarium's pool, which will hold a few surprises of its own. Guests willing to immerse themselves in the experience will find music piped in underwater and a photo collage behind glass depicting a coral reef.

Royal Caribbean is introducing another first for the line in the main pool area. One of the ship's two central pools will be designated as a sports pool. Guests will be invited to challenge themselves, and each other, in a variety of water sports, from pool volleyball and basketball to floating golf and pole jousting, in which competitors sit facing each other on a horizontal pole laid across the pool and attempt to knock each other off with inflatable rods.

Spectators and contestants will be equally entertained when teams try their hand at water ballet choreography in amateur synchronized swimming competitions. Outside the organized activity times, lane markers will be set up in the sports pool for lap swimming.

At night, the main pool area will transform into an open-air nightclub, with a large dance floor situated between the two pools. Guests will be able to enjoy live music, themed parties and a top-class club DJ.

At 158,000 GRT and holding 3,600 guests double-occupancy, Freedom of the Seas will be the largest cruise ship in the world when she debuts in May 2006. The first in Royal Caribbean's new Freedom class, she will be the most forward-looking and innovative ship the company has built to date. Freedom of the Seas will sail seven-night Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami calling in Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; Montego Bay, Jamaica; and Royal Caribbean's private destination, Labadee, Hispaniola.

The new order follows an order announced in December last year with the same yard for an identical ship to be delivered in February 2007, and becomes the fifth ship now in the pipeline for introduction to the NCL fleet during the next 28 months. This new order will be the 10th big new ship to join the NCL fleet since the fleet modernization began in late 1999. Once this 10th ship is delivered in 2007, over 75 percent of NCL's inventory of beds will be on ships less than eight years old.

Commenting on the order, Star Cruises chairman Tan Sri K T Lim said: "This order builds upon the tremendous commercial success of our Norwegian Star and Norwegian Dawn, and continues our strong relationship with the Meyer shipyard. Our investment in the NCL fleet modernization is now close to $4 billion since 2000, which demonstrates the commitment and confidence we have in our strategy."

Colin Veitch, NCL's President and CEO, said: "We are as pleased as can be to announce Number 10. The modernization of NCL's fleet has now gained full momentum and we are well on the way to our goal of having the youngest fleet in the industry. Following the disappointing decision recently to terminate discussions on another ship with another yard, we are very pleased now to have secured our desired second ship for 2007."

The ships now on order for delivery by 2007 are as follows:
  - Pride of America June 2005
  - Norwegian Jewel August 2005
  - Pride of Hawaii April 2006
  - S.669 February 2007
  - S.670 October 2007

They will join the five big new ships built since 1999 and already in service:
  - Norwegian Sun
  - Norwegian Star
  - Norwegian Dawn
  - Norwegian Spirit
  - Pride of Aloha

In total the line will offer 51 Inside Passage cruises on three itineraries, each featuring the convenience of departing from an easily accessible home port. The Inside Passage program also affords passengers the opportunity to add a land tour to the Canadian Rockies or take advantage of the many attractions in the ships' home ports with pre- or post-cruise stays in Seattle or San Francisco.

These roundtrip cruises complement Princess' other 2006 Alaska option, the "Voyage of the Glaciers" Gulf of Alaska itinerary, available on four ships, sailing between Vancouver and Whittier.

"Sun Princess and Dawn Princess offer the perfect onboard experience for cruising through the Inside Passage," said Jan Swartz, Princess' senior vice president of customer service and sales. "With fewer passengers than ships of comparable size, these vessels offer a great combination of intimate feel and diverse onboard choices plus the ships' many balconies are perfect for viewing the spectacular scenery of Alaska."

The 1,950-passenger Sun Princess and Dawn Princess take over the line's seven-day roundtrip sailings from Seattle with an itinerary that features Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Victoria, plus cruise through the dramatic glaciers, rock walls and waterfalls of Tracy Arm and the twin Sawyer Glaciers. Dawn Princess will offer 19 voyages departing on Saturdays between May 13 and September 16, 2006, while Sun Princess will offer 19 voyages Sunday departures, beginning May 14 and continuing through September 17.

The 1,590-passenger Regal Princess will again sail roundtrip from "The City by the Bay" on 13 departures between May 16 and September 13. The 10-day Inside Passage itinerary from San Francisco features calls at Victoria, Juneau and two other scenic Alaska ports that rotate between Ketchikan, Sitka, Skagway, Haines or Icy Strait Point. All voyages also offer premiere glacier viewing with cruising through Tracy Arm.

Passengers who would like to add a Canadian Rockies adventure to their cruise have two tour options designed specifically to coordinate with Inside Passage cruises from Seattle. Princess' escorted itineraries take guests to the heart of these spectacular mountains with visits to Banff, Jasper, Calgary and Kamloops, along with other local highlights. These 13-night cruisetour packages feature stays at the area's premiere Fairmont resort properties such as the Chateau Lake Louise, Banff Springs Hotel, Palliser Hotel and Jasper Park Lodge.

The cruises on Boudicca's first season range from a three-night mini cruise to a 28 night voyage to the Caribbean. Boudicca's inaugural cruise will be to the Canaries, a fifteen-night cruise departing Dover on 25th February 2006. There will be plenty of time at sea to relish the new ship and all her facilities, and ports of call are Funchal (Madeira), San Sebastian la Gomera, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Arrecife (Lanzarote), Agadir (Morocco) and finally Lisbon (Portugal) before returning to Dover. Prices for this cruise start from £1,397 per person inclusive of 30% Early Booking Discount.

Boudicca's second cruise will be to the Caribbean – an ex-UK cruise from Dover, making it ideal for customers who prefer not to fly. Islands visited will include Barbados, Grenada, St Lucia, Dominica, St Kitts and Antigua with a final call into the Azores on the return voyage. This cruise will also have ArtsClub themes of Wildlife and History and is priced from £2,394 inclusive of 40% Early Booking Discount. Prices are per person, based on two sharing an inside twin cabin and include all meals and entertainment on board and port taxes.

There will be Early Booking Discounts available on all cruises for bookings made at least six months in advance and increased Early Special Discounts on selected cabin grades.

During Spring and Summer 2006, Boudicca will cruise to Scandinavia, the eastern and western Mediterranean, Norway, the Baltic and Iceland, while autumn sees her returning to the Canaries and also visiting the Adriatic. Many cruises will include an ArtsClub special interest theme – one very unusual cruise will be the Celtic History departure (BD016) of seven nights, sailing from Dover on 10th September. In keeping with the ship's name, the cruise explores the birthplace of Celtic culture visiting Cherbourg and Brest, Cobh (for Cork), Pembroke in Wales and Falmouth in Cornwall as well as Guernsey's capital, St Peter Port.

As well as a range of ArtsClub themes on selected cruises, there will also be the option to take part in the Flagship Golf programme on cruises in the Azores, Canaries and Baltic in summer 2006 for an additional £350 per person. Flagship Golf offers a package of up to four rounds of golf ashore, welcome party and end of cruise prize-giving, tuition from a PGA professional, cSwing video analysis and other benefits.

Marketing director Nigel Lingard said: "We are delighted to be able to introduce a fourth ship to our fleet and especially excited to be reuniting these two sister ships. The extra capacity will allow us to offer an even more varied choice of destinations and unusual ports, as well as offering more ex-UK cruises which we know our customers especially value. We look forward very much to welcoming the first passengers aboard Boudicca in February 2006."

These selected sailings, which begin Fall 2005, are part of a broader Culinary Arts Center program which is offered on every sailing and serves as one of the marquee features of Holland America Line's $225 million Signature of Excellence program. An innovative theater-style venue, each Culinary Arts Center features a state-of-the-art show kitchen, large plasma video screens, and a large cooking display counter, where guests can learn how to prepare a variety of culinary treats. These Culinary Arts Centers are on half of the line's 13-ship fleet and will be in place across the fleet by mid-2006.

The Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine magazine, brings the pages of the epicurean magazine alive on dozens of sailings of the world's leading premium cruise line. "Guests will learn from and mingle with the world's most renowned culinary authorities in this extraordinary partnership between Holland America Line and Food & Wine magazine," said Rick Meadows, CTC, Holland America Line's senior vice president, marketing and sales. "Within our state-of-the-art show kitchens, these acclaimed experts offer our guests an enlightening perspective on the places we visit and the food and cuisine that make them so special."

"We are excited about the myriad possibilities of this partnership," said Julie McGowan, Food & Wine's senior vice president/publisher. "By pairing Holland America Line's stellar reputation and worldwide itineraries with Food & Wine's expertise and celebration of the epicurean lifestyle, we'll attract the most dynamic, sought-after talents in the world of food and wine."

Guests will learn tricks-of-the-trade from top professionals and can try their hand at preparing dishes and tasting wines representative of the specific ports-of-call. Food & Wine will also design and provide recipe cards and wine tasting notes that guests may take home along with copies of the magazine. Other opportunities might include book signings, question and answer sessions, market tours in ports of call, specially designed on-board menus and more.

Among the chefs who will be sailing as part of the program is Michelle Bernstein, who will sail on Holland America Line's ms Statendam to Alaska on Sept. 9, 2005. Bernstein just opened her signature MB restaurant at Grand Aqua in Cancun and is also a co-host of The Food Network's Melting Pot. Oceana's famed Neal Gallagher, who received the Food & Wine Best New Chef honor in 2003 will delight guests on the ms Westerdam's Caribbean sailing Nov. 13, 2005. Other chefs participating in the program include Aaron Sanchez and Charles Dale. Aaron Sanchez is a 2005 James Beard Rising Star Chef Award nominee and owner of critically acclaimed restaurants, Paladar, in New York City, and Mixx Restaurant in the Borgata Hotel in Atlantic City, NJ. Charles Dale, widely regarded as a culinary visionary, is the founder of Aspen's renowned Renaissance, Range and Rustique restaurants. In addition to these chefs, Food & Wine will provide chefs, wine experts and cookbook authors who appear in the magazine's pages as well as those featured at the publication's premier culinary events, specifically the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, Colo., held in June.

"I am thrilled at the unique opportunity to celebrate cuisines from around the world with guests aboard Holland America Line's well-equipped ships," said Charles Dale. "The state-of-the-art demonstration kitchens provide the ideal environment for immersing oneself in the culinary traditions of the ships' destinations, and serve to enhance an already innovative and enriching guest program."

In addition to the robust program with Food & Wine magazine, Holland America Line offers additional chefs and demonstrations as a part of its Culinary Arts Center program aboard every sailing.

"We are extremely proud that Jan's continuing leadership in the effort to improve access for individuals with disabilities, has been recognized by the Access Board members, and that she has become the first member of the public to hold this prestigious role twice," said Jan Swartz, Princess' senior vice president of customer service and sales. "Here at Princess, Jan's work has been instrumental in the ongoing evolution of our access program -- skills that are also invaluable at the national level to improve access for travelers with disabilities."

A 28-year Princess employee, Tuck became the first full-time cruise line professional to focus on accessibility for passengers with disabilities when she was named to her current position in 1999. She is responsible for monitoring accessibility of all Princess ships and land operations, as well as developing methods for increasing comfort levels for all passengers with physically challenging conditions.

Company	Today's Closing Price	Change (since last week)
Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL)	49.80	+ 2.01%
Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE:RCL)	42.75	+ 1.59%
Star Cruises (HKSE:0678.HK)	2.55	+ 0.99%

Cruise News Trivia Question:
Which famous former liner served as James Bond's headquarters in the film "The Man with the Golden Gun"?

Answer - Will be published in next week's column along with the name of the first person to submit the correct answer. Send your answer to cruise@travelpage.com

Last Week's Question
Cunard's Queen Elizabeth 2 was called up for service in the Falkland Islands crisis 23 years ago today. Another significant maritime event ocurred on that same day - what was it?

Answer - On May 2, 1982 the Argentine warship ARA General Belgrano was sunk by the British nuclear submarine HMS Conqueror.
courtesy of Frank Cicio

Cruise News - May 2, 2005

According to an update posted on the SmitWijs ocean towing web site this week, the Chinese super tug DE DA will arrive in Bremerhaven around May 14th - 15th to begin towing the "passenger vessel Norway from Bremerhaven to Port Klang/Singapore."

It still remains to be seen if she actually makes it to Malaysia, as skeptics believe the announced move might just be a way to avoid having to remove asbestos from the ship rather than an genuine attempt to use her again. According to European environmental regulations, large amounts of asbestos installed during her construction must be removed from the vessel before she could be sold to scrap.

On May 25, 2003, the Bahamian-flag passenger ship NORWAY was moored in Port of Miami in Miami, Florida, with 911 crew members and 2,135 passengers waiting to disembark. About 6:37 a.m., a boiler exploded, releasing about 20 tons of water, which rapidly expanded into saturated steam. The expanding water vapor breached the crew living areas on two decks, displacing bulkheads and blowing doors and their frames out. As a result of this accident, 8 crew members died and another 17 crew members sustained serious and minor injuries.

The information released on Friday includes investigative group factual reports, photos, interview transcripts, and other documents from the investigation. Additional material will be made available as it becomes available.

A review of the new documents shows that problems with the ship's boilers may have begun as early as 1970 when she was only eight years old and still operating as the French Line's France. At that time, blisters and cracks were discovered in a number of boilers' welding seams. The damage was repaired by sanding and grinding the welded areas. While this approach was successful in removing the cracks, it also reduced the thickness of the welded areas.

Analysis of the accident, along with conclusions and a determination of probable cause, will come at a later date when the final report on the investigation is completed.

A special Birthday party will be held on board to honor the ship. Special guests will include nine former and current Captains and John Whitworth OBE, now 80 years old, who was the Managing Director of Cunard Line at the time of QE2's introduction and who was instrumental in the ship's construction.

She has sailed more than 5.3 million nautical miles - that's more than any ship in history and is equivalent to traveling to the moon and back over 11 times. She has carried nearly three million passengers - many of them returning again and again to their second home. Her arrival in Southampton on 2 May will be her 641st visit there and mark the completion of her 1,374th voyage. It will be her 4,856th port call. She has sailed at an average speed of 24.75 knots over the last 36 years.

QE2 can sail backwards faster than most cruise ships can sail forwards and one gallon of fuel moves her 49.5 feet! She has made 795 Atlantic crossings and completed 23 full World Voyages. In that time she has been commanded by 23 Captains.

QE2 was launched by Her Majesty the Queen in 1967 and was the last passenger ship to be built on the Clyde. For the last 36 years QE2 has been the most famous passenger liner in the world and yet when she was introduced city analysts claimed that the age of the liner was dead and that QE2 would be mothballed within six months. How wrong they were!

She was one of the star attractions when she led the Tall Ships into New York Harbor for the Statue of Liberty's centenary celebrations in 1986; over one million sightseers flocked to see her when she called at Liverpool for the first time during Cunard's 150th anniversary celebrations in 1990 and she was at the head of the flotilla reviewed by the Queen on the 50th Anniversary of 'D' Day in 1994. This year she will play a key role in the Trafalgar Commemorations in June.

However, QE2's history has not only been one of sedate cruises, ecstatic welcomes and luxury living. In 1982, she was requisitioned by the Government for service in the Falklands Campaign - and so joined the ranks of the great Cunarders called upon to serve the country in times of conflict.

In fact QE2 goes from great things to greater and many sailings this year - her second season of European cruises - are already sold out.

2005 is a special year for QE2. On September 4, she becomes the longest serving Cunarder ever when she passes the 36 years 4 months and 2 days' record of Scythia , which sailed from 1921 to 1957.

QE2 was also the Cunard flagship for longer than any other from 1969 until she handed over the role to Queen Mary 2 last year, and in November last year she became the longest serving Cunard express liner when she passed the 35 years 6 months and 1 day record previously set by Aquitania which served Cunard Line, in peace and in war, from May 1914 to December 1949.

"Consumer response to 'Fun Ship' cruising from Norfolk has been very positive and as a result we're returning next year with another exciting series of voyages from this port," said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO. "These departures from Norfolk aboard Carnival Victory continue our efforts to providing more 'close-to-home' cruise options, which offer added convenience for our guests," he added.

The two-day cruises will depart Norfolk June 10 and Oct. 14, 2006. Both voyages depart on Saturdays and return on Mondays, providing the perfect weekend getaway. The six-day Bahamas cruises will depart Sundays on June 4 and Oct. 8, 2006, and feature an overnight call at Nassau, and a day-long visit to Freeport. Both ports offer excellent beaches and watersports, including snorkeling and scuba diving, as well as numerous dining and shopping opportunities.

One of the largest passenger vessels at sea, the 102,000-ton Carnival Victory housing 18 lounges and bars with striking interiors inspired by the world's most famous bodies of water. The ship also houses a 15,000-square-foot spa, an on-board duty-free shopping mall, a jogging track, Internet café, four swimming pools, a 214-foot-long water slide, and expansive indoor and outdoor children's play areas, part of the line's top-rated "Camp Carnival" program with activities for kids ages 2-14.

Dining options include twin two-level formal dining rooms with extensive menus and wine lists and a casual poolside eatery offering breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets, a 24-hour pizzeria, a deli, and Asian and American specialty areas. Of the ship's 1,379 staterooms, 60 percent offer either an ocean view or private balcony.

Both Golden Princess and Sea Princess will offer 14 sailings on 11 itineraries that range from seven to 16 days, including sailings that feature some unusual ports. Princess' British Isles and Northern Europe cruise season will run between April 22 and September 22, 2006. "Princess offers nearly double the capacity of any other cruise line in this wonderful part of the world," said Jan Swartz, Princess' senior vice president of customer service and sales. "With the largest and most amenity-filled ships in the region, we are excited to offer passengers one of the best ways to visit Britain, Norway, Iceland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain and the other fascinating countries in this region."

British Isles -- Golden Princess will offer the perfect way to explore the diverse offerings of the British Isles from the Scottish highlands to Cornwall's Land's End. These 10-day sailings journey roundtrip from Southampton and call at Falmouth, Holyhead (Wales), Dublin, Belfast, Glasgow, Inverness/Loch Ness, and Edinburgh. The ship will make three departures on July 11, August 10 and 30. The August 10 sailing will include a late stay in Glasgow to enable passengers to enjoy a special excursion to Edinburgh Castle's famed Military Tattoo.

Western Europe/British Isles -- For those who would like to combine the highlights of the British Isles with some of Western Europe's distinctive ports, Golden Princess offers two sailings on an itinerary to six countries in just 10 days. Sailing roundtrip from Southampton the ship will take passengers to Dublin, Glasgow, Bergen (Norway), Rotterdam, Brussels/Bruges and Paris/Normandy(Le Havre). Cruises depart on July 31 and August 20.

Western European Capitals -- A single Golden Princess sailing that will take passengers to seven of Western Europe's most delightful capitals in just 10 days. The itinerary, sailing roundtrip from Southampton (for London) travels to Brussels/Bruges, Rotterdam (for Amsterdam), Oslo, Copenhagen, Hamburg (for Berlin), and Le Havre (for Paris). This special voyage departs July 21.

Norwegian Fjords and Iceland -- Sea Princess offers two 14-day sailings the take passengers to Europe's far northern reaches with the ease of rountrip sailings from Southampton. The North Cape/Norwegian Fjords travels along the length of Norway's coast and to the 'top of the world' to visit the remote island of Sptisbergen. Ports of call include Stavanger, Hellesylt/Geiranger, Trondheim, scenic cruising of the Magdalena Fjord, Ny Ålesund, Honningsvag (for the North Cape), Tromso, and Bergen. Sea Princess will sail on this top of the world adventure during the summer solstice with a June 17 departure.

The ship will also offer an Iceland/Norway/British Isles cruise that incorporates the highlights of Norway with an opportunity to visit the wonders of Iceland. Ports of call on this 14-day adventure include Oslo, Stavanger, Flaam, Lerwick (Shetland Islands), Torshavn (Faroe Islands), Akureyri (Iceland), Reykjavik (Iceland), Glasgow, and Dublin. Sea Princess will depart on this voyage on July 1.

Iberian Peninsula -- Sea Princess will also offer two seven-day sailings to sunny Spain roundtrip from Southampton. On May 20 the ship sails on an all-new itinerary with calls at La Coruna, Bilbao, Bordeaux and Guernsey. On May 27 the itinerary includes stops at Vigo, Lisbon, La Rochelle (France) and Guernsey.

Transatlantics -- Sea Princess and Star Princess both offer Atlantic Ocean crossings that include the opportunity to visit a number of Northern and Western Europe ports. In spring, Sea Princess sails on a 14-day transit departing on April 22 from Ft. Lauderdale to Southampton via Ponta Delgada (Azores Islands), Lisbon, Vigo and La Rochelle. Star Princess sails on April 30 on a 15-day voyage from Ft. Lauderdale to Copenhagen with calls at Ponta Delgada, Cork, Southampton, Le Havre, Rotterdam and Oslo.

In fall, Sea Princess departs on September 2 on a 16-day adventure from Southampton to Quebec City that takes in Bergen; Lerwick (Shetland Islands); Torshavn (Faroe Islands); Akureyri, Isafjordur and Reykjavik in Iceland; Nanortalik (Greenland); St. John's (Newfoundland) and Sydney (Nova Scotia). Star Princess also sails across a northern route, departing September 22 for a 15-day Copenhagen to New York crossing. Ports of call include Dover, Falmouth, Waterford, Glasgow, Belfast, Reykjavik, Qaqortoq (Greenland) and St. John's.

Crystal's Value Collection features sailings of seven to 16 days on 13 diverse and exciting itineraries, including South America, Panama Canal, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Northern Europe and Trans-Atlantic crossings.

"The Value Collection provides a strong incentive to those who have never sampled Crystal Cruises, and even Crystal's veteran cruisers tend to add Value Collection sailings to their vacation plans because these values are so hard to pass up," says Bill Smith, Crystal's senior vice president of sales and marketing.

Offered on select cruises from April through December, Value Collection sailings provide seasoned and first-time cruisers a chance to experience the award-winning hospitality and luxury of Crystal with up to two-for-one savings. With fares starting at less than $200 per person per day, the Value Collection includes itineraries such as a nine-day Miami to Lisbon Trans-Atlantic crossing, an 11-day Athens to Monte Carlo sailing, a 15-day Panama Canal voyage from Tampa to Los Angeles, and a 16-day South American cruise from Buenos Aires to Miami.

The 2006 Value Collection includes cruises aboard each of the luxury line's ships -- six aboard Crystal Symphony and seven aboard Crystal Serenity. Itineraries listed below offer up to 50% savings except where noted.

South America
  - April 13; Buenos Aires to Miami; 16 days starting at $2,995 -- up to 45% (Crystal Symphony)

Northern Europe
  - May 5; Round-trip London; 10 days starting at $3,140 (Crystal Serenity)
  - May 15; Round-trip London; 10 days starting at $3,530 (Crystal Serenity)

Mediterranean
  - May 8; Lisbon to Athens; 10 days starting at $2,795 (Crystal Symphony)
  - October 13; Rome to Athens; 11 days starting at $3,550 (Crystal Serenity)
  - October 24; Athens to Monte Carlo; 11 days starting at $3,550 (Crystal Serenity)

Trans-Atlantic
  - April 29; Miami to Lisbon; 9 days starting at $2,270 -- up to 40% (Crystal Symphony)
  - November 15; Lisbon to Miami; 10 days starting at $2,875 (Crystal Serenity)

Caribbean
  - December 5; Round-trip Miami; 10 days starting at $2,950 -- up to 45% (Crystal Serenity)
  - December 15; Round-trip Miami; 7 days starting at $2,165 -- up to 45% (Crystal Serenity)

Panama Canal
  - November 12; Ft. Lauderdale to Caldera, Costa Rica; 12 days starting at $2,380 (Crystal Symphony)
  - November 24; Caldera, Costa Rica to Tampa; 12 days starting at $2,380 (Crystal Symphony)
  - December 6; Tampa to Los Angeles; 15 days starting at $2,930 (Crystal Symphony)

Israeli artist Calman Shemi took the Carnival Liberty's design theme to heart and created a series of large, colorful murals that feature depictions of iron workers, glass blowers, jewelry makers, and sculptors practicing their crafts. The massive aluminum panels, which measure an impressive six feet high by nine feet wide, are positioned within the ship's center stairways. Shemi also created 45 different motifs that were reproduced to adorn each of the Carnival Liberty's 1,479 staterooms.

In her first commission from Carnival, California painter Marian Westall also pays homage to the artisan theme with a series of large canvases for the aft stairways. The brightly colored paintings depict pottery and ornate grillwork set against a variety of dramatic settings, including the desert, sunsets, and a lake.

Virginia Ferrara's large, tropical-themed pieces, which adorn Carnival Liberty's stair landings, are inspired by the surroundings of her adopted South Florida home. Measuring up to six feet high by 15 feet wide, the huge, pastel-hued pieces offer a laid-back look at the Sunshine State, with images of palm trees, hammocks and swimming pool scenes that evoke a feeling of total relaxation.

Adjacent to the Carnival Liberty's swimming pools are four bronze sculptures of Susanna Holt, who has been commissioned to create artwork for six Carnival ships. For Carnival Liberty, Holt created authentic depictions of an anhinga bird drying its wings, sea lions in repose, and a stag and a doe in standing positions.

Rounding out the Carnival Liberty's multi-million-dollar collection are colorful glass pieces of renowned Italian glass artist Luciano Vistosi, which are illuminated from behind and positioned along Carnival Liberty's ship-long promenade, and Sara Righi's sculpture of "Aurora," a bronze sculpture found along the promenade bar adjacent to the Czar's Palace Casino.

Carnival Liberty is scheduled to debut July 20, with a series of 12-day Mediterranean voyages that will run through Oct. 12, 2005. Featured ports include Naples, Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Venice, Italy; Messina, Sicily; Barcelona, Spain; Cannes, France; and Livorno, Italy.

Carnival Liberty will also operate a 16-day transatlantic voyage departing Rome (Civitavecchia) Oct. 24, and arriving at Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Nov. 9, 2005, calling at Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca and Malaga, Spain; Funchal (Madeira), Portugal; and St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles.

Carnival Liberty will then launch the cruise industry's only year-round six- and eight-day Bahamas/Caribbean schedule from Fort Lauderdale beginning Nov. 12, 2005.

The four ships will sail on 71 voyages, and each of these cruises can be combined with one of 20 Alaska land tour options for a complete land and sea cruisetour. All Gulf of Alaska cruisetours feature Alaska's most sought-after natural attractions - Glacier Bay National Park, College Fjord and two nights at Denali National Park - and many offer Princess' exclusive Direct to the Wilderness train service, the most convenient way for passengers to travel to Princess' two Denali-area wilderness lodges.

"By dedicating our newest and most amenity-filled ships to our Gulf of Alaska route, we're really reaffir ming our commitment to this fantastic itinerary," said Charlie Ball, president of Princess Tours. "These vessels represent the youngest and most innovative fleet sailing the Gulf of Alaska, and are perfect for enjoying the stunning scenery of Glacier Bay, the 16 glaciers of College Fjord and the incredible Inside Passage. And only Princess offers these two attractions plus at least two nights in the Denali area on ever cruisetour - another example of how we strive to offer our customers the Alaska they want to see."

Princess' signature "Voyage of the Glaciers" itinerary travels between Vancouver and Whittier with calls offering passengers the opportunity to explore Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, plus cruising through the spectacular scenery of College Fjord, the Inside Passage and Alaska's number one attraction, Glacier Bay National Park. The 2006 season runs between May 13 and September 18, with 2,670-passenger sister ships Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess sailing on 35 cruises with alternating Saturday departures. Returning 1,970-passenger sister ships Coral Princess and Island Princess will set sail 36 times, departing on Mondays for either a northbound or southbound cruise.

Between them, these amenity-laden vessels offer nearly 2,100 standard balcony cabins and 750 mini-suites, perfect for enjoying the stunning scenery throughout the cruise.

Company	Today's Closing Price	Change (since last week)
Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL)	48.82	- 0.71%
Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE:RCL)	42.08	- 1.01%
Star Cruises (HKSE:0678.HK)	2.53	+ 20.24%

Cruise News Trivia Question:
Which famous former liner served as James Bond's headquarters in the film "The Man with the Golden Gun"?

Answer - Will be published in next week's column along with the name of the first person to submit the correct answer. Send your answer to cruise@travelpage.com

Last Week's Question
Beginning in March of 1989, Cunard's QE2 was out of service for 72 days. Why was she out of service?

Answer - To celebrate the 130th anniversary of the City of Yokohama a consortium of Japanese companies chartered the QE2 for 72 days from March 27th 1989. She docked alongside the passenger terminal as a central attraction and although she did not go to sea she maintained her status as an ocean liner.
courtesy of Ralph Sackett, Lichfield UK

Cruise News - April 25, 2005

The ship safely docked and was otherwise fully operational with all amenities. Immediately following the incident, Royal Caribbean notified the U.S. Coast Guard and other authorities and is fully assisting in their investigations.

Grandeur of the Seas departed New Orleans Saturday, April 16, on a seven-night sailing, carrying 2,030 guests and 740 crew members. The ship visited Cozumel, Mexico, Monday; Georgetown, Cayman Islands, Tuesday; and Costa Maya, Wednesday. The ship was scheduled to be at sea Thursday and Friday, before returning to New Orleans Saturday, April 23.

Repairs to Grandeur of the Seas were successfully completed Saturday and the ship is sailing to New Orleans, where it is expect to arrive at midday Monday, April 25. The ship underwent a full safety inspection and approval prior to departing Costa Maya.

Guests on board the ship who needed to return to New Orleans before Monday were flown back on charter flights. Guests who had more vacation time remained on board and are returning to New Orleans with the ship. Guests on this sailing received a $250 per-stateroom on board credit.

Grandeur of the Seas' seven-night sailing scheduled to depart New Orleans on Saturday, April 23, will delay its departure until 8 p.m. Monday, April 25. Guests should arrive for boarding after 5 p.m. that day. Guests booked on this sailing have been contacted regarding the change to their revised five-night itinerary. The revised itinerary will include port calls in Key West, Florida, Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Cozumel, Mexico, Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Guests who sail on this cruise will receive a $300 per-stateroom on board credit. Guests who choose to cancel their cruise will receive a full refund.

NCL's statement was in response to reports in several New York city newspapers questioning whether the cruise line's agreement to bring the ship in earlier than usual on Sunday to participate in the taping of the show might have contributed to the circumstances that caused the accident. NCL said that the agreement with the shows producers had "no influence whatsoever" on the ship's course or the captain's decision-making.

NCL said that in order to accommodate the show, it had agreed to alter the ship's itinerary so that it would return to New York at 5:00 am instead of the normal 10:00 arrival. The cruise company also said that "The safety and well being of our passengers and crew were the captain's sole consideration as he guided the vessel through the night and morning. The safety and integrity of Norwegian Dawn was never compromised."

In its statement, NCL said monetary considerations were not a factor in how Norwegian Dawn navigated the storm. "Furthermore, regardless of whether there had in fact been any monetary exposure, monetary factors would never, under any circumstances, be a consideration when the safety of passengers and crew is at issue," the Norwegian statement said.

"The letter of intent to build one cruise vessel for NCL, announced in December 2004, has been terminated. The parties have not been able to realize the project within the given constraints," Aker Yards said in a statement. "Currently, Aker Finnyards has eleven new buildings in its order book, including three cruise vessels for Royal Caribbean," Aker said, referring to its yards in Finland.

Mike Rodwell, managing director of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines said: "What more fitting tribute to a ship that will be operating out of the ports of Dover and Southampton, than to name her after a great English queen? Boudicca means "victorious" and we look forward to seeing her taking the seas by storm next year."

Fred. Olsen is buying the ship – currently badged Grand Latino - from Grand Latino Navegacion S.A. of Spain and will be taking delivery in October this year. An extensive refit will be undertaken over the winter, prior to her entering service with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines in early 2006. Originally built as Royal Viking Sky, the refit of the 28,388 grt vessel will include the creation of several dedicated single cabins, in keeping with the company's tradition. The final occupancy is expected to be around 810 lower berths.

Nigel Lingard, marketing director for the line, added "The addition of Boudicca to our fleet will allow us to operate a wider choice of itineraries and home ports for our customers, satisfying the increasing demand for our very special style of smaller ship cruising."

The following are new features of Seabourn's schedules for 2006 and early 2007:
  - New Mediterranean ports include Tripoli, Libya; Sarande, Albania; Rovinj, Croatia; Mylos, Greek Isles; Sousse, Tunisia and Xlendi (Gozo), Malta.
  - Four new, 12-day cruises to Scandinavian capitals and St. Petersburg sail round trip from Copenhagen.
  - Two new 9-day cruises of Norwegian fjords sail round trip from Copenhagen.
  - A 14-day cruise "In the Wake of the Mayflower" from London to Gloucester, Massachusetts, including Plymouth, England and Plymouth, Massachusetts.
  - Two 8-day cruises between Gloucester and Quebec include new ports of Portland, Maine, Port Saguenay and Perce, Quebec and Louisbourg, Nova Scotia.
  - Return to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, including Padang Bay, Bali, Thursday Island, Australia; Gisborne, New Zealand; Semarang and Pulau Seribu, Indonesia.
  - New Caribbean ports are Kingstown, St. Vincent and Isla Margarita, Venezuela.
  - Two 10-day cruises of the Mexican Riviera in 2007 between Los Angeles and Caldera, Costa Rica.
  - A nine-day China cruise in 2007 sailing round trip from Hong Kong to Taiwan, Shanghai and Xiamen.

Approximately 57 percent of Seabourn's 2006-07 cruise schedule is available in lengths of seven or eight days' duration. The bulk of those are designed to be combinable for up to six weeks of cruising with different port content. Combining two or more consecutive cruises earns an extra 10 percent savings off the Early Booking Savings fares. Longer combinations of 18 or more days qualify for Grand Voyage Savings of 50 percent or more off full brochure fares.

All three Yachts of Seabourn will undergo drydock maintenance and interior refurbishments by January, 2006. Planned upgrades include the installation of DVD players and flat-screen televisions in all guest suites.

Pride of America is the first new U.S. flagged cruise ship in a half a century and is the biggest passenger ship ever built for the U.S. registry. The ship boasts an all-American crew and celebrates a 'Best of America' theme, with public rooms inspired by the diverse regions of the United States.

Regis and Kelly have commandeered the whole ship, and are giving away free cruises to 1,000 contest winners and fans to join them for this spectacular weeklong vacation at sea through "Live's Pride of America Cruisin Reunion" watch-to-win contest. Every day from May 16th to June 10th, Regis and Kelly will give away 20 cruises to one lucky winner, so they can create their own reunion and invite a group of 20 family members and friends to come along on the Pride of America. Viewers can log on to www.liveregisandkelly.com for full contest details. In addition, "Live" affiliates also will offer the chance to win, with local contests in each city.

"This cruise will be one of our most exciting location events," noted Michael Gelman, executive producer of "Live." "It's the first time we've ever done shows live from a moving ship, and the first time we've given away a thousand trips to our viewers. There's nothing more all-American than a family reunion, and it's going to be amazing to see all of these happy groups of families and friends joining us for the week on this gorgeous new ship."

"This is an unprecedented event for the cruise industry and we are very excited to be working with 'Live with Regis and Kelly' on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity aboard the new Pride of America," said Colin Veitch, president and CEO, NCL Corporation. "We look forward to welcoming aboard Regis and Kelly, all of their contest winners and their invited family and friends. NCL America is proud to share with them this momentous occasion, as we launch the largest U.S. flagged cruise ship in maritime history."

The special "Live with Regis and Kelly" cruise aboard Pride of America will set sail from New York on June 18th, with a special one-time-only itinerary up the East Coast, only possible because Pride of America proudly flies the Stars and Stripes. The cruise will travel north from New York to Boston, then head south for stops in Philadelphia, Norfolk and Miami. A "Live with Regis and Kelly" broadcast will originate from each location, with one show live from the high seas. After the "Live" cruise, Pride of America will make her way to her homeport of Honolulu.

Each cruise features up to six exotic ports of call in Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore, with destinations ranging from the idyllic island of Koh Samui to the bustling city of Bangkok. "Pacific Sky's Asian cruises would have to be the easiest, most relaxing and most affordable way for Australians to see the hottest destinations in Asia," said P&O Cruises Managing Director Gavin Smith.

"If you can't decide between a holiday in Phuket, Langkawi, or Singapore, then you can see them all on one of our Asia cruises, while enjoying the fun of life on board Pacific Sky. Travellers don't have to worry about the hassle of flying between cities and changing hotels – all they need to do is unpack once, then unwind."

Mr Smith said Pacific Sky would be tailored for Australians, with an on board currency in Australian dollars, providing the ideal way to combine an Asian holiday with all the fun and comfort of a cruise. On offer in the new brochure are two alternating seven-night return itineraries from Singapore via the west coast of the Malay Peninsula to Thailand and Malaysia or the east coast.

The west coast itinerary features visits to historic Malacca, bustling Kuala Lumpur, idyllic Langkawi, the resorts of Phuket and the colonial outpost of Penang before returning to the shopping mecca of Singapore. Cruises along the east coast visit beautiful Koh Samui, tranquil Kuantan and culture-rich Bangkok.

Passengers can also combine the two seven-night cruises back-to-back to create a memorable 14-day voyage visiting all nine ports.

Revenues for the first quarter of 2005 increased 10.0% to $1.2 billion from revenues of $1.1 billion in the first quarter of 2004. The increase in revenues was attributable to an improvement in cruise ticket prices, a 3.3% increase in capacity and increases in occupancy and on board revenues. Gross Yields and Net Yields for the first quarter of 2005 increased 6.5% and 8.2% from the first quarter of 2004, respectively. Occupancy reached a record level for the first quarter, at 105.7%, up from 104.2% in the first quarter of 2004.

The pace of bookings and consumer demand remains positive and on track with the company's previous expectations. First quarter Net Yield performance allows the company to narrow its full year Net Yield guidance to an increase in the range of 6% to 7%. The company currently expects Net Yields for the second quarter of 2005 will increase approximately 6%.

"We are very pleased with our first quarter results," said Richard D. Fain, chairman and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. "All key elements of the business performed very well, but the high cost of fuel is a major focus."

For the first quarter of 2005, Gross Cruise Costs and Net Cruise Costs per APCD increased 4.6% and 6.0%, respectively, compared to the same quarter in 2004. Inflationary pressures, especially related to fuel costs, are the primary driver of these cost increases. During the first quarter of 2005, "at-the-pump" prices of fuel were approximately 30% higher than those experienced in the first quarter of 2004 and represented approximately 6.1% of total revenues.

Also during the quarter, the company announced that one of its ships experienced a breakdown in its propulsion unit which is estimated to reduce 2005 earnings per share by approximately $0.03-$0.04, divided roughly evenly between the first two quarters.

Because of strong bookings during the beginning of the year, the company decided to defer certain expenses, including its marketing spend, to later in the year. Partially offsetting these changes, the company incurred higher than expected payroll and benefit expenses. Despite these expenses and costs incurred in connection with the cancellation of a 10-night Hawaiian cruise, the increase in Net Cruise Costs per APCD was in-line with the company's previous guidance.

Fuel costs continue to be the most important variable impacting Net Cruise Costs and make forecasting very difficult. In the company's last update, it estimated that at-the-pump fuel prices for the first quarter would increase about 11% over the average level for 2004. The company also estimated that if that 11% figure continued for the full year it would cost an additional $23 million (net of hedges). Fuel prices for the first quarter were 11% higher than the 2004 yearly average. However, since then, at-the-pump fuel prices have continued to rise despite the fact that crude oil prices have actually fallen slightly. Currently, at-the-pump fuel prices are 20% higher than the 2004 yearly average. If prices for the remainder of 2005 remain at today's level, that price increase would cost the company $26 million in addition to the $23 million previously disclosed. Based on this assumption, Net Cruise Costs per APCD for 2005 would increase approximately 5% to 6% compared to 2004. The price increase in fuel accounts for approximately 3 percentage points of this increase.

Based upon the above, management expects full year 2005 earnings per share to be in the range of $2.65 to $2.85. On the same basis, second quarter 2005 earnings per share are expected to be in the range of $0.55 to $0.60.

In early April, the company announced its order with Finnish shipbuilder Aker Finnyards for a third ship in its Freedom class. Destined for the Royal Caribbean International fleet, the three 158,000-GRT ships will each carry approximately 3,600 passengers double occupancy when completed. This is approximately 15 percent larger than its Voyager class predecessors. The third Freedom class ship is expected to enter service in early 2008.

Company	Today's Closing Price	Change (since last week)
Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL)	49.17	+ 0.33%
Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE:RCL)	42.51	+ 1.29%
Star Cruises (HKSE:0678.HK)	2.10	- 1.18%

Cruise News Trivia Question:
Beginning in March of 1989, Cunard's QE2 was out of service for 72 days. Why was she out of service?

Answer - Will be published in next week's column along with the name of the first person to submit the correct answer. Send your answer to cruise@travelpage.com

Last Week's Question
Which cruise ship survived being struck by a 100 foot high rogue wave while approaching Casablanca during her world cruise of 1976? She rolled an estimated 40 degrees but was able to right herself.

Answer - The ship in question is the Rotterdam (V) of Holland America Line.
coucourtesy of Armand Mantia

Cruise News - April 18, 2005

At the time of the incident the 965 foot Norwegian Dawn was passing through a storm system off the Florida coast and had been battling heavy seas for the previous 24 hours. According to the ship's staff, the seas had finally started to calm when all of a sudden the ship was hit by a massive wall of water. A number of the 2,200 passengers suffered minor injuries and the ship was diverted to Charleston, South Carolina for emergency repairs and to allow passengers in the affected cabins the option of returning home via air or land.

Norwegian Dawn left Charleston just after midnight Saturday and arrived in New York City early this morning, one day later than planned. She is scheduled to depart on her next cruise later this afternoon on a modified itinerary due to the fact that the cruise will be six days instead of seven.

The three crew members allegedly drew a mustache and glasses on the first of the three panels which displays members of England's royal family. They then removed a portion of the same panel and used it as part of a parlor game. Authorities fear that the missing portion of the panel was then thrown overboard and are asking other vessels to keep an eye out for it. The crew members also damaged the second panel showing QE2 on the slip awaiting launch.

In addition to the damage to the tapestry, the crew members were believed to have caused damage to carpets, wall coverings, bathrooms and a lifeboat. The total cost of the damage is estimated to be more than $15,000. Following the incident, the men were detained by the ship's security staff until she docked.

Sources tell us that the incident may have started after one of the crew members was fired. He then apparently convinced two other crew members to join him in causing the damage as a way of getting back at Cunard.

QE2 was returning from her 23rd world cruise and arrived in her home port of Southampton on Saturday. The ship was met by authorities and the men were taken into custody. They were released several hours later after posting bail. A hearing on the matter is set for sometime next month.

It would also dramatically alter the experience of passengers arriving or departing on Cunard or Princess vessels. Instead of sailing past the historic New York City skyline, the ships would take a turn after entering the harbor and tie up in the largely industrial area of Red Hook.

The move from Manhattan to Red Hook is part of a larger $200 million effort that was unveiled by NYC Mayor Bloomberg last year to renovate and expand its cruise facilities. The plan is intended to promote the fast-growing industry by building a new terminal in Brooklyn and completely overhauling the New York Cruise Terminal on Manhattan's West Side to support the growing number of passengers flowing into New York's ports.

The city is leasing about 28 acres from the Port Authority, which includes Piers 11 and 12, the associated upland area in Red Hook. The cruise facility on Pier 12 is expected to provide sufficient warehouse and upland area to accommodate the operational needs of the cruise lines. A passenger pick-up and drop-off area and approximately 400 parking spaces will be provided on Pier 12, while Pier 11 will offer a vehicular access road to the terminal.

According to the mayor's office approximately 900,000 passengers used the Manhattan terminal last year, but that number to rise to as many as 1.5 million people a year.

"We're very pleased to be able to welcome another sparkling gem to our fleet," said Jan Swartz, Princess' senior vice president of customer service and sales. "Emerald Princess will continue the hallmark Princess features that have made our Grand Class of ships so popular among passengers."

Emerald Princess will include the many innovations that define the Princess experience, including the dramatic Movies Under the Stars poolside movie screen, multiple dining and entertainment options, Personal Choice Dining featuring traditional or Anytime seating, a variety of alternative restaurants, a relaxing Asian-style Lotus Spa with fitness center, an extensive children and teen's center, a wedding chapel and nearly 900 staterooms with private balconies.

Complementing the majority of 10- to 14-day cruises in Europe, South America and North America are new seven-day cruises in the Baltic, Mediterranean, New England/Canada, Caribbean, and Mexican Riviera and a 106-day World Cruise that can be taken as a whole or in rich segments from Los Angeles, Lima, Papeete, Melbourne, Cape Town, Dubai or Rome. Fourteen maiden calls are scheduled throughout the year, including Ayr & Troon, Scotland; Pisco, Peru; Tripoli, Libya; Gijon, Spain and Les Baie des Ha! Ha!, Canada.

"Like the Crystal Cruises' product, our 2006 cruise collection is about fascinating choices," says Bill Smith, senior vice president, sales & marketing. "Even never-before cruisers will savor the variety of port-intensive itineraries with many ports per cruise and longer stays in those destinations. Veteran Crystal cruisers will also relish the cruises with several days at sea to further enjoy our ships' service excellence and stimulating on board programs. Itineraries can also be combined to enjoy both."

Highlights of 2006 by destination:

106-day World Cruise
  - The ultimate voyage -- aboard Crystal Serenity
  - January through May from Los Angeles to London's port of Southampton
  - Available in seven segments of 11 to 19 days
  - Visits Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Society Islands, Cook Islands, New Zealand, Australia, Republic of Mauritius, Port Reunion, South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, Seychelles, Oman, UAE, Egypt, Libya, Italy, Monaco, Spain, Portugal, France and England
  - Numerous safari options and overland Crystal Adventures ashore

South America
  - New Amazon itinerary from Manaus, Brazil to Buenos Aires, Argentina
  - Eastern, Western and around-Cape Horn itineraries
  - Five cruises aboard Crystal Symphony and one aboard Crystal Serenity (to Guayaguil and Lima's port of Callao on the first segment of the World Cruise from Los Angeles)

Australia/New Zealand and the South Pacific
  - World Cruise segment II -- features Bora Bora and Raiatea, as ports in Peru and Easter Island, Chile en route to Papeete
  - World Cruise segment III -- begins in Tahiti and concludes in Melbourne with Rarotonga, Sydney and several ports in New Zealand in between
  - World Cruise segment IV -- from Melbourne to Cape Town includes several Australian ports and maiden calls in Mauritius and Reunion Island

The Mediterranean and Western Europe
  - Crystal Symphony will spend late spring and summer in the Mediterranean, while Crystal Serenity will cruise the region in the fall
  - New fall itinerary to Tripoli and Egypt
  - Three seven-day cruise options in May and July offered in addition to 10-, 11- and 12-day itineraries
  - For the first time, some of Crystal's Mediterranean cruises will begin or end in Monte Carlo. Cruises also depart from Venice, Lisbon, Athens, Rome and London
  - All offer at least one overnight port stay; several offer two or three overnight stays and/or late nights in ports
  - Intriguing ports in Croatia, Turkey and the Canary Islands are featured along with the most romantic cities in Italy, France, Monaco, Spain, Portugal and Greece

The Baltic, North Cape and Northern Europe
  - For the first time, Crystal Serenity will cruise the Baltic and North Cape
  - New seven-day Baltic itinerary -- in addition to 11-day cruises
  - Two nights, three days in St. Petersburg on all Baltic itineraries
  - Five itineraries conveniently round-trip from London: a cruise in Western Europe, Northern Europe and three British Isles cruises, one of which offers a new overnight in Dublin
  - North Cape itinerary crosses the Arctic Circle to Spitsbergen, a maiden call

Trans-Atlantic crossings
  - Three cruises are scheduled -- including a southern crossing with Bermuda and a northern crossing with Iceland and Greenland

New England/Canada
  - Fall foliage itineraries aboard Crystal Symphony
  - New 11-day itinerary conveniently round-trip from New York
  - For the first time, two seven-day choices round-trip from New York
  - Two 11-day cruises between New York and Montreal
  - Overnights in either Boston, Montreal or both on most cruises
  - Maiden call in La Baie des Ha! Ha!, Canada

Panama Canal/Caribbean
  - New Panama Canal cruises to or from Tampa
  - Seven Panama Canal cruises aboard Crystal Symphony in winter and late fall
  - Choice of three new Caribbean cruises aboard Crystal Serenity, conveniently round-trip from Miami
  - New holiday destination for Crystal Serenity -- 14-day Christmas/New Year cruise, round-trip from Miami

Mexican Riviera
  - Two seven-day cruises in January conveniently round-trip from Los Angeles
  - New Crystal Symphony holiday cruise -- 14-day Christmas/New Year cruise, round-trip from Los Angeles

Princess will offer an expanded Mediterranean season with a nearly 25 percent capacity increase, including four additional sailings of the line's popular Greek Isles cruises and a return to the spectacular sights of Egypt. Grand Princess, Golden Princess and Sea Princess will offer an extended April 15 to November 29 season featuring 33 Mediterranean sailings, with 11 itinerary options and a new port of call for Princess -- Elba.

"Our Europe season next year will be our largest deployment ever," said Jan Swartz, Princess' senior vice president of customer service and sales. "The Mediterranean is the heart and soul of this program, and we're very pleased to again offer passengers the opportunity to explore the pyramids of Egypt and even more options for basking in the delights of the Greek Isles."

Grand Mediterranean -- Grand Princess returns to her signature itinerary that explores the best of the modern and classic Mediterranean. This popular 12-day cruise between Barcelona and Venice includes calls at Marseille (for Provence), Livorno (for Florence/Pisa), Rome (Civitavecchia), Naples, Mykonos, Istanbul, Kusadasi (for Ephesus) and Athens. Sailings depart on May 16 and 28, June 9 and 21, July 27, August 8, September 13 and 25, and October 7.

Greek Isles -- Both Grand Princess and Golden Princess will offer an expanded season of 12 Greek Isles sailings, with two different 12-day itineraries. Both options travel between Rome and Venice, offering visits to Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu, Athens, Katakolon (for Olympia) and Kusadasi. The Greek Isles option also includes calls at Naples, Rhodes and Dubrovnik, while the Greek Isles/Mediterranean options offers stops at Monte Carlo, Livorno and Naples. Greek Isles sailings depart on May 4, May 22, June 15, July 3, August 20, and October 5 and 29; while the Greek Isles/Mediterranean option sails on June 3, July 15, September 1 and 23, and October 17.

Egypt/Aegean -- Golden Princess takes passengers to the ancient wonders of the Great Pyramids, as well as the modern bustle of Cairo on a 12-day roundtrip journey from Rome. The voyage highlight is two Egypt calls at Port Said and Alexandria, plus visits to Naples, Athens, Kusadasi, Istanbul and Mykonos. This sailing departs on November 10.

European Explorer -- Golden Princess also offers an extended European overview with two voyages between Rome and Southampton that visit 11 ports and eight countries in just 14 days. Ports of call include Livorno, Cannes, Barcelona, Gibraltar, Casablanca, Seville, Lisbon, Vigo, Le Havre, Rotterdam and Brussels/Bruges. Sailings are offered on June 27 and September 9.

Sea Princess -- Sea Princess returns to Europe for a series of 14-day adventures roundtrip from Southampton. Mediterranean options include the Mediterranean Medley with calls at Seville, Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Livorno, Rome, Sardinia, Mallorca and Gibraltar. Sailings depart on May 6, July 22 and August 19. The Mediterranean Adventurer sailings include visits to Vigo, Lisbon, Barcelona, Cannes, Rome, Naples, Propriano (Corsica) and Gibraltar, with departures on June 3 and August 5.

Transatlantics -- Both Grand Princess and Golden Princess offer intriguing transatlantic opportunities that also feature Mediterranean ports of call. In the spring, Grand Princess sails from Galveston (or Ft. Lauderdale) to Rome on April 15. Stops on this 19- (or 17-) day adventure include a port of call for Princess: the island of Elba. The full route also features Madeira, Casablanca, Gibraltar, Alicante, Barcelona, Cannes, Genoa and Livorno. Golden Princess' spring crossing departs from New York on May 6 for a 16-day sailing to Venice, by way of Lisbon, Barcelona, Cannes, Livorno, Rome and Naples.

In fall, Grand Princess transitions from Barcelona to Ft. Lauderdale with a 15-day journey that departs on October 19. Ports include Marseille, Genoa, Livorno, Rome, Lisbon and the Azores Islands (Ponta Delgada).

"Not only does this reflect our confidence in the strength of the cruise business, it also demonstrates our commitment to continue to grow shareholder returns," said Micky Arison, Carnival Corporation & plc chairman and CEO.

Company	Today's Closing Price	Change (since last week)
Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL)	49.01	- 2.95%
Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE:RCL)	41.97	- 5.07%
Star Cruises (HKSE:0678.HK)	2.13	- 2.30%

Cruise News Trivia Question:
Which cruise ship survived being struck by a 100 foot high rogue wave while approaching Casablanca during her world cruise of 1976? She rolled an estimated 40 degrees but was able to right herself.

Answer - Will be published in next week's column along with the name of the first person to submit the correct answer. Send your answer to cruise@travelpage.com

Last Week's Question
What was the last cruise ship completed for the Home Lines and what happened to her?

Answer - She was the Homeric. The 3rd (and last) ship built to order for Home Line. Today she is known as CostaEuorpa.
courtesy of Robert Stanley, Pelzer, SC

Cruise News - April 11, 2005

Ocean Village was launched in 2003, and since has become regarded as "Best in Class" in the fast-growing mainstream British market, attracting first-time cruisers looking for a more informal and active holiday experience. This will be the second ship for the line, which has taken over 150,000 bookings in its first two years or operation, nearly 60 percent of them from first time cruisers.

Regal Princess entered service for Princess in 1991, and was recognized for its distinctive profile designed by world-renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano, its balcony cabins, spacious accommodations and myriad of dining and entertainment venues.

"Transferring Regal Princess to our sister company Ocean Village is a natural evolution of the Princess fleet, which for the past decade has grown progressively younger as new ships have been introduced and older tonnage has been transferred to other sister companies in key growth markets," said Peter Ratcliffe, CEO of P&O Princess Cruises International, who oversees both the Princess and Ocean Village brands, along with Cunard Line, P&O Cruises U.K., Swan Hellenic and P&O Cruises in Australia.

"This modernization program gives Princess the youngest fleet in the industry with an average ship age of 5.7 years, and also gives us a competitive edge with the highest percentage (56 percent) of highly desirable balcony cabins, our flexible "Anytime Dining" program and array of entertainment venues," said Ratcliffe.

Princess currently has two new ships under construction. Crown Princess will debut in early summer 2006, while a second sister ship is scheduled to launch in spring 2007.

Ocean Village, which offers fly-cruise packages to the Mediterranean and Caribbean, is known as "the cruise for people who don't do cruises" and has been lauded for attracting families, first-time and younger cruisers, as well as for its relaxed, informal environment and great value.

"Adding another ship to Ocean Village, effectively doubling its capacity, will extend the reach of this popular holiday brand, which offers the newest, largest and best-equipped ships in its class," said Ratcliffe.

Led by the Chief Operating Officer of Star Cruises, Mr. Chong Chee-Tut, the road show will begin in Mumbai on 8 th April followed by New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Chennai. Invitees to the roadshows include officials from the Ministries of Shipping and Tourism of India, port authorities, tourism boards, the travel trade, corporate organisations, media and related agencies at each venue which will feature special product presentations and information on the ship's facilities, pricing, itineraries and destinations.

"We are indeed excited about the positioning of SuperStar Libra in Mumbai which is timely in bringing the cruise experience right to the very doorstep of India. The acceptance of our product in the Indian market has grown tremendously over the last five years and is expected to continue with the positioning of a Star Cruises ship in India. Our sales and marketing efforts will be intensified accordingly to create greater awareness in India", said Mr. Chong Chee-Tut, Chief Operating Officer of Star Cruises.

"The introduction and positioning of our ship in India stems from our confidence in the growing tourism sector in India where the appetite for domestic and outbound travel has witnessed unprecedented growth in recent years. In particular, the potential of developing cruise tourism in the country is significant given the growing awareness and demand for cruise holidays, the country's long coastline, maritime strength and the numerous culturally and historically-rich attractions . Further, the Indian Government's decision to waive the cabotage requirement for cruise ships for 5 years reflects the tremendous support for the growth of cruise tourism and has provided the impetus for Star Cruises to position a ship in India", added Mr. Chong.

Mumbai was a clear choice as a homeport given its "gateway" status into India for air, land and sea arrivals and the onward accessibility to other ports along the west coast.

SuperStar Libra will arrive in Mumbai on 25 th September from Singapore after calling at Phuket in Thailand, Chennai and Colombo en route. After a series of one-night cruises to introduce and showcase the ship in Mumbai, she will commence regular 4-night destination cruises to Kadmat (Lakshadweep) and Goa, 2-night cruises to Goa and 1-night weekend getaway cruises from 2 nd October 2005 till April 2006. Four special cruises to Kochi and Goa have also been planned for 25 th December 2005, 29 th January, 12 th February and 26 th February 2006.

The positioning of Star Cruises ship in Mumbai will provide holiday makers an attractive holiday option to discover the wonderful sights and culture of the Indian west coast while experiencing world-class service and standards of a luxury liner.

SuperStar Libra's call at Lakshadweep, has introduced for the first time a unique and comfortable means to visit one of the world's most spectacular tropical and remote island systems located 220-440 kms off the Malabar Coast. Conferred the National Eco-Tourism Award 1997, the islands offer a natural heritage of ecology with its rich maritime wealth, pristine beaches and lagoons. Given the distance from the mainland, SuperStar Libra will provide a convenient and more accessible alternative to get to the much-sought-after destination.

While the news that the cruise ship might have avoided the shipbreakers brought hope to the ship's many supporters, not everyone was convinced that the ship had been given a reprieve. Specifically, the lack of details about the "new venture" led some industry insiders to speculate that the move might be more a way to avoid having to remove asbestos from the ship rather than an genuine attempt to use her again. According to European environmental regulations, large amounts of asbestos installed during her construction must be removed from the vessel before she could be sold to scrap.

According to some, the plan to tow her to Malaysia would allow the ship to be moved from European waters without having the asbestos removed. Once she was outside of the reach of European regulators, she could be moved anywhere, including the notorious shipbreakers beach at Alang, India. We understand that the ship is being prepared for departure as early as this week. Stay tuned as we will provide updates as they become available.

"Not only does Carnival Liberty's Mediterranean program feature some of Europe's most charming and historic cities, it also provides golfers with unparalleled golfing opportunities at many of the region's most beautiful and challenging courses," said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO.

In addition to golfing opportunities at a number of memorable courses throughout Europe, Carnival Liberty's golf program includes a certified shipboard golf professional who, in addition to escorting golfers during golf excursions, conducts private and group lessons, specialty golf clinics, and complimentary putting contests aboard ship.

Carnival Liberty's golf program also includes Nike Golf products such as soft spiked golf shoes, balls, caps, gloves and apparel, all of which can be charged to guests' shipboard Sail & Sign accounts. Nike clubs are available for rent, as well.

The program also includes early debarkation from the vessel for golf outings, transfers to and from the course, and priority tee times.

Featured golf courses on Carnival Liberty's Mediterranean cruises include:

Volturno Golf Club (Naples) – Patterned after classic Scottish links-style courses, this par-70 course offers a varied landscape of large dunes and strategically placed bunkers and water hazards, all complemented by gorgeous surroundings including magnificent sea vistas.

Golf Club Villa Condulmer (Venice) – Measuring a relatively short 6,408 yards, this spectacular course plays longer than its length, with tight fairways and small greens. All this, combined with lush landscaping, including manicured hedges and native trees, and rose bushes amid 16th century statues, makes for an unforgettable round.

Il Picciolo Golf Club (Messina) – This spectacular par-70 course is built around the world famous Volcano Etna, which dominates every hole. The course is designed by legendary Italian course architect Luigi Rota Caremoli, whose dramatic touches are evident throughout this magnificent 5,675-yard track.

Masia Bach Golf Club (Barcelona) – Designed by Spanish golfer Jose Maria Olazabal, Masia Bach is a favorite for its challenging layout which certainly tests golfers' abilities. Fast, rolling greens, and tight, long fairways across nearly 7,000 well-manicured yards makes this par-72 beauty a must-play.

Royal Mougins Golf Club (Cannes) – This Robert Van Hagge-designed course is challenging to golfers of all proficiency levels, with many water hazards and bunkers. Club selection is a key to success on this par-71, 6,671-yard course, which consistently ranks as one of Europe's best.

Cosmopolitan Country Club (Livorno) – With water coming into play on 11 of 18 holes, Cosmopolitan is a seaside links-style course that combines a tactical layout with native landscaping and large mounds that make for exciting play. The course's many highlights include #16 – a 325-yard-long par 4 located on an "island in the sand."

The cast, which may vary from cruise to cruise, is comprised of some of the most celebrated singers in international opera. The following are among those scheduled to appear:

Charlotte Page has sung over thirty principal roles in opera for companies such as the Royal Opera, Covent Garden at the Savonlinna Festival, Finland, the Welsh National Opera and Opera Northern Ireland. She performed the title role in Lucia Di Lammermoor for Haddo House Opera. Internationally, she has appeared with Atelier Lyrique, Orleans and throughout France. She also starred as Christine in Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre London for eighteen months.

Anne Williams-King, a Welsh soprano, has mastered a wide variety of roles and appeared with Lyric Opera Ottawa, Holland's Nationale Reisopera, as well as companies in Austria, Germany, Belgium and Switzerland. Closer to home, she has performed with the English, Scottish and Welsh National Operas and in concerts at Royal Albert Hall, London Barbican and the Festival Hall London.

Tenor Bradley Daley is a regular soloist with the English National Opera in the London Coliseum and has toured around the United Kingdom, in Australia and in America as well as broadcasting on BBC television, radio and Channel 4.

Soprano Chloe Wright has worked with the Garden Opera, Pavillion Opera and Opera Holland Park and the Wexford Festival Opera. She spent two years singing the role of Musetta in Baz Luhrmann's production of La Boheme on Broadway, winning a Tony Honor for Excellence and a Drama League of America Outstanding Artist award.

Welsh brothers Mark and Wynne Evans both attended Guildhall School and went on to study at the National Opera Studio. Mark, a baritone, has performed with the English National Opera, Welsh National Opera, Wexford Festival Opera and the Covent Garden Festival. Tenor Wynne has sung with the English and Welsh National Operas, Opera Holland Park and has worked as a soloist with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra and the London Symphony Orchestra. He has sung at the Royal Albert Hall and as a soloist at the opening nights of the BBC Proms.

During each cruise, the company will present two full performances of arias and selections entitled "Pure Opera." One of these will be introduced and complemented by a special "Night at the Opera" formal dinner in The Restaurant.

The Reduced Opera Company will perform aboard The Yachts of Seabourn on the following cruises:

Seabourn Legend April 7 (7 days Lisbon to Monte Carlo) and April 24 (7 days Barcelona to Monte Carlo).

Seabourn Pride May 6 (16 days Istanbul to Lisbon) and May 22 (14 days Lisbon to London); August 28 (18 days London to New York).

Seabourn Spirit October 16 (7 days Athens to Alexandria).

The shows combine in a two-act "retro-spectacular" called "What the World Needs Now is Swing, Swing, Swing." Created and directed by Scot Woolley, the show features Royal Caribbean's talented singers and dancers as well as special guest star Hal Frazier, who has appeared as a headliner on Royal Caribbean ships for more than a decade.

The first act, pulled from Brilliance of the Seas, is a concert tribute to Burt Bacharach, with many of the legendary singer and songwriter's most popular hits as well as those made famous by Tom Jones, The Carpenters and Dionne Warwick. Songs include "I'll Never Fall in Love Again," "What's New, Pussycat?" and "Do You Know the Way to San Jose?"

The second act, which comes to shore from Empress of the Seas and Splendour of the Seas, is a high-energy, whirlwind tour through the snappy, sassy music of the Swing Era. Royal Caribbean's dancers keep the beat to classics including "Jump, Jive and Wail," "Beat Me Daddy, Eight to the Bar" and "In the Mood."

But the show doesn't have to stop there. One lucky audience member will be treated to an encore performance at sea. The line is giving away a complimentary seven-night Royal Caribbean cruise for two during the Parker Playhouse engagement.

Tickets to "What the World Needs Now is Swing, Swing, Swing" are available through http://www.royalcaribbeanproductions.com and Telecharge. A total of six performances are offered: three matinees (2 p.m., April 13, 16 and 17) and three evening shows (8 p.m., April 14, 15 and 16).

In a related announcement, RCI said that Royal Caribbean Productions, the cruise line's in-house production company, is now available to perform at land-based corporate events and private functions. To give event planners a preview of the entertainment options available, the company has launched a new web site -- http://www.royalcaribbeanproductions.com -- that also includes information on how aspiring dancers, singers and comedians worldwide can audition to join the company's ensemble.

While yet to be confirmed by RCI, we understand that plans for future shore-side ventures include a chain of 1,600 seat restaurants that serve marginal, but filling food at 6:00 pm and 8:15 each evening.

"I'm pleased to welcome Charlie back to Holland America Line," said Tracey Kelly, vice president, sales. "Charlie has a strong relationship with travel agents and now has the perspective of having been on both sides of the fence with his recent position at Cruise Holidays. His past experiences bring leadership, innovation and respect to this important role."

Company	Today's Closing Price	Change (since last week)
Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL)	50.50	+ 0.56%
Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE:RCL)	44.21	+ 1.66%
Star Cruises (HKSE:0678.HK)	2.18	+ 6.10%

Cruise News Trivia Question:
What was the last cruise ship completed for the Home Lines and what happened to her?

Answer - Will be published in next week's column along with the name of the first person to submit the correct answer. Send your answer to cruise@travelpage.com

Last Week's Question
Which cruise ship sported two names (her official name and her marketing name) on her hull as she sailed the Caribbean and elsewhere during the mid-1990s?

Answer - The ship was the Seawind Crown (marketing name) / Vasco da Gama (registered name).
courtesy of Armand Mantia

Cruise News - April 4, 2005

In the court documents filed last Wednesday in King County District Court in Washington state, the Oltmans claim that the overflowing toilets "created incredibly unsanitary conditions on board, separate and apart from a piercing stench." They said it took crew members more than 15 hours to clean the area.

The Oltmans claim that they became ill as a result of the toilet incident and other unsanitary conditions they encountered during the cruise including crew member eating directly from buffet platters. The lawsuit also included an odd - and apparently unrelated - claim that during a stop in Ecuador, the younger Oltman noticed "some crew members openly associating with prostitutes". From the court documents it is not clear how Mr. Oltman knew that individuals were prostitutes or why he was monitoring the crew members activities.

In the court filing, the Oltmans have asked HAL to compensate them for "pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of earnings, legal fees and medical expenses." They also want the cruise company to pick up the cost of a colonoscopy and hemorrhoid surgery.

The lawsuit was filed more than a year after the Oltmans took the cruise in March of 2004. A Holland America spokesperson declined to comment on the lawsuit.

Blue World Travel Corp. said that its clients were so dissatisfied with the trip that they filed a class-action lawsuit in the San Francisco County Superior County against the travel agency. Blue World responded to that action by filing the counterclaim against NCL saying that its reputation had been damaged by NCL's actions.

While NCL acknowledges that there were start-up problems when the Pride of Aloha began service last year, they say that most of them have been resolved. In the lawsuit however, passengers describe a more severe set of problems that go far beyond those typically found in a new venture.

In court documents Blue World claims that passengers were exposed to "Poor service, understaffing, filthy living conditions, inedible and/or insufficient food." It also said that NCL staff suggested that passengers cut bath towels to make hand towels and pour water down stopped toilets so they would flush. Passengers also claimed that they had to use paper plates at buffets and in some cases they were not given life jackets.

"Blue World Travel Corp. bargained for a luxury cruise to the Hawaiian Islands to sell to its clients," the complaint said. "Instead, what it received was a week of hell, crippling the fine reputation it took years to build within its primary special interest client base, the African American community."

NCL has not yet publicly responded to the lawsuit.

A cruise scheduled to depart last Thursday was cancelled after technicians flown in from the U.S. discovered that the problems with the ship's gearbox were more severe than initially thought. According to a P&O spokesman, "Two pinions have failed and will have to be replaced by new ones built in the United States." The ship will need to be moved into dry-dock in order to complete the repairs, and Carnival said that it will be out of service for two months. The Pacific Sky is expected to re-enter service on June 4, 2005.

"With this transfer, we have an opportunity to provide an excellent and larger ship to our sister company, meet the growing demand, and keep her in the family," says Gregg Michel, Crystal's president. "At the same time, this paves the way for new tonnage for Crystal. We will return to a three-ship operation."

Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK), Crystal Cruises' parent company, will replace its cruise ship, Asuka, with Crystal Harmony, in April 2006. The luxury vessel will be renamed Asuka II, operated by its Japanese cruise division, NYK Cruises. The 940-guest, 50,000-ton Crystal Harmony is the award-winning line's first ship and has been in service since 1990.

"By contemporary standards, Crystal Harmony is better suited for the Japanese market and Crystal Cruises' product will be more consistent," adds Michel. "Crystal Harmony represents a significant asset for NYK Cruises and, at the same time, Crystal can move forward with a new generation of luxury ships."

Since Crystal Harmony's launch, the ship has garnered Six-Star ratings, awards for "World's Best Mid-Sized Cruise Ship" and numerous accolades from industry critics. As recently as fall 2002, Crystal Cruises spent millions on major design upgrades including a lavish spa and fitness facilities, to maintain the highest luxury standards. The ship's hardware has been supported by exquisite service and impeccable attention to detail, which include its rich appointments and soft goods of superior quality. Nevertheless, the line's newer ships, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity boast, among other features, larger bathrooms and more penthouse accommodations.

Arcadia will be officially named by Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes at an evening ceremony in Southampton on 12 April, and leaves for her maiden voyage to the Mediterranean two days later. The 926 foot Arcadia is a child-free ship and will be able to accommodate a maximum of 3,400 people – passengers (2,556, of whom 1,996 in lower berths) and crew (890) in 1,478 cabins (of which 998 for passengers, 86% of which with a sea view and 69% with a balcony). Her maximum speed is 22 knots

She features a spa with thermal suite and hydrotherapy pool, three-tier theatre, a 3,000 piece multi-million dollar modern British art collection, 14 bars and six restaurants. One of the latter is called Arcadian Rhodes, developed especially for P&O by celebrity chef Gary Rhodes.

Arcadia is the second P&O liner with that name and will be sailing on itineraries to the Mediterranean, Atlantic islands, Baltic, Norwegian fjords, USA, Caribbean and Central America.

The three Vegas-style shows are among the wide variety of entertainment options that guests will enjoy during Carnival Liberty's 12-day Mediterranean cruises which are scheduled to kick off July 20, 2005.

The three revues include "Rock Down Broadway," "Wonderful World" and "Singin' With the Big Band."

Like the name implies, "Rock Down Broadway" features songs from popular rock-oriented Broadway productions. The show kicks off with title songs from two of the earliest rock musicals, Hair and Jesus Christ Superstar, followed by hits from Saturday Night Fever, Footloose, Rent and other Broadway favorites, all enhanced by spectacular laser and pyrotechnic effects. There's also a performance of "Pinball Wizard" from The Who's rock opera Tommy, complete with a flying pinball machine.

"Wonderful World," takes guests on a magical journey to a variety of international venues. The show begins with a replica of the signature oversized globe of the 1964 New York World's Fair, which opens to reveal dancers in stylish costumes. From there, it's a fun-filled balloon ride over France, followed by a visit to Paris' fabled Moulin Rouge, and a trip to Asia complete with kimono-clad dancers, dragons and shogun warriors.

Also featured are traditional Irish folk dancing, African-style rhythms, and colorful Latin- and Caribbean-inspired numbers. The show closes with a tribute to the American classic, West Side Story, that includes a glittering pyrotechnics display.

The third show, "Singin' with the Band," is Christopher Alan Graves' salute to two of the world's most beloved entertainers, Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. Accompanied by a cast of talented backup singers, dancers and musicians, with a set reminiscent of the legendary Cotton Club, Graves performs tunes from the singers' vast library of classics, including "Fly Me to the Moon," "My Way" and "The Candyman."

At one point during "Mr. Bojangles," Graves even appears to dance with Shirley Temple and Mr. Bill "Bojangles" Robinson himself with the help of state-of-the-art video projection technology.

The three shows will be staged in the multi-level Venetian Palace, whose elegant design captures the artistic variety and quality for which the fabled Italian city of canals is renowned. Its striking Venetian-inspired décor includes walls composed of Murano glass tiles in a red-and-gold pattern, and a ceiling adorned with carnival masks in a dozen different motifs.

At either side of the proscenium is a giant harlequin figure that appears to be holding back the curtain as if presenting the show. Flanking the stage are large red-and-white candy-striped Venetian mooring posts — the kind gondolas are tied to in the "Floating City's" many canals.

The shows make maximum use of the Venetian Palace's technological advances, which include a revolving stage, rising orchestra pit, "fly-in" scenery capabilities and a multimillion-dollar sound and lighting system.

"Our guests can take full advantage of thrilling, memorable excursions from flightseeing and river rafting to horseback riding and hiking — thanks to the extra day of unscheduled time built into our CruiseTour itineraries" stated Richard D. Meadows, CTC, senior vice president, marketing and sales. "And now both our Cruise and CruiseTour excursions can be pre-reserved online. It's easy — just follow the online prompts!"

Booked guests who already have a seven-digit booking number may go online to www.hollandamerica.com to view excursions specific to their cruise or CruiseTour itinerary. By following easy step-by-step instructions they can confirm their excursion requests prior to leaving home.

Something for everyone is a hallmark of Holland America Line's award-winning Medallion and Signature Collection Excursions Program — and land tours and activities sold in conjunction with Alaska Cruises and CruiseTours are no exception. An extra day in Denali National Park on most CruiseTours allows guests to explore the park's wonders via helicopter, river raft, horseback, covered wagon, jet boat, jeep and hiking trails.

Guests have the unique opportunity to travel the famous Dempster Highway through the 200-million-year-old Tintina Trench to the sub-arctic tundra valleys of Tombstone Territorial Park on Great Land Klondike CruiseTours 1 – 6 and Glacier Discovery CruiseTours 27 and 28. Options for further exploration include a Grizzly Lake Hike, Angelcomb Peak Hike, and North Klondike River Hike.

Visitors to remote Kluane National Park on Great Land Klondike CruiseTours 5 and 6, Great Land Wilderness CruiseTours 9 and 10 can experience rugged mountain scenery, raging rivers, pristine lakes and abundant wildlife with optional hikes led by Parks Canada Interpreters. Numerous optional excursions are also available in Coldfoot, Dawson, Fairbanks, Whitehorse and many other historic and scenic places throughout Alaska and Yukon Territory.

The Great Land Golf Classic excursion is offered for purchase in conjunction with 23 departures of CruiseTour 5 from June 4, 2005 to August 20, 2005. Awards include a complimentary Caribbean cruise for two to the overall low gross scorer (without handicap) and the low net scorer (with handicap).

Additionally, all Holland America Line cruise guests embarking or disembarking in Seward, May through September, 2005, have the option of joining a prize-winning Resurrection Bay Fishing Contest. Grand Prizes will be awarded to two lucky anglers. The guest with the heaviest salmon caught during the 2005 season and the guest with the heaviest bottom fish will win a 7-day Caribbean Cruise for two in 2006.

Company	Today's Closing Price	Change (since last week)
Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL)	50.22	- 2.56%
Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE:RCL)	43.49	+ 0.25%
Star Cruises (HKSE:0678.HK)	2.05	- 0.00%

Cruise News Trivia Question:
Which cruise ship sported two names (her official name and her marketing name) on her hull as she sailed the Caribbean and elsewhere during the mid-1990s?

Answer - Will be published in next week's column along with the name of the first person to submit the correct answer. Send your answer to cruise@travelpage.com

Last Week's Question
Cunard's Queen Mary 2 carries a distictive item that was originally installed on board the original Queen Mary which is now serving as a hotel in Long Beach, California. What is this distinctive item?

Answer -The QM2 carries the horn from the second funnel of the original Queen Mary, now in Long Beach, CA.
courtesy of Bill Cwiklo

Cruise News - March 28, 2005

According to Celebrity, the ship must enter drydock to replace the bearing, which forced the cancellation of yesterday's sailing. This week's announcement comes almost exactly one year after Celebrity was forced to cancel two Infinity sailings for the same reason. Last year the line cancelled Infinity's March 28 and April 11 Panama Canal sailings due to problems with a thrust bearing. Celebrity said that Infinity is expected to return to its scheduled sailings on April 6.

The cancelled sailing was a 10-night cruise from Ensenada to Honolulu. Guests booked on the cancelled sailing will receive a full refund and free Celebrity cruise of 10 nights or less, departing on or before March 27, 2006, excluding holiday and Celebrity Xpedition sailings. Travel agents will receive full commissions for the cancelled sailing, plus a $50 rebooking fee per stateroom when their clients reschedule their cruise.

"I apologize to our guests who are affected by this cancellation," said Dan Hanrahan, president of Celebrity Cruises. "Although the ship continues to operate safely, this is a matter that must be addressed now. An unscheduled drydock can never happen at a good time and I am sorry about the disruption to our guests' vacations. We will do everything we can to assist them."

Celebrity has established a special Help Desk to assist guests and travel agents with rebooking, air transportation and other issues. That toll-free number is 1-888-837-5676. The cancelled cruise is expected to have a negative impact on the earnings of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. of $.03 to $.04 per share.

"Our new Pacific and Asia cruises arc the Pacific Rim from Peru to Russia featuring extended sailing on a series of Australia/New Zealand and China/Japan cruises," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, senior vice president, marketing and sales. "At Holland America Line, we are experts at exploring the world's most exotic destinations in the timeless style afforded by the luxurious life aboard ship."

35-day South America/South Pacific Repositioning Cruise. An extraordinary 35-day itinerary from San Diego combines ports in Mexico and South America with dreamy South Sea isles. Port visits to Manta (Quito), Ecuador and an overnight in Callao (Lima), Peru offer colonial history, while mystery pervades a stop at Easter Island off Chile. Statendam then sails past Pitcairn Island of Mutiny fame calling on Tahiti, Bora Bora and Tonga followed by Bay of Islands in New Zealand. Guests set sail from San Diego on November 17, 2005 and arrive in Auckland, New Zealand on December 22, 2005.

Ten Cruises Explore Australia and New Zealand. Ten cruises in 2005-06 feature the lands of kiwis and kangaroos. Guests will enjoy New Zealand on eight ports of call featuring Auckland, Tauranga, Napier, Wellington, Captain Cook's Ship Cove, Picton, Christchurch (Tranz Alpine Express tour option), Dunedin (Queenstown tour option), and Milford Sound as well as scenic cruising of Mercury, Aldermen, and White Islands and a full day in Fjordland National Park sailing Dusky, Doubtful and Milford sounds. In Australia three ports of call are featured including Burnie in Tasmania, Melbourne and Sydney.

Kicking off in 2005, a 16-day holiday celebration cruise departs Auckland, New Zealand on December 22, after ringing in the New Year; guests have an overnight in cosmopolitan Sydney. Four 14-day options are then available on Jan 7 and 21; Feb 4 and 18, 2006. The ship repeats the itinerary in the fall of 2006 on five departure dates: Oct 27, Nov 10 and 24, and Dec 8 and 22, 2006.

16-day Australia, Orient & China Cruise. A myriad of sights and sounds await in Brisbane, Australia; unique cultures in Papua New Guinea and Indonesia; and lush palm-fringed Philippine lush palm-fringed shores create an exotic tapestry. Guests embark in legendary Sydney on March 4 and sail for 16 days to the skyscrapers, sampans and duty-free shopping of Hong Kong arriving March 20, 2006.

Three Cruises and Three Overnight Stays on 14-day China/Japan Voyages. Three adventurous cruises through the meditative Orient sail between the bustling world ports of Hong Kong and Osaka on March 20, April 3 and 17, 2006. In depth exploration invites with overnight stays in both Shanghai and Xingang (Beijing), People's Republic of China and in Osaka, Japan. Cruisers will also visit Dalian, China; Pusan, South Korea; Nagasaki, Japan and enjoy scenic cruising on the Inland Sea of Japan.

North Pacific 18-day Sailing Visits Russia. On May 1, 2006, the Statendam makes a one-of-a kind 18-day voyage from Japan to Russia, crossing the International Date Line en route to the Aleutian Islands and Alaska. Highlights include an overnight in Tokyo, scenic cruising of the Kuril Islands, a visit to Petropavlovsk, Kamchatha, Russia, and unusual calls at Alaska's Dutch Harbor and Kodiak Island.

Customized South Pacific Crossing from 18- to 28-days. After summering in Alaska the Statendam returns to Australia/New Zealand with a Pacific crossing. Embarkation options include Vancouver, San Francisco, Los Angeles, or Honolulu. The voyage visits Christmas Island, crosses the Equator and the International Date Line, and calls at Samoa, Tonga, and Fiji. Departures are on Sept 29, Oct 2, 3 and 9.

Representing the burgeoning Pacific Northwest food scene is Rob Feenie, whose Relais Gourmands flagship Lumiere in Vancouver is unanimously cited on both sides of the border as one of Canada's finest restaurants. Chef Feenie will join Seabourn Spirit on a seven-day cruise departing Rome on August 28, visiting Capri and Taormina, Italy; Katakolon (Olympia), Itea (Delphi), Corinth Canal and Navplion (Mycenae), Greece.

One of the paragons of South Florida's red-hot culinary revolution, Robbin Haas has had a talented hand in many of the area's hottest properties including Baleen and Raku. His latest Latin-inspired eatery is Chispa, Spanish for "spark." Chef Haas sails on Seabourn Legend on August 28, from Rome to Monte Carlo via Porto Cervo, Sardinia; La Goulette, Tunisia; Palermo, Sorrento, Giannutri Island, Italy; and Nice, France.

Mary Sue Milliken, with her partner Susan Feniger, has provided great food and good fun at their Border Grills in Santa Monica and Las Vegas and the Pan- Latin Ciudad, in Los Angeles. They are also the Food Network's popular "Too Hot Tamales." Chef Milliken will join Seabourn Legend on October 2, from Monte Carlo to Barcelona with visits to Le Lavandou and Cannes, France; Menorca, Mallorca and Valencia, Spain.

Anne Desjardins created a charming small hotel and restaurant called L'Eau a la Bouche in the Laurentian village of Ste-Adele, Quebec. Her talent has earned it a coveted membership in Relais Gourmands. Chef Desjardins will join Seabourn Spirit on a November 25 cruise round trip from Singapore to Bangkok and Ko Kood, Thailand; Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Kuantan and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Each of these guest chefs will give cooking demonstrations and tastings on board, and signature dishes from their repertoires will be served on a special dinner one night in the ship's open-seating Restaurant. With Early Booking Savings of up to 30 percent, fares for these Chefs' Circle cruises start from $4,287 per person, based on double occupancy of a 277-square foot ocean-view suite.

"Westmark Hotels is committed to Alaska and the Yukon," said Steve Leonard, Vice President, Westmark Hotels. "Five properties -- Anchorage, Juneau, Fairbanks, Whitehorse and Sitka -- are open year round. We cater to business and tourist travelers who want the best of the Great Land."

Westmark Inn at Beaver Creek -- Traditionally the roadhouse, this property was an integral part of the social fabric of the Northwest providing lodging, meals and news of the era. This tradition is kept alive at the Westmark Inn Beaver Creek where travelers also enjoy comfortable lodgings and the popular Rendezvous Dinner Show May 19 to September 12, 2005.

Westmark Inn Dawson City -- The newly renovated Westmark Inn in Dawson City provides visitors with spacious and comfortable accommodations just blocks from legendary Diamond Tooth Gertie's gambling hall in the heart of this lively gold rush community. The hotel is open for summer travelers from May 19 through September 13, 2005.

Westmark Klondike Inn -- This Whitehorse landmark, located in the historic capital of the Yukon Territory, is the ideal base for excursions to the many tourist attractions nearby - the Yukon Gardens, the McBride Museum, the SS Klondike National Historic Site and more. The Inn is open to summer travelers from May 20 to September 7, 2005.

Westmark Inn Skagway -- The mere mention of Skagway brings to mind those rough and ready days of Jack London and miners scrambling over the Chilkoot Trail in search of golden dreams and elusive riches. The Westmark Inn, open May 21 to September 10, 2005, reflects the charm and personality of those days with Victorian decor, rustic setting and warm Alaskan hospitality.

Westmark Tok -- The town of Tok is the first community inside the U.S. border along the famous Alaska Highway. The hotel, open from May 19 to September 14, 2005, offers an inviting retreat for travelers heading north to Fairbanks or southwest to Anchorage.

"It is a great compliment to have a clothing company of Lilly Pulitzer's caliber theme an entire line around Queen Mary 2," says David Gevanthor, vice president of marketing for Cunard Line. "We were delighted to have inspired the Lilly Pulitzer design team to create a collection that exudes a timeless sensibility. Queen Mary 2 appeals to a more genteel style of travel and leisure."

"I was enchanted by Queen Mary 2 during a recent Transatlantic crossing," says Sandi Davidson, Vice President and Creative Director for Lilly Pulitzer. "It was on this memorable voyage that Hail to the Queen, Lilly Pulitzer's Summer 2005 collection, was first conceived."

A tribute to the timeless elegance of ocean travel, Hail to the Queen was inspired by Queen Mary 2's glamorous restaurants, lavish stateroom accommodations, spectacular entertainment and the elegance of a more genteel era. Cunard's Queen Mary 2 has re-defined the luxury ocean liner for the 21st century, combining more than 160 years of tradition with modern innovations hardly dreamed of only a few years ago.

The Summer 2005 Lilly Pulitzer signature print, Junk on the Trunk, is a tribute to vintage travel trunks, featuring nautical details, images from exotic ports of call and tropical flowers in traditional Lilly Pulitzer bright colors. The Hail to the Queen collection features flowing skirts, wide leg pants and novelty dresses in airy summer fabrics like cotton eyelet, linen, and silk charmeuse – all perfect for vacation and travel. Selected items in the collection pay homage to Queen Mary 2's many dining and entertainment venues: Golden Lion, inspired by the ship's traditional English pub; Winter Garden, elicited by the elegant room serving the British ritual of afternoon tea; Illuminations, a glow-in-the dark print inspired by Queen Mary 2's dreamy planetarium, the only one afloat, and the beautiful white-on-white Queen's Floral print – there is a unique pattern to suit any taste. All prints are offered in a number of fun and feminine styles, perfect for summer barbecues, graduations or weddings.

Company	Today's Closing Price	Change (since last week)
Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL)	51.54	- 0.10%
Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE:RCL)	43.38	- 5.22%
Star Cruises (HKSE:0678.HK)	2.05	- 2.38%

Cruise News Trivia Question:
Cunard's Queen Mary 2 carries a distictive item that was originally installed on board the original Queen Mary which is now serving as a hotel in Long Beach, California. What is this distinctive item?

Answer - Will be published in next week's column along with the name of the first person to submit the correct answer. Send your answer to cruise@travelpage.com

Last Week's Question
This week we have another visual Cruise Trivia Question. The picture below was featured in a cruise brochure from the 1960's. Name the ship.

Answer - It's the first class sports deck on Rotterdam V.
courtesy of heiningn@sunlink.net

Cruise News - March 28, 2005

According to Celebrity, the ship must enter drydock to replace the bearing, which forced the cancellation of yesterday's sailing. This week's announcement comes almost exactly one year after Celebrity was forced to cancel two Infinity sailings for the same reason. Last year the line cancelled Infinity's March 28 and April 11 Panama Canal sailings due to problems with a thrust bearing. Celebrity said that Infinity is expected to return to its scheduled sailings on April 6.

The cancelled sailing was a 10-night cruise from Ensenada to Honolulu. Guests booked on the cancelled sailing will receive a full refund and free Celebrity cruise of 10 nights or less, departing on or before March 27, 2006, excluding holiday and Celebrity Xpedition sailings. Travel agents will receive full commissions for the cancelled sailing, plus a $50 rebooking fee per stateroom when their clients reschedule their cruise.

"I apologize to our guests who are affected by this cancellation," said Dan Hanrahan, president of Celebrity Cruises. "Although the ship continues to operate safely, this is a matter that must be addressed now. An unscheduled drydock can never happen at a good time and I am sorry about the disruption to our guests' vacations. We will do everything we can to assist them."

Celebrity has established a special Help Desk to assist guests and travel agents with rebooking, air transportation and other issues. That toll-free number is 1-888-837-5676. The cancelled cruise is expected to have a negative impact on the earnings of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. of $.03 to $.04 per share.

"Our new Pacific and Asia cruises arc the Pacific Rim from Peru to Russia featuring extended sailing on a series of Australia/New Zealand and China/Japan cruises," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, senior vice president, marketing and sales. "At Holland America Line, we are experts at exploring the world's most exotic destinations in the timeless style afforded by the luxurious life aboard ship."

35-day South America/South Pacific Repositioning Cruise. An extraordinary 35-day itinerary from San Diego combines ports in Mexico and South America with dreamy South Sea isles. Port visits to Manta (Quito), Ecuador and an overnight in Callao (Lima), Peru offer colonial history, while mystery pervades a stop at Easter Island off Chile. Statendam then sails past Pitcairn Island of Mutiny fame calling on Tahiti, Bora Bora and Tonga followed by Bay of Islands in New Zealand. Guests set sail from San Diego on November 17, 2005 and arrive in Auckland, New Zealand on December 22, 2005.

Ten Cruises Explore Australia and New Zealand. Ten cruises in 2005-06 feature the lands of kiwis and kangaroos. Guests will enjoy New Zealand on eight ports of call featuring Auckland, Tauranga, Napier, Wellington, Captain Cook's Ship Cove, Picton, Christchurch (Tranz Alpine Express tour option), Dunedin (Queenstown tour option), and Milford Sound as well as scenic cruising of Mercury, Aldermen, and White Islands and a full day in Fjordland National Park sailing Dusky, Doubtful and Milford sounds. In Australia three ports of call are featured including Burnie in Tasmania, Melbourne and Sydney.

Kicking off in 2005, a 16-day holiday celebration cruise departs Auckland, New Zealand on December 22, after ringing in the New Year; guests have an overnight in cosmopolitan Sydney. Four 14-day options are then available on Jan 7 and 21; Feb 4 and 18, 2006. The ship repeats the itinerary in the fall of 2006 on five departure dates: Oct 27, Nov 10 and 24, and Dec 8 and 22, 2006.

16-day Australia, Orient & China Cruise. A myriad of sights and sounds await in Brisbane, Australia; unique cultures in Papua New Guinea and Indonesia; and lush palm-fringed Philippine lush palm-fringed shores create an exotic tapestry. Guests embark in legendary Sydney on March 4 and sail for 16 days to the skyscrapers, sampans and duty-free shopping of Hong Kong arriving March 20, 2006.

Three Cruises and Three Overnight Stays on 14-day China/Japan Voyages. Three adventurous cruises through the meditative Orient sail between the bustling world ports of Hong Kong and Osaka on March 20, April 3 and 17, 2006. In depth exploration invites with overnight stays in both Shanghai and Xingang (Beijing), People's Republic of China and in Osaka, Japan. Cruisers will also visit Dalian, China; Pusan, South Korea; Nagasaki, Japan and enjoy scenic cruising on the Inland Sea of Japan.

North Pacific 18-day Sailing Visits Russia. On May 1, 2006, the Statendam makes a one-of-a kind 18-day voyage from Japan to Russia, crossing the International Date Line en route to the Aleutian Islands and Alaska. Highlights include an overnight in Tokyo, scenic cruising of the Kuril Islands, a visit to Petropavlovsk, Kamchatha, Russia, and unusual calls at Alaska's Dutch Harbor and Kodiak Island.

Customized South Pacific Crossing from 18- to 28-days. After summering in Alaska the Statendam returns to Australia/New Zealand with a Pacific crossing. Embarkation options include Vancouver, San Francisco, Los Angeles, or Honolulu. The voyage visits Christmas Island, crosses the Equator and the International Date Line, and calls at Samoa, Tonga, and Fiji. Departures are on Sept 29, Oct 2, 3 and 9.

Representing the burgeoning Pacific Northwest food scene is Rob Feenie, whose Relais Gourmands flagship Lumiere in Vancouver is unanimously cited on both sides of the border as one of Canada's finest restaurants. Chef Feenie will join Seabourn Spirit on a seven-day cruise departing Rome on August 28, visiting Capri and Taormina, Italy; Katakolon (Olympia), Itea (Delphi), Corinth Canal and Navplion (Mycenae), Greece.

One of the paragons of South Florida's red-hot culinary revolution, Robbin Haas has had a talented hand in many of the area's hottest properties including Baleen and Raku. His latest Latin-inspired eatery is Chispa, Spanish for "spark." Chef Haas sails on Seabourn Legend on August 28, from Rome to Monte Carlo via Porto Cervo, Sardinia; La Goulette, Tunisia; Palermo, Sorrento, Giannutri Island, Italy; and Nice, France.

Mary Sue Milliken, with her partner Susan Feniger, has provided great food and good fun at their Border Grills in Santa Monica and Las Vegas and the Pan- Latin Ciudad, in Los Angeles. They are also the Food Network's popular "Too Hot Tamales." Chef Milliken will join Seabourn Legend on October 2, from Monte Carlo to Barcelona with visits to Le Lavandou and Cannes, France; Menorca, Mallorca and Valencia, Spain.

Anne Desjardins created a charming small hotel and restaurant called L'Eau a la Bouche in the Laurentian village of Ste-Adele, Quebec. Her talent has earned it a coveted membership in Relais Gourmands. Chef Desjardins will join Seabourn Spirit on a November 25 cruise round trip from Singapore to Bangkok and Ko Kood, Thailand; Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Kuantan and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Each of these guest chefs will give cooking demonstrations and tastings on board, and signature dishes from their repertoires will be served on a special dinner one night in the ship's open-seating Restaurant. With Early Booking Savings of up to 30 percent, fares for these Chefs' Circle cruises start from $4,287 per person, based on double occupancy of a 277-square foot ocean-view suite.

"Westmark Hotels is committed to Alaska and the Yukon," said Steve Leonard, Vice President, Westmark Hotels. "Five properties -- Anchorage, Juneau, Fairbanks, Whitehorse and Sitka -- are open year round. We cater to business and tourist travelers who want the best of the Great Land."

Westmark Inn at Beaver Creek -- Traditionally the roadhouse, this property was an integral part of the social fabric of the Northwest providing lodging, meals and news of the era. This tradition is kept alive at the Westmark Inn Beaver Creek where travelers also enjoy comfortable lodgings and the popular Rendezvous Dinner Show May 19 to September 12, 2005.

Westmark Inn Dawson City -- The newly renovated Westmark Inn in Dawson City provides visitors with spacious and comfortable accommodations just blocks from legendary Diamond Tooth Gertie's gambling hall in the heart of this lively gold rush community. The hotel is open for summer travelers from May 19 through September 13, 2005.

Westmark Klondike Inn -- This Whitehorse landmark, located in the historic capital of the Yukon Territory, is the ideal base for excursions to the many tourist attractions nearby - the Yukon Gardens, the McBride Museum, the SS Klondike National Historic Site and more. The Inn is open to summer travelers from May 20 to September 7, 2005.

Westmark Inn Skagway -- The mere mention of Skagway brings to mind those rough and ready days of Jack London and miners scrambling over the Chilkoot Trail in search of golden dreams and elusive riches. The Westmark Inn, open May 21 to September 10, 2005, reflects the charm and personality of those days with Victorian decor, rustic setting and warm Alaskan hospitality.

Westmark Tok -- The town of Tok is the first community inside the U.S. border along the famous Alaska Highway. The hotel, open from May 19 to September 14, 2005, offers an inviting retreat for travelers heading north to Fairbanks or southwest to Anchorage.

"It is a great compliment to have a clothing company of Lilly Pulitzer's caliber theme an entire line around Queen Mary 2," says David Gevanthor, vice president of marketing for Cunard Line. "We were delighted to have inspired the Lilly Pulitzer design team to create a collection that exudes a timeless sensibility. Queen Mary 2 appeals to a more genteel style of travel and leisure."

"I was enchanted by Queen Mary 2 during a recent Transatlantic crossing," says Sandi Davidson, Vice President and Creative Director for Lilly Pulitzer. "It was on this memorable voyage that Hail to the Queen, Lilly Pulitzer's Summer 2005 collection, was first conceived."

A tribute to the timeless elegance of ocean travel, Hail to the Queen was inspired by Queen Mary 2's glamorous restaurants, lavish stateroom accommodations, spectacular entertainment and the elegance of a more genteel era. Cunard's Queen Mary 2 has re-defined the luxury ocean liner for the 21st century, combining more than 160 years of tradition with modern innovations hardly dreamed of only a few years ago.

The Summer 2005 Lilly Pulitzer signature print, Junk on the Trunk, is a tribute to vintage travel trunks, featuring nautical details, images from exotic ports of call and tropical flowers in traditional Lilly Pulitzer bright colors. The Hail to the Queen collection features flowing skirts, wide leg pants and novelty dresses in airy summer fabrics like cotton eyelet, linen, and silk charmeuse – all perfect for vacation and travel. Selected items in the collection pay homage to Queen Mary 2's many dining and entertainment venues: Golden Lion, inspired by the ship's traditional English pub; Winter Garden, elicited by the elegant room serving the British ritual of afternoon tea; Illuminations, a glow-in-the dark print inspired by Queen Mary 2's dreamy planetarium, the only one afloat, and the beautiful white-on-white Queen's Floral print – there is a unique pattern to suit any taste. All prints are offered in a number of fun and feminine styles, perfect for summer barbecues, graduations or weddings.

Company	Today's Closing Price	Change (since last week)
Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL)	51.54	- 0.10%
Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE:RCL)	43.38	- 5.22%
Star Cruises (HKSE:0678.HK)	2.05	- 2.38%

Cruise News Trivia Question:
Cunard's Queen Mary 2 carries a distictive item that was originally installed on board the original Queen Mary which is now serving as a hotel in Long Beach, California. What is this distinctive item?

Answer - Will be published in next week's column along with the name of the first person to submit the correct answer. Send your answer to cruise@travelpage.com

Last Week's Question
This week we have another visual Cruise Trivia Question. The picture below was featured in a cruise brochure from the 1960's. Name the ship.

Answer - It's the first class sports deck on Rotterdam V.
courtesy of heiningn@sunlink.net