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Cruise News - August 22, 2005

The line chose this celebrated occasion to announce that Freedom of the Seas will enter service under the command of Captain William S. Wright, a 13-year veteran of Royal Caribbean and one of the few American captains in international cruising. Having spent most of his adult life at sea, Capt. Wright currently serves as the senior vice president of Marine Operations for the company.

In bringing out the 3,634-guest Freedom of the Seas, Capt. Wright will earn the distinction of being the first at the helm of both the largest and the smallest ships in the Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. family. Capt. Wright served as the first master for Celebrity Cruises' 100-guest, luxury Xpedition ship in the Galapagos Islands when she debuted in June 2004.

"Bill Wright is not only an accomplished seaman and an outstanding captain, he is a true reflection of the Royal Caribbean spirit, with the desire to get out there and explore new places, try new things and make memorable experiences," said Royal Caribbean President Adam Goldstein.

"I am honored to be the first captain of the most innovative ship at sea," Wright said. "I am excited about taking guests out to fully experience the freedom of choice this ship has to offer."

At 158,000 gross registered tons, Freedom of the Seas is the world's largest cruise ship. Her size allows the line to build upon its history of offering innovative, exciting and unexpected activities and amenities by introducing a multitude of new features, including an unparalleled top-deck aqua environment featuring three massive pool areas: an interactive water park called the H2O Zone, the most dramatic whirlpools at sea and a dedicated sports pool.

Freedom of the Seas also will feature the largest shipboard rock-climbing wall and the line's longest Royal Promenade to date. At 427 feet long, Freedom of the Seas' Royal Promenade will include expanded shopping, dining and entertainment options such as a book store and pizzeria.

For accommodations, Freedom's 1,817 staterooms will include six different family-focused stateroom categories specially designed for larger families and groups of friends. The largest will be the 1,215-square-foot Presidential Suite, which will sleep 14 and will feature four bedrooms, four baths and a 810-square-foot outdoor living area with whirlpool, wet bar and al fresco dining table.

At 158,000 GRT and holding 3,634 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.

"Being part of the community means giving back to the community," said Robert Kritzman, NCL's executive vice president and managing director of Hawaii operations. "This is part of our continuing effort to partner with statewide charitable organizations and participate in civic and political affairs."

The Pearl Harbor Memorial Fund is a campaign undertaken by the Arizona Memorial Museum Association (AMMA), the National Park Service (NPS) and Pearl Harbor survivors to raise funds to construct a new Pearl Harbor Memorial Museum and Visitor Center shore side of the USS Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

"We are delighted by NCL's contribution," said Mathew R. Sgan, senior vice president of the Pearl Harbor Memorial Fund and the Arizona Memorial Museum Association. "We've received tremendous support all across the nation and we look forward to our partnership with NCL."

After a series of coastal sailings, she arrived in Hilo, Hawaii, on July 18, 2005. Pride of America began her inaugural seven-day interisland Hawaii cruise on July 23, 2005, with scheduled calls in Maui, Kauai and the Big Island offering passengers 100 hours in port. She is the second U.S.-flagged passenger ship in NCL America's Hawaii fleet and joins Pride of Aloha, which began sailing seven-day interisland Hawai`i cruises last July.

Two distinct seven-day Southeast Asia itineraries will sail roundtrip from Singapore, and the alternating itineraries can be combined for a full 14-day exploration of the Malay Peninsula that calls at nine ports in Malaysia and Thailand -- the most comprehensive cruise experience in the region.

During Pacific Sky's February to November Southeast Asia cruise season passengers can choose from 38 seven-day departures or 37 sailings on the 14-day itinerary, with airfare included in the cruise pricing.

"We know there is growing interest in North America to visit Asia and we think the Pacific Sky itineraries will offer passengers a great way to explore some of the best of Southeast Asia's resort areas, in a relaxed and fun-filled cruising environment with Australian flair," said Jan Swartz, Princess' senior vice president of customer service and sales.

The ship's two alternating seven-day itineraries both depart from Singapore. The Eastern Sunsets route visits the tropical island of Ko Samui (Thailand), tranquil Kuantan (Malaysia) with its picturesque fishing villages, and includes an exciting overnight stay in Bangkok. The Western Tropics itinerary features historic Melaka (Malaysia), Malaysia's bustling capital of Kuala Lumpur, the stunning island of Langkawi (Malaysia) with its hidden coves and deserted beaches, Asia's most popular holiday resort Phuket (Thailand), and the colonial outpost of Penang (Malaysia). Both itineraries can be combined for a complete 14-day adventure.

The 1,200-passenger Pacific Sky offers a fun-filled Australian-style vacation. The ship features a variety of dining and entertainment features including two main dining rooms, a 600-seat Broadway-style show lounge, nine bars, and a deckside nightclub for dancing under the stars. Additional dining options include a 24-hour pizzeria and ice cream parlor, lunchtime hamburger, hotdog and pasta bar on deck, plus steaks and snacks at the outdoor grill. The ship's children's activity center offers a fun-filled youth program, and other features include a cinema screening recent release movies, two large outdoor swimming pools plus a special pool for children, a health center and spa, fitness center and outdoor jogging track, Internet facilities and a library. Currency onboard will be in Australian dollars.

Activities will include a Friday evening welcome reception sponsored by the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles and featuring "Jim Ziegler and "The Swingsations;" an Art Deco Ball, preceded by a Silent Auction, featuring "Mora's Modern Rhythmists" thirteen-piece orchestra and Sunday Brunch and Tea Dancing with "Ian Whitcomb and the Bungalow Boys." An Art Deco Bazaar in the Exhibit Hall will feature dancing to recorded Art Deco classics all day Saturday and Sunday, as well as Art Deco vendors buying and selling vintage merchandise. Six lectures, with speakers from as far away as New South Wales, will share information about everything from ship interiors to textiles to design, architecture and "How to Dress Deco." The Art Deco Film Festival will present "Dinner at 8," "Top Hat," The Big Broadcast of 1938" and "Metropolis," and Art Deco walking tours will explore the Queen Mary, historic downtown Long Beach, and the Wilshire District and Union Station in Los Angeles. There will be a vintage car show, dance lessons and book signings, as well as the Queen Mary's many ongoing tours, attractions, cabaret and comedy shows and fine restaurants.

The Festival will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the 1925 Paris Exposition, birthplace of the Art Deco movement, and celebrate the Queen Mary's 70th Anniversary Season that began last year with the anniversary of her launch and naming (September 26, 1934) at Clydebank, Scotland, and continues through 2006 with the 70th anniversary of her maiden voyage from Southampton, England, to New York City (May 27-June 1, 1936).

The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is comprised of the 19 leading cruise lines serving North America, with more than 150 ships. Each autumn, CLIA member-line ships move from Europe's cruising waters to the warmer climes of the Caribbean. Other fall repositioning cruises move ships from Alaska to Hawaii, the West Coast or Caribbean; and from the Canada/New England region to the Caribbean.

"The majority of vacationers know very little about repositioning cruises – or for that matter, what they really are," said Terry L. Dale, CLIA's president and CEO. "These repositioning itineraries offer guests a tremendous opportunity to experience unusual journeys that normally feature more leisurely days at sea and out-of-the way ports of call. Even better, in most cases, repositioning voyages offer travelers significant value compared with 'standard' itineraries."

Repositioning cruises can feature as many as nine leisurely days at sea in addition to eclectic ports on each side of the Atlantic. As a highlight, travelers typically can enjoy enhanced onboard activities, including distinguished guest lecturers from the arts, sciences, politics and journalism. Itineraries may also feature culinary and wine appreciation seminars, computer classes or other enrichment programming. In some cases, brand-new vessels built in Europe sell out on repositioning cruises to North America, with ship buffs vying to ensure they're booked to sail on the latest ship to hit the high seas.

Following is a sample of some CLIA member lines' 2005–2006 repositioning cruises.

CELEBRITY CRUISES -Four Celebrity ships sail on 12- to 15-night itineraries through November on routings that include: Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale; Civitavecchia to Galveston; and Dover, England to Cape Liberty Cruise Port, N.J. Other repositionings include Summit's 14-night sailing from Vancouver to Los Angeles in September, Constellation's nine-night sailing from Cape Liberty to San Juan in November and Mercury's eight-night itinerary from Vancouver to San Diego in October.

COSTA CRUISES - Nine Costa ships will offer repositioning itineraries from late August through November. Seven of the ships reposition within Europe while two others sail from Europe to North America. Costa Mediterranea and Costa Magica will sail on 16- and 17-day sailings from Genoa to Fort Lauderdale, respectively. The ships will call at Barcelona, St. Cruz de Tenerife, St. Maarten and Nassau – among other ports.

CRYSTAL CRUISES - Crystal's Crystal Serenity celebrates the centennial of the Tommy Dorsey band, led by Buddy Morrow, on a November transatlantic cruise from Lisbon to Fort Lauderdale. Crystal Symphony's September transatlantic sailing from London to New York is dubbed a Film Festival/Distinguished Speakers Series cruise while its October sailing from Montreal to Fort Lauderdale will include lecturers from the Smithsonian and U.S. News & World Report.

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE - In October, Holland America's Westerdam sails from Civitavecchia to Fort Lauderdale on a 15-day transatlantic. In November, Prinsendam sails a 15-day itinerary from Lisbon to Fort Lauderdale and Rotterdam operates a 17-day Lisbon to Rio cruise. Three fall Panama Canal sailings aboard Veendam, Volendnam and Zaandam reposition the ships from Vancouver to Caribbean waters. Three Pacific Coast itineraries operate between Vancouver and San Diego.

MSC CRUISES - MSC Cruises' MSC Lirica departs November 12 on a 17-night Genoa to Fort Lauderdale journey ale. MSC Armonia leaves November 30 on a 17-night journey from Genoa to Rio de Janeiro, while MSC Melody departs November 24 on a 16-night cruise from Genoa to Rio. MSC Rhapsody leaves September 3 on a nine-night cruise from Copenhagen to Genoa; on November 7, she heads to South Africa, on a 21-night sailing.

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE - Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Jewel, which debuted this August in Europe, repositions to the U.S. in September on a 10-day "Path of the Vikings" itinerary from London to New York. October repositionings include two 13-day "Exotic Caribbean" itineraries, one between Philadelphia and Miami and the other between Boston and Charleston. A third October cruise, a four-day Pacific Coastal voyage, sails a San Francisco-Vancouver route.

OCEANIA CRUISES - Oceania Cruises' Regatta sails on a 10-day Lisbon to Miami sailing November 17 and Insignia on a 12-day Barcelona to Rio de Janeiro voyage November 27. A highlight of the Regatta's repositioning cruise is a visit to Ponta Delgada in the Azores. Sister ship Insignia will make a call at Las Palmas, Canary Islands. During the voyages there will be a special emphasis on wine, with tastings and wine appreciation classes offered.

PRINCESS CRUISES - In late August, September and November, Princess features four transatlantic itineraries: London-New York; Civitavecchia-Galveston or Fort Lauderdale; and Copenhagen-Fort Lauderdale or New York. Coral Princess and Sun Princess reposition from the West Coast to Fort Lauderdale in September via the Panama Canal. Diamond Princess sails on an exotic 17-day transpacific voyage in late September that repositions it from Seattle to Osaka, Japan.

RADISSON SEVEN SEAS CRUISES - Radisson's Seven Seas Voyager sails on an eight-night crossing November 13 from Madeira to Fort Lauderdale. En route to Fort Lauderdale, guests will be able to dance to the music of the Nelson Riddle Orchestra with Christopher Riddle conducting from the bandstand. A series of cooking classes, operated by famed Le Cordon Blue chefs, is available at an additional charge of $395 per person.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL - Royal Caribbean offers four cruises from Europe to North America in late August, October and November: Itineraries include Barcelona-Miami, Harwich-Boston, Barcelona-Galveston and Southampton-Tampa. The line has a range of other repositioning voyages, including sailings from the East Coast to the Caribbean and cruises from Vancouver to Honolulu and Los Angeles. Two itineraries – San Diego-San Juan and San Juan-Miami – reposition via the Panama Canal.

SEABOURN CRUISE LINE - Guests on Seabourn's Seabourn Pride sail with the acclaimed British repertory troupe, The Reduced Opera Company, from London to New York in late August. The ship also sails from New York to Nassau October 16, hosting the annual Great American Food & Wine Festival. Seabourn Legend sails from Tenerife to Fort Lauderdale November 9. Seabourn Spirit positions from Egypt to Asia on October 23.

SILVERSEA CRUISES - Silversea's Silver Whisper departs in late August on a 12-day voyage from London to Boston. Silver Cloud sails in October on a 14-day itinerary from Lisbon to Barbados. Silver Wind departs in November on a 17-day "Passage to the Seychelles" adventure from Port Said, Egypt, to the Seychelles via the Red Sea and Suez Canal, calling at ports in Egypt, Jordan, Eritrea and Djibouti.

ENSR's environmental auditors conduct examinations of the ships in the regulatory jurisdictions where they operate. While special emphasis is given to U.S. federal and state regulations, audits also frequently investigate compliance with regulations of foreign jurisdictions, including applicable legal requirements for ships operating in regulated waters of the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Baltic, and the South Pacific.

According to Bob Gilbertsen, ENSR's Environmental Audit Program Manager who is leading the project, "We developed special maritime auditing and information management tools and techniques to perform these audits in as comprehensive manner as possible-wherever we are around the world and without disrupting any operations. Our maritime protocols allow us to adjust the regulatory audit criteria based on where the auditors meet the ship and on where the ship has sailed since the previous audit."

For these environmental compliance audits, each ENSR team consists of at least one Certified Professional Environmental Auditor (CPEA) paired with senior-level retired officers of the U.S. Navy or U.S. Coast Guard. As a result, each team has specialized auditing and maritime expertise to diagnose the full range of environmental practices of the cruise ships and to document the team's findings in required reports.

Carly's QM2 concert performances will be recorded for an upcoming one-hour PBS network television special, slated to air during the December Pledge Drive. Carly Simon's Live Onboard Queen Mary 2 concerts, the first television special to be taped during a transatlantic crossing, will be released as a full concert DVD on Columbia Records on November 22. Carly's QM2 performances will form the core of the artist's live PBS television special and will presage Carly's upcoming multi-city tour to be launched later this fall.

Carly Simon's six-day transatlantic voyage -- including her concert performances in the ship's Queens Room, the largest ballroom at sea, and candid behind-the-scenes moments onboard QM2 -- will be documented for the DVD by veteran concert filmographer Jim Gable, whose resume includes "Cyndi Lauper: Live ... At Last," "The Concert for World Children's Day," "Sting: Inside -- The Songs of Sacred Love" and "Rolling Stones: Stripped."

"Both Rob and Charlie bring vast experience and proven track-records to these important positions," said Tracey Kelly. "They have each demonstrated great leadership skills and enjoy strong relationships with our travel-selling partners."

Coleman, who will serve in a newly created position, will be responsible for Holland America Line's field sales force including district sales managers, inside sales representatives, sales promotion, sales and service, and group specialist departments. Coleman was most recently Holland America Line's Eastern Division Sales Director. Prior to that, Coleman served as District Sales Manager (DSM) for Georgia, based in Atlanta. He joined Holland America Line in 1999, starting in Inside Sales. Coleman then was promoted to DSM in Houston. After a brief hiatus as a District Sales Manager for sister company Princess Cruises, he returned to Holland America Line in 2003.

As senior director national accounts, Dunwoody will oversee national accounts, premium preferred and series and wholesaler sales. Dunwoody served as Director, National Accounts, for Holland America Line from 1996 to 1999. Before rejoining Holland America Line in 2005 as Western Division Sales Director, he was senior vice president for Cruise Holidays in Minneapolis, Minn. Prior to working for the largest retail cruise only franchise in North America, he served as vice president of sales for the former Renaissance Cruises, where he was responsible for rebuilding the line's relationship with the travel agent community.

NCL Corporation ("NCL") last week announced the appointment of Scott Rogers as the company's Senior Vice President, Marketing and Sales reporting to Andy Stuart, Executive Vice President of Marketing, Sales and Passenger Services. In this new position, Rogers will oversee the marketing and sales departments focusing on brand positioning and brand building through advertising, direct mail, collateral, market research, travel agent support, and trade communication programs.

Company	Today's Closing Price	Change (since last week)
Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL)	51.13	+ 1.79%
Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE:RCL)	44.84	+ 0.13%
Star Cruises (HKSE:0678.HK)	2.70	+ 5.88%

Cruise News Trivia Question:
Which former White Star liner retained her original White Star name (ending in -ic) and funnel colors well after the two lines merged in 1934 until she was retired in late 1960?

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 has a nightclub named G32. What is the origin of the club's name?

Answer - This was the number that her builders gave her prior to her official naming. QE2 also had the same thing when built, Club 732, her builders number from John Brown Shipbuilders
courtesy of Armand Mantia

Cruise News - August 15, 2005

When she left Germany, the official word was that the ship was headed to Malaysia to become part of a resort complex. Specifically, the ship was to be converted into a stationary hotel and casino and then incorporated into a larger resort complex being built near the Singapore cruise terminal.

If the resort plan failed to materialize, the company line was that 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.

Since her arrival in Malaysia, no additional information has been made available about her fate although rumors are circulating that scrappers have again visited the ship. Skeptics have claimed from the beginning that the announced plan was simply 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, before the ship could be sold to the scrappers the large amounts of asbestos installed during her construction would have to be removed from the vessel. The skeptics claim that the move to Malaysia was an attempt to dodge the environmental regulations and that Norway was never going to become part of the resort.

Stay tuned.

Carnival originally signed a one-year contract with the City of Mobile for the Holiday to launch the first year-round cruise program from Mobile in October 2004.

"Response to Mobile's first cruise program has been nothing short of sensational, exceeding our already high expectations. In addition to providing one of the finest terminal facilities in the cruise industry, the Mobile community has demonstrated incredible enthusiasm and support for 'Fun Ship' cruising and contributed greatly to the success of this program," said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO.

"Mobile's vision of becoming an exciting and competitive cruise ship homeport was made a reality when Carnival's Holiday was homeported on the Mobile riverfront last year," said Mobile Mayor Mike Dow. "This venture has been successful for all parties and with Carnival's announcement today of the extension of the Holiday in Mobile, that progress will continue."

Dow added that he is grateful to Carnival and the Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA), the latter of which financed, constructed and operates the Alabama Cruise Terminal, for their partnership and confidence in Mobile.

Said Dr. David G. Bronner, CEO of the RSA, "When great companies like Carnival and the Retirement Systems of Alabama work together with an outstanding city like Mobile, wonderful results can and do happen. The RSA will do whatever is necessary to help and assist Carnival's efforts and expansion in Alabama. Carnival's success is another Alabama success story."

On its Mobile-based cruises, the 46,052-ton Holiday departs from the Alabama Cruise Terminal Thursdays on four-day cruises to Cozumel, and on Mondays and Saturdays on five-day cruises to Cozumel and Calica/Playa del Carmen or Costa Maya.

The Holiday typically sails in excess of 100 percent capacity (based on two guests per cabin) and over the past 10 months, the ship has carried nearly 100,000 passengers from Mobile.

"CruiseTours and optional excursions feature visits to 11 National Parks -- more than any other tour company. In addition to well known Denali, both Kluane National Park, with Mt. Logan, the second highest peak in North America, and Tombstone Park in the Yukon are stunning wilderness areas with exclusive programs to provide our guests unique and remote experiences," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, senior vice president, marketing and sales. "We can take guests above the Arctic Circle, to Gates of the Arctic National Park and the Arctic Ocean, or to see the exciting marine wildlife of Kenai Fjords National Park."

Most CruiseTours include world-renowned Denali National Park and travel aboard the McKinley Explorer® luxury dome railcars. There are exceptional optional excursions at every stop, ranging from easy to strenuous activities, panoramic tours, history and cultural tours. All excursions are designed to give in-depth perspective, and take advantage of the outstanding wilderness and wildlife that Alaska is known for. Shore excursions include hiking in sub arctic Tombstone Park or dramatic Kluane, a jeep tour through the Klondike Gold Fields, flightseeing to Fort Yukon above the Arctic Circle, a visit with Iditarod musher Mary Shields, fly-fishing on a remote wilderness stream, sea-kayaking in the Tatoosh Islands and more.

History buffs enjoy the Great Land Klondike CruiseTours that feature the Yukon as well as Alaska, ranging from 11- to 15-days or the 10-to 13-day Great Land Wilderness CruiseTours that follow the famous AL-CAN Highway scenic route. All Great Land Klondike and Great Land Wilderness CruiseTours include a three or four night Inside Passage cruise, visit to Fairbanks and Alaska's premier gold mining attraction Gold Dredge No. 8 and Denali National Park by McKinley Explorer domed railcar. Depending on the CruiseTour, additional destinations may include Whitehorse and the boisterous Frantic Follies Show, UNESCO World Heritage Wilderness Kluane National Park, historic Dawson City and unique sub arctic Tombstone Park in the Yukon, and a mv Yukon Queen cruise on the legendary Yukon River.

Cruise lovers enjoy Glacier Discovery CruiseTours, ranging from 11- to 20-days, commencing or ending with a seven-day cruise between Vancouver and Seward. Land options to choose on CruiseTours range from heading north of the Arctic Circle to Prudhoe Bay and the Arctic Ocean, or to Anaktuvuk Pass, remote Coldfoot, located in the Brooks Range near Gates of the Arctic National Park. Other options include the new 13-day "off the beaten path" Homer & Kenai Peninsula Exploration that also visits charming Cooper Landing, and more comprehensive CruiseTours that include both Alaska and the Yukon.

Sixty years ago on 15 August 1945 Queen Mary sounded her whistle - audible for ten miles - to announce to the citizens of Southampton that the war was finally over and that the Japanese had surrendered. During the commemoration at 12 noon next Monday Queen Mary 2 will mark this anniversary when the Mayor of Southampton, Councillor Edwina Cooke, sounds the whistle - one of those originally on Queen Mary and used in 1945!

Cunard will also have the great privilege of the Freedom of the City bestowed on the Master, Commodore Ron Warwick, officers and crew of Queen Mary 2. It is a double honour for Cunard as the company's other ship Queen Elizabeth 2, the world's most famous and fastest passenger liner, received the honour in 1990 on the occasion of Cunard's 150th Anniversary.

Carol Marlow, Cunard's European Director, says: "We feel immensely privileged that the crews of both the company's liners have been granted Freedom of the City status: such a distinction establishes more than anything else could, the close, continuing and beneficial relationship between Southampton and Cunard."

As part of the announcement, Cunard relesaed the following overview of Cunard ships participation in military action:

Cunard ships have served with distinction in most major conflicts Great Britain has been involved in. The earliest was Crimea, for which Sir Samuel Cunard was rewarded with his baronetcy, and the most recent being the Gulf War in 1991 when the crew of Cunard Princess witnessed Iraqi scud missiles overhead as their ship served as a rest and recuperation ship.

Cunard's Crimean War effort may have earned Sir Samuel an honour, but it nearly finished the company as Cunard's absence from the Atlantic - thanks to 14 of its 16 ships serving in the war - allowed foreign competitors, unhindered by a commitment to disputes in faraway places, to garner for themselves most of the lucrative transatlantic business. After the war, Cunard struggled to regain its pre-eminence and finally did so through major investment and a little luck. But the war effort gained it the nation's respect as the company's contribution included not just the transporting of 100,000 troops, but also that of 7,500 horses - including all those that charged with the Light Brigade.

In the years that followed, Cunard ships took troops and stores to Canada, to South Africa for the Zulu War and both Boer Wars, and to Egypt.

But they came into their own spectacularly in the First World War when they carried over one million troops. In addition to transport, Cunard vessels served as hospital ships, prisoner-of-war ships, food and munition transports, and as armed merchant cruisers. It was in the latter role that Carmania took the first German casualty of the war when she sank the Cap Trafalgar - ironically disguised as Carmania - off South America in November 1914.

Campania, meanwhile, was equipped with a 240-foot platform to serve as a forerunner of today's aircraft carriers. The First World War resulted in the loss of 22 Cunarders, including the Lusitania which, unarmed and still in service as a passenger liner, was torpedoed off the Old Head of Kinsale with the loss of 1,198 lives.

The Second World War saw Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth - the company's newest ships and largest ever built at that time - in service as troop carriers. After trooping from Australia and New Zealand, both began in 1942 to ferry one million American GIs to Europe unescorted and at full speed. In summer, 15,000 were carried on each voyage - such a huge number they had to sleep and eat in three shifts and observe a strict one-way system on board. Queen Mary's master, Commodore Sir James Bisset, noted that the number of soldiers on board was such that it made the ship difficult to handle, to such a degree he was concerned about her stability - especially when the British coast was sighted and there was a movement of people to starboard. All told, Queen Mary made 28 such trips - and Queen Elizabeth a similar number - taking soldiers eastbound and prisoners-of-war and child evacuees westbound.

On three occasions Queen Mary was the nerve centre of the Empire as Sir Winston Churchill crossed the Atlantic to see President Roosevelt. And, according to Churchill, the trooping record of the two Queens, along with the Aquitania (which had the distinction of being the only passenger ship to serve in both world wars) and Mauretania reduced the duration of the war by at least a year.

But not all Cunard ships survived the war; ten were lost, most tragically the Lancastria which was bombed in Saint Nazaire harbour as she was embarking retreating Allied troops. The actual death toll will never be known, but it was almost certainly in the region of 3,000.

And more recently QE2 was involved in the Falklands Campaign. Of course, QE2 was not the only Cunard ship to go to the Falklands - the Atlantic Causeway and Saxonia were there; the Cunard Countess and the England were used in the months afterwards. However, a special mention must go to the Atlantic Conveyor in which six Cunard officers and crew, including Captain Ian North, died when she was sunk.

While it is to be hoped Cunard ships will never need to undertake such duties in future, if they are called upon to serve the nation again in time of war that is what they will do - just as they have so often in the past.

According to Cunard, Freedom of the City is the greatest honour a city can give and it publicly declares that the recipient of the honour is a person or organization of distinction who has rendered eminent services to the city. Southampton is our homeport and our ships, including all of the great Cunard Queens, have been based in this city since 1921.

Freedom of the City is an award whose roots date back to 1835. In many cities and towns custom prevailed - and by-laws were made to enforce this custom - that no person other than a freeman could keep any ship or carry on any trade of gainful occupation. There were three ways in which a person could become a freeman - being apprenticed to a freeman, by purchase (rarely allowed) or by being presented with the status.

"The increase in our 10-day cruises allows travelers more opportunities to relax a little longer and explore a lot more with itineraries traveling deep into the Southern Caribbean and the Panama Canal," says Richard D. Meadows, CTC, senior vice president, marketing and sales.

In 2006, the premium cruise leader offers a varied collection of 5- to 14-day Caribbean cruises aboard 10 ships with 152 total departures. More than half of the itineraries represent voyages of 10 days or longer. In February 2006, the ms Noordam arrives as the fourth in the line's series of 81,769-ton Vista-class ships.

Adding a shot of flavor to the ms Volendam's January 22, 2006, departure is Marko Karakasevic, an artisan vodka maker of the Domaine Charbay Winery and Distillery in St. Helena, Calif. Johnny Iuzzuni, executive pastry chef at New York's famed Restaurant Jean Georges, is the icing on the cake aboard the Noordam's April 5, 2006, cruise. And Anthony Giglio, wine expert and sommelier, will sail on the November 25, 2006, cruise on the Noordam. All are part of the line's Culinary Arts Program presented by Food & Wine magazine.

Twenty-eight cruises to the Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean feature a first-ever call at Grand Turk. Renowned for its spectacular diving, snorkeling and fishing, Grand Turk is consistently rated one of the top ten dive sites in the world. Nearly every itinerary also features a day at Half Moon Cay, the line's acclaimed private island. With its new horseback riding and swimming excursion, guided AquaTrax watercraft tour, stingray adventure, and fun-filled family aqua park, Half Moon Cay continues as the line's highest rated Caribbean port of call.

The February 22, 2006, maiden voyage of the Noordam heralds Holland America Line's return to New York City, the company's former headquarters and the newest North American homeport for 13 Caribbean cruises. With a focus on convenience and choice, the line offers Caribbean escapes round trip from Norfolk, Virginia, providing easy access for many eastern seaboard residents; Tampa, Florida, highlighting 7-, 10-, and 14-day itineraries; and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, showcasing the most extensive portfolio of Caribbean departures.

With thirty-eight 10-day journeys to the Eastern and Southern Caribbean, and 31 cruises of 11 days and longer, Holland America Line offers more longer itinerary and homeport choices (New York, Norfolk, Tampa, Ft. Lauderdale) than any other premium line cruising the Caribbean. The inaugural season of the Noordam spotlights the collection of longer voyages with seven cruises to the Eastern Caribbean and six to the Southern Caribbean.

Eastern ports offer Bridgetown, Barbados; Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands; Half Moon Cay and Nassau, Bahamas; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; Roseau, Dominica; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. John's, Antigua; and, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

To the south, itineraries feature varied port visits to: Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe; Basseterre, St. Kitts; Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries and Soufrière, St. Lucia; El Buamache, Isla de Margarita, Venezuela; Fort-de-France, Martinique; George Town, Grand Cayman; Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands; Half Moon Cay, Bahamas; Kralendijk, Bonaire; Oranjestad, Aruba; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Port of Spain, Trinidad; Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands; Roseau and Cabrits, Dominica; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. George's, Greneda; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; St. Barts; and, Willemstad, Curaçao.

Featuring Saturday and Sunday departures, Ft. Lauderdale serves as Holland America Line's main gateway to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. From January through April 2006, and again from October through the end of the year, sister Vista-class ships ms Westerdam and ms Zuiderdam explore the Caribbean waters on 36 itineraries that balance enriching port calls with rejuvenating sea days. Eastern Caribbean itineraries features the following port calls: Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands; Nassau, Bahamas; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. All feature a visit to Half Moon Cay.

The Western Caribbean is revealed on 12 journeys that may include stops at Costa Maya and/or Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands; Key West, Florida; Ocho Rios or Montego Bay, Jamaica; and Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

The ms Veendam travels roundtrip from Tampa on a Western Caribbean itinerary featuring stops in Belize City, Belize, and Santo Tomas de Castilla, Guatemala, as well as Cozumel, Mexico and Key West, Florida. The ship also offers an alternate itinerary to Costa Maya, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; and, Ocho Rios, Jamaica. The 20 Tampa departures operate from January through April 2006, and again from October through December 2006.

The Panama Canal is a must-see on many world traveler lists and Holland America Line's history in exploring this engineering marvel is without peer among premium cruise lines. The ms Zaandam and ms Amsterdam travel round trip from Ft. Lauderdale showcasing the canal on 16 Southern Caribbean itineraries, entering at Cristóbal and cruising to Gatun Lake with a stop in Colón, Panama, before sailing to Puerto Limón, Costa Rica.

On January 3, 2006, the Westerdam sets sail from Ft. Lauderdale on a 5-day itinerary with visits to Half Moon Cay and Nassau, Bahamas; and, Key West, Fla. Holiday sailings at the end of the year offer up Christmas in the Caribbean, Hanukkah at sea, or New Year's Eve in Mexico. Departing from its four Caribbean homeports – Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa, Norfolk and New York, travelers can choose 14 holiday itineraries of 7, 10, 11, or 14 days.

Caribbean cruise fares begin at $699 per person, double occupancy, for a 7-day cruise, and $599 per person, double occupancy for the 5-day cruise.

From January through April, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity offer a diverse collection of South America cruises ranging from 11 to 16 days, departing from Los Angeles, California; Miami, Florida; Manaus, Brazil; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Valparaíso, Chile. Maiden calls to the Brazilian ports of Alter do Chão and Boca de Valeria spotlight Crystal Symphony's two Amazon cruises, a region regarded as the most diverse ecosystem on the planet.

The season's highlights include itineraries around Cape Horn, offering excursions to Antarctica, overnight stays in Buenos Aires, Argentina; Punta Arenas, Chile; Lima, Peru; Guayaquil, Ecuador; Rio de Janeiro and Manaus, Brazil; and extended land programs including:

A new three-night journey to Machu Picchu aboard the Hiram Bingham train, with accommodations in Cuzco's Hotel Monasterio (from Lima or Valparaíso);

A five-night excursion to Iguazú Falls, featuring spectacular vistas from both the Argentinean and Brazilian sides (from Buenos Aires); and,

A four-night adventure to the Galapagos, featuring the lunar landscape of Bartolome Island and the endangered tortoises on Santa Cruz (from Valparaíso)

"South America is a land of diversity - the mysteries of the Amazon, the drama of the Chilean fjords, the sophistication of Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires - and a vacation with Crystal Cruises affords travelers a chance to explore both the rugged and posh with seamless luxury and attention to detail," says Bill Smith, senior vice president, sales and marketing.

The 1,080-guest, 68,000-ton Crystal Serenity kicks off the South America seasonon January 18 with a 14-day journey from Los Angeles to Lima, celebrating Aztec and Inca treasures with port calls at Acapulco and Huatulco, Mexico; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Guayaquil, Equador (overnight); and an overnight in Lima, Peru.

The 940-guest, 50,000-ton Crystal Symphony follows with five cruises - including two journeys through the Amazon, a destination Crystal originally explored in 2001 - with each itinerary offering opportunities for unique adventure:

ebruary 18; AMAZON - Miami to Manaus; 11 days; ports of call include Antigua/St. John's and Barbados/Bridgetown, West Indies; Devil's Island, French Guyana; Alter do Chão and Parintins, Brazil.

March 1; AMAZON - Manaus to Buenos Aires; 15 days; ports of call include Boca de Valeria, Santarém and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and Montevideo, Uruguay.

March 16 - Buenos Aires to Valparaíso; 14 days; ports of call include Montevideo, Uruguay; Puerto Madryn, Argentina; Punta Arenas and Puerto Montt Chile; and cruising Cape Horn, the Beagle Channel and the Chilean Fjords.

March 30 - Valparaíso to Buenos Aires; 14 days; ports of call include Puerto Montt and Punta Arenas, Chile; cruising the Chilean Fjords, the Beagle Channel and Cape Horn; and Puerto Madryn, Argentina.

April 13 - Buenos Aires to Miami; 16 days; ports of call include Montevideo, Uruguay; Rio de Janeiro, Salvador and Fortaleza, Brazil; and Barbados/Bridgetown, West Indies.

Company	Today's Closing Price	Change (since last week)
Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL)	50.23	- 3.59%
Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE:RCL)	44.78	- 1.86%
Star Cruises (HKSE:0678.HK)	2.55	- 1.92%

Cruise News Trivia Question:
Cunard's Queen Mary 2 has a nightclub named G32. What is the origin of the club's name?

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
How many liners has Cunard named after Queens and what were the names?

Answer - Cunard has had 3 ships named after Queens - Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary and Berengeria (wife of King Richard - the Lion Hearted)...there will also be a fourth - Queen Victoria - if she is ever built. QE2 was named after the first Queen Elizabeth NOT the current Monarch. (despite what another source says). There never was a monarch referred to as Queen Mary 2...even if there had been Roman II would have been used - not 2.
courtesy of Timothy Edgecombe - Vancouver

Cruise News - August 8, 2005

"We are thrilled to introduce our newest masterpiece and welcome Norwegian Jewel into our fleet of state-of-the-art ships," Veitch said. "Modeled after her sisters Norwegian Star and Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Jewel features the most luxurious suite complex at sea plus extensive family facilities, a new bar concept and itineraries to some of the world's most exciting destinations including the Eastern and Western Caribbean and the Mediterranean."

On August 10, Norwegian Jewel will sail a series of European voyages before heading to New York for inaugural festivities. She will begin her Homeland Cruising program of Canada and New England Fall cruises on September 18th and then reposition to Miami for another series of inaugural events and cruises to the Caribbean during the winter.

Shining from bow to stern, Norwegian Jewel boasts a brand new style of accommodations - 10 Courtyard Villas - which along with the ship's two Garden Villas -- make up the biggest, most luxurious, most innovative suite complex at sea. The suite complex features a private courtyard and sundeck on deck 14 and both courtyard and garden villa guests have a concierge lounge available to them. Dedicated butlers offer continental breakfast, refreshments all day and canapés and drinks before dinner.

Norwegian Jewel also features the most versatile, family-friendly accommodations afloat as well as an array of amenities including 10 restaurants, three swimming pools, a contemporary spa and more. Additionally, Norwegian Jewel features a new concept for NCL – a "Bar Central" – featuring a martini bar, a champagne and wine bar, and a beer and whisky pub all connected but with three distinct personalities, plus 10 other bars and lounges for passengers to enjoy. On August 10, 2005 Norwegian Jewel will sail from London (Dover), calling on Lisbon, Portugal; Gibraltar, UK; Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy; Cannes, Frances and Barcelona and Almeria, Spain. Then on August 23, the ship will sail to the Baltic Capitals from London (Dover) sailing to Oslo, Norway; Helsinki, Finland; spending the night in St. Petersburg, Russia before sailing to Stockholm, Sweden; Berlin (Warnemunde) Germany and Copenhagen, Denmark before repositioning from London to New York. The transatlantic cruise, called Path of the Vikings, departs Dover on September 4, 2005 and stops in Cobh, Ireland; Reykjavik, Iceland; St. John's, Newfoundland and Newport, Rhode Island before arriving in New York on September 14, 2005.

Beginning September 18, 2005, Norwegian Jewel will sail a series of 11-day Canada/New England Cruises roundtrip from New York. The itinerary features calls in Boston, Massachusetts; Bar Harbor, Maine; Halifax, Nova Scotia; cruise Cabot Strait and the Gulf of St. Lawrence; Quebec City, Quebec; cruise the Saguenay River, Sydney, Nova Scotia; cruise Bay of Fundy and St. John, New Brunswick.

After transitioning from New York to Miami, where the ship will spend her winter season, Norwegian Jewel will begin her regularly scheduled, seven-day itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. Eastern Caribbean sailings call in San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. John's, Antigua; St. Thomas, USVI and NCL's Private Island, Great Stirrup Cay. Western Caribbean itineraries will call at Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Georgetown, Grand Cayman and Roatan, Bay Islands.

Norwegian Jewel will feature these itineraries each Sunday from November 4, 2005 through April 23, 2006. NCL will then deploy Norwegian Jewel in Europe to sail Mediterranean and Egypt and Greek Isles itineraries for the summer 2006 season.

The two liners will depart Fort Lauderdale together on January 10, 2007, initially sailing on a southward journey that will see Queen Mary 2 circumnavigate the globe in 80 days while her sister QE2 celebrates her Silver Jubilee World Cruise with an exotic 108-day itinerary.

Both world cruises are also available as a series of liner voyages from 22 to 102 days in length, recreating some of the most famous liner voyages of old. Passengers will enjoy a special $300 per person, per segment discount when booking two more of these shorter journeys.

The 2007 world cruises and liner voyages will continue a legacy Cunard began when it introduced the first world cruise in 1922. Due to the fine sea keeping capabilities of these two famous liners, the circumnavigations can take place at high speeds and in great comfort for the guests, who will travel in truly luxurious surroundings. Passengers will enjoy their exotic journey in the grand manner of the golden age of travel, with an abundance of sea days allowing time for the sometimes forgotten art of conversation, fine dining, self enrichment and the opportunity to meet fellow sophisticated travelers.

"As the only true ocean liners in operation today, Queen Mary 2 and QE2 are ideally suited to deliver memorable world voyages," said Jan Swartz, senior vice president of customer service and sales for Cunard Line. "With these unique dual world cruises, we're continuing Cunard's legacy of providing distinctive and adventurous travel experiences that recreate the bygone era of glamorous ocean travel. Our guests are sure to bring home lasting memories and friendships from these historic journeys."

Swartz added that guests will enjoy the rare experience of the two Cunard Queens sailing initially side by side until they each venture off onto their distinct global routes. In addition, the famous ships will rendezvous again one more time when they arrive on February 20 in Sydney Harbor, Australia.

Queen Mary 2's maiden world cruise will transport guests on an 80-day voyage visiting 20 of the world's most famous cities (including 13 capitals), such as Athens, Paris, Rome, Hong Kong, Singapore, Sydney, Cairo, San Francisco and Rio de Janeiro.

The 26-day Ft. Lauderdale to San Francisco voyage features QM2 cruising the Atlantic Ocean for several days before arriving in the dazzling Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro. From there, the ship sails deeper into South America to the bottom of the world via scenic cruising in Uruguay and around the historically renowned waters of Cape Horn. Santiago, Chile is the next highlight before sailing the Pacific Ocean en route to Acapulco, Mexico. The ocean liner makes its much-anticipated, first-time arrival in San Francisco two days later.

From Northern California, the 14-day San Francisco to Sydney journey features Queen Mary 2 continuing to sail the Pacific Ocean on her way to Honolulu, Hawaii and another maiden call, Pago Pago in American Samoa. Crossing the International Dateline, she will sail two days in the storied South Pacific as the ship ventures into more new territory in Auckland, New Zealand, and Sydney, Australia.

From deep Down Under into the mysterious Far East, Queen Mary 2's 19-day Sydney to Dubai segment traverses the Pacific Ocean, South China Sea, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea. Transporting guests to some of the world's most exotic locales, travel enthusiasts will be enchanted with stops in bustling Hong Kong, shopping-central Singapore, multi-cultural Kuala Lumpur and for some, the piece de resistance: an overnight visit in Cochin, India with an optional trip to the famed Taj Mahal.

Next, the exotic oasis of Dubai is the launching point before cruising the high seas again -- the Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Red Sea and transiting the Suez Canal -- on the 15-day Dubai to Southampton voyage. Another first-time highlight will be the ship's arrival in Alexandria, Egypt. Europe awaits with calls in Athens, Rome (Civitavecchia) and Paris (Le Havre), before journeying to Southampton and the seven-day voyage home to Ft. Lauderdale.

Double occupancy early booking fares for Queen Mary 2's complete Around the World in 80 days world cruise start from $21,195 per person, with individual segment fares starting from $4,199 per person.

She has sailed more than five million nautical miles, carried more than three million people around the world and has long been the gold standard for world cruises. Celebrating her 25th round-the-world sailing, QE2 will continue to showcase this legendary vessel's global appeal during the 108-day journey. The grande dame of world cruising will depart roundtrip from New York (January 8) or Ft. Lauderdale (January 10).

In addition to the 108-day adventure, guests can also book segments to best suit their interests and travel schedule. Voyages from New York or Ft. Lauderdale to Los Angeles or San Francisco are available in 12, 14 and 16-day segments. QE2 will visit Grand Cayman and Costa Rica, transit through the Panama Canal, and call in Acapulco, Mexico before arriving in Los Angeles, or in San Francisco two days later.

Guests can enjoy the 30-day Los Angeles to Sydney or 28-day San Francisco to Sydney legs as the ship continues across the Pacific Ocean and heads to Hawaii; Tahiti and Moorea, French Polynesia; Tonga; Fiji; Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, New Zealand; and Tasmania, Melbourne, and Sydney, Australia.

Next, the 27-day Sydney to Singapore voyage includes visits to Brisbane and Port Douglas for the Great Barrier Reef/Cairns (Yorkey's), followed by calls to Papua New Guinea; Yokohama and Osaka, Japan; Shanghai, China; Hong Kong; Da Nang (Chan May) Vietnam; and Bangkok, Thailand.

The 31-day Singapore to Southampton voyage takes the ship to Sri Lanka; India; the Seychelles Islands; Mauritius; Durban and Cape Town, South Africa; Namibia; Canary Islands; and Madeira before arriving in Southampton. From Southampton, a westbound transatlantic crossing to New York (6-day) or Ft. Lauderdale (8-day) concludes the 108-day world cruise..

Double occupancy early booking fares for QE2's 108-day Silver Jubilee World Cruise start from $16,845 per person, with smaller segments priced from $1,899 per person.

The Southern Caribbean itinerary includes exotic ports such as St. Thomas, St. Lucia, Barbados, Antigua and St. Kitts. Barbados and St. Kitts are new ports of call for Disney Cruise Line. The 10-night cruise will depart on Sept. 7, and the 11-night cruise departs on Sept. 17, 2006.

"We have found that once our guests experience a Disney cruise, they are eager to return again for a new adventure to different ports of call, said Disney Cruise Line President Tom McAlpin. "These special, longer cruises were designed with our repeat guests in mind."

The itineraries for the Disney Cruise Line 2006 Southern Caribbean Cruises are as follows:

Disney Wonder Southern Caribbean Cruises

Departing Sept. 7, 2006
Thursday. . . Port Canaveral
Friday . . . At Sea
Saturday. . . At Sea
Sunday. . . St. Thomas
Monday. . . St. Lucia
Tuesday. . . Barbados
Wednesday. . . Antigua
Thursday. . . At Sea
Friday. . . At Sea
Saturday. . . Castaway Cay
Sunday. . . Port Canaveral

Departing Sept. 17, 2006
Sunday. . . Port Canaveral
Sunday. . . Port Canaveral
Sunday. . . Port Canaveral
Wednesday. . . St. Thomas
Thursday. . . St. Lucia
Friday. . . Barbados
Saturday. . . Antigua
Sunday. . . St. Kitts
Monday. . . At Sea
Tuesday. . . At Sea
Wednesday. . . Castaway Cay
Thursday. . . Port Canaveral

Rates for the 10-night Southern Caribbean cruise start at $1,299 per person and the 11-night voyages begin at $1,499 per person.

Additionally, Princess Cruises' Regal Princess, which was originally scheduled to be transferred to Ocean Village, will now remain within the Princess Cruises fleet.

"This is an excellent opportunity not only to expand Ocean Village's presence in the U.K. market but also enhance the brand identity of AIDA Cruises. With the addition of these new 68,500-ton cruise ships, AIDA Cruises will be comprised of six modern 'club ships' that cater exclusively to the German-speaking market," said Micky Arison, Carnival Corporation & plc's chairman and CEO.

Because the AIDAblu and Ocean Village's current vessel are sister ships and designed to provide an informal, contemporary cruise experience, minimal modifications will be required to convert the AIDAblu to reflect the characteristics of Ocean Village's product.

At the same time, Arison noted that retaining the Regal Princess under the Princess Cruises umbrella will enable the brand to maximize its earnings potential. "The strength of the North American cruise market is a compelling reason to keep the Regal Princess within Princess Cruises' fleet. It is one of the world's most successful and recognizable cruise brands and market conditions dictate a need for more capacity, not less," he said.

He noted that the multi-brand philosophy uniquely positions Carnival Corporation & plc to take advantage of the synergies that exist within the company's various brands. "The transfer of the AIDAblu to Ocean Village is yet another example of optimizing asset utilization to benefit our brands and maximize returns for the group and we will continue to explore those opportunities," Arison said.

"Club O2," which is targeted at teens in the 15-17 age group, encompasses a variety of new and expanded programming fleetwide, as well as new teen directors aboard each ship and spacious teen clubs offering a memorable setting for activities or just hanging out. The teen centers are currently featured on 12 of 21 Carnival ships with the majority of the other ships scheduled to be retrofitted by the end of the year.

The 1,000- to 1,800-square-foot teen clubs include a dance floor with a DJ, a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system and large-screen plasma TVs displaying the latest movies and music videos. There's also a "Coke-tail" lounge where guests can enjoy Coca-Cola products and various non-alcoholic specialty drinks. The rooms are enhanced by a distinctive décor along with plush sofas and comfortable seating.

Select teen clubs also feature a library with popular teen-oriented books and magazines, video game units, 16-monitor "video walls," and "listening stations" where teens can plug in and hear the latest tunes. "We've conducted extensive market research on the unique vacation desires of today's teens and have developed a carefully thought out program that combines modern, inviting facilities and interesting activities, all in an unstructured environment preferred by older kids," said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO. "Teens comprise a significant portion of the 500,000 kids who are expected to sail aboard the 'Fun Ships' this year and Carnival is pleased to partner with industry leader Coca-Cola to create this exciting program for teens to call their own," he added.

"What a fantastic way for both Carnival and Coca-Cola to reach this vital segment of their businesses. 'Club O2' is destined be a great success," said John Byrne, senior national sales executive of The Coca-Cola Company. The "Club O2" activities begin shortly after teens arrive on board as they attend a "Welcome Aboard" party where they receive a complete listing of the voyage's activities, as well as a variety of promotional materials, including a mesh "Club O2" bag.

Then throughout the voyage, teens can enjoy a wide range of activities such as karaoke sessions, nightly themed parties, late-night movies, video game contests, basketball, ping-pong and other sporting events. Following the latest "reality TV" craze, games based on "The Bachelor/Bachelorette," "Fear Factor" and "Survivor" are played daily. Activities start in the early afternoon and run well into the evening.

Activities are coordinated by a "Club O2" teen director aboard each ship. "These energetic directors are really the catalyst for 'Club O2' and create an exciting atmosphere for getting teens involved," Dickinson said.

"We're delighted to add Regal Princess to our Transcanal fleet," said Jan Swartz, Princess' senior vice president of customer service and sales. "With the majority of the ship's deployment in the Panama Canal trade during this season, it cements Princess' leadership position in this destination. These new itineraries complement those of Coral Princess to provide our passengers with an even wider variety of cruise options there."

Regal Princess' 10-day Panama Canal Explorer cruises sail between San Juan and Acapulco and include calls at Aruba, Fuerte Amador, Panama; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; and Hualtulco, Mexico. Several other Panama Canal itineraries will also be offered such as a port-rich roundtrip sailing from Los Angeles.

The two 12-day Amazon River cruises will depart January 19 and 31, sailing between San Juan and Manaus, Brazil. Two 12-day Andes/Peru voyages traveling between Lima, Peru and San Juan will sail March 4 and 16.

Mary Tyler Moore is one of a distinguished group of legendary women who hold the honor of Godmother of a Crystal Cruises ship. Ms. Moore christened Crystal Harmony in 1990; Angela Lansbury launched Crystal Symphony in 1995 and Dame Julie Andrews became Godmother of Crystal Serenity in 2003.

Like Ms. Lansbury and Ms. Andrews, Mary Tyler Moore holds a special place in people's hearts as a symbol of female independence and strength, both in her work and personal life. On board, Ms. Moore will participate in a question and answer session whereby she will share meaningful moments from her illustrious career and her extensive charity work. In addition to memorable television roles on "The Dick Van Dyke Show" and "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," as well as other television and film roles, Ms. Moore earned an Academy Award nomination for her performance in the celebrated film "Ordinary People" and was honored with a Tony Award for her portrayal of a quadriplegic in "Whose Life Is It Anyway?"

In November 2005, Crystal Harmony will leave the Crystal Cruises fleet and will be transferred to Crystal's parent company's Japanese cruise division. From September through October, the 940-guest, 50,000-ton Crystal Harmony will spend her final season sailing on seven-day and ten-day Mexican Riviera itineraries round-trip from Los Angeles. The ten-day October 22 cruise features calls in San Diego, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo.

Crystal Cruises' President Gregg Michel, who was at the 1990 christening said, "Mary Tyler Moore launched Crystal Harmony with an elegance and warmth that to this day are hallmarks of our ship's luxury experience. We are honored that she is coming back to cruise aboard Crystal Harmony during her farewell season. As a tremendously accomplished actress, Ms. Moore should be very proud of the critical acclaim and guest satisfaction 'her ship' has enjoyed for so many years."

Company	Today's Closing Price	Change (since last week)
Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL)	52.10	+ 0.66%
Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE:RCL)	45.63	+ 1.22%
Star Cruises (HKSE:0678.HK)	2.60	+ 8.33%

Cruise News Trivia Question:
How many liners has Cunard named after Queens and what were the names?

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
If you were departing on a transatlantic crossing from Pier 90 in New York City in the early 1950's, what shipping company would you most likely have been traveling on?

Answer - In the 1950's when you live the pier 90, you were on a CUNARD's Ocean Liner...
courtesy of mousset@fr.costa.it

Cruise News - August 1, 2005

easyCruise is now selling Caribbean cruises beginning November 12, 2005, until April 26, 2006, with prices beginning at $16.20 USD per person per night for a cabin, based on two people sharing. Ports of call include: Bridgetown in Barbados (Saturday and Sunday), Kingstown in St. Vincent (Monday), Fort de France in Martinique (Tuesday), Bequia in The Grenadines (Wednesday), St George's in Grenada (Thursday) and Castries in St. Lucia (Friday). Barbados, Martinique, Grenada and St. Lucia all have international airports with a selection of direct flights from the U.S., London, Paris and other destinations.

According to the company, easyCruise offers travelers a unique "luxe for less" opportunity to visit enticing destinations via flexible one-week itineraries that allow cruisers to embark and depart at any port along the route, provided they stay onboard for at least two nights. During the Caribbean season, easyCruiseOne will remain in Barbados for two days and nights to enable passengers to accommodate preferred flight arrangements.

easyCruiseOne's inaugural summer itinerary in the French and Italian Rivieras concludes October 15, 2005, with the ship then spending a week at the MIPCOM TV festival in Cannes. The ship will then sail to the Caribbean to begin its winter itinerary.

According to easyCruise, more than 90 different nationalities have already booked cabins on easyCruiseOne and the average age of easyCruise passengers is 33 years old, more than 20 years younger than the current industry average. The company says that it is able to attract younger consumers because easyCruiseOne stays in port every night so that passengers can hit the town and enjoy the nightlife. In addition, passengers can join the cruise where and when they want, subject to a two-night minimum, with a 14-night maximum stay.

This same formula will apply to easyCruiseOne in the Caribbean, although passengers will be required to be back on board by midnight, as nightlife in the Caribbean tends to both start and finish earlier than in the Mediterranean. In the Caribbean, easyCruiseOne will sail sometime after midnight, and arrive in port at approximately 10:00 a.m. (The ship's current schedule in the Mediterranean is to sail after 4:00 a.m. and arrive in port at approximately 1:00 p.m.) In both the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, once the ship has arrived in port, passengers are free to stay on board and enjoy the facilities, or to go ashore.

As you might suspect, an easyCruise is not for everyone. Read a first hand account of one of our readers' experiences on a recent easyCruise voyage.

The ms Ryndam showcases Mike Davis, chef and owner of 26 brix Restaurant in Walla Walla, Wash., on its three-day cruise to San Diego.

The first Holland America Line ship to receive Signature of Excellence enhancements, the ms Ryndam features the new Culinary Arts Center, where guests can watch and learn from acclaimed Chef Mike Davis as he demonstrates his cooking techniques in this state-of-the-art facility. Chef Davis is known for the synergistic style he calls "neoclassical," combining Northwest cuisine with classical European techniques and is an enthusiastic supporter of turning the Walla Walla culinary scene into the "Napa of the Northwest."

Davis was recently appointed spokesperson for Walla Walla sweet onions and created a 10-course menu, "Walla Walla Extravaganza," featured at the famed James Beard House in New York City on June 27, 2005. He decided to be a chef at the early age of nine and gained his culinary training at such acclaimed restaurants as Ponti Seafood Grill in Seattle, The Village at Breckenridge and The Lodge and Spa at Breckenridge in Colorado. He also served as executive chef at The Salish Lodge and Spa at Snoqualimie Falls, Washington. Cruise fares start at just US$299 per person, double occupancy.

The ms Veendam highlights wine-tasting with Susan and Alison Sokol Blosser of Oregon's acclaimed Sokol Blosser Winery on its four-day sailing to Los Angeles.

Guests on this four-day coastal cruise, also departing Sept. 25 from Vancouver, can enjoy Sokol Blosser's world-class Pinot Noir in particular during informative wine tastings with the famed mother-daughter team. Guests will also learn what is really involved in producing premium, handcrafted wine. Sokol Blosser wines include Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Evolution, a unique blend of nine white varietals, and Meditrina, a red blend named for the Roman goddess of wine and health.

Sokol Blosser is the first winery in Oregon to introduce a Pinot Noir with the new Dundee Hills appellation, which was designated an American Viticultural Area in January 2005. The family-owned winery has been growing grapes in Dundee Hills since 1971 and has won many awards for its sustainably produced wines, especially Pinot Noir. Susan Sokol Blosser is owner and president of the winery; daughter Alison is director of marketing.

In addition to this special wine-tasting cruise opportunity, guests on the Veendam's Vancouver-Los Angeles sailing will enjoy a full day in Seattle and two relaxing days at sea before arriving in Los Angles Sept. 29. Cruise fares start at just US$389 per person, double occupancy.

Round-trip from Ft. Lauderdale, Crystal Symphony's December 6 cruise will visit Belize City, Belize; Grand Cayman, British West Indies; Cozumel, Mexico; with a maiden call to Roatan Island, Honduras. Ports of call on the December 14 cruise, also round-trip from Ft. Lauderdale, include St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles; St. Barts, French West Indies; and St. Thomas, USVI.

The Health & Fitness collection features a specialty on Pilates or yoga depending on the sailing:

December 6 -- Pilates classes and lectures will be led by Darcie Osborn, Pilates studio manager for the Nevada Ballet Theatre Academy in Las Vegas. Award-winning medical journalist, Dr. Ruth Jacobowitz, will share her knowledge and insight on the human aging process and offer tips on longevity.

December 14 -- With 22 years experience and instruction from over 19 yoga masters worldwide, Pat McFrederick will share her knowledge in a series of yoga classes and lectures. Dr. Barbara Udell, director of the Health and Wellness Program at the CuisinArt Resort and Spa in Anguilla, British West Indies and director of lifestyle education at the Pritikin Longevity Center in Aventura, Florida, will expound on her experience as a keynote speaker for Weight Watchers and Diet Centers of America.

This cruise is also host to The Cleveland Clinic Wellness Seminars, featuring leading-edge information, Q&A periods, and "Meet the Doctor" sessions on topics ranging from cardiology and spine to nutrition and dermatology.

The Maasdam will again sail mainly cruises between Boston and Montreal, plus offer a spring Ft. Lauderdale-Montreal sailing and a fall Montreal-Norfolk cruise. Flagship Amsterdam will sail between New York and Montreal.

"The Canada/New England cruising region is really an up and comer for our industry, especially among families seeking summer cruises," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, senior vice president, marketing and sales. "The region is perennially famous for its fall color, but the cruise guest base has grown because of the area's historic seaports, international cities, stunning scenery and sea life make spring and summer attractive for family vacations.

"We're especially excited to add the new port of Saguenay in 2006. Saguenay is surrounded by three national parks, including a marine preserve, so the opportunities for wildlife and marine viewing, kayaking, fishing and flightseeing are exceptional. We're currently developing shore excursions around these activities, plus cultural, culinary and tree-top canopy tours."

Meadows also noted that Canada/New England cruises are port-intensive and include a full day in Quebec City, consistently rated the most popular port on the itinerary. Holland America Line's Medallion Shore Excursions let guests enjoy a wide range of experiences from elegant tea at Quebec City's famed Chateau Frontenac to biking in Acadia National Park.

Holland America Line begins its 2006 Canada/New England season with the Maasdam's 15-day cruise from Ft. Lauderdale to Montreal departing Apr. 28. The ship calls at Charleston, South Carolina; Norfolk, Virginia; New York City; New London, Conn.; Newport, Rhode Island; Bar Harbor, Maine; Halifax and Sydney, Nova Scotia; and Quebec City, the "heart of French Canada." Cruise fares start at US$1,799 [CAN $2,219] per person, double occupancy.

The Maasdam then sails a series of seven-day cruises between Montreal and Boston from May 13 to Sept. 30. The ship cruises the Saguenay Fjord and calls at Quebec City; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island (Anne of Green Gables tour option); Halifax and Sydney (Cabot Trail and 18th century French fortress of Louisbourg tour options); and Bar Harbor (Acadia National Park tour option). Cruise fares start at US$999 [CAN $1,239] per person, double occupancy.

In 2006, the Amsterdam offers four 10-day cruises between New York and Montreal departing Sept. 7 to Oct. 7 for prime fall color viewing. These leisurely sailings call at Newport, Rhode Island; Gloucester, Mass.; Bar Harbor, Maine; Halifax, Sydney, Charlottetown, Saguenay and Quebec City. They also include scenic cruising of the St. Lawrence River and Saguenay Fjord. Cruise fares start at US$1,699 [CAN $2,099] per person, double occupancy.

"Clearly we had an excellent quarter that exceeded our expectations," said Richard D. Fain, chairman and chief executive officer. "Despite the spike in fuel prices we are pleased to report a 26% increase in earnings with no increase in capacity."

RCL estimates that lost revenue and costs associated with previously disclosed cancelled/modified voyages reduced second quarter 2005 earnings per share by approximately $0.05.

Gross Cruise Costs and Net Cruise Costs, on a per APCD basis, for the second quarter of 2005 increased 4.9% and 5.7%, respectively, compared to the same quarter in 2004. The increase in these costs was primarily attributable to a 37% increase in "at-the-pump" prices of fuel during the quarter. Net of hedging benefits, fuel costs accounted for 4.1 percentage points of the increase in Net Cruise Costs and represented approximately 7.3% of total revenues. Net Cruise Costs per APCD were lower than previous expectations of an increase of approximately 8%.

During the quarter, RCL's net debt to capital dropped to approximately 46.5% from 49.6%, demonstrating RCL's success in strengthening its balance sheet.

Current consumer demand remains strong and RCL said that it continues to enjoy price increases over those experienced in the prior year. Assuming there are no external shocks and current booking trends continue, RCL reaffirms its prior estimates for Net Yields to increase in the range of 6% to 7% in 2005 compared to the prior year. RCL currently expects Net Yields for the third quarter of 2005 will increase by approximately 6%.

Fuel costs remain unpredictable. At-the-pump fuel prices increased 37% in the second-quarter of 2005 compared to the second quarter of 2004. Prices have continued to rise and are currently about 30% higher than the average price for the second half of 2004. If fuel prices for the remainder of the year remain at today's level, RCL estimates that its fuel costs (net of hedging and fuel saving initiatives) will increase approximately $32 million and negatively impact earnings per share by $0.14 compared to RCL's last guidance. Based on this fuel assumption, RCL estimates that Net Cruise Costs per APCD for 2005 will increase in the range of 6% to 7% as compared to the prior year. Higher fuel costs account for approximately 4 percentage points of this increase. RCL's expectations for Net Cruise Costs excluding fuel have not changed from previous guidance despite incurring costs associated with vessel incidents.

Based on the aforementioned fuel assumption, RCL estimates that Net Cruise Costs per APCD for the third quarter of 2005 will increase approximately 9%, compared to the same quarter in 2004. Higher fuel costs account for approximately 5 percentage points of this increase.

Depreciation and amortization is expected to be in the range of $405 to $415 million and net interest expense is expected to be in the range of $285 to $295 million.

Company	Today's Closing Price	Change (since last week)
Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL)	51.76	- 3.16%
Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE:RCL)	45.08	- 6.41%
Star Cruises (HKSE:0678.HK)	2.40	+ 2.13%

Cruise News Trivia Question:
If you were departing on a transatlantic crossing from Pier 90 in New York City in the early 1950's, what shipping company would you most likely have been traveling on?

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 name of the first ship operated by Norwegian Cruise Line (then called Norwegian Caribbean)?

Answer - The first ship in the NCL (Norwegian Caribbean Line) fleet was the Sunward...not to be confused with the Sunward II.
courtesy of Carlos Ortega, Miami, Florida

Cruise News - July 25, 2005

Titled "SetSail" for Royal Caribbean International and "Xpress Pass" for Celebrity Cruises, online check-in is now available for guests booked on Royal Caribbean's "Navigator of the Seas" and for those on Celebrity's "Zenith." The company expects online check-in to be available for both brands' entire fleets by September.

The new online check-in process allows guests to fill out all pertinent cruise documents before arriving at the pier. Boarding documents, immigration forms, onboard accounts and ticket contracts can be completed with just a click of the mouse.

"This is a truly innovative development, basically making the web our 'virtual check-in agent,'" said Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Associate Vice President Guest Port Services Juan Trescastro. "By averting the need to complete paperwork at the pier or while in line, we're reducing the time involved at the pier from an average of three to four minutes to an average of 30 seconds per guest."

To check in online, guests are asked to visit the pertinent line's web site ( http://www.celebrity.com or http://www.royalcaribbean.com ), then click "Before You Cruise" on Celebrity's site, and "Before You Board" on Royal Caribbean's site, followed by "Online Documentation." There, guests will be asked to provide their booking number, ship and sail date, and to follow four easy steps to complete the process. Guests then will receive an e-mail confirmation stating that their documents have been processed. They can print the confirmation and provide it, along with identification, to agents at a special express counter at the pier.

Maintained and operated by the private nonprofit Mount Vernon Ladies' Association since 1853, the 500-acre riverside property is located about 16 miles from Washington, D.C. and consists of some 20 structures and 50 acres of gardens, faithfully restored to working condition as they were in 1799. Aside from the mansion itself, Seabourn guests can visit a working farm demonstrating many pioneering agricultural achievements, including a 16-sided treading barn and a water-powered grist mill.

The cruise is also the occasion for Seabourn's Third Annual Great American Food & Wine Festival, featuring celebrity guest chefs, onboard cooking demonstrations, tastings and exclusive culinary excursions in many of the ports. Chefs appearing on board will be Charlie Palmer, one of only three chefs included in Forbes' annual "Celebrity 100 List," Sue Torres, the acclaimed chef/owner of New York's Mexican-inspired Suenos, and famous New World Cuisine maven Alan Susser of Chef Allen's in Aventura, Florida.

The yacht-like ship will call at Mount Vernon during a 14-day cruise departing October 16 from New York to Nassau, calling at many of America's most important colonial cities. Other ports of call include Newport, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Yorktown, Charleston, Savannah, Amelia Island and Port Canaveral.

Many ports of call will feature specially created culinary excursions, such as:
  - Philadelphia: a comparative tasting of Philly Cheese Steaks on site at the rival Geno's and Pat's and a morning Shopping with the Chef tour in the Italian Market section.
  - Baltimore: a classic luncheon feast of steamed blue crabs at Bo Brooks' crab shack and, afterward, exploring the historic 220-year old Lexington Marketplace.
  - Charleston: Amanda Dew Manning leads a tour of "Lowcountry" culinary heritage, including a demonstration and luncheon. Our free Exclusively Seabourn experience is a ride by horsedrawn carriage to a traditional Southern tea in a 19th century home.
  - Savannah: a walking tour of the town's stately squares and a family- style lunch of Southern specialties at the famous Mrs. Wilkes' Boardinghouse.
  - Amelia Island: a luncheon at The Florida House Inn, Florida's oldest surviving hotel, in the Victorian-era Fernandina Beach Historic District.
  - Port Canaveral: "Follow the Wild Ocean Shrimp" -- a boat tour of the Indian River Lagoon, a shrimp processor and feast on local shrimp at the famous Dixie Crossroads.

The 14-day Andes & the Americas itinerary is the last segment of the westbound South American Odyssey, departing Valparaiso, Chile on February 8, calling on five fascinating ports in Peru, Ecuador, Panama, Costa Rica and Mexico. The reverse eastbound journey with the same calls departs March 8 from Los Angeles.

"Whether their interests lie in archaeological wonders or eco-tourism, history or hiking, "modern-day explorers" aboard Queen Mary 2 will enjoy a legendary adventure on this spell-binding South American voyage," says Jan Swartz, senior vice president of customer service and sales for Cunard Line.

QM2 begins her journey from Valparaiso, Chile, a picturesque port city in close proximity to Santiago, the country's capital and largest city. Wine lovers may want to arrive a day or two in advance of departure, as this destination affords the opportunity to sip and shop for some of Chile's world-renowned wines. Historians will enjoy Santiago's teeming Plaza de Armas, marked by a magnificent Cathedral, fountains and gardens.

From Chile, QM2 traces a path along the Central Coast, arriving in Callao, Peru, near Lima. Perhaps best known as the gateway to Machu Picchu, the "lost city of the Incas," this majestic 100-acre stone city is considered one of the world's most captivating artifacts. Another intriguing excursion is the Nazca Lines, which predate the Incas by centuries. One of the world's greatest archeological mysteries, the line drawings stretch up to a half-mile across the desert floor and are best seen from the air.

Following a day at sea, the ship docks in Esmeraldes, Ecuador. The equator runs through Ecuador, allowing stargazers to see stars in both hemispheres. Here, the must-see excursion is the capital city of Quito and its Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hailed as the best preserved in South America, colonial mansions, cathedrals and museums line the cobblestone streets of the Old City.

From Ecuador, the ship makes the short trip to Fuerte Amador, Panama, gateway to the Panama Canal. This recently developed port lies in close proximity to Panama City and Casco Antiguo, where old churches, plazas and colonial buildings reveal the city's rich history.

Following another day at sea, QM2 reaches Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica, on the Pacific Central Coast. The country's renowned unspoiled natural beauty commands the attention of cruising nature lovers. A short drive from Puerto Caldera brings visitors to a trio of spectacular national parks and nature reserves: the Manuel Antonio National Park, Chirripo National Park and Carara Biological Reserve.

From Costa Rica, QM2 journeys to Acapulco, Mexico, a former fishing village and now one of the world's most glamorous cities. Here, visitors may enjoy an excursion to La Quebrada, where the renowned cliff divers plunge into the Pacific Ocean.

From there, the ship cruises along the Mexican Rivera and Southern California coastline for two days before making its final stop in Los Angeles on February 22.

From a Voyager-class ship in Europe to new options in Alaska to new departures from Philadelphia, Royal Caribbean International is offering an unparalleled mix of ships and destinations in 2006.

Voyager of the Seas to Make European Debut - In May 2006, Voyager of the Seas will depart Miami for Barcelona, Spain, marking the 3,114-guest cruise ship's European debut. From May 27 to July 8, 2006, and again Sept. 9 through Nov. 11, 2006, Voyager of the Seas will offer seven-night Mediterranean sailings roundtrip from Barcelona, calling on Marseille and Villefranche (Nice), France, and Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Civitavecchia (Rome) and Naples, Italy.

Voyager of the Seas also will sail seven-night Mediterranean-Malta sailings July 15 through Sept. 2, 2006, making stops in Villefranche (Nice); Civitavecchia (Rome); Palermo (Sicily), Italy; Valletta, Malta; and Palma De Mallorca, Spain. In addition, guests on either itinerary have the option of extending their vacation with one of two cruisetour packages - a three-night tour to Madrid and Barcelona or a five-night tour to Seville, Madrid and Barcelona.

Introduced in 1999, Voyager was the first cruise ship to feature a rock- climbing wall, an ice-skating rink, an in-line skating track and the Royal Promenade, a horizontal atrium featuring shopping, dining and entertainment venues. Voyager of the Seas offers guests six restaurants and more than a dozen lounges and bars from which to choose, as well as a state-of-the-art theater, the Las Vegas-style Casino Royale, and the outstanding Adventure Ocean youth program.

Explorer of the Seas Adds Options from Cape Liberty Cruise Port - When Voyager of the Seas heads to Europe, Explorer of the Seas will take her place from May to November at Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, N.J., to offer new, nine-night Eastern Caribbean itineraries, as well as the five- night Bermuda sailings first introduced by Voyager in 2005. Explorer of the Seas' Eastern Caribbean cruises will take guests to explore Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Royal Caribbean's private destination of Labadee, Hispaniola.

Empress of the Seas is Bermuda-Bound from Philadelphia - Starting April 29, 2006, Empress of the Seas will begin a series of seven- night Bermuda sailings from Philadelphia, marking the first time Royal Caribbean will sail a full season from the historic Pennsylvania city. Empress of the Seas' new cruises will call on St. George's and Hamilton, Bermuda, until Oct. 28, 2006, when Empress repositions to San Juan for the winter.

Vision of the Seas Embarks on Alaskan Adventures - Vision of the Seas moves to Seattle in May 2006 to offer a series of seven-night roundtrip Alaska Fjord sailings until Sept. 1, 2006. Vision's Alaska cruises call in Juneau, Skagway and Icy Strait Point, Alaska, and Victoria, British Columbia, in addition to cruising through the breathtaking Tracy Arm Fjord and the Inside Passage.

Radiance of the Seas to "Cruisetour" Alaska - On May 27, 2006, Radiance of the Seas will begin sailing alternating, seven-night, one-way northbound and southbound sailings between Seward, Alaska, and Vancouver, British Columbia. The northbound itinerary includes calls in Juneau, Skagway, Sitka and Icy Strait Point, Alaska, in addition to cruising the Inside Passage and Hubbard Glacier. Southbound sailings replace time in Sitka with a call in Ketchikan, Alaska.

Radiance guests looking for additional adventures can book one of Royal Caribbean's 20 Alaska cruisetour packages - exploring Alaska's natural wonders by deluxe motorcoach and the Wilderness Express luxurious, glass-domed railcars. Add-on land excursions include unforgettable experiences such as white-water rafting, glacier flight-seeing and heli-hiking.

Freedom of the Seas Sets Sail - Bookings opened in March for Royal Caribbean's newest ship, the 3,600-passenger Freedom of the Seas. Set to debut in the United States in May 2006 and enter service on June 4, 2006, Freedom of the Seas will be the most innovative and forward-looking ship the line has introduced to date. Featuring an interactive water park called H2O Zone, a dedicated sports pool, and cantilevered whirlpools extending 12 feet over the sides of the ship in the adults-only Solarium, Freedom of the Seas will offer a wide range of unique activities for guests of all ages. Freedom of the Seas will sail seven-night Western Caribbean cruises from Miami.

The four upcoming Africa and India voyages on Pacific Princess include:

Africa/India/Southeast Asia -- A 27-day journey combining the intrigue of Asia with the adventure of Africa. Pacific Princess sails from Bangkok to Cape Town on September 16, 2006 for a cruise to Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Chennai (India), Colombo (Sri Lanka), Seychelles Islands, Mombasa, Zanzibar and Durban. In Kenya's Mombassa passengers can choose an optional overnight safari to the famed Tsavo National Park to view the local wildlife.

Indian Ocean & Australia -- Returning by popular demand, this 28-day voyage from Cape Town to Sydney takes passengers to East London (South Africa), Durban, Nosy Bé (Madagascar), Réunion Island, Mauritius, Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne and Tasmania. The cruise departs on October 13, 2006.

West Africa & South America -- Combining the Caribbean, South America and West Africa in one 28-day journey, Pacific Princess sets sail from Ft. Lauderdale to Cape Town on March 9, 2007. Passengers will enjoy ports of call at St. Kitts, Dominica, Trinidad, Devil's Island, Fortaleza (Brazil), Dakar (Senegal), Tema (Ghana), Lomé (Togo), and Walvis Bay and Lüderitz in Namibia.

Africa/India/Southeast Asia -- Similar to the September sailing, this 25-day version from Cape Town to Singapore featuring calls at Durban, Zanibar, Mombassa, the Seychelles Islands, Colombo, Chennai and Kuala Lumpur. Passengers on this cruise may also opt to view the lions, zebras, giraffes, elephants and other wildlife in Kenya's Tsavo National Park with an overnight safari. The cruise departs on April 6, 2007.

Passengers will travel on the Pacific Princess, offering a the line's trademark "big ship choice" in a smaller, more intimate cruise environment providing many of the onboard options that have become Princess trademarks. Passengers will find a wide variety of dining experiences including alternative dining options that include Princess' renowned Sabatini's trattoria and the premium Sterling Steakhouse. And, with 92 percent outside staterooms -- with over two-thirds of these including a private balcony -- the vessel provides the perfect venues for enjoying the scenery of these exotic ports.

"As the program gains momentum, we are joining forces with a diverse and wonderful group of culinary experts from chefs and fromagers to authors and sommeliers," said Rick Meadows, CTC, Holland America Line's senior vice president, marketing and sales. "Guests will learn from and mingle with these renowned chefs and culinary authorities using our state-of-the-art show kitchens. This is an exciting partnership and we are delighted to be working with Food & Wine magazine to bring the culinary experience alive for our guests."

Cora joins the January 7, 2006, cruise to Australia and New Zealand aboard the ms Statendam. Bittman sails aboard the January 11, 2006, ms Rotterdam voyage to South America. The initiative is part of the line's Culinary Arts Center program, which is offered on every sailing. Holland America Line is spending more than $13 million to create and install the Culinary Arts Center facilities, which are already on half of the line's 13-ship fleet and will be in place across the fleet by mid-2006.

Resembling the elaborate show kitchens used by celebrity chefs on television cooking programs, each Culinary Arts Center features an innovative theater-style venue. The state-of-the-art "show kitchen at sea" has large plasma video screens to display overhead and close-up video views of the food preparation, and a large cooking display counter where guests can learn new cooking techniques and dishes.

Company	Today's Closing Price	Change (since last week)
Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL)	53.45	- 1.00%
Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE:RCL)	48.17	- 1.13%
Star Cruises (HKSE:0678.HK)	2.35	+ 4.44%

Cruise News Trivia Question:
What was the name of the first ship operated by Norwegian Cruise Line (then called Norwegian Caribbean)?

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 Princess Cruises' first ship and where did she operate?

Answer - Princess Cruises' first ship was the Princess Patricia, a ship chartered by Stanley McDonald and she sailed from Los Angeles to Mexico.
courtesy of Jim Chase, San Diego, California

Cruise News - July 18, 2005

The passenger, George A. Smith IV, 26, of Byram, Conn., was on his honeymoon and was reported missing on July 5th as the cruise ship sailed between the ports of Mykonos, Greece and Kusadasi, Turkey. Smith was discovered missing after passengers reported seeing what they thought were blood stains on the lifeboat davits directly below his cabin.

When crew members knocked on the cabin Smith was sharing with his bride, Jennifer Hagel, there was no response. They entered the cabin and after finding no one there, they paged both Smith and Hagel. Hagel responded and told them that her husband had not been in the cabin when she awoke. Hagel was questioned by authorities when the ship arrived in Turkey and released. She then returned home to the United States.

According to other passengers, the couple had been drinking heavily in the casino the night before Smith disappeared. According to the Associated Press, a Turkish official said that bloodstains had been found in the cabin.

As regular Cruise News readers know, the instances of passengers going overboard is rare but does happen. In many cases (see Man Overboard List) the passengers appear to have been drinking and or doing something dangerous. Many cases also seem to happen on the last night of the cruise and these are the ones that are most likely the result of suicide. While this case does appear to involve alcohol, it differs from most of the others in that bloodstains were reportedly found in the cabin, and the incident occurred while on the passenger's honeymoon.

Prior to the launch of its Mediterranean schedule, Carnival Liberty will operate a special three-day introductory cruise July 16-19 followed by a pierside overnight gala in Civitavecchia, Italy, July 19. That same evening, the ship will be "officially" named, with Academy Award-winning actress Mira Sorvino serving as godmother.

"Carnival Liberty is a spectacular addition to the 'Fun Ship' fleet and we're looking forward to the exciting inaugural festivities, as well as the start-up of our first-ever Mediterranean cruise program, which features some of the region's most charming and historic ports of call," said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO.

Carnival Liberty's seven-port, 12-day Med cruises will operate round-trip from Civitavecchia July 20 - Oct. 12, 2005, and include visits to Naples, Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Venice, Italy; Messina, Sicily; Barcelona, Spain; Cannes, France; and Livorno, Italy.

Following this program, Carnival Liberty will depart Civitavecchia on a 16-day transatlantic crossing Oct. 24 and arrive in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Nov. 9, 2005, positioning the vessel for a one-of-a-kind program of six- and eight-day Bahamas/Caribbean voyages beginning Nov. 12. She will return to Europe in May 2006 for another season of 12-day Mediterranean cruises.

Among the largest passenger vessels at sea, Carnival Liberty houses 22 lounges and bars, including a sports bar, piano bar, wine bar, dance club, and a 1,500-seat theater showcasing lavish Vegas-style productions.

Its 13 passenger decks also house a 13,500-square-foot health club, four swimming pools, a cascading water slide, a 4,200-square-foot children's play area, and a 1,800-square-foot teen club. Dining options include twin two- level main dining rooms, a spacious poolside eatery and an intimate reservations-only supper club serving U.S.D.A. prime beef and other gourmet cuisine.

Of the ship's 1,487 staterooms, 60 percent offer either an ocean view or private balcony.

Celebrity incorporates many features typically associated with luxury cruising in its new ship. More than 90 percent of the ship's staterooms are outside cabins, and more than 90 percent of those rooms have balconies. The standard stateroom on this ship is much larger than the standard stateroom in the cruise industry. The average standard stateroom on Celebrity's new ship is 215 square feet.

Other distinctive features are planned for the new design and will be announced in coming months. Their inclusion on the ship, like the added balconies and larger staterooms, is the result of Celebrity's close dialogue with its guests and trade partners.

The new ship, Celebrity's first wide-body construction, has a volume of 117,000 gross registered tons, and length and width of 1,033 feet by 121 feet, making it a post-Panamax vessel. The 1,425-stateroom ship accommodates 2,850 guests (double occupancy) and 1,250 crew.

"Today's announcement clearly demonstrates the company's continuing commitment to the growth and innovative development of the Celebrity brand," said Dan Hanrahan, president of Celebrity Cruises. "It also strengthens our hand in delivering the incredible service and amenities and the phenomenal cruise experience Celebrity is known for."

"We are excited to be collaborating with Celebrity on this new, breakthrough design and its market-leading innovations," said Meyer Werft Managing Partner Bernard Meyer. "It has taken us many months to develop a strong, working prototype and this next-generation of ships is truly extraordinary."

The company expects delivery of the new ship in Fall 2008. It estimates the all-in cost of the ship to be approximately $225,000 per berth. The exercise date for the second ship is March 15, 2006, subject to certain conditions.

With today's new ship and current ship orders, the company predicts fleet capacity to increase by 2.8 percent in 2006, 7.4 percent in 2007, and 7.2 percent in 2008.

It will be a sister ship to AIDA's two previously announced 68,500-ton cruise ships which will be built at Meyer Werft and are expected to enter service in April 2007 and April 2009. Like its sister ships, the new vessel will operate under AIDA's informal "club resort" cruise concept which is aimed at younger, more active vacationers and offers a host of on-board amenities and facilities.

"With an expected passenger base of approximately one million by 2010, the German market is expanding at a very rapid pace. Ordering a third 68,500-ton 'club resort' newbuild for AIDA continues our European strategy of developing this fast-growing market by offering cruises with the most exciting, modern ships available for German vacationers," said Micky Arison, Carnival Corporation & plc chairman and CEO.

AIDA Cruises revolutionized the German cruise market with the introduction of its first club ships in 1996. By 2009, a total of seven club ships will be in service, operating voyages to the Mediterranean, the Canaries, North Sea, the Baltic, the Caribbean and Central America.

"Sadly, under the guise of communing with nature or advancing our scientific understanding, dolphin encounter programs too often overlook the way dolphins actually exist and interact with each other in the wild, rather than respecting their natural place in the marine ecosystem," said Darius Mehta, director of land programs for Radisson Seven Seas. "While some parks may obtain dolphins legally, many use illegal and cruel means to capture these magnificent animals. While we will continue to employ programs that allow our guests the wonderful experience of observing dolphins in the wild, we're opposed to those that interfere with dolphins' natural behavior."

Radisson Seven Seas and its partner the Ocean Futures Society have a shared commitment to inspire deeper knowledge of the world's oceans and to work to end cruelty to marine life with its adverse impact on the environment.

"We should enjoy the abundant variety of marine life as it moves about and inhabits its own environment - without imposing artificial means on sea creatures to make them interact or 'perform' for people," Cousteau said. "Capturing marine mammals for the purpose of orchestrating structured encounters with humans or to display them in unnatural circumstances is unethical, puts them at risk and interferes with their natural and appropriate life cycles."

Cousteau said he supports and commends Radisson Seven Seas for "making a vital and forceful statement to the travel and tourism industry that these encounter programs should be avoided at all costs."

The travel initiative requirements will be rolled out in phases, providing as much advance notice as possible to the affected public to enable them to meet the terms of the new guidelines. The proposed timeline is as follows:
  - December 31, 2005 – Passport or other accepted document required for all travel (air/sea) to or from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Central and South America.
  - December 31, 2006 – Passport or other accepted document required for all air and sea travel to or from Mexico and Canada.
  - December 31, 2007 – Passport or other accepted document required for all air, sea and land border crossings.

For more information about the new requirements and answers to frequently asked questions, visit the U.S. Department of State web site.

Company	Today's Closing Price	Change (since last week)
Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL)	53.99	- 0.60%
Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE:RCL)	48.72	- 0.96%
Star Cruises (HKSE:0678.HK)	2.25	+ 4.65%

Cruise News Trivia Question:
What was Princess Cruises' first ship and where did she operate?

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 was the first cruise/passenger ship to have fin stabilizers?

Answer - Cunard Line's MEDIA, built in 1948....but the stabilizers were added later.
courtesy of courtesy of Sue Dobyns

Cruise News - July 11, 2005

"We've committed ourselves to providing innovative, exciting and unexpected experiences for our guests, and we are willing to stretch ourselves and our ships -- literally -- to fulfill that promise," said Royal Caribbean International President Adam Goldstein.

The most visible additions to Enchantment of the Seas are two 75-foot-long suspension bridges, supported by dramatic arches, that run along both sides of the top deck of the ship. The bridges cross over two new areas of the Pool Deck that extend out over the water. On the port side, the overhanging platform features a new island bar, while the starboard side has plenty of room for relaxing and enjoying the pool band. Both overhanging areas include peek-a-boo windows in the floor for glimpses down to the sea.

The "new" Enchantment of the Seas offers guests numerous ways to enjoy their time onboard -- at a variety of activity and adventure levels. At the upper end of the adventurous scale, Enchantment offers a new adrenaline rush. In addition to the line's signature rock-climbing wall, the ship has four bungee trampolines on Deck 10 forward. Guests push off from inflatable trampolines, while harnesses connected to bungee cords send them soaring skyward.

Guests who prefer to stay grounded can work up a sweat on the new vitality course, also on Deck 10. Runners and walkers follow the quarter-mile jogging path to four fitness zones that focus on stretching, cardio, agility and toning.

One level below, Enchantment of the Seas features two pools and four whirlpools in its main pool area, which was expanded by nearly 50 percent. The highlight, however, is the new interactive fountain for kids. With 64 water jets on the floor, perimeter and a central dome, the Splash Deck allows kids to spray one another or create their own fountain effects with a touchpad system. At night, the circular area closes down and transforms into a fiber- optic light and water show.

Several entertainment and dining concepts from Royal Caribbean's newest ships were added to Enchantment of the Seas during the renovation, including the line's latest hot spot, Boleros Latin lounge. Located in the new midsection on Deck 5, Boleros is the perfect spot to be social while enjoying live Latin jazz and Central and South American drink favorites, such as mojitos, caipirinhas and specialty tequilas. Enchantment's Boleros also features a special surprise -- a spectacular glass ceiling reminiscent of a Mayan sunburst.

On Deck 6, a former pass-through lounge has been transformed into the elegant, 108-seat Chops Grille specialty restaurant. This traditional steakhouse offers everything from succulent filet mignon to delicious salmon. Side dishes like hearty mashed potatoes are served family-style for guests to share, while a selection of decadent desserts like Mississippi Chocolate Mud Pie are offered to complete the meal. Reservations are required and a $20 charge applies.

Enchantment's other dining options also were updated. The My Fair Lady Dining Room was renovated and expanded to accommodate additional guests, while the former Windjammer Cafe is now the Windjammer Marketplace. The self-serve Windjammer Marketplace offers multiple islands, each featuring dishes from a different region of the world, as well as a carving station, deli, extensive salad bar and a cook-to-order pasta station. For quick snacks and sweet treats between meals, Enchantment's new Latte'tudes coffee and ice cream shop serves up espresso drinks from Seattle's Best Coffee® and the creative flavors of Ben & Jerry's®.

Further renovations and additions to Enchantment of the Seas include two family staterooms that sleep six, a new lounge for guests to book future cruises, more space and additional slot machines for the Casino Royale, and a refurbished, 100-seat conference center. The enhanced shopping area includes a Fossil® watch store, a fine jewelry store and a photo electronics retail shop, while the nearby, extended photo gallery offers digital photo kiosks from which guests can select their souvenir cruise photos.

The Enchantment Day Spa was expanded, now offering five additional treatment rooms, for a total of 13, including two couples' massage rooms. In addition, new accessibility features have been added throughout the ship, including improved thresholds and ramps, pool lifts and access to the Splash Deck.

Enchantment of the Seas will complete two preview cruises for area travel agents before officially re-entering service on July 7, 2005, with a four- night cruise to Halifax, Nova Scotia. Enchantment of the Seas then will sail a series of Canada/New England cruises from Cape Liberty (July 7-11), Philadephia (July 19-Aug. 21) and Boston (Sept. 4-25). She returns to Fort Lauderdale in October to resume four- and five-night Caribbean itineraries.

"We are delighted to introduce the ms Noordam as our first new ship fully equipped with all Signature of Excellence enhancements when she sails from the shipyard early next year," said Rick Meadows, CTC, senior vice president, marketing and sales. "She'll head into service on our newest Caribbean itinerary providing guests sailing from New York City with the top premium experience in the cruise industry."

Other major Signature of Excellence attributes will include the innovative Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine Magazine; an expanded Greenhouse Spa and Salon; and upgraded youth facility that includes the Teens-only Loft. Also new -- and unique to the Noordam -- will be the Pinnacle Wine Bar, offering a wide selection of worldwide wines.

Special Signature of Excellence amenities add to the welcoming ambience of the Noordam's 924 staterooms -- 87 percent of which offer ocean views. All feature plush Euro-top Mariner Beds, deluxe waffle/terry cloth robes, flat panel TVs, dvd players, magnifying make-up mirrors with halo lighting, massage shower heads, professional hair dryers, and complimentary fruit basket.

Holland America Line's new One-Touch Concierge Service will also be in full operation when the Noordam arrives. All guests in verandah suites will enjoy personalized phone concierge service to assist with special requests, spa or dinner reservations, room service and other needs. Offering similar assistance, food, and a place to relax and work, the Neptune Lounge also will continue to offer concierge service to deluxe verandah suite guests with One-Touch Concierge Service available when the Neptune Lounge is closed.

Among the most progressive of the Signature of Excellence enhancements will be Holland America Line's recently announced Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine Magazine. More than 60 celebrated chefs and culinary experts per year will provide cooking demonstrations and intimate classes in the new state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen.

Four acclaimed culinary experts are confirmed during the Noordam's inaugural year: Johnny Iuzzini, executive pastry chef of New York's renowned Jean Georges restaurant (April 5, 10-day Caribbean); John Howie, owner/chef of Seastar Restaurant and Raw Bar in Seattle (July 30, 10-day Europe); Charles Dale, founder of Aspen's Range and Rustique restaurants (Sept. 18, 10-day Europe); and Anthony Giglio, wine author and sommelier (Nov. 25, 11-day Caribbean).

The Culinary Arts Center with its state-of-the-art show kitchen will serve as a hub for the interactive gourmet experiences. Guests in the audience can get an up-close view of the cooking action on large, plasma screens, while other guests also may watch these events from the comfort of their staterooms. Each Culinary Arts Center will have portable cooking stations where groups of up to 16 guests can participate in hands-on classes.

The new Explorations Cafe -- powered by The New York Times offers guests an opportunity to sip coffee, browse through one of the most extensive libraries at sea, enjoy a wide selection of music at one of several listening stations or surf the Internet. They also can work The New York Times' crossword puzzles and access "TimesTalks" events and the NYTimes.com website.

Younger cruisers now enjoy supervised, age-specific activities in a more comprehensive Youth Program and expanded Club HAL(R) designed for kids ages 3 to 12. The younger ones can enjoy creative activities at art tables, watch big-screen television and play on a fun slide. Older kids, ages 8 to 12, have an area featuring arcade games, air hockey, foosball, Karaoke, Internet access and Sony Playstations. Teens, ages 13-18, can enjoy their own special place to relax and socialize called The Loft, teens-only lounge designed to resemble a New York artist's loft.

Dining choices aboard the Noordam will include the expanded Pinnacle Grill restaurant featuring Pacific Northwest fare and wines, and four dining times in the main dining room. Guests can also enjoy enhanced Lido dining and complimentary, 24-hour room service menu.

The Greenhouse Spa and Salon will provide guests with a wide range of exotic skin, body and hair treatments. The spa features new treatment rooms, a thermal suite and hydro-pool, as well as access to a spacious, well-appointed fitness facility.

Eleven Caribbean sailings will depart New York, beginning with the maiden voyage of the Noordam on February 22, 2006. Fares start at US $1,199 per person, double occupancy.

Award-winning chef/restaurateur Charlie Palmer, one of only three chefs to earn a spot on Forbes' annual Celebrity 100 list this year, has designed over 50 new gourmet culinary indulgences to be added to the award-winning fare served to guests in the open-seating Restaurant aboard Seabourn Pride, Spirit and Legend. The new dishes, which were developed in collaboration with Seabourn's Corporate Manager of Food & Beverage, Chef Tony Egger, enhance every course of the dinners, and will be rotated into the line's Palmer- designed, 28-day menu cycle through the end of 2005.

"Charlie has always insisted that the dining experience aboard our Seabourn yachts should reflect the best of what's happening in the culinary world shoreside," said Seabourn president Deborah L. Natansohn. "Just as his own fine dining venues in New York, Las Vegas and California continue to innovate and evolve," she said, "Charlie employs the same culinary creativity to updating and enhancing our menus on board."

Seabourn's ongoing collaboration with Chef Palmer has been a dramatic success, pleasing both the line's guests and professional reviewers and experts. In 2003, Palmer's revitalized menus for the line earned it a coveted first-place Diamond Award for outstanding achievement in onboard cuisine from the judges of Onboard Services magazine. In the 2005 Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Poll, Seabourn Legend and Spirit scored the top two spots for Food/Dining in the small ship category. Average scores for cuisine by guests in onboard surveys consistently hover around 9.5 on a scale of 10.

Among the new recipes, thanks to Chef Palmer's imagination, a traditional hot appetizer of Sauteed Escalope of Foie Gras receives an exotic accent with a Peppered Mango Tatin and basil oil, while a Double Consomme of Beef is enlivened with tiny duck confit cannelloni and roasted shallot petals. In a Mediterranean-inflected fish entree, Pan Seared Halibut arrives Studded with Anchovies, adorned with a warm, Nicoise-style salad, crisp giant capers and black olives. For those in a meat-and-potatoes mood, a Grilled Hanger Steak is paired with a Guinness Braised Short Rib and complemented by grain mustard mashed potatoes and tomato compote.

Rates for three-day cruises start at $209 per person based on double occupancy; four-day cruises $229 per person; five-day cruises $289 per person; seven-day cruises $349 per person; and eight-day cruises $499 per person.

"This new promotion offers military personnel an opportunity to enjoy a 'Fun Ship' cruise with their friends and families at special discounted rates. It's Carnival's way of showing our thanks and appreciation to the men and women of the armed forces who bravely serve our country," said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO.

Promotion is capacity controlled and not applicable with any other discount offer. Valid for individual bookings only. Promotion is based on category 4A (interior) staterooms and does not include government fees or taxes.

Military personnel must be a member of the traveling party to qualify for the special rate. Fare code CPM3 must be requested during the reservations process. Proof of active military service required. Certain restrictions apply.

The cruises will range from seven to 14 days, aboard some of the youngest and most amenity-filled ships in the region. Crown Princes, which will sail on her first full program of Southern Caribbean cruises from San Juan, and Golden Princess, which will inaugurate Princess' first sailings from a new homeport in New Orleans, will be joined by Caribbean Princess in the Eastern Caribbean, Star Princess in the Western Caribbean and Grand Princess sailing the Western Caribbean from Galveston. Sun Princess and Sea Princess will offer longer voyages sailing the length and breadth of the Eastern and Southern Caribbean, with Sun Princess offering 10-day cruises and Sea Princess returning for a second season of 14-day journeys. And Coral Princess will join the Caribbean fleet for a special holiday sailing in the Eastern Caribbean.

"This deployment represents our largest Caribbean fleet to date," said Jan Swartz, senior vice president of customer service and sales for Princess. "With four different homeports, three choices in cruise length, and a plethora of itineraries that cover the region, we offer Caribbean cruising options to fit just about any preference. Plus, we offer the newest seven-day fleet in the industry (at just under four years old on average) with innovative ships built specifically for Caribbean cruising and loaded with our trademark balconies - the perfect way to enjoy the islands."

Princess' 2006-07 Caribbean season features:

Crown Princess - The newest addition to the Caribbean fleet, Crown Princess will be based in San Juan for alternating Saturday departures on seven-day cruises to the Southern Caribbean. The ship offers 13 sailings on a Classic Southern Caribbean itinerary featuring calls at Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, St. Maarten and St. Thomas. The Southern Caribbean Explorer route meanwhile includes 13 departures with visits to St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Grenada, Bonaire and Aruba. In addition, following her previously announced summer season in "The Big Apple," Crown Princess will start her fall run with an eight-day repositioning cruise from New York to San Juan on October 27, 2006 including stops at St. Thomas, Antigua, Dominica and St. Kitts. The ship's Caribbean season runs through April 28, 2007.

Caribbean Princess - The ship offers her third season sailing Princess' Classic Eastern Caribbean itinerary roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale. The vessel shifts to Sunday departures for 27 sailings of an itinerary that travels to St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Princess Cays. Sailings run between October 29, 2006 and April 29, 2007. Caribbean Princess will also offer a complete summer season in 2006 with alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises. The May 6 to October 21, 2006 season features both 12 Eastern Caribbean sailings and 13 Western Caribbean sailings to Princess Cays, Ocho Rios (or Montego Bay), Grand Cayman and Cozumel.

Golden Princess - A new homeport for Princess, New Orleans, will be the base for Golden Princess' Western Caribbean itinerary. The ship will offer three sailings on an itinerary that travels to Montego Bay, Grand Cayman and Cozumel. Golden Princess sails on December 16, 23 and 30, 2006.

Grand Princess - Grand Princess returns to her Galveston homeport to sail on a series of seven-day Western Caribbean cruises. The 2,600-passenger vessel departs on Saturdays on a new itinerary that calls in Costa Maya, Roatan (Honduras), Belize and Cozumel. The ship offers 24 sailings on this itinerary between November 18, 2006 and April 28, 2007.

Star Princess - Star Princess will again offer a series of seven-day Western Caribbean itineraries, departing from Ft. Lauderdale on Saturdays. The ship will offer 25 sailings between November 11, 2006 and April 28, 2007, featuring calls at Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Princess Cays.

Sun Princess - Sun Princess will offer alternating 10-day sailings roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale - one to the Southern Caribbean and the other to the Eastern Caribbean. The Southern Caribbean Medley itinerary is offered on 10 sailings and includes calls at Curaçao, Isla Margarita, Barbados, Dominica, St. Thomas and Princess Cays. The Eastern Caribbean Voyager itinerary is featured on nine sailings and offers calls at Antigua, St. Lucia, Grenada, Martinique, St. Thomas and Princess Cays. Sun Princess' Caribbean season runs between October 11, 2006 and April 9, 2007.

Sea Princess - Sea Princess again offers an intriguing a series of 14-day Caribbean adventures, featuring two alternating itineraries sailing roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale. The ship will offer six sailings on the Grand Caribbean Adventurer with calls at Princess Cays, Tortola, St. Maarten, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Barbados, St. Vincent, Trinidad, Bonaire and Aruba. Six sailings of the Grand Caribbean Islander itinerary feature calls at Princess Cays, Tortola, Antigua, Dominica, Martinique, Barbados, Grenada, Isla Margarita, Curaçao and Montego Bay. Sea Princess sails between November 11, 2006 and April 14, 2007.

Coral Princess - Coral Princess will join the Caribbean fleet for a special holiday Eastern Caribbean sailing on December 22, 2006. This seven-day escape features visits to St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Princess' own Princess Keys.

In 2006, SuperStar Virgo maintains its popular three and two-night cruises, departing weekly from Singapore to Penang, Malaysia and Phuket, Thailand as well as the longer five-night cruises calling at Penang, Phuket and the Malaysian destinations of Malacca and Port Klang (Kuala Lumpur).

The first of three new itineraries to be introduced in 2006 will feature three, two and five-night cruises to Phuket, Langkawi and Redang Island off Malaysia's east coast. These cruises will depart Singapore on alternate Sundays from April through September 2006.

Two other new itineraries will include five night special cruises to Redang Island and Kota Kinabalu on the island of Borneo in June, and Bangkok and Hua Hin on Thailand's south-east coast in September.

There will also be two special five-night cruises to the increasingly-popular Thai destinations of Bangkok and Ko Samui, departing Singapore in April and August, as well as a Port Klang- Phuket-Langkawi special cruise in December.

Monnette served for more than a decade in various senior sales and marketing positions for Symantec Corp., one of the world's largest providers of security software. As Symantec's senior director of worldwide consumer services, Monnette led an effort to consolidate all customer-support functions into one global team. He also directed the implementation of a massive customer-support web site in 10 languages. Monnette most recently served as president and chief executive officer of Caffe Pacori and Caffe Botanica, two start-up companies that roast and market specialty coffee.

NCL Corporation ("NCL") today announced the appointment of Bonnie Biumi as its new Chief Financial Officer effective July 20. Biumi will take over from NCL's current CFO, Lamarr Cooler, who is leaving the company after 30 years of service.

Bonnie Biumi is currently Senior Vice President and Treasurer at Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and has worked there since 1999. Prior to that she was Chief Financial Officer of two separate public companies, an equipment rental company and a telecommunications service provider. She is a Certified Public Accountant with 11 years experience at Price Waterhouse in Miami.

Welcoming the new CFO, NCL's President and CEO Colin Veitch said: "Bonnie will be a great addition to our team. Her industry knowledge, as well as her extensive financial background and diversified experience, will allow her to hit the ground running from day 1. We are growing fast and have a lot to do, so I am very much looking forward to working with her."

"The Queen Mary 2 continues Cunard's 165-year tradition of Royal Mail Service by transporting this priceless edition of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the first author-signed U.S. copy by author J.K. Rowling, to New York for Scholastic's U.S. book launch," stated Jan Swartz Senior Vice President of Customer Service and Sales for Cunard Line.

The book's transatlantic crossing began in Southampton, England, arriving in New York under tight security. Like QM2 passengers, who receive the utmost attention while onboard, the book and its 5' x 7' steamer trunk were placed under lock and key and guarded closely by the ship's security.

After J.K. Rowling signed the book in her office in Edinburgh, Scotland, a Scholastic executive traveled with the book - under tight security - to Southampton, England where it was placed in a 5 foot by 7 foot steamer trunk which was then locked and loaded by crane onto the Queen Mary 2 for its journey to America. When the ship docked in New York City harbor, the steamer trunk was unloaded and transferred by the ship's White Star Service™ porters to a Dunbar Armored truck and taken to a secure and undisclosed location. It will remain there until Friday, July 15 at 9:30am when Dunbar will deliver the trunk to Scholastic headquarters for a press event where the trunk will be unlocked and the book will be presented to the Grand Prize Winner of Scholastic's nationwide public library sweepstakes. The book will remain on display in a locked case guarded by security personnel at Harry Potter Place in New York City until 12:01 a.m. on July 16 when the winning public library will take possession of it.

Company	Today's Closing Price	Change (since last week)
Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL)	54.95	- 0.60%
Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE:RCL)	48.19	- 0.51%
Star Cruises (HKSE:0678.HK)	2.15	+ 3.61%

Cruise News Trivia Question:
Which was the first cruise/passenger ship to have fin stabilizers?

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
To whom belonged a fleet of passenger ships with hulls painted lavender?

Answer - The Union-Castle Line had the lavender hulled ships. Going back to the 1850's it was the merger of two seperate companies - the Union Line and the Castle Line. They began as mail ship lines running between Southhampton and South Africa, later becoming a passenger line, and basically, going out of business in 1977.
courtesy of Frank Cicio