News from the world of cruising ~
June 11-17, 2001
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Fire on the Nordic Empress
NORDIC EMPRESS RETURNS TO BERMUDA
MIAMI - June 16, 2001 - Royal Caribbean Internationals Nordic Empress is returning to Bermuda today under its own power, following a brief fire last night in the ships main engine room. A ruptured fuel line between the third and fourth main propulsion engines is the suspected cause of the fire, which was quickly extinguished by the ships fire sprinkler system. No one was injured during the incident.
"I am grateful to the ships officers and crew for their rapid and effective response in last nights incident," said Royal Caribbean International President Jack Williams. "I also appreciate our guests calm and cooperative attitude, which helped minimize an unfortunate situation."
Nordic Empress is returning to Bermuda powered by its starboard main propulsion engine, which was not damaged in the fire. The ship is expected to reach Bermuda late today.
Once in Bermuda, guests will be flown home via New York, where the cruise originated on June 10. The company is providing all guests with return airfare to New York. All guests also will receive a free seven-night cruise certificate. A special team of employees was dispatched early today from Miami to assist guests with their return transportation.
One cruise, the June 17 sailing, will be cancelled as a result of the fire. Guests who are booked on that cruise will receive a full refund, plus a free seven-night cruise certificate. Family members or guests affected by the cancellation may call a special help desk at 1-888-829-4050. Travel agents may call 1-888-832-4160.
Media Statement from Michael Crye, president of the International Council of Cruise Lines concerning the incident on the cruise ship Nordic Empress:
Arlington, VA (June 16, 2001) Although the unfortunate incident on the Nordic Empress happened and disrupted a cruise, we are pleased that there were no injuries and that Royal Caribbean effectively responded to the fire that was contained and extinguished rapidly. Safety equipment worked as designed and industry-wide emergency response procedures were faithfully executed.
The crew is trained to international standards and is drilled regularly by the U.S. Coast Guard. It appears that their training worked effectively.
The average cruise ship the size of the Nordic Empress has the following onboard:
· Approximately five fire teams onboard.
· Over 100 fully trained fire-fighting personnel.
· Over 5 miles of fire fighting hose.
· Over 15 miles of sprinkler piping.
· Over 4,000 sprinkler heads.
· Over 450 fire extinguishers.
· Over 3,500 smoke detectors.
· Over 350 fire stations or hydrants.
Safety remains our highest priority and the industry will continue to work closely with appropriate regulatory authorities to investigate this incident.
We are sorry for the inconvenience to the Nordic Empress passengers. We are pleased that there were no injuries and that the passengers are safely returning to port.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the cruise industry is the safest form of transportation and adherence to the highest safety standards is essential to ensure that we stay that way. Sixty million passengers have safety sailed on cruise ships since 1980 and we will continue the process of continuous improvement in safety equipment, training and procedures.
NORDIC EMPRESS IDLED BY BRIEF FIRE
MIAMI - June 16, 2001 - Royal Caribbean International has canceled the June 17 sailing of its ship Nordic Empress following a brief fire in the engine room as the ship was departing Bermuda late Friday last night. None of the 2,216 persons aboard the ship were injured.
"All of our guests and crew members are completely safe and uninjured," said Jack Williams, president of Royal Caribbean International. "The ship will return to Bermuda, where we can fly guests home and repair any damage in the engine room."
The fire occurred at approximately 10:30 p.m. EDT. Sprinklers were activated and the fire was extinguished shortly afterwards. As a safety precaution, the ship's 1,566 guests and 650 crew members were called to their muster stations. Nordic Empress was idled in good weather about 140 miles northwest of Bermuda as it was sailing east to New York, where it was scheduled to arrive at 8 a.m. Sunday. The ship departed New York June 10 on a seven-night sailing to Bermuda.
Royal Caribbean has notified the U.S. Coast Guard, Bermuda officials and
other authorities about the incident and is coordinating all response
actions with them.
The 11-year-old ship has fully functional lighting, air conditioning and water systems. While damage is being assessed, tugboats have been dispatched, should the ship require assistance in returning to Bermuda. Nordic Empress is expected to reach Bermuda by Sunday afternoon.
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ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL AND CELEBRITY CRUISES
HONORED FOR ENVIRONMENTAL BUSINESS PRACTICES
MIAMI - June 15, 2001 - Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity
Cruises were honored Friday by the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce as
recipients of the Chamber's 2001 Environmental Business Practices Award.
The award, presented by the Chamber's Environmental Economics Sustainability Committee, hailed Royal Caribbean and Celebrity for institutionalizing significant environmental efforts from their top management to their many employees around the world. The cruise lines were also commended for placing a high priority on setting internal environmental policies that are specifically designed to go above and beyond regulatory compliance.
"I am very proud of our employees whose hard work and dedication to the environment led to this award," said Rick Sasso, president of Celebrity Cruises, who accepted the award. "Our proper environmental stewardship of the seas is critically important to our cruise lines. Being recognized for our efforts, especially by the people who know us best, in our company's hometown, makes this award even more meaningful."
The award was presented to Royal Caribbean and Celebrity in recognition of
a variety of industry leading environmental initiatives and accomplishments, including:
* The company introduced the first smokeless gas-turbine engines on modern cruise ships with the launch of Celebrity Cruises' Millennium last July. Two additional gas-turbine ships, Celebrity's Infinity, and Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas, have since entered service, and five more gas-turbine vessels will join the fleet by 2004. With gas-turbine engines burning a cleaner fuel than diesel, the new engines significantly reduce air emissions. For example, nitrous oxide has been cut by up to 80 percent and sulfur oxide has been reduced by up to 98 percent. No other cruise line uses gas-turbine engines on its ships.
* The company is pioneering new wastewater treatment processes and equipment. Bilge water, oily water that accumulates naturally on machine and engine room floors, now is processed through state-of-the art equipment, which cleans bilge water to less than five parts per million. U.S. and international regulations limit the amount of discharge to 15 parts per million - three times higher than Royal Caribbean and Celebrity allows.
* The company has installed new reverse-osmosis systems to process gray water (water from sinks, showers, and galleys) and treated black water (water and waste from toilets) on two Celebrity ships. A similar process is used to make bottled water.
* Both U.S. and international law allow gray water to be discharged from ships virtually anywhere at sea and portside. However, in keeping with this company's "Above and Beyond Compliance" approach, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity restrict the discharge of gray water to outside of 12 nautical miles.
* Similarly, U.S. and international law allow treated black water to be released anywhere and untreated black water to be discharged outside four nautical miles. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity have a stricter policy, allowing black water discharges only outside 12 nautical miles. Otherwise, it must be held onboard the ship until it can be safely landed onshore.
* During 2000, the company eliminated the use of 99 chemicals from its approved chemical list and continues to look for ways to further pare the list. Often, the substituted material offers other benefits, such as Ecofuel, a food-warming fuel. Ecofuel contains no alcohol and no air pollutants. It also has a lower flash point.
* Since 1996, an environmental officer has been assigned to every ship to oversee environmental operations. In 2000, the company trained 49 officers in basic and advanced training courses. The impact of that training was clearly evident in improved performance ratings during independent environmental audits.
* In a first-of-its-kind alliance, Royal Caribbean International has teamed with the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the National Science Foundation to conduct marine research at sea within two working science laboratories onboard Explorer of the Seas. Through a $3-million contribution, Royal Caribbean is providing space, equipment, operating funds and staterooms onboard Explorer of the Seas to assist scientists in answering critical questions about atmospheric, ocean and climate research.
* The company's Ocean Fund recognizes and supports marine conservation groups that promote ocean research and education. The company has awarded nearly $5 million to 34 groups since the Fund was established five years ago. This year, the company awarded $770,000 to eight organizations, including the Audubon Society, MAST Academy, Florida International University, Tampa BayWatch, Ocean Research and Education Foundation, and Mote Marine Laboratory, in grants ranging from $15,000 to $150,000.
* The company also supports numerous volunteer projects to assist and protect the environment. This year, more than 1,500 employees, family members and friends participated worldwide in the company's fourth annual corporate volunteer day, known as G.I.V.E. Day - "Get Involved, Volunteer Everywhere." Several hundred participants were involved in environmentally oriented projects, such as replanting native vegetation at Cape Florida State Park on Key Biscayne in South Florida; cleaning a reef and shipwreck site in the Florida Keys; cleaning beaches and replanting native vegetation at Virginia Key Beach and Park in South Florida; planting trees with the National Tree Trust in Wichita, Kansas; and cleaning highways leading to the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage, Alaska. G.I.V.E. Day is the largest annual community service event held by a single Florida company.
The Chamber presented eight environmental awards from four general categories: Environmental Education Effort, Innovative Business Practices, Institutionalized Environmental Business Practices, and Improved Performance in Environmental Compliance. The awards are presented annually to those Miami businesses that best demonstrate the blending of environmental priorities into their business practices.
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is a global cruise vacation company that
operates Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Royal
Celebrity Tours. Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises have
a combined total of 21 ships in service and eight under construction or on
firm order. Royal Celebrity Tours operates land-tour vacations in Alaska
utilizing the world's largest glass-domed railcars. Additional information
can be found on www.royalcaribbean.com & www.celebritycruises.com
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Crystal Cruises Announces Top Management Change
Gregg Michel to Become President, as Joe Watters Steps Down
LOS ANGELES, June 15 - Crystal Cruises announced today that Joseph Watters is stepping down as president and Gregg Michel, Crystal's senior vice president, finance and administration, will assume the presidency of the luxury line on July 1. Michel has been with Crystal Cruises since the company was formed in 1988.
Watters states that given Crystal Cruises' success and that his major objectives have been accomplished since he became president seven years ago, it is a good time to move on.
"When I came to Crystal Cruises in 1994, there were a number of things that I wanted to achieve," says Watters. "Since that time, we've accomplished a great deal. We have improved the overall Crystal cruise product, built the brand name, become a consistently profitable company, and are enjoying the highest ratings in our history and an unprecedented number of industry awards. We have strengthened the relationships with our guests and travel agents and have showcased the quality and commitment of those who work at Crystal. I feel very good about what we've done and the shoreside and shipboard team that is in place."
"NYK (Nippon Yusen Kaisha), Crystal Cruises' parent company, greatly appreciates the efforts and accomplishments of Joe Watters during his presidency," said Naomasa Sakuma, chairman of Crystal Cruises. "Crystal Cruises has maintained a strong position in the luxury market, which will be further strengthened by the addition of our third ship in 2003. We look forward to Gregg Michel continuing Crystal's tradition of quality and in positioning the company for its future growth."
Gregg Michel was part of the original management team in 1988 that developed the Crystal product and positioned it for the luxury market. As senior vice president, finance & administration, a member of Crystal's Board of Directors, and a key executive of the line's weekly sales and marketing meetings, he has worked closely with the line's shore-side, shipboard and NYK personnel. A 26-year cruise industry veteran, Michel was formerly with Princess Cruises, where he held various financial positions.
"Having been integrally involved with Crystal Cruises since its inception, as we grow with our new ship I am especially excited to have the opportunity to continue to build on Crystal's stellar reputation and keep it at the forefront of the cruise industry as the leading large, luxury ship operator," said Michel. "I look forward to working with our supportive travel agent community in a new capacity, as well as the staff at Crystal, both on board and ashore, who have continued to deliver our distinctive, award-winning product."
Although Joe Watters will step down as president on July 1, he will assist with the transition to the end of the year. Watters will also honor activities and commitments scheduled this summer. Among them, Watters and his wife Virginia will host Crystal's annual "President's Cruise," which is aboard Crystal Symphony this August in Europe.
For a record five consecutive years, Crystal has been named "World's Best Large Ship Cruise Line" by the readers of Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler magazines. The line's luxury ships, Crystal Harmony and Crystal Symphony, cruise throughout the world. Crystal Cruises' is building a third luxury ship, which will debut in June 2003.
Crystal Cruises is booked exclusively through professional travel agents. The luxury line's website is located at www.crystalcruises.com.
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PRINCESS CRUISES ANNOUNCES "HEARTS OF GOLD" SEARCH
Super Hero Lynda Carter (a.k.a. Wonder Woman) to Honor Real-life Heroes and Heroines at Inaugural Festivities for New Golden Princess
Each day we hear about real-life heroes who selflessly help others - a teacher donating one of her own kidneys to a student, someone starting a local literacy program or a homeless shelter, or a firefighter rescuing someone from a perilous situation. To honor these heroes and heroines, Princess Cruises is conducting a "Hearts of Gold" search, which will recognize 50 individuals at a ceremony hosted by former super hero Lynda Carter (a.k.a. Wonder Woman) as part of the launch festivities for its new Golden Princess.
People are invited to nominate someone with a "heart of gold" - even themselves - by submitting an essay of 500 words or less about why this hero or heroine should be recognized. Selected honorees, and the beneficiaries of their good deeds, each with a guest, will receive an all-expense paid trip to Fort Lauderdale, Florida (Oct 10 - 11, 2001) to be recognized at the special ceremony and attend the star-studded inaugural gala celebration aboard the new ship. Many "golden" celebrities will also be on hand for the events, including Golden Globe winning actors, gold medal Olympians and artists who have records that have "gone gold."
It's been 60 years since DC Comics introduced the super hero character Wonder Woman, and 20 years since actress Lynda Carter used gold bracelets to fight villains and protect the innocent as the television character. Following her five year role as Wonder Woman (1975-1979), Carter continues to play a super hero through her work with various children's charities and organizations such as the Susan G. Komen Foundation, which does breast cancer research. Carter continues acting with roles in highly rated television movies such as Danielle Steel's "Daddy" for NBC, and formed Lynda Carter Productions, which produces award-winning specials and television dramas including "Stillwatch" (based on the Mary Higgins Clark novel). Carter resides in Washington D.C. with her husband and two children.
"Lynda Carter's super hero television character and her continued real-life heroic commitment to philanthropic organizations make her a 'Hearts of Gold' role model and the ideal host for this program," said Dean Brown, executive vice president of sales, marketing and customer service for Princess. "And we think the heroes and heroines we identify as a result of this search will be a fitting part of the special celebrations planned to welcome our new Golden Princess to the U.S."
How to Enter
People interested in entering the contest need to submit an essay, up to 500 words, explaining why this hero or heroine should be recognized. Full details about entering the contest can be found on www.princess.com, or by calling toll free 1-866-GOLDENSEARCH (866-465-3367). Entries must be received by July 16, 2001 to be considered.
Golden Princess Offers Personal Choice CruisingSM
Golden Princess offers passengers the opportunity to customize their cruise experience through a variety of Personal Choice CruisingSM options. She features a wedding chapel and at-sea wedding program, including an exclusive wedding cam which gives couples the choice to invite loved ones to their wedding via a cyberspace connection; Personal Choice DiningSM, which is the only dining program in the industry to offer passengers both traditional fixed seating dinner or restaurant-style enabling passengers to dine when and with whom they wish, two other specialty restaurants, three show lounges, a nightclub set 150 feet above water and 710 cabins with private balconies. Following her Europe season and the inaugural festivities, including the ship's official christening by actress Jane Seymour in Ft. Lauderdale, she will sail the Eastern Caribbean with a seven-day cruise schedule.
Princess Cruises, one of the best-known names in North American cruising, is a global cruise and tour company. Part of P&O Princess Cruises plc, it operates ten ships on nearly 150 different itineraries calling at approximately 260 ports around the world.
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Royal Caribbean International & Celebrity Cruises Showcase Old Tradition, New Technology In Alaska
MIAMI, FL (June 14, 2001) - Borrowing from both modern and ancient cultures, the newest, most environmentally friendly technology in cruise-ship propulsion comes to Alaska this summer while welcoming aboard a spectacular example of a Native American totem pole.
Royal Caribbean International's Radiance of the Seas and Celebrity Cruises' Infinity, both launched this spring by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., are powered by the latest applications of gas and steam turbines - an integrated system first seen on a cruise ship a year ago on Celebrity Cruises' Millennium. In addition, Radiance of the Seas features one of the most unusual works of art on a cruise ship.
Today, a hand-carved 12-foot-high totem pole will be unveiled as Radiance of the Seas visits Ketchikan. This permanent display, crafted by world-renowned artist Nathan Jackson, celebrates native Tlinglit culture and tradition. It is based on the story, "How Raven Gave The World The Sun, Moon and Stars."
"Royal Caribbean is committed to preserving Alaska's proud heritage. The raven totem pole allows us to showcase Alaska's rich culture and share it with the thousands of guests who sail on Radiance of the Seas," said Jack Williams, president of Royal Caribbean International.
The vibration-free, smokeless General Electric gas turbines represent the cruise industry's newest technology for protecting the environment. With two gas turbines and a steam turbine powering the ship, the system results in a reduction of 80 to 98 percent in exhaust emissions, as well as a reduction in oily waste.
"Though widely used in industrial settings and industrial power plants as a
source of power generation, gas-turbine technology is new to the cruise
industry," said David Whisenhunt, vice president and general manager,
Commercial Marine Systems, GE Aero Energy Products. "By embracing this
technology, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity demonstrate their environmental
citizenship and can, once again, claim a cruise-industry first."
The benefits of the technology are far-reaching for Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises and, ultimately, their guests. In addition to the significant reduction in exhaust emissions from the ships' stack, there are also lower levels of noise and vibration to enhance the comfort of guests.
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is a global cruise vacation company that operates Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Royal Celebrity Tours. Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises have a combined total of 21 ships in service and eight under construction or on firm order. Royal Celebrity Tours operates land-tour vacations in Alaska utilizing the world's largest glass-domed railcars. Additional information can be found on www.royalcaribbean.com & www.celebritycruises.com.
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MIAMI, June 12 - American Classic Voyages Co., the largest American cruise company, today reported a significant improvement in booking momentum and a high occupancy forecast for the summer season on its Hawaii cruise ships. The Company also announced the implementation of a comprehensive cost control program to reduce its general and administrative expenses.
Aggressive sales and marketing efforts have driven demand for AMCV's Hawaii cruises to a total of more than 2,800 net bookings per week for the past eight weeks, a 70% increase compared to the 1,650 net bookings per week average achieved from January through mid-April. AMCV also reported that American Hawaii's ss Independence is forecast to sail with a combined load factor of 110% for the June, July and August summer vacation season and that United States Lines' ms Patriot is forecast for occupancy of 96% for the same time period.
AMCV Chief Executive Officer Phil Calian said, "We have clearly found price points at which we can fill our ships in Hawaii. While we would like higher fare per diems, we are pleased with the volume we are generating and at these yields we exceed our vessel operating costs.''
AMCV re-affirmed its previous yield guidance on its Hawaii products. It continues to expect yields at American Hawaii to range from $100 to $115 for the full year 2001, and yields at United States Lines to be 25% to 30% higher than those at American Hawaii.
As part of a comprehensive cost reduction program, the Company announced plans to eliminate 70 full-time positions from its shore-based staff of approximately 470 full-time personnel. "Although this was a difficult decision, we need to be leaner and more efficient to ensure continued success,'' Calian said. "We are continuing to examine ways to control our SG&A costs without hurting our ability to attract passengers and deliver high quality vacation products.''
AMCV's recent financial performance has been impacted by factors including a broad national economic decline and competitive pricing in the leisure industry.
American Classic Voyages is the world's largest U.S.-flag cruise company and markets four distinct products that cruise in Hawaii, along the coasts of North and Central America and on America's inland waterways. United States Lines, American Hawaii Cruises, Delta Queen Coastal Voyages and The Delta Queen Steamboat Co. operate a total of seven U.S.-crewed vessels with a combined 3,490 berths. Three more ships, with a total of 4,024 berths, are on order at U.S. shipyards and scheduled for delivery through 2004. For more information, visit www.amcv.com.
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FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., June 12 - Ultra-luxury cruise line, Silversea Cruises, Ltd., has announced that its owners, Italy's Lefebvre family, have completed a restructuring of its family holdings. As part of this process, Dott. Manfredi Lefebvre has been appointed Chairman of Silversea, assuming this responsibility from his brother Professor Francesco Lefebvre. In his first order of business, Dott. Lefebvre has appointed Albert Peter to the position of Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.
Currently in the midst of a fleet expansion that will increase Silversea's capacity by 130%, these developments have been put in place to position the award-winning company for continued growth and expansion. The line welcomed the 382-guest, 28,258 grt Silver Shadow in September 2000 and is preparing to take delivery of sister ship Silver Whisper later this month.
Peter has had a long association with Silversea, having been its banker throughout the company's recent expansion, which began in 1998. Prior to joining Silversea, Peter held senior management positions in the international banking and venture capital industry, providing him with in-depth exposure to a variety of different industries. During his four-year tenure with Bermuda-based Centre Solutions, an international and leading provider of innovative financing solutions, Peter was specifically responsible for all cruise industry related financing transactions worldwide.
Peter joins Silversea's executive team of industry veterans -- President Bill Smith; Sr. Vice President and C.F.O. Pradeep Bajaj; Sr. Vice President of Worldwide Sales and Marketing Bill Leiber, CTC; and Sr. Vice President of Vessel Operations Robin Lindsay -- and will guide the company on a strategic path of growth and continued success.
With the launch of the 296-guest, 16,800 grt Silver Cloud in 1994 and sister ship Silver Wind in 1995, Silversea established itself as the defining name in luxurious and sophisticated travel. The line's award-winning all-suite ships bring guests to the far corners of the globe in peerless style and comfort, blending large ship amenities with an intimate onboard atmosphere of casual elegance. The addition of Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper firmly establishes Silversea's position as the leader in elite small ship cruising.
Silversea's all-inclusive air/sea fares are by far the most comprehensive in the industry making travel near effortless by including roundtrip air transportation, a deluxe pre-cruise hotel stay and all transfers and porterage, expertly arranged by the line's professional travel staff. Aboard the vessels, Silversea's all-inclusive philosophy makes guests feel ``at home'' by conveniently including all wine, spirits and champagne throughout the ship, all gratuities, all port charges and a special shoreside excursion, The Silversea Experience, on select voyages.
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MIAMI, June 12 - American Hawaii Cruises and United States Lines, subsidiaries of American Classic Voyages Co., announced today a new "Summer Of Freedom'' promotion which offers two-for-one deals in 2001 and free airfare in the first half of 2002 on week-long cruise vacations through the Hawaiian Islands aboard American Hawaii Cruises' 860-passenger Independence and United States Lines' 1,212-passenger Patriot. Both U.S.-flag ships sail year-round, showcasing the diverse beauty of Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island of Hawaii. Passengers must book and deposit a seven-night cruise before Sept. 30, 2001 to take advantage of the offers.
For all remaining 2001 sailing dates (except for December 22 and 29, 2001 holiday departures) vacationers who purchase a cruise and accompanying round-trip airfare at brochure rates will receive a free cruise and round-trip air ticket for their companion. Brochure fares including air for 2001 cruises aboard the Independence start at $1,858 per person double occupancy and $1,908 aboard the Patriot. In each case, the cruise and air for the second person are free; both passengers are responsible for port charges of $90 per person, plus Hawaii state sales tax.
In 2002, the first two passengers in each cabin will enjoy free airfare from any of nearly 70 major U.S. gateways for cruises departing between January 5 and May 25, 2002.
"People want the freedom to travel and our 'Summer Of Freedom' promotion offers extraordinary savings, putting 'America's Paradise' within easy reach,'' said Maria Isabel Molina, vice president of marketing for American Hawaii Cruises and United States Lines. "We understand that people expect value for their money and a cruise includes meals, transportation and entertainment in one pre-paid package. That's why 'Summer of Freedom' makes it the right time to book a Hawaiian cruise vacation.''
While both cruise lines feature port-intensive itineraries to Honolulu, Oahu; Nawiliwili, Kauai; Kahului, Maui; and Hilo and Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii, the programs aboard the Independence focus on the rich culture of the islands, while the Patriot's activities center around resort-style amenities.
Both ships cruise every Saturday from their respective island home ports -- Kahului, Maui for the Independence and Honolulu for the Patriot -- and feature two overnight port calls. Because the ships' itineraries have been carefully planned to maximize passengers' time ashore, more than 85 hours are spent in Hawaiian ports, nearly three times as much as competing cruise lines' seven-day Hawaiian cruises.
To make a reservation, contact a professional travel agent. For a complimentary, full-color brochure and more information, call American Hawaii Cruises toll-free at 800-765-7000, or United States Lines at 877-330-6600.
American Hawaii Cruises and United States Lines are subsidiaries of American Classic Voyages Co., the world's largest U.S.-flag cruise company with a fleet of seven U.S.-crewed vessels. Two additional 1,900-passenger U.S.-flag ships are under construction for delivery in 2003 and 2004 for United States Lines. For more information, visit www.cruisehawaii.com, www.unitedstateslines.com, www.amcv.com.
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CELEBRITY CRUISES CANCELS TWO ALASKAN CRUISES
MIAMI - Celebrity Cruises has canceled two cruises on Infinity to replace a ball-bearing unit in the ship's starboard propulsion system. The ship must enter drydock to replace the bearing, which resulted in the cancellation of its June 8 and June 15 sailings. Both cruises were seven-night roundtrip voyages out of Vancouver. Infinity is expected to return to service on June 22.
"Bearings of this type are highly reliable and a problem such as this is rare," said Richard Sasso, president of Celebrity Cruises. "However, prudence dictates that these repairs be made immediately. We know this will upset many of our guests' vacation plans, and we are truly sorry for this."
Guests booked on the June 8 sailing will receive a full refund for their cruise, plus a voucher for a free seven-night Celebrity cruise sailing before November 30, 2002. Guests booked on the June 15 cruise will receive a full refund, plus a voucher for a 50 percent discount on a seven-night Celebrity cruise sailing before November 30, 2002.
Guests' travel agents will receive their full commission, plus a $50
rebooking fee when their clients reschedule their cruise.
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