News from the world of cruising ~
June 18-24, 2001
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CARNIVAL TO DRAMATICALLY INCREASE CAPACITY ON 'FUN SHIP' DEPARTURES FROM NEW ORLEANS, GALVESTON AND TAMPA IN 2002
MIAMI (06/22/01) Carnival Cruise Lines will deploy the largest ship in its fleet, the 110,000-gross-registered-ton Carnival Conquest, on seven-day cruises from New Orleans in late 2002; double capacity in Galveston when the Jubilee begins four- and five-day cruises from that port in summer 2002; and introduce the Inspiration on seven-day cruises from Tampa, as well as increase capacity by 38 percent from that port when the Sensation begins four- and five-day cruises in fall 2002.
"Carnival carries more passengers from New Orleans, Tampa and Galveston than any other cruise line and these ship deployments will provide new and exciting 'Fun Ship' cruise options from each of these ports," said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president. "Plus, these vessels offer value-added amenities and myriad dining, entertainment and activity choices all in a relaxed vacation environment desired by today's consumer," he added.
Carnival's Largest 'Fun Ship' to New Orleans in December 2002 The 2,976-passenger Carnival Conquest will become the largest cruise ship ever homeported in New Orleans when it begins year-round seven-day sailings from that port Dec. 1, 2002. Carnival Conquest will depart New Orleans every Sunday on week-long voyages to Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, and Playa del Carmen/Cozumel.
Prior to the launch of its seven-day western Caribbean program, the ship will operate a special four-day Thanksgiving cruise departing Nov. 27 from New Orleans and featuring a day-long call at Playa del Carmen/Cozumel. As the first in a new series of "Fun Ships," the 952-foot-long Carnival Conquest will feature four restaurants, a 15,000-square-foot health and fitness facility, a jogging track, a "boulevard" of shops and boutiques, an Internet café, and 22 bars and lounges with dramatic interiors inspired by famous Impressionist painters, appropriate for a ship based in New Orleans, a city possessing a rich European heritage.
Sensation & Inspiration Offer New Options from Tampa in Fall 2002:
On Aug. 25, 2002, the Sensation will begin year-round four- and five-day western Caribbean cruises from Tampa, becoming the newest and largest ship to operate "short" cruises from that port. Four-day voyages depart Thursdays and visit Key West and Grand Cayman, while five-day voyages depart Mondays and Saturdays and call at Grand Cayman and Playa del Carmen/Cozumel, Mexico. The Inspiration will become Tampa's newest "Fun Ship" when it replaces the Sensation on year-round seven-day western Caribbean cruises from that port Dec. 1, 2002. It will depart the Port of Tampa every Sunday to Grand Cayman, Playa del Carmen/Cozumel and New Orleans.
Jubilee to Launch New Galveston Cruises in Summer 2002:
The 47,262-ton Jubilee will join its sister ship Celebration on four- and five-day cruises from Galveston beginning Aug. 19, 2002. Four-day cruises departing Thursdays visit Playa del Carmen/Cozumel, and five-day voyages departing Mondays and Saturdays call at Cozumel and Cancun. (The Celebration operates a similar itinerary. However, Jubilee departure days will be opposite those of the Celebration.) The expansion in Galveston comes just 10 months after the start-up of Carnival's hugely popular cruise program from that port and is the latest development in the fast-growing "short" cruise market (voyages of five days or less in length). In fact, nearly half of Carnival's 15 "Fun Ships" operate short voyages.
Signature 'Fun Ship' Amenities:
Featured on all Carnival vessels are such signature "Fun Ship" amenities as a "Nautica Spa" health and fitness facility, multiple swimming pools, full casino gambling, on-board duty free shopping, spacious accommodations, indoor and outdoor children's play areas -- part of the line's top-rated "Camp Carnival" children's program -- and full schedules of daytime activities and nighttime entertainment, including spectacular Las Vegas-style revues.
As part of Carnival's Total Choice Dining(SM), cruising's most comprehensive dining program offering the widest variety of formal and casual options at sea, dining choices range from elegant formal restaurants serving full-service, multi-course meals to poolside eateries offering 24-hour pizzerias, and breakfast, lunch and dinner alternatives. Complimentary 24-hour stateroom service is available, as well. For additional information, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit www.carnival.com.
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ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES EXPANDED PROGRAMS FOR WESTERN CARIBBEAN CRUISES IN 2002/2003
Bookings for All 2002/2003 Gulf Port Sailings Open Friday, June 22
MIAMI - June 21, 2001 - In a move to diversify its Western Caribbean itineraries originating in Tampa, Galveston and New Orleans, Royal Caribbean International today announced plans to introduce Grandeur of the Seas to the Gulf ports.
Grandeur of the Seas will replace Rhapsody of the Seas on seven-night
roundtrip Western Caribbean itineraries out of New Orleans and Tampa. Rhapsody will continue its seven-night round-trip Western Caribbean cruises departing from Galveston, Texas with a new itinerary.
"We've seen strong bookings and positive responses from the Gulf Ports," said Dan Hanrahan, senior vice president, Marketing and Sales, Royal Caribbean International. "We're committed to maintaining our leadership position in these markets, and by expanding our Western Caribbean product in 2002/2003, we're confident we'll have continued success."
In total, the line will feature 37 Western Caribbean sailings originating in the Gulf ports in 2002/2003 - an increase of 35 percent from the current season. Galveston departures will see an increase of 44 percent from nine to 16 sailings. Grandeur of the Seas' seven-night round-trip Western Caribbean cruises out of New Orleans depart every Saturday from November 2, 2002 through January 11, 2003, and out of Tampa depart every Saturday from February 15, 2003 through April 19, 2003. Ports of call include Georgetown, Grand Cayman; Belize City, Belize; and Cozumel, Mexico. A special seven-night Mardi Gras cruise is scheduled to depart Tampa on March 1, 2003 and a five-night sailing out of Tampa is scheduled for April 26, 2003.
Starting December 8, 2002, Rhapsody of the Seas will sail seven-night roundtrip Western Caribbean cruises out of Galveston, Texas with Sunday departures through March 16, 2003. Ports of call include Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico and Key West, Florida.
Bookings open on Friday, June 22, for all of Royal Caribbean's 2002/2003 Western Caribbean cruises, with fares beginning at $699. Other new 2002/2003 voyages on Grandeur and Rhapsody include Panama Canal itineraries: Grandeur will sail 14-night itineraries out of New Orleans and San Diego, and Rhapsody will sail 14- and 15-night itineraries out of San Diego and 14-night itineraries out of Galveston and San Juan.
Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 14 ships in service and six under construction or on firm order. For additional information about the cruise line, please visit the company's Internet web site at www.royalcaribbean.com
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CARNIVAL CORPORATION REPORTS SECOND QUARTER EARNINGS
Cruise Operating Income Increases 20.2 Percent
MIAMI (06/21/01) - Carnival Corporation reported net income of $187.0 million ($0.32 Diluted EPS) on revenues of $1.08 billion for its second quarter ended May 31, 2001, compared to net income of $204.0 million ($0.34 Diluted EPS) on revenues of $875.1 million for the same quarter in 2000. Net income for the six months ended May 31, 2001 was $314.9 million ($0.54 Diluted EPS) on revenues of $2.09 billion, compared to net income of $375.5 million ($0.61 Diluted EPS) on revenues of $1.70 billion for the same period in 2000.
The company's second quarter 2001 cruise operating income increased by 20.2 percent to $241.2 million compared to $200.7 million in the second quarter of 2000. Excluding Costa Cruises, which the company consolidated for the first time this year, cruise operating income increased 14.3 percent compared to the second quarter of 2000. Carnival Corporation Chairman and CEO Micky Arison said that "in spite of the continuing weak economic environment we were still able to achieve strong growth in the operating earnings of our cruise brands. A combination of an 8.4 percent increase in capacity, a 1.8 percent increase in net revenue yields (revenue per available berth day), and lower operating cost per available berth day helped to drive the growth in our second quarter operating earnings."
Second quarter 2001 net income includes increased losses of $11.3 million, compared to the same quarter in 2000, from the company's investment in Airtours plc, which was recently sold. In addition, second quarter 2000 net income included non-recurring net gains of $10.7 million from affiliated operations, and $6.6 million of net compensation received from a shipyard related to the late delivery of Holland America Line's Zaandam.
During the second quarter of 2001, the company continued to implement its
strategy for expanding Costa Cruises' position as the leading pan-European
brand. Carnival Cruise Lines' 1,022-passenger Tropicale was transferred to
Costa and is expected to enter European service in late June 2001, and Holland America Line's 1,494-passenger Westerdam will join the Costa European fleet in spring 2002. Furthermore, Costa recently announced that it will launch a new cruise product intended exclusively for German-speaking customers beginning in spring 2002. The new product will offer European and Caribbean cruises aboard the 760-passenger Costa Marina. Also during the second quarter of 2001, Carnival announced the transfer of Seabourn Cruise Line's 758-passenger Seabourn Sun to Holland America Line in spring 2002. Following refurbishment, the ship will be renamed the Prinsendam and operate a schedule of voyages in Europe, Asia and the Pacific beginning in summer 2002.
Looking to the remainder of fiscal 2001, Arison noted that the slowing of the economy continues to put pressure on cruise pricing, especially for the company's higher end cruise brands. "However, the North American contemporary cruise segment continues to perform quite well despite the slowing economic environment," Arison said. Although net revenue yields are expected to be down approximately 2 percent to 3 percent in the second half of fiscal 2001, as a result of expected lower costs the company believes that consensus earnings per share estimates for the full year are reasonable.
Carnival recently concluded two transactions, which have further strengthened its balance sheet. The company raised net proceeds of approximately $590 million from the issuance of 2 percent convertible senior debentures in April 2001 and approximately $490 million from the sale of the company's 25 percent interest in Airtours, which closed in the company's third quarter of 2001.
The company scheduled a conference call with analysts at 11 a.m.
today to discuss its second quarter earnings. This call can be listened to on a delayed basis for one week after the call, at Carnival Corporation's Web site at www.carnivalcorp.com.
Carnival Corporation is comprised of Carnival Cruise Lines, the world's
largest cruise line based on passengers carried, Holland America Line, Costa
Cruises, Cunard Line, Seabourn Cruise Line and Windstar Cruises. Carnival
Corporation's various brands operate 45 ships in the Caribbean, Alaska,
Europe, Mexican Riviera, South America and other worldwide destinations.
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NOTE: The capacity increase and net revenue yields in this press release are presented on a comparable basis between 2001 and 2000 and, therefore, exclude Costa Cruises.
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INTERNET WIRE - P&O Princess Cruises plc, one of the largest cruise companies in the world, today announced the appointment of Phil Kleweno as President of its North American division, Princess Cruises.
Los Angeles-based Princess Cruises is one of the strongest cruise brands in North America and, with 10 ships and approximately 12,000 employees, is the largest business division of the P&O Princess Cruises Group. The division generated $1.8 billion of revenue in 2000.
Kleweno (pronounced kla-ve-no) joins Princess Cruises from Bain & Company, a global business consultancy, where he was a senior partner. Kleweno has worked with Princess Cruises over the last five years and has been closely involved in both the strategic and operational development of the division during that time.
While at Bain, Kleweno also focused on customer-oriented businesses within a number of different sectors including travel and leisure, retail, and media and entertainment. He was among the founding management team of Bain's Los Angeles office and played a key role in developing the firm's e-commerce practice. A graduate of Harvard Business School, Kleweno also held finance positions at Honeywell Information Systems and was Vice President and General Manager of The Zitter Group, a health care information company, where he was responsible for sales and marketing and product development.
As President of Princess Cruises, Kleweno will report to Peter Ratcliffe, Chief Executive Officer of P&O Princess Cruises plc. Prior to Kleweno's appointment, Ratcliffe combined his roles as both CEO of the Group and President of Princess. With Kleweno taking day-to-day responsibility for Princess, Ratcliffe will now focus on the overall development of the Group's business, both in the US and internationally.
Peter Ratcliffe said: "I am pleased to welcome Phil as President of Princess. His broad business perspective and innovative thinking, together with his leadership skills and wide experience in the travel and leisure industry, will add considerably to the strength of the management team not only of Princess, but of the Group as a whole. Since Phil has worked very closely with us over the last several years, he is in an excellent position to maximize the potential of the Princess organization as we continue to grow our business."
Kleweno commented: "I am delighted to be joining such a strong and successful business within an industry that I believe has tremendous growth potential worldwide. Princess is well positioned to exploit that growth with its strong brand, innovative product, outstanding operational reputation and excellent relationship with the travel agent community. I look forward to continuing to work with the people at Princess, both at sea and ashore, who have been responsible for our ongoing success."
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ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD. RECEIVES EXTENSION ON OPTIONS FOR FIFTH AND SIXTH RADIANCE-CLASS SHIPS
MIAMI - June 20, 2001 - Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. today announced it has deferred its options to purchase a fifth and sixth ship within its new Radiance class.
Royal Caribbean and Meyer Werft shipyard of Papenburg, Germany, builder of the Radiance-class ships, agreed to extend the options to July 26, 2002. Both options were to have expired on June 27, 2001.
The Radiance-class ships will be operated by the Royal Caribbean International brand. Radiance of the Seas entered service in March. The second Radiance-class ship, Brilliance of the Seas, is scheduled to enter service in the third quarter of 2002. The third and fourth Radiance-class ships are scheduled for delivery in 2003 and 2004, respectively.
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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SEABOURN PUBLISHES TWO CRUISE BROCHURES FOR 2002
"Sailing Planner" Augments Full-Sized Brochure on the Yachts of Seabourn.
MIAMI, June 20, 2001--Ultra luxury Seabourn Cruise Line has published its 2002 programs in two different formats, a thicker complete cruise annual and a new, thinner Sailing Planner, to aid travel agents and consumers in learning about next year's cruise options aboard the company's celebrated yacht-like ships.
Despite a strikingly re-designed cover capitalizing on the line's intimate ships, identified as "The Yachts of Seabourn," aficionados of the upscale line will recognize and welcome the 144-page full-color brochure encompassing full details of all 2002 cruises aboard Seabourn Pride, Spirit, Legend and Seabourn Goddess I & II. The cruise annual provides a wealth of richly illustrated destination information, including day-by-day itineraries with complete tariff tables for each cruise located directly adjacent to the itinerary. Highlights of each sailing region are called out in sidebars and photograph captions. Early Booking Savings of up to 30 percent are published right in the fare tables. Exclusive Pre- and Post-cruise extensions, shore excursions and overland journeys are also described in detail, as are optional air and hotel programs.
Sailing regions are divided into six sections in the brochure, covering the Mediterranean and Atlantic Isles; Scandinavia, Russia and the Rivers of Europe; Asia, India & Arabia; the Caribbean & South America; Canada & Colonial America and Atlantic Crossings. Cruises in each section are listed chronologically for each ship that sails in that region.
New this year is a smaller, 10-page Sailing Planner, combining a colorful and appealing section illuminating the pampered lifestyle awaiting guests on board with a handy sailing calendar listing departure dates, durations, sailing regions and starting fares for the full year's worth of luxury cruise vacations.
"Our new Sailing Planner is designed to introduce travelers to the yachts of Seabourn," said Rick Meadows, CTC, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Seabourn. "We created it to provide consumers with enough information about the inclusive features and amenities of Seabourn's unique cruise vacations to decide either to visit our website or to order a full-sized brochure for further details."
The Sailing Planner begins with six pages dedicated to Seabourn's 50- and 100-couple, all-suite ships, highlighting their unique capability to carry guests up rivers and into yacht harbors and secluded coves where larger ships can't go. Key product features such as Seabourn's sumptuous suites, open-seating fine dining, all-inclusive wines and spirits, complimentary massage moments on deck and an exclusive shoreside event included on each cruise are also described. The balance of the piece comprises a calendar sailing schedule for each of the company's five intimate ships.
Both complimentary brochures are available from travel agents, or they may be ordered by calling Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or by visiting www.seabourn.com.
Seabourn is an ultra luxury cruise line with stylish, yacht-like vessels. The Seabourn fleet includes Seabourn Sun, Pride, Spirit and Legend and the Seabourn Goddess I & II.
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Rembrandt (ex-Rotterdam V) Finds a Potential
New Home Port in Amsterdam
June 2001 - Amsterdam - The Dutch investment group IMCA has bought de Rembrandt out of the bankruptcy of Premier Cruises for $26,5 milj. The Rembrandt, the former ROTTERDAM-5, built in the Netherlands in 1959 was the biggest passenger vessel built in the Netherlands ever. Until her sale to Premier Cruises in 1997, she was the flagship of the Holland America Line. It was a splendid ship, designed for the Trans Atlantic crossing. After the Trans Atlantic crossings ended, she entered the cruise market and was one of the most lovely cruise ships.
The investment group IMCA owns in the Netherlands several buildings, a shipyard and docks. They will use the Rotterdam as a 600-rooms two star hotel and convention center in Amsterdam. The ship will undergo a 6 milj. Dutch guilders rebuild at Shipdock - Amsterdam. The only obstacle of selling can be, that the town council of Amsterdam does not give the permission for the right harbour location of the ship.
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SEATTLE, June 18 - Holland America Line offers travelers the opportunity to take a seven-day luxury cruise vacation to spectacular Alaska this summer and enjoy exceptional savings.
Holland America's special discounts apply to selected July, August and September Glacier Discovery sailings on board the 1,266-passenger sister ships ms Statendam, ms Ryndam and ms Veendam.
With the special offer, double-occupancy, cruise-only fares start at just $699 (CAN$1,039) for an inside stateroom. For an ocean-view stateroom, fares start at just $839 (CAN$1,249). Fares include port charges of $135 (CAN$200) per person and are subject to availability.
The offer applies to the following cruises:
- Ryndam sailings on July 13, 20 and 27; Aug. 3, 10 and 17; and Sept. 21.
- Statendam sailings on July 15, 22 and 29; and Aug. 12.
- Veendam sailings on July 22 and Aug. 12.
Travelers should consult a professional travel agent as early as possible to obtain their preferred departure date.
Seven-day Glacier Discovery cruises between Vancouver, B.C., and Seward, Alaska, feature the Inside Passage and Gulf of Alaska, with three itinerary options. The Statendam and Veendam depart on Sundays, while the Ryndam sails on Fridays.
On one northbound itinerary, the ships sail from Vancouver, visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, Sitka and Valdez and offering scenic cruising past Hubbard Glacier in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and past the glaciers of scenic College Fjord. The other northbound itinerary also sails from Vancouver and visits Ketchikan, Juneau and Sitka, then sails into Glacier Bay and College Fjord; all southbound cruises, which sail from Seward, feature the reverse itinerary.
All of Holland America's Alaska sailings offer two exclusive programs designed to provide cruise guests with an in-depth look at Alaskan native heritage, culture and crafts. The "Artists in Residence Program'' features an Alaska native artist on board, who demonstrates a traditional craft such as ivory or soapstone carving, basket weaving or mask making.
The "Huna Interpretive Program'' provides rare cultural insight into Southeast Alaska's spectacular Glacier Bay through the eyes of a Huna Totem member, a tribe that has called the area home for centuries. This extremely popular program is offered in conjunction with the National Park Service interpretive program in Glacier Bay.
In addition, Holland America features a full-time naturalist aboard each Alaska cruise to discuss and point out wildlife and key scenery throughout the Inside Passage.
Largest Five-Star Fleet in Alaska
With the largest five-star fleet in Alaska, Holland America excels in service, amenities and special programs. Its ships have more staff members per guest than any other major cruise line, and its popular "tipping not required'' policy ensures consistent, attentive service.
Spacious staterooms average 25 percent larger and verandahs twice as large as those on other lines' ships. Menus, highlighted by Alaska specialties like salmon, halibut and King crab, are among the most extensive at sea. Dining choices include formal elegance, casual fare and 24-hour room service.
A wide range of shore excursions is offered, including an exclusive "Just for Kids'' program, with high appeal to the growing numbers of families choosing to cruise Alaska for their summer vacation. Onboard, guests may participate in the "Passport to Fitness'' activity program and take advantage of a complete fitness center.
Holland America Line is the highest-rated premium cruise line in the world in both the 2000 Travel + Leisure magazine "World's Best'' Awards and the Conde Nast Traveler' Readers' Choice Awards. The company also has won its ninth consecutive "Best Overall Cruise Value'' award from the World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society (WOCLS).
For more information, consult a professional travel agent, call 877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.
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NORDIC EMPRESS GUESTS FLOWN TO NEW YORK
MIAMI - June 18 - Following a brief fire in the main engine room of Royal Caribbean International's Nordic Empress late Friday that necessitated the ship's return to Bermuda, nearly all of the ship's 1,564 guests were flown home via New York yesterday. A few guests chose to remain in Bermuda and continue their vacation on sister brand Celebrity Cruises' Horizon.
Nordic Empress returned to Bermuda late Saturday under its own power. The ship was 140 miles northwest of Bermuda when a fuel line ruptured between the ship's third and fourth main propulsion engines, causing the fire. The fire was quickly extinguished by the ship's sprinkler system. No one was injured in the incident.
"Our officers and crew did an outstanding job in responding to the fire," said Royal Caribbean International President Jack Williams. "Our guests also deserve a lot of credit for staying calm and cooperating fully with our staff and crew."
Nordic Empress will move to King's Wharf in Bermuda today, where repairs will be made to the two engines that were damaged in the fire. Two cruises, the ship's June 17th and June 24th sailings, have now been canceled as a result of the damage.
Guests booked on the canceled sailings may call the company's Help Desk at 1-888-829-4050 for assistance. Travel agents may call 1-888-832-4160 for help. Guests on the June 17th canceled cruise will receive a full refund, plus a cruise certificate toward a free future seven-night cruise. Guests on the June 24th sailing will receive a full refund, plus a 50 percent discount on a future seven-night cruise.
The company estimates that this incident will have a financial impact of between $.03 and $.04 per share. A portion of this impact will be incurred in future quarters as cruise certificates are redeemed.
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Delta Queen Steamboat Company Enhances
River Cruise Itineraries for 2002
MIAMI, June 18 - Delta Queen Steamboat Company, a subsidiary of American Classic Voyages Co., announced today a series of itinerary changes for three of its four riverboats, which will standardize most departures and length of sailing and provide overnight stays in many popular ports. Beginning in January 2002, Delta Queen Steamboat Company's three authentic paddlewheel steamboats operating in America's Heartland will focus on seven-night cruises departing on weekends from seven major home ports. The changes are patterned after the company's Pacific Northwest cruises, introduced in 2000, which already offer consistent weekend departures from Portland, Ore.
"The romance of river cruising with Delta Queen Steamboat Company is a slice of Americana that brings alive the heritage of our great nation," said Roderick K. McLeod, AMCV's president and chief operating officer, "but it's not always possible for most travelers to experience a cruise that doesn't fit into a traditional vacation framework. By bringing more consistency to our riverboat deployment and providing overnight stays in our most popular ports, we're substantially broadening their appeal and making our cruises available to more people than ever before."
The schedule restructuring includes:
* A stronger focus on seven-night cruises to match traditional weeklong vacation planning, with five itineraries offered with the greatest frequency.
* Cruises in four key geographic regions from seven major home ports.
* Consistent weekend departures that better fit most travelers' vacation preferences.
* Overnight stays in the most popular river destinations.
* More opportunity for pre- and post-cruise exploration of home port cities.
* Preservation of traditional popular itineraries and a select number of varied-length cruises.
In 2002, 91 percent of cruises will depart on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday and 84 percent of all cruises will be weekend-to-weekend vacations. Delta Queen Steamboat Company will focus on seven major home port cities in 2002: New Orleans, Portland, Memphis, St. Louis, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Louisville and Pittsburgh, but with a select number of cruises from additional cities such as Nashville, Chattanooga and Galveston.
While more than 30 unique itineraries will be offered in 2002, five different seven-night itineraries will be offered with the greatest frequency:
* Roundtrip from New Orleans.
* Between New Orleans and Memphis.
* Between St. Louis and Minneapolis/St. Paul.
* Between Louisville and Pittsburgh.
* Roundtrip from Portland, Ore.
All cruises will sail in one of four geographic regions: "Tales of the Old South" (lower Mississippi River); "Exploration North on Old Man River" (upper Mississippi River); "The Riches of the Ohio River Valley" (Ohio River) and "The Majesty of the Pacific Northwest" (Columbia River).
Even as it brings more consistency to its sailing schedule, Delta Queen Steamboat Company will continue to offer cruises that continue popular traditions -- sometimes with a new twist. For example, the 22nd annual 11-night Great Steamboat Race from New Orleans to St. Louis on June 24, 2002, will pit the 416-passenger Mississippi Queen against the 436-passenger American Queen for the first time. Other cruises, including a traditional Kentucky Derby cruise, will remain on the schedule.
"We're preserving the tradition that has made Delta Queen Steamboat Company a part of America's river history, yet we're simplifying the schedules," McLeod added. "At the same time, we're responding to passenger requests for more time in some of our most interesting ports."
For example, most cruises beginning or ending in New Orleans will spend one night on board in the Big Easy either the night before departure or the night before disembarking at the end of the cruise. Similar overnight stays will be offered in other home port cities.
Weekend departures also permit optional pre- and post-cruise vacation extensions to fit within customary one-week vacation windows. Optional hotel stays of varied lengths will be available to passengers on the American Queen, Mississippi Queen and 174-passenger Delta Queen in America's Heartland; Pacific Northwest vacations on the 161-passenger Columbia Queen from Portland include a one-night hotel stay before the seven-night cruise.
These major scheduling and itinerary changes are part of a comprehensive initiative to significantly broaden the appeal of Delta Queen Steamboat Company's vacations and create a demand level that ultimately will allow the company to plan for expansion. Additional product enhancements will be announced in the next few months and a new 2002 Delta Queen Steamboat Company brochure will be available in July. For additional information, consumers should contact their travel agent, visit www.deltaqueen.com or call 1-800-543-1949.
Delta Queen Steamboat Company, which operates four traditional riverboats styled after the great paddlewheel steamboats of the late 19th century, cruises on the Mississippi and Ohio River systems and in the Pacific Northwest, offering over 30 culture-rich cruise vacations with an emphasis on the heritage and attractions of more than 50 of America's river destinations. Delta Queen Steamboat Company traces its roots to 1890 and is a subsidiary of American Classic Voyages Co., the world's largest U.S.-flag cruise company with a fleet of seven U.S.-crewed vessels. For more information, visit www.deltaqueen.com or www.amcv.com.
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