News from the world of cruising ~
June 21-30, 2002
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PEPID ED Supports Ship Doctors On Holland America Line and Windstar Cruises
EVANSTON, IL, June 28, 2002 - PEPID LLC, the premier developer of handheld decision support tools for the medical community, today announced that its proprietary product, PEPID ED, will be used by the entire fleet of Holland America Line and Windstar Cruises to assist ship doctors in providing optimal medical care for patients.
The medical departments of Holland America Line and Windstar Cruises deal on a daily basis with health emergencies worldwide, often in remote locations where standard medical care is not available. Approximately 100,000 patient visits occur annually on board these ships.
PEPID ED is a comprehensive, interactive physician reference tool which provides instant access to critical information for emergency situations. This database is downloadable onto all PDAs and PCs, making critical information available at the fingertips of medical personnel--when they need it, where they need it. PEPID ED is compatible with all handheld computer platforms and has the power to improve point-of-care decisions and reduce medical errors. It is the ultimate portable medical and drug reference tool that provides the unparalleled breadth and depth of knowledge and immediate recall that physicians need for their decision-making. Its database includes more than 1,600 disease and trauma presentations and over 1,500 drugs with complete dosing and prescribing information, adverse drug reactions, contraindications, interactions, kinetics and overdose management.
Carter Hill MD, Medical Director, Holland America Line and Windstar Cruises said, "We continually look at ways to be able to share up-to-date and current medical information for these medical facilities that is consistent, regularly updated, and can be used as a standard." He continues, "In our medical department, we have used PEPID as a reliable and current source of information when communicating with ships often in remote settings. Each ship's physician will now have its own PEPID program with hand-held PDAs so that we can continue to coordinate communications and use a standard platform all through the fleet."
The program was developed in 1994 when a team of 35 medical and pharmaceutical professionals came together and created the first version of PEPID specifically for emergency physicians, now called PEPID ED. PEPID ED was then field tested over 4 years in emergency departments and by a branch of the US armed forces. The complete line of PEPID products are the result of 8 years of an ongoing effort by more than 80 healthcare professionals, all experts in their field.
Ken Daubenspeck, CEO of PEPID, added, "PEPID's portability empowers ship doctors to deal with real emergencies, and even non-emergencies, while they are happening - giving passengers peace of mind that their health will be well taken care of. This gives the physician mobility and reliability in treating their patients--whether they are in the hospital, the clinic, the heart of Afghanistan... or the middle of the ocean!" He continued, "We're thrilled that Holland America and Windstar Cruises recognize the value PEPID's mobile capability can provide in improving medical care for their patients while at sea."
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Nobu Matsuhisa and Crystal Cruises Announce Culinary Alliance; Legendary Chef to Open Sushi Bar Aboard New Crystal Serenity
LOS ANGELES, June 27 - World-class master chef Nobuyuki "Nobu" Matsuhisa, chef/owner of 14 restaurants worldwide, is bringing his legendar cuisine to the newest ship in Crystal Cruises' Six-Star-rated fleet, Crystal Serenity, creating a culinary alliance that pairs two of the world's leading names in food, wine and gracious hospitality. Beginning with the luxury liner's July 2003 Inaugural cruise, "The Sushi Bar," one of the ship's new specialty restaurants, will exclusively feature Nobu's menu selections prepared by a Nobu-trained chef. Nobu will also oversee The Sushi Bar's intimate design, as well as craft a six course menu and other selected dishes for the ship's Asian restaurant, "Silk Road."
Nobu's inventive cuisine has been redefining the meaning of "sushi" since the opening of his first restaurant in Beverly Hills in 1987. While connoisseurs can sample his fare in his eponymous restaurant empire in Los Angeles, New York, London, Paris, Milan, Tokyo, Miami Beach, Aspen, and Las Vegas, this marks a global expansion, as Crystal Serenity is designed for worldwide cruising.
Nobu will work alongside Crystal's award-winning chefs for extensive training on the delicate nuances of preparing his eclectic cuisine -- an innovative blend of classically styled Japanese foods with distinct Peruvian and European influences. In addition to Nobu's personal involvement supervising operations and hosting culinary demonstrations aboard Crystal Serenity, chefs from his worldwide collection of prestigious restaurants will also join the ship to lead cooking demonstrations and observe the operation.
Commenting on his culinary partnership with Crystal Cruises, Nobu says, "Crystal Cruises has a reputation for good food, good service, and hospitality that is exquisite. I feel confident that my cuisine will only enhance an existing tradition of excellence."
"We are thrilled to be partnering with one of the great masters of the culinary world," says Toni Neumeister, director, culinary operations, Crystal Cruises. "Like Nobu, we share a deep appreciation of discovering the world and its people through food. We look forward to presenting our savvy clientele with yet another new dimension of choice and superior quality aboard Crystal Serenity."
Menu selections at The Sushi Bar will feature Nobu classics such as Peruvian style whitefish sashimi with ponzu; Matsuhisa shrimp with caviar; lobster ceviche with limestone lettuce; tuna tataki with cilantro dressing; tempura with yuzu miso sauce; new style sashimi including yellowtail with jalapeno; and broiled black cod with miso.
He has been described as a "sushi mogul" and without question there is an air of celebrity that surrounds Nobu and each of his restaurants. Yet it is his unwavering passion to communicate his "kokora" -- or his heart in Japanese -- through every single dish he makes that has earned him a litany of awards almost too numerous to list, beginning with his 1989 award as one of Food & Wine magazine's 10 Best New Chefs and highlighted by Matsuhisa's 1993 recognition as one of the top destination restaurants in the world according to The New York Times.
Like Nobu, Crystal has earned the highest ratings in its industry. For the sixth consecutive year, Crystal Cruises was named best in its class (ships carrying 400 - 1,500 passengers) in the 2001 readers' surveys conducted by Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler magazines.
In addition to The Sushi Bar and Silk Road for evening dining, Crystal Serenity will offer an Italian restaurant, Prego, a main dining room, and a resort-like outdoor pool deck for casual dinners.
The Nobu alliance is the latest development in Crystal's continued pursuit of culinary excellence that includes exclusive partnerships with the world's leading names in food and wine -- Piero Selvaggio's Valentino and Wolfgang Puck's Chinois on Main for Valentino at Prego aboard Crystal Harmony and Crystal Symphony, and Chinois at Jade aboard Crystal Symphony, respectively. The luxury line's devotion to sharing the joys of food and wine with guests is further evidenced by its own highly regarded Wine & Food Festival, now in its seventh year.
Crystal Cruises currently operates the 50,000-ton, 940-guest sister ships, Crystal Harmony and Crystal Symphony, two of the most spacious and luxurious vessels cruising the world. Their unique size in the luxury market allows for smooth sailing and a wide range of innovative facilities, generous amenities and elegant accommodations.
The 68,000-ton, 1,080-guest Crystal Serenity will feature a higher space-per-guest ratio than her sister ships, expanded areas for spa services and other athletic, cultural and intellectual pursuits, and an increased number of penthouses and enlarged staterooms. Approximately 85% of its all outside staterooms and suites will offer private verandahs.
Crystal Cruises is booked exclusively through professional travel agents. For a complimentary brochure, call 800.820.6663. Visit the web site at www.crystalcruises.com.
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PRINCESS DETAILS 2003 CANADA/NEW ENGLAND PROGRAM
Golden Princess Returns for Second Season of Fall Foliage Cruises &
Regal Princess Debuts in Region with Classic Itinerary
Princess' popular Canada/New England program will again feature two ships offering a choice of itineraries that are perfect for discovering the stunning beauty of the Eastern fall foliage season. The amenity-filled Golden Princess will return to a seven-day itinerary and will be joined for the first time by Regal Princess, offering Princess' classic 10-day route.
"Whether passengers prefer the convenience of a roundtrip voyage, or a more extensive northern adventure through Canada, Princess has an itinerary that fits their interests and needs," said Dean Brown, Princess' executive vice president of customer service and sales. "Either way, guests can enjoy an all-inclusive discovery vacation with high-quality service, exploring this magnificent destination in their own way while leaving the details to us."
Golden Princess' seven-day itinerary will again offer scenic cruising past the most colorful autumn displays along the East Coast, combined with a multitude of onboard dining and entertainment options. The convenient round-trip cruise from New York departs on Saturdays and sails to Halifax (Nova Scotia), St. John (New Brunswick) -- including Bay of Fundy cruising, Bar Harbor (Maine), Boston and Newport (Rhode Island). The ship offers four voyages between September 20 and October 11.
Regal Princess will follow the line's traditional 10-day Canada/New England route, sailing past the spectacular fall colors and beautiful coastal scenery found between New York and Montreal. Passengers will visit Newport, Boston, Bar Harbor, St. John, Halifax and Quebec, and will also enjoy cruising on Canada's scenic Saguenay River as well as an overnight stay in Montreal. Regal Princess offers five sailings, departing between September 4 and October 14.
In addition, Regal Princess will also offer a special 14-day Canada/Colonial America voyage between Montreal and Ft. Lauderdale on October 24. This extended journey includes all the ports on the ship's traditional itinerary, plus stops at Norfolk (Virginia), Baltimore and Charleston.
For those who would like to further explore the East Coast, Princess is offering two escorted pre- or post-cruise land tours in conjunction with these sailings. Golden Princess passengers can travel back through history by adding a Historic America tour to their vacation, beginning with two nights in Washington, D.C., and including visits to Arlington National Cemetery, the Lincoln Memorial and the Vietnam Memorial, among other local attractions. America's early days will come to life with additional stops at Mt. Vernon and Jamestown, followed by a two-night stay in Williamsburg. After a visit to Richmond and Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, passengers will spend the night in Charlottesville, then travel to Gettysburg via the Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park and enjoy an overnight stay in the Amish country of Lancaster.
Regal Princess passengers can opt for a Maple Explorer tour, featuring some of Canada's most popular landmarks. Guests will enjoy two nights in Toronto with a day at Niagara Falls. The tour also includes two nights in the capital city of Ottawa, with tours to many of the city's well-known sites, including Parliament Hill and Notre Dame Basilica.
Early booking fares for Princess' Canada/New England sailings begin at $1,095 for Golden Princess' seven-day voyages and $1,545 for Royal Princess' 10-day cruises.
More information about Princess' Canada/New England schedules and fares is available through a professional travel agent.
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Crystal Cruises Offers Only Luxury Cruise Roundtrip From Los Angeles for Christmas/New Year's
13-Day Voyage to Mexican Riviera Is An Attractive Family Option
LOS ANGELES, June 24 - Family travel is the fastest-growing market in 2002, according to scores of polls, including the Travel Industry Association of America's report released last month, and cruise vacations are ideal for multiple generations. This year, families seeking a holiday vacation that is not only luxurious, but also convenient, have a unique opportunity from Los Angeles. In December, Crystal Cruises is offering the port's only roundtrip departure on a Six-Star rated ship for Christmas/New Year's. Crystal Harmony will sail a 13-day voyage from Los Angeles to the Mexican Riviera on Dec. 23, calling in Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Acapulco, and Cabo San Lucas.
"We recognize that families, as well as independent travelers, are seeking convenience, as well as a range of options to indulge their individual tastes and interests," says Adam Leavitt, senior vice president, marketing.
Crystal Cruises' philosophy is to offer extensive choices. Families can stay in accommodations ranging from adjoining staterooms to penthouse suites with verandahs. While the youngest cruisers can participate in the Junior Activities Program, adults can play at Caesars Palace at Sea, get golf tips from a PGA pro, taste wine from a cellar filled with more than 30,000 bottles, listen to a cabaret performance by a Tony award-winning vocalist, read the latest bestseller or any of the library's 1,500 books, or be pampered with a Japanese silk booster facial. In addition to the season's culinary traditions, guests may savor an apple martini, sushi or pumpkin ravioli.
"Crystal Harmony creates a uniquely warm and festive environment in which guests can revel or simply relax and escape from the often-chaotic scene that accompanies the holiday season," adds Leavitt.
In keeping with Crystal's luxury experience, more than $100,000 worth of seasonal decor such as handcrafted ornaments, ornate sleighs, Old English toy soldiers and a dozen twinkling Christmas trees will adorn each ship.
An elegant Christmas dinner, eggnog party, Christmas Day brunch and elaborate Christmas buffet dinner as well as a holiday-themed production show and Santa visits combine for an unforgettable holiday experience. Clergy will be on board to conduct midnight mass and Protestant services.
Cruise fares start at $4,425 per person, double occupancy, a savings of up to 24% off the published brochure fares. The luxury liner's sister ship Crystal Symphony will depart round-trip from Ft. Lauderdale on a 14-day Caribbean voyage on Dec. 20. At 50,000 tons carrying only 940 guests, the elegant Crystal Harmony and Crystal Symphony are spacious floating resorts.
Crystal Cruises is booked exclusively through professional travel agents. For a complimentary brochure holiday sailings, or on any worldwide destination, call 800.820.6663. Visit the luxury cruise line's website at www.crystalcruises.com.
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P&O will offer cruises in Tahiti during five years on former Renaissance R3 and R4
Tahitipresse - P&O chief executive Peter Ratcliffe and the president of the government of French Polynesia Gaston Flosse announced on Monday, June 17th 2002, in Paris, that P&O will offer cruises in Tahiti during five years starting next September.
P&O will operate the two former Renaissance cruise ships, R3 and R4, which have been stranded in the Papeete harbor since September 26th 2001. One of the ships will stay all year long in the Tahitian waters while the second ship will only stay two months in French Polynesia each year. This program will start next September. Cruise passengers will also have the opportunity to spend a few nights in some remote islands, away from their ship.
Tourism professionals in the Leeward islands (Huahine, Raiatea, Bora Bora) are pleased by the news. They relied heavily on the Renaissance passengers until September 2001.
Tahitian airline Air Tahiti Nui will be the official carrier of most of the P&O passengers in French Polynesia. The R3 and R4 cruise ships have remained in the Papeete harbor since Renaissance Cruises' bankruptcy. Two companies already offer cruises in Tahitian waters with the "Paul Gauguin" and the "Wind Song." The latter ship resumed cruises in Tahiti in May 2002.
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PRINCESS TO DEBUT REGULAR ROUNDTRIP HAWAII CRUISES IN 2003-04
Regal Princess Offers Convenient Round-trip Sailings from Los Angeles
More Princess passengers than ever can now discover the beauty and exotic appeal of the Aloha State as the company premieres its first series of regular round-trip Hawaiian cruises in 2003-04 aboard Regal Princess, featuring a 15-day itinerary from Los Angeles.
Regal Princess will offer seven sailings between November 22, 2003 and March 21, 2004, including a special holiday voyage on December 22, during which passengers can celebrate both Christmas and the New Year. The itinerary will take passengers to all of Hawaii's major islands with visits to Hilo, Kona, Honolulu, Nawiliwili (Kauai) and Lahaina (Maui). In addition, passengers can take advantage of the ship's many options and services during a series of relaxing days at sea between the islands and Los Angeles.
"Year after year, Hawaii continues to be a must see' destination for vacation travelers," said Dean Brown, Princess' executive vice president of customer service and sales. "For the 2003-04 season, we have created a dedicated itinerary that provides an enriching island experience made convenient by the ship's round-trip sailing from the mainland. Hawaii serves as a logical addition to our lineup of discovery destinations, combining the excitement of exploration with the comfort of Princess' quality onboard service."
While visiting the islands, guests will be able to take in the tropical beauty of these ports as well as the many diverse activities available. Historic tours to such monuments as the Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor, to active days spent snorkeling or diving in the sparkling waters off Maui, await Princess passengers. Tour choices also feature visits to the volcanic lava flows on the Big Island or the less active crater of Haleakala on Maui. Still other options include discovering the back roads of Kauai and Maui's famous Hana Highway, trying to catch "the big one" during a day of fishing or looking for that elusive hole-in-one at Hawaii's top golf courses.
Early booking fares for Regal Princess Hawaii sailings begin at $2,245 per person, double occupancy, for reservations made before July 4, 2003. Special group pricing is also available. More information about Princess' Hawaii schedules and fares is available through a professional travel agent. Brochures are available by calling 1-800-PRINCESS.
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HOLLAND AMERICA HIGHLIGHTS MOLOKAI, ADDS NEW 16-DAY HAWAII CIRCLE ITINERARY IN 2003
Seattle, June 21 - Holland America Line is adding new 16-day Circle Hawaii cruises in 2003, which feature the less-touristed island of Molokai, while continuing its perennially popular, 15-day sailings. The company offers a total of seven Hawaii cruises in 2003, all sailing roundtrip from San Diego aboard the 1,266-passenger ms Statendam.
After introducing Molokai on its Holiday Cruise Dec. 20, 2002, Holland America adds that remote island as the itinerary highlight of its three new 16-day Circle Hawaii cruises scheduled for winter, spring and fall of 2003. These sailings, and four classic 15-day Circle Hawaii cruises featured in 2003, all feature the "Big Island" of Hawaii, Oahu, Kauai and Maui.
"Holland America is the only cruise line to offer 15- and 16-day sailings from San Diego to Hawaii," said David A. Giersdorf, senior vice president of marketing and sales. "Guests enjoy the convenience of sailing to and from the U.S. mainland, plus savings in roundtrip airfare to the embarkation port of San Diego. They can also take advantage of pre- and post-cruise activities in the vacation-oriented city of San Diego."
The only major cruise line to feature remote Molokai, Holland America first features the island port on its Hawaii Holiday Cruise departing Dec. 20, 2002. It offers a special 15-day itinerary, calling at Lahaina, Maui; Nawiliwili, Kauai, plus scenic cruising along its Na Pali coast; Honolulu, Oahu; Kaunakakai, Molokai; and Kona, Hawaii. With Holland America's Early Savings discount, cruise fares for this holiday sailing start at US$3,299 [CAN $4,789] per person, double occupancy, including port charges.
Molokai is then included on 2003's new 16-day cruises, which add a day to explore this intriguing isle. They depart Jan. 14, Apr. 7 and Nov. 19 for Hilo, Hawaii (Hawaii Volcanoes National Park tour option); Honolulu, Oahu; Nawiliwili, Kauai; Kaunakakai, Molokai; Lahaina, Maui; and Kona, Hawaii. Cruise fares start at US$2,829 [CAN$4,099] per person, double occupancy, including port charges.
15-day Circle Hawaii Cruises Continue
The Statendam continues its popular 15-day Circle Hawaii cruises in 2003 with four sailings scheduled Feb. 9, Mar. 6, Oct. 11 and Dec. 22. Each cruise calls at Hilo, Hawaii; Honolulu, Oahu; Nawiliwili, Kauai, plus scenic cruising along its Na Pali coast; Lahaina, Maui; and Kona, Hawaii. It also sails past the active Kilauea Volcano in the evening when the glowing "lava show" can be seen best. With the Early Savings discount, cruise fares for the 15-day sailings start at US$2,759 [CAN $3,999] per person, double occupancy, including port charges.
All 15- and 16-day Hawaii Circle cruises begin with four indulgent days at sea, sailing from San Diego to these exotic islands - and conclude with another four fabulous days returning. At each port of call, guests can take optional tours such as a spectacular helicopter flight over Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (home of the awesome Kilauea Volcano) from Kona. At Molokai, they can go deep sea fishing off the coast or explore the island's scenic beauty, history and ancient places of worship on the East Molokai Tour. Other shore excursions include a kayak/hike adventure to Kauai's Hidden Valley Falls, scenic visit to Maui's Haleakala Crater and recently-opened Ocean Center, whale search safari with professional naturalists and Pearl Harbor history tour with the Arizona Memorial and USS Missouri battleship options.
Most Hawaii cruises also feature Holland America's Flagship Forum Lecture Series and provide social hosts to facilitate dancing and other activities. The Statendam will be homeported in popular San Diego for a fifth season, making it easy for guests to connect with Hawaii cruises via air service from the rest of North America. Convenient, low-cost air transportation is available through Holland America's U.S. Home City Air Gateways program to or from San Diego. In addition, Amtrak provides all guests booked on Holland America cruises with a 15-25% discount off train fares when traveling to and from a Holland America cruise gateway. For more information, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.
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Island Cruises Sets Sail On A New Course
-- New South American Itineraries --
MIAMI, June 21 - Island Cruises, a joint venture between Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and First Choice Holidays of the UK, has altered its fall and winter deployment strategy of its one vessel, Island Escape. Currently operating out of Palma, Mallorca, Island Escape offers seven- and 14-night cruise vacations during the spring and summer seasons in the Mediterranean, attracting a European clientele. The ship's fall and winter itineraries that had included two Trans-Canal sailings and a series of three- and four-night Baja Mexico sailings round-trip from Los Angeles targeting Americans will now consist of three- and four-day or longer South American cruises targeting Brazilians.
These new itineraries will be comprised of mainly of three- and four-night sailings to the some of the most picturesque areas in Brazil such as Buzios, Ilhabela and Angra Dos Reis to name a few. There will also be several longer itineraries designed to feature the "best of the best" of Brazil's cities and resort areas. Two transatlantic sailings that reposition the ship to and from Brazil will take guests to an array of beautiful locales from South America to Europe.
"These exciting new itineraries are more in keeping with the brand's original strategy of building international business," said the recently appointed Managing Director for Island Cruises, Michael Bayley. "We are very pleased to be offering this unique product to such a dynamic market."
The decision to alter the itinerary was made prior to any reservations being taken for either the Trans-Canal or the Baja sailings. After sailing in Brazil, Island Escape will return to the Mediterranean in the spring and summer of 2003.
Island Cruises offers a casual atmosphere onboard its ship. Casual attire is the order of the day (and night); there are no mandatory formal evenings. While the ambiance is relaxed, there's a vibrant international cache with a friendly international crew, a newly created Pub and the Costa Coffee Cafe, a quaint spot to enjoy authentic Italian coffees and pastries. Entertainment follows the exciting and contemporary offerings that have proved popular with today's Brazilian travelers. Families will enjoy the children's program and group babysitting services.
Flexible open seating dining allows guests to choose from three restaurants and eat when they choose, with whom they wish and at the time they desire. The Beachcomber offers a laid-back 24-hour indoor/outdoor dining experience. The Island Restaurant's design evokes an exotic spice market with seven buffet islands. Guests have the option of serving themselves from the buffet, receiving full table service or combining elements of each. The Oasis is a specialty restaurant with a nominal service surcharge where guests can request to dine with ship's officers when placing their reservations, making it the perfect spot for those guests who wish to dress up for a special and memorable evening, although guests in smart casual dress certainly won't feel out of place.
"Island Cruises is a vacation concept certain to be an instant hit in the South American market," said Bayley. "With an all-new casual and unstructured onboard ambiance, Island Cruises offers a unique vacation experience."
The details of the new South American itineraries will be announced in the near future.
Island Cruises is an exciting new joint venture between Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., one of the world's largest cruise companies, and First Choice Holidays of the UK, one of Europe's leading vacation providers. Each company has a 50 percent share in Island Cruises. The new company is run as an independent cruise line. Island Cruises offers its guests relaxed, informal, easy-going vacations with casual attire, no formal nights and a completely flexible dining experience. The Island Escape registered in the Bahamas accommodates 1,640 guests.
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Royal Olympic Cruise Lines Reports Improved First Quarter Results
PIRAEUS, Greece, June 21 - Royal Olympic Cruise Lines Inc. reported improved overall results for the three months ended February 28, 2002. The improvement was achieved in spite of the difficulties experienced, along with all the other cruise companies, due to the terrorist attacks in September 2001, which led to a substantial drop in its revenues.
Total revenues for the quarter under review fell by 33.2%, from $14.2 million in the corresponding period of the previous year to $9.5 million. However, as a result of reduced interest rate payments and an improvement in non-operational items, the net loss for the quarter decreased by 18.2% or $2.2 million, from $12.4 million to $10.2 million.
Passenger cruise days (p.c.d.) sold in the first quarter of 2002 were 75,319, a 21.05% drop from 95,402 p.c.d in the same period last year. Occupancy showed an increase of 2.1% for the first quarter this year, to 72.2% from 70.1% for the same time period in 2001.
Because the Royal Olympic Cruise Lines' Eastern Mediterranean cruise season historically runs from Mid-March through November, the company operated only two of its vessels during the winter season of 2001/02. As a result, operations of the company are seasonal and losses are traditionally incurred during the winter months.
The Olympia Voyager's average net ticket revenue per passenger was $44 lower this year than last year, largely because her itinerary was originally planned and advertised for the Olympia Countess, an older and traditionally less expensive vessel. The two ships that operated during the winter months, Olympia Voyager and Triton, also did so for 42 fewer days this year than the previous year.
First quarter operating expenses decreased by 17.1% or $2.3 million, from $13.2 million in 2001 to $10.95 million this year. Selling and administrative expenses for the three months ended February 28 decreased to $3.9 million in 2002, a drop of $1.1 million or 22% from $5.0 million during the same time period last year, in line with the reduction in revenues.
The newest addition to the Royal Olympic Cruise fleet, Olympia Explorer, was christened in Piraeus on June 11, 2002 and began her summer series of exotic, seven-day sailings to nine ports of call in Greece, Croatia, Italy, and Turkey.
Royal Olympic Cruise Lines Inc. is the largest cruise operator in the Eastern Mediterranean, owning and operating a fleet of eight overnight cruise ships. Some statements in this press release may be considered forward looking, defined and as permitted by the SEC. This press release is for information only and should not be considered investment advice.
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New Luxury Liner Queen Mary 2 to Feature Todd English Restaurant
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"Tying the knot" with English is Deborah Natansohn, Cunard's Senior VP of Worldwide Sales & Marketing. (PRNewsFoto)
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NEW YORK, June 21 - Cunard Line has signed on celebrity chef, restaurateur and television personality Todd English to create a featured restaurant on board its new $800 million flagship Queen Mary 2, which will debut in January 2004.
The new restaurant, simply called Todd English, will be the chef's first venture at sea and will highlight his interpretive Mediterranean cuisine. The 216-seat venue will have both indoor and poolside seating, and English has worked very closely with the London-based design team to create a visually stunning atmosphere. Passengers must make advance reservations, but there will be no additional gratuity or surcharge levied.
English and his restaurants have received numerous accolades. His restaurant, Olives, in Charlestown, MA, opened in May of 1989, and has drawn national and international acclaim ever since. It has been voted one of the "Top 10 Restaurants" by Esquire, received the "Best Food" and "Top Table" awards by Gourmet, was named the "Best New Restaurant" by Boston magazine and is consistently named Boston's #1 favorite restaurant by Zagat. However, it was in 2001 that English's face became as renowned as his cooking when he was named one of People magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People." The same year Bon Appetit recognized him as "Restaurateur of the Year."
In making the announcement, Deborah L. Natansohn, Cunard Line's senior vice president, worldwide sales and marketing, said, "What could be better than cruising on the grandest vessel in the world while enjoying the cuisine of one of the world's greatest chefs. Cunard has long provided world-renowned food and service so we are delighted to give our passengers the option of dining at Todd English's first restaurant at sea."
According to English, "Being involved with Queen Mary 2 is very exciting for me. While it will be a challenge, it is also a great honor for me to operate the signature restaurant on board the greatest luxury liner in the world."
English started cooking at age 15 and five years later began his studies at the Culinary Institute of America, graduating in 1982 with honours. He apprenticed with Jean Jacques Rachou at New York's La Cote Basque and then relocated to Italy where he honed his craft at the well-known Dal Pescatore in Canto Sull O'lio and Paraccuchi in Locando D'Angello. It was in Italy that English developed his unique cooking style, which is inspired by his Italian heritage.
At age 25, English returned to the United States and was asked to be the executive chef of the award-winning Northern Italian restaurant Michela's in Cambridge, MA. He served there as executive chef for three years, garnering high praise from both the press and the public.
English is currently the chef and owner of Olives in Charlestown, MA, which opened as a 50-seat storefront. The restaurant now occupies a larger space down the street from its original location, also in Charlestown. In recent years English has opened other Olives locations throughout the U.S.: Olives New York in the W Hotel in Union Square, Olives Las Vegas at the Bellagio Hotel, Olives DC in the heart of Washington, DC and Olives Aspen at the St. Regis Hotel in Aspen, CO.
Additionally, English has opened Miramar at The Inn at National Hall in Westport, CT; Greg Norman's Australian Grille in Myrtle Beach, SC, with golf great Greg Norman; and his seafood concept KingFish Hall, in Boston's Historic Faneuil Hall. English also has four Figs restaurants in the greater Boston area and two locations at New York's LaGuardia Airport. Figs serves traditional and not-so-traditional pizzas and handmade pastas. English opened a second location in Faneuil Hall for his casual concept Rustic Kitchen. Tuscany at Mohegan Sun serves Italian-inspired foods and pays homage to his Italian roots. English's latest concept Bonfire, a steakhouse, is a celebration of ranch cooking around the world from the U.S. to Australia.
In spring 1991 English caught the culinary world's eye when the James Beard Foundation named him the "National Rising Star Chef," and then in 1994 named him the best chef in the Northeast. He was also the first recipient of the Robert Mondavi Award for Culinary Excellence and appeared on the companion public television cooking series "America's Rising Star Chefs." The respected Nation's Restaurant News named English one of their "Top 50 Tastemakers."
Television credits include his public television series, "Cooking In with Todd English" produced by Connecticut Public Television. Other TV credits include: UPN's "Iron Chef USA," "Martha Stewart Living," NBC's "Today" show, "CBS This Morning," "Live with Regis and Kelly," public television's "America's Rising Star Chefs," Discovery Channel's "Great Chefs of the Northeast" series, "In Food Today," and WGBH's "Hot Off the Grill." English is also the author of three critically acclaimed cookbooks: The Olives Table, The Figs Table and The Olives Dessert Table published by Simon & Schuster.
English is very involved with several local and national charities including: Big Brother, the Anthony Spinazzola Foundation, Community Servings, Share Our Strength, the Boys and Girls Clubs, City Year, and Meals on Wheels.
For more information on Cunard Line, consult a travel agent, call 1-800-7-CUNARD or visit the website at www.cunard.com.
Cunard Line has operated the most famous ocean liners in the world since 1840. The Cunard fleet has a classic British heritage and includes Queen Elizabeth 2 and Caronia. In December 2003 the line welcomes Queen Mary 2, destined to recapture the glamour of the original Queen Mary, currently a hotel and attraction in Long Beach, CA. An as yet-unnamed newbuild joins the fleet in 2005.
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FLY FREE TO 24 TAHITI CRUISES IN 2002
Windstar Offers Free Airfare Nationwide
Seattle, WA, June 20, 2002 - Windstar Cruises just announced free airfare to Tahiti nationwide when sailing on any one of 24 cruises beginning July 5 through December 13, 2002.
"Consumers are getting an excellent value here, and a great new vacation option, now that Windstar and Tahiti are reunited," stated Tom Russell, vice president of marketing and sales for Windstar Cruises. "When people think of Tahiti, we want them to picture the striking sails of our luxury yacht, Wind Song," Russell added.
The free airfare promotion is available from the following 31 cities nationwide: Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New Orleans, New York, Oklahoma City, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis, Tampa, Tucson, and Washington D.C.
The promotion includes free roundtrip airfare from the above cities to Papeete, Tahiti, all transfers and free dayroom at the Tahiti Sheraton. Windstar partners with Los Angeles-based Air Tahiti Nui, the pre-eminent airline of Tahiti, offering convenient non-stop service aboard state-of-the-art Airbus 340-200 series aircraft.
The 148-passenger Wind Song sails every Friday from Tahiti to her exotic sister islands of Raiatea, Huahine, Bora Bora, and Moorea. The free airfare promotion is offered on every cruise between July 5 and December 13, 2002. The ship is scheduled to sail from Tahiti through the end of 2003.
Cruise guests can enjoy the crystalline 80-degree water year-round from the ship's "pop-down" marina offering complimentary water-sports, or sign up to swim with sharks, rays and dolphins, watch whales at play, snap pictures on a tropical nature safari, or picnic on a deserted motu.
Tahiti's tropical topography indulges the senses. Sun-drenched days and star-lit evenings, luscious fresh fruit, colorful pareos, delicate coral, precious pearls, native handicrafts, and fragrant flowers await visitors to this South Pacific paradise.
Rates for a seven-day cruise range from $2,495 to $2,795 per person, double-occupancy, in category B stateroom, including port charges and taxes. The discounted rates represent savings of approximately 45 percent off the brochure fare of $4,390.
For a brochure call 1-877-827-7245, for reservations or more information
call a travel agent or Windstar at 1-800-258-7245. Windstar is online at
www.windstarcruises.com.
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Unless otherwise noted, all news items are sourced by individual cruise lines, cruise-related industries, and their agents.
