News from the world of cruising ~
October 8-14, 2001
For schedule changes & departure information on a specific cruise line or port of call, please select Latest Updates by Cruise Line
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ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL DELAYS NORDIC EMPRESS RETURN FROM BERMUDA, CANCELS UPCOMING CRUISE
MIAMI - Oct 12, 2001 - Royal Caribbean International today announced that Nordic Empress would delay its return to Philadelphia from Bermuda due to a storm that hit Bermuda Thursday night with wind gusts of 80 miles per hour. Royal Caribbean also canceled the next Nordic Empress sailing, scheduled to depart Sunday, October 14.
Nordic Empress was docked at Bermuda's West End when the storm struck. Because of continuing high winds and rough seas, the decision was made to delay the ship's normal departure from Bermuda, which would have been Friday morning. Nordic Empress is expected to depart Bermuda Saturday morning and arrive in Philadelphia by noon Monday.
"The safety and comfort of our guests is always our highest priority," said Jack Williams, president of Royal Caribbean International. "We are doing everything possible to re-accommodate guests for this weekend's sailing."
Guests booked on the cancelled October 14 cruise will receive a full refund. In addition, for a limited time, Royal Caribbean will be extending a special offer to the impacted guests of a free cruise on any Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruise sailing through November 30, 2001. Bookings must be made by October 31, 2001. Guests who are unable to take advantage of this special offer will receive a 50-percent discount on any Royal Caribbean cruise of up to seven nights that departs on or before December 15, 2002, excluding holiday sailings.
Guests on the delayed sailing who purchased air transportation through Royal Caribbean will be assisted with new flight arrangements upon the ship's arrival in Philadelphia. The company will also reschedule ground transportation for guests who had arranged it through Royal Caribbean.
Royal Caribbean is contacting impacted guests and travel agents. A special help desk also has been established to assist guests and travel agents. That help desk may be reached by dialing 1-800-722-5960.
Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 14 ships in service and six under construction or on firm order. For more information about the cruise line, please visit the company's Internet web site at www.royalcaribbean.com.
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STATEMENT FROM RADISSON SEVEN SEAS CRUISES PRESIDENT AND CEO, MARK CONROY, FOLLOWING THE EVENTS OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
10/12/01 - Radisson Seven Seas Cruises, whose mission it is to provide guests with wonderful cruise and shore experiences in over 500 different ports Worldwide, has been profoundly impacted by the events of September 11th. We are a family owned business with over 1,500 shipboard and shore side employees and have business associates and friends through out the world. The collective sorrow we all feel for the loss and hardship of the families of those directly impacted by these acts will be indelibly etched our collective souls.
We take great pride in the fact that we facilitate positive interaction between diverse people around the world and feel that the perpetrators of these acts are trying take that away from us and we truly hope and pray that they are not successful. A quote from recent e-mail from an incentive planner describes our feelings well: We cannot retreat to our homes and hide from the world. The world that sees less of us belongs more to them.
With this in mind, the following changes have been implemented in our fleet:
1. Security procedures:
Cruise ships in general are naturally secure due to the restricted number of access points they have.
All of our ships have solid security systems in place designed in conjunction with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the Flag State Authority, ICCL (International Council of Cruise Lines) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG).
They include:
- Photo identification of all guests and crew that is scanned each time they enter and leave the vessel,
- Screening of all luggage, provisions and supplies prior to the loading of the vessel,
- Video surveillance in critical areas of the ships,
- Every vessel has its own experienced shipboard security team most of which have military or law enforcement training,
- We transmit both our guest & crew list to US immigration prior to the vessels departure for their review.
- Visitors are restricted and those few that are allowed on board are closely screened and monitored.
We, in conjunction with IMO, ICCL and US Coast Guard, have established three levels of security. They are:
- Level 1 - Normal sailing in domestic waters where there is no perceived risk.
- Level 2 - This is where we normally operate since we visits to larger cites and some countries where there is the potential for street crime and stowaways
- Level 3 - No specific threat, but world conditions and prudent actions call for tight security.
Immediately following the events of September 11th, in consultation with our security consultants, ICCL and the USCG, we instituted the highest level security procedures, full details of which for obvious reasons must remain confidential.
We work closely with the governmental authorities in each port we visit. These authorities as part of ISO 9000 have internationally agreed security procedures in their port which address both the dock areas and the adjacent water ways. These areas are generally secured by armed Police, Military and Coast Guard personnel.
2. Itinerary Changes
Our ships, members of our staff or I personally have been to every place our vessels are currently scheduled to visit and, setting emotion aside, none are more dangerous than any major U.S. urban area.
That said, the general public can hardly be reassured by the constant bombardment via CNN & the Networks with news of potential threats (both real and imagined) which can have a real dampening effect on the desire to travel. Putting things into perspective becomes a Herculean task, nonetheless it's well worth the effort.
For instance, as far as I know there has never been a terrorist attack on a U.S. tourist in either Turkey or Morocco, but because the population of these countries is predominately Muslim, guests are afraid to travel there. This is only one of numerous examples of understandable but non-rational reactions.
We currently make our decision to keep or change a schedule based on:
- Recommendations of our Government, the Governments of the countries in which our vessels are registered and the governments of the destination we visit,
- The recommendations of our private security consultants
- The advice and actions of our Insurance underwriters.
- The feedback from both our guests and their travel agents
Given the evolving world situation, we ask both our customers and our travel agent partners where they want to travel in the coming months and years - and we pay close attention to their responses.
This can be seen in changes we have made to our 105-night World Cruise aboard the Seven Seas Navigator, departing Los Angeles on January 20, 2002. Instead of transiting the Middle East on her third segment, the vessel will now sail south from India to the Seychelles and Madagascar. She will have first-time calls in South Africa including Richard's Bay (Durban) and rounding the Cape of Good Hope to Cape Town, Namibia and St. Helena before crossing the Atlantic to Rio de Janeiro and other South American and Caribbean ports.
3. Effect of the Airline cut back in flights.
The schedule cuts have not impacted our ability to get guests to our vessels. Since we have relatively small ships, we're not moving huge numbers of guests. In fact, we're working with several carriers to help fill their space by providing attractively priced upgrades to business class and first class air.
For instance, on selected departures we are now offering business class air to our guests for the cost of the coach and on our World Cruise we are offering free business class air on selected segments.
4. Cancellation Policies:
We have not amended our cancellation policies and all penalties are being enforced. That said, in most cases we are providing guests with a "Goodwill Cruise Certificate" equal to the value of the penalty. This certificate must be used within 1 year of the originally booked cruise and is non-transferable. We are not offering "Goodwill Cruise Certificates" to guests who cancel domestic cruises or cruises to Tahiti unless there are other extenuating circumstances.
In taking this position, we are urging our valued guests and their travel agents to give some real thought to the their situation before impulsively canceling a trip. And I'm delighted to say that we've had both emails and calls from guests who have gone ahead with their voyage, thanking us for "making them take their cruise". Once they get aboard, they have realized how irrational their fears truly were and how good it is for the psyche to get away from all the stress and strain they have been going through since September 11th.
5. Recovery:
We lost about 5% of our 2001 booked revenue due to cancellations that occurred on our sold-out European cruises immediately after the event. We have very few cancellations in 2002 other than those cruises scheduled to transit the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean. Future bookings had come to a standstill but have gradually been building back - a little each week.
It has been interesting to note that - with the exception of the week of the 11th - we've received virtually the same number of bookings we'd normally expect at this time. Unfortunately fewer people have actually taken the step of securing their cruise with a deposit which leads us to believe that prospective cruisers are still interested in traveling but are not yet comfortable in committing to a trip.
We were close to 50% of our 2002 sales objective before the 11th so if this improving trend continues and barring further terrorist attacks, things could be back to normal by April.
In closing I would like to share with you two quotes that Tahiti Tourism shared with me:
"We should not let our fears hold us back from pursuing our hopes." John F. Kennedy
"No passion so effectively robs the mind of all its power of acting and reasoning as fear." Edmund Burke
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Royal Caribbean International Offers Great Values On Caribbean and Bahamas Cruise Vacations
Miami, FL - Oct 11, 2001 - Royal Caribbean International continues to offer great cruise values on popular Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries, making all-inclusive vacations more affordable than ever. Families and friends can reconnect and spend time with each other, enjoying a variety of activities, dining and entertainment options. With departures from ports of call across the southern United States and San Juan, Puerto Rico, a cruise remains a safe, accessible and hassle-free getaway. Guests should be very comfortable with the security measures they see during their cruise vacation.
With a quick three-, four-, or five-night cruises to The Bahamas or the Caribbean, travelers can escape for a weekend or indulge in a longer retreat on seven-, 10- and 11-night itineraries.
"Quality time with family and friends is more important than ever and Royal Caribbean is committed to doing its part to help the American public rediscover the pleasures of cruise vacations," explained Dan Hanrahan, senior vice president, Marketing and Sales, Royal Caribbean International. "And our guests will be reassured with the safety measures they see upon embarkation and during their cruise vacation."
A sampling of fall and winter value cruises includes:
* Three- and four-night Bahamas itineraries roundtrip from Miami on Majesty of the Seas. Three-night sailings depart every Friday and four-night sailings depart every Monday Prices start at $219 per person, double occupancy for the three-night cruise and $249 per person, double occupancy for the four-night cruise.
* Three- and four-night Bahamas cruises roundtrip from Port Canaveral, FL on Sovereign of the Seas. Three-night sailings depart every Friday and four-night sailings depart every Sunday. Prices start at $239 per person, double occupancy for the three-night cruise, $249 per person, double occupancy for four nights.
* Four- and five- night Western Caribbean cruises roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale on Monarch of the Seas. Four-night itineraries and five-night itineraries, with prices for both cruises starting at $319 and $349 per person, double occupancy, respectively.
* Four- and five-night Southern Caribbean cruises roundtrip from San Juan, Puerto Rico on Nordic Empress. Four-night sailings and five-night sailings with prices starting at $419 per person, double occupancy for four nights and $299 per person, double occupancy for five nights.
* Seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale on Enchantment of the Seas. Prices start at $499 per person, double occupancy for both itineraries.
* Seven-night Southern Caribbean sailings from San Juan on Radiance of the Seas, with prices starting at $549 per person, double occupancy.
* Seven-night roundtrip Western Caribbean cruises on Rhapsody of the Seas, departing from Galveston, TX from October 28 to December 16, 2001; from Tampa, FL on January 5 to February 16, 2002; and from New Orleans on February 23 to March 30, 2002. Prices start at $599 per person, double occupancy from Galveston and Tampa and $919 per person, double occupancy from New Orleans.
* Seven-night Eastern Caribbean itineraries roundtrip from Miami on Explorer of the Seas, with prices starting at $599 per person, double occupancy.
* Seven-night Western Caribbean cruises roundtrip from Miami on Voyager of the Seas, with prices starting at $599 per person, double occupancy.
* Seven-night Southern Caribbean itineraries roundtrip from San Juan on Adventure of the Seas with prices starting at $599 per person, double occupancy.
* Ten- and 11-night "Circle the Caribbean" cruises roundtrip from Miami on Grandeur of the Seas, for 10-night and 11-night sailings. Prices start at $899 per person, double occupancy.
* All prices are subject to change and availability.
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. Source: RCI
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Norwegian Cruise Line Endorses MBNA Credit Card Products
WILMINGTON, Del., Oct. 10 - MBNA today announced that Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has endorsed MBNA's credit card products and services for NCL's customers.
Issued through MBNA America Bank, N.A., the Norwegian Cruise Line VISA will be available in late fall. Customers will enjoy no annual fee, the highest credit lines in the industry, rebates of 3% on all purchases and 4% on all purchases of NCL products, and the opportunity to redeem rebates for stateroom upgrades or "good-as-cash" cruise certificate credits with all the brands in the Star Cruises Group: NCL, Orient Lines, and Star.
"We selected MBNA because of their solid reputation and outstanding track record with credit card partnerships," said Colin Veitch, president and CEO of NCL. "We feel MBNA is the best structured credit card company to effectively handle NCL's rewards program, which will better serve our customers. The rewards program on this card is the most comprehensive of any in the cruise industry, enabling cardholders to sail free on any of our three brands to more than 300 destinations spanning all seven continents."
"MBNA is pleased to be partnering with NCL to offer credit card services to NCL's customers," said John R. Cochran, MBNA's Chief Marketing Officer. "We look forward to providing Norwegian's customers with products and services that exceed their expectations."
About Norwegian Cruise Line
Miami-based Norwegian Cruise Line is an international cruise company and industry innovator that currently operates a fleet of nine ships sailing to more than 200 ports around the world. NCL took delivery of its newest ship, Norwegian Sun, in August 2001. NCL is currently building two additional ships: Norwegian Star, a 2,200-passenger ship that will be NCL's largest (delivery in October 2001), and Norwegian Dawn, a 2,200-passenger sister ship to Norwegian Star (delivery in December 2002).
About MBNA
MBNA Corporation, a bank holding company and parent of MBNA America Bank, N.A., a national bank, has $92.6 billion in managed loans. MBNA, the largest independent credit card lender in the world, also provides retail deposit, consumer loan and insurance products. Source: MBNA
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HOLLAND AMERICA ANNOUNCES 30-DAY LOWEST PRICES EVER ON CRUISE VACATIONS
Seattle, Oct 9, 2001 - Holland America Line today announced its "30-Day Lowest Prices Ever" promotion for cruises departing through February 2002. With fares starting as low as US$299 [CAN$449] per person for a five-day cruise, the new promotion provides reduced pricing for 79 sailings to the Caribbean and Panama Canal, including special holiday cruises. Prices are available for bookings made through November 16, 2001.
"We recently promised to begin aggressive promotions designed to spark the travel industry and provide further motivation for consumers to travel," said David A. Giersdorf, senior vice president, marketing and sales. "This pricing promotion provides incredible values to enjoy a vacation and sail on our ships. Where else can you get all your five-star meals, acommodations, entertainment, a relaxing and secure environment that is premium in quality, plus fabulous sightseeing for $60 to $80 a day."
"We're committed to helping our travel agent partners boost their businesses as well," added Giersdorf. "Our new special pricing promotion will help travel agents with a positive message to increase bookings and close cruise sales - and it's only the start."
The new special cruise fares apply to fall and winter Caribbean cruises ranging in length from five to ten days. Itineraries feature eastern Caribbean ports of call such as Nassau, Bahamas; Key West, Florida; and St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.; as well as the popular western Caribbean ports of Grand Cayman, Jamaica and Cozumel, Mexico. Several longer cruises sail deeper into the Caribbean taking in Dominica, St. Lucia, Barbados, Bonaire and Martinique.
Starting pricing for Caribbean sailings ranges from US$299 [CAN$449] per person for a 5-day Eastern Caribbean jaunt to US$1,099 [CAN$1,589] per person for a 14-day deep Southern Caribbean itinerary round-trip from TampaBay. Fares include port charges. Select sailings depart October 14, 2001, through February 22, 2002.
In addition, ten Panama Canal itineraries offer new starting fares ranging from US$799 to US$1,599 per person, including port charges. For departures on November 13 and 23 and December 3 and 13, 2001, aboard Holland America's newest flagship ms Amsterdam, the itinerary includes Half Moon Cay, St. Thomas/St. John, Curacao, a nine-hour, daylight transit through the Panama Canal, Costa Rica's scenic Golfo Dulce, and San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua. Two cruises aboard the ms Rotterdam, on January 6 and 16, 2002, also feature the above itinerary at special pricing. February 5 and 15, 2002, sailings with promotional pricing highlight the ms Rotterdam's new Fort Lauderdale round-trip Panama Canal itinerary: Puerto Limón, Costa Rica; Willemstad, Curacao; Oranjestad, Aruba; Cartagena, Colombia; Half Moon Cay, Bahamas; and a one-day foray into the Panama Canal half way to Gatun Lake. A 16-day Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles Panama Canal cruise aboard the ms Amsterdam completes the ten newly priced Holland America canal cruises.
Most Caribbean and Panama Canal sailings include a visit to award-winning Half Moon Cay, the company's private island paradise that provides an enhanced Bahamian experience while maintaining a positive balance with the natural environment. Guests may sail, swim and snorkel in the turquoise waters, bask on white sand beaches, have a beachside massage, and then enjoy an array of traditional barbecue fare. The island also offers a fun time for kids with a variety of age-appropriate activities through the company's Club HAL children's program. Holland America's "30-day Lowest Prices Ever" promotion applies to bookings made with deposits by November 16, 2001. For more information and specific itinerary details, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.
About Holland America Line
Holland America Line has 10 luxury ships sailing to more than 280 ports of call and scenic cruising destinations on all seven continents, including Antarctica. In 2002, Holland America Line will offer 360 sailings within a half-day's drive of 40 percent of North American households and departing from 15 North American home ports. Affordable air arrangements are available through the Home City Air program and Holland America offers the only trip cancellation program in the industry that offers cash back for canceling for any reason prior to 24 hours before departure. Holland America Line is the highest-rated premium cruise line in the world in the 2001 "Travel & Leisure" magazine "World's Best" Awards and the 2000 "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). Source: HAL
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GIVING THANKS ABOARD PRINCESS SHIPS
Pumpkin-themed Menu Highlights Onboard Thanksgiving Celebrations *** Space Still Available to Book Special Holiday Sailings
10/9/01 - Beginning with pumpkin gnocchi gratin and finishing with traditional pumpkin pie or pumpkin crème brulee, Princess passengers will delight in a unique "all pumpkin" menu for Thanksgiving dinner. Princess' culinary team has designed this special theme menu that uses a Thanksgiving favorite in an entirely new way. Each dish features the traditional pumpkin, but the style of presentation and preparation varies with each menu item. Main courses include the traditional slow roasted Vermont turkey, served with pumpkin polenta; broiled filet of orange roughy with pumpkin risotto; center cut pork loin chop with pumpkin spaetzle; and grilled medallions of aged beef tenderloin with sauteed pumpkin rosti. In addition, appetizer, salad and dessert selections all feature pumpkin dishes, and "healthy choice" and vegetarian items are available as well.
"Thanksgiving dinner is always a special meal aboard Princess," said Dean Brown, Princess' executive vice president of customer service and sales. "We look forward to welcoming many new passengers to join us this year in giving thanks."
This special Thanksgiving celebration is available aboard all Princess ships. Passengers can choose to celebrate in the Caribbean/Panama Canal, the Mexican Riviera, Hawaii, or in such exotic locales as South America or Australia. Cabin space is available aboard most ships during the Thanksgiving holidays, with fares beginning at $499 per person.
More information about Princess' schedules and fares is available through a professional travel agent. Brochures are available by calling 1-800-PRINCESS. Source: Princess Cruises
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Windstar Cruises to Redeploy Wind Surf to Fort Lauderdale
SEATTLE, Oct 9, 2001 - Windstar Cruises will redeploy the Wind Surf to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, sooner than planned.
Roundtrip Caribbean sailings out of Barbados were scheduled for January and February and the Florida Keys/Bahamas itinerary was set to debut in March. Windstar Cruises has canceled the Jan. 6 departure and will reposition the Wind Surf to begin seven-day Florida Keys/Bahamas cruises from Fort Lauderdale on Jan. 13. There will be a total of 12 sailings on the itinerary through March 31.
Windstar Cruises is offering incentives on the the January and February sailings to guests who decide to rebook. Guests will receive a $100 to $150 shipboard credit and new rates have been set for the Bahamas/Key West cruises. The Jan. 13 and 20 departures start at $1,295; Jan. 27 and Feb. 3 and 10, $1,395; Feb. 17 and 24, $1,495; and all March sailings, $1,595.
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MIAMI, Oct. 9 - After careful analysis of the changed conditions in the market, as a consequence of the terrorist attack to the United States, Costa Cruises announces changes in the deployment of the ships of its fleet for the next months and for the 2002 summer season.
In particular, concerning the winter programs 2001 - 2002: The CostaVictoria will operate 10/11 day cruises to the Western Mediterranean/ Canary Islands from mid-November 2001, instead of sailing from Pt. Everglades for 7-day cruises in the Caribbean. Our Flagship the CostaAtlantica will operate, as scheduled, 7-day Caribbean cruises from Pt. Everglades. Passengers presently booked on the cancelled CostaVictoria program will be offered protection on the CostaAtlantica.
The other ships will operate the winter program as scheduled: CostaRomantica from Guadeloupe and the other 3 ships (CostaAllegra, CostaTropicale and CostaClassica) in South America.
For the Europe cruises program of Spring/Summer 2002 the fleet will be deployed as follows:
- CostaTropicale, along with the CostaVictoria, will offer 7-day Western Mediterranean cruises. The CostaAllegra will operate 10/11 day cruises also primarily to Western Mediterranean.
- CostaAtlantica and CostaClassica will continue to offer 7-day cruises from Venice.
- The CostaRomantica will sail from Copenhagen on 7-day cruises to Baltic & Fjords.
- The new CostaEuropa, which will enter in service in May 2002, will operate from Amsterdam 10 - 12 day cruises in North Europe.
- As previously announced, the CostaMarina will be repositioned to operate exclusively for the German market.
Furthermore, to assure Costa's guests a serene and safe vacation, all Costa itineraries for the end of 2001 and entire 2002 have been revised by replacing some ports of call in the Eastern Mediterranean with other ports of equivalent touristic and cultural appeal.
For Fall/Winter 2002/03, both the CostaAtlantica and CostaVictoria will be back in Pt. Everglades for their usual 7-day Caribbean program. SOURCE: Costa Cruises
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MIAMI, Oct. 9 - Delta Queen Coastal Voyages and Delta Queen Steamboat Company, subsidiaries of American Classic Voyages Co., announced today that they will trim their upcoming cruise schedule by a combined total of 27 cruises. Delta Queen Coastal Voyages will eliminate three cruises in 2001; both brands will reduce their schedules by a combined 24 cruises in the early part of 2002.
Also, the 2002 summer and fall schedule of the 174-passenger Delta Queen will be enhanced to meet passenger demand for more variety in that boat's itineraries, and increase the number of shorter cruises.
2001-2002 Cruise Schedule Streamlined
The elimination of 27 cruises within the Delta Queen product group are being made during the slower winter off-season to better align capacity with expected demand during a challenging travel environment. Travel agent commissions will be protected and passengers booked on affected cruises are being offered incentives to switch to a different sailing date.
"Our Delta Queen product lines are very seasonal and enjoy their greatest demand in the spring, summer and fall,'' said Roderick K. McLeod, president and chief operating officer of AMCV.
"Recent events are affecting virtually every segment of the leisure industry and we felt it was prudent to focus our efforts on our highest-demand sailings.''
The two companies offer cruises on traditional riverboats and coastal ships sailing in the United States, registered in America and manned by U.S. crews. The cruises offer the easy convenience of being accessible by rail and road and utilize home ports like New Orleans, St. Louis, Charleston and Chicago.
"We believe that the all-American nature of our vacations right here in America's front yard leave us well-positioned to benefit as the public's confidence in travel returns,'' McLeod added.
The changes at the Delta Queen Steamboat Company will be accomplished by lengthening the regularly-scheduled winter maintenance lay-up periods for two of its four vessels and making minor schedule changes to a third boat to accommodate a charter related to the Super Bowl, which has been delayed one week by the National Football League. A total of 16 cruises are cancelled. A fourth boat, the 157-passenger Columbia Queen, will maintain its original 2002 schedule.
- The 174-passenger Delta Queen's planned February maintenance lay-up period instead will begin on January 5, 2002 and the boat will re-enter service on March 22, 2002. Seven cruises are affected.
- The 436-passenger American Queen's scheduled January maintenance lay-up period will be extended six weeks and the boat will re-enter service March 16, 2002. Eight cruises are affected.
- The 416-passenger Mississippi Queen will re-enter service from its January maintenance lay-up with a cruise on February 5, 2002 following its Super Bowl charter. One cruise on January 28, 2002 is cancelled.
Delta Queen Coastal Voyages will trim its schedule by 11 cruises, affecting three cruises in 2001 and eight cruises in 2002.
- The 224-passenger Cape May Light's November 3 and 17, 2001 cruises from Philadelphia and the November 10, 2001 cruise from Norfolk are cancelled. A total of seven cruises in Mexico and Belize, departing February 9, 2002 through March 24, 2002, will be eliminated as well. The ship returns to service with a seven-night cruise from Charleston on April 6, 2002.
- The 224-passenger Cape Cod Light, currently under construction in Jacksonville, will enter service with its maiden voyage on April 27, 2002. One cruise on April 20, 2002 is affected.
Delta Queen's 2002 Schedule Offers More Variety
In other news, the company announced that it is revising the legendary Delta Queen steamboat's itineraries from late May through late November 2002 to offer more variety in itineraries, add shorter cruises and create more back-to-back cruise opportunities. The number of seven-night cruises is reduced from 24 to 13, while the number of three-, four-, five- and six-night cruises increases from five to 19.
"The authentic paddlewheel steamboat Delta Queen is a National Historic Landmark and a standard-bearer for a simpler time in America's storied history. These new itineraries allow her to roam our country from Minnesota to Louisiana and as far east as Pennsylvania,'' said McLeod. ``By varying the length of the cruises to include both shorter vacations and more extended journeys through back-to-back options, we want to open up that experience to as many people as possible.''
The Delta Queen was previously scheduled to spend most of the year sailing from New Orleans except for two quick journeys north in the late spring and early fall. The new schedule offers:
- Late spring cruises between Nashville and St. Louis and between Cincinnati and Memphis.
- Ohio River cruises between Cincinnati and Pittsburgh.
- Cruises on the Illinois River from St. Louis to Ottawa, IL (outside Chicago).
- Mississippi River cruises between Minneapolis/St. Paul and St. Louis.
- Multi-river cruises from St. Louis, Nashville and Chattanooga.
In addition to the annual Kentucky Derby cruise, the Delta Queen's spring and winter cruise schedule of roundtrip cruises from New Orleans and voyages between New Orleans and Galveston, is being maintained.
For travelers who prefer a longer journey, the new itineraries have been designed specifically so that many cruises can be combined to create non- repetitive extensive adventures. As just one example, a cruise from Minneapolis/St. Paul to St. Louis and a cruise from St. Louis to New Orleans can be booked back-to-back to create a 14-night odyssey from Minnesota to Louisiana.
"Our past passengers tell us how much they enjoy the variety of our destinations and the Delta Queen herself,'' McLeod explained. ``The new itineraries emphasize the best of our company's cruises and combine them with the beloved Delta Queen to create vacations with broad appeal.''
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. Delta Queen Coastal Voyages, which operates the 224-passenger Cape May Light styled after the great coastal steamers of the early 20th century, sails in New England, the Maritime Provinces, along the Eastern Seaboard of the United States and through the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. For more information, visit www.deltaqueen.com, www.coastalvoyages.com or www.amcv.com. SOURCE: American Classic Voyages Co.
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-- Patriot Passengers That Book Before Nov. 15 Will Receive Bonus Hotel Night in Honolulu --
MIAMI, Oct. 9 - American Hawaii Cruises and United States Lines, subsidiaries of American Classic Voyages Co., announced today a new cruise and air package for Chicago-area residents as well as new air and cruise packages from select West Coast and Southwest cities that are priced at 50 percent off the regular brochure fare.
From November 17 through the end of 2001, the two lines are offering round-trip air and a week-long Hawaiian cruise from only $899 per person aboard American Hawaii Cruises' Independence and $999 per person aboard United States Lines' Patriot. Both American-flagged, American-crewed ships sail year- round, showcasing the diverse beauty of Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island of Hawaii on destination-rich voyages departing every Saturday.
As an additional bonus, passengers that book and deposit a cruise aboard the Patriot prior to November 15, 2001, will receive one complimentary hotel night at Waikiki Beach in Honolulu before or after their cruise.
"This is an opportune time for travelers to visit our beautiful 50th state,'' said Maria Isabel Molina, vice president of marketing for both lines. "Not only will they save a tremendous amount on their vacation, but they will be supporting Hawaii's tourism-dependent economy during this critical time of recovery.''
Following is a sample of air and cruise package fares that are available from select U.S. gateways:
- Las Vegas, Portland, Ore.; San Francisco; San Diego; Seattle $899 - American Hawaii Cruises/ $999 - United States Lines
- Los Angeles: $948 - American Hawaii Cruises / $1,098 - United States Lines (Note: Holiday cruises departing Nov. 17 and Dec. 22 are an additional $200 per person)
- Sacramento: $999 - American Hawaii Cruises / $1,099 - United States Lines
- Dallas; Houston: $1,099 - American Hawaii Cruises/ $1,199 - United States Lines
These rates include port charges, ground and baggage transfers between the airport and the ship, and all on-board meals, activities and entertainment. Air taxes and Hawaii state taxes are additional. The offer is subject to air and cabin availability.
For reservations, contact a travel agent. For a free brochure and more information, call American Hawaii Cruises at 800-765-7000, or United States Lines at 877-330-6600.
American Hawaii Cruises' 860-passenger Independence sails from Maui and offers culturally enriching seven-night cruises that explore Hawaiian myths, legend and lore. United States Lines' 1,212-passenger Patriot sails from Honolulu and offers seven-night cruises in a relaxing resort-style Hawaiian ambiance. Both ships visit Kauai, Oahu, Maui and both Hilo and Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii and spend nearly triple the amount of time in port as other cruise lines that offer week-long Hawaii cruises, including overnight stays in the most popular destinations. For more information, visit www.amcv.com. SOURCE: American Classic Voyages Co.
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ROYAL CARIBBEAN MODIFIES ONE SAILING OF LEGEND OF THE SEAS, CANCELS TWO OTHERS
MIAMI, Oct 9, 2001 - Royal Caribbean International has modified one sailing of Legend of the Seas and has canceled two other sailings of the ship. The changes were made due to recent world events.
The ship's November 3, seven-night sailing has been modified. It would have departed Barcelona for Athens, making ports calls in Florence and Rome, Italy; Santorini, Greece; and Kusadasi, Turkey. The sailing will now depart from and return to Barcelona, making port calls in Villefranche, France; Florence, Rome and Naples, Italy; and Valletta, Malta.
The ship's November 10, 14-night sailing has been cancelled. It would have departed Athens for Dubai, making port calls in Santorini, Greece; Kusadasi, Turkey; Port Said, Sharm El Sheikh, and Safaga, Egypt; the Suez Canal (cruising); and Muscat, Oman.
The ship's November 24, 13-night sailing has been cancelled. It would have departed Dubai for Singapore, making port calls in Bombay and Cochin, India; Phuket, Thailand; and Penang and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Legend of the Seas will resume its normal sailing schedule on December 7, when it departs Singapore for Sydney on a 16-night sailing with port calls in Bali, Indonesia; Darwin, Cairns, and Brisbane, Australia.
Royal Caribbean is contacting impacted guests and travel agents. Guests booked on the modified November 3 cruise will receive a $100 per-person onboard credit and a certificate for a 50-percent discount on a future Royal Caribbean cruise of up to seven nights. The discount must be taken on a sailing that departs on or before December 15, 2002.
Guests booked on the cancelled November 10 and 24 cruises will receive a 50 percent discount if they rebook a Royal Caribbean International or Celebrity Cruise sailing that departs on or before December 15, 2001. That rebooking must be made prior to October 31, 2001. Guests from these sailings who do not rebook prior to October 31, will receive a full refund for their cancelled cruise.
Royal Caribbean has established a special help desk to assist impacted guests. That help desk may be reached by dialing 1-888-305-4626.
Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 14 ships in service and six under construction or on firm order. For more information about the cruise line, please visit the company's Internet web site at www.royalcaribbean.com. Source: RCI
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JOEL GREY, LORNA LUFT AND JOHN DAVIDSON ADDED TO CRYSTAL SYMPHONY'S ENTERTAINMENT LINE-UP FOR 2002 WORLD CRUISE
LOS ANGELES, Oct 9, 2001 - Luxury cruise specialist Crystal Cruises has added three more stars of stage, screen and television to its diverse roster of entertainment slated for its 2002 World Cruise. Joel Grey, winner of both Academy and Tony Awards, and charismatic entertainers Lorna Luft and John Davidson, have just been scheduled to join star vocalist Maureen McGovern, comedic great Jonathan Winters, television star Richard Herd, CNN's Garrick Utley and a host of Olympic medallists to appear throughout Crystal Symphony's 2002 World Cruise: Grand Pacific Circle.
This 100-day voyage, conveniently round-trip from Los Angeles, will depart Jan. 17, 2002 and call in 33 ports in 20 countries across North and South America, Australia and Asia. "While our Crystal Visions Enrichment Series brings aboard dynamic guest speakers and entertainers on every sailing, for our Grand Pacific Circle World Cruise, we've developed a unique roster of captivating performers and renowned lecturers to share their experiences and talents," says Adam Leavitt, senior vice president, marketing.
Crystal Cruises' world-class guest entertainers will complement its own cadre of award-winning entertainment and onboard enrichment programming. Grey's theater, movie and television roles have brought him much acclaim, although he is most famous for originating the role of the Master of Ceremonies in "Cabaret." Luft, daughter of Judy Garland, touches audiences with her tribute show, "Songs My Mother Taught Me." Davidson's television roles, both dramatic and variety, have made him a popular face in many households, and he has received rave reviews in productions such as "Oklahoma!," and "Carousel." McGovern, whose career spans recordings, concerts, Broadway, films, television and radio, is most noted for her chart-topping and Academy Award-winning Gold Records "The Morning After" from "The Poseidon Adventure" and "We May Never Love Like This Again" from the "Towering Inferno." Winters, a one-man theatrical troupe, displays improvisational skills instantly creating characters, voices, sound effects and stories; and Herd, well-known for his role as George's boss on Seinfeld, has just launched his one man show, "Cecil B. De Mille Presents..." Joining the performers will be Garrick Utley, of CNN's New York Bureau, who has spent the last 30 years on the front lines of the day's headlines covering international affairs from more than 70 countries, garnering several of journalism's most distinguished awards. He will provide insight into world politics, particularly those of the Pacific regions sailed, and share personal accounts of breaking stories.
Coinciding with the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City, Utah, Crystal Cruises has also scheduled four Olympians with inspiring stories to share: Nadia Comaneci, the Romanian "sweetheart of gymnastics" who won nine medals and was the first Olympic athlete to score a perfect 10, and her husband Bart Conner, a three-time Olympic gymnast team member and winner of two gold medals; and Rafer Johnson, a world and Olympic record holder in the decathlon from the 1960 Games and co-founder of the California Special Olympics; and John Naber, five-time swimming medallist in the 1976 games and current president of the U.S. Olympians alumni association.
"World Value Fares" for the complete 100-day voyage start at $38,725 per person, double occupancy and include round-trip First or Business Class air transportation (depending on the stateroom category) from a Crystal Cruises North American gateway city, with private car, pre-paid gratuities, luxury overnight hotel accommodations and lavish gala bon voyage party in Beverly Hills, an overnight program in Beijing, and other exclusive events in Costa Rica, Tahiti, Bali and Hawaii, among others.
This 100-day odyssey is also available in four individual "Grand Pacific Voyages" ranging in length from 18 to 34 days, sailing from Los Angeles, Valparaiso, Sydney and Hong Kong. Cruise fares for the shorter voyages begin at $7,180 per person, double occupancy and include a complimentary pre-cruise, two-night hotel package.
The 50,000-ton, 940-guest Crystal Symphony and her sister ship Crystal Harmony are 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 Six-Star rated liners feature grand lounges, a full-service fitness facility, 24-hour internet and e-mail access with Computer University@Sea, Caesars Palace at Sea casino, a lavish spa adhering to the principles of feng shui, expansive decks, two pools, award-winning cuisine and entertainment and exquisitely appointed staterooms, more than half of which offer private verandahs.
For the sixth consecutive year, Crystal Cruises was named best large-ship line in the 2001 readers' surveys conducted by Travel + Leisure magazine. Crystal Cruises is booked exclusively through professional travel agents. For a complimentary World Cruise 2002 brochure, please call 800.820.6663. Visit the luxury line's web site at www.crystalcruises.com. Source: Crystal Cruises
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CELEBRITY CRUISES' SUMMIT PREVIEW CRUISE RAISES $75,000 FOR AMERICAN RED CROSS DISASTER RELIEF
MIAMI - Oct 9, 2001 - Celebrity Cruises today announced that a two-night preview cruise on the line's newest ship, Summit, raised $75,220 for the American Red Cross National Disaster Relief Fund, to assist those affected by the tragic events of September 11.
Celebrity Cruises donated to the American Red Cross a block of staterooms on its two-night sailing, September 28-30, for the organization to sell for the fundraising effort. Celebrity also donated all proceeds from Summit's casino operations during the cruise, and encouraged individual donations from travel agents and media onboard via cards distributed to each guest's stateroom.
Celebrity's Summit, the third of four Millennium-class ships to join the fleet since June, 2000, set sail on her maiden voyage - an 11-night Western Caribbean cruise - on October 1, following the formal naming ceremony on September 30.
Summit's 11-night Western Caribbean sailing from Fort Lauderdale will repeat on October 22, November 12, and December 3 and 24, 2001, and January 14, February 4 and 25, March 18, and April 8, 2002. Ports of call include Key West, Florida; Cozumel, Mexico; Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; Colon, Panama; Cartagena, Colombia; Oranjestad, Aruba, and Georgetown, Grand Cayman.
Summit's 10-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary departs Fort Lauderdale on October 12, November 2 and 23, and December 14, 2001, and January 4 and 25, February 15, March 8 and 29, and April 19, 2002. Ports of call include Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Castries, St. Lucia; Bridgetown, Barbados; Basseterre, St. Kitts, and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
Fares for Celebrity's Summit Caribbean voyages begin at $999 per person, double occupancy. Celebrity Cruises is the highest-rated premium cruise line in the industry, with the youngest fleet of any major cruise line. Summit entered service in October, and Constellation will make its maiden voyage in 2002, bringing the Celebrity fleet to nine ships. For more information, visit the Celebrity web site at www.celebritycruises.com. Source: Celebrity Cruises
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SEABOURN SPIRIT ADDS MORE CRUISES OF VIETNAM AND MYANMAR.
January, February Cruises Feature Free Economy Air, Business Class From $995.
MIAMI, Oct 8, 2001-Ultra luxury small-ship cruise specialist Seabourn Cruise Line has announced added departures of its popular cruises to Thailand and Vietnam and Malaysia, Thailand and Myanmar in January and February of 2002. The cruises aboard the yacht-like, all-suite Seabourn Spirit replace two previously scheduled cruises that had included visits to islands of the Indonesian Archipelago.
The first of the added cruises sails January 19, 2002 for twelve days, roundtrip from Singapore to a variety of tropical Thai and Malaysian islands, with a three-day call at Yangon, formerly Rangoon, in Myanmar, the former Burma. The extended stay in this venerable Asian capital allows exploration of the city's majestic gold-and-jewel-encrusted Shwedagon Pagoda, as well as visits to Burma's "Plain of Temples" at nearby Pagan. Guests will be treated to a complimentary Exclusively Seabourn visit to the century-old Strand Hotel for refreshments and a Burmese musical interlude, recapturing the romance of an era during which the Strand was the hostelry of choice among royalty, nobility and celebrities passing through the Far East.
On January 31st, Seabourn Spirit sails from Singapore to Hong Kong, on a two-week exploration of Thailand and Vietnam. The cruise includes two days in Bangkok, as well as visits to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Danang, Hanoi and cruising among the breathtaking islands of Halong Bay, Vietnam. On this cruise, guests will enjoy an Exclusively Seabourn visit to the private Prasart Museum in Bangkok's suburbs. Here, among the tropical gardens, several traditional Thai teak buildings are filled with precious antiques including art and furnishings from every period of Thai history.
Travelers interested in either of these specially added cruises, or one of the other cruises of Southeast Asia aboard Seabourn Spirit, can take advantage of special promotional offers in one of two ways. Seabourn offers free economy class airfare and business class upgrades from $995 from 25 North American gateways, plus Early Booking Savings of 20 percent off the published fare, or a special promotional savings of 45 percent applies for cruise-only fares not including airfare.
Seabourn Spirit offers the finest ultra luxury cruising experience to just 104 fortunate couples. All suites are 277 square feet or larger, many with balconies. Fine cuisine from celebrity chef/restaurateur Charlie Palmer is served in an open seating restaurant. Myriad thoughtful touches include complimentary wines and spirits throughout the cruise; an in-suite bar stocked to guests' requests; designer towels and robes of fine Egyptian cotton; delightful Massage Moments offered to guests lounging on deck and Seabourn's Pure Pampering program, featuring wellbeing products and a menu of soothing, invigorating bathing experiences from Molton Brown, London.
For details or reservations, consult a professional travel agent, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or click on www.seabourn.com.
The yachts of Seabourn provide the ultimate in small-ship, ultra-luxury cruise vacations to the most desirable destinations on earth. The Seabourn fleet includes Seabourn Pride, Spirit and Legend. Source: Seabourn Cruise Line
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MONARCH OF THE SEAS ARRIVES IN NEW HOME AT PORT EVERGLADES
MIAMI, Oct 8, 2001 - Royal Caribbean International's Monarch of the Seas, arrived last Friday at her new home port at Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale. The 2,700-guest, 73,942-ton vessel will sail a series of alternating four- and five-night Western Caribbean itineraries.
"Market trends continue to reflect the appeal of shorter itineraries especially to first-time cruisers," said Dan Hanrahan, senior vice president, Marketing and Sales, Royal Caribbean International. "Our new five-night product combines the "short cruise" appeal of a three- or four-night product with the desirability of added ports of call." The itineraries are as follows:
* Four-night cruises depart on alternating Thursdays from October 11, 2001 to April 24, 2003, with ports of call at Key West, Florida and Cozumel, Mexico.
* Two different five-night itineraries will be offered. Five-night cruises visiting Cozumel, Mexico and Georgetown, Grand Cayman will depart on alternating Saturdays from October 6, 2001 to April 19, 2003. Five-night cruises visiting Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico and Key West, Florida will depart on alternating Mondays from October 15, 2001 to April 28, 2003.
Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 14 ships in service and six under construction or on firm order. For more information about the cruise line, please visit the company's Internet web site at www.royalcaribbean.com. Source: RCI
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