Senior adults age 50 and up seeking to combine adventure, travel and learning can experience first-hand the Semester at Sea during 2003. Since the program’s inception in 1965, more than 1,700 senior adults, ranging from retirees to teachers to professionals on sabbatical, have traveled with over 35,000 students representing in excess of 200 colleges and universities throughout the United States.

     Applications for senior adult passengers are now being accepted for the continuing education program administered through the Institute for Shipboard Education and academically sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh. The cross-cultural voyages of discovery aboard the SS Universe Explorer will travel through the Pacific Rim on a 65-day voyage during summer 2003 and the Far East, Africa and South America on a 100-day voyage in fall 2003.

     The global studies college credit program, now in its 38th year, is conducted aboard a 23,500-ton maritime classroom featuring a massive floating library, the largest of its kind. Between 30 and 40 senior adults are accepted to travel with 65 faculty members and 600 college students each semester.
 

     The program combines onboard classroom instruction with hands-on field excursions during four to five-day port stays, including famous landmarks, prestigious universities and cultural performances, as well as visits to archaeological sites, museums, orphanages and rural villages.

     The 65-day, eight-port summer 2003 Pacific Rim voyage, departing Vancouver, Canada on June 17, 2003, visits Sitka, Alaska; Vladivostok, Russia; Pusan, Korea; Shanghai, People's Republic of China; Haiphong (Hanoi), Vietnam; Keelung, Taiwan; Osaka, Japan and Seattle, Wash.

     The 100-day, 10-port fall 2003 excursion, departing on August 31, 2003 from Vancouver, Canada, visits Kobe, Japan; Hong Kong, SAR; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Yangon, Myanmar; Chennai, India; Mombasa, Kenya; Cape Town, South Africa; Salvador, Brazil; Havana, Cuba and Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

     Course study includes courses in anthropology, geography, biology, business and international marketing, economics, English, geology, history, music, political science, psychology, religious studies and sociology.

     Per person rates begin at $10,575. For more information, visit www.semesteratsea.com.

Bypassing Bali 11/01/02


     At least one cruise line has revised its 2002-03 schedule in order to avoid calls in Indonesia, following Bali’s recent terrorist attack.

     Orient Lines has replaced Crown Odyssey’s port calls at Bali and Semarang, Indonesia and has extended journeys to ports in Australia, China, India, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, on cruise tours between December 2, 2002 and February 19, 2003.

     The revised cruise tours that no longer include calls in Thailand are as follows:
 

Segway HT on SeaDream 10/31/02


      SeaDream Yacht Club has made its mark as the second cruise line to have the Segway Human Transporter (HT) onboard its ships (Disney was the first). By the end of November, the two-wheeled, electric transporter device will be available on SeaDream I and II in Palm Beach and St. Thomas.

      The simple-to-operate Segway HT has gyroscopes and tilt sensors to monitor a user’s center of gravity more than 100 times a second. When a person leans forward slightly, the Segway HT moves forward; when leaning back, it moves back. With the help of specially trained onboard SeaDream personnel, guests will learn basic riding skills including forward and backward motion, turning, and agility. Then they’ll have a chance test their skills during a ride on the Segway HT’s shore side training course. Total cost -- $49 per hour.

     The line plans to introduce the Segway HT with its shore excursion program as well in 2003.

Princess Perks Up 10/30/02


     Princess Cruises has added some perks to its Captain's Circle program for repeat passengers.
In addition to an exclusive members section on Princess' web site, www.princess.com, an onboard host will ensures passengers get the most from their membership.

     Guests who have sailed with Princess at least once automatically become Gold members, and rise to Platinum level after five cruises. Princess Captain's Circle members are receiving a packet by mail explaining the new program, so if you’re enrolled, don’t mistake this piece of mail for junk. Inside is a Gold or Platinum membership card (depending on club status), as well as an explanation of the new benefits and a Princess Passport to log their cruises.

    The program offers special onboard recognition plus various ongoing rewards. Every cruise will now have a dedicated Circle Host onboard to ensure members receive all of their benefits, including exclusive shipboard events, such as private cocktail parties. Members also receive collectible stamps from each cruise for a personal record of their Princess travels.

     Platinum members will get Platinum check-in to expedite embarkation, and at disembarkation they have use of an exclusive lounge. Another perk -- complimentary Internet access throughout the cruise.
Members – look out for exclusive discounts too!

Cunard Ships Out 10/29/02

     Cunard Line is shipping out. Your luggage, that is.

     The line has teamed with DHL Worldwide Express to ship luggage between your home and the Queen Elizabeth 2. Available on cruises from three to 107 days, the optional new White Star Luggage Service includes the preparation of all shipping and customs paperwork; scheduled pickup of luggage at the your home; 24-hour on-line tracking; Shipment Value Protection insurance and delivery directly to your stateroom.

     Costs vary depending on the weight of the luggage and the port being shipped to or from. For example, a suitcase weighing up to 30 pounds shipped from the U.S. to Southampton will cost $200. For a bag weighing 60 pounds - the maximum allowable weight - the fee will be $350. Bags shipped from the U.K. back to the U.S. will cost approximately $50 more. Round-trip shipping, or just one-way – the choice is yours too.


     Cunard has established a special toll-free number, 888-491-0774, for passengers who want to use the White Star Luggage Service, or it can be ordered through your travel agent at the time of booking. Standard service can be ordered up to two weeks prior to departure. Within 14 days of departure, an expedited service may be requested for an additional fee, based on availability.

Book-N-Go 10/28/02

     A new booking system on Holland America Line’s web site, www.hollandamerica.com, will allow cruise vacationers to book shore excursions and receive confirmation in advance of sailing.

      As long as they have a booking number, guests can request and pay for shore excursions with a credit card and receive confirmed tour departure times up to 60 days prior to sailing and no later than 10 days prior.
 
      "The major advantage for guests is that they can plan their complete cruise vacation in advance of traveling and ensure that the tours and activities they wish to join are available," said David A. Giersdorf, senior vice president of marketing and sales.

     Previously, passengers could request shore excursions online but could not actually book them and receive confirmation. The line is encouraging guests who previously requested tours to book on the new system and turn their requests into confirmed bookings with a reference number.

     Just go to the web site, click on "Shore Excursions" and fill out the online request form found at the "Book Shore Excursions" line. Downloadable shore excursion brochures and tour prices are available, as well as frequently asked questions and general information. All shore excursion requests are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Vruum, Vruum 10/25/02


     Race car enthusiast – start your engines. Carnival Cruise Lines has again partnered with NASCAR Champion Rusty Wallace to host more “racing-themed” voyages in 2003.

     The seven-day western Caribbean voyage – the fifth in the “Rusty Wallace Cruise” series – (this time aboard Carnival Victory) will depart Miami December 7, 2003. While the ship visits Playa del Carmen/Cozumel, George Town, and Ocho Rios, each “Rusty Wallace Cruise” guest can revel in exclusive, invitation-only activities, including a one-hour question-answer session, an autograph session, a private cocktail reception, and photo opportunities with Wallace. Other events include a Rusty Wallace look-a-like contest, “racing-themed” raffles and giveaways, trivia contests and scavenger hunt.

     Guests also have a chance to win a variety of prizes, including an opportunity to be an honorary member of Wallace’s pit crew, complimentary pit and garage passes, autographed racing memorabilia, and dinner with the NASCAR star one night during the cruise.

     The first 100 guests to book their “Rusty Wallace Cruise” aboard Carnival Victory will each receive a “goody bag” with an assortment of racing-themed logo items and merchandise – so get to the finish line fast. Fares begin at $579 per person based/double occupancy. Call your travel agent or 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit www.carnival.com.  

Raise Your Glasses 10/24/02


     Vacationers looking for some new culinary delights at sea can raise their glasses to this. Some of the nation's most renowned chefs, culinary experts and wine educators will be cooking and conducting tastings at sea on select 2003 Royal Olympic cruises.

     The line’s new "Seafaring Gourmet" program aboard Olympia Voyager and Olympia Explorer, will feature culinary demonstrations, with signature dishes and menu selections created by prominent guest chefs served onboard during the cruise. The roster of chefs includes the legendary André Soltner, whose famed New York restaurant, Lutèce, was hailed as one of the world's finest.

     Through a new partnership with Wine Enthusiast magazine, members of Wine Enthusiast's editorial staff and tasting panel will conduct wine tastings, food/wine pairings and wine education sessions for passengers. Wine columnists from major U.S. newspapers and guest wine educators also will host tastings and seminars onboard select Olympia Voyager cruises.

     To check out the "Seafaring Gourmet" schedule for upcoming cruises on Olympia Voyager and Olympia Explorer, call your travel agent or 1-800-872-6400, or visit www.royalolympiccruises.com.

Song Tunes Out South America 10/23/02


     Those planning to cruise to South America on Radisson Seven Seas Cruises’ Song of Flower will have to make other arrangements. The line has cancelled all of the ships cruises to the exotic destination due to low bookings, according to Mark Conroy, Radisson’s President and CEO.

     Because Radisson owns the Song of Flower, keeping it tied up in Genoa, and out of service for those five months won’t really cost them anything – about $3,000 per day -- according to Conroy. It costs less for the ship to be out of service, than in.

     “We were able to transfer some of the Song of Flower’s passengers on to the Navigator’s sailings,” said Conroy.

     Following the ship’s seven-day cruise from Rome to Barcelona, Song of Flower will begin its hiatus until April 27, 2003, when it returns to Mediterranean waters again.

     So how long will the Song of Flower be a part of Radisson’s fleet anyway?
 
     “Through 2004, at least,” said Conroy.
While the ship isn’t technically up for sale, Radisson has been given offers.

     “If someone offers to buy [Song] for the right price, then we may sell her,” admitted Conroy.

     But for now – the ship will remain a Radisson gem as the oldest ship in the fleet.

On a lighter note for Radisson…

     The line is excited about the 490-guest Seven Seas Navigator’s new New York to Bermuda cruises, which begin May 7.

    According to Conroy, and Roy Grimsland, Radisson’s Vice President of Sales, the sailings have been receiving “tremendous response.”

     The cruises not only will be new for the luxury line, but also will be new for New Yorkers and other vacationers in the surrounding states who are looking for a luxury cruise option out of the Big Apple. This is the first time that New York has hosted such a ship for an extensive round-trip season.

     Navigator will sail from the bustling city through June 18, and then again from August 27 through September 17. But why not stay in New York for the whole summer?

     “We didn’t want to commit to Bermuda for 24 weeks,” said Conroy.
In short, it’s because the line wasn’t sure of the response they would receive. So instead, the all-suite ship will join the Song of Flower and the new Seven Seas Voyager (set to debut April 1) in the Baltic mid-summer. Those in New York will have the chance to sail from the city to Copenhagen on a 14-day cruise via Canada and Iceland on August 13.

     Navigator will offer 11 cruises from New York to Bermuda, two Hamilton to New York sailings, one roundtrip Ft. Lauderdale, one Ft. Lauderdale to Hamilton and one
Hamilton visit via Palm Beach. Very unique.

      The Wednesday-to-Wednesday cruises will feature two shipboard overnights in Hamilton and one in St. George over the weekend when hardly any ships are in port. Additionally, Navigator will visit Norfolk, giving people in the up and coming Virginia city a chance to embark on the ship’s Bermuda route as well.

     Navigator also will sail a few New England/Canada cruises in September and October between New York and Montreal.

Go to Greece 10/22/02


     Tourlite International and Zeus Tours, companies of FAR&WIDE Travel Corporation have introduced some new Greek Islands cruise-tour packages.

     Vacationers can choose between four nights in Athens and three nights cruising the Greek Isles or three nights in Athens and four nights cruising the Greek Isles on a seven-night itinerary to Athens, Mykonos, Rhodes, Kusadasi, and Santorini.

     Rates for this Royal Aegean package start at $1,099, including hotel accommodations, a cruise on one of Royal Olympic Cruises’ ships, and airfare from New York.
The company’s 11-night Hellenic Classic itinerary spends four days sailing through the Greek Islands, three nights in Athens, and five days touring Nauplion, Olympia, and Delphi. Rates begin at $1,669, including accommodations, airfare from NY and the cruise.
Call your travel agent or 800-272-7600, or visit www.tourlite.com.

New Cruise Line 10/21/02

     Believe it or not, a new cruise line is in the works – and they have plans to buy some former Renaissance Cruises’ ships.

     Former Renaissance Cruises CEO Frank Del Rio and former Crystal Cruises President Joe Watters have launched Oceana Cruises, a five-star line that will be headquartered in Miami. Del Rio will assume the role of President and CEO, while Watters will be the company’s Chairman and will head up a west coast office in Los Angeles.

     So which ships will make up Oceana’s fleet?

     The new line will charter the R1, R2, and R5 from Cruiseinvest (subject to final Board approvals), who currently owns the ships. Spanish tour operator Pullmantur had previously chartered the R5 and renamed it Blue Dream, but the R1 and R2 have not been sailing since Renaissance’s demise last year.

     Morten Arntzen, CEO of American Marine Advisors and advisor to Cruiseinvest, said “Oceana Cruises is just what the cruise industry needs and is a perfect fit for the R-vessels. We are very impressed by Oceana Cruises’ management team, business plan, and the quality of the investor group. Oceana Cruises has the right mix for a winning team.”

     Oceana cruises has plans to position their fleet in the premium and luxury category market.

     “Our best in class cuisine, itineraries, travel agent support and outstanding value will define Oceana Cruises’ five-star product,” noted Del Rio.
This should be interesting!

Victory on the East Coast 10/18/02


     Carnival continues to add more cruise options to the east coast. Next year, the line will offer a   series of two- to six-day voyages from Charleston, S.C., and Norfolk, Va., aboard the 2,758-passenger Carnival Victory.

     The ship will sail two five-day Bahamas cruises from Charleston - one departing June 2 and another October 20, 2003, with a day-long call at Freeport and a full day and evening in Nassau. Prices begin at $599 per person based on double occupancy. From Norfolk, Carnival Victory will sail five voyages - a pair of two-day cruises and three six-day Bahamas cruises - in summer and fall. Two-day departure dates include June 14, and October 17, while six-day cruises, will set sail on June 8, October 5 and October 11. Fares for the two-day cruises start at $299 per person while six-day voyages begin at $699 per person.

Prepare for Visitors 10/18/02

     Okay, it’s not really cruise-related, but it is interesting to know that we can expect see more tourists in America in the coming years. The number of international travelers to the U.S. will return to pre-September 11th levels by 2004, according to the Commerce Department’s recent forecast. In fact, a record 60 million international visitors are expected to travel to the U.S. by 2006, a 32 percent increase over 2001.

     Here’s who’s planning to visit us:

Europeans: Visitors from Europe are expected to return noticeably by 2004, with the UK maintaining its position as the top overseas market. While visitor levels from Europe are projected to remain flat in 2002, an overall growth of 33 percent is expected by 2006. This will place Europe ahead of its peak 2000 level with 13 million total visitors to the U.S. The United Kingdom will see steady growth, especially in 2003. This supports the peak forecast of nearly 5.6 million British travelers by 2006. Germany is expected to remain weak through 2002; this market is projected to strengthen 31 percent by 2006 over the 2001 level, just short of its 2000 level. Asia: Asia's recovery will be slow through 2006, with only 26 percent growth through the forecast period. The impact of slower growth from Japanese travelers impacts this regional forecast. Even so, the Memorandum of Understanding signed by Secretary Evans in April 2002 to support a Tourism Export Expansion Initiative between the United States and Japan should help secure the 21 percent growth in Japanese visitors by 2006. The Republic of Korea is the star performer in this region, showing high short-term and long-term increases. Korea is expected to top its previous peak with 915,000 visitors by 2006, up 46 percent from 2001.

Asians: Asia's recovery will be slow through 2006, with only 26 percent growth through the forecast period. The impact of slower growth from Japanese travelers impacts this regional forecast. Even so, the Memorandum of Understanding signed by Secretary Evans in April 2002 to support a Tourism Export Expansion Initiative between the United States and Japan should help secure the 21 percent growth in Japanese visitors by 2006. The Republic of Korea is the star performer in this region, showing high short-term and long-term increases. Korea is expected to top its previous peak with 915,000 visitors by 2006, up 46 percent from 2001.

South Americans: South America's relatively slight 13 percent growth over the forecast period is due primarily to volatile economic and political conditions in its top markets, with the notable exception of Brazil. By 2003, Brazil is forecasted to become the sixth largest overseas source market for the U.S. The longer term forecast for Brazil shows it will grow by 27 percent between 2001 and 2006. Meanwhile, Argentina is forecasted to decline by 36 percent, struggling to recover an estimated 43 percent loss in 2002. This will drop Argentina from the tenth largest overseas market to the twenty-first. Venezuela is expected to see a 17 percent increase over the forecast period, compared to 2001.

For more information on the international travel market to the U.S., visit: http://tinet.ita.doc.gov

Quickie Cruises 10/17/02


     In the market for a weekend getaway? Whether it’s a long one or a quickie, those on the east and west coast can escape to the seas on one of Royal Caribbean’s new three- to four-night weekend cruises beginning next spring.

     Enchantment of the Seas and Monarch of the Seas will take vacationers on western Caribbean and Mexico routes from Ft. Lauderdale and Los Angeles for less than $500.

     The 1,950-guest Enchantment of the Seas will begin its four- and five-night alternating cruises to the western Caribbean from its Florida homeport in May, while the 2,350-passenger Monarch of the Seas will be the largest ship sailing from Los Angeles in early June when it begins sailing three- and four-night itineraries to Baja, Mexico. Enchantment of the Seas’ four-night cruises depart every other Thursday, starting May 22, with stops in Key West, and Cozumel. On alternate Mondays, beginning May 26, guests can take five-night adventures to Key West, Cozumel, and Belize City. Every other Saturday, starting May 31, Enchantment of the Seas departs for five-night cruises to Ocho Rios, Jamaica, and George Town, Grand Cayman. Fares start at $489 per person,double occupancy.

     Beginning June 2, Monarch of the Seas will set sail on Mondays and Fridays from Los Angeles with four-night cruises with stops in Ensenada, San Diego and Catalina Island, and three-night cruises with a call in Ensenada. Rates start at $399 per person, double occupancy.

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To be Continued. . . 10/16/02


     Silversea Cruises will continue to offer its “Simplicity Pricing” discounts of up to 50 percent off of sailings through June 2003.

     The savings -- which apply to the cruise-only fares of Vista and Veranda Suites aboard the Silver Shadow, Silver Cloud, and Silver Whisper -- are available on select voyages between January 3 and June 10. The luxurious vessels will ply the waters of the Caribbean, South America, South Pacific, Australia/New Zealand, Mediterranean, and Africa.

     One of Silver Whisper’s voyages will take guests to follow the races and regatta festivities of The America’s Cup. Departing from Auckland on February 14 (Valentine’s Day), the nine-day cruise will head for Kawau Island, Bay of Islands and Tauranga in New Zealand. Fares start at $4,195 per person, double occupancy.

     Other cruises range in price from $1,895 per person for six days aboard Silver Whisper’s Caribbean itinerary, to $4,795 per person for 10 days aboard Silver Shadow in South America.

     Call your travel agent or 1-800- 774-9996 or visit www.silversea.com.

River Royalties 10/15/02


     Uniworld will put two new vessels on rivers in Europe next year.
The 138-passenger River Countess and River Duchess will debut in March and June 2003, respectively.

     River Countess will enter service on March 23, 2003, with seven-night cruises through Holland at Tulip Time. During the summer, the vessel will mark the company’s return to the Black Sea with a series of seven-night cruises from Budapest. The Ultimate Grand Cruise between Amsterdam and Constanta will offer five departures, visiting seven countries while traveling more than 2,200 miles from the North Sea to the Black Sea.

     Other featured itineraries aboard River Countess include the line’s traditional 14-night Grand Cruise between Amsterdam and Budapest, and a series of seven-night cruises between Budapest and Nuremberg along the legendary Danube.

     River Duchess will debut on June 8, 2003, also offering a summer season of Danube sailings between Budapest and Nuremberg. In addition, a pair of Danube Wine Cruises between Budapest and Passau is featured in October and includes such special activities as a visit to a champagne cave in the Buda hills of Budapest, and a wine tasting in the Wachau Valley.

Winter Escapes on Windstar 10/14/02


     Windstar Cruises is offering savings on seven-day sailings between November 15 and the end of the year in the Caribbean and Tahiti.

     On December 8 and 15, 2002, rates start at $1,295, and on December 22 and 29, 2002, rates begin at $1,595. The Wind Surf will sail to Port Lucaya, Salt Cay, Half Moon Cay, and Bimini in the Bahamas as well as Key West.

     Tahiti cruises on the Wind Song depart on November 15, 22, 29, December 6, and 13, 2002 with rates starting at $2,695 including roundtrip airfare. The ship will visit Raiatea, Huahine, Bora Bora and Moorea.

     Call your travel agent or 1-800-258-7245 or visit www.windstarcruises.com.

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Cream of the Crop 10/13/02

   

      Crystal Cruises’ seventh annual series of Wine & Food Festival cruises will bring aboard a selection of fine chefs and wine enthusiasts. To name a few: French Laundry's Thomas Keller, Spago's Lee Hefter, Lucques' Suzanne Goin, Le Francais' Don Yamauchi, Valentino's Angelo Auriana, and André Soltner and Jacques Pépin, among others - will pair with wine experts Piero Selvaggio, David Gordon, Bernard Sun, Kevin Zraly and Master Sommelier Jay James.
Check out the crop of Crystal’s culinary cruises below:

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Fire Delays Diamond Princess 10/10/02

     Fires on ships in progress happen often. During a vessel’s construction -- loose wires, welding sparks, and other shipyard mishaps cause flames to ignite and fires to flare onboard. But they’re usually put out quickly.

     As you may, or may not have heard, that was not the case onboard the Diamond Princess last week. The ship nearly was destroyed totally when it caught fire for more than 10 hours at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries shipyard in Japan. The builders and other workers were able to escape safely, but the ship suffered major injuries.

     Rumors about the ship being a total loss have been circulating for days, but Princess has only said for certain today that the ship will not make its debut in June, as originally scheduled. They didn’t specify when (or if) exactly the ship will be completed.

     The Alaska and Mexico cruise programs for Diamond Princess up to the scheduled February 28, 2004 sailing have been cancelled, so we know not to expect its arrival before then.
“Obviously, this fire was an unfortunate and unforeseen setback in this vessel’s construction,” said Dean Brown, Princess’ executive vice president of customer service and sales. “We certainly regret any inconvenience or disappointment this may cause some of our passengers and travel agent partners.”

     Passengers booked on Diamond Princess’ seven-day roundtrip Alaska voyages, originally scheduled to begin June 15, 2003, are being automatically moved to the same category of accommodations aboard her sister ship Star Princess and will receive a $25 per person onboard credit. The ship visits identical Inside Passage ports of call, including Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Victoria, from Seattle, departing on Saturdays versus Diamond Princess’ Sunday sailings.

     Those who were scheduled to sail on the ship’s cancelled Mexico cruises from September 27, 2003, to February 28, 2004 will receive a full refund of all money paid and will also get a $25 onboard credit if they choose to rebook on another Princess cruise.

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Asia or Bust 10/10/02

     ResidenSea has announced that it will match Silversea Cruises’ daily voyage fares on all ResidenSea's 2003 Asia-Pacific voyages for those guests affected by Silversea's deployment of Silver Wind from Asia to Europe.

     Based on double occupancy and a three-night minimum stay, this offer is available for Silversea guests who book and make a deposit by October 31, 2002, on voyages aboard The World through July 12, 2003.

     In 2003, The World will sail to destinations in Asia and the Far East, including Polynesia, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Southeast Asia, China, Korea and Japan.

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Changes in Paradise 10/09/02

     Carnival Cruise Lines' Paradise will operate a new year-round western and eastern Caribbean cruise program from Miami beginning February 2003, that will feature calls at Isla Roatan, Honduras; Belize City, Belize; and Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic.

     Beginning February 23, Paradise will sail every Sunday on seven-day cruises alternating between the western and eastern Caribbean. The western itinerary will feature visits to Belize, Isla Roatan, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, while the eastern route will stop at Nassau, Casa de Campo and St. Thomas. The line also has extended the ship’s time in Nassau by adding two more hours to the call. Instead of leaving at 2 p.m., the ship will take stay in the Bahamian city from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

     The Inspiration also will introduce a new year-round four-port "Exotic Western Caribbean" itinerary from Tampa in May, with calls at Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Cozumel and Belize. The seven-day voyages will depart every Sunday, replacing the ship's current schedule.

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Crayola Adds Color to Cruising 10/07/02

Kids sailing on one of Royal Caribbean International’s ships now have the opportunity to make a big splash in the line’s new Adventure Art by Crayola program offered through RCI’s Adventure Ocean Youth facilities. Young cruisers of all ages can create colorful masks and pottery with Crayola art materials such as Model Magic, glitter glue, markers, paint and crayons – all while learning about the art, history, traditions and cultures of the regions and destinations of their vacations.

Children traveling to the Caribbean will create a Mexican Huichol Mask, while those sailing to Europe make a Greek Theater Mask. Those on Alaska cruises create an Eskimo oil lamp, and kids sailing in the South Pacific design Great Barrier Reef aquatic dioramas.

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QM2 to Attend Olympics 9/30/02


     Cunard Line’s 2,620-guest Queen Mary 2, which is slated to debut in January 2004, will serve as a floating hotel at the port of Piraeus during the 2004 Olympic