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SMALL SHIP CRUISING

05-15-2008

 

SEEING THE WORLD UP CLOSE


Differing Dramatically in Character and Destination, Small Cruise Ships
Offer a Uniquely Personal Exploration of the World's Out-of-the-Way
Places
 
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (May 12, 2008) - At first glance, the American
Eagle, the River Queen and the Seabourn Spirit might seem to have little
in common. The first carries barely 60 guests on informal journeys
through the Chesapeake Bay, the Antebellum South and other destinations
on the East Coast. The River Queen travels the legendary Rhine and
Moselle rivers of Europe. And, the Seabourn Spirit and its sister ships
sail the world, accommodating just over 200 passengers.

But, in fact, these ships, while representing very different varieties
of small ship cruising, have important things in common, qualities that
distinguish this cruise segment from all other types of travel. And,
they are just three of many small ships belonging to member lines of
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

Together, almost 50 small ships belonging to CLIA offer the opportunity
to explore the world from a uniquely personal perspective. From
Antarctica to the Arctic, the Caribbean to Canada, Mexico to the
Mediterranean, they travel the great rivers of Europe and North America,
sail along Norwegian fjords and other scenic coasts, cross oceans,
explore the globe's most remote destinations, and even embark on world
cruises. Their size enables a small group of travelers to go where no
other cruise ships go - to the inland capitals of Europe and Asia, tiny
islands in the tropics, undiscovered ports in the Middle East, remote
coves and bays in Alaska, America's Intra-Coastal Waterway and much
more. The combination of out-of-the-way destinations and relatively
small amount of passengers means that the lucky few onboard experience
the world as though it was theirs alone to discover.

Whether the shipboard experience emphasizes sheer elegance and luxury
while visiting some of the world's most glamorous yachting destinations,
or a more informal yet equally delightful and comfortable lifestyle for
journeying through nature's most extreme environments, all small ships
have other qualities in common. They enable guests to socialize easily
and share experiences with new-found friends who share their interests
and tastes. They provide a true and very satisfying sense of having a
home away from home, feeling cared for by staff the guests come to know
and enjoy. And, small ships virtually eliminate the hassles of travel.
Getting on and off the vessel is effortless, with docking in the very
center of the action of each destination or port, and sightseeing is
crowdless, often in places where there are few other visitors.

Here is a sampling of small ship cruise opportunities offered by members
of CLIA:

AMERICAN CRUISE LINES' four ships - American Star, American Spirit,
American Glory and American Eagle - carry no more than 100 passengers
and offer comfortable accommodations, a friendly informal ambiance and
such amenities as onboard naturalist and historians, enrichment
activities and entertainment, dining that features regional dishes and
complimentary cocktails in the evening. Itineraries encompass the length
of the East Coast, including the Rivers of Florida, the Antebellum
South, the Mid-Atlantic Inland Passage, the Chesapeake Bay, the Hudson
River, Maine and New England Islands.

HURTIGRUTEN, formerly Norwegian Coastal Voyage, continues to offer a
variety of cruises along the 1,250-mile coast of Norway with its
majestic fjords on numerous small ships as well as journeys on the Gota
Canal between Stockholm and Gothenburg on three Art Nouveau vintage
ships. But among the most popular offerings are voyages to Antarctica, a
North to South world cruise, and Greenland Exploration cruises featuring
the 310-berth MS Fram, launched in 2007 and built specifically for
adventure. As they visit such remote destinations at the southern tip of
the world as Marguerite Bay, Whaler's Bay, Cuverville Island and others,
passengers discover that the only ones wearing tuxedoes are the
penguins.

MAJESTIC AMERICA LINE offers voyages from Alaska to the Mississippi
River. The intimate, 112-stateroom Empress of the North is small enough
to explore the wilderness and waterways of Alaska's Inland Passage. The
142-passenger Queen of the West and the 75-stateroom Columbia Queen were
built to cruise the rivers of the Northwest, including the Columbia and
the Snake. And, on the mighty Mississippi, the historic, 176-passenger
Delta Queen is the last operational steam-powered sternwheeler
reminiscent of those piloted by Mark Twain, while the 436-guest American
Queen is the world's largest river cruise ship. In addition to capturing
a romantic and unique era in American history, both glamorous ships are
fully modernized for today's travelers.

PEARL SEAS CRUISES' first ship, as yet unnamed, will begin service in
2009 offering 214 passengers accommodations with private balconies
equipped with flat screen TV/DVD systems, a well-stocked library, six
lounges, a sports and exercise deck and multiple observation areas. The
ship will sail on seven- to 11-night itineraries in the Caribbean during
the winter months and a variety of voyages in North America during the
spring, summer and fall. These include trips through the Canadian
Maritimes, the St. Lawrence Seaway and Thousand Islands, a
circumnavigation of Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and the Great Lakes.

SEABOURN CRUISE LINE also offers the very highest levels of luxury on
its three 208-guest yachts, Seabourn Pride, Seabourn Spirit and Seabourn
Legend. In 2009, they will be joined by the somewhat larger, all-new
Seabourn Odyssey. With staff members almost outnumbering guests,
Seabourn guests are treated to gourmet cuisine created by celebrity chef
Charlie Palmer, a casino and spa, all-suite accommodations,
complimentary wines, spirits and champagne and such signature
experiences as "Caviar in the Surf." In addition to the world cruises
and transatlantic crossings, Seabourn voyages take in the entire world
from Asia to Europe to the Americas and Caribbean.

SEADREAM YACHT CLUB offers a true luxury yachting experience on two
110-passenger ships, SeaDream I and SeaDream II. Facilities and
amenities include fine dining with complimentary red and white wine, a
casino, library, a piano bar and Top of the Yacht bar, a Main Salon and
a water sports marina offering a full range of equipment for enjoyment
right off the ship. From May through October, the ships offer
seven-night itineraries to classical yachting ports in the French and
Italian Riviera, Costa del Sol, the Amalfi Coast, Greek Islands, and the
Adriatic and Black Seas. In the winter, SeaDream visits some of the most
exclusive islands in the Caribbean, including St. Barts, Virgin Gorda,
Jost van Dyke and the Grenadines.

SILVERSEA CRUISES' new Prince Albert II is an adventure ship carrying no
more than 132 guests on luxurious expeditions to the Arctic, Antarctica
and many points in between. During its inaugural 2008 season it will
feature special Sea of Cortez expeditions in September, complete with
eight Zodiac boats for up close viewing of birds, dolphins, whales and
sea lions. The company's other four larger ships also fit the small ship
category, with Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper carrying no more than
382 passengers and Silver Cloud and Silver Wind accommodating only 296.
Offering worldwide itineraries, the vessels feature ocean-view suite
accommodations, complimentary shoreside experiences, entertainment and
onboard enrichment, complimentary beverages and in-suite beverage
cabinets and other amenities for an ultra-luxury experience.

UNIWORLD RIVER CRUISES is the leading operator of river cruises in
Europe, offering intimacy and personalized service on a variety of ships
that typically carry no more than 134 guests. Combining old world
elegance with modern amenities, the vessels feature expansive views of
passing countryside, libraries, a lounge with full-service bar,
boutiques, a beauty salon and 24-hour coffee bar. Operating for more
than 30 years, Uniworld offers itineraries on 12 rivers in 20 countries
across four continents, including Europe, Russia, Egypt and China. Among
the most popular European itineraries are Castles Along the Rhine,
Danube Discovery, Enchanting Danube, European Jewels, Eastern Europe
Explorer and Tulips & Windmills. One 17-day voyage features the Ukraine,
the Black Sea and Istanbul.

WINDSTAR CRUISES operates three sailing yachts - Wind Spirit, Wind Star
and Wind Surf - known for offering a pampered luxury lifestyle and the
ability to visit the hidden harbors and secluded coves of some of the
world's most sought after destinations. Carrying just 148 to 312 guests,
the ships visit 50 countries, calling at 100 ports throughout Europe,
the Caribbean and the Americas. Windstar appeals to contemporary
travelers with a casual onboard ambiance, alternative dining venues, a
diversity of shore excursions, deluxe spa facilities and a complimentary
water sports program. Popular with honeymooners because of the ships'
innate romantic elegance, Windstar also offers voyages through the Greek
Islands and in-depth explorations of Costa Rica.

For more information about small ship cruising, visit www.cruising.org.

###
 
About CLIA
The nonprofit Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is North
America's largest cruise industry organization. CLIA represents the
interests of 23 member lines and participates in the regulatory and
policy development process while supporting measures that foster a safe,
secure and healthy cruise ship environment. CLIA is also engaged in
travel agent training, research and marketing communications to promote
the value and desirability of cruise vacations and counts as members
16,000 travel agencies. For more information on CLIA, the cruise
industry, and CLIA-member cruise lines and travel agencies, visit
www.cruising.org.


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