CruiseNews

Royal Caribbean’s 2,744-passenger, 73,941-ton Monarch of the Seas may be headed to Spanish brand Pullmantur to join sister-ship Sovereign of the Seas, sources said. Pullmantur has shed some capacity this year, with the Ocean Dream being chartered out and the Horizon being transferred to the CDF brand. The Monarch may start sailing for the Spanish brand, which has been hit along with the Spanish economy, as soon as March, 2013. Last year, rumors that the Majesty of the Seas, a sister to the Monarch, had been sold to a Korean start-up, ended up being false. Click here to view the article

Crown Cruise Vacations to Host PBS Cruise on American Queen Crown Cruise Vacations has organized a cruise on the American Queen with experts from PBS history documentaries. The cruise will commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War and premiere the documentary “This Republic of Suffering.” The 12-night voyage begins on Aug. 9 and visits New Orleans; Vicksburg, Miss.; Helena, Ark.; Memphis and Ashport Landing, Tenn.; Paducah, Ky.; Savannah, Tenn.; Decatur, Ala.; and Chattanooga, Tenn. The cruise will premiere “This Republic of Suffering,” the latest production by American Experience, weeks ahead of its national debut on PBS stations across the country. Based on the best-selling book “This Republic of Suffering: Death and the American Civil War” by historian and Harvard University President Drew Gilpin Faust, the documentary examines how the unprecedented death toll of the Civil War challenged American cultural attitudes about death and changed federal government policies regarding soldiers. On the cruise will be Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Ric Burns and producer Mark Samels. Burns, Samels and other guests will discuss the production with passengers aboard. Also appearing will be historians Brian Still Wills and James I. “Bud” Robertson Jr.; Barry Meadows, a Gen. Ulysses S. Grant tribute artist; Al Stone, a Gen. Robert E. Lee tribute artist; Cathy Barton and Dave Para, Civil War era musicians; and Bobby Horton, a Civil War historian and musician. Fares range from $2,895 to $8,495, depending on the cabin category and number of guests, and include a one-night hotel stay both before and after sailing, shore adventures, and complimentary wine, beer and spirits. Click here to view the article

RETIRED CRUISE SHIPS (Updated September 16, 2007) From - Cruise ship - Year - Built as - G.R.T. - Pasmax - Cabins - Crew - Speed - Cause 1979 ANGELINA LAURO - 1939 - ORANJE - 20565 - 21,5 - FIRE XING HU - 1967 - CABO IZARRA - 4438 - 19,5 - TRADING AS PASSENGER LINER Number cruise ship - 2 - Total grt//Total passenger - 25003 GRT year/Total GRT retired//Pass year/Total pass.capacity - 0,97% 1980 PRINSENDAM - 1973 - 8566 - 455 - 201 - 164 - 21 - FIRE Number cruise ship - 1 - Total grt//Total passenger - 8566 - 455 GRT year/Total GRT retired//Pass year/Total pass.capacity - 0,33% - 0,38% 1981 FIESTA - 1946 - MONA'S QUEEN - 3659 - 0 - 20 - BROKEN UP GOLDEN PRINCESS - 1943 - U.S.SHELIKOF - 3008 - 236 - 105 - 15,5 - SUNK REGENCY - 1952 - IRISH COAST - 4811 - 343 - 142 - 17 - TRADING AS PASSENGER LINER Number cruise ship - 3 - Total grt//Total passenger - 11478 - 579 GRT year/Total GRT retired//Pass year/Total pass.capacity - 0,44% - 0,48% 1982 CRISTOBAL - 1939 - 10153 - 0 - 17 - BROKEN UP ZI LUO LAN - 1962 - SAKURA MARU - 12470 - 948 - 0 - 16,8 - TRADING AS PASSENGER LINER Number cruise ship - 2 - Total grt//Total passenger - 22623 - 948 GRT year/Total GRT retired//Pass year/Total pass.capacity - 0,88% - 0,78% 1983 ATLANTIS - 1965 - ADONIS - 4500 - FIRE ALEXANDER - 1966 - REGINA MARIS - 5813 - 276 - 140 - 122 - 16 - CONVERTED PRIVATE YACHT ANDREA C. - 1942 - OCEAN VIRTUE - 7174 - 464 - 0 - 184 - 17 - BROKEN UP Number cruise ship - 3 - Total grt//Total passenger - 17487 - 740 GRT year/Total GRT retired//Pass year/Total pass.capacity - 0,68% - 0,61% 1984 RASLAN - 1972 - CUNARD AMBASSADOR - 14160 - 855 - 352 - 410 - 21,5 - BROKEN UP Number cruise ship - 1 - Total grt//Total passenger - 14160 - 855 GRT year/Total GRT retired//Pass year/Total pass.capacity - 0,55% - 0,71% 1985 CHIDAMBARAM - 1966 - PASTEUR - 17226 - 1680 - 158 - 20,3 - FIRE COLUMBUS C. - 1953 - KUNGSHOLM - 21514 - 802 - 273 - 355 - 18 - BROKEN UP PALM BEACH PRINCESS - 1964 - ILMATAR - 6659 - 470 - 105 - 165 - 19,5 - TRADING AS FLOATING CASINO REGINA PRIMA - 1938 - PANAMA - 10153 - 0 - 17 - BROKEN UP Number cruise ship - 4 - Total grt//Total passenger - 55552 - 2952 GRT year/Total GRT retired//Pass year/Total pass.capacity - 2,15% - 2,44% 1986 FREEWINDS - 1968 - BOHEME - 9789 - 540 - 253 - 190 - 20 - TRADING AS TRAINING SHIP KENTAVROS - 1941 - U.S.BARNEGAT - 2805 - 220 - 0 - 15,5 - BROKEN UP MIKHAIL LERMONTOV - 1972 - 19860 - 714 - 292 - 340 - 20 - SUNK MINGHUA - 1962 - ANCERVILLE - 14225 - 756 - 286 - 151 - 22,5 - CONVERTED HOTEL SHIP OUGO FOSCOLOS - 1986 - MIKHAIL SHOLOKHOV - 12798 - 450 - 0 - 150 - 19 - TRADING AS PASSENGER LINER SHEDWAN - 1952 - KARAISKAKIS - 1704 - 171 - 0 - 52 - 15 - TRADING AS HOTEL SHIP UGANDA - 1962 - 16907 - 0 - 0 - 0 - BROKEN UP Number cruise ship - 7 - Total grt//Total passenger - 78088 - 2851 GRT year/Total GRT retired//Pass year/Total pass.capacity - 3,02% - 2,36% 1987 ARIANE II - 1950 - AMSTERDAM - 5092 - 0 - 21,5 - SUNK BELLA MARIA - 1950 - AZEMMOUR - 3921 - 476 - 0 - 15 - FIRE ELLINIS - 1932 - LURLINE - 18564 - 0 - 20,5 - BROKEN UP EROS - 1953 - PIERRE LOTI - 10881 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 17 - BROKEN UP GENERAL J.C.BRECKINRIDGE - 1945 - 17811 - 0 - 19,5 - BROKEN UP GENERAL W.A.MANN - 1943 - 17833 - 0 - 19,5 - BROKEN UP GENERAL WILLIAM - 1944 - 17951 - 0 - 19,5 - BROKEN UP KRONPRINSESSAN MARTHA - 1929 - KRONPRINSESSE MARTHA - 908 - 36 - 18 - 23 - 13 - CONVERTED HOTEL SHIP Number cruise ship - 8 - Total grt//Total passenger - 92961 - 512 GRT year/Total GRT retired//Pass year/Total pass.capacity - 3,60% - 0,42% 1988 JUPITER - 1961 - MOLEDET - 6306 - 596 - 169 - 156 - 17 - SUNK PRIAMURYE - 1960 - VLADIVOSTOK - 4804 - 333 - 95 - 115 - 17 - BROKEN UP Number cruise ship - 2 - Total grt//Total passenger - 11110 - 929 GRT year/Total GRT retired//Pass year/Total pass.capacity - 0,43% - 0,77% 1989 HAI HUA - 1972 - FABIOLAVILLE - 9711 - 72 - 0 - 58 - 19 - TRADING AS CARGO LINER OCEAN JEWEL ST.PETERBURG - 1982 - VASILIY SOLOVYEV SEVOY - 9885 - 496 - 0 - 192 - 19 - TRADING AS HOSPITAL SHIP PRINCESS PATRICIA - 1949 - 5911 - 95 - 51 - 23 - BROKEN UP RODOS - 1943 - U.S.TIMBALIER - 2458 - 246 - 105 - 15,5 - BROKEN UP RTS SINDBAD NUI - 1971 - BREMER HORST BISCHOFF - 2651 - 95 - 0 - 16 - TRADING AS PASSENGER LINER VATSLAV VOROVSKIY - 1959 - 4804 - 333 - 95 - 115 - 17 - BROKEN UP Number cruise ship - 6 - Total grt//Total passenger - 35420 - 1337 GRT year/Total GRT retired//Pass year/Total pass.capacity - 1,37% - 1,11% 1990 MELODY - 1948 - DJEBEL DIRA - 4253 - FIRE VICTORIYA - 1962 - BUKOVINA - 3531 - 0 - 14,5 - TRADING AS PASSENGER LINER Number cruise ship - 2 - Total grt//Total passenger - 7784 GRT year/Total GRT retired//Pass year/Total pass.capacity - 0,30% 1991 BUCANERO - 1950 - ST.NINIAN - 2242 - 748 - 15 - BROKEN UP IONIAN EXPRESS - 1975 - SVEA CORONA - 12576 - 21 - FIRE KIRGHIZSTAN - 1959 - 3219 - 230 - 70 - 14,5 - BROKEN UP LEISURE WORLD - 1969 - SKYWARD - 15653 - 1071 - 365 - 315 - 21,5 - TRADING AS FLOATING CASINO NICOBAR - 1991 - 14195 - 1263 - 0 - 15,5 - TRADING AS PASSENGER LINER OCEANOS - 1952 - JEAN LABORDE - 7554 - 540 - 246 - 17 - SUNK Number cruise ship - 6 - Total grt//Total passenger - 55439 - 3852 GRT year/Total GRT retired//Pass year/Total pass.capacity - 2,15% - 3,19% 1992 DELTA FILIPINE DREAM - 1966 - TOWADA MARU - 9318 - 566 - 172 - 114 - 18,2 - TRADING AS HOTEL SHIP GRIGORIY ORDZHONIKIDZE - 1959 - 4871 - 333 - 95 - 115 - 17 - BROKEN UP H.M.S.ENDURANCE - 1990 - POLAR CIRCLE - 5129 - 95 - 48 - 35 - 12 - CONVERTED NAVAL VESSEL ROYAL PACIFIC - 1965 - EMPRESS OF AUSTRALIA - 8187 - 573 - 280 - 250 - 17 - SUNK ROYAL ZULU - 1964 - SANTA MARIA DE LAS NIEV - 1201 - 333 - 0 - BROKEN UP SOUNDS OF ORIENT - 1961 - KHABAROVSK - 5236 - 333 - 95 - 115 - 17 - BROKEN UP THE FIESTA - 1957 - THEODOR HERZL - 9914 - 730 - 357 - 250 - 18,5 - FIRE WASA QUEEN - 1975 - BORE STAR - 16546 - 799 - 327 - 150 - 21 - TRADING AS CAR FERRY Number cruise ship - 8 - Total grt//Total passenger - 60402 - 3762 GRT year/Total GRT retired//Pass year/Total pass.capacity - 2,34% - 3,11% 1993 EXCELSIOR MERCURY - 1959 - MARIA ULYANOVA - 4180 - 333 - 83 - 115 - 17 - BROKEN UP EXCELSIOR NEPTUNE - 1959 - FELIX DZERZHINSKIY - 5169 - 333 - 97 - 115 - 17 - BROKEN UP NORBEL OMAN - 1973 - KANANGA - 9321 - 71 - 28 - 19 - TRADING AS CARGO LINER WANG FU - 1961 - TADZHIKISTAN - 3219 - 230 - 70 - 14,5 - TRADING AS PASSENGER LINER Number cruise ship - 4 - Total grt//Total passenger - 21889 - 967 GRT year/Total GRT retired//Pass year/Total pass.capacity - 0,85% - 0,80% 1994 ACHILLE LAURO - 1947 - WILLEN RUYS - 23478 - 1372 - 381 - 325 - 18,5 - FIRE AMERICAN STAR - 1940 - AMERICA - 26353 - 22 - SUNK AMUSEMENT WORLD - 1967 - PATRICIA - 14139 - 1250 - 18 - TRADING AS FLOATING CASINO DISCOVERY SUN - 1968 - FREEPORT - 9902 - 736 - 277 - 250 - 21,4 - TRADING AS FLOATING CASINO MIKHAIL KALININ - 1958 - 5243 - 250 - 94 - 115 - 17 - BROKEN UP PALLAS ATHENA - 1952 - FLANDRE - 19942 - 748 - 378 - 370 - 19 - FIRE Number cruise ship - 6 - Total grt//Total passenger - 99057 - 4356 GRT year/Total GRT retired//Pass year/Total pass.capacity - 3,83% - 3,61% 1995 ARM - 1963 - ARMENIYA - 5169 - 333 - 97 - 115 - 17 - BROKEN UP GOLDEN PRINCE - 1973 - WAKASHIO MARU - 8314 - 850 - 56 - 190 - 19,5 - TRADING AS CAR FERRY PRINCE GEORGE - 1948 - 5825 - 398 - 0 - 18 - FIRE REGENT SKY - 1996 - 38261 - 1600 - UNFINISHED REBUILDING RUSS - 1986 - KONSTANTIN CHERNENKO - 12798 - 737 - 0 - 192 - 19 - TRADING AS CAR FERRY SJOKURS - 1956 - RAGNVALD JARD - 2191 - 425 - 0 - 16 - TRADING AS TRAINING SHIP VASSIL KOLAROV - 1959 - 923 - 200 - 0 - 12 - BROKEN UP Number cruise ship - 7 - Total grt//Total passenger - 73481 - 4543 GRT year/Total GRT retired//Pass year/Total pass.capacity - 2,84% - 3,76% 1996 ADZHARIYA - 1964 - 4804 - 333 - 95 - 115 - 17 - BROKEN UP ALESSIA - 1960 - MOLDAVIYA - 3272 - 230 - 70 - 14,5 - BROKEN UP CHANG GENG - 1979 - 5926 - 850 - 0 - 16,5 - BROKEN UP CHANG LI - 1975 - 5926 - 850 - 0 - 16,5 - BROKEN UP CHANG SHAN - 1973 - 5926 - 850 - 0 - 16,5 - BROKEN UP CITY OF MYKONOS - 1956 - SAN MARCO - 4548 - 370 - 138 - 90 - 15,6 - SUNK DISCOVERY I - 1970 - BLENHEIM - 12244 - 399 - 23 - FIRE GALAPAGOS EXPLORER - 1962 - GENTILE DA FABRIANO - 2142 - 174 - 77 - 65 - 18 - BROKEN UP GEORGI DIMITROV - 1957 - 829 - 200 - 0 - 12 - BROKEN UP HENG LI - 1953 - PINE TREE MARINER - 14812 - 360 - 180 - 16 - BROKEN UP HERBERT - 1958 - RANDFONTEIN - 13568 - 289 - 18 - BROKEN UP INDOCEANIQUE - 1963 - NORTHLAND PRINCE - 3250 - 76 - 30 - BROKEN UP KOLKHIDA - 1961 - 3219 - 230 - 70 - 14,5 - BROKEN UP LATVIYA - 1960 - 5035 - 333 - 95 - 115 - 17 - BROKEN UP M.URITSKIY - 1959 - 4804 - 333 - 95 - 115 - 17 - BROKEN UP SHANGHAI - 1957 - BAUDOUINVILLE - 13808 - 301 - 190 - 16,5 - BROKEN UP XIANG XUE LAN - 1996 - 16071 - 392 - 122 - 95 - 20 - TRADING AS PASSENGER LINER Number cruise ship - 17 - Total grt//Total passenger - 120184 - 6171 GRT year/Total GRT retired//Pass year/Total pass.capacity - 4,65% - 5,11% 1997 AFGHANISTAN - 1962 - 3219 - 230 - 70 - 14,5 - BROKEN UP AKDENIZ - 1955 - 8809 - 444 - 99 - 110 - 18,5 - CONVERTED NAVAL VESSEL BAIKAL - 1962 - 5236 - 333 - 95 - 115 - 17 - TRADING AS PASSENGER LINER BOSPHOR - 1960 - PETROPAVLOVSK - 5169 - 333 - 97 - 115 - 17 - BROKEN UP CANBERRA - 1961 - 44807 - 1641 - 780 - 860 - 27,5 - BROKEN UP CLEILIA II - 1990 - RENAISSANCE FOUR - 3990 - 111 - 50 - 67 - 17 - CONVERTED PRIVATE YACHT CONSTITUTION - 1951 - CONSTITUTION - 20269 - 1000 - 397 - 350 - 22,5 - SUNK EKATERINA II - 1960 - ESTONIA - 5330 - 333 - 97 - 115 - 17 - BROKEN UP EMPRESS 65 - 1951 - PATRICIA - 6542 - 300 - 159 - 193 - 17 - BROKEN UP FAIRSTAR - 1957 - OXFORDSHIRE - 21619 - 1598 - 488 - 460 - 17 - BROKEN UP FRANK - 1964 - IVAN FRANKO - 20064 - 714 - 292 - 340 - 20 - BROKEN UP MIRAGE I - 1973 - BOLERO - 14264 - 0 - TRADING AS CAR FERRY OSETIYA - 1963 - 3219 - 230 - 70 - 14,5 - BROKEN UP ROMANTICA - 1939 - HUASCARAN - 7538 - 600 - 293 - 250 - 16 - FIRE SAMPAGUITA FERRY 2 - 1976 - MARIYA SAVINA - 3941 - 262 - 52 - 110 - 13 - TRADING AS PASSENGER LINER TURKMENIYA - 1961 - 5169 - 333 - 97 - 115 - 17 - BROKEN UP UNIVERSE - 1953 - BADGER MARINER - 13950 - 831 - 313 - 200 - 16 - BROKEN UP Number cruise ship - 17 - Total grt//Total passenger - 193135 - 9293 GRT year/Total GRT retired//Pass year/Total pass.capacity - 7,47% - 7,69% 1998 ATHIRAH - 1962 - ROSA DA FONSECA - 9772 - 532 - 100 - 15,8 - BROKEN UP FANTOME III - 1927 - FLYING CLOUD - 2135 - 126 - 0 - SUNK JI MEI - 1966 - PRINSESSE RAGNHILD - 5990 - 616 - 0 - 21,5 - TRADING AS FLOATING CASINO KUBAN - 1963 - NADEZHDA KRUSKAYA - 4871 - 0 - 17 - BROKEN UP NEW UTOPIA - 1975 - DIAMOND OKINAWA - 12344,21 - 594 - 174 - 91 - 25,25 - TRADING AS CAR FERRY OLGA ANDROVSKAYA - 1976 - 4258 - 262 - 52 - 110 - 13 - BROKEN UP PACIFIC AURORA - 1962 - TAVERNER - 1135 - 72 - 36 - 24 - 11 - UNFINISHED REBUILDING Number cruise ship - 7 - Total grt//Total passenger - 40505,21 - 2202 GRT year/Total GRT retired//Pass year/Total pass.capacity - 1,57% - 1,82% 1999 AMBASSADOR II - 1970 - PRINS OBERON - 11403 - 1600 - 0 - 90 - 18 - TRADING AS FLOATING CASINO GALAPAGOS DISCOVERY - 1962 - ILLIRIA - 3488 - 148 - 74 - 90 - 18 - FIRE GULF FANTASY - 1961 - FRITZ HECKERT - 8115 - 377 - 0 - 161 - 13,8 - BROKEN UP HAI DA - 1964 - CENTAUR - 8261 - 200 - 71 - 20 - BROKEN UP LEONID SOBINOV - 1954 - SAXONIA - 22260 - 800 - 292 - 380 - 20 - BROKEN UP PHILIPPINES - 1952 - AUGUSTUS - 27090 - 500 - 493 - 21 - TRADING AS HOTEL SHIP SIR FRANCIS DRAKE - 1917 - LANDKIRCHEN - 196 - 30 - 14 - SUNK SUN VISTA - 1964 - GALILEO GALILEI - 30440 - 1398 - 553 - 580 - 24 - SUNK TATARIYA - 1963 - 3422 - 0 - 14,5 - BROKEN UP THE IRIS - 1982 - KONSTANTIN SIMONOV - 12588 - 650 - 231 - 192 - 19 - TRADING AS CAR FERRY ZI YU LAN - 1995 - ZI YU LAN - 16071 - 392 - 122 - 95 - 20 - TRADING AS PASSENGER LINER Number cruise ship - 11 - Total grt//Total passenger - 143334 - 5595 GRT year/Total GRT retired//Pass year/Total pass.capacity - 5,55% - 4,63% 2000 GOLDEN PRINCESS - 1967 - FINLANDIA - 12475 - 740 - 252 - 232 - 22 - TRADING AS FLOATING CASINO ARAFURA LILY - 1996 - ZI DING XIANG - 12304 - 348 - 95 - 94 - 20 - TRADING AS PASSENGER LINER BELOFIN I - 1932 - MONTEREY - 15412 - 960 - 463 - 525 - 21,5 - SUNK CITY OF HYDRA - 1955 - CLAYMORE - 1021 - 500 - 0 - 12,5 - SUNK GEORG OTS - 1980 - 12549 - 1000 - 120 - 20 - TRADING AS CAR FERRY GOLDEN TRADE - 1988 - AMERICANA - 19203 - 108 - 54 - 44 - 18,2 - TRADING AS CONTAINERSHIP MACAU SUCCESS - 1974 - GOLDEN ODYSSEY - 6757 - 489 - 227 - 215 - 21 - TRADING AS FLOATING CASINO OMEGA - 1962 - UZBEKISTAN - 3696 - 360 - 14,5 - BROKEN UP ORIENT PRINCESS - 1967 - YAOHUA - 10298 - 488 - 177 - 18,5 - TRADING AS FLOATING RESTAURANT ORPHEU - 1948 - MUNSTER - 4075 - 318 - 152 - 140 - 15 - BROKEN UP SEABREEZE I - 1958 - FEDERICO C - 21010 - 1250 - 421 - 410 - 20 - SUNK STEFAN - 1952 - MAASDAM - 11693 - 819 - 337 - 16,5 - BROKEN UP WORLD DISCOVERER - 1974 - BEWA DISCOVERER - 3153 - 140 - 71 - 75 - 16,5 - GROUNDED YU JIN XIANG - 1995 - 12304 - 348 - 95 - 94 - 20 - TRADING AS PASSENGER LINER Number cruise ship - 14 - Total grt//Total passenger - 145950 - 7868 GRT year/Total GRT retired//Pass year/Total pass.capacity - 5,65% - 6,51% 2001 AMERICAN CLASSIC(2) - 2005 - 71000 - 1900 - 22 - UNFINISHED BUILDING AMERIKANIS - 1952 - KENYA CASTLE - 12795 - 609 - 306 - 400 - 19,5 - BROKEN UP CAPE COD LIGHT - 2002 - 4800 - 226 - 113 - 77 - 10 - UNFINISHED BUILDING CLASSICA - 1951 - PROVENCE - 16495 - 1019 - 332 - 300 - 19 - BROKEN UP MILLENNIUM QUEEN - 1962 - PRINCESA LEOPOLDINA - 9520 - 434 - 144 - 164 - 17 - BROKEN UP MING FAI PRINCESS - 1972 - SHIRETOKO MARU - 11174 - 1070 - 334 - 18,75 - TRADING AS FLOATING CASINO PEARL OF SCANDINAVIA - 1989 - ATHENA - 40022 - 1984 - 606 - 215 - 21 - TRADING AS CAR FERRY PRIDE OF AMERICA - 2004 - 71000 - 1900 - 22 - UNFINISHED BUILDING SEA - 1957 - GRIPSHOLM - 23292 - 786 - 358 - 300 - 19 - SUNK SHIN SAKURA MARU - 1972 - 19811 - 552 - 142 - 100 - 15 - BROKEN UP STAR OF VENICE - 1956 - LEDA - 6269 - 484 - 186 - 186 - 17 - BROKEN UP SUN - 1964 - SHALON - 17891 - 936 - 419 - 360 - 20 - SUNK TEMIS - 1960 - KONINGIN WILHELMINA - 4952 - 1200 - 0 - 20 - BROKEN UP Number cruise ship - 13 - Total grt//Total passenger - 309021 - 13100 GRT year/Total GRT retired//Pass year/Total pass.capacity - 11,96% - 10,85% 2002 COSTA RIVIERA - 1963 - GUGLIELMO MARCONI - 30340 - 1500 - 462 - 654 - 20 - BROKEN UP JIA RI - 1986 - BAI LING - 7717 - 0 - TRADING AS FLOATING CASINO LA PALMA - 1952 - FERDINAND DE LESSEPS - 8619 - 790 - 326 - 230 - 17 - BROKEN UP NEPTUNE - 1955 - METEOR - 2402 - 208 - 93 - 105 - 15,5 - BROKEN UP PRINCESA AMOROSA - 1957 - SCOTTISH COAST - 4858 - 308 - 136 - 130 - 14,5 - BROKEN UP TALLINN - 1960 - SVANETIA - 3290 - 230 - 70 - 14,5 - BROKEN UP TERRA AUSTRALIS - 1984 - SAVANNAH - 1899 - 114 - 55 - 40 - FIRE WIND SONG - 1987 - 5703,5 - 170 - 74 - 91 - 13 - FIRE Number cruise ship - 8 - Total grt//Total passenger - 64828,5 - 3320 GRT year/Total GRT retired//Pass year/Total pass.capacity - 2,51% - 2,75% 2003 ALBATROS - 1957 - SYLVANIA - 24803 - 1100 - 470 - 340 - 20 - BROKEN UP APOLLON I - 1961 - EMPRESS OF CANADA - 18261 - 1240 - 457 - 550 - 20 - BROKEN UP ARANUI III - 2003 - 2500 - 207 - 88 - 42 - 15 - TRADING AS PASSENGER LINER ASSEDO - 1968 - SHOTA RUSTAVELI - 20499 - 608 - 247 - 350 - 20 - BROKEN UP BIG RED BOAT III - 1961 - TRASVAAL CASTLE - 31793 - 1400 - 580 - 580 - 22,5 - BROKEN UP CITY OF CORFU - 1952 - MAID OF ARGYLL - 491 - 0 - SUNK CLEOPATRA II - 1969 - GEORGI KIRKOV - 1264 - 330 - 29 - 30 - 12,5 - BROKEN UP COPA CASINO - 1951 - RYNDAM - 9114 - 16,5 - SUNK DOLPHIN IV - 1956 - ZION - 8854 - 684 - 281 - 290 - 19 - BROKEN UP ENCHANTED ISLE - 1958 - ARGENTINA - 14208 - 731 - 367 - 350 - 21 - BROKEN UP GENERAL ALEXANDER - 1944 - ADMIRAL R.E.COONTZ - 0 - 618 - 19 - BROKEN UP GENERAL MAURICE ROSE - 1945 - ADMIRAL HUGH RODMAN - 0 - 19 - BROKEN UP LONG JIE - 1972 - SUN VIKING - 18559 - 800 - 380 - 320 - 21 - TRADING AS FLOATING CASINO MAYAN EMPRESS - 1967 - WINSTON CHURCHILL - 10513 - 757 - 232 - 22 - BROKEN UP OCEAN BREEZE - 1955 - SOUTHERN CROSS - 21667 - 946 - 391 - 380 - 0,2 - BROKEN UP ROGALIN - 1972 - AALLOTAR - 10241 - 984 - 210 - 127 - BROKEN UP SEAWIND CROWN - 1961 - INFANTE DOM HENRIQUE - 23145 - 823 - 367 - 311 - 20 - BROKEN UP STELLA OCEANIS - 1966 - APHRODITE - 3963 - 369 - 159 - 140 - 15 - BROKEN UP STELLA SOLARIS - 1953 - CAMBODGE - 10595 - 700 - 329 - 330 - 21 - BROKEN UP THE TOPAZ - 1956 - EMPRESS OF BRITAIN - 18953 - 1240 - 482 - 550 - 19 - TRADING AS FLOATING UNIVERSITY Number cruise ship - 20 - Total grt//Total passenger - 249423 - 12919 GRT year/Total GRT retired//Pass year/Total pass.capacity - 9,65% - 10,70% 2004 NEPTUNE - 1976 - KARELIYA - 15065 - 775 - 237 - 250 - 22 - TRADING AS FLOATING CASINO AMBASADOR I - 1958 - JEDINSTVO - 2329 - 86 - 53 - 90 - 16,5 - BROKEN UP ANTONINA NEZHDANOVA - 1977 - 4254 - 188 - 48 - 100 - 13 - BROKEN UP ATALANTE - 1953 - TAHITIEN - 12614 - 620 - 242 - 140 - 0,16 - BROKEN UP CONSTELLATION - 2002 - SUN BAY II - 2842 - 96 - 46 - 54 - 13,5 - CONVERTED PRIVATE YACHT DARLI - 1959 - HARDANGERFJORD - 967 - 80 - 35 - 25 - 12 - TRADING AS HOTEL SHIP EMPRESS - 1966 - SUNWARD - 10558 - 550 - 150 - 195 - 20 - BROKEN UP EXPLORER - 2002 - OLYMPIC EXPLORER - 24391 - 832 - 416 - 360 - 27 - TRADING AS FLOATING UNIVERSITY FEDOR SHALYAPIN - 1955 - IVERNIA - 22296 - 800 - 292 - 380 - 20 - BROKEN UP LILI MARLEEN - 1994 - 704 - 50 - 25 - 25 - 0,12 - CONVERTED PRIVATE YACHT NOAHS ARK - 1979 - TAYGETOS - 9000 - 500 - 250 - 240 - 18 - BROKEN UP OCEAN EXPLORER I - 1944 - GENERAL W.P. RICHARDSON - 18926 - 1050 - 396 - 425 - 14 - BROKEN UP OLGA SADOVSKAYA - 1977 - OLGA SADOVSKAYA - 4250 - 188 - 48 - 100 - 13 - BROKEN UP PRINCESA VICTORIA - 1936 - DUNNOTTAR CASTLE - 11541 - 714 - 287 - 330 - 16 - BROKEN UP PRINCESS ROWENA - 1979 - CIUDAD DE PALMA - 11513 - 982 - 0 - TRADING AS FLOATING CASINO REGAL VOYAGER - 1971 - MASSALIA - 12547 - 622 - 159 - 84 - 16 - BROKEN UP REGINA MARIS - 1929 - ORION - 4007 - 231 - 88 - 100 - 15 - BROKEN UP ROCHDALE ONE - 1977 - AYVAZOVSKIY - 7662 - 664 - 84 - 145 - 18 - TRADING AS HOTEL SHIP SEA HARMONY - 1957 - STATENDAM - 24414 - 1131 - 476 - 450 - 18 - BROKEN UP TARAS SHEVCHENKO - 1966 - 21100 - 712 - 287 - 370 - 20 - BROKEN UP TEXAS TREASURE - 1968 - ST. GEORGE - 7216 - 1170 - 98 - 236 - 19,5 - BROKEN UP TEXAS TREASURE II - 1968 - JOHN HAMILTON GRAY - 11259 - 30 - 17 - BROKEN UP TURAMA - 1990 - DELFIN CARAVELLE - 7560 - 260 - 178 - 120 - 15,5 - CONVERTED PRIVATE YACHT UNIVERSE EXPLORER - 1958 - BRASIL - 22162 - 736 - 369 - 365 - 21 - BROKEN UP VERGINA SKY - 1971 - YOFU MARU - 4668 - 1200 - 119 - 17 - BROKEN UP Number cruise ship - 25 - Total grt//Total passenger - 273845 - 14237 GRT year/Total GRT retired//Pass year/Total pass.capacity - 10,60% - 11,79% 2005 ROYAL PACIFIC - 1967 - LAS PALMAS DE G.CANARIA - 9725 - 486 - 231 - 163 - 21 - FIRE ASIA STAR - 1992 - RADISSON DIAMOND - 20295 - 354 - 177 - 150 - 12,5 - TRADING AS FLOATING CASINO BIG RED BOAT II - 1966 - EUGENIO C - 32753 - 1396 - 506 - 580 - 15,5 - BROKEN UP CHINA SEA DISCOVERY - 1956 - CARINTHIA - 24799 - 906 - 464 - 450 - 20 - BROKEN UP COCO EXPLORER I - 1967 - SANTA MARIA DE LA CARID - 1341,22 - 120 - 56 - 53 - BROKEN UP CROWN - 1966 - BLACK WATCH - 9499 - 0 - TRADING AS HOTEL SHIP EL SAFA - 1972 - SVEA REGINA - 10341 - 0 - BROKEN UP MEDOUSA - 1961 - KRONPRINS HARALD - 7034 - 577 - 0 - 20 - BROKEN UP PRINCESA CYPRIA - 1968 - PRINSESSE MARGRETHE - 9989 - 952 - 0 - 100 - 21 - BROKEN UP Number cruise ship - 9 - Total grt//Total passenger - 125776,22 - 4791 GRT year/Total GRT retired//Pass year/Total pass.capacity - 4,87% - 3,97% 2006 FARAH - 1981 - LEV TOLSTOY - 12811 - 650 - 230 - 174 - 19 - TRADING AS CAR FERRY GREEN COAST - 1960 - LITVA - 4992 - 333 - 95 - 115 - 17 - SUNK ISLAND EXPLORER - 1964 - NORDNORGE - 2623 - 600 - 0 - 16,5 - BROKEN UP MONTEREY - 1952 - FREE STATE MARINER - 20046 - 638 - 300 - 280 - 20 - BROKEN UP NORWAY - 1961 - FRANCE - 76049 - 2555 - 1039 - 875 - 16 - BROKEN UP OLYMPIA I - 1953 - ACHILLEUS - 5119 - 325 - 128 - 17 - BROKEN UP PEARL CRUISE II - 1964 - POSEIDON - 1358 - 805 - 0 - 21 - BROKEN UP PRINCE - 1962 - SVEA JARL - 5097 - 332 - 126 - 200 - 17 - BROKEN UP QUEEN CONSTANTINA - 1966 - 33 ORIENTALES - 6497 - 503 - 208 - 160 - 15 - BROKEN UP SIRITARA OCEAN QUEEN - 1964 - BASHKIRIYA - 6092 - 314 - 97 - 15,9 - SUNK TROPIC SEA - 1966 - PRINSES PAOLA - 4548 - 858 - 0 - 180 - 22 - BROKEN UP Number cruise ship - 11 - Total grt//Total passenger - 145232 - 7913 GRT year/Total GRT retired//Pass year/Total pass.capacity - 5,62% - 6,55% 2007 DAWANI - 1989 - RENAISSANCE - 4077 - 111 - 50 - 67 - 17 - CONVERTED PRIVATE YACHT GANN - 1982 - NARVIK - 4072 - 410 - 151 - 17,5 - TRADING AS TRAINING SHIP OCEANIC II - 1966 - KUNGSHOLM - 28891 - 743 - 365 - 380 - 21 - TRADING AS FLOATING UNIVERSITY ODESSA I - 1974 - PRINS HENRIK OF DENMARK - 13253 - 572 - 241 - 260 - 19 - BROKEN UP ROYALE STAR - 1980 - DIMITRY SHOSTAKOVICH - 9878 - 404 - 177 - 174 - 19 - TRADING AS FLOATING CASINO SEA DIAMOND - 1986 - BIRKA PRINCESS - 22412 - 1500 - 584 - 160 - 18 - SUNK Number cruise ship - 6 - Total grt//Total passenger - 82583 - 3740 GRT year/Total GRT retired//Pass year/Total pass.capacity - 3,20% - 3,10% Total number cruise ships - 230 - Total GRT retired/ Total pass capacity - 2584316,93 - 120787 LAID-UP CRUISE SHIPS (Updated June 29, 2004) From - Cruise ship - Year - Built as - G.R.T. - Pasmax - Cabins - Crew - Speed 1987 KRONPRINSESSAN MARTHA - 1929 - KRONPRINSESSE MARTHA - 908 - 36 - 18 - 23 - 13 Number cruise ship laid - 1 - Total grt//Total passenger - 908 - 36 GRT year/Total GRT laid up//Pass year/Total pass.capacity laid - 0,17% - 0,13% 1995 ATLANTIS - 1967 - STAFFORD - 7632 - 700 - 156 - 20 HERMES - 1956 - JUGOSLAVIJA - 2536 - 600 - 18 ODESSA I - 1974 - PRINS HENRIK OF DENMARK - 13253 - 572 - 241 - 260 - 19 Number cruise ship laid - 3 - Total grt//Total passenger - 23421 - 1872 GRT year/Total GRT laid up//Pass year/Total pass.capacity laid - 4,48% - 6,58% 1996 ISLAND EXPLORER - 1964 - NORDNORGE - 2623 - 600 - 0 - 16,5 MARIA KOSMAS - 1980 - H.M.A.S.COOK - 3344 - 318 - 115 - 90 - 17 PRINCESSA ELENA - 1991 - METANGULA - 2964 - 0 Number cruise ship laid - 3 - Total grt//Total passenger - 8931 - 918 GRT year/Total GRT laid up//Pass year/Total pass.capacity laid - 1,71% - 3,22% 1997 FINNMARKEN - 1956 - 2189 - 585 - 0 - 16 KONG OLAV - 1964 - 2637 - 700 - 0 - 16,7 TROPIC SEA - 1966 - PRINSES PAOLA - 4548 - 858 - 0 - 180 - 22 Number cruise ship laid - 3 - Total grt//Total passenger - 9374 - 2143 GRT year/Total GRT laid up//Pass year/Total pass.capacity laid - 1,79% - 7,53% 1998 MABUHAY SUNSHINE - 1983 - SUNSHINE FUJI - 7262 - 1211 - 19,5 SOUNDS OF SETO - 1966 - TOSA MARU - 5059 - 881 - 57 - 15,25 TARAS SHEVCHENKO - 1966 - 21100 - 712 - 287 - 370 - 20 TEXAS TREASURE - 1968 - ST. GEORGE - 7216 - 1170 - 98 - 236 - 19,5 Number cruise ship laid - 4 - Total grt//Total passenger - 40637 - 3974 GRT year/Total GRT laid up//Pass year/Total pass.capacity laid - 7,77% - 13,96% 1999 CARIB VACATIONER - 1971 - CRAIGAVON - 2446 - 170 - 74 - 29 - 13,3 KLAUDIYA YELANSKAYA - 1977 - 3923 - 186 - 52 - 80 - 13 PRINCESA MARISSA - 1966 - FINNHANSA - 10487 - 853 - 300 - 18 Number cruise ship laid - 3 - Total grt//Total passenger - 16856 - 1209 GRT year/Total GRT laid up//Pass year/Total pass.capacity laid - 3,23% - 4,25% 2000 AEGEAN GLORY - 1972 - MYKINAI - 1035 - 0 - 0,18 BIG RED BOAT II - 1966 - EUGENIO C - 32753 - 1396 - 506 - 580 - 15,5 BIG RED BOAT III - 1961 - TRASVAAL CASTLE - 31793 - 1400 - 580 - 580 - 22,5 BYBLOS - 1966 - BLACK WATCH - 9499 - 0 ENCHANTED CAPRI - 1975 - AZERBAYDZHAN - 15409 - 635 - 230 - 240 - 22 IASON - 1965 - EROS - 4561 - 310 - 139 - 120 - 15 OCEAN EXPLORER I - 1944 - GENERAL W.P. RICHARDSON - 18926 - 1050 - 396 - 425 - 14 REMBRANDT - 1959 - ROTTERDAM - 37783 - 1438 - 580 - 659 - 20,5 RIVIERA I - 1967 - LAS PALMAS DE G.CANARIA - 9725 - 486 - 188 - 163 - 21 SKORPIOS I - 1980 - 0 ST.TROPEZ - 1975 - CASTALIA - 9511 - 682 - 0 - 17 Number cruise ship laid - 11 - Total grt//Total passenger - 170995 - 7397 GRT year/Total GRT laid up//Pass year/Total pass.capacity laid - 32,72% - 25,98% 2001 CAPE MAY LIGHT - 2001 - 4800 - 226 - 113 - 77 - 10 CARIBIC STAR - 1968 - VICENTE PUCHOL - 4980 - 342 - 137 - 99 - 17,5 INDEPENDENCE - 1950 - INDEPENDENCE - 20220 - 1000 - 388 - 350 - 22,5 JOYWAVE - 1966 - 33 ORIENTALES - 6497 - 503 - 208 - 160 - 15 KALLISTI - 1962 - FREE ENTERPRISE - 2899 - 1400 - 0 - 18 LYUBOV ORLOVA - 1974 - LYUBOV ORLOVA - 4251 - 124 - 61 - 110 - 13 NAUTICA - 2000 - R SIX - 30277 - 702 - 348 - 372 - 18 R FIVE - 2000 - 30277 - 702 - 348 - 372 - 18 REGINA MARIS - 1929 - ORION - 4007 - 231 - 88 - 100 - 15 ROCHDALE ONE - 1977 - AYVAZOVSKIY - 7662 - 664 - 84 - 145 - 18 SKY - 1992 - REGINA RENAISSANCE - 4200 - 114 - 50 - 67 - 16 SUN - 1991 - RENAISSANCE SEVEN - 4280 - 114 - 50 - 67 - 16 THE JASMINE - 1981 - LEV TOLSTOY - 9878 - 496 - 0 - 20 Number cruise ship laid - 13 - Total grt//Total passenger - 134228 - 6618 GRT year/Total GRT laid up//Pass year/Total pass.capacity laid - 25,68% - 23,25% 2002 ANTONINA NEZHDANOVA - 1977 - 4254 - 188 - 48 - 100 - 13 MARIYA YERMOLOVA - 1974 - 3941 - 262 - 55 - 110 - 13 OLVIRA - 1964 - BASHKIRIYA - 6092 - 314 - 97 - 15,9 THE MERCURY - 1989 - RENAISSANCE - 4077 - 111 - 50 - 67 - 17 THE NEPTUNE - 1990 - RENAISSANCE TWO - 4077 - 111 - 50 - 67 - 17 Number cruise ship laid - 5 - Total grt//Total passenger - 22441 - 986 GRT year/Total GRT laid up//Pass year/Total pass.capacity laid - 4,29% - 3,46% 2003 BORDEAUX - 1960 - BREMERHAVEN - 2682 - 180 - 93 - 110 - 15 NORWAY - 1961 - FRANCE - 76049 - 2555 - 1039 - 875 - 16 Number cruise ship laid - 2 - Total grt//Total passenger - 78731 - 2735 GRT year/Total GRT laid up//Pass year/Total pass.capacity laid - 15,06% - 9,61% 2004 CARIBE - 1948 - STOCKHOLM - 16144 - 580 - 260 - 236 - 19 Number cruise ship laid - 1 - Total grt//Total passenger - 16144 - 580 GRT year/Total GRT laid up//Pass year/Total pass.capacity laid - 3,09% - 2,04% Total number cruise ships laid - 49 - Total GRT laid up/ Total pass capacity laid - 522666 - 28468 Click here to view the article

STX Europe said this morning that they have entered into a contract with MSC Cruises to continue construction of the ship originally ordered by GNMTC, the start-up Libyan cruise line. The contract with GNMTC was canceled by STX in June 2011 when the Libyan company failed to make a scheduled payment. STX continued construction after the cancellation in anticipation that the hull would be purchased, and it was generally assumed that MSC would be the buyer. The ship is nearly identical to MSC's Fantasia class and will be a sister to MSC Divina which is still under construction and will enter service in May 2012. (Both ships are under construction at the STX France yard at Saint Nazaire, and MSC Preziosa is shown in the yard in the photo below). MSC said this morning the 140,000-vessel will be named MSC Preziosa (treasure). The 333-meter ship will have 1,751 passenger staterooms on 14 decks (18 decks overall). The ship will also feature 69 suites in MSC's luxurious Yacht Club in the private ship-within-a-ship area. Right now, total construction is 45% complete, and the mechanical zones are 70% complete. Interior fittings will begin shortly, and delivery of MSC Preziosa is scheduled for March 2013. MSC Preziosa will become the 13th ship in the MSC fleet, and the fourth in the Fantasia class, when it is delivered next year. The complete story will appear in today's edition of Cruise News Daily. Click here to view the article

Cruise lines try to win vacationers back with discounts Call it a case of cruise ship phobia. Cruise line bookings are down 10 to 15 percent industry wide, after the Costa Concordia wrecked off the coast of Italy this past January and killed 32 people. In response, major carriers are finding creative ways to lure customers back. “They’re selectively picking out subsets of people. Seniors, people who are over 55, people who live in certain states, like North and South Carolina,” said Rich Tucker of the Charlotte-based website www.cruisedeals.com. Tucker says by offering discounts to people living in states located close to ports, companies don’t lose too much money by dropping rates across the board. The offers can be aggressive. “Just by living in North and South Carolina, you can save $200 to $700 on certain sailings. The ones that need the most help. A lot of the sailings that were most impacted were spring break cruises. Usually if you waited until now, prices would be too high and there’d be no space available,” said Tucker. Other bookings, can save thousands of dollars or more. “Some of the offers were rather radical,” Tucker said. Pauline Fommer, from the legendary Frommer’s guidebooks says in addition to price reductions, there are other incentives. “Some large agencies allowed people to book with no money down. They put deposit down for their customers. This requires millions of dollars in advance of them getting paid.” Travel websites like Travelocity have even teamed up with credit card company American Express, to offer hundreds of dollars in bonus savings on certain sailings. Despite the discounts online, Frommer says the best source for the lowest prices and perks like free on-board credits, is by using a cruise specialty agency to plan your trip. “They can get you perks you won’t get if you go their website of to the cruise line directly. Agencies that sell a lot of cruises get incentives they pass on to customers.” Click here to view the article

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - The Coast Guard suspended a search, pending further developments, for a missing Celebrity Summit cruise ship crewmember Monday night off the northeastern coast of Puerto Rico. Missing is a 30-year-old woman, Filipino national, who worked as a bartender aboard the cruise ship and reportedly was last seen jumping overboard Sunday morning, approximately six and a half nautical miles off the northeastern coast of Culebra Island, Puerto Rico. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and families of the missing crewmember," said Capt. Drew W. Pearson, Sector San Juan commander. The Celebrity Summit was transiting from San Juan, Puerto Rico to the eastern-most Caribbean island of Barbados at the time the incident occurred. Coast Guard Watchstanders received notification of the incident from the cruise ship at approximately 12:50 a.m. Sunday. Since the search began Sunday, Coast Guard rescue crews conducted 10 aerial and seven surface searches, spanning out approximately 2,000 square nautical miles, covering a total search area approximately two thirds the size of Puerto Rico. Coast Guard rescue crews conducted the search aboard MH-65 Dolphin helicopters from Air Station Borinquen, Aguadilla, an HC-130 aircraft from Clearwater Fla., a Coast Guard 45-foot response boat medium and the Coast Guard Cutter Cushing. A Puerto Rico Police Joint Forces of Rapid Action marine unit also assisted with the search efforts. Coast Guard Cutter Cushing is a 110-foot patrol boat homeported in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Click here to view the article

The Cairns Post newspaper says the operator of the largest cruise liner to dock at Cairns has renewed a call to dredge the shipping channel and the swing basin. Royal Caribbean Cruises managing director Gavin Smith said while the 280m Rhapsody of the Seas was able to safely navigate Trinity Inlet at the weekend and turn in the swing basin, it was "at the limit and edge of its physical capabilities". He said ideally the company would prefer dredging to make the task easier and safer and also to allow its larger ship, the 290m Radiance of the Seas, to dock at the cruise terminal. However, because of its size it would have to moor off Port Douglas in February next year. Mr Smith, who is also the chairman of International Cruise Council Australasia, acknowledged that the cost of dredging may outweigh the economic benefits of more ships docking at the Port of Cairns. Earlier this year, Mr Smith and the Rhapsody's captain called for dredging of the channel so the ship could come into Cairns in most weather conditions Click here to view the article

Costa Cruises, after 17 years, is again proposing a truly unique adventure: the historical "Around-the-World Cruise". The Costa Deliziosa, one of the most modern ships in the Costa fleet, will depart from Savona (Italy) on a voyage that from December 28, 2011 to April 6, 2012 will allow Guests to discover five continents, plying the seven seas, just like the great navigators of the past. The ship will circumnavigate the globe in 100 days, visiting 37 ports along the route and proposing 250 different excursions. The Around-the-World cruise, which already sold out months prior to departure, will host about 2,300 passengers from around the world: more than half the guests will be Italian and German, along with numerous French and Spanish. In the wake of the tremendous success of this fascinating cruise, the company will also propose the itinerary in 2013, departing from Savona on 6th January and return to Savona on 16th April 2013, always onboard Costa Deliziosa. For 2012 Costa Cruises has already planned two other great cruises to discover 4 continents for travellers who are eager to explore the world from a unique viewpoint: the "Great Cruise to 4 continents" with the Costa Victoria; 72 days from Brazil to China, departing from Santos on March 7 2012; the "Great Cruise to the other side of the World" on board the Costa neoRomantica; 107 days from Savona to New Zealand departing from Savona on September 19 2012. To celebrate the Costa Deliziosa's departure, on 28th December 2011, lots of festivities involving the port and the Palacrociere in Savona have been planned. In fact, the cruise terminal and the port will be festooned with decorations related to the countries to be visited during the 100-day cruise. To re-enact the departures of the great cruises of the past, a brass band will perform as Guests embark. In addition, more than 12,000 white handkerchiefs, with Costa logo, will be handed on the decks of the Costa Deliziosa and of the 2 other Costa ships mooring at the Palacrociere that day, and to people in the port, recreating a classic scene from the past during the ship's departure. Guests will also feel all the wonder of that special atmosphere of the legendary overseas voyages as "Christopher Columbus" and "Queen Elisabeth" welcome them on board. The central lido of the ship will host a welcome party in costume with Neptune, the god of the seas, with the appointment as "Senators of the Sea" for Guests who have already toured the world in the past. The festivities will culminate with the presentation of the "Angels of the Sea", played by 20 young "around-the-world" Guests, who will kick off the official start of the cruise. Five theme-oriented parties, celebrations, shows and special initiatives will also be proposed during the various segments of the crossing that starting from Europe will continue to the Americas, Australia, the Far East and then back to Europe. The 28-day "Christopher Columbus" segment, starts from Savona continuing to France and Spain, then crossing the Atlantic Ocean to Madera, Antilles, Columbia, Costa Rica, the Panama Canal, Mexico and California with S. Diego and Los Angeles. From the Americas, the "James Cook" itinerary will allow guests on the Costa Deliziosa to discover S. Francisco, and the heavenly beaches and boundless landscapes of places like Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia and Singapore. The third and final segment, dedicated to "Marco Polo", will let Costa Deliziosa's guests visit the best of the Orient, with stops in Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, the Arab Emirates, Oman and Red Sea. The 250 excursions during the itinerary will be organised to make the around-the-world cruise a unique and unforgettable experience. During the voyage it will be possible to experience all the excitement of helicopter flyover of the Grand Canyon, to tempt lady luck in Las Vegas casinos, take part in the traditional Polynesian dances in Honolulu, and visit the Pinnacles Desert of Perth, the Blue Mountains of Sydney and the mysterious monolith of Ayers Rock. Click here to view the article

Special offer for Single Travellers Australia's pioneer of small-ship expedition cruising Coral Princess Cruises has extended their Kimberley 'Waterfall Season" special offers to new bookings made until 31 March 2012 or until sold out. The discounts, between 15 and 25 per cent off normal prices on their 10-night Kimberley Coast expeditions, are valid on April 2012 departures aboard their state-of-the-art 72 passenger small ship Oceanic Discoverer or the intimate 35 metre catamaran Coral Princess. Single Travellers can also take advantage of great savings, with the bane of the single traveller – the dreaded single supplement – waived on April 2012 departures aboard Oceanic Discoverer. The Kimberley wilderness of Western Australia is three times larger than England with a population of just 30 000. Coral Princess's voyages between Darwin and Broome cruise through some of the planet's oldest and most awe-inspiring scenery and landscapes. Exploring the Kimberley Coast in April, immediately following the 'wet season', affords guests the unique opportunity to experience the region's spectacular waterfalls in their full grandeur. From the towering 80-metre King George Falls, four-tiered Mitchell Falls and the iconic King Cascades to the amazing natural phenomenon of Horizontal Falls and lesser-known highlights such as swimming beneath beautiful Ruby Falls, Coral Princess's Kimberley itinerary includes all of the icons of this spectacular coast in unrivalled style and total comfort. Waterfall Season prices for the 10-night Kimberley cruise aboard Oceanic Discoverer start at $6,517.50 per person for Coral Princess Cruises past guests (25% off) and $7,386.50 for first time travellers (15% off) in a Main Deck (Category B) Stateroom. Special prices aboard Coral Princess start at $5,242.50 for past guests and $5,941.50 for first time travellers in a Cabin category room. The reduced prices include all meals, lectures and services of the all-Australian expedition staff and excursions aboard a fleet of zodiacs and the unique 'Xplorer' excursion tender. Coral Princess Cruises pioneered small-ship expedition cruising on the Kimberley Coast in 1996 and has 34 departures scheduled across the 2012 season, which runs between April and October. As a 100% Australian-owned, flagged and staffed operation, Coral Princess guests avoid the need to transit an international port as part of their Kimberley itinerary, a guideline applying to foreign owned and flagged operators in the region. With a minimum of two landings most days Coral Princess guests will enjoy the opportunity to see more of the Kimberley and make the most of every minute of their expedition. Click here to view the article

How about kicking off the New Year with a seafood safari across the Great Australian Bight? Revel in a sumptuous lunch at one of the McLaren's finest wineries, sample the many delights of famed Kangaroo Island and wash down oysters with champagne in beautiful Coffin Bay. Then mix-in some cage diving with great white sharks, close encounters with charismatic seals, swimming with giant tuna and, some of Australia's most reliable fishing action and you've got a safari with a difference Experience all this and much, much more aboard the revered TRUE NORTH. North Star Cruises' Southern Safari cruise departs Adelaide on January 14 and the company is now offering Standby Rates. Prices start from just $5196 and include the 8 night cruise, all activities and a return flight from Ceduna to Adelaide. The coast between Adelaide and the Eyre Peninsular is one of Australia's best kept secrets – not only do you get to tick-off bucket list items like visiting Kangaroo Island and cage diving with white sharks – you also get to visit a part of Australia that has a very special flavour. Sometimes it's typically Australian – rugged and isolated, then at other times you encounter rolling hills and farmland but the one constant seems to be the region's unique sense of community Apparently the crew of the TRUE NORTH taste this unique flavour every year and they can't wait to do it all again So don't miss-out – wrap-up this very different cruise as the ultimate Christmas gift Click here to view the article

PHUKET: With Phuket's Deep Sea Port being targeted for a huge upgrade, the island has great untapped potential in the global cruise ship industry – not just as a port of call but also as a port to call home. (See page 5, current issue of the Phuket Gazette. Digital subscribers click here to download the full newspaper.) Mention the words "cruise ship" and "Phuket", and most readers will conjure up memories of the ugly blockading of our port by locally based taxi drivers, but its current location is the only logical place for such a facility on the island. Many cruise ship operators in the region currently drop anchor off Patong, where a floating pier is moored in the high season, the only time weather permits. This is a pity because cruise ship tourism is potentially a lucrative year-round proposition for Phuket, which has a virtually unbeatable array of onshore activities to offer visitors. Unfortunately, the Deep Sea Port is too far from Patong, Phuket Town or other popular destinations to make such destinations very attractive to cruise ship passengers, who typically enjoy only a morning, an afternoon or at best a day here. As such, unless the current transport situation can be vastly improved, the port's appeal will largely remain limited to all but military vessels and cargo ships. Upgrading the facilities at the port to accommodate Thai-flagged vessels is one concept than has until now been given little or no attention in the local press. As a major regional port, Phuket already has most of the infrastructure needed, including a petrochemical tank farm and container facility to provision even the largest seagoing vessels. There is also a great deal of public land available for expansion. Another area of potential interest might be casino gambling, which though illegal in Thailand and its territorial waters, is common aboard cruise ships worldwide, allowing punters to enjoy games of chance while in international waters. Many arguments have been put forward asserting that the illegality of gambling in Thailand not only costs the nation untold billions in lost revenue to casinos set up along its borders, but also perpetuates an underground industry in the country that fuels state-sector corruption while undermining the democratic process by financing vote-buying. Estimates by the The National Economic and Social Advisory Council have put the loss as high as 800 billion baht annually. Establishment in Phuket of "casino cruises" of the type already popular in many other parts of the globe would not only be a logical first step toward development of Phuket as a regional hub for the cruise ship industry, but would also serve as a boon to the economy. It would also provide an elegant solution to the discomfort suffered by our legislators when they contemplate legalized gambling on shore. Click here to view the article

THE operators of a Cairns-based cruise ship on which a crew member died three years ago say it was an unfortunate accident. They say the recommendations in a maritime report about the death on Oceanic Discoverer at the Port of Napier on February 19, 2009 had or would be met. The Transport Accident Investigation Commission report said that a hydraulic fire door, which closed at twice the allowable speed, trapping the 34-year-old man, was named as a contributor to the death of the vessel's chief engineer. The report said the crew was conducting a fire and emergency drill and closing and testing the hydraulic water-tight doors. The master closed the doors remotely from the bridge and some minutes later the chief engineer opened the doors to the engine room. "The chief engineer was trapped in the door for more than eight minutes before he was found and the crew was able to free him," the report said. "He was resuscitated but never regained consciousness and later died in hospital." The chief engineer, a Brisbane-based Australian of Sri Lankan descent, possibly tried to pass through the door before it was fully opened and "for some reason it began closing and trapped him". The commission's investigation found the water-tight door did not comply with the minimum requirements of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea. The safety management systems on board did not ensure the doors were maintained in line with regulations or good marine engineering standards. The commission recommended Maritime New Zealand and the International Marine Organisation "address" the issue of water-tight door safety. It also wants the Australian Maritime Safety Authority to address issues with the safety management system on board the Oceanic Discoverer. Coral Princess Cruises general manager Mark Fifield said all the issues raised in the report had been fixed before the report was published late last week. "Two months before the incident we had a full safety system audit and review and the comment was how good our systems were and they were beyond the required standards," Mr Fifield said. "It was an unfortunate accident." Click here to view the article

Deteriorating electrical machinery led to an explosion last year on Cunard's Queen Mary 2, safety officials have concluded. In a final report on the incident issued today, the U.K.'s Marine Accident Investigation Branch says deterioration in capacitors that store energy on the 2,620-passenger Cunard flagship triggered the blast, which took place Sept. 23, 2010 as the vessel was approaching Barcelona. No one was injured by the explosion, which occurred in a main switchboard room, but it caused all four of the ship's propulsion motors to shut down, leaving the vessel adrift for at least half an hour. The explosion also resulted in a brief shipwide blackout. "As the vessel was well away from traffic and not in congested or shallow waters, the loss of power for 30 minutes did not cause any navigational difficulties," the report notes. "However, losing control of a large cruise liner due to an electrical blackout, with 3,823 people on board (including crew), is a serious concern." RELATED: Safety officials issue warning after ship explosion PHOTO TOUR: A look inside the Queen Mary 2 The 77-page report was critical of a protection system that could have provided an early warning before the explosion but was not functioning and may not have been functioning for several years. "Protection systems of critical equipment, especially when there are no alternative or back-up systems, must fail safe," the report concluded. "They should also be tested at regular intervals to verify that all the sub-components in the system are functional." Noting that the Queen Mary 2 had experienced multiple capacitor failures since its debut in 2004, the report also suggested crew members need to be more aware of patterns of problems with machinery. "The failure to identify the trend of high consumption of capacitors on board QM2 was a major contributory factor in this accident," the report says. "Component failure can often be a symptom of an underlying problem with an equipment or system. Ship managers and crew should be more alert to this." The report notes Cunard has made procedural changes on the ship since the incident. Click here to view the article

Few travellers to Antarctica see Emperor Penguins, the largest in the penguin family. Emperors tend to stay further south than most Antarctic passenger cruises reach. However, vessel Le boreal was recently able to make its way South in the Weddell Sea to Snow Hill Island where there is a colony of Emperor Penguins. This is an extremely rare event, one that has not been achieved in over 10 years and a few seasons ago, another vessel was was ice-bound for days in the same spot. This opportunity was the result of expedition leader Larry Hobbs having reviewed the ice-charts in advance. Mr Hobbs had also received input that the forecast was that ice was likely to shift further south than is normal. Due to the speed and stability of Le Boreal (and aided by very good weather) the ship was able to arrive at Snow Hill early enough on December 12 to accomplish this amazing landing. With its vast expanses of ice untouched by civilisation, Antarctica remains one of the most beautiful places in the world. Combining adventure and the wonder of nature, Antarctica is the perfect destination for the enthusiastic voyager. For the past 20 years, Abercrombie & Kent have been offering award winning cruises to Antarctica. A&K's new cruiser vessel, Le Boreal, boasts the highest standards in comfort, design and safety and journeys are accompanied by an expert group of lecturers and researchers. Abercrombie & Kent's Antarctic cruises take travellers to the heart of this pristine wilderness, bringing you face-to-face with nature at its best. Click here to view the article

Sheboygan's economy and status as a tourist destination will get a boost with the announcement that a cruise ship will stop here several times next summer. Packages for the week-long cruise aboard the 138-passenger Yorktown, which includes seven stops in Sheboygan next summer from June through August. Sheboygan will be the ship's only Wisconsin stop. "We're definitely excited about it," said Sheboygan County Tourism Director Amy Wilson. "It's another way to put Sheboygan on the map." Having Sheboygan a stop for Great Lakes cruise ships has long been a goal for city economic development leaders, especially since the development of the South Pier area. One impediment has always been the shallowness of the Sheboygan River, which in the lower river area is only about four feet deep, but will be deepened to 14 feet deep in 2012 by the Army Corps of Engineers. The Yorktown, which has a draft of eight feet, next summer will anchor between the north and south break waters and then shuttle its passengers ashore and back during it's one-day stop, city Development Manager Chad Pelishek said. After 2012, the 257-foot-long, 43-foot-wide Yorktown, and potentially other cruise ships, will be able to berth along the South Pier. "This has been a goal of the South Pier district since it was built, to be a cruise ship terminal," Pelishek said. The Yorktown's one-week cruises begin or end in Detroit and Chicago. In between, besides Sheboygan, its one-day stops are in Bayfield, Ontario, Manitoulin Island in Lake Huron, Whitefish Point in Lake Superior, Mackinac Island, Mich., and Holland, Mich. Base prices for tickets for the seven-day passage range from about $4,000 to $7,000. The ship sails at night and arrives at each destination in the morning, offloading its passengers, who re-board at night. "We're working on a welcome wagon to get them into the downtown so they can see what Sheboygan offers," Pelishek said. Wilson said public transportation also will be made available to take ship passengers to locations outside downtown. Wilson said also hopes to develop pre-planned packages that ship passengers could purchase. "We're hoping to do some outreach with local businesses and coordinate with the Harbor Centre Business Improvement District and do some special things," Wilson said. State tourism data estimates that the economic impact of a single day trip is about $60 per person. With about 1,000 visitors coming to Sheboygan aboard the Yorktown, that means the direct economic impact will be in the neighborhood of about $60,000, Wilson estimated. "The impact would rise above that with some preplanned countywide tours," she said. The bigger impact, however would be if it helped draw other cruise ships to the city. "In our long range plan, we developed facilities to make Sheboygan a destination port," Pelishek said. "And hopefully this will be the start to help make Sheboygan attractive to others. It should be something good for the future." Click here to view the article