W hen it comes tocruising, it’sall about theships. Cruise

ships are marvels of mod-ern-day technology andingenuity, beautiful andexciting seagoing resortsthat offer the world’sgreatest vacations.

This year, CLIA-mem-ber cruise lines willintroduce a staggering12 new vessels, cap-ping a history-making,five-year constructionboom that saw 62 newships enter the NorthAmerican marketsince 2000.

The 12 ships setto debut in 2004a r e t h e m o s ts o p h i s t i c a t e d,

feature-filled and passenger-pleasing vessels yet. CunardLine’s Queen Mary 2 led the

2004 introductions in January,premiering as the largest oceanliner in history. While QueenMary 2 evokes the transatlanticera that preceded modern cruisevacations, the vessel also offersguests all of the modern facili-

ties and amenities of a contem-porary cruise ship.

Later this year, the Stars andStripes will re-enter the cruisescene when Norwegian CruiseLine’s NCL America division

introduces Pride of America, the first new cruise ship to fly the American flag in more than50 year. The ship launches year-around Hawaii cruisesbeginning – aptly – on July 4.

Not to be outdone, PrincessC r u i s e s — t h e“Love Boat” folks— will launch threenew ships, all in thefirst half of the year.

Royal CaribbeanInternational willintroduce Jewel ofthe Seas, the lastv e s s e l i n i t s“Radiance” series.

Carnival CruiseLines will introducea pair of new “Fun

Ships,” one in February andanother in December, whileHolland America Line, MSCItalian Cruises, Oceania Cruisesand Costa Cruises each will adda new ship to its fleet this year.

Advertising Supplement to USA TODAY

CRUISINGCRUISINGToday’s BestVacationValue ✩✩✩✩

Cruise VacationsDeliver Value

By Claudette Covey

If you’re looking forgreat value in a vacation,you simply can’t do betterthan a cruise. Now morethan ever, it’s a buyer’smarket for cruises. Infact, you’ll find thatcruise vacations are aneven better value nowthan 20 years ago.

One al l - inclusiveprice covers all thevacation essentials,from accommoda-

tions to meals to entertain-ment. And virtually anyonecan afford

a cruise , s ince there’s a ship and itinerary to fit anybudget.

Take a close look at theall-inclusive features of ac r u i s e a n d t h e v a l u ebecomes abundantly clear. A weeklong cruise can visitas many as seven ports — ata cost of as little as $100 aday. In addition to the manydestinations visited, thatprice also includes all yourmeals. And you can thenwork those calories off —for free — at a state-of-the-art fitness center.

There’s also no charge for a whole host of entertain-ment options, which includel av i sh Broadway-s ty l ereviews, exciting cabaret per-formances and special guestlectures.

For families, cruises offere x t r a o r d i n a r yvalue, since mostships offer com-prehensive chil-dren’s programs —which means chil-dren are super-

vised in a fun setting — b u t w i t h n o a d d i t i o n a lcharges.

Families, and anyone else,for that matter, will find thatcruising has been made stillmore affordable by the dra-matic number of ships sail-

ing out of a close-to-homeU.S. port. A family of four,for instance, that dr ivesrather than flies to a cruisep o r t , c a n s u b s t a n t i a l lysave on their vacation.

All things considered, if youwant more for your money, a

cruise is the way to go.

Claudette Covey, formermanaging editor of “TravelWeekly” magazine, has covered the cruise industryfor 16 years. She lives inBearsville, NY.

FEBRUARY IS NATIONAL

CRUISE VACATION MONTH

You’ve always known it

— somewhere in the

back of your mind

there’s a little voice that’s say-

ing to you “What about a

cruise?” But you don’t really

know enough about cruise

vacations to decide on one.

Sure, you’ve seen the com-

mercials and maybe you’ve

even heard your friends or co-

workers talk about vacation-

ing on one of the big new

ships, but you just don’t know

a lot about cruising. And

you’re not sure where to get

the information.

Well wonder no longer.

Simply put, cruise ships offer

the most diverse, fun-filled,

satisfying and value-oriented

vacations available today.

Modern-day cruise ships

journey to sought-after inter-

national ports of call, offer

diverse on-board activities

for all age groups (from ice-

skating to rock-climbing to

comprehensive enrichment

programs) and the widest

possible selection of

healthy, top-quality cuisine.

And now is the best time

to learn everything there is to

know about cruise vacations.

That’s because February is

National Cruise Vacation

Month, a four-week celebra-

tion of cruising sponsored by

the Cruise Lines International

Association. During February,

the leading cruise lines,

along with CLIA-member

travel agencies that sell

cruise vacations, offer value-

oriented promotions, special

passenger incentives and all

the information you’ll ever

need to select the perfect

cruise vacation for you. In

fact, your best first step to

taking a cruise is toward

contact a CLIA-member trav-

el agency.Maybe you just don’t think

a cruise vacation is right fit

you. Guess again. Unlike days

gone by, cruise ships are no

longer exclusive stomping

grounds for wealthy seniors.

Today’s cruise passenger is

much more likely to be a

member of a multigenera-

tional family, including kids,

grandkids, parents and grand-

parents. Cruising is also big

with Baby Boomers and hon-

eymooners. Just about every-

one from nearly every walk of

life can find something that

appeals to them on one of

today’s feature-filled ships.

National Cruise Vacation

Month marks the launch of a

yearlong celebration of cruis-

ing. Throughout 2004, CLIA-

member cruise lines will

introduce an armada of pas-

senger-pleasing ships, debut

new and innovative itineraries

traveling to some of the

world’s most popular destina-

tions, and deploy more new

ships in close-to-home depar-

ture cities.

Your first step should be

to find a CLIA-member travel

agency. You can locate a local

CLIA agency by visiting

www.cruising.org. They are

the best resource to find a

cruise that fits your schedule,

budget and life style.

WHAT’SNEW IN

2004?✩✩

✩✩

www.cruising.org

Shopping is a popular pastime in exotic ports of call.

Cruise vacations allow you to be as active as you want to be.

CLIA’s NATIONAL CRUISE

VACATION MONTH

By Claudette Covey

C hoice. It’s a beauti-ful thing. But it canalso be confusingand time-consum-

ing, which is why it’s crucialfor prospective cruisers toconsult with a CLIA-trainedtravel agent and certif iedcruise counsel ler. Thesecruise experts are seasonedsailors who have undergoneformidable training to earntheir CLIA certification.

What they’ll tell you is this:One cruise does not fit all. Thecruise industry provides manyoptions — contemporary, pre-mium, luxury, and adven-ture/niche — each of which hasits own distinct appeal.

Contemporary: Theseslick, state-of-the-art ships arethe cruise industry’s largest,and carry as many as 3,000passengers. It’s all aboutchoice on these action-packed,feature-driven vessels. Guestsare offered dozens of choicesin every possible area, includ-ing children’s programs,accommodations, dining,spa and exercisefacilities and enter-tainment.

Premium: Likecontemporary ships,premium vessels arefeature driven, but witha distinct emphasis onelegant amenities andservices. These ships,which carry from 500 to2,000 passengers, are

spacious and appointed withmuseum-quality art. Guestsare pampered with serenespas, superlative dining andglamorous accommoda-tions.

Luxury: For the discern-ing traveler, the luxury cate-gory is often the way to go.These ships come in al lshapes and sizes, from inti-mate yachts to elegant oceanliners. The experience can becasually elegant or black-tieformal. Think white-gloveservice, five-star dining, per-sonal butlers and Cristalchampagne.

Adven tu re/n i che :Simply put, these ships offera unique environment of end-less adventure to destinationsaround the world. Thesecruises provide the intellectu-ally curious with a chance toexplore the world with on-board naturalists, historiansand scholars who are expertsin their fields.

So let a CLIA-membertravel agency help you findthe cruise that is r ight for you.

Advertising Supplement to USA TODAY2

What Cruise Is Right for You?

IN THE FIRST FEW DAYSYOU’LL EXHAUST YOUR VOCABULARY’S

SUPPLY OF ADJECTIVES.

Prices are per person, double occupancy, cruise only on select sailings. Government taxes and fees are additional. Certain restrictions apply. All prices are quoted in U.S. dollars.All itineraries and prices are current at time of printing and subject to change without notice.

©2004 Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Ships registered in Norway and the Bahamas.

4 & 5 ~N I G H TC A R I B B E A N

$FROM32912 ~ N I G H TE U R O P E

$FROM1699

3 & 4 ~N I G H TB A H A M A S

$FROM 2396 ~ N I G H TB E R M U D A

$FROM 599

7 ~ N I G H TC A R I B B E A N

$FROM 49910~NIGHT EUROPEC R U I S E T O U R

$FROM21997~ NIGHT CRUISE AND 3~NIGHT LAND

The world’s waiting – call your local travel agent or visit

royalcaribbean.com or call (800)521-8611.

Experience your own virtual cruise adventure at royalcaribbean.com.

Take a Cruise and See the World

By Jerry Morris

C ruising makes see-ing the world somuch eas ie r andinteresting. While

the Caribbean is the top desti-nation for most cruise vaca-tions, ships can be found onall the world’s seas. And withthe growing number of shipswithin the member-line fleetof the Cruise Lines Intern-ational Association, chancesare very high that you willfind an itinerary that includesyour dream destinations.

What makes a cruisevacation so interesting is thatyou arrive by sea, the wayseafarers have for centuries.En te r ing the ha rbor inGrenada, one of the mostpicturesque ports of call, isan experience you wil lremember for years. Alsothrilling is the experience ofsailing up the Thames, pastGreenwich where the world’stime is set, and finally dock-

ing across from the Tower ofLondon.

Other memorable experi-ences could include cruisingalong the glaciers of Alaska,or the islands of Hawaii, vis-iting the ancient cities alongthe Mediterranean or sailingup the St. Lawrence River toromantic Quebec City.

A cruise vacation makesthese experiences easy anduncomplicated. At each newport of call there is no pack-ing or unpacking, and few, ifany, customs delays onentering a new country.

The cruise lines make get-ting to your port of embarka-tion easy as well. Air/seavacation packages make aEuropean or Pacif ic cruiseas s imple a s one to theCaribbean. And, the lines are br inging Caribbeancruises closer to home. Theg r o w i n g n u m b e r o fdomestic homeports (includ-ing Jacksonville, Mobile,Baltimore, Norfolk and New

Orleans) has placed 60 per-cent of the population of theUnited States within driv-ing distance of a port ofembarkation.

Sailings from the WestCoast ports of San Diego,Los Angeles, San Franciscoand Seattle head to Mexico,Alaska and even Hawaii.Boston and New York offercruises to Canada, Bermudaand the Bahamas.

And, i f i t ’s the wholeworld you want to see, youcan set sail on a cruise thatcalls on just about everycontinent and takes nearlythree months to complete.

Regardless of where youcruise, your first destinationshould be a CLIA-membertravel agency.

Jerry Morris is former travel editor of the “BostonGlobe,” and is now a free-lance writer living inWoonsocket, RI.

When you consult with your

CLIA-member travel agent, he

or she will want to collect some

information to help determine

which cruise is right for you. Be prepared to

answer the following questions:

� Have you ever cruised before?

� What do you like to do on vacation?

� What destinations would you like to visit?

� What kinds of vacations have you taken

before, and what did you really enjoy?

� When are you considering taking a cruise?

� How long a vacation are you considering?

Questions Your Travel Agent Will Ask� Who will be traveling with you?

� What is your vacation budget?

� Do you have any special needs or requests?

By being prepared with the answers to

these questions, you will help your travel

agent match you to the appropriate cruise

ship and itinerary.

A cruise is a great way to sample destinations.

3

Meet Today’s Cruise Vacationer

One thing vacationers about to embarkon their first cruise can count on iswell-intended advice from family mem-

bers, friends, co-workers and almost anyoneelse who has cruised. But the best advicecomes from knowledgeable professionalsinvolved with cruising on a daily basis.

A recent survey of travel agents yielded 10recommendations to enhance the experiencefor first-timers. Here’s what these experts say:

1. Relax. Your everyday routine stops thefirst moment you stepaboard your seagoingresort. On any cruise,the order of the day issimply “enjoy your-self.”

2. What to wear?You’ll want to dressf o r r e l a x a t i o n a l lthrough the day. Jeansa n d k h a k i s , e v e nshorts, are acceptablefor almost any day-time event.

At n ight , most oftoday’s cruise linesfeature a laid-backdress code. At night,casual apparel or jack-ets are suggested,along with eveningwear (a dark suit formen is acceptable) for special events on thoseships that have “formal” nights.

3. Ask questions freely. Vacationingon a cruise ship is different than on land.Mostly, it’s easier and less complicated.Never hesitate to inquire about any part ofyour cruise. The ship’s personnel are glad toassist and encourage your inquiries.

4. Participate in on-board briefings. The“travel chats” cruise directors give are bothentertaining and informative. They offer timelytips about highlights in port including best-value shopping as well as the many activitiesavailable aboard ship.

5. Take your time. Cruise ships offer so

many recreation and entertainment choices it’salmost impossible to experience them all onthe average cruise. Decisions can be chal-lenging, but what you don’t do one day usual-ly is available the next.

6. Bring all of the recommendedidentification. Particularly in these days ofincreased security, don’t forget your passport,original birth certificate or a notarized copy.Resident aliens and those disembarking incertain ports should check for special

requirements.7. Sun tan with

care. For comfort andsafety, use of a sun-block preparation isstrongly suggested.Include a hat or cap in your shipboardwardrobe. And don’tforget — the sunshines on shore excur-sions, too. Sunglassesare a must.

8. Forget “class”ste reotypes . Al lpassengers aboardtoday’s cruise linerscan expect to receivethe same high level of service withoutlabels such as “first”

or “second” class.9. Set your own limits. The combination

of abundant food and drink, recreation andcarefree atmosphere offers a unique ship-board lifestyle. While you are encouraged toindulge freely, try not to overdo it — you’llenjoy your cruise much more.

10. Stay in touch with your travelagent. A good one does much more than justsupply the necessary travel documents. MostCLIA-member agencies can offer invaluableassistance, from obtaining cabin upgrades tosuggesting shoreside lunch spots, touristattractions and shopping venues.

A CLIA-member travel agent can make agood vacation great!

10 Tips for First-Time Cruisers

By Len Barnes

“W hile one of five cruiserstook along children afew years ago, today thathas more than doubled,”

says Bob Sharak , Cr u i se L inesInternational Association’s executivevice president. Many ships have activ-ities for every age from toddlers toteens, plus cabins with rollaway bedsand triple accommodations for kidssailing free or at greatly reduced rates.

“Family cruising is what the marketincreasingly wants from a vaca-tion,” one noted cruise industry expertsays, citing Orlando and Vegas asexamples. “Cruises offer all the fea-tures of a resort vacation, plus more, ata fixed, affordable price.”

Most cruise lines today have chil-dren’s programs broken into four agegroups, with special children’s menusat dinner, too.

This trend is far removed from thetraditional “adults only” cruising ofjust two decades past. Research hasfound that a majority of cruise vaca-

tioners also are younger and less afflu-ent than in the past.

Further, the Baby Boom generationis delivering a market that is active,healthy and seeks more experientialdiversions while on vacation. Andmany are identifying cruises as the per-fect alternative to a land-locked, seden-tary resort stay.

Indeed, the profile of the “average”cruise vacationer has changed over thepast two decades: cruisers are nowyounger, more active and more dis-cerning in what they want from acruise.

In addition to recognizing theincreased interest in family vacations,cruise lines are looking ahead to whenthe youngsters become adults and willbe comfortable with cruising as analmost automatic vacation preference.

Many companies bring groups ofexecutives or top-performing employ-ees on cruises as a bonus or incentive,and some schedule corporate meetingsaboard ships. Incentives are oftenoffered to people who can recruit 20 or

more to cruise as a group. And family and class reunions have become quite common aboard cruise liners.

Len Barnes is Editor Emeritus of “AAA Michigan Living” magazine and author of “Offbeat Excursions — From the Amazon Jungle tothe Antarctic Icecap.”

He lives in Traverse City, Michigan.

Advertising Supplement to USA TODAY

From toddlers to teens, cruises offer lots of activities for kids.

Cruise vacations are stress-free.

Advertising Supplement to USA TODAY

By Roberta Schwartz, CTC, MCC

M any phys ica l lychallenged peopleagree that a cruiseprobably offers

one of the most accessiblevacation choices. In the past10 years, most cruise lineshave made their ships signifi-cantly more accessible forpeople with all types of dis-abilities.

In fact, cruise lines arebuilding new ships with moreand more accessible publicrooms and staterooms acrossall price categories. SATH,the Society for AccessibleT r a v e l & H o s p i t a l i t y(www.sath.org) works closelyw i t h t h e C r u i s e L i n e sInternational Association andthe cruise industry to makethis a reality. Using a knowl-edgeable travel agent is par-ticularly helpful for thosewho have a disability and areconsidering taking a cruisevacation.

If you use a wheelchair

you should bring your own,since wheelchairs on boardare for emergency use only.Wheelchairs and scooters caneasily be rented prior to thecruise. If you don’t regularlyuse a wheelchair, considerrenting one, especially if youare going on one of the largers h i p s ,which canb e l o n g e rthan threef o o t b a l lf ields.

I f y o uw i l l b egoing to aport whereyou will bet e n d e r e d— t a k e nf r o m t h ecruise shipto the pier on a small boat, ortender — be aware that someships offer a special wheel-chair transfer to the tender,while on others, guests usingwheelchairs are lifted ontothe tenders, conditions per-mitting, by crew members.Accessibi l i ty a t por ts ofcall, particularly those notin the United States, can be achallenge. Always checkahead for accessible facilitiesat the ports of call on the itin-erary you are considering.

For those with visualimpairments, Braille signageand raised tactile letteringshould be outside all state-room doors, as well as publicareas, and elevators. Servicean ima l s a re a l lowed onboard, and ships provide spe-cial “relief areas,” but not allports allow these animalsto come ashore.

Listening device kits areavailable on board for passen-

gers with hearing impair-ments. Text telephones alsoare available. Most ships havea closed-captioning systemon the stateroom televisionsets . Assis t ive l is teningdevices for showrooms areavailable on some, but not all,cruise ships.

S p e c i a ld i e t a r yn e e d s c a ne a s i l y b ea c c o m m o -d a t e d b ynotifying thecruise line inadvance. Forguests withspecial med-ical needs,oxygen canbe arrangedon board the

ship. Many staterooms haverefr igerators for s tor inginsulin. Guests needing dialysiscan also enjoy a cruise today,with several companies pro-viding a dialysis center onboard on specific departures.

Above all, when planninga cruise , f ind and use aCLIA-member travel agentwho specializes in makingarrangements for the physi-cally challenged. Passengerswith disabilities can contactSATH at info@sath.org orcall 212-447-7284 for lists oftravel agents who specializein cruises for people with dis-abilities.

Roberta Schwartz, CTC, MCC, is Director ofEducation for SATH, a professor at the HospitalityCollege of Johnson & WalesUniversity Florida campus,and still finds time to be atravel agent.

4

Why wait? Queen Mary , the luxury of a lifetime, has arrived. The grandest ship to ever sail is now making Transatlantic Crossings and Caribbean voyages in extravagant

style. Once you experience our famous White Star ServiceSM, you’ll find there is simply no other way to travel. To make a reservation or for more information, call . . . , or your travel agent, or visit w w w . c u n a r d . c o m .

Fares are in U.S. dollars per person, double occupancy for minimum category cabin. Transatlantic crossings include one-way economy air between London and 102 North American gateways.The offer is capacity controlled and cannot be combined with any other special programs. Fares may be withdrawn at any time. Certain restrictions apply. Government fees, taxes, and gratuities are not included. Ship's Registry: Great Britain ©2004 Cunard.

Daniel Boulud is ready.

The Veuve Clicquot is chilled.

Todd English is prepared.

Hermès is poised.

The Wedgwood is set.

The Canyon Ranch SpaClub® is appointed.

The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art is rehearsed.

Our famous White Star ServiceSM

is in place.

Fares from only $1699 are now available.

Some Things To Know AboutCruising with a Disability

Why Use a CLIA Travel Agency?

Cruise Vacations Offer More Choices

By Len Barnes

T o d a y ’ sc r u i s evacationeri s m o r e

discerning andmore demandingthan eve r, andcruise lines haver e s p o n d e d byoffering a widervariety of choicesfor everythingfrom dining toon-board activi-ties and enter-tainment to shoreside adventures.

In 2004, 21 CLIA-member cruiselines with nearly 160 ships will call atover 1,800 worldwide ports.

I recommend going to your favorite

CLIA-member trav-el a g e n cy f o r t h ebes t cruise deal, alsobook early.

Almost a l l cruiselines offer a wide rangeof meal options — fromdining in one’s cabin insleepwear to enjoyingfu l l even ing d r e s s i n r e s t au r an t s t ha t s u r p a s st h e

moste l e -g a n ts h o r e -side estab-l i shm e n t s .And no matterwhat you order fromthe menu, it’s all includedin the ticket price.

Some cruise ships offer alterna-tive dining rooms, with reservationsavailable, at a modest surcharge.These eateries feature Internationalcuisine from Asia, Europe, SouthAmerica, the Far East and otherregions.

Diet-conscious crusiers haveseveral healthy options, including spacusine, low-cholesterol, salt andsugar-free menus.

Supplementing the limitless ship-board entertainment and activitiesare port-of-call sightseeing rangingfrom visits to historic sights toscuba diving, whale–watching, para-sailing, water skiing and golf. Onone Alaskan cruise I used the eight-hour stop at Juneau to fly 70 miles ina float-plane to a stream to fly f ishfor rainbow trout and silver salmonbelow a waterfall.

On another Alaskan trip Iflew over a glacier and

had a rubber boatr ide down the

rapids f romJuneau and

s h o p p e dfor Britishbargains.Anothert i m e Iabsorbedthe lore

o f t h eK l o n d i k e

g o l d r u s hdays by walk-

ing the woodensidewalks and dirt

s t r e e t s o n c e t r o d by gold miners with yellow

gold pokes. On one cruise, I visited both

Devil’s and Falkland Islands andswam with penguins in Antarctica. InJamaica I rafted down the Rio Grandeand swam there too.

Most cruise liners today have state-of-the-art spas, exercise immersionand mud baths. Many offer danceclasses, computer instruction and atleast one even has Austin Powers discoclasses!

S o you’re ready to try acruise – but where doyou start? Your f irstand best step should

always be to consult a CLIA-member travel agency.

Deciding on which cruise isfor you isn’t like buying a seaton an air-line. Everycruise lineis different,wi th eachoffer ing aspecific ori-e n t a t i o ndesigned tosat isfy thev a c a t i o nneeds of its guests. Plusbooking a cruise meansmaking several importantdecisions, from when youwant to sail to which desti-nations you want to visit towhat shore excursions youwant to sample.

CLIA-member agenciesare the cruise information pro-fessionals, supported by CLIAtraining and educational pro-grams, information and mar-keting assistance. Simply put,they’re the best resource forinformation on how to bookthe right cruise for you.

Of course, many travelersn ow a r e a c c u s t o m e d t oresearching their vacationson the Internet, and cruisevacations are no exception.In fact, while Internet usagein the vacat ion arena isexpected to cont inue to

grow, third-party researchsponsored by CLIA indi-cates that 61percent ofcruise vacationers on CLIA-m e m b e r l i n e s ( w h i c haccount for 95.5 percent ofworld cruise capacity) usedthe Internet to conduct

pre- or post-cruise pur-c h a s er e s e a r c h .H oweve r,these sameconsumerscontinuedto rely onthe servicesand counsel

of a travel agent when book-ing their cruise.

I t ’s e a s y t o i d e n t i f y a CLIA-member travelagency — just look for theassociation’s blue-and-whiteseal in the agency’s window.

You can also determine atravel agent’s depth of knowl-edge by asking if he or she iseither an Accredited CruiseCounsellor (ACC), a MasterCruise Counsellor (MCC) orEl i te Cruise Counsel lor(ECC). These designationsare the new gold standard forcruise sellers — they certifythe agent’s completion of arigorous program of educa-tional courses and firsthandexperience sailing aboardand evaluat ing the new-est cruise ships. To f ind aCLIA-member agency, visitwww.cruising.org.

Sponsor: Cruise LinesInternational AssociationTerry L. Dale, PresidentBob Sharak, Executive Vice PresidentBrian Major, Director of Public RelationsPublisher: Jim Furey

Content Development:Stuart Newman AssociatesDesign: B+W Creative GroupAdvertising: Furey & AssociatesCoordination: Joe D’AltoFor more information contact:Furey & Associates at

212-355-7034Fax: 212-980-9244E-mail: Furey@compuserve.com

From the charm of Europe to the sunnyCaribbean or the native culture of Alaska, a cruise vacation can take you to place you’ve only dreamed of.

For the physically challenged, a cruise can be a great

vacation alternative.

Advertising Supplement to USA TODAY 5

TH E O N LY

S I X - S TA R S H I P T O

BERMUDA

06-A

177-

312

WORLD’S BEST SMALL-SHIP CRUISE LINE 2003 — CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER

S P E C I A L O F F E RFREE TWO-NIGHT WALDORF = ASTOR IA THEATER STAY

- OR - SAVE$300!

For deck plan, suite layouts, hotel programs and full terms and conditions, please refer to the 2004 Bermuda Brochure. All fares quoted include EarlyBooking fares, are per person based on double occupancy, are subject to availability, and do not include airfare or port, handling and security charges.Early Booking fares based on reservations being made at least 120 days prior to sailing. Ship’s registry: Bahamas.

Luxury goes exploring SM

FO R R E S E RVAT I O N S, S E E YOU R T R AV E L P R O F E S S I O NA L. FO R I N F O R M AT I O N, C A L L 866-213-4802 O R V I S I T W W W.R S S C.C O M

Other islands offer an escape from civilization. Bermuda offers a chance to bask

in it. Especially when you arrive aboard the 490-guest Seven Seas Navigator. She’s

the only six-star ship that cruises weekly May through September from New York.

Come feel revitalized in relaxed, easy elegance. Enjoy spacious all-suite

accommodations – 90% with balconies – two open-seating restaurants, included

gratuities and fine wines with dinner. Plus for a limited time only, a 2-night stay

at the Waldorf=Astoria complete with tickets to a Broadway show! All from just

$2,785 per person. Compliments of the “World’s Best Small-Ship Cruise Line.”

By Morgana Cabrera

F rom cybe r c a f és t oremote wireless Internetaccess, vacationers canstay “connected” on the

high seas now that cruise linesare outfitting their ships withh i g h - t e c hextras.

The Inter-net is a greatway to keepin touch withf a m i l y ,f r iends andeven (if youmust) work.The type ofaccessibilityvaries amongcruise l iness h i p s , b u tmost offer atleast basic e-mail access.

Internet access most often isprovided in “cyber cafés.” Here,guests can surf the Internet andcheck e-mail from a Web-basedclient like Hotmail or Yahoo!Access is charged on a timebasis, usually a per-minutecharge for surfing or checkingmail.

Some guestsopt to sign up foran e-mail addressa s s i g n e d b y the cru ise ship.Generally, you can-not access yourregular account orsurf the Internetfrom this account.The service typical-ly costs more, witha per-e-mail chargefor sending andreceiving.

S t a t e r o o mInternet access is a recently addedoption available on a growingnumber of ships. Passengers caneither rent a laptop or use theirown after installing a LAN cardrented on board. The connection isavailable 24 hours a day, however,

f irewalls are inplace to protectthe network andm a y l i m i t f u l laccess.

W i r e l e s sInternet access isthe latest ship-board innovation.Passengers renta network card t o a ccess t heInternet and theire-mail at desig-nated locationsthrough-out theship — includ-ing poolside.

If staying connected is a toppriority, your CLIA-membertravel agent can help youchoose a ship that meetsyour vacation — as well as yourtechnological — needs.

Morgana Cabrera is a writer living in Los Angeles.

By R.W. Banks

D espite the common miscon-ception that taking a cruisemeans overeating and puttingon extra pounds, cruise lines

have responded in a variety of ways toAmericans’ interest in healthy living.From low-calorie menu options tostate-of-the-art gymnasiums, cruiseships offer many ways to maintain thesame health-conscious lifestyle youenjoy at home.

While most cruise ships offer up toeight dining opportunities per day (notcounting complimentary 24-hour roomservice), it is possible to eat well andmaintain your diet while at sea. Manylines offer a “spa” menu that providesfor low-calorie, low-cholesterol or veg-etarian options at every meal.

Salad and fruit bars are common,

as are a varietyo f j u i c e s a n dreduced-calor ie

salad dressings.Even the desser ttrays offer sugar-

free alternatives thatwill delight the palate

without stretching thewaistline.

Virtually every cruiseship offers on-boardworkout facilities on

board — many that would rival landsidegyms. From treadmills and step machinesto cycling and rowing machines, everyoption for cardiovascular exercise is cov-ered. In addition, weight machines andfree weights as well as workout stationsdesigned to address abdominal muscles,legs and backs are usually available.

Many cruise ships also offer jog-ging/walking tracks as well as basket-ball, tennis and volleyball facilities ondeck. In addition, most cruise shipsoffer exercise classes featuring aero-bics, pilates, stretching or cycling rou-tines for guests in group settings.

Spa facilities are increasingly popu-lar aboard cruise ships, and aredesigned to treat both the mind andbody. From massages and mud baths toEuropean treatments aimed at instantweight-loss, the selection is nearlyendless. Just remember to visit the spaearly during your cruise to scheduleyour treatment.

So whether you are a vegan, yogaaddict or just hooked on aerobics, thereis no reason why you can’t maintainyour healthy lifestyle while still enjoy-ing your cruise vacation.

R. W. Banks, former cruise editor of “ASTA Agency Management” magazine, has covered the cruiseindustry for 15 years.

Cruising is aHealthy Vacation

OptionHigh Technology On the High Seas

State-of-the-art gymnasiums and spasadd new meaning to ‘ship-shape.’

Cruise lines have facilities for ship board business seminars.

Computer games are ahighlight of shipboard children’s facilities.

Advertising Supplement to USA TODAY6

Cruising the Clean and Green Way

W hen you board your cruise ship, be prepared to participate in an integrated program of environ-mental practices that affects virtually every aspect ofshipboard operations.

Your stateroom might have a paper-recycling bin, and in the bath-room a notice may ask you to hang up your towel if you plan to reuseit, to help conserve water. On decks, you will find recycling recepta-cles for your aluminum, plastic and glass containers, and coveredashtrays for cigarette butts.

By participating in these activities, you are supporting the cruiseindustry’s commitment to being a good environmental steward. Thecruise companies have a vested interest in maintaining the quality ifthe seas they sail upon and the skies they sail under, and so they haveimplemented standards and technologies that place them at the fore-

front of environmental protection efforts in the travel andmaritime industries.

All cruise ships operating in U.S. waters must comply withall U.S. environmental laws, including the Clean Water Act, theClean Air Act and the Oil Pollution Act. In addition, cruise lines mustmeet an array of international environmental regulations establishedby the International Maritime Organization.

Most cruise lines pursue an aggressive program of waste mini-mization, waste reuse and recycling, waste stream management andshoreside waste disposal. Technological advances have made it pos-sible to treat wastewater on board, eliminate food wastes and newclean-air diesel and gas turbine engines can reduce emissions dramatically.

Some lines have joined with colleges, universities and institu-

tionsto fund

and inaugurateocean study programs. Crews from cruise ships regularly par-ticipate in beach clean-ups in Florida and around the Caribbean.

While many of the cruise company’s “green” environmental practices take place below decks and out of sight of passengers, youcan do your part by making “reduce, reuse and recycle” your cruisevacation slogan.

What Is The Cruise LinesInternational Association?

C ruise vacationsseem to havebeen around for-ever, but the mod-

ern cruise vacation actual-ly came of age in the1960s when early industryinnovators recognized theneed to find new, year-round uses for their shipsas the transatlantic passen-ger shipping trade fellvictim to the advent ofjet-propelled air travel.

Cruising soon emergedas an attractive leisurevacation option, but veryfew people knew exactlywhat a cruise vacationentailed. Moreover, as thetransatlantic shippingbusiness waned, fewerand fewer Americanscould even say they hadever been aboard a ship!Leisure cruising wasclearly a vacation modethat required greater visi-

bility, plus a talented andpassionate core of profes-sionals who could explaincruising’s appeal to mil-lions of potential ship-board vacationers.

Thus, in 1975, theCruise Lines InternationalAssociation (CLIA) wasformed. CLIA is thecruise industry’s market-ing and travel agent train-ing organization.Composed of 21 membercruise lines serving theNorth American market,CLIA’s mission is to pro-mote the value, desirabili-ty and affordability ofcruise vacations whilealso training and support-ing the primary sellers ofcruise vacations, the trav-el agent community.

CLIA currently boastsnearly 16,000 membertravel agencies, all ofwhom have access to

CLIA’s training programsand comprehensiveCruise CounsellorCertification Program,which requires agents tosuccessfully complete rig-orous training coursesand exams, attend cruiseconferences and conductship inspections.

CLIA-member agen-cies also receive a bountyof special services,including the latest newsand promotions from thecruise lines, marketingand publicity tips, anddetailed industry data, alldesigned to make CLIA-member agencies thetraveler’s best cruiseinformation resource.

To find a CLIA-mem-ber travel agency nearyou, look for the blue andwhite CLIA seal orCLIA seal or visitwww.cruising.org.

Carnival Cruise Lines 1-800-327-7276www.carnival.comCelebrity 1-800-221-4789 (Canada 800-668-6166)www.celebritycruises.comCosta Cruise Lines1-800-33-COSTAwww.costacruises.comCrystal Cruises1-800-820-6663www.crystalcruises.comCunard Line1-800-728-6273www.cunard.comDisney Cruise Line1-800-DCL-2500www.disneycruise.comFirst European Cruises1-888-983-8767www.first-european.com

Holland America Line1-800-626-9900www.hollandamerica.comMSC Italian Cruises1-800-666-9333www.msccruisesusa.comNorwegian Coastal Voyage1-800-666-2374www.coastalvoyage.com

Norwegian Cruise Line1-800-323-1308www.ncl.comOceania Cruises1-800-531-5658www.oceaniacruises.comOrient Lines1-800-333-7300www.orientlines.comPrincess Cruises1-800-PRINCESSwww.princess.com

Radisson Seven Seas Cruises1-800-477-7500www.rssc.com

Royal Caribbean International1-800-659-7225www.royalcaribbean.com

Royal Olympia Cruises1-800-872-6400www.royalolympiacruises.com

Seabourn Cruise Line1-800-929-9595www.seabourn.com

Silversea Cruises1-800-722-9955www.silversea.com

Swan Hellenic1-877-219-4239www.swanhellenic.com

Windstar Cruises1-800-258-7245www.windstarcruises.com

Call Your CLIA-Member Travel Agency or CLIA Member Lines

Cruise lines recognize the importance of keeping the oceans cleanfor their guests and the generations to come.

Advertising Supplement to USA TODAY 7

Safety and Security Are Top Priorities

The best way to plan and book yourcruise vacation is through a Cruise Lines InternationalAssociation (CLIA) TravelAgency Member. Many ofthese agencies haveMaster or AccreditedCruise Counsellors with extensivetraining and personal cruise experienceon a wide variety of ships. These cruiseexperts will match you with your perfectsea-going vacation experience.

Look for the dark blue and tealCLIA seal, which designatesan “Official Travel Agency ofthe Cruise Industry.”Or, click

onto the Cruise Expert Locator atwww.cruising.org

good things come to those who

CRUISE

When you go on vacation, the lastthing you want to do is worryabout the safety and security of

your loved ones. Cruise lines under-stand this, and have implemented awide range of measures to ensure thatcruising remains one of the safestforms of transportation available.

Over the past 20 years, the NorthAmerican cruise industry has compiledthe travel industry’s best safety record.While transporting 60 million passen-gers, the cruise line members of theInternational Council of Cruise Lineshave not experienced a single passen-ger fatality due to a maritime accidentin two decades.

Cruise lines are subject to stringentinternational standards as well as fed-

eral and state laws for vessels operat-ing f rom U.S. ports . A l l NorthAmerican cruise ships are periodicallyinspected by the Coast Guard and theU.S. Centers for Disease Control.

Here are some additional factsabout cruise line safety and security:

� A cruise ship is a controlledenvironment with limited access; onlycrew and guests who appear on theship’s manifest are allowed on board— equivalent to a secure building with24-hour security.

� Passengers and crew can onlyembark or disembark by passingthrough a security checkpoint.

�Highly trained security personnelare on board every cruise ship.

� At U.S. cruise terminals and sea-

ports, passenger screening includesinspection of carry-on luggage and theuse of metal detectors.

� Cruise lines conduct backgroundchecks on all prospective employees.

� Cruise ships maintain zero tol-erance for on-board crime, operatingwithin a legal framework under thejurisdiction of state and federalauthorities.

� Passengers are required to par-ticipate in a mandatory lifeboat drillconducted on every cruise, where theyreceive instructions on what to do incase of emergency.

Finally, according to FBI crime sta-tistics, you are safer on a cruise shipthan virtually anywhere else in theUnited States.

Advertising Supplement to USA TODAY8

*Rates are in U.S. dollars, per guest, double occupancy and are not combinable with any other offers. Restrictions apply. Offers are capacity controlled for a limited time and can be withdrawn at any time.Government fees and taxes not included. †See applicable Princess® brochure for terms, conditions and definitions that will apply to your booking.

© 2004 Carnival Corporation.All rights reserved. Ships’ Registry: Bermuda, Gibraltar, Italy, Great Britain, Netherlands, Panama,The Bahamas and The United Kingdom.

To find out more information, visit us at www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com or call your travel agent today.

SIMPLY THE BEST VACATION CHOICES & VALUES.

Call your travel agent,

1-800-CARNIVALor visit carnival.com

InteriorStateroom from

InteriorStateroom from

Ocean ViewStateroom from

Ocean ViewStateroom from

$249*

$299*

$479*

$649*

Experience the Caribbean “Fun Ship®” style.3 & 4 day cruises tothe Caribbean

7 day cruises tothe Caribbean

F O R T E N D A Y S

PANAMA CANALFROM

$999†

$1199†

F O R E L E V E N D A Y S

ALASKA CRUISETOURSFROM

F O R S E V E N D A Y S

C A R I B B E A NFROM

$549†

F O R S E V E N D A Y S

A L A S K AFROM

$699†

Call 1.800.PRINCESS

Or visit princess.com

Get more than a cruise. Get the adventure of a lifetime.

Inside

Staterooms

from:

SAVE UP TO 50% ON SELECT 7 TO 14-DAYEUROPEAN SAILINGS. FARES FROM $2,998*!FREE AIR OFFERED ON SELECT SAILINGS.

A Seabourn European voyage will never cease to amaze you. All ocean-view suites,ultra-luxury, with only 208 guests. Seabourn’s Europe. Where the wonders never cease.

For more information and reservationscall any travel agent or Seabourn at1-800-929-9391.OrvisitusatSeabourn.com.®· Open bar

· Open-seating dining with gourmet menusby celebrity chef Charlie Palmer

· Virtually one crew member per guest

· An Exclusively SeabournSM complimentaryshore experience with every sailing

· Tipping is neither required nor expected· 24-hour Suite Service

Europe’s #1 Cruise Line at 30% off

7-night Eastern &Western Mediterranean

InsideStaterooms from

$999*

OceanviewStaterooms from

$1,179*

7-night Baltic & Russia& Fjords

InsideStaterooms from

$1,189*

OceanviewStaterooms from

$1,429*CALL

1-800-33-COSTAwww.costacruises.com

Romantic’s Caribbean

May 10, 2004 8 daysFares are cruise-onlyInterior Stateroom from $1,679*

Ocean View Stateroom from $1,969*

Transatlantic Crossings

April - October 2004

Fares include One-way transatlantic airInterior Stateroom from $1,499*

Ocean View Stateroom from $2,149*

Call . . .

or visit. . Sh

ip's

regi

stry

: Gre

at B

ritai

n ©

200

4 Cu

nard

OUTSTANDING VALUES ON BEACHES AND FJORDS.7-DAY CARIBBEAN CRUISESINSIDE STATEROOMS

OUTSIDE STATEROOMS

Promotion 300

11-DAY ALASKA CRUISETOURSINSIDE STATEROOMS

OUTSIDE STATEROOMS

Promotion 1002

From

$599*

From

$699*

From

$1449*

From

$1599*

1 8 0 ˚ F R O M O R D I N A R Y

CaribbeanWind Spirit • Wind Surf

Feb. 15 - March 28, 2004Oceanview Staterooms From

$1,495*

TAHITI • CARIBBEAN • MEDITERRANEAN • NORTHERN EUROPE • TRANS ATLANTIC

TahitiWind Star

Feb. 20 - March 26, 2004Oceanview Staterooms From

$3,295*

AIR INCLUSIVE

MediterraneanWind Spirit • Wind Surf

April 17 - Nov. 14, 2004Oceanview Staterooms From

$1,895*

Call 1-87-STAR-SAIL ext.652SFor an advanced screening of the new Windstar look:

www.windstarcruises.com/newlook

W I N D S T A RC R U I S E S

180° From Ordinary.®

®