Cruise News - news about cruise companies

Cruise Travel, Sept, 2000

World Cruise Co. Closes

Toronto-based World Cruise Co., a fledgling line designed to offer budget-priced world cruises, ceased operations in the middle of its second cruise late last spring.

The initial circumnavigation was made aboard the Ocean Explorer I (former Emerald Seas), a vessel that both passengers and cruise company found unsatisfactory. The second circuit, on the replacement Riviera I (ex-Don Juan), was aborted in Tahiti. Passengers on that sailing were to be reimbursed for their air fare home, and arrangements were being made to refund them for days not sailed. Refunds to those booked on future cruises were also promised.

Further inquiries can be directed to the World Cruise Co. (Cruise Travel Magazine), 890 Yonge St./3rd Floor, Toronto, ON M4W 3P4 Canada.

C.R.U.I.S.E. Awards Expand

When Princess Cruises presented its first-ever "Shore Excursion Of The Season" and "Tour Guide Of The Season" awards last year in the Caribbean, both passengers and tour providers responded enthusiastically. Prompted by that success, Princess has extended the program this year to one of its most popular cruise destinations--Alaska.

Part of Princess's C.R.U.I.S.E. customer-service program, these awards will cap off a season-long campaign to recognize the important role that shore excursions play in a quality Alaska cruise experience, and to assist tour operators and guides in enhancing service to cruise passengers. The program provides each tour company with informational materials to explain Princess's service standards. Passenger comments are then collected throughout the season to recognize top performing tours and guides.

The C.R.U.I.S.E. (Courtesy, Respect, Unfailing In Service Excellence) program began as a shipboard effort in 1996, and has since been extended throughout Princess's shoreside operations. The shore excursion arm of the program was designed to replicate onshore the high level of service passengers experience onboard.

For more information contact your travel agent or Princess Cruises (Cruise Travel Magazine), 10100 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90067.

Imperial Majesty Buys Ship

Imperial Majesty Cruise Line, South Florida's only two-night cruise to Nassau, Bahamas, has purchased the SS OceanBreeze from Premier Cruise Lines. The total value of the deal, including the purchase price and planned upgrades to the vessel, is in excess of $16 million. Imperial Majesty Cruise Line has chartered the ship since January 1999.

Imperial Majesty Cruise Line will continue to emphasize personalized, attentive service. As soon as practical, Imperial Majesty plans to redesign the hotel operations, including all cabins and public areas, and will be upgrading all onboard services and activities to further enhance the guest experience. Upgrades will take place this fall, during the vessel's regularly scheduled annual maintenance. The OceanBreeze, a classic lady of the seas, sails every other day from Ft. Lauderdale to Nassau/Paradise Island in the Bahamas.

For more information contact your travel agent or Imperial Majesty Cruise Line (Cruise Travel Magazine), 2900 Gateway Dr./Suite 200, Pompano Beach, FL 33069.

Zaandam's Dental Program

Holland America Line is making marine dental history with a new onboard program to provide interceptive and restorative dental care to the entire crew and, for the first time, all guests. The program, provided by Sea Dentist Inc., a Michigan state company, is being offered as a pilot program onboard Holland America's newest cruise ship, the Zaandam, which entered service last spring.

Sea Dentist assigns only those dentists who have completed many years of advanced training, those who are Board Certified, or those who hold a Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry. Holland America Line's director of medical services, Dr. Carter Hill, noted that the new, multifaceted program is another move up for Holland America Line in the area of medical services: "Holland America has always excelled in caring for the dental needs of our Indonesian and Filipino crew under the provisions of their contracts and will now expand the program to include all crew-members and our valued guests as well."

For more information contact your travel agent or Holland America Line (Cruise Travel Magazine), 300 Elliott Ave. W., Seattle, WA 98119.

Star Sells Sun Ships

Star Cruises recently announced that it has sold the two vessels it had acquired from Sun Cruises for $33 million, which is approximately the book cost of the two vessels. Star bought the two vessels from Sun for $33 million early this year in order to consolidate the cruise market in Singapore.

The MegaStar Capricorn (former Sun Viva 2, originally Renaissance Six) will be transferred to her new owner in November 2000. However, the vessel will be used by Star Cruises on a charter basis until March 2001. The MegaStar Sagittarius (former Sun Viva, originally Renaissance Five) is sold and will be delivered to her new owner in March 2001.