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Hello Cruise Fans, Welcome to another edition of the 7 Seas Cruise News, a resource for news (and opinions) about the world of cruising. A hearty welcome to all of our new subscribers! We hope you'll enjoy this weekly get-together, brought to you by Pat Crane of 7 Seas Cruises. Whenever you' re in the market for a cruise-or you just want to talk about the possibility-give Pat a call at 1-866-424-1090 toll-free in the U.S., or send him an e-mail at cruiseplanners7seascruises@msn.com And remember, you are always welcome at the Website, www.7seascruises.com This week, we have some news from throughout the industry, but first I want to follow-up on our Antarctic topics of last week. I've found a few less expensive ways to get to another exotic end of the earth. This time, it's the Arctic. The most expensive way to go is Holland America's 33-day cruise in August, sailing round-trip from New York. Along with the Baltic capitals, there are visits to Iceland and Greenland (including a day cruising something called the "Fjord of Eternity) and some cruising inside the Arctic Circle. The less-expensive option seems to be a day-long shore excursion available from virtually any cruise that makes a port call in Helsinki, Finland. On this excursion, you fly Finnair to the town of Rovaniemi in Lapland and enjoy a full day of adventures among the local people and their reindeer. You even have a visit to Santa's land. Cost for the shore excursion is around $500 per person, but many who've gone say it's worth it! Elsewhere, NCL has done it again. Long known for their salvation of the S/S France and its conversion to the S/S Norway, NCL has purchased the S/S United States-the long-forgotten fastest ship ever built in the U.S. Gutted and ghost-like, she had been languishing at a wharf on the Philadelphia waterfront-a sad end for the ship that during her maiden voyage in 1952, crossed the Atlantic at speeds in excess of 35 knots and earned the coveted "Blue Riband." It was rumored that the United States could actually steam at 50 knots! Decommissioned in 1969, her days were numbered when NCL came to her rescue. The plan calls for complete restoration. NCL also purchased the Independence recently. Another American-built classic, she was sailing for American Hawaii Cruises then American Classic Voyages until bankruptcy ended her career. Now, like the United States, she'll be back! Thanks, NCL! Speaking of Heroes??¦ The Canadian Coast Guard's Marine Search and Rescue Unit presented a certificate of appreciation to Royal Caribbean International' s Radiance of the Seas in recognition of the ship's recent rescue of three Canadian fishermen. The presentation was made in a brief ceremony while the cruise ship was docked in Vancouver. The event commemorates the June 13 rescue of three Canadian fishermen who were clinging to the side of their nearly sunken boat. Radiance of the Seas was sailing south on Canada's west coast toward Vancouver, British Columbia. At 5 a.m., it received an emergency radio call from the Canadian Coast Guard. The 67-foot Canadian fishing vessel, Silver Bounty, was sinking, having been overwhelmed by 40-knot winds and 12-foot seas. Silver Bounty was located in the Hecate Strait, 40 miles southeast of Queen Charlotte Islands - - and 15 miles ahead of Radiance of the Seas, who reached the nearly submerged fishing vessel at 6 a.m. By that time, the three fishermen had spent some 90 minutes in the 50- degree water. Fortunately, the fishermen had an opportunity to put on rescue suits that allowed them to survive that long in the frigid waters. Pat just interrupted me and asked that I tell you that he has some great coupons for use on a wide variety of Royal Caribbean and Celebrity fall cruises. That means even better savings for you. Of course, we ALWAYS beat "direct from cruise line" prices. And Pat discounts every single cruise, every cruise line, every ship and every destination. And we never charge booking fees, or mailing fees or any of those silly extras that other discounters use. Not us. Not here. Not ever! New Ship for RCCL??¦ Royal Caribbean International today announced that its 3,114-passenger Mariner of the Seas now will debut in Port Canaveral on November 16, 2003, a week earlier than originally scheduled. The new maiden voyage will be a special, one-time-only Eastern Caribbean itinerary calling in Nassau, Bahamas; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Philipsburg, St. Maarten. The new, 142,000-ton Mariner of the Seas will be the fifth ship in the company's Voyager class and will be the largest ship to sail from Port Canaveral. Mariner features the line's signature rock-climbing wall, an inline skating track, full-size basketball court, and Royal Promenade -- a shopping, dining and entertainment street running through the center of the ship. Mariner of the Seas also features a 900-seat ice skating and entertainment venue known as Studio B, a 1,350- seat Broadway-style theater, a miniature golf course, and one of the largest fitness and spa complexes at sea. Mariner of the Seas will begin her regularly scheduled, year-round itineraries on Nov. 23, sailing alternating seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises. Celebrity has a Mediterranean Problem??¦ Celebrity Cruises is canceling its July 22 cruise on Millennium to replace a thrust- bearing unit in the ship's port propulsion system. The ship must enter drydock to replace the bearing. The cancelled cruise is an 11-night voyage from Barcelona to Venice. The ship is expected to resume service August 2. Guests booked on the July 22 sailing will receive a full refund for their cruise, plus a free future Celebrity cruise of up to 12 nights, departing on or before December 15, 2004, excluding holiday sailings. Guess that's about it from here. Until next week, here's wishing for favorable seas??¦ Teri |
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