Special Features & Items of Interest

 

Cruising highly rated by participants

A new study released by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) shows a promising outlook for the cruise industry fueled by satisfied customers. Despite a shaky economy, the study found that Americans are eager to travel more. The study findings display a healthy, in-demand cruise industry spurred on by vacationers with wide-ranging travel interests. A staggering 94.8 percent of all cruisers rated their cruise experience as satisfying.

"Given the current economic climate, we are particularly pleased to see that American cruisers remain bullish on the industry. Their high satisfaction with a wonderfully diverse cruise product drives their intention to take more cruises," said Terry Dale, CLIA's president and CEO.

Breaking news - update on the SS Topaz
During her time at anchor in Singapore Roads waiting for a decision on whether she was going on charter or to the breakers yard, the SS THE TOPAZ (ex EMPRESS OF BRITAIN, QUEEN ANNA MARIA, CARNIVALE, FIESTA MARINA, OLYMPIC) suffered a serious collision when chemical tanker CHAMPION BRALI (gt 31248, 1985-built, Bahamaian flagged) sliced off part of her bow. No further details have been received regarding the condition of THE TOPAZ, the exact date of the indicent, or resultant pollution.