SuperStar Leo and SuperStar Virgo have been operating in Hong Kong and Singapore since their delivery from Europe in 1998 and 1999 respectively. The two ships have over the years enhanced the skylines of two of Asia’s leading air-sea hubs.

“The decision to deploy the ships to Australia is a result of the continuing market challenges and difficult operating conditions we have been facing in our core markets in Asia which warranted an immediate review of the ships’ current itineraries. Star Cruises is using the advantage of the deployment flexibility of its ships to operate the larger vessels in non-affected SARS countries,” said Mr. Chong Chee Tut, Star Cruises’ Chief Operating Officer.

The ships would initially be based in Australia for one-to-three months to evaluate their viability. There are plans to sell the Star Cruises Australian cruise itineraries in the US, UK and Asia as well as around Australia and New Zealand. Star Cruises’ Senior Vice President of International Sales and Marketing, Mr.Gary Sharman who is presently in Sydney to supervise the redeployment programme said the ships should prove a boon for local tourism.

“The arrival of the ships is expected to dovetail well with recent initiatives by Australian tourism bodies to attract more overseas tourists, especially New Zealanders. While Australians are also showing a reluctance to travel to some popular international destinations, there is evidence that domestic travel here is strong. Being able to depart from home ports will give them peace of mind and security as well as a cruise experience they would normally get if they travelled overseas,” added Mr Sharman. “SuperStar Leo will take on local passengers and depart Cairns on Anzac Day, Friday, 25th April 2003 cruising between stopovers in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne before returning to Sydney on Sunday, 4th May 2003. She will then commence regular cruises from Sydney, including nine- and ten-night itineraries to South Pacific and various Australian ports.”

“SuperStar Virgo will take on local passengers in Perth before commencing cruises along the West Australian seaboard, north to Broome and then across the Great Australian Bight to Adelaide and Melbourne,” said Mr. Sharman.

The twin sister ships are the first newbuilds in the Star Cruises fleet designed to introduce resort-style cruising to Asia as Star Cruises embarked on pioneering the development of the cruising landscape in the region. When delivered in 1998 and 1999 respectively, the SuperStar Leo and SuperStar Virgo were among the fastest cruise ships in the world in the 75,000-gross tonne and above category with a maximum speed of 25.5 knots.

CUNARD NAMES NEW SHIP 'QUEEN VICTORIA' Miami ::: March 31, 2003 - Cunard Line announced today that its new 85,000-ton cruise ship, which is scheduled to enter service in 2005, will be named Queen Victoria. Dedicated to the British cruise market, Queen Victoria will be the second largest Cunarder ever built carrying 1,968 passengers. Together with the current flagship, Queen Elizabeth 2, and Queen Mary 2, the largest passenger ship ever, the Cunard fleet will include three Queens for the first time - truly the most famous ocean liners in the world.

Currently being built at Italy's Fincantieri shipyard, Queen Victoria will enter service in the company's 165th anniversary and will operate round-trip Southampton cruises to the Mediterranean, Canaries, Northern Europe as well as cruises to the Caribbean. The vessel will feature a covered wrap-around promenade deck, a forward-facing observation lounge, and a large Lido pool with a retractable magrodome. Innovative "exterior elevators" with glass walls will uniquely tower 10 decks high on both sides of the vessel. Like QE2 and QM2, the liner will have a Queens Grill offering single-seating gourmet dining.

"Cunard Line was founded just after Queen Victoria came to the throne, and her reign saw the company develop hugely in every sense," said Pamela Conover, president and COO of Cunard Line. "Today, with more capacity than we have had for 40 years, Cunard is entering a new phase of expansion commensurate with that experienced under Queen Victoria, so it seems entirely appropriate for the new ship to bear the name."

The on-board menus, entertainment and lecture programming will be geared toward British tastes and the currency will be sterling. In design terms Queen Victoria will have an undeniably British feel with two British design teams being responsible for her interiors. Queen Victoria will offer a wide range of accommodations including large standard outside cabins (170 sq ft) and a high percentage of balcony cabins (67%) - bringing new levels of luxury and choice to the British passenger. The new liner's inaugural voyage will be in early 2005, approximately one year after the launch of Queen Mary 2.

SEVEN SEAS MARINER VOTED "SHIP OF THE YEAR" Fort Lauderdale ::: March 14, 2003 - The 7,500 member World Ocean and Cruise Liner Society voted the 700-guest all-balcony suite Seven Seas Mariner(r) the "Ship of the Year" in its 2003 Annual Survey of Cruise Ships. Surpassing the competition with top marks in food, alternative dining (dinner), stateroom comfort, dining room service and overall cruise experience categories, the Mariner outranked 40+ vessels. "Seven Seas Mariner was voted 'Ship of the Year' by our members for delivering the highest degree of overall satisfaction to them during the past year, "said George Devol, publisher/editor of Ocean & Cruise News, the Society's monthly publication.

Rankings were drawn from members' Cruise Report Cards, used to grade their 2002 cruise vacations in 14 categories on a scale of 1 - 10. In determining the "Ship of the Year," all categories - except food, dining service and overall (experience) - received equal weight. "Because of their far greater importance and because they have the most influence on passenger satisfaction, food, dining and overall experiences carry greater weight," said Devol.

The Seven Seas Mariner topped out in these three areas as well as in alternative dining (dinner) and stateroom comfort. The acclaimed vessel, which debuted in 2001, also scored high marks in itinerary, alternative dining (breakfast & lunch), appearance, housekeeping service, bar, spa & gym facilities and shore excursions categories. For further information, visit the Web site: www.rssc.com. To make reservations contact your travel professional.

CRYSTAL CRUISES ANNOUNCES LAST-MINUTE CANCELLATION INSURANCE LOS ANGELES ::: Feb 13, 2003 - Luxury cruise specialist Crystal Cruises is launching "Cruise Protection Program-PLUS," an optional new insurance upgrade allowing travelers to cancel their cruise for absolutely any reason up until three days before departure, and receive a 90% cruise credit of the cancellation fee valid for any sailing within 12 months.

Cruise Protection Program-PLUS is available on all cruises aboard Crystal Harmony, Crystal Symphony, and the new Crystal Serenity, departing between May 15 and December 31, 2003.
The new program is available as an upgrade to the line's standard Cruise Protection Program which covers trip cancellation and interruption for medical reasons and a range of other emergency assistance services. The cost to upgrade to the Cruise Protection Program-PLUS from Crystal's standard insurance plan for cruise fares under $8,000 per person is an additional $200 per person, or 3% of the cruise fare for voyages over $8,000 per person.
Crystal Cruises launched a similar program in late 2001 that expired at the end of 2002.

Crystal Cruises' ultra-luxurious vessels, Crystal Harmony, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity offer 63 sailings, ranging in length from seven to 104 days, in Asia, Europe, the Mediterranean, the Baltic, South America, South Pacific, New England/Canada, Alaska, Antarctica, Mexican Riviera and the Panama Canal/Caribbean. The line's third ship, Crystal Serenity, debuts in July.

For more information on Cruise Protection Program-PLUS and to make reservations, contact your professional travel agent.

THE THREE GORGES WILL REMAIN ON VICTORIA CRUISES’ ITINERARIES AFTER THE DAM PROJECT IS COMPLETE (Yangtze River In China Will Continue To Draw Visitors Worldwide) NEW YORK ::: Jan 14, 2003 – The magnificent Three Gorges will remain on Victoria Cruises’ Yangtze River itineraries in 2003 and beyond, as the Three Gorges Dam project, the largest engineering endeavor of its kind, moves into its next phases of development. “Many people are under the assumption that once the Dam and flooding are complete, the Three Gorges will disappear, but this is not true,” said Larry Greenman, manager, public relations and customer service for Victoria Cruises.
“The Yangtze River will continue to be one of China’s most popular attractions, even when the Three Gorges Dam Project goes into its next phase and the water levels begin to rise,” said Greenman. “The Three Gorges rise 1,000 meters above sea level, and the flooding in 2003 will only raise the water levels to 135 meters above sea level, therefore leaving much of the Three Gorges for travelers to enjoy as they sail the Yangtze,” he added.

In 2006, the water levels will rise to 165 meters above sea level, and in 2009, when the Dam project is complete, the water levels will rise to 175 meters. While it is true that 39 of the 108 historical objects and sites in the Three Gorges will be submerged once the Dam project is complete, the majority of sites and magnificent scenery will not be affected. Breathtaking vistas will remain. Spectacular mountain ridges and mystical, cloud-shrouded peaks will remain. The peaceful atmosphere of the area will continue to prevail. And, in an effort to save a number of the historical sites that will be impacted by the flooding, several of these attractions will be moved and relocated elsewhere. For example, Zhang Fei Temple in Yunyang will be rebuilt strictly (in a new resettlement area) according to its current architectural design.

How The Three Gorges Will Remain The Same:
The Qutang, Wu and Xiling Gorges – better known as the infamous Three Gorges – will continue to be enjoyed by travelers after the Dam project is complete because of the sheer size of the Gorges.
The current water level in the area of the Qutang and Wu Gorges is quite high, so the Dam project will increase the water approximately 80 meters. Since the mountain peaks and cliffs in these areas are between several hundred and more than 1,000 meters high, most picturesque spots will not be impacted beyond the disappearance of a few plank roads and water eroded caves.
The landmark peak of Kui Gate in the Qutang Gorge stands at 350 meters, so this will not be affected. However, the scenic spots at the entrance such as Historical Cliff Road, MengLiang Ladder and Pink Wall have been moved to a place above 175 meters high.
The 12 peaks of Wu Gorge are around 1,000 meters in height with the legendary Goddess Peak rising 900 meters. With the water level increasing about 50 meters, these peaks will continue to impress and inspire visitors. Actually, the distance from Goddess Peak to the riverside will be lessened from 860 meters to 750 meters, affording even better views of the peak.
The western part of Xiling Gorge will be submerged while the eastern part -- namely Huiangniu Gorge and the Shadow-Play Gorge -- will remain. Huangling Temple (commemorating Yu the Greta), Lamp Shadow Gorge, Sanyou Cave and QuYuan Memorial Temple in Zigui will also be unaffected.

The Changing Face Of The Three Gorges:
Once the Dam project is complete in 2009, the following sites along the upper Yangtze River will disappear: Zhang Fei Temple in Yunyang (being relocated), the Eight-Diagram Formations in Fengjie, the cliff tablets, plank roads and the Bellows Gorges at Qutang Gorge, the Kongming Tablet at the Wu Gorge, and the Military Brook, Precious Swords and the Ox Liver and Horse Lung formations at Xiling Gorge.
Part of the ghost town of Fengdu will be submerged; scenery above the “Door of Hell” will remain. Baidi City in FengJie will be partially submerged and then be known as Baidi Island. Mt. Bidishan will have water on four sides (now it’s surrounded by water on three sides).
After the flooding, tourists will no longer have to climb or hike to Shibao Block, Jade Seal Hill and White Emperor City, which are located in the mountains and will be cloaked in mists.

Enhanced Travel Options Through The Gorges:
The resulting higher water levels will actually allow Victoria Cruises to reach parts of the Yangtze River that were previously not accessible. Flooding will make it possible for visitors to travel further into the Small Three Gorges and go upstream on the Wu, Daning and Shennong Rivers – all Yangtze tributaries. Tourists will be able to see many new destinations – among them a cluster of 24 coffins placed in crevices on steep cliffs (bronze objects in these coffins have dated the owners to the Western Han Dynasty 206 BC-AD 24).
Although the Small Three Gorges will experience a slight diminishment of features of Longmen Gorge and BaWu Gorge, the potential expansion of these Gorges’ offerings is amazing.
In an effort to provide travelers with the most complete Yangtze River experience, Victoria Cruises is researching new sightseeing opportunities, previously not accessible, for after the water levels rise and the Dam project is finished.
The Three Gorges Dam Site: Yes, the Three Gorges Dam Project will have an impact on tourism, but in actuality, the Dam site itself will become a major Chinese attraction. The Three Gorges Dam is being built to control the Yangtze River and the floods that ravage the river basin each year. Beyond flood control, the massive water conservancy project will yield benefits for power generation, navigation, the breeding of aquatic products, and water supply. The Three Gorges Dam Project is taking approximately 12 years to complete (with it finishing in 2009).

Victoria Cruises: The Pre-eminent Cruise Line Plying The Yangtze’s Waters: Based in New York, Victoria Cruises established new standards of excellence for Yangtze River cruising in 1994 with the inaugural sailing of the Victoria I. Since that time, the number of ships has grown year-by-year, and the company has achieved great success by introducing the majesty of the Yangtze River to travelers worldwide. A U.S.-managed company, Victoria Cruises operates the largest fleet of vessels sustaining international standards of quality and comfort on the Yangtze River.
Highlighted by spectacular scenery, these river adventures leave an indelible mark in the memories of Victoria’s guests. All cruises feature professional, multi-lingual, Western cruise directors and well-trained local staff; a full range of facilities; Chinese specialties and Western cuisine; standard cabins offering comfortable accommodations as well as luxuriously-appointed suites; interesting lectures on history and culture; live entertainment featuring traditional performing arts; and more.
In 2003, Victoria Cruises will offer four- to nine-day itineraries (Grand Yangtze Discovery, Eastern Yangtze and Classic Yangtze, plus summer and winter specials) for journeys downstream or upstream between Chongqing and Nanjing or ones that begin and end in Wuhan.
Travelling the length of the Yangtze River on the Grand Yangtze Discovery introduces cruisers to the ancient and modern wonders of China between Chongqing and Nanjing, historically significant as the seat of the imperial court by the first Ming emperor.

Highlights include the famed Three Gorges – Qutang, Wu and Xiling – showcasing dramatic scenery, deep valleys, verdant landscapes and stunning vistas; shore excursions of the Small Gorges of either Shennong Stream or the Daning River; and the Three Gorges Dam Site, the world’s largest construction project.
The Eastern Yangtze itinerary takes cruisers between Nanjing and Wuhan, upstream and downstream. NEW to this itinerary in 2003 are stops at Jiujiang, a peaceful town, once the premier port for the porcelain and tea trade, as well as the starting point for a visit to Mt. Lushan; Guichi and mystical Mt. JiuHuaShan.
The Classic Yangtze sailing brings the magnificence of the Three Gorges and the Small Three Gorges into view. The ship journeys through vast canyons as it carries travelers between Chongqing and Wuhan.
A new seasonal itinerary (winter 2002/2003) takes travelers between Chongqing and Yichang. Highlights include the Three Gorges Dam Site, magnificent Xiling Gorge and the Small Gorges. For more information and a free 34-page brochure (or 10-minute video for travel agents), please contact Victoria Cruises at 57-08 39th Avenue, Woodside, NY 11377; telephone (800) 348-8084, (212) 818-1680; fax (212) 818-9889. Send e-mail to contact@victoriacruises.com or visit www.victoriacruises.com

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