| Could Port Say Bon Voyage to Hawaiian Cruises?
The sun would likely set on the West Coast�s Hawaii-bound cruises if a controversial federal rule governing port calls is changed. And while it would impact the state�s ports, it would hurt Southern California in particular since most Hawaiian cruises sail from San Diego or Los Angeles. The 122-year-old Passenger Vessel Services Act requires that foreign-flagged ships destined from one U.S. port to another must first stop at a foreign dock. Most of the nation�s cruise lines fly foreign flags to avoid the higher costs and restrictions
associated with sailing under the U.S. flag. Most Hawaii-bound vessels leaving San Diego dock briefly in Baja California, Mexico. The proposed change, sought by a U.S.-flagged operator of inter-island Hawaiian cruises, would mandate that all foreign-flagged Hawaii-bound ships departing California spend at least 48 hours, or a third of the trip, docked at a foreign port.
Hawaii cruises now on sale
Surrounded by thousands of miles of ocean, it only makes sense to see Hawaii the way ancient Polynesian voyagers did — from the sea. These pearls of the Pacific are packed with breathtaking natural wonders but they're also a pricey cruise destination. So we recommend booking one of the early-bird specials we scoured, for three Aloha State sailings next spring. Discounts run as high as 56 percent and prices drop to as low as $1,049. Circle Hawaii cruise aboard HL Zaandam
For the best savings and the most epic Hawaiian odyssey, you can't do better than the terrific bargain just released by CruisesOnly. A 15-night Hawaii voyage with Holland America next fall sells for just $1,499 in an interior cabin. At this price, discounted by 32 percent, the upscale Zaandam hits high seas round-trip from San Diego on two dates: October 23 and November 22.
Norwegian Sky to sail out of Miami
NCL Corp., changing course again, unveiled plans to base the Norwegian Sky at the Port of Miami, offering three and four-day Bahamas cruises beginning July 14. In February, when Miami-based NCL announced it was removing the ship from the inter-island Hawaiian market, it said the vessel -- formerly named the Pride of Aloha -- would join Star Cruises' fleet and sail in Asia this summer. Hong Kong-based Star Cruises currently owns a 50-percent stake in NCL after recently selling a 50-percent interest in NCL to New York-based private-equity firm Apollo Management, which also obtained control of the board. ''Star was in the process of looking to sell the ship to third parties, so we stepped in and said if you're not going to use it in your fleet, we'll plan to use it for NCL,'' said Colin Veitch, NCL's chief executive officer.
Early Booking Amenities Available Until May 31 for Holland America Line's 2009 Grand Voyages
In 2009, three Holland America Line ships -- ms Rotterdam, ms Prinsendam and ms Amsterdam -- will offer four distinct Grand Voyages ranging from 50 to 117 days that span the globe. Guests who make full-cruise reservations by May 31, 2008, will be privy to a host of early booking amenities to enhance their cruise experience. .
Northwestern Cruises to 15-4 Win Over Elmhurst
EVANSTON, Ill. - Despite playing its fifth game in four days and coming off a heart-breaking loss, the Northwestern baseball team had enough left in its tank to easily dispose of Elmhurst 15-4 Tuesday afternoon at Rocky Miller Park. Rob Campbell and Max Mann led the Wildcats with three hits apiece.
NU (18-23) tied a season high for hits in a regulation game with 17 in the contest. The Wildcats collected 20 hits in a 10-inning victory over Oklahoma State March 1. Northwestern was also aided by six Elmhurst errors in Tuesday's contest.
Coming off tough 10-9 loss at Illinois in the finale of a four-game series Monday, Northwestern jumped on the Bluejays and starter Dan Napientek for four runs in the bottom of the first. After the first two batters were retired, Jake Goebbert was hit by a pitch and scored on a double by Chris Lashmet.
|
