BOSTON, Jan. 24, 1996 -- In an exclusive arrangement with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Grand Circle Travel announces 10 unbeatable cruise deals in Europe and Alaska, with departures from May through September 1996. Among the savings offered are 2-for-1 cruises; free round-trip airfare to Europe from as many as 10 major East Coast cities; or low $99 round-trip airfare from 11 other major U.S. cities. In addition, single travelers pay no supplement on Grand Circle Travel's Guaranteed Single Fares in Alaska or just 25% more than the per person fare to Europe.

Grand Circle Travel passengers will travel to Europe aboard NCL's Star Odyssey and to Alaska aboard the Royal Odyssey. NCL recently acquired both four-star ships from Royal Cruise Line.

"Thirty-eight years in the senior travel industry and 500,000 past travelers give us the ability to create wonderful trips at excellent value," said Grand Circle Travel Chairman and CEO Alan E. Lewis. "We are delighted to work with Norwegian Cruise Line to provide older Americans with such terrific value. This offer will sell out very quickly, so we urge interested travelers to call now!"

Each Grand Circle Travel/NCL, Ltd. cruise includes exclusive group discounts off regularly published cruise fares of 50% or more; free or $99 airfare from 21 U.S. cities; up to $100 per person in shipboard credits; all shipboard accommodations, meals, entertainment, and amenities; shipboard welcome cocktail party; transfers; baggage handling; and more.

Travelers fly free to Europe from one or more of the following cities: Baltimore, Boston, Miami, Newark, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Washington, DC, West Palm Beach, and Orlando. Travelers pay only $99 to fly to Europe from one or more of the following cities: Atlanta, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, and Seattle.

Grand Circle Travel/NCL, Ltd. destinations:

Europe:

-- Scandinavian Capitals 13 days from only $2229 pp, w/RT Airfare

-- North Cape and Majestic Fjords 13 days from only $2229 pp, w/RT Airfare

-- Great European Capitals 12 days from only $1829 pp, w/RT Airfare

-- Vintage Europe 13 days from only $2079 pp, w/RT Airfare

-- Iberian Odyssey 13 days from only $1979 pp, w/RT Airfare

-- British Isles 13 days from only $2229 pp, w/RT Airfare

Alaska:

-- 7 days from only $879 per person 2 for 1 (or better)

-- 10 days from only $1129 per person 2 for 1

-- 12 days from only $1379 per person 2 for 1; low add-on airfares

For reservations or a free Grand Circle Travel/NCL catalog, please call 800-248-3737, Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Established in 1958, Grand Circle Travel (GCT) is the leading direct marketing company providing unique vacation packages each year to more than 40,000 active Americans aged 50 and older. Based in Boston, Massachusetts, GCT is the principal company of privately-held Grand Circle Corporation.