NEW YORK, Jan. 6 -- The cruise industry is poised to launch a
flotilla of new ships, itineraries and port calls in 1998.

"Seasoned and first-time cruise vacationers will find the new year to be
exceptional," says James G. Godsman, president of Cruise Lines International
Association (CLIA). "A new cruise line sets sail, the industry's first smoke-
free ship takes to the seas and CLIA-member cruise lines continue adding
itineraries that are exotic and adventuresome. And, cruise vacations still
provide exceptional value, with onboard activities, accommodations and meals
included in the cost of a cruise."

In 1998, CLIA-member lines plan to add seven newly built ships to the fleet,
while two cruise lines begin sailing refurbished vessels and a third lengthens
two of its ships. The new vessels will accommodate from 312 to 2,600-plus
passengers and feature a variety of amenities, including virtual reality
centers, fully equipped conference facilities and entire decks dedicated to
children's programs. Among the new ships expected this year:

-- Carnival Cruise Lines' 2,040-passenger Elation (April) and 2,040-
passenger Paradise, the world's first smoke-free cruise ship (December).

-- Disney Cruise Line's 1,750-passenger Disney Magic (April) and 1,750-
passenger Disney Wonder (December).

-- Princess Cruises' 2,600-passenger Grand Princess (May) and 1,950-
passenger Sea Princess (November).

-- Royal Caribbean International's 2,000-passenger Vision of the Seas (May).
The two cruise lines adding refurbished vessels to their fleets are
Windstar Cruises, which plans to sail the 312-passenger Wind Surf beginning in
May, and Mediterranean Shipping Cruises, which introduces the 1,076-passenger
Melody this month.

The cruise line lengthening vessels is Norwegian Cruise Line, which will
insert 130-foot midsections into the Dreamward and the Windward, and rename
the ships Norwegian Dream and Norwegian Wind, respectively,

Also making news in 1998 are what the industry calls "theme" cruises,
sailings geared to special interests and activities. This year, passengers
may immerse themselves in the intricacies of golf, Elvis and skiing, among
other topics.

And, new ports and itineraries are expected to continue attracting
passengers this year. For example, cruise passengers may visit the Great
Barrier Reef in Australia/New Zealand or the Orinoco Jungle River in South
America, or choose from itineraries with stops in Estonia, Croatia, Fiji,
Vietnam, Society Islands, Australia, Sumatra, Brazil and Argentina.

In addition, several other cruise lines are expanding their cruise and land
options with new hotel packages in Hawaii, Europe and the Mediterranean.

Information about cruises is available from any of the more than 22,000
CLIA-affiliated travel agencies in North America, through CLIA's website at
http://www.cruising.org, or by phone, toll-free, at 1-888-Y-CRUISE.

/NOTE TO EDITORS: For more details on what's new in the cruise industry in
1998, please call Diana M. Orban Associates, Inc. at 973-605-2121.
Photography also is available./