NEW YORK, Jan. 28 -- Cruise Lines International Association
(CLIA) promises to take the chill out of winter by blanketing the nation with
a host of promotional activities during its annual National Cruise Vacation
Month.

Scheduled for February 1999, the month-long promotion kicks off with
shipboard personnel traveling throughout the U.S. to talk first-hand about one
of the hottest vacation options today.

"The flurry of activities is sure to capture the imagination of thousands of
prospective first-time cruisers," says Vicki Freed, CLIA Chairman, "from
cruise nights hosted by local CLIA-affiliated travel agencies to Samsonite
retailers across the nation telling consumers to pack their bags for a cruise
of a lifetime."

For the first time, Freed points out, CLIA's cruise materials will be
featured in over 200 Samsonite retail locations during National Cruise
Vacation Month. Throughout the month of February, nearly one million cruise
prospects will be exposed to National Cruise Vacation Month collateral
displayed inside each store. In addition, shoppers will be able to pick up a
free copy of CLIA's special publication, the Cruise Vacation Planner, and sign
up for Samsonite's cruise vacation giveaway. Each participating store also
will be playing CLIA's newest video showing consumers why "You Haven't Lived
Until You've Cruised."

The association will also be the featured "Destination of the Month" on the
Samsonite web site (www.samsonitetravelexpo.com) with links to CLIA's web site
(www.cruising.org).

Hitting the road will be eight representatives from CLIA-member cruise
companies who will be interviewed by radio, television and print media in over
50 key markets on the diversity, value and excitement of cruise vacations.
They will also answer consumers' questions about new ships, itineraries,
destinations and vacations at sea. Participating cruise lines include
American Hawaii Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines, Crystal Cruises, Holland
America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Orient Lines, Premier Cruises and
Windstar Cruises.

CLIA also will distribute a specially produced public service announcement
to television stations throughout the U.S., highlighting the wealth of
knowledge and expertise travel agents provide in selecting the right cruise
for each of their customers. There are approximately 21,000 CLIA-affiliated
travel agencies, many of which don CLIA's "Official Cruise Vacation
Headquarters" window decal and office decorations.

Also throughout the month of February, CLIA's national consumer advertising
campaign, You Haven't Lived Until You've Cruised, will appear frequently on
cable TV and in major consumer publications.

"All promotional activities will encourage consumers to call CLIA's
toll-free number, 888-Y-CRUISE, to order the new 1999 Cruise Vacation
Planner," says Freed. "The 68-page color magazine features articles written
by renowned travel journalists on such topics as family cruising, worldwide
destinations and the cruise lines that visit them, helpful hints on packing
and shopping, and the benefits of consulting with a CLIA-affiliated travel
agent for selecting the perfect cruise vacation."

James G. Godsman, CLIA president, adds, "All that we create and produce for
National Cruise Vacation Month is in an effort to heighten awareness of
cruising during a time when many people are suffering from the winter blahs.
Travel agents typically experience a substantial increase in the number of
cruise vacation inquiries during this time and the wave of sales activity
generated during the month of February usually sets the tempo for the rest of
the year."

Anyone interested in learning more about cruises or National Cruise Vacation
Month may visit a CLIA-affiliated travel agency. To find one, look for the
blue, white and gold CLIA seal displayed at the agency, or visit CLIA's web
site at
www.cruising.org.