NEW YORK, Jan. 31 -- The North American cruise industry is well
on the way to another record-setting year, according to Cruise Lines
International Association (CLIA).

Bookings during what is traditionally known as the Wave Period are up over
the same period last year, CLIA-member lines indicate. In fact, several lines
report record-setting booking numbers during the first three full weeks after
the New Year holiday, which is traditionally a barometer of booking activity
for the remainder of the year.

"The Wave Period numbers put CLIA on track to surpass last year's record of
nearly 6.9 million cruise passengers," says James G. Godsman, CLIA president.
"With a net capacity increase of 8 percent in 2001, we would expect passenger
growth to rise accordingly."

"The strong numbers can be attributed to several factors, including the
cruise lines' aggressive promotions in the fourth quarter of 2000, nasty
weather throughout much of the country in the beginning of 2001 and the
widespread perception that cruises offer a great deal of value. It is clear
that more and more consumers are understanding the value of cruising."

A sampling of CLIA-member lines reveals the following Wave Period activity:
-- Carnival Cruise Lines experienced two consecutive weeks of record
reservations, with both weeks surpassing last year's one-week high.
During the period Jan. 8-14, Carnival booked 52,334 individual guests
on a net basis, a 25 percent increase over the previous 2000 one-week
record.
-- Bookings for First European Cruises are up substantially during Wave
Period, reflecting a 50 percent increase over the same time next year.
-- Holland America Lines reports that Wave Period bookings are strong and
steady, with overall averages higher than last year and ahead of
anticipated pace.
-- Norwegian Cruise Line officials say they are pleased with the Wave
Period booking activity and the positive response to the line's
Freestyle Cruising concept.
-- In January, Orient Lines enjoyed a 50 percent increase in bookings for
its summer cruise-tours to the Mediterranean and Scandinavia.

To learn more about cruise vacations, visit CLIA's website at
http://www.cruising.org, or visit a CLIA-affiliated travel agency. Find one
using the Cruise Expert Locator on CLIA's website, or by looking for the blue,
white and gold CLIA seal displayed in your local travel agency.