CRUISE NEWS.

NCL Sails "Green" Seas

Guests will experience traditional Irish folklore, music, and cuisine when Norwegian Cruise Line brings Ireland to the high seas aboard the Norwegian Majesty during a special series of Irish theme cruises this fall. From September 3 through October 15, the Norwegian Majesty will feature Irish entertainment, dining, and activities on its weekly cruises to St. George's, Bermuda, which sail roundtrip from Boston every Sunday.

In addition to the current line-up of stunning revues, Jean Ann Ryan Productions will present special performances including a mini "Riverdance" production. The Broesler Irish Step Dancers will be performing several show openers, as well as providing step dance instruction. Featured in the Royal Fireworks Lounge will be the Irish Rovers, an authentic Irish duo from Dublin.

After brushing up on facts from an on-board television channel providing nearly 50 hours of Irish cultural, folkloric, and historic highlights, guests can test their knowledge in Irish Trivia Contests. Also contributing to the Celtic ambience aboard will be Irish tunes set as background music, Irish toasts by the cruise staff, and dining and bar staff donning colorful Irish attire. Guests will also get a real taste of Ireland with regional dining offerings from the buffet on the Sun Deck. In addition there will be whiskey tastings from a selection of more than 40 brands.

For more information contact your travel agent or Norwegian Cruise Line (Cruise Travel Magazine), 7665 Corporate Center Dr., Miami, FL 33126.

Queen Mary 2 Contracted

Cunard Line recently announced that the company has signed a letter of intent to build its super-liner Queen Mary 2 at the Alstom Chantiers de L'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. The liner is expected to be launched in the last quarter of 2003. Once launched, the Queen Mary 2 is intended to fly the British flag, with her home port being Southampton, England.