Hi Everyone,

I received this press release from the Cruise Lines International
Association (CLIA) and thought it would be of interest. If you have
missed any of my news' postings, they are available on my web site.

Best regards,
Ray
LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL
800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905
http://www.lighthousetravel.com


Escape Winter Blues: Book A Cruise

NEW YORK, Jan. 6
Why just daydream about a vacation to escape the winter blues? This is
a great time to turn desire into reality by booking a cruise.
A Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) member travel agent
can help you start the new year right with a real dream vacation: a
cruise with one of CLIA's member cruise lines.

"Whether as an escape for three to five days or a vacation of seven
days or longer, cruises offer the perfect way to relax, have fun, and
enjoy a different destination each day," says Bob Sharak, CLIA's
Executive Director. "And with a lineup of 29 North American
embarkation ports, travelers don't have to go very far at all to meet
their ship."

While the snow is falling in your backyard, you could be on a ship en
route to the sun-drenched beaches of the Caribbean, Tahiti, Hawaii,
Australia, South Africa, Mexico, South America, or the Bahamas. Summer
vacationers have plenty of cruise options to choose from too, with a
variety of sailings to Europe and the Mediterranean, Alaska, the
Baltic, the Caribbean, and New England/Canada.

The destinations are only half the fun -- sailing there is the best
part of the trip.

"Great things happen to people who cruise," says Sharak. "There's more
to enjoy on ships than anyone could pack into a single vacation.
Cruisers young and old can enjoy sports on deck; soak up the sun by
the pool; have fun in the arcades; learn new skills; take in a
spectacular show; savor a gourmet meal -- do everything imaginable or
nothing at all. There is literally something for everyone on a
cruise."

Although the incredible variety of cruise options may seem daunting,
the nearly 16,000 CLIA member travel agencies in the United States and
Canada make it easier than ever to pick the best cruise for you.
CLIA's continuous education program trains the cruise sellers at its
member travel agencies to become experts on cruise vacations,
preparing agents to help consumers select the absolute best cruise for
them by considering key aspects including lifestyle, budget, age,
hobbies, and more.

"Potential cruise vacationers who go through a CLIA-member agency to
plan and book their next sailing will discover that they don't have to
do any of the work themselves," says Sharak. "Our agents are
specialists at pairing people up with the best cruise for them, and
getting them the best deal possible."

But it doesn't end there.

Agents of CLIA-member travel agencies also help prepare guests for
their trip, tell them how to get the most out of their cruise, and are
always available to answer any last-minute questions.

"From beginning to end, CLIA-member travel agencies make cruise
planning simple and enjoyable," adds Sharak.

To find a CLIA-member travel agency in your area, use the Cruise
Expert Locator on CLIA's website, www.cruising.org, or look for the
blue, white and gold CLIA seal displayed at the agency. The website
also features a wide range of information on cruises and destinations,
as well as numerous links to affiliated cruise lines and other
resources.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is a nonprofit marketing
and training organization comprising 21 leading cruise lines in 2004,
which together accommodate 95 percent of the North American cruise
passengers. Approximately 16,000 travel agencies focused and engaged
in the sales of cruise vacations in the U.S. and Canada are members of
the association. The association conducts cruise industry-related
research and communication initiatives to educate and promote the
attributes of cruise vacations and CLIA member travel agencies to the
traveling public. CLIA is a recognized travel industry leader in sales
education. CLIA provides an extensive array of educational programs
for travel agents including curriculum leading to certification as
Accredited Cruise Counsellors, Master Cruise Counsellors and Elite
Cruise Counsellors -- considered the consumers' best resource for
planning a cruise vacation. For more information on CLIA, its member
cruise lines and travel agencies, visit its website at
www.cruising.org.