Cruise Ship Chartered for R&R;, 2nd One Sought

The Pentagon, in search of rest-and-recreation destinations for U.S. troops in Saudi Arabia, has chartered a luxury cruise ship for a fee of $31 million to provide brief Persian Gulf getaways for desert-weary men and women, Pentagon officials said Thursday.

The military also is searching for a second cruise ship after a smaller vessel it planned to lease for $23 million failed its safety inspection Thursday, officials said.

The Cunard Princess--complete with swimming pool, movie theater and whirlpools--is expected to arrive in the Persian Gulf and start receiving its military guests before Christmas. About 800 troops at a time will be rotated aboard the ship for three or four days of beer, fun and air conditioning, authorities said.

Military officials Thursday could give only sketchy information about the plans for the ship but said the vessel will be limited to U.S. troops and will not be open to visits from family members.

Some Pentagon officials have sharply criticized the idea on grounds that the soldier-packed vessel could become a prime terrorist target.

The U.S. Navy will provide sea and air protection for the vessels, officials said.

When asked about the military contract, a spokesman for Cunard Lines, which also operates the Queen Elizabeth II ship, said: “We’ve canceled all bookings on the Cunard Princess for the next six months. That’s all I can say.”

The Army plans to charter the Cunard vessel and a second ship for six months, officials said.

Army officials decided on the charter approach to help alleviate the shortage of facilities in Saudi Arabia and to circumvent some of the Islamic restrictions on alcohol and entertainment. The military also is providing limited recreational centers in Saudi Arabia.

The “Berlitz Complete Handbook to Cruising” describes cabins aboard the Cunard Princess as “small and compact, with tinny metal fixtures, very thin walls and little closet space.” The guidebook adds, however: “This ship provides a very comfortable first-cruise experience at an excellent price, to well-chosen destinations.”

The Princess’ usual destinations are Bermuda and the Mexican Riviera, according to the publication.