OTHER NEWS - April 25, 1996

Cruise Lines Sued Over Port Charges: Cruise ship passengers have filed lawsuits accusing seven major cruise lines of inflating port charges that increase advertised fares by at least $100 to $150. The suits contend the cruise lines collect $250 million a year in port charges, a blanket term intended to cover the numerous charges imposed by federal, state and foreign governments. The lawsuits, filed in state courts in Florida, New York, Washington and California, seek class-action status on behalf of passengers who traveled on the defendant lines and paid the port charges within the last four years. The cruise industry defended the fees, noting that every cruise line lists the port charges and fees in brochures for every itinerary. Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Kloster Cruise Ltd.’s Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Renaissance Cruises refused to comment, could not be reached or referred comment to a trade group.