Cruise lines on alert after pirate attack

SOME cruise lines are scrutinizing their exotic itineraries that go into the Indian Ocean but report that few travelers are voicing concerns after a pirate attack on the Seabourn Spirit last weekend off Somalia in East Africa.

The international maritime community has been sounding increasing alerts about a spike in violence by Somali pirates. Twenty-eight attacks have been reported in the area since March, including two more after the Seabourn Spirit assault. Only two such attacks were reported in 2004, according to the Piracy Reporting Center of the International Maritime Bureau.

The high-profile incident, thought to be the first such attack on a cruise ship, “may spur the international community into action,” said Michael J. Crye, president of the International Council of Cruise Lines, representing 16 lines serving North America.

Somalia sits at a strategic point in shipping lanes between Europe and East Africa and Asia.

Seabourn Spirit, with 151 passengers and 161 crew, was attacked by men wielding machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades from two inflatable boats off southeastern Somalia. The ship was headed to Mombasa, Kenya, on a 16-day trip from Egypt.

Although not a common cruising ground, the Indian Ocean region gets some ships on exotic itineraries and world cruises.

Cunard Line and Princess Cruises have ships worldwide, including in the Indian Ocean. “We will be again reviewing all our operations procedures and the specific itineraries of those ships to determine whether any changes are necessary,” said Julie Benson, spokeswoman for both lines.

Crystal Cruises will have a ship in the region on its world cruise next spring, calling at Mombasa. “We always monitor the ports and surrounding areas that we’ll be traveling,” said spokeswoman Mimi Weisband. “We don’t cruise near the coast of Somalia.”

Radisson Seven Seas Cruises, which also will have a world cruise in the area next spring, reported that it operates with increased vigilance in any sensitive area.

-- Mary Lu Abbott

The fine art of stacking cans

CANNED peas and Spam aren’t the first things that come to mind when pondering the gastronomic delights of Napa Valley, but eight constructions will be showcased through Jan. 2 at Copia, the American Center for Wine, Food & the Arts in Napa.

The center is hosting a “Canstruction” sculpture competition, one of about 50 this year in cities across the country, including L.A.

Teams of architects, engineers, contractors and students use thousands of canned goods to build sculptures anchored by gravity (although bits of duct tape, wire and cardboard are allowed). After the show, the goods go to food banks nationally.

Copia, the American Center for Wine, Food & the Arts, is at 500 1st St., Napa; (888) 512-6742, www.copia.org.

-- Maggie Barnett

Traveler’s notes

Flyi Inc., which launched low-fare Independence Air in July 2004 from its hub at Dulles Airport in suburban Washington, D.C., filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last week. Airline spokesman Rick DeLisi said that flights would operate on their regular schedule and customers should not expect any immediate disruptions.

New York’s Rockefeller Center reopened Top of the Rock, its renovated observation deck on the 70th floor of Rockefeller Center, early this month. It’s open from 8:30 a.m. to midnight daily. Tickets are $14 for adults and $9 for kids ages 6 to 11. Reservations: www.topoftherocknyc.com or (877) NYC ROCK (692-7625).