FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION

FMC ANNOUNCES COMPROMISE AGREEMENTS
WITH AMERICAN CLASSIC VOYAGES CO.
AND ULYSSES CRUISES INC.

NR 97-12

Washington, D.C. 20573

CONTACT VERN W. HILL, DIRECTOR,
BUREAU OF ENFORCEMENT AT (202) 523-5783

FOR RELEASE MAY 22, 1997

The Federal Maritime Commission announces that it has entered into compromise agreements with two passenger vessel cruise line operators. Each of the cruise lines was charged with violating section 3 of Public Law 89-777, 46 U.S.C. app.  817e, which requires cruise operators to furnish the Commission with evidence of financial responsibility prior to arranging for or providing passages.

Information was obtained by the Commission indicating that American Classic Voyages Co., Chicago, Illinois, arranged, offered and advertised cruises and accepted deposits for voyages on the AMERICAN QUEEN prior to receiving a Certificate of Performance for the vessel. Compromise was reached with American Classic in the amount of $35,000. The Commission obtained similar information regarding Ulysses Cruises Inc., Miami, Florida, and its vessel the ISLANDBREEZE. Compromise was reached with Ulysses in the amount of $30,000.

In entering into the compromise agreements, the respondents did not admit to any violations of the law. The Commission's Bureau of Enforcement negotiated the compromise agreements.