Federal Maritime Commission

Washington, D.C. 20573

NR 04-03

Commission Issues Further Updated Press Release on Royal Olympia Cruises

CONTACT: SANDRA L. KUSUMOTO or RONALD D. MURPHY, BUREAU OF CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND LICENSING AT (202) 523-5787

FOR RELEASE: January 16, 2004

            Updating previous information released regarding the cancellation of Royal Olympic Cruises Ltd’s (dba Royal Olympia Cruises) scheduled cruises on the Olympia Voyager and the Olympia Explorer, the Commission has now been informed of the cancellation of all cruises scheduled to commence during the month of January, 2004.

            Also, Royal Olympia has advised that it has begun to refund fares on canceled cruises. Checks are being sent to cash paying passengers and credits have begun being issued to those who paid by credit cards. These refunds are being processed in the order that cruises were scheduled to commence. Royal Olympia has indicated to the Commission that no actions on the part of the passengers are necessary during this process.

            Please note that the law and Commission regulations provide only for the protection of the costs of the water transportation portion of the cruise package, and does not include the air portion or additional excursions.