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Celebrity Cruises cancels one Alaska sailing to replace propulsion pod
Celebrity Cruises is canceling the September 13 sailing on Infinity to replace one of the ship`s two propulsion pods. Guests booked on the cruise will receive a full refund and a certificate good toward a future cruise, as the company announced. Travel agents will receive full commissions for the cancelled sailing and a $50 rebooking bonus per stateroom when their clients reschedule their cruise.

The affected pod`s electrical system is failing to provide the ship`s maximum cruising speed, essentially reducing it from 22 to 19 knots, making it difficult to maintain the ship`s future itineraries as scheduled. The repairs will be made at drydock facilities in Victoria, British Columbia. Meanwhile, Infinity continues to sail safely and has received clearance from all appropriate authorities.

We sincerely regret the disruption and disappointment this will cause our guests scheduled on this cruise, said Celebrity Cruises President Dan Hanrahan. There is never a good time to cancel a cruise, but we have tried very hard to offer the most advanced notice and affect the least number of guests possible. We will do everything we can to assist the affected guests.

Following drydock, Infinity will return to service on September 24 to sail its scheduled transcanal cruise from San Francisco to Fort Lauderdale. Normally a 15-day transit, this cruise now will be a 14-day trip. The ship will depart San Francisco one day later than scheduled, and will miss Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Guests booked on this cruise will receive a $500-per-stateroom onboard credit and a $200 future cruise certificate. They also will receive overnight accommodations in San Francisco on September 23.

The cancelled cruise is expected to have a negative impact on the earnings of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. of approximately $0.05 per share. Vicky Karantzavelou - Monday, August 14, 2006