Contact: Amy Powers, Director CruiseMaine at (207) 310-0998

or Kayce Cherry Associate Director, Charitable Programs

Cruise Industry Charitable Foundation

(703) 522-3160

Cruise Foundation Supports Maine Ocean Preservation

Portland , Maine ( October 27, 2004 ) – As an industry known for its commitment to the ocean environment, the Cruise Industry Charitable Foundation (CICF) is pleased to announce recent grant donations to several Maine ocean preservation and research programs.

At a special luncheon held aboard Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2, during its first visit to Portland, Tom Dow, Vice President, Carnival Corporation, presented donations to Steven H. Purdy, Treasurer, the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI); and to Evan Richert, President, the Gulf of Maine Ocean Observing System (GoMOOS). In a separate presentation ceremony, a grant donation was also provided to the Schoodic Education and Research Center (SERC) at Acadia National Park . Accepting the grant donation was Sheldon Steel, Superintendent of Acadia National Park.

The focus of GMRI is on educating Maine residents and visitors about the Gulf of Maine and its watershed. GoMOOS, which is part of the National Ocean Research Leadership Council, is a national pilot program designed to provide hourly oceanographic data from the Gulf for further examination and study. The mission of SERC is to facilitate education and research that promotes the understanding, protection, and conservation of natural and cultural resources of the National Park System and related research.

“We are very pleased to have the opportunity to support these Maine ocean preservation initiatives.” said James R. Border, Chairman of the Cruise Industry Charitable Foundation.  “The number of cruise vessel visits to the ports of Portland and Bar Harbor has grown in recent years, and our industry is committed to continuing its efforts to maintain the ocean environment on which our vessels sail.”

Recent studies conclude that the cruise industry total contribution to the U.S. economy has risen, and that Maine is the beneficiary of an estimated $31 million in cruise line expenditures in the State economy. In addition, the industry is responsible for generating over 570 jobs in the state, during its seasonal cruise visits.

###

The Cruise Industry Charitable Foundation (CICF), founded in 1998 by the members of the International Council of Cruise Lines, focuses its efforts on programs designed to strengthen and improve the quality of life in communities served by our industry.

CICF Members include: Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruise Lines N.V., Crystal Cruises, Cunard Line Limited, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, NCL America, Norwegian Cruise Line, Orient Lines, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean Int'l., Seabourn Cruise Line, Windstar Cruises.