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In a seeming effort to keep cruiseship building yards busy worldwide, Royal recently took up an option with Germany's Meyer Werft to build a second 85,000-ton Vantage class ship for $350 mil- lion. These 2,000 passenger ves- sels are unique in that they will be powered by gas turbines. Royal Caribbean is clearly mak- ing a play to offer the most modern fleet of vessels in operation, con- sidered a hedge against potential economic downturns. At $3 Billion And Heading Up Carnival Corp. — the largest cruise line in the world based on passengers carried — saw profits soar 42 percent in its fiscal fourth quarter, driven by stronger pas- senger counts and a majority stake of Cunard, acquired in May, boost- ed revenues. Profits in the full fis- cal year rose to $835.9 million CMNIVAL CRUISE UNE so from $666.1 million. Revenues climbed to $3.01 billion from $2.45 billion. Total passengers for the year increased to 2.05 million from 1.95 million a year ago. Net income in the fourth quarter ended November 30 increased to $220.6 million from $155.4 million. Revenues surged 39 percent to $728.6 million from $524.4 million a year ago. Miami-based Carnival's acquisition of a 68 per- cent interest of Cunard Cruise Line Ltd. in May spurred the big increase. Without the acquisition, revenues still grew by 14 percent. The coming year appears rosy for Carnival as well, which introduced the $300 million, 2,040-passenger Paradise in late 1998 and is set to launch Carnival Triumph this July, followed by Holland America's Volendam in August. Carnival made news by becoming the first cruise line to offer a 100 percent smoke-free ship. To prove its resolve in ensuring the sanctity of its rules, the company reported that by mid-January, it had put-off February, 1999 See us on the Internet at www.cpmt.com nine passengers for smoking viola- tions. Passengers sign an agree- ment before boarding Paradise not to smoke, with the realization that smoking will result in being trans- ported to land, forced to find and finance the way back home. As a kicker, the line will now institute a $250 "fumigation" penalty for those caught. Carnival was also involved in one of the more visible and publicized accidents of the year, as the luxury liner Ecstasy — carrying 2,575 passengers and 900 crew — erupt- ed in flames from the stern as it was leaving the Port of Miami. Carnival Corp. is comprised of Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line; Windstar Cruises; a majority interest in Cunard Line Ltd., which operates Cunard and Seabourn brands; and interests in Costa Cruises and Airtours Pic. Circle 240 on Reader Service Card Circle 315 on Reader Service Card 39 VALVE REPAIRS N-L NE But when equipment must be repaired now, Climax Portable Machine Tools give your crews the power to get the job done fast, on-site. Our compact, easy-to-use tools attach directly to the work piece — wherever it may be — so there's little time lost for dismantling. Boring, borewelding, milling, turning, weld prep, beveling, facing and many other operations can be performed easily with precision. Climax's line of over 25 machine tool solutions provide a valuable alternative to cut- and-replace techniques or costly off-site machining in ship or refurbishing operations. Call us today for complete information on these tools and an unlimited range of custom designs for unique repair applications. mm Hdb Bap GMto LARGE DIAMETER BORING FACING, BEVELING & MORE 2712 E.Second St., Newberg, OR 97132-8210 USA Phone: 800-333-8311 • Fax: 503-538-2185 CLIMAX Portable Machine Tools, Inc. Learn More. Send for FREE Video & Info kit High-Level Alarm With No Moving Parts! «• Call today for more information! This technology was designed specifically for shipboard use to last the life of the hull. • Constructed of teflon and stainless steel. • Self-test meets requirements for closed tank gauging. • Intrinsically safe. • ABS and USCG approved. • Self-cleaning. • Can be replaced on-deck with no tools in less than a minute without venting to atmosphere. • Multiple display options. • Big Blue compatible. • Embedded pump control capability. • Mates to a standard four inch butterworth flange 732.382.4344 732.388.5111 fax emsmarcon@aol.com e-mail http://www.emsmarcon.com ELECTRONIC MARINE SYSTEMS. INC 800 Femdale Place Rahway, NJ 07065