Hi Everyone, I received this press release from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and The International Council of Cruise Lines (ICCL).  If you have missed any of my news' postings, they are available on my web site. Best regards, Ray LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL 800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905 http://www.lighthousetravel.com MIAMI FL, March 5 The International Council of Cruise Lines (ICCL) and Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) have announced a joint initiative to educate the public and travel agents about the multifaceted, global nature of the North American cruise industry. Called the Cruise Industry Coalition, the working group will reach out to local communities, travel industry associations, suppliers, the media, academics and key influencers to keep the public informed of developments in the cruise industry, especially efforts demonstrating good corporate citizenship and industry growth. According to Michael Crye, president of the ICCL, ``Cruising has been a remarkable growth story among travel industry segments. Along with that growth, the cruise industry has committed to being a leader in the international maritime arena, guiding the way to policies and procedures that improve ocean commerce in all its aspects. This Cruise Industry Coalition will seek ways to tell this positive story to the public and enlist its aid in, for example, keeping the oceans clean and being gracious visitors to the many destinations we touch.'' The cruise industry has dedicated itself to safe and environmentally sensitive operations; fair treatment of its customers, employees and vendors; strict adherence to regulatory initiatives; and to leading the way in the effort to improve maritime policies and procedures. The industry participates in numerous national and international forums, including the International Maritime Organization (IMO), working groups of the U.S. Coast Guard and the American College of Emergency Physicians, national and local law enforcement agencies, international labor organizations and other authorities to ensure safe and pleasant cruise vacations for the nearly 7 million North Americans who cruise annually. Said James G. Godsman, president of CLIA, ``The image of the cruise industry is one of fun, entertainment, affordability and a great overall vacation experience. Research shows that even people who have not yet taken their first cruise vacation believe that cruises offer fabulous pampering, great value, incomparable relaxation and a chance to visit several destinations. ``We want to preserve and reinforce this image, while at the same time touch on the serious side of the business and the industry's dedication to the public it serves. These include the 60 million people who have cruised over the years, the 68 million Americans who say they plan to take a cruise in the future and the nearly 20,000 CLIA-affiliated travel agencies that make these cruise dreams possible.'' Coalition efforts will include charitable events in communities that host cruise ships and cruise passengers; educational symposiums for travel agents and interested members of the public; research studies; an expanded website to educate and inform the public; media tours and a toll-free telephone number to facilitate media inquiries; university and environmental group partnerships; youth programs; and related activities. The efforts would be in addition to the wide-ranging community service programs undertaken by the more than 23 cruise companies that comprise the Coalition. The first Coalition initiative is a major industry study developed for the IMO on passenger cruise ship safety. It was presented today during a panel at the Seatrade Cruise Shipping Convention in Miami Beach. The study, a thorough review of passenger safety including evacuation procedures, fire safety, crew communications and regulatory oversight, will be shared with officials, representatives of the travel industry and the media in the weeks ahead. For now, extensive industry information and _link_s to the cruise industry's public relations representatives are available via the ICCL and CLIA websites at http://www.iccl.org and http://www.cruising.org, respectively.