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The Young Globe Players season includes: The Fir Tree -- opening November 11 and playing through December 30, A Device Out of Time -- running February 2 - March 19, 2006, Young King Arthur -- April 6 through May 19, 2006 and A Comedy of Errors -- July 6 through August 27, 2006.

Performances will be held Wednesdays at 4 p.m., and Thursdays and Fridays at 1 p.m. to accommodate groups wanting to combine tours of the ship and lunch with the play. The Globe's Ice Cream Matinee series will continue to be presented on Saturday and Sunday afternoons at 3:00 p.m.

Returning to the stage from this summer's hit, Androcles & The Lion will be actor/singers Katt Tait as The Fir Tree, Eddie Jauregui as Eric, Kirstin Kluver as Ingrid and Michael Laurie as Oscar. The production will introduce Corinne Shor as Freya, Eric's mother, in her West Coast debut.

The Globe of America is one of many entertainment opportunities available on a visit to the Queen Mary. The Globe box office staff can arrange self- guided tours and other combination packages at the time tickets are ordered.

PRODUCTION INFORMATION SHEET

THE FIR TREE

This holiday musical version of The Fir Tree is based on a story by Hans Christian Andersen, with a book by James Engelhardt and music by Carol Weiss, The Fir Tree offers a charming and unique look at the meaning of the holiday season as seen through the eyes of a small tree, a small boy and some inquisitive animals. The play will be directed by David Fox-Brenton and Music Director, Mari Harris, with costumes by Marianne Parker.

A DEVICE OUT OF TIME

The second production, A Device Out of Time by Ray Bradbury, directed by David Fox-Brenton is a great work of science fiction that takes two children to visit the neighborhood time machine where they learn a lot about the past, and important lessons about the present.

YOUNG KING ARTHUR

A world premiere by James Engelhardt, directed by Ann Vermel. Author Engelhardt brings together the many Arthur legends in a play that explores how Merlin prepared Arthur to be king, and wound up learning more than anyone.

A COMEDY OF ERRORS

More or less by William Shakespeare, directed by James Engelhardt. One of Shakespeare's sprightly earliest plays erupts in comic confusion when the twins of two of the town's solid citizens show up and no one knows who is who.

El Segundo CA October 19, 2005 - DaVita Inc. launched an online contest on its website, DaVita.com, asking website visitors to nominate their "Kidney Idol." The top four finalists will be posted at DaVita.com and website visitors will be able to vote for their favorite. The finalist receiving the most votes will win a 7-day cruise to the Caribbean sponsored by Dialysis at Sea(R).

Everyone is invited to visit www.davita.com and nominate a kidney disease or dialysis patient, a caregiver, friend, spouse, health care professional or anyone in the chronic kidney disease or dialysis community who makes a difference to those around them beginning October 19, 2005. A story, up to 250 words maximum, must accompany the nomination. Uplifting, heartwarming and inspiring true stories about the nominees will be judged and the top 10 will become finalists.

Nomination entries must be received by November 4, 2005.

The contest was created to let people in the dialysis community realize that it is possible to travel while on hemodialysis. DaVita has dialysis centers in many popular travel destinations such as:

• Las Vegas
• Los Angeles
• San Francisco
• Orlando
• Chicago

A dialysis center can be located by going to www.davita.com and using the "Find a Dialysis Center" online tool. Cruises are also a vacation option for people on dialysis. Dialysis at Sea(R) offers dialysis treatment aboard the luxurious Royal Caribbean International(R) cruise liner. In addition to educating dialysis patients about their travel opportunities, the contest entries will hopefully provide inspiration to those in the kidney disease community.

"We hear so many wonderful things in our clinics everyday, about how people make such a positive difference in each others' lives. There are people living well with chronic kidney disease and on dialysis. Many family members and health care professionals rise to the occasion and maintain a positive outlook and productive lifestyle," states Kent Thiry, DaVita's CEO. "We want to honor these people by sharing their stories and awarding someone with this dream vacation."

The contest is sponsored by DaVita, Dialysis at Sea and DaVita Patient Citizens. Dialysis at Sea is the largest provider of dialysis services aboard cruise ships in the world. Since 1977, Dialysis at Sea has helped thousands of individuals on dialysis and their families experience the pleasures of cruising and the excitement of taking their dream vacation with the confidence of knowing all their shipboard medical needs are handled by trained medical professionals.

DaVita Patient Citizens (DPC) is an independent, nationwide, non-profit, patient-governed dialysis patient organization. DPC is dedicated to improving dialysis patients' quality of life by developing awareness of dialysis-related issues, advocating for dialysis and pre-dialysis patients, improving the partnership between patients and caregivers, and promoting favorable public policy.

Scottsdale AZ October 20, 2005 - Discover the World Marketing has been selected by Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises to handle its sales and marketing in Thailand beginning this month. In addition to Thailand, Discover has had a long-term relationship representing the cruise lines in three other international markets-Australia, Colombia and Pakistan.

"Because of Discover The World Marketing's director in Thailand and our proven results with the company in other parts of the world, it made the selection process easier to have Discover represent us in Thailand," said Ramakrishna Rebbapragada, Director, International Sales and Marketing for Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd."

"We look forward to expanding our partnership with Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises," said Jenny Adams, CEO of Discover the World Marketing. "Given the experience of Discover's country director and staff in Thailand and their knowledge of the local marketplace, we are confident Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises will be pleased with the results."

Seattle October 24, 2005 - Web surfing travelers can experience a virtual cruise vacation with Holland America Line's new interactive Online Cinema experience debuting now on the premium cruise leader's website at www.hollandamerica.com. On the virtual cinema, the elegant ships, worldwide destinations, gracious service, sophisticated dining and enriching activities for which Holland America Line is renowned, come to life via rich media allowing guests to view a Holland America Line vacation experience in advance of their trip.

"Our new Online Cinema feature is designed to augment the existing site, inviting guests to immerse themselves in a virtual cruise of their choice. Guests can witness views from a tableside window in the Pinnacle Grill, virtual tours of our spacious staterooms and video from ports of call," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, senior vice president, marketing and sales. "Today's consumer is increasingly Internet savvy, and we want to provide them with as much detailed and experiential information regarding their vacation choice as possible."

The new Online Cinema portal on the opening page of the Holland America Line web site links guests to the site's innovative features including 360 degree tours, video clips, photo albums, interactive maps, travelogues, and more. Content covers each of the line's 12 ships and all of its destinations -- Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, Asia/Pacific, Caribbean, Europe, Grand World Voyages, Hawaii, Canada/New England, Mexico, Panama Canal, and South America.

The dynamic content is rich and detailed, offering guests an intimate preview of their vacation both on board and ashore.

All five sections of the Online Cinema module -- ships/accommodations, destinations, service, dining and activities -- feature virtual tours, photo albums and downloadable e-brochures. The Penthouse Verandah Suites, Deluxe Outside Verandah Suites, and Outside/Inside Staterooms are further showcased with 360 degree tours. Destinations come to life with interactive maps and travelogues of the cruise itineraries. The line's legendary service is revealed with profiles on the types of events -- birthdays, weddings, anniversaries -- to celebrate on a ship, and dining is showcased via video clips and snapshots of the culinary experience. The enriching on-board activities also are highlighted by postcards from fellow Holland America Line guests themselves.

"In the short time that the new Online Cinema has been up, the Mariner Dream Experience has been the most popular feature," said Meadows. "Guests and potential guests want to see the stateroom accommodations through video and 360 degree photography to discover what's new at Holland America Line -- for example, our Mariner Dream Beds, bathroom amenities, and Signature of Excellence stateroom enhancements."

Virtual tours of other popular and requested areas by ship include the Atrium, Dining Room, Pinnacle Grill (intimate, reservations-only fine dining), Lido Pool & Bar, Neptune Lounge (VIP lounge for penthouse and deluxe verandah suites), Greenhouse Spa & Salon, Fitness Center, Casino, Show Lounge, Piano Bar, Crow's Nest, Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine, Explorer's Lounge, Exploration Café - powered by The New York Times, Club HAL (for

children), the Loft (for teens), and the Oasis (teens-only deck area).

Holland America Line's web site, www.hollandamerica.com, also features user-friendly vacation planning logistics such as browsing different itineraries, finding fares, locating a travel agent, and confirming shore excursions in advance of travel. The site features special cruise offers, and cyber travelers are encouraged to sign-up for emails and download e-brochures.

The new Online Cinema is part of the line's sweeping Signature of Excellence initiative, a $250 million investment in product and service enhancements unprecedented in the industry.

Vancouver October 25, 2005 - The departure of the Norwegian Spirit from Vancouver today marks the end of the 2005 Vancouver-Alaska cruise season. The Vancouver Port Authority estimates 910,300 revenue passengers on 272 vessel calls departed and arrived through the Port of Vancouver in 2005, representing a two per cent decrease in passengers over 2004.

The 2005 season included new programs introduced to strengthen Vancouver's competitive position for the future and the port received high marks from passengers for programs and service.

In June the port launched its US Direct program, enabling passengers arriving at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) from the US to transfer directly to a same-day-departing cruise ship by participating in an expedited immigration and customs clearance process. US Direct also works in reverse, as passengers arriving on a cruise and flying out of Vancouver on the same day disembark the ship and are transferred directly to YVR by participating in the new clearance process. Upon arrival at YVR, these passengers enter the airport through a designated cruise ship facility. With 80 per cent of passengers being American, the program has wide appeal. "We have to work extra hard in Vancouver to offset competition from Seattle. US Direct is one initiative that helps us compete," said Gordon Houston, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Vancouver Port Authority.

The 2005 Vancouver Alaska Cruise Passenger Survey, conducted by InterVistas Consulting, gave the US Direct program a satisfaction score of 4.7 out of 5.0. Survey results in other areas include overall experience at the port (4.5), courtesy of port staff (4.7), check-in process (4.5) and overall atmosphere (4.4).

Approximately 200,000 people, or 22 per cent of all cruise passengers travelling through Vancouver, took part in the program in 2005. "We are delighted with receiving such a high level of participation in the first year of a program and, more importantly, passengers' high level of satisfaction with US Direct," said Houston.

While US Direct is an important component of a strategy to maintain Vancouver's lead in the Alaska cruise market, other initiatives intended to enhance this destination's offerings are also in place. According to Stephen Pearce, Vice President, Leisure Travel and Destination Management at Tourism Vancouver, cruise lines in Vancouver are looking at an increasing number of pre and post-cruise packages that create profile and longer stays in the city.

"Our strategy is to position Vancouver as an integral part of the overall cruise experience," said Pearce. "Making consumers aware of the tremendous value offered by Vancouver before they make a booking decision allows us to influence their decision to include the city in their travel plans."

The Vancouver Port Authority is also partnering with other BC port cities transforming Canada's Inside Passage into a new cruise itinerary in its own right. The initiative, known as Cruise BC, saw Vancouver as a port of call for Celebrity Cruise Lines' Mercury, with the ship providing six sailings this year in the fall season to ports in BC, with three stopping in Vancouver.

Seattle October 25, 2005 - Holland America Line is expanding its sun-splashed cruises to Mexico in 2007 by offering more wildlife-abundant Sea of Cortez sailings and adding a third ship featuring Mexican Riviera cruises. The ms Zaandam returns to the Mexican Riviera to join the ms Oosterdam and ms Ryndam in 2007 to offer a total of 42 Mexico cruises -- 10 more than in 2006

-- sailing roundtrip from the convenient homeport of San Diego.

In 2007 Holland America Line will continue to be the only major cruise line sailing the pristine Sea of Cortez on 10-day, roundtrip San Diego cruises. The Ryndam will feature 11 such departures in winter/spring and fall, providing a wide range of dates. The Oosterdam continues to sail the popular seven-day Mexican Riviera itinerary, offering 28 cruises. The Zaandam will add two 10-day Mexican Riviera cruises -- and the Ryndam will sail one -- in the fall for guests who have more time to explore as far south as Acapulco.

"From vibrant Mexican Riviera ports to amazing wildlife in the Sea of Cortez, and with several hundreds of exciting shore activities to choose from, Holland America Line continues to offer more diverse premium cruise choices for Mexico travelers," said Richard D, Meadows, CTC, senior vice president, marketing and sales. "In addition, Holland America Line's Mexico cruises offer the convenience of sailing from San Diego's cruise port, just minutes from the city's airport, and a popular city for pre- and post-cruise options."

Seven-day Mexican Riviera Cruises

The 1,848-guest Oosterdam features 28 Mexican Riviera cruises with Saturday departures from Jan. 6 to Apr. 21 and Sept. 29 to Dec. 15, 2007.

These seven-day sailings visit the popular Mexican Riviera ports of Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta, providing a full day in each port for guests to explore. Cabo offers sea kayaking, whale-watching and snorkeling/diving opportunities; Mazatlan is renowned for its golden beaches and cosmopolitan resort flavor; and Puerto Vallarta provides a mix of colonial charm, bustling markets and superb shopping.

The itinerary also includes three relaxing days at sea when guests can pamper themselves at the Oosterdam's Greenhouse Spa and Salon and laze in the sun around the ship's two outdoor swimming pools. The ship accommodates families well with its comprehensive Youth Program including Club HAL for kids ages 3 to 12 and The Loft, a teens-only lounge. Cruise fares start at US$749 per person, double occupancy.

10-day Sea of Cortez Adventures

The 1,258-guest Ryndam showcases the Sea of Cortez with seven spring cruises from Feb. 21 to Apr. 22 and four fall sailings from Oct. 11 to Nov. 10, 2007. These 10-day itineraries combine a taste of Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan with highlights of the Sea of Cortez including Topolobampo and Loreto, an exclusive Holland America Line port call.

From Topolobampo, guests can opt for the full-day excursion to Mexico's spectacular Copper Canyon, and in Loreto they can visit historic San Javier Mission, founded in 1697 as Mexico's first Jesuit mission. Then they enjoy scenic cruising past the Sierra de la Giganta Mountains to call at La Paz and Cabo San Lucas. Exciting shore excursions are offered in each port, from snorkeling at Los Islotes (home to a sea lion colony) near La Paz to sport fishing for tuna, marlin and billfish in Cabo San Lucas. Cruise fares start at US$1,049 per person, double occupancy.

10-day Mexican Riviera Sailings

For guests seeking more than seven days on the Mexican Riviera, the 1,432-passenger Zaandam offers two cruises departing Oct. 1 and 26 and the Ryndam features one cruise departing December 13, 2007. These leisurely 10-day sailings call at Manzanillo, a perfect "10" (like the movie filmed here) for its flawless beaches; Acapulco, international glamour magnet; Zihuatanejo, tranquil fishing village just five miles from modern resort Ixtapa; Puerto Vallarta; Mazatlan; and Cabo San Lucas. En route, guests enjoy three full days at sea to relax and enjoy all the shipboard amenities and services. Cruise fares start at US$1,049 per person.

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