MIAMI (07/08/02) – Following tremendous consumer response to the first “Stop Smoking Caribbean Cruises” aboard the 2,052-passenger Paradise – the world’s only smoke-free cruise ship – Carnival Cruise Lines, the American Lung Association of Connecticut (ALAC) and Manchester Community College will offer six more of the popular smoking cessation cruises in 2003.
        The seven-day Caribbean voyages, which follow the initial series of “Stop Smoking Caribbean Cruises” taking place this fall, will sail round-trip from Miami once per month from January – June 2003.
Included as part of the ALAC’s seven-session Freedom From Smoking program, the “Stop Smoking Caribbean Cruises” feature helpful clinics and workshops by leading smoking cessation experts who utilize proven behavior modification strategies to help smokers develop a “quitting plan,” adjust to recovery symptoms, manage stress through effective relaxation techniques and fight the urge to resume smoking.
Participants must first enroll in the ALAC’s Freedom from Smoking program and attend sessions one and two in their hometowns before taking the cruise. Sessions three and four – the sessions in which smokers actually quit – will be held during the seven-day Paradise Caribbean cruise with the remaining sessions taking place in participants’ hometowns following the voyage.
“We believed that offering on-board clinics by the world’s foremost smoking cessation organization aboard the world’s only smoke-free cruise ship would provide an attractive, innovative and effective environment for quitting smoking. Based on the strong demand for these ‘Stop Smoking Caribbean Cruises,’ it’s obvious consumers feel the same way,” said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president.
Added John Zinn, president and CEO of the American Lung Association of Connecticut, “The American Lung Association of Connecticut is delighted to again partner with Carnival Cruise Lines and Manchester Community College to offer these ‘Stop Smoking Caribbean Cruises,’ which provide a unique venue for smokers to quit while enabling our organization to broaden its reach in helping smokers begin their journey to healthier lifestyles.”
        In addition to providing a positive atmosphere for quitting smoking, “Quit Smoking Caribbean Cruise” participants can enjoy the Paradise’s array of on-board amenities and facilities, which include three restaurants – two formal dining rooms and a casual poolside eatery featuring a  24-hour pizzeria –  along  with  a  12,000-square-foot  health  club,  three  swimming pools, a 114-foot-long water slide, a duty-free shopping mall, an Internet café and a 2,400-square-foot children’s play area.  The ship also features 12 “themed” bars and lounges, which pay homage to the great ocean liners of yesteryear.
        Ports of call on the Jan. 19, Feb 2, March 2, and April 27, 2003, eastern Caribbean cruises include Nassau, San Juan and St. Thomas/St. John, while the May 4 and June 1, 2003, western Caribbean voyages feature Playa del Carmen/Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Ocho Rios.
        “Quit Smoking Caribbean Cruise” participants must abide by the Paradise’s strict no-smoking policy, which prohibits smoking in all areas of the vessel, including the open decks.  Those who violate the Paradise’s no-smoking policy must disembark, forfeit their cruise fare and return home at their own expense.  Smokers can also be assessed $250 for “liquidated damages,” an agreed upon estimate for damages that Carnival will incur as a result of the violation of the Paradise’s no smoking policy.
        Prices for the “Quit Smoking Caribbean Cruises” begin at $579 per person based on double occupancy and include all meals, accommodations, on-board entertainment and activities and smoking cessation clinics and workshops (cruise fare varies according to sailing date and does not include the ALAC’s Freedom from Smoking program materials, which must be purchased separately.  The cost is $40).
        Round-trip air supplements from a variety of North American gateways, along with special rates for third and fourth guests sailing in the same stateroom are available, as well.