NEW YORK, August 2, 2006 - First came Internet access, then Wi-Fi service. Now, the members of the Cruise Lines International Association

(CLIA) have tackled the next frontier in onboard technology: cell phone and PDA service at sea.

"Because cell phones have become so deeply entrenched in today's hi-tech world, many CLIA cruise lines believe travelers should have the option of choosing just how 'connected' they'd like to be with the outside world while on vacation," said Terry L. Dale, president and CEO of CLIA, the chief marketing organization for 19 premier North American cruise lines and nearly 17,000 North American travel agencies.

Although for some vacationers, one of the benefits of cruising is leaving the "real" world behind, other travelers simply don't have that option and expect to be available no matter where they are. "Some people feel that they can't leave home without a viable connection to put them in touch with family and business associates," said Dale.

All things considered, this latest trend in ship-to-shore communications is just another example of how CLIA-member cruise lines strive to offer guests the amenities they desire while on vacation.

CLIA cruise lines have made onboard cell phone service possible by inking agreements with service providers including GeoLink, MTN, SeaMobile and Wireless Maritime Service. The cost to make cell phone calls ranges from about $1.99 to $4.99 per minute based on different roaming zones across the world, compared with ship-to-shore satellite phone calls via stateroom phones, which can run from $5 to $25 per minute.

The following CLIA-member cruise lines offer cell phone service at sea:

• Since American Cruise Lines is never too far from land, cruising on the inland and coastal waters, cell service is always available to passengers.

• At the rate of three ships per month, Carnival Cruise Lines' cell phone service will be available fleetwide by early next year.

• Celebrity Cruises' Summit features cell phone service. Fleetwide service will be activated on one ship each month beginning in August 2006.

• Costa Cruises' cell phone service availability is offered aboard its entire fleet.

• Cell phone service aboard Crystal Cruises' two ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, becomes available later this year.

• Currently, Holland America Line's Volendam offers cell phone service, and fleetwide access will follow in the coming months.

• Guests sailing aboard MSC Cruises' MSC Musica, MSC Opera and MSC Lirica can use their cell phones.

• Norwegian Cruise Line has fully implemented cell phone service aboard its entire fleet of vessels.

• Oceania Cruises offers cell phone service aboard Insignia, and will be available on Nautica and Regatta by year's end.

• With the exception of Paul Gauguin, all Regent Seven Seas Cruises' ships boast cell phone service.

• Ten of the 20 ships in the Royal Caribbean International fleet offer guests mobile phone service.

• Two of four Silversea Cruises' ships feature cell phone access; service will be fleetwide in the coming months.

• Come 2007, Windstar Cruises' will provide cell phone service aboard its fleet of three ships.