December 11, 2003

Travel Times

Army Pfc. Lynch to christen Carnival cruise ship
Former Army Pfc. Jessica Lynch will christen Carnival Cruise Lines' newest ship at Feb. 27 ceremonies in Jacksonville, Fla. Lynch will break a traditional bottle of champagne against the bow of the Carnival Miracle before it begins its three-day inaugural cruise from the Port of Jacksonville. She'll be named the ship's "godmother." "We are privileged that Miss Lynch, who represents thousands of courageous American men and women serving in our armed forces, has accepted our invitation to be godmother," said Carnival President and CEO Bob Dickinson. Carnival is making a significant contribution to the Jessica Lynch Foundation,” Dickinson said. Lynch established the foundation to assist children of soldiers that have either served in the military or were killed while on duty.

Hugh Downs to be guest lecturer on cruise ship
Hugh Downs, former co-anchor of ABC's primetime newsmagazine 20/20, will be a guest lecturer on the Seven Seas Voyager’s first segment of her 94-night Grand Asia Pacific Cruise. The ship departs Los Angeles on Jan. 10. Downs is renowned for having logged the greatest number of hours on network television. Other noted TV journalists and guests will board ship during the remaining three segments of the voyage. For booking information, call (408) 972-0773.

“Love Boat’s” Vicki to wed on cruise ship
The Caribbean Princess will be the venue for the wedding of Jill Whelan, who played Capt. Stubing's daughter, Vicki, in the “Love Boat” television series. Whelan will marry fiancé Michael Chaykowsky on April 2, 2004 on board Caribbean Princess in Ft. Lauderdale. The couple will then spend their honeymoon aboard the ship during its inaugural Western Caribbean cruise departing April 3. TV father Gavin MacLeod as well as other members of the “Love Boat” cast will be among the guests at the wedding. "Some of the best memories I have came from being a part of that show," said Whelan, who was a member of the “Love Boat” cast from the age of 11 to 19. "My job was as part of an ensemble of actors who dealt with the issues of romance week in and week out. It therefore seems rather fitting that I should return to a Love Boat for one of the most important and romantic points in my life."

The wedding is scheduled to be broadcast by the ship's Cam over the Internet so that fans at home can follow the festivities on Princess' Web site, www.princess.com. For booking information, call (408) 972-0773.

-- Sean Eastwood