Cruise Line Runs Aground In Business

Regency Cruises has abruptly gone out of business.

On Oct. 29, the company issued the following statement: “Effective today, Regency Cruises has ceased operation of its vessels for all future sailings. Passengers on current cruises will be accommodated with return air flights home from their port of disembarkation. Regency understands its obligations to the travel agent community, passengers and vendors; before any further statements can be issued, however, the company is awaiting advice from legal counsel.”

Regency Cruises, a member of Cruise Lines International Association, has advised CLIA that passengers due refunds should send claims to 260 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016. Att: Refund Dept.

CLIA has noted that all cruise lines, including Regency Cruises, must post financial performance bonds mandated by the Federal Maritime Commission, covering all passengers embarking from U.S. ports, up to an amount of $15 million.

Making plans: If you’re looking to make the most of your next cruise, here are 10 ways from “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to the Perfect Vacation” (Alpha Books).

1. Find a ship that matches your lifestyle.

2. Use a good travel agent.

3. Don’t overpack.

4. Avoid the crowds.

5. Plan shore excursions in advance.

6. Think of cruising as a spa vacation with a new view every morning.

7. If you don’t like your dining companions - move.

8. Take cash for tips.

9. Tip at the start.

10. Avoid long disembarkation lines.

Major anniversary: Jerusalem celebrates the 3,000th anniversary of King David’s taking the city with more than a year of special events.

Highlights among the concerts, exhibits and ceremonies slated through December 1996: Gala Des Etoiles, ballet and modern dance performances by international artists, June 6, 1996; Verdi’s “Nabucco,” by the Arena d’Verona Opera, September 1996; and King David’s Violin, with Zubin Mehta, Itzhak Perlman and Midori, among others, December 1996. For information, call (800) 596-1199.

Thinking ahead: Planning a fall foliage trip to the Northeast next year? Gray Line New York offers fall foliage cruise and bus day trips and overnights up the Hudson River to Tarrytown and to West Point and the mansions of Hyde Park, N.Y. Day tours start at $34.50 for adults; $17.50 for kids under 12. Call (212) 397-2600 for information.

For vantage points and peak days all over the country, call the Agriculture Department’s Fall Color Hot Line: (800) 354-4595.

Easier access: The war on paperwork has yielded good news for members of USAir’s frequent-flier program: The company has finally dumped its cumbersome certificate method of redeeming miles.

Now you can simply pick up the phone to redeem accumulated mileage and you’ll be mailed the ticket.

Several other major airlines had already dumped the certificate practice, making redemptions less awkward while at the same time cutting labor, material and mailing costs.