Smoke-Free Cruises On Carnival Line’s 1998 Agenda

Carnival Cruise Lines recently announced it will introduce the world’s first smoke-free cruise ship, Paradise, in fall 1998.

Guests and crew will enjoy a smoke-free environment anywhere on the 2,040-passenger vessel, according to Carnival. Smoking will be banned in all the ship’s cabins, bars, restaurants and lounges even out on open decks.

“Since many of our guests do not smoke and feel very strongly about being in the company of those who do, it made sense to offer nonsmokers all the fun and excitement of a ‘Fun Ship’ cruise in an environment that will add to the enjoyment of their vacation,” said Carnival President Bob Dickinson.

“Smoking is not nearly as socially acceptable as it once was.”

Dickinson said Paradise will expand on Carnival’s fleet-wide smoking policy, which prohibits smoking in dining rooms and main show lounges on its 11 ships.

Nearly 135 years ago, Gen. Robert E. Lee defeated Gen. Ambrose Burnside’s larger Union forces in the Battle of Fredericksburg, one of the bloodiest of the Civil War. Willis Hill, in the heart of Marye’s Heights, the focal point of the December 1862 battle, became part of the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park this summer.

Willis Hill has been private property since the war. Several nonprofit groups helped the National Park Service buy the nine-acre plot for $1.65 million.

Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park commemorates the Civil War battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness and Spotsylvania Court House. The park encompasses approximately 8,500 acres in central Virginia. Information: (540) 371-0802.

Amsterdam’s new museum of science and technology called Newmetropolis offers visitors computer games and hands-on experiments that explore energy and science. For example, visitors can use laboratory equipment to measure water and carbon dioxide in their breath, or study clues and evidence in the “Crime Lab.”

Newmetropolis opened this summer on Amsterdam’s waterfront. Sitting atop the IJ Tunnel leading into the city, it appears to rise from the harbor like the bow of a ship.

Admission to Newmetropolis is about $12.50; under 17, $8.35. More information is available on the Internet at www.newmet.nl, or from the Netherlands Board of Tourism, (888) 464-6552.

Jamaica’s Reggae Sunsplash festival, held in the summer for nearly two decades, is being moved to February, according to tourism officials. The change is an effort to attract more visitors during the peak season.

The festival is not being held this year, the tourist office said; the next festival is scheduled for Feb. 5 to 8, 1998. Information: (800) 233-4582.