Cruise line plans trip for the fans of Notre Dame

Sports fans who are mad about the Fighting Irish can rub elbows in February 2005 with Notre Dame legends Derrick Mayes, Tony Rice, Raghib “Rocket” Ismael, Bob Golic and former coach Bob Chmiel aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s 2,700-passenger Carnival Triumph.

The cruise line inked a deal with Athletic Appearance, a speaker’s bureau for the hotshots of baseball, football and basketball among other sports, for the special event.

“Notre Dame fans rank near or at the top of the list when it comes to team loyalty,” says Athletic Appearance Vice President Jim Sanson. “To spend a week at sea talking about great games of the past with the actual players and making predictions for the next season is a dream come true for many Golden Domers.”

The seven-day “Legends of Notre Dame” cruise departs Miami on Feb. 26, calling in San Juan, St. Thomas-St. John and St. Maarten. Cruise fares range from $999 for an inside cabin to $1,119 for oceanview and $1,299 for a balcony; airfare is extra.

Can’t make the February cruise? Not to worry. Aptly, there will be a replay of sorts, though it won’t be instant.

According to Andrew Kline, CEO of Athletic Appearance and former NFL center: “Our plan is to make the Legends of Notre Dame cruise an annual event, and we are in discussions with other organizations to develop similar cruises.”

For more information, visit www.NotreDameLegendsCruise .com.