SARS sparks cruise ship reroutingsCruise lines began...

SARS sparks cruise ship reroutings

Cruise lines began rerouting ships away from several Asian ports after the outbreak of SARS, or severe acute respiratory syndrome, a pneumonia-like illness that had killed more than 100 and sickened more than 2,600 as of the Travel section’s deadline Tuesday.

Several airlines also cut back flights in Asia after the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended against travel to mainland China and Hong Kong, Singapore and Hanoi.

The Regal Princess, which left Bangkok, Thailand, on Tuesday on a 30-day sail, added a day at sea this weekend instead of calling on Singapore, said Julie Benson, spokeswoman for Princess Cruises.

Passengers who had traveled through Singapore or Hong Kong were barred from boarding for 10 days, Benson added, with the cruise line paying for their accommodations and flight to a later port.

The Crystal Harmony will end its current cruise in Yokohama (Tokyo’s port) instead of Hong Kong on Tuesday, then embark on a 12-day cruise, said Crystal Cruises spokeswoman Mimi Weisband. Passengers were offered a $500 cruise credit to accept the new itinerary or a full credit if they canceled, she said.

Holland America rerouted the April 11 and April 25 sailings of its Prinsendam to avoid ports in mainland China and Hong Kong. Both were sailing from Osaka, Japan, and adding calls in that country and in South Korea and Russia.

Contact your cruise line, airline or tour operator for the latest on their plans and policies, which can change frequently.

For updates on SARS,

see the CDC Web site, www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars, or

the World Health Organization site, www.who.int/csr/sars/en.

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Hoping to lure tourists with sharks and coral

One of the world’s oldest aquariums is adding a $45-million wing that re-creates a Philippine coral reef, prowled by more than two dozen sharks.

“Wild Reef,” opening Tuesday at Chicago’s 73-year-old Shedd Aquarium, has been eight years in the making. It includes more than 17 tons of sand imported from the Philippines to create an authentic seabed.

Besides the sharks, which patrol a 400,000-gallon tank, the exhibit has more than 500 species of aquatic life such as rays, flashlight fish, a 150-pound Queensland grouper and the largest public display of corals in the Midwest.

Visitors take an elevator to the underground wing, where 5 inches of Plexiglas separates them from the sharks and other wildlife overhead -- a kind of diver’s-eye view of the habitat.

Admission, now $15 for adults and $11 for children younger than 12, will increase to $21 for adults and $13 for children Tuesday. Open daily except Christmas; hours vary. (312) 939-2438, www.sheddaquarium.org.

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North Coast tourist train shortens route

The historic Skunk Train, which for decades has hauled tourists through redwoods between Fort Bragg and Willits in Northern California, is shortening its spring and summer route because of financial problems.

The train’s Mendocino County investors filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in December, said Gary Richards, vice president and general manager.

In winter the train usually plies an abbreviated route, a 20-mile run from Fort Bragg and back with a picnic stop; then in spring and summer it starts making the full 40-mile run between Fort Bragg and Willits.

But this year it will continue the shorter route through Sept. 27. The round trip will take three hours instead of eight.

Fares are $35 for adults, $17 for ages 3 to 14. (800) 777-5865.

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DEAL OF THE WEEK

Springing into Yosemite Park

Yosemite National Park in Central California is cutting its tent-cabin rates for Sunday through Thursday night stays in spring. The “Housekeeping Camp Special,” good through April 30 at the 266-unit camp, is $30 per night per unit for up to four guests. Regular rates are $56. The “Curry Village Tent Cabin Package,” which requires a two-night stay, is available starting Wednesday. It’s good Sundays through Thursdays, through May 22, at the 427-unit Curry Village. The cost is $79 for the two nights or $39.50 per night, compared with regular rates of $54 to $59 per night.

Reservations required. (559) 252-4848, www.yosemitepark.com.

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FREE FOR THE ASKING

Saddling up for a rural vacation

More than 100 rural hideaways in North America, from Arkansas to California to Canada, are profiled in the “Dude Ranchers’ Assn. 2003 Directory.”

There’s also a handy chart to compare prices, facilities and activities at each ranch. (307) 587-2339, www.duderanch.org. (Click on “Request Brochure.”)

-- Compiled by

Jane Engle