Official Press Release of American Classic Voyages Co.

FACT SHEET:
AMERICAN HAWAII CRUISES

5 PORTS, 4 ISLANDS, 7 DAYS
American Hawaii Cruises' classic U.S.-flag ocean liner, the S.S. Independence, sails exclusively around the Hawaii Islands 12 months out of the year on weeklong cruises.

HAWAIIAN ITINERARY
Effective Nov. 11, 2000, the Independence sails from Kahului, Maui, to Hilo, Hawaii; Kona, 
Hawaii; Honolulu, Oahu; and Nawiliwili, Kauai; before returning to Maui. The route is about 
785 nautical miles. 

SHORE EXCURSIONS
American Hawaii Cruises' shore excursions program provides 67 ways to see Hawaii. Two shore tour packages are offered, with adult and child pricing. Twelve of the excursions enable passengers to play at some of the world's most beautiful and challenging courses, with tee times pre-arranged on board the Independence.

ACTIVITIES/ENTERTAINMENT
Award-winning cultural activities include hula and ukelele lessons, fresh flower lei-making, arts and crafts and stories by a kumu (teacher) which immerse passengers in island history and lore. Entertainment includes concerts by headliner Douglas Dunnell and musical revues by the Ray Kennedy Entertainers. Paniolo (cowboy) night. A '50s/'60s Lip Sync contest. Sock hop and pajama party. Special programs for children on most sailings. A Catholic Mass is held on Saturday evening and an interdenominational religious service, featuring Hawaiian spiritual observances and hymns, is held on Sunday morning. 

THEME CRUISES
Theme cruises aboard the S.S. Independence include Whales in the Wild, Big Band, Pearl Harbor Remembrance, Aloha Festivals & Hawaiian Heritage. New for 2001 will be '50s Cruises.

HAWAIIAN AND PACIFIC RIM CUISINE
The S.S. Independence features Hawaiian and Pacific Rim cuisine by award-winning chefs. Two full-service dining rooms offer hot breakfasts, Hawaiian plate lunches and other mid-day fare, plus 5-course dinners nightly. The Ohana Buffet features casual hot breakfasts, including made-to-order omelets as well as pastries, cereal and fruit; and themed lunches, with pizza, hamburgers and hot dogs in the afternoon. "Madame Pele's Feast of Fire," a volcano-themed buffet, is offered each week on the night the ship passes Hawaii's Mt. Kilauea. "Heart Smart" and vegetarian fare, with special dietary needs accommodated upon request. 24-hour limited room service.

ACCOMMODATIONS 
The S.S. Independence accommodates 867 passengers based on double occupancy and 1,066 pas-sengers maximum. There are 446 staterooms, including 37 suites and 28 single-occupancy cabins. The ship features 23,000 square feet of open deck space; 9 passenger decks; Hibiscus and Orchid Dining Rooms; the Hoi Hoi Showplace; Kumu Study; Ohana Buffet; 3 bars; lounge, 2 pools; youth recreation center; beauty salon; movie theater; fitness center; massage service; photo gallery; self-service laundry; gift shop, medical facility; conference center; and 4 passenger elevators.

AWARDS
American Hawaii Cruises' honors include being named "Best of the Best" for shore excursions by Travel Holiday magazine; inclusion among National Geographic Traveler's 1999 list of "Best Cruises;" winning "Best of Show" in the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau's 1997 "Keep It Hawaii" competition; designation as having the "Best Cruise Line Buffet" by Fielding's World-wide Cruises 1998; and winning a 1997 Diamond Award for entertainment, a 1998 Sapphire Award for entertainment and a 1998 Diamond Award for menus from Onboard Services magazine.

CRUISE FARES
Fares start at $1,335 for 7 nights, per person, double occupancy, and include port charges/costs, all onboard meals, entertainment and activities. Kids 3 - 17 cruise for just $189 on all cruises departing through Dec. 15, 2001. Children under age 3 cruise free, paying only port charges/costs of $90 each. The offer is subject to availability and a few restrictions apply. Hawaii state tax of 4.166% is additional for all passengers.

RESERVATIONS 
For more information about American Hawaii Cruises, including early booking offers that are typically available, contact your travel agent or call the cruise line toll-free at 800-765-7000. Visit the following Web site: www.cruisehawaii.com.