OTHER NEWS - Feb. 9, 1994

Princess Cruises to Build Two New Ships: The Los Angeles-based cruise line said it will spend nearly $700 million for the new Italian-made passenger vessels as part of a plan to boost capacity 70%. The company said the ships, which are to begin service in 1997, will help it remain competitive in the face of expansion by other major lines. Carnival Cruise Lines, the nation’s largest, has six vessels under construction. One of the two new Princess ships--a 2,500 passenger, 90,000-ton vessel--will cost $385 million and rank as one of the largest passenger ships ever built. The company also has an option to build a third ship.