Article: Security on cruises is far from shipshape.(The Seattle Times)

SEATTLE _ Travel agent Betsy McDonaugh relies on "a gut feeling" about the safety of cruise-ship travel to Dubai, a port city in the United Arab Emirates that has spent enormously to make itself a hub for well-heeled tourists.

"I don't think it's going to be a problem," said McDonaugh, who sells cruises for a Florida agency. "I'm one of those people who's very optimistic and says, 'Why wouldn't it be safe?'

Her optimism is typical of the estimated $13 billion-a-year cruise industry, which has downplayed risks to customers even though it faces vulnerabilities not unlike those of the airline industry.

After Sept. 11, the director of the Port of ...

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

 
 
Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 80 million articles! Access over 6,500 publications with a FREE trial!