10 Stingrays Killed Since Irwin's Death

SYDNEY, Australia (AP) _ At least 10 stingrays have been killed since "Crocodile Hunter'' Steve Irwin was fatally injured by one of the fish, an official said Tuesday, prompting a spokesman for the late TV star's animal charity to urge people not take revenge on the animals.

Irwin died last week after a stingray barb pierced his chest as he recorded a show off the Great Barrier Reef.

Stingray bodies since have been discovered on two beaches in Queensland state on Australia's eastern coast. Two were discovered Tuesday with their tails lopped off, state fisheries department official Wayne Sumpton said.

Sumpton said fishermen who inadvertently catch the diamond-shaped rays sometimes cut off their tails to avoid being stung, but the practice was uncommon. Stingrays often are caught in fishing nets by mistake and should be returned to the sea, Sumpton said.

Michael Hornby, the executive director of Irwin's Wildlife Warriors conservation group, said he was concerned the rays were being hunted and killed in retaliation for Irwin's death.

"It may be some sort of retribution, or it may be fear from certain individuals, or it just may be yet another callous act toward wildlife,'' he said.

He said killing stingrays was "not what Steve was about.''

"We are disgusted and disappointed that people would take this sort of action to hurt wildlife,'' he said.

Stingrays are usually shy, unobtrusive fish that rummage the sea bottom for food or burrow into the sand.

They have a serrated spine up to 10 inches long on their tails, which they can lash when stepped on or otherwise frightened.

The spines emit toxins that can kill many small creatures and cause excruciating pain in humans. Few people have died from the poison, but the spines can badly tear flesh and the wounds are prone to infections, including tetanus.

Hornby said people should treat stingrays with caution, but "there is still no need to ... kill or mutilate these important animals.''

World's Largest River Cruise Ship American Queen to Debut on Mississippi River

On March 9, 2007, the crown jewel of river cruising, the elegant American Queen, makes her debut as the flagship vessel for Majestic America Line. In 2007 the American Queen will cruise the mighty Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, showcasing our nation's rich tapestry of breathtaking natural beauty, distinct regional cultures and vibrant history for an extraordinary American experience guests will treasure for years to come. Named the flagship not just for her size (she's the world's largest river cruise ship), but also her grace and casual elegance, the American Queen joins five other ships in the Majestic America Line fleet plying America's great rivers and coastal waterways in 2007 including the Delta Queen, Mississippi Queen, Queen of the West, Empress of the North and Executive Explorer.

The American Queen features 46 specially designed journeys in 2007, exploring America's rivers, while calling on fascinating and historic ports along the way. Itineraries include the beloved and once again vibrant city of New Orleans, La. in the south to historic St. Paul, Minn., the boyhood home to American writer F. Scott Fitzgerald, in the north. Aboard the American Queen, cruising the rivers provides a completely unique way to experience the heart and soul of America on the waterways that helped shape this great country with the flexibility to cruise from three to seven nights, in extraordinary places, at a wide variety of price points.
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Cruise Lines Welcome Kids

Q . I have a 16-year-old I'd like to take on a cruise. Can you give me information on ocean liners that accommodate teens?

A . With more than a million children sailing each year, your daughter will hardly contract cabin fever -- or teen ennui.

"Many cruise lines have programs onboard that cater to kids, from toddlers to teens," says Robert Sharak, executive vice president of Cruise Lines International Association ( www.cruising.org), which represents the major cruise lines. "With the camps or organized activities, the kids get together in a supervised atmosphere with children their own age."

Most cruise lines have children's programs; even Carnival's party-hearty Fun Ships organize Club O2 for ages 15 to 17. Many programs, which are included in the price, provide teens with a separate space where they can hang out sans parents, as well as activities such as scavenger hunts, disco parties and casino nights.

"With morning, afternoon and night programs, parents can have three or four hours at a time to themselves," says Else Daniels, a cruise specialist with Vacations at Sea in D.C. (202-686-7447), singling out family-friendly Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Celebrity and Princess. "Then they meet for meals and compare notes."

To winnow down the choices, Sharak says to approach a cruise like any other vacation, with a roster of questions. On that checklist: where you want to go (Caribbean, Alaska or Mediterranean), what you want to see and do (snorkel, view wildlife, tour European capitals), when you wish to travel (May to September for Alaska or the Mediterranean, anytime for the Caribbean) and what your budget is. Also consider the demographics of the cruise line or destination. For example, luxury lines such as Seabourn often attract older crowds, as do Alaskan cruises.

Daniels recommends the Caribbean, because of its vast number of diversions, from exploring Mexican ruins to snorkeling in the Cayman Islands. Also remember that this is a family vacation, so you don't need to enroll your teen in every shipboard activity. While the programs are optional, family ties aren't.

Andrea Sachs
Washington Post

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