P&O Announces 12% Jump In Cruise Sector

P&O said its cruise business was set for another strong performance this year after its contribution to the bottom line rose again in 1999. Bookings at its Princess Cruises unit -- nine ships operated from the U.S. and one in Australia -- were reportedly 12 percent ahead up on January 1999 levels, after a 20 percent rise in occupancy last year. Some 70 percent of capacity, including a new 1,950 berth boat due February, has been booked up to June.