Miami, FL---Discovery Cruise Line, one of the largest tour operators from South Florida to the Bahamas, has announced that an agreement has been signed between the United States Treasury and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas which makes the Bahamas eligible on January 1, 2006, to be treated as if meetings, conventions and tradeshows held there are conducted within North America. This means than any United States taxpayer, individual or corporation, can deduct from income costs incurred with respect to attendance at a conference or convention held in the Bahamas in the same manner and to the same extent that such a taxpayer is permitted to deduct such costs with respect to attendance at a conference or convention held with the United States. The announcement said that for those meetings being conducted prior to the effective date, means are available to allow for the total deduction by United States tax- payers for conventions and meetings held within the Bahamas.

    According to Hanns J. Hahn, General Manager of Discovery, “this is a significant step in attracting meetings and conventions to Grand Bahama Island, which is the daily destination of Discovery.” Mr. Hahn said that “several of the resorts on island have ample meeting facilities to accommodate most meeting requirements and, with Discovery’s capacity of 1,200 passengers, even large groups can travel to the island in a single transportation vehicle. And,” he added, “Discovery has several meeting rooms on board to enable groups to meet on the way to and from Grand Bahama.”

    Discovery passengers enjoy lavish breakfast and lunch buffet meals on the cruise over and all the amenities of a traditional cruise. They depart early morning and arrive in the afternoon to enjoy the rest of the day in the Bahamas. On the day of return they can enjoy a full morning and early afternoon on island before boarding for the return cruise where they will be treated to a lavish buffet dinner, a Las-Vegas style casino, entertainment, shows, and more.

    Discovery sails daily from Port Everglades to Grand Bahama, making it one of the most popular vacation options today.

    Visit www.discoverycruiseline.com for details or call one of Discovery’s vacation specialists at   1-800-SHIPS. Ship’s registry Bahamas. Certain restrictions apply.