TRAVEL LOG

Four Seasons chain dips its toes into cruising

This may be the ultimate soft adventure for affluent baby boomers: diving and snorkeling excursions in the remote Maldives aboard a 128-foot catamaran run by Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.

The Four Seasons Island Explorer this week begins regular three- to seven-day cruises that visit atolls in the Indian Ocean island republic, about 400 miles southwest of Sri Lanka.

The vessel is based at the luxury chain’s Maldives resort at Kuda Huraa, but you don’t have to be a resort guest to take a cruise. The three-deck vessel has 10 cabins measuring 215 square feet and a 484-square-foot Explorer Suite.

There are two sun decks with Jacuzzi, a restaurant, bar, lounge and library. Each air-conditioned cabin has its own phone, DVD and music system and bathroom with tub-shower. Rates, which vary by season, begin at $340 per person per night, double occupancy, for cabins and $700 for the suite. They include all meals and excursions but not alcoholic beverages. 011-960-444-888, www.fourseasons.com/maldives.

Fees at state parks will go up this week

Fees at California state parks will increase Wednesday. Among them: Regular day-use fees will range up to $5 instead of $3; annual day-use passes will increase to $67 from $35. Basic camping fees will be $13 instead of $12. Boat launching, formerly free, will cost up to $4; annual boat-launch passes will be $45.

The park service noted that fees will still be lower than in 2000-2001, when many were reduced or eliminated.

Amtrak offers fares for bid on Internet

Amtrak has begun offering fares for auction on EBay. You must purchase with a credit card, and there is a $4.95 handling fee. Not all routes are up for bid. Recent ones included Chicago-to-Los Angeles round trips on the Southwest Chief. The top of 20 bids when checked was $81, compared with regular fares starting at $330. (Sleepers are extra.) Log onto www.stores.ebay.com/amtrakauctions.

Traveler’s notes

US Airways, which had announced plans to charge holders of nonrefundable tickets $100 to stand by for flights for the same day, said it would offer them the option of obtaining confirmed seats for the same fee. The change takes effect Wednesday.... New York City is extending its smoking ban, which now applies to restaurants with more than 35 seats, to all restaurants and bars. The ban is expected to take effect by late March.

DEAL OF THE WEEK

Air, 6 nights in Athens for $1,099

See Athens on the cheap before 2004, when it hosts the Olympics -- and prices skyrocket.

The “Athens Spring Special” from Internet travel seller Go-today.com gives you six nights in the Greek capital, daily breakfast and round-trip air fare from LAX on United or another major carrier starting at $1,099 per person, double occupancy.

Airport taxes, about $99, are extra; add $50 each way for Friday to Monday travel. You must book by Feb. 27 for departures March 16 to June 10. Online booking is free at www.go-today.com; add a $20 service fee if reserving by phone, (425) 487-9632. Packages are nonrefundable.

FREE FOR THE ASKING

Santa Fe history, hotels and arts

The 92-page “Official 2003 Santa Fe Visitors Guide” has useful information on the New Mexico city’s history, hotels, arts and other attractions, plus a map and suggestions for day trips. (800) 777-2489, www.santafe.org.