Amtrak still off track Q "No rail link between St. Paul and Minot because of Devils flooding," read the headlines. Here's what I would like to know: Why is the Surry Cutoff, which was used in the old Great Northern Empire Builder days, never mentioned? That is a straight shot between Fargo and Minot. They are still running freight daily on that line.

A For most of June and all of July, there's been no riding the rail west of the Twin Cities on Amtrak's popular Empire Builder line due to flooding, first at Devils Lake and then at Minot, both in North Dakota. Such a long delay is frustrating, but a simple shift to another line isn't really so simple.

The line you mention is one of the two primary routes across the northern states, so it is very busy with freight trains, said Marc Magliari, spokesman for Amtrak. "When we have detoured over it in the past, we've encountered lengthy delays," he said.

"Both the regular [Amtrak] route through Grand Forks, and the detour route, which goes through no major towns, are being repaired," after Minot was hit with flooding, Magliari said. The two lines each run through that town. The rail lines are owned by Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad; Amtrak leases the right to run on the rails.

The Empire Builder has discontinued service between St. Paul and Havre, Mont.; it continues to run between Chicago and St. Paul, and between Portland, Ore., and Seattle and Havre. Amtrak hopes full service is restored by the end of the month. Passengers with travel plans on the route should call 1-888-872-7245 or go to www.amtrak.com for updates. The home page currently has an "alert" link to the Midwest and West service disruptions.

KERRI WESTENBERG

SHIPPING NEWS

Fresh air for cruises First airplanes. Then restaurants. Now cruises. Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Carnival Cruise Lines are tightening their smoking policies. Princess will ban smoking in passenger staterooms and balconies for all voyages departing after Jan. 15. Consumer studies have shown that smokers are a minority among its passengers, the company said. A $250 fine will be charged to the account of passengers who violate the policy. The ships will still have smoking areas in cigar lounges, a section of the nightclub and casino, and a portion of the open decks. Holland America will also ban smoking in staterooms starting Jan. 15. Smoking will still be permitted on stateroom verandas and in other designated indoor and outdoor deck areas. Earlier this month, Carnival started permitting smoking only in its dance clubs, designated areas within the casino and casino bar, and certain sections on the open decks on all vessels. Cigarette and cigar smoking is also allowed in the jazz clubs on 13 Carnival ships, including the Carnival Destiny and Carnival Triumph. On other vessels, cigars and cigarettes will also be permitted in designated areas on deck. Starting Dec. 1, Carnival will also ban smoking in all staterooms. Guests with balconies will be able to smoke there. (Spa staterooms, featured on Carnival Splendor, Carnival Dream and Carnival Magic, will continue to remain entirely smoke-free, including the balconies.)

WASHINGTON POST

WEB WATCH

New site for hotel deals Do we really need another members-only travel flash-sale site? If you've ever scored a deal on one, then yes. The newest arrival, Spire.com, offers members luxury hotel stays at 30 percent off the lowest offer found anywhere else for a limited time. The site, which is free to join, offers a "Best Deal Guarantee." If you find the same room at the same hotel for a lower price, Spire will refund the difference between the lower rate and what you paid, plus give you $100 credit toward future Spire reservations. It also has a generous cancellation period worth noting.

LOS ANGELES TIMES

SIDEROADS

Chaska celebrates river life Chaska River City Days, an annual celebration of life on the Minnesota River, kicks off Saturday with a triathlon at 7:30 a.m. at Firemans Park. Festivities will run through July 31 at City Square Park and sites nearby, including a medallion hunt, children's fishing contest, sports tournaments, a beach party, picnic in the park and cultural exhibits. On July 30, rockers Jonah and the Whales will perform at 8 p.m. at the park, and on July 31 a parade will be held at 1 p.m. downtown, immediately followed by a talent show at the park (952-448-9908; www.chaska rivercitydays.com).

COLLEEN A. COLES