FOLLOWING THE NEWS EARLIER THIS WEEK ABOUT THE COLLISION BETWEEN CRUISE EXPEDITION SHIP MS FRAM AND AN ICEBERG, A COMPENSATION AGREEMENT HAS BEEN REACHED FOR THOSE PASSENGERS AFFECTED BY THE ACCIDENT.

THOSE GUESTS WHOSE CRUISE WAS CUT SHORT ARE TO RECEIVE A 50% REFUND OF THE FARE PAID PLUS THEY WILL RECEIVE A VOUCHER OFFERING A CONDITIONAL 30% DISCOUNT OFF ANY FUTURE HURTIGRUTEN SAILING. THE CONDITIONS ARE THAT THEY MUST BOOK BY APRIL 1 2008 AND IS FOR 2008-2009 BROCHURED EXPEDITION CRUISES.

AS THE CRUISE SCHEDULED TO DEPART JANUARY 2 2008 HAS ALSO BEEN CANCELLED,THE 240 AFFECTED PASSENGERS WILL RECEIVE A FULL REFUND OF ALL MONIES PAID PLUS A VOUCHER WORTH 50% OFF A FUTURE SAILING WITH THE SAME CONDITIONS AS THOSE ON THE CANCELLED CRUISE.

Chris Evans,the new Australian Immigration Minister,has confirmed that the recently introduced Australian citizenship test is to be reviewed after recent figures show that 20% of almost 11,000 people to have taken the test so far failed to achieve the required pass mark of 60%.
Mr Evans said that a review is almost certainly required as the test should not be about 'tripping people up' but more to create awareness of citizens responsibilities and the Australian culture.

Important changes to the test, which was drafted and influenced when John Howard was prime minister and supported by the then opposition (now current)leader Kevin Rudd, are certainly possible amidst further plans of the introduction of a statement of values to be signed by those emigrating to Australia accepting to abide by the way of life in Australia.

Australian citizenship can be applied for after 4 years of those holding an Australian Visa.