round trips.

Yesterday hoteliers were jubilant at the special fares in the latest price war.

Pink Beach managing director Mr. W.A. (Toppy) Cowen said: "Hoteliers will undoubtedly be delighted with the announcement.'' The new fares are subject to strict rules and restrictions, and companies urge would-be passengers to check with them for information.

Weekend passengers can expect to pay more.

Northwest Airlines triggered the reductions with a $198 Bermuda-Boston nonstop service from March 2.

The cuts, which do not include tax, also apply for those travelling from Boston to Bermuda.

Tickets -- non-refundable -- must be bought by March 31 for travel through to October 29.

And, according to a company spokesman, there was a "14 days advance purchase requirement'' -- as with other airlines.

Passengers have to stay at their destination a minimum of three days and a maximum of 30.

USAir's Boston service, which resumes on March 5, will also cost just $198.

There are special fares, as well, to the companies' other destinations -- Baltimore, Philadelphia, and La Guardia.

And American Airlines announced over the weekend they had followed suit.

Their cuts take effect immediately, and are for travel through to October 4.

Bermuda residents flying by American can now pay just $198 for trips to New York, Washington, and Philadelphia.

The airline's flights to Los Angeles and San Francisco cost $358, and the trip to Detroit $258.

Continental has also shorn prices. Its Bermuda-Newark round trip service has been chopped to $198.

Delta and USAir have fallen into line as well.

Mr. Cowen pointed out hotels had seen peaks on the weekends and valleys during mid week.

This had been brought on by the thrust of Bermuda's advertising "A Short Trip To The Perfect Holiday'', he said.

He hoped the Monday-Thursday fare reductions would "generate the business we have lost during the last few years''.

Boston-Bermuda Cruising has been offering travel agents a $100 bonus commission for booking the 1,056-passenger cruise ship Royal Majesty from Boston to Bermuda.

In addition, agents can earn free cruises for two by booking the Bermuda cruises through June 30.

The incentives are part of a sales drive by Boston-Bermuda Cruising.

Royal Majesty , owned and operated by Majesty Cruise Line, will sail from Boston to Bermuda between May 28 and October 22.

Rates start at $899 per person for the seven-day cruises.