Travel Roundup: Virgin America Gets Cash, Aston Maui Lu to Close, Amtrak's Record Ridership and More

Branson adds money to Virgin America -- Richard Branson, founder and part owner of Virgin America, announced he will add more capital to the fledgling U.S. service to help it "break even" during peak fuel prices. The British billionaire didn't say how much he would be helping out, only that he wouldn't be violating any U.S. laws barring foreign ownership of airlines. Branson said he expected Virgin America to be profitable next year. [Source: Calgary Herald]
Aston Maui Lu to close -- Kihei's first resort, the 26-acre Aston Maui Lu, will close Nov. 10. Originally built as a retreat for a Canadian businessman, the Maui Lu started as a bed-and-breakfast in 1962. It will be demolished to create a new timeshare property for Marriott International. [Source: The Maui News]

Amtrak posts record ridership and revenue -- Amtrak posted its 2008 fiscal year figures, showing ridership climbing to 28.7 million and ticket revenue at $1.7 billion. Routes with the most riders and highest ticket revenue were the Northeast Regional, which runs from Boston to Newport News, Va. and the Accela Express, which runs from Boston to Washington, D.C. with fewer stops. [Source: Amtrak]

Carnival drops fuel surcharge for 2010 but will raise fares -- Carnival announced it will drop its fuel surcharge for its 2010 bookings starting Oct. 31, but said it would also raise fares on its 2010 cruises. Five of Carnival's six brands (Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises) charge a party of two a $9 per person, per day fuel surcharge up to $126 per voyage. On The Yachts of Seabourn, that price is $15 per person, per day up to $210 per voyage. No new fares were disclosed. [Source: Carnival Corp.]