Cruise News from Cruise Diva's Cruise Planner

Windstar Cruises Unveils 2010 Signature Collection Host Series

SEATTLE, June 30: Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world's most sought-after destinations, announces its 2010 Signature Collection Host Series which offers guests the unique opportunity to cruise with distinguished experts in the culinary arts, wine, photography and writing. Hosts in 2010 include: top chocolate artisan Fran Bigelow of Fran's Chocolates; renowned winemakers Jay Schuppert of Cuvaison Estate Wines and Eric Dunham of Dunham Cellars; San Francisco area restaurateur, author, national radio and television personality, Narsai David; photographer Roger Paperno and author Joe Wolff of the popular travel books "Cafe Life"; acclaimed restaurateurs Chef Don Curtiss and Michelle Quisenberry of Seattle's Volterra Restaurant; and Chef Keith Luce of celebrated Northwest restaurant The Herbfarm.

Jay Schuppert - President of Cuvaison Estate Wines hosts Wind Surf's Lisbon to Barcelona sailing which departs April 4, 2010, and visits the ports of Tangier, Morocco; Malaga, Spain; Alicante, Spain; Palma de Mallorca, Spain; and Valencia, Spain. Cuvaison's winery is situated on the historic Silverado Train in Northern Napa Valley and is known for its award-wining wines. Prior to Cuvaison, Schuppert was with Kendall Jackson, San Francisco-based Southern Wine and Spirits Distributors and was Executive Chef of the Crystal Palace Restaurant in Aspen, Colo. Today, Schuppert leads the premium winery to record profits and global presence. Cuvaison wines are distributed throughout the United States, in 40 international markets, first class airlines and top-rated cruise lines. Schuppert will lecture on wine and conduct wine tastings during the voyage. Cruise fares start from $2,399 per person, double occupancy. For more information on Cuvaison Estate Wines, visit www.cuvaison.com.

Narsai David - San Francisco Restaurateur, Television and Radio Personality hosts Wind Star's Barcelona to Rome sailing departing May 1, 2010. Ports of call include Mahon, Spain; Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Alghero, Italy; Porto-Vecchio, France; and Portoferraio, Italy. One of California's leading gourmets, David is a national television and radio personality, as well as Macy's Culinary Expert and shares the simple pleasures of cooking, food and wine through education. David launched Narsai's Restaurant, Market and Catering businesses which quickly became a culinary mecca for traveling gourmets. He hosted the nationally syndicated PBS television series "Over Easy" and was a food columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle. David now broadcasts his secrets of gourmet cooking as the Food and Wine Editor at San Francisco's KCBS radio and oversees the management and new product development of his line of specialty food products. David will entertain guests with a lecture and cooking demonstration on his culinary arts. Cruise fares from $2,399 per person, double occupancy. For more on David, visit www.narsai.com.

Fran Bigelow - Founder and Owner of Fran's Chocolates will host Wind Surf's Rome to Venice sailing departing May 2, 2010, visiting Capri, Italy; Taormina, Italy; Kotor, Montenegro; Dubrovnik, Croatia; and Hvar, Croatia. Bigelow is considered one of the best chocolatiers in the country and has been credited for sparking the artisan chocolate renaissance in America. Fran's Chocolates offers a selection of luxurious chocolate confections and signature truffles created with the finest, all-natural, local and organic ingredients handmade daily in small batches with refined techniques. Bigelow's cookbook "Pure Chocolate" won a "Best Chocolate Cookbook in the United States" award from Gourmand World Cookbook Awards and was a James Beard Foundation Cookbook Award finalist. Further accolades include "Ten Best Cookbooks of 2004" by Food & Wine magazine and the "Best Dessert Cookbook" by People magazine. Bigelow will discuss how she creates extraordinary chocolates and will conduct chocolate tastings. Cruise fares from $2,599 per person, double occupancy. For more information on Fran's Chocolates, visit www.franschocolates.com.

Keith Luce - Executive Chef of The Herbfarm, the Pacific Northwest's only AAA Five Diamond restaurant, will host Wind Surf's Rome to Venice sailing departing June 6, 2010. Ports of call include Capri, Italy; Taormina, Italy; Kotor, Montenegro; Dubrovnik, Croatia; and Hvar, Croatia. Luce trained at the New York's Rainbow Room, Le Cirque and La Cote Basque as well as top Michelin-starred restaurants in France and Italy. He also served as Sous Chef in the White House during Clinton's first administration and Opening Chef of Spruce in Chicago. Luce went on to work as Executive Chef at Five Diamond Relais & Chateaux Little Nell in Aspen and later opened San Francisco's acclaimed Merenda. His accolades include America's "Top 10 Chefs" from Food & Wine magazine and "Rising Star Chef of the Year" by the James Beard Foundation. Luce will speak on culinary techniques and provide cooking demonstrations. Cruise fares start from $2,749 per person, double occupancy. For more information on The Herbfarm, visit www.theherbfarm.com.

Eric Dunham - Winemaker for Dunham Cellars will host Wind Surf's Rome to Venice sailing departing July 25, 2010. Ports of call include Capri, Italy; Taormina, Italy; Kotor, Montenegro; Dubrovnik, Croatia; and Hvar, Croatia. Dunham trained in all phases of winemaking through an internship with Hogue Cellars and served as assistant winemaker at the prestigious L'Ecole No. 41 winery under the tutelage of Marty Clubb. Dunham handcrafted small lots of premium Cabernet Sauvignon under the Dunham Cellars name achieving prestigious awards including a Gold Medal and a 93 rating at the World Wine Championship. In the Spring of 1999, Dunham and his family opened the winery in a converted WWII airplane hanger at Walla Walla's Regional Airport. Dunham Cellars was "2008 Pacific Northwest Winery of the Year" and their wines have received accolades from The Wall Street Journal, Wine Enthusiast and Food & Wine magazine. Dunham will discuss the wine making process and conduct wine tastings. Cruise fares from $2,749 per person, double occupancy. For more information on Dunham Cellars, visit www.dunhamcellars.com.

Chef Don Curtiss and Michelle Quisenberry - Owners of Volterra Restaurant will host Wind Surf's Sept 5, 2010, Rome to Venice sailing which visits Capri, Italy; Taormina, Italy; Kotor, Montenegro; Dubrovnik, Croatia; and Hvar, Croatia. Curtiss was formally trained in classic French cuisine and taught at the Sofitel French Culinary school. He led the helm at Miami's Le Cafe Royale before becoming Executive Chef of Cafe des Artes on Ocean Drive. Curtiss' Northwest culinary adventure began in 1992 holding Executive Chef positions at Al Boccalino, Assaggio, Prego Ristorante as well as Chef Partner at II Fornaio. He and wife, Quisenberry, own Volterra, named after the Tuscan hilltop where the couple married. The restaurant features seasonal Tuscan specialties showcasing Curtiss' innovative style including all natural, organic meats and poultry as well as house made pastas. Volterra has received international acclaim and numerous awards including Wine Spectator's "Award of Excellence," and Zagat's "America's Top Restaurants." Guests will discover Tuscan cooking with Curtiss and Quisenberry. Cruise fares from $2,749 per person, double occupancy. For more information on Volterra, visit www.volterrarestaurant.com.

Photographer Roger Paperno and Author Joe Wolff of the Cafe Life Book Series host Wind Surf's Oct 17, 2010, Venice to Venice sailing which visits ports of Rovinj, Croatia; Opatija, Croatia; Trogir, Croatia; and Dubrovnik, Croatia. The duo produced the popular travel series "Cafe Life Rome", "Cafe Life Florence" and "Cafe Life Venice." The books profile family-owned cafes and bars in Italy featuring photos, interviews and history. In addition to the book series, Paperno has done photography for numerous clients including The Gap, Banana Republic and Saturn Cars. Over the last 25 years, Wolff has written advertising and marketing pieces for a variety of businesses. Paperno and Wolff will share their experiences about working on the book as well as traveling, photography and writing. Cruise rates start from $2,599 per person, double occupancy. For more information on Paperno and Wolff, visit www.rogerpaperno.com and www.joe-wolff.com.

For more information including rates and itineraries contact a professional travel agent or call Windstar at 1-800-258-7245. Visit Windstar Cruises online at www.windstarcruises.com.

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Holland America Line's Innovative Lanai Staterooms Prove a Big Hit on ms Veendam

SEATTLE, June 30: Holland America Line's latest Signature of Excellence innovation has received rave reviews by guests on ms Veendam. Similar in size to the premium line's spacious outside-view staterooms, the new, unique lanai accommodations were recently added to the ship and feature large sliding glass doors with a one-way mirrored coating to ensure privacy. Lanai staterooms offer direct access to the Lower Promenade wrap-around teak walking deck and feature reserved deck chairs outside. Lanai staterooms will be added to ms Rotterdam this year and three other ships by 2013.

"We are very pleased with the lanai staterooms and the enthusiastic response from our guests," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "They have a nice layout and direct deck access and enhanced views are a major benefit. On the Statendam-class ships we have fewer verandah options than on our Vista or Signature ships. So lanai staterooms offer a great value with outside deck access."

The addition of 38 lanai staterooms on Veendam are a key feature in the latest round of Signature of Excellence enhancements at Holland America Line. Thirty-two new verandah staterooms also were built on the aft portion of the ship, along with eight new inside staterooms. All staterooms aboard Veendam received new decor, modern wall sconces, carpeting, drapes, pillows and bed runners and resurfaced desks and vanities. Bathrooms saw an "extreme" makeover with new vanities and cabinetry.

A final stateroom enhancement was the creation of 15 spa staterooms--12 outside converted to verandah in drydock and three other inside--featuring a variety of exclusive spa amenities. The rooms offer their own ambiance with a decor reflecting natural elements and soft earth-tones. A counter-top water feature in each stateroom provides a natural, ambient background sound and artwork reflects serene images in nature. Exclusive spa treatments and a spa room service menu are offered only in these staterooms.

Completion in Two Phases on Five Ships
Except for Veendam, completed at the end of April 2009, and Rotterdam, to be completed in December 2009, stateroom enhancements will be completed in two phases. First, in a series of drydocks in 2010 and 2011, Maasdam, Statendam and Ryndam will receive stateroom upgrades. The second series of drydocks in 2012 and 2013 will add lanai staterooms and new accommodations on the aft portion of the ships, as well as forward verandah and spa staterooms.

Veendam's capacity increased to 1,350 as a result of the stateroom additions. Guest capacity on Rotterdam will be 1,404. Capacity on Statendam, Maasdam and Ryndam will increase to 1,350 during future drydocks.

This next phase in the Signature of Excellence commitment brings the latest innovations at sea to Holland America Line's Statendam, Maasdam, Ryndam, Veendam and Rotterdam. Additional highlights include the resort pool feature called The Retreat, the Showroom at Sea and the new Mix, three specialty lounges midship. Completing projects will be the addition of Canaletto, Holland America Line's popular and complimentary casual Italian restaurant, introduced on ms Eurodam in summer 2008. Overall, Holland America Line has committed $525 million to its Signature of Excellence program that redefines premium cruising.

For additional information, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

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Dining Options Aboard MSC Splendida Satisfying For Any Palate

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, June 30: When MSC Splendida launches on July 12 in Barcelona, the new flagship in the MSC Cruises’ fleet will offer guests the chance to experience a vast selection of food and spirits in its 18 bars and lounges, four restaurants, and two buffets. Traditional fare includes provincial food and fine wines in L’Enoteca wine bar and spicy Mexican specialties in the Santa Fe restaurant. Villa Verde offers superb Italian delicacies with a panoramic view. The Bora Bora buffet extends the spectrum with its own special pizzeria for an exquisitely tasty but light alternative, while La Reggia serves sumptuously varied Italian dining on two floors.

L’Olivo, MSC Splendida’s specialty Mediterrean restaurant, is named after the olive tree which has contributed so much to the rich and diverse cultures nurtured by the ocean. It delivers the essence of these cultures from their aromas, history, and sensibilities to tastes. L’Olivo offers select authentic delicacies from 14 different Mediterranean countries: Algeria, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Libya, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Tunisia and Turkey, each prepared to the highest standards using only the finest ingredients from their traditional areas of production.

The highly trained chefs on MSC Splendida offer a combined recipe collection of 2,000 different selections during a typical seven-night cruise, allowing guests to choose from 14 menus daily. Food is available onboard 24-hours-a-day.

For more about MSC Cruises and MSC Splendida, visit www.MSCCruisesUSA.com or a local travel professional. The countdown has started. On July 12, watch the christening of MSC Splendida live at www.mscwebtv.com.

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MSC Splendida Set To Debut July 12 Will Utilize Latest “Green” Technologies Onboard

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, June 29: Reflecting the high personal standards and love of the sea of its owners, MSC Cruises has incorporated the latest and best systems for protecting the environment into the new MSC Splendida, which will be christened by godmother Sophia Loren on July 12. Like her sister ship MSC Fantasia, the MSC Splendida effectively utilizes “green” technology to ensure that she preserves the beauty of the sea and the air wherever she travels.

The many environmentally friendly features onboard include:

--A five-stage Advanced Wastewater Treatment (AWT) plant that processes all wastewater produced onboard. Although the effluent produced by this system is so pure that it could be discharged into the ocean without harming the ecosystem, it is stored onboard for later transfer to land-based waste systems in port.
-- Innovative Stateroom Monitoring System technology in the staterooms and public areas provides nearly a 25 percent reduction in onboard energy use. For example, this system is able to detect an opened stateroom window or balcony doors, adjusting the room temperature setting in the climate control system accordingly.
-- Special high-efficiency incinerators handle disposal of paper and cardboard waste onboard, while compacting machines and grinders sort and prepare aluminum and glass which is later recycled in port.

These environmental safeguards of MSC Splendida match those used on her sister ship, MSC Fantasia, which earned the distinction of being the first passenger ship to receive the prestigious ‘6 Golden Pearls’ award from Bureau Veritas in recognition as one of the greenest ships in the world. MSC Splendida is currently awaiting certification for this classification, which also includes meeting the highest standards for food quality and safety. MSC Cruises cares about the environment and continues to take steps towards its improvement. The company was one of the first to sign the Venice Blue Flag agreement to reduce emissions in the Venice Lagoon through the use of ultra-low sulphur diesel fuel in its engines. For this year's World Environment Day, on June 5, , on June 5, MSC Cruises offered free onboard screenings of the Home by photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand, produced by Denis Carot, Luc Besson and François-Henri Pinault.

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Fashion Experts to Help Crystal Guests Perfect Their Personal Style

LOS ANGELES, June 29: Veteran wardrobe stylists and designers will host a complimentary "Style Desk" aboard Crystal Cruises' new "Sun, Sea and Euro-Style" sailing this fall. Crystal's Experiences of Discovery program promises an experience to remember as fashion experts offer one-on-one consultations, answer fashion dilemmas and help travelers enhance their own personal sense of style. Setting the stage for the ultra-luxury line's new Fashion & Style cruise is Crystal Serenity's 12-day Mediterranean itinerary from Venice to Barcelona on October 20.

Stylist/costume designer Anna Wycoff and designer Gayle Davis will also provide an insider's look at the fashion world, with a strong emphasis on European style. The team will present a colorful look at the evolution of European fashion and cinema costuming, culminating in a fanciful afternoon tea themed with a 1950's vintage fashion show.

Fashionable highlights of the voyage include:
-- Fashion & Style Desk - Stylists offer personal consultations to perfect your look.
-- Personal Style - Embracing Authenticity as a Virtue - From Bardot to Bogart: A discussion of signature styles.
-- European Cinema Costuming - Learn how costumes enhance a film's story, and examine iconic characters from films like La Dolce Vita and Roman Holiday set in the ship's destinations.
-- A European Fashion Evolution - Explore the 1950's to 60's, when a radical ready-to-wear European revolution replaced manicured couture.
-- Fashion Show Tea - "Riviera Rendezvous," a vintage fashion show created exclusively for Crystal guests.

"The Mediterranean provides a chic backdrop to an insightful look at memorable European fashion," says Christopher Escamilla, Crystal's entertainment coordinator. "Always open and accessible, with infectious enthusiasm, Anna and Gayle are fashion cheerleaders for men and women."

Anna Wyckoff is a Los Angeles-based costume designer and personal wardrobe stylist who has styled runway shows on both coasts. Gayle Davis is the co-owner of the M Stevens dancewear company who also custom designs and styles under her own label. The 12-day cruise visits Venice, Dubrovnik, Catania, Civitavecchia/Rome, Livorno/Florence, Monte Carlo and Barcelona. For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625. Visit the line's website at www.crystalcruises.com.

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Oceania Cruises' New Marina Will Feature Canyon Ranch's Renowned SpaClub

MIAMI, June 26: The world famous Canyon Ranch®, leading operator of destination health resorts, will design and operate the spa, beauty salon, wellness and fitness facilities on board Marina, which is set to debut in late 2010, announced Bob Binder, President of Oceania Cruises.

"We are delighted with our new partnership with Canyon Ranch as their unique approach to lifestyle perfectly complements the Oceania Cruises brand," stated Binder.

According to Binder, the facility will be a Canyon Ranch SpaClub®, from the Canyon Ranch at Sea division. Canyon Ranch SpaClub aboard Marina will feature a visually stunning state-of-the-art spa, wellness and fitness facility, plus a luxurious full-service beauty salon. SpaClub will offer the most desirable spa amenities available: there will be 16 massage, body and skin-care treatment rooms, a gym and weight room with more than 50 pieces of cardio and weight training equipment, a juice bar, men's and women's locker rooms, thalassotherapy pool, two whirlpools and Thermal Suite.

Canyon Ranch SpaClub will debut fleet-wide on Marina's sister ships Regatta, Insignia, and Nautica by Sept 1st of this year. "We wanted to bring this world-renowned experience to the guests on our existing ships as soon as possible as it presented us with the perfect opportunity to enhance our acclaimed product and further the evolution of our brand," added Binder.

Oceania Cruises will also feature a full range of culinary offerings from Canyon Ranch's incomparable Spa Cuisine which is both nutritious and created with the highest gourmet standards. This array of healthy cuisine will be available at breakfast, lunch and dinner in both the Grand Dining Room and Terrace Café. Canyon Ranch Spa Cuisine will debut aboard Regatta, Insignia and Nautica in April and May, 2010 and aboard Marina in late 2010.

"Canyon Ranch shares our passion for fine cuisine and our Executive Chefs will be working with their culinary team to create a unique and diverse array of healthy, gourmet meals," added Binder.

More Than a Spa, a Lifestyle
Canyon Ranch certified fitness instructors will conduct daily group and private fitness, yoga and tai chi classes for guests. In addition, on select voyages Canyon Ranch healthy living experts will offer on-board presentations and workshops addressing lifestyle change, healthy living, stress management and a variety of other topics. The Canyon Ranch SpaClub beauty salon will offer complete beauty services for women and men. The extensive Salon menu will feature hair design and nail care treatments, including luxurious spa manicures and pedicures, makeup consultations and makeovers. SpaClub's array of rejuvenating spa treatments also will include massages and therapeutic bodywork, mud, aromatherapy, ayuvedic and seaweed treatments, facials and masks, conditioning body scrubs and therapeutic body cocoons.

Canyon Ranch SpaClub aboard Marina will incorporate unique water features throughout, emphasizing the healing and therapeutic benefits of water and heat. A thalassotherapy pool will feature airbed recliner lounges, neck fountains, deluge waterfall, air tub and body massage jet benches. The pool area also will have a whirlpool. Adjacent to the pool will be an extensive co-ed Thermal Suite featuring an herbal sauna, Finnish sauna, reflexology basins and an aromatic steam room. Also on board will be the exotic Rasul Ceremony, a Canyon Ranch SpaClub signature treatment. This medicinal mud and steam treatment, which takes place in an ornately tiled steam chamber, is derived from an ancient cleansing ritual.

"Canyon Ranch is thrilled to be expanding its 'at Sea' division aboard Oceania Cruises' Regatta, Insignia, Nautica and Marina," stated Chief Operating Officer Peter Smith. "We share Oceania Cruises' passion for unparalleled service and look forward to bringing our highly acclaimed amenities to our mutual guests in a state-of-the-art facility."

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Growing Audience for Online Radio Show “Why Not Talk Cruise With Ken Muskat” Extends Series

MIAMI, June 26, 2009: With 11 episodes already under its belt, the Why Not Talk Cruise with Ken Muskat online radio show has achieved one of the highest listenerships on the VoiceAmerica online radio network. The show averages approximately 18,600 listeners weekly – live, archived and itunes – with more and more listeners tuning in every week. In fact, Muskat’s May 29th show, entitled Kids and Cruises, Yay or Nay, drew a show record of 22,300 listeners. The series has quickly become the fastest growing show on the network this year, and has been so successful that Why Not Talk Cruise has been extended from its original 13 episodes to now 23. Why Not Talk Cruise with Ken Muskat “airs” every Friday at 2 pm Eastern Time/11 am Pacific Time until Sept 11 at www.RoyalCaribbean.com/WhyNotTalkCruise. Listeners can submit questions and comments to Why Not Talk Cruise radio at whynottalkcruise@rccl.com or can call in during the live show at 1-866-472-5788. They also can follow the show on Twitter, @WhyNotTalkRadio, and join the Why Not Talk Cruise group on Facebook. Listeners who missed the live show can listen to the archives on the Why Not Talk Cruise webpage or download podcasts for free from itunes.

Shows vary weekly and have included topics such as Vacations Rewards for Corporate America, which discussed the reasons why businesses should plan their corporate meetings at sea; and Captain’s Log: Running a Global Cruise Company, where listeners heard from business leaders about what it takes to run one of the largest cruise lines in the world. Each show features special guests, which have included Adam Goldstein, Royal Caribbean International president and CEO; Lorraine Robertson, author and featured guest in The Travel Channel’s “Great Cruises: Why Not The Mediterranean?”; Roger Dow, U.S. Travel Association president and CEO; Dori Berinstein, three-time Tony Award-winning producer, and director and writer of film and television.
Upcoming Why Not Talk Cruise topics will feature All Aboard a Maritime Marvel on June 26; Cruising in a Digital Age on July 10; Sail Green on July 17; Accessible Seas on July 24; and Explore the Far Reaches of the World on August 28. In addition to unique weekly topics, the show features special giveaways including free cruises, gift cards, and even 20 lbs of free lobster!

The call-in radio show began airing every Friday since April 10 and offers vacationers insight into Royal Caribbean’s Nation of Why Not; its guests and crew, known as “citizens”; and the world of cruising with help from travel and cruising experts and media guests. The Nation of Why Not is Royal Caribbean’s current marketing campaign, which highlights the cruise line’s spirit of providing experiences undreamed of on other vacations and delivering innovative activities that challenge guests’ imagination. Ken Muskat has dedicated the past 15 years of his professional career to Royal Caribbean Intl and is currently the vice president of Sales. Muskat oversees Royal Caribbean’s Field Sales, Corporate Incentive and Charter Sales as well as the brand’s Special Events and Sales and Marketing Service teams. In 2001, and again in 2003, Muskat was named one of Travel Agent Magazine’s Top 100 Rising Stars of the Travel Industry and has been recognized for a number of other achievements throughout his tenure at Royal Caribbean. Muskat also serves on the Board of Directors for the Children’s Cancer Caring Center. For additional information about Royal Caribbean or to make reservations, call your travel agent, visit www.royalcaribbean.com r call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.

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James Taylor “Rocks the Boat” during Cunard Command Performances aboard Queen Mary 2

June 26: Legendary singer/songwriter James Taylor had them dancing at sea aboard Queen Mary 2’s June 19 eastbound Transatlantic Crossing where he performed two Cunard Command Performances to standing-room-only audiences in the ship’s 1150-seat Royal Court Theatre. During the voyage he also participated in a Q&A and autograph session. Before the evening concerts, guests got an intimate glimpse inside the life of the American music icon during a live Q&A interview with Entertainment Director Ray Rouse. Taylor graciously greeted, signed autographs for and took photographs with hundreds of adoring fans, some wearing special t-shirts in honour of this beloved entertainer. On the day of his last performance, James Taylor also posed for photographs and signed autographs for more than two hours with hundreds of Queen Mary 2 crew members.

The Transatlantic Crossing fulfilled a lifelong dream of Taylor’s, who has said his favourite place to be is in the middle of the North Atlantic. “It is such a civilized way to go, and Queen Mary 2 is the last word in first class travel,” said Taylor. Joining Taylor on this special voyage were his wife Kim, twin sons Rufus and Henry, and his mother Trudy Taylor.

Taylor and his band arrived today in Southampton, England, having sailed the six-day voyage from New York en route to begin a 10-week, 22-concert tour visiting nine European countries. James Taylor now becomes part of Cunard’s illustrious history of welcoming world-famous entertainers, including Elizabeth Taylor, Rita Hayworth, Rod Stewart, Carly Simon, Shirley Bassey, Harry Connick, Jr. and Lenny Kravitz

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MSC Cruises Announces MSC Cruceros Cup Indoor Soccer Tournament on July 11 Benefitting Abruzzi, Italy Earthquake Victims

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, June 26: MSC Cruises collaborated with F.C. Barcelona, A.C. Milan, Real Madrid C.F. and the Indoor Football Association to benefit victims of the earthquakes in Abruzzi, Italy, by announcing the MSC Cruceros Cup indoor soccer tournament as part of the celebrations welcoming MSC Splendida to the line’s rapidly growing fleet. The MSC Cruceros Cup is an indoor soccer tournament that will be played in the Palau Blaugrana on July 11. The tournament will bring together three of the world’s most successful teams (winners of a total of 18 Champions League titles): F.C. Barcelona, which will host the event, A.C. Milan and Real Madrid C.F.

The competition will be arranged among three teams with matches lasting for 30 minutes of continuous play and a 10-minute break between each match. The first game will pit Real Madrid against A.C. Milan, the second will be between F.C. Barcelona and the loser of the first match, and the final match will play F.C. Barcelona and the winner of the first match.

The next day, MSC Splendida, the newest addition to MSC Cruises’ fleet, will be christened in Barcelona, Spain. Then, she departs for a Soccer Theme Cruise in the Mediterranean, calling at Tunis, Malta, Messina (Italy), Civitavecchia (Italy) and Genoa (Italy). Onboard, guests can experience five days of sports, relaxation, and entertainment while enjoying dedicated activities and events for soccer enthusiasts. For more about MSC Cruises and MSC Yacht Club, visit www.MSCCruisesUSA.com or a local travel professional.

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Cruise West Announces 2010 Alaska Deployment Featuring Revised Itineraries

SEATTLE, WA: Drawing on its 63 years of tour/cruise experience in Alaska, Cruise West (www.cruisewest.com), is introducing a new seven-night Alaska’s Inside Passage itinerary that highlights more wilderness and Zodiac experiences and authentic ports of call. Four-night departures will be offered on Glacier Bay Highlights and Glaciers of Prince William Sound voyages, and the popular 10-night Gold Rush Inside Passage returns with a new port of call. The deployment changes reflect the Spirit of ’98 staying on the Columbia River and the Spirit of Oceanus venturing on a new epic world voyage in 2010.

“Our redeployment is in response to demand and current market conditions, while maintaining the integrity and heritage of our core Alaska products,” said President and CEO Dietmar Wertanzl. “In addition, the new Inside Passage itinerary really reflects our core values as a company, which is to get off the beaten path and explore! The best attributes of both our Whales & Wilderness and classic Alaska’s Inside Passage itineraries were combined for the new streamlined itinerary. The included ports of call and waterways are a natural for our small vessels and this itinerary also offers further exploration by small craft excursions.”

The deployment modifications include 25 departures of the new seven-night Alaska’s Inside Passage cruise roundtrip from Juneau, which includes a winning combination of authentic ports, an included shore excursion in every port and awe-inspiring wilderness cruising. Guests spend one full day exploring both historical Sitka where a choice of additional shore excursions awaits, and World Heritage Site Glacier Bay National Park. The company enhances the itinerary with Wrangell, a hidden jewel that offers a plethora of high action optional excursions including bear viewing from the Anan Bear Observatory and taking a jet boat up the Stikine River. The lovely fishing village of Petersburg features a performance by the Leikarring Dancers, beautiful walks, and the charm of the local people and their rich Norwegian heritage. Always a favorite is scenic cruising in Frederick Sound and Stephens Passage, considered the most prolific whale watching waters in Alaska. Also featured are two additional days spent searching for sea and wildlife, including opportunities to explore around Lake Eva, Red Bluff or Security Bay by Zodiac inflatable craft, and a full day at Icy Strait and the Inian Islands. The action takes place on the 138-guest Spirit of Yorktown and 102-guest Spirit of Endeavour. Prices start at $4,399, per person double occupancy.

Further, the 84-guest Spirit of Discovery will operate 24 departures of the four-night Glacier Bay Highlights itinerary, roundtrip from Juneau. This cruise offers two nights in Glacier Bay National Park, with a stop at Bartlett Cove for a special presentation and an opportunity to take a nature walk, and a full day of adventures at Haines and Skagway. Prices start at $1,599 per person, double occupancy. Pre and post night hotel packages are available to build in time for "Cruise West crafted" excursions to enhance your experience.

The 78-guest Spirit of Columbia will operate 19 departures of the four-night Glaciers of Prince William Sound itinerary, roundtrip from Anchorage. One fifth of the state’s tide water glaciers are located in Prince William Sound and this is nature cruising at its finest. The glaciers and scenery are sure to stun even the most seasoned traveler. The small fishing village of Cordova, known for its prized Copper River salmon and inaccessible by highway, is a featured port stop offering adventure activities including kayaking, hiking and river rafting. Prices start at $1,199 per person, double occupancy.

Cruise West’s popular 10-day Gold Rush Inside Passage itinerary has been revised to include Misty Fiords and the authentic Tsimshian community, Metlakatla. Ten departures will cruise between Seattle and Juneau at the beginning and end of the season on all four ships. Port calls include traditional favorites and many jewels: San Juan Islands; scenic sea and wildlife cruising in the Strait of Georgia, Frederick Sound, Tracy Arm and Sergius Narrows; the Norwegian fishing village of Petersburg, Sitka, Skagway and Glacier Bay National Park. This cruise offers exceptional value with prices starting at $3,599 per person, double occupancy.

Cruise West is the only cruise line that provides a land tour extension featuring a 3-night stay at the six million acre Denali National Park and Preserve, included in all standard land tours. Guests have more time to explore the park and enjoy included exclusive lectures by naturalists from the Denali Education Center and Alaska Geographic. For guests seeking an even more in-depth and active Denali adventure before their cruise, the company offers a more exclusive and intimate experience at two interior park lodges: Kantishna Roadhouse or North Face Lodge.

As always, Cruise West includes a shore excursion in every port and offers numerous optional excursions to further personalize the guest experience. For maximum value, book and pay in full by Aug 14, 2009, and save up to $700 per person. For additional information regarding Cruise West’s Alaska voyages visit www.cruisewest.com/destinations/alaska or to book a cruise call 1-800-296-8307 or a travel professional.

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Holland America Line’s 2010 Europe Line Up to Include New Signature-Class MS Nieuw Amsterdam,
142 Ports of Call, 11 Maiden Ports, & New Itineraries

Seattle, WA, June 25: Holland America Line is ushering in the 2010 Europe cruise season with its newest ship, the Signature-class ms Nieuw Amsterdam. It, along with five other mid-sized ships—ms Eurodam, ms Maasdam, ms Prinsendam, ms Noordam and ms Westerdam—will sail 54 cruises and call at 142 ports from Norway to Turkey. Beginning April 3, the ships will sail to some of Europe’s most treasured sights as well as some lesser-known ports, including 11 maiden calls. With the addition of new itineraries, more roundtrip departures and more overnight stays on both long and short sailings, guests will be better able to capture the spirit of Europe and its multi-faceted cities.

“2010 is an exciting year for us with Nieuw Amsterdam joining our fleet and adding to our breadth of European offerings,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line. “With six premium ships sailing throughout Europe and an extensive selection of itineraries, guests can select their dream cruise, whether it’s seven or 35 days.”

Midway through the 2010 season Holland America Line’s newest ship, Nieuw Amsterdam, will make its debut, departing July 4 on a 10-day inaugural Collectors’ Voyage. Nieuw Amsterdam will then sail the popular 12-day Mediterranean Romance, Mediterranean Tapestry, and Mediterranean Empires itineraries round-trip Venice, Italy, or between Barcelona, Spain, and Venice, that visit ports throughout Greece, Croatia, Turkey and Italy.

Eurodam will begin her Europe season with four 10-day Mediterranean itineraries beginning April 19 followed by seven eight- to 12-day Baltic cruises, including a Scottish Highlands cruise roundtrip from Dover departing June 21. Also sailing Northern Europe is Westerdam with a roundtrip Rotterdam 7-day Fjord Explorer cruise followed by three 12-day Baltic cruises, also roundtrip Rotterdam.

Guests seeking the convenience of a roundtrip itinerary can take advantage of new departures from Rotterdam, the Netherlands and Dover (London), featuring the Baltic, Norwegian Fjords and Northern Europe. Other roundtrip European homeports include: Civitavecchia (Rome) and Venice, Italy; Barcelona, Spain; Piraeus (Athens), Greece; Copenhagen, Denmark; Greenwich (London), England; and Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Guests who have less time to travel but are still eager to experience Europe can now enjoy 7- and 8-day cruises. In addition to Nieuw Amsterdam’s inaugural Mediterranean cruise and Westerdam’s Fjord Explorer sailing, guests can take Noordam’s 7-day Mediterranean Glamour voyage roundtrip from Barcelona July 26, followed by a 7-day Riviera Romance cruise roundtrip from Rome August 12.

New itineraries offer unique experiences
Guests who are looking for a more regionalized itinerary will be pleased with the new additions to Holland America Line’s repertoire. Departing Aug 2, Westerdam sails a 12-day Celtic Legends cruise that features an overnight in South Queensferry (Edinburgh), Scotland. On Aug 14, Westerdam takes guests on a 12-day Scottish Serenade and spends three days in South Queensferry (Edinburgh). Both cruises offer guests the opportunity to attend the famous Military Tattoo. Noordam’s 10-day Mediterranean Allure cruise departing August 2 features an overnight in Valetta, Malta. And the 12-day Norwegian Fjords & North Cape itinerary on Westerdam showcases spectacular scenic cruising of Geirangerfjord, a crossing of the Arctic Circle and cruising by the North Cape. The Norwegian Fjords & North Cape roundtrip Rotterdam itinerary departs July 26.

Prinsendam returns to Europe with itineraries ranging from 14 to 22 days. Known as the Elegant Explorer, the 793-guest vessel will visit some of the world’s most intriguing sights including a daylight transit through the Kiel Canal. Prinsendam’s visits include overnights in Copenhagen, Denmark; Greenwich (London). England; St. Petersburg, Russia; Bordeaux and Le Havre (Paris), France; Lisbon, Portugal; Barcelona, Spain; and Kuşadasi (Ephesus), Turkey.

For those who wish a blend of North American and European ports without a single international flight, the Maasdam will take guests on a 35-day Voyage of the Vikings sea odyssey departing July 17, roundtrip Boston. The 1,258-guest ship will visit a variety of captivating ports from the north eastern provinces in Canada to Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Denmark, England and the Netherlands, with overnight stays in Amsterdam and Reykjavik.

Throughout the season the six Holland America Line ships will call at 11 maiden ports in Europe, including Bodrum, Turkey; Calvi, Corsica, France; Famagusta, Cyprus; Fort William, Scotland; Heimaey, Iceland; Kotor, Montenegro; Molde, Norway; Monemvassia, Greece; Peel, Isle of Man, United Kingdom; San Antonio and Ibiza, Spain; and Vlissingen (Flushing), the Netherlands.

Guests on board Holland America Line ships are in for a delight in 2010 with overnight stays in 14 most popular European ports: Barcelona, Spain; Bergen, Norway; Bordeaux, France; Copenhagen, Denmark; Greenwich (London), England; Istanbul, Turkey; Kuşadasi (Ephesus), Turkey; Le Havre (Paris), France; Lisbon, Portugal; Reykjavik, Iceland; St. Petersburg, Russia; South Queensferry (Edinburgh), Scotland; Valletta, Malta; and Venice, Italy.

Guests wishing to capitalize on their time abroad may opt to expand their vacation by booking a Collectors’ Voyage. These back-to-back sailings offer two distinct itineraries in which guests can visit up to 17 countries on a 20-day journey. Pre- and post-cruise packages are also available for guests who desire to extend their stays of one, two or three nights on any Europe sailing. For further information on Holland America Line’s sailings or to request a cruise brochure, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-800-877-724-5425 or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

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Regent Seven Seas Cruises Announces Full Year Program for 2010

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, June 25: Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC) today announced the line’s full 2010 cruise program on its three luxury all-suite ships: the 700-guest Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Mariner, and the 490-guest Seven Seas Navigator.

More Inclusive than Ever: 2-for-1 Fares, Free Air and Free Unlimited Shore Excursions
Making its product even more enticing than ever before, RSSC now offers 2-for-1 fares, free roundtrip airfare and free unlimited shore excursions on all 2010 departures. By adding these valuable amenities to a product that already includes all soft drinks, fine wines, premium spirits, onboard gratuities and governmental fees and taxes, Regent now offers the most inclusive cruise product ever offered by a luxury line. Additionally, savings of up to $1000 per person are available for those booking and depositing a 2010 Regent cruise by September 30, 2009.

“This is a truly exciting announcement for us,” said Mark Conroy, President of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “We are basically offering our discerning world travelers the opportunity to purchase almost every element of their cruise vacation upfront to ensure a hassle-free, relaxed vacation at sea and ashore that they can enjoy in the luxury and style of a Regent experience,” he added.

Global Deployment in 2010
Varying in length from 7-night cruises in favorite cruise areas such as Alaska, Europe and the Caribbean to an around-the-world Grand Voyage of 119 nights, the 2010 RSSC programs continue to offer a truly diverse collection of luxury cruise options, living up to its brand promise of Luxury Goes Exploring®. A total of 92 cruise departures encompass every major cruise area of the world: Asia; Antarctica; Australia/New Zealand; the South Pacific; India; Arabia; East, South and West Africa; North and South America; Northern Europe; the Mediterranean; Mexico, the Panama Canal and the Caribbean; and Alaska. Highlights of the 2010 program include:

Four Grand Voyages
Continuing the tradition of offering extended voyages in the winter and fall, RSSC will offer the following Grand Voyages in 2010:

-- Seven Seas Voyager will offer a 119-night World Cruise (RSSC’s 10th such voyage) departing San Diego on Jan 14, following an exclusive performance for full World Cruise guests by America’s favorite TV comic Jay Leno and rock ‘n roll icons The Beach Boys. The voyage can be purchased in its 4-month entirety, or in five shorter segments from 14- to 35-nights. The World Cruise is a global circumnavigation, crossing the Pacific Ocean to Australia via French Polynesia and various South Pacific islands; continuing to Singapore via Indonesia; on to Hong Kong via Brunei, the Philippines and mainland China; sailing West via Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, the Maldives, Seychelles and East and South Africa; and finally returning home to Fort Lauderdale via various stops in West Africa (maiden calls for RSSC), and then transatlantic to the Caribbean and Turks & Caicos islands.
-- Seven Seas Mariner will operate a 65-night Circle South America cruise roundtrip Fort Lauderdale, departing Jan 10. The Grand Voyage can be purchased as a 2-month odyssey or in three shorter segments from 14- to 30-nights. The voyage starts with a 2-week Caribbean and Panama Canal cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Lima, Peru, followed by a month-long cruise through the Chilean fjords and around Cape Horn (with a special first-time visit to Antarctica by an all-suite Regent ship) to the Falkland Islands, Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro; ending with a 3-week cruise home via the Amazon River (up to Manaus) and North through the Caribbean to Fort Lauderdale.
-- A Grand Asia Pacific cruise of 96 nights will be offered on Seven Seas Navigator departing Anchorage, Alaska on Sept 15. The voyage can be purchased in its 3-month entirety, or in five shorter segments from 15- to 22-nights. The voyage starts with a northern transpacific crossing from Alaska to Beijing, via Japan; a 3-week journey to Thailand via Shanghai, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Vietnam; another 3-week voyage to Sydney via Singapore, Indonesia and the North and East coasts of Australia; a 2-week journey from Australia and Tasmania to the South and North islands of New Zealand; ending with a 3-week transpacific crossing to San Francisco via Tonga, Samoa and Hawaii.
-- Finally, a 75-night Discovery Collection voyage on Seven Seas Mariner departing Istanbul on Oct 21. The voyage can be purchased in its entirety or in four shorter segments of 14- to 25-nights. The voyage starts from Turkey, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Holy Land, through the Suez Canal and Red Sea to the Arabian Gulf and the United Arab Emirate of Dubai; continuing with an Indian Ocean odyssey via India, the Seychelles, Mauritius, Reunion and South Africa; followed by a 2-week southern transatlantic crossing from Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro via Namibia and St. Helena; ending with a Christmas and New Year’s cruise through Brazil and the Caribbean to Fort Lauderdale.

Shorter Programs and Traditional Favorites
In addition to the Grand Voyages, RSSC will continue to offer more standard cruise programs in traditional cruise areas:

-- Following the World Cruise, Seven Seas Voyager makes a northern transatlantic crossing to Southampton, England via the northeastern US and Canadian seaboard and Reykjavik, Iceland. This is followed by a series of 7- to 14-night cruises to the Baltic and Russia in the summer months, punctuated by a 15-night cruise through the Norwegian fjords to the Arctic Circle. For the fall, Seven Seas Voyager moves south to the Mediterranean for five 10- to 14-night cruises before sailing transatlantic to Fort Lauderdale for four Caribbean cruises from South Florida.
-- After the Circle South America Grand Voyage, Seven Seas Mariner sails eastbound transatlantic for a full season of Mediterranean cruises of 7- to 12-nights in length featuring the highlights of the Eastern and Western Mediterranean, with voyages beginning or ending in Monte Carlo, Rome, Athens, Venice or Istanbul.
-- Seven Seas Navigator operates a series of 7- to 11-night cruises to the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America during the winter months, followed by a full season of 7-night Alaska cruises between Vancouver and Anchorage during the summer.

A Refurbished Fleet of Ultra-Luxury, Medium-Sized Ships
Following a major refurbishment program involving a total investment of around $70 million, the three-ship ultra-luxury fleet of Regent Seven Seas is at the forefront of luxury cruising. Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Mariner emerged in early 2009 from extensive refurbishment, and Seven Seas Navigator will receive a transformational makeover during a 22-night dry-docking in January 2010. In addition to offering the largest lead-in suites at sea (minimum size 301 square feet), RSSC offers the highest percentage of private balconies of any cruise line, including the world’s only all-suite, all-balcony ships. All of Regent’s award-winning suite accommodations feature walk-in closets and marble-appointed bathrooms. Combined with the highly professional, friendly service, the exclusive enrichment and entertainment programs, stellar cuisine with up to four dining venues, and the all-inclusive product, RSSC offers the luxury cruise traveler a relaxing vacation that is second to none.

Expanded Butler Service
Enhancing yet another level of luxury to the fleet, starting in 2010 Butler service will be expanded to include guests accommodated in suite category C and above (currently B and above). This change will add 85 Butler suites for a new total of 290 fleet-wide (113 on Seven Seas Voyager, 92 on Seven Seas Mariner, and 85 on Seven Seas Navigator), representing over 30% of the total suites available. For more information on the full 2010 program of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and for full terms and conditions for specific offers, visit www.RSSC.com.

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Celebrity Equinox to be Named by Founder of “Walk The Walk”

MIAMI, June 25: Celebrity Cruises has announced that Nina Barough, CBE (Commander of the British Empire), founder of the UK-based charity, “Walk the Walk,” will serve as Godmother of Celebrity Equinox, the second in Celebrity’s lauded Solstice Class fleet. Barough will officially name the ship in Southampton, England, during the formal naming ceremony July 29, culminating in a large bottle of champagne custom-made by The Corning Museum of Glass crashing against the hull of the 2,850-guest ship.

Celebrity selected Barough in recognition of her fervent devotion to raising awareness of breast cancer and her tremendous success in raising funds for the cause–-$85 million to date--through Walk the Walk’s “SunWalks” and “MoonWalks.” The four annual marathon walks in London, Edinburgh, Bristol and Newcastle attract thousands of women typically clad in decorated bras, the signature apparel for most participants. A fair number of men also participate in the walks.

“Nina is an outstanding leader, business person, and fundraiser, but what is perhaps most impressive, and certainly most inspiring, is her tireless devotion to breast cancer causes,” said Richard D. Fain, Chairman of Celebrity Cruises and Chairman and CEO of parent company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
“We are honored to have as Godmother of Celebrity Equinox someone whose work has benefited so many battling breast cancer, and whose personal triumph over the disease has inspired and encouraged thousands of women, men and families in the UK and beyond,” said Celebrity Cruises President & CEO Dan Hanrahan.

A breast cancer survivor herself, Barough’s numerous other life achievements include receiving a CBE for her contributions to health care through the British “New Year Honours” in December 2006. More recently, she was recognized at the “Pride of Britain Awards” (September 2008), where she was named “Fundraiser of the Year.” And in October 2008, Barough was honored once again; this time, with the “Woman of the Year--Outstanding Achievement Award” in recognition of her willpower, spirit and courage. “I am extremely excited to serve as this fantastic ship’s Godmother, and look forward to presiding over such a meaningful and celebratory ceremony,” said Barough. “I feel blessed to be given this opportunity to raise the profile of our charity through my association with Celebrity Cruises, and very honored to name a vessel as gorgeous as Celebrity Equinox.”

Celebrity Equinox enters service July 31 from Southampton on an 8-night Norwegian Fjords cruise, then returns to Southampton to embark on the ship’s official maiden voyage departing August 8 for the Mediterranean. The ship will present a series of Mediterranean sailings from Rome (Civitavecchia) through the fall and will offer Caribbean sailings from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, beginning this winter.

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Oasis of the Seas Introduces the Next Generation of Royal Caribbean Dining

MIAMI, June 24: Launching in December 2009, Oasis of the Seas will set the stage for Royal Caribbean International’s culinary innovations. The world’s most revolutionary cruise ship will offer guests more variety and flexibility than ever before, thanks to 24 distinct dining experiences, ranging from an exclusive signature restaurant, to neighborhood-specific themed venues and new twists on the global brand’s traditions.

“Oasis of the Seas showcases the evolution of Royal Caribbean dining,” said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Both the new concepts and the established Royal Caribbean offerings found throughout the neighborhoods are designed to meet contemporary dining standards, cater to individual preferences and schedules and foster epicurean curiosity. With so many options, guests could choose a new place to dine for every meal.”

Fleetwide, Royal Caribbean strives to deliver the best dining experience possible by continuously developing innovative programs and upholding the highest culinary standards. As guests expectations continue to rise, the global cruise line introduces new elements of variety and flexibility, such as My Time Dining and My Family Time Dining. In addition, Royal Caribbean trains and certifies all culinary chefs through the American Culinary Federation’s accredited education program and implements U.S. training standards of safe alcohol service.

From breakfast to late night snacks, guest’s onboard Oasis of the Seas can find an extensive variety of food and beverage offerings, available at no extra charge, that will satisfy any craving, providing more options for breakfast, lunch and dinner than Royal Caribbean guests have ever had before. For additional convenience, dinner reservations can be made in advance through new features on www.royalcaribbean.com starting July 7, 2009. Let the culinary festival begin with the following highlights of the food and beverage offerings onboard Oasis of the Seas:

Central Park
· 150 Central Park: The most exclusive dining venue on Oasis of the Seas, 150 Central Park will provide an intimate dining experience that will combine leading-edge cuisine with modern design, creating a trendy upscale ambiance. Signature features will include a tasting menu with customized wine pairings. Open for dinner; $35 cover charge.
· Giovanni’s Table: This Tuscan countryside influenced trattoria will be a more-accessible, casual Italian restaurant featuring both indoor and al fresco seating. Giovanni’s Table will offer rustic dishes with a contemporary flair, including toasted herbal breads, pizzas, salads, pastas, Italian sandwiches, braised meat dishes and stews, all served family-style. Open for lunch and dinner; $10 lunch and $15 dinner cover charge.
· Park Café: A casual dining choice providing a high level of variety and flexibility, Park Café will be an indoor/outdoor gourmet market with walk-up counters. From freshly prepared salads and made-to-order sandwiches, to paninis, crepes and hearty soups, guests will order directly from the chefs behind food stations. European pastries, sublime chocolates and decadent fudge will round out the offerings. Open for breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner and late night treats.
· Vintages: Always a popular hot spot for Royal Caribbean guests on Voyager- and Freedom-class ships, the Vintages wine bar will evolve into a larger space on Oasis of the Seas. Great for a pre-dinner rendezvous, Vintages will provide a selection of cheeses and a broad tapas menu to accompany a robust selection of fine wines, from a tropical white Riesling to a mocha-inflected Merlot. Open for lunch and dinner; á la carte pricing.
· Chops Grille: Continuing the tradition, Royal Caribbean’s popular signature steakhouse will offer premium cut, quality meats. Guests can choose to enjoy the upscale, contemporary setting indoors with views of Central Park or al fresco. Open for dinner; $25 cover charge.

Boardwalk
· Seafood Shack: The indoor/outdoor casual family restaurant will bring the surf style of beach side amusement parks to the Boardwalk, serving a variety of seafood, as well an extensive beverage menu of non-alcoholic cocktails and over-sized desserts. Open for lunch and dinner; $7.95 lunch and $9.95 dinner cover charge.
· Boardwalk Bar: The main bar in the Boardwalk will offer on-the-go snacks and a variety of pre-packaged sandwiches, fruit and salads. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
· Donut Shop: Guests can stop into the classically styled shop for a casual snack any time of day. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
· Ice Cream Parlor: The 1950’s styled ice cream venue will display classic sundaes and a variety of ice cream flavors and toppings to choose from and then mixed-to-order on a frozen slab. Open throughout the day; á la carte pricing.
· Johnny Rockets: Extending the signature “eat-ertainment” hours, a diner breakfast menu will be introduced. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner; $3.95 breakfast and $4.95 lunch and dinner cover charge.

The Royal Promenade
· Mondo Cafe: This new addition to the Royal Promenade will feature coffee, sandwiches and pastries native to countries such as Italy, Spain and Cuba. Steps from Boleros and open around the clock, it is sure to be popular after an evening on the dance floor. Open for breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner and late night treats.
· Sorrento’s Pizzeria: The New York style pizzeria will feature a more extensive menu with made-to-order pizza pies and slices, in addition to the ready-made selections introduced with the Freedom-class ships. Open for lunch, dinner and late night snacks.
· Café Promenade: Located on the opposite end of the Royal Promenade from the Mondo Cafe, the popular café will continue serving Seattle’s Best Coffee, fruit shakes, pastries and sandwiches throughout the day and night. Open 24 hours; á la carte pricing.

The Pool and Sports Zone
· Solarium Bistro: Located in the Solarium, the contemporary bistro will offer health-conscious dining for breakfast and lunch in a casual setting. In the evenings, Solarium Bistro will transform into a romantic and intimate dining setting for specialty healthy-fare dinner and dancing under the stars. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner; dinner has a $20 cover charge.
· The Wipe Out Café: The casual self-service buffet will offer a variety of options from pizza, hamburgers, sandwiches and fresh salads to quick snacks and desserts, for young cruisers on-the-go. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center
· The Vitality Café: Located at the entrance of the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, the Vitality Café will feature healthy snacks, sandwiches, wraps and fruit, in addition to refreshing juices and smoothies from the Vitality spa menu for the calorie conscious guest. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

New Twists on Fleet Fixtures
· Opus Dining Room: The three-level main dining room will revive the grandeur of the 1920s and feature French art deco design. Catering to guests’ varying preferences, the newly introduced My Time Dining and My Family Time Dining, as well as the traditional main and late seating options will be offered. My Time Dining provides guests with the option to enjoy the dining room ambiance with Royal Caribbean’s renowned Gold Anchor Service whenever they wish during dining hours. Guests choosing My Time Dining will not have a pre-assigned table, but will be seated in the ships main dining room and will order from the same traditional dinner menu. My Time Dining guests can make daily reservations for specific seating times or choose to walk in. My Family Time Dining accommodates parents and children by offering an expedited 40-minute dining service for young cruisers, ages 3-11. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
· Windjammer Marketplace: Offering the utmost flexibility for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this next generation of the brand staple will feature multiple islands, each serving a variety casual buffet fare.
· Izumi: The new Asian cuisine restaurant will feature a sushi bar and hot rock cooking, as well as other Asian fare in a more formal setting. Open for lunch and dinner; á la carte pricing.
· In-Stateroom Service: Guests wanting to enjoy a meal in the comfort of their staterooms will be able to choose from the complimentary breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, as well as the recently introduced Dine in Delights menu, which offers name-brand culinary options ranging from the Original Johnny Rockets hamburger to Ghirardelli Chocolate Cookies. Open 24 hours; á la carte pricing for Dine In Delights and $3.95 service charge for in-room deliveries between 12:00 am and 5:00 am.

Royal Caribbean Intl is a global cruise brand with 20 ships currently in service and two under construction. For additional information or to make reservations, call your travel agent, visit www.royalcaribbean.com or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.

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Refreshed Web Site Enhances Holland America Line Experience

SEATTLE, June 24: With a new image centric design, Holland America Line enhanced its Web site for a more visually engaging and user-friendly experience. Additions include a new intuitive navigation, expanded page view, updated images and a host of prominently located virtual tours and videos.

"Hollandamerica.com will continue to evolve in the way it uses imagery to express our premium brand experience and engage visitors," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "With the increased importance of rich media to travelers in planning their vacations, we have redesigned our Web site to make it easy to research and plan a Holland America Line cruise vacation as well as participate in our social media community."

A new Virtual Tours & Videos section offers full screen tours of every ship, featuring 360-degree images of public rooms and various categories of staterooms. Integrated into the Web site, the new section displays 39 videos and 110 virtual tours for interactive immersion in both ships and destinations.

Other changes to the Web site include an upgraded Cruise Finder section with enhanced color-coded maps of itineraries and a new brochures feature under the Destinations section, making six online brochures available featuring all destinations. The primary navigation has also been adjusted, allowing more extensive content as well as wider viewing of a breadth of imagery. With the emergence of social media, Holland America Line has created an online community, located under general information on the home page, that now includes the HAL Blog, Facebook fan page, Twitter account, Flickr account and YouTube customized pages. In addition, every page on the Web site has an expanded footer navigation bar, providing quick access to increased content.

To experience the new design and refreshed Holland America Line Web site, visit www.hollandamerica.com, which is also optimized for mobile devices and is available in Spanish, Dutch and German.

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MSC Cruises Rewards MSC Yacht Club Bookings With Shipboard Credit

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, June 24: Guests who book MSC Yacht Club accommodations on a 2009 summer Mediterranean sailing with MSC Cruises by Aug. 31, 2009 will receive a shipboard credit of $400 per stateroom. Guests receive the $400 shipboard credit when they book MSC Yacht Club accommodations on select MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida 7-night Mediterranean sailings scheduled now through Sept. 6. MSC Yacht Club is a haven of exclusive private suites and luxurious amenities introduced on the line's new flagship, MSC Fantasia, and also featured on sister-ship MSC Splendida, which debuts on July 12. The 99 suites of the MSC Yacht Club are located on the prestigious upper foredecks, offering guests breathtaking views from their own private balconies or full-height panoramic windows.

MSC Yacht Club is an extraordinary combination of all the comfort, service and privacy of a personal yacht and the privileged access to the state-of-the-art sports facilities, first-class shopping, dining, gaming, and entertainment found on MSC Cruises' magnificent new flagships. Each suite is served by a highly trained butler, offering guests everything from daily newspaper to room and valet services, priority bookings for shore excursions, spa packages, front-row seats for evening performances in the ship's spectacular theater, restaurant reservations, and private shopping visits.

MSC Yacht Club guests also enjoy their own Concierge service, complimentary beverages, private swimming pool, bar and lounge and library as well as special access to the Balinese services at the Aurea Spa center. For more about MSC Cruises and MSC Yacht Club, visit www.MSCCruisesUSA.com or a local travel professional.

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Silversea Introduces "Silver Shore Concierge" Service Offering
Custom-Designed Shore Experiences

Ft. Lauderdale, FL, June 24: Silversea is making it easier for guests to design their own unique experiences ashore with the introduction of its new "Silver Shore Concierge" service. With the launch of this innovative program, guests or their travel agent now need only to call the dedicated toll-free phone line, 1-800-968-9518, or email concierge@silversea.com, to request assistance in making personalized, private onshore arrangements. The Silver Shore Concierge desk can be reached from 8:00am to 6:00pm (East Coast time, U.S.), Monday through Friday.

"The new Silver Shore Concierge desk has been created to provide our guests with one-to-one consultations and creative assistance," said Darius Mehta, Silversea's director of land programs. "Our team of destination experts are happy to set up arrangements to meet a guest's specific requirements, tailored to their personal interests, or help guests design their own one-of-a-kind onshore experience."

The Silver Shore Concierge arrangements could include not only sightseeing but also sporting activities, and securing behind-the-scenes or after-hours access to exclusive designer shops, museums, cathedrals, and more. Other possibilities might include a champagne picnic and hot air balloon ride over Tuscany, access to a designer's atelier in Venice, or a journey through Juneau's glacier-carved fjords by private catamaran. Additionally, guests can call upon the Silver Shore Concierge to plan pre- and post-cruise land adventures that include accommodations at some of the world's best hotels, flights, ground transportation, and guided tours of historical sites and other attractions.

To take advantage of the new service, Silversea guests will need to have a deposited or fully-paid booking. Payment for confirmed arrangements is made in advance of sailing and includes a service fee. The Silver Shore Concierge is also offered aboard ship, where the shore concierge manager and team, together with the destination specialist, are available to assist guests with suggestions, planning and coordination of all their independent touring needs.

The Concierge service is the centerpiece of an array of new Silver Shore tour and hotel offerings designed to make the destination experience more personal and authentic, including:

** Silver Shore Privato: lets guests experience the destination at their own pace on full or half-day excursions by private car or van service that can be reserved on board or in advance of sailing via www.Silversea.com/MyVoyage.
** Silver Shore Expedition: adventurous and educational tours for the active explorer.
** Silver Shore Collection: unique and exclusive in-depth explorations of local history and culture.
** Silver Shore Excursions: intimate and rewarding small-group touring.
** Silver Shore Land Adventures: multi-day excursions that head inland to explore the region in depth. Offered before, after or during select voyages, they include accommodations, porterage, all transfers, sightseeing and some meals.
** Silver Shore Simply Hotel: single-night programs that feature a 4.5- or 5-star hotel stay before or after the cruise at such properties as the InterContinental Athenaeum in Athens, the Park Tower in Buenos Aires or Rome's Bernini Bristol. These flexible overnight stays offer guests the option to add transfers, additional nights or upgrades, if desired.
** Silver Shore Grande Hotel: two-night programs that enable guests to extend their vacation at Claridge's in London, the Peninsula in Bangkok and other landmark hotel or boutique properties across the globe. Full breakfast and private transfer between the pier and hotel are included.

All Silver Shore tours are available for guests to pre-book online as early as 120 days prior to sailing. Silver Shore Land Adventures and hotel options can be booked as add-ons to the cruise vacation through Silversea reservations.

Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the luxury segment, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard its intimate, all-suite vessels: Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper--and launching in Dec 2009, Silver Spirit--all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. With the addition of the regal expedition ship Prince Albert II, the company's itineraries encompass all seven continents. For more information on Silversea Cruises, please contact a travel agent. For a complimentary brochure, please call toll-free (877) 215-9986 or visit www.silversea.com.

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Seabourn Odyssey Debuts Today: First New Ultra-Luxury Vessel in Six Years

MIAMI, June 24: The Yachts of Seabourn embarks today upon an expansive future as Seabourn Odyssey launches from Venice as the first ultra-luxury vessel to debut in six years. The 32,000-ton vessel built by T. Mariotti of Genoa, Italy, accommodates 450 guests in 225 luxury suites, ninety percent with verandas, offering one of the highest space-per-guest ratios in the industry with highly personalized service. Odyssey features the largest spa on any luxury yacht, four restaurants and a host of luxury amenities. Guests of the maiden voyage will also share the unprecedented honor of acting as godparents. Odyssey is the first of three new vessels Seabourn is building, a 216% increase in capacity for the line, with Seabourn Sojourn launching in June 2010 and a third new-build in 2011.

"It is with great pleasure that I welcome Seabourn Odyssey to our distinguished fleet of yachts," said Pamela Conover, President and CEO of The Yachts of Seabourn. "The launch of Odyssey allows us to serve more travelers but still offer the intimate and exclusive experience which has made us a leader in the luxury cruising market."

Enticements are everywhere aboard Odyssey. The Spa at Seabourn is the largest spa on any luxury vessel at 11,400 square feet and is the only cruise vessel to offer SkinCeuticals, the award-winning skincare line, products and treatments at sea. Passengers can enjoy a hydropool, Kinesis wall, two herbal steam rooms as well as two Spa Villas complete with a whirlpool big enough for two, a private balcony for sunbathing, a double daybed and a full living room.

Passengers on Odyssey will savor five-star, all-inclusive dining in four restaurants from the fine-dining Restaurant with menus crafted by Charlie Palmer to the casual, open-air Patio Grill or choose course-by-course dining from the comfort of their suite.

With an intimate yacht-like atmosphere, passengers can choose from other highlights including 11 decks harboring two outdoor swimming pools, six outdoor whirlpools, water sports from the unique marina, and a private diamond showroom. The Retreat features a contoured nine-hole mini golf course, a giant chess board, shuffleboard and stargazing in the evening. Additional amenities include Seabourn-branded netbooks and iPods for loan as well as complimentary pool-side massages and signature 'Caviar in the Surf' service.

The Grand Wintergarden Suite, the largest of any Seabourn suite, offers 1,182 square feet of indoor space plus two verandas. The two bedroom, two bathroom suite features a glass-enclosed solarium with tub and daybed, as well as a whirlpool, dining for six, two bars and three flat-screen televisions. All guests on Odyssey receive exceptional personalized service with nearly one staff member per guest and top-of-the-line amenities including the new Molton Brown Therapies skincare line, available for the first time at sea.

A new feature of Odyssey, Seabourn Square, is an innovative "concierge lounge" with a library, upscale shops, outdoor terrace and coffee bar, as well as concierges in a relaxed, club-like atmosphere.

Odyssey will spend her maiden year exploring the Mediterranean throughout the summer and early fall, then sailing the Caribbean before embarking on Seabourn's first world cruise, a 108-day voyage departing Jan 5, 2010, visiting 42 ports in 26 countries on six continents from Ft. Lauderdale to Athens. For more information or to make a reservation, please contact Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com.

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Oceania Cruises’ New Marina Will Be An Epicurean’s Delight

NEW YORK, June 24: Guests on Oceania Cruises’ new Marina, scheduled to debut in winter 2010, can enjoy a five-course menu de gustacion (tasting menu) at Red Ginger, a Pan-Asian specialty restaurant featuring Thai, Japanese and Vietnamese cuisine. There is no supplement or surcharge and a full a la carte menu is offered as well. Red Ginger will offer both traditional and fusion dishes amid comfortable, visually stunning surroundings, with seating for 126. The stylish, contemporary décor is a study in feng shui,, with ebony woods, bronze and glass light fixtures and eclectic, modern Asian artwork. Three Buddha heads, carved from a single piece of glass and lit with multiple colors from within, comprise the venue’s dramatic centerpiece.

“The menu at Red Ginger offers a mélange of Far Eastern flavors,” stated Franco Semeraro, senior vice president of Hotel Operations for Oceania Cruises. “Marina guests will enjoy both fresh interpretations of Asian classics, as well as superb new creations.”

An Epicurean Odyssey: “Menu de gustacion” is French dining parlance for a meal that lets guests taste a sampling of dishes. The leisurely five-course feast at Red Ginger will include soup, salad, appetizer, choice of main courses accompanied by a selection of side dishes, followed by dessert.

A typical menu might begin with spicy Thai lemongrass-flavored coconut soup with prawns, followed by a salad of duck and watermelon with cashews, mint and Thai basil. The starter course may showcase selections from the daily sushi platter or tuna tartar with black and white sesame seeds and wasabi cream. Entrée choices satisfy a range of palates and include roasted Chilean Sea Bass marinated in plum-miso sauce, cooked in a Hoba leaf, or Asian-spiced Rack of Lamb with kohl robi, cream spinach and truffle oil. Sole Tempura, Braised Beef with Malay Curry, and Lobster Pad Thai are also main courses. Side dishes include stir-fried Asian greens with oyster sauce, baby Bok Choy and shitake mushrooms, fried rice with prawns and steamed Jasmine rice. For dessert, guests can savor an East-West synthesis such as chocolate-lemongrass or litchi-raspberry crème brulée, green tea banana cake with toffee-hazelnut sauce, steamed ginger cake with apple-cardamom ice cream, or an exotic fresh fruit plate.

The Red Ginger wine list features both European and New World vintages carefully chosen to subtly enhance the exotic Asian flavors, along with a wide selection of sake. Beers from Thailand and Japan, and a full cocktail menu are also available. The restaurant’s signature libation – Ginger Blossom – is sure to pack a spirited punch, blending Charbay blood orange vodka, passion fruit and orange juices and Grenadine, served shaken and poured over ice.

Also when she debuts, Oceania Cruises’ new 1,258-guest Marina will offer a state-of-the-art culinary studio with fully equipped individual work stations, each with induction cook tops, a first at sea, affording guests the opportunity to gain a hands-on learning experience. Plans for the new ship’s multi-million-dollar, ground-breaking culinary center were announced in New York by Bob Binder, president of Oceania Cruises, and Risa Aronson, associate publisher, Bon Appétit magazine.

“Many ships offer cooking demonstrations. Our goal when designing Marina was to be the first to let guests actually experience cooking side-by-side with a master chef as opposed to passively watching from the audience,” stated Binder. “We are proud to have Bon Appétit serve as our culinary partner on this pioneering project.”

Oceania Cruises’ curriculum, designed in part by Bon Appétit, will appeal to a wide range of tastes and incorporate regional cultures and cuisines. Depending on the itinerary, classes may range from 45 minutes to three hours, and cater to all levels of aptitude, from beginner to master-chef level. The culinary experience will also be brought ashore with market tours where guests will shop for local ingredients with the chef. Additionally, guest chefs may arrange for students to have private tastings at wineries and access to famous shore-side kitchens.

A Ship for Food Lovers: Oceania Cruises’ new Marina has been purposefully designed for epicureans with 10 dining venues, including six open-seating, gourmet restaurants. Public spaces awash in rich woods, marble and granite, fine wool carpets and lustrous leather retain the intimacy and signature design elements of the line’s three sister ships while affording an increased level of space, comfort, convenience and luxury amenities. Guest accommodations are comprised of 629 staterooms and suites, 96 percent of which have private verandas. Facilities include an array of elegant bars and lounges, a full-service spa, spacious fitness center, outdoor swimming pool and hot tubs. Additional information about the Marina’s culinary center, including participating chefs, will be released in the coming months. Reservations for Marina are scheduled to open during the fourth quarter of 2009. For more information or to order a brochure, visit www.OceaniaCruises.com.

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Royal Caribbean Intl’s Rhapsody of the Seas Will Return to South Pacific for a Fourth Season in 2010-11

JUNE 23: Royal Caribbean Intl has announced the cruise line’s 2010-11 Australia and Hawaii cruise and cruisetour season. Vacationers can choose among 17 sailings from September 2010 through March 2011aboard Rhapsody of the Seas, 14 of which depart from the iconic city of Sydney, Australia. The new season will offer 12 distinct itineraries, more variety in cruise lengths and itineraries than ever before, with a total of 50 unique ports of call in eight countries. Rhapsody of the Seas’ 2010-11 Australia and Hawaii season are now open for booking.

Guests can add depth and breadth to their vacation experience on an optional six- or seven-day escorted cruisetour to their cruises. The 6-day Australia land package begins in Sydney, followed by a flight to Cairns and the beach resort destination of Port Douglas. Here guests will visit the Kuranda Rainforest and be treated to a full-day boating adventure exploring the outer Great Barrier Reef. Other highlights include a visit to the famed Ayers Rock in the country’s remote Northern Territory, where they can witness the sun rising over the world famous sandstone formation before returning to Sydney. Guests on the 7-day New Zealand package will visit a private sheep farm in Auckland; excursion to a winery, museum and wildlife reserve in Rotorua; and embark on a Milford South cruise to soak in the magnificent fjords before flying to Sydney and embarking on their Australia cruise.

Shore excursions also proffer up equal doses of adventure. In Dunedin, guests can embark on an 8x8-wheel-drive amphibious vehicle known as the Argo for a bird’s eye view of New Zealand fur seals, sea lions, cormorants and Yellow Eyed penguins on the “Otago’ Wild Wonders.” In Australia, options include an excursion via a catamaran from Airlie Beach for a snorkel adventure on the “Great Barrier Reef”; and steer four-wheel drive vehicles through spectacular mountains and rivers on steep, rugged trails once traveled by miners and their pack animals on Melbourne’s “Ghost Towns, Mines & Mountains.”

Rhapsody of the Seas will sail roundtrip from Sydney on a range of new itineraries for its 2010-11 Australia season. Vacationers can choose among two sailings of an 11-night Queensland itinerary that will depart on Oct 16, 2010, and March 24, 2011, which will feature a maiden call at Australia’s Newcastle. A 12-night Fiji itinerary will mark Royal Caribbean’s return to the island nation after a year’s absence and will depart on Oct 27, 2010, and Feb 5, 2011.

Five new South Pacific itineraries will range from 7- to 12-nights, and feature a second maiden call of the season at Champagne Bay, Vanuatu on the Nov 8, 2010 sailing. Vacationers can also revel in the holiday spirit on a 9-night Christmas sailing on Dec 18, and herald in the New Year in the South Pacific on the 10-night sailing on Dec 27. Vacationers also can combine two itineraries for a grand 29-night trans-Pacific crossing aboard Rhapsody of the Seas. A 12-night Vancouver to Honolulu cruise will depart on Sept 17, 2010, while the Sydney-bound sailing from Honolulu will depart on Sept 29.

With dramatic walls of glass and retractable canopy, guests sailing aboard Rhapsody of the Seas will be treated to panoramic vistas of the South Pacific. During days at sea, they can relax in the soothing Day Spa, swim in one of the two pools, enjoy a soothing whirlpool or savor their favorite drinks with friends in one of the ship’s eight lounges. Younger guests will be entertained and enlightened in the cruise line’s award-winning Adventure Ocean and teen programming, with scheduled activities led by a college-graduate counselor beginning as early as 9am and concluding at 2am. Throughout their vacations, all guests enjoy Royal Caribbean’s friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service from every staff and crew. For additional information or to make reservations, call your travel agent, visit www.royalcaribbean.com or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.

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Cunard Announces Historic 2011 World Voyages Aboard the
New Queen Elizabeth & Flagship Queen Mary 2

June 23: Cunard Line is proud to announce the latest chapter in its storied history: the 2011 World Voyages. In January 2011, the youngest luxury fleet at sea will see two of its regal ocean liners embark on global odysseys that together will visit 57 ports of call across 34 countries including a maiden World Voyage for the new Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Mary 2 travelling the globe via the intriguing east-west route of passage. Each itinerary will offer a unique adventure – featuring overnights in Sydney, Hong Kong and Dubai on Queen Elizabeth, and Cape Town, Sydney and Hong Kong on Queen Mary 2 - combined with the line’s hallmarks of gourmet fine dining, impeccable White Star Service™ and a wide variety of elegant stateroom accommodation including the renowned and award-winning Queens Grill and Princess Grill suites.

Queen Elizabeth Maiden World Voyage
For her maiden World Voyage, Queen Elizabeth will offer a complete circumnavigation of the globe from her home port of Southampton, crossing the Atlantic en route to New York. Especially compelling for US and Canadian guests is the option of embarking on their World Voyage experience from New York, Fort Lauderdale or – after the ship transits the Panama Canal - Los Angeles.

From the west coast, Queen Elizabeth will continue her westward journey to the ever-popular city of Sydney (where she will stay overnight) via the South Pacific and New Zealand before heading to the exotic ports of Asia including Singapore, Bali, Vietnam and Thailand as well as another overnight stay in Hong Kong. Then the ship sails on to Malaysia and India before calling on Dubai (also an overnight stay), followed by a visit to Oman before transiting the Suez Canal and taking in some of the sites of Egypt, Greece, Italy and Portugal en-route back to Southampton. Here North American guests can rendezvous with the Queen Mary 2 and take in a legendary Transatlantic crossing to complete their 103-day circumnavigation of the globe.

Segment voyages capture the essence of the World Voyage and aboard Queen Elizabeth range from 12 to 25-days, including New York to Los Angeles (16 days), Los Angeles to Sydney (23 days), Sydney to Singapore (25 days), Singapore to Dubai (12 days) and Dubai to Southampton (19 days). Guests can enjoy great value by combining two or more consecutive segments to create adventurous Liner Voyages.

Queen Mary 2 World Voyage
Queen Mary 2 will begin her fourth World Voyage in New York and her second passage sailing on an east-west route around the globe. After a call in Fort Lauderdale, the ship will head to the Caribbean and South America, calling on Barbados, Brazil and Uruguay before arriving for an overnight stay in the magnificent city of Cape Town in South Africa, the ship’s second visit to this exceptionally beautiful metropolis. From there she will sail to the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean before an exploration of Australia that culminates with an overnight stay in Sydney. The ship continues on to New Zealand and Guam before sampling some highlights of China and Japan en-route to an overnight stay in Hong Kong, followed by visits to Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand and India en-route to Dubai. From here, Queen Mary 2 will call in Egypt before making a transit of the Suez Canal that will take her to European calls in Italy, Monaco, Spain and the United Kingdom, her last call before ending her 103-day odyssey in New York.

Segment voyages aboard Queen Mary 2 range from 15 to 25-days and include New York to Cape Town (23 days), Cape Town to Sydney (17 days), Sydney to Hong Kong (25 days), Hong Kong to Dubai (15 days) and Dubai to New York (23 days). Consecutive segments can be combined to experience adventurous Liner Voyages.

Cunard is also pleased to offer guests the chance to enjoy the World Voyage experience using a combination of Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary 2. Embarking in New York, guests will be able to complete the first half of their World Voyage on Queen Elizabeth before transferring ships in Sydney and sailing back to New York on Queen Mary 2.

“Cunard’s World Voyages have been a highlight of our programs since we introduced this travel adventure in 1922 and our two global journeys offer surprising value that is truly beyond expectation,” said Carol Marlow, president and managing director of Cunard Line.

Cunard Royal Rendenzvous
Exactly three years to the day after Cunard welcomed its trio of Queens in New York, this rare event is poised to take place again on January 13, 2011 when Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth call on New York for another spectacular Cunard Royal Rendezvous. Be among the few to experience this history-making day as you depart New York Harbour on one of the most famous ocean liners in the world.

Enhanced Benefits Program
In addition to receiving a bonus 10% discount off Early Booking Fares (EBF), Full World Voyage and Liner Voyage guests will receive an onboard credit of up to $2,000 per stateroom when they book by February 28, 2010. In addition, Full World Voyage guests will receive complimentary Hotel and Dining Charges. New for 2011, guests in Inside and Outside category staterooms will receive an onboard credit of up to $1,000 per stateroom if they book by the same date. Cunard World Club members will receive an extra 5% savings off Bonus Early Booking Fares. Additionally, all Full World Voyage Queens Grill and Princess Grill guests will be given a $400 shipboard credit per person to use towards shore excursions of their choice. All Liner Voyage Grill guests will be given a $200 shipboard credit to be applied the same. Further, an invitation will be extended to all Full World Voyage guests to join Carol Marlow ashore at one of the ports of call during their time onboard for the traditional World Voyage Dinner, an evening of world-class dining and entertainment.

For more information and to book a 2011 Cunard World Voyage aboard Queen Mary 2 or Queen Elizabeth, consult your travel professional, call toll-free 1-800-7-CUNARD or go to www.cunard.com.

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Dawn Princess Sets Sail with New Signature Features After Two-Week Drydock

SANTA CLARITA, CA, June 23: After a two-week drydock in Brisbane, Australia, Dawn Princess has re-entered service with two signature Princess features – the giant Movies Under the Stars poolside screen and the adults-only oasis called The Sanctuary. The transformation was chronicled in a daily Dawn Princess Drydock Journal on Princess’ website, giving cruise fans around the world the opportunity to follow along as work progressed. The online journal was updated daily on www.princess.com, with regular notices on social networking sites Twitter and Facebook when new photos debuted. Approximately 100 photos gave web users an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse of the work that goes into a ship’s maintenance period.

“From the enthusiastic response we’ve received about our recent drydock journals, we know that passengers enjoy the chance to go behind the scenes, and so now it’s something we plan to offer for all future drydocks,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “These online journals visually tell the story of our commitment to enhance the services and amenities aboard our ships.”

Dawn Princess now offers passengers the opportunity to get away from it all in the tranquility of The Sanctuary, Princess’ signature adults-only retreat featuring plush padded lounge chairs and the services of dedicated Serenity Stewards. Visitors to this exclusive space can enjoy refreshing beverages and light snacks or can relax with a personal music player with themed playlists. On the pool deck, Movies Under the Stars has debuted with a state-of-the-art Times Square-style LED screen, offering evening movies and a variety of daytime programming. The 300-square-foot screen offers passengers a movie experience comparable to the best shoreside movie theater. In addition to family cinema and first run hits, Movies Under the Stars also features major sporting events, concerts and special programming. Other changes made during the drydock include new carpet and upholstery, a remodeled photo gallery and new silicone paint for the bottom of the ship’s hull.

Dawn Princess is home-ported in Sydney for year-round Australia-based cruising and on July 5 the ship departs on a 104-day world cruise, the first circumnavigation and longest-ever roundtrip voyage from Australia. Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company's website at www.princess.com.

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Celebrity Cruises’ New Celebrity Equinox Navigates Narrow River Ems En Route to Official Launch

MIAMI, June 22: With less than 20 feet “breathing room” on either side, the 2,850-guest Celebrity Equinox – the eagerly anticipated sister ship to the widely heralded Celebrity Solstice –left shipbuilder Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany on Saturday, June 20, to make the over-26-mile transit – an event known as the “conveyance” – down the River Ems…backwards. At its tightest point along the course, there are as few as 13 feet between each side of the 1,040-ft-long, 121-ft-wide ship and the riverbank.

During Celebrity Equinox’s transit from Papenburg to Eemshaven, Netherlands, the ship navigated the passing of a railway bridge in Weener, a highway bridge in Leer, and a narrow passage in Gandersum. The journey takes between 12 and 15 hours to complete, and is likely the most complicated ride the ship will encounter in its life. Due to the size and scale of the ship, the transit can take place only during absolutely ideal weather conditions: when the river is at high tide, when winds are extremely calm, and when tidal barriers are closed, in order to ensure there is enough water to accommodate the draft of the ship. Tens of thousands of spectators are estimated to have lined the banks of the River Ems to watch Celebrity Equinox make its challenging and historic transit. Together with sister ship Celebrity Solstice, the two are the largest ships ever to have sailed on the River Ems.

“The conveyance is an interesting challenge for any Captain,” said Celebrity Equinox’s Captain Apostolos Bouzakis. “The limited space available for navigation, the nature of sailing in reverse, and the number of narrow passages and bridges to traverse are all factors that cruise ship captains normally do not have to contend with. But, a real benefit of this event is the opportunity to test the maneuverability of the ship at reduced speeds. With an average channel breadth of 364 feet, it is a bit like taking a brand-new sportscar down winding country lanes: It’s exhilarating, but not without its share of trepidation.”

After provisioning and loading activities in Eemshaven, followed by sea trials, Celebrity Equinox will be officially delivered from Meyer Werft to Celebrity Cruises July 16. The ship then will sail to Southampton, England and complete a series of inspections, followed by eight days of launch celebrations, including the maritime tradition of a naming ceremony over which the ship’s Godmother will preside.

The 122,000-gross-registered-tonsCelebrity Equinox is scheduled to enter service July 31 from Southampton, England, on an 8-night cruise through the majestic Norwegian Fjords, followed by a series of romantic Mediterranean sailings from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, beginning August 8.

Like Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Equinox will present guests with brand-defining, industry-first features, including a half-acre Lawn Club with real, growing grass; a glassblowing show and studio developed with The Corning Museum of Glass; 10 unrivalled dining venues, and widely varied entertainment, including shows with breathtaking aerial acts. Celebrity’s Solstice Class also boasts warm and inviting, spacious staterooms with a host of contemporary amenities inspired by a panel of five women – dubbed “Celebrity’s Leading Ladies” – each with unique travel and hospitality insights. The ships also offer Celebrity’s new AquaClass category of accommodations designed for spa enthusiasts, with a host of spa-inspired amenities, and including exclusive access to “Blu,” the ships’ intimate, Mediterranean-themed specialty restaurant.

Celebrity’s fleet, including the new Celebrity Solstice, will be joined by Celebrity Equinox this year, Celebrity Eclipse in 2010, a fourth Solstice-class ship in 2011, and a fifth in 2012. For more information, call your travel agent, dial 1-800-437-3111 or visit www.celebritycruises.com

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Royal Princess Update: Cruises Cancelled

June 19 (latest 12:00 pm PDT): Following the engine room fire that occurred yesterday, June 18, we have spent the day thoroughly reviewing the condition of the engines and assessing the damage. Unfortunately, the impact is more extensive than originally thought and the ship must be moved to a shipyard to complete the necessary repairs.

We regret that the remainder of the current cruise, and the following cruise departing June 25, must be cancelled. We understand that this is a disappointing development, and we sincerely apologize to our passengers for the disruption to their vacation.

We will be providing the affected passengers on both voyages a full refund of their fare, plus a future cruise credit equal to 25% of the cruise fare paid for these sailings. We are currently securing flights home for all passengers currently on board Royal Princess, and they will be returning home over the weekend. Passengers' homeward flights, transfers, and associated hotel accommodations will be at Princess' expense.

We deeply appreciate our passengers' patience and understanding during what is an unfortunate development.

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Seabourn Takes Delivery of Seabourn Odyssey

Genoa, Italy, June 19: The Yachts of Seabourn has taken delivery of the cruise industry’s first ultra-luxury vessel to launch in six years. Built at T.Mariotti shipyard in Genoa and with a gross tonnage of 32,000, Seabourn Odyssey will be launched and named in Venice on June 24 before embarking on her maiden voyage.

“This is certainly a very historic day for our company, as today we took delivery of our beautiful new yacht, Seabourn Odyssey,” said Pamela Conover, president and CEO of Seabourn. “This moment marks a milestone occasion in Seabourn’s history; Seabourn Odyssey is the first of three new sisters to be introduced over the next two years and sets a new standard for the ultra-luxury cruise industry. We hope our guests will be as delighted as we are and we look forward to welcoming them aboard to enjoy a new era in Seabourn’s yachting life.”

The $250 million Seabourn Odyssey will be launched in an intimate ceremony with the unmistakable skyline of Venice as the backdrop. In a twist from traditional naming ceremonies, all guests sailing on the Maiden Voyage will be named ‘godparents’ with the breaking of a bottle of Italian Prosecco to mark the occasion. An ingenious bottle breaking mechanism has been designed especially for the event. Following the on-deck event, all ‘godparents’ will receive a commemorative certificate and their names will be affixed to a plaque displayed onboard.

Follow the events in Venice on the Seabourn Odyssey blog. Additionally, Pamela Conover will be ‘tweeting’ from Italy on the run up to the inaugural events which include a two-day pre-maiden voyage for travel agency partners. Links to video clips on YouTube and photos on Facebook will also be available to followers. Or follow the links on the Seabourn website www.seabourn.com.

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Royal Princess Fire Status Updated

June 18: In order to fully assess the impact of the engine fire that occurred earlier this evening, we plan to bring Royal Princess back into Port Said, Egypt tomorrow. The assessment process includes flying various technical experts and regulatory authorities to the ship for a complete inspection, and they should be arriving onboard by tomorrow evening. So while our own assessment will occur throughout the day tomorrow, we expect the full assessment to be complete on Saturday. This means Royal Princess will be spending Friday and Saturday in Port Said.

Our ship's crew, local representatives ashore and the Princess Care Team, who are currently en route to the ship, will be doing their best to make passengers comfortable during this time, and it is also our intention to make tours available for passengers.

Once the assessment is complete we will have an understanding of how the remainder of the cruise, or any future sailing, will be affected, and also what compensation we will be offering to passengers. We understand this is a disappointing development, and we apologize for the disruption to our passengers' cruise. We will be keeping our passengers fully informed throughout this process and we deeply appreciate their patience and understanding.

Princess Cruises will continue to provide regular updates.

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Royal Princess Engine Room Fire

June 18: At approximately 8:10 pm local time, an engine room fire broke out aboard Royal Princess, as the ship was departing Port Said, Egypt. The fire is now extinguished, and the ship is currently anchored approximately five miles off the coast of Port Said. Royal Princess is carrying 733 passengers and 393 crew. The ship is on the fifth day of a 12-day Holy Land sailing between Civitavecchia and Athens.

All passengers and crew have been accounted for, and passengers remain at their emergency stations as a precautionary measure until further notice. The ship is operating on emergency power and lighting. Assessments of any damage will be made over the next several hours, at which time we will be able to provide further information about how the remainder of the cruise may be impacted.

Princess will continue to provide updates on a regular basis. Phone numbers have been established for inquiries from family of passengers and crew (only please) currently onboard Royal Princess:

For inquiries about family: 800-693-7222
For inquiries about crew members: 661-753-2804

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Norwegian Sky Sizzles Following Fresh Summer Makeover

MIAMI, FL, June 18: Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that Norwegian Sky underwent a complete refurbishment focused on enhancing the guest experience while the 2,002-passenger ship was in dry dock last month in Freeport, Bahamas. The ship, which entered the Miami short cruise market approximately one year ago, received enhancements to its public areas, staterooms and suites, as well as the addition of three new staterooms.

“Norwegian Sky has been in high demand since we brought her to Miami to sail 3- and 4-day Bahamas cruises last year; and therefore we wanted to give her a beautiful new look for the summer season and beyond,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “The ship is the perfect getaway as it offers great value for money for families, friends and couples alike looking to relax and escape the everyday.”

Norwegian Sky’s total refurbishment includes:

· reupholstering all 1,000 seats in the Stardust Theater;
· major updates to 14 suites which received new wallpaper; new marble tiles in the showers and tubs; and refinishing all wood work including the teak around the whirlpools on the suite balconies;
· improvements to Dazzles Bar and Nightclub, including refinishing of the dance floor; reupholstering of the club’s chairs and bar stools and removal of banquette seating creating additional room on the dance floor;
· new upholstery to all of the seating in the Atrium;
· installation of new food stations in the Garden Café, Norwegian’s signature action station restaurant, along with refurbishment of Il Adagio, the ship’s Italian restaurant;
· the addition of three new staterooms; and
· repainting of the colorful murals surrounding the pool area.

Norwegian Sky departs Miami on Mondays sailing 4-day Bahamas cruises with full-day stops in Grand Bahama Island, Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island in the Bahamas. On Fridays, the ship sails a weekend getaway 3-day Bahamas itinerary, departing Miami at 5 pm with all-day stops in Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay, returning to Miami at 7 am on Monday mornings.

Norwegian Sky has more than 240 balcony staterooms, a choice of six different restaurants, 10 bars and lounges, multiple entertainment venues, a luxurious spa, two pools, extensive children’s facilities, a sports deck and a variety of spacious public rooms. For more information or to book a sailing on Norwegian Sky, call your travel professional, go to www.ncl.com or contact NCL at 866-234-7350.

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Norwegian Majesty Returns to Philadelphia for Final CruisePhilly Season

Camden, NJ, June 18: Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) will return to the Philadelphia Cruise Terminal for the seventh straight year with Norwegian Majesty. CruisePhilly is turning the cruising season upside down in 2009, offering expanded cruises to Canada throughout September and closing with fall trips to Bermuda.

NCL will make eight sailings from the Philadelphia Cruise Terminal in 2009. The season will kick off on Aug 29th when the Norwegian Majesty makes a 5-day sail to Canada and New England. That trip will be followed by three consecutive 10-day sailings to Canada and New England, the longest Canadian cruises from Philadelphia to date. These 10-day cruises will call on Bay of Fundy/St. John, Sydney, Charlotte, Halifax and Portland, Maine. Beginning Oct 3, the Norwegian Majesty makes four consecutive 7-day sailings to the sunny pink beaches of St. George's, Bermuda. Norwegian Majesty's final sail to Bermuda, ending CruisePhilly's 2009 season, leaves Philadelphia on Oct 24th.

NCL's Norwegian Majesty accommodates 1,462 passengers and offers a broad array of amenities, including NCL's popular Freestyle dining program and a multitude of entertainment, spa, and fitness options. The Majesty also offers great nightlife from The Palace Theatre and Frame 52 Disco to the Monte Carlo Casino.

"CruisePhilly had a very successful 2008 season thanks in large part to the Norwegian Majesty calling Philadelphia its home for the first time," said John J. Matheussen, CEO of the DRPA, the parent agency of the Port of Philadelphia and Camden. "We are very pleased that the Majesty has returned once again to be a part of our convenient cruise offerings out of the Philadelphia Cruise Terminal at the Navy Yard."

The Philadelphia Cruise Terminal is operated by the Port of Philadelphia and Camden, a department of the Delaware River Port Authority. DRPA also owns and operates the Benjamin Franklin, Walt Whitman, Commodore Barry and Betsy Ross bridges, PATCO and the RiverLink Ferry. For information on cruising from Philadelphia or special pre- and post-cruise package, visit www.cruisephilly.com or call (856) 968-2052.

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Rare Original Declaration of Independence Copy to Tour Princess Alaska Ships July 4th Week

SANTA CLARITA, CA, June 18: A rare, original copy of the United States of America’s founding document will make an exclusive appearance aboard Princess Cruises’ Alaska-based ships the July 4th week, giving passengers the unique opportunity to see the only traveling copy of the Declaration of Independence – just as the country celebrates Independence Day. The historic exhibit will be showcased aboard all Princess ships calling in Juneau between July 1-8, 2009.

Hosted in partnership with Declare Yourself, a non-profit organization founded by legendary television producer Norman Lear, this unique opportunity marks the first time a copy of the Declaration has visited Alaska, and the first time a cruise line has shown the famous document. The Declaration will be on display aboard the vessels for about two hours while each ship is docked in Juneau. The document will be shown aboard Diamond Princess and Star Princess on July 1; Coral Princess on July 2; Island Princess on July 3; Pacific Princess and Golden Princess on July 6, and Sapphire Princess and Sea Princess on July 8.

“This is an amazing opportunity for our passengers to get a first-hand look at history, which is especially poignant at a time of year when our country celebrates its independence,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “It’s a rare occasion when we can bring such a unique attraction right on board – this document has never been shown on a cruise ship before. It will be a memorable way to mark the week of Independence Day as well as Alaska’s 50th anniversary of statehood.”

The only touring copy of the Declaration of Independence, Declare Yourself’s historic document is one of an estimated 200 original broadside copies (about the size of a sheet of newspaper) printed by John Dunlap in Philadelphia in 1776 after it was drafted by Thomas Jefferson, to distribute across the colonies and to King George in England. This copy’s current journey began in 1989 when a Pennsylvania shopper bought a frame at a flea market for $4.00. Later, while inspecting a tear in the back of the painting, he discovered a piece of paper wedged between the frame and painting. He pulled it out and uncovered what would soon be authenticated as the 25th remaining copy of the Declaration of Independence. The document changed hands several times and was purchased in 2000 by Lyn and Norman Lear for $8.14 million, with the goal of bringing the document directly to the American people. Declare Yourself is a national nonpartisan, nonprofit campaign that was founded in 2003 to empower and encourage every eligible 18-year-old in America to register to vote. For more information about Declare Yourself, visit www.DeclareYourself.com.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company's website at www.princess.com.

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Cunard's Queen Mary 2 Celebrates 5-Year Canyon Ranch Partnership

SOUTHAMPTON, England, June 17: In the year of celebrating Queen Mary 2's 5th Birthday, Cunard is delighted to announce that its five year partnership with Canyon Ranch—the award-winning spa, fitness and salon services provider aboard the line’s flagship will go forward with strength and include new innovative treatments and services. The partnership represents the teaming of two respected luxury brands which began with the design and build of the Canyon Ranch SpaClub aboard Queen Mary 2, back in 2004. It continues to be a powerful strategic alliance delivering incomparable spa services onboard the grandest ocean liner at sea.

“Queen Mary 2 and Canyon Ranch are each distinctly unique and combined offer an unequalled experience at sea. Guest satisfaction scores are excellent and we are pleased that our association with Canyon Ranch delivers such exceptional benefits and world-class services to our guests,” shared Carol Marlow, president and managing director, Cunard Line. “The Canyon Ranch experience is a perfect complement to our line’s famed White Star Service,” she added.

New treatments and services have now been introduced by Canyon Ranch onboard Queen Mary 2, including:

-- Voya Seaweed Treatments: A true organic line of products, this seaweed is harvested in Ireland, freeze dried, and then re-hydrated into its organic state for use in body detoxification services.
-- Detoxifying and Revitalizing Rituals: Based on the skin care practices of the traditional hammam bathhouse and utilizing Red Flower products, these Japanese-based rituals offer an intense therapeutic transformation for the whole body.
-- Performance Orthotics service: Utilizing specialty equipment, our service providers will measure gait and foot force and fit guests with customized orthotic shoe inserts.

Queen Mary 2’s Canyon Ranch SpaClub boasts 30 professionally trained associates expertly servicing 20,000 square feet of state-of-the-art spa, salon and fitness facilities situated on two decks. The SpaClub offers 24 massage, body and skin care treatment rooms, a fitness centre with more than 50 pieces of cardio and weight-training equipment, and a relaxation room with wonderful views out to sea. Throughout the SpaClub, the Canyon Ranch experience incorporates unique water-based features, emphasizing the healing and therapeutic benefits of water and heat, including a 30 feet x 15 feet Thalasso-therapy Pool with airbed recliner lounges, neck fountains, a deluge waterfall, air tub and body massage jet benches. Adjacent to the pool is an extensive Thermal Suite featuring an herbal sauna, Finnish sauna, reflexology basins and an aromatic steam room.

Guests aboard Queen Mary 2 enjoy an array of rejuvenating spa treatments, including massages and therapeutic bodywork, mud, aromatherapy, ayurvedic and seaweed treatments, facials and masks, conditioning body scrubs and therapeutic body cocoons. The ship’s SpaClub also offers the exotic Rasul Ceremony, a Canyon Ranch signature treatment. This medicinal mud and steam therapy, which takes place in an ornately tiled steam chamber, is derived from an ancient Middle Eastern cleansing ritual. The salon offers a full array of Canyon Ranch services including hair styling, nail care treatments and makeup styling and consultations.

In addition to the ship’s extensive spa, salon and fitness facilities, Canyon Ranch certified instructors conduct daily group and private fitness, yoga and tai chi classes. These “healthy living experts” provide on-board lectures and workshops that address overall wellness topics such as lifestyle change, health and medical issues, stress management, smoking cessation, healthy aging and disease prevention. Canyon Ranch chefs team with Cunard’s Executive Chef Jean-Marie Zimmermann to design nutritious spa menu selections for Queen Mary 2 restaurants, prepared to Cunard’s highest culinary standards.

For more information on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, contact your travel professional, call Cunard toll-free at 1-800-7-CUNARD or visit online at www.cunard.com. For information on Canyon Ranch, visit www.canyonranch.com.

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New European Inland Journeys Expand Crystal's Luxury
Mediterranean Cruise Experience

LOS ANGELES, June 17: New luxury packages to Spain's Costa Brava and Madrid and Segovia are among several pre- and post-cruise hotel and land programs Crystal Cruises is offering with 15 Mediterranean cruise itineraries this summer and fall. From inland journeys through Prague and Budapest to Italy's posh Lake Como, each carefully crafted program provides in-depth experiences that allow guests to extend their vacation and immerse themselves in a destination. Available with Crystal Serenity's Mediterranean, Black Sea and Canary Islands cruises from June through October, the optional 3- to 5-night programs depart from Barcelona, Venice and Rome.

The tours showcase the regions' architecture, history, villas, castles and other attractions at World Heritage sites and Europe's vacation playgrounds. Mirroring Crystal's ultra-luxury onboard experience, guests will dine at renowned restaurants and stay at some of the world's most sought-after hotels, like Villa d'Este and Prague's Carlo IV Boscolo.

2009 Extended Land Programs include:

-- NEW! Castile Kingdom Splendor - Explores the legend of Don Quixote and visits Madrid and Spain's World Heritage sites of Segovia and Toledo (four nights);
-- NEW! Costa Brava Exploration - Features Spain's "wild coast," set against the Pyrenees Mountains, charming Catalonian villages, as well as Salvador Dali's birthplace (four nights);
-- Lake Como and Villa d'Este - Ultra-luxury resort Villa d' Este at Cernobbio on Italy's Lake Como is the favored playground of royalty and international celebrities (three nights); and
-- Prague and Budapest - Castles, palaces and monuments in two of the world's most fascinating cities (five nights).

"Crystal's Extended Land Programs are designed to provide seamless transitions from the luxury cruise experience to equally luxurious land experiences," said John Stoll, director, land programs. "The popularity of these programs continues to grow as more guests seek to expand their travels and experience destinations further ashore, without sacrificing the quality and luxury they find with Crystal."

Crystal Serenity's Mediterranean cruises depart from Athens, Barcelona, Istanbul, Lisbon, Monte Carlo, Rome and Venice. For more information or Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625. Visit the line's website, www.crystalcruises.com.

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Norwegian Epic Crowned With Last Block

MIAMI, June 17: Norwegian Cruise Line announced that the last block, number 0898, in the construction of Norwegian Epic was lowered onto the vessel on Friday, June 5 at STX Europe in Saint-Nazaire, France. The block, which weighed 563 tons, equivalent to the weight of approximately 64 elephants, and measured 133 feet wide, 113 feet long and 63 feet high, was placed above the bridge on Deck 13 and took one hour to move onto the ship.

One of largest on the vessel, this block will house portions of The Villas, a private enclave of 60 exclusive suites located on Decks 16, 17 and 18. The radar mast will be added next which will complete Norwegian Epic's structure before her float out and transfer to the outfitting dock on July 11, 2009.

The 153,000-gross ton, 4,200-passenger ship is scheduled for delivery at the end of May 2010. For more information and renderings, visit epic.ncl.com.

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Back-to-Back 2010 Canada and New England Cruises From MSC Cruises

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, June 17: MSC Cruises is offering special savings when you combine back-to-back Canada and New England cruises in the fall of 2010 on board MSC Magnifica, the newest ship in the fleet, for a memorable 14- or 17-night experience. Cruise-only, back-to-back rates begin at $1,199 per person, double occupancy; government fees and taxes are additional. Certain restrictions apply. Bookings must be made by Dec. 31, 2009.

For that unique back-to-back experience, guests can combine MSC Magnifica's dazzling fall foliage and scenic splendors of fall itineraries (departing Sept. 22 and Oct. 2) from New York City with MSC Magnifica's brilliant colors of fall sailing from Quebec City, Quebec, Canada (departing Oct. 9):

-- 17-night "Canadian Colors & Coastal Charms" cruise departing from New York City on Sept. 22 and calling in Sydney, Charlottetown, Quebec, Halifax, Newport, New York City, Halifax, Charlottetown and Corner Brook before arriving in Quebec;
-- 14-night "Autumn along Atlantic Shores" cruise roundtrip from New York City, departing Oct. 2 and calling in Halifax, Charlottetown, Corner Brook, Quebec City, Sydney, Bar Harbor, Boston and Newport;
-- 14-night "Autumn Leaves & Lighthouses" cruise roundtrip from Quebec, departing Oct. 9 and calling in Sydney, Bar Harbor, Boston, Newport, New York City, Halifax, Sydney and Charlottetown.

As with all MSC Cruises' sailings, kids 17 and younger sail free when sharing a stateroom with two full-fare-paying adults. For more information about MSC Cruises' back-to-back Canada and New England Cruises, visit www.MSCCruisesUSA.com or a local travel professional.

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News Anchor Sam Donaldson, Writer Kitty Kelley & Grammy Award Winner Doc Severinsen to Sail on Holland America Line's 2010 Grand World Voyage

SEATTLE, June 17: Famed television news anchor, Sam Donaldson, best-selling writer and biographer, Kitty Kelley, and Grammy award winner, Doc Severinsen are scheduled to headline the enrichment program on Holland America Line's 2010 Grand World Voyage aboard ms Amsterdam. The 114-day cruise departs Jan. 6, 2010, taking an eastward route sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to Los Angeles, Calif., while exploring South America, Africa and Asia.

"Being a premium cruise line means offering our guests premium enrichment experiences, and the line-up for the Grand World Voyage is top-notch," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "To have a journalist as respected as Sam Donaldson and entertainers as talented as Doc Severinsen puts our enrichment program at the top of the cruise industry."

Donaldson is scheduled to sail March 28 through April 1 from Hong Kong to Shanghai. While on board he will present lectures to guests on a wide range of current events. Donaldson joined ABC News in 1967, yet the turning point in his career came 10 years later when he was assigned to cover the incoming Carter Administration as ABC's chief white house correspondent. By 1981, he was anchor of "World News Sunday." Donaldson also has hosted "Prime Time Live" and "The Sam Donaldson Show -- Live in America" on ABC radio. He is the recipient of three George Foster Peabody and four Emmy awards. Today, he hosts his own half-hour program, "Politics Live," on the high-definition digital network "ABC News Now."

Kitty Kelley is scheduled to sail Jan. 28 through Feb. 7 from Punta Arenas to Buenos Aires, Argentina. While on board, she will discuss her popular biographies and participate in question and answer sessions. Kelley is an acclaimed writer and biographer whose last four books have each ranked first on the New York Times best-seller list. Kelley's book, "Nancy Reagan: The Unauthorized Biography" sold one million copies in hardback and became the fastest selling biography in U.S. publishing history. Her other biographies, "Elizabeth Taylor: The Last Star," "His Way" about Frank Sinatra and "Jackie Oh!" also were New York Times best sellers. After four years as a press assistant to U.S. Sen. Eugene McCarthy, Kelley worked for two years as the editorial page researcher for The Washington Post. Since then, she has had a full-time career as a freelance writer.

Musicians Doc Severinsen and El Ritmo de la Vida are scheduled to sail Jan. 6 through 11 from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to Fuerte Amador, Panama, next year. Severinsen, a long-time former music director of the Johnny Carson-hosted show, became a staff musician for the NBC television network in 1949. After years of playing with television studio bands, he was invited to play with the "Tonight Show" band. The conductor asked him to join that band in 1962, and five years later, Severinsen took over Carson's show, where he stayed until 1992. A Grammy award winner, Severinsen has more than 30 albums. After moving to Mexico in 2006, Severinsen created El Ritmo de la Vida with Mexican musicians Gil Gutierrez and Pedro Cartas.

The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center (CMS) is scheduled to sail April 1 through 5 from Shanghai to Xingang (Beijing), China. CMS is one of 12 resident organizations of Lincoln Center, the world's leading performing arts complex. Through its performances, education, and recording and broadcast activities, it draws more people to chamber music than any other organization of its kind. Its annual activities include concerts, national and international tours, nationally televised broadcasts on "Live From Lincoln Center," and a nationwide radio show, and National Public Radio's "Performance Today" appearances.

The Holland America Line Enrichment Experience: Holland America Line offers a full enrichment program on every ship. As part of the Explorations Speaker Series, special guest lecturers sail on segments of the Grand Voyages to offer unique and enriching perspectives on regional art, history and culture. Culinary staff and guest chefs lead cooking classes and demonstrations in the on-board Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine; The Explorations Cafe--powered by the New York Times--allows guests to stay connected via the Internet or simply relax, listen to music and have a latte.

The line's newest enrichment program is the Holland America Line Digital Workshop powered by Windows. In an interactive, user-friendly atmosphere, guests learn how to share all of their digital vacation memories through e-mail, blogging and social networking.

For more information on Holland America Line's 2010 Grand World Voyage or other cruises, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

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Holland America Offers Exciting New 2010 World Cruise Overland Adventures in South America, India & Far East

SEATTLE, June 16: Holland America Line is offering exciting new World Cruise tours and Overland Adventure tours in some of the world's most exotic locations: South America, Africa and India. Overland Adventures allow guests to extend their holiday or Grand World Voyage with an in-depth exploration of regions such as India, the Far East, Africa and South America. The adventures range from two- and three-day tours to eight-day explorations.

"More cruise guests are looking to fully immerse themselves in the culture they've flown thousands of miles to see," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line. "By prearranging and offering these unique tours, we're making it simple for our guests to take full advantage of their time."

2010 Grand World Voyage guests can take a unique 8-day train tour from Mumbai to Port Kelang, India The Palace on Wheels Overland Adventure--part of Holland America Line's Medallion Collection of exclusive tours--is one of the world's great train rides, taking guests through the heart of India and its rich and vibrant culture. Stops include Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittaurgarh, Udaipur, Bharatpur and Delhi, then for a flight to Kuala Lumpur. The adventure also includes a sunset camel ride through the Great Indian Desert and a four-wheel drive in the Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its tigers and leopards. In Udaipur, guests will explore the city of lakes and then journey to Bharatpur and the National Bird Sanctuary. From there, it's a short train ride to Agra and the stunning Taj Mahal. At Delhi, guests will explore India's capital and its third-largest city, with the Rashtrapati Bhawan presidential palace.

In Africa, guests seeking a safari of a lifetime will enjoy the Ngala Overland Adventure from Port Elizabeth to Durban, South Africa. On the 3-day Medallion Collection tour, guests will fly to the Ngala Private Game Reserve. The reserve borders the world-famous Kruger National Park, South Africa's the largest wildlife sanctuary. The African safari offers superb accommodations and several game-drives in an open, four-wheel drive vehicle, giving guests a chance to spot one of Africa's "big five": lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and Cape Buffalo. The drives are scheduled to allow optimal game viewing. Guests catch a return flight to Durban to board the ship.

Other Overland Adventures trips in Africa and the Far East include: the Chobe National Park and Victoria Falls Overland Adventure, a 5-day tour from Cape Town to Durban; the Cambodia and Angkor Wat Overland Adventure, a 3-day tour from Singapore to Sihanoukville, Cambodia; the Terra Cotta Warriors, Great Wall and Beijing Overland Adventure, a 4-day tour from Shanghai to Xingang, China; and the Kyoto and the Shinkansen Bullet Train Overnight Tour, a 2-day adventure from Kobe to Yokohama, Japan.

On the other side of the world, guests sailing South America in 2010 also have enticing new adventures: the Galapagos Islands Cruise Overland Adventure and Mendoza: Land of Wine.

From Manta, Ecuador, to Callao, Peru, the Galapagos Island Cruise Overland Adventure is a 4-day adventure allowing guests to discover South America's vibrant landscapes. Guests depart the ship and travel, via motorcoach, to Guayaquil, Ecuador, to board a plane to the easternmost Galapagos Islands. From there, guests will board the m/v Galapagos Explorer II, an intimate 293-foot vessel for just 100 guests. An experienced naturalist guides shore expeditions to search wildlife such as blue-footed boobies, brown pelicans, whimbrels and sanderlings, Darwin's finches and yellow warblers.

In Argentina, The Mendoza: Land of Wine tour is sure to entice discriminating wine connoisseurs. The adventure begins with a flight from Buenos Aires to Mendoza, Argentina, for a city tour in the heart of the Argentine wine country. Guests visit a vineyard and sample acclaimed local wines before returning to comfort of their ship.

Holland America Line offers 4,700 different shore excursions at 850 ports of call in more than 100 countries, each highlighting the best of each destination. For further Overland Adventures information, a cruise brochure or more information on Holland America Line's voyages, consult a professional travel agent, or call 800-522-3399 or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

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Captain Reidulf Maalen Takes The Helm on Five Journeys of Cruse West's Voyages of the Great Explorers

Seattle, WA – Small-ship exploration line Cruise West recently launched its epic world cruise, Voyages of the Great Explorers, that will circumnavigate the world in 335 days sailing westward starting March 5, 2010. Enhancing the journey is the addition of highly regarded Captain Reidulf Maalen, who will take the helm of the Spirit of Oceanus for five of the 24 voyages including the inaugural voyage.

“As a former executive at Crystal Cruises and fellow officer at Royal Viking Line, I had the pleasure of working with Captain Maalen and I’m very pleased to have the opportunity to work with him again,” said President & CEO Dietmar R. Wertanzl. “He brings not only a plethora of worldly experience to this exciting cruise, but a warm level of hospitality that has made him one of the most sought out captains in the industry. The fact that he is delighted to join us is a tribute to Cruise West’s dedication to making this epic voyage an unabashed success.”

Captain Maalen will join the 120 guest, all-suite Spirit of Oceanus for the inaugural 16-night voyage Lands of the Lotus traveling from Singapore to Chennai, which happens to be a Chairman’s cruise as well; he will continue on the 16-night Song of India voyage from Chennai to Mumbai that departs March 20, 2010; and return to Captain the entire “Chapter III of the epic adventure Leif Eriksson and the Viking Sagas from July 19 – Sept 7, 2010, that is comprised of three separate voyages. Maalen’s knowledge of this region is unsurpassed given his rich Scandinavian roots. The 19-night Viking Conquests sails Honfleur to Oslo departing July 19, 2010; followed by the 15-night Baltic Treasures, Oslo to London on Aug 6, 2010; and finally the 19-night A Voyage to Vinland, London to St John’s departing Aug 20, 2010.

St. Augustine’s quote, “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page” was the inspiration behind the Voyages of the Great Explorers. Following the major routes inspired by history’s great ocean explorers Marco Polo; Odysseus; Leif Eriksson; Christopher Columbus; James Cook; and Ferdinand Magellan, this new world voyage is a collection of 24 individual voyages within six themed “chapters” comprising one awe inspiring “book” that reflects these exploits of the legendary seafarers. Each distinct voyage, ranging from nine to 18 nights, will offer historical insights into the sea commanders who first made history along the same routes

The entire voyage includes visits to 242 ports of call in 59 countries and 85 UNESCO World Heritage sites while crossing 14 seas and oceans, transiting four canals -- Port Suez/Port Said (Suez Canal transit); Corinth Canal/ Corinth (Mycenae/Nafplion); Kiel Canal; and the Colon/ Panama Canal. Cruise West explorers can purchase individual voyages, sets of multiple voyages or the full circumnavigation. For maximum savings book and pay in full by July 15, 2009 and save up to 35 percent. Book more than one voyage and save an additional five percent. Quyana members (Cruise West past guests) receive an additional 10 percent and become a member of the Chairman’s Circle that qualifies them for a 10 percent lifetime savings for all future travel. More information about these voyages can be found online at www.cruisewest.com or by calling 1- 800-296-8307 or a travel professional.

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Golfing in Iceland? New Courses Highlight Crystal Symphony's
Transatlantic Cruise

LOS ANGELES, June 16: Crystal Cruises is introducing three new courses to its top-tier golf program aboard Crystal Symphony's 14-day transatlantic cruise this fall. Departing September 3 from London to Boston, the Experiences of Discovery golf cruise allows guests to tee off in Scotland, Iceland and Nova Scotia. As part of the comprehensive Nordic golf program, former Yankee and Dodger baseball star and legendary celebrity golfer Rick Rhoden and former Canadian P.G.A. director Bruce Murray, will accompany golfers to courses and offer tips and insight into improving one's game during clinics on board.

The new courses featured on the Nordic Exploration cruise are:
-- Nairn Championship Golf Club, Scotland: Among the top 25 courses in Britain and Ireland, with opening stretch of holes along the Scottish coastline;
-- Keilir Golf Club, Iceland: A short course with terrain and ocean breezes that test golfers' skill;
-- Glen Arbour Golf Course, Nova Scotia: Natural hazards, elevation changes and tricky greens challenge even the best golfers.

"Crystal continues to raise the stakes for our golf program by featuring new courses in perhaps unexpected destinations, that offer guests both a challenging game and entertaining experience," said John Stoll, Crystal Cruises' director, land programs. "The itinerary is ideal for non-golfers as well, with numerous options in each port."

Crystal's golf program includes a VIP Golfers welcome cocktail reception; Taylormade equipment; welcome kits, including scheduled golf events, course info and gifts; friendly competition, including a "A Hole in One" contest awarding the winner a complimentary cruise; transport to/from each course accompanied by a Crystal escort or pro; 45-minute warm-up and pre-round refreshments and post-round cocktails; complimentary storage and cleaning of clubs and shoes.

The cruise visits Reykjavic, Iceland; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Invergordon and Lerwick, Scotland; Nuuk, Greenland and Boston, Massachusetts. The voyage can be taken back-to-back with Crystal Symphony's August 23, round-trip London Golf cruise, which offers play in six British Isles ports, for the ultimate golfer's vacation. For more information or Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625. Visit the line's website, www.crystalcruises.com.

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Don't Let Hurricane Season 2009 Blow Away Your Cruise Vacation Plans

WARWICK, RI, June 16: Experts at NOAA's Climate Prediction Center anticipate a near average 2009 Hurricane Season with a 70 percent chance of nine to fourteen named storms and up to three major hurricanes, Category 3 or higher. This forecast can't say however where or when these storms will form, which land areas will be impacted or at what intensity. That's why, as always, the best way to prepare for the June through November hurricane season is to plan ahead. "Now is the time to get a hurricane plan," advises Dennis Feltgen, spokesperson for NOAA's National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida. "The only number that matters is the number one...the one storm that could hit you this season. You need to prepare now, and not when the storm is bearing down on you."

"For travelers, that plan should include insurance protection for all your upcoming summer vacations, family cruises, and fall travels," adds Jim Grace, President and CEO of InsureMyTrip.com, the premier online travel insurance comparison site. "Travel insurance is a prudent investment that provides peace-of-mind protection against severe weather. The key is to plan ahead and purchase travel insurance before a tropical storm or hurricane is identified as possibly affecting your itinerary. Equally as important, travelers should know that coverage for weather-related trip cancellations and interruptions differ significantly by company and plan."

The coverage spectrum includes:
-- Weather Cancellation: when common carriers such as airlines and cruise lines stop travel to a particular destination due to weather
-- Cancellation due to Hurricane Warning: cancellation of your trip if your destination is under a NOAA-issued hurricane warning
-- Destination made Uninhabitable: if your hotel, resort, or vacation rental is devastated by a storm
-- Primary Residence made Uninhabitable: your own home sustains destructive storm damage
-- Cancel For Any Reason: an optional benefit that allows you to choose whether or not to cancel.

To learn more about the protection plans that best suit your travel needs, visit www.insuremytrip.com online or call (800) 487-4722 to speak with a licensed travel insurance professional. Whether you simply need one question answered or want step-by-step help in selecting a travel insurance policy, InsureMyTrip's expert Customer Care representatives are waiting for your call.

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MSC Cruises Announces Canada/New England Sailings From New York & Quebec in 2010

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, June 15: MSC Cruises recently announced newly-added Canada/New England sailings to its offerings in 2010. MSC Magnifica, currently under construction and scheduled to debut in March 2010, will be sailing a series of Fall Foliage cruises from both New York and Quebec in 2010 before joining MSC Lirica for the 2010-11 Caribbean season in Fort Lauderdale.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for residents of the Northeastern United States and Canada to experience MSC Cruises on one of the line's newest and most elegant ships while saving them both time and money as they won't incur additional costs for airfare," says Richard E. Sasso, president and CEO of MSC Cruises (USA), Inc. He adds, "MSC Magnifica is ideal for Fall Foliage cruises. With nearly 80 percent outside staterooms and a magrodome or retractable roof over the swimming pool, guests can appreciate the splendor and majesty of the outdoors throughout the cruise."

MSC Magnifica is scheduled to debut in March 2010 and departs Venice on Sept. 4, 2010 on an 18-night transatlantic journey to New York City. It will call at Bari, Valetta, Malaga, Cadiz, Lisbon, Ponta Delgada and King's Wharf (Bermuda), arriving in New York City on Sept. 22.

The ship will then sail the following itineraries:
-- 10-night roundtrip, departing from New York City on Sept. 22 and calling in Sydney, Charlottetown, Quebec, Halifax and Newport
-- 7-night New York City to Quebec, departing Oct. 2 and calling in Halifax, Charlottetown and Corner Brook
-- 7-night Quebec to New York City, departing Oct. 9 and calling in Sydney, Bar Harbor, Boston and Newport
-- 7-night New York City to Quebec, departing Oct. 16 and calling in Halifax, Sydney and Charlottetown

These itineraries can be combined, making them ideal for those interested in a 14- or 17-day roundtrip experience. For more information about MSC Cruises, visit www.MSCCruisesUSA.com or a local travel professional.

MSC Cruises is the fastest growing cruise line in the world with a fleet of nine ships: MSC Poesia, MSC Orchestra, MSC Musica, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Armonia, MSC Opera, MSC Lirica, and MSC Melody. Two new ships launch soon: MSC Splendida (July of 2009) and MSC Magnifica (March of 2010).

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Seabourn Odyssey Set To Sizzle With New Menus By Chef Charlie Palmer

June 11: The launch of Seabourn Odyssey won’t be the only debut from The Yachts of Seabourn this month. The luxury vessel’s maiden voyage, departing from Venice on June 24, 2009, will also unveil new menus by celebrated chef Charlie Palmer, whose dishes from Citrus Grilled Halibut to Pan Roasted Beef Tenderloin with dijon mustard crust will present a truly moveable feast for guests of the new yacht. Chef Palmer has set an impressive maritime table since the start of his collaboration with Seabourn in 2002. Under the direction of highly skilled, onboard chefs, Chef Palmer’s inventive cuisine for Seabourn Pride, Spirit and Legend has earned widespread praise, including accolades in Gourmet, repeat recognition on Condé Nast Traveler’s “Gold List” and from other prestigious travel industry observers.

Chef Palmer advanced Progressive American cuisine at his acclaimed Aureole, originally situated off Manhattan's Madison Avenue and now re-opening at the Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park. Over the years, Chef Palmer combined his creative cooking spirit and flair for business to open twelve restaurants across the country, a collection of wine shops and award-winning boutique hotels. Chef Palmer has created hundreds of signature recipes for Seabourn. He was inducted into the James Beard "Who's Who of Food & Beverage in America,” is a frequent guest on NBC's Today Show, and has authored four cookbooks.

Featured in Odyssey’s The Restaurant, Chef Palmer’s new menus reflect the flavors of the Mediterranean destinations Odyssey will travel to this summer and fall. Unabashed combinations of bold flavors; fresh and seasonal ingredients; with artful presentations have long been hallmarks of Chef Palmer’s Seabourn menus, which will continue with appetizers such as:

-- Seared Tuna Carpaccio with pickled artichokes and tapenade crostini
-- Malossol Caviar & Marinated Salmon Pave with warm potato galette
-- Shrimp & Pancetta Bisque with chick pea croutons

Chef Palmer’s entrees highlight the abundance of ingredients the Mediterranean ports allow with such dishes as:

-- Crisp Seared Salmon with beluga lentils, tomato compote and pommes rissoles
-- Pink Roasted Veal Rack Chop with caramelized onion potato tart, blood orange endive confit and veal jus
-- Vegetarian Truffled Soft Potato Gnocchi with oyster mushrooms, soybeans and truffle butter sauce

Decadent dessert offerings include dishes such as:

-- Roasted Pear Tart Tatin with vanilla rum sauce and cinnamon ice cream
-- Dark Chocolate Mint Bar with crème de menthe semifreddo
-- Sugar-free, Low-fat Dark Chocolate & Rum Raisin cake with butterscotch sauce

“Chef Charlie Palmer’s collaboration with Seabourn has proven extraordinarily popular for seven years and counting, and guests of Odyssey can anticipate a wonderful dining experience wherever they sail, anywhere around the world,” said Pamela C. Conover, president and CEO of Seabourn. For more information or to make a reservation, contact a travel agent, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391, visit www.seabourn.com.

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Princess Cruises Details Short Getaway Sailings for 2010-11

SANTA CLARITA, CA, June 11: The spring and fall cruise seasons in 2010-11 bring opportunities for Princess Cruises passengers to escape on the line’s short West Coast sailings. Ranging from an overnight cruise to a week-long journey, these “coastal” getaways offer passengers the chance to sample the Princess experience as they explore the Pacific coastline. Passengers can choose from among 18 sailings, including a special seven-day cruise to coastal wine regions with themed onboard presentations, four- and five-day samplers of Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, plus shorter sailings of one to three nights. Princess’ seasonal getaways offer an opportunity to sail on ships that are traveling along the Pacific coast to begin or end a summer of Alaska cruises.

“People need to escape today more than ever and these short sailings are a great way to fit a cruise into the schedule–and budget,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president.

Princess coastal sailings for 2010-11 include:

Wine Country Coastal – A 7-day cruise geared towards wine lovers, this special sailing will offer the chance to explore the California wine regions of Santa Barbara and the San Francisco area – as well as visit the microbreweries of Astoria, Oregon. Themed excursions will be available in many ports to enhance the local wine focus. In addition, onboard presentations from guest experts will showcase the world of food and wine with demonstrations, tastings and special meals. The cruise aboard Sapphire Princess will depart from Los Angeles on May 7, 2011, sailing to Vancouver with calls at Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Astoria, Seattle and Victoria.

California Coastal – Sailing on a 5-day journey down to California from Vancouver, Sapphire Princess will call at Victoria and San Francisco before arriving in “the city of angels,” Los Angeles. The sailing will depart on Sept 20, 2010.

Alaska Sampler – This quick roundtrip sailing from Vancouver will give travelers a taste of the 49th state, with visits to the Alaskan ports of Juneau and Ketchikan. The 5-day cruise on Coral Princess will set sail on May 10, 2010.

Northwest Sampler – Royal Princess will take visitors on a 4-day trip through the scenic Inside Passage with visits to Vancouver and Victoria. Sailing roundtrip from Seattle, the voyage will depart May 20, 2010.

Pacific Coastal: Los Angeles/Vancouver – Passengers can relax with two full days at sea as they cruise up the Pacific coast on these 3-day journeys between Los Angeles and Vancouver. Golden Princess will offer two departures on Sept 26, 2010 and May 11, 2011, and Coral Princess sails on Sept 18, 2010.

Pacific Coastal: San Francisco/Vancouver –Several cruises travel between San Francisco’s legendary Golden Gate and picturesque Vancouver. Coral Princess offers a 4-day sailing with calls in Astoria, Oregon and Victoria, BC on May 19, 2011. For a 2-day option, Island Princess offers sailings on Oct 4, 2010 and May 14, 2011, while Star Princess sails on May 11, 2011.

Pacific Coastal: Vancouver/Seattle – These convenient overnight sailings between Vancouver and Seattle offer the perfect opportunity for a first taste of Princess hospitality. Sapphire Princess will sail May 15, 2010 and Sept 19, 2010. Golden Princess will offer departures on Sept 25, 2010 and May 14, 2011. Royal Princess will cruise on Sept 13, 2010 and May 18, 2011. And Star Princess will depart on May 13, 2011.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company's website at www.princess.com.

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Carnival Corp Statement on Reinstatement of Fuel Supplements

Mami, June 10: At the time we suspended fuel supplements for our six North American brands, we reserved the right to reinstate them if the price of light sweet crude oil, according to the NYMEX, should increase above $70 per barrel. While we have now exceeded that threshold, in light of the economic crisis and resulting consumer weakness, we presently have no plans to institute a fuel supplement. We will continue to monitor the situation in the markets and review our position as the situation warrants.

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Princess Again Pulls Back Curtain on Fascinating Drydock Work; Launches Online Photo Journal of Dawn Princess Transformation

SANTA CLARITA, CA, June 10: Following the enthusiastic response to its unprecedented online Golden Princess Drydock Journal last month, Princess Cruises is again inviting cruise enthusiasts to go behind the scenes as Dawn Princess undergoes a similar makeover. Visitors to www.princess.com will be able to watch daily as the ship receives new interior furnishings and finishes, plus adds two Princess signature features – the Movies Under the Stars giant poolside screen and the relaxing adults-only Sanctuary. The Dawn Princess Drydock Journal features regular updates of the work in progress at the Forgacs Cairncross Dockyard in Brisbane, Australia. The journal can be found on the Dawn Princess page in the website’s “Ships” section, and it will be regularly updated throughout the ship’s two-week drydock which ends June 20. The photos will also be posted to Princess' Twitter feed, Facebook page and Flickr photostream.

“We had such wonderful feedback from web users about our recent drydock journal that we decided to offer ship fans another behind-the-scenes look at all the work that will go into Dawn Princess’ refurbishment,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “I think when our passengers see first-hand what’s accomplished in a relatively short period of time, they’ll be impressed by the planning and teamwork that goes into ensuring that our ships and their amenities deliver the fantastic experience for which Princess is known.”

When Dawn Princess emerges from the drydock, the ship will feature the opportunity to get away from it all in the tranquility of The Sanctuary, Princess’ signature adults-only retreat featuring plush padded lounge chairs and the services of dedicated Serenity Stewards. Visitors to this exclusive space can enjoy refreshing beverages and light snacks or listen to a relaxing playlist of music.

In addition, Movies Under the Stars will also debut in the poolside area with a state-of-the-art Times Square-style LED screen, offering evening movies and a variety of daytime programming. The 300- square-foot screen offers passengers a movie experience comparable to the best shoreside movie theater. In addition to family cinema and first run hits, Movies Under the Stars also features major sporting events, concerts and a new Leonard Maltin Movie Club.

Other changes viewers will see throughout the drydock include the installation of new carpet and upholstery, plus a rare view of the bottom of the ship’s hull as it receives several new coats of silicone paint. Dawn Princess is home-ported in Sydney for year-round Australia-based cruising and on July 5, the ship departs on a 104-day world cruise, the first circumnavigation and longest-ever roundtrip voyage from Australia. Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company's website at www.princess.com.

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Silversea Lines Up Eminent Scholar & Cultural Experts for
Summer & Fall 2009 Voyages

Ft. Lauderdale, FL, June 10: This summer and fall Silversea invites travelers to enjoy interesting journeys hosted by noted historians, political analysts, authors, and other experts. The lineup of guest speakers includes Christopher Cazenove, British stage, film and television actor; Terry Hughes, former head of BBC TV Variety; Alastair Bruce, the Royal and National Events Commentator for Britain's Sky News; Michael Buerk, BBC news correspondent and anchor; Ambassador Richard Gardner, former U.S. ambassador to Italy and Spain; Dr. John G. Stackhouse, Jr., award-winning historian, theologian, philosopher and journalist; Bill Toone, conservation biologist and executive director of the Ecolife Foundation; Bruce Riedel, a senior fellow in foreign policy at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C.; Richard Cowley, former director-general of the Anglo-Uruguayan Cultural Institute; and John Harrison, a British explorer and author.

"We are honored to include such a distinguished group of guest speakers on our voyages," said Cliff Perry, Silversea's director of entertainment. "Our enrichment programming has always been about offering unique perspectives, and these lecturers will offer insightful views."

Following below is the 2009 schedule of speakers with abbreviated biographies:

Silver Cloud - July 4 (Stockholm to Copenhagen)
CHRISTOPHER CAZENOVE: This British stage actor found fame in the 1970s and 1980s with a number of film and television roles in which he perfected his screen persona as the international charmer with a dark past. On the small screen, he is probably best remembered in the roles of Charlie Haslemere in The Duchess of Duke Street (BBC and Masterpiece Theater) and the dastardly Ben Carrington in Dynasty for ABC. More recently, he has appeared in such films as A Knight's Tale, Beginner's Luck and Judge John Deed.

Silver Wind - July 18 (Monte Carlo to Monte Carlo)
AMBASSADOR RICHARD GARDNER: A professor of law and international organization at New York's Columbia Law School, he served as U.S. ambassador to Italy from 1977 to 1981, and as U.S. ambassador to Spain from 1993 to 1997. He is the author of four books on international affairs, including In Pursuit of World Order: US Foreign Policy and International Organization, and his latest book, Mission Italy: On the Front Lines of the Cold War.

Silver Shadow - Aug 1 (San Francisco to Vancouver)
DR. JOHN G. STACKHOUSE, JR.: An award-winning historian, theologian, philosopher and journalist, he holds the Sangwoo Youtong Chee Chair of Theology and Culture at Regent College, an internationally recognized graduate school affiliated with one of Canada's premier universities, the University of British Columbia, in Vancouver. Dr. Stackhouse is the author of six books and hundreds of articles and reviews.

Silver Cloud - Aug 26 & Sept 5 (London to London)
ALASTAIR BRUCE: A descendent of Robert the Bruce, he is the author of numerous books on British royalty and a commentator for Britain's Sky News and the BBC. He is also a documentary filmmaker with Days of Majesty, Nicholas and Alexandra, and Victoria and Albert to his name. He is a member of the Queen's Body Guard for Scotland and is also an officer of arms to the Queen.

Silver Wind - Sept 15 (Rome to Barcelona)
TERRY HUGHES: He was head of BBC TV Variety during the "golden years" of Morecame & Wise and The Two Ronnies. He also co-produced and co-directed the acclaimed Ripping Yarns, written by and starring Michael Palin. Moving to Los Angeles, he soon became one of the premiere producers and directors of television's The Golden Girls, 3rd Rock from the Sun and episodes of 8 Simple Rules, Friends, Blossom and That '70s Show.

Silver Whisper - Oct 24 (Athens to Dubai)
BRUCE RIEDEL: A senior fellow in foreign policy at the Saban Center for Middle East Policy of the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C., he is a former C.I.A. analyst, counter-terrorism expert and author. At the request of President Obama, he recently chaired an interagency review of policy toward Afghanistan and Pakistan for the White House.

Silver Cloud - Oct 29 (Barbados to Manaus) & Nov 12 (Manaus to Rio de Janeiro)
JOHN HARRISON: British explorer who has authored books detailing his adventures, including Up the Creek: an Amazon Adventure and Off the Map: a Journey through the Amazonian Wild. The film John Harrison Explorer, made for the National Geographic Voyager television series, recounts his journey by canoe on Brazil's Rio Ximim-Ximim.

Silver Cloud - Oct 29 (Barbados to Manaus), Nov 12 (Manaus to Rio de Janeiro) & Nov 26 (Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires)
RICHARD COWLEY: Former director-general of the Anglo-Uruguayan Cultural Institute, the largest English-language and cultural center in Uruguay. In 1982, he was decorated by Queen Elizabeth II as a Member of the Order of the British Empire, and received a further decoration as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2004.

Silver Wind - Dec 4 (Dubai to Mahe)
BILL TOONE: Featured in numerous PBS documentaries in the U.S., this conservation biologist with over 30 years of global field experience is the executive director of the Ecolife Foundation, providing ecologically sustainable water, food and shelter to communities. His work for the San Diego Zoo's Center for Reproduction of Endangered Species has placed him on the front lines of conservation, beginning with the California Condor Recovery Program.

Silver Cloud - Dec 20 (Santiago to Buenos Aires)
MICHAEL BUERK: One of Britain's leading broadcast journalists, he has worked as a BBC news correspondent and anchor for more than thirty years. His coverage of the Ethiopian famine alerted the world to the tragedy, and led directly to Band Aid and Live Aid, massive international relief efforts valued in billions of dollars and estimated to have saved over a million lives.

For more information on Silversea Cruises, please contact a travel agent. For a complimentary brochure, please call toll-free (877) 215-9986 or visit www.silversea.com.

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Italian Icon Sophia Loren, Internationally-Known Tenor Jose Carreras to Welcome MSC Splendida on July 12

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, June 9: MSC Splendida, the second in MSC Cruises’ luxurious “Fantasia” class of cruise ships, is scheduled to be christened in Barcelona on July 12 during a ceremony featuring several world-class performers.

Italian icon Sophia Loren welcomes MSC Splendida as the latest addition to the MSC Cruises’ fleet amidst lavish festivities. She continues the tradition of serving as the ship’s godmother, as she has for MSC Lirica, MSC Opera, MSC Musica, MSC Orchestra, MSC Poesia and MSC Fantasia. Like MSC Splendida, Loren represents the epitome of Italian elegance and style.

Jose Carreras, internationally-known Spanish operatic lyric tenor, lends his memorable voice to the celebration as well. Carreras was one of the “Three Tenors” (along with the Italian singer Luciano Pavarotti and the Spanish singer Plácido Domingo); they are credited with helping find a broader audience for opera. The recording of their first performance together, Carreras, Domingo, Pavarotti in Concert, won a Grammy Award in 1991.

Cruising the heart of the Mediterranean and the adjacent European Atlantic seaboard, MSC Splendida is set to embark on a series of inspiring itineraries to many of history’s most famous sites. Alexandria, Ashdod, Athens, Barcelona, Casablanca, Crete, Genoa, Madeira, Malta, Malaga, Naples, Olympia, Rhodes, Rome, Taormina, Tenerife, and Tunis are among the destinations. Designed by De Joro Design Studio, MSC Splendida’s interiors will complement these famous sites of history with exuberant modern and classically refined Italian designs featuring many natural and traditional materials. For more information about MSC Cruises, visit www.MSCCruisesUSA.com or a local travel professional.

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Windstar Cruises Partners With The OnboardSpa Company

SEATTLE, June 9: Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world's most sought-after destinations, welcomes The OnboardSpa Company and their certified organic O SPA London products and services to the spa, salon, and fitness center onboard Windstar ships.

"Windstar Cruises is thrilled to partner with The OnboardSpa Company, who will provide our guests with a new level of pampering and rejuvenation," said Diane Moore, president of Windstar Cruises. "Our guests value luxury, health, and vitality and we are pleased to offer them decadent O SPA London certified organic products and services in WindSpa."

O SPA London is a completely certified organic spa experience designed for both face and body. The products used are created with time proven organic essential oils and extracts of aromatic plants and herbs. Earth and sea botanicals are designed to actively treat, soothe, nourish, revive and restore the skin and body. Drawing on the ancient practices from cultures across the world, the O SPA experience takes guests on an exotic, multi-sensorial journey of rejuvenation and relaxation. All ingredients are sourced from organic, sustainable sources, such as The Eden Project (the largest biosphere project in the world), Lisadell House, an organic medicinal co-operative on the West Coast of Ireland and Georgina Koomson's FairTrade women's co-operative in Ghana.

Guests have the opportunity to indulge in a variety of spa rituals. Body treatments feature the purist botanicals available, ancient stones, mythical crystals and exotic muds. Balinese, Swedish, classic, reflexology, sports as well as fire and ice ancient stone massages are available. Ayurveda and aromatherapy options rejuvenate and harmonize the chakras of the body. An assortment of specialty facials include an intensive eye masque experience. Guests will also be able to take advantage of luxurious manicures, pedicures and body contouring. Classical acupuncture, a system of healing that has been practiced in China and other Eastern countries for thousands of years, is also offered.

In the salon, a skilled team of dynamic stylists provide professional hair care services including precision cuts, hair coloring, styling and treatments utilizing luxurious, French Kerastase hair care products. For the ultimate in well-being, guests can partake in a Pilates Institute at Sea Program, yoga, personal training, meditation, and fitness classes led by a team of fitness professionals.

About The OnboardSpa Company
The OnboardSpa Company is the most dynamic and progressive spa and fitness lifestyle company working within the cruise line business. This refreshing Company born out of a collaboration of industry experts with many decades of both maritime and land experience and expertise, has enabled The OnboardSpa Company to take the onboard spa and fitness lifestyle offering to a new level, never previously seen in the industry. Inspirational and award winning spa products and treatments are complemented by innovative and cutting edge fitness and lifestyle programming. Originally created as a joint venture between Harding Brothers Spa Division and Multitrax Maritime, The OnboardSpa Company is rich in heritage and overflowing with an abundance of industry expertise and experience. Multitrax has an extensive background in the maritime, spa and fitness industries and is the perfect match to the heritage and expertise within the Harding Brothers Spa Division. Harding Brothers have an unprecedented 80-year maritime history and are award-winning world leaders in the retail arena of the maritime business.

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Unique Conch World Shore Excursion/Attraction Opens in Grand Turk

MIAMI, June 9: The Grand Turk Cruise Center, owned by Carnival Corp, has partnered with Cockburn Village & Farm, Ltd., to develop Conch World, a new eco-friendly attraction in Grand Turk, which welcomed its first guests, a group from the Carnival Pride, earlier today. Grand opening festivities are set for fall 2009. Four years in the making, this unique million-dollar-plus tourism attraction consists of several brightly colored pink buildings that showcase the Queen conch, which is native to Grand Turk and plays a vital role in the health of coral reefs as it serves as a food source for lobsters, turtles, sharks, octopus and other marine animals. Conch World is the only tourist facility devoted to the Queen conch located at a cruise destination and is only the second such facility in the world.

The guided tour begins with an entertaining video and then proceeds to other air-conditioned buildings where informative displays, pictures and dioramas explain conch lore and conch farming, an important part of the Caribbean’s economy. The highlight of the attraction is the world famous trained conchs, Sally and Jerry, who love to venture out of their shells and have their pictures taken. Guests can also visit the Bare Naked Conch Café to savor the delicious farmed conch prepared in a variety of ways and the Pink Pearl Gift Shop which sells a variety of conch-related merchandise.

“The Caribbean is vital to the continued growth and success of the North American cruise industry and the Grand Turk Cruise Center and Carnival Corporation & plc are very pleased to support the development of this spectacular and unique attraction,” said Graham Davis, director of port operations and destination development for Carnival Corporation & plc. “In addition to serving as an example of responsible, sustainable tourism development, Conch World will have tangible economic benefits, including creating numerous job opportunities for the local community,” he said.

Added Chuck Hesse, CEO of the world’s only conch farm now headquartered on Grand Turk, “This facility is a celebration of a small animal that has made a huge contribution to the entire Caribbean. The conch’s high protein meat has been a staple in almost every island, its shell used for ornaments, mortar, pottery, and as a conch horn.” Hesse noted that one in every 10,000 animals produces an exquisite pink pearl valuable enough to be part of the Crown Jewels of England.

Conch World is the first of a multi-phase development by the locally owned and operated company, Cockburn Village & Farm, Ltd. It will be followed by a commercial conch farm, Arawak Village, a modern facility with buildings resembling 1780’s Caribbean dwellings, along with beachfront eco-engineered residences.

Conch World is just the latest addition to Grand Turk, one of the Caribbean’s most unspoiled and laidback islands. The $60 million Grand Turk Cruise Center serves as a gateway to this unique destination and encompasses a state-of-the-art pier and a 13-acre complex offering a variety of retail shops, including the Caribbean’s largest “Margaritaville”-themed bar and restaurant. For more information, visit www.Grandturkcc.com.

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Boomers, Seniors Eligible for Discount of up to 50 Percent on MSC Poesia's 2009-2010 Caribbean Sailings

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, June 9: The calendar may say it's nearly summer, but now is a good time for Baby Boomers/Seniors ages 50 or older and their families to plan ahead and save up to 50 percent on MSC Cruises' exciting Caribbean fall and winter getaways. Boomer/Senior Saver prices are available on new bookings of select 3-, 5-, 7- and 10-night 2009-10 Caribbean sailings of MSC Poesia when at least one guest in the stateroom is 50 years of age on the departure date.

Families can save even more off the retail price with MSC Cruises' "Kids Sail Free" offer; kids ages 17 and younger sail free when sharing a stateroom with two full-fare-paying adults. It's a great opportunity for grandparents to spend some quality time with their grandchildren, too.

Rates are available for select sailings and stateroom types. Additional restrictions may apply. For more information, visit www.MSCCruisesUSA.com or a local travel professional.

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Celebrated Experts Make House Calls on Crystal Ship

LOS ANGELES, June 8: October Crystal Cruises' New England/Canada itineraries will showcase the expertise and insights of some of the most prominent figures in medicine, politics and government, finance and even show business. Dr. Bob Arnot and former South Dakota senator Tom Daschle are among the notable newsmakers scheduled for four voyages departing from New York, Boston and Montreal aboard Crystal Symphony. Additional special programming will highlight the line's annual President's Cruise, hosted by President Gregg Michel and his wife on October 30.

Celebrity guests include:

October 1, Boston to Montreal, 7 days
-- Tom Daschle - One of the longest serving Senate Democratic leaders in history; and
-- Tom DeFrank - President-watcher, covering the White House since
President Nixon.

October 8, Montreal to New York, 11 days
-- Rita Moreno - The only female performer to win the Oscar, Emmy, Tony & Grammy;
-- Dr. Bob Froehlich - Former Chairman of Investor Strategy for Deutsche Bank;
-- Dr. Michael Boll - Historian and specialist in international security affairs.

October 19, New York to Montreal, 11 days
-- Dorothy Hamill - Figure skater and 1976 Olympic gold medalist;
-- Ralf Vargas - Retired U.S. Army Colonel and NATO Diplomat;
-- Dr. Jay Wolff - History and culture expert detailing events that changed the world;
-- Peter Bobrowsky - Geographic expert and historian.

October 30, Montreal to New York, 11 days
-- Dr. Bob Arnot - Physician and international humanitarian;
-- Mike Jensen - Former NBC News Chief Financial Correspondent.

"Our guests enjoy, and expect, multi-dimensional vacation experiences that offer insightful information and cover a variety of issues, and we continue to strive to deliver that," says Bret Bullock, vice president, entertainment. "The provocative guest speakers set for this fall will certainly stimulate conversation and pique guests' interest."

Crystal Symphony's fall New England/Canada cruises visit New York; Boston; Newport, Rhode Island; and Canada's Halifax; Quebec City; Montreal; St. John; and Prince Edward Island. For information or reservations, contact a travel agent or call Crystal at 888-799-4625. Visit the line's newly redesigned website, www.crystalcruises.com.

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Princess Announces Tropical Getaways Details to Sun-Swept Caribbean, Panama Canal & Mexican Riviera

SANTA CLARITA, CA, June 8: Whether travelers choose to explore the beaches and colorful islands of the Caribbean, enjoy the warm welcoming culture of the Mexican Riviera, or marvel at the dramatic Panama Canal, Princess Cruises offers a wide array of options for tropical getaways to some of the most popular warm weather destinations in the fall 2010 to spring 2011 cruise season.

With the convenience of close-to-home departure points, these just-announced itineraries present many vacation options in the balmy tropics. In the Caribbean, passengers can choose a variety of itinerary options, many featuring the private beach of Princess Cays, including week-long getaways, 10-day sailings or full 14-day island explorations. Along the Mexican Riviera, passengers can sail from Los Angeles or San Francisco to some of the area’s most popular resort regions. And, those wishing to experience the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal can choose from a convenient round-trip voyage or experience the drama of a full canal transit, including extra time in Panama with a Two-Day Canal Experience.

“There are so many ways to escape the winter cold or the everyday grind and enjoy the warmth and relaxation of a tropical getaway,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “These destinations offer romance, interesting cultures, active pursuits, relaxing beaches, and even the opportunity to witness a historic feat of engineering.”

The line’s tropical getaway options include:

Caribbean – Six Princess ships will visit more than 25 ports throughout the idyllic Caribbean with 14 itinerary choices. The 135 departures include a variety of vacation options exploring the Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean.

-- Ruby Princess/7-Day Eastern Caribbean – Ruby Princess takes over sailings to the Eastern Caribbean, with roundtrip cruises from Fort Lauderdale on Sundays. The itinerary features calls at the line’s own Princess Cays, St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Grand Turk. Ruby Princess will offer 28 sailings between Oct 24, 2010 and May 1, 2011.
-- Crown Princess/7-Day Western Caribbean: Crown Princess sails on 25 roundtrip 7-day cruises to the Western Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, visiting Grand Cayman, Roatan, Cozumel and Princess Cays. Crown Princess’ season will run from Oct 30, 2010 through April 30, 2011. The ship will also offer two special itineraries, a 5-day Eastern Caribbean Sampler on Dec 18, calling at Grand Turk and Princess Cays, and a 9-day Southern Caribbean Holiday sailing to Antigua, Barbados, Dominica, St. Thomas, and Princess Cays departing on Dec 30.
-- Caribbean Princess/7-Day Southern Caribbean: Caribbean Princess sails from San Juan on two alternating 7-day itineraries. The Classic Southern Caribbean route sails to the ports of St. Thomas, Tortola, Antigua, St. Lucia and Barbados, while Southern Caribbean Explorer sailings travel to St. Thomas, Dominica, Grenada, Bonaire and Aruba. In total 27 cruises will depart between Oct 31, 2010 and May 1, 2011. The ship starts the season with an 8-day Bermuda & Eastern Caribbean sailing from New York to San Juan on Oct 23, 2010, featuring calls at Bermuda, St. Lucia, Antigua and St. Thomas.
-- Emerald Princess/10-Day Eastern & Southern Caribbean: For a more in-depth island vacation with the convenience of roundtrip travel from Fort Lauderdale, Emerald Princess offers alternating 10-day roundtrip itineraries; one to the Southern Caribbean and the other to the Eastern Caribbean. The Southern Caribbean Medley itinerary calls at Princess Cays, St. Thomas, Dominica, Grenada, Bonaire and Aruba. The Eastern Caribbean Voyager itinerary offers calls at Antigua, St. Lucia, Barbados, St. Kitts, St. Thomas and Princess Cays. Emerald Princess will offer 23 sailings between Sept 19, 2010 and April 27, 2011.
-- Grand Princess/14-Day Caribbean Collection: Grand Princess offers more islands to explore on a 14-day Caribbean Collection itinerary roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale. The ship sails to Aruba, Curaçao, Grenada, Barbados, St. Vincent, St. Kitts, St. Thomas, Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) and Grand Turk. Grand Princess will offer 15 departures between Oct 11, 2010 and April 25, 2011.
-- Sea Princess/14-Day Sailings from Barbados: Sea Princess will offer a series of alternating 14-day Caribbean voyages from Barbados. The Grand Caribbean Islander route feature calls at Tobago, Grenada, Bonaire, Aruba, Grand Cayman, Ocho Rios, Tortola, Antigua, St. Kitts and Dominica. The ship will also offer a Grand Caribbean Adventurer itinerary that features stops at Grenada, Bonaire, Curaçao, Grand Turk, Tortola, St. Maarten, Antigua, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Trinidad. To begin her season, Sea Princess offers a 7-day Southern Caribbean sailing from Fort Lauderdale to Barbados featuring calls at Princess Cays, Tortola, St. Maarten, Martinique and St. Lucia. In spring the ship sails back to Fort Lauderdale from Barbados with a 7-day sailing to Martinique, Dominica, St. Kitts, Tortola and Princess Cays. Sea Princess will sail on 14 departures between Oct 25, 2010 and April 18, 2011.

Mexican Riviera – Three ships will head “South of the Border” to the fun-filled Mexican Riviera. Cruisers can choose from 37 departures from either Los Angeles or San Francisco.

-- Sapphire Princess: Sapphire Princess returns to the sunny Mexican Riviera with 33 departures from the Port of Los Angeles. This popular 7-day roundtrip route takes in favorite Mexico ports with calls in Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán and Cabo San Lucas. The Sapphire Princess Mexican Riviera season runs from Sept 25, 2010 to April 30, 2011. The ship will also offer two Baja Sampler sailings, with a 4-day cruise to Santa Barbara and Ensenada on Dec 18, 2010 and a 3-day voyage with a call in Ensenada departing on Jan 5, 2011.
-- Sea Princess: Sea Princess will offer one roundtrip sailing from the “City by the Bay,” San Francisco, with a 10-day cruise to Catalina, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, Cabo San Lucas and San Diego, departing on Sept 29, 2010.
-- Star Princess: Star Princess sails on 11-day roundtrip Mexican Riviera voyages from San Francisco featuring calls at Acapulco, Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas. The ship offers three departures on April 8, 19 and 30, 2011.

Panama Canal – One of the world’s greatest wonders, the Panama Canal changed shipping routes forever when it first connected the Atlantic and Pacific oceans in 1914. One of the pioneers of Canal cruising, Princess offers a variety of different ways to experience this “must see” feat of engineering. Passengers can choose a convenient 10-day round-trip voyage, a 10-day full transit cruise or an extended 15-day sailing featuring the line’s Two-Day Canal Experience, a full Canal transit plus a day with the ship anchored at Fuerte Amador, on the Canal’s Pacific side. Passengers can take advantage of this extra day in Panama to enjoy a variety of shore excursion options including the Panama Canal Railway, Panama City, Soberania National Park Rainforest or a visit to an authentic Embera Indian Village.

-- Panama Canal with Two-Day Experience: Coral Princess, Island Princess, and Sea Princess will give passengers additional time to explore Panama with 15-day sailings between Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles or San Francisco. In addition to the Canal transit and additional Panama call at Fuerte Amador, the ships visit Cabo San Lucas, Acapulco, Huatulco, Puntarenas (Costa Rica), Cartagena and Aruba. A total of 13 sailings run between Los Angeles and Fort Lauderdale, while five similar sailings travel between San Francisco and Fort Lauderdale (one 16-day sailing also includes a call in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua). Departures are offered between Sept 21, 2010 and May 4, 2011.
-- Full Transit Sailings: The 10-day Panama Canal Adventurer route between Fort Lauderdale and Acapulco offers a full Canal transit plus visits to Ocho Rios, Fuerte Amador or Cristobal, Costa Rica (Puntarenas), Nicaragua (San Juan del Sur) and Huatulco. Coral Princess offers six sailings on this route, with departures between Oct 6, 2010 and April 24, 2011.
-- Roundtrip Panama Canal: Coral Princess and Island Princess will sail on this classic 10-day itinerary from Fort Lauderdale, which offers a partial Panama Canal transit to Gatun Lake followed by a call in Cristobal, plus calls in the Caribbean ports of Aruba, Cartagena, Limon (Costa Rica) and Ocho Rios. The ships offer 16 departures between Oct 26, 2010 and April 4, 2011.

Panama Canal sailings are currently open for booking, and Caribbean and Mexican Riviera cruises will be available starting June 11, 2009. Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company's website at www.princess.com.

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Venice to Shine as Seabourn Odyssey is Named on June 24, 2009

Miami, June 8: The Yachts of Seabourn is planning an intimate ceremony for the naming of the newest addition to its award-winning fleet: Seabourn Odyssey. The highly anticipated event, set for June 24, 2009, will take place on deck as the sun sets behind the unmistakable skyline of Venice, Italy.

While naming ceremonies typically invite attendees to watch from shore as an honorary “godparent” names the vessel and breaks a bottle on its bow, the anointment of Seabourn Odyssey will be held on board with guests booked on the maiden voyage. Collectively, all of the guests will act as godparents, initiating the anointment with a bottle of Italian prosecco and giving the yacht its name. Each will receive a commemorative certificate from the event, and their names will be affixed to a plaque to be displayed on board.

With Venice as the backdrop, the colorful heritage of the city will be a touchstone throughout the daylong event. Guests arriving at Stazione Marittima terminal will be given a red carpet welcome, complete with musicians playing and festive banners and garland. Once all are on board, Seabourn Odyssey will depart for a stately cruise down the Guidecca Canal to Riva dei Sette Martiri, a docking location near the Piazza San Marco, where it will be moored for the ceremony. An early dinner served in Odyssey’s superb dining venues will precede the ceremony. With darkness set to fall in Venice after 9:00pm, guests will return to find the deck transformed and the sun gilding the domes and turrets of the city--an enticing view to be enhanced by ceremonial music.

Though many details of the ceremony are being kept hush-hush, Seabourn has revealed that a magnum of sparkling prosecco spumante will be used to anoint Odyssey. The bottle will come from a vineyard in northeastern Italy, near where the vessel’s hull was crafted, and will be broken by means of an ingenious mechanism designed especially for the event. For more information or to make a reservation, contact a travel agent, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391, visit www.seabourn.com.

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Norwegian Cruise Line & Pepsi Offer Refreshing Savings & Sweepstakes

June 8: Norwegian Cruise Line and Pepsi are celebrating summer by offering up to two complimentary soda packages per stateroom on any 7-night sailing or longer. Guests who book a cruise on one of Norwegian Cruise Line’s 11 Freestyle Cruising ships from now through Oct 15, 2009 for sailings through 2010 can request the Pepsi Summer Cup promotion at the time of booking by referencing promotion code PGPOP. Once on board, guests are given a special Norwegian and Pepsi branded souvenir cup and have access to unlimited complimentary fountain soda refills at any bar, lounge or restaurant throughout the duration of the cruise and have the choice of selecting Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Mountain Dew, or Sierra Mist.

Pepsi fans can also try their luck with the ‘Sip. Save. Refresh’ sweepstakes for a chance to win one of three Norwegian 7-day Alaska or European cruises for two in an oceanview stateroom with round-trip airfare. More information on the contest can be found at www.pepsisipsaverefresh.com. The sweepstakes ends on Aug 31, 2009. Pepsi ‘Sip. Save. Refresh’ codes are available on more than 20 million specially marked Pepsi fountain cups and scratch-off cards at participating restaurants in nearly all 50 states. For more information or to book a Norwegian Cruise Line sailing with the Pepsi Summer Cup promotion, contact a travel professional, go to www.ncl.com or call Norwegian at 866-234-7350.

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Exclusive Events Highlight Silver Spirit's Grand Inaugural Voyage 2010

Ft. Lauderdale, FL, June 5: Departing Fort Lauderdale on Jan 21, 2010, Silversea's newest ultra-luxury ship, Silver Spirit, is set to explore over 20 countries and 45 ports on her 91-day Grand Inaugural Voyage, visiting South America, the Mexican Riviera and crossing the Panama Canal before reaching her ultimate destination, New York City. To celebrate such a momentous journey, Silversea is lining up an array of celebrity guest speakers (to host onboard presentations), complimentary excursions, and other exclusive onshore events designed to showcase local cultures as well as entertain guests.

Two popular personalities already tapped to highlight the enrichment roster are:
-- John Cleese, Feb 20, 2010 (Buenos Aires to Santiago) Renowned for his TV roles in Monty Python's Flying Circus and Fawlty Towers, the actor, writer and comedic legend will share insights and anecdotes from his long career and entertain guests aboard Voyage 5005.
-- Dr. Kathryn D. Sullivan, April 2, 2010 (Los Angeles to New York) Astronaut and first American woman to walk in space, this veteran of three shuttle missions and a 2004 inductee to the Astronaut Hall of Fame will offer guests a look at the achievements of her space career during Voyage 5009.

"Our beautiful new Silver Spirit is set to embark on her maiden journey to some of the most interesting destinations in the Americas," said Steve Tucker, Silversea's vice president of field sales for North America. "Whether sailing the full voyage or one of the shorter segments, our guests will enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime luxury travel experience wrapped in all the colorful fanfare and excitement befitting a brand new ship."

For guests sailing 70 or more days, Silversea has arranged four complimentary onshore events to kindle the spirit of celebration:
**Naming Ceremony Gala: In Fort Lauderdale, on Jan 20, the evening before departing on the Grand Inaugural Voyage, guests will enjoy a welcoming gala dinner and overnight accommodations aboard Silver Spirit. The following day, guests are invited to attend the Naming Ceremony festivities including a special VIP luncheon.
**Spirit Cup Polo Match: During the ship's call in Barbados on Jan 30, a special polo match has been arranged for Grand Inaugural Voyage guests. Spectators can cheer on two fast-paced chukkas (a 7-minute playing period), have some fun "stomping the divots" (a tradition of smoothing the field) while sipping champagne, and at the end of the match applaud the victorious team as they are awarded the Spirit Cup.
**Carnaval!: The centerpiece of this Grand Inaugural Voyage is the ship's arrival in Rio de Janeiro on Feb 14, at the height of Carnaval. Following an early dinner, guests will have the chance to experience the magic of the Rio Carnaval parade from prime seats reserved for them at the Sambadrome. The atmosphere promises to be electric, the floats and colorful costumes spectacular and the thousands of dancers and drummers passionate as they exert every ounce of energy in competition with rival samba schools.
**Panama Hat Party: The historic and picturesque city of Montecristi, birthplace of the original Panama hat, is the setting for an event arranged exclusively for Silversea guests during the March 16 visit to Manta, Ecuador. Guests will experience the unique culture of this colonial town as they enjoy local dances and demonstrations of hat-making by master weavers. As a memento, each guest will receive a traditional hat rolled into the customary balsa wood box.

Additionally, all guests aboard the Grand Inaugural Voyage will enjoy three complimentary Silversea Experiences including an innovative children's ballet performance at the grand Teatro José de Alencar in Fortaleza, Brazil; a visit to one of the world's largest Magellanic penguin colonies, home to thousands of penguins, near Camarones, Argentina; and a delightful folkloric presentation of dances that portray the history of Panama, staged at one of the country's most treasured landmarks, the National Theater of Panama, during the ship's call in Fort Amador. The array of special amenities available to guests sailing 70 or more days aboard the Grand Inaugural Voyage also includes such complimentary perks as private car transfers, luggage forwarding service, business class air upgrade, a commemorative gift, and Onboard Spending Credits of up to $2,000 per suite.

For more information on Silversea Cruises, please contact a travel agent. For a complimentary brochure, please call toll-free (877) 215-9986 or visit www.silversea.com.

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Crystal Cruises Enjoys Record Booking Week

LOS ANGELES, June 4: Crystal Cruises announced record bookings for the week ending June 2 - the highest booking week since the luxury line expanded its "All Inclusive-As You Wish" program. The number of guests booking and revenue was more than 100% higher than the average weekly totals since the beginning of 2009. The surge of interest has been strong for both close-in cruises and those more than a year out, including notable increases for summer cruises aboard Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity in the Baltic and Mediterranean, fall cruises in New England/Canada and Europe, and winter South America.

"It's very positive to see such a strong response to Crystal's promotions," said Gregg Michel, president of Crystal Cruises. "Guest satisfaction has been very high and the travel agent community has been very supportive of our programs. Luxury travelers appreciate enriching experiences, abundant choices, consistency of reputation, and extraordinary value."

In the past two weeks, Crystal has hosted its top producing travel agents at a festive Awards Gala, launched its elegant new website, and has enjoyed tremendous response to its promotions:

-- All Inclusive-As You Wish promotion offers up to $1,000 per person spending credit allows guests to customize their cruise experience on nearly every 2009 and 2010 itinerary (and even $5,000 per person for the World Cruise);
-- Celebration Savings and 20th Anniversary Fares extend up to $1,500 savings per person on most 2009 and 2010 Mediterranean and Baltic itineraries and Crystal Symphony South America voyages;
-- Crystal Family Memories promises a free berth and a host of bonus perks and credits for families;
-- Birthday Bonus: Book your 2010 birthday cruise by Dec 31, 2009 and save 50% on a future Crystal cruise taken before your next birthday; and
-- Crystal Assurance Plan provides enduring value that has resonated with
discerning travelers.

"Guests have been particularly reassured by the fare protection of our CAP program," adds Michel. "If someone books a 2009 or 2010 Crystal cruise and the fare for that stateroom category is later reduced, the guest will be protected at the reduced fare. It's a respectful way to treat your valued clientele."

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625. Visit the line's newly redesigned website, www.crystalcruises.com.

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Summer's Here & It's Time for European Family Vacations with MSC Cruises

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, June 4: There is still time to take advantage of the exceptional values offered by MSC Cruises this summer on a truly European cultural cruise experience. Explore Mediterranean and Northern Europe cruise destinations with a myriad of itineraries.

MSC Cruises' summer 2009 Mediterranean itineraries include the following:
-- MSC Poesia, which debuted in spring 2008, will begin a series of 7-night "Turkish Treasure and Croatian Coasts" Eastern Mediterranean itineraries from Venice.
-- MSC Armonia: 7-night "Wonders of the Aegean" Eastern Mediterranean from Venice, through October.
-- MSC Melody: 7-night "Islands of the Tyrrhenian Sea" roundtrip Western Mediterranean sailings from Genoa, through October.
-- MSC Musica: 7-night "Greek Islands in the Sun" from Venice, through October.
-- MSC Sinfonia: 7-night "Sparking Mediterranean Rivieras" Western Mediterranean itineraries from Livorno, through October.
-- MSC Opera: 7-night "Jewels of the Adriatic" roundtrip from Trieste, fall 2009.
-- MSC Orchestra: 8-night "Iberian Discovery" from Barcelona, fall 2009.
-- MSC Lirica: 7-night "Mediterranean Marvels" roundtrip from Civitavecchia (Rome), September 2009.

MSC Cruises also will have three ships in Northern Europe this summer. Itineraries include:
-- MSC Lirica: 11-night "Treasures of the Russian Czars," "Fairytale Towns and Towering Fjords" and "Voyage to the Top of the World" itineraries from Dover, through August.
-- MSC Opera: alternating 7-night "Baltic Beauty and Russian Riches" and "Route of the Vikings" from Copenhagen July-August.
-- MSC Orchestra: alternating 7-night "Baltic Castles and Russian Palaces" and "Fascinating Fjordlands" from Copenhagen through August.

For the convenience of our guests, MSC Cruises offers alternate departure ports, such as Bari, Valencia, Kiel and Amsterdam, on many itineraries. Check with your local travel professional. Children under the age of 17 cruise free on all sailings when sharing a stateroom with two full-fare-paying adults. For more information about MSC Cruises' extensive selection of European sailings, visit www.MSCCruisesUSA.com or a local travel professional.

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Save More Than 50 Percent on 2009-10 Caribbean Cruise Vacations With
MSC Cruises' Family Plan for Four

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, June 3: The entire family can experience the beauty of the Caribbean on 5-, 7-, and 10-night cruises on MSC Poesia and save with MSC Cruises' limited-time, Family Plan offer for four guests. Guests who book a balcony stateroom on select MSC Cruises' 2009-10 Caribbean itineraries of MSC Poesia by Dec. 31, 2009 can save up to 50 percent off a connecting balcony stateroom. This special Family Plan offer applies for adjoining Category 9, 10 or 11 Balcony Superior staterooms (accommodating up to four guests) on most 5-, 7- and 10-night MSC Poesia 2009-10 Caribbean cruises beginning Nov. 10, 2009.

Cruise itineraries include destinations in the Eastern and Western Caribbean and Panama, including ports like San Juan, Puerto Rico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; Georgetown, Grand Cayman; Montego Bay, Jamaica; King's Wharf, Bermuda; Willemstad, Curacao; Oranjestad, Aruba; Cartagena, Colombia; St. John's, Antigua; Cristobal, Panama; Basseterre, St. Kitts; Bridgetown, Barbados; Fort de France, Martinique; Cristobal, Panama; Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; and Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

Family-friendly activities include miniature golf, tennis and basketball. MSC Poesia features a designated children's pool and outdoor play area. MSC Cruises also offers a complimentary kids program filled with entertainment, fun, and games from crafts to treasure hunts. Children's programs are available for children 3-17 years old and are divided into age-specific groups. Not only does MSC Cruises offer authentic Italian favorites like pasta and pizza, but also All-American kid-friendly staples like hamburgers, hot dogs, and delicious pastries and desserts.

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Disney Cruise Line Offers Added Value This Summer

CELEBRATION, FL, June 3: The most inclusive, family-friendly cruise gets even better with two more great reasons to sail with Disney Cruise Line this summer: a value-added offer and new talent for eight special "Disney Channel Summer at Sea" sailings.
Families looking for a fun-filled getaway can set sail this summer on the most magical ships at sea and receive $100 per day onboard spending credit with a verandah stateroom booking. This special offer is available on most Disney Cruise Line itineraries, including 3-, 4- and 7-night sailings to the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

For example, a guest who selects a verandah stateroom would receive a $700 onboard spending credit when booking a 7-night cruise, a $400 credit when booking a 4-night cruise, or a $300 credit when booking a 3-night cruise. Guests may use the onboard spending credit to treat themselves and their family members to special indulgences, including rejuvenating spa treatments at the Vista Spa and Salon, shore excursions at ports of call, shopping onboard the ship and at Castaway Cay, and purchasing keepsake photos at Shutters.

Offer valid on most sailings:
-- Seven-night cruises: June 20 to Aug 8, 2009
-- Four-night cruises: June 28 to Aug 9, 2009
-- Three-night cruises: June 25 to Aug 6, 2009

The onboard credit offer is available for new bookings only in categories 3 to 7. Must mention booking code RAMA. Not combinable with other offers, discounts or onboard credits. Shipboard credit is per stateroom and is non-refundable and non-transferable. Changes to the vacation date or category may result in a loss of any offer. See Disney Cruise Line brochure for cruise details and applicable Terms and Conditions.

A leader in the family cruise segment, Disney Cruise Line delivers a vacation experience that every member of the family feels was created especially for them. To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, contact a travel agent, visit www.disneycruise.com or call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500.

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Fall & Winter Caribbean Sailings on Windstar

SEATTLE, June 3: Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world's most treasured destinations, offers 31 Caribbean sailings from November through March and premieres a new 7-day St. Martin roundtrip itinerary on the 148-guest Wind Spirit due to guest request.

Each week from December through March, Wind Spirit will sail roundtrip from St. Martin offering guests pristine beaches, lively island culture and lush tropics. The new itinerary also allows for additional daytime sailing. Port of calls include St. Kitts, Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda and St. Barts.

The 312-guest Wind Surf offers 7-day roundtrip sailings in fall and winter from Bridgetown, Barbados calling on a variety of vibrant ports on northbound and southbound itineraries. Wind Surf's northbound itinerary includes St. Kitts, Nevis, St. Martin, St. Barts, Guadeloupe, Iles des Saintes and St. Lucia. The southbound itinerary includes Bequia, Dominica, St. Lucia, Mayreau, Grenada and Tobago.

Windstar offers special holiday sailings on Wind Spirit and Wind Surf. Wind Spirit's 7-day holiday cruise sails the new itinerary departing St. Martin on Dec 19, 2009. Wind Surf's 7-day holiday voyage departs Decr 20, 2009, from Bridgetown visiting St. Lucia, Guadeloupe, Iles des Saintes, St. Kitts, Nevis, St. Barts and Bequia.

Ring in the new year aboard Wind Surf's 7-day cruise departing Bridgetown on Dec 27, 2009, and visit Bequia, Martinique, Dominica, St. Kitts, Nevis and Grenada. Celebrate New Year's Eve on Wind Spirit's Dec 26, 2009. Guests on both ships will be able to partake in a festive New Year's Eve party complete with party favors, live music, official countdown by the captain and champagne toast.

A leader in defining the small ship luxury cruise experience for more than 20 years, Windstar has won the allegiance of a new generation of contemporary travelers who appreciate the line's luxurious accommodations, alternative dining venues, diversity of shore excursions, complimentary water sports program and deluxe spa facilities. For more information including brochures, rates and itineraries contact a professional travel agent or call Windstar at 1-800-258-7245. Visit Windstar Cruises online at www.windstarcruises.com.

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Silversea Sets New Single-Day Record For Calls

Ft. Lauderdale, FL, June 3: Silversea Cruises today announced it achieved the highest call volume day in its 15-year history on May 26, 2009. The single-day record occurred during a three-week period where bookings surged nearly 150% compared to the same period last year and average call volume for May was up almost 40% in comparison with April 2009.

"This past month we saw continual spikes in booking activity that far exceeded our expectations and shows we are making excellent headway in boosting our sales," said Steve Tucker, Silversea's vice president of field sales for North America. "With the launch of our new Silver Spirit just months away, the growing excitement in the marketplace for our product is certainly a contributing factor. Plus there is no doubt the extraordinary savings programs we have implemented are helping to drive these positive booking trends. This confirms that luxury travelers appreciate value and know a great deal when they see one."

The company is currently offering 50% savings on all suite categories on over 50 worldwide voyages and recently expanded its popular $1,000 Onboard Spending Credit offer to 70 sailings in 2009. Free or specially priced airfare is also available on select voyages. For example, the $1,000 Onboard Spending Credit is available on Silver Whisper's September 12, 7-day cruise (#4928) from Istanbul to Athens with calls in Marmaris, Symi, Volos and Nafplion. Silver Sailing fares start at $3,497 per person, a savings of 50%, plus free or reduced roundtrip economy air transportation (including transfer on day of embarkation/disembarkation) is also available from select U.S. and Canadian gateway cities. (Fare listed is per person based on double occupancy for a Vista Suite and does not include port charges and handling fees of $175 per person.) In addition, the booking deadline has been extended to July 31, 2009 to qualify for the $500 per person (or maximum $1,000 per suite) Onboard Spending Credit. To take advantage of the offer, which is applicable to new bookings only, the guest or travel agent must request promotional code WWSBC500 at the time of booking.

Silversea's award-winning, all-inclusive lifestyle features all ocean-view accommodations, complimentary beverages served throughout the ship, including fine wines, spirits and champagnes, in-suite bar setup stocked with guest's preferred selections, open-seating dining, 24-hour complimentary room service, and all onboard gratuities.

Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the luxury segment, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard its intimate, all-suite vessels: Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper, and Silver Spirit launching in December, all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. With the addition of the regal expedition ship Prince Albert II, the company's itineraries encompass all seven continents. For more information on Silversea Cruises, please contact a travel agent.
For a complimentary brochure, please call toll-free (877) 215-9986 or visit www.silversea.com.

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Carnival Dream to Feature the Line's First Two-Level Adults-Only Retreat

Miami, June 2: The new 130,000-ton Carnival Dream, Carnival Cruise Lines' largest ship set to debut Sept. 21, will offer a host of innovations, including the largest adults-only retreat in the line's fleet. Created as an oceangoing oasis for relaxation, the Carnival Dream's 11,250-square-foot Serenity area will encompass two levels--a first for the line--and accommodate up to 200 guests who can select from seven different styles of seating, from plush chaise lounges and chairs to shaded sun loungers and even hammocks.

Spanning the forward section of Sun Deck 14 and Sky Deck 15, Serenity is accessible via a glass elevator within Carnival Dream's expansive 23,750-square-foot Cloud 9 Spa, as well as by two staircases. Carnival Dream's Serenity area will also feature a full bar on the lower level in a shaded area, while the upper level will offer two whirlpools providing magnificent sea views.

Design-wise, Serenity will offer a decidedly understated theme with decorative latticework, teak-style decking, and other contemporary features, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and comfort. The Serenity experience will be enhanced by a series of custom windscreens specially created for this area.

Carnival Dream is set to debut Sept. 21 with a series of 12-day Mediterranean cruises followed by a trans-Atlantic crossing and two 8-day voyages from New York. Carnival Dream will then reposition to Port Canaveral, FL, for a special 9-day cruise then launch year-round 7-day Caribbean service Dec. 12.

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Holland America Line Announces More Details On Its Latest Signature of Excellence Enhancements

Seattle, WA, June 2: Holland America Line has announced further details on the current Signature of Excellence enhancement program, including project specifics, timing and the addition of the popular casual Canaletto Restaurant on all five ships scheduled for upgrades. The premium line also released that new enhancements will now be completed in two phases during future drydocks, except on the first two ships in the schedule. This includes ms Veendam that is currently sailing in Alaska after a 34-day drydock makeover.

“Veendam looks spectacular,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “The enhancements are going to impress our guests and engage them in exciting, new ways. This continued investment reaffirms our commitment to our fleet of mid-sized ships and our ongoing leadership in the premium category by continually raising the bar in terms of products and services.”

Other ships receiving enhancements include ms Rotterdam, ms Maasdam, ms Ryndam and ms Statendam.

Latest Signature of Excellence Enhancements to Arrive on Five Ships
Signature of Excellence upgrades begin with new fixtures and soft goods in staterooms and bathrooms. A new category of stateroom, the Lanai stateroom, will be added along with several new staterooms on the aft portion of each ship. Highlights are the resort pool feature called The Retreat, the Showroom at Sea and the new Mix, three specialty lounges midship. Completing projects will be the addition of Canaletto, Holland America Line’s popular and complimentary casual Italian restaurant, introduced with ms Eurodam in summer 2008.

Public Spaces Pulse with Latest Innovations
The most visible and engaging alteration will be to the aft portion of the ships, allowing for a new resort-style pool area on the Lido deck called The Retreat. With a shallow area where guests may lounge in chairs and dip their fingers and toes in the water, the new resort-style pool invites guests to relax while cruising and enjoy a new pool bar, upscale pizzeria called Slice, and a giant LED screen for evening movies. A new canopy and wind screens will provide additional covered seating for the Lido Restaurant, too. In the Lido restaurant, Canaletto comes to life for dinner when a section is transformed each evening into the specialty restaurant with glass partitions and an Italian ambiance. Dishes range from putanesca to penne alla vodka. Although reservations will be encouraged for this casual, complimentary dining venue, walk-ups will be accepted. Canaletto will be open for dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The latest Signature of Excellence plans involve enhancements to several other public areas. Notably, the Casino and Piano bars will be reconfigured into a multi-themed area called Mix with three separate bars — Martinis, Champagne and Spirits & Ales, serving their namesakes. Next door, the high-energy casino will be redesigned highlighting the always trendy table and slot games. The main show lounge will be transformed into the Showroom at Sea with the ambiance of a glamorous nightclub and a new slate of shows. The ever-popular Ocean Bar will be refurbished and carpets will be replaced in most public areas. A Merabella luxury jewelry shop will be added midship.

To complement the new entertainment venues, entertainment and enrichment programming embraces a new, contemporary look across the fleet. A new Explorations Team employs cruise staff, each specializing in a particular area, to educate and entertain guests with an expanded menu of activities including flower arranging, hands-on cooking, dancing, and working with digital photos, blogs and movies. Each team consists of a party planner, a travel guide, dance directors and a “techspert.” On longer cruises, a book club leader joins the team to lead lively group discussions.

Staterooms Receive New Look and New Lanai Category
All staterooms will receive new décor, carpeting and soft goods and bathrooms will see an “extreme” makeover with new vanities and cabinetry. Plans are for each ship to have an additional 44 to 46 staterooms, 32 with verandahs and the remaining will be inside staterooms.

On Statendam-class ships, twelve staterooms near the spa (on Deck 9) also will have verandahs added, and along with three inside staterooms, become ‘spa staterooms’ featuring a variety of enhanced spa amenities. On Rotterdam, 23 staterooms on Verandah deck will become spa staterooms. New lanai staterooms will be created by replacing existing stateroom windows (on Lower Promenade Deck 6) with lanai doors that open directly onto the walk-around promenade, and adding a few additional staterooms. There will be 38 lanai staterooms on Veendam and 39 on Rotterdam. Ryndam, Maasdam and Statendam will receive 38 lanai staterooms during their second phase of drydocks.

Completion in Two Phases
Except for Veendam, completed at end of April 2009, and Rotterdam, to be completed in Dec 2009, enhancements will be accomplished in two phases. First, in a series of drydocks in 2010 and 2011, Maasdam, Statendam and Ryndam will receive stateroom upgrades, the addition of Mix, Showroom at Sea, Canaletto and other public area enhancements. The second series of drydocks in 2012 and 2013 will add The Retreat and new staterooms on the aft portion of the ships, as well as forward verandah and spa staterooms.

Signature of Excellence tops $525 Million

The industry-leading Signature of Excellence initiative announced nearly six years ago in November 2003 has evolved into an ongoing and comprehensive review of every aspect of the Holland America Line experience and exceeds a price tag of $525 million. Signature of Excellence features and amenities are evident in every aspect of the Holland America Line cruise experience, offering guests more luxurious accommodations, more enticing destinations, enhanced dining experiences, more creative activities and even higher levels of service.

Renowned for service levels provided by its award-winning staff, the program will also include significant crew area enhancements including a new fitness facility, internet centers, staterooms and recreational areas. For a cruise brochure or for more information, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

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Top Names in Jazz and Food Highlight Crystal Thanksgiving
Voyages From Miami

LOS ANGELES, June 2: -- Crystal Cruises is offering discerning travelers two compelling Experiences of Discovery cruises sailing from Miami this Thanksgiving. The Duke Ellington Alumni Band - featuring several of the original members of Ellington's orchestra - will headline Crystal Serenity's roundtrip, 7-day Caribbean Jazz voyage roundtrip from Miami. On Crystal Symphony, some of the most renowned names in the culinary, wine and mixology fields will spice up the 13-day Wine & Food cruise to Manaus, which marks the first time in three years Crystal has sailed the Amazon. Both itineraries depart Nov 22.

"Holiday cruises are extraordinary experiences aboard Crystal ships," says Bret Bullock, vice president, entertainment. "In addition to the fantastic destinations and elaborate Thanksgiving feasts, the caliber of entertainment and enrichment on these itineraries will only enhance the celebration."

Aboard the Jazz voyage, along with the Duke Ellington Alumni Band, jazz artist Kitt Moran and renowned jazz pianist Eddie Tobin will perform. Phil Schaap, the jazz curator at New York's Lincoln Center, will lecture on a variety of jazz-related topics. Crystal's Yamaha Passport to Music program will also offer keyboard and music classes.

Guests aboard the Wine & Food cruise will enjoy a multi-course menu and cooking demonstrations from special guest Michelin Star-awarded chef Andre Rochat of Andre and Alize in Las Vegas; wine tastings led by head sommelier Kris Margerum of the Auberge du Soleil restaurant in California; and signature cocktails and cocktail classes and competitions with modern mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim. Crystal's own executive pastry chef will also give hands-on cooking and pastry classes.

Both ships will host gala Thanksgiving feasts and celebrations. Additionally, both itineraries are 2009 Value Collection cruises, with cruise fares starting at $2,480 per person, double occupancy, and All Inclusive-As You Wish shipboard spending credits of up to $2,000 per couple.

Crystal Symphony's Thanksgiving itinerary can be extended to a 62-day grand voyage, roundtrip from Miami that makes a complete circumference of South America, including an exploration of Antarctica. Guests can customize their vacation with an All Inclusive-As You Wish spending credit of up to $6,000 per couple. For more information, please contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit the line's newly redesigned website, www.crystalcruises.com.

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Cruise West Offers Epic Year-Long Global Adventure

Seattle, WA: Marco Polo; Odysseus; Leif Eriksson; Christopher Columbus; James Cook; Ferdinand Magellan--history’s great sea explorers have inspired an epic global voyage destined to become the most memorable cruise of a lifetime. These legendary adventurers whose travels shaped much of the known and the new world set the theme for Cruise West’s Voyages of the Great Explorers--a 335-day circumnavigation of the world. Departing Singapore on March 6, 2010, Cruise West’s flagship, the 120-guest, all-suite Spirit of Oceanus will sail westward, following the sun, to return to Singapore on Feb 3, 2011.

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” St. Augustine’s words will come to life on the worldwide itinerary of the Voyages of the Great Explorers. Following the major routes inspired by history’s great ocean explorers, this new world voyage is a collection of 24 individual voyages within six themed “chapters” comprising one awe inspiring “book” that reflects the exploits of the legendary seafarers. Each distinct voyage, ranging from nine to 18 nights, will offer historical insights into the sea commanders who first made history along the same routes.

Drawing from its 63 years of tour and cruise experience, Cruise West promises one-of-a-kind voyages that will appeal to the history buff as well as the bold seafarer; traveling to places and sites that many people have only dreamed to venture.

“No other cruise line, big or small, offers a journey as long or as varied as Voyages of the Great Explorers,” said Richard West, managing director and chairman of Cruise West who will host the inaugural departure from Singapore. “A true explorer knows that smaller is better. These voyages are designed to visit remarkable destinations; waterways and sites during the best time of the year, and only a small exploration ship can access many of these destinations. Our guests also appreciate the casual but gracious environment that the Spirit of Oceanus provides.”

The Voyages of the Great Explorers includes visits to 242 ports of call in 59 countries and 85 UNESCO World Heritage sites while crossing 14 seas and oceans, transiting three canals--Port Suez/Port Said (Suez Canal transit); Corinth Canal/ Corinth (Mycenae/Nafplion); and the Colon/ Panama Canal, as well as a voyage tied to The Famed Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Scotland’s colorful military musical spectacular.

Further exploration by Zodiacs and included “Ultimate Explorer “ experiences will bring guests even closer to spectacular natural and historical wonders. A hallmark of the Cruise West experience is engaging and thought-provoking presentations aboard every sailing. These cruises will boast renowned guest lecturers, local experts and onboard Exploration Leaders who will expand upon the significance of the cultural and historical highlights as well as the explorers who left their mark.

Chapters of the Voyage of the Great Explorers

1. Marco Polo: Ancient Trade Routes of the Mystic East, March 6–May 5, 2010. Four enticing voyages recall the ancient trade routes from Southeast Asia to the Mediterranean Sea. Departing Singapore, the itineraries include visits to Thailand and Burma before exploring the Indian sub-continent and Sri Lanka. Then it’s on to historic Iran, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Jordan and Egypt, before concluding in Alexandria.

2. Odysseus and the Phoenicians: Mediterranean Odyssey, May 5–July 20, 2010. In this realm of ancient mariners, six voyages explore sun-drenched islands where gods and goddesses once meddled in the affairs of mortals. The voyages begin in Alexandria and sail on to mythic destinations in Greece and Turkey while guests savor the cultural richness and sensory pleasures of Tunis, Algeria, Italy, Sicily, Malta, Spain and Portugal before arriving in Honfleur, France.

3. Leif Eriksson: The Viking Sagas, July 20–Sept 8, 2010. Inspired by the heroic exploits of the Vikings, three voyages combine towering glaciers, capital cities, and leisurely days at sea between two continents. Departing Honfleur, France, these itineraries explore Ireland, the Orkney Islands and Scandinavia as well as the enchanting cities of Tallinn, St. Petersburg, London and Edinburgh. Then it’s across the Atlantic with stops at Iceland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands before ending in St. John’s, Halifax.

4. Christopher Columbus: The New World, Sept 8–Oct 25, 2010. Five memorable voyages bring the New World into a new perspective. Depart St. John’s, Halifax and cruise along the Atlantic coastline, island hop in the Caribbean and transit the Panama Canal. With the ease offered on a small ship, explore the tropical rainforests of Panama and Costa Rica before disembarking in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Extensions are available to the Galapagos Islands and Machu Picchu.

5. James Cook: Idylls of the South Pacific, Oct 25, 2010–Jan 19, 2011. Cruise the South Pacific from Guayaquil to Darwin, in waters Captain Cook once charted. These five voyages feature remote islands with pristine beaches, fabulous snorkeling and fascinating local cultures in Easter Island, Polynesia, New Guinea, the Cook Islands, New Zealand and Australia, ending in Darwin.

6. Ferdinand Magellan: In Search of the Spice Islands, Jan 19–Feb 3, 2011. The final chapter of the Voyages of the Great Explorers departs from Darwin bound for the port where the journey began in Singapore. Along the way explore intriguing cultures throughout Indonesia that combine Hindu, Islamic, Western and indigenous influences and wildlife ranging from the extraordinarily beautiful to the wonderfully bizarre.

Cruise West explorers can purchase individual voyages, sets of multiple voyages or the full circumnavigation. Prices per voyage start at $4,995 (US dollars) and include a hotel night pre-cruise. For maximum savings book and pay in full by July 15, 2009 and save up to 35 percent. Book more than one voyage and save an additional five percent. Book the entire voyage starting at $233,995 and Cruise West will include first class airfare.

The Spirit of Oceanus: Cruise West’s all-suite Spirit of Oceanus is the line’s most spacious and luxurious ship. It offers gracious comfort for 120 select guests. Each suite offers spacious closets, a large marble bathroom, sitting area and television. Two lounges, an outside bistro and an open-seating dining room provide a casual atmosphere for socializing. Seven suite categories are offered onboard, including 14 suites with private balconies and one elegantly appointed and spacious Owner’s Suite located on the ship’s Sun Deck.

More information about these voyages can be found online at www.cruisewest.com or by calling 1- 800-296-8307 or a travel professional.

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Royal Caribbean Expands West Coast Travel Deals

Miami, June 1: Royal Caribbean is enticing West Coast travelers this summer with value-driven cruise getaway options that are conveniently accessible for vacationers throughout California and the South West. Whether it is a family trip, girlfriend getaway and/or a romantic week just for two, the signature Royal Caribbean amenities--from an ice-skating rink and rock-climbing wall to the adults-only Solarium and DaySpa and Fitness Center--offer endless onboard entertainment.

Current promotions featuring Mariner of the Seas, the first Voyager-class ship to homeport on the West Coast, as well as family travel deals offered fleet-wide follow.

7-night Mexican Riviera for an average of $80 a day: Sailing from Port of Los Angeles, Mariner of the Seas offers guests the Mexican Riviera experience, calling on Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta. In addition to the amenities mentioned above, Mariner boasts a 9-hole mini-golf course; the Royal Promenade, an indoor entertainment boulevard running the entire length of the ship and featuring shops, dining and live performances; restaurants including a specialty steakhouse, Italian restaurants and Johnny Rockets; as well as acclaimed evening entertainment, and more! Rates start at $499 per person, based on double occupancy. For reservations, visit www.royalcaribbean.com or call 1-866-562-7625.

Nickelodeon Family Cruise with Royal Caribbean: Mariner of the Seas is hosting the first Nickelodeon Family Cruise to sail from Los Angeles, CA to the Mexican Rivera, July 26-Aug. 2, 2009. Now through June 30, families booking one double-occupancy stateroom can take advantage of a special offer and get a second, double-occupancy stateroom FREE (stateroom categories vary). Discount is valid for new bookings only and is subject to restrictions and availability. The Nickelodeon-themed cruise features signature stars and entertainment, from performances and visits with SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer, to first-time screenings of upcoming Nick TV shows and movies, all with plenty of Nickelodeon's signature slime. Rates for this special Nickelodeon Family Cruise start at $2,899 per stateroom, based on double occupancy. For more information and reservations visit www.nick.com/minisites/familycruise/ or call 1-866-770-NICK (6425).

Family Deals for Summer Vacation Season: West Coast families wanting to experience the Caribbean this summer can take advantage of savings of $50 per person, up to $200 per stateroom, on select sailings. In addition, guests choosing an outdoor stateroom with balcony or higher category accommodations will receive an onboard credit of up to $150, which can be used towards spa services, cocktails, and other onboard purchases. These special summer offers are available on 31 seven- and nine-night summer Caribbean sailings, subject to availability, and apply to new bookings made by June 30, 2009. For reservations, visit www.royalcaribbean.com or call 1-866-562-7625.

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Norwegian Epic Bookings Break Records

MIAMI, June: Norwegian Cruise Line saw demand for its largest ever Freestyle Cruising vessel Norwegian Epic skyrocket in the first week that the ship’s itineraries went on sale to the public, beginning Thursday, May 21, 2009. Norwegian Epic’s first week of bookings far exceeded opening week sales for the company’s last two new ships: Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Gem. All categories of staterooms were in demand, from the groundbreaking new Studios for the value-conscious traveler to the ultra luxurious villas, penthouses and deluxe owner’s suites. Prices start from $699 per person; however, based on high demand, prices increases are taking effect on some of the more popular sailings.

“We are thrilled to see the keen interest in Norwegian Epic this early on. It’s a testament to the wide range of accommodations and innovative new features that will take Freestyle Cruising to the next level,” said Andy Stuart, Norwegian’s executive vice president, global sales and passenger services. “We want our guests and travel partners to know that we appreciate their excitement and support in helping to make Norwegian Epic’s launch the most successful ever. We encourage those who want to experience this extremely innovative ship to book a cruise on Norwegian Epic during her inaugural season.”

Members of Norwegian’s past guest program, Latitudes, can take advantage of a special Norwegian Epic promotional offer from now through Aug 31, 2009, that includes up to a three category stateroom upgrade; additional discounts on the cruise fare of up to $100 per stateroom; and up to $500 in on-board credit for suites and villas*.

Norwegian Epic is scheduled to enter service in late May 2010, and will take part in inaugural events before beginning her Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings from her year-round homeport in Miami. The first Eastern Caribbean sailing from Miami is scheduled for July 17, 2010 and the ship’s alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries are available through April 2011.

Norwegian Epic’s Eastern Caribbean itinerary includes calls in Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands and Nassau, Bahamas. The ship’s Western Caribbean itinerary includes calls in Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico. Guests can make a reservation by contacting their travel professional or Norwegian Cruise Line at 866-234-7350. More information about the ship, her itineraries and offerings can be found at epic.ncl.com.

Norwegian Epic’s Innovations & Features
Norwegian Epic is changing the face of cruise line entertainment. In another industry first, Blue Man Group will perform in the ship’s 685-seat Epic Theater. Blue Man Group is best known for their wildly popular theatrical shows and concerts which combine music, comedy and multimedia theatrics to produce a totally unique form of entertainment. The blissful party atmosphere created at their live events has become the trademark of a Blue Man Group experience and beginning in the summer of 2010 will be seen for the first time ever at sea only on Norwegian Epic.

Norwegian Epic will have multiple, specially-designed entertainment venues throughout the ship so that guests can choose from a wide variety of entertainment each evening of their cruise. No longer will entertainment be focused on two nightly shows in one large main theater. Norwegian Epic will offer a number of entertainment options in specially-designed venues, some offered for the first time ever at sea, with choices to appeal to a broad audience.

On this ship, guests will find the only “big top” at sea. In this intimate 265-seat theater-in-the-round, famed producer/director Neil Goldberg will present Cirque Dreams® and Dinner. This one of a kind interactive theatrical dining experience will be performed in the air, while juggling dinner courses, with music, mayhem and acrobatic imagination. During this two-hour show, guests will marvel in amazement and become part of a celebration of spectacle and fantasy. The entire experience will be unlike anything else at sea.

Norwegian Epic will offer the next generation of Freestyle Dining with 14 restaurant choices – the most at sea – and 18 bars and lounges. The ship also boasts unique nightlife options with the first Ice Bar at sea and Spice H20 with non-stop entertainment day and night; an expansive Aqua Park with the only tube slide and largest bowl slide at sea -- The Epic Plunge; seven decks of Freestyle Family Fun with highlights including a 33-foot high, 64-foot wide extreme rock climbing wall and the first ever rappelling wall at sea; the most bowling lanes at sea with six in two venues; a mixed-use sports deck with the ability for guests to engage in eight different athletic activities; as well as three separate kids’ and teen activity areas and the first squash court at sea.

The 4,200-passenger Norwegian Epic incorporates several new types of accommodations – the curved New Wave staterooms; the largest ship-within-a-ship suite complex at sea, comprising 60 suites and villas on two private decks at the top of the ship; a new category of inside staterooms for the value-conscious traveler – The Studios and Living Room; and spa and family-friendly accommodations. For further information on Norwegian Cruise Line, visit www.ncl.com or call in the U.S. and Canada at 866-234-7350.

*On-board credit and savings offers are based on cruise length and exclude suites. The on-board credit amount for suite bookings is per stateroom and will be applied to the first and second guests in the stateroom.

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Princess Announces 2010 Canada & New England Schedule

SANTA CLARITA, CA, June 1: Whether travelers are drawn by the natural beauty of rugged coastlines, intrigued by colonial landmarks, or hope to experience dazzling fall foliage, Princess’ annual voyages along the Atlantic coast of Canada and New England are full of memorable destinations. In 2010, Caribbean Princess and Crown Princess will return to the region to offer the perfect way to experience the charms of the Eastern Seaboard. In total, the two ships will offer 15 departures on three different itineraries. For a convenient roundtrip cruise, Caribbean Princess will sail on 7-day voyages from New York. For those who want to explore this historic region further, Crown Princess departs on the classic 10-day itinerary between New York City and charming Québec City. And for a tour of the entire coastline, Crown Princess will also sail on an extended 13-day Canada & Colonial America journey along the full length of the Atlantic coast. The Canada & New England season will run from Aug 7 through Oct 17, 2010.

“There are few itineraries where passengers can visit some of North America’s greatest cities and enjoy such unspoiled beauty all in one vacation,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “These Canada and New England sailings offer such an attractive travel option that we’ve deployed two of our largest, most amenity-filled vessels on the route.”

Princess’ 2010 Canada & New England season includes:

-- Roundtrip 7-Day Canada & New England from New York: Caribbean Princess will sail on convenient seven-day roundtrip itineraries from New York with port calls in Newport, Boston, Bar Harbor (for Acadia national Park), Saint John (for the Bay of Fundy) and Halifax. The ship will depart on 11 sailings from Aug 7 to Oct 16.
-- Classic 10-Day Canada & New England: Crown Princess will offer Princess’ classic 10-day route between New York and Québec City. Passengers will enjoy visits to Newport, Boston, Bar Harbor (for Acadia national Park), Saint John (for the Bay of Fundy), Halifax, Sydney (Nova Scotia) and Ville Saguenay (Québec), plus an overnight stay in charming Québec City. The ship sails on three cruises on this route between Sept 17 and Oct 7.
-- Canada & Colonial America: Crown Princess will also feature one departure on an extended 13-day Canada & Colonial America itinerary from Québec City to Ft. Lauderdale. The Oct 17 sailing includes an overnight in Québec City and visits Ville Saguenay, Halifax, Bar Harbor (for Acadia National Park), Boston, Newport, New York (Brooklyn), Norfolk (for Williamsburg and Jamestown), and Charleston.

For those who would like to extend their Canada & New England vacation, Princess offers escorted pre- or post-cruise land tours in conjunction with these sailings, in which passengers can travel back through historic America or spend further time in Canada with a complete cruisetour. Canada & New England sailings open for sale on May 21, 2009. Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company's website at www.princess.com.

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Cruise News Archive - Past cruise news items listed by month

Unless otherwise noted, all news items are sourced by individual cruise lines,
cruise-related industries, and their agents.