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Cruise News
 June 1-30, 2010

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Unless otherwise noted, all news items are sourced by individual cruise lines,
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Cruise Diva

Seabourn Releases 2011-2012 Yachting Collection Catalogue

MIAMI, June 30: The Yachts of Seabourn has unveiled a new 118-page catalogue detailing the ultra luxury voyages being offered aboard its intimate yachts throughout 2011 and the first quarter of 2012. “The Yachting Collection” is a lavishly illustrated guide to the line’s most extensive menu of itineraries ever, featuring 241 voyages visiting a record 266 ports in 78 countries on six continents. To herald the release of the catalogue, the company has introduced special time-limited “Seabourn Value Fares” for 2011, creating exceptional values with savings up to 65 percent on award-winning cruises aboard the line’s intimate, all-suite yachts. Seabourn Value Fares, which start from $2,199 per guest, vary by itinerary and apply to all worldwide voyages through the fall of 2011.

“2011 will be our most exciting year ever as we add Seabourn Quest, our third beautiful new yacht, and expand our itineraries around the world,” said Pamela C. Conover, Seabourn’s President and CEO. “We have never offered better value for guests who wish to travel well across the globe aboard one of our six intimate yachts and experience our highly-personalized service and exceptional style of cruising,” she added.

The Seabourn Value Fares promotion includes two-for-one fares with inclusive air from 40 North American gateways or savings of up to 65 percent on cruise only fares. “The Yachting Collection” features day-by-day itineraries divided by cruising region, highlighting destinations in Europe, Asia, South and Central America and the Caribbean. Vibrant lifestyle and destination photography complement the itineraries in each regional section. In addition, the catalogue illustrates the line’s intimate cruising experience, defined as Seabourn Yachting Life, featuring small, boutique ships, unique itineraries, gracious service, gourmet dining, complimentary open bars all at significant value.

New features making the catalogue more user-friendly include a table of contents that folds out from the front cover, and a re-designed cruise planning calendar, allowing all voyages to be viewed at a glance, that folds out from the back cover. The brochure also outlines Seabourn Sojourn’s 111-day World Cruise in 2011 and Seabourn Quest’s 109-day World Cruise in 2012, as well as a series of Grand Voyages, which are extended combinations of voyages totaling more than 18 days that are offered at substantial savings. Also included are general cruise information, a sample of the line’s pre- and post-cruise Seabourn Journeys fully-escorted land extensions, three-dimensional renderings of suite layouts, and deck plans of the fleet.

Seabourn Value Fares are available for a limited time. Rates are subject to increase and space available, and are based on double occupancy. Certain other restrictions apply. For a copy of the 2011-2012 Yachting Collection, or for more information on the Seabourn Value Fares promotion, contact a travel agent, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com.

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Comedian & “Curb Your Enthusiasm” Star Jeff Garlin to Headline
Norwegian Epic Inaugural Festivities

MIAMI, June 29: In celebration of the world-class entertainment on board Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Cruise Line's largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship ever, the line has selected comedian and “Curb Your Enthusiasm” star Jeff Garlin, also a Second City alumnus, to host the ship's inaugural Christening Ceremony in New York on July 2, 2010. The ceremony will also be webcast live so that Norwegian Cruise Line fans around the world can view the Christening of the ship that has been named the hottest, most anticipated of 2010.

"Jeff Garlin is an extremely entertaining performer. It’s very fitting that the host of our inaugural festivities is an alumnus of one of our on-board entertainment partners," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. "And having such a great comedian will make it a fun and enjoyable event and set the stage for our spectacular inaugural festivities."

Garlin both co-stars and executive produces the HBO series "Curb Your Enthusiasm" starring "Seinfeld" creator Larry David. The unique comedy features Garlin as David's loyal manager. The critically acclaimed series, which returns for its eighth season this summer, has won the Golden Globe Award for Best Comedy, the Danny Thomas Producer of the Year Award from the Producers Guild of America and the AFI Comedy Series of the Year Award. Garlin, a Chicago native, studied filmmaking and began performing stand-up comedy while at the University of Miami. A Second City Theatre alumnus, Jeff Garlin has toured the country as a stand-up comedian. Garlin's first film as a director, "I Want Someone to Eat Cheese With," was released to critical acclaim. Most recently, he was the voice of The Captain in Disney•Pixar's "Wall-e" and is Buttercup the Unicorn in this summer’s "Toy Story 3.”

Norwegian Epic's inaugural festivities will take place from 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET on Friday, July 2, while the ship is docked at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal in New York City. Joining Garlin will be country music icon Reba McEntire, who will serve as the ship’s Godmother.

Norwegian Epic

World-class entertainment is Norwegian Epic’s hallmark. For the first time at sea, Blue Man Group performs their exhilarating fusion of comedy, theatrics and paint, exclusively on Norwegian Epic. In the only “big top” at sea, Cirque Dreams and Dinner presents a one-of-a-kind interactive theatrical dining experience with music, mayhem and acrobatic imagination. Legends in Concert, the original and world’s greatest live tribute show, is featured for the first time at sea in more than a decade on Norwegian Epic, along with The Second City improvisational comedy and Howl at the Moon, the world’s greatest rock ‘n roll dueling piano show that encourages audience participation.

In addition to world-class entertainment, the 4,100-passenger Norwegian Epic incorporates many innovations including several new types of accommodations – the curved New Wave staterooms; the largest Villas suite complex at sea, comprising 60 suites and villas on two private decks at the top of the ship; and spa and family-friendly accommodations. Kids will have a blast with Nickelodeon at Sea™ offering Nickelodeon-themed family entertainment and programming including: character meet and greets; interactive game shows; and more.

The ship also boasts unique nightlife options with the first SVEDKA 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; 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. In addition, Norwegian Epic offers the next generation of Freestyle Dining with more than 20 dining choices and 20 bars and lounges.

For more information on Norwegian Epic as well as to book a cruise on the ship, please call Norwegian at 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784), visit epic.ncl.com, or contact a travel professional.

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Popularity of Royal Caribbean International Cruises from Dubai
Drives Increased Sailings In the Region

London, June 29: Royal Caribbean International is increasing the length of its Dubai-based season for the 2,501-guest ship Brilliance of the Seas during the winter 2011-2012 season due to feedback from travel professionals that there is yet more demand in the UK for those cruises.

Brilliance of the Seas debuted cruises from the United Arab Emirates in Jan 2010 with the ship operating a series of 8-night fly/cruise cruises until April 2010. Sales for 2009 and 2010 in UK and Ireland were 30 percent ahead of target for the cruise line’s first four-month season from Dubai. Agent feedback that they enjoyed significant client interest for cruises in the Middle East as well as the strong airlift from across the country direct to Dubai, drove the decision to increase the number of cruises on offer during the third season in the region. The ship’s return to Dubai in November 2011, two months earlier than previously planned, will offer an increased range of itineraries including longer cruises up to 12- and even 18-nights.

Jo Rzymowska, associate vice president and general manager, Royal Caribbean International, UK and Ireland, commented, “Dubai is very popular with UK travelers, and cruises consistently offer significant value for money. Included within this cruise itinerary is an overnight stay in the city onboard the ship which makes this an affordable way to enjoy this fascinating Emirate. The chance to explore more of the Middle East, Arabian Sea and even India make these additional longer sailings truly exciting options for agents to maximize.”

The enhanced 2011-2012 Dubai-based season of Brilliance of the Seas will be the ship’s third year based from the destination following a second year of winter cruises from January until April 2011. New itineraries offered during the longer six-month season, include a 12-night Dubai and India cruise featuring ports of call such as Muscat, Oman; Cochin, Goa and Mumbai, India. Brilliance of the Seas also will feature the first ever call by a Royal Caribbean International ship to the New Mangalore port in Panambur on the west coast of India. The town is famed for its beautiful beaches on the Arabian Sea, the Nandaneshwara Temple and the Gurupura River.

During the 2011-2012 season, Royal Caribbean Intl will continue to offer the popular 7-night cruises departing weekly from Dubai. In fact, there will be double the number of 7-night itineraries compared to previous years, with minor changes to the itinerary including an overnight stay in Dubai at the end of the cruise, rather than the beginning, and a revised order in the ports of call to simplify visa processing. Featured ports of call include Fujairah and Abu Dhabi in the UAE and Muscat, Oman. The 7-night itineraries for the upcoming 2010-2011 season also will reflect these changes. The repositioning cruise from Barcelona to Dubai will be an 18-night option via the Suez Canal and ports of call such as Alexandria, Egypt; Suez Canal passage; Aqaba, Jordan and Safaga, Egypt.

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Special Rates for AARP Members on MSC Caribbean Cruises for 2010/11 Season
 Plus Two-Category Stateroom Upgrade

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, June 29: MSC Cruises is making available to AARP members savings of up to $50 per person, per stateroom, and up to a two-category upgrade with rates starting from $179, for a 2-night cruise, onboard MSC Poesia, through Feb 28, 2011. Kids cruise free, as the third/fourth guests, which is ideal for an extended-family vacation with grandparents and their grandchildren.

These special rates for AARP members are available on select Caribbean cruises. Cruise prices are per person, based upon double occupancy. All cruises depart from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. and vary in length from 2-10 nights. Government fees and taxes for all guests are additional. Cruise itineraries include:

• 2-night Caribbean cruise calling in Nassau, Bahamas. Jan 2, 2011
• 3-night Caribbean cruise calling in Key West, Fla. and Nassau, Bahamas. Nov 11, 2010
• 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise calling in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Nassau, Bahamas. In 2010, Nov 14 & 28, Dec 12 & 26. In 2011, Jan 9 & 23, and Feb 6 & 20
• 7-night Western Caribbean cruise calling in Key West, Fla.; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Georgetown, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel, Mexico. In 2010, Nov 21 (Thanksgiving cruise), Dec 5 and on Dec 19 (Christmas cruise). In 2011, on Jan 16 & 30 and Feb 13 & 27
• 10-night Panama Canal and Southern Caribbean cruise calling in Cozumel, Mexico; Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; Cristobal, Panama; Cartagena, Columbia; and Montego Bay, Jamaica. Nov 1

Restrictions apply. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion including standard AARP member offers. For more information, visit www.msccruisesusa.com/aarp/, call 877-665-4655, or contact a local travel professional.

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AMAWATERWAYS Fleet Expands to 12 Luxurious Ships

Chatsworth, CA: Award-winning river cruise line AMAWATERWAYS has expanded its fleet of custom-designed vessels with the launch of the spectacular, 162-passenger MS AMABELLA (May 2010). The line’s fleet available for booking now numbers 12 luxurious vessels. The newly-built AMABELLA’S features include staterooms averaging 214 square feet (larger than those on many ocean-going ships) and exclusive double balconies, continuing the line’s tradition of innovative luxury on Europe’s great waterways.

In addition to these stunning staterooms, AMABELLA’S exclusive features include an intimate chef’s table restaurant that seats just 24 and has its own private chef; a library with fireplace; and a swimming pool. The vessel also features AMAWATERWAYS’ newly-upgraded ‘Infotainment’ system, offering complimentary high-speed Internet access, complimentary first-run Hollywood movies, classic films and computing options for those maintaining email contact or even blogging during their holiday. The entire vessel, as with all the AMAWATERWAYS vessels on the Danube, Rhine, Main and Mosel, has complimentary Wi-Fi.

AMABELLA joins AMADOLCE (2009), AMALYRA (2009), AMADANTE (2008), AMACELLO (2008), AMALEGRO (2007) and AMADAGIO (2006), ships that have already led the industry with pioneering concepts such as French balconies, complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with dinner and a fleet of bicycles for passenger use. New ships with state-of-the-art design are hallmarks of AMAWATERWAYS and part of an ongoing multimillion-dollar investment to provide the best river cruisers on the market. In 2011 the line will launch MS AMAVERDE in Europe, a sister ship to MS AMABELLA.

“We are particularly proud of the AMABELLA and our entire custom-designed AMAWATERWAYS fleet,” said AMAWATERWAYS president, Rudi Schreiner. Not only are we designing and building the most luxurious, comfortable and beautiful vessels in Europe, but our expansion includes new-builds in Vietnam and a completely renovated vessel in Russia. River cruising is growing at an unprecedented rate and we are in a very fortunate position because we offer superb accommodations plus excellent service. Today’s travelers expect high quality and our ships are designed to deliver a premium experience every step of the way. More than anything else, travelers want inclusive pricing, which is why our cruises include shore excursions, wine with gourmet dinners, free internet, no charge to see first- run Hollywood movies and even guided bicycle tours. Our goal is to be the leader in river cruising and deliver the best river cruise vacation in the business.”

In Southeast Asia, the brand-new MS AMALOTUS will join the MS LA MARGUERITE, which debuted on the Mekong River in the autumn of 2009 as part of the new ‘Vietnam, Cambodia and the Riches of the Mekong’ itinerary. The decision to build a new Mekong river ship results from the tremendous success of the inaugural season of this program. The new, 124-passenger AMALOTUS will feature exquisitely decorated 226 square-foot deluxe staterooms with all the amenities of a fine hotel. All suites and staterooms offer outside accommodations, with more than 82 percent featuring balconies. Junior suites provide an extra spacious 290 square feet of space and suites, at 452 square feet, provide the ultimate in onboard pampering. Like LA MARGUERITE, AMALOTUS will sail 7-night Mekong river cruises from Siem Reap, Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

AMAWATERWAYS is also making news on the waterways of Russia. The completely refurbished MS AMAKATARINA will launch in the spring of 2011, debuting as the most luxurious vessel on the Volga-Baltic Waterway. Guests on the culture-rich cruise from Moscow to St. Petersburg will have a choice of 10 different stateroom categories, including four different suite categories and accommodations up to 432 square feet. A total of 76 staterooms aboard AMAKATARINA include balconies, and the lavishly appointed vessel will include an alternative restaurant, conference hall, sauna and solarium.

AmaWaterways also continues to offer its magnificent Provence & Spain program featuring a 7-night cruise from Lyon to Arles on the elegant MS Swiss Pearl. For more information about AMAWATERWAYS, visit www.amawaterways.com or call 800-626-0126.

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Norwegian Cruise Line Partners With SVEDKA Vodka On First True Ice Bat At Sea

MIAMI – June 28: In another first, Norwegian Cruise Line has announced an exclusive partnership with SVEDKA Vodka and Inniskillin ice wine to be introduced on board Norwegian Epic, its largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship ever. As part of the partnership, this unique frozen bar will be called the SVEDKA Ice Bar and will feature specialty SVEDKA and Inniskillin ice wine drinks.

Inspired by the original ice bars and ice hotels in Scandinavia, the cruise industry’s first true ice bar is the ultimate chill. This frozen chamber is set in changing hues of blue, green and purple LED lighting that simulates the Northern Lights and creates a distinctive arctic atmosphere. The SVEDKA Ice Bar features a bar, walls, tables, stools, glasses and life-size sculptures all made from ice. Guests are given hooded coats and gloves to keep them warm, since the room’s temperature does not rise above 17 degrees Fahrenheit.

The SVEDKA Ice Bar accommodates 25 people and can be reserved from 5:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. nightly. The cost is $20 per person and includes two signature cocktails. There are six specialty drinks made from SVEDKA vodka and Inniskillin ice wine including:

· Polaris: SVEDKA Citron, Inniskillin ice wine, and lemon/lime soda;
· Cobalt Blue: Inniskillin ice wine, SVEDKA vodka and Blue Curacao;
· Nordic Apple Juice: SVEDKA vodka, Sour Apple Schnapps, Midori and a splash of fresh sour;
· Caribbean Dreams: SVEDKA Citron, Triple Sec and lemon juice;
· Sunburst Yellow: SVEDKA vodka, peach liquor and orange juice; and
· Northern Lights: SVEDKA Citron, Cointreau and Blue Curacao.

There are also two non-alcoholic drinks: the Strawberry Eskimo Kiss made of strawberry puree, pineapple juice and lemon juice and the Creamsickle, with orange juice, vanilla ice cream and milk - in case children want to partake in the chilling fun. All drinks are served in specially-created glasses made entirely of ice.

Imported from Sweden, SVEDKA Vodka is premium vodka that is distilled five times. Inniskillin ice wine is made from grapes that are produced in the Niagara Peninsula. Pearl ice wine, which is used in the SVEDKA Ice Bar cocktails, is an intensely concentrated sweet wine made from grapes naturally frozen on the vine. Grapes for this ice wine are harvested at a temperature of 14ºF.

In addition to the SVEDKA Ice Bar, SVEDKA vodkas and Inniskillin ice wines are served throughout Norwegian Epic, in all bars and restaurants. Also starting in July, SVEDKA Vodka products will be served on other Norwegian ships in the fleet. To get a preview of the SVEDKA Ice Bar, visit the Norwegian Epic channel on YouTube at www.ncl.com/youtube.

Norwegian Epic's inaugural festivities will take place from 2:00-3:00 p.m. on July 2 in New York, with legendary entertainer Reba McEntire christening the ship. Norwegian Epic will be the host venue for the 34th Annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks event taking place on Sunday, July 4. The event includes a national, one-hour, live entertainment broadcast on NBC-TV beginning at 9 p.m. ET. Norwegian Epic arrives in Miami on Wednesday, July 7 where a welcome event will be held at Bicentennial Park from 2:00-4:00 p.m. For more information on the event, head to epic.ncl.com/epicmiami.

Following her inaugural activities, Norwegian Epic will sail alternating 7-day Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami from July 10 through April 30, 2011. Ports of call on the Eastern Caribbean itinerary include Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands; and Nassau, Bahamas. The Western Caribbean cruises visit Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico. The 2011 cruise season from May-October will have Norwegian Epic sailing a series of 7-day Western Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona. When she returns to Miami on Nov 5, 2011, she will sail a series of 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruises through April 7, 2012.

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The Holidays Come Early With Hurtigruten's 50% Off A Companions Cruise Fare On "Shackleton's Holiday Voyage."

New York, June 2010: Home to 90% of the world's ice and near as many penguins, Antarctica is as unique a destination as can be found to exchange gifts and celebrate the holidays, with its pristine environment, sun-light polar nights, abundant wildlife, and glaciers that seem to go on forever. But Hurtigruten isn't waiting until then to deliver a gift to travelers--offering a 50% discount on the cruise portion of the companion's fare on its 17-day "Shackleton's Holiday Voyage." Booking the Dec 17, 2010 departure by Sept. 15 saves the companion $4,254 to $9,182 (or in the spirit of the holiday, $2,127 to $4,591 per person in a shared cabin). The festive sailing follows much of the same path as Shackleton's original Endurance Expedition of 1914, considered one of history's greatest survival stories, navigating the western-most outposts of the Falkland Islands and visits whaling stations, beautiful Drygalski Fjord on South Georgia Island and the even more remote South Orkneys before heading to Antarctica.

Fares include all meals onboard, the services of expert naturalist guides, noted guest lecturers, round-trip air between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia (air not included in the discount), PolarCirkel boat landings, and port fees. This savings offer is combinable with Hurtigruten's Repeater discount, 10% savings for passengers who sailed on any Hurtigruten ship in the past three years. There are six other Antarctica itineraries (10 departures total) during the Nov to Feb season, ranging from 10 to 19 days.

Guests are treated to all of the holiday fanfare including traditional carols, Norwegian glogg (mulled wine), Santa Claus, and a special Christmas breakfast. Cocktails and appetizers set the stage for a New Year's Eve dinner followed by a festive midnight celebration. Of course, this is all mingled with the sight of blue whales and orcas feeding mere feet from the passenger's perch aboard the world's most deluxe exploration ship - the 318-berth, ice-rated MS Fram - and penguin populations whose individual rookeries number in the tens of thousands.

Travelers depart Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, and sail to the Falklands, an archipelago consisting of more than 740 islands and a breeding ground for millions of seabirds, as well as home to King and other penguin species. In South Georgia, passengers disembark at the abandoned whaling station of Grytviken and visit the South Georgia Museum, a treasure trove of the island’s culture; Cooper Bay, known for its Macaroni and Chinstrap penguins; and the cemetery, where young Elephant seal pups, King and Gentoo penguins and timid Pintail ducks are likely to be spotted. The ship then takes guests by the Washington Strait and Coronation Island, the largest of the South Orkney Islands in the Scotia Sea, before setting course towards Elephant Island and Antarctica.

A broad range of landfall opportunities await in Antarctica – Half Moon Island, a rookery for Chinstrap penguins; Port Lockroy, where postcards postmarked "Antarctica" can be purchased; Whaler's Bay with its warm springs and black volcanic sand; Paradise Harbor and its stunning views of snowy peaks, ice cliffs and sculpted bergs; Lemaire Channel, one of Antarctica's most beautiful passages, where humpback and killer whales and Elephant seals are common sights; and numerous others. As the MS Fram sails through the Drake Passage, guests can enjoy a view of Cape Horn, South America’s southernmost point, while learning about the region from expert onboard lecturers. The ship disembarks at Ushuaia and guests fly onto Buenos Aires, where they are free to explore the city.

Hurtigruten is a world leader in expedition cruising, sailing to the most remote of destinations including Antarctica, Greenland and the Arctic’s Spitsbergen as well as year round along Norway's coast. Additional information on all of these adventures, as well as brochures and reservations, can be obtained from travel agents or Hurtigruten's visitor-friendly web site, www.hurtigruten.us; or by phone: (800) 323-7436; fax (888)-524-2145; for brochures (800) 582-0835.

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Carnival Cruise Lines Adds New Seven-Day Eastern Caribbean Options
 From Jacksonville & Tampa

MIAMI, June 26: Carnival Cruise Lines will introduce new 7-day eastern Caribbean cruise itineraries from Tampa and Jacksonville, Fla., in 2011. The cruises will be offered on the Carnival Legend from Tampa and Carnival Fascination from Jacksonville both of which are currently based at those ports but have never before offered these itineraries.

From Jacksonville, the recently renovated 2,052-passenger Carnival Fascination will offer a series of six week-long Exotic Eastern Caribbean cruises to Grand Turk, the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay, and Nassau, complementing the ship’s popular 4- and 5-day Bahamas/Key West departures. Departure dates include April 30, May 7, July 23 and 30, and Sept. 17 and 24, 2011.

From Tampa, the 2,124-passenger Carnival Legend will add five new 7-day Exotic Eastern Caribbean cruises featuring Half Moon Cay, Nassau and Key West to its existing week-long western Caribbean cruise schedule. The new week-long Exotic Eastern Caribbean cruises will be offered May 1, June 26, July 24, Aug. 7 and Oct. 16, 2011.

Half Moon Cay is a crescent-shaped island offering magnificent beaches, a children’s water park, private cabanas and a variety of shore excursion opportunities. Grand Turk is an eight-square-mile island paradise with beautiful white-sand beaches, the Caribbean’s largest Margaritaville restaurant and centuries-old historical sites. Known for its perpetually laid back ambiance, Key West has a character all its own, with numerous bars and lounges lining historic Duval Street and myriad watersports opportunities. The Bahamian capital of Nassau offers gorgeous beaches and a host of shops, restaurants and boutiques.

“Guest feedback indicates a strong desire for more eastern Caribbean ports – particularly more intimate destinations such as Half Moon Cay and Grand Turk – and these new itineraries provide guests cruising from Tampa and Jacksonville with an exciting new vacation option,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO.

Like other “Fun Ships,” Carnival Fascination and Carnival Legend offer a variety of on-board facilities and features: myriad formal and casual dining options, expansive facilities and programming for children in three age groups, full casino gambling, and a host of live music and entertainment venues. Both ships also offer acres of open deck space and the line’s signature Twister Water Slide.
Reservations are currently being accepted for the new week-long Caribbean programs aboard the Carnival Fascination and Carnival Legend. For additional information and reservations, call 1-800-327-9501.

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Windstar Cruises Includes Roundtrip Airfare On Select Caribbean Sailings

SEATTLE, June 26: 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, will include roundtrip airfare from certain gateway cities on select fall and winter Caribbean sailings aboard Wind Surf on new bookings made now through July 23, 2010. The applicable Wind Surf Caribbean sailings that include roundtrip airfare feature vibrant ports, pristine beaches, and lively island culture:

-- 7-day Barbados roundtrip cruise departing Nov 28, 2010, visits St. Kitts, St. Martin, St. Barts, lles des Saintes, and St. Lucia.
-- 7-day Barbados roundtrip cruise departing Dec 12, 2010, visits St. Kitts, St. Martin, St. Barts, lles des Saintes, and St. Lucia.
-- 7-day Barbados roundtrip cruise departing Jan 9, 2011, visits Bequia, Grenada, Mayreau, Dominica and St. Lucia.

For the applicable Wind Surf Caribbean sailings, roundtrip airfare will be included from the following gateway cities: New York (JFK, EWR); Boston (BOS); and Miami (MIA). Air add-ons are also available to guests by request for $149 per person from Atlanta (ATL) and San Francisco (SFO); $199 per person from Los Angeles (LAX) and Seattle (SEA); and $249 per person from Washington, D.C. (IAD). Ground transportation between the Barbados airport and the ship's pier is also included.

Windstar's airfare offer is valid on new bookings only through July 23, 2010. Offer is nonrefundable for all bookings made without purchasing TCP/TCIP. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions, programs, discounts, shipboard credits or package offers. Offer is capacity controlled and may be withdrawn or modified at the discretion of Windstar Cruises. Taxes additional.

Wind Surf's deluxe, oceanview staterooms include beds with luxury linens and mattresses, flat-screen TV and DVD player, Bose SoundDock speakers for Apple iPods, waffle-weave robes with slippers and sumptuous L'Occitane products. Suites also include an extra bath, TV and sitting area. Wind Surf recently introduced new spa suites which include all the amenities of a suite along with luxurious microfiber linens, spa robes, an orchid flower arrangement, specialty pillow menu, daily fresh fruit platter, O SPA London products, WindSpa spa experiences and events as well as unlimited Pilates and Yoga classes. Bridge Suites offer everything in a suite along with the additional luxury of a spacious private living room and relaxing whirlpool spa. Guests enjoy culinary wonders in Wind Surf's The Restaurant, Degrees, Le Marché and Candles. Wind Surf also features a lounge, Yacht Club, WindSpa, casino, three bars, two pools, two hot tubs, a shop, photo gallery and watersports platform. 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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Art on Holland America Line's ms Nieuw Amsterdam Celebrates New York's Dutch Heritage

SEATTLE, June 25: The art and antiques on the 2,160-guest ms Nieuw Amsterdam, Holland America Line's newest Signature-class ship, celebrate the unique heritage of the Dutch in New York, or New Amsterdam, as it was named by explorer Henry Hudson in the 17th century. Continuing the tradition of the rest of the fleet, Nieuw Amsterdam features art and antiques from traditional Dutch masters and works by renowned contemporary artists. Holland America Line worked with VFD Architects of the Netherlands and Yran & Storbraaten architects of Norway to create a collection to complement the ship's interior design.

"At a cost of more than $3 million, we've installed an array of works ranging from glass creations and oil paintings to detailed collages and unique hanging sculptures," said Richard D. Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "Some pieces celebrate the Dutch Golden Age, while others, such as the spectacular centerpiece in the Atrium, express a contemporary curiosity."

For guests who wish to view the entire collection, a complimentary self-guided iPod art tour is available at the information desk. The iPod art tour will also be available to download at no charge on Holland America Line's website and on iTunes in early July.

Included in the new collection is a variation on a fleet favorite--the Lido Pool sculpture. Designed by Bjorn Storbraaten, the piece is made of lightweight stone and functions as both a sculpture and an eight-foot-high waterfall that guests can walk through as they enter or leave the pool. Like its sister-sculpture aboard ms Eurodam, the word water is subtly engraved in the stone in 100 languages.

Nieuw Amsterdam showcases its Dutch connection to New York throughout the ship. A focal point on every Holland America Line vessel is the Atrium chandelier. Adorning the ceiling of Nieuw Amsterdam is a piece by husband and wife Italian artists Gilbert LeBigre and Corinne Roger. Famed for their theatrical stage sets and sculptural works, they created an eye-catching abstract sculpture of the New York skyline made from clear translucent blocks that hangs upside-down.

As he has done for the entire Holland America Line fleet, Stephen J. Card, a British artist regarded as one of the finest marine painters working today, created paintings of ships that bear the Nieuw Amsterdam name, both past and present. Displayed in the mid-ship staircase are four paintings by Dutch artist Vincent Jansen that include symbols and elements related to the history and founding of New York by the Dutch. Just outside the Pinnacle Grill is a contemporary sculpture by Dutch ceramic artist Paula Bastiaansen. Known throughout the world for its technical excellence and exquisite beauty, her art features porcelain worked into paper-thin, transparent shapes that seem to defy gravity.

In the aft staircase and lower Dining Room are a series of paintings by Wessel Huisman, who draws inspiration from old photographs of New York. In the forward staircase are works by Peruvian artist Marcelo Wong, whose whimsical figures draw their inspiration from the indigenous peoples of the Americas. Although he usually works in stone, the pieces were created in resin to reduce their weight. The wall opposite the Explorer's Lounge is decorated with a mural by Dutchman Harold Vlugt. This nearly 20-foot-long painting on aluminum depicts the modern skyline of New York with elements from past centuries. All of the buildings are made from small cardboard pictures.

On display in the Piano Bar is the work of famed photographer Ron Galella who worked in New York during the 1960s and '70s and captured a series of iconic memories of that cultural period. Also in the area of the Piano Bar is a contemporary ceramic sculpture by Belgian artist Daisy Boman titled "We Will Find a Way," as well as a wooden camera made by Italian artist Livio De Marchi. In Club HAL, Nieuw Amsterdam's teens-only area, the New York theme continues with elements reflecting street life, complete with a hotdog stand and an actual New York Checker Cab. Near the Casino is a large 18th-century metal trionfi, or barbecue, with elaborate metalwork covering its surface.

More New York-themed art can be found in the Lido Restaurant and Crow's Nest. Artists Birgitta Ahlin and Sirkka Lehtonen, who created glass panels for Eurodam, also produced work for Nieuw Amsterdam, and sculptor Rick van Rijswick created a piece out of stylized computer keys. There also are some large glass sculptures by Scandinavian artists Ole Lislerud and Lars Widenfalk. Tamarind, the alternative pan-Asian restaurant, features an antique Asian chest with detailed craftsmanship and vintage slippers with extremely fine embroidery. Elsewhere on the ship are contemporary works by celebrated artists such as Andy Warhol, Richard Estes and Roy Lichtenstein, whose pieces symbolizes the artistic vibrancy of New York in the 1960s, '70s and '80s.

Built at Fincantieri's Marghera yard near Venice, Italy, Nieuw Amsterdam will be named by Her Royal Highness Princess Maxima of the Netherlands and then sail its maiden voyage on July 4, 2010. After a series of 12-day Mediterranean sailings, the ship embarks on a fall trans-Atlantic crossing to the Caribbean to sail seven-day eastern and western itineraries from Nov 2010 through March 2011. For more information and cruise fares, contact a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

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Silversea's Top 4 Reasons to Travel Solo

Ft. Lauderdale, FL, June 25: Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises has just sweetened the deal for single travelers by reducing the single supplement to a mere 10% (above the per-person, double-occupancy fare) for Vista, Veranda and Midship Veranda Suites on 4 voyages this year. Plus, 9 new sailings have a single supplement of just 25%. Recognizing that a growing number of men and women are traveling alone today, either by choice or necessity, the luxury cruise line is rolling out new Solo Traveler fares that make independent travel a most affordable and enticing option. This is the perfect time for single travelers to treat themselves to a luxurious Silversea cruise, visit fascinating destinations, and make friends along the way.

"These special rates make it easier for our single guests to make vacation plans without having to worry about finding a travel companion to keep the costs down," said Steve Tucker, Silversea's vice president of field sales for North America. "And what makes our new solo fares most attractive is Silversea's unrivaled all-inclusive value combined with other great incentives such as savings of up to 60% off published fares and free roundtrip air packages that include transfers."

With a crew-to-guest ratio that is almost one to one, single guests enjoy highly personalized service, warm hospitality, and an ambiance that makes them feel right at home. Also, on several voyages, Social Ambassadors will be on board, which is a real plus for single female guests looking for a dining companion or a dance partner.

All-inclusive fares include a spacious, ocean-view suite (most suites feature a private veranda), attentive butler service, complimentary wines and spirits, fine dining, sophisticated enrichment and entertainment programs, and all onboard gratuities.

TOP 4 REASONS TO GO IT ALONE

Following voyages offer a 10% single supplement:

1) Mediterranean Voyage 2027: Silver Wind, Aug 20-27, Venice to Athens. Solo Traveler fares start at $4,651 (reflecting a 55% Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities.
2) Caribbean Voyage 4030: Silver Whisper, Oct 14-24, New York City to Barbados. Solo Traveler fares start at $4,057 (reflecting a 55% Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities. Social Ambassadors will also be on board.
3) Mediterranean Voyage 5035: Silver Spirit, Oct 16-23, Barcelona to Lisbon. Solo Traveler fares start at $4,530 (reflecting a 60% Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities.
4) South America Voyage 4034: Silver Whisper, Dec 3-19, Santiago to Buenos Aires. Solo Traveler fares start at $7,698 (reflecting a 60% Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities.

9 MORE REASONS TO SAIL SOLO

Following new voyages offer a 25% single supplement:

1) Northern Europe Voyage 1026: Silver Cloud, Sept 1-11, Reykjavik to London. Solo Traveler fares start at $5,848 (reflecting a 60% Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities.
2) Mediterranean Voyage 2032A: Silver Wind, Oct 10-20, Rome to Nice. Solo Traveler fares start at $5,848 (reflecting a 60% Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities.
3) South America Voyage 4031: Silver Whisper, Oct 24 - Nov 9, Barbados to Rio de Janeiro. Solo Traveler fares start at $7,248 (reflecting a 60% Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities. Social Ambassadors will also be on board.
4) Far East Voyage 3030: Silver Shadow, Oct - Nov 6, Bangkok to Singapore. Solo Traveler fares start at $6,072 (reflecting a 55% Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities.
5) South America Voyage 4032: Silver Whisper, Nov 9-17, Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires. Solo Traveler fares start at $6,241 (reflecting a 55% Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities.
6) Africa & Indian Ocean 2035: Silver Wind, Nov 9-25, Athens to Dubai. Solo Traveler fares start at $9,148 (reflecting a 60% Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities. Social Ambassadors will also be on board.
7) Arabian Peninsula Voyage 2036: Silver Wind, Nov 25 - Dec 2, Dubai to Dubai. Solo Traveler fares start at $5,298 (reflecting a 60% Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities.
8) Indian Ocean Voyage 2037: Silver Wind, Dec 2-11, Dubai to Mumbai. Solo Traveler fares start at $4,898 (reflecting a 60% Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities.
9) Indian Ocean Voyage 2038: Silver Wind, Dec 11-20, Mumbai to Dubai. Solo Traveler fares start at $4,898 (reflecting a 60% Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities.

An additional 15 voyages offer a 25% single supplement. For complete list of sailings offering single supplements from 10% to 25%, visit www.Silversea.com and click on Special Offers.

All fares listed above are per person based on double occupancy for a Vista Suite and do not include port charges and handling fees that can range from $150 to $500 per person on these sailings, depending on the itinerary. Solo Traveler and Silver Savings are capacity-controlled programs and subject to availability.

*FREE AIR: A free roundtrip economy air package, that includes transfers between airport and pier on the day of embarkation and disembarkation, is available from 22 gateway cities in the U.S. and Canada. It is a capacity-controlled program offered for a limited time. Additionally, there are specially priced air programs available from another 50 cities.

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 -- all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. With the inclusion of the regal expedition ship Prince Albert II, the company's itineraries encompass all seven continents.

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Guest Feedback Drives Enhancements to Industry-Leading Air Program at Azamara Club Cruises, Celebrity Cruises & Royal Caribbean Intl

MIAMI, June 25: ChoiceAir, the revolutionary air travel program that Azamara Club Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International introduced to the cruise industry last summer, is flying to new heights with the introduction of two programs aimed at offering even more personalization, convenience, flexibility and competitive fares. “ChoiceAir FlexFares” and “ChoiceAir Plus” will launch on July 1. The introduction of these new offerings will result in the cruise lines’ longtime traditional air program becoming obsolete.

“We created ChoiceAir because our guests told us that they wanted to see the cruise industry offer a new kind of air program that offered the kind of competitive rates and flexibility that they could find online – with the travel support that we have always provided,” said Doug Santoni, Senior Vice President, Revenue Management. “The program has been well-received, which is why we first expanded the ChoiceAir suite of products to include fly-cruise discounts through ChoiceAir Specials, and are now adding FlexFares and ChoiceAir Plus. These two newest offerings will give our guests access to more options and an even higher level of service, while giving travel partners more powerful tools to help them meet their clients’ needs and sell more cruises.”

Whether cruisers are looking for the absolute lowest fares, the maximum in flexibility, or something in between, ChoiceAir offers ideal flight and fare options to pair with their cruise vacation. Now, the three cruise lines have expanded ChoiceAir to include ChoiceAir FlexFares for cruisers and travel partners that are willing to pay a little more for the flexibility to reserve their preferred flight now, and hold it for up to 75 days prior to sailing, without a penalty or having to purchase the tickets.

Also new on July 1 will be ChoiceAir Plus, a program tailored to guests seeking personalized travel assistance with their air arrangements, with service provided by the cruise lines’ own professional air agents. ChoiceAir Plus was created to improve upon – and replace – the existing Custom Air program. Like the previous program, ChoiceAir Plus provides high-touch service, but also includes ChoiceAir’s extensive flight options and significantly lower fares. The ChoiceAir Plus fees are the same as or lower than the old Custom Air fees.

When the three cruise lines introduced ChoiceAir last August, their travel agent partners and guests immediately gained access to highly competitive airfares, more flight options and full control and visibility of their air arrangements. Central to the ChoiceAir experience is exceptional, dedicated service that includes day-of-travel support to help guests get to their cruise vacation even if they encounter flight delays or cancellations requiring a last-minute change or diversion to the next port of call. The three cruise lines charge a non-refundable fee of $15 per guest for domestic itineraries and $25 per guest for international itineraries. These standard ChoiceAir Fees apply to the new ChoiceAir FlexFares program as well, and like most airfares, FlexFares are subject to change until paid in full.

With the success of ChoiceAir, the three cruise lines will phase out the less consumer-friendly “mystery” air programs typically found in the cruise industry. Beginning July 1, ChoiceAir will become Azamara Club Cruises’, Celebrity Cruises’ and Royal Caribbean International’s exclusive air travel offering for individual bookings on cruises sailing roundtrip from any port in the continental United States. Additionally, ChoiceAir Plus will replace the lines’ traditional Custom Air program. Beginning November 1, ChoiceAir will become the exclusive air travel offering for individual bookings on all cruises worldwide, when booked in the United States or Canada.

Guests can purchase ChoiceAir through a travel agent, directly from Azamara Club Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International contact centers, and online at www.choiceair.com or at each of the cruise lines’ secure ChoiceAir websites:

· Azamara Club Cruises: www.azamaraclubcruises.com/choiceair
· Celebrity Cruises: www.celebritycruises.com/choiceair
· Royal Caribbean International: www.royalcaribbean.com/choiceair

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Pacific Northwest Cuisine Showcased On Oceania Cruises In Alaska

Miami, June 24: Fresh ingredients, simply prepared, with influences from Asian and Native American traditions are characteristics of Pacific Northwest cuisine. Oceania Cruises will up the epicurean ante in Alaska, from May through August 2011, when guests on m/s Regatta will be treated to succulent selections that showcase regional delicacies.

“Oceania Cruises is virtually synonymous not only with fine cuisine, but culinary diversity,” stated Bob Binder, the line’s president. “Our culinary team is eager to showcase Alaska’s renowned regional favorites and the region’s freshly caught seafood as it adds an entirely new dimension to the dining experience.”

Highlights of Oceania Cruises’ maiden Alaska season include two full days of glacier cruising and a mix of marquee and off-the-beaten-path Inland Passage ports, the latter a hallmark of the brand. With two-for-one rates and free airfare, 10-day voyages start at $3,499 per guest, based on double occupancy.

Pacific Northwest cuisine will be featured during lunch in the casual Terrace Café which offers both indoor and al fresco seating and in the ship’s gourmet Grand Dining Room as well. In the evenings, regional specialties will be showcased in all four of the ship’s gourmet, open-seating restaurants; all of which are available with no surcharge.

Great Cuisine in the Great Land
 When provisioning locally, the ship’s executive chef seeks the freshest catch and shellfish, making on-the-spot decisions. Consequently, not all selections will always be available and there may be surprise menu additions. Depending on the voyage and venue, appetizers might include Fresh Halibut Velouté – a creamy fish soup with saffron rice and julienne leeks – or Alaskan King Crab Legs, sure to be a guest favorite. Entrées may include:

· Fresh Local Halibut with dill and tomato beurre blanc
· Grilled Alaskan Venison Medallions and wild mushroom fricassée
· Alaskan King Crab Rissotto
· Poached Local Wild Salmon Filet with chive butter sauce
· Grilled Halibut with orange and red onion chutney
· Hazelnut-breaded Chicken Breast with cranberry-orange relish
· Pan-fried Local Ling Cod Filet à la Dugléré
Thai-spice Encrusted Alaskan Halibut Filet
· Wild Alaskan Salmon with apple cider beurre blanc

Although berries grow abundantly in the vast wilderness areas of the 49th state, they are a limited resource because Alaska’s black and brown bears eat them all summer long. Guests onboard Regatta may nevertheless get the chance to taste the favored fruit when the pastry chef creates Alaskan Blueberry Coffee Cake or Springtime Alaskan Berry Pie.

Four Different & Desirable Itineraries for 2011
 • Majestic Alaska: 14 days roundtrip from San Francisco, a maiden port for Oceania Cruises, visiting Victoria and Vancouver, British Columbia; Sitka, Hoonah, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska; and Astoria, Ore. Departures: May 12, Aug. 26.
• Alaskan Grandeur: 12 days between San Francisco and Vancouver. Ports include Astoria and Victoria, as well as Wrangell, Juneau, Hoonah, Sitka and Ketchikan. Departures: May 26, Aug. 14.
• Frontiers and Glaciers: 10 days roundtrip from Vancouver, calling at Sitka, Hoonah, Kodiak, Wrangell and Ketchikan. Departures: June 7, Aug. 4.
• Glacial Wilderness: 12 days between Vancouver and Anchorage, with visits to Ketchikan, Wrangell, Juneau, Hoonah, Skagway, Sitka, Seward and Homer. Departures: June 17 and 29, July 11 and 23.

Travelers will discover Alaska aboard Oceania Cruises’ 684-guest Regatta – an intimate ship acclaimed for its open-seating gourmet dining (no surcharges), luxurious public rooms and accommodations, and warm, attentive service. For reservations or to order a brochure, contact a travel agent, visit OceaniaCruises.com or call toll-free at 800-531-5658.

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Military Heroes, Parliamentarians & Ambassadors Set for Crystal's New 'Ocean Views'

LOS ANGELES, June 24: From both sides of the proverbial aisle, world affairs experts will square off on defense policies, international conflicts and even geographical illiteracy in a new series of events launching in 2011 on Crystal Cruises' award-winning Crystal Serenity. Lively, engaging and interactive, Ocean Views will feature panels of distinguished ambassadors, professors, foreign correspondents, four-star generals and other veteran strategists to debate current events and global issues, along with an audience of Crystal guests. The program is the newest addition to the ultra-luxury line's Crystal Visions Enrichment Program and debuts on three segments of Crystal's 2011 World Cruise.

"No doubt, Ocean Views will spark spirited exchanges as the panels spar on controversial issues," says Chris Corrigall, Crystal's manager of entertainment. "Our guests are educated and informed, and relish topics on politics and current events. Rather than a lecture with a single point of view, this series analyzes topics from several perspectives and encourages audience participation."

Guided by a moderator, the esteemed panels include:

-- February 12: Auckland to Sydney - 16-day adventure in Australia and New Zealand General Barry McCaffrey, veteran broadcast journalist Garrick Ultey, author/professor Harm de Blij, and foreign correspondent Ken Rees
-- March 29: Mumbai to Cape Town - 19-day journey visiting India and South Africa Former Middle Eastern Ambassador Marc Ginsberg, former South African Parliament member/Ambassador Tony Leon and former FBI chief hostage negotiator Clint Van Zandt
-- April 17: Cape Town to London - 21-day exploration of West Africa General Richard Myers, 15th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, foreign correspondent Michael Nicholson, NATO diplomat Ralf Vargas and Australian historian/international affairs expert Philip Hurst

Each voyage features other distinguished speakers and expanded expert instruction from Crystal partners including Yamaha, Berlitz, the Cleveland Clinic, the Society of Wine Educators and others.

Promotional Two-for-One segment fares start at $6,500, per person, double occupancy, including complimentary air transportation from many North American gateways and up to $1,000 per person 'All Inclusive - As You Wish' shipboard credits. Crystal's Save Now, Save Later promotion offers guests booking any World Cruise segments by September 30 two-for-one fares, plus 20% savings on virtually any 2011 or 2012 cruise. For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625 or visit www.crystalcruises.com.

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Fans Can Stretch the Baseball Season with MSC Cruises

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, June 24: Fans looking to stretch the baseball season into the winter months can enjoy the warmth of the Caribbean with some of their favorite former Major League Baseball stars with MSC’s “Baseball Greats” cruises onboard the MSC Poesia. Interact with former Major Leaguers who played and were stars on several recognizable teams. “Baseball Greats” cruises offer free guest/player activities including a player-hosted trivia game, a question-and-answer session, a guest pitching contest, and a lively story-telling session. Baseball players host pitching, hitting, fielding, and base running clinics. One of the most popular aspects of the experience includes a free autograph session.

These Caribbean cruises are roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and feature the following itineraries and former Major League Baseball players:

• 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise on Nov 14 with Indians’ Hall-of-Famer Bob Feller, Tommy Davis (Dodgers’ two-time batting champion), Glenn Beckert (Cubs’ All-Star, Gold Glove second-baseman), Clarence Jones (player and hitting coach for 20 years with the Braves and Indians) and Stan Bahnsen (a star pitcher for the Yankees).
• 7-night Western Caribbean cruise on Dec 5 with Graig Nettles (All-Star, Gold Glove third-baseman for the Yankees), Amos Otis (All-Star, Gold Glove center-fielder for the KC Royals), Dave Campbell (infielder for the Tigers and Padres, and award-winning broadcaster for ESPN), Stan Bahnsen, and one more (to be named);
• 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise on Jan 9 with Andre Dawson (Cubs & Expos 2010 Hall-of-Fame inductee), Greg Luzinski (All-Star slugger for the Phillies and White Sox), Art Shamsky (outfielder and first-baseman for the 1969 “Miracle Mets”), Pete Mackanin (infielder for the Rangers and Expos, manager for the Pirates and Reds, and current bench coach for the Philadelphia Phillies), and Stan Bahnsen;
• 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise on Jan 23 with Rick Burleson (Angels and Red Sox All-Star shortstop and appeared in the 1975 Red Sox versus Reds World Series), Rick Wise (No-hitter with the Phillies; and with the Red Sox, was the winning pitcher in game six of the 1975 World Series), Jim Fregosi (All-Star shortstop and managed the Phillies to the 1983 World Series), Stan Bahnsen, and one more (to be named).
• 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise on Feb 6 with Randy Hundley (the Cubs All-Star, Gold Glove catcher), Roland Hemond (Baseball guru and two-time MLB General Manager of the year in 1972 with the White Sox and 1989 with the Orioles), Stan Bahnsen, and two players (to be named)

Caribbean cruise-only rates begin at $529 per person, double occupancy (government fees/taxes additional). For more information about MSC Cruises, visit us online at www.msccruisesusa.com, call 877-665-4655, or contact a local travel professional.

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New 130,000-Ton Carnival Magic to Operate 7-Day Caribbean Cruises From Galveston Beginning November 2011, to be Port's Largest Year-Round Ship

MIAMI, June 23: Carnival Cruise Lines’ newest ship, the 3,690-passenger Carnival Magic, will operate 7-day Caribbean cruises from Galveston beginning Nov. 14, 2011, becoming the largest cruise ship based at the port year-round. Additionally, the 2,758-passenger Carnival Triumph will reposition from New Orleans to Galveston to operate year-round 4- and 5-day Caribbean cruises from that port beginning Oct. 6, 2011. Homeporting the Carnival Magic and Carnival Triumph in Galveston represents the largest-ever capacity commitment by a cruise line to Texas. With these deployments, Carnival expects to carry more than 450,000 guests annually from Galveston, a 28 percent increase over the current year.

In turn, the 2,974-passenger Carnival Conquest and 2,052-passenger Carnival Ecstasy, both of which are currently based in Galveston, will reposition to New Orleans to operate year-round departures from that port, returning the line to pre-Katrina capacity levels there. With Carnival Conquest and Carnival Ecstasy, the line is expected to carry nearly 340,000 passengers annually from New Orleans, the most of any cruise operator.

“Deploying the new Carnival Magic to Galveston and increasing capacity on our popular short cruise program with the Carnival Triumph is a clear indication of the tremendous appeal and growth of this key homeport, which consistently earns high marks from our guests,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO. “At the same time, we are very pleased to return to pre-Katrina capacity levels in New Orleans with the Carnival Conquest and Carnival Ecstasy – a wonderfully positive indicator of the city’s continued growth and recovery,” he added.

Carnival Magic, Carnival Triumph from Galveston
 Carnival Magic, which is slated to debut in Europe in May 2011 with a host of innovative facilities and features, will offer two different week-long itineraries from Galveston, including 7-day western Caribbean voyages to Montego Bay, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, and week-long eastern Caribbean cruises to Nassau, Freeport, and Key West.

Carnival Magic will offer many exciting amenities including a spectacular water park, an exclusive adults-only retreat, a wrap-around promenade with whirlpools that extend out over the ship’s sides, and expansive spa and children’s facilities. Also featured will be a variety of stateroom choices, including deluxe ocean view accommodations with two bathrooms, some of which feature five berths and hold particular appeal for families; cove balcony cabins located closer to the water line; and spa staterooms that provide special access and benefits. A number of new innovations are scheduled to be announced in the near future.

Prior to launching year-round Caribbean service from Galveston, Carnival Magic will operate a series of 7-, 9- and 12-day Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona May 1 to Oct. 16, 2011; followed by a 16-day trans-Atlantic crossing from Barcelona to Galveston departing Oct. 28, 2011.

Also being deployed to Galveston is the Carnival Triumph which will operate year-round 4- and 5-day western Caribbean cruises beginning Oct. 6, 2011, becoming the newest and largest ship to operate a year-round short cruise program from that port. Four-day cruises depart Thursdays to Cozumel, while 5-day voyages depart Mondays and Saturdays and visit Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico. Carnival Triumph offers many guest-pleasing features and amenities, including nearly 500 balcony staterooms which are very popular among consumers and typically not available on short cruises.

Expanded Capacity from New Orleans
 Carnival Conquest will reposition to New Orleans for year-round 7-day Caribbean cruises beginning Nov. 13, 2011. The ship will offer three different week-long Caribbean options from New Orleans: a new western Caribbean program featuring Montego Bay, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, an eastern Caribbean itinerary to Key West, Freeport and Nassau, and exotic western Caribbean cruises to Belize, Roatan and Cozumel.

Carnival Ecstasy will operate year-round 4- and 5-day western Caribbean voyages from New Orleans beginning Sept. 22, 2011. The ship underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation last year that added an expansive water park, tropical-style main pool area, adults-only retreat and 98 balconies to existing staterooms. On the Carnival Ecstasy’s new itinerary, four-day cruises departing Thursdays visit Cozumel, while five-day cruises departing Mondays and Saturdays call at Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico.

Reservations are currently being accepted for Carnival’s various four- to seven-day departures from Galveston and New Orleans. For additional information and reservations, call 1-800-327-9501.

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Holland America Line's 2011 Canada/New England Cruises Feature
 Historic Seaports, Fall Foliage

SEATTLE, June 23: Next year two Holland America Line ships, ms Maasdam and ms Eurodam, will explore the historic seaports and scenic beauty of Canada and New England, offering guests the opportunity to sample some famous Maine lobster, walk Boston's Freedom Trail and sail along the St. Lawrence River. The 2011 itineraries range from 7 to 13 days and will feature 24 sailings between May and October. The region's beautiful jewel-toned foliage will be on display as summer turns to autumn, a favorite time of year to cruise Canada and New England.

"Holland America Line's extensive sailings in Canada and New England are perfect for families, nature lovers and history buffs," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "Whether enjoying a summer vacation or one of several special fall foliage cruises, our in-depth itineraries highlight the unique history, stunning beauty and diverse cultures of this exceptionally interesting and diverse part of the world."

Maasdam kicks off the 2011 season on April 24 with a special 13-day cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to Montreal, Quebec, Canada. During this longer voyage, guests will visit Newport, R.I.; Gloucester (Boston), Mass.; Bar Harbor, Maine; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; and Gaspe and Baie-Comeau, Quebec, before arriving at Montreal.

From May 7 to Oct. 8, Maasdam offers 18 7-day sailings between Boston and Montreal, with calls at Bar Harbor; Halifax and Sydney, Nova Scotia; Charlottetown; Quebec City, Quebec; and scenic cruising along the St. Lawrence River. Guests can combine two sailings for an extended 14-day roundtrip journey, allowing extra time ashore to hunt for antiques, explore the charming fishing towns, learn about the history and sample the region's fresh seafood.

Maasdam concludes the season with a 13-day sailing Oct. 15 from Montreal to Fort Lauderdale. Ports of call include Quebec City, Saguenay, Baie-Comeau and Gaspe, Quebec; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Sydney and Halifax, Nova Scotia; Bar Harbor, Maine; and Saint John, New Brunswick.

During the height of the fall foliage season, Eurodam will sail three 10-day cruises in Sept 2011 between New York and Quebec City, with calls at Newport, Boston, Bar Harbor, Halifax, Sydney and Charlottetown. That itinerary also features an overnight stay at Quebec City and scenic cruising along Saguenay Fjord.

On Oct. 10 Eurodam will depart on a 12-day itinerary from Quebec City to Fort Lauderdale. Ports of call include Saguenay, Gaspe, Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax, Bar Harbor, Gloucester (Boston) and Newport.

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

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New Pre-Cruise Service Streamlines Crystal Experience

LOS ANGELES, June 22: Luxury specialist Crystal Cruises announces a brand new online tool to simplify check-in and pre-cruise operations for its worldwide itineraries. Effective this July, the Priority Check-in & Planning Center will allow guests expanded options to complete tasks prior to sailing, from submitting guest immigration information and airport/ship transfer requests to booking spa treatments and shore excursions. Immigration and flight details can be submitted upon initial deposit via the new 'Priority Check-in' portion of the system, which also allows guests to request bed configurations and register their credit card for onboard charges, and provides easy access to partner websites like Luggage Concierge. Guests can view availability of restaurant and spa reservations, including Crystal's new Perfect Choice Dining, available in 2011.

Once the Priority Check-in and full cruise payment are complete, the 'Planning Center' enables guests to customize their Crystal cruise by making real-time reservations for the ships' restaurants and the spa, as well as reservation requests for Vintage Room experiences, pre-reserve shore excursions and sign up for Crystal's Creative Learning Institute courses. As the system will only show available restaurant and spa openings, guests will receive immediate confirmation of their reservations, whereas previously, only requests were submitted, and later confirmed on board. Another convenient feature allows gentlemen to pre-reserve tuxedo rental for formal evenings.

"The Priority Check-in and Planning Center is designed to make the Crystal Experience more convenient for our guests by allowing them to take care of embarkation day arrangements on their own time, from the comfort of home," says Thomas Mazloum, senior vice president, operations. "By checking in and making arrangements before boarding, travelers can eliminate time spent in the terminal waiting in line, and begin their luxury vacation almost immediately."

Also brand new, the Planning Center's comprehensive Cruise Calendar organizes daily requests and activities. The calendar will also advise dress codes, docking times and port locations for each day of the voyage, and will alert guests to any conflicts between their planned flight itineraries and embarkation/disembarkation schedules. Travelers simply print their completed itineraries and present them at embarkation for priority boarding. For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit www.crystalcruises.com.

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Top Contemporary Artists Set Sail aboard Princess Cruises Art Connoisseur Voyages

SANTA CLARITA, CA, June 22: Some of today’s top contemporary artists will be making appearances aboard nine upcoming Princess Cruises sailings as part of the line’s Art Connoisseur Cruises. Featuring as many as 10 contemporary artists in a single voyage, these special sailings offer activities for both avid collectors and art newcomers. A wide range of internationally acclaimed artists will join the ship for Art Connoisseur cruises, including names such as painter Howard Behrens, bas relief sculptor Bill Mack, pop artist Allison Lefcort, and marine life artist Wyland. The voyages offer a variety of events with the artists, such as meet-and-greet sessions or demonstrations. Some artists, including pop fusion painter Eric Waugh even entertain crowds with live painting sessions set to music. Other famous names onboard will include young phenomenon Alexandra Nechita and “rock star of the art world” Michael Godard.

Art Connoisseur cruises are part of Princess’ Fine Arts program, an onboard program that offers passengers the opportunity to see and learn about some of the notable artwork produced in the last century. Each ship features artwork from collectable artists for sale on board with art auctions during each cruise.

“These special sailings offer our passengers the opportunity to go behind the art by meeting the artists and learning more about what inspires their work,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “Passengers often find a new artist whose work they enjoy, or learn more about one they’ve admired. Others simply like exploring the world of art and the work of an artist.”

Princess’ upcoming Art Connoisseur cruises include:

July 4 - 16 Ruby Princess – 12 days Grand Mediterranean
Howard Behrens, Michael Godard, Dorit Levi, Aldo Luongo, Sharie Hatchett Bohlmann, Allison Lefcort, Alexandra Nechita, Bill Mack, Manoukian Martiros

July 16 - 28 Ruby Princess – 12 days Grand Mediterranean
Bill Mack, Howard Behrens, Michael Godard, Eric Waugh, Sharie Hatchett Bohlmann, Dorit Levi, Alexandra Nechita, Aldo Luongo, Manoukian Martiros, Alexandre Renior

Sept 17 - 27 Crown Princess – 10 days Classic Canada New England
Wyland, Walfrido Garcia, James Warren

Oct 4 - 20 Diamond Princess – 16 days Southeast Asia & China
Alina Eydel, Sharie Hatchett Bohlmann, Bill Mack

Oct 17 - 29 Star Princess – 12 days Egypt & Aegean
Allison Lefcort, Nobuaki Haihara, Michael Godard, Nicola Berardino, Des Brophy

Nov 3 - 19 Diamond Princess –16 days Southeast Asia & China
Eric Waugh, Nobu Haihara, Sharie Hatchett Bohlmann, David Schluss, Bill Mack

Nov 11 - 13 Pacific Princess – 12 days Holy Land
Allison Lefcort, Dorit Levi

Nov 19 - Dec 5 Diamond Princess – 16 days Southeast Asia & China
Dorit Levi, Sharie Hatchett Bohlmann, Aldo Luongo

Dec 28 - Jan 7, 2011 Emerald Princess – 10 days Caribbean
Bill Mack, Allison Lefcort, Martiros

In addition to presenting works from collectable contemporary artists, Princess also offers a special ScholarShip@Sea presentation for those who would like to learn more about the world of art. The free course, Art History@Sea: Botticelli to Warhol, The Evolution of Art, was developed in conjunction with Dr. Thomai Serdari, Professor of Art History and Director of Research Collections for New York University. Presented by the onboard art director, this course makes 500 years of art come to life in a one-hour session. This course is available on Art Connoisseur Cruises and most other Princess sailings.

Many of the artists also sail individually on Solo Artist voyages throughout the year. For a schedule of these sailings, contact 1-800-PRINCESS. 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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Seabourn Yachts Offer The Most Luxury Cruises In Europe For 2011

MIAMI, June 22: With the addition of the all-suite Seabourn Quest next summer, The Yachts of Seabourn will offer the most ultra luxury cruise berths in Europe next year. The line’s six intimate ships, none of which carries over 450 guests, will blanket Europe with an array of 143 fascinating, small-ship voyages of seven to 15 days, spanning the continent from the North Cape to the Crimea and from Iceland to the Greek Isles.

“If you want to travel in Europe next year, and you want to travel well, there’s a Seabourn suite waiting to take you wherever you want to go,” said Pamela C. Conover, Seabourn’s President and CEO. “We have the most departures, the most experience, the most interesting itineraries, and with Seabourn Value Fares saving you up to 65 percent, we absolutely offer the greatest values in European luxury cruising in 2011.”

Travelers interested in the Baltic, Russia and Scandinavia can choose between cruises of 7 to 10 days aboard the line’s brand-new, 450-guest Seabourn Sojourn, or slightly longer 12- to 15-day voyages aboard the 208-guest Seabourn Pride.

In the Mediterranean, Seabourn Spirit is focused on a pair of ravishing, 7-day Adriatic voyages sailing roundtrip from Venice to the gems of Croatia, Montenegro and Slovenia, while Seabourn Legend concentrates on one-week cruises of the French and Italian Rivieras and the seductive beauties of Spain.

Meanwhile, the stunning Seabourn Odyssey and her new sister yacht Seabourn Quest, launching in June 2011, will be plying the Aegean, Greek isles, and Turkey between Venice, Athens and Istanbul with departures weekly, plus a pair of ventures into the Black Sea.

Seabourn’s ascendancy is traceable to the completion of its three-year, three-yacht expansion that introduced a new class of ultra luxury vessels to the market. Seabourn Odyssey was hailed as “a game-changer” when it debuted and, along with Seabourn Sojourn, it continues to attract and satisfy a tremendous influx of younger, first-time affluent cruisers drawn by their smart, contemporary styling and enhanced onboard amenities, strongly bolstered by Seabourn’s unparalleled personalized service.

All Seabourn yachting itineraries are designed as a mix of must-see cities and the hidden gems that larger ships miss. This provides a vacation rich in opportunities for authentic experiences and unexpected delights that make any voyage memorable. Creature comforts are beyond compare, and the thoughtful, sincere service from nearly one staff member per guest ensures a carefree interlude that is at once relaxing and invigorating. Open-seating dining and complimentary open bars create a club-like ambience that encourages an easy-going, sociable onboard atmosphere.
With the introduction of Seabourn Value Fares, this award-winning, highly inclusive onboard experience is available at unprecedented savings of up to 65 percent, with fares starting from $2,499 per person, based on double occupancy of a spacious ocean-view suite. For information, or to reserve your suite on a 2011 Seabourn yachting vacation in Europe, consult a travel agent, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com

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Cunard Announces 2012 World Voyages Aboard Queen Elizabeth & Queen Mary 2

June 21: Continuing the company’s legacy of the annual World Voyage they pioneered 90 years ago, Cunard Line is proud to announce the 2012 World Voyage program aboard The Most Famous Ocean Liners in the World. The Line’s newest ship, Queen Elizabeth, and its flagship, Queen Mary 2, will sail these legendary voyages to a combined 60 ports across 33 countries, featuring Queen Mary 2’s first circumnavigation around Australia. The leader in World Cruising, Cunard offers itineraries calling on legendary ports, featuring overnights in Sydney and Hong Kong on Queen Elizabeth; and overnights in Cape Town, Hong Kong and Dubai on Queen Mary 2. These rich travel legacies, combined with the Line’s hallmarks of elegant fine dining, impeccable White Star Service™ and a wide variety of premier stateroom accommodations - including the award-winning Queens Grill and Princess Grill suites - provide unforgettable experiences.

“Not only are our guests seeing the wonders of the world while enjoying Cunard’s signature White Star Service, they are joining the Line’s nearly century-old historic travel adventure,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line.

Queen Elizabeth World Voyage
 For her second World Voyage, Queen Elizabeth will once again offer a complete circumnavigation of the globe on a 107-day journey from Southampton. North American guests have the ease of embarking on their World Voyage experience from New York, Fort Lauderdale or San Francisco, after the ship transits the Panama Canal. From the West Coast, Queen Elizabeth sails into the South Pacific and New Zealand before arriving for an overnight in Sydney. Next, she heads north to Singapore via Queensland, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand, and makes an overnight stay in Hong Kong.

After visiting more of Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka and India en route to Dubai, Queen Elizabeth begins the final leg of her epic voyage, including the transit of the Suez Canal, as well as calls in Egypt, Greece, Italy and Portugal before returning home to Southampton. Here, North American guests have the option to rendezvous with Queen Mary 2 and take in the Line’s iconic Transatlantic Crossing to complete their historic World Voyage.

Segment Voyages offer the Queen Elizabeth experience and capture the essence of a World Voyage, ranging from 12 to 24 days, including New York to San Francisco (17 days), San Francisco to Sydney (24 days), Sydney to Singapore (24-days), Singapore to Dubai (12 days) and Dubai to Southampton (22 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 fifth World Voyage in Southampton, including a maiden call to the spectacular sand dunes in Namibia’s Swakopmund before a two-night stay in Cape Town. From South Africa, she sails to Sydney via Mauritius where she offers her first-ever circumnavigation of Australia and a maiden call in Darwin along the way. After returning to Sydney for a second visit, she is off to Japan, including a maiden call to Hiroshima, and China en route to an overnight stay in Hong Kong. Queen Mary 2 then visits Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand and India en route to Dubai. From here, Queen Mary 2 will call in Egypt and transit the Suez Canal before returning home to Southampton via Greece and Portugal.

Segment Voyages aboard Queen Mary 2 range from 15 to 22 days and include Southampton to Cape Town (15 days), Cape Town to Sydney (20 days), roundtrip from Sydney (22 days), Sydney to Hong Kong (19 days), Hong Kong to Dubai (16 days) and Dubai to Southampton (16 days).

Enhanced Benefits Program
 In addition to receiving a bonus 10 percent discount off Early Booking Fares (EBF), Full World Voyage and Liner Voyage guests will receive an on-board credit of up to $3,000 per stateroom when booking by Feb 28, 2011. Full World Voyage guests also receive complimentary Hotel and Dining Charges. Further, an invitation will be extended to all Full World Voyage guests to join Cunard President Peter Shanks ashore at one of the ports of call during their time on board for the traditional World Voyage Dinner, an exclusive evening of world-class dining and entertainment. Cunard World Club members will receive an extra 5 percent savings off Bonus Early Booking Fares.

For more information and to book a 2012 Cunard World Voyage aboard Queen Mary 2 or Queen Elizabeth, consult your Travel Agent, call toll-free 1-800-7-CUNARD (1-800-728-6273) or go to www.cunard.com.

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SeaDream Yacht Club’s Caribbean 2010

For its Fall 2010 Caribbean season, SeaDream Yacht Club, whose mantra is “There is a Difference,” is offering overnight calls at popular St. Barts and tiny, exclusive Norman Island as well as active fun stops at the Spanish Virgin Islands of Culebra, Culebrita, and Vieques with its bioluminescent bays.

And to further emphasize the SeaDream “unique differences” both SeaDream I and II are now offering a new array of “water toys” guests may enjoy from the vessels’ stern Marinas. In addition to its zodiacs, water skis, banana boats, wave runners, floating island and snorkeling equipment, it has added twin-hulled Hobie Cats, Laser Sailboats, and Glass Bottom Molokini Kayaks and Glass Bottom Hanauma II Inflatable Kayaks (for underwater viewing).

A perfect choice for honeymoons, anniversaries and family reunions or just a quick get away, prices start at $2,799 per person plus fees (or in select other currencies). Additionally if guests book between June 15 and August 15 there’s a spa credit of $200 per stateroom. Sailings are highly inclusive with elegant dining, open bar with select premium spirits, gratuities, water sports, mountain biking and more.

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Norwegian Epic Features Many Hi-Tech Advancements

MIAMI - June 18: High tech advancements abound on Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Cruise Line's largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship to date. The features include in-room interactive television capabilities, which will allow guests to book entertainment shows and shore excursions; select on demand movies; and even play slots and video poker through a DigiCasino™ capability; to a cutting edge facial recognition system that links all guests' onboard photographs.

Digi HD™ Interactive Television: Norwegian Epic's Digi HD™ Interactive Television, or ITV, was created by Allin Interactive. Using the in-room television, guests scroll through a wheel of options to make reservations for entertainment performances, book shore excursions, check their shipboard account, and select from a large library of first-run on-demand movies. A highlight of Norwegian Epic's ITV is the DigiCasino™, which extends the casino into guest staterooms, allowing them to play popular games such as slots and video poker. An interactive cashier enables guests to purchase and redeem gaming credits that can be used for interactive play. All purchases made through ITV are applied to the guest's shipboard account.

Youfinder® Facial Recognition System: Another hi-tech innovation on board Norwegian Epic is the Youfinder® facial recognition software, created by Image. When guests board Norwegian Epic, their picture is taken and linked to their cruise card. This provides Image’s proprietary indexing system, YouFinder®, with the ability to match guests’ faces and identification details anytime a photo is taken afterwards. Using both facial recognition and patented indexing techniques, Youfinder® provides the most accurate linking of guests to their photos. When guests want to view and purchase their photos, they go to an on-board kiosk, swipe their cruise card and they can immediately view their cruise memories. From this, they can order select images and have them printed out by the ship's photo team or they can order a CD with all images and take it home.

For more information about Norwegian Epic, call Norwegian at 866-234-7350, visit epic.ncl.com, or contact a travel professional.

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Largest Ever World Cruise Program From P&O Cruises

Five ships, taking in 177 ports in 55 countries, with 95 separate holidays to choose from, the new 2011/12 world cruise program from P&O Cruises is its most expansive ever. World cruise expert P&O Cruises is offering five world cruises, 18 line voyages and 72 shorter cruise holidays, departing in 2011 and 2012. The 2011/12 world cruise brochure will be available on line at www.pocruises.co.uk or via travel agents and will be on sale from Thursday July 15 2010.

· Arcadia, 72-night Grand Alaska Adventure departs Tuesday April 12 2011
· Adonia, 87-night South America Grand Adventure departs Friday January 13 2012
· Arcadia, 109-night Grand Odyssey departs Monday January 9 2012
· Aurora, 98-night westabout full world circumnavigation departs Wednesday January 4 2012
· Oriana, 97-night eastabout full world circumnavigation departs Thursday January 5 2012

P&O Cruises managing director, Carol Marlow said: “A world cruise is the ultimate holiday experience and this program has more opportunities to see the world than ever before. Our world cruises are perennially popular with mature passengers who want to see the world in style and sectors (part of each itinerary) are increasingly popular with those taking a sabbatical from work or embarking on the ever fashionable ‘grown up gap year’. A full world cruise is also a wonderful way to see the world without having to step foot in an airport. Added Marlow, “There are 95 cruise options ranging from 15 to 109-nights in duration so a world cruise is no longer just for the rich and retired. These itineraries give everyone an opportunity to see the world, from experienced cruisers to those taking a cruise holiday for the very first time or simply those who want to experience the ‘must-see’ cities or go off the beaten track to smaller exotic ports of call.”

Adonia, the newest and smallest ship in the fleet, will embark on an 87-night adventure with a full circumnavigation of South America via the Caribbean and returning via the Panama Canal. Adonia will visit 37 ports in 17 countries, including three new destinations Georgetown, Guyana; Salaverry, Peru and Chacabuco, Chile. Highlights include:

· Overnight stays in Manaus, Amazon; Buenos Aires; and New Orleans
· Scenic cruising in the Amazon, Cape Horn, Beagle Channel, Amalia Glacier, PIO X Glacier and through the Panama Canal.
· 17 shorter cruises including a 17-night cruise holiday from New Orleans to Southampton. Six ports of call including Key West, Florida; Port Everglades, Florida and Half Moon Cay, Bahamas.

Arcadia will be embarking on an east-west 109-night world cruise visiting the Far East and Australasia, and returning via South Africa. Arcadia will visit 41 ports in 24 countries. Highlights include:

· Two overnights in Cape Town, South Africa with the option of an overland safari
· Beijing and Great Wall of China
· Visit to Aqaba, Jordan for visit to Petra
· 25 shorter cruises including a 17-night cruise holiday from Sydney to Singapore with five ports of call including Melbourne, Australia; Fremantle, Australia and Bali.

Aurora will be departing on a 98-night westabout full world circumnavigation cruise taking in the United States, Far East and Australasia via the Panama Canal and the Caribbean and then returning via Dubai and the Suez Canal. Aurora will visit 38 ports in 23 countries including a new destination for P&O Cruises, Abu Dhabi. Highlights include:

· Four cruise holidays departing from Sydney to the Far East
· Overnight stays in San Francisco, Dubai and Istanbul
· 19 shorter cruises including San Francisco to Sydney 22-night cruise holiday with eight ports of call including Honolulu, Pago Pago and Auckland.

Oriana will be taking the opposite direction from Aurora on a 97-night eastabout full world circumnavigation cruise and will be taking in different ports of call. This cruise will visit the Far East via the Suez Canal, before taking in Australasia and the United States returning home via the Panama Canal and the Caribbean. Oriana will visit 32 ports in 20 countries including both north and south islands of New Zealand. Highlights include:

· Overnights in Sydney and San Francisco
· Four Australian ports - Sydney, Darwin, Brisbane and the Whitsunday Islands.
· Calls to Tahiti, French Polynesia and Hong Kong
· 21 shorter cruises including Dubai to Hong Kong 17-night cruise holiday with ports of call including Mumbai, India; Singapore and Phu My, Vietnam.

P&O Cruises will sail to Alaska for the first time in over 40 years with a 72-night Grand Alaska Adventure departing April 12, 2011. The only Alaskan cruise departing from the UK, Arcadia offers nine holiday options including a full 72-night cruise departing from and returning to Southampton, a 44-night cruise holiday from Southampton to Los Angeles and a 45-night cruise from San Francisco to Southampton. Arcadia will visit 34 ports in 13 countries. Highlights include:

· The only no fly cruise to Alaska from the UK
· Visits to ‘classic’ Alaskan ports as well as some lesser known ports for passengers to explore
· Calls to some of the most exciting and vibrant cities in the world – New York, LA, San Francisco and Vancouver.
· This cruise is currently available to book

For more information or to request a copy of the brochure call P&O Cruises on 0845 3 555 333, visit www.pocruises.co.uk  r see your local travel agent.

About P&O Cruises: P&O Cruises can trace its roots back to 1837 when the Peninsular Steam Navigation Company was awarded the lucrative Admiralty contract to carry mail to the Iberian Peninsula and beyond. Today P&O Cruises combines innovation, professionalism and unrivalled experience on its fleet of seven ships dedicated to the British market. Building on this wealth of knowledge and experience, Azura was launched in April 2010 – officially named by Godmother Darcey Bussell CBE. Small ship Adonia will be added to the fleet in May 2011. P&O Cruises offers passengers the most stylish and contemporary holidays afloat with destinations including the Caribbean, South America, Scandinavia, Mediterranean, Atlantic islands and round the world cruises.

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Enchantment of the Seas Begins Year-Round Service From Port of Baltimore

BALTIMORE, June 18, 2010 – Enchantment of the Seas sailed into Baltimore harbor today to inaugurate a second year-round Northeast U.S. port for vacationers to embark on a Royal Caribbean cruise. The 2,252-guest, double occupancy, Enchantment of Seas offers a variety of onboard amenities that cater to families, coupled with delectable dining options and compelling itineraries to make for a memorable cruise vacation.

In the 2010-2011 summer and autumn seasons, vacationers can choose among 5-night Bermuda, 9-night Eastern Caribbean and 9-night New England and Canada itineraries aboard Enchantment of the Seas. In winter and spring 2010-2012, vacationers can choose among 9-night Bahamas and 12-night Southern Caribbean itineraries. Enchantment of the Seas and voyager-class Explorer of the Seas’ year-round sailings from the Port of Baltimore and Cape Liberty in Bayonne, NJ, respectively, now offer Northeast vacationers two convenient Royal Caribbean home-ports.

“Royal Caribbean is delighted to bring Enchantment of the Seas to historic Baltimore to offer year-round cruises,” said Ken Muskat, vice president of Sales, Royal Caribbean Intl, at a welcoming ceremony for nearly 400 travel agents, dignitaries and media aboard the ship. “Enchantment of the Seas offers so many ways for guests of all ages to enjoy an exciting family vacation or romantic cruise getaway, conveniently accessible by car. We thank the Maryland Port Administration, the Port of Baltimore, our valued travel agent partners, and past guests for their outstanding support to help us bring a new option for area vacationers.”

This year the Port of Baltimore will have a record 91 home-ported cruises. The total economic value to the State of Maryland of cruising from the Port of Baltimore in 2010 is expected to be about $90 million, an increase of about $10 million from 2009. Last year, the Port of Baltimore handled a record 167,000 passengers on 81 home-ported cruises. The Port of Baltimore is the closest East Coast drive-to port from Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Indianapolis and Chicago. Baltimore is also within a three-hour drive from the New York City metro area. The Cruise Maryland Terminal is only 2.5 miles from Baltimore’s world famous Inner Harbor, 10 miles from Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, and within 90 minutes from three other major airports.

Royal Caribbean’s friendly and engaging staff and crew deliver the Royal treatment to help make each guest’s cruise vacation a unique and unforgettable experience. Onboard Enchantment of the Seas, guests enjoy casual to fine dining in three restaurants, including Royal Caribbean’s signature Chops Grille steakhouse. In the evenings, Enchantment of the Seas offers non-stop entertainment in eight lounges, including the Latin-themed Boleros, top-rated Broadway-style productions in the Orpheum Theatre, and world-class gaming in the Casino Royale.

Enchantment of the Seas features three pools and six whirlpools for guests to relax in, including the adults-only Solarium and the Splash Deck interactive fountain play area for kids. The solarium is covered by a crystal canopy, a glass roof that retracts and deploys to suit any weather. More active guests can try the bungee trampoline or work up a sweat on the jogging track or on the cruise line’s iconic rock-climbing wall. Additionally, the Enchantment Fitness Center and Day Spa features an extensive fitness program and a full modern spa menu.

Royal Caribbean’s award-winning Adventure Ocean kids and teen program, with five age-tiered curricula, also entertains and enlightens younger guests under the age of 18. On Enchantment of the Seas, the teen-only Fuel hang-out and disco offers a perfect setting for teens to relax and make new friends.

Enchantment of the Seas underwent an impressive engineering feat in 2005, when she received a 73-foot extension. The ultimate maritime makeover capitalized on an innovative new procedure that allowed workmen to complete the “stretch” in an unprecedented 31 days. It took six days alone to bisect the ship, cutting through more than 1,969 linear feet of steel with gas and oxygen torches and circular saws. The forward and aft sections of Enchantment of the Seas were slid apart to accommodate a new 2,939-ton midsection. Workers then reconnected the three sections and nearly 1,300 individual cables, pipes and ducts on each end of the mid-body. For additional information or to make reservations, call your travel agent, visit www.RoyalCaribbean.com or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.

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Capital City Cloggers Named Norwegian Cruise Line’s “Epic Star” Contest Winners

MIAMI, June 18: Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that Clay and Heather Barnhart, the Capital City Cloggers, have won their “Search for the Epic Star” contest. The married duo clogged their way into the judges’ and the public’s hearts, earning the majority of the more than 80,000 public votes cast and were the unanimous choice of the Epic Star judges. The Barnharts will perform during the inaugural festivities of Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest Free style cruise ship, Norwegian Epic, in New York, July 2-4, 2010. The Barnharts, who hail from Irmo, SC, will also receive a 7-day cruise on Norwegian Epic, the most innovative new ship of 2010. They will be joined on board the inaugural by the two contest finalists, Douglas Mytnik, a Rat Pack impersonator from Cape Coral, FL, and the Diamond Sisters, Marci Diamond and Gina DeFreitas, a trapeze act from Brattleboro, VT.

Clay and Heather, who are both teachers as well as the owners of the Capital City Clogging Co., met six years ago during a clogging competition and “we clicked – literally and figuratively,” said Clay Barnhart. “We started performing together soon after we met and were married nearly four years ago.” The Barnharts are thrilled by this honor. “2010 started out with our house burning down and we lost everything and then my grandmother passed away days later,” said Clay. “We entered hoping to turn our luck around and thanks to Norwegian Cruise Line, we certainly have,” said Heather. “We are so grateful to Norwegian, the judges and to everyone who voted for us and cannot wait for the Norwegian Epic inaugural in New York!”

World-class entertainment is Norwegian Epic’s hallmark. For the first time at sea, Blue Man Group will perform their exhilarating fusion of comedy, theatrics and paint, exclusively on Norwegian Epic. In the only “big top” at sea, Cirque Dreams™ and Dinner will present a one-of-a-kind interactive theatrical dining experience with music, mayhem and acrobatic imagination. Legends in Concert, the original and world’s greatest live tribute show, will be featured for the first time at sea in more than a decade on Norwegian Epic, along with The Second City® Comedy Troupe, which has launched the careers of some of today's best known comics, and Howl at the Moon Dueling Pianos, the world’s greatest rock ‘n roll dueling piano show that encourages audience participation. Guests can also “Check-in-Rock-out” on board Norwegian Epic with an exclusive program with Gibson Guitars.

The Barnharts were selected by Norwegian Cruise Line’s panel of judges which includes representatives from its partner entertainment companies - Tim Aumiller of Blue Man Group, Neil Goldberg of Cirque Dreams™ & Dinner, Brian Brigner of Legends in Concert and Beth Kligerman of Second City® Comedy Troupe.

“We’re thrilled to have the Barnharts join our inaugural festivities for Norwegian Epic,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line Chief Executive Officer. “They will be an excellent addition to all the world-class entertainment on board.”

Norwegian Epic's inaugural festivities will take place from 2:00-3:00p.m. on July 2. Jeff Garlin will host the event, serving as master of ceremonies, and the ship will be christened by legendary entertainer Reba McEntire. Afterward it will depart for a 2-day inaugural cruise. Norwegian Epic will be the host venue for the 34th Annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks event taking place on Sunday, July 4. The event includes a national, one-hour, live entertainment broadcast on NBC-TV beginning at 9 p.m. ET. Norwegian Epic arrives in Miami on Wednesday, July 7 where a welcome event will be held at Bicentennial Park from 2-4 pm. For more information on the event, head to epic.ncl.com/epicmiami. Inaugural festivities conclude with a 2-day sailing on July 8.

Following the inaugural activities, Norwegian Epic will sail alternating 7-day Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami from July 10 through April 30, 2011. Ports of call on the Eastern Caribbean itinerary include Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands; and Nassau, Bahamas. The Western Caribbean cruises visit Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico. The 2011 cruise season from May-October will have Norwegian Epic sailing a series of 7-day Western Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona. When she returns to Miami on Nov 5, 2011, she will sail a series of seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises through April 7, 2012. For more information about the Search for the Epic Star contest and to view the Barnharts video, visit www.cruiselog.usatoday.com. For more information on Norwegian Epic and to book a cruise, please call Norwegian at 888- NCL-CRUISE (625-2784), visit epic.ncl.com, or contact a travel professional.

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Regent Seven Seas’ New ‘Prime 7’ Rivals Best Steakhouses Ashore

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, June 18: When cruising the world in six-star splendor, guests can dine on dry-aged Prime beef and Maine lobster with all the traditional sides at Prime 7, a classic American steakhouse that opened last year aboard the ships of Regent Seven Seas Cruises as part of a multi-million-dollar fleet enhancement program. Prime 7 replaced Latitudes, a Pan-Asian restaurant, on Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Mariner and was an additional dining option added to Seven Seas Navigator. The restaurant’s sophisticated décor features a rich palette of green and gold, with supple leather armchairs, a granite entry foyer and burnished wood accents.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises operates a fleet of perennially praised and elegantly appointed, all-suite ships that visit more than 300 global destinations on seven- to 119-night voyages. The brand is the world’s only cruise line that includes award-winning service, acclaimed cuisine, premium spirits and fine wine, gratuities and sightseeing excursions in every port for the ultimate “ultra-luxury” vacation.

“As lovely a venue as Prime 7 is, it’s the cuisine that shines,” stated Mark Conroy, the cruise line’s president. “Over the past year our guests have consistently raved about the new restaurant. In fact, many have told us that it rivals or surpasses the finest steakhouses ashore.”

- Singular Starters and Sides Complement Classic Cuts -
Guests can select from seven tempting appetizers, including such favorites as Oysters Rockefeller and Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, as well as inventive delicacies like Foie Gras Slider with Rhubarb Chutney and Three-Steak Tartare, featuring classic, veal and Asian-spiced. For the next course, it’s French Onion Soup Gratinée or Clam Chowder or one of four salads that include Sea Salt Roasted Red Beets, Chop House, Beefsteak Tomato and Red Onion and Caesar, prepared tableside.

The steaks at Prime 7 are USDA Prime that has been dry-aged a minimum of 28 days. Cuts available include 12-ounce New York Strip, 18-ounce Bone-in Rib Steak, Filet Mignon (6 or 10 ounces), Prime Rib, American Wagyu Chopped Steak and a 36-ounce Porterhouse, which is carved tableside. Carnivores can also choose New Zealand Double-cut Lamb Chops (10 ounces), Center-cut Milk-fed Veal Rib Chop (16 ounces), Double-cut Kurobuta Berkshire Pork Chop (14 ounces) or Oven-roasted Half Chicken – the restaurant’s pork and poultry are all-natural and hormone-free.

Seafood lovers need not despair; selections include Day Boat Specials (fresh catch), Alaskan King Crab Legs and Whole Maine Lobster – the server happily removes the meat and discards the shell. Salad Monte Cristo, made with lobster, is a lighter option. For the best of both worlds, the Prime 7 signature Surf and Turf pairs a 6-ounce filet mignon with either a Canadian cold-water lobster tail or Alaskan king crab legs.

There are 12 mouth-watering side dishes to complement the main courses. These include steakhouse staples like onion rings, steamed asparagus and broccoli, sautéed wild mushrooms, creamed spinach, string beans, twice-baked potato, plus Truffle Fries, Sautéed Fingerling Potatoes Lyonnaise, Sweet Corn Casserole, Cheddar Yukon Gold Mash and Vegetable Rice. The complete Prime 7 menu can be found on the Regent Seven Seas Cruises website. For more information, see a travel professional, visit www.RSSC.com or call toll-free 800-285-1835.

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West African Heritage & History Explored on Crystal Voyage

LOS ANGELES, June 18: As cultural and heritage tours become increasingly popular in West Africa, luxury specialist Crystal Cruises has set more than a dozen shoreside options in Senegal, Ghana, Togo and Principe for Crystal Serenity's "African Adventurer" voyage departing Cape Town April 17, 2011. With its return to West Africa for the first time since 2001, Crystal is offering guests opportunities to explore the culture, art, nature and, of course, the slave trade that dominated the region for centuries. Showcasing authentic West African life, past and present, the excursions highlight traditions from voodoo to agriculture, plus the dense rainforests and European influences throughout the area.

"West Africa offers extraordinary and truly unique encounters, with a remarkable balance between its dark history in the slave trade and the warm, welcoming people eager to share their culture with travelers," says John Stoll, vice president, land and port operations.

Along with a new excursion from Cape Town, South Africa to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, adventures ashore in West Africa include:

• Dakar, Senegal: Goree Slave Island, a World Heritage Site and epicenter of the slave trade;
• Dakar, Senegal: Lake Retba, known as "Pink Lake" due to the distinct hue of the water; visit to the surrounding villages of lake's salt harvesters;
• Lome, Togo: Traditional voodoo ceremony in the village of Sanguera and a visit to the market locals frequent for items thought to ward off evil; and
• Takadori, Ghana: Kakum National Park, a dense rainforest with breathtaking indigenous plants and creatures, and a 100-foot-high canopy walkway.

Part of Crystal Serenity's epic World Cruise, the 21-day voyage visits Cape Town, South Africa; Walvis Bay, Namibia; Bom Bom Island, Principe; Lome, Togo; Takoradi, Ghana; Dakar, Senegal; and Lisbon, Portugal en route to London. For bookings made by Sept 30, 2010, per person, promotional Two-for-One cruise fares start at $9,925 (double occupancy), and include $1,000 'All Inclusive - As You Wish' shipboard credits, complimentary air transportation from many North American gateways (or $1,400 cruise-only credit), plus 20% savings on virtually any 2011 or 2012 cruise. Guests paying in full six months in advance save an additional 2.5%. For more information or Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit www.crystalcruises.com

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Nieuw Amsterdam's Stateroom Decor to Blend Modern, Historic Elements

SEATTLE, June 17: Guests aboard ms Nieuw Amsterdam, Holland America Line's newest Signature-class ship, will experience a blending of modern and historic elements in the stateroom ambience. Created by Seattle-based NB Design Group, Nieuw Amsterdam's staterooms reflect a refined interpretation of the contemporary motifs that debuted aboard sister ship ms Eurodam, launched in 2008.

"We received such positive feedback about the stateroom decor aboard Eurodam that we knew we wanted to continue this innovative direction with her sister ship," said Richard D. Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line. "Nieuw Amsterdam's stateroom decorations are an evolution of Eurodam's modern design vision and meld earthy tones into fabrics and wall coverings."

The 2,106-guest Nieuw Amsterdam features stateroom decor reflecting contemporary art influences that tie in classic themes. Mixed-media wall art that combines classical painting with surrealist themes plus colorful abstract landscapes and historic photographs of old New York and Amsterdam adorn the walls in guest accommodations. The rich artwork is paired with sophisticated bedding, upholstery and furnishings that create a premium cruise experience honoring the historic glamour of New York City, known as Nieuw Amsterdam to its Dutch founders.

"With all of the exciting activities that take place on a cruise ship, we wanted to create a stateroom environment that is an escape for guests to relax and enjoy, yet at the same time remains visually intriguing," said Nancy Burfiend, principal, NB Design Group.

Staterooms on the 11-deck Nieuw Amsterdam will feature upscale interior design. The ship's 60 deluxe verandah suites and 50 superior verandah suites will emphasize rich walnut wood and powder blue and champagne-colored fabrics, along with contemporary leather furniture and brushed nickel finishes. Deluxe verandah suites will display reproductions of original Matisse and Picasso drawings, along with colorful Tuscany landscapes created from original woodcuts.

Superior verandah suites also will utilize historic photographs of New York and Amsterdam and colorful reproductions of original paintings by avant-garde Dutch artist Karel Appel. Following similar themes with understated colors and woods paired with classical art themes, the ship's two penthouse verandah suites were designed by Architectenbureau VFD, Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Nieuw Amsterdam's 558 deluxe verandah ocean-view and 175 ocean-view staterooms will showcase coffee, burgundy and sandstone tones in window coverings, bedding and fabrics, plus rich wood and metal accessories alongside custom furniture. Artwork will exhibit reproductions of surrealist oil paintings and feature classical themes combined with contemporary photography.

The ship's 152 interior staterooms switch color schemes to light maple wood, bedding and fabric in slate and sky blue with tangerine accents, and sleekly finished wood and metal accessories. Stateroom art is highlighted by reproductions of surrealist oil paintings.

Nieuw Amsterdam's guest accommodations also include 56 luxury spa staterooms--46 deluxe verandah ocean-view, four ocean-view, four interior, and two exclusive spa deluxe verandah suites located on the ship's two highest decks, Panorama and Observation. Named for their proximity to the Greenhouse Spa and Salon, the exclusive spa staterooms offer special in-room amenities such as yoga mats and an iPod docking station, and provide guests with the ultimate in relaxation, privacy and serenity. All spa staterooms are decorated in a naturalist theme, with furnishings, bedding and window treatments finished in soft earth tones with bright aqua blue and charcoal accents. A water feature provides a natural, soothing ambient background sound.

Staterooms will offer Signature of Excellence premium amenities: plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream beds, deluxe waffle/terry cloth robes, Egyptian cotton towels, flat panel televisions, DVD players, make-up mirrors with halo lighting, massage shower heads, professional-grade hair dryers, fresh flowers and complimentary baskets with guests' personal fruit choices and Elemis bath amenities.

Built at Fincantieri's Marghera yard near Venice, Italy, Nieuw Amsterdam will be named by Her Royal Highness Princess Maxima of the Netherlands and then sail its maiden voyage on July 4, 2010. After a series of 12-day Mediterranean sailings, the ship embarks on a fall trans-Atlantic crossing to the Caribbean to sail 7-day eastern and western itineraries from Nov 2010 through March 2011. For more information and cruise fares, contact a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

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Third/Fourth Person Cruise Free on Fall Foliage Cruises with MSC until July 31

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, June 17: Third/fourth adults and kids 17 and younger cruise free when sharing a stateroom for select fall foliage, Canada/New England cruises onboard MSC Poesia; reduced rates begin at $599 per person, double occupancy through July 31. This latest promotion offers affordable rates for guests of all ages to recognize the beauty and charm offered at the ports along the Canada and New England coastline.

The following Fall foliage cruises vary from 6-to 10-nights and depart from New York City and Quebec City.

• 10-night “Dazzling Fall Foliage” cruise roundtrip from New York City and calling in Sydney, Nova Scotia; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Quebec City, Quebec; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Newport, Rhode Island; and New York, New York. Sept 22;
• 7-night “Scenic Splendors of Fall” cruise from New York City and calling in Halifax, Nova Scotia; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Corner Brook, Newfoundland; and Quebec City, Quebec; Oct 2;
• 7-night “Captivating Colors of Canada” cruise from New York City and calling in Halifax, Nova Scotia; Sydney, Nova Scotia; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; and Quebec City, Quebec. Oct 16;
• 9-night “Autumn Leaves to Palm Trees,” cruise from Quebec City and calling in Sydney, Nova Scotia; Boston, Massachusetts; Newport, Rhode Island; New York, New York; and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Oct 23;
• 6-night “Maple Leaves & Mansions” cruise from Quebec City and calling in Sydney, Nova Scotia; Boston, Massachusetts; Newport, Rhode Island; and New York, New York. Oct 23.

For more information, visit www.MSCCruisesUSA.com, call 877-665-4655, or contact a local travel professional.

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Norwegian Cruise Line Takes Delivery of Norwegian Epic

St. Nazaire, France, June 17: Norwegian Cruise Line today accepted delivery of its largest and most innovative ship to date, Norwegian Epic, from STX FRANCE SA. Norwegian Epic at 153,000 gross tons is the largest ship ever constructed in St. Nazaire and therefore represents a major milestone for STX.

“Norwegian Epic represents the next level of Freestyle Cruising with branded entertainment, more than 20 dining options and a wide range of accommodations including the largest suite complex at sea,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian’s Chief Executive Officer. “Following more than four years of development and construction, we are pleased to take ownership of this beautiful ship and introduce her to the world. We are confident that Norwegian Epic will amaze our guests.”

Norwegian Epic will depart St. Nazaire this evening en route to Rotterdam, the first port the ship will visit. Once there, she will welcome on board her first guests who will set sail on a 2-day inaugural cruise. On June 21, the ship will sail a one-night preview cruise to Southampton, arriving on June 22 for a 2-day inaugural sailing. On June 24, the ship will depart Southampton on a sold-out 7-day transatlantic crossing to New York arriving on July 1.

Norwegian Epic will be christened by legendary entertainer Reba McEntire on July 2 followed by a 2-day inaugural cruise. Norwegian Epic will be the host venue for the 34th Annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks event taking place on Sunday, July 4. The event includes a national, one-hour, live entertainment broadcast on NBC-TV beginning at 9 p.m. ET. Norwegian Epic arrives in Miami on Wed, July 7 where a welcome event will be held at Bicentennial Park from 2-4 pm. For more information on the event, head to epic.ncl.com/epicmiami. Inaugural festivities conclude with a 2-day sailing on July 8.

Beginning July 10, Norwegian Epic will sail alternating 7-day Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami through April 30, 2011. Ports of call on the Eastern Caribbean itinerary include Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands; and Nassau, Bahamas. The Western Caribbean cruises visit Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico. The 2011 cruise season from May-Oct will have Norwegian Epic sailing a series of 7-day Western Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona. When she returns to Miami on Nov 5, 2011, she will sail a series of 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruises through April 7, 2012.

For more information on Norwegian Epic and to book a cruise, please call Norwegian at 888- NCL-CRUISE (625-2784), visit epic.ncl.com, or contact a travel professional.

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Celebrity Cruises & FIU Put the 'Ship' in Internship With
Groundbreaking Program Focusing on Design

MIAMI, June 17: Celebrity Cruises, the cruise brand known for designing award-winning, stylish ships with stunning onboard spaces that cater to the tastes of discerning cruisers, is tapping into a new resource: the fresh, eager minds of Florida International University (FIU) design students. Last week marked the start of a groundbreaking internship program focused on giving students the opportunity to participate in Celebrity's ability to create aesthetic beauty in its onboard interior design. Four graduate-level interior design students have the opportunity to make their mark - literally - on Celebrity's widely anticipated fifth Solstice-class ship, which will set sail in 2012.

The students are tasked with working together to update the design of one of the venues on the fifth Solstice-class ship, which will debut in 2012. Their team-based assignment will mirror that of any professional cruise-ship design process, and will include brand immersion, concept development, analysis of the space as a stand-alone venue and as part of the larger ship design. By the end of the program, the students will deliver a full design package for the venue, including all required documentation to secure the successful development, engineering and execution of the design concept. This documentation ranges from the initial inspirations in sketch format to the fully realized accurate computer-generated designs. The project envelope will include not only components related to spatial requirements such as representations of floor layout, walls, ceilings, furniture, finishes and equipment, but also include those components which enhance the unique ambience of every venue, such as signage design, artwork concept, decorative lighting, among others. Celebrity's own Newbuilding Architectural Design team will then partner with the shipbuilder, Meyer Werft, to bring the students' plans to life. Construction on the ship is slated to begin in early 2011 at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.

When Celebrity Cruises launched Celebrity Solstice in 2008, it introduced a new era in cruise ship design. Along with Celebrity's signature extraordinary service and award-winning cuisine, Celebrity Solstice and her four Solstice-class sister ships - two of which are already at sea, with the other two launching in 2011 and 2012 - feature hip, stylish public rooms; larger staterooms inspired by a panel of five women representing a diverse cross-section of discerning travelers; the first solar panels at sea; and the first dedicated glassblowing studio at sea, presented in partnership with the world-renowned Corning Museum of Glass. The ships also offer discerning cruisers the opportunity to enjoy "The Lawn Club," the first lawn of real, growing grass, where guests can practice their golf putting, play croquet and bocce, or simply feel cool grass beneath their feet while miles out at sea; the first Celebrity iLounge, equipped with MacBook Pros; AquaClass, a category of staterooms inspired by the spa lifestyle; five specialty restaurants; and Team Earth.

"Every element of the Solstice-class ships, from the way we laid the staterooms out on each deck to interlock rather than reside side-by-side, to the height and texture of the chairs in the Murano specialty restaurant, is carefully designed to offer our guests an inimitable cruise vacation experience as well as to serve as a functional element of a working, premium hotel," said Harri Kulovaara, Executive Vice President, Newbuilding and Fleet Design for Celebrity's parent company, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. "When we first designed these industry-changing ships, we engaged a panel of women to help us maximize stateroom innovations. Now, we are tapping into the freshest, brightest minds around - those of students at the FIU Master of Interior Design Program - to take one of the venues on our fifth Solstice Class ship to the next level. We welcome their ideas and our team is poised to guide them through this career-enhancing experience."

"We are thrilled that Celebrity Cruises offered our students the first opportunity of this kind," said Janine King, IIDA IDEC, Chair of Florida International University's Department of Interior Design. "Not only will these future designers have hands-on experience, but they will also end up with real plans and real photos of an actual cruise ship venue, when all is said and done, and that's priceless."

The four students are participants in Florida International University's School of Architecture Master of Interior Design program, which soon will offer a 15-credit certificate in cruise ship interior design - the only one of its kind in the nation - in its line-up. The school currently offers a six-credit cruise ship design studio taught by Greg Walton of RTKL, one of the design firms that helped to create the Solstice-class ships. The students participating in the project are all second-year graduate students in the interior design master's degree program. Their international backgrounds illuminate Florida International University's diverse student makeup. All reside in Miami, but Andrea Leano and Jenny Valencia hail originally from Bogota, Colombia. Sabrina Ocner is originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Ismabys Senra is from Havana, Cuba.

For more information about Celebrity Cruises, call your travel agent, dial 1-800-437-3111 or visit www.celebritycruises.com.

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Royal Caribbean Partners With Ecospec on Pilot Test of Emission Abatement System Onboard Independence of the Seas

MIAMI, June 17: Furthering Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.'s commitment to reducing their greenhouse gas footprint by one-third per available passenger cruise day by 2015, the global cruise line today announced that it is partnering with Ecospec to install a pilot test of their CSNOx system on Royal Caribbean International's Independence of the Seas. The CSNOx system was introduced by Ecospec in January 2009, and is the world's first abatement technology reported to remove sulfur dioxide (SOx), oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and carbon dioxide (CO2) from engine emissions in one process. Royal Caribbean is the first cruise operator to initiate a feasibility study with Ecospec to explore the potential for installation of CSNOx systems on a cruise ship.

"Every day, we are actively researching methodologies and technologies that will reduce our emissions of not only SOx and NOx, but also CO2 as part of our comprehensive strategy to reduce our environmental impact," said Jamie Sweeting, global chief environmental officer and vice president of environmental stewardship for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. "Our guiding principle of Above and Beyond Compliance, which is ingrained in our operating philosophy, challenges us to rise above what is required by law. We are optimistic that the CSNOx system will help us to meet our goal."

Previously, the CSNOx technology was installed and tested on White Sea, a Tanker Pacific vessel in 2009. The results of this test, published by Ecospec in February 2010, revealed an impressive 99 percent reduction of SOx, 66 percent reduction of NOx, and a 77 percent reduction of CO2. Additionally, wash water test results also surpassed the International Maritime Organization's exhaust gas cleaning discharge criteria. The Royal Caribbean pilot test is expected to be complete by the spring of 2011.

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Cruise West Sails the Mississippi River Exploring the Big Easy by Small Ship

SEATTLE, WA, June 16: Cruise West, a global leader in small-ship explorations, today announced two new itineraries sailing on the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, and Cumberland Rivers, starting in March, 2011. These inaugural voyages will take place aboard the Spirit of America, formerly the Spirit of Glacier Bay.

“Many of our loyal customers asked us to bring the Cruise West small-ship experience to the Mississippi and other “heartland” rivers… and we are delighted to be able to deliver an experience that will surprise and delight guests with a perspective of the South that can only be achieved by small-ship,” shared Dick West, Cruise West’s Chairman and Managing Director. “My family is extremely proud to offer guests the opportunity to sail an American flagged ship on one of the most iconic American rivers.”

Known to many as America’s Great River Road, the Mississippi is North America’s longest river. For centuries, it has played a major role in commerce as a vital transit route for passengers and freight of every description – including cotton, timber, food, and Appalachian coal. The writings of Mark Twain turned the river into a cultural icon as well. So today, a cruise on the Mississippi is an adventure through history and literature, as well as spectacular vistas.

“This market has been underserved since 2008 with the departure of Majestic Cruise line,” commented Dietmar Wertanzl, Cruise West’s President and CEO. “We are proud to be the only cruise line offering overnight cruises on these great American Rivers.”

Guests will enjoy the iconic South, while sailing the Mississippi River from New Orleans to Memphis, taking in the sights of white mansions, lush gardens, historic plantations, and poignant civil war monuments. In addition to exceptional scenery around every bend, guests on this 7-night itinerary will enjoy all of the following:

• Stopping in Vacherie to visit Oak Alley Plantation, the most photographed plantation in the South.
• Visiting The Myrtles – “America’s Most Haunted House.”
• Discovering the spectacular antebellum and Victorian architecture of picturesque Natchez, Missouri.
• Touring Vicksburg National Military Park, scene of the Civil War battle that gave the North control of the Mississippi.
• Strolling through Helena, Arkansas – one-time home to no fewer than seven generals of the confederacy.
The second new river voyage – a 7-night excursion further up river – begins and ends with two hotbeds of American music, Memphis and Nashville. Guest will follow the Mississippi north to Cairo, at the confluence of the Ohio River. They will cruise on upriver to the Tennessee and the narrow Cumberland River. On this journey, guests will enjoy:
• Exploring the charming and historic town of New Madrid, Missouri.
• Taking in numerous galleries and the Center of Maritime Education in Paducah, Kentucky.
• Walking through Fort Smith – a Civil War staging area once occupied by Ulysses S. Grant.
• Touring Fort Donelson National Battlefield in Dover, Tennessee, site of the first major Union victory.
• Discovering Clarksville, Tennessee, one of the South’s most historic cities and home to memorable architecture and attractions.

Between these itineraries, guests may choose from 8 departure dates with fares that include all excursions and hotel nights as listed. The New Orleans to Memphis (reverse dates noted with asterisk) dates include March 19, April 9*April 16, and May 7*, 2011. The Memphis to Nashville dates include March 26 and April 2*, 23, 30*,2011. Guests can save $600 per person by paying in full by July 30, 2010. For further details, visit www.CruiseWest.com, call 800-296-8307, or contact a travel professional

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Princess Cruises Passengers to Explore the Globe with World Cruises in 2011 & 2012

SANTA CLARITA, CA, June 16: Princess Cruises will offer adventurous passengers two opportunities in 2011 and 2012 to experience one of travel’s most grand voyages – the World Cruise. Sailing to multiple continents and encompassing dozens of the globe’s treasured places, these fascinating itineraries will give travelers the unique opportunity to experience the world while enjoying Princess’ famed style and service. Just announced, the intimate Pacific Princess will sail on a 107-day journey from Ft. Lauderdale to Venice, departing January 13, 2012, offering the line’s popular small-ship cruising experience. For an Australian-style world cruise, Dawn Princess will sail roundtrip from Sydney on May 25, 2011.

Travelers on these voyages will be able to experience numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites – such as Fiordland National Park in New Zealand, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, and historic Cairo – and can opt to travel beyond the ports in some locations with overland excursions to such must-see destinations as the Great Wall of China and Angkor Wat, Cambodia. Pacific Princess will also introduce three new ports for Princess – Santa Marta, Colombia; Puerto Quepos, Costa Rica; and Manama, Bahrain.

“As we know from our long-standing emphasis on destination cruising, our passengers are globetrotters by nature,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “And these world cruises are the ultimate way for them to truly experience so many places of a lifetime all in one voyage – from the Panama Canal to the pyramids of Egypt.”

Pacific Princess – 107 days – January 13, 2012:

This Ft. Lauderdale to Venice itinerary will visit 38 destinations in 28 countries, including the mighty Panama Canal, the idyllic South Pacific, plus the “down under” experience of Australia and New Zealand. Passengers will explore a variety of vibrant Asian cities such as Toyko, experience the bustle of India and Egypt’s legendary monuments, and see some unique European ports, such as Dubrovink, before finally arriving in breathtaking Venice.

Three new ports debut on this voyage: Santa Marta, the oldest city in Colombia, is the site of the last days of Simon Bolivar, the liberator for whom Bolivia is named. From this port, passengers can visit a number of historical sites, including the oldest church in Spanish America, or can enjoy Tayrona National Park for ecological tours and time at the beach. Puerto Quepos offers an off-the-beaten-path experience in Costa Rica, near the ecotourism destination of Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio. Manama, the main port for Bahrain, a small island country in the Persian Gulf, is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fort of Bahrain or Qal’at al-Bahrain (the Ancient Harbour and Capital of Dilmun) plus other numerous archeological sites.

Pacific Princess passengers will also have the opportunity to experience a variety of other UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These remarkable places that make up the planet’s cultural and natural heritage include Fiordland National Park in New Zealand, Sydney Opera House, the Great Blue Mountains near Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef (from Cairns), the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, the historic center of Macau (from Hong Kong), the Taj Mahal (from Mumbai), ancient Petra (from Aqaba), historic Cairo (from Alexandria) and the old city of Dubrovnik. Passengers may also take in UNESCO sites such as the Great Wall of China and Cambodia’s Angkor Wat with several overland adventures available during the voyage.

The full itinerary for the Pacific Princess world cruise adventure starts in Ft. Lauderdale, followed by calls in Aruba and new port of Santa Marta (Colombia), before transiting the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal. The ship then heads up the coast to new port of Puerto Quepos (Costa Rica), and San Juan del Sur (Nicaragua), to San Diego. Passengers will then enjoy crossing the Pacific with visits to Honolulu, Kauai (Nawiliwili), Pago Pago, Tonga (Nuku’Alofa), and then Auckland, and Fiordland National Park in New Zealand. In Australia, the ship visits Burnie, Tasmania and spends two days in Sydney, plus visits Cairns for the Great Barrier Reef. Heading for Asia, the ship calls at Guam, then Tokyo, Hiroshima, Busan, Shanghai, and two days in Hong Kong. Next is Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My), Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Singapore and Phuket. In India, passengers will experience Chennai and Mumbai (for a full-day tour to the Taj Mahal), then the ship reaches Bahrain for the new port of Manama, followed by an overnight call in Dubai. Then it’s on to Salalah, Safaga (for Luxor/Karnak), Alexandria (for Cairo/Giza), and a transit of the Suez Canal. Once in the Mediterranean, the ship calls at Dubrovnik and Koper (for the capital of Slovenia, Lubljana), and then finally on to the final port of Venice.

Dawn Princess – 104 days – May 25, 2011:

Sailing roundtrip from Sydney, this world cruise features an Australian flavor. Dawn Princess will call at 43 intriguing ports on six continents and will introduce some new destinations not seen on her previous global voyages, including Costa Rica, Morocco, Jordan, Israel, Scotland and Norway. Popular destinations such as Singapore, Dubai, the Mediterranean, the Panama Canal and the Hawaiian Islands are also included.

The full cruise itinerary will take passengers from Sydney to Darwin, then across the Equator to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur (Port Kelang), and Langkawi, Malaysia. Then the ship sails to India with calls at Cochin, and Mumbai (for the Taj Mahal). The cruise continues to Abu Dhabi, Dubai (overnight), Muscat (Mina Qaboos), and Aqaba in Jordan (for Petra). Dawn Princess will then sail through the Suez Canal to reach Port Said (for Cairo/Giza), followed by Jerusalem (Ashdod). Then it’s on to the Mediterranean with visits to Mykonos, and Istanbul, with a cruise by ANZAC Cove. The classic ports of Athens (Piraeus), Naples (for Capri & Pompeii), Rome (Civitavecchia), Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Monte Carlo, and Barcelona come up next, followed by Casablanca (for Rabat), Lisbon, Paris/Normandy (Le Havre), and then on to London (Dover). Northern Europe ports include Amsterdam and Bergen, Norway as the ship then sails to Britain and Ireland with calls at Edinburgh/Glasgow (Greenock), Dublin, and Cork (Cobh – for Blarney Castle). Dawn Princess next crosses the Atlantic with a stop in Bermuda on the way to Ft. Lauderdale. Passengers will then visit Cartagena and transit the spectacular Panama Canal. Sailing up the Pacific Coast, the ship reaches Costa Rica (Puntarenas), Acapulco, Manzanillo, and then Los Angeles. Passengers will then enjoy sailing across the Pacific to Honolulu, Tahiti (Papeete), Bora Bora, and Apia (Western Samoa), as the ship heads for home with a final call in Auckland before reaching Sydney once again.

World cruises can also be booked in segments, ranging from 15 to 32 days. The Pacific Princess sailing opens for sale June 17, 2010, the Dawn Princess world cruise is currently available for booking. 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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Astronauts & Medical Expert Headline Crystal's New Science & Technology Cruise

LOS ANGELES, June 15: A brand new Experiences of Discovery voyage will focus on highlights and breakthroughs in science and technology, from space travel to the latest in medical technology, aboard Crystal Cruises' Nov 28 Mexican Riviera voyage. On the impressive roster of experts for Crystal Symphony's seven-day "Riviera Discovery":

-- Captain Robert "Hoot" Gibson - An 18-year NASA astronaut and veteran U.S. Navy fighter pilot, who has commanded four of his five space missions and attended renowned Navy Fighter Weapons School "Topgun";
-- Rhea Seddon - One of the first six women to enter NASA's astronaut program; Mission Specialist on the first Shuttle flight dedicated entirely to life sciences and oversaw all science activities on Spacelab Life Sciences 2; and
-- Christopher M. Coburn - Cleveland Clinic's chief of technology commercialization and Executive Director of Cleveland Clinic Innovations since its inception.

Crystal's technology concierges will also be available for one-on-one instruction in the latest gadgets and favorite travel devices.

"Our guests have always been inquisitive and informed travelers who, now, more than ever, want to learn about the latest developments in the fields that most directly affect their lives," says Chris Corrigall, manager of entertainment. "The Science & Technology theme provides a fun and fascinating forum to discover new, up-and-coming things as well as things one may have always been curious about."

Sailing round-trip from Los Angeles, the voyage visits Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Per person, promotional Two-for-One cruise fares start at $2,165, double occupancy, and include $500 per person 'All Inclusive - As You Wish' shipboard credits. Guests booking a deluxe stateroom with verandah by July 31 will save an additional $500 per person.

The Crystal Experience is distinguished by unparalleled service, abundant space, extensive choices and superior quality - at an exceptional value. For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit www.crystalcruises.com.

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Exclusive Shoreside Events & Excursions Highlight Seabourn Sojourn's 2011 World Cruise

MIAMI, June 15: Guests sailing around the world aboard the new Seabourn Sojourn can look forward to an exciting selection of exclusive shoreside events and experiences along the way. The intimate, all-suite yacht will depart on its world cruise from Los Angeles on Jan 5, 2011, visiting 46 ports during a 111-day voyage that ends in London on April 27, 2011. Guests sailing 99 to 111 days during the Sojourn world cruise will enjoy five complimentary Full World Cruise Events, offering unique, specially created experiences during their global journey. In addition, five exclusive complimentary shore experiences will be offered to all guests on board, including those sailing on shorter segments.

“We’ve designed our world cruise events and activities to enrich our guests’ experiences as they circle the globe on our newest luxury yacht,” said Pamela C. Conover, Seabourn’s President and CEO. “This is an epic journey, and we want to make absolutely sure they return with some unforgettable memories.”

Full world cruise guests will be offered the following exclusive events:

-- South Seas Spectacular: Papeete, Tahiti; Jan. 15, 2011. Guests will enjoy a magical evening of cultural performances and dinner capturing the essence of the South Seas. Arriving guests will receive a rousing welcome from Polynesian warriors, followed by cocktails and a delicious, traditional feast. The grand finale is an enchanting performance of South Pacific song and dance performed outdoors under a canopy of stars.
-- Evening of Cultural Delights and Dinner at Werribee Park Mansion: Melbourne, Australia; Feb 8, 2011. Werribee Mansion is a magnificent Italianate-style mansion evoking 19th century Australia and recreating the opulence and success of early Australian pastoralists. Guests will explore the mansion’s original interior décor and take in sweeping views of the formal gardens of Werribee Park from the balcony. The evening includes a three-course dinner and an exclusive performance by one of Australia’s best opera singers and the Melbourne Children’s Choir.
-- Sky High Reception on the Singapore Flyer: Singapore, March 12, 2011. One of the world’s most dynamic cities, Singapore is a harmonious blend of cultures, cuisines, arts and architecture. Seabourn guests will survey it all from a stunning height of 541 feet on the world’s largest Giant Observation Wheel, providing a breathtaking, 360-degree view of the city-state’s iconic and historical landmarks, from Marina Bay to Raffles Place and the Padang.
-- Arabian Nights Adventure: Dubai, UAE, March 26, 2011. Leaving the towers of Dubai behind, guests will cross the timeless dunes of the desert to discover an opulent desert encampment, with a traditional souk containing exotic spices, dried nuts and a variety of earthenware, as well as an Arabic Majlis, where women can have traditional henna designs applied to their hands and feet. The Arabian night is complete with a “shisha” corner (famous Arabic water pipe), and camels for those who interested in a short encounter with the “ship of the desert.”
-- Dinner at Historic Chateau Kirwan: Bordeaux, France, April 23, 2011. A visit to a winery is a must during any visit to Bordeaux. The event begins with a drive through the Medoc vineyards to one of the region’s most historic wineries and chateau. After a guided tour of the chateau’s extensive cellars and an aperitif-tasting of two wines from the estate, guests will enjoy a delicious gourmet dinner in the sublime surroundings of the chateau.

All guests onboard during any part of the world cruise can partake in any of the five exclusive complimentary shore experiences, which will include:

-- an afternoon of delights with French-colonial cuisine, wine, jewelry and music at the Colonial Fair in Akaroa, New Zealand;
- a Balinese festival and traditional dinner in Padang Bay, Bali, at a sacred royal temple built in the 10th century;
-- a Vietnamese cultural evening in Ho Chi Minh City on the rooftop terrace at the city’s near-legendary Rex Hotel;
-- a savory introduction to authentic, delicious local cuisine in Kerala, India;
-- an enchanting afternoon of tea and traditional music at a Bedouin camp in the mountainous Sinai desert at Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt.

Sojourn’s world cruise shoreside events and experiences are subject to change at anytime.

Rates for the full 111-day world cruise aboard Sojourn begin at $49,995 per person, based on double occupancy. In addition to the exciting array of complimentary shoreside events and experiences, a generous menu of benefits and amenities is available for full world cruise guests, including a pre-cruise Bon Voyage event with dinner and luxury overnight in Los Angeles, Personal Valet luggage shipping service, and shipboard credits of $1,000 per guest ($2,500 per person if booked by June 30). Onboard gala celebrations and special gifts will also be available for guests during the voyage. For travelers who cannot sail on the entire world cruise, shorter segments from 16 to 69 days are available, several of which also offer value-added benefits. For more information, contact a travel agent, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com.

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Norwegian Epic Ready To Set Sail

SAINT-NAZAIRE, FRANCE, June 15: Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Cruise Line’s largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship to date, returned from her final successful sea trials on Sunday, June 13, 2010, after three days of sailing the Atlantic Ocean before she is delivered on June 17. During the sea trials, technicians and engineers from STX FRANCE SA, along with Norwegian Cruise Line representatives, checked more than 60 different aspects of the ship’s performance by running trials of the vessel’s speed, maneuverability, hydrodynamics and propulsion, amongst others. Overall, the ship performed very well and exceeded expectations. Additional photos are posted to the cruise line’s Facebook page at www.ncl.com/facebook.

On June 17, Norwegian Epic will depart the STX FRANCE shipyard and sail to Rotterdam for a two-day inaugural cruise. On June 21, the ship will sail a one-night preview cruise to Southampton, arriving on June 22 for a two-day inaugural sailing. On June 24, the ship will depart Southampton on a sold-out seven-day transatlantic crossing to New York arriving on July 1. The ship will be christened by legendary entertainer Reba McEntire on July 2 followed by a two-day inaugural cruise. Norwegian Epic will be the host venue for the 34th Annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks event taking place on Sunday, July 4. The event includes a national, one-hour, live entertainment broadcast on NBC-TV beginning at 9 p.m. ET. Norwegian Epic arrives in Miami on Wednesday, July 7 where a welcome event will be held at Bicentennial Park from 2-4 pm. For more information on the event, head to epic.ncl.com/epicmiami. Inaugural festivities conclude with a two-day sailing on July 8.

Following inaugural activities, Norwegian Epic will sail alternating 7-day Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami from July 10 through April 30, 2011. Ports of call on the Eastern Caribbean itinerary include Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands; and Nassau, Bahamas. The Western Caribbean cruises visit Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico. The 2011 cruise season from May-October will have Norwegian Epic sailing a series of seven-day Western Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona. When she returns to Miami on November 5, 2011, she will sail a series of seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises through April 7, 2012. For more information on Norwegian Epic and to book a cruise, please call Norwegian at 888- NCL-CRUISE (625-2784), visit epic.ncl.com, or contact a travel professional.

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Costa Cruises Announces New Marketing Agreement With Travelocity

MIAMI, June 15: Costa, Europe’s Number One Cruise Line, is now available on Travelocity, one of the world’s leading online travel retailers. Current 2010 itineraries and future 2011 routes from Costa’s global product may be purchased on the site or by phone with specially-trained Costa product specialists.

“Travelocity’s reach and audience will bring the niche aspect of Costa Cruises to a much wider range of travelers looking to plan their next cruise getaway,” said Maurice Zarmati, president and ceo of Costa North America. “They are a very well-respected brand in the industry with a team that is committed to understanding the key aspects and attributes of our product. We’re thrilled to be aligned with them.”

Costa, the Italian brand of Carnival Corporation, offers a “true European experience” to travelers, combining the charm of the old world with incredible innovations of today. This special brand of Italian warmth and European sophistication makes cruising with Costa much more than a voyage to a new and exciting destination – it’s an experience that creates lifetime memories that linger and make guests smile at unexpected moments. From delectable fresh pastas, warm cappuccinos, international guests who become friends from around the world and charming Italian greetings travelers hear such as “buongiorno” and “buonasera,” sailing with Costa brings the passion and vitality of Italy to sea.

For more information on Costa Cruises or to make reservations, please contact a travel agent, call (800) GO-COSTA or visit www.costacruises.com.

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Holland America Line to Deploy Two Ships in Australia Simultaneously in 2011-12

Seattle, WA, June 14: Holland America Line will deploy ms Volendam and ms Zaandam in Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the South Pacific in 2011-12, marking the first time the line will have two ships sailing a series of itineraries in the region simultaneously. Guests will be able to select from a variety of itineraries ranging from 13 to 26 days, with calls at some of the most popular and exotic ports throughout the Pacific. Travelers looking for a longer exploration will be able to sail a Collectors’ Voyage from 27 to 39 days long that combines two back-to-back itineraries, allowing for an in-depth experience while visiting multiple regions.

“That part of the world has always been popular with our guests, and that greatly influenced our decision to increase our capacity in the region,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs, for Holland America Line. “The entire area has such diverse offerings — from the Great Barrier Reef and fiords of New Zealand to the dramatic landscapes of the South Pacific islands and rich and exotic cultures of the Orient.”

14-day Explorations Highlight Australia and New Zealand
 Volendam will sail a series of 14-day cruises roundtrip from Sydney, Australia, or between Sydney and Auckland, New Zealand, that explore both the North and South Islands. The nine departures from October 2011 thorough March 2012 feature extensive scenic cruising opportunities in Fiordland National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — as well as Milford, Dusky and Queen Charlotte Sounds. Calls at some of the most popular ports like Wellington, Napier and Tauranga highlight the itineraries, along with several evening departures. Following the same itinerary as Volendam, Zaandam also sails a 14-day roundtrip Sydney cruise departing Nov. 25, 2011.

South Pacific Itineraries Feature Exotic Islands
 From Dec 2011 through February 2012 Volendam and Zaandam will sail three 13- or 14-day roundtrip Sydney itineraries to island jewels in the South Pacific. The ships visit lesser-known tropical ports in New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Fiji that are celebrated for their crystalline waters, powdery beaches and dramatic scenery. Guests will be able to soak up the sun and learn about fascinating island cultures.

Mystery & Mythology Showcased in the Far East
 In 2012, Zaandam sails six spectacular 14-day sailings between Singapore or Kobe (Osaka), Japan and Hong Kong, China. Ancient customs and traditions live on in this part of the world, and the mysteries of a little-known region will unravel with each port of call. The cruises — which depart January through March — offer extended stays in several ports, as well as overnight calls at Laem Chabang (Bangkok), Thailand; and Hong Kong, Shanghai and Xingang (Beijing), China. With extra time in port, guests will be able to visit world-famous landmarks such as Hong Kong’s Big Buddha, and the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Great Wall of China, Vietnam’s Halong Bay and Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

Pacific Crossings Offer Unique Ports, Relaxing Days at Sea
 Volendam and Zaandam both offer repositioning cruises to and from Asia and the South Pacific region, ranging from 22 to 26 days. These trans-Pacific adventures provide an excellent opportunity to visit several countries on one cruise, spend relaxing days at sea and require only one-way international airfare.

Volendam departs Sept. 7, 2011, from Vancouver, B.C., on a 26-day cruise that makes its way to Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji and New Caledonia before arriving at Sydney. The ship returns to Vancouver from Sydney on a 23-day itinerary departing April 10, 2012, that also makes calls throughout the South Pacific and the Aloha State.

Zaandam sails from San Diego, Calif., to Sydney on a 26-day crossing via Hawaii and the South Pacific that includes an evening sailing by the Kilauea Volcano. Guests looking for a northern Pacific crossing can sail from Kobe to Vancouver April 1, 2012, on a 22-day journey and explore several ports in Japan before arching up to Alaska and enjoying scenic cruising in Glacier Bay and the Inside Passage.

Sea days aboard a Holland America Line ship are an invitation to unwind and rejuvenate. Guests can fill their time with enriching activities such as cooking demonstrations at the Culinary Arts Center, pampering at the Greenhouse Spa or simply sipping a coffee while reading the news at the Explorations Café. Cruisers looking to make the most out of their time in Asia, Australia and New Zealand can add a pre- or post-cruise land tour to further explore sites such as the Forbidden City in Beijing, Uluru/Ayers Rock or Alice Springs in Australia’s Northern Territory.

For more information and cruise fares, contact a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

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Silversea's Silver Wind to Host 2011 World Leaders Symposium in the Middle East

Ft. Lauderdale, FL, June 14: Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises today announced its collaboration with San Francisco-based World Leaders Travel to host the 2011 World Leaders Symposium, featuring a Middle East voyage aboard Silver Wind. Highlighting the program are such distinguished guest speakers as former U.S. Secretary of State James A. Baker, III, former Egyptian first lady Jehan Sadat, veteran journalist Bill Moyers, and a team of other leading figures in Middle East politics, culture, history, religion, journalism and human rights.

This customized travel event, Dec 29, 2010-Jan 12, 2011, departs from Amman, Jordan, and ends in Dubai, U.A.E. An all-inclusive itinerary includes a comprehensive educational program, a Persian Gulf cruise aboard the exclusively chartered Silver Wind, five-star hotel accommodations, and specially arranged events and excursions in Jordan, U.A.E., Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. Optional program extensions include Christmas in Bethlehem, as well as Iran and Oman.

"We're delighted to have the pleasure of hosting another World Leaders Symposium aboard our elegant Silver Wind," said Steve Tucker, Silversea's vice president of field sales for North America. "Through our collaboration with World Leaders Travel, we're able to offer inquisitive travelers an unmatched educational experience featuring some of the world's most sought-after speakers." Tucker further noted that travel agents will be able to book through World Leaders Travel at their usual Silversea commission level--just as if the agent booked directly with Silversea--and the commission level will be applicable to the entire program starting in Amman and ending in Dubai.

Symposium participants will go beyond the headlines as they engage in dynamic intellectual discussions with keynote speakers, special guests, local experts, and fellow travelers who offer a range of perspectives and personal insights. A seven-night Gulf cruise from Dubai offers opportunities for further exploration in exotic Kuwait City, Dammam, and Doha. Travelers will enjoy the freedom to customize their experience by choosing from a menu of optional, small-group excursions.

Among the highlights are a special New Year's Eve celebration on the shore of the Dead Sea; the rare opportunity to experience the magic of Petra by candlelight; an engaging discussion with female students at Dubai's Zayed University; a private visit to the impressive Arab Organizations Headquarters Building in Kuwait; behind-the-scenes access at the Al Jazeera media complex, the I.M. Pei-designed Museum of Islamic Arts, and the Al Shaqab Arabian horse stables in Qatar; and a meeting with Aramco executives during an excursion to the source of Saudi Arabia's oil wealth, the famous Well #7.

In addition to Baker, Sadat, and Moyers, the educational team also includes Karen Armstrong, best-selling author and expert on world religions; Joan Brown Campbell, director of the department of religion at the Chautauqua Institution; Zalmay Khalilzad, former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., Afghanistan and Iraq; Aaron David Miller, Middle East policy expert and advisor to six U.S. secretaries of state; and Crocker Snow, Jr., director of the Edward R. Murrow Center for Public Diplomacy. Special guests will join the Symposium for various lengths of time. Other notable experts and scholars, including a lineup of local speakers, will be confirmed prior to departure.

Aboard the award-winning Silver Wind, guests will enjoy a crew-to-guest ratio of nearly one to one, an all-inclusive policy that includes a premium assortment of wines and spirits, impeccable service from a courteous and efficient staff, and luxurious onboard amenities. The ship's all-suite accommodations include ocean views, butler service, 24-hour room service; and fine dining features signature dishes by Relais & Châteaux. Of the ship's 149 suites, 115 feature private verandas. There are eight suite categories, ranging in size from the 240 square-foot Vista Suites to the 1,314 square-foot Grand Suites.

Symposium sponsors include the Association of Rice Alumni, Chautauqua Institution, Foreign Affairs magazine, Smithsonian Journeys, Tufts Travel-Learn, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, and World Affairs Council.

For all-inclusive pricing information, a detailed brochure, or to book today, please contact your professional travel advisor, sponsoring organization, or World Leaders Travel at (800) 395-3288, or visit WorldLeadersTravel.com/Silversea.

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

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The Yachts of Seabourn Offers Value Fares On New Seabourn Sojourn

MIAMI, June 10: The Yachts of Seabourn is celebrating the launch of its newest luxury vessel, Seabourn Sojourn, by offering special value fares during the remainder of 2010. The second of three new ultra-luxury yachts launched by the small ship cruise line, Sojourn sailed into the River Thames at London on Friday, June 4, 2010, with British supermodel and enduring fashion icon, Twiggy, onboard as godmother.

For a limited time, Seabourn is offering value fares for Sojourn with round-trip airfare included from $3,699. Or, guests can save up to 65 percent with cruise-only fares from $3,299. Certain restrictions apply, and starting rates vary from sailing to sailing. Itineraries eligible for the value fares include:
· 14-day Norwegian Fjords and Scotland, departing August 8
· 12-day Grand Norwegian Fjords, departing September 15
· 12-day Maiden Transatlantic, departing November 3
· 11-day Maiden Caribbean, departing November 19
· 10-day The Yachtsman’s Caribbean, departing November 30
· 10-day The Yachtsman’s Caribbean, departing December 10

The launch of Sojourn brings the number of ultra-luxury yachts in the Seabourn fleet to five. Sojourn offers travelers highly personalized service in a relaxed, sociable and luxurious atmosphere. Like its sister yacht, Seabourn Odyssey, which took to the waters at Venice last summer, Sojourn can carry 450 guests in 225 spacious suites, 90 percent of which have private verandas. All suites feature separate living areas and bedrooms, writing desks with personalized stationery, iPod and MP3 connections and spacious granite bathrooms with separate bath and shower and twin sinks.
The two-deck, state-of-the-art Spa at Seabourn features a Spa Villa for hours of pure indulgence and relaxation, as well as a Kneipp Walk, herbal bath facility and an aroma steam bath with salt inhalation. The new vessel has four dining venues featuring menus by celebrity Chef Charlie Palmer, as well as six bars and lounges serving a full range of beverages including fine wines and spirits with Seabourn’s compliments.

On Jan. 5, 2011, Sojourn will embark on a world cruise from Los Angeles to London via the South Pacific, New Zealand, around Western Australia, Indonesia and Southeast Asia, India, Arabia and the Mediterranean. Rates for the full 111-day world cruise begin at $49,995 per person, based on double occupancy, and include many exciting benefits and amenities, such as a pre-cruise Bon Voyage event with dinner and luxury overnight in Los Angeles, special shoreside events and exclusive complimentary shore excursions, Personal Valet luggage shipping service, and shipboard credits of $1,000 per guest ($2,500 per person if booked by June 30). Onboard gala celebrations and special gifts will also be available for guests during the voyage. For more information or to book a cruise on any one of The Yachts of Seabourn, contact a travel agent, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com.

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Celebrity Cruises Pairs With Food Network To Present First “Food Network at Sea”

MIAMI, June 10: Celebrity Cruises has long been recognized for offering award-winning cuisine, and in August, the brand will pair the top-rated megaship, Celebrity Solstice, with invitation-only events sponsored by Food Network and designed for culinary enthusiasts, through the first “Food Network at Sea” program.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with Food Network to offer such enticing and exclusive experiences,” said Celebrity Cruises President & CEO Dan Hanrahan. “This program is yet another demonstration of our ‘Designed for you’ brand platform, built around our longtime commitment to identifying and designing what our guests want. We know our guests enjoy cooking and great dining experiences, and many are followers of chefs such as those featured on this sailing, so this is a perfect pairing.”

The only cable channel dedicated to connecting viewers to the power and joy of food, Food Network established Food Network at Sea to allow consumers to not only watch the network, but to experience it firsthand, on the Aug 22, 2010, 7-night Eastern Caribbean sailing of Celebrity Solstice.

In addition to exclusive participation in engaging culinary demonstrations led by star chefs Cat Cora of Iron Chef and Aaron Sanchez of Chefs vs. City, guests who purchase the special cruise package also will have the opportunity to savor the following:

• VIP pierside check-in
• Red carpet “welcome aboard” reception
• “Battle of the Celebrity Solstice Chefs” competition event
• “Dine-around” experience featuring samplings of favorite Food Network recipes
• Access to the Food Network VIP Lounge and screening room
• Caribbean cocktails on Celebrity Solstice’s Lawn Club
• Pre-paid gratuities and special turndown gifts

Complementing the activities offered by Food Network exclusively for guests who book the Food Network at Sea package are the industry-first attributes that guests, travel agents and press have praised about Celebrity Solstice, including its half-acre Lawn Club with real grass, a glassblowing show and studio developed with The Corning Museum of Glass, unrivaled dining venues offering trendsetting cuisine and design, and widely varied entertainment. The 2,850-guest vessel also has spacious staterooms and bathrooms, and several categories of accommodations, including Celebrity’s spa-inspired AquaClass staterooms.

To book the inaugural Food Network at Sea cruise on Celebrity Solstice, call Food Network Travel at 866-951-9925, or visit www.foodnetworktravel.com. The unique Food Network at Sea experiences are available only to guests who book through these avenues.

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Oceania Cruises Launches Engaging New Blog:
‘Taste the Wonderful World of Oceania Cruises’

MIAMI, June 2010: For the first time ever, Oceania Cruises, the award-winning, upper-premium cruise line, affords an insider’s view and insights into what takes place behind the scenes through the line’s new blog – Taste the Wonderful World of Oceania Cruises. The new blog is a home on the Internet where past guests and those interested in learning more about Oceania Cruises can read the latest news about onboard and onshore happenings, product enhancements, interact with key executives, team members and more.

The line’s executives and bloggers-at-large will take readers behind-the-scenes, granting them insider’s access to the ships and the world’s most scenic ports, including videos and still images taken at the Italian shipyard where Marina and Riviera are being built. Oceania Cruises also welcomes its past guests and crew to become guest bloggers. Blog submissions will also be posted to the line’s Facebook page where consumers and travel agents are encouraged to become a fan, and Twitter via the hash tag #FollowOC.

According to Senior Vice President of Marketing James Rodriguez, “Oceania Cruises is incredibly fortunate to have such loyal past guests and travel agent partners. This new blog is an exciting new way for us to engage them in ongoing open dialogue and provide them with unique insights.”

Oceania Cruises welcomes the 1,258-guest Marina in January 2011, followed by Riviera in April 2012. The ships will feature 10 dining venues – six of which are open-seating, gourmet restaurants – including one by Master Chef Jacques Pépin. Facilities will also include a Canyon Ranch SpaClub® and gym, Bon Appétit Culinary Center, swimming pool and hot tubs. Interior design highlights include a Lalique crystal grand staircase, accommodations by Dakota Jackson as well as Owner’s Suites furnished exclusively in Ralph Lauren Home.

To check out the new Taste the Wonderful World of Oceania Cruises blog, go to www.oceaniacruisesblog.com. For more information about the cruise line or brochures, see a travel professional, visit www.OceaniaCruises.com or call toll-free 800-531-5658.

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Norwegian Cruise Line Launches ‘A Million Reasons to Freestyle’ Sweepstakes

Norwegian Cruise Line has launched ‘A Million Reasons to Freestyle’ sweepstakes in tandem with the line’s MasterCard® credit card with WorldPoints® rewards. From now through July 31, 2010, all purchases made on Norwegian Cruise Line with the Norwegian MasterCard credit card will automatically be entered to win one million WorldPoints® points which are redeemable for up to seven, 7-day Caribbean or Mexican Riviera cruises for two in an inside stateroom (worth 137,900 points each), amongst other exciting rewards. One winner will be notified on August 13, 2010.*

The Norwegian Cruise Line MasterCard credit card with WorldPoints rewards offers card members more ways to redeem their points from cruises, upgrades, and on-board credits, to exclusive Norwegian offers such as last minute cruise specials available only to Norwegian card members. Plus, card members have access to the entire WorldPoints catalog and can redeem their points for car rentals, hotel stays, brand name merchandise, gift certificates, cash back and much more.

For every dollar spent on purchases with Norwegian, card members earn double points and for all other purchases, card members will earn one point per dollar spent. Other benefits include a low introductory APR offer†, 10,000 bonus points after first qualifying transaction§ and MasterCard concierge service for dining reservations and hard to find sports, theater and concert tickets and more. For further information about rates, fees, other costs, and benefits or to apply for the Norwegian Cruise Line MasterCard® credit card with WorldPoints® rewards, please visit www.ncl.com/worldpoints.

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Princess Cruises Debuts 2011-12 Americas Program

SANTA CLARITA, CA, June 10: Sun-swept destinations, engineering marvels and a variety cruise options mark Princess Cruises’ just-announced “Americas” program to the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera and West Coast for the 2011-12 season. Season highlights include two new week-long itineraries in the Caribbean, two new 14-day day itineraries through the Panama Canal, and a new seven-day California Coastal route featuring the best of the Golden State’s ports. The line’s Americas season runs from Sept 2011 through May 2012 and includes:

• Caribbean – Five ships sail the sparkling waters of the Caribbean, offering 14 itineraries to more than 20 sun-kissed ports. Passengers can choose from sailings of 7 to 14 days, including two new itineraries – 7-day Southern Caribbean (with Aruba, Curacao and Princess Cays) and Western Caribbean (featuring Belize, Roatan, Grand Cayman and Cozumel) routes on Crown Princess, both roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale.
• Panama Canal – Princess continues to lead the way in Panama Canal cruising with five itinerary options including 10-day partial transits and 14-day itineraries between Ft. Lauderdale and Los Angeles, featuring Coral Princess and Island Princess, ships specifically designed for Canal cruising. On select 14-day departures, Princess offers the Two-Day Experience with a full transit of the Panama Canal and a full-day in Fuerte Amador. In total, passengers can choose from 38 departures, sailing roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale, or between Ft. Lauderdale and Los Angeles, San Francisco or Vancouver.
• Mexican Riviera – Sapphire Princess sails on 7-day Mexican Riviera itineraries roundtrip from the convenient Port of Los Angeles. The ship offers 11 sailings of the popular 7-day roundtrip itinerary from Los Angeles, featuring calls at the festive posts of Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan.
• West Coast Cruising – A new 7-day California Coastal itinerary debuts aboard Sapphire Princess, with three departures sailing roundtrip from Los Angeles with calls at San Diego, Santa Barbara, San Francisco and Ensenada. In addition passengers can enjoy a popular seven-day Wine Country sailing between Los Angeles and Vancouver, plus a selection of coastal voyages ranging from quick overnights to 5-day getaways.

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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The Yachts of Seabourn Offers Value Fares on New Seabourn Sojourn

MIAMI, June 10, 2010 – The Yachts of Seabourn is celebrating the launch of its newest luxury vessel, Seabourn Sojourn, by offering special value fares during the remainder of 2010. The second of three new ultra-luxury yachts launched by the small ship cruise line, Sojourn sailed into the River Thames at London on Friday, June 4, 2010, with British supermodel and enduring fashion icon, Twiggy, onboard as godmother.

For a limited time, Seabourn is offering value fares for Sojourn with round-trip airfare included from $3,699. Or, guests can save up to 65 percent with cruise-only fares from $3,299. Certain restrictions apply, and starting rates vary from sailing to sailing.

Itineraries eligible for the value fares include:
· 14-day Norwegian Fjords and Scotland, departing August 8
· 12-day Grand Norwegian Fjords, departing September 15
· 12-day Maiden Transatlantic, departing November 3
· 11-day Maiden Caribbean, departing November 19
· 10-day The Yachtsman’s Caribbean, departing November 30
· 10-day The Yachtsman’s Caribbean, departing December 10

The launch of Sojourn brings the number of ultra-luxury yachts in the Seabourn fleet to five. Sojourn offers travelers highly personalized service in a relaxed, sociable and luxurious atmosphere. Like its sister yacht, Seabourn Odyssey, which took to the waters at Venice last summer, Sojourn can carry 450 guests in 225 spacious suites, 90 percent of which have private verandas. All suites feature separate living areas and bedrooms, writing desks with personalized stationery, iPod and MP3 connections and spacious granite bathrooms with separate bath and shower and twin sinks.

The two-deck, state-of-the-art Spa at Seabourn features a Spa Villa for hours of pure indulgence and relaxation, as well as a Kneipp Walk, herbal bath facility and an aroma steam bath with salt inhalation. The new vessel has four dining venues featuring menus by celebrity Chef Charlie Palmer, as well as six bars and lounges serving a full range of beverages including fine wines and spirits with Seabourn’s compliments.

On Jan. 5, 2011, Sojourn will embark on a world cruise from Los Angeles to London via the South Pacific, New Zealand, around Western Australia, Indonesia and Southeast Asia, India, Arabia and the Mediterranean. Rates for the full 111-day world cruise begin at $49,995 per person, based on double occupancy, and include many exciting benefits and amenities, such as a pre-cruise Bon Voyage event with dinner and luxury overnight in Los Angeles, special shoreside events and exclusive complimentary shore excursions, Personal Valet luggage shipping service, and shipboard credits of $1,000 per guest ($2,500 per person if booked by June 30). Onboard gala celebrations and special gifts will also be available for guests during the voyage. For more information or to book a cruise on any one of The Yachts of Seabourn, contact a travel agent, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com.

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Celebrity Cruises Pairs With Food Network To Present First 'Food Network At Sea'

MIAMI, June 10: Celebrity Cruises has long been recognized for offering award-winning cuisine, and in August, the brand will pair the top-rated megaship, Celebrity Solstice, with invitation-only events sponsored by Food Network and designed for culinary enthusiasts, through the first "Food Network at Sea" program.

"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with Food Network to offer such enticing and exclusive experiences," said Celebrity Cruises President & CEO Dan Hanrahan. "This program is yet another demonstration of our 'Designed for you' brand platform, built around our longtime commitment to identifying and designing what our guests want. We know our guests enjoy cooking and great dining experiences, and many are followers of chefs such as those featured on this sailing, so this is a perfect pairing."

The only cable channel dedicated to connecting viewers to the power and joy of food, Food Network established Food Network at Sea to allow consumers to not only watch the network, but to experience it firsthand, on the Aug 22, 2010, 7-night Eastern Caribbean sailing of Celebrity Solstice.

In addition to exclusive participation in engaging culinary demonstrations led by star chefs Cat Cora of Iron Chef and Aaron Sanchez of Chefs vs. City, guests who purchase the special cruise package also will have the opportunity to savor the following:

-- VIP pierside check-in
-- Red carpet "welcome aboard" reception
-- "Battle of the Celebrity Solstice Chefs" competition event
-- "Dine-around" experience featuring samplings of favorite Food Network recipes
-- Access to the Food Network VIP Lounge and screening room
-- Caribbean cocktails on Celebrity Solstice's Lawn Club
-- Pre-paid gratuities and special turndown gifts

Complementing the activities offered by Food Network exclusively for guests who book the Food Network at Sea package are the industry-first attributes that guests, travel agents and press have praised about Celebrity Solstice, including its half-acre Lawn Club with real grass, a glassblowing show and studio developed with The Corning Museum of Glass, unrivaled dining venues offering trendsetting cuisine and design, and widely varied entertainment. The 2,850-guest vessel also has spacious staterooms and bathrooms, and several categories of accommodations, including Celebrity's spa-inspired AquaClass staterooms.

To book the inaugural Food Network at Sea cruise on Celebrity Solstice, call Food Network Travel at 866-951-9925, or visit www.foodnetworktravel.com. The unique Food Network at Sea experiences are available only to guests who book through these avenues.

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Holland America Line Expands Its 2011 Group Amenities Program
To Include 41 Amenities

Seattle, WA, June 09: Holland America Line has added new items to its 2011 Group Amenities Program, one of the industry’s most robust group programs in support of travel agents. The GAP menu now features 41 amenities, including the new Home City Air Credits, Charity Benefits, the Holland America Line cookbook “A Taste of Elegance” and a nonalcoholic cocktail party. Travel agents “spend” earned GAP points to select personalized amenities for their group.

“Ranging from non-profit organizations and family reunions to themed cruises, affinity groups are growing steadily as guests seek more tailored experiences,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “Our extensive Group Amenities Program supports travel professionals and helps them maximize revenue by offering an enhanced and customized cruising experience to their groups.”

With the new Home City Air Credit amenity, guests purchasing Holland America Line Home City Air will receive a credit of $50 per person for economy-class tickets and a credit of $75 per person for business class. Guests purchasing alternative transportation will receive a shipboard credit of $25 per person. The credit is available for 2011 group bookings of five staterooms or more.

Available immediately for qualifying groups booked in 2010 and 2011, the new Charity Benefits amenity will make a donation to the group’s charity of choice on their behalf. Groups sailing on four- to 11-day itineraries will donate $50 per stateroom, while groups on cruises of 12 or more days will donate $100 per stateroom.

Other amenities added to the 2011 GAP menu include “A Taste of Elegance,” an internationally published cookbook written by Holland America Line’s Master Chef and Culinary Consultant Rudi Sodamin. An hour-long cocktail party with nonalcoholic beverages and hors d’oeuvres also is available as part of the new GAP menu.

GAP amenities apply to groups of five or more staterooms and are determined by cruise destination, date and length of cruise for the specific group. Other available amenities include private wine tastings, beverage cards, lunch or dinner at the Pinnacle Grill, monogrammed robes and Girls’ and Guys’ Night Out packages. The line also offers customized GAP programs for weddings, family reunions and culinary groups. Agents must finalize their GAP selections 90 days prior to the cruise departure.

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Oceania Cruises Announces 'Pillars of Distinction'

MIAMI, June 9: Oceania Cruises has launched a multi-million dollar initiative to update and enhance its award-winning fleet. The comprehensive "Pillars of Distinction" program--the most significant product investment in the company's history--centers on the three hallmarks of the Oceania Cruises experience: comfort, cuisine and service. The 684-guest Nautica, the first Oceania Cruises ship to undergo its Pillars of Distinction update, re-entered service June 4. Sister ship Insignia will incorporate Pillars of Distinction this November and Regatta in January 2011. All work will occur during regularly scheduled dry-docks.

Pillars of Distinction amenities and design highlights will be incorporated on Oceania Cruises' two new ships, currently under construction in Italy. The 1,258-guest Marina joins the fleet in Jan 2011 and a sister ship, Riviera, is scheduled for delivery in April 2012.

"Oceania Cruises has set new industry standards since we launched the line nearly eight years ago," said Frank Del Rio, the line's founder and chairman/CEO of parent company Prestige Cruise Holdings. "With our new Pillars of Distinction initiative we have raised the bar in upper-premium cruising to ensure that the Oceania Cruises experience remains unmatched."

Stylish Staterooms & Suites
 Under the new program, Oceania Cruises' elegant and well-appointed staterooms and Penthouse Suites will be enhanced with even more luxurious amenities and stylish new decor highlights. Custom, tufted headboards with nail-head trim mounted on floor-to-ceiling Wenge walnut panels provide the dramatic focal point.

Oceania Cruises pioneered the luxury bedding trend at sea in 2003 and the new Prestige Tranquility Beds raise the standard even higher. The bed is composed of 400 encapsulated springs in seven zones that are covered by two inches of memory foam; a two-inch thick cushion filled with gel and wrapped in Chamomile-infused fiber tops the mattress. In addition, all beds will be dressed with 1,000-thread-count, Egyptian cotton linens and duvets and a plush down comforter. All accommodations will also be outfitted with refrigerated mini bars, wall sconces and bedside reading lamps, as well as updated furnishings and bath amenities.

Sophisticated Steakhouse, Spa Cuisine
 Acclaimed for its gourmet cuisine and no-charge specialty restaurants, Oceania Cruises will refine its culinary offerings with new decor in Polo Grill, enhanced menus in Terrace Cafe and Toscana, and the introduction of sublime Canyon Ranch Spa Cuisine.

Polo Grill is Oceania Cruises' most popular alternative restaurant. Here, guests enjoy the finest dry-aged prime beef, chops and poultry, plus succulent seafood, including Maine lobster. Pillars of Distinction enhancements include new leather chairs, carpeting and drapes in hues of crimson, claret, gold and hunter, which evoke the glamour of a sophisticated, yet classic American steakhouse.

Terrace Cafe, a casual venue with both indoor and al fresco seating will expand its lavish breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets. Sushi, sashimi and made-to-order pasta dishes will be complemented with regional delicacies in selected destinations.

Toscana, the line's upscale Italian venue, will enhance its menu with the addition of a gourmet olive oil menu and new favorite family recipes from staff and crew.

In the second phase of its proud partnership, breakfast, lunch and dinner menus in both the Grand Dining Room and Terrace Cafe will feature "Spa Cuisine" selections developed by the culinary team at Canyon Ranch Health Resorts, the number one healthy living company in the world. Canyon Ranch opened the onboard spas in 2009.

Enrichment--Aboard & Ashore
 In order to provide guests with new and unique experiences, Oceania Cruises will expand its onboard enrichment program as part of the Pillars of Distinction initiative. On select sailings Canyon Ranch Healthy Living Experts will offer classes and workshops addressing lifestyle change, healthy living, stress management and a variety of other topics.

To maintain its leadership position in destination cruising, Oceania Cruises' award-winning itineraries will be enhanced with one-of-a-kind shore experiences in many ports. New tours and excursions include visits to the Pope's private place of worship at the Vatican, an "Alaskan Chef's Table," and photo safaris in Kenya, among others.

Pillars of Distinction is an ongoing initiative, with more updates and enhancements to be announced. For reservations or to order a brochure, contact a travel professional, visit www.OceaniaCruises.com or call toll-free at 800-531-5658.

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Baker, Sadat & Moyers to Headline World Leaders Symposium in the Middle East

SAN FRANCISCO, June 9: Under the banner "Explore the world with the people who shape it," World Leaders Travel today announced plans for The Middle East, a World Leaders Symposium featuring former U.S. Secretary of State James A. Baker, III, former Egyptian first lady Jehan Sadat, veteran journalist Bill Moyers, and a team of other leading figures in Middle East politics, culture, history, religion, journalism, and human rights.

This customized travel event, Dec 29, 2010-Jan 12, 2011, departs from Amman, Jordan, and ends in Dubai, U.A.E. An all-inclusive itinerary includes a comprehensive educational program, a Persian Gulf cruise aboard the exclusively chartered Silver Wind, five-star hotel accommodations, and specially arranged events and excursions in Jordan, U.A.E., Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. Optional program extensions include Christmas in Bethlehem, as well as Iran and Oman.

Participants will go beyond the headlines as they engage in dynamic intellectual discussions with keynote speakers, special guests, local experts, and fellow travelers who offer a range of perspectives and personal insights. A seven-night Gulf cruise from Dubai offers opportunities for further exploration in exotic Kuwait City, Dammam, and Doha. Travelers will enjoy the freedom to customize their experience by choosing from a menu of optional, small-group excursions.

Among the highlights are a special New Year's Eve celebration on the shore of the Dead Sea; the rare opportunity to experience the magic of Petra by candlelight; an engaging discussion with female students at Dubai's Zayed University; a private visit to the impressive Arab Organizations Headquarters Building in Kuwait; behind-the-scenes access at the Al Jazeera media complex, the I.M. Pei-designed Museum of Islamic Arts, and the Al Shaqab Arabian horse stables in Qatar; and a meeting with Aramco executives during an excursion to the source of Saudi Arabia's oil wealth, the famous Well #7.

In addition to Baker, Sadat, and Moyers, the educational team also includes Karen Armstrong, best-selling author and expert on world religions; Joan Brown Campbell, director of the department of religion at the Chautauqua Institution; Zalmay Khalilzad, former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., Afghanistan, and Iraq; Aaron David Miller, Middle East policy expert and advisor to six U.S. secretaries of state; and Crocker Snow, Jr., director of the Edward R. Murrow Center for Public Diplomacy. Special guests will join the Symposium for various lengths of time. Other notable experts and scholars, including a lineup of local speakers, will be confirmed prior to departure.

Symposium sponsors include the Association of Rice Alumni, Chautauqua Institution, Foreign Affairs magazine, Smithsonian Journeys, Tufts Travel-Learn, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, and World Affairs Council. All-inclusive pricing, with the exception of international airfare, begins at $19,990 per person, double occupancy. For a detailed brochure or to reserve a suite, contact a sponsoring organization or your professional travel advisor, call World Leaders Travel at (800) 395-3288, or visit www.WorldLeadersTravel.com.

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Princess Cruises Announces 2011-12 Worldwide Sailing Schedules

SANTA CLARITA, CA, June 8: True to its destination cruising heritage, Princess Cruises has just released its 2011-2012 schedule for worldwide voyages featuring intriguing itineraries to Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Tahiti, India, and South America. The "Exotics" program will give passengers the opportunity to explore these fascinating destinations aboard intimate small ships or spectacular larger vessels. Among the program highlights is a new roundtrip 28-day Hawaii, Tahiti & Samoa itinerary from Los Angeles aboard Sapphire Princess, giving passengers an extended South Pacific experience. In South America, the line will expand capacity on sailings around Cape Horn by 50 percent, enabling more travelers the opportunity to make this fabled passage.

The Exotics season runs from September 2011 to May 2012 and includes:

• Asia, Africa & India: A passenger favorite, the 16-day Southeast Asia itinerary between Beijing and Singapore returns in the fall and spring aboard Diamond Princess. Travelers can also choose to sail between Asia and Alaska or Australia, for two-continent adventures. Passengers can explore further with a collection of connoisseur voyages aboard Ocean Princess, visiting unique locations in Asia, the Indian Ocean and West Africa.
• Australia & New Zealand: Princess offers a wide range of options for exploring "down under" with a season of Australia & New Zealand sailings aboard Diamond Princess, connoisseur cruises on Ocean Princess, and "Aussie-style" cruising aboard Sun Princess, Dawn Princess and Sea Princess to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific from Sydney, Melbourne and now Brisbane.
• South America: Princess offers even more opportunities in 2012 for a sailing rite of passage--rounding Cape Horn, the southernmost tip of South America. Star Princess departs on more cruises for a 50 percent increase in capacity on this celebrated route. The ship also sails on a Brazilian Adventure from Rio, and Pacific Princess takes passengers exploring down the mighty Amazon River.
• Hawaii & Tahiti: A new 28-day roundtrip Hawaii, Tahiti & Samoa cruise debuts on Sapphire Princess, offering a new option from Los Angeles. Sapphire Princess joins Golden Princess sailing to the Hawaiian Islands on the line's popular 14-day roundtrip Los Angeles itinerary. Ocean Princess also sails on a series of 10-day Tahiti & Polynesia and 11-day Hawaii & Tahiti voyages.

Princess' Exotics program cruises open for sale on June 17, 2010. 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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Enhance Your Photography Skills Aboard the M/S Paul Gauguin

New York, NY, June 8: Paul Gauguin Cruises is proud to introduce a collaboration with award-winning commercial photographer Roger Paperno, whose work is in demand by Fortune 100 companies and fine-art photographer Jesse Kalisher, whose work is in the permanent collections of the Louvre, the Smithsonian, and other museums around the country. Guests aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin during the August 7th sailing to Tahiti and the Society Islands, as well as the August 14th sailing to the Society Islands and Tuamotus, are invited to participate in a learning opportunity that covers an incredible range of photographic challenges and lessons through an elite photographic tour of the paradise that is French Polynesia. The Tahiti Photography Workshops are the first of many themed sailings in the South Pacific focusing on a variety of subjects and interests.

Celebrated photographers Jesse Kalisher and Roger Paperno and accomplished graphic designer and artist Helen Kalisher share their knowledge about their art as they lead an unparalleled photo-expedition that covers everything from tropical flowers and white-sand beaches to magnificent views of Cook's Bay, Mt. Rotui, and an ancient Tahitian stone temple.

“We at Paul Gauguin Cruises are excited to initiate such an innovative and exclusive experience for our guests. We pride ourselves on being destination specialists, and this photography workshop is yet another program in which we invite our guests to become one with French Polynesia,” comments Richard Bailey, President of the m/s Paul Gauguin’s owning team Pacific Beachcomber, S.C.

The course will cover every aspect of photography on islands that deliver one amazing photograph after another. Through the photography-themed sailings, participants will learn:

- How to capture movement when photographing local flora
- When to use a wide-angle lens or a telephoto lens
- How and where to add perspective
- How to find the perfect shot
- How photographers capture the majesty of this spectacular landscape
- How to control light to create beautiful portraits in magnificent settings

Famed photographer Roger Paperno believes in the “Zen of photography,” and how emotion and energy can impact a photograph. His class teaches photographers how to approach each photo with a calm, clear state of mind to improve the quality of their work. Paperno will teach guests about basic photography and techniques, and will also illustrate how the feelings behind the photo are essential to the art of photography.

Jesse Kalisher will engage his fellow photographers in an exploration of how he sees the world through the camera lens, as well as basic tips and tools for every level participant. Kalisher has taught this class around the world and believes that the secret to capturing fantastic photos is found in the joy of the moment. He will share some tips that have made his photography famous, coveted by museum curators around the world.

Helen Kalisher teaches the basics and tricks of Photoshop, where she has created logos and web pages for Apple Computer and travel guides for Dorling Kindersley. Kalisher has successfully combined an artist’s eye with her love of photography, translated through her mastery of Photoshop.

The photographic tour also includes exclusive shore excursions, private portfolio review, a hosted dinner, and round-table discussions. The cost for the photography workshops are $350 per person. For rates and reservations for Paul Gauguin Cruises, contact a Professional Travel Agent, call 1-800-848-6172, or visit www.pgcruises.com

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Celebrity Cruises Designs More Ways For Guests To Enjoy Europe

MIAMI, June 7: From award-winning ships to world-class cuisine, from extraordinary service to inspiring activities, the “Designed for you” brand platform exemplifies the way Celebrity Cruises creates experiences based on what discerning cruisers want most. Now, as a result of research into what would enhance its guests’ Europe experience, Celebrity has expanded its already dynamic shore excursion line-up by designing several new ways for guests to explore the region. An expanded private tour offering allows guests to explore Europe’s fascinating ports in a way geared toward their individual interests, and enhancements to the line’s “easy” shore excursions aim to expand the number of in-port tour options available to guests with mobility issues. Also new this summer, for guests visiting Venice, Italy while sailing on Celebrity Century, Celebrity Equinox, and the brand-new Celebrity Eclipse, is a twist on “voluntourism”: anyone purchasing a shuttle bus pass from Celebrity in Venice can enjoy a free ticket to 16 of Venice’s most revered and historically relevant churches. This offering is unique to Celebrity and sister line Royal Caribbean Intl.

Celebrity’s new private tour arrangements program gives cruisers a way to see many of Europe’s most compelling ports the way they personally would like to do so and at their own pace, from the exclusive comfort of a private car or van. While its group excursions remain extremely popular, particularly for giving cruisers a comprehensive taste of a region’s highlights, Celebrity’s private arrangements are designed for the discerning cruiser who prefers a more exclusive and customized in-port experience that takes them more deeply into a region, with the added bonus of a more flexible timetable.

In St. Petersburg, Russia, in addition to its regular shore excursion program, Celebrity has long offered private arrangements, given the country’s visa requirements, which allow guests on a cruise-line sponsored excursion or private arrangement an exemption from obtaining a tourist visa. In addition to the 30 private arrangements offered in St. Petersburg, Celebrity also is offering private arrangements in Rome (Civitavecchia), Florence (Livorno), Cagliari (Sardinia), and Naples, Italy; Athens (Piraeus) and Corfu, Greece; Ashdod and Haifa, Israel; Istanbul, and Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey; Alexandria, Egypt; Stockholm, Sweden; and Helsinki, Finland.

The program accommodates anywhere from one to eight guests traveling together; groups of more than eight can make arrangements through Celebrity’s groups shore excursion program. Like Celebrity’s other shore excursions, as well as beverage packages and specialty dining arrangements, the private arrangements are available for pre-cruise booking via the line’s website. When pre-booking online, one guest in the party reserves the vehicle for a single price that covers one to three guests in a car or four to eight guests in a van. Guests whose native tongues differ from English may request a guide who speaks other languages, such as German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish, among others.

Guests can request that an existing tour be offered as a private arrangement, or design a custom arrangement featuring his or her own in-port experience. To pre-book a custom arrangement, guests can visit www.celebritycruises.com to complete a custom arrangement form. After submitting the form, the guests will be contacted to create their specific agenda for the day in conjunction with their tour guide and/or driver.

Celebrity has also designed expanded shore excursion offerings in Europe, to make it simple for cruisers who face mobility challenges to enjoy the region. In its 2010 summer Europe season, Celebrity will offer at least 35 “easy” shore excursions – 15 of them brand-new – catering to guests who have walking difficulties and are not able to handle steps or extended periods of walking or standing, or for guests who are full-time wheelchair users. One of these new tours, offered in Dubrovnik, Croatia, is “Easy Seaside Resort of Cavtat and Dubrovnik.” During this tour, guests will visit the quaint seaside town of Cavtat and explore the fascinating walled city of Dubrovnik. In Helsinki, Finland, “Easy Helsinki” offers guests the opportunity to experience the Finnish capital’s highlights, including Embassy Park, Mannerheim Street and the Olympic Stadium. Because Celebrity’s “easy” shore excursions utilize special equipment such as access ramps and lifts on vehicles and space is limited, guests are encouraged to book Celebrity’s “easy” shore excursions by contacting in advance of their cruise.

Also new this summer, for guests visiting Venice, Italy while sailing on Celebrity Century, Celebrity Equinox, and the brand-new Celebrity Eclipse, is a twist on “voluntourism.” Anyone purchasing a shuttle bus pass from Celebrity in Venice can enjoy a free ticket to 16 of Venice’s most revered and historically relevant churches. Celebrity Cruises and sister line Royal Caribbean International are the only two cruise lines to have partnered with Venice church preservation group “The Chorus Association” to offer this benefit during cruises that visit the historic city. The Chorus Association will invest the $13-per-person ticket value in the restoration and maintenance of the priceless churches and the cultural heritage represented in the more than 1,000 pieces of art that reside in the churches. The Chorus Association’s aim is to contribute to the safeguarding, conservation and restoration of the architectural and artistic heritage of churches in Venice.

Celebrity Cruises is designed for discerning cruisers, with modern, sophisticated environments, impeccable service, enriching and inspiring onboard programs, and world-class cuisine. Celebrity’s fleet currently consists of nine ships. Its $3.7-billion investment in building five stylish Solstice Class ships between 2008-2012 represents the largest newbuild commitment for a single brand in industry history. For more information, call your travel agent, dial 1-800-437-3111 or visit www.celebritycruises.com

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Kids Sail Free Aboard Crystal Serenity Holiday Voyage

LOS ANGELES, June 7: Crystal Cruises is sweetening the deal for families on Crystal Serenity's Christmas/New Year cruise through the Caribbean. In addition to Two-for-One cruise fares, generous shipboard credits and Crystal Family Memories program offering perks for groups of six or 10, children age 17 and under can sail free with two full-fare adults aboard the award-winning ship's 14-day, Dec 21 "Tropical Holiday" voyage roundtrip from Miami. Junior Activities Directors will be on board to host complimentary supervised behind-the-scenes activities, and optional babysitting is available.

"A Crystal holiday cruise is a fantastic opportunity for families to enjoy six-star luxury, festive celebrations and create memories of a lifetime," says Bill Smith, senior vice president, sales and marketing. "With the growing trend in multi-generational groups sailing together, the added savings makes a Crystal cruise an even greater value."

Along with programs for junior cruisers, adult guests can enjoy dozens of classes through Crystal's Creative Learning Institute and Crystal Visions Lecture Series, including stimulating presentations from a National Geographic scientist and an expert in Russian foreign policy. Ashore, Crystal Adventures offer helicopter views, deep sea fishing and zip lining throughout the Caribbean.

Crystal Serenity will dazzle guests with more than $100,000 of exquisite seasonal decor and adornments, including handcrafted ornaments, ornate sleighs and elaborate displays. Lavish holiday dinners, parties and entertainment are planned for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, culminating with a black tie gala New Year's Eve celebration. Clergy will be aboard to conduct religious services.

From Miami, Crystal Serenity calls at St. Thomas, Barbados, St. Lucia and Antigua, St. Maarten, Curacao and Grand Turk. For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit www.crystalcruises.com.

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Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam to Feature
Multiple Dining Options, Diverse Cuisine

Seattle, WA, June 7: The newest Holland America Line Signature-Class ship, the ms Nieuw Amsterdam, will debut July 4, 2010, with exceptional dining options featuring a selection of diverse, innovative restaurants serving international cuisine. Each venue is highlighted by elegant décor for a one-of-a-kind culinary event. The line also will introduce an intimate dinner experience with an exclusive menu and wine pairing called the Master Chef’s Table in the Pinnacle Grill. With Holland America Line’s As You Wish dining, Nieuw Amsterdam guests can select the restaurant venue and style they prefer, from fixed dining to open seating or casual meals throughout the ship. The 2,106 guests aboard Nieuw Amsterdam can enjoy the sophistication of the Manhattan Dining Room, alternative restaurants Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto and Tamarind, or casual dining at the Terrace Grill, Slice pizzeria and Lido poolside eateries.

“Nieuw Amsterdam has the largest and most flexible array of dining options that we’ve ever offered on a ship, and guests can choose from gourmet-quality fare served in glamorous restaurants to comfort food favorites in relaxed, casual surroundings,” said Richard D. Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line. “No matter what their preference, Nieuw Amsterdam guests will experience our award-winning service and exceptional cuisine in all of our venues.”

Nieuw Amsterdam will debut the intimate Master Chef’s Table in the Pinnacle Grill that includes an exclusive dinner menu for up to 18 guests who will have the opportunity to experience fine dining at its best. Each meal is enhanced with specially selected wine pairings by the ship’s sommelier. The evening includes seven courses served on signature Versace china, each personally delivered by a special culinary expert who will be the evening’s host. The cost for a Master Chef’s Table evening is $89 per person.

Selected the best alternative restaurant at sea by Porthole magazine, the Pinnacle Grill offers a sophisticated and memorable dining experience for a $10 charge per person for lunch and $20 for dinner. Beautifully appointed Bvlgari china, Riedel stemware and Frette linens create the ideal atmosphere for enjoying superior cuisine and wine selections. Guests may choose to dine on Dungeness crab cakes, filet mignon featuring Sterling Silver beef, grilled veal chops or lobster bisque with aged sherry.

Featuring panoramic ocean views, the Asian specialty restaurant Tamarind delights guests with its unique decor, beautifully presented cuisine, and gracious and attentive service. The restaurant reflects Asian culture and cuisine by emphasizing nature’s basic elements: water, wood, fire and earth. The menu’s “water” main courses feature sea bass with a hoisin-lime glaze and baked snapper in rice paper; “wood” entrees include Wasabi soy beef tenderloin encrusted steak served on a cedar plank; “fire” dishes include red penang curry coconut chicken; and “earth” menu items encompass vegetarian dishes such as sweet and sour vegetable tempura. Dinner at Tamarind is $15 per person, while lunch is complimentary.

Nieuw Amsterdam’s main restaurant, the two-level Manhattan Dining Room, offers a culinary experience worthy of its namesake. Guests are met by gracious hosts and tended to throughout the meal by attentive staff. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner for guests looking for a more formal dining venue, menus offer a variety of options, including Greenhouse Spa selections. For breakfast, guests may choose a personalized omelet or one of several international favorites including the Dutch breakfast of uitsmijter, a classic open-faced sandwich with sliced ham, Gouda cheese and two eggs sunny side up; a full English breakfast with bangers (sausage), baked beans, eggs and a grilled half tomato, or a Japanese meal of hot miso soup, broiled salmon, steamed white rice, tamagoyaki and hot green tea. Lunch features a selection of signature items such as salad nicoise with grilled salmon, chicken pesto Panini and cilantro and mint crusted tuna. The five-course dinner menu showcases everything from soups and salads to quail with apricot bread stuffing, ginger grilled chicken with mango lime relish and halibut with roasted corn salsa and plantains.

Guests can savor classic Italian fare with casual tableside service at Canaletto, located adjacent to the Lido Restaurant dining area. Named for the famous 18th-century Venetian artist, Canaletto’s dinner-only menu includes traditional seafood, pasta, and meat and veal dishes. The restaurant is complimentary, yet reservations are recommended.

The ocean-view Lido Restaurant offers guests breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets in a relaxed, casual setting with everything from carved meats to fresh seafood, fruits, vegetables, pastas, salads and desserts. For dinner, the Lido Restaurant features waiter service for guests who desire a more casual dining environment. The Terrace Grill is a casual poolside eatery serving burgers and fries and other grilled favorites, plus a selection of healthier choices including wraps, paninis and pita sandwiches. The popular Slice pizzeria serves whole pies and slices to order. Among the featured pies are margherita, shrimp and mussel rustico, quattro formaggi, and prosciutto and arugula.

Rounding out the dining options is the complimentary In-Stateroom Dining service. Guests can order off the daily menu during dining hours or from a daytime and 24-hour menu with an extensive range of selections from light snacks to hearty dishes.

Each Nieuw Amsterdam cruise will feature three distinct tea-time themes: Traditional Dutch High Tea provides a classic sampling of desserts and cakes with tea and coffee. The Indonesian Tea Ceremony harkens to the culture of many of the ship’s crew with courteous service and traditional attire along with local tea varieties and sweets from the Indonesian Archipelago. And the whimsical Cupcake Tea serves 12 types of decadent cupcakes.

Built at Fincantieri’s Marghera yard near Venice, Italy, Nieuw Amsterdam will sail its maiden voyage July 4, 2010. After several 12-day Mediterranean sailings, the ship embarks on a fall trans-Atlantic crossing to the Caribbean where it will sail seven-day eastern and western itineraries from November 2010 through March 2011. Her Royal Highness Princess Máxima of the Netherlands will serve as the ship’s godmother. For more information and cruise fares, contact a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

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Carnival Cruise Lines Provides Cash Back of Up To $160 Per Stateroom On Wide Variety Of ‘Fun Ship’ Departures Through February 2011

MIAMI, June 7: Back by popular demand, Carnival Cruise Lines is offering a promotion providing “cash back” of up to $160 per stateroom for a wide range of “Fun Ship” departures through February 2011. The promotion is available in conjunction with virtually all of the line’s 3- to 8-day “Fun Ship” cruises, including voyages to the Caribbean, Bahamas and Mexico, departing from a variety of convenient North American homeports. Bookings must be made between June 7–30, 2010, to be eligible for the cash back promotion.

The cash back option is provided in the form of a shipboard credit that can be redeemed once on board. Guests will receive a shipboard credit of up to $80 per stateroom on three-, four- and five-day cruises and up to $160 per stateroom on voyages of six days or longer. The promotion is valid only with the line’s “Fun Select” fares. The shipboard credit is automatically applied to guests’ on-board accounts when they board their cruise and can be redeemed toward a wide range of shipboard purchases, including shore excursions, spa treatments, steakhouse reservations, gift shop items and more. Any unused funds at the end of the cruise will be returned to guests on debarkation day in the form of a check.

“Our first cash back promotion was one of our most successful ever, receiving an overwhelmingly enthusiastic response from both our guests and travel agent partners. This promotion makes a Carnival cruise an even greater value for consumers by providing extra cash that can be used toward a wide variety of shipboard purchases,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO.

Carnival is the largest and most popular cruise line in the world, with 22 “Fun Ships” operating voyages ranging from three to 12 days in length to The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, New England, Europe, and Bermuda. The line currently has two new 130,000-ton ships on order – Carnival Magic, set to debut from Europe May 1, 2011, and Carnival Breeze, scheduled to enter service in spring 2012. For additional information and reservations on the “Fun Ship” vacation experience, call 1-800-327-9501.

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Royal Caribbean Teams With The Culinary Institute Of America To Find Chef For Signature Restaurant On Board Allure of the Seas

MIAMI, June 7: Things are heating up at Royal Caribbean International. After wowing the world with the debut of Oasis of the Seas last fall, the cruise line is preparing to do it once again this December with the launch of their newest ship, Allure of the Seas. The sister-ship to Oasis, Allure will share the title of world’s largest and most innovative cruise ship and will boast many of the same ground breaking features and amenities, including the highly acclaimed signature restaurant 150 Central Park. Continuing the tradition that was set onboard Oasis, Royal Caribbean will once again select an up-and-coming culinary superstar to lead the kitchen of 150 Central Park on Allure, and this time has the distinct privilege of partnering with The Culinary Institute of America (CIA), the world’s premier culinary college, to find the perfect candidate.

Today through June 20, 2010, graduates of The Culinary Institute of America with either a bachelor’s or associate degree, can show off their culinary prowess and creativity by entering the “Allure of the Seas Culinary Challenge” for a shot at the job of a lifetime – a one-year paid contract to be the Chef de Cuisine of 150 Central Park onboard Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Allure of the Seas. Entrants are required to create an original, signature recipe that could potentially be featured on the menu of 150 Central Park as well as submit a video entry to www.allureoftheseas.com/culinarychallenge demonstrating the preparation of the dish and explaining why they should be chosen as Chef de Cuisine.

At the conclusion of the entry period, judges will select 10 semi-finalists, whose videos will be posted to the contest website and open to consumers to vote for their favorite chef between June 28 and July 11. Consumers who register to vote will have the opportunity to win a trip for two onboard an Allure of the Seas preview sailing this November, including a dinner prepared by the winning chef. The five chefs with the highest number of votes, along with one “judges choice” entrant, will become finalists and will be invited to participate in a final culinary challenge held at The Culinary Institute of America’s Hyde Park campus in New York on August 5 and 6. During the final challenge the finalists will be required to conduct an interview with, as well prepare a three-course meal for, an esteemed panel of judges from Royal Caribbean and The Culinary Institute of America, who will ultimately select the Chef de Cuisine for 150 Central Park on Allure of the Seas. The culinary challenge will be documented in a sseries of webisodes on www.AllureOfTheSeas.com.

“We are extraordinarily honored to have support from, and access to the incomparable talent and resources of, The Culinary Institute of America,” says Frank Weber, vice president, Food and Beverage Operations, Royal Caribbean International. “Similar to Oasis, rather than partner with a celebrity chef whose schedule would not allow for full time involvement onboard the ship, our objective was to give the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to an extremely talented rising star who would become the face and personality of our signature restaurant. There is no doubt we will find this among the CIA’s alumni.”

Located in the lush and tropical grounds of the ship’s Central Park neighborhood, 150 Central Park will feature décor that will embrace the mellow earth tones, unique textiles and fixtures inspired by nature’s four seasons. Inspired by the simple elegance concept of trend-setting restaurants in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles, each detail of 150 Central Park will be dedicated to enhancing the dining ambiance, from the tabletops to the service team uniforms. The restaurant menu and certain design aspects will be developed and determined by the winning chef of the Allure of the Seas Culinary Challenge.

Allure of the Seas shares the title of the world’s largest and most revolutionary cruise ship with sister-ship Oasis of the Seas. An architectural marvel at sea, she will span 16 decks, encompass 225,282 gross registered tons, carry 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and feature 2,700 staterooms. Allure of the Seas will tout Royal Caribbean’s exclusive neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which will include Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone. The ship will alternate a Western Caribbean with an Eastern Caribbean seven-night itinerary from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Additional information is available at www.AllureoftheSeas.com.

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Save on Balcony Staterooms for Fall Foliage, Canada/New England Cruises with MSC

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, June 7: Now is the ideal time to book one of the following fall foliage vacations with MSC Cruises onboard MSC Poesia while taking advantage of new, reduced rates for guests who book a balcony stateroom on select fall foliage cruises from New York City and Quebec City.

• 10-night “Dazzling Fall Foliage” cruise roundtrip from New York City and calling in Sydney, Nova Scotia; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Quebec City, Quebec; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Newport, Rhode Island; and New York, New York. Sept 22;
• 7-night “Scenic Splendors of Fall” cruise from New York City and calling in Halifax, Nova Scotia; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Corner Brook, Newfoundland; and Quebec City, Quebec; Oct 2; 
• 7-night “Brilliant Colors of Fall” cruise from Quebec City and calling in Sydney, Nova Scotia; Bar Harbor, Maine; Boston, Massachusetts; Newport, Rhode Island; and New York, New York. Oct 9;
• 7-night “Captivating Colors of Canada” cruise from New York City and calling in Halifax, Nova Scotia; Sydney, Nova Scotia; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; and Quebec City, Quebec. Oct 16;
• 9-night “Autumn Leaves to Palm Trees,” cruise from Quebec City and calling in Sydney, Nova Scotia; Boston, Massachusetts; Newport, Rhode Island; New York, New York; and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Oct 23;
• 6-night “Maple Leaves & Mansions” cruise from Quebec City and calling in Sydney, Nova Scotia; Boston, Massachusetts; Newport, Rhode Island; and New York, New York. Oct 23.

Rates are available for residents of the US and Canada; offer is per person, based upon double occupancy, cruise only, and subject to availability. For more information, visit www.MSCCruisesUSA.com, call 877-665-4655, or contact a local travel professional.

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Americans Explore Ancient Wonders of North Africa,
Including Libya, with Voyages to Antiquity

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, June 7: Voyages to Antiquity's itinerary titled, "Carthage Is To Be Deleted," provides travelers holding American passports an exceptional opportunity to visit and explore the wonders of Libya, now that the country has entered into a groundbreaking trade and investment agreement lifting all visa restrictions on U.S. citizens. This itinerary provides international passengers the perfect opportunity to experience an unforgettable voyage of discovery throughout North Africa, including Libya, Sicily and Tunisia, and we are pleased that now includes Americans," said Mitchell J. Schlesinger, director of sales and marketing for Voyages to Antiquity.

"Carthage Is To Be Deleted" is a spectacular itinerary exploring the Greco-Roman sites of North Africa, which are among the most magnificent and well preserved to be found anywhere in the world. Visiting the spectacular temples and cities created by the Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans along the southern coast of the Middle Sea is the highlight of this itinerary.

The cruise begins in Athens, Greece and sails to Syracuse, Sicily - the site of one of the great battles of the Second Punic War between Rome and Carthage. From there Aegean Odyssey continues to Valletta, Malta; Tunis and Sousse in Tunisia for an exploration of ancient Carthage then on to Tripoli, the fascinating capital of Libya, and Al Khums, to visit one of the great archaeological sites in the Mediterranean - Leptis Magna. It is then onto Benghazi and Cyrene in Libya before departing for Alexandria, Egypt, the city founded by Alexander The Great in 332 BC and once the site of the Pharos lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The cruise culminates in Cairo, where guests explore the Pyramids and Sphinx in Giza.

Guests can join this 16-day cruise program, Nov 1-16, 2010 with a host of special amenities: complimentary shore excursions, gratuities, wine with dinner, FREE to $199 air add-ons from more than 70 North American gateways, transfers and porterage.

About Voyages To Antiquity
 Inspired by The Middle Sea, authored by Lord John Julius Norwich, Voyages to Antiquity was created to offer sophisticated travelers an unparalleled destination immersion and educational experience combining the very best in cultural travel in a tranquil, informal atmosphere. The inaugural season is focused entirely on the Mediterranean, Adriatic and Aegean Seas as well as North Africa and the Red Sea. For more information about Voyages to Antiquity, call (877) 398-1460 or visit www.voyagestoantiquity.com

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Predecessors in Cunard’s Fleet Serve as Inspiration for Fine Restaurants
& Bars Aboard New Queen Elizabeth

June 7: Having satisfied the palates of distinguished travelers for the past 170 years, Cunard Line continues this tradition as it announces the fine restaurants and bars aboard the Line’s newest ship, Queen Elizabeth, debuting this fall. Guests will be treated to an array of experiences, some of which pay homage to fondly remembered venues on the fleet’s predecessors and others that expand upon the successful restaurants and bars currently aboard sister ships, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria. The venues will exhibit art deco flourishes, rich wood paneling, intricate mosaics, gleaming chandeliers and cool marbles, each having a distinct design that enhances the room’s purpose and recalls the much loved traditions of Cunard Line.

“In planning for the dining and bar options to be offered on board Queen Elizabeth, we looked for inspiration in all the venues that Cunard has created during its history and built upon the best of its offerings,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. “With the debut of Queen Elizabeth, Cunard will become one of the oldest names in ocean travel, sailing the industry's youngest fleet, so it is natural for us to recognize our past while always innovating for the future needs of today’s discerning traveller.”

Whether guests look to participate in traditional British tea service, meet up with friends for a cocktail, indulge in a sumptuous meal or find a quiet table to enjoy a nightcap, they will find themselves surrounded by elegant décor, treated to Cunard’s signature White Star Service™ and the finest in food and beverage offerings. Heading the multi-layered culinary program is Cunard’s renowned Global Culinary Ambassador Jean-Marie Zimmermann, who continues to define the culinary standards for excellence aboard flagship Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and now Queen Elizabeth.

The Verandah – Continuing a Tradition of Fine Dining at Sea
 In their day, The Verandah Grills on Queen Mary and the original Queen Elizabeth were perhaps the most exclusive dining rooms at sea, on a par with exclusive private clubs in London, New York and Paris. On the former Queens, The Verandah Grills were available to first-class passengers who wanted a truly exclusive experience. The rooms would be frequented by royalty, film stars, the rich and the famous. In keeping with this tradition, The Verandah restaurant on the new Queen Elizabeth will offer an experience that encompasses exquisite cuisine, contemporary design and impeccable service.

With menus created by Chef Zimmermann, The Verandah, located on Deck 2, will be a celebration of fine French cuisine, paying homage to the chef’s homeland. A light and elegant room, views of the ocean and the Grand Lobby will set the tone for a distinguished dining experience. The art is inspired by the playful and whimsical murals on the first two Queens and the vintage menus tell a story of the dining experience on board the original Queen Elizabeth. Guests will experience an emotional link to those that dined on the original Queen Elizabeth whilst enjoying the very best in French Cuisine.

The dishes served will take guests on a culinary journey through France, evoking the special personality and flavor of regions such as Périgord, Pyrenees, Alsace, Bresse and Burgundy. Sourcing products from the finest purveyors, including many in France, Chef Zimmermann will combine these with the best methods to achieve the quintessential taste experience. Guests can look forward to enjoying culinary masterpieces, such as Monkfish and Rascas Fish Bouillabaisse, Magret Duck, Baked Brie de Meaux Brioche, and Hot Vanilla Soufflé infused with Edmond Briottet Peach Liqueur. The anticipated alternative restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner for a small surcharge.

The Grills – The Ultimate in World-Class Private Dining at Sea
 The restaurants will follow a similar pattern to the award-winning Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, with the Line’s celebrated five-star Queens Grill and Princess Grill restaurants being offered to those guests in Grills suites. Both the Queens Grill and Princess Grill restaurants will be located on top of the ship (Deck 11), enclosed by graceful and gently curving panoramic glass walls on the seaboard sides, and cantilevered out over the side of the vessel above Deck 10. The Grills restaurants will offer a single seating, allowing for guests to enter at a time of their choosing. A la carte menus will be featured in both restaurants, featuring classic dishes Cunarders have come to know well and some new specialties.

The restaurants, although architecturally similar, will be decorated distinctly in an Art Deco fashion to create an individual feel in each dining room. Grills guests also will have exclusive use of their own private bar and lounge, conveniently located next to the Grills restaurants, complete with resident Concierge. French-style doors will open from each Grills restaurant onto the Courtyard, an exclusive patio area, where al fresco dining will be offered. Steps will lead up to the Grills Terrace, a secluded retreat that is on the ship’s uppermost deck, where Grills guests can enjoy luxurious sun beds and dedicated waiter service.

Britannia Restaurant – Refined Dining and Service at its Best
 The main dining room, the Britannia Restaurant, is destined to be one of the most remarkable dining rooms at sea, spanning Decks 2 and 3 at the stern of the vessel. Art Deco decorative flourishes create a dramatic backdrop for this two-tiered dining room that is sure to evoke memories of classic ocean liner restaurants. A sweeping staircase, ideal for making a grand entrance, and a backlit decorative ceiling are among the focal points. Breakfast and lunch will be served by open seating and guests have the option of either early or late sitting for dinner.

Britannia Club – Separate Single Seating Restaurant
 Like Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth also will offer the Britannia Club, where guests travelling in AA category staterooms will enjoy single-seating dining at a time of their choosing. New for Queen Elizabeth is that this is a separate dining room. The exclusive dining room will be rich with art deco flourishes, a beautiful ceiling with backlit decorative glass panels, a sand-blasted decorative glass wall and panoramic windows for sea views.

Exploring the World’s Cuisines in the Lido Restaurants
 Open 24 hours a day, The Lido Restaurants on Deck 9 will be light, spacious, casual areas with wonderful sea views. Taking note of the cuisines from the exotic destinations that the Line visits during its legendary World Voyages, the Cunard culinary team presents a range of global dishes, offering guests an array of gourmet options that are sure to satisfy any palate. During the day, breakfast and lunch will be served buffet-style.

In the evenings, the dining experience is elevated when one of three regional cuisines is highlighted and waiter table service becomes available. Each is offered for a three-day period and include:
-- Asado – The true essence of South American cuisine, Asado will feature the traditional style of cooking meats on a grill. Guests may choose from a selection of dishes from the Rotisserie and Grill, such as Roasted Chimmichuri Chicken and Argentinean Lamb Chops with Pistachio.
-- Aztec – A cut above the rest, featuring fine and authentic regional Mexican cuisine. Aztec will explore the variety of spices and ingredients which are native to the country. Guests can look forward to appetizing dishes such as Chile Relleno de Espinaca and Banana-Wrapped Snapper Veracruzana.
-- Jasmine – Pan-Asian cuisine, drawing on influences from Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and China. Tantalizing dishes are inspired by the many flavors of the region, producing dishes that range from Aromatic Crispy Duck to Char Siew Pau.

These are available to all guests for a small surcharge of $10 per person. For those seeking a more informal dining option for dinner, a buffet station will remain open.

Nods to Past Queens Provide Familiar Venues for Cocktails & Light Bites
 Named after a room on the first Queen Elizabeth and inspired by the glass houses at Kew Gardens, The Garden Lounge will be a palm-filled conservatory with a magnificent vaulted glass ceiling, making it a truly light and airy place to sit by day. Murals of garden parties gracing the walls will lend to the open and whimsical feeling of the room. On select days at sea, the venue, located on Deck 9, will serve Champagne afternoon tea service, featuring Veuve Clicquot Champagne, for a surcharge of $25 per person. Occasional evening “Supper Clubs” will present guests with the opportunity to mix dining with dancing under the stars. Small plates of savories and sweets will be served while live musical entertainment is presented.

As a successor to Queen Elizabeth 2, the ship also will reflect this great liner via artwork and memorabilia and will have its very own Yacht Club, named after the lively aft lounge on QE2. Located on Deck 10, the nautically-themed room will offer guests 270-degree views and the perfect setting for activities and gatherings during the day. It also will double as a dramatic evening venue for cocktails and dancing. The Yacht Club will re-create the much loved ambience and experience that was so appreciated on board QE2 for many years.

The original Queen Elizabeth will be celebrated in the Midships Bar on Deck 3 in a space named after one of the more popular spaces on the original ship. Cabinets will house memorabilia from that liner with artwork reminiscent of the 1930s and 1940s. A piano will provide the perfect opportunity for lively musical evenings in the intimate lounge and – as they did on the original Queen Elizabeth – guests will meet at the end of the day to share the news and happenings of the day.

Current Favorites Provide Ideal Settings for Cocktails and Nibbles
 Queen Elizabeth will offer a range of bars and clubs to suit a wide range of tastes with a variety of atmospheres.

On Deck 10, guests will find the Commodore Club, a nautically-themed observation lounge, similar to that on Queen Victoria. Rich leathers and wood paneling give the feel of a classic private club. Maritime buffs will be treated to models of the entire current fleet, as well as murals depicting the liner and the historic moment when Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria met in Southampton. Providing extensive views over the ship’s bow and a host of intimate seating areas, the space is the perfect venue to enjoy a martini, cozy up with a novel or just watch the world float by.

Due to the popularity of Café Carinthia on Queen Victoria, this inviting lounge will return to Queen Elizabeth and offer guests even more space to enjoy conversation and libations. Touting a leaded-glass ceiling, marbles and Art Deco touches, the space will be a beautiful retreat where guests will be able to choose from a selection of sweet pastries, fine teas and coffees. Located in a central position on Deck 2, overlooking the Grand Lobby, the Café is an ideal place for people watching.

The Golden Lion Pub, another Cunard signature, will offer English pub food for lunch in a traditional British pub setting. From fish and chips to shepherd's pie, guests will be able to enjoy a taste of the United Kingdom, no matter where in the world the ship is sailing. They also can select from a variety of ales and catch a sporting event on the plasma screen televisions in Cunard’s popular pub, located on Deck 2.

A Cunard Tradition – Afternoon Tea in the Queens Room
 Queen Elizabeth’s two-deck Queens Room ballroom, another Cunard signature feature, is designed for traditional English afternoon tea service, complete with finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones with jam and cream, served by white-gloved waiters. Musicians will play soft melodies, creating a soothing background for this civilized custom that has become a Cunard hallmark. This grand room on Decks 2 and 3 highlights Cunard’s royal links and traditions and will have murals inspired by views from royal palaces and a photographic collection of Cunard’s Royal ship namings.

Queen Elizabeth will be the second largest Cunarder ever built and will join her sisters, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, as part of the youngest fleet in the world. The first Queen Elizabeth was one of Cunard’s greatest ships, and the new Queen Elizabeth will reflect her predecessor in interior grandeur, décor and style, but with a modern twist.

Queen Elizabeth will depart on her Maiden Voyage on Tuesday Oct 12, 2010. This 13-night celebration will leave from the company’s home port, Southampton, and will call at Vigo, Lisbon, Cadiz, Las Palmas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife (overnight call) and Funchal. She will then embark on five celebratory maiden voyages to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Caribbean. For more information and to book a voyage aboard Queen Elizabeth, consult your Travel Agent, call toll-free 1-800-7-CUNARD (1-800-728-6273) or go to www.cunard.com

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Disney Cruise Line Adds Final Building Block to New Cruise Ship Disney Dream

PAPENBURG, GERMANY, June 5: The final building block for the newest Disney Cruise Line ship, the Disney Dream, was lowered into place last week at the Meyer Werft shipyard, signaling completion of a major milestone in the ship’s overall construction. On Jan 26, 2011, the Disney Dream will set sail from Port Canaveral, Fla. on her maiden voyage and take family cruising to all-new heights, embracing the spirit of innovation, magical family entertainment and immersive experiences that have made Disney Cruise Line the preeminent choice for families since 1998.

The final block placed was a 260-ton portion of the ship’s bow, complete with the signature Disney Cruise Line golden filigree. With all 80 building blocks for the Disney Dream now in place, the focus shifts to outfitting the interiors spaces that include the whimsical, Disney-infused children’s spaces, dynamically chic adult nightclubs, spectacular restaurants and elaborate theatres. Disney Cruise Line President Karl Holz and Captain Mickey Mouse were at the Meyer Werft shipyard to commemorate this important milestone.

“With the steel construction process complete, we’re now looking forward to exciting new milestones such as the installation of AquaDuck, the first water coaster at sea,” said Holz. “Each day, the ship gets closer to its Maiden Voyage, and it is clear that the Disney Dream is destined to be one of the most spectacular ships afloat.”

The Disney Dream will expand the one-of-a-kind family experience guests enjoy while on a Disney Cruise Line vacation. Some of the highlights:

• The ship will feature a first-of-its-kind water coaster that will send guests racing above and around the upper decks of the ship.
• Animator’s Palate restaurant will magically transform into an undersea wonderland with live, impromptu interactions with Crush, the animated sea turtle from Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Nemo.”
• Elaborately themed children’s spaces will immerse children in their favorite Disney stories and feature some of today’s most innovative technology.
• A nighttime entertainment district just for adults will be filled with sophisticated, trendy, fanciful and fun-filled venues.
• Inside staterooms will have a “special” view thanks to a cruise industry first virtual porthole concept.

The Disney Dream will sail alternating 3- and 4-night cruises to the Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. During summer 2011, the ship will sail 4- and 5-night itineraries with two stops at Castaway Cay. To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a cruise vacation onboard the Disney Dream, guests can visit www.disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500 or contact their travel agent.

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Largest Chandelier at Sea Installed on Norwegian Epic

MIAMI, June 4: In another "first" for Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic, the largest LED chandelier at sea is now installed in the ship's Epic Casino, which is also the largest at sea. The chandelier, which will change colors to all in the spectrum - up to 255 possible variations - has a height of 21 feet, diameter of nearly 11 feet and weighs two metric tons. Built in Vienna, Austria by Kalmar, a leading glass crystal maker who has designed some of the largest chandeliers for hotels and palaces around the world, and designed by UK-based SMC Architects and Lighting Design, it is fitted with approximately 40,000 crystal glass pieces of various shapes and sizes and spans vertically to three decks, with vantage points from the casino, Teppanyanki restaurant, Wasabi Sushi Bar, Malting's Whiskey Bar, Shaker's Martini Bar, and the Atrium. The design is of spiraling oval discs, each up to 30 feet in circumference, and 112 suspended crystal encrusted balls of up to one foot in diameter, which orbit the main structure at varying heights.

The chandelier is the most energy efficient at sea. It is completely illuminated by LED technology, using over 10,000 diodes. It is fully dimmable to most effectively enhance the lead crystals and is currently being programmed by UK-based Project International. The impressive structure, which will be the focal point of the ship's Atrium, took a team of people three weeks to install it. For more information on Norwegian Epic and to book a cruise, call Norwegian at 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784), visit epic.ncl.com, or contact a travel professional. For a photo, see Cruise Diva's Blog.

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The Yachts of Seabourn Introduces Seabourn Sojourn: Second of Three New Vessels

New Luxury Yacht Arrived at London to Begin Maiden Season in Northern Europe

MIAMI, June 4 /PRNewswire/ -- The Yachts of Seabourn's highly anticipated new yacht Seabourn Sojourn navigated the River Thames and arrived at London with the early morning sun on Friday, June 4, 2010. Built by the T. Mariotti shipyard in Genoa, Italy, Sojourn is the second of three new luxury cruising vessels joining Seabourn's fleet in three years, representing a 216 percent increase in capacity for the company.

"We are very pleased to introduce Seabourn Sojourn to London and to the world," said Pamela C. Conover, Seabourn's President and CEO. "She is a beauty inside and out, offering luxurious accommodations, the finest cuisine and gracious, personalized service along with a sleek and stylish design. Sojourn will provide the exclusive and intimate experience that Seabourn is known for and our guests have come to love and enjoy," she continued.

The 225-suite yacht offers an extraordinary travel experience, notable for its relaxed, sociable ambiance and highly personalized, intuitive service by nearly one staff member per guest.

Sojourn also offers the highest space-per-guest ratio in the industry, accommodating no more than 450 guests in spacious, ocean-view suites, 90 percent of which have private verandas. Top of the range suites include Grand Wintergarden Suites, offering 1,403 square feet of indoor and outdoor space; two bedrooms and bathrooms; a private, glass-enclosed solarium with tub and daybed; dining for six; two bars; whirlpool and three flat-screen televisions. All suites feature separate living areas and bedrooms, writing desks with personalized stationery, iPod and MP3 connections and spacious granite bathrooms with separate bath and shower and twin sinks.

The largest spa on a luxury vessel, the two-deck Spa at Seabourn provides the ultimate pampering experience at sea. Exceptional new amenities in the 11,400-square-foot spa include a Kneipp Walk, an herbal bath facility and aroma steam bath with salt inhalation. For pure indulgence and relaxation, guests can reserve the canopied Spa Villa, with a whirlpool big enough for two, a private balcony for sunbathing, a double daybed and a full living room.

To satisfy gourmands, Sojourn offers culinary experiences in its four dining venues that rival the finest restaurants anywhere. Guests will savor five-star dining at The Restaurant, with menus created by celebrity chef Charlie Palmer, or enjoy innovative small-plates tasting menus at the avant-garde Restaurant 2. Both the indoor/outdoor Colonnade and casual poolside Patio Grill serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests can also enjoy meals from the Restaurant menu, served course by course in the comfort and privacy of their suite or on their veranda during extended service hours. The dining venues, as well as the six bars and lounges, serve a full range of beverages, including fine wines and spirits, with Seabourn's compliments.

Other highlights include two outdoor swimming pools, six outdoor whirlpools, and water sports from the unique fold-out marina. Located on the top deck is The Retreat, featuring a contoured nine-hole mini golf course, a giant chess board, shuffleboard and stargazing in the evening. On Deck 7 is Seabourn Square, an innovative "concierge lounge" with a library, upscale shops, outdoor terrace, computer center and coffee bar.

Sojourn will be moored mid-river for two days of inaugural celebrations on June 4 and 5. British supermodel and fashion icon Twiggy will officially name the vessel during a glittering ceremony on the evening of June 4. On the following day, the company has donated Sojourn to the non-profit organization, Breast Cancer Haven, as the venue for a gala fundraising event to celebrate the charity's 10th anniversary.

On June 6, Sojourn will begin her maiden season from London, and sail 12- to 14-day voyages during the summer to the Baltic, Scandinavia, Russia, Norwegian Fjords, and Scotland, as well as several Mediterranean voyages in the fall. Following a 12-day transatlantic cruise, the yacht will operate a series of Caribbean voyages in the winter from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. On Jan. 5, 2011, Sojourn will embark on a world cruise from Los Angeles to London via the South Pacific, New Zealand, around Western Australia, Indonesia and Southeast Asia, India, Arabia and the Mediterranean. Rates for the full 111-day world cruise begin at $49,995 per person, based on double occupancy.

For a limited time, Seabourn is offering two-for-one cruise fares with included round-trip air, or cruise-only fares featuring savings up to 65 percent. The promotion is valid for Seabourn voyages in Europe departing between June and November 2010. Nine-to-12-day voyages on the new Seabourn Sojourn in Northern Europe start from $4,999 per person, cruise-only or $6,400 with inclusive air. Inclusive air is available from 40 North American gateways. Certain other restrictions apply.

For more information, contact a travel agent, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com

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From the Big Screen to the High Seas: Royal Caribbean & DreamWorks Animation Unveil an Unprecedented Strategic Alliance

MIAMI, FL & GLENDALE, CA, June 4: Furthering Royal Caribbean Intl's commitment to providing guests with unparalleled vacation experiences, the global cruise line today announced that it has formed a strategic alliance with DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc., the world-class animated film studio powerhouse, to bring the next generation of family programming and quality entertainment to the high seas. Vacationers of all ages will soon delight in interacting with some of DreamWorks Animation's most beloved characters when a variety of new shows, activities and offerings are introduced on ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet. The alliance will first come to life for guests to enjoy onboard Allure of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's newest ship that will debut in December 2010 and will share the title of world's largest and most revolutionary cruise ship with its sister ship, Oasis of the Seas.

"Royal Caribbean and DreamWorks Animation share many of the same philosophies when it comes to high-quality family entertainment, so there is quite a lot of synergy going into this strategic alliance," said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. "We are constantly striving to offer dynamic and engaging programming onboard our ships and couldn't think of a better brand than DreamWorks Animation to help take it to the next level."

After launching on Allure of the Seas, the DreamWorks Animation-themed activities and amenities will be incorporated into Royal Caribbean's renowned entertainment programs on Oasis of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas, with some of the studio's most popular feature films - "Shrek," "Madagascar," "Kung Fu Panda" and "How to Train Your Dragon" - anchoring the integrations.

Year round, "celebrity" characters including Shrek, Fiona and Puss In Boots of "Shrek;" Alex, Mort, and the Penguins of "Madagascar;" Po of "Kung Fu Panda" and Hiccup of "How to Train Your Dragon" will engage guests of all ages, day and night, with unique experiences, including exclusive special events and energetic parades, as well as through interactive character meals in the main dining room, and of course plenty of photo opportunities. Royal Caribbean's younger guests who choose to participate in the complimentary award-winning Adventure Ocean children's program will relish in an exhilarating new lineup of activities, games and adventures rooted in the popular DreamWorks Animation movies. What's more, the phenomenon of 3D movies will be introduced to the open ocean when Royal Caribbean installs the 3D screens in the ships' theaters. The new addition will give guests the opportunity to experience both new and longtime favorite DreamWorks Animation movies on the big screen.

Taking the strategic alliance even further, Royal Caribbean will celebrate the addition of Allure of the Seas to the cruise line's 21-ship fleet by inviting the DreamWorks Animation cast of characters to take the stage in the AquaTheater, the impressive outdoor venue located at the stern of the ship, to perform a one-of-a-kind aquatic based show full of acrobatics and high-diving stunts. In addition, Royal Caribbean's popular ice-skating venue on Allure will feature the characters from the recent hit film, "How to Train Your Dragon" in a spectacular ice show for guests. The DreamWorks experience on the Royal Caribbean ships is included in the world-class entertainment programming at no additional costs to guests. To learn more about the DreamWorks experience visit www.RoyalCaribbean.com.

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The Yachts of Seabourn Introduces Seabourn Sojourn: Second of Three New Vessels

MIAMI, June 4: The Yachts of Seabourn’s highly anticipated new yacht Seabourn Sojourn navigated the River Thames and arrived at London with the early morning sun on Friday, June 4, 2010. Built by the T. Mariotti shipyard in Genoa, Italy, Sojourn is the second of three new luxury cruising vessels joining Seabourn’s fleet in three years, representing a 216 percent increase in capacity for the company.

“We are very pleased to introduce Seabourn Sojourn to London and to the world,” said Pamela C. Conover, Seabourn’s President and CEO. “She is a beauty inside and out, offering luxurious accommodations, the finest cuisine and gracious, personalized service along with a sleek and stylish design. Sojourn will provide the exclusive and intimate experience that Seabourn is known for and our guests have come to love and enjoy,” she continued.

The 225-suite yacht offers an extraordinary travel experience, notable for its relaxed, sociable ambiance and highly personalized, intuitive service by nearly one staff member per guest. Sojourn also offers the highest space-per-guest ratio in the industry, accommodating no more than 450 guests in spacious, ocean-view suites, 90 percent of which have private verandas. Top of the range suites include Grand Wintergarden Suites, offering 1,403 square feet of indoor and outdoor space; two bedrooms and bathrooms; a private, glass-enclosed solarium with tub and daybed; dining for six; two bars; whirlpool and three flat-screen televisions. All suites feature separate living areas and bedrooms, writing desks with personalized stationery, iPod and MP3 connections and spacious granite bathrooms with separate bath and shower and twin sinks.

The largest spa on a luxury vessel, the two-deck Spa at Seabourn provides the ultimate pampering experience at sea. Exceptional new amenities in the 11,400-square-foot spa include a Kneipp Walk, an herbal bath facility and aroma steam bath with salt inhalation. For pure indulgence and relaxation, guests can reserve the canopied Spa Villa, with a whirlpool big enough for two, a private balcony for sunbathing, a double daybed and a full living room.

To satisfy gourmands, Sojourn offers culinary experiences in its four dining venues that rival the finest restaurants anywhere. Guests will savor five-star dining at The Restaurant, with menus created by celebrity chef Charlie Palmer, or enjoy innovative small-plates tasting menus at the avant-garde Restaurant 2. Both the indoor/outdoor Colonnade and casual poolside Patio Grill serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests can also enjoy meals from the Restaurant menu, served course by course in the comfort and privacy of their suite or on their veranda during extended service hours. The dining venues, as well as the six bars and lounges, serve a full range of beverages, including fine wines and spirits, with Seabourn’s compliments.

Other highlights include two outdoor swimming pools, six outdoor whirlpools, and water sports from the unique fold-out marina. Located on the top deck is The Retreat, featuring a contoured nine-hole mini golf course, a giant chess board, shuffleboard and stargazing in the evening. On Deck 7 is Seabourn Square, an innovative “concierge lounge” with a library, upscale shops, outdoor terrace, computer center and coffee bar.

Sojourn will be moored mid-river for two days of inaugural celebrations on June 4 and 5. British supermodel and fashion icon Twiggy will officially name the vessel during a glittering ceremony on the evening of June 4. On the following day, the company has donated Sojourn to the non-profit organization, Breast Cancer Haven, as the venue for a gala fundraising event to celebrate the charity’s 10th anniversary.

On June 6, Sojourn will begin her maiden season from London, and sail 12- to 14-day voyages during the summer to the Baltic, Scandinavia, Russia, Norwegian Fjords, and Scotland, as well as several Mediterranean voyages in the fall. Following a 12-day transatlantic cruise, the yacht will operate a series of Caribbean voyages in the winter from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. On Jan. 5, 2011, Sojourn will embark on a world cruise from Los Angeles to London via the South Pacific, New Zealand, around Western Australia, Indonesia and Southeast Asia, India, Arabia and the Mediterranean. For more information, contact a travel agent, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com

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Costa Cruises to Broadcast FIFA World Cup 2010 Matches Live on Ships Sailing in Europe

MIAMI, June 4: From the Mediterranean to Northern Europe, guests aboard Costa ships in Europe this summer will be able to enjoy soccer’s most celebrated event, the FIFA World Cup 2010. Costa, Europe’s Number One Cruise Line, will bring select matches to sea on 12 of the fleet’s ships in partnership with Sky Italia. Eight matches will be broadcast live in the Mediterranean and four in Northern Europe.

During the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2010 championship, to be held in South Africa from June 11 through July 11, Costa guests will be able to watch matches on more than 20 Mediterranean and Northern Europe cruises. These eagerly awaited matches will be shown in the most beautiful and striking areas of Costa’s ships, complete with breathtaking panoramas of the world-renowned landscapes and locales visited.

During the last FIFA World Cup championship in 2006, Costa broadcast semi-final and final matches, including Italy’s triumphant championship win. Costa Cruises is Italy’s largest tourism group and Europe’s Number One Cruise Line. For more than 60 years its ships have sailed the seas of the world, offering the best in Italian style, hospitality and cuisine and providing dream vacations filled with fun and relaxation. The company’s 14 fleet members, each with her own distinctive characteristics and unique style, all fly the Italian flag and sail each year to 250 destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, the Caribbean, Canada/New England, South America, the United Arab Emirates, the Far East and the Indian Ocean. Two more new ships are due to enter service by 2012. For more information on Costa Cruises or to make reservations, please contact a travel agent, call (800) GO-COSTA or visit www.costacruises.com.

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Guests Can Discover Their Inner Rock Star On Board Norwegian Epic

MIAMI, June 3: In addition to offering guests world-class entertainment options on board Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Cruise Line has announced a partnership with Gibson Guitar to let guests discover and explore their inner rock star – in the privacy of their stateroom. The "Check-In-Rock-Out" program gives guests the opportunity to borrow a Gibson guitar, companion pod, and a private amplifier with headphones to take to their staterooms and rock out without disturbing other guests.

Guitars, pods and accessories will be available to guests at a cost of $10 per day rental every day except on embarkation/disembarkation. The Check-In-Rock-Out program will be available in Norwegian Epic's Fat Cats Jazz and Blues Club. Each pod includes controls and special effects so that guests can select the type of sound they want to create, from classic rock to heavy metal, blues, classic and country - and then choose their own song to play. The pods are supplied by Line 6 and the headphones and cables are supplied by Monster Cable.

"We are so excited about this program," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line's chief executive officer. "We've brought world class performers to our guests on Norwegian Epic. Now, we're letting our guests be the superstars and play on world class Gibson guitars. Whether you're an expert guitarist or an air guitar fan like me, the 'Check-In-Rock-Out' program will let you play like a rock star, in the privacy of your stateroom."

For more information about Norwegian Epic, call Norwegian at 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784), visit epic.ncl.com, or contact a travel professional.

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Summer Sale Sweetens Six-Star Experience With Crystal Europe Voyages

LOS ANGELES, June 3: Luxury specialist Crystal Cruises announces new significant savings for select September-November 2010 Mediterranean cruises:

-- $4,000 per couple off its ultra-plush Penthouse accommodations, and
-- Business Class Air add-on fares as low as $899 per person for verandah
stateroom guests.

Penthouse Savings: Guests booking Crystal Serenity's luxuriously appointed, butler-serviced Penthouse accommodations on select voyages by Aug 31, 2010, will save $2,000 per person, as well as enjoy Crystal's 2010 promotional Two-for-One cruise fares, complimentary Business Class Air transportation from many North American gateways (or take a $3,000 cruise-only credit), and $1,000 per person 'All Inclusive - As You Wish' shipboard credits.

Visiting historic and picturesque cities throughout Italy, Greece, Croatia, Spain, the Canary Islands and more, the voyages are:

-- Sept 29 - 9 days, Venice to Monte Carlo
-- Oct 8 - 11 days, Monte Carlo to Athens
-- Oct 19 - 12 days, Athens to Rome
-- Oct 31 - 11 days, Rome to Barcelona
-- Nov 11 - 11 days, Barcelona to Lisbon
-- Nov 22 - 9 days, round-trip Lisbon

Low Business Class Air Upgrades: Guests booking Crystal Serenity's deluxe verandah staterooms on the Sept 29, Oct 8 or Oct 31 cruise can upgrade to Business Class with air transportation add-ons starting at just $899, one way, from more than a dozen North American gateways - in addition to promotional Two-for-One cruise fares and $1,000 per person 'All Inclusive - As You Wish' shipboard credits.

"Crystal's Mediterranean itineraries transport guests to some of the most breathtaking destinations in the world - rich in scenery, culture and adventure," said Bill Smith, senior vice president of sales and marketing. "The new offers, the value of the U.S. dollar against the Euro, and the unmatched Crystal Experience make 2010 the ideal time to cruise in Europe with Crystal."

Per person, promotional, Two-for-One cruise fares for the above voyages start at $4,525, while verandah staterooms start at $5,265, double occupancy. With the new savings, Penthouse fares start at $9,220 per person, double occupancy. For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit www.crystalcruises.com

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Sail With Literary World Luminaries Tina Brown & Sir Harold Evans 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 guests the opportunity to sail with media icons Tina Brown and Sir Harold Evans on Wind Surf's Holiday and New Year's Caribbean voyages.

Brown was the legendary editor of Vanity Fair and The New Yorker and is the best-selling author of "The Diana Chronicles," a biography of Diana, the Princess of Wales. Brown co-founded and is editor-in-chief of The Daily Beast, an on-line publication providing insight, opinions and news exclusives in politics, world affairs, finance, science, culture and more. She has also produced a serious of specials for CNBC, and hosted a weekly talk show on business, politics and culture. Brown has been honored with four George Polk Awards, five Overseas Press Club awards, and ten National Magazine Awards.

Evans was editor of London's Sunday Times and the Times, and was founding editor of Conde Nast Traveler and editorial director and vice chairman of U.S. News and World Report, the New York Daily News and The Atlantic Monthly. Evans is also the author of the critically acclaimed "The American Century" and "They Made America: The Centuries of Innovators from the Steam Engine to the Search Engine" which was adapted into a four-part mini-series and into a National Public Radio special. Evans was knighted for his services in journalism by Queen Elizabeth.

Both Brown and Evans will present a lecture during the sailings. Brown's lecture focuses on Princess Diana and Evans' lecture centers on the innovators who made America from the steam engine to search engine.

Wind Surf's 7-day Barbados roundtrip Holiday sailing departs Dec 19, 2010, from Bridgetown, Barbados and visits Pigeon Island, St. Lucia; Il des Saintes, F.W.I.; St. Barts, F.W.I.; Marigot, St. Martin and St. Kitts, F.W.I.  Wind Surf's 7-day New Year's sailing departs and returns to Bridgetown, Barbados, visiting Mayreau, The Grenadines; St. George's, Grenada; Bequia, The Grenadines; Portsmouth, Dominica and Pigeon Island, St. Lucia.

Wind Surf accommodates 312 guests and offers deluxe, oceanview staterooms that include beds with luxury linens and mattresses, flat-screen TV and DVD player, Bose SoundDock speakers for Apple iPods, waffle-weave robes with slippers and sumptuous L'Occitane products. Suites also include an extra bath, TV and sitting area. Wind Surf recently launched new spa suites which include all the amenities of a suite along with luxurious microfiber linens, spa robes, an orchid flower arrangement, specialty pillow menu, daily fresh fruit platter, O SPA London products, WindSpa spa experiences and events as well as unlimited Pilates and Yoga classes. Bridge Suites offer guests the additional luxury of a spacious private living room and relaxing whirlpool spa. Guests enjoy culinary wonders in Wind Surf's The Restaurant, Degrees, Le Marche and Candles. Wind Surf also features a lounge, Yacht Club, WindSpa, casino, three bars, two pools, two hot tubs, a shop, photo gallery and watersports platform.

Windstar Cruises operates three sailing yachts known for their pampering without pretense and their ability to visit the hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world's most treasured destinations. Carrying just 148 to 312 guests, the luxurious ships of Windstar cruise to nearly 50 nations, calling at 100 ports throughout Europe, the Caribbean and the Americas. 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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Dozens of Musicians Jazz up Crystal December Caribbean Cruise

LOS ANGELES, June 1: This December, nearly two dozen jazz artists will dazzle music lovers aboard Crystal Cruises' Experiences of Discovery Jazz Cruise. With live performances from piano solos to harmonious trios, quartets and full seven-piece bands, the 10-day Caribbean itinerary roundtrip from Miami aboard the award-winning Crystal Serenity Dec 11, 2010. The acclaimed Bill Allred Classic Jazz Band will headline, along with a variety of solo artists to fill the ship with the sounds of jazz in the classic styles of the '30s, '40s, and '50s. In all, six jazz pianists, nine brass musicians, and eight artists on drums and strings will be accompanied by four premier jazz vocalists. Also on board will be noted jazz historian, professor, author and Grammy Award-nominated producer Dr. Robert G. O'Meally. Among the featured performers are renowned saxophonist Harry Allen who has performed with Rosemary Clooney, Tony Bennett, and James Taylor, acclaimed vocalist and award-winning bass player Nicki Parrott and jazz pianist Rossano Sportiello whose music is influenced by playing with the world's finest jazz luminaries.

"For avid jazz enthusiasts and casual listeners eager to enjoy fantastic performances, the number of high-caliber artists set for this cruise will dazzle guests and enrich the immersive musical experience," says Bret Bullock, vice president, entertainment. "Crystal Serenity's various performance venues make this an exceptionally rich opportunity for jazz fans."

A veteran in orchestrating Jazz tours and cruises worldwide, Jazzdagen Tours has partnered with Crystal Cruises to present the musicians on board. Sailing from Miami, the cruise visits St. Thomas, Antigua, St. Barts, St. Maarten and Turks & Caicos. Many of the featured jazz stars will also perform on board Crystal Serenity's 12-day, Aug 24 Mediterranean cruise from Venice to Istanbul, including the Pieter Meijers Quartet and numerous swinging solos. For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit www.crystalcruises.com

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Royal Caribbean Announces Crown & Anchor Society Enhancements

MIAMI, June 01: Royal Caribbean Intl today announced new enhancements to the cruise line’s Crown & Anchor Society that will better recognize and reward the cruise line’s loyal member guests. The new Crown & Anchor Society enhancements will begin rolling out on June 1, 2010, offering members the exclusive privilege to book their next cruise onboard and receive an onboard credit for their future sailing. Members also can apply their Crown & Anchor Society Savings Certificates and receive the onboard credit for their future booking, receive more individual attention and service from additional onboard Loyalty Staff aboard each ship, have priority notification of exclusive member specials, and exclusively receive added-value offers in the Crown & Anchor Society Ultimate Value Booklet.

“We listened to our member guests and are launching program enhancements to reflect what they told us matter most to them,” said Betsy O’Rourke, senior vice president of Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. “The new exclusive benefits will add to those that members have enjoyed in the past and reflect Royal Caribbean’s commitment to recognize and reward our loyal members who cruise with us again and again. There has never been a better time to be a Crown & Anchor Society member, and there is more to come.”

Crown & Anchor Society members will now have the exclusive privilege to reserve their next cruise while onboard a Royal Caribbean vacation. The new and exclusive Onboard Booking Bonus offers members the exclusive privilege to book a future cruise onboard and receive an onboard credit to spend on the future sailing, which can now also be used with either a Crown & Anchor Savings Certificate or a Balcony and Suite Discount (the latter applicable for Platinum, Diamond or Diamond Plus members), offering member guests great savings for their next cruise. Travel agent partners will continue to earn commission for onboard bookings.

An additional Crown & Anchor Society Loyalty Staff member also has been appointed aboard each ship to offer more personalized service and deliver the Royal treatment to each member guest. The Loyalty Staff members can help answer member guests’ questions and help them reserve future cruises to take advantage of the new and enhanced vacation offers, available only to members of the Crown & Anchor Society.

Crown & Anchor Society members also will notice the new program enhancements both at home and onboard. Members will continue to enjoy first-to-know priority notice and access to new developments, special events, and exclusive offers that reward members for their loyalty. Travel agent partners also will be notified simultaneously. Onboard, member guests will be recognized every time they advance to a new level; and enjoy new enhanced benefits in their Ultimate Value Booklet, filled with new onboard savings for beverages, internet packages, photo and logo merchandise, supplementing classic favorites such as casino and spa discounts, to name a few. For more information and a new webisode about the loyalty program and its members, please visit www.RoyalCaribbean.com/CrownandAnchor.For additional information or to make reservations, call your travel agent, visit www.royalcaribbean.com or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.

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Celebrity Cruises Adds Flavor to Robust Onboard Culinary Line-Up With New
'Savor Your Destination' Program

MIAMI, June 1: Celebrity Cruises, the premium cruise brand known for catering to discerning cruisers' desire to enjoy stunning venue design, extraordinary service, world-class cuisine and enriching activities while at sea, is taking its Celebrity Life onboard programming to a new level. "Savor," the popular culinary-and-wine/spirits-focused pillar of Celebrity Life, is expanding to include a line-up of special interest cruises aimed at celebrating Celebrity's already outstanding onboard culinary experience by inviting guest chefs and other food and wine experts to enhance select sailings. Celebrity's new "Savor Your Destination" themed cruises kicked off today when Celebrity's newest ship, Celebrity Eclipse, set sail with Australian chef Benjamin Christie onboard.

"Our guests are always looking for new ways to celebrate their love of great cuisine, which is why an outstanding culinary experience is one of the key aspects of a Celebrity Cruises vacation," said Jacques Van Staden, Celebrity's Vice President, Culinary Operations. "By expanding the already robust 'Savor' series of our Celebrity Life program to include the 'Savor Your Destination' themed cruises, we are not only giving our guests a unique opportunity to interact with exceptionally talented chefs, but also celebrating the fact that, from a culinary perspective, our ships and the restaurants onboard are destinations in themselves."

During each Savor Your Destination cruise, guests will have the opportunity to attend a meet-and-greet-style cocktail hour where they will be able to interact with the chef and even enjoy side-by-side photo opportunities. Each guest chef will lead a cooking demonstration in the ship's largest venue, the theatre, where he or she will highlight the techniques, ingredients and flair specific to their individual style. Guest chefs who have published cookbooks may hold book signing events. On every Celebrity Cruises sailing (with the exception of Celebrity Xpedition, the 90-guest mega-yacht that sails year-round in the Galapagos Islands), the Celebrity Life Savor series includes a "Star Chefs" competition in the ship's theatre. During the event, guests are selected from the audience, then guided by the ship's own highest-ranking chefs to compete in a cook-off judged by a panel of spontaneously selected guests. When possible, guest chefs participating in Celebrity's Savor Your Destination chef-focused cruises will take part in the Star Chefs competition. Most of the events are complimentary; the hands-on cooking class and food-and-wine-pairing dinner will require reservation fees, and space is limited. Guests who attend the class or dinner will receive a special recipe booklet featuring the chef's own creations.

During Celebrity's Savor Your Destination cruises, guests will have several opportunities to engage their taste buds and their minds. Guests who wish to elevate their own culinary knowledge can participate in hands-on cooking classes led by the chef in the ship's main galley. There, under the tutelage of the guest chef, with assistance from Celebrity's own award-winning culinary operations team, guests can gain invaluable hands-on experience that will help them gain new insight into the joy of cooking, while experiencing the rare opportunity to go behind the scenes into the galley. Each guest chef also will design and present an exclusive food-and-wine-pairing dinner in Murano, Celebrity's spectacular gourmet specialty restaurant, sharing insights into the inspiration behind the ingredients, the menu, and the specific pairings.

Savor Your Destination kicked off today with Chef Benjamin Christie sailing on Celebrity Eclipse on an 11-night Canary Islands cruise roundtrip out of Southampton, England. Christie is an acclaimed television host, author, online food personality, and unofficial culinary ambassador based in Sydney, Australia.

"We are thrilled that a rising star like Chef Christie is our first official Savor Your Destination chef," Van Staden said. "He is incredibly innovative and tends to celebrate indigenous Australian ingredients such as yakajirra, or bush tomato, paperbark, and wattleseed in his cooking, and we are delighted to give our guests the experience to expand their culinary imaginations by tasting these unique ingredients."

Celebrity also has confirmed UK-based chef and author Adam Byatt, head chef at London's award-winning Trinity in Clapham Old Town, to sail on Celebrity Eclipse on Aug 21, for the first seven nights of a 14-night Spanish Mediterranean cruise roundtrip out of Southampton. On Sept 2, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity's second Solstice-class ship, will serve as the stylish backdrop for Puerto Rican chef and Food Network television personality Daisy Martinez, on a 7-night Western Mediterranean voyage from Barcelona, Spain, to Rome, Italy. On Oct 31, Zach Bell, Chef de Cuisine at Palm Beach's Cafe Boulud and recipient of the 2008 South Florida Rising Star Chef Award, will sail on Celebrity Solstice on a 7-night roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale. Sailing a 10-night Caribbean voyage roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale on Celebrity Equinox on November 26 will be Puerto Rican chef and recent "Top Chef Masters" participant Carmen Gonzalez, former sole proprietor of Miami's Carmen The Restaurant, where she became renowned for innovative modern American cuisine with Puerto Rican influences.

Rounding out Celebrity's currently confirmed Savor Your Destination offerings on its award-winning Solstice-class ships will be American chef and restaurateur John Currence, a star in the U.S. Southern cuisine arena, on a 7-night Caribbean cruise on Celebrity Solstice on Dec 5, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale.

Celebrity also is folding its popular wine cruises along the Pacific Coast into the Celebrity Life Savor Your Destination program. Designed to give guests an opportunity to explore the rich terrain and abundant winemaking in the region, these cruises also feature a number of unique onboard activities geared toward wine appreciation, in addition to those offered as part of the standard Celebrity Life Savor series. The wine cruises feature a visiting winemaker who hosts workshops and dinners aimed at educating guests on how to pair food and wine as well as activities designed to celebrate the love of wine, food, and entertainment, such as "Sabering at Sea," where guests learn how to saber a champagne or sparkling wine cork from the bottle. In 2010, Celebrity is offering a wine cruise sailing from Vancouver, British Columbia to San Diego, California on Sept 17. In 2011, Celebrity will offer two wine cruises; the first of these will sail from San Diego to Vancouver on May 3, and the second from Vancouver to San Diego on September 9. All three wine cruises will be 10 nights in length, on Celebrity Millennium.

In the coming weeks and months, Celebrity will announce additional Savor Your Destination events designed to give discerning cruisers the opportunity to expand their culinary horizons while at sea. "The Savor Your Destination cruises are another experience in our robust onboard culinary enrichment program," Van Staden said. "Our guests love great cuisine, a passion that expands to other gastronomic experiences such as winemaking. As we continue to develop the Celebrity Life Savor Your Destination cruise lineup, we will welcome not only chefs, but also winemakers and food artisans, to share their expertise with our guests."

Celebrity Life is designed to give discerning cruisers authentic, inspiring experiences focused on their interests. The Savor Series is a collection of programs aimed at expanding guests' palates and celebrating their good taste. Activities include "The Heartbeat of the Operation," where guests experience a guided galley tour, meet the ship's chefs and witness the creation of a signature dessert; "Molecular Mixology from the Liquid Chef," where libations designed by renowned mixologist Junior Merino are taught in step-by-step basics; "Celebrity's World Wine Tour and Silent Auction," which offers a sampling of wines from around the globe and an opportunity for guests to bid on select bottles; and the fascinating "Riedel Comparative Wine Crystal Workshop," where guests experience firsthand how the right wine glass can completely change the way wine tastes.

In addition to its Savor Series, Celebrity Life also offers a Discover Series aimed at entertaining, educating and expanding guests' horizons, and a Renew Series created to help recharge and renew guests by focusing on health and wellness. Many Celebrity Life activities are complimentary; some require a fee. To learn more about or reserve space on Celebrity's Savor Your Destination cruises, or to learn more about Celebrity Life, interested cruisers should call their travel agent, or visit www.celebritycruises.com/savoryourdestination, which will feature details later today.

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Sea Princess Stars in National Geographic Channel's Hit
 Series “World’s Toughest Fixes”

SANTA CLARITA, CA, June 1: The immense job of drydocking Sea Princess will be featured in the June 3 episode of National Geographic Channel’s (NGC) top-rated show, World’s Toughest Fixes. TV viewers can go behind the scenes as host Sean Riley follows the entire process from the time the Princess Cruises ship enters the drydock to the final sea trials.

Airing on Thursday, June 3 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on NGC, the show was filmed while Sea Princess was in a regularly scheduled drydock at BAE Systems San Francisco Ship Repair last September. The episode focuses on the enormous task of completing a multitude of drydock projects in just 15 days, with emphasis on several technical “fixes” on the bottom of the ship that could only be accessed when the ship is out of the water.

“This is a unique opportunity for audiences to really appreciate the amazing around-the-clock effort needed to keep our ships in top shape to deliver the experience our passengers expect,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “We’re excited that the National Geographic Channel was interested in featuring this rare behind-the-scenes project.”

One of the network’s most popular shows, World's Toughest Fixes takes viewers inside some of the most daunting repair jobs with Riley, a professional master rigger, as he works with many of the world's top mechanics to show how they tackle these challenging fixes. World’s Toughest Fixes airs Thursdays at 9pm ET/PT on NGC.

Riley joins the Sea Princess drydock crew on a number of tasks, adding his own elbow grease and expertise along the way and tries out several drydock jobs. He helps strip and power wash the hull, tries his hand at upholstery work and joins the team working high up on the ship to seal the windows. He even gives viewers an up-close view inside the tail shaft housing as he crawls in to show the audience the work being done.

Throughout the episode viewers will get a glimpse of the buzz of activity on a ship in drydock, including a look at installation of carpet and floors, the stripping of wooden decks, and even a glimpse of the ship’s new adults-only Sanctuary which was constructed during the drydock.

More photos of last fall’s Sea Princess drydock are available in the Sea Princess Drydock Journal. Behind-the-scenes photos of the World’s Toughest Fixes crew at work during the shoot are available on the Princess Flickr photostream.

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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