Cruise News from Cruise Diva's Cruise Planner

Renowned Maritime Author John Maxtone-Graham Celebrates
80th Birthday aboard Queen Mary 2

July 31: Renowned maritime author and historian John Maxtone-Graham celebrated his 80th birthday aboard Cunard Line's flagship Queen Mary 2 in New York yesterday. Surrounded by family and close friends, Maxtone-Graham was toasted by fellow maritime aficionado Bill Miller and received congratulatory sentiments from new Cunard President Peter Shanks in a letter read aloud during the special luncheon event.

"We at Cunard find it most fitting to fete you aboard the world's grandest ocean liner as you have diligently and passionately kept alive the history and legacy of ocean travel throughout the years. Your invaluable contributions enrich all of us who work in the cruise industry, and we are grateful for the unique and prominent place you hold in the maritime arena," Shanks wrote. "Over the years we have been proud to have you witness many of our famous events and ship namings. It is appropriate that today Cunard Line is equally proud to be at such a celebratory occasion of yours," he added.

John Maxtone-Graham is a best-selling author of numerous books that serve to preserve the legacy and history of ocean liners and maritime heritage. In 2007, he became one of only five recipients awarded the Silver Riband, a rare honour bestowed on those who have dedicated themselves to this worthy endeavor. Having taken approximately 300 voyages, he is a frequent speaker aboard several cruise lines and spends about seven months a year at sea with his wife, Mary.

To learn more about Queen Mary 2 and to book a voyage, please contact your travel agent, call toll free 1-800-7-CUNARD, or visit www.cunard.com.

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Cunard Hosts James Beard Foundation aboard Queen Mary 2

July 30: Cunard Line’s Executive Chef Jean-Marie Zimmermann hosted the esteemed James Beard Foundation aboard the line’s flagship Queen Mary 2 when it docked yesterday in Brooklyn, New York. The exclusive “foodie” event included a cocktail reception in the ship’s nautically themed Chart Room and a four-course lunch in the grand, two-storey Britannia Restaurant – specially prepared by Chef Zimmermann himself.

Chef Zimmermann joins the prestigious list of culinary superstars such as Daniel Boulud, Emeril Lagasse, Nobu Matsuhisa and Jacques Pépin, who have delighted the palates of members of the James Beard Foundation, one of America’s most well known culinary arts organizations. Named Cunard’s Global Culinary Ambassador in 2007, Chef Zimmermann is responsible for overseeing culinary functions for Cunard Line’s renowned luxury ocean liners, including the new Queen Elizabeth, joining the fleet in 2001.

“It is truly an honour for both myself and Cunard to be chosen by the James Beard Foundation for this opportunity,” said Chef Zimmermann. “I was able to showcase the magnificent Queen Mary 2 and the ship’s wonderful cuisine for members of this prestigious organization.”

The James Beard Foundation is a national, not-for-profit organization based in New York City. The Foundation is dedicated to exploring the way food enriches lives and offers diverse programs that help people learn about and engage with food. Each year, the Foundation administers the annual James Beard Foundation Awards – an esteemed honor in the culinary industry.

To learn more about the cuisine aboard Queen Mary 2 and to book a voyage, please contact your travel agent, call toll free 1-800-7-CUNARD, or visit www.cunard.com.

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'Here Comes the Sun': Celebrity Equinox Named in Southampton

MIAMI, July 30: In formal ceremonies today in the historic port of Southampton, England, before an audience of press, travel agents, and other special guests, Celebrity Cruises' newest ship - Celebrity Equinox - was officially named. After buglers and a bagpipe and drum corps opened the ceremony, followed by a piano rendition of the Beatles' classic "Here Comes the Sun," Richard D. Fain, Chairman of Celebrity Cruises and Chairman and CEO of parent company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., delivered the ceremony address. Fain praised the ship's Godmother Nina Barough, CBE (Commander of the British Empire), and founder of the breast cancer charity "Walk the Walk."

"Her story, her outspoken devotion to breast cancer causes, and her day-to-day life is a compelling example of the need to take our health and well-being seriously," said Fain. "And all this paints a lovely picture of why we are so honored to have her as our Godmother."

Celebrity selected Barough in recognition of her fervent devotion to raising awareness of breast cancer and her tremendous success in raising funds for the cause - $85-million to-date - through her organization's "SunWalks" and "MoonWalks." The four annual marathon walks in London, Edinburgh, Bristol and Newcastle attract thousands of people typically clad in decorated bras - the signature apparel for most participants.

"As with our Godmother of Celebrity Solstice, we knew that for Celebrity Equinox, too, nothing less than someone genuinely devoted to the cause would do. And Nina exemplifies that exceptionally," said Celebrity Cruises President & CEO Dan Hanrahan. "Her tireless efforts have benefited countless women battling breast cancer, and her personal triumph over it has inspired thousands of women, men and families in the UK and beyond."

In addition to defeating breast cancer herself, Barough's numerous other life achievements include receiving a CBE for her contributions to health care through the British "New Year Honours" in December 2006. More recently, she was recognized at the "Pride of Britain Awards" (September 2008), where she was named "Fundraiser of the Year." And in October 2008, Barough was honored once again; this time, with the "Woman of the Year - Outstanding Achievement Award" in recognition of her willpower, spirit and courage.

At today's naming ceremony on Celebrity Equinox, in what is believed to be an industry first, Celebrity invited sister ship Celebrity Solstice's Godmother Sharon Smith to participate. Smith took the stage by surprise to Barough, and both joined Fain to cut the ribbon - symbolically, pink, in recognition of breast cancer causes. The ribbon threaded through the ship, ultimately releasing a large bottle of champagne that crashed against the stack atop the ship, signifying the official naming of the vessel. The bottle, too, was symbolic, as it was created by The Corning Museum of Glass, with whom Celebrity struck an alliance in 2008 to create the industry's first glassblowing show and demonstration at sea. Celebrity Equinox now joins Celebrity Solstice in presenting the typically standing-room-only Hot Glass Show onboard.

Celebrity Equinox enters service July 31 from Southampton on an eight-night Norwegian Fjords cruise, then returns to Southampton to embark on the ship's official maiden voyage departing August 8 for the Mediterranean. The ship will present a series of Mediterranean sailings from Rome (Civitavecchia) through the fall and will offer Caribbean sailings from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., beginning this winter. For more information, call your travel agent, dial 1-800-437-3111 or visit www.celebritycruises.com

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Costa Carefree: Costa North America Offers New Job Loss Protection Program

MIAMI, July 30: Costa, Europe’s Number One Cruise Line, is offering guests an added protection for job loss under its “Costa Carefree” Job Loss Protection Plan. The program provides coverage for cruise guests who involuntarily lose their job and covers cruise and air fares. The plan is part of “Costa Carefree,” a recently renamed program that also features Costa’s existing Guest Protection Plan. Both plans must be purchased separately. Job Loss Protection Plan prices range from $19 to $69, depending on the cruise itinerary and may be purchased up to the final cruise payment. The plan allows for reimbursement of cruise fare (and air fare if purchased through Costa) should an individual be involuntarily terminated from their job and has worked for their employer for three years or longer.

“We wanted to offer a guest protection program that allowed our guests to customize based on their needs and that provided assurances that would allow them to truly be more carefree about their cruise purchase,” said Ruben Perez, senior vice president of guest services and revenue management for Costa North America. “The plans in our ‘Costa Carefree’ programs do just that by allowing guests to chose our already existing Guest Protection Plan, our Job Loss Protection Plan, or both.”

Costa’s Guest Protection Plan, administered by BerkelyCare, covers trip cancellations/interruptions, travel delays, emergency medical expenses, evacuations, baggage delays and loss, and emergency worldwide assistance among a variety of other benefits. Plans are commissionable for travel agents at 10%. Complete information on “Costa Carefree” is available at www.costacruises.com.

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Holland America Line Extends 114-Day 2010 Grand World Voyage to 128 Days
With Roundtrip From Los Angeles

Seattle, WA, July 29: Holland America Line’s flagship ms Amsterdam will usher in 2010 with a 128-day round-trip Los Angeles, Grand Holiday-and-World Voyage featuring 13 overnight calls — the most ever offered by the line. Forty-five ports of call showcase some of the world’s most remote and exotic regions including South America, Africa, India the Far East and scenic cruising in Antarctica. An optional 14-day holiday cruise, when combined with the 114-day Grand World Voyage, creates the 128-day roundtrip sailing from Los Angeles, departing Dec. 23, 2009. The voyage begins with calls in Mexico and Central America, including a transit of the Panama Canal.

“Guests on Grand World Voyages seek an immersive experience, and the 2010 itinerary creates an enriching voyage,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs, Holland America Line. “By adding the 14-day holiday roundtrip Los Angeles sailing to the Grand World Voyage, guests can enjoy a relaxing holiday and festive start of their Grand World Voyage.”

Guests wishing to sail after the holidays can embark Jan. 6, 2010, at Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on a 114-day World Voyage. Amsterdam will sail the Panama Canal for a daylight transit of the man-made wonder before beginning its southbound exploration of Central and South America. Three overnight stays enable guests to explore Fuerte Amador (Panama City), Panama; Callao (Lima), Peru, and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Other southbound calls include Manta, Ecuador; Callao Peru; Arica, Coquimbo, Valparaiso, Isla Robinson Crusoe and Puerto Montt, Chile.

As Amsterdam approaches the tip of South America, guests will enjoy scenic cruising past Darwin Channel, Chilean Fjords, Amalia Glacier, Canal Sarmiento and Strait of Magellan before calling at Punta Arenas, Chile. More scenic cruising follows of Cockburn and Beagle channels, a series of glaciers and Ushuaia, Argentina, before the actual rounding of Cape Horn. The itinerary then takes a turn toward the ultimate southern destination — Antarctica, which includes the Wilhelm Archipelago, South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Sound. After the three-day Antarctic experience, Amsterdam sails to Stanley, Falkland Islands; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Montevideo, Uruguay, where it departs on the trans-Atlantic leg of the cruise. Amsterdam crosses to Africa to call at Walvis Bay and Lüderitz, Namibia, before heading to South Africa for an overnight at Cape Town and calls at Port Elizabeth and Durban.

Upon reaching the Indian Ocean, guests will overnight at Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles, then head to India for overnights in Mumbai and Marmagoa before setting off to Port Kelang, Malaysia. Next, an intense exploration of the Far East begins, including overnight calls in Singapore, Republic of Singapore; Hong Kong; Xingang (Beijing), China; and Kobe (Osaka) and Yokohama (Tokyo), Japan. Additional calls include Sihanoukville (Kampong Som), Cambodia; Phu My (Ho Chi Min City) and Halong Bay, Vietnam; Shanghai, China; Cheju City, South Korea; and Kagoshima and Hakodate, Japan. Before heading back to North America, guests will experience Petropavlovsk, Russian Federation, and gain a day when they cross the International Date Line. Guests then have the option of disembarking in Vancouver, B.C., April 25, or Seattle, Wash., April 26, or continuing on to Los Angeles.

The Grand World Voyage features three special celebrity-guest speakers — former television news anchor Sam Donaldson (March 28 through April 1), biographer Kitty Kelley (Jan. 28 through Feb. 7) and Grammy Award–winning musician Doc Severinsen and El Ritmo de la Vida (Jan. 6 through 11). Reservations are now open for all four 2010 Holland America Line Grand Voyages, with a variety of early-booking bonus amenities offered to full-cruise guests. Depending upon the category booked, guests who book by Sept. 30, 2009, may enjoy shipboard credits up to $1,000 per person, an exclusive shore event, liquor service, complimentary luggage delivery service to and from gateways, pre-paid service charges and welcome-aboard champagne.

New holiday segments of Grand World Voyage, a 47-day Los Angeles to Buenos Aires and a 61-day Los Angeles to Cape Town, also are available for booking and include airfare from select West Coast gateways and select East Coast and Central cities for $200 more. For a cruise brochure or for more information on Holland America Line’s Grand Voyages, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-800-522-3399 or visit www.hollandamerica.com

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Cruise West Offers Tempting 2009/2010 Holiday Voyages

Seattle, WA – Cruise West, one of the world’s leading providers of small-ship explorations will offer four holiday itineraries in 2009 and 2010. Sailing into the firecracker lavish spectacle of Sydney’s Harbor on New Year’s Eve; bidding farewell to 2009 in the wilds of Costa Rica; savoring a traditional Nochebuena Christmas Eve feast in Mexico’s Sea of Cortes; or satisfying all the senses in Vietnam on Thanksgiving.

Exotic, culturally fascinating and stunning scenery describes the 11-night Vietnam voyage that commences in Hanoi aboard the all-suite Spirit of Oceanus on November 21, 2009, and ends in Ho Chi Minh City. Spend the Thanksgiving holiday discovering Hue, the Imperial City on the Perfume River including the Forbidden Purple City and the Imperial Citadel, followed by a traditional thanksgiving feast prepared by the onboard chef. The itinerary will give travelers the chance to explore Vietnam’s architecture, art, and ancient shrines in Hoi An; bustling Hanoi; the Gulf of Tonkin; the temples and picturesque fishing boats of Nha Trang; the Cham Museum and a special private performance of traditional martial arts in Qui Nhon; and UNESCO World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay.

Sun, sea, sand, wildlife and rich Latin culture are featured on the December 18, 2009 Holiday, and December 27, 2009 New Year’s Eve cruises of the nine-night Between Two Seas itinerary traveling between Panama City and San Jose, Costa Rica. Festivities include a special Costa Rican and Panamanian dinner featuring delicious traditional cuisine; and a New Year’s Captain’s Dinner, followed by “Carnival,” a lively evening of music and drinks. The warmth of the people of the Emberá Village is highlighted on December 25 when the guests will deliver gifts to the local children; and on December 31 when they board the ship to perform a special dance presentation. The 100-guest Pacific Explorer offers a casual environment and robust Naturalist program. Additional highlights include Portobelo; traversing the entire Panama Canal; UNESCO World Heritage Site Coiba National Park; Golfo Dulce; Caletas Beach; and Manuel Antonio National Park, known for its prolific wildlife and bird viewing.

Serenity-seekers will enjoy the seven-night Sea of Cortés Whales & Wildlife cruise, round trip Cabo San Lucas, on board the 102-guest Spirit of Endeavour. The December 19, 2009, Feliz Navidad Holiday sailing will offer a traditional Nochebuena Christmas Eve feast as well as Mexican holiday activities on a lovely remote beach. Or celebrate Feliz Año Nuevo on the December 26, 2009 departure complete with a midnight toast and late night buffet. Port calls include the picturesque seaside village and mission town Loreto; La Paz; and Isla Espiritú Santo, home to several plant and animal species only found on this island. Active guests will enjoy kayaking, snorkeling and nature walks at the serene islands Los Islotes and Isla Partida. Add on a spectacular four-night Copper Canyon post-cruise land tour.

Planning ahead, the 17-night Discovering the Maori Coast, traveling from Auckland to Sydney, departing December 15, 2010 – the 24th itinerary of the Voyages of the Great Explorers epic world cruise – offers noteworthy extravaganzas for both Christmas and New Years’ Eve. Spend Christmas day in the undisturbed wilderness of Stewart Island, the most southern island of New Zealand, discovering penguins and other marvelous creatures including wekas, kākās, albatross, tokoekas and silvereyes. A dinner feast welcomes guests back onboard the 120-guest Spirit of Oceanus. The ship makes a grand entry into Sydney Harbor on News Year’s Eve in time to enjoy the annual celebratory fireworks display.

To book a cruise or for more information about these voyages visit www.cruisewest.com, call 1- 800-296-8307 or a travel professional. All prices are person, based on double occupancy.

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Time for Polka in the Caribbean Onboard MSC Poesia

FORT LAUDERDALE, FA, July 29: Polka music fans will have plenty to enjoy on MSC Poesia's Jan 9, 2010 Polka Cruise, as two of the country's best known polka bands take to the seas on a 7-night Caribbean cruise. Guests will be dancing and swaying to the sounds of two popular polka bands:

-- John Stevens Double Shot is a popular Pennsylvania-based group that has played its contemporary polka rhythms at numerous festivals throughout the country. The group's most popular songs are "Everyone's Having Fun," "Gonna Have a Party," and "Back to the Sea."
-- Joe Stanky and the Cadets have been performing classic polka sounds for more than 25 years. The group also features a range of styles including honky, country, Slovenian and both English and Polish vocals. The group's newest CD is "Sing Me Back Home."

The "Eastern Caribbean Enchantment" itinerary for this unique Polka music theme cruise sails roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale and calls at ports in San Juan, Puerto Rico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and Nassau, Bahamas.Kids ages 17 and younger sail free when sharing a stateroom with two full-fare-paying adults.

MSC Poesia's 2009-2010 Caribbean cruise season features Big Band, Oldies, Baseball Greats, Comedy, Country Music, Festa Italiana, and Latin theme cruises. Become a fan on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter. Watch us on You Tube. To review more information about MSC Cruises and its theme cruises, visit www.MSCCruisesUSA.com or a local travel professional.

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Guests of Royal Caribbean Intl, Celebrity Cruises & Azamara Cruises Enjoy More Options, Peace of Mind With New ChoiceAir

MIAMI, July 28: Royal Caribbean Intl, Celebrity Cruises, and Azamara Cruises have announced ChoiceAir, a convenient new way for guests to purchase air transportation to and from their cruise. With ChoiceAir, guests will enjoy greater peace of mind; be able to select their preferred airline and a specific itinerary; and shop for the best prices among published fares and exclusive ChoiceAir specials. Unlike traditional programs, guests will know their airline itinerary as soon as they are ready to choose it, and – as with traditional air programs – there is a support team available to support guests before, during, and after they travel. ChoiceAir will be available to guests from the U.S. and Canada beginning August 3, 2009.

“The new ChoiceAir is a best-in-class program that will provide guests with convenience, flexibility, value, and support when it comes to the air transportation portion of their vacation,” said Doug Santoni, senior vice president of Revenue Management, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “Our guests and our travel partners have told us they value the support we provide as part of our traditional air programs, but that they would also like a full choice of competitive air fares and schedules, and to be able to select their itinerary at the time they book their cruise. With ChoiceAir, we are responding to our customers' wishes.”

Guests will be able to purchase ChoiceAir through a travel agent, directly from Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises contact centers, and online through a new ChoiceAir website. Travel agents will be able to purchase ChoiceAir for their clients through CruisingPower.com, the three cruise lines’ dedicated site for travel professionals. A cost of $15 per person for domestic and $25 per person for international air travel will apply to ChoiceAir bookings, and will include access to the ChoiceAir support desk, aid in cases of flight delays, and assistance in making alternative flight arrangements in the event of missed embarkation. Guests' cruise and air arrangements will both be present in a single consolidated booking record, creating greater convenience for travel agents, who would no longer need to manage two separate and independent bookings.

About Royal Caribbean International: Royal Caribbean Intl is a global cruise brand with 20 ships currently in service and two under construction. The line also offers unique cruise tour land packages in Alaska, Canada, Dubai, Europe, and Australia and New Zealand. For additional information or to make reservations, call your travel agent, visit www.royalcaribbean.com or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.

About Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity Cruises offers comfortably sophisticated, upscale vacation experiences with highly personalized service, exceptional dining, and extraordinary attention to detail. Celebrity sails in Alaska, California, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Galapagos Islands, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal and South America. The line also offers unique cruisetour vacations in Alaska, Canada, Europe and South America. Celebrity’s fleet – including the new Celebrity Solstice – will be joined by Celebrity Equinox this year, Celebrity Eclipse in 2010, a fourth Solstice-class ship in 2011, and a fifth in 2012. For more information, call your travel agent, dial 1-800-437-3111 or visit www.celebritycruises.com.

About Azamara Cruises: Azamara Cruises unlocks the hidden corners of the world for those who desire to immerse themselves in the rich details of every voyage. The deluxe ships – Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest – offer an intimate experience, while allowing access to exotic destinations experienced travelers long to reach. For the 694 guests on each Azamara Cruises ship, every moment at sea embodies the pinnacle of luxury, and each footstep on shore accentuates the difference between visiting a place and getting a true sense of place. This year, Azamara Cruises presents the best of enchanting Europe, elite Asia, and the most captivating Caribbean and the Panama Canal. The line also offers unique cruisetours in Europe and Asia. For more information, guests are invited to call 1-877-999-9553. Or, visit www.azamaracruises.com.

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Crystal Fall Savings Roundup

LOS ANGELES, July 28: From up to $3,000 off per couple and up to $2,000 per couple in shipboard credits to group and family incentives, Crystal Cruises is providing exceptional value and variety, as well as luxury, for discriminating travelers.

"A Crystal vacation, along with consistently being voted 'World's Best' by savvy travelers, is an inherently great value. Every detail of the Crystal experience is attended to with special care," says Bill Smith, Crystal's senior vice president. "When travelers realize the amount and scope of these offers, they will find the savings are extraordinary."

Celebration Savings
-- To celebrate of an unprecedented 15 years as "Best Large-Ship Cruise Line," up to $1,500 per person savings off most fall Mediterranean, South America, Amazon, New England/Canada, Caribbean and Transatlantic voyages.

All Inclusive - As You Wish
-- Up to $1,000 per person spending credit on most cruises to customize one's vacation with experiences that are personally meaningful - from fine wines to Crystal Adventures ashore.

Crystal Family Memories Program - Two Savings Options
-- For six full-fare berths: $500 credit toward a Crystal Private Adventure, kids under 17 sail free, plus other perks
-- For 10 full-fare berths: One complimentary berth, plus all of the above perks.

Round-trip Miami Panama Canal Combo
-- Save more than $1,000 and enjoy a $1,000 per person 'All Inclusive - As You Wish" shipboard credit for the 22-day combination of two Panama Canal transit sailings.

Big Savings on Thanksgiving Voyages
-- Save 50% or more off Crystal Symphony's wine and food focuses, Amazon journey, or Crystal Serenity's jazz cruise through the Caribbean, both departing November 22.

Value Collection Sailings
-- Save up to 50% on seven sailings through the Panama Canal, South America, New England and Canada, Caribbean and the Amazon, and a transatlantic crossing.

Crystal Assurance Plan
-- Crystal's price guarantee protects guests if the fare for their stateroom is later reduced, plus offers reduced cruise fare deposits, deadlines and cancellation periods.

Combo Cruise Savings
-- Guests booking two or more fall cruises back-to-back can save up to 5% on the fare for each voyage.

Onboard Booking Savings
-- Guests booking a future cruise on board receive up to 4.5% off their next cruise.

For terms and conditions and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit www.crystalcruises.com.

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Celebrity Cruises Artfully Presents “The Essence of Equinox”

MIAMI, July 2: An industry trendsetter in presenting permanent, seagoing collections of museum-quality contemporary art, Celebrity Cruises continues its tradition aboard the new Celebrity Equinox with “The Essence of Equinox,” a collection of nearly 500 original works.

“We are thrilled to continue Celebrity’s tradition of offering our guests the opportunity to experience and appreciate art of a caliber rarely seen outside of museums, art galleries and rare private collections,” said Celebrity’s President and CEO Dan Hanrahan. “This incredible series beautifully and impactfully complements the ship’s inspiring style and design. The entire collection on Celebrity Equinox is yet another vivid example of our dedication to enhancing the onboard experience for our guests with unique and stimulating works of art.”

Together with International Corporate Art – an art consultancy based in Miami, London and Oslo – Celebrity developed a curatorial concept for Celebrity Equinox embodied in “the essence of equinox,” where balance, harmony and the principle of “yin-yang” (the existence of opposing elements to create equilibrium) were the driving force behind the selection. With an eye to both quality and beauty, Celebrity’s platform for the concept is evident from the varied blend of media, artists and images juxtaposed throughout the ship. Comprised of new acquisitions from a combination of internationally established, mid-career and emerging artists, the art collection on Celebrity Equinox also features a selection of works from the lauded collection that graced Celebrity Galaxy prior to the ship’s transition to the TUI Cruises fleet earlier this year.

In its entirety, the collection on Celebrity Equinox represents a scope of work created by some of the world’s most iconic artists, with many hailing from Europe and Latin America. Within the collection are abstract expressionist works by Joan Mitchell and John Chamberlain; pop art masterpieces by Roy Lichtenstein; humorous urban life observations by Red Groom; colorful geometric designs by Sol LeWitt; organic abstractions by Terry Winter; abstract, cartoon images by Carroll Dunham and Donald Baechler; landscape photography by Andreas Gursky; comical arrangements of figurines by Liliana Porter; digitally-manipulated photographic images by Grazia Tolderi; collaged portraits by John Stezaker and Jack Pierson; sculptures by Johan Creten and Marina Abramovic; and works by Parisian Louise Bourgeois, influential German painter Gerard Richter, and the provocative Young British Artist (YBA) Damien Hirst.

Celebrity also commissioned two bold, site-specific installations on Celebrity Equinox. The installation by Argentinean duo Roberto Behar and Rosario Marquardt consists of an enormous, suspended vase – dotted with more than 500,000 Swarovski crystals – holding a live, 18-foot-tall tree in the upper portion of the ship’s sweeping Grand Foyer. The stunning creation is paired with a sparkling display of the maxim “Here Comes the Sun” spanning four decks. In “Still Life for Leisure,” the second commissioned installation, Los Angeles-based Jose Pardo, known for emphasizing social interaction as art, transforms Celebrity Equinox’s Ensemble Lounge vestibule into a site for relaxation, with a minimal cushioned bench and other furnishings set amidst a blend of color and light.

Guests sailing on Celebrity Equinox will enjoy a resort-like experience at sea through the brand-defining, industry-first attributes also found on Celebrity Solstice, including the industry’s first Lawn Club, a half-acre country-club atmosphere featuring real, growing grass; 10 dining venues including several created by noted hospitality designer Adam Tihany, and all featuring menus pairing classic and contemporary selections created by noted chef, restaurateur and Celebrity’s Vice President of Culinary Operations Jacques Van Staden; AquaClass, the line’s spa-inspired staterooms offering exclusive access to the Mediterranean-influenced specialty restaurant, “Blu”; the industry’s first Hot Glass Show at sea, presented in collaboration with The Corning Museum of Glass; larger, more intuitive staterooms influenced by a panel of five “boomer” women with unique travel and hospitality insights, and widely varied entertainment, including spectacular new shows in partnership with Poet Theatricals.

Celebrity Cruises offers comfortably sophisticated, upscale vacation experiences with highly personalized service, exceptional dining, and extraordinary attention to detail. Celebrity sails in Alaska, California, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Galapagos Islands, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal and South America. The line also offers unique cruisetour vacations in Alaska, Canada, Europe and South America. Celebrity’s fleet, including Celebrity Solstice, is joined by Celebrity Equinox next week, Celebrity Eclipse in 2010, a fourth Solstice-class ship in 2011, and a fifth in 2012. For more information, call your travel agent, dial 1-800-437-3111 or visit www.celebritycruises.com.

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Seabourn Announces Additional 2010 Yachting Collection Savings

MIAMI, July 24: The Yachts of Seabourn has announced an expansion of its “Yachting Collection Savings” promotion to include the entire 2010 season of European and Asian cruises aboard the line’s intimate, all-suite luxury fleet. Savings are as much as 45 to 65 percent for an ocean-view suite measuring 277 square feet or larger. The promotion includes nearly 150 cruises of seven to 14 days aboard the award-winning Seabourn Pride, Spirit and Legend, as well as the newly-launched Seabourn Odyssey, already hailed as “…a game-changer for the luxury cruise segment,” and its sister-yacht Seabourn Sojourn, which will debut in June 2010 in London. Complete cruise schedules and details can be viewed at www.seabourn.com. Travelers who wish to take advantage of the highest savings rates are encouraged to act promptly, because the savings are capacity-controlled and may be changed or withdrawn at any time, either for whole voyages or for certain suite categories.

“This is the opportunity of a lifetime to experience Seabourn yachting life at substantial savings,” noted Seabourn’s president and CEO, Pamela C. Conover. “I can assure travelers that they will enjoy the same luxurious suites, the same superb cuisine and the same sincere, personalized service that won our yachts the Departures, Travel+ Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler awards,” she continued, “plus they’ll explore Europe and Asia in the best possible way -- from the deck of a Seabourn yacht.”

Yachting Collection Savings have already been announced for Seabourn’s first-quarter cruises in Southeast Asia, South and Central America and the Caribbean. The expansion adds an extensive array of voyages in Europe from Iceland, Norway and the Baltic across the whole span of the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. In Asia, Seabourn Pride’s voyages in Vietnam and Thailand are included, as well as brand-new itineraries exploring China, Korea and Japan. For more information on The Yachts of Seabourn, contact a professional travel agent, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com.

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The Bellamy Brothers Featured on MSC Cruises' Country Music Caribbean Cruise

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, July 24: Grab your cowboy hat and boots and boogie to The Bellamy Brothers on MSC Cruises' Country Music cruise while enjoying the sunny skies and balmy breezes of Caribbean ports on MSC Poesia's 7-night, Feb 20, 2010 sailing. Howard and David Bellamy, The Bellamy Brothers, have been a constant in country music for more than 30 years with 21 singles and more than 50 hits on both the pop and country charts. One of their most famous songs, "Let Your Love Flow," received the distinguished BMI Five Million Performance Award and was No. 68 on BMI's Top 100 Songs of the Century. This year, they teamed up with siblings Kevin and Michael Bacon of the Bacon Brothers, to film a video for the song "Guilty of the Crime." The Bellamy Brothers will have guests dancing in the aisles during their one-night performance. In addition to line dancing lessons and country music karaoke, guests can two-step to other country music performances featured during the cruise.

The "Eastern Caribbean Enchantment" itinerary for this unique Country Music theme cruise sails roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale and calls at ports in San Juan, Puerto Rico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and Nassau, Bahamas. For more information about this and MSC Cruises' other theme cruises, visit www.MSCCruisesUSA.com or a local travel professional.

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Silversea's 2010 Voyage Atlas Is Now Available

Ft. Lauderdale, FL, July 23: Silversea Cruises has published its new 2010 Voyage Atlas. The 188-page brochure details over 190 itineraries visiting 7 continents, over 80 countries, and more than 400 destinations. In addition to a voyage-by-voyage summary of cruise itineraries (including many that can be combined back-to-back into one extended sailing without repeating a port), the new Voyage Atlas features comprehensive information on Silversea's signature amenities, special programs, deck plans and new simplified Silver Savings pricing structure. Voyages currently offering free roundtrip airfare from 22 gateway cities are also highlighted. The balance of the brochure is dedicated to optional Silver Shore land programs and services.

"We're very pleased to launch our new Voyage Atlas for 2010," said Steve Tucker, Silversea's vice president of field sales for North America. "It has been carefully designed to reveal the luxurious, all-inclusive Silversea lifestyle. Within its pages, readers will discover award-winning ships that offer an exclusive passport to exotic destinations, countless indulgences and uncompromising service."

GRAND INAUGURAL VOYAGE OF SILVER SPIRIT: The 2010 Voyage Atlas also includes the new Silver Spirit, and highlights her inaugural season. Departing Fort Lauderdale on January 21, Silversea's newest ultra-luxury ship is set to explore over 20 countries and 45 ports on her 91-day Grand Inaugural Voyage, visiting South America, the Mexican Riviera and crossing the Panama Canal before reaching her ultimate destination, New York City. To celebrate such a momentous journey, Silversea is lining up an array of celebrity guest speakers (to host onboard presentations), complimentary excursions and other exclusive onshore events designed to showcase local cultures as well as entertain guests. The centerpiece of this aptly themed "Spirit of South America" voyage is the ship's arrival in Rio de Janeiro on February 14, at the height of Carnaval. Following an early dinner, guests will have the chance to experience the magic of the Rio Carnaval parade from prime seats reserved for them at the Sambadrome.

EXPANDED BUTLER SERVICE: Silversea is raising the bar in personalized service with plans to feature butlers for all guest accommodations. The enhanced service is being phased in gradually over the coming months and will be in place for all voyages in 2010. As the complimentary butler service rolls out, it will join an already expansive array of all-inclusive amenities available to Silversea guests. Highlights include complimentary beverages served throughout the ship -- including fine wines, spirits and champagnes, in-suite bar and refrigerator stocked with each guest's preferred beverage selections, open-seating dining, 24-hour complimentary room service, and fares that include all onboard gratuities.

SILVER SHORE LAND PROGRAMS: Catering to a clientele that seeks travel experiences that go beyond the ordinary, Silversea offers a unique collection of Silver Shore land adventures, hotel packages and services, enabling guests to delve deeper into local cultures, learn more about historic sites and have closer encounters with remarkable wildlife. Guests can even choose to have the Silver Shore Concierge design a special activity, private excursion or exclusive event tailored to their personal interests.

EXPEDITIONS IN LUXURY--PRINCE ALBERT II : Expedition voyages continue to grow in popularity with luxury travelers and a special 26-page section of the Atlas is devoted entirely to the Prince Albert II. Next year 25 expedition itineraries will explore the Arctic, Antarctica, Central and South America. On every journey, guests will be escorted in unsurpassed luxury. With the largest average accommodations size of any expedition ship, guests enjoy spacious, ocean-view suites and staterooms (select suites have French balconies or large private verandas), sumptuous gourmet cuisine, warm hospitality and personalized service.

In keeping with the company's commitment to promote the use of environmentally responsible products, the Atlas is printed on paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The brochure displays the FSC's "Mixed Sources" label, certifying the paper comes from well-managed forests, controlled sources and/or recycled material. For a complimentary copy of the 2010 Voyage Atlas, visit www.silversea.com and click on the [REQUEST A BROCHURE] link or call toll-free (877) 215-9986. Alternatively, the Atlas can be viewed online from our website homepage; simply click the [E-BROCHURE] link.

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Celebrity Cruises Launches “Celebrity Life”

MIAMI, July 23: Life has always been good on a Celebrity Cruises vacation, and today, the brand announced a new program that will make it even better. Celebrity Cruises today announced “Celebrity Life,” a new series of palate-pleasing, intellectually-enriching and life-enhancing programs designed to deliver the most unique and sophisticated onboard experience in premium cruising. Built on long-established pillars of the Celebrity brand – dining, enrichment, and wellness – Celebrity Life encompasses three distinct program categories: “Savor,” “Discover,” and “Renew.”

“Celebrity Cruises has always been committed to offering the best vacation experience for discerning travelers,” said Celebrity Cruises Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations Lisa Lutoff-Perlo. “Celebrity Life will provide our guests with an array of experiences they will remember long after they sail with us, thanks to the delivery and dedication of our spectacular crew across the fleet.”

“Savor” takes an already stellar culinary experience to new heights, with eight new wine enrichment events, six spirits and mixology tastings, and more than seven different interactive programs for guests, hosted by the ship’s Executive Chef and team. “Discover” presents an opportunity for guests to do or learn what they have always wanted to try, but never had time to accomplish. Whether it’s ordering a bottle of Chianti in Italian, or exploring the universe in 40 minutes, guests can delve into a wide variety of interests. “Renew” offers an improved, more goal-oriented approach to classes, seminars, and treatments designed to help guests on their journey to looking younger, feeling better and living longer.

SAVOR THE MOMENT: Shaped by the line’s award-winning chef, restaurateur and Vice President of Culinary Operations Jacques Van Staden, the Savor series will encompass three programs centered around Celebrity Cruises’ industry-leading food and beverage programming: “Celebrity Vineyards,” “Signature Spirits” and “Food as Art.” The “Celebrity Vineyards” wine enrichment program, developed in partnership with the United States Sommelier Association, will feature a host of immersive wine events providing guests the opportunity to expand their understanding and appreciation of the fascinating world of wine. Among the varied activities are the comparative wine workshops Celebrity introduced in 2007, sanctioned by the renowned Riedel Crystal.

Celebrity’s “Signature Spirits” events will help unleash guests’ “inner mixologist” as they explore the modern world of spirits and cocktails during exclusive “Mixology 101” workshops developed in partnership with Bacardi. The Signature Spirits events also will offer the opportunity to experience the industry’s first “Molecular Mixology” workshop developed by “The Liquid Chef,” world-renowned Master Mixologist Junior Merino.

Celebrity’s immersive “Food as Art” culinary arts program also includes highly interactive and participatory cooking shows. Led by a variety of Celebrity’s shipboard chefs, the program allows guests to serve as sous chefs in “Star Chef Cooking Competitions,” and to participate in exclusive behind-the-scenes tours to watch the teams in Celebrity’s galleys actively preparing delectable desserts, fresh-baked breads and a seemingly endless array of entrees. The Food as Art program also will surprise and delight vacationers with a special lineup of guest chefs who will set sail with Celebrity over the course of the year.

DANCE...DISCUSS…DISCOVER: A highlight of Celebrity Life’s “Discover” series is the opportunity to learn a new language through Celebrity’s industry-first alliance with Rosetta Stone®. Through this new partnership, over the course of just one sailing, either self-taught or hosted, guests can gain a working knowledge of their choice from among 13 languages.

Celebrity’s “Beyond the Podium” enrichment series, as its name implies, will offer guests far more than the typical enrichment lecture. The series will be highlighted by the brand’s new association with Smithsonian Journeys, the educational travel program of the renowned Smithsonian Institution, which is the world’s largest museum complex and research organization. Guests on select sailings will have the opportunity to gain deep, new insight from Smithsonian Journeys’ globally recognized experts as they speak with Celebrity guests about a vast array of topics, including history, culture, art and architecture, and the natural environment.

Stargazers will be inspired to stare skyward as they learn about astronomy, telescope tips, and even celestial navigation through Celebrity’s new alliance with Stargeezer, a program devoted to educating consumers about astronomy in user-friendly fashion. Celebrity guests also will be invited to gaze at the night skies out on deck during special stargazers’ parties and “star hunts” designed to identify the evening’s brightest constellations and planets. Dance enthusiasts can share the stage with Celebrity’s own professional dancers during itinerary-influenced, interactive productions whose themes include “Sizzle,” “Groove,” “Decco,” and “Flava.” Additionally, in partnership with Skyy Vodka, Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Equinox will present “Live @ Sky” in the two ships’ Sky Observation Lounge. In addition to participating in cultural, world and ballroom dance classes, guests also will have the opportunity to compete in the “Everybody Dance” competition, culminating in a vote for “star” dance champions on every sailing.

Meanwhile, iPod addicts can learn new iTunes tips and tricks while onboard, and novice and experienced computer users alike can boost their technological prowess through Celebrity’s “digITal” series, with courses ranging from Photoshop and Windows XP primers, to BlackBerry tips and blog creation. To learn how to creatively preserve photos of their impressive new dance moves, or the picturesque places they visited during their cruise, guests can participate in Celebrity’s new courses offered through the line’s unique partnership with the StoryTellersClub, designed to guide guests through the process of creating valuable keepsakes of their cruise vacation memories.

TO RENEW YOU: Celebrity Life’s new health and wellness program called “Renew” offers an expansion of spa and wellness services designed to help guests feel better, live longer, and look younger. Redefining the spa experience with an innovative range of beauty and wellness options for Celebrity guests, Renew offers three areas of enrichment within the program: “Ageless,” “Energy,” and “Longevity,” each with its own slate of treatment selections, seminars and workshops. Guests can participate in motivating classes, a variety of seminars, and also experience results-driven spa or fitness treatments created for each series within the program.

Within the Ageless series are informative seminars focused on skin renewal and youth-enhancing lifestyle tips, in addition to medi-spa cosmetic services such as BOTOX® Cosmetic, Restylane® and Perlane®, and a selection of anti-aging facials, including a 24-karat gold facial available on the fleet’s latest ship, Celebrity Equinox, to target fine lines and wrinkles. To help promote self-awareness and healthier living long-term, the Energy series entails nutritional information, wellness assessments and realistic “Life” prescriptions that guests can incorporate into their lifestyle, plus body sculpting and strengthening options, including a “boot camp” course, indoor cycling, personal training, and gravity training classes. Among the highlights of the Longevity series are seminars focused on stress management, lifestyle enhancements, and alternative healing systems such as Chinese medicine. The Longevity series also features complimentary consultations with the onboard acupuncturist, an array of acupuncture treatments to rebalance the mind and body, in addition to yoga, tai-chi and “fab abs” courses.

WHEN DOES CELEBRITY LIFE “GO LIVE?” Following its rollout on the new Celebrity Equinox when the ship enters service July 31, the Celebrity Life program will be introduced across the balance of the fleet by the end of November.
“All of us at Celebrity are eager to introduce this new program to our guests,” said Lutoff-Perlo. “From pleasing palates to enriching intellects to enhancing day-to-day life, there’s something to suit every interest within our new Celebrity Life. And this is only the beginning. We look forward to introducing more surprises over the course of the year.”

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

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Carnival’s New ‘Behind The Fun’ Tours Offer Unique Insight Into Shipboard Operations

MIAMI (July 23, 2009) – For those who want to get an insider’s look at the inner-workings of a Carnival “Fun Ship,” the line has created Behind the Fun, a guided tour that provides guests with a unique insight into the company’s shipboard operations. Currently available on the Carnival Valor and Carnival Conquest, the program will be rolled out to all 12 of the line’s ships operating voyages of seven days or longer by the end of September. The informative three-and-a-half-hour tour offers participants a behind-the-scenes look at a wide range of shipboard venues that are normally off limits to guests. During the tour, key shipboard personnel, including the captain, chief engineer, chef de cuisine and other department heads, share their vast knowledge in their particular area of expertise.

Behind the Fun begins with a stop backstage in the main show lounge where participants can see exactly what goes into creating Carnival’s award-winning revues. The tour then moves on to normally restricted areas such as the laundry room, crew galley and dining room, crew gym, and crew training center. Next it’s on to the expansive main galley where talented culinary artists prepare upwards of 12,000 meals and snacks a day for Carnival’s guests. The tour also includes a visit to the ship’s bridge and engine control room and informative Q&A sessions with the captain and chief engineer, respectively.

“Cruising is a fascinating industry and our new Behind the Fun tour offers guests an opportunity to not only explore areas that others rarely get to see but also meet some of the people that make the ‘Fun Ship’ vacation experience so memorable,” said Roberta Jacoby, Carnival’s senior vice president of hotel operations.

In addition to a comprehensive overview of Carnival’s shipboard operations, Behind the Fun participants receive a number of commemorative gifts, including a custom-made Behind the Fun baseball cap and lanyard, a Team Carnival Picture Perfect book with stunning photographs of Carnival ships and destinations taken by the line’s employees, and complimentary photos with the captain on the bridge.

Behind the Fun tours can be booked through the ships’ shore excursion desk. The cost is $95 per person and capacity is limited to 16 guests per tour. Guests must be 13 or older to participate. A version of the Behind the Fun tour is planned for Carnival ships that operate itineraries of less than seven days in length.

For additional information and reservations, call 1-800-327-9501 or visit www.carnival.com.

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Master Chef Jacques Pepin to Open French Bistro Onboard Oceania Cruises' New Marina

NEW YORK, July 22: World-renowned Master Chef Jacques Pepin will open Jacques, his first ever restaurant at sea, onboard Oceania Cruises' new 1,258-guest Marina, scheduled to launch in late 2010.Pepin's namesake restaurant will draw inspiration from bistros in his home town of Lyon and the fabled bistros of Paris. "The cornerstone of any great dining experience is freshly prepared, simple dishes that are as visually pleasing on the plate as they are on the palate," according to Pepin.

Guests entering the restaurant will be greeted by the aroma of freshly roasted chicken, duck, and lamb wafting from the grand rotisserie. Custom Jacques Pepin signature china, antique flatware and Lalique glassware adorn the tables while chandeliers fashioned from crystal decanters add a whimsical shimmer to the room. An art collection comprised of some of Pepin's favorite personal pieces and original works Pepin created especially for Marina, grace the room and adds a warm, personal touch.

"As we designed the culinary experience aboard Marina, a restaurant by Jacques Pepin was at the top of our guests' wish lists," stated Bob Binder, Oceania Cruises' president. "Jacques will present a traditional French dining experience in a casually elegant fashion. Jacques Pepin has been a member of our team since the line's inception and we are honored that he is debuting his signature restaurant aboard our magnificent new Marina."

Jacques Pepin is the host of award-winning cooking shows, author of more than 20 cookbooks and has served as personal chef to numerous heads of state. As the Executive Culinary Director for Oceania Cruises, Pepin has brought his legendary cuisine and unique artistry to the gourmet restaurants onboard Marina's sister ships Regatta, Insignia and Nautica.

A Dining Experience to Be Savored: Dining in Jacques will be reminiscent of dining in a favorite bistro that is run by a long-time friend. The service, while professional and polished, is friendly and endearing and in the tradition of fine French dining, a leisurely pace is de rigueur, thus ensuring a relaxing dining experience. Upon arrival at the table, guests are greeted with a bread basket of "Les Trois Baguettes" with three different freshly baked French baguettes along with Country Petit Pate with gherkins and traditional Rillettes of salmon and foie de volaille.

Highlights of the menu include an appetizer of homemade Pumpkin Soup a l'Anglaise served in a pumpkin shell, fresh Mussels Mariniere, freshly roasted free range chicken, duck, lamb, and other specialty cuts of fine meat. In addition, the chef's "specialites de la maison" are presented each day, having been hand-selected from local markets in the ports that Marina visits. To cap off the evening, a choice of nine classic French desserts and a cheese tray with 12 AOC French cheeses that locally procured in the regions they are produced serve as a fitting finale to an unforgettable dining experience.

A Ship for Food Lovers: Oceania Cruises' new Marina has been purposefully designed for epicureans with 10 dining venues, including six open-seating, gourmet restaurants. Public spaces awash in rich woods, marble and granite, fine wool carpets and lustrous leather retain the intimacy and signature design elements of the line's three sister ships while affording an increased level of space, comfort, convenience and luxury amenities. Featuring a total of 10 dining venues, Marina guests may choose to dine in any of six distinctly different gourmet restaurants, including Jacques and Red Ginger, all at no additional charge. Guest accommodations are comprised of 629 staterooms and suites, 96 percent of which have private verandas. Facilities include an array of elegant bars and lounges, a CanyonRanch SpaClub , state-of-the-art fitness center, outdoor swimming pool and hot tubs. Additional information about Jacques - including sample menus - will be uploaded to Oceania Cruises' Web site in the coming months. Reservations for Marina are scheduled to open in late 2009. For more information or to order a brochure, contact a travel agent, visit www.OceaniaCruises.com or call Oceania Cruises at 800-531-5658.

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New 130,000-Ton Carnival Dream To Offer Widest Variety Of
All-Inclusive Dining Choices In 'Fun Ship' Fleet

MIAMI, July 22: From a two-level casual eatery featuring a new Italian pasta station, Indian tandoori and burrito bar, to an elegant steakhouse, and Ocean Plaza—a stunning indoor/outdoor café and live music venue—the new Carnival Dream will offer a tantalizing array of culinary choices. All of the Carnival Dream’s dining options, except for the reservations-recommended steakhouse, specialty coffees, and select patisserie items, are available free of charge. The 130,000-ton Carnival Dream—the line’s largest ship—is set to debut Sept. 21 and the vessel’s size has provided the line additional opportunities to offer guests a host of palate-pleasing dining choices from around the world.

“‘Fun Ship’ cruising is already the best value at sea and we’ve conducted extensive research that shows that in today’s economy consumers are seeking a vacation that offers a multitude of delicious dining choices without a lot of added costs,” said Roberta Jacoby, Carnival’s senior vice president of hotel operations. “The dining options aboard the Carnival Dream represent the culmination of our wide-ranging consumer research efforts, while showcasing the incredible talents of our master chefs.”

Expanded Casual Offerings, Including New Italian Pasta Bar
Carnival is known for offering the widest variety of casual dining options at sea, and Carnival Dream continues that tradition with the two-level casual eatery called The Gathering, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner alternatives. From Italian and Tex-Mex to tandoori and Asian specialties–-and just about everything in between—The Gathering offers a diversity of culinary choices to suit any mood or taste.

New on Carnival Dream is a pasta bar where guests have their choice of pasta, sauce and ingredients to create a custom-made dish and enjoy traditional Italian favorites such as Portobello ravioli and pasta carbonara. The Gathering will also house Carnival’s popular 24-hour pizzeria with seven kinds of pies and calzone, Caesar salad and garlic bread. Carnival Dream’s burrito bar is also sure to be a popular spot where guests can create an overstuffed wrap featuring their choice of chicken, beef, shrimp, salsa and other accompaniments.

Also available within The Gathering will be a Mongolian wok offering custom-made stir-fries with guests’ choice of meat and vegetables and finished with one of Carnival’s signature sauces; Taste of the Nations, featuring a different international cuisine each day; a New York–style deli; a tandoori oven offering Indian-style chicken, fish and meatballs, along with traditional bread, chutneys and relishes; and a grille serving hot dogs, hamburgers and grilled chicken sandwiches. The Gathering will also offer an extensive 35-item salad bar, 24-hour frozen yogurt, low-calorie dressings and sugar-free desserts for guests seeking healthier alternatives.

An expanded 24-hour room service menu that includes new choices such as Medium Rare Roast Beef and Brie on French Baguette and Grilled Fresh Mozzarella and Portobello Mushroom on Focaccia, will also be offered. Room service orders are delivered to guests’ staterooms any time of the day or night at no charge.

Located along Promenade Deck will be Wasabi, a sushi bar serving complimentary sushi, as well as sake.

Specialty Coffees and Sweets at Ocean Plaza Exclusive to Carnival Dream is the new Ocean Plaza, a spectacular indoor/outdoor café and entertainment venue designed as the ideal spot for guests to relax and people watch.
In addition to a dance floor and a stage featuring live entertainment, Ocean Plaza will offer full Wi-Fi access, along with 12 stand-alone kiosks where guests can access an exciting new concept in shipboard technology—the FunHub, Carnival Dream’s comprehensive portal and exclusive on-board social network.

The centerpiece of Ocean Plaza will be Plaza Café, a patisserie serving lattes, cappuccinos, espresso and other specialty coffees, along with sweets such as baked-on-board cakes, pies, cookies, even freshly made milkshakes. Full bar service, specializing in martinis, mojitos, and other popular cocktails, will be offered, as well.

The Ultimate Dining Experience at The Chef’s Art Steakhouse For those seeking a more intimate dining experience, The Chef’s Art, Carnival Dream’s steakhouse-style restaurant, will offer delectable cuisine in memorable surroundings. Located on Spa Deck 12, this 139-seat venue offers a sumptuous menu of prime dry-aged U.S.D.A. beef—selections include a nine-ounce filet, 14-ounce strip loin, 18-ounce grilled prime rib chop and 24-ounce porterhouse—along with lobster tail, lamb chops, Chilean sea bass, Maine Lobster ravioli and more. Creamed spinach, Wasabi mashed potatoes, sautéed mushrooms and traditional sauces complete the steakhouse experience. The delicious choices, combined with attentive service and an extensive wine list, make a meal at The Chef’s Art truly unforgettable. Reservations are recommended and there is a charge of $30 per person.

Wide Range of Formal Choices
Guests dining in Carnival Dream’s two-level Scarlet and Crimson main dining rooms will have their choice of six different appetizers and soups, two salads and six entrees each night. Also, Carnival Classics selections, including char-broiled steak made with the line’s signature rub, grilled chicken and pasta dishes, along with a decadent dessert menu offering six different selections, including the cruise industry’s most popular dessert—the Warm Chocolate Melting Cake—will be offered nightly.

For those seeking more health-conscious cuisine, dining room menus feature Spa Carnival Fare selections, delicious, guilt-free items that are lower in calories, cholesterol, sodium and fat content. Vegetarian choices and children’s menus are available, as well.

Exciting Inaugural Schedule
Carnival Dream is slated to debut Sept. 21, 2009, with the first of three 12-day Grand Mediterranean cruises operating round-trip from Rome, followed by a 16-day trans-Atlantic crossing from Rome (Civitavecchia) to New York Oct. 27 to Nov. 12, 2009. From New York, Carnival Dream will operate two 8-day Bahamas/Florida cruises departing Nov. 15 and 23, then reposition to Port Canaveral, FL, for a special 9-day Caribbean cruise Dec. 3. Carnival Dream will then launch year-round 7-day service from Port Canaveral, Dec. 12, offering weeklong voyages to the eastern and western Caribbean.

Carnival Dream’s exciting diversity of formal and casual dining choices are showcased in a revamped Web portal at www.carnival.com/dream, which also contains information, videos, blogs, and images highlighting the ship’s many other innovations and features. Additional information and reservations are also available by calling 1-800-327-9501 or visiting the line’s web site at www.carnival.com.

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Rock Around The Clock, Experience A Piece Of Italy, Or Tickle Your Funny Bone While Cruising The Caribbean Aboard MSC Poesia

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, July 21: Rock-and-roll to the sounds of the oldies featuring The Lettermen and The Fabulous Stingrays while enjoying the sunny skies and balmy breezes of Caribbean ports onboard MSC Poesia for her March 20, 2010 7-night Oldies cruise.

Tony Butala, Donovan Tea, and Mark Preston comprise The Lettermen, who are one of the most popular vocal groups in history. Scheduled for one performance during this rock-and-roll festival at sea, their 45-year career spans big band and the early rhythm and blues music.

Take a walk down memory lane with The Fabulous Stingrays, joining in the festivities with performances covering songs from the '50s, '60s and '70s all week long. Participate in an Elvis look-alike contest, dance competitions, trivia games, and lectures about the rock-and-roll era while listening to music throughout the cruise.

The "Eastern Caribbean Dream" itinerary for this unique Oldies Music theme cruise sails roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale and calls at ports in San Juan, Puerto Rico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands; and Nassau, Bahamas.

Experience a piece of Italy with a celebration at sea onboard MSC Poesia's April 10, 2010 7-night "Festa Italiana" cruise. The sailing features opera singers and contemporary Italian vocal artists as well as the diverse ports in the Western Caribbean. Dance the night away or sit back and enjoy performances by bands playing Italian and Italian-American favorites throughout the cruise. Participate in Venetian-mask making, a pizza-throwing contest, and tarantella dancing -- a southern Italian folk dance for couples that is among the most recognized of traditional Italian music.

Taste the delicious Mediterranean dishes and learn the secrets to preparing them during cooking demonstrations by top Italian chefs. Other opportunities available to guests include lectures on Italian art and architecture, Italian automobiles, or Italian fashion and design.

The "Island Treasures and Ancient Temples" itinerary for this unique "Festa Italiana" theme cruise sails roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale and calls at ports in Key West, Florida; Playa del Carmen, Mexico; Georgetown, Grand Cayman; Montego Bay, Jamaica; and Nassau, Bahamas.

Laughter can be the best medicine to cure the winter blues. Experience humor that will tickle your funny bone during a fun-filled celebration at sea onboard MSC Poesia’s January 30, 2010 7-night Comedy Cruise. Scott Record’s melodious voice and cavalcade of character impressions will have guests rolling in the aisles. Variety calls Record, “the true definition of ‘multi-talented’…a must see!” The laughter continues later each evening in the MSC Poesia onboard comedy club with performances by the ship’s featured comedians. Guests can also participate in Bonk! an interactive, live game show showcasing general knowledge and physical mayhem while being full of comedy.

The “Eastern Island Treasures and Ancient Temples” Caribbean itinerary for this Comedy theme cruise sails roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale and calls at ports in San Juan, Puerto Rico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and Nassau, Bahamas.

As on all MSC Cruises’ sailings, kids ages 17 and younger sail free when sharing a stateroom with two full-fare-paying adults. For more information about this and MSC Cruises' other theme cruises, visit www.MSCCruisesUSA.com or a local travel professional.

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Oceania Cruises Undertakes Global Sales Expansion

MIAMI, July 20: In preparation for the sales and marketing launch of the new 1,258 guest Marina, Oceania Cruises is adding six new team members to its sales staff.

"Oceania Cruises is poised for significant expansion in the coming year and I am delighted to be adding these six industry veterans to our team who will support our valued travel agent partners," stated Bob Binder, president of Oceania Cruises.

Three new Regional Sales Directors are being added in the United States, one in Canada and one in Europe along with two new Agency Sales and Support personnel in Miami and the United Kingdom.

"Each of these individuals was chosen for their specific expertise and experience along with their belief in what Oceania Cruises strives to deliver and their understanding of our unique position in the marketplace," added Binder.

Industry Veterans Hail From Luxury Cruise Line and Agency Backgrounds:

Cathy Denroche-Brown; Regional Sales Director, Western Canada--Cathy joins Oceania Cruises from Crystal Cruises and will oversee the newly-created Western Canada sales territory. With 33 years of experience, Cathy has spent her career at some of the industry's most respected brands including Princess Cruises, Royal Cruise Line and Air Canada. Cathy is based in Vancouver.

Jill Hanlon-Bosso; Regional Sales Director, Central and Western Florida--Jill comes to Oceania Cruises from Cruise One, one of North America's largest cruise retailers. Based in central Florida, Jill was responsible for driving Cruise One's sales performance through preferred supplier sales and franchise expansion. A 15+ year veteran of the industry; Jill spent the majority of her career at Royal Caribbean International.

Susan Mullen; Regional Sales Director, Southwest United States--A 28-year veteran of the travel industry, Susan joins from Crystal Cruises and will cover the Southwest United States including Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah. Prior to her tenure of more than ten years at Crystal Cruises, Susan worked for Royal Cruise Line, Rock Resorts and TWA.

Riet Goetschalckx; Regional Sales Director, Mainland Europe--Based in Belgium, Riet is a 25+ year veteran of the industry with extensive experience in cruise line sales and marketing. Most recently at Cruise Plus/ Reizen de Cauwer, she oversaw the sales and marketing efforts for some of the many of the industry's most respected brands including Holland America Line, Crystal Cruises and Windstar Cruises.

Kate Gibbs; Agency Sales Support, United Kingdom and Europe--A 25+ year industry veteran, Kate possesses an extensive knowledge of the agency community and played a key role alongside Andrew Gardner to set up Victoria Travel which grown into one of the United Kingdom's leading cruise retailers, now known as WWW.Cruise.Co.UK.

Gene Marcus; Agency Sales and Support; North America--Possessing 15 years of sales and marketing expertise in the travel industry, Gene joins Oceania Cruises from Norwegian Cruise Line. Prior to NCL, Gene was the manager of Marketing Communications for Cruise One and prior to that, was at Certified Vacations for twelve years.

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Costa Cruises Introduces Web Check-In for Guests

MIAMI, July 20: Guests sailing with Costa, Europe's Number One Cruise Line, may now check-in online for their cruise vacation with three simple steps at www.costacruises.com. This new web check-in system is easy to access via Costa's web site and is available to guests sailing on all of Costa's itineraries worldwide. These include departures from the Caribbean, South America, Northern Europe, Mediterranean, Indian Ocean, Dubai and Far East. To begin the online check-in process, guests will need to first enter their seven-digit booking number and last name. From there, they may access their boarding form, which they may then fill in with pertinent information needed for sailing. This includes the names and travel documentation information for all guests that are part of the booking. Once all information is filled in, guests simply need to check that the boarding form is complete. If so, their boarding documents are ready to print. The service is available from the time guests have booked and paid for their cruise in full up until the day prior to departure.

"Our web check-in system offers guests an additional ease of travel by allowing them to conveniently check-in from the comfort of their home," said Ruben Perez, senior vice president of guest services and revenue management for Costa North America. "We're always looking for ways to make the entire cruise experience more pleasurable for our guests and this is an extension of that. We're certain many of our guests will quickly appreciate this new service."

Costa also offers electronic check-in kiosks for guests departing from Port Everglades on Caribbean routes. It was the first cruise line at Port Everglades to offer this service, beginning in spring 2008. For reservations or more information regarding Costa Cruises, guests may contact a travel agent, call (800) GO-COSTA or visit www.costacruises.com.

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Holland America Line's ms Oosterdam Sailing Europe with Exciting New Enhancements

SEATTLE, July 19: Sailing the Mediterranean from Venice to Barcelona, ms Oosterdam recently celebrated a milestone with her 300th cruise. The sailing came a few weeks after extensive upgrades in Fincantieri's Palermo Shipyard in Italy to add new guest staterooms, dining options, public areas and a specialty wine bar.

"The Oosterdam's recent enhancements are just one more example of Holland America Line's commitment to delivering our Signature of Excellence," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "Our guests will delight in new choices such as the Pinnacle Bar and the Canaletto Restaurant along with enjoying great, panoramic views in the newly located Explorations Cafe -- powered by The New York Times."

From the creation of new eateries--including the addition of Canaletto, a dedicated complimentary Italian restaurant--to the addition of 34 new staterooms, Oosterdam reflects spectacular and subtle additions from stem to stern. Also among new enrichment programming are the Digital Workshops powered by Windows. Led by Microsoft-trained "techsperts," the innovative and complimentary digital workshops teach the latest computer skills, digital photography and social media applications in a dedicated space with laptops. Oosterdam also added the Explorations Cafe, powered by The New York Times, in the Crow's Nest, a larger Pinnacle Grill restaurant and a Pinnacle Bar with a focus on specialty Northwest wines. To reduce waste behind the scenes, the ship installed an environmentally friendly, state-of-the-art "wet cleaning machine" (for dry cleaning). The 1,916-guest Oosterdam continues to offer several popular Holland America Line features: the innovative Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine Magazine, the Greenhouse Spa and Salon, and a youth facility that includes the teens-only Loft.

Additional Refinements: To add to the cruising pleasure of her guests, the Oosterdam now has an expanded and updated shopping arcade, featuring the exclusive, chic jewelry shop, Merabella. A new high-end home theatre-style screening room has also been added for small group audio-visual presentations, to view videos and DVDs, and to accommodate private parties.

Amenities: Amenities aboard Oosterdam represent the cruise company's focus on providing an elegant ambiance and premium cruise experience. Staterooms include Elemis Aromapure specialty soaps, shampoo, conditioner and lotion and feature plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream Beds, deluxe waffle/terry-cloth robes, Egyptian cotton towels, flat-panel TVs, DVD players, make-up mirrors with halo lighting, massage shower heads, professional-grade hair dryers, fresh flowers and complimentary fruit baskets.

For the remainder of 2009, Oosterdam will sail alternating 12-day eastern and western Mediterranean departures between Venice and Barcelona, a 16-day transatlantic crossing, one 19-day Panama Canal voyage and six 7-day Mexico roundtrip San Diego cruises. For a cruise brochure or for more information, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

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Princess Launches Once-In-A-Decade Cruisetour to Oberammergau Passion Play

SANTA CLARITA, CA, July 19: Princess has added a rare opportunity to its 2010 cruisetour lineup in Europe – a unique cruisetour designed to include the famed Oberammergau Passion Play, which is performed only once each decade in this small Bavarian village in Germany.

The new 18-day “Oberammergau & Highlights of Germany” tour features two nights in the southern German town of Oberammergau, and includes tickets to the event. Passengers will also visit a variety of other top German destinations during the eight-day land tour, including Frankfurt, the Black Forest, Munich, Nuremberg and Berlin. In addition, the tour will connect seamlessly with a 10-day Scandinavia/Russia cruise aboard Star Princess. Two departures are offered on August 2 and August 12, 2010.

“This is such a unique opportunity, one that literally only comes around once every 10 years,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “This new cruisetour makes it easy to enjoy this famous event, plus take in many of the other attractions for which Germany is famous, coupled with one of our wonderful cruises through the Baltic region. This is yet another example of our commitment to provide our passengers with fascinating experiences around the world.”

The Oberammergau Passion Play has been held every ten years since 1634 in thanksgiving for deliverance from the Black Death in 1633. The play is now performed in years ending with a zero (except 1984 which was the 350th anniversary), and involves more than 2000 actors, singers, instrumentalists and technicians, all of whom are residents of the village. All cast members have lived in the village at least 20 years and must be amateurs of high moral and ethical principles. Villagers also make all the costumes for the production and, as no wigs are used, participants must grow their hair and beards for several months prior to the performances.

The “Oberammergau & Highlights of Germany” cruisetour is one of Princess’ four Europe cruisetour options available next season. Travelers can also opt for the 18-day “Europe’s Imperial Treasures,” which features the cathedrals and castles of four capitals that have figured prominently in history – Budapest, Vienna, Prague and Berlin – and includes a Star Princess Scandinavia and Russia sailing. The 17-day “Classic Italy” tour offers the charms of Florence and Rome, and can connect to a number of Princess’ Mediterranean sailings. The 16-day “Ring of Kerry” tour offers some of the Emerald Isle’s most inspiring landscapes with visits to Shannon, Killarney and Cork, plus a Crown Princess British Isles cruise. Capacity is limited on these special tours, and could fill quickly.

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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American Film Critic and Two-Time Grammy Nominee Rex Reed to Sail Aboard
Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Crossing

July 17: Notable film critic and journalist Rex Reed has joined the distinguished list of luminaries scheduled to sail aboard Cunard Line's flagship ocean liner Queen Mary 2. He will be aboard the Nov 5th Transatlantic Crossing from New York to Southampton. A two-time Grammy nominee, Reed will be a featured presenter for Cunard Insights, Cunard's acclaimed onboard enrichment programme. Like previous tastemakers, Reed will deliver a series of lectures and Q&A discussions during his voyage aboard Queen Mary 2.

“Reed’s extraordinary wit and charm is sure to lead an enchanting and rich programme for our guests,” said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line. “His long and distinguished resume of work provides for a variety of discussion topics that will resonate with everyone aboard.”

A member of the New York Film Critics Circle and the National Society of Film Critics, Reed is a critic, columnist, journalist and lecturer whose work appears every week in the New York Observer. He was a contributing editor on the masthead of Talk Magazine and has been a film critic for Vogue, GQ, and Woman’s Wear Daily. Reed is also the author of eight books, including Personal Effect, and for five years, he starred in the nationally syndicated television show, "At the Movies." As a music critic, Reed has written liner notes for Liza Minelli, Lena Horne, Tony Bennett, Mel Torme, Eileen Farrell, Barbara Cook and many others. In 1993, he was inducted, along with James Carville, into the Louisiana Hall of Fame in his native state. Reed holds an honorary degree from Brandeis University.

Delving deeply into a variety of compelling and relevant topics, Cunard Insights introduces guests to stimulating experts and accomplished visionaries who reflect the line's heritage of adventure and prestige. Through a series of lectures, Q&A's, social gatherings and workshops, guests connect with authors and intellectuals who have achieved notable distinction in areas including history, world affairs, science, politics, arts and literature. The Insights programme underscores Cunard's longstanding view that onboard entertainment should afford guests a provocative and rewarding cerebral experience.

The Nov 5th Transatlantic Crossing is one of more than 20 classic 6-day voyages between New York and Southampton offered by Cunard in 2009. In addition, Queen Mary 2 will sail two voyages between New York and Hamburg and two voyages between Boston and Southampton. Widely considered the definitive ocean travel experience, a Cunard Transatlantic Crossing offers guests myriad opportunities for intellectual interaction, leisurely pursuits, health and wellness activities and gourmet dining. Unique Cunard amenities found aboard Queen Mary 2 include the famed Princess and Queens Grill accommodation, the first Canyon Ranch SpaClub at sea, restaurants and lounges and the first Todd English restaurant at sea. For more information and to book a voyage aboard Queen Mary 2, consult your travel professional, call toll-free 1-800-7-CUNARD, or visit www.cunard.com.

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Rumba, Salsa & Mambo to Latin Music While Cruising the Caribbean Aboard MSC Poesia

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, July 17: Caribbean ports, balmy breezes and the lively salsa rhythms of Carlos Oliva and Los Sobrinos del Juez (The Judge's Nephews) await guests onboard MSC Poesia for her January 23, 7-night Latin Music Cruise. Carlos Oliva has established himself as a fixture in the history of Latin Music in the United States. He's credited as being the founder of the musical movement developed by the fusion of rock, jazz, samba, son, guaracha and other Cuban rhythms, known today as the "Miami Sound". He worked with the band "Miami Sound Machine," co-producing with Emilio Estefan, and has continued to produce and record music.

While onboard, rumba, salsa, or mambo to traditional salsa dance hits and unique arrangements of pop and disco favorites with a Latin beat. Participate in Salsa dance lessons and view live performances by a hot lineup of Latin music stars which are sure to add plenty of flavor and rhythm to this Latin music cruise festival at sea.

The "Eastern Caribbean Enchantment" itinerary for this unique Latin Music theme cruise calls at ports in San Juan, Puerto Rico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Tortola, British Virgin Islands, and Nassau, Bahamas. For more information about this and MSC Cruises' other theme cruises, visit www.MSCCruisesUSA.com or a local travel professional.

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SeaDream Yacht Club Suggests Planning Now For Year-End Holiday Sailings

How Does St. Barts at New Year’s Sound?

In the virtual reality world of shopping, the month of July is a bit early to think about the year-end holiday season. But, in the real world of “What shall we do to celebrate the year-end holidays this year?” SeaDream Yacht Club suggests that now’s the time to make the move.

“We’ve some great 2009-2010 Caribbean holiday voyages with fares for example on the December 13th, 5-night Hanukkah voyage for those who are planning head,” says Bob Lepisto, SeaDream’s President.

Consider these year-end holiday choices:

SeaDream I

· December 13-20, roundtrip San Juan – 7 night
· December 20-27, roundtrip San Juan – 7 night
· December 27-January 3, roundtrip San Juan – 7 night (St. Barts overnight, New Year’s Eve)

SeaDream II

· December 13-18, St. Thomas-San Juan – 5 night
· December 18-27, roundtrip San Juan – 9 night
· December 27-January 3, roundtrip San Juan – 7 night (St. Barts overnight, New Year’s Eve)

Lepisto points out that the twin mega-yacht cruisers SeaDream I and II accommodate only 56 couples served in casual elegance by 95 crewmembers. Voyages on highly-rated SeaDream are all inclusive. There is limited space available, it is capacity controlled and offers may be withdrawn at any time. Prices are subject to change without notice. SeaDream suggests calling a travel professional or SeaDream Yacht Club 800 707-4911. For details go to SeaDream’s website: www.seadream.com.

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Celebrity Cruises Officially Takes Ownership of Celebrity Equinox

MIAMI, July 16: As the sun rose today, so did the number of ships in Celebrity Cruises’ award-winning fleet. At a ceremony in Emshaven, Netherlands, Celebrity officially “took delivery” of Celebrity Equinox, marking the official transfer of the new, 2,850-guest vessel from shipbuilder Meyer Werft to Celebrity Cruises. Following inspections, Celebrity Equinox will host a series of promotional activities from Southampton, England, for press, travel agents and other audiences. The ship will be formally named in ceremonies July 29, and will enter service service July 31 on an 8-night Norwegian Fjords cruise.

“All of us at Celebrity are extremely grateful to the countless individuals at Meyer Werft and at some of the world’s best architecture and design firms,” said Celebrity Cruises President & CEO Dan Hanrahan. “All of them worked tirelessly with us to bring this ship to fruition, only eight months after Celebrity Solstice. And now, we’re eager to have our guests experience on Celebrity Equinox the exceptional cuisine and service our brand is known for, paired with the inspiring style and design that is synonymous with Celebrity Cruises.”

Guests who sail on Celebrity Equinox will enjoy a resort-like experience at sea through the brand-defining, industry-first attributes also found on Celebrity Solstice, including the industry’s first Lawn Club, a half-acre country-club atmosphere featuring real, growing grass; 10 dining venues including several created by noted hospitality designer Adam Tihany, and all featuring menus pairing classic and contemporary selections created by noted chef, restaurateur and Celebrity’s Vice President of Culinary Operations Jacques Van Staden; AquaClass, the line’s spa-inspired staterooms offering exclusive access to the Mediterranean-influenced specialty restaurant, “Blu”; the industry’s first Hot Glass Show at sea, presented in collaboration with The Corning Museum of Glass; larger, more intuitive staterooms influenced by a panel of five “boomer” women with unique travel and hospitality insights, and widely varied entertainment, including spectacular new shows in partnership with Poet Theatricals.

Following the Norwegian Fjords cruise, Celebrity Equinox will depart Southampton August 8 on a 10-night “Best of Europe” itinerary to Rome, calling on ports in France, Spain, Portugal and Italy, as well Gibraltar, UK. The ship then will sail a series of 13- and 14-night “Ancient Empires” cruises through October, featuring two new ports of call: Haifa and Ashdod, Israel. These voyages also include an overnight stay in Alexandria, Egypt. On Nov 5, the ship will sail a transatlantic voyage to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she will begin a series of alternating 10- and 11-night “Ultimate Caribbean” voyages through April 2010. The 11-night voyages will stop in George Town, Grand Cayman; Cartagena, Colombia; Colon, Panama; Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; Roatan, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico. The 10-night sailings include calls on Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Basseterre, St. Kitts; Bridgetown, Barbados; Roseau, Dominica; Philipsburg, St. Maarten.

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

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Interactive ‘FunHub’ To Debut on New Carnival Dream

MIAMI, July 16: The new Carnival Dream will take seagoing technology to an entirely new level with the introduction of the FunHub, a comprehensive shipboard intranet portal featuring the cruise industry’s first on-board social network, along with access to a wide variety of information on the ship’s services, facilities and daily activities. Access to the FunHub will be available via 36 state-of-the-art stations located on decks 3, 4 and 5, including 12 within Ocean Plaza, Carnival Dream’s spectacular indoor/outdoor café and entertainment venue. The FunHub locations will provide guests with free and convenient access to an informative ship-specific intranet portal, and an exclusive shipboard social network, both of which will be available on a 24/7 basis. Guests may also access the sites via their personal laptops or via 10-inch netbooks which are available for rent and can be used anywhere on board.

Carnival Dream’s on-board social network mirrors the experience one finds on other social networking sites. Guests can create a personal profile and use the application to meet and interact with others on board, send and receive private messages, create groups based on interests, and invite friends to attend shows or participate in on-board events. Guests can also create their own private or public discussion group, inviting others in their traveling party or friends they meet on board to participate.

Designed as a convenient resource for wide-ranging information specific to the Carnival Dream, the intranet portal details the ship’s numerous on-board activities, including entertainment options, daily events and youth programs. Carnival Dream’s extensive food and beverage offerings are showcased with sample menus, hours of operation and more. A filtering application is available to assist guests in planning their day. The portal also includes weather updates for that day and the next port of call; the latest news and sports scores; biographies of key shipboard personnel; ship and cruise director announcements; fun, interactive polls; helpful three-dimensional ship maps, and a frequently asked questions section. A year-long collaboration involving Carnival’s hotel operations, marketing, IT and guest experience departments, the Carnival Dream’s on-board social network and intranet portal are available on any guest computer or Wi-Fi enabled device free of charge.

“Carnival is the industry leader in cruise ship technology and social networking and the FunHub sets a new standard,” said Ruben Rodriguez, Carnival’s executive vice president of marketing and guest experience. “The FunHub provides Carnival Dream guests with an exciting and convenient way to keep in touch, meet new friends and learn all about this spectacular addition to the ‘Fun Ship’ fleet,” he added.

Internet access to sites outside the FunHub also is available through all FunHub locations. Netbooks are available free of charge when purchasing a special Internet package on board. Cell phone service, along with bow-to-stern wireless access where guests can check e-mail and surf the Web from any shipboard location, including their staterooms, will be available, as well.

To showcase its newest and largest ship, Carnival has created a new micro-site at www.carnival.com.com/dream with exclusive images, video, interviews and blogs highlighting the ship’s many on-board innovations and features. The line’s largest ship, the 130,000-ton Carnival Dream is slated to debut Sept. 21, 2009, with the first of three 12-day Grand Mediterranean cruises operating round-trip from Rome (Civitavecchia), followed by a 16-day trans-Atlantic crossing from Rome (Civitavecchia) to New York Oct. 27 - Nov. 12. From New York, Carnival Dream will operate two eight-day Bahamas/Florida cruises departing Nov. 15 and 23, then reposition to Port Canaveral, Fla., for a special one-time nine-day Caribbean cruise departing Dec. 3. Carnival Dream will then launch year-round 7-day service from Port Canaveral, Dec. 12, offering weeklong voyages to the eastern and western Caribbean.

Reservations are currently being accepted for the Carnival Dream’s various European and Caribbean departures. For additional information and reservations, call 1-800-327-9501.

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MSC Cruises Expands Roster of Theme Cruises for 2009-2010 Caribbean Season

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, July 16: MSC Cruises has added five new theme cruise sailings to the Baseball Greats, Polka and Big Band themes already planned for MSC Poesia’s 2009-10 Caribbean season.

“Guests have always raved about our theme cruises and the wonderful experiences they offer,” said Richard E. Sasso, president and CEO of MSC Cruises (USA), Inc. “These new additions to the upcoming Caribbean cruise season provide even more variety to the existing 7- and 10-night roundtrip itineraries from Fort Lauderdale.”

-- President’s Cruise, Nov. 10, 2009: 5-night “Caribbean Escape” itinerary. Rick Sasso, president and CEO of MSC Cruises (USA), Inc., will be the featured guest onboard MSC Poesia’s first sailing in the Caribbean.
-- Latin Music, Jan. 23, 2010: 7-night “Eastern Caribbean Enchantment” itinerary. Rumba, samba and mambo aboard MSC Poesia to Carlos Oliva and Los Sobrinos del Juez as they perform traditional salsa dance hits and unique arrangements of pop and disco favorites with a Latin beat. Salsa dance lessons and live performances by a hot lineup of Latin music stars are sure to add plenty of flavor and rhythm to this Latin music cruise festival at sea.
-- Comedy, Jan. 30, 2010: 7-night “Eastern Caribbean Enchantment” cruise itinerary. “Laughter is the Best Medicine” featuring the songs and remarkable impressions of Scott Record. The laughter continues well into the evening nightly in the ship’s comedy club with onboard performances by our featured comedians. Participate in the game show “Bonk!” (an interactive game show that is part general knowledge, part physical mayhem and all comedy).
-- Country Music, Feb. 20, 2010: 7-night “Eastern Caribbean Enchantment” cruise itinerary. Boot, scoot and boogie to music by various country artists. Line dancing lessons also will be offered onboard.
-- Oldies Music, March 20, 2010:-- 7-night “Eastern Caribbean Dream” itinerary, featuring a performance by The Lettermen – Tony Butala, Donovan Tea and Mark Preston – one of the most popular vocal groups in history. Their 45-year career of unique sound spans the big band vocal and the early rhythm and blues rock groups. The Lettermen will perfom one grand show onboard during this old time rock-and-roll festival at sea. Plus, The Fabulous Stingrays, a party band performing songs spanning the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s, will keep onboard guests rocking and rolling to the sounds of the oldies all night long. Other activities will include an Elvis look-alike contest, dance competitions, trivia games and a lecture on the rock-and-roll era.
-- Festa Italiana, April 10, 2010: 7-night “Island Treasures & Ancient Temples” itinerary. This celebration of all things Italian features entertainment by opera singers and contemporary Italian vocal artists. Dance the night away or simply sit back and enjoy performances by bands that play Italian and Italian-American favorites. Activities include Venetian mask making, a pizza throwing contest, tarantella dancing and more. Guests have the opportunity to learn the secrets of making delicious European dishes during cooking demonstrations by top Italian chefs. They can also take a lecture on Italian Art and Architecture, Italian Automobiles or Italian Fashion and Design.

The new themes are in addition to several previously announced theme cruises:

Baseball Greats: Nov. 20, 2009-- 10-night “Dazzling Dutch Caribbean & The Panama Canal”
Big Band: Dec. 10, 2009-- 10-night “Remarkable Rainforests & The Panama Canal”
Polka: Jan. 9-- 7-night “Eastern Caribbean Enchantment”
Baseball Greats: 7-night sailings: Jan. 16, 2010 and Feb. 6, 2010 “Island Treasures & Ancient Temples”; March 6, 2010 “Eastern Caribbean Enchantment”; April 3, 2010 “Eastern Caribbean Dream”
Big Band: Feb. 27, 2010-- 7-night “Island Treasures & Ancient Temples”

For more information about MSC Cruises and its selection of theme cruises, visit www.MSCCruisesUSA.com or a local travel professional.

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Silversea Celebrates The Holidays From Antarctica To Zanzibar

Ft. Lauderdale, FL, July 16: This holiday season the intimate ships of Silversea are offering vacationers the opportunity to celebrate aboard voyages that span the globe, from the warm waters of the Caribbean, Indian Ocean and South Pacific, to the ultimate winter wonderland … the Antarctic. With cruises ranging from eight to 17 days, the six ships of the Silversea fleet -- Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper, new Silver Spirit (set to launch in December), and the expedition ship Prince Albert II -- offer an elegant way to spend the holiday season. Highlighting the onboard ambiance will be special decorations, parties, menus, entertainment and engaging guest lecturers. With the exception of expedition cruises, clergy are also on board to conduct religious services, including a rabbi for Hanukkah.

"Our holiday voyages are designed to offer an escape from the pressure of deadlines and having to plan parties and prepare meals," said Steve Tucker, Silversea's vice president of field sales for North America. "Instead we offer a stress-free retreat where the focus is on authentic pleasures -- discovering new places, making new friends, and spending quality time with loved ones."

Following voyages offer the perfect setting for celebrating both Christmas and the New Year:

-- AFRICA & SEYCHELLES: Silver Wind departs December 20 on a 14-day voyage (#2939) from Mahe to Mauritius with calls in Praslin, La Digue, Silhouette Island, Mombasa, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Madagascar and Reunion Island. Guest Lecturer: Malcolm Ainscough, private guide and Africa expert who grew up in Zimbabwe. He has hosted European royalty and American notables throughout Africa.
-- ANTARCTICA: Prince Albert II departs Ushuaia December 21 on a 17-day expedition cruise (#7930) exploring the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Elephant Island and Antarctic Peninsula before returning to Ushuaia. Expedition Team: Dr. David Elliot, geologist; Chris Collins, ornithologist; Claudia Holgate, environmental lecturer; and Victoria Salem, historian, to name a few.
-- CARIBBEAN: Silver Shadow departs December 20 on a 15-day roundtrip voyage (#3933) from Fort Lauderdale with calls in Virgin Gorda, Antigua, Bequia, Barbados, St. Lucia, Guadeloupe, St. Bart's, Grand Turk and Key West. Guest Lecturer: Dr. Roderick A. McDonald, professor of history at Rider University and editor of the Journal of the Early Republic. He is the author of numerous books and articles on Caribbean history.
-- MEDITERRANEAN & NORTH AFRICA: Silver Spirit departs December 23 on an 11-day maiden voyage (#5901) from Barcelona to Lisbon with calls in Malaga, Gibraltar, Cadiz, Casablanca and Tangier. Guest Lecturer: Andrew Roberts, historian and biographer who appears regularly on British television. He has reported on royalty for NBC and CNN in the U.S. His many articles have appeared in leading newspapers.
-- SOUTH AMERICA: Silver Cloud departs December 20 on a 16-day voyage (#1931) from Santiago to Buenos Aires with calls in Puerto Montt, Laguna San Rafael, Punta Arenas, Ushuaia, Puerto Madryn and Montevideo. Guest Lecturer: Michael Buerk, one of Britain's leading broadcast journalists. He has worked as a BBC news correspondent in more than sixty countries, covering political, diplomatic and economic developments.
-- SOUTH PACIFIC: Silver Whisper departs December 19 on a 15-day voyage (#4938) from Sydney to Auckland with calls in Melbourne, Hobart, Stewart Island, Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Picton and Bay of Islands. Guest Lecturer: Li Cunxin (pronounced "Lee Schwin Sing"), Chinese ballet dancer who defected to the West. His bestselling autobiography, Mao's Last Dancer, has been made into a movie scheduled for release later this year.

A sampling of itineraries coinciding with Hanukkah this year include:

-- CARIBBEAN: Silver Shadow departs December 11 on a 9-day voyage (#3932) from Barbados to Fort Lauderdale with calls in Bequia, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Antigua, St. Martin and Grand Turk. Guest Lecturer: Dr. Roderick A. McDonald, professor of history at Rider University and editor of the Journal of the Early Republic. He is the author of numerous books and articles on Caribbean history.
-- SOUTH AMERICA: Silver Cloud departs December 4 on a 16-day voyage (#1930) from Buenos Aires to Santiago with calls in Montevideo, Punta del Este, Puerto Madryn, Falkland Islands, Punta Arenas, Laguna San Rafael, Puerto Chacabuco and Puerto Montt. Guest Lecturer: Richard Cowley, former director-general of the Anglo-Uruguayan Cultural Institute. In 1982, he was decorated by Queen Elizabeth II as a Member of the Order of the British Empire.
-- SOUTH PACIFIC: Silver Whisper departs December 3 on a 16-day voyage (#4937) from Singapore to Sydney with calls in Semarang, Darwin, Cairns, Townsville, Whitsunday Islands and Brisbane. Guest Lecturer: To be advised.

And guests can enjoy a traditional American Thanksgiving feast on November 26 aboard all Silversea voyages, including:

-- CARIBBEAN: Silver Shadow departs November 22 on a 10-day roundtrip voyage (#3930) from Fort Lauderdale with calls in Nassau, Samana, St. Thomas, St. Kitts, St. Bart's and Road Town. Guest Lecturer: To be advised.
-- SOUTH AMERICA: Silver Cloud departs November 26 on an 8-day voyage (#1929) from Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires with calls in Parati, Sao Paulo, Itaji and Montevideo. Guest Lecturer: Richard Cowley, former director-general of the Anglo-Uruguayan Cultural Institute. In 1982, he was decorated by Queen Elizabeth II as a Member of the Order of the British Empire.

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

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VH1 & Sixthman Bring Music to the High Seas for the Ultimate Vacation Experience
Hosted by 3 Doors Down

NEW YORK, July 16: VH1 and Sixthman today announce VH1 Best Cruise Ever, the first-ever official VH1 entertainment cruise set to sail in 2010. This music festival at sea, hosted by 3 Doors Down, also features Lifehouse and Shinedown, and will set sail from Tampa, Florida to Grand Cayman April 15-19, 2010 on the Carnival Inspiration. An exclusive pre-sale for the cruise is available now through July 22nd at www.vh1bestcruiseever.com and tickets to the general public will be on sale starting August 3rd.

VH1 Best Cruise Ever will also include performances by special guests Finger Eleven and VH1's "You Oughta Know" artists Carolina Liar and SAFETYSUIT and several other artists. In addition to seeing these artists perform in a unique and up-close-and-personal setting, guests will enjoy VH1-themed onboard activities, contests and more.

VH1 Best Cruise Ever will feature full electric performances by the mega-rock force 3 Doors Down. The quintessential fivesome, hailed as "the thoroughly modern American band" (Billboard Magazine), is looking forward to hitting the high seas. Bass player, Todd Harrell says, "We're bringing all of our RockBand friends...it's gonna be a big party on the Caribbean!" 3 Doors Down are die-hard road warriors, whose decade-plus ascension has been firmly cemented into rock's record books. They have attained massive mainstream success with 15 million albums sold and seven #1 hits. The band tours constantly, but this will be the first time they host their own four-day boat bash.

"We are excited to partner with VH1 to bring together communities of music fans for a vacation like no other," said Andy Levine, owner of Sixthman. "Fans will not want to miss the lineup of concerts and activities onboard combined with the unique flavor the VH1 brand brings to the table."

While watching non-stop music shows and engaging in unique artist interactions, guests can also enjoy all of the amenities and facilities aboard the "Fun Ship" Carnival Inspiration, which last year underwent an extensive multi-million-dollar refurbishment that saw the addition of a water park, adults-only retreat, resort-style pool and numerous other features.

Cabins for VH1 Best Cruise Ever are currently on sale. For more information, go to www.vh1bestcruiseever.com

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Carnival Introduces Severe Weather & Job Loss Protection Under Its Cruise Vacation Protection Plan

MIAMI, July 15: Carnival Cruise Lines has enhanced its Cruise Vacation Protection Plan (VPP) to include severe weather watch/warning protection, as well as job loss protection. The enhanced features apply to plan purchases made July 15, 2009 and after.

The severe weather watch/warning protection provides reimbursement in the event the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and/or National Weather Service issues or maintains a severe weather watch or warning within 48 hours of a cruise departure. Should the watch or warning affect either the cruise departure city or the guest’s route to that city, the plan will allow for cancellation and reimbursement up to the full amount of the cruise cost. Another new weather protection feature provides that if a guest is traveling to the cruise departure port via a common carrier (airplane, bus, train, etc.) and inclement weather ultimately causes the guest to miss 50 percent or more of the cruise vacation, the guest may receive reimbursement up to the total cost of the cruise.

The new job loss protection will provide reimbursement up to the total cruise cost if individuals who have booked a cruise and purchased the plan are subsequently terminated by their employer and have worked for that employer for at least one continuous year.

The above enhancements will further strengthen the current plan which offers a variety of other benefits, including trip cancellation/interruption, trip delay, emergency medical evacuation, medical, baggage loss and baggage delay. The program also provides a 24-hour emergency assistance hotline.

“These enhancements to the Cruise Vacation Protection Plan are designed to provide consumers with an assurance that their vacation investment will be protected in the unlikely event severe weather or job loss occurs – important factors given both the unpredictability of Mother Nature and the current economy,” said Ruben Rodriguez, Carnival’s executive vice president of marketing and guest experience.

Carnival’s Cruise Vacation Protection Plan is administered by BerkelyCare, a recognized leader in travel insurance. The plan must be purchased at least 14 days prior to the cruise departure date. Prices begin at $49 per person and vary by cruise length.

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Costa Cruises Donates 100 Olive Trees to Cinque Terre National Park

MIAMI, July 15: Costa Cruises, Europe’s Number One Cruise Line, planted 100 organically-certified olive plants today in the Cinque Terre National Park near Castagnoli di Riomaggiore in Italy. Just a few kilometers of land in eastern Liguria, it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997 and a few months later it was transformed into the first protected marine area and then into a national park. The Cinque Terre National Park contains five fishing villages, winding alleys and pastel-colored houses that are all huddled together. The park is home to steep flights of stairs leading to small natural terraces with sheer drops to the sea below, picturesque churches caressed by the waves and even castles, with high stone walls and towers. The area is cultivated with vines, olive and lemon trees and many miles of winding paths, running along the coast. The paths are located at different heights above sea level and they journey though the vivid and sweet-smelling Mediterranean maquis, the main vegetation of the Mediterranean coasts. The primary attractions for tourists include rural history, ancient rituals, crafts and traditions, including its food and wine.

As an environmental effort, Costa Cruises decided to make the inaugural event last month of its two newest ships, the Costa Luminosa and the Costa Pacifica, a “zero impact” event. Carbon dioxide emissions produced during the Guinness world record event will be offset by Costa’s planting of 100 olive trees. The inaugural ceremony took place in Genoa, Italy on June 5, 2009. The planting will repopulate nearly 2,000 square meters of terraced land in the Cinque Terre National Park.

Costa Cruises believes in and actively promotes responsible tourism. Costa’s shore side excursions are a prime example of their accordance with this high priority. Costa offers various eco-tourism excursions, comprising of visits to parks, oases and nature reserves, with programs that minimize the impact on the ecosystem and create economic opportunities for the local communities.

Environmental compliance has always been one of Costa Cruises’ distinguishing features. It’s the only cruise company to have an environmental management system developed according to the latest international standards (UNI EN ISO 14001 2004). These standards are witnessed by the Social and Environmental Report drawn up according to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines and certified by RINA (Italian Register of Shipping).

For reservations or more information regarding Costa Cruises, guests may contact a travel agent, call (800) GO-COSTA or visit www.costacruises.com.

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MSC Cruises Welcomes MSC Splendida As Newest Fleet Addition

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, July 13: MSC Splendida, the second in MSC Cruises’ luxurious “Fantasia” class of cruise ships and the newest addition to the most modern fleet in the industry, was christened in Barcelona yesterday. This latest ship brings the MSC Cruises’ fleet total to 10 ships. The event featured a Flamenco performance by Joaquín Cortés and a spectacular display of castells, the Catalan tradition of human towers, in addition to a special concert by world famous tenor José Carreras. Performing in his hometown, the maestro was accompanied by the 60 musicians of the Orquestra Simfònica del Vallès. The celebration was complete with a traditional ribbon cutting by the godmother of the MSC Cruises fleet, Italian icon Sophia Loren, and a spectacular fireworks display culminated the christening ceremony.

MSC Splendida – at 137,936 gross registered tons and 1,092 feet long, 124 feet wide and 219 feet tall – ranks in the top tier of Post-Panamax megaships in the world’s cruise fleet and, with a top cruising speed of 23 knots, is capable of sailing extensive itineraries to offer her guests truly outstanding experiences. As on the MSC Fantasia, MSC Splendida features an Aqua Park main pool with 150 fountains and water jets, and North Pole-themed children’s play center. MSC Splendida’s unique amenities include two mini-bowling alleys in her high-tech Sports Bar and the signature L’Olivo restaurant, serving exciting Mediterranean cuisine from couscous to paella. She offers 1,637 staterooms (43 accommodate special needs guests) with 80 percent of them, including the ship’s 107 suites, providing an ocean view. The staterooms range from 193 to 571 square feet.

MSC Splendida features the company’s newest private club concept, MSC Yacht Club. Designed for discriminating vacationers and originally introduced on MSC Fantasia, MSC Yacht Club offers an exclusive six-star experience at sea unique to MSC Cruises. The 99 suites and luxurious private facilities in the club area allow guests to enjoy the comfort and convenience of a personal Butler trained to the rigorous standards of the International Butler Academy, 24-hour concierge service, private pool and bar, exclusive retail services, and complimentary beverages. Selections include quality Italian wines from the MSC Cruises wine cellar, beer and cocktails at the exclusive MSC Yacht Club lounge. The MSC Yacht Club also features private elevator access to the Aurea Spa and a staircase sparkling with Swarovski crystals.

Highlights of MSC Splendida’s many features include:

-- 290,000 square feet of public space, including an expansive theater; the 18,300 square foot “Aurea Spa” well-being center; four restaurants, including a speciality Mexican restaurant (Santa Fe) a restaurant with a panoramic view (Villa Verde) and a restaurant serving specialty Mediterranean cuisine (L’Olivo); wine bar, coffee bar, and several special theme bars, including a sports bar and Jazz bar; shops, casino, disco club, mini-bowling alleys, Formula 1 simulator and an interactive 4D cinema.
-- Four swimming pools, including one with a Magrodome (retractable roof). The 150 fountains in the Aqua Park illuminate at night to the rhythm of music.
-- North Pole children’s area: Thousands of square feet dedicated to the younger guests where trained staff will offer the Mini-Club, Junior Club and Teenager Club programs that are a hallmark of MSC Cruises’ family-friendly style as all kids 17 and younger sail free. A two-deck-high water slide that combines thrills and fun with breathtaking scenic views highlights this youth-oriented space. There will also be a fun area for Mini-Club, Junior Club, and Teenager Club guests.

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

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From Sea to Your TV, Royal Caribbean Intl Debuts Commercials Starring Real Guests
& Their ‘Why Not’ Moments

MIAMI, July 13: With summer in full swing and consumers carefully weighing possible vacation options, Royal Caribbean Intl is not just asking travelers “Why Not?” – they are showing them. Beginning July 13, 2009, the innovative cruise line will film and debut an unprecedented series of television spots starring real guests enjoying a variety of “Why Not” experiences onboard Liberty of the Seas during a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise.

Dubbed “Postcards from the Nation of Why Not,” this series of “ship to air” commercials will air in select markets during the week of July 13, and nationally begin the week of July 20. From July 13-17, consumers also can visit www.RoyalCaribbeanPostcards.com to watch the new daily commercial spot and enter a daily drawing to win a cruise, and pursue their very own “Why Not” moments on a Royal Caribbean vacation. “Postcards from the Nation of Why Not” also can be viewed at Royal Caribbean’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RoyalCaribbean.com.

“There really is nobody that can better express the “Why Not” philosophy of a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation than a guest who is experiencing it at that very moment,” said Betsy O’Rourke, senior vice president of Marketing, Royal Caribbean Intl. “The content of these TV spots is real and genuine, and not only illustrates the many types of people and activities that can be found throughout The Nation of Why Not, but also showcases the great value of taking a Royal Caribbean cruise.”

The “Postcards from the Nation of Why Not” commercials will mark the first time television viewers on land can experience an actual cruise while it is happening. On the July 11-18 cruise, a production crew will shoot, edit, deliver and air these commercials while the ship is still at sea. Using Royal Caribbean’s “Why Not?” brand messaging as the premise, the commercials will feature a variety of guests either stepping out of their normal comfort zone to try something new for the first time or reporting the “News of the Day,” recapping events and “Why Not?” moments that happened on Liberty of the Seas that day. Spots will be aired within 24 hours of being filmed, giving guests the extraordinary opportunity to star in their very own commercial and showcase their vacation to friends and family before they even step foot back on land.

The Nation of Why Not is Royal Caribbean’s current marketing campaign, which highlights the cruise line’s spirit of providing experiences undreamed of on other vacations and delivering innovative activities that challenge guests’ imagination. As part of the Nation of Why Not, guests (also known as citizens) have access to do, learn and enjoy activities that are not readily accessible in day-to-day life or found in one land-based vacation destination. Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 20 ships currently in service and two under construction. The line also offers unique cruise tour land packages in Alaska, Canada, Dubai, Europe, and Australia and New Zealand. For additional information or to make reservations, call your travel agent, visit www.royalcaribbean.com or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.

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Norwegian Epic Closer To Completion

MIAMI, July 13: In the early morning hours of Saturday, July 11, Norwegian Epic made her first journey on water, cruising out of her construction quay at STX Europe in Saint-Nazaire, France where the 153,000-ton ship has been under construction since October 2007. Beginning at approximately 7 am, the massive 4,200 passenger ship was accompanied by a fleet of six tugboats and taken a short distance down the Loire Estuary. Within about one and a half hours, the ship was moored at the outfitting dock. Norwegian Epic’s float out represented a major milestone in the vessel’s construction as it indicates that the ship has now moved into the final phase of construction and work will begin immediately on the vessel’s interiors.

“Watching Norwegian Epic make her first journey on the water was a very moving experience,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “Norwegian Epic epitomizes our continued commitment to innovation and represents the next generation of Freestyle Cruising, so we are thrilled to be celebrating her float out and looking forward to her delivery in less than a year.”

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

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

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

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

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

Norwegian Epic will offer the next generation of Freestyle Dining with 17restaurant choices and 18 bars and lounges. The ship also boasts unique nightlife options with the first Ice Bar at sea and Spice H20 with non-stop entertainment day and night; an expansive Aqua Park with the only tube slide and largest bowl slide at sea -- The Epic Plunge; seven decks of Freestyle Family Fun with highlights including a 33-foot high, 64-foot wide extreme rock climbing wall and the first ever rappelling wall at sea; the most bowling lanes at sea with six in two venues; a mixed-use sports deck with the ability for guests to engage in eight different athletic activities; as well as three separate kids’ and teen activity areas and the first squash court at sea.

Norwegian Epic incorporates several new types of accommodations – the curved New Wave staterooms; the largest ship-within-a-ship suite complex at sea, comprising 60 suites and villas on two private decks at the top of the ship; a new category of inside staterooms for the value-conscious traveler – The Studios and Living Room; and spa and family-friendly accommodations.

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Holland America Line to Add New High-End Staterooms to ms Prinsendam
in Early 2010

Seattle, July 10: As part of the continuing Signature of Excellence enhancement program, Holland America Line has announced the addition of 22 new staterooms to ms Prinsendam, the Elegant Explorer, in early 2010. The drydock will occur in Freeport, Bahamas, from Jan 4 through 13, 2010.

“Prinsendam continues to be a ship with one of our most loyal followings,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “The new staterooms will mostly be verandah cabins. This will also allow us to create some other very special additions.”

With the addition of staterooms aft, the pool deck will expand with more space and many more deck chairs for guests to enjoy. A new sea-view bar will be created to enhance the ambiance further.

Sixteen of the new staterooms will be deluxe verandahs and two will be slightly smaller verandahs. Four will be standard inside staterooms. As customary with all Prinsendam staterooms, appointments will feature elegant bathrooms and recently redesigned closet space. Amenities feature Mariner Dream Beds, 250-count linens, Elemis spa bathroom amenities, large vanity mirror, stainless steel fruit basket, flat panel television and DVD player, quality shower head, and more. Guest capacity of the Elegant Explorer will increase from 793 to 837. New staterooms will be fully finished while under way and ready to book for the 54-day Quest of the Argonauts voyage, sailing March 24 roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale to the Mediterranean, Black Sea and back. The ship sails a leisurely eastbound course across the Atlantic for an extensive Mediterranean exploration with calls at ports in more than 10 countries, including Morocco, Spain, France, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Russia, Georgia, Greece and Turkey. The cruise includes overnight stays in Barcelona, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal and Istanbul, Turkey, as well as late-night departures in Athens and Santorini, Greece, and Lisbon, Portugal. Prinsendam will visit Bermuda and New York City before returning to Fort Lauderdale.

Other standard maintenance and technical service will take place along with upgrading laundry and galley equipment. Prinsendam’s enhancements are part of the comprehensive Signature of Excellence upgrade program now totaling more than $525 million. Signature of Excellence features and amenities are inherent in every aspect of the Holland America Line premium cruise experience. For a cruise brochure or for more information, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

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It’s True: Seabourn’s One-Week Sale Offers ‘The Best For Less'

MIAMI, July 10: Remember your father’s advice “You get what you pay for?” Well, under certain circumstances, it’s possible to get a great deal more than you’d expect for what you pay. And a prime example is the one-week sale of 10 ultra luxury cruise vacations being offered by The Yachts of Seabourn beginning Monday, July 13.

Ten different cruise itineraries of 5 to 14-days, departing between Nov 2009 and March of 2010, are being offered aboard the world’s most celebrated cruise line at fares from just $1,349 per person, based on double occupancy of a 277-square foot ocean-view suite. And those fares include Seabourn’s legendary personalized service, complimentary open bars throughout the voyage, fine dining in an open-seating restaurant and, on many itineraries, free watersports from the yacht’s unique Marina.

To qualify for the special fares, bookings must be made between Monday, July 13, and close of business on Monday, July 20, 2009.

The select itineraries include everything from a leisurely transatlantic crossing to relaxing cruises among the Caribbean islands and exotic, adventurous voyages in Central America and Southeast Asia. Details of the sale and the itineraries can be found on Seabourn’s website at www.seabourn.com .

The voyages included in the one-week sale are:

Seabourn Legend
11/23/2009 14 days Ft. Lauderdale to Caldera, Costa Rica
12/07/2009 14 days Caldera, Costa Rica to Ft. Lauderdale
03/20/2010 5 days St. Thomas to St. Thomas
03/25/2010 7 days St. Thomas to St. Thomas

Seabourn Spirit
11/15/2009 12 days Lisbon to Ft. Lauderdale
12/16/2009 5 days St. Thomas to Ft. Lauderdale

Seabourn Pride
02/13/2010 14 days Singapore to Hong Kong
02/27/2010 14 days Hong Kong to Singapore
03/13/2010 14 days Singapore to Hong Kong

Seabourn Odyssey
11/28/2009 12 days Ft. Lauderdale to Ft. Lauderdale

For complete details of The Yachts of Seabourn and the one-week sale, contact a travel agent, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com.

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Cunard’s Long Haul Voyages Defy the Recession

July 10: Cunard achieved recession-defying record bookings when its 2011 World Voyage program for Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth went on sale last Wednesday (July 1st). Sales were up by more than 150% compared with the first day on sale of the 2010 World Voyage program last year.

“We are delighted with this great response to our World Voyages for Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth,” said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line. “We were the first company to offer a World Cruise back in 1922, and it is gratifying that people are still seeking out that civilized and authentic Cunard experience – even in a time of economic turbulence such as we have at present. Queen Elizabeth, whose keel was laid in Trieste last week (2 July), will make her maiden World Voyage in 2011,” Marlow added.

Cunard’s two ships will visit 57 destinations in 34 countries. In addition to Queen Elizabeth making her maiden World Voyage, Queen Mary 2 will again sail the intriguing east-west passage for her fourth World Voyage. This popular route takes the ship from New York to Southampton via the Caribbean, South America, South Africa, Australia, Asia, the Middle East and Southern Europe before completing the 103-day circumnavigation.

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

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Windstar's 2010 and Winter 2011 Sailing Atlas
Features 183 Sailings & 27 Itineraries

SEATTLE, July 9: Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world's most sought-after destinations, has published its 2010 and Winter 2011 Sailing Atlas with artwork by acclaimed California artist Nicholas Wilton. In conjunction with the Sailing Atlas release, Windstar will offer guests a $500 per couple, or $250 per person, shipboard credit to those who book their 2010 voyage by September 30, 2009. The $500 per couple, or $250 per person, shipboard credit offer is valid on 2010 sailings booked by September 30, 2009. The offer is only combinable with Windstar's Advance Savings Advantage Program, Early Booking Incentive Savings Program, group and alumni rates. The offer is not combinable with any other shipboard credit or package offer.

The 100-page, full-color Sailing Atlas lists Windstar's 183 sailings and 27 itineraries in the Caribbean, Costa Rica, Europe, Greek Isles, Panama Canal and Transatlantic. Guests will discover spectacular voyages at exceptional values. Highlights of the 2010 and Winter 2011 season include a distinguished Signature Collection Host Series, new St. Martin itinerary, maiden calls to captivating ports and product enhancements.

Windstar's Signature Collection Host Series returns by popular demand and offers the opportunity to sail with top chocolate artisan Fran Bigelow of Fran's Chocolates; renowned winemakers Jay Schuppert of Cuvaison Estate Wines and Eric Dunham of Dunham Cellars; San Francisco area restaurateur, author, national radio and television personality, Narsai David; photographer Roger Paperno and author Joe Wolff of the popular travel books "Cafe Life"; acclaimed restaurateurs Chef Don Curtiss and Michelle Quisenberry of Seattle's Volterra Restaurant; and Chef Keith Luce of celebrated Northwest restaurant The Herbfarm.

On the 312-guest Wind Surf, 148-guest Wind Star and Wind Spirit, guests will be able to select from 7- to 15-day voyages. Wind Spirit sails on a new 7-day Caribbean itinerary roundtrip from St. Martin January through March and in December. Ports of call include: St. Kitts, Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda and St. Barts. In late spring through fall, Wind Spirit sails 7-day Europe and Greek Isles itineraries.

Wind Star offers 7-day Costa Rica sailings roundtrip from Puerto Caldera January through March and in December. Twice a year, Panama Canal cruises are available featuring a transit through the Panama Canal with ports of call in Central America, South America and the Caribbean. Wind Star returns to Europe and the Greek Isles on 7-day voyages during late spring through fall.

Wind Surf's 7-day sailings roundtrip from Barbados visit Bequia, Dominica, St. Lucia, Mayreau, Grenada and Tobago January through March and late November through December. In late spring, summer and early fall, Wind Surf sails an assortment of 6-, 7- and 8-day European itineraries.

Debuting in 2010 are the new ports of Cagliari, Italy; Carloforto, Isola di San Pietro, Italy; Le Lavendou, France; Pylos, Greece; Zakynthos, Greece; Opatija, Croatia; Trogir, Croatia; Bastia, Corsica; Falmouth, Antigua; and Palau, Italy.

Windstar recently completed product enhancements which include new dining and spa offerings. Guests will be able to dine on five-star cuisine enjoying exquisite sunsets and the magic of the sea in new outdoor venues--Candles on all three ships and Le Marche on Wind Surf. For those looking for the ultimate in relaxation, Windstar has partnered with The OnboardSpa Company for decadent, certified organic O SPA London spa and salon services in WindSpa. Some of the services guests can indulge in include facials, manicures, pedicures, massages, aromatherapy, body treatments, acupuncture, precision hair cuts and styling. To request Windstar's 2010 and Winter 2011 Sailing Atlas, please contact a travel professional, call Windstar at 1-800-258-7245 or visit www.windstarcruises.com.

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Cruise West’s Antarctica Cruise Adds Visit to Palmer Research Station

Seattle, WA – Cruise West’s newly announced voyage to one of the coldest destinations on earth just got hotter. The exclusive 18-night Antarctica expedition – debuting in February 2010 – now features a visit to Palmer Station, one of the three United States research stations located in Antarctica. And famed oceanographer Dr. Don Walsh – named one of the world's great explorers by Life magazine – will lead onboard lectures and discussions concerning the state of Antarctica, and the importance of its many ongoing research projects.

Located on the Antarctic Peninsula, Palmer Station allows limited visits during its busy research season. Cruise West passengers will enjoy a rare opportunity to speak with the scientists about research into the ecology of Antarctica. Ongoing investigations include ecology and population biology of marine biota and seabirds and ecosystem responses to climate change.

Staffed year-round since 1967, Palmer Station has been designated as the first polar biome Long-Term Ecological Research site in the Southern Hemisphere. Biomes are large geographical area of distinctive plant and animal groups, which are adapted to that particular environment. The climate and geography of a region determines what type of biome can exist in that region.

Dr. Walsh brings 30 years of ocean exploration to the cruise. Oceanographer, explorer and marine policy specialist, Walsh has been associated with ocean science, engineering, and marine policy for more than 30 years. As an adventurer-explorer, he has worked in the deep oceans and Polar Regions. He was the commander of the Navy's Bathyscaphe Trieste in 1960 when he and co-pilot Jacques Piccard made a record-breaking seven-mile descent into the Challenger Deep, the deepest point in the world's oceans. Walsh has worked at both the North and South Poles, logging 10 expeditions to the Arctic and 16 to the Antarctic. His contributions to polar exploration were recognized in 1973 when a mountain ridge in the Antarctic was named for him.

“Securing permission to visit Palmer Station is a huge coup for our guests who will see first hand the important research being conducted in Antarctica on world ecology,” said Dietmar R. Wertanzl, Cruise West president and CEO. “And the added bonus of Dr. Walsh as lecturer and discussion leader will put context and clarity to this remote and complex region for our guests who revel in such hands-on adventures.”

On board the 114-guest, all-suite Corinthian II, guests will explore such sites as the Falkland, South Georgia and Orkney Islands as well as the Antarctic Peninsula and the myriad of islands that dot its shore. February is optimum viewing season for marine mammals and natural history observation – the penguin chicks have fledged and there is an increase in food supply. Guests will encounter extraordinary opportunities to view Rockhopper penguins in the remote British outpost of the Falkland Islands and thousands of King penguins and nesting grounds of wandering albatross in South Georgia.

In addition to Dr. Walsh, guests will gain fascinating insight on the flora, fauna, history and geology via presentations by an expert staff of eight naturalists. Cruise West’s 18-night maiden voyage to Antarctica will depart February 7, 2010. Learn more about this itinerary via online live presentations. Schedules can be found at www.cruisewest.com/presentations. More information about advance reservations for this itinerary can be found online at www.cruisewest.com, by calling 1-800-296-8307, or contact a travel professional.

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MSC Cruises Launches Social Networking Presence Online

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, July 9: Send us a Tweet. Add us as a friend or become a fan. Now you can keep up with all the latest from MSC Cruises on popular social networking sites including Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.

MSC Cruises (USA) has joined the top social networking sites as a way to expand its Internet presence and connect directly with loyal past guests and vacationers who want to know more about this European cruise line with the most modern fleet in the cruise industry.

“We recognize the value of social networking and in reaching the millions of people who use these tools to keep in touch with the world. We know that many of our guests and potential guests enjoy being connected through these networks, and our presence on them creates an important new way for us to reach them,” says Richard E. Sasso, president and CEO of MSC Cruises (USA), Inc. “We’re looking forward to connecting with many new friends and fans through this exciting medium”

Here’s where you’ll find MSC Cruises on your favorite social network site:

Follow us on Twitter @MscCruisesUSA or go directly to www.twitter.com/MSCCruisesUSA

Watch our videos and subscribe to our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/MSCCruiseLines

Add us as a friend on Facebook www.Facebook.com/MSCCruisesUSA or become a fan at www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Lauderdale-FL/MSC-Cruises-USA/78132244891

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Celebrity Cruises Launches New Captain's Club; Members Are
'Center Of Attention'

MIAMI, July 8: Celebrity Cruises' Captain's Club, the top-rated premium brand's three-tiered recognition and benefits program designed exclusively for its most loyal guests, has been redesigned and relaunched based on a series of member-inspired improvements. Several new features are rolling out across the fleet on sailings beginning this month, while others will be introduced in intervals over the course of the year.

"Our most loyal guests deserve our loyalty in return, so we're thrilled to offer them a vastly improved program," said Celebrity Cruises President & CEO Dan Hanrahan. "Our new Captain's Club gives them greater recognition, exclusive benefits, and a number of new features designed to make them feel like the center of our attention every time they sail with us."

New features launching this month include the Captain's Club Celebration, a one-of-a-kind social and entertainment event available to all members; significantly improved Internet and laundry benefits for Select and Elite tier members; and a new onboard lounge exclusively for Elite members. The brand has even introduced a new theme for the club, which doubles as its ongoing commitment to members: "The center of our attention."

But these improvements are only the beginning. During the second half of this year, Celebrity will expand the Captain's Club with a variety of other new features, all of which will be announced prior to taking effect.

"Our new Captain's Club was designed based on a tremendous amount of research, feedback from our members, and advice from our travel partners," said Hanrahan. "We want to ensure that we deliver every aspect to our guests' utmost satisfaction, so we're choosing to roll out the enhancements in intervals, beginning with improvements to the member experience onboard."

-- A highlight of the onboard experience is likely to be the Captain's Club Celebration. Soon available across the fleet, with the exception of Celebrity Xpedition, all members will be invited to this exclusive event once per sailing. Redesigned to be a highlight of every cruise, the spirited affair will provide the perfect opportunity to meet fellow members, chat with the Captain and senior shipboard officers, experience interactive cooking demonstrations, and enjoy the new "CC Jams" performance by a variety of shipboard musicians.
-- For members interested in a quiet haven of their own, Celebrity is pleased to introduce the Captain's Club Lounge at Michael's Club, exclusively for Elite members and their stateroom/suite companions each morning and early evening. The new Lounge will offer a casual coffeehouse-style experience from 8 am to 10 am, with complimentary espressos, teas and other menu items, a variety of reading materials, and, on Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Equinox, wi-fi access.
-- Every evening from 4 pm to 6 pm, Captain's Club Elite members and their stateroom/suite companions can return to the Lounge to socialize with fellow members, participate in a wine tasting event, or simply relax and enjoy a quiet, complimentary drink before dinner.
-- In recognition of their desire to stay in touch with family and friends while vacationing, Elite members will now receive complimentary, 90-minute Internet packages, while Select members will receive a 25 percent discount. Also within the new program, Captain's Club Select- and Elite-level members can now enjoy new laundry, dry cleaning, and pressing benefits, based on the length of their cruise (laundry and Internet benefits upgrade from tier to tier, and are not cumulative).

Celebrity also is extending its pledge to make members the center of attention by engaging many in the entirely new Captain's Club Advisory Board, to ensure its most loyal guests always have a voice in shaping the program. Participation on the Advisory Board will be offered online on a rotating basis to a selection of members across all tiers. In addition to focusing on effectively delivering the new features of the Captain's Club, Celebrity will continue to ensure that members enjoy all the program benefits currently available, too, and that they continue to have more opportunities to achieve higher-tier status.

"We will continue to provide members in every tier of the Captain's Club with the recognition and rewards they've come to expect, while adding several new enhancements over the course of this year," said Hanrahan. "We also want to ensure that our members have the opportunity to quickly advance to the next tier. That's why we count tier credits versus purely counting cruises. Tier credits are earned simply by sailing with us, but we also award additional credits for cruises of 12 or more nights, and for booking certain stateroom and suite categories. As a result, members can more quickly advance to the next tier. What we're rolling out today, combined with everything we'll be adding to the program over the course of this year, will add up to what I'm confident will be the best loyalty program at sea."

Prior Captain's Club benefits and new enhancements available at launch include:

-- For Classic members (1-4 tier credits): Access to the loyalty desk and loyalty host; a premium onboard discount booklet; access to the new Captain's Club Celebration event; a complimentary custom air request; pre-cruise specialty restaurant reservations; member reunion cruises; one-category upgrades (when available); and an online newsletter.
-- For Select members (5-9 tier credits): All of the benefits of Classic membership, plus priority embarkation, a complimentary wine seminar, priority status to shore excursion waitlist, an invitation to the senior officers' cocktail party, 25% off any Internet package, complimentary pressing of two clothing items, and discounted laundry on cruises of 12 nights or more.
-- For Elite members (10 or more tier credits): All of the benefits of Select membership, plus a private shipboard departure lounge with continental breakfast, priority tender service, priority waitlist for dining room seating, elegant tea service, complimentary use of Thalassotherapy pool use on Celebrity Mercury, complimentary access to the Persian Garden (port days only), access to the new Captain's Club Lounge at Michael's Club, 90 free Internet minutes, one free item of dry cleaning, a complimentary bag of laundry (wash, dry, fold) and additional discounted laundry on cruises of 12 nights or more.

Celebrity Cruises offers comfortably sophisticated, upscale vacation experiences with highly personalized service, exceptional dining, and extraordinary attention to detail. Celebrity sails in Alaska, California, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Galapagos Islands, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal and South America. The line also offers unique cruisetour vacations in Alaska, Canada, Europe and South America. Celebrity's fleet, including the new Celebrity Solstice, will be joined by Celebrity Equinox this year, Celebrity Eclipse in 2010, a fourth Solstice-class ship in 2011, and a fifth in 2012. For more information, call your travel agent, dial 1-800-437-3111 or visit www.celebritycruises.com.

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Kids! More Choices, More Hours and More Enrichment for
Crystal Summer Cruises

LOS ANGELES, July 8: Crystal's youngest luxury travelers have more options this summer. Given the surge of multi-generational travel, Crystal is expanding the hours and programming of its Junior Activities Programs. From designing their own "Sistine Chapels" while cruising Italy, to photo sessions in traditional Russian costumes en route to St. Petersburg, kids on board the award-winning Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony this summer will enjoy creative, sophisticated programming that highlights the ships' destinations.

Crystal's purpose-built Fantasia and Waves children's and teens' facilities--rare in luxury cruising--have long featured numerous organized events and top video games and toys. Up to 10 Junior Activities Directors on each sailing supervise the programming during summer months and holidays. Expanded junior programming includes:

Longer Hours: With Crystal's port-intensive itineraries, the Junior Activities program now features even more organized games and events on port days, in addition to sea days and evenings packed with fun and educational choices.

Destination-related Enrichment: As with Crystal's Crystal Visions Enrichment Program lectures and exclusive Creative Learning Institute, children's activities include options relevant to the voyage. On a cruise visiting Monaco, kids can learn key French phrases from the Berlitz language instructor. On a Baltic cruise, scavenger hunts promote fun facts about Stockholm. Kids also create memory books with maps and photos of the countries they visit as a souvenir of their travels. For teens, there are destination-themed dance parties hosted by a special guest DJ.

"We have so many 'behind-the-scenes' events in out of the way locations that junior cruisers are kept occupied and supervised away from Crystal's mainstream adult activities," says Bret Bullock, vice president, entertainment. "In their own private sessions, kids can experience some of the expert lecturers and music, language and dance classes on board that help the destinations come alive for adult guests."

Kids' menus, complimentary ice cream bars and babysitting services are available. Crystal's Family Memories offers groups one free berth for every 10 full-fare guests, plus other perks. For reservations, contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625. Visit the newly redesigned www.crystalcruises.com

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Windstar Cruises Takes Over Shipboard Management of Its Luxury Yachts

SEATTLE, July 8: Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world's most sought-after destinations, announced that it will take over its shipboard management starting this September, ending its management agreement with V. Ships Leisure. Windstar will take complete control of managing its shipboard deck, engine, and hotel operations, as well as shore-based management functions such as port operations, technical and hotel purchasing, compliance, and human resources. New positions have been created at Windstar's headquarters in Seattle to manage the new responsibilities.

"V. Ships Leisure did a tremendous job managing our beautiful sailing vessels over the past two-and-a-half years," said Captain Nico Corbijn, Executive Vice President of Fleet Operations for Windstar Cruises. "However, we are in a position now to control all ship operations which will allow us the opportunity to directly enhance our award-wining product and luxurious guest experience through implementation of new services and by evolving existing features which reflect Windstar's vision of '180 Degrees from Ordinary.' We look forward to working closely with V.Ships to make this transition as smooth and seamless as possible and we thank them for their service."

Corbijn will lead shipboard management along with Nick Burger and Huib van Leeuwen. Burger, Vice President of Marine Hotel Operations, will oversee hotel operations and hotel purchasing. Van Leeuwen, Vice President of Marine Operations, will be responsible for all technical, deck and engine operations.

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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Baseball Fans Can Stretch The Baseball Season With
MSC Cruises' Themed Sailings

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, July 8: Baseball 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 players, including Philadelphia Phillies' Jim Fregosi and Tony Taylor and Rennie Stennet from the Pittsburgh Pirates.

In addition to visiting some of the Caribbean's most beautiful locations, each "Baseball Greats" cruise includes free interactive guest/player activities, including a player-hosted trivia game in which guests can test their baseball knowledge, question-and-answer sessions with the players, a guest pitching contest and a lively story-telling session in which the players share candid revelations about some of the "characters" of the game. Baseball players will also host pitching, hitting, fielding and base running clinics.

Phillies fan favorites Jim Fregosi and Tony Taylor are in the lineup of baseball greats scheduled to sail Caribbean itineraries roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale this winter:

-- The Feb. 6, 7-night "Island Treasures & Ancient Temples" cruise will feature Fregosi, Stan Bahnsen, Rudy May, Ed Kranepool and Tony Oliva
-- The April 3, 7-night "Eastern Caribbean Dream" cruise will feature Taylor, Bahnsen, Randy Hundley and two additional players still to be announced

Pirates fan favorite Stennet is in the lineup of baseball greats scheduled to cruise a 7-night "Eastern Caribbean Enchantment" itinerary sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale on March 6, 2010. He will be joined by Bahnsen, Amos Otis and two additional players still to be announced.

MSC Cruises also has a 10-night "Baseball Greats" cruises and several additional 7-night cruises scheduled with a varied lineup of former Major League Baseball players. To review more information about MSC Cruises and its theme cruises, visit www.msccruisesusa.com/specialcruises/theme-cruises or a local travel professional.

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Cruise West’s Epic World Voyage Pairs Legendary Sea Routes With Extraordinary Shore Excursions

Seattle, WA: When Cruise West’s Voyages of the Great Explorers embarks on its 335-day circumnavigation of the world next March, guests aboard The Spirit of Oceanus will find that this spirit of discovery also extends to the remarkable shore excursions. While guests will enjoy an included shore excursion at every port including visits to 85 UNESCO World Heritage sites, the specially designed Ultimate Explorers Experience included on each of the 24 voyages are designed to bring guests into direct personal contact with fascinating peoples, cultures and natural wonders. Think “aha.”

Departing Singapore on March 5, 2010, the Voyages of the Great Explorers begins with a visit to Rangoon’s 2500-year-old Shwedagon Pagoda where guests will help deliver food offerings to the monks who live there. From there, the 120-guest, all-suite Spirit of Oceanus will sail follow the sun westward as it re-visits the legendary sea routes of Marco Polo, Odysseus, Leif Eriksson, Christopher Columbus, James Cook, and Ferdinand Magellan before returning to Singapore on February 3, 2011.

A sampling of the Ultimate Explorers Experience includes:

-- A visit to Ephesus to explore the abundant Greek and Roman ruins, including the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World, concluding with an exclusive concert and reception at the Grand Library, an impressive structure completed in A.D. 135.
-- Attending a unique and quintessentially Scottish event – the gala evening performance at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the famous fife and drum celebration on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle.
-- Boarding a charter flight to Shiraz for a full day of tours to ornate mosques, tombs and bazaars including Persepolis, seat of the glorious Persian Empire; the holy complex of Shah Cheraq; and Vakil Mosque dating back to 1773.
-- A journey into the heart of the Darién Jungle for an extended visit with the Emberá people, a native tribe that clings to ancient ways of life, and a side trip to UNESCO World Heritage Site Cocos Island that boasts prolific bird life with some 90 species and the world’s largest hammerhead shark population.
-- A visit to the remote and inspiring Easter Island where nearly 900 massive stone statues – stylized human figures whose huge eyes gaze placidly out to sea – grace the island’s grassy plains. Guests will walk among these imposing figures, whose mysteries have never been unraveled, before enjoying a celebratory dinner.
-- A drive across Java’s plains to the massive and spectacular temple complex of Borobudur, dazzling with the sheer size and elegance of its Buddhist stupas that rise above the plains like a hill. After touring the temple complex, guests enjoy an Indonesian lunch complete with gamelan music and a dance performance.

“We designed our Ultimate Explorers Experiences to deliver a memorable travel experience that our guests have come to expect--genuine encounters that enlighten, enrich and are the core of what we do best at Cruise West,” said Dietmar Wertanzl, president and chief executive officer Cruise West.

Cruise West explorers can purchase individual voyages, sets of multiple voyages or the full circumnavigation. For maximum savings book and pay in full by Oct 15, 2009 and save up to 21 percent. Book more than one voyage and save an additional five percent. Book the entire voyage starting at $233,995 and Cruise West will include first class airfare. More information about these voyages can be found online at www.cruisewest.com or by calling 1- 800-296-8307 or a travel professional.

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

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Carnival Introduces Self-Service Check-In Kiosks At Port Of Miami

Miami, June 7: As part of an ongoing effort to streamline the embarkation process, Carnival Cruise Lines has installed self-service check-in kiosks at its Port of Miami cruise terminal. The state-of-the-art kiosks provide guests with a fast and convenient way to check in for their “Fun Ship” cruise.

To use Carnival's self service kiosks, guests must have pre-registered online and be a U.S. or Canadian citizen, or from a Visa waiver country. To access their booking information and check in via the kiosk, guests simply swipe their passport or the credit card used to pre-register online. Additionally, the kiosks accept cash deposits for guests’ shipboard Sail & Sign accounts. Once guests have successfully checked in, the station prints a receipt confirming that their registration process is completed and directs them to pick up their stateroom keys at a nearby desk.

The kiosks are part of a pilot program at the Port of Miami and, if met with positive response from guests, will be expanded to the line’s other year-round homeports.

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Silversea Rolls Out Unprecedented 60% Savings For Voyages In 2010

Ft. Lauderdale, FL: Silversea Cruises is offering a new, simpler pricing structure that provides the biggest savings incentive in its history--60% off--plus free airfare on virtually all voyages in 2010. The company's best-available, capacity-controlled prices are being offered for guests who book early. The new Silver Savings pricing program will introduce the most generous savings opportunities first, and the discount will be lowered significantly as the sailing date approaches--offering a compelling incentive for guests to firm up their vacation plans well in advance of their desired travel date.

For a limited time, and to coincide with the publication of its new Voyage Atlas (due for release shortly), Silversea is offering a 60% Silver Savings discount off the published fare for all sailings next year aboard Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper, and Silver Spirit. The line's expedition ship, Prince Albert II, is also offering Silver Savings of up to 50% in 2010.

Effective for new 2010 bookings made on or after July 6, the new Silver Savings incentive will be available, eliminating early-booking and advance-payment programs. Other savings options, such as Venetian Society Savings (for past guests), Onboard Savings (available during the cruise), Extended Voyage Savings (when combining two or more consecutive voyages) and the Solo Travelers fare, will continue to be offered next year.

"There has never been a better time to sail with Silversea," said Steve Tucker, Silversea's vice president of field sales for North America. "Without a doubt, this is our best offer ever and booking early is key. When you combine 60% savings -- offered months ahead of sailing--with free airfare and our signature all-inclusive amenities, the result is an incomparable value proposition that travelers cannot afford to pass up."

Free Air Offer: The introduction of Silver Savings is complemented by the offer of a free roundtrip air package that includes transfers between airport and pier on the day of embarkation and disembarkation. The free air package is available from 22 gateway cities in the U.S. and Canada on most voyages in 2010 (excluding expedition cruises). It is a capacity-controlled program valid only for new bookings made by Dec 31, 2009. Additionally, there are specially priced air programs available from another 50 cities.

Following below is a small sampling of voyages in 2010 that feature the 60% Silver Savings incentive plus free airfare:

-- AFRICA: Silver Wind's Jan 23, 10-day cruise sailing roundtrip from Cape Town with calls in East London, Maputo, Richard's Bay, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Mossel Bay.
-- CARIBBEAN: Silver Shadow's March 30, 7-day cruise sailing roundtrip from Barbados with calls in St. Lucia, Antigua, St. Bart's, Tortola and Bequia.
-- FAR EAST: Silver Whisper's Feb 5, 9-day cruise from Singapore to Hong Kong with calls in Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Hue/Danang (port of Chan May), Ha Long Bay and Haiphong.
-- MEDITERRANEAN: Silver Spirit's May 29, 7-day cruise from Rome to Venice with calls in Sorrento, Sicily, Kotor and Dubrovnik.
-- SOUTH AMERICA: Silver Cloud's Feb 4, 8-day cruise from Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro with calls in Punta del Este, Itajai, Sao Paulo (port of Santos) and Parati.

Silversea's all-inclusive shipboard ambiance features all ocean-view accommodations with butler service. Other highlights include complimentary beverages served throughout the ship -- including fine wines, spirits and champagnes, in-suite bar and refrigerator stocked with each guest's preferred beverage selections, open-seating dining, 24-hour complimentary room service, and fares that include all onboard gratuities.

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

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Carnival Corp's Costa Cruises Brand Charters Ship to Thomson Cruises

MIAMI, July 6: Carnival Corporation & plc announced today that the 1,488-passenger Costa Europa, currently operated by its Costa Cruises brand, Europe's number one cruise line, will join British travel company Thomson Cruises under a 10-year bareboat charter beginning in April 2010. Under the agreement, Thomson has an option to purchase the ship any time after five years. Costa Europa, which joined the Costa fleet in 2002, was one of the first ships to operate on regular cruises in the Arabian Gulf, with departures from Dubai, and the Indian Ocean out of Mauritius.

Although the Costa Europa will be leaving, Costa is continuing to expand its fleet of 14 ships currently in service. The Italian company's fleet expansion program is in fact presently the biggest of its kind in the world with five new ships entering service between 2009 and 2012 representing a total investment of 2.4 billion euros. The Costa Luminosa and Costa Pacifica were named together on June 5, 2009 in Genoa, Italy. In late January 2010, the Costa Deliziosa, sister ship to the Costa Luminosa, will be introduced. Two sister ships to the Costa Pacifica are scheduled to debut in 2011 and 2012.

Over the next three years, Carnival Corporation & plc will launch 13 vessels for seven different brands.

"While we continue to grow our business with new and exciting vessels, we are also divesting of older tonnage which allows us to offer one of the most modern, technologically advanced fleets in the cruise industry," said Micky Arison, Carnival Corporation & plc chairman and CEO.

Carnival Corp is the largest cruise vacation group in the world, with a portfolio of cruise brands in North America, Europe and Australia, comprised of Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, The Yachts of Seabourn, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Ibero Cruises, Ocean Village, P&O Cruises and P&O Cruises Australia. Together, these brands operate 92 ships totaling approximately 177,000 lower berths with 13 new ships scheduled to be delivered between September 2009 and June 2012. Carnival Corp also operates Holland America Tours and Princess Tours, the leading tour companies in Alaska and the Canadian Yukon.

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Construction of Queen Elizabeth Begins

July 3: A ceremony to mark the keel laying of Cunard Line’s new Queen Elizabeth was held yesterday at the Monfalcone shipyard of Fincantieri near Trieste, Italy. The second largest Cunarder ever built, Queen Elizabeth’s keel is the third Cunard has lain in the space of seven years. When she enters service in Oct 2010, she will join Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria as not only the most famous ocean liners in the world but also the youngest fleet in passenger travel.

The keel laying involves the placement in the dry dock of the first section of the ship’s hull. This section is made up of six pre-manufactured blocks, weighs 364 tons and is fitted with 104 tons of pipes, cables, insulation and other equipment. The ceremony followed an intensive period of design and development. Fifty-three sections will be used in the construction of Queen Elizabeth and she will take to the water for the first time at her float out in December.

“We are delighted to be back here among our friends at Fincantieri so soon after we took delivery of Queen Victoria in 2007—the first Cunarder to be built in Italy—and I am sure that Queen Elizabeth will be just as popular and successful as her two sister ships,” said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line. “We at Cunard are always impressed by the commitment and enthusiasm of everyone at Fincantieri, and we look forward to the next year-and-a half of working closely with them on this ship, which will be nurtured by their skill and vision and built into a vessel equal in stature to the other great Cunard liners,” she added.

Queen Elizabeth will feature the unique Cunard traditions linking her with her sisters Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria and their predecessors, together with all the modern day luxuries Cunard’s guests have come to expect and some exciting features that will give the vessel her own style and personality. Named after the first Queen Elizabeth, one of Cunard’s greatest ships, the new Queen Elizabeth will reflect her predecessor in interior grandeur, décor and style, but with a modern twist. From the outside, her distinctive black and red livery will hint at an experience that differentiates a Cunard liner from a modern-day cruise ship. This will be most evident in the ship’s adherence to liner traditions, with elegant double and triple height public rooms on a grand scale, luxuriously endowed with rich wood paneling, intricate mosaics, gleaming chandeliers and cool marbles. Art Deco features will pay homage to the original Queen Elizabeth and will allow the new ship to reflect a more civilized era of travel.

Furthermore, in addition to the extensive Cunard entertainment program on board, Queen Elizabeth will offer some unique strands inspired by the era of the first Queen Elizabeth, such as country house parties at sea, evening piano sing-a-longs and period dancing, from traditional ballroom to the jitterbug and the jive, all within the setting of this 21st century ship. As successor to Queen Elizabeth 2, the ship will also reflect this great liner through artworks and memorabilia and its very own “Yacht Club.” Queen Elizabeth will also pay homage to the links that Cunard has enjoyed with royalty and the maritime world over the years with photography, memorabilia and exhibits.

Queen Elizabeth will depart on her Maiden Voyage on 12 Oct 2010—a voyage which sold out in a record-breaking 29 minutes 14 seconds in April 2009. This 13-night celebration will leave from Cunard’s home port of Southampton and will call at Vigo (for Santiago de Compostela), Lisbon, Seville (Cadiz), Gran Canaria (Las Palmas), Tenerife (Santa Cruz de Tenerife, an overnight call), La Palma (Santa Cruz de La Palma) and Madeira (Funchal).

Her Maiden Season will run from October 2010 to January 2011 and include voyages to the Western and Central Mediterranean and the Caribbean. The world’s newest ocean liner will depart Southampton on 5 January 2011 on her 103-night epic Maiden World Voyage, which has just been released for sale. This will see her make 35 maiden calls, including Cunard’s first call ever at Port Denarau (Fiji). In total, Queen Elizabeth will call at 38 ports in 24 countries as she makes her way west around the globe, with maiden transits of both the Panama and Suez Canals and calls at Los Angeles, Auckland, Sydney, Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai and Lisbon. Queen Elizabeth will be in great company as her sisters will be present on several occasions during the voyage: she will sail in tandem to New York with Queen Victoria before all three Queens will meet for a Cunard Royal Rendezvous in New York on 13 January 2011; and then she meets with Queen Mary 2 in Sydney and Civitavecchia and Queen Victoria again in Aruba. For more information and to book a voyage aboard the new Queen Elizabeth, consult your travel professional, call toll-free 1-800-7-CUNARD or go to www.cunard.com.

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Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Equinox To Raise A Few Eyebrows

MIAMI,: When Celebrity Cruises’ newest Solstice-class ship, the 2,850-guest Celebrity Equinox, sets sail for the first time this summer, her sleek exterior and critically acclaimed interior design won’t be the only features raising eyebrows among cruise and travel enthusiasts. Playing off the success of the launch of her sister ship, Celebrity Solstice, the newest vessel in Celebrity’s fleet will also offer AquaClass staterooms designed to offer a soothing, spa-focused ambiance, as well as several indulgent new offerings in the onboard spa. Celebrity’s AquaClass veranda staterooms, introduced as a Solstice-class exclusive feature last year, are located in close proximity to the ships’ two-story spa, known as “AquaSpa by Elemis.” AquaClass is the only stateroom category in Celebrity’s fleet that offers no third and fourth guest berthing, making the area quieter and more exclusive for guests wishing to relax in an utterly serene environment. AquaClass will comprise 130 of the ship’s 1,426 staterooms. A full 85 percent of all staterooms on Celebrity Equinox will have verandas, and all staterooms will be equipped with flat-screen TVs, smarter storage and closet space, spacious bathrooms, and plush European bedding. The ship will offer wireless Internet access throughout.

Guests in Celebrity’s AquaClass enjoy a host of spa-inspired amenities and perks. These include unlimited access to the AquaSpa’s Persian Garden aromatherapy steam room, featuring heated ceramic loungers, and the Relaxation Room, which offers stunning vistas from comfortable loungers and a peaceful ambiance. AquaClass guests also enjoy unlimited, complimentary access to the ship’s exclusive, “clean-cuisine” and Mediterranean-influenced specialty restaurant, Blu. The dinner menu features savory appetizers along the lines of roasted beet salad with goat cheese; Mediterranean chopped salad with pita chips and pomegranate vinaigrette; and entrees including blackened ahi tuna, pan-seared filet mignon, and herb-crusted rack of lamb; Blu is also open for breakfast, exclusively for AquaClass and suite guests. AquaClass guests enjoy in-stateroom amenities that include a pillow menu featuring Swedish Isotonic, body and hypo-allergenic pillows; carafes of unsweetened iced tea; soothing, calming lavender oil in a reed diffuser; and a five-jet shower by Hansgrohe, designed to invigorate and relax. AquaClass guests on Celebrity Solstice have been enjoying the convenience of accessing free, exclusive, on-demand video programming that introduces them to wellness-themed activities such as meditation, yoga, etc. in the comfort of their stateroom.

All guests on Celebrity Equinox are welcome to treat themselves to indulge in the ship’s AquaSpa by Elemis, which will offer its standard line-up of revitalizing, restorative experiences for individuals and couples. Renowned for its exotic therapies focused on beauty and wellness, Celebrity’s AquaSpa, offering full service on all ships (except the 92-guest mega-yacht, Celebrity Xpedition, which offers limited options), will offer new treatments on Celebrity Equinox, including an opulent, restorative new treatment: “24-Karat Gold Facial.” The treatment, which uses an alchemy of expert touch, medicinal plants, Rose Quartz, and a pure 24-karat gold leaf mask, speeds up cell renewal and results in a rebalanced, nourished, brighter and more clarified skin texture and complexion. The new ship will offer "red carpet make-up" application after every facial in its line-up, featuring a natural touch of Colorscience mineral powder and lip gloss to keep skin and lips glowing. Guests who experience the 24-Karat Gold Facial on Celebrity Equinox will also be able to enjoy a special cocktail inspired by the treatment itself. The “Golden Kiss Martini” will feature Golden Supreme vodka, cucumber juice, agave syrup and lemon juice, muddled with fresh mint.

Celebrity Equinox will also offer a “lash and brow bar,” where guests can add glamour to their look by selecting from a variety of eyelash enhancements, offered in three styles: Natural Lashes, Evening Eyes, or Ultra Glam, which features a sparkling touch of glitter. Brow sculpting will be offered by expert aestheticians who carefully shape and define the eyebrows to give the face an instant lift and a polished appearance. Brow tinting, which can cover gray hairs or enhance one’s natural look, will be available in various shades. Lash tinting, ideal for guests whose eyelashes are light in color, will also be available.

Celebrity Equinox’s AquaSpa will offer a full slate of massages, wraps, couples treatments, rituals and facials. The ship also offers men’s barber services, including traditional barber shaves. Celebrity also presents a comprehensive slate of “medi-spa” offerings onboard. As the first cruise line to offer onboard acupuncture, Celebrity will continue to offer this popular treatment on Celebrity Equinox, in a space located within the AquaSpa. Celebrity Equinox will also offer BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments, which soften fine lines and wrinkles to result in a more youthful appearance; Restylane and Perlane treatments, Elemis Oxydermy facials and teeth whitening. A full-service fitness center, located in the AquaSpa area of the ship, will offer guests the option to exercise on state-of-the-art equipment at their own pace or participate in group fitness classes. An outdoor walking/jogging track gives guests the opportunity to take in the sea air while staying healthy. Celebrity also offers guests the option to purchase personal training services onboard.

The 122,000-gross-registered-tons Celebrity Equinox is scheduled to enter service July 31 from Southampton, England, on an 8-night cruise through the majestic Norwegian Fjords, followed by a series of romantic Mediterranean sailings from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, beginning August 8. Like Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Equinox will present guests with brand-defining, industry-first features, including a half-acre Lawn Club with real, growing grass; a glassblowing show and studio developed and presented in collaboration with The Corning Museum of Glass; 10 unrivaled dining venues, and widely varied entertainment, including shows with breathtaking aerial acts.

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

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Holland America Line Enters 2010 With Most Diverse Alaska CruiseTour Program Yet

SEATTLE, July 1: For travelers wishing to see the beauty of Alaska and the Yukon, Holland America Line features 31 CruiseTour itineraries in 2010 exploring Southeast Alaska, the Kenai Peninsula, Arctic, Denali and the Yukon Territory. All CruiseTours combine an Inside Passage sailing with in-depth land tours, designed to show guests the best of Alaska's wilderness, wildlife, native culture and history. Ranging from 10 to 20 days in length, the ever-popular Great Land and Glacier Discovery CruiseTours explore Alaska and the Yukon by land and sea. Twenty Holland America CruiseTours feature a Double Denali option - two nights at a classic wilderness lodge near the gates of Denali National Park. Many tours also feature Canada's Yukon Territory, with its Klondike Gold Rush heritage and pristine national parks.

"More than sixty years of experience in the region is wrapped up in each of our cruise tours," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales, and guest programs. "These are comprehensive tours. Holland America has always sought to provide guests with in-depth wilderness experiences."

The new 2010 itineraries and optional excursions offer a choice of 14 national parks and wilderness areas including less visited gems such as Kluane National Park and Tombstone Park along with popular Glacier Bay and Denali National Parks.

Holland America's comprehensive CruiseTours combine a variety of transportation adventures to explore Alaska and the Yukon. Guests travel by five-star cruise ships; luxury, domed McKinley Explorer(R) railcars; intimate vessels such as the mv Yukon Queen II; and comfortable custom-built highway Explorer Coaches(TM) on Great Land itineraries.

Great Land CruiseTours: The core of the company's extensive Alaska tour program consists of 10 Great Land CruiseTours, combining a southeast Alaska cruise with an in-depth tour of the vast interior. The cruise sails for three or four days between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Skagway.

Great Land Klondike CruiseTours offer 11- to 15-day adventures to Denali National Park; Dawson City; Fairbanks and Whitehorse. Four Great Land Wilderness CruiseTours range from 10 to 13 days and provide a more affordable wilderness experience with travel along the most scenic stretch of the famed Alaska Highway.

Glacier Discovery CruiseTours: Guests who prefer a longer Inside Passage cruise with added glacier viewing can choose among 18 Glacier Discovery CruiseTours. Ranging from 11- to 20-days, these CruiseTours include a seven-day sailing and most offer two-night Double Denali stays and the Denali Tundra Wilderness Tour.

New Expedition CruiseTours are designed to provide more off-the-beaten-track wilderness experiences. Three itineraries highlight uncrowded, authentic wilderness experiences in the Kenai, Denali and the Yukon. Two tours include accommodations at small, exclusive lodges in remote locations.

The leader in Alaska Cruises and CruiseTours: Holland America Line has been Alaska's leading tour operator for more than 60 years. The line has eight premium ships, offering 148 Alaska cruises in 2010. These include 60 sailings on four ships home-ported in Seattle and 88 cruises on four ships based in Vancouver. To book an Alaska cruise or CruiseTour, contact a travel agent or call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

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