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Cruise News
 April 1-30, 2010

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Unless otherwise noted, all news items are sourced by individual cruise lines,
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Celebrity Cruises Presents a Stylish Combination of Getaways & Offers With
“Celebrity’s Caribbean, Designed For You” Promotion

MIAMI, April 30: Celebrity Cruises, the cruise brand known for designing unforgettable cruise vacations, has created a new booking promotion, “Celebrity’s Caribbean, Designed for you,” in celebration of its extensive variety of Caribbean cruise offerings. Featured in the promotion are seven stunning ships and 27 itineraries sailing between May 2010 and April 2011. Discerning cruisers who book these itineraries between May 1 and May 30, 2010, have the opportunity to take advantage of extraordinary values, including free Solstice-class veranda upgrades, inside staterooms starting from $599 per person, and third- and fourth-berth rates from $349 per person.

“The Caribbean continues to be one of our most popular destinations, so we have designed a wide variety of exceptional summer and winter itineraries to give guests a way to experience the region in style,” said Dondra Ritzenthaler, Senior Vice President of Sales, Celebrity Cruises. “This month, we’re offering extraordinary values that make it easy for our travel agent partners to match their clients with a Caribbean vacation that’s perfect for them, including cruises on our Solstice-class ships.”

“Celebrity’s Caribbean, Designed for you” features promotional rates and upgrade opportunities on select sailings on seven ships and itineraries ranging from 7- to 14-nights in length, in the Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean. On select 7-night Caribbean cruises, rates start as low as $599 per person for an inside stateroom, $799 per person for a veranda stateroom, and third- and fourth-guest rates starting from $349 per person. These rates are available on select Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises on the award-winning Celebrity Solstice roundtrip out of Fort Lauderdale; Eastern Caribbean cruises out of Miami on the brand-new Celebrity Eclipse, which launched earlier this month in Southampton, England; and Southern Caribbean cruises on Celebrity Summit, roundtrip out of San Juan.

Celebrity is including multiple 9- to 14-night cruises in the promotion, with rates starting from $799 per person for an inside stateroom, $999 per person for a veranda stateroom, and third- and fourth-guest rates starting from $499 per person. These are available on select 14-night “Exotic Southern Caribbean” cruises roundtrip out of Fort Lauderdale on Celebrity Constellation; 10- and 11-night “Ultimate Caribbean” cruises on Celebrity Equinox roundtrip out of Fort Lauderdale; 10- and 11-night Southern Caribbean cruises on Celebrity Millennium, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale; 9- to 12-night Caribbean cruises on Celebrity Mercury from Baltimore; and 10- and 11-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises on Celebrity Mercury from Charleston.

Cruisers who book inside or oceanview staterooms on select sailings will be eligible to take advantage of stateroom upgrades, including free upgrades on select Solstice-class sailings. Free upgrades from oceanview to veranda staterooms are available on select 7-night sailings departing between on Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Eclipse, and on select 10- and 11-night Caribbean cruises on Celebrity Equinox. Celebrity Summit, Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Constellation and Celebrity Mercury will offer upgrades from an inside stateroom to an oceanview, or from an oceanview to a veranda, starting at up to $99 per person.

Celebrity’s award-winning fleet features extraordinary service; outstanding onboard cuisine; robust Celebrity Life enrichment and entertainment programming; an enhanced Captain’s Club loyalty program; museum-quality contemporary art collections; industry-first Concierge Class accommodations and, on the Solstice Class fleet, AquaClass; and guest-inspired partnerships with Riedel Crystal, Rosetta Stone, Smithsonian Journeys, and, on the Solstice Class fleet, The Corning Museum of Glass.

All of Celebrity’s ships feature internet cafes that make it easy for guests to share their vacation with friends and family at home. Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Summit will offer guests the opportunity to use the newest technology, as they will be retrofitted next month with a “Celebrity iLounge” mirrored after the one that debuted on Celebrity Eclipse. The Celebrity iLounge will replace the Internet Café on Celebrity Summit, and feature a retail area offering the latest products through Celebrity’s Authorized Apple Reseller status. The venue will be staffed by certified technologists who will offer contemporary online classes through the ‘Discover’ series of Celebrity’s inspiring and enriching ‘Celebrity Life’ experience.

Celebrity Constellation’s 2010-11 Caribbean offerings will be her first since being “Solsticized” next month in Hamburg, Germany, in a vivid illustration of Celebrity’s “Designed for you” brand platform. Celebrity Constellation will be refit with some of the most popular venues on the line’s Solstice Class ships, including Tuscan Grille; Bistro on Five; a new ice-topped Martini Bar; the cool Café al Bacio and Gelateria; Cellarmasters wine bar, including the Enomatic, state-of-the-art wine serving system allowing guests to select and serve wines of their choice by the glass, at the touch of a button; more sumptuous suites, with all new furniture, flat-screen TVs, upholstery, bedding and carpeting; restyled staterooms, with entirely new carpeting, flat-screen TVs, upholstery and bedding; and new color schemes, carpeting and upholstery reflective of the Solstice Class in every public venue.

“Celebrity’s Caribbean, Designed for you” is available only to residents of North America. Prices are in US dollars, based on double occupancy, on select sailings and subject to availability. Third- and fourth-guest pricing is based on triple or quad occupancy and is only available on veranda staterooms for Celebrity Solstice. For more information, call your travel agent, dial 1-800-437-3111 or visit www.celebritycruises.com.

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Royal Caribbean Announces 2011-12 Southern Caribbean &
South America Cruises & Cruisetours

MIAMI, April 30: Royal Caribbean Intl has announced the cruise line’s 2011-12 Southern Caribbean deployment and Mariner of the Seas’ South America circumnavigation cruises. Serenade of the Seas will sail its eighth consecutive season in the Southern Caribbean from San Juan, Puerto Rico, where Adventure of the Seas also will return for winter 2011-12. Vacationers also can choose from two sailings in Jan 2011 aboard Mariner of the Seas, which combined, circumnavigates the South American continent, or the Royal Caribbean Machu Picchu Adventure Cruisetour, which combines a sailing aboard Mariner of the Seas with a five-night escorted land tour itinerary. In total, the three ships will offer 73 sailings on 19 distinct itineraries that include 25 unique ports of call. Bookings for these 2011-12 sailings are now open.

“These cruises and the South America cruisetour land package offer vacationers an expansive and enriching array of experiences for a most memorable family vacation,” said Betsy O’Rourke, senior vice president of Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. “Adventure of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas offer a wide selection of exclusive onboard amenities and entertainment options that will delight every member of the family, no matter the age. Throughout their vacation, guests will enjoy our world-renowned Royal treatment, delivered by every member of our friendly and engaging staff and crew.”

Royal Caribbean’s Machu Picchu Adventure Cruisetour will offer guests a most memorable South America land and sea vacation. Adventurers can choose the Jan 16, 2010, sailing aboard Mariner of the Seas followed with the 5-night land tour itinerary from Valparaiso, Chile, to cultural centers and major Incan archeological sites of Chile and Peru. The highlight of the land tour features a full day to explore Machu Picchu. Vacationers also can choose the pre-cruise land tour itinerary, followed by a grand South America odyssey to Brazil aboard Mariner of the Seas, sailing Feb 1. All Royal Caribbean cruisetours are escorted by a Tour Director who specializes in the region and includes guests’ transportation, hotel accommodations, certain activities and some meals for an exciting, stress-free vacation, where Royal Caribbean takes care of all the planning and reservations.

Mariner of the Seas’ guests also have a wide array of shore excursion options, at an additional charge, to take in the color and culture of South America’s most vibrant centers. In Peru, guests also can rediscover the mysterious Lost City of the Incas on “Cuzco & Machu Picchu Adventure.” In Ushuaia, Argentina, guests can cruise Lapataia Bay and the Beagle Channel in the Tierra del Fuego National Park by catamaran to view a colony of Magellanic penguins on "Penguin Rookery Navigation." On one of the two days in Montevideo, Uruguay, guests can chose a visit to a Uruguayan gaucho ranch and enjoy a barbeque lunch on "Day at the Estancia."

Guests have a variety of exciting Royal Caribbean shore excursion options to enhance their Southern Caribbean cruise, such as relaxing like a Rockefeller on the 150-acre, eco-friendly Carambola Resort at St. Croix on “Carambola Beach Break,” or enjoying Aruba's countryside from a four-seat SUV as guests make their way to De Palm Island for lunch, swimming and snorkeling on "Jeep Off-Road Adventure." To get the blood pumping, guests can take on "Antigua Canopy & Challenge," a unique eco-tour with 21 unforgettable journey-elements through the island’s lush rainforest.

Serenade of the Seas will offer a third consecutive year of 7-night roundtrip cruises to the Southern Caribbean from San Juan, beginning in April 2011. Serenade of the Seas will depart weekly on Sundays in the summer 2011 season and on Saturdays during the winter season. The two alternating summer itineraries will offer guests no repeating ports when booking two consecutive sailings, whereas the two alternating winter itineraries have St. Kitts in common. Vacationers also have the choice of a one-time 8-night and a 6-night itinerary that will sail on May 7 and Nov 13, 2011, respectively.

Adventure of the Seas will begin its winter 2011-12 season in November, alternating two distinct 7-night itineraries that also will offer guests, booked on two consecutive sailings, no repeat calls at any port for a more comprehensive Southern Caribbean adventure. Two special holiday itineraries, an 8-night and a 7-night cruise, departing on Dec 18 and Dec 26, 2011, respectively, will feature onboard holiday celebrations and a ship-wide New Year’s countdown party. Vacationers also can choose a one-time, 6-night Southern Caribbean itinerary, sailing on Jan 2, 2012.

For its part, Mariner of the Seas will depart Los Angeles on Jan 16, 2011, on a 16-night repositioning itinerary to Valparaiso, Chile, followed by a 14-night itinerary to Sao Paulo (Santos), Brazil, via Cape Horn and the southern tip of South America. The 14-night sailing features an overnight in the embarkation port of Valparaiso and then at Montevideo, Uruguay, before arriving in Santos, Brazil on Feb 15.

Guests on all three ships will enjoy Broadway-caliber entertainment by Royal Caribbean Productions, complimentary and award-winning Adventure Ocean kids and teen-only programs, an extensive menu of rejuvenating spa treatments to choose from in the Day Spa, and spectacular views from the top of Royal Caribbean’s iconic rock-climbing wall. Voyager-class Adventure of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas are two of the world’s 10 largest and most innovative cruise ships, offering guests Royal Caribbean’s exclusive onboard amenities, including an ice-skating rink, inline-skating track, 9-hole mini-golf course, and the Royal Promenade, an interior boulevard flanked by boutiques, restaurants and lounges, where street dance parties and magical parades occur. Radiance-class Serenade of the Seas features a nine-deck atrium with a glass wall and glass elevators for unobstructed views of the sea and unfolding shoreline. For additional information or to make reservations, call your travel agent, visit www.royalcaribbean.com or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.

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Princess Announces 2011 Alaska Cruise and Cruisetour Program

SANTA CLARITA, CA, April 29: Princess Cruises’ 2011 Alaska program offers travelers a full range of cruise and cruisetour options whether they want to explore Denali in depth, plan independently, enjoy the attention of an expert guide, or venture off the beaten path. The season opens for sale May 13 with special rates that include adding three days at Denali to a cruise for just $299. The 2011 lineup will offer passengers the company’s hallmark Alaska experience, whether at sea on board amenity-filled ships or on land with Princess’ signature wilderness lodges and exclusive Direct to the Wilderness program, where guests step right from their ship onto luxury railcars that transport them directly to the Denali area.

The season includes a total of 104 Alaska departures aboard six ships sailing on three itinerary options during the May to Sept 2011 season. The lineup includes Diamond Princess, Coral Princess, and Island Princess traveling on the line’s popular “Voyage of the Glaciers” route through the scenic Gulf of Alaska; Golden Princess and Sapphire Princess sailing the Inside Passage from Seattle, and Sea Princess cruising on 10-day journeys from San Francisco.

The cruisetour program combines a seven-day “Voyage of the Glaciers” cruise with three to eight additional nights on land exploring Alaska’s interior. For 2011, travelers can choose from four types of land and sea packages – Denali Explorer, On Your Own, Off the Beaten Path and Connoisseur. All Princess cruisetours include the company’s exclusive wilderness lodges, rail or motorcoach travel, plus the top two attractions in the state – Glacier Bay National Park and Denali National Park, where visitors spend at least two nights exploring the wonders of this area.

“Our 2011 program retains all of the classic Princess signatures that make us the clear leader in Alaska, plus some new options,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “And visiting the heart of Alaska has never been so affordable with three days at Denali beginning at just $299 more than a cruise alone.”

Cruises – Princess offers three itineraries to the majestic glaciers, historic towns and scenic waters of Alaska with sailings from seven to 10 days.

 • Voyage of the Glaciers: The line’s famed Gulf of Alaska route between Vancouver and Whittier (for Anchorage) features calls at Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway with daylight cruising in Glacier Bay National Park and the 16 glaciers of College Fjord (or Hubbard Glacier on southbound sailings). Diamond Princess and Coral Princess sail on Saturdays and Island Princess offers new Wednesday departures for a total of 54 sailing choices between May 18 and Sept 17, 2011.
 • Inside Passage from Seattle: Golden Princess and Sapphire Princess offer convenient weekend departures on seven-day roundtrip itineraries from Seattle along the scenic Inside Passage with calls at Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Victoria, B.C. Passengers will enjoy dramatic glacier viewing in either Glacier Bay National Park (Golden Princess) or Tracy Arm (Sapphire Princess). The two ships will sail on 37 departures between May 14 and Sept 17, 2011.
 • Inside Passage from San Francisco: Sea Princess again sails from the “City by the Bay” on 10-day roundtrip cruises. The ship offers 13 voyages from San Francisco featuring the scenery of Glacier Bay National Park or Tracy Arm, stops at Victoria and Juneau, plus two other calls in Ketchikan, Skagway, Haines, Sitka or Icy Strait Point. Departures sail between May 10 and Sept 7, 2011.

Cruisetours – Princess cruisetours offer passengers a complete land and sea Alaska experience with vacations ranging from 10 to 15 nights. All cruisetour options include at least two nights in the Denali National Park area, stays at Princess’ own riverside wilderness lodges, and a seven-day Voyage of the Glaciers sailing including Glacier Bay National Park.

 • Denali Explorer: Featuring multiple nights at the line’s own Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge and/or Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, these tours also offer the exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness rail service between the Whittier cruise terminal and the dramatic Denali National Park area. Most also offer the opportunity to explore Fairbanks or Anchorage.
 • On Your Own: A new option for independent-minded travelers, these tours offer a more affordable and flexible way to see the Heart of Alaska. Tours do not include any pre-planned excursions, giving travelers time to create their own experience.
 • Off the Beaten Path: For those who want to explore Denali and beyond, these tours offer options to the Kenai Peninsula with stays at Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge or Wrangell-St. Elias National Park with stays at Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge. Passengers can even choose to venture to the state’s far north into the Arctic Circle and Prudhoe Bay.
 • Connoisseur: These cruisetour options offer the services of a professional tour director and additional time for passengers to experience the Great Land. Travelers can choose from more of these extended itineraries in 2011, with most meals and enhanced sightseeing options included as well.

Gulf of Alaska cruises and cruisetours for 2011 are available for reservations on May 13, 2010. Launch Fares begin at $649 for seven-day voyages, and $948 for cruisetours. 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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New Promotion From Carnival Allows Military Personnel to Book
Up To Three ‘Fun Ship’ Staterooms at Discounted Rates

MIAMI, April 29: In honor of Memorial Day, Carnival Cruise Lines is offering a promotion throughout May that allows active and retired military personnel to book up to three “Fun Ship” staterooms at discounted rates for themselves and their friends and family members. Reservations must be made between May 1-31, 2010, to qualify for this special offer, which is available in conjunction with a wide range of 3- to 8-day “Fun Ship” departures through April 30, 2012, including voyages to The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, Canada, and New England.

Rates start at $219 per person for 3- and 4-day cruises; $299 per person for 5-day voyages; $389 per person for 6-day departures; $439 per person for 7-day voyages; and $549 per person for 8-day sailings. Voyages operate from 12 convenient year-round U.S. homeports along the east and west coasts and Gulf of Mexico, as well as seasonal departures from Seattle, New York and San Diego.

“We’re very pleased to offer this special Memorial Day promotion to members of our country’s armed forces. It’s our way of recognizing their outstanding service to our country,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival’s president and CEO.

The promotion is valid for individual bookings only, availability is capacity controlled and this promotion cannot be combined with other discount offers such as resident or senior rates, or past guest promotions. Eligible military personnel must sail to take advantage of this offer. Fare code PM1, PM2, or PM4 must be requested for the military guest’s cabin and PM3 for the two additional cabins during the reservations process. Military personnel must provide proof of service. Certain other restrictions apply. For additional information and reservations, call 1-800-327-9501 (individual) or 1-800-327-5782 (groups).

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Innovative Princess eZAir(SM) Program Debuts, Offers Competitive Air Fares
with Immediate Flight Confirmation

SANTA CLARITA, CA, April 28: Princess Cruises is introducing a completely re-designed, new generation air program giving passengers easy and full control of their flights and the ability to seamlessly coordinate them with their cruise itinerary. For the first time, Princess passengers will have access to real-time pricing and flight availability, immediate flight confirmation, competitive airfares, and something no major online air booking website offers – next port protection in the event of flight delays. The innovative Princess eZAirSM program provides passengers and their travel agents the ease of a single booking source for both air and cruise reservations, with all transactions conveniently accessed online.

Travelers using Princess eZAir can choose air carriers and flights, as well as select their preferred cabin level and seating, all with no extra customization fee. They can also order special meals, request a wheelchair and apply their frequent flyer number. And unlike air purchased through other online air booking websites, the line will assist Princess eZAir passengers with re-routing to the next port of call should they experience a flight delay that causes them to miss the ship’s departure.

“We’ve modernized our air program to give our passengers full control of their flight arrangements,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “Until now, passengers paid a set price for air and were given their flight details closer to sailing. Now they can plan their entire vacation as they wish, with real-time access to flights – and competitive airfares – that are compatible with their cruise and other travel plans.”

With Princess eZAir, cruise passengers can choose from two different air options – flexible and restricted – depending on the certainty of their travel plans. The flexible plan allows passengers to cancel or modify their reservation without charge, while the restricted option offers the benefit of a typically less expensive fare for those travelers who are comfortable with cancellation and change restrictions. Passengers can view both fare options side by side, so they can make the best choice for their vacation schedule.

Flexible Air Option – Passengers choosing the flexible air option will have the benefit of a fully refundable air ticket that can be changed without charge, giving them full freedom with their travel plans. Tickets are refundable up to 45 days before the flight.

Restricted Air Option – Passengers also have a choice of a typically lower-priced restricted option which is not refundable, and is subject to change fees. In addition, restricted air tickets must be paid for at the time of booking air to lock in the schedule and lower rate.

With Princess eZAir, flights can be purchased from approximately 330 days to four days before cruise departure. The new program will be in effect for virtually all Princess voyages sailing after Sept 1, 2010. Passengers with existing air bookings will automatically be transferred to the Flexible pricing option. Princess air flights can be booked through a professional travel agent or by calling 1-800-PRINCESS.

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Cruise West Guests Rave About Inaugural World Voyage

Seattle, WA, April 28: Cruise West, the world’s leading provider of small-ship explorations to the most fascinating destinations on earth, is receiving rave reviews from world voyage guests. “The included Ultimate Explorer Experiences (noteworthy shore excursions) were so incredible that I will remember them forever. So great, that I am rejoining the voyage later this year," said Susan B. The line created an amazing array of included shore excursions designed to highlight the magic of each destination. Blog Ahoy, Cruise West’s world voyage blog with submissions coming from guests, talks of adventures and memorable experiences. Guest Susan P. remarks on the blog, “One of the greatest blessings about going on an excursion like we are doing with Cruise West is the opportunity to experience a culture, climate, religious beliefs, and terrain that, for most of us, is so different from our own. One of the best ways to appreciate all that we are getting to see and do is to soak it all in and realize that here in Oman, or anywhere else, things are not necessarily better or worse than our ways, just different.”

“Today onboard the ship, Dr. Jenifer Neils, who is a professor and Smithsonian speaker, spoke about the Gifts of the Nile this morning, preparing us for our excursion to Egypt. We learned the chronology of Egyptian rule; the geographical and political separation of the Upper Nile (which is called that because it is higher in elevation) and the Lower Nile; insight as to the many gods of Ancient Egypt; the art work produced using a specific grid for drawing humans (which explains the uniform look of their paintings); that the main crop grown in ancient times was barley (for bread and beer); and about mummies,” mentions another guest. Another guest comments, “Cruising on the Voyages of the Great Explorers world cruise is not just about the cultural experiences and unique destinations, it is also about meeting interesting passengers and enjoying fabulous food together. Doesn't food bring the world together...especially desserts?”

Voyage of the Great Explorers is a series of 24 separate and unique cruises to Southeast Asia, North Africa, the Mediterranean, Greek isles, East Coast Canada and USA, Australia, and the South Pacific that combine to form a 335-day circumnavigation of the world along the major routes inspired by history’s great ocean explorers. The world voyage began March 5, 2010, and is sailing ever westward, returning to Singapore on Feb 3, 2011. The second edition world voyage for 2011/2012 has been announced and is also accepting bookings. Voyages range from 9 to 19 nights and may be purchased individually or in multiple segments.

There is still time to book a world voyage for 2010 and 2011 onboard the 60-suite Spirit of Oceanus. For further details, visit www.CruiseWest.com, call 800-296-8307 or a travel professional.

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Nickelodeon & Norwegian Cruise Line Hit the Open Sea With Nickelodeon All Access Cruises

MIAMI, April 27: Norwegian Cruise Line and Nickelodeon today announced the dates and itineraries for the two 2011 “Nickelodeon All Access Cruises.” These special Nickelodeon-themed cruises will give guests exclusive access to a fun-filled, 7-day itinerary of Nickelodeon-themed entertainment all day, every day on board Norwegian Jewel from New York on Feb 20, 2011, and on the cruise line’s newest ship, Norwegian Epic, from Barcelona on July 24, 2011.

“‘Nickelodeon All Access Cruises’ only on Norwegian Cruise Line will provide families with the ultimate vacation experience at sea,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian’s chief executive officer. “These immersive cruises offer the freedom and flexibility that Freestyle Cruising provides with the ability for families to get up close and personal with Nickelodeon.”

The inaugural “Nickelodeon All Access Cruise” on board Norwegian Jewel sets sail on Feb 20, 2011, with a round-trip 7-day itinerary from New York sailing to Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida; Nassau, Bahamas; and Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island. Norwegian Epic’s “Nickelodeon All Access Cruise” departs on July 24, 2011, from Barcelona on a 7-day Western Mediterranean cruise to Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Rome (Civitavecchia), and Naples, Italy; and Palma, Majorca, Spain.

These two specialty cruises will include access to exclusive meet and greets with Nickelodeon stars; screenings of never-before-seen episodes of hit Nick shows; interactive game shows for the entire family; Nick-themed Sailaway; Club Nick parties; and the opportunity for every family to get slimed. Cruises go on sale Wednesday, April 28 to past Norwegian guests (Latitudes members) and May 1 to the general public. To learn more about “Nickelodeon All Access Cruises” or “Nickelodeon at Sea” year-round programming, visit www.ncl.com/nickelodeon.

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Costa Romantica Celebrates Maiden Call to Hong Kong

MIAMI, April 27: Costa Cruises, Europe’s number one cruise line, increased its passenger capacity in Asia on April 24 as the Costa Romantica celebrated her maiden call to Hong Kong with her high-flying Italian flag and iconic yellow funnel. At the welcoming event, Dario Rustico, sales and marketing director of Costa Cruises’ Pacific Asia Operations; Francis Liu, deputy director of the Marine Department; Patricia So, acting deputy commissioner for tourism; Gilly Wong, general manager of MICE & Cruise of the Hong Kong Tourism Board; Alessandra Schiavo, Consul General of Italian Consulate General in Hong Kong and representatives from Costa’s key sales partners, conducted an officiating ceremony to mark the occasion. The arrival of the Costa Romantica, the largest ship the company has deployed to Asia, symbolizes Costa’s commitment to Hong Kong’s tourism industry.

“This is Costa Cruises’ fifth year in Asia. We have strived to offer our guests the true Italian style of cruising since 2006 and with an increased passenger capacity in the region, we can cater to the expanding cruise industry in Asia,” said Rustico. “The arrival of Costa Romantica to the region is a further testament of our ongoing commitment to the travel industry in Hong Kong and Asia. We also strongly believe in Asia’s long term potential and will continue to further develop this market with a target to make cruising the number one vacation choice for travelers,” Rustico added.

Costa Cruises will offer a total of 97 sailings in 2010 and Costa Romantica is expected to bring over 50,000 additional tourists to the region.

Costa Romantica (53,000 gross-tons; 1,356 dbl occ) will operate 30 cruises departing from Singapore, Tianjin and Shanghai to the finest cities of Asia. The cruise itineraries sail between April 17 and November 20, 2010, taking guests to various culturally rich journeys to Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan.

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MSC Introduces One-Week Special, Shipboard Credit for Cruises to Europe

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, April 27: MSC Cruises is offering a one-week only special from April 26 – May 3 for up to a $200 shipboard credit per stateroom for cruises to Europe onboard MSC Fantasia, MSC Splendida, MSC Lirica, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Armonia, and MSC Orchestra with rates starting from $749 per person (government fees and taxes are additional). Guests can experience the vacation of a lifetime with Mediterranean cruise itineraries featuring destinations such as those in Italy, Greece, Spain, Monaco, Portugal, and France departing from a variety of ports.

Cruise itineraries include:

-- MSC Fantasia “Mediterranean Fantasy,” 7-night, Western Mediterranean cruise from Genoa, Italy; Palma de Mallorca, Spain; and Barcelona, Spain; calling in Naples (Capri), Italy; Palermo, Italy; La Goulette (Tunis), Tunisia; and Palma de Mallorca, Spain; and Marseille, France. Departures June-Sept, 2010.
-- MSC Splendida, “The Splendid Mediterranean,” 7-night, Western Mediterranean cruise from Genoa and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy; and Barcelona, Spain; calling in Marseille, France; La Goulette (Tunis), Tunisia; Valletta, Malta; Messina (Taormina), and Sicily, Italy. Departures June–Nov, 2010.
-- MSC Lirica, “Mediterranean Marvels,” 7-night, Western Mediterranean cruise from Civitavecchia (Rome), Genoa, and Salerno, Italy; and Palma de Mallorca, Spain; calling in La Goulette (Tunis), Tunisia; Toulon (St. Tropez), France; Portofino, Italy; and Ajaccio, Corsica, France. Departures July–Aug, 2010.
-- MSC Sinfonia, “Sparkling Mediterranean Rivieras,” 7-night, Western Mediterranean cruise from Livorno, Italy; calling in Monte Carlo, Monaco; Valencia, Spain; Ibiza, Balearic Islands, Spain; La Goulette (Tunis) Tunisia; Catania (Taormina), Italy; and Naples (Capri), Italy. Departures July–Aug, 2010.
-- MSC Armonia, “Jewels of the Adriatic,” 7-night, Northern Europe cruise, from Venice, Italy; calling in Dubrovnik, Croatia; Corfu, Greece; Piraeus (Athens), Greece; Argosoli, Kefalonia, Greece; Kotor, Montenegro; and Ancona, Italy. Departures from July–Aug, 2010.
-- MSC Orchestra, “Iberian Discovery,” 8-night, Western Mediterranean cruise from Genoa and Barcelona; calling in Malaga, Spain; Cadiz, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; Gibraltar, England (United Kingdom); and Alicante, Spain. Departures Sept–Nov, 2010.

Cruise prices and government fees and taxes vary depending upon departure date(s) and port(s). Shipboard credit values vary depending upon stateroom type. For more information, visit www.MSCCruisesUSA.com, call 877-665-4655, or contact a local travel professional.

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Holland America Line Contributed $481 Million to Washington Economy in 2009

SEATTLE, April 27: Holland America Line contributed $357 million to the Seattle economy and $481 million to Washington state, mostly stemming from the cruise line's popular Seattle to Alaska itineraries. The totals underscore the economic contribution that Holland America Line makes to the Puget Sound community and to the state at large. Holland America Line has added a fourth ship to the Seattle contingent, which will increase the number of sailings from 61 in 2009 to 69 in 2010.

Direct spending in 2009 included $73,424,807 by the company in Seattle including $63,704,926 for payroll and $14,248,260 spent by passengers and crew in shops, restaurants, hotels, museums, local sightseeing attractions and taxicabs. Holland America Line's economic impact includes maintaining a corporate headquarters in Seattle, community giving, local payroll, provisioning ships, passenger spending, crew spending, port fees and taxes, and marketing and sales expenditures in Washington.

In 2009, the 1,380-guest ms Amsterdam, 1,432-guest ms Zaandam and 1,916-guest ms Westerdam sailed roundtrip Seattle to Alaska on a total of 61 cruises with more than 103,000 passengers. For 2010, increased demand for cruises departing from Seattle has prompted Holland America Line to add a fourth ship and a new 14-day Alaskan Adventurer cruise by way of the Hubbard Glacier.

"The increase in the number of itineraries underscores our commitment to the Seattle region as a major gateway to Alaska," said Stein Kruse, president and chief executive officer. "As Seattle's hometown cruise line, we are very proud of our strong ties to community businesses and causes."

Holland America Line provides both cash and in-kind sponsorships to local non-profit organizations. In the Seattle area, it supports dozens of such organizations such as Seattle Repertory Theatre, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Pike Place Market Foundation, Center for Wooden Boats, World Trade Center, Seattle Aquarium, Seattle Men's & Women's Chorus, Seafair, Boys & Girls Club, INTIMAN Theatre, Seattle Theatre Group, Seattle Children's Theatre, United Way, Northwest Harvest, the University of Washington, and Susan G. Komen for the Cure Puget Sound.

Since moving its headquarters to Seattle in 1983, Holland America Line has increased its fleet from two ships to 14 with a 15th to launch July 4, 2010, in Venice, Italy. The company works with 616 vendors in the Puget Sound area and 1,150 vendors across the state. These businesses range from local dairy companies who supply Holland America Line ships with $1.7 million in products each season to local vendors who will provide $4 million in printed collateral for the company.

Holland America Line provisions each ship every other week on the "turn around" sailings. Provisioning a ship means bringing aboard all of the supplies and food products needed for a sailing. For example, the Oosterdam requires some 25,200 eggs and 1,527 gallons of milk each week--coming from local farmers. In addition, local growers supply 58,875 (147,550) pounds a week in fresh produce.

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Carnival Spirit to Launch Unique 5- and 9-Day Mexican Riviera Cruise Program
 from San Diego in December

MIAMI, April 26: Carnival Cruise Lines will introduce a new one-of-a-kind schedule from San Diego encompassing 5- and 99-day Mexican Riviera voyages aboard the 2,124-passenger Carnival Spirit beginning Dec. 10, 2010. On this unique program, 5-day cruises will visit the popular resort town of Cabo San Lucas for two full days, while 9-day cruises will also feature a 2-day call in Cabo San Lucas in addition to visits to the stunning seaside destinations of Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and La Paz, the first time this port has been featured as a regular stop on a Carnival itinerary. The 2-day visits to Cabo San Lucas were selected based on guest feedback requesting more time to enjoy this popular destination which is highlighted by its distinctive rock formations, lush landscape and aqua-blue waters teeming with tropical fish.

“Carnival Spirit’s convenient new schedule from San Diego provides consumers with two distinctly different West Coast cruise choices – a value-packed five-day cruise and a port-intensive nine-day itinerary, both calling at world-class resort destinations along the Mexican Riviera,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO.

Five-day cruises depart Sunday and return Friday, offering the ideal short cruise vacation at an attractive price. Nine-day cruises depart Friday and return Sunday so guests can enjoy a longer cruise with more time in the spectacular ports of call, all within a typical weekend-to-weekend vacation period. Nine-day cruises will also call at Puerto Vallarta, a charming city where guests can relax on gorgeous white-sand beaches or stroll along the famed Malecon, a seaside walkway lined with restaurants, art galleries, and shops. Also featured is Mazatlan, known as the Pearl of the Pacific for its beautiful beaches, abundant marine life, and myriad fishing and diving opportunities. Rounding out the itinerary is La Paz, a sun worshippers’ paradise famous for its excellent sportfishing, snorkeling and scuba diving, with white-sand beaches stretching the length of its magnificent waterfront.

The namesake vessel in the line’s Spirit-class, Carnival Spirit offers a variety of on-board facilities and features – an indoor wrap around promenade, an classic American-style steakhouse located at the top level of a soaring-nine-deck high atrium, extensive spa and children’s facilities, and a two-level promenade lined with themed lounges, bars and nightspots. Four swimming pools, as well as Carnival’s signature Twister Waterslide, are featured, as well. Carnival Spirit also offers bow-to-stern Wi-Fi, full casino gambling, myriad entertainment choices, including lavish production shows, along with a wedding chapel and conference center. In addition to the steakhouse, dining options include a two-level formal restaurant and an expansive poolside eatery with a 24-hour pizzeria, New York-style deli, an Asian specialty venue and other casual choices. Of the ship’s 1,062 staterooms, 80 percent offer either an ocean view or balcony – ideal for viewing the beautiful scenery. All staterooms feature the Carnival Comfort Bed with plush mattresses, luxurious duvets and high quality linens and pillows.

The new 5- and 9-day cruises replace the Carnival Spirit’s previous 8-day Mexican Riviera program. Guests scheduled to sail on the 8-day voyages have the following options: switch to a new 9-day Mexican Riviera cruise with their 8-day cruise fare protected; re-book an alternate Carnival sailing and receive a $50 per person on-board credit; or cancel and receive a full refund. Carnival Spirit will operate its new 5- and 9-day Mexican Riviera schedule through April 1, 2011. The Carnival Spirit will then offer its previously scheduled 12-day Hawaii cruises (April 10 and 22, 2011) and a full season of 7-day Alaska cruises departing from Seattle (beginning May 10, 2011). Carnival is currently accepting reservations on the Carnival Spirit’s new 5- and 9-day Mexican Riviera cruises. For additional information and reservations, call 1-800-327-9501.

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New York Overnights & Maine Maiden Call Highlight Crystal's
Fall New England & Canada Voyages

LOS ANGELES, April 26: A new overnight stay in New York and a maiden visit to Portland, Maine are among the highlights of Crystal Cruises' New England & Canada series in fall 2010. Four 11-day cruises aboard the award-winning Crystal Symphony will sail between New York and Montreal beginning September 19, each with two overnight calls and nearly 100 Crystal Adventures ashore to showcase the region's natural beauty and rich history. Departing Sept 19, Sept 30, Oct 11 and Oct 22, all voyages feature overnight stays in Montreal and either Boston or New York, plus visits to Newport, Rhode Island; Saint John, New Brunswick; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Quebec City, Quebec and either Bar Harbor or Portland, Maine. The itineraries allow guests to fully immerse themselves in the destinations, each with its own distinct charm. Whether the dramatic cliffs and lavish estates in Bar Harbor and Newport, the cobbled streets and French shops within Quebec City and the spectacular waterfalls just outside city limits, or Portland's art district, known as the city's secret treasure, the region boasts limitless character and history to explore.

"Crystal Symphony's New England and Canada itineraries offer an ideal combination of quaint provincial communities and exciting urban attractions, rich maritime history and striking scenery during the fall - the region's most beautiful time of the year," says Bill Smith, senior vice president of sales and marketing. "The ease of travel, Crystal's award-winning resort experience and our exceptional value for 2010 is resonating with veteran and new-to-Crystal travelers."

Per person, Two-for-One (double occupancy) promotional fares start at $4,275, with $500 per person 'All Inclusive - As You Wish' shipboard credits, and complimentary air transportation from many North American gateways. For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit www.crystalcruises.com.

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Another Major Milestone For Seabourn Sojourn

MIAMI, April 26: The Yachts of Seabourn’s new Seabourn Sojourn has reached an important maritime milestone with the completion of four days of sea trials in the Mediterranean. The vessel “stretched her legs” and took to the sea for the first time, sailing under its own propulsion power off the coast of Genoa, Italy. Sojourn has returned to the T. Mariotti shipyard in Genoa, where staff and workers are putting the final touches on the vessel before its delivery on May 28, 2010.

Following two days of inaugural festivities in London, Seabourn Sojourn will depart June 6, 2010, on a 14-day maiden voyage, visiting Scotland, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, the Norwegian Fjords, and Amsterdam. The maiden season will also include 12- to 14-day voyages in Northern Europe, including Norway, Scotland, the Baltic Sea and Russia. After the Europe season, Sojourn will sail on a transatlantic cruise from Lisbon, Portugal, to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., where it will operate a series of Caribbean voyages. On Jan. 5, 2011, Sojourn will embark on a World Cruise from Los Angeles to London via the South Pacific, New Zealand, around Western Australia, Indonesia and Southeast Asia, India, Arabia and the Mediterranean.

Like its sister-ship, Seabourn Odyssey, Sojourn will provide the most exclusive all-suite accommodation available at sea, with 225 suites in total, 90 percent of which have private verandas. Top of the range suites include Wintergarden Suites with private solarium and veranda, and Signature Suites with sweeping verandas and unrivalled views facing forward. All suites will feature separate living areas and bedrooms, writing desks with personalized stationery, iPod and MP3 connections and spacious granite bathrooms with separate bath and shower and twin sinks. The two-deck, state-of-the-art Spa at Seabourn will feature a Spa Villa that can be reserved for hours of pure indulgence and relaxation. The new vessel will offer four dining venues, and six bars and lounges serving a full range of beverages, including fine wines and spirits with Seabourn’s compliments.

Sojourn is the second of three 450-guest vessels being added to The Yachts of Seabourn’s fleet of intimate, yacht-like cruisers, which have won numerous awards and consistent acclaim for highly personalized service, sumptuous, all-suite accommodation, superb cuisine and exceptional delivery of the most desirable destinations worldwide, resulting in exceptional value for money. The first, Seabourn Odyssey, was introduced June 2009, and the third, Seabourn Quest, is slated to debut in 2011. For a limited time, Seabourn is offering two-for-one cruise fares with included round-trip air, or cruise-only fares featuring savings up to 65 percent. The promotion is valid for Seabourn voyages in Europe departing between June and November 2010. Nine-to-12-day voyages on the new Seabourn Sojourn in Northern Europe start from $4,999 cruise-only or $6,400 with inclusive air. Inclusive air is available from 40 North American gateways. Certain other restrictions apply. For more information, contact a travel agent, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com.

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Launch of Celebrity Cruises' Newest Ship 'Eclipses' Others

MIAMI, April 26: On the heels of her formal naming ceremony, Celebrity Eclipse today officially entered service, following pre-inaugural activities that “eclipsed” others. Just prior to being named on April 24, Celebrity Eclipse – the latest in a series of five stunning Solstice Class ships from Celebrity Cruises – replaced a previously-planned 2-day promotional cruise to instead transport from Bilbao, Spain, to Southampton, England, approximately 2,200 vacationers who had been stranded by the travel disruption caused by the volcanic eruption in Iceland.

“What a rare and notable way for Celebrity Eclipse to begin her sailing career,” said Celebrity Cruises Chairman Richard D. Fain. “Who knew that a $700-million ship would start her career as emergency transport? One of the particular pleasures was seeing how responsive our exceptional crew was, and how much effort they contributed to make sure that these unexpected guests had the time of their lives.”

Celebrity Cruises President & CEO Dan Hanrahan shared a similar sentiment with the nearly 2,000 primarily UK-based travel agents, press and other special guests at Saturday’s naming ceremony in Southampton: “This truly has been a unique inaugural for Celebrity Eclipse. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine we could be so impacted by a volcano whose name I can’t even begin to pronounce.”

Presiding over the naming ceremony was Godmother Emma Pontin, ocean-racing yachtswoman and breast cancer survivor. Prior to her remarks, Hanrahan shared an emotional and personal comment: “Like far too many mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, sisters and brothers, I, too, have lost a loved one to breast cancer. It is therefore especially poignant for me that we have such a noble champion in the fight against breast cancer serving as our Godmother.”

Celebrity Eclipse Godmother Emma Pontin then took the stage, sharing with the audience how honored she felt to be invited to serve in the role, and the special connection she felt with the ship, “As someone who has confronted her own mortality through breast cancer, life for me has become more precious than ever,” said Pontin. “Every moment counts. I now want memories, not just dreams. And memories are what will be created on this magnificent ship. One of the many dictionary definitions of ‘eclipse’ is a performance that outshines all that went before.’ And eclipse she will. She will unquestionably exceed the expectations of all those who step aboard, and she is without doubt a place where memories will be created by the millions of guests who will experience her delights.”

The Celebrity Eclipse naming celebration coincided with a marathon walk in Southampton, the “Celebrity SunWalk,” raising funds for the breast cancer charity, “Walk the Walk.” The charity was founded by Nina Barough, who served as Godmother of Celebrity Eclipse’s sister ship, Celebrity Equinox.

Celebrity Eclipse departed Southampton today on a 3-night Paris (Le Havre) cruise. She returns to Southampton to embark on the ship’s official maiden voyage departing April 29 with a 4-night cruise to Cork (Cobh), Ireland, followed by a series of Mediterranean and Russia and Scandinavian cruises throughout the summer. Celebrity Eclipse will offer Caribbean sailings from the Port of Miami, Florida, beginning this winter.

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Royal Highness Princess Maxima of the Netherlands
to Name Holland America Line's ms Nieuw Amsterdam

SEATTLE, April 26: Her Royal Highness Princess Maxima of the Netherlands will name Holland America Line's new Signature-class ship, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, in a ceremony in Venice, Italy, July 4, 2010. The 2,106-guest ship is the fourth to carry that name for the line and is being built by Italian shipyard Fincantieri-Cantieri Navali Italiani S.p.A. in Marghera, Italy. The naming ceremony will feature gala festivities in Venice, where an audience of special guests will witness an extravaganza of entertainment, the blessing of Nieuw Amsterdam and the traditional breaking of a champagne bottle across the ship's bow as the finale.

"The Dutch Royal Family is continuing a long and proud tradition of naming Holland America Line ships that started more than 80 years ago, and we are truly honored that Princess Maxima will name Nieuw Amsterdam," said Stein Kruse, president and chief executive officer of Holland America Line. "The naming ceremony will mark a signature moment in our company's 137-year history as Princess Maxima becomes godmother of Nieuw Amsterdam, which, with her sister-ship Eurodam, will share the distinction as the largest passenger ships ever to fly the Dutch flag."

Nieuw Amsterdam IV will be the 11th Holland America Line vessel launched by a member of the Dutch Royal Family. Previous ship dedications include ss Statendam III in 1929 by Prince Hendrik and ss Nieuw Amsterdam II in 1937 by Queen Wilhelmina. Then-Crown Princess Beatrix christened ss Statendam IV in 1957 as well as the ms Prinses Margriet in 1964. The ss Rotterdam V was launched in 1958 by Queen Juliana. Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet dedicated ms Prinsendam II in 1973, ms Nieuw Amsterdam III in 1983, ms Rotterdam VI in 1997 and ms Oosterdam in 2003. Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands served as ms Eurodam's godmother in 2008.

Princess Maxima was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, May 17, 1971, as Maxima Zorreguieta. She was engaged to His Royal Highness the Prince of Orange, March 30, 2001. On Feb. 2, 2002, Maxima wed Prince Willem-Alexander, who is Her Majesty Queen Beatrix's eldest child and first in line of succession to the throne. Upon her marriage, Maxima received the title Princess of the Netherlands. Since October 2004, Princess Maxima has been a member of the Council of State, the Netherlands' most important government advisory body. Princess Maxima represents the Royal House at official occasions, often accompanying Prince Willem-Alexander. She also accompanies Her Majesty Queen Beatrix on state visits. The princess passed her baccalaureate examinations at Northlands School in 1988 and graduated with an economics degree from Universidad Catolica Argentina in 1995.

In 2009, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon designated Princess Maxima as his Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development. Princess Maxima advises the Secretary-General on access to financial services and works to ensure that everyone, everywhere, has access to all forms of financial service. At the invitation of the United Nations, Princess Maxima was involved in the Advisors Group to the International Year of Microcredit 2005. Throughout 2005 the Group met on a regular basis to discuss progress towards achieving universal access to financial services. She has worked at Boston Securities SA in Buenos Aires, the European Union Representative Office of Deutsche Bank in Brussels and in New York at Deutsche Bank, Dresdner Kleinwort Benson and HSBC James Capel Inc.

Nieuw Amsterdam Defines 'Premium'
 The second in the Signature-class series of vessels, Nieuw Amsterdam's décor features stylized design elements from its namesake New York City, luxurious appointments and amenities as well as all the hallmarks of the Holland America brand.

Following its naming in Venice, Nieuw Amsterdam will sail several 12-day Mediterranean cruises, then embarks on an autumn trans-Atlantic crossing to the Caribbean, and will sail 7-day eastern and western island itineraries from Novr 2010 through March 2011. For more information on Nieuw Amsterdam, visit www.hollandamerica.com

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Oceania Cruises to Offer First-Ever Alaska Cruises for Summer 2011

MIAMI, April 23: The great land of Alaska will join the list of destinations visited on the award-winning itineraries of Oceania Cruises for summer 2011. Highlights include two full days of glacier cruising and a mix of marquee as well as off-the-beaten-path ports, the latter a hallmark of all Oceania Cruises' voyages.

Ten departures are designed to explore Alaska's Inside Passage in depth, including Sitka, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, plus less-visited outposts such as Kodiak, Homer and Hoonah. Depending on the itinerary, travelers will also cruise the awe-inspiring Hubbard Glacier, Gulf of Alaska, Tracy Arm and College Fjord.

Travelers can choose from four exciting, new itineraries with two-for-one fares and free air.

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

"We are thrilled to add the 49th state to our growing slate of enriching itineraries," stated Frank Del Rio, Oceania Cruises' founder and chairman/CEO of parent company Prestige Cruise Holdings. "Our guests are always seeking destinations rich in history, culture, adventure and stunning scenery. The great state of Alaska delivers all of these points of interest and more. We would also like to thank Alaska's Governor, Sean Parnell, and the Alaska Legislature for their efforts to rollback the head tax on cruise passengers which was an important consideration in evaluating our deployment alternatives."

Travelers will discover Alaska aboard Oceania Cruises' 684-guest Regatta - an intimate ship acclaimed for its open-seating gourmet dining (no surcharges), luxurious public rooms and accommodations, and warm, attentive service. Oceania Cruises' maiden Alaska cruises go on sale April 28, 2010. For reservations or to order a brochure, contact a travel agent, visit www.OceaniaCruises.com or call toll-free at 800-531-5658.

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Oceania Cruises Debuts Fall Foliage Cruises For Autumn 2011

Miami, April 23: Oceania Cruises will combine destination-rich ports with renowned cultural and historical diversity on two New England and Canada cruises next October. Scenic highlights include cruising in the Bay of Fundy, Saguenay Fjord and St. Lawrence River. Travelers will discover these new destinations aboard Oceania Cruises’ 684-guest Regatta – an intimate ship acclaimed for its open-seating gourmet dining (no surcharges), luxurious public rooms and accommodations, and warm, attentive service.

“These cruises appeal to history buffs and travelers who cherish all four seasons," stated Bob Binder, president of Oceania Cruises. "Guests will see the autumn leaves at their peak and discover the charming seaports of the Eastern Seaboard while enjoying the fine cuisine and great value for which Oceania Cruises is renowned.”

Fall Foliage on Display
 The 12-day “Colors, Coasts & Coves” cruise offers a taste of French culture and cuisine, Scottish immigrant history, New England hospitality, as well as Canadian and U.S. history. Fares include free air from 21 gateway cities. Departures are Sept. 30 and Oct. 12, 2011. Ports include Newport, Rhode Island, where the Rockefellers and Astors summered during the Gilded Age; Rockland, a picturesque hamlet north of Boston; Bar Harbor, the quintessential Maine fishing village; St John, New Brunswick; quaint Halifax, Sydney and Charlottetown in Nova Scotia; Corner Brook, Newfoundland; and historic Quebec City, the 400-year-old "heart of French Canada." Thoughtfully designed optional tours and excursions enhance the destination experience and include a horse-drawn carriage tour of Quebec City; visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lunenburg fishing village; and a lobster lunch at Dalvay by the Sea, the 19th-century summer home built by then Standard Oil chief Alexander MacDonald. Outdoor activities include cycling Acadia National Park and Prince Edward Island and kayaking coves in Maine and Nova Scotia.

Mexico & the Panama Canal
 Oceania Cruises will offer the “Ultimate Panama Canal” cruise before commencing her fall foliage cruises. The 21-day voyage from San Francisco to New York departs San Francisco Sept 9, 2011, and sails to the treasures of the Mexican Riviera, including Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Acalpulco, Huatulco and Puerto Chiapas, before visiting Costa Rica and Colombia via the Panama Canal. A full day on Grand Cayman precedes visits to Savannah and Charleston, stalwarts of Southern charm. Fares and include free air from 21 gateway cities.

For reservations or to order a brochure, contact a travel agent, visit OceaniaCruises.com or call toll-free at 800-531-5658.

Princess Cruises Expands Canada & New England Program
to Include Summer Sailings in 2011

SANTA CLARITA, CA, April 23: Princess Cruises will launch its largest Canada & New England program ever in 2011, with a new itinerary and an expanded season, offering nearly a 30 percent increase in capacity over the previous season. These summer cruises will sail between the line’s Caribbean sailings from New York, offering a selection of summer destinations from the “Big Apple.” The expanded Canada & New England season begins May 17 and introduces a new nine-day itinerary that adds calls in Sydney (Nova Scotia) and Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island) plus features many favorite ports in the region. Caribbean Princess will offer four sailings on this roundtrip New York route between departures on its nine-day Bermuda & Eastern Caribbean itinerary, giving passengers the choice of sailing north or south (or both) for their summer vacation.

In autumn, the Canada & New England program continues with 14 sailings on two different itineraries – weeklong roundtrips from New York on Caribbean Princess and the classic 10-day route between New York and Quebec City aboard Crown Princess. In addition, Crown Princess will offer a 12-day Canada and Colonial America sailing. These sailings also feature opportunities to visit several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, unique places that represent the planet’s cultural and natural heritage. In Canada, travelers can visit the town of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia (from Halifax), and Crown Princess passengers can explore the historic old city of Quebec. In Bermuda, the historic town of St. George is designated a UNESCO site.

“The charm and natural beauty of the Canada and New England region have made these sailings so popular each fall, that we’re now expanding our season into the summer,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “It’s our largest season ever, with the widest range of departures to choose from, so passengers should be able to find the perfect cruise to explore these scenic ports.”

The 2011 Canada & New England and Summer Caribbean program includes:

Canada & New England – During the summer months, Caribbean Princess will feature four sailings of a new roundtrip New York itinerary with calls at Sydney (Nova Scotia), Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island), Halifax, Bar Harbor, Boston and Newport. Sailings depart May 17, June 13, June 22 and July 19. In August, the ship resumes its popular 7-day sailings featuring Halifax, Saint John, Bar Harbor, Boston and Newport, with eleven departures between August 6 and October 15.

Classic Canada & New England – Crown Princess sails on three Classic Canada & New England 10-day cruises between New York and Quebec City, featuring calls in Newport, Boston, Saint John, Halifax, Sydney, Charlottetown and an overnight in Quebec. Crown Princess departs on these sailings between September 14 and October 4. The ship also offers one 12-day Canada & Colonial America sailing from Quebec City to Ft. Lauderdale on October 14, also featuring an overnight in Quebec and calls along the Eastern seaboard in Halifax, Bar Harbor, Boston, Newport, New York and Charleston.

Bermuda & Eastern Caribbean – Caribbean Princess will also offer six sailings to the crystal waters of the Caribbean with a 9-day Bermuda & Eastern Caribbean itinerary roundtrip from New York that includes calls at Bermuda (West End), San Juan, St. Thomas, and Grand Turk. Sailings depart on May 8, May 26, June 4, July 1, July 10, and July 28. The ship will also feature one 7-day sailing from San Juan to New York with calls in St. Thomas, Antigua and Bermuda, departing on May 1.

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

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Celebrity Eclipse Returns From Repatriation Mission

LONDON, April 23: Celebrity Eclipse, the latest premium cruise ship from Celebrity Cruises, has returned to her homeport in Southampton from Bilbao, Spain, where she welcomed approximately 2,200 holidaymakers stranded by the travel disruption caused by the volcanic eruption in Iceland. The sailing replaced the previously-planned two-day promotional cruise for travel partners and press from April 22-24.

Dan Hanrahan, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises, said, "We're proud of our tradition of planning and implementing meaningful and memorable ship launches, but the launch of Celebrity Eclipse is truly unique.
The atmosphere has been fantastic amongst the guests and our crew. Everyone feels they are part of something truly special."

Celebrity Cruises worked with tour operators Thomson, First Choice, Thomas Cook, Travel Counselors and the Co-operative Travel Trading Group to repatriate as many of their customers as possible. "We appreciate everything Thomson, First Choice, Thomas Cook, Travel Counselors and the Co-Operative Travel Group did to make the very quick turn around in Bilbao work so well," said Hanrahan.

In addition, Celebrity made 50 staterooms available to Britons identified as having an urgent need to return to the UK. The travelers were organized with assistance from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's crisis team in Madrid.

Launch plans for Celebrity Eclipse will now continue as planned with naming ceremonies in Southampton presided over by Godmother Emma Pontin, ocean-racing yachtswoman and breast cancer survivor, on 24 April 2010. The naming celebration will coincide with a power walk to raise funds for the breast cancer charity Walk the Walk. The Celebrity SunWalk will see men and women in decorated bras walking a 5km and 10km route through Southampton, culminating in front of the new ship, all to raise both awareness and money.

Hanrahan added, "We are now looking forward to Saturday's fundraising walk and naming festivities with a large audience of primarily UK-based travel trade partners and press."

Celebrity Eclipse is the first of Celebrity Cruises' ships to be based out of Southampton, and will welcome its first paying guests on 26 April 2010 prior to offering cruises through the summer to the Mediterranean and Canary Islands.

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Club Med Cancels Lebanon Stop On Mediterranean Cruise After Wiesenthal Center Protest

LOS ANGELES, April 23: Club Med, reacting to a strong protest from the Simon Wiesenthal Center, cancelled its scheduled stop in Lebanon because the Lebanese government would not accept any passenger on the ship carrying an Israeli passport or passengers whose passport carried a stamp indicating they had visited Israel.

"We applaud the decision of Club Med to confront this outrageous bigotry displayed by the government of Lebanon. There is only one way to confront hatred and that is to stand up and repudiate it. We urge all cruise lines to adopt the same policy and refuse to stop in Lebanon until the government changes this anti-Semitic policy," said Rabbi Marvin Hier, Founder and Dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center.

The original protest was sent by the Center's Director for International affairs, Dr. Shimon Samuels to Club Med President, Henri Giscard d'Estaing after Club Med had advised its passengers, "The Bodrum-Valletta cruise of 16-28 September 2010 will be stopping in Lebanon. The Lebanese authorities will not admit on their territory, or on the 'Club Med II', passport holders with a visa or Israeli stamp. These will be prohibited to board the 'Club Med II'. Failure to follow these provisions is the responsibility of the client, who will be denied access to the boat on the day of its embarkment from Bodrum on 16 September, and will bear the subsequent costs. Club Med will not incur any liability for any omission, fault or negligence by the passport holder."

The Simon Wiesenthal Center is one of the largest international Jewish human rights organizations with over 400,000 member families in the United States. It is an NGO at international agencies including the United Nations, UNESCO, the OSCE, the OAS, the Council of Europe and the Latin American Parliament (Parlatino).

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Royal Caribbean Announces New 2011-12 Deployment for Mariner of the Seas

MIAMI, April 22: Royal Caribbean International today announced the redeployment of Mariner of the Seas, which will take effect in January 2011. Mariner of the Seas will offer a short South America season before debuting in the Mediterranean as Royal Caribbean’s record-setting 11th ship in the region for summer 2011. Mariner of the Seas will homeport at Rome (Civitavecchia) from March through Oct 2011, replacing Splendour of the Seas, which will now homeport in Venice, offering 10- and 11-night Greek Isles and Turkey itineraries for the season. Mariner of the Seas will then return to North America for the 2011-12 winter season, offering 7-night Western Caribbean itineraries from Galveston, Texas, replacing Voyager of the Seas. As a result, Voyager of the Seas will herald Royal Caribbean’s return to New Orleans in winter 2011-12, offering vacationers another Gulf Coast port to embark on a memorable 7-night Western Caribbean cruise.

The Mexican Riviera has traditionally been an important market for Royal Caribbean International, with the Port of Los Angeles and Mexican local, state and federal government agencies, and their private sectors playing a supportive role as valued partners. While Royal Caribbean International looks forward to returning to the region in the future, Mariner of the Seas will sail its final round-trip Mexican Riviera itinerary from Los Angeles on January 9, 2011.

Guests currently booked on Mariner of the Seas’ Mexican Riviera sailings from Jany 16, 2011, and onward will be contacted with the following offer. Until May 6, 2010, affected guests can opt for a full refund of any fares paid, or enjoy $200 onboard credit per stateroom ($400 per suite category stateroom) when they rebook their vacation, at the same fare or lower prevailing fare, on a Mariner of the Seas sailing before Jan 16, 2011, or on the same 2011 departure date aboard Voyager of the Seas, sailing from Galveston. Travel agents also will receive a $50 bonus commission for rebooking affected clients, whose names and deposits have been submitted, to these Mariner of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas sailings. More information is available at www.RoyalCaribbean.com/MarinerOfTheSeasRedeployment.

On Jan 16, 2011, Mariner of the Seas will reposition from Los Angeles on a 16-night itinerary to Valparaiso, Chile, followed by a 14-night voyage that cruises the Straits of Magellan and Cape Horn at the southern tip of South America to Sao Paulo (Santos), Brazil. The ship will then offer a short Brazilian cruise season, before crossing the Atlantic to debut in Europe at its new seasonal homeport of Rome (Civitavecchia), where Mariner of the Seas will sail seven-night Western Mediterranean and 12-night Mediterranean Holy Land and Mediterranean Egypt itineraries. In Nov 2011, Mariner of the Seas will debut at Galveston to offer Texas vacationers two roundtrip 7-night Western Caribbean itineraries through April 2012. Mariner of the Seas’ new 2011 Europe and South America, and 2011-12 Western Caribbean itineraries, Splendour of the Seas’ new 2011 Europe itineraries, and Voyager of the Seas’ new 2011-12 Western Caribbean itineraries will be opened for booking in the near future.

Guests aboard Mariner of the Seas’ new 2011 Holy Land itineraries can choose a variety of shore excursion options, at an additional charge, that visit some of the most sacred sites in Israel, including Bethlehem, Nazareth, the Wailing Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and many others. “Grand Overland” takes guests on the most comprehensive overview of this fascinating region with an overnight stay in Jerusalem. On the Egypt cruises, “Grand Egypt Tour” offers guests a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the awe-inspiring Pyramids and mysterious Sphinx at Cairo, and the Valley of the Kings in Luxor. Guests also should not miss the largest collection of Roman ruins in the eastern Mediterranean and the iconic Library of Celsius on “Best of Ephesus.”

Voyager-class Mariner of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas are two of the world’s 10 largest and most innovative cruise ships at sea. Both ships feature the cruise line’s iconic rock-climbing wall, the Studio B ice-skating rink, nine-hole mini-golf course, an in-line skating track, a full-size basketball court, and the Royal Promenade, a boulevard of boutiques, restaurants and lounges and bars. Voyager of the Seas features the cruise line’s signature Portofino Italian restaurant, while Mariner of the Seas offers a second specialty restaurant option, Chops Grille steakhouse. For additional information or to make reservations, call your travel agent, visit www.royalcaribbean.com or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.

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Celebrity Cruises Designs Diverse Portfolio of Warm-Weather Getaways in Winter 2011-12

MIAMI, April 22: Hot on the heels of its recent announcement that all of its widely heralded Solstice-class ships will sail together in Europe in the summer of 2011, Celebrity Cruises announced that the four stylish vessels also will glide through the waters of the Caribbean later that year and into early 2012. Cruisers can book most of Celebrity's 2011-12 winter cruises and cruisetours beginning today.

"We believe that our 2011-12 winter destination portfolio brings to life the essence of our brand platform, 'Designed for you,'" said Celebrity Cruises President and CEO Dan Hanrahan. "Our guests told us that they wanted more variety in the Caribbean, so we not only sent all four of our newest ships, we also created a line-up of itineraries offering cruisers the opportunity to choose from a wide range of sailing lengths and destinations on our award-winning ships - all of which include Celebrity's signature service, style and world-class cuisine."

With Caribbean offerings on eight ships and itineraries ranging in length from - to 14-nights out of five homeports, discerning cruisers who seek a relaxing warm-weather getaway will have numerous ways to pamper themselves in style. "Firsts" in the season include not only the deployment of four modern, sophisticated Solstice-class ships to sail in the Caribbean, but also the availability of 4- and 5-night Caribbean cruises on Celebrity Millennium.

For the first time, a Solstice-class ship - Celebrity Silhouette, launching in 2011 - will sail from Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey, offering cruisers throughout the Northeast easy driving access to a vacation on the newest ship in the line's award-winning Solstice-class fleet. From Nov 2011 to April 2012, Celebrity Silhouette will sail 14 alternating Southern and Eastern Caribbean voyages of 12 nights in length. The Southern Caribbean itineraries will visit St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Antigua, St. Lucia and St. Maarten. Celebrity Silhouette's Eastern Caribbean cruises include visits to San Juan, Labadee (Celebrity's private-island destination in Haiti), St. Croix, St. Thomas, Antigua and St. Maarten. Celebrity designed the Bayonne offerings as a result of guests and travel agents expressing a strong desire to experience a Solstice-class ship within driving distance from major Northeast metro areas. First booking rights went to members of Celebrity's loyalty program, Captain's Club, earlier this month. Today, these cruises - as well as Celebrity Silhouette's summer 2011 Europe voyages - opened for booking by the general public.

Sister Solstice-class ship Celebrity Equinox also will offer long Caribbean itineraries in the winter of 2011-12, sailing 15 alternating 10- and 11-night "Ultimate Caribbean" cruises out of Fort Lauderdale. The 10-night line-up focuses on Southern Caribbean experiences, with visits to St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Barbados, Dominica and St. Maarten. The 11-night cruises take cruisers into the Western Caribbean and Panama, with visits to Mexico, Belize or Honduras (depending upon itinerary), Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia and Grand Cayman.

Celebrity Constellation, which this month will undergo the brand's first "Solsticizing" (refitting to include many of the most popular Solstice-class attributes, such as Tuscan Grille and Bistro on Five specialty restaurants, the relaxed-yet-hip hangout, Cafe al Bacio, and more), will present a series of 14-night Southern Caribbean cruises roundtrip out of Fort Lauderdale, from Nov 2011 through April 2012. Ports of call include Aruba, Curacao, Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, St. Maarten and St. Thomas.

For the first time, Celebrity Century, which underwent a significant revitalization in 2006, including the addition of 314 new stateroom verandas, a Murano specialty restaurant and the first "Ice Martini Bar" at sea, will present a season of 12-night Eastern Caribbean sailings out of Baltimore. The Caribbean season will be bookended by two Hawaii "mini-seasons" - one in the fall and one in spring - and also will include two special Panama Canal sailings between Baltimore to San Diego. These itineraries will open for sale in the coming weeks.

Continuing to offer popular, port-intensive 7-night voyages will be Celebrity Summit, sailing in the Southern Caribbean on Saturdays, roundtrip from San Juan. Celebrity Summit also will offer guests the opportunity to use technology to share aspects of their Caribbean escape, as it will be retrofitted this May with a "Celebrity iLounge" mirrored after the one debuting on Celebrity Eclipse, the newest Solstice-class vessel launching later this month in Southampton, England. The Celebrity iLounge will replace the Internet Cafe on Celebrity Summit, and feature a retail area offering the latest products through Celebrity's Authorized Apple Reseller status. The venue will be staffed by certified technologists who will offer contemporary online classes through the 'Discover' series of our inspiring and enriching 'Celebrity Life' experience. Also, early in the 2011-12 winter season, Celebrity Summit will join other Millennium-class ships in being "Solsticized."

Joining Celebrity Summit in being retrofitted with a Celebrity iLounge next month is Celebrity's flagship Solstice-class vessel, Celebrity Solstice, which will return to South Florida to offer roundtrip 7-night Caribbean cruises out of Fort Lauderdale in the winter of 2011-12. These will be a series of 25 alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, including a special 8-night Eastern Caribbean holiday sailing on Dec 18 that will feature an extra sea day, giving cruisers even more time to enjoy Celebrity's outstanding cuisine and extraordinary service. Celebrity Solstice also will present a one-time 6-night Western Caribbean voyage on Jan 2, ideal for cruisers who wish to experience a Solstice-class ship in the Caribbean but have less than a week to spend at sea. Celebrity's third Solstice-class ship, Celebrity Eclipse will return for the Caribbean for a second consecutive winter season in 2011-12, offering 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruises roundtrip out of Miami.

Cruisers seeking shorter Caribbean getaways in Celebrity's signature style can experience 4- and 5-night cruises roundtrip out of South Florida on Celebrity Millennium, for the first time, when the 2,034-guest vessel takes over Celebrity Century's previous five consecutive winter seasons of short Caribbean cruises. Sailing 4- and 5-night cruises roundtrip out of Miami, Celebrity Millennium will offer a total of 41 sailings with four distinct itineraries visiting a total of six ports.

Building on the variety that Celebrity continues to offer, the brand will continue to offer its popular year-round Galapagos Islands experiences on the 92-guest mega-yacht, Celebrity Xpedition. These all-inclusive voyages that feature naturalist-led excursions through the awe-inspiring region, include pre- and post-cruise stays in Quito, Ecuador. Celebrity Xpedition's 2011-12 cruises opened for sale last month.

Celebrity will continue to sail even further south than the Galapagos Islands with a variety of itineraries in South America - a region will visit for the 12th consecutive year in the winter of 2011-12. From Dec through Feb, Celebrity Infinity will present 13-, 14- and 15-night cruises between Valparaiso and Buenos Aires. These will be bookended between a 15-night repositioning cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Valparaiso - including a trip through the Panama Canal - on Dec 3, and the reverse on March 11.

Celebrity Infinity's line-up also includes a wide range of Panama Canal voyages lengthened from 14 to 15 nights. The Panama Canal voyages will now include the new port of Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala, and two-day Canal experience including a full day spent in the crossing and an extended (full-day) stay in Colon, Panama, allowing cruisers to spend more time in the region. Celebrity Infinity's Panama Canal voyages between the U.S. East and West coasts will be offered in Sept and Oct 2011, and March and April 2012. Celebrity Millennium also will offer a 15-night Panama Canal cruise from San Diego to Miami to reposition the ship from Alaska to the Caribbean, departing on Sept 19, 2011.

Cruisers who wish to make the most of their time in South America in the 2011-12 winter season can choose from a variety of cruisetours - escorted land tours offered pre- or post-cruise that are combined with the cruise itself for a longer, more in-depth destination experience. In South America, Celebrity offers several fully escorted land tours offered in combination with cruises departing from or arriving in Buenos Aires and Valparaiso. The five-day, four-night "Buenos Aires and Iguazu Falls" package includes visits to a gaucho "estancia," Buenos Aires' San Telmo region, and the city's trendy Puerto Madero neighborhood. The package also includes a short inland flight to Iguazu Falls, one of the continent's most stunning natural wonders, where guests spend two days exploring the massive waterfalls during included tours encompassing Devil's Throat, the lower and upper circuits of the Argentinean side of the falls, and a Zodiac ride along the lower Iguazu River. The six-day, five-night "Machu Picchu Adventure" package gives guests the opportunity to experience the Sacred Valley of the Incas in and around the Cuzco region, as well as the capital city of Lima. The package is highlighted by train travel to and from Machu Picchu, and over four hours of exploration time there. The experience also includes a tour of Cuzco and its walled Sacsayhuaman Inca area and the Cuzco Cathedral, as well as a city tour of Lima and several other activities that will enhance guests' South America vacation experience. Several inland flights are included.

Celebrity has designed a variety of shore excursions to round out the cruise experience in the Caribbean, the Panama Canal and South America in 2011-12.

In the Caribbean, Celebrity has designed its line-up of shore excursions to give cruisers a way to unwind in tropical paradise through nature-based activities, and opportunities to experience local history and culture. Examples include:

-- In St. Croix, "Carambola Beach Break" features snorkeling with tropical fish and turtles and over coral reefs
-- In St. Maarten, "Loterie Farm Treetop Adventure Tour" presents an adventure course consisting of a pulse-pounding sequence of zip-lines, rope swings and 'bridges' suspended from platforms mounted in the serene forest
-- In Costa Maya, "Kohunlich and Dzibanche Mayan Ruins Combo" tour includes the majestic pyramids and manicured lawns at Dzibanche, plus the ancient multilevel Mayan city of Kohunlich, with its magnificent cahoon palms
-- In Cozumel, "Mexican Cuisine Workshop Tasting" allows guests to cook fine traditional Mexican cuisine, guided by an experienced chef, before enjoying their creations
-- From St. Lucia, "Coastal Cruise to the Pitons" presents the wonder and sights of Petit and Gros Pitons, which are over 2,600 ft. high.

From Machu Picchu to penguin-sighting, Celebrity's South America and Panama Canal cruises are designed to highlight the region's natural beauty and culture, and a variety of shore excursions offer a more in-depth experience.

-- In Peru, "Cuzco and Machu Picchu Adventure" includes intensive exploration of the lost city of the Incas
-- In Buenos Aires, "Estancia San Lorenzo Penguin Reserve and Punta Norte" tour pairs a visit to a Magellan penguin colony with lunch at a typical estancia
-- From Puerto Montt, "Petrohue River Rafting" is an exhilarating class III-IV rafting trip down the Rio Petrohue River, one of Chile's glacial rivers
-- In Colon, Panama, "Panama Canal Tour" lets guests experience the wonder of the Panama Canal from a different perspective - that of a ferry boat as it navigates the Miraflores Locks, Pedro Miguel Locks and Gaylard Cut.

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

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New Adventures Ashore Highlight Seabourn Sojourn’s 2010 Maiden Northern Europe Season

MIAMI, April 22: From kayaking in the Baltic Sea to cycling among former imperial residences in Russia, The Yachts of Seabourn is offering a range of new active and adventurous shore excursions on Northern Europe cruises during the maiden season of the new, all-suite Seabourn Sojourn in 2010. In addition to the new active tours, Seabourn offers an array of more than 100 optional excursions during Sojourn’s voyages in Russia, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Germany, Estonia, Finland and the Netherlands. Guests can also take advantage of the complimentary planning expertise of its destination services specialists to customize experiences for them in the ports of call.

“Sailing in Northern Europe, with its majestic fjords, historic cities, and dramatic scenery under the midnight summer sun is a truly unforgettable experience,” said Pamela C. Conover, Seabourn’s President and CEO. “But what travelers really remember is what they did there, and we have planned some unique, hands-on and exciting experiences that will make for memorable days in a beautiful place.”
Seabourn’s new shore excursions in Northern Europe include:

Helsinki, Finland: Helsinki Nordic Walking – Nordic walking is a popular fitness sport that gives a whole- body workout while you walk, using specially designed Nordic walking poles. A local guide will lead walkers on a scenic path around the center of Helsinki, passing city parks, museums, and waterfront districts while enjoying healthy exercise in the fresh air.

Kiel, Germany: Kiel Highlights & Germany Brewing Culture – A visit to Germany isn’t complete without a taste of its beer culture. Guided by a Kieler Brauerei microbrewery team, learn about the different local beer brands, the history of beer-brewing, ingredients, brewing methods, and brewing process. Taste their beer with a German "Brotzeit," a typical German snack.

Cutter Sailing Experience – For a taste of living Baltic history, enjoy a sail on the Gefion, a traditional two-masted Shark Cutter. Learn how to hoist the sails and steer the ship. Discover the secrets of navigation and traditional seamen’s knots. Or simply sit back and enjoy the wind in the sails and the sound of sea shanties from the days of the tall ships.

St. Petersburg, Russia: Biking Alexandria Park – Traverse through the 285-square-acre park of Alexandria, a magnificent ensemble of palace and park on the coast of the Gulf of Finland. Cycle past former imperial residences, hills and tranquil ponds, the ruins of old structures, small bridges, and lush romantic landscape.

Lübeck, Germany: A Local Fisherman’s Life – Stroll on small paths among the beautifully preserved thatched fishermen's houses and gardens of Northern Germany's fishing villages. Visit a smokehouse and learn the traditional method of smoking fresh pike-perch, pike or eel over beech and alder wood, transforming the fish into savory golden delicacies. Sample a taste of this traditional food staple of the Baltic region.

Lübeck - Home of Niederegger Marzipan – Lübeckhas for centuries been famous for its marzipan, the popular almond and sugar paste that is delicious to eat and is also molded into the shapes of fruit, flowers or animals. At the world famous Niederegger Café, create your own special sweet marzipan souvenir in a hands-on marzipan modeling workshop. Then reward yourself with a piece of marzipan cake.

Travemuende by Segway – Glide through Lübeck’sseaside yachting center, Travemuende, on a two-wheel, self-balancing Segway. After a brief lesson, and accompanied by a guide, cruise the beach promenade passing by shops, medieval churches and half-timbered houses, and Travemuende’s lighthouse.

Stockholm, Sweden: Millennium Walking Tour – Follow in the footsteps of the characters from “The Millennium Trilogy,” series of best-selling detective novels by Swedish author Stieg Larsson. Explore settings where the characters, Mikael Blomkvist and Lisbeth Salander, lived and worked on Stockholm’s Sodermalm, from Mikael’s home and the Millennium editorial office to Lisbeth’s luxury apartment.

Kayaking in National City Park – Paddle out into Brunnsviken Bay, located in Haga Park, and explore this gulf that is part of the Baltic Sea. Enjoy the stunning natural beauty and surrounding cultural history of Brunnsviken, part of the world's first national urban park.

These and numerous other once-in-a-lifetime adventures are available during Seabourn Sojourn’s maiden season in Northern Europe. Guests can reserve space on Seabourn’s optional shore excursions online prior to their cruise by visiting Seabourn’s website at www.seabourn.com. For a limited time, Seabourn is offering two-for-one cruise fares with included round-trip air, or cruise-only fares featuring savings up to 65 percent. The promotion is valid for Seabourn voyages in Europe departing between June and Nov 2010. Certain restrictions apply. For more information, contact a travel agent, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com.

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Crystal Partners With Clean the World

LOS ANGELES, April 22: Luxury specialist Crystal Cruises has partnered with Clean the World to recycle Crystal's unused onboard soap and shampoos and distribute them to impoverished people around the world. Through a proprietary purification process, Clean the World sterilizes and repackages hygiene products donated by Crystal Cruises and dozens of hotel partners in the U.S. for distribution to charitable foundations. On cruises calling in U.S. ports, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity will donate all partially used hygiene products to the organization for sanitization at its Florida headquarters.

"In addition to our own recycling efforts and numerous other charitable initiatives, we are very pleased to partner with Clean the World and provide supplies to those in need," says Bill Boehm, Crystal's director of safety, environment and training. "By donating our soap and contributing to their operational costs, we're not only supporting Clean the World's life-saving mission, but also helping to keep these products out of landfills and preserve the environment."

Each year, millions of deaths result from communicable illnesses that could be prevented with proper hygiene, sometimes as simple as hand washing. Among more than a dozen charitable recipients of the soaps recycled by Clean the World are World Vision and Floating Doctors, operating in developing countries to educate on and prevent disease, as well as provide disaster relief and medical treatment. In 2009, Clean the World distributed more than 230 tons of hygiene products to countries worldwide including Haiti, Mexico, Romania and other countries in Asia and Africa.

Crystal's dedication to shipboard and shoreside awareness of respectful treatment of the environment has earned its ships accolades from around the world. Its fleet adheres to strict Crystal Clean environmental initiatives and achieved certification for ISO 14001, only awarded to companies that meet comprehensive and stringent criteria. Most recently, Crystal Serenity was awarded the Venice Blue Flag environmental award and Crystal Symphony was recognized with Stockholm's Environmental Buoy Diploma for their earth-friendly practices.

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

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Holland America Line Partners With Marine Conservation Biology Institute

SEATTLE, April 22: Holland America Line and Marine Conservation Biology Institute (MCBI) announced a new partnership to promote sustainable and compatible use of the oceans to protect the world's marine ecosystems. Called "Our Marvelous Oceans," the new program will start with a three-year commitment that includes adopting sustainable seafood purchasing onboard, new programming for guests and support for the MCBI education program under which annual grants are made by MCBI to graduate students and young scientists in historical marine ecology. "Our Marvelous Oceans" will embrace three elements: guest and staff education; support for marine conservation biology research; and promotion of healthy marine economic practices by identifying more sustainable choices for the premium line's seafood menu offerings.

"Holland America Line is deeply committed to protecting the marine environment, and this partnership will help our company and our guests learn more about issues facing the world's oceans," said Stein Kruse, president and chief executive officer. "We are very fortunate to be partnering with MCBI -- an organization that is an international expert in protecting our oceans. This partnership will enable us to benefit from their team of professionals while at the same time enabling them to provide important information to our guests and crewmembers on what is required to improve the health of our oceans. We are delighted to form this mutually beneficial partnership and provide needed funding for studies as well as apply sound practices by working with MCBI to, among other items, select more sustainable seafood choices for our menus."

"We are quite proud to be working with Holland America Line because they're the environmental leader in the cruise industry," said Dr. Elliott Norse, president and founder of MCBI, located in Bellevue, Wash. "We share a strong interest in healthy oceans, and this is an innovative opportunity to advance the conservation message and reach a new audience - Holland America Line guests. We know the oceans from different points of view. That's a major reason to do this. Together we will strengthen what we can learn and do for the living oceans that everyone loves and needs."

The educational element begins with the launch of a video program series in summer 2010 to be aired on all ships. Individual programs will introduce ocean issues and highlight important marine conservation topics that relate to the ships' itineraries. A final program will address marine spatial planning - an ecosystem-based approach to benefit ocean life and the ocean economy that MCBI, leading marine scientists, ocean policy experts, the United States and a growing number of governments around the globe are advocating.

The "Signature of Sustainability" seafood program also begins in summer 2010 by adopting sustainable seafood purchasing practices recommended by MCBI. Kruse added, "Holland America Line wants to make sure that the seafood we serve is consistent with our programs for protecting the oceans on which we operate."

Holland America Line will also annually fund Mia J. Tegner Memorial Research Grants. The grants, determined by MCBI and given in the areas of marine environmental history and ecology, fund several projects each fall by providing critical support for graduate students and other researchers. MCBI scientists will also conduct lectures aboard select cruises throughout the year.

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MSC Cruises Leads the Way When Protecting the Environment on
Earth Day & Every Day

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, April 22: Earth Day is upon us, and at MSC Cruises, its Eco ships were designed to preserve and protect the environment with high standards in place for disposing of waste materials while monitoring energy usage and minimizing the impact of its ships to the ocean. MSC Cruises has implemented the Advanced Water Treatment (AWT) System which recycles and treats waste water according to the highest legal and eco friendly standards.

An Energy Saving System is installed in all of the staterooms and public rooms to automatically monitor electricity usage. This reduces fuel consumption and gas emissions harmful to the environment by powering down unused systems. Also, there’s an optimization of air-conditioned areas onboard through stateroom monitoring which manages climate conditions in the stateroom at all times and automatically adjusts the air-condition temperature in any instance of excessive or wasteful use.

MSC has received numerous awards, certifications, and recognition for its Eco Ships. MSC Magnifca, the newest ship in the MSC fleet, received The Green Planet Award, which aims to raise awareness about the critical situation the environment is currently facing, and human actions that adversely influence climate change. MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia, sister ships both new to the fleet, received the prestigious ‘Six Golden Pearls’ award by the international classification society Bureau Veritas, the only ships in the world to achieve this coveted title. MSC Splendida also received the first Energy Efficient Design designation by Bureau Veritas.

Six Golden Pearls is an integrated voluntary program that certifies corporate compliance with the three highest international standards in the areas of environment (ISO 14001), health and safety (OHSAS 18001) and food safety (ISO 22000). It includes an extra notation Cleanship 2 AWT, for the 3 domains “potential pollution”: air, water, and waste.

MSC Cruises entered into an agreement with CiAl (Consorzio Nazionale per il Recupero e il Riciclo di Imballaggi in Alluminio) in the spring of 2007 for a collection of the boxes storing large quantities of aluminium that had been collected between May to December 2007. The company accumulated more than 22,000 pounds of aluminium, which was subsequently picked up in the port of Genoa. Drink cans, other cans, aluminium foil, boxes and aluminium packing were all collected and given to CiAl, which recycles the aluminium to be reused in new items such as household goods, furnishings, structures for the construction of houses and transportation and more.

In an effort to both embrace the advances in technology and continue its commitment toward preserving the environment, MSC Cruises updated its e-ticket policy this month and is issuing e-tickets for its bookings. MSC ships, MSC Splendida, MSC Fantasia, and MSC Poesia have their hulls painted with the new revolutionary paint ‘foul release’ with fluor-polymers, a non toxic substance which helps reduce CO² emissions through the reduction of fuel.

MSC Cruises was one of the first cruise companies to adhere to the Venice Blue Flag agreement, which governs ships transiting the canal of Venice using diesel oils and is designed to reduce their sulphur emissions. The company has received the most prestigious environmental certificates from recognized bodies, both national and international.

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Cruise West Re-Traces Famed Expedition With Columbia & Snake River Cruise

Seattle, WA, April 22: Tracing the travels of explorers Lewis and Clark, Cruise West, the world’s leading provider of small-ship explorations to the most fascinating destinations on earth, sails on two of the West’s mightiest rivers with the seven-night River Voyage of Discovery from April through October. Commencing and ending in Portland, Oregon, the cruise traces nearly a 1,000 miles of the famed expedition along the mostly pristine and wild Columbia and Snake Rivers. From the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge – carved by great floods thousands of years ago--to the towering black pinnacles of basalt to the engineering accomplishments of the locks and dams that make these two waterways vital shipping lanes, the cruise views blend natural wonders with manmade marvels.

Off-ship adventures beckon
 Throughout the cruise, the Pacific Northwest's pioneer history is brought to life with a special series of included excursions, knowledgeable local guest speakers, and narration and presentations by the onboard Exploration Leaders. In addition, guests can look forward to an enhanced array of delicious food and wine choices through the line’s Palate program. Excursions include a motor coach tour to breathtaking Multnomah Falls, the tallest falls in Oregon; a jet boat up Hells Canyon past 7,000-year-old Indian petroglyphs; wine tasting in historic Walla Walla, renowned for producing some of the finest wine in Washington state; and an excursion to Astoria to visit the Lewis & Clark National Historic Park and the site of Fort Clatsop, where the explorers spent a hard winter by the Pacific Ocean.

The River Voyage of Discovery cruise offers Saturday departures on the 96-guest Spirit of '98 that was designed to emulate an early steamer with carved wooden cabinetry, plush floral upholstery, and a Grand Salon complete with a full bar and old-world charm. Sunday departures are on the 84-guest Spirit of Discovery that offers ample outside deck space for optimum viewing. The line is including a free pre-cruise hotel stay for all departures June through August 2010. For further details, visit www.CruiseWest.com, call 800-296-8307 or a contact a travel professional.

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Discover Tuscan Cooking With Volterra's Chef Don Curtiss & Michelle Quisenberry on Windstar

SEATTLE, April 22: Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world's most treasured destinations, offers guests the opportunity to learn about Tuscan cooking from Volterra's Chef Don Curtiss and Michelle Quisenberry on Wind Surf's Sept 5, 2010, Rome to Venice voyage. Windstar's Signature Collection Host Series features distinguished guests throughout the 2010 season, including Curtiss and Quisenberry. The duo will discuss Tuscan cooking during a lecture and question and answer session and also conduct a cooking demonstration. When the ship is in Kotor, Montenegro, Curtiss and Quisenberry will host a market tour.

Curtiss was formally trained in classic French cuisine and taught at the Sofitel French Culinary School. He led the helm at Miami's Le Cafe Royale before becoming Executive Chef of Cafe des Artes on Ocean Drive. Curtiss' Northwest culinary adventure began in 1992 holding Executive Chef positions at Al Boccalino, Assaggio, Prego Ristorante as well as Chef Partner at II Fornaio. He and wife, Quisenberry, own Volterra which is located in Seattle and named after the Tuscan hilltop where the couple married. The restaurant features seasonal Tuscan specialties showcasing Curtiss' innovative style including all natural, organic meats and poultry as well as house made pastas. Curtiss has been named "One of America's Most Innovative Chefs," by Wine Spectator and Volterra has received international acclaim and numerous awards. Bon Appetit calls Volterra "the city's toughest reservation."

Wind Surf's 7-day Rome to Venice sailing departs Sept 5, 2010, and visits Capri, Italy; Taormina, Italy; Kotor, Montenegro; Dubrovnik, Croatia; and Hvar, Croatia. To complement this sailing, Windstar is offering guests a special shore excursion with Curtiss and Quisenberry in Kotor, Montenegro. A guide meets guests at the ship and takes them a short distance from the pier to the local market. As guests tour the market they will see a stunning array of local produce and a variety of handmade cheeses. Guests will learn from Curtiss and Quisenberry how to select the best vegetables and fruits as well as what to look for in artisan cheese as they interact with market vendors. Guests will have time on their own to further explore the market and then make their way back to the ship. The 1 1/2-hour excursion is $19 per person and can be purchased online at Windstar's website.

Wind Surf accommodates 312 guests and offers deluxe, oceanview staterooms that include beds with luxury linens and mattresses, flat-screen TV and DVD player, Bose SoundDock speakers for Apple iPods, waffle-weave robes with slippers and sumptuous L'Occitane products. Suites also include an extra bath, TV and sitting area. Bridge Suites give guests the additional luxury of a spacious private living room and relaxing whirlpool spa. Culinary wonders abound in Wind Surf's The Restaurant, Degrees, Le Marche and Candles. Water sports enthusiasts will appreciate Windstar's complimentary waterskiing, windsurfing, sailing and kayaking from the ship's water sports platform. 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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Women rule the waves as P&O Cruises welcomes first female Captain in 173 year history

1,200 passenger ship Artemis is on a ‘maiden’ voyage of a different kind, as she set sail with P&O Cruises first female Captain, Sarah Breton, at the helm. Captain Breton, from Essex, was officially welcomed as Master of the ship by P&O Cruises first female managing director, Carol Marlow. Marlow commented: "We are delighted that Sarah Breton has been promoted to the role of Captain on board Artemis. Sarah has worked on board P&O Cruises ships for many years and truly deserves to be Master of Artemis. We wish her every success in her new role.”

Captain Sarah Breton said: “Growing up near the water I always loved boats and the ocean, so it really does fulfil a lifelong ambition of mine to be a Captain with P&O Cruises. It is made even more special to be Captain of the first cruise ship I ever served on, after joining P&O Cruises as third officer back in 1989.”

Sarah, now 45, has served on board Royal Princess (now Artemis), Sky Princess, Canberra, Pacific Princess (the original Love Boat), Grand Princess and Star Princess as third officer, second officer, navigator, first officer and safety officer. She was first promoted to staff captain in 2001 on the original Pacific Princess and then went on to serve onboard Coral Princess, Tahitian Princess, the new Pacific Princess, Artemis and most recently Ocean Village.

Captain Breton lives on the Essex Coast and when on leave spends her time in the garden, sailing - whenever the weather permits, and watching Six Nations rugby and Formula One motor racing.

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

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Princess Cruises Launches New “World of Savings” Promotion on Global Itineraries

SANTA CLARITA, CA, April 20: Princess Cruises has launched a new “World of Savings” promotion today that offers customers significant discounts on select 2010 voyages to many of the line’s worldwide destinations, including cruises to Asia & Africa, Canada & New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii & the South Pacific, and the Panama Canal. The promotion runs through May 31 and features savings of up to $1,000 per couple off Launch Fares.

“Princess ships cover the globe, and these new savings give passengers a compelling opportunity to experience first-hand why Princess is the industry’s destination leader,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president.

Examples of World of Savings starting fares include:

• Asia & Africa: 15 days from $1,599 per person
• Canada & New England: 7 days from $549 per person
• Caribbean: 7 days from $499 per person
• Europe: 7 days from $1,099 per person
• Hawaii & South Pacific: 10 days from $1,099 per person
• Panama Canal: 10 days from $899 per person

The World of Savings promotion is available to residents of the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. Additional information about the promotion is available at www.princess.com/worldofsavings.page. 

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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Norwegian Epic Celebrates Earth Day By Supporting Sea Life

MIAMI, April 20: In celebration of Earth Day on April 22, 2010, Norwegian Cruise Line announced it will donate $5 for every Norwegian Epic booking made that day to help support the Officer Snook Water Pollution Program/Youth Environmental Programs, Inc., specifically the organization’s sea turtle release program. Officer Snook educational programming is included in Norwegian’s Kids Crew programs across the fleet.

Norwegian Epic, Norwegian's largest and most innovative Freestyle cruise ship, will feature several environmentally-friendly features particularly in its heating and cooling, lighting, garbage handling, sewage and glazing systems. In an effort to further support the environment and the regions in which the ship will sail, Norwegian is saluting the Office Snook Water Pollution Program/Youth Environmental Programs Inc.'s sea turtle release event and donating $5 for every deposited booking made on April 22 for any of Norwegian Epic’s scheduled sailings through April 7, 2012.

Norwegian currently partners with the Officer Snook Water Pollution Program as part of its Kid's Crew. Children of all ages who participate in Norwegian’s Kid's Crew can learn about the importance of clean water, and the effects and prevention of marine pollution.

"We support the environment by incorporating the most environmentally-friendly equipment on board and utilizing 'green' practices wherever possible," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. "We also try to instill positive environmental habits amongst our young cruisers and Officer Snook has been a great partner that has helped us educate millions of kids. It's our honor to support them and the waters and sea life where Norwegian Epic will sail."

Guests who have not yet booked a trip on Norwegian Epic can now do so and support a worthy cause. Simply call 866-234-7350, visit epic.ncl.com, or contact a travel professional on April 22, book your cruise (with deposit) and Norwegian will donate $5 per reservation to sea turtle release and water pollution educational programs.

Norwegian Epic’s Environmental Features
 Norwegian Epic features a number of energy-saving systems helping to make the ship environmentally-friendly. When guests exit their stateroom, the power to the lighting is shut off and the air conditioning level is automatically lowered. Similarly, balcony doors are fitted with a micro-switch that regulates the cooling in the stateroom when the door is opened. A dedicated lighting specialist reviewed the ship's lighting system and implemented the latest energy saving devices available. As a result, LED lighting is used extensively. The air conditioning system has been designed to improve efficiency. It utilizes energy efficient fan coil units that condition and re-circulate the air both in the guest staterooms and public areas; temperatures in the public spaces will be monitored to best control air flow. In a further effort to control ship temperature, the glazing on the ship’s windows has been upgraded to reflect the sun and not absorb too much heat. Additionally, the engines have a cooling water system, which will be heated up when the engines are running. The heated water is recovered and used to heat other areas of the ship. In addition, Norwegian Epic is fitted with an advanced waste water treatment system.

Officer Snook Water Pollution Program
 Youth Environmental Programs, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was created in 1993 by Jennifer Sevin, then a high school student. The Officer Snook Water Pollution Program is a primary project of Youth Environmental Programs, Inc. that focuses on educating children and adults about the causes, effects and solutions to water pollution. In 1994, the Officer Snook Program was incorporated into the U.S. Coast Guard Sea Partners Campaign. Since its inception, the Program has expanded tremendously and today targets a variety of audiences using multiple educational methods and community activities nationwide and abroad. To date, the Officer Snook Program has educated well over 15 million students and over 650,000 educators nationally.

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New Ship Celebrity Eclipse Swaps Launch Celebrations to
Support UK Holidaymaker Repatriation Mission

MIAMI, April 19: New cruise ship Celebrity Eclipse has cancelled the first leg of her launch celebrations - scheduled to begin on April 22 - in order to assist U.K. travelers whose return from their Easter break has been halted due to the impact of ash clouds from the eruption of the Eyjafjallajoekull volcano in Iceland. Celebrity Cruises is working with U.K. tour operators to collect these stranded vacationers affected by the airport closures and subsequent flight cancellations that have affected travelers in Northern Europe.

Celebrity Eclipse will arrive in Southampton as scheduled at 9 am on Tuesday, April 20, 2010, and will depart that evening to Bilbao, Spain, where she is scheduled to arrive in the early hours of Thursday, April 22. Stranded travelers will join the ship throughout Thursday morning. The ship will return to Southampton, arriving late Friday evening. This sailing will replace the activities planned during the 2-night, round-trip launch celebration cruise from Southampton. On her new operation, Celebrity Eclipse will collect the delayed vacationers - some delayed by up to seven days - who were on package holidays with major U.K. tour operators. Over 2,000 travelers are currently expected to join Celebrity Eclipse in Bilbao.

"The events affecting air travel are completely unprecedented, and it is in times like these that the global travel industry needs to pull together," said Richard D. Fain, chairman of Celebrity Cruises and chairman and CEO of its parent company, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. "Collecting stranded British and Irish vacationers is a fitting first mission for new ship Celebrity Eclipse - what better way for a ship dedicated to the U.K. to mark her arrival? We hope that guests initially invited to join the launch celebrations on April 22 will understand the change of plan, and we look forward to welcoming as many of them as possible to the naming ceremony on April 24 instead."

Celebrity Cruises is working with major U.K. tour operators to try to assist with their challenge to repatriate as many of their customers as possible. Plans for Celebrity Eclipse remain fluid as the situation regarding reopening air space continues to change. Celebrity Cruises will continue to make updates as circumstances evolve.

The naming celebrations for Celebrity Eclipse are planned to go ahead unchanged, and she will be named by Hampshire yachtswoman and breast cancer survivor Emma Pontin late afternoon on Saturday, April 24. Celebrity Cruises is working to accommodate guests who were originally scheduled to join the 2-night launch celebration sailing on April 22 so they may now attend the two-night naming celebration cruise on April 24 April. Celebrity Cruises will contact all affected guests directly.

Over the last couple of days the extraordinary closure of the U.K., Irish and northern European airports affected around 6 percent of guests trying to join a Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean Intl or Azamara Club Cruises vessel globally. This includes both those trying to complete return travel at the end of a cruise, or journeys to a ship to embark on a cruise. Guests booked on a fly/cruise package directly with Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean Intl or Azamara Club Cruises, who were unable to join their sailing, are being offered alternative travel arrangements to join the ship mid-cruise, if possible. If this cannot be achieved, guests are being offered a full refund of their cruise fare in the form of a future cruise credit or an alternative fly/cruise. Fly/cruise guests who booked with a tour operator, and not directly with Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., should contact their booking partner.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. will work with cruise-only guests who have not booked as part of a package to file a claim with their travel insurance and contact the airline they booked with directly. Whenever possible, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is making every effort to assist cruise-only guests with the information and services they require. Additional assistance to affected guests include offering day-room hotel accommodation, assistance booking hotel accommodation, and dedicated help desks in hotels and airports in impacted destinations.

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Eco-Adventures Highlight Mediterranean Natural Wonders on Crystal Cruises

LOS ANGELES, April 19: This summer, Crystal Cruises' guests on Mediterranean voyages can explore UNESCO declared national parks, the fragile ecosystems of a Spanish nature reserve and various wildlife habitats with Crystal Eco-Adventures. Several options ashore highlight Southern Europe's environmental treasures and natural wonders on dozens of Crystal Serenity voyages from May through October.

"With increasing consciousness of and sensitivity to the environment, travel-savvy guests are seeking more opportunities to become aware of and intimately enjoy the natural beauty of a destination," says John Stoll, vice president, land operations. "Crystal Mediterranean voyages offer opportunities to discover some of Europe's most precious ecological sites and learn about the region's environmental history."

Among the eco-adventures are:
• Horseback Riding at Montseny National Park (Barcelona, Spain): Ride through this UNESCO declared Biosphere Reserve;
• L'Albufera Nature Reserve (Valencia, Spain): Protected by many European environmental organizations, the reserve is a habitat for thousands of aquatic birds; and
• Krka National Park (Trogir, Croatia): Home to dramatic waterfallsthat cascade over 17 natural barriers.

In addition to these protected environmental attractions, many European Crystal Adventures ashore allow guests to explore the natural beauty of the destinations in a variety of ways, from mountain biking in Greece to paragliding in Spain and scuba diving off the coast of Turkey.

In 2010, the award-winning Crystal Serenity sails 19 voyages in the Mediterranean, Black Sea and Canary Islands ranging from 7- to 12-days. Per person (double occupancy), Two-for-One cruise fares start at $3,680, and include up to $1,000 'All Inclusive - As You Wish' shipboard credits and complimentary air transportation from many North American gateways - Business Class air for Penthouse guests. For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625 or visit www.crystalcruises.com.

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National Public Radio Celebrity Hosts to Sail from Athens to Rome
with Voyages to Antiquity

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, April 19: Voyages to Antiquity, in partnership with Cross-Culture Journeys, today announced NPR hosts Diane Rehm and Scott Simon will embark on a Greco-Italian journey aboard the Aegean Odyssey July 26th through Aug 10th. Diane Rehm is the producer and host of a nationally syndicated talk show, "The Diane Rehm Show", and Scott Simon is the host of NPR's "Weekend Edition Saturday".

The cruise begins in Athens, Greece and sails to Nauplia, where guests visit the ancient city of Mycenae, before beginning a six-day exploration of the island of Sicily via a variety of intimate ports, including Taormina, Syracuse, Agrigento, Trapani and Palermo. Then the journey continues up the Amalfi Coast of Italy and ends in Rome. The hosts will be participating in talks and discussions about their careers and travel experiences.

Guests can join this 14-night voyage, with a host of special amenities: no single supplement in most cabin categories; free air from more than 70 North American gateways and one category upgrade (select categories apply). Standard inclusions are complimentary shore excursions, gratuities, wine with dinner, an extraordinary guest lecture program and transfers and porterage to and from the ship. Optional pre- and post-cruise packages are available in Athens, Rome and Florence.

"Voyages to Antiquity offers guests an extraordinary vacation experience exploring the cradle of ancient civilizations of the Mediterranean," said Susan M. Lethbridge, director of business development for Voyages to Antiquity. "We are honored to partner with Cross-Culture Journeys to bring even more value to our guests by hosting their group with Diane Rehm and Scott Simon."

Inspired by The Middle Sea, authored by Lord John Julius Norwich, Voyages to Antiquity was created to offer sophisticated travelers an unparalleled destination immersion and educational experience combining the very best in cultural travel in a tranquil, informal atmosphere. The inaugural season, beginning in May features 9 itineraries (16 departures) focused entirely on the Mediterranean, Adriatic and Aegean Seas as well as North Africa and the Red Sea. For more information about Voyages to Antiquity, call (877) 398-1460 or visit www.voyagestoantiquity.com. To request specific information or to book the Cross-Culture Journeys group program, call 1 800-491-1148.

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Celebrity Cruises Takes Delivery of Celebrity Eclipse

MIAMI, April 16: Celebrity Cruises today celebrates achieving “a perfect 10.” Richard D. Fain, chairman and CEO of the brand’s parent company, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., and Celebrity’s President and CEO Dan Hanrahan yesterday participated in a shipboard ceremony marking the transfer of ownership of Celebrity Eclipse from shipbuilder Meyer Werft to Celebrity Cruises, bringing the fleet to a total of 10 stunning ships.

On the heels of a series of promotional activities in Hamburg, Germany, and Southampton, England, the 2,850-guest Celebrity Eclipse will be formally named in ceremonies April 24, and will enter service April 26, presenting a series of sailings roundtrip from Southampton to the Mediterranean, Russia, and Scandinavia throughout the summer. The stylish new ship will offer Caribbean sailings from the Port of Miami beginning this winter.

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Royal Caribbean Announces 2011-12 Australia & South Pacific Cruises

MIAMI, April 16, 2010 – Royal Caribbean International today announced the cruise line’s 2011-12 Australia and South Pacific cruises and cruisetour season. Radiance of the Seas will debut at Sydney, joining Rhapsody of the Seas for the winter and doubling Royal Caribbean’s capacity in the region. Both ships will reposition from Alaska and offer a total of 29 sailings, comprising 13 unique itineraries that range from 2- to 18-night cruises and call at 50 ports in nine countries. Additionally, vacationers can choose from 19 escorted Royal Caribbean cruisetours for a more immersive Australia and New Zealand vacation. Bookings for Royal Caribbean’s 2011-12 Australia and South Pacific cruises and cruisetour land packages open today.

“Royal Caribbean’s new range of Australia and New Zealand cruises and cruisetour land packages offer exciting vacation choices for families and adventurous couples,” said Betsy O’Rourke, senior vice president of Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. “Guests of all ages will enjoy a memorable vacation aboard the region’s most innovative cruise ships and enjoy the Royal treatment, delivered by our friendly and engaging staff and crew. Additionally, Royal Caribbean’s cruisetour land packages offer compelling itineraries that take guests to the most renowned sites of Australia and New Zealand.”

Ranging from 12 to 23 nights, Royal Caribbean’s Australia cruisetours offer a most memorable Outback adventure by combining a voyage aboard Radiance of the Seas or Rhapsody of the Seas with a pre- or post-cruise land tour to popular destinations in Australia or New Zealand. All Royal Caribbean cruisetours are escorted by a Tour Director who specializes in the region and includes guests’ transportation, hotel accommodations, certain activities and some meals for an exciting, stress-free vacation, where Royal Caribbean takes care of all the planning and reservations.

Australia and New Zealand also offer guests a wide variety of shore excursions that appeal to every taste and style. Guests can climb Sydney’s Harbour Bridge to see the city from a different perspective on “Sydney Bridgeclimb & Rocks,” or snorkel in the world’s largest reef system on “Great Barrier Reef” from Cairns. And in Melbourne, guests would be remiss to pass up an opportunity to observe Australia’s iconic wildlife in their natural setting on “Kangaroos & Koalas--In the Australian Bush.” At Dunedin, “Queenstown Overnight” is packed with breathtaking scenery and opportunities to experience New Zealand’s culture and delicious food and wines, while oenophiles can sample New Zealand’s top rated vintages in Napier on “Wineries of Hawkes Bay.”

Radiance of the Seas will offer vacationers a wide array of Australia and New Zealand itineraries, ranging in length from 2 to 18 nights, departing mostly from Sydney. Vacationers can choose among four sailings to explore New Zealand on 14-night itineraries that cruise Milford, Doubtful and Dusky sounds and call at seven New Zealand ports, concluding with an overnight at Sydney. Radiance of the Seas also will offer vacationers two opportunities to circumnavigate the Australian continent, by combining a new 16-night westbound voyage to Perth (Fremantle) with a new 18-night southern return voyage to Sydney via New Zealand. The ship will make maiden calls at Esperance and Geraldton on this 34-night Australia odyssey. Additionally, a new two-night Weekend Getaway itinerary, sailing on Nov 18, 2011, will offer regional vacationers a chance to sample a Radiance-class cruise, while a seven-night Tasmania itinerary, sailing on Feb 12, 2012, will overnight at Melbourne and Hobart, Tasmania, for guests to take in the nightlife.

Rhapsody of the Seas, for its part, will return to its seasonal homeport of Sydney to offer 7- to 12-night roundtrip itineraries in the South Pacific, which include maiden calls at Apia, Samoa; Denarau, Fiji; and Pago Pago, American Samoa. Vacationers also can take advantage of four 11-night Queensland itinerary sailings that are only available aboard Rhapsody of the Seas. Additionally, a new 3-night Sampler itinerary will be offered twice to vacationers looking for a short cruise getaway.

Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas are both appointed with multi-deck, dazzling glass windows, affording guests sweeping vistas of the landscape as it unfolds. Guests can race to the top of the ships’ iconic rock-climbing walls for an even more thrilling view from the ship’s highest point or enjoy a variety of rejuvenating spa treatments in the Day Spa. Younger guests will be entertained and enlightened in the cruise line’s award-winning Adventure Ocean and teen programs, with scheduled activities led by a college-graduate counselor beginning from 9 to 2 a.m. In the evenings, guests can enjoy the Royal Caribbean Productions’ award-winning Broadway-style musical revues, and recount the day’s experiences in multiple onboard bars and lounges over cocktails. 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 Offers "Kids Cruise From $99" With Summer Blockbuster Event

MIAMI, April 16: Norwegian Cruise Line kicks off its Summer Blockbuster event on Monday, April 19, 2010 with a three-day preview for its Latitudes members (past guests) beginning on Friday, April 16, 2010. Kid’s cruise on Norwegian from $99 each when booked as third through eight guests on select 2010 sailings for new reservations made now through May 31, 2010. In addition, reduced cruise deposits are offered on new summer bookings from now through May 2, 2010. Norwegian will announce several other promotional offers over the six-week Summer Blockbuster event which ends on May 31. Guests can experience the ultimate summer vacation on any of Norwegian’s Freestyle Cruising ships to popular destinations such as: Alaska; Canada & New England; Bahamas & Florida; Bermuda; the Caribbean; Hawai’i and Europe.

“When you're Freestyle Cruising on Norwegian Cruise Line, you get what you want and so do your kids. With plunging waterslides, a two-story Wii wall, and Nickelodeon at Sea, there's something for everyone, no matter what their age,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “With Norwegian’s complimentary Kid’s Crew supervised children’s program, parents are able to sneak away to the spa for a few hours or even a romantic dinner. We also offer family-friendly accommodations including interconnecting staterooms and multi-room Suites and Villas.”

On April 24, 2010, Norwegian Jewel will begin offering its exclusive Nickelodeon at Sea activities and shows on board each and every cruise year-round, in addition to all the current on-board programming already offered. This programming will also be available on Norwegian Epic when the ship launches this summer. Hints of Nickelodeon will be discovered ship-wide with programs that include signature Nickelodeon activities, popular characters and interactive game shows the entire family can enjoy together. Specifically, Nickelodeon will offer its Slime Time Live! and Nick Live! Poolside interactive shows; Story Time with Dora where guests are invited to gather around to hear stories about some of their favorite Dora the Explorer characters; Dora’s Dance Party where kids will join Dora and the Nickelodeon cast to dance and sing along with all of Dora’s favorite party songs; character breakfasts; meet and greets around the ship with Nickelodeon characters; Nickelodeon-themed arts and crafts, along with special enhancements to Norwegian’s Kids Crew programming.

For more information on Norwegian or to book a cruise, call 866-234-7350, visit www.ncl.com or phone a travel professional.

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Norwegian Epic to Set Sail With Three “Legends in Concert:”
Madonna, Elvis & Tina Turner

MIAMI, April 16: Get ready for some rock and roll! Norwegian Cruise Line announced that the first three "legends" to perform as part of the Legends in Concert show on Norwegian Epic will be three of the world's best-known entertainers - Madonna, Elvis and Tina Turner. A staple on the Las Vegas' center strip for over 25 years, Legends in Concert is known as the pioneer of live tribute shows and has assembled the greatest collection of live tribute artists and celebrity look-alikes in show business.

"Where else outside Las Vegas could you see three of the world's top entertainment legends - Madonna, Elvis and Tina Turner- all on stage together?" said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line's chief executive officer. "Norwegian Epic is taking cruise ship entertainment to an entirely new level and these tribute artists appeal to music fans of all ages, making this a must-see show for our guests."

Paying tribute to and interpreting the world's most eclectic performer, Madonna, is no small feat. For the past 12 years, Coty Alexander has portrayed the "Material Girl" on the biggest impersonator stages in the world. Her "immaculate portrayal" has been heralded by print and broadcast media including MTV, E! Entertainment, Good Morning America and the New York Times, among many others. She has accomplished the diversity of the star's career and spans Madonna from the "Like a Virgin" days to her current, disco-infused album, "Hung Up." While Madonna is her most celebrated performance, Alexander also portrays other notable “Legends,” including Gwen Stefani, Marilyn Monroe and Britney Spears.

As one of the top finalists in the 2009 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, Leo Days is one of the few Elvis tribute artists who perform all three eras of Elvis, including the rock ‘n’ roll ’50s, the movies and the comeback special of the ’60s, and the Vegas and concert years of the ’70s. Days grew up listening to Elvis and won his first tribute artist contest when he was 15 years old. Over the past 12 years, Days has performed in casinos, theaters, corporate events and festivals throughout the U.S. An international artist, he tours often in France as well as Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Belgium, Holland and Germany. Days is a versatile performer. In addition to his singing, he plays guitar and piano. He has worked with Legends in Concert in several of their permanent locations and most recently in their national Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Tour.

Lori Mitchell-Gay will portray Tina Turner, "the Queen of Rock and Roll," for Legends in Concert on Norwegian Epic. Mitchell-Gay began performing in the church choir as a child. Her first professional singing job was with a top-40 group called "High Energy." This helped her develop her stage presence and a style which she applies to her tribute performances. In addition to Tina Turner, her tribute performances include Whitney Houston and Diana Ross.

Legends in Concert is a live musical celebration featuring the world's greatest celebrity tribute artists. Legends in Concert on Norwegian Epic will feature three celebrity tribute performers taking the stage in the Epic Theater for six 45-minute shows over three days during a seven-day cruise. In addition, a cabaret-style show will be performed on three additional nights in the Manhattan Room, the ship's New York-inspired supper club, providing an unprecedented dining and entertainment experience on Norwegian Epic. The celebrity performers will change every four months, keeping the show fresh and exciting.

For further information on Norwegian Cruise Line, visit www.ncl.com or contact them in the U.S. and Canada at 866-234-7350.

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Queen Mary 2 Kicks Off 2010 Transatlantic Crossing Season

April 16: Cunard Line began its Transatlantic Crossing season on Thursday aboard their flagship Queen Mary 2, accompanied by a quintet from the Juilliard Jazz School. Cunard and Juilliard announced their partnership earlier this year, which includes performances and Cunard Insights enrichment programs with jazz alumni, faculty and students on board Queen Mary 2 eastbound Crossings in 2010.

Queen Mary 2's Transatlantic Crossings reflect the pinnacle of civility and refinement in ocean travel. The only company offering regularly scheduled Transatlantic liner service, Cunard is sailing 21 crossings in 2010, ranging from seven-day voyages between New York and Southampton, England, and 8- and 9-day Crossings offered to Cherbourg (France) and Hamburg (Germany).

Guests on Transatlantic Crossings enjoy time to explore the extensive onboard offerings, including stargazing in the only planetarium at sea – Illuminations; afternoon tea served in the Queens Room; nightly jazz in the Chart Room or a spin around the dance floor to a live orchestra during a Royal Nights themed ball; wellness and relaxation in the first Canyon Ranch SpaClub at sea; and perusing the 8,000 volumes in the largest library at sea. For more information about Queen Mary 2 or to book a voyage, consult your travel agent, call toll-free 1-800-7-CUNARD (728-6273) or go to www.cunard.com.

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Windstar Cruises Introduces Spa Suites on Wind Surf

SEATTLE, April 15: Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world's most treasured destinations, debuts spa suites on Wind Surf's May 30, 2010, Rome to Rome voyage.

"We are delighted to introduce spa suites on Wind Surf which will provide our guests with a new level of pampering and rejuvenation," said Diane Moore, President of Windstar Cruises.

Spa Suites: Each oceanview spa suite features a queen-size bed with fine, luxurious microfiber bed linens, lush spa robes, an elegant orchid flower arrangement, a spacious sitting area, two bathrooms, a flat-screen TV with DVD player, and Bose SoundDock speakers for Apple iPods. In addition to the four plush fiber-fill pillows that come standard in each spa suite, guests will be able to choose specialty pillows from a pillow menu. Menu selections include a feather down firm support pillow, a gusseted hypoallergenic medium support pillow, an organic buckwheat hull and lavender pillow, and a "snore-no-more" hypoallergenic foam core pillow.

In addition to Windstar's L'Occitane bath amenities, rich emollient WindSpa products from O SPA London will be offered in each spa suite along with an aromatherapy essence which will be refreshed daily. Guests will also receive a nightly turn down gift such as organic lavender hand night cream, eye gel, or body cream from WindSpa.

Three unique tea collections by Tea Forte will be presented to guests to choose from for in-suite tea service. Collections include: sanctuary, teas for well-being; herbals, soothing artisan herbal teas; or exotics, adventurous blends. Each collection comes in an elegant ribbon box containing 20 silken tea infusers. Brewing service features contemporary, porcelain teaware and is available 24 hours a day through room service. Guests will also be able to indulge in a sumptuous platter of fresh fruit delivered daily to each spa suite.

Spa Suite Spa Services: To welcome spa suite guests, a festive cocktail party will be held in their honor in WindSpa's reception area. They will also receive an invitation to Windstar's signature "Spa Under the Stars" evening event which showcases a sampling of spa experiences with complimentary refreshments on deck under the stars.

For the ultimate in pampering, an array of decadent WindSpa treatments are included in the spa suites program featuring The OnboardSpa Company and their certified organic O SPA London products and services. Spa suite guests will also have the service of a private spa concierge in WindSpa. Spa services that spa suite guests receive during their 7-day cruise include two 60-minute facials which are designed to soothe, nourish and restore skin utilizing the purest ingredients from nature. Guests can relax and rejuvenate during two 60-minute massages of their choice selecting from Balinese, Swedish, classic, or sports massage. Two grooming treatments of choice (manicure, pedicure or shave) are also included in the package. In addition, spa suite guests receive unlimited fitness, Pilates, and Yoga classes.

Wind Surf's spa suites are part of Windstar's previously announced Degrees of Difference initiative which adds amenities and enhancements to the fleet in the areas of dining, accommodations, entertainment, spa, fitness and shore excursions. For rates for Wind Surf's spa suites, please contact a travel professional or Windstar Cruises at 1-800-258-7245.

For additional information, contact a professional travel agent or visit Windstar Cruises online at www.windstarcruises.com.

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Royal Caribbean Announces 2011-12 Caribbean Deployment

MIAMI, April 15: Royal Caribbean Intl today unveiled its 2011-12 Caribbean deployment, which includes vacations aboard some of the world’s most innovative cruise ships specifically designed for the region. Liberty of the Seas will be the first Freedom-class ship to offer short itineraries from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Jewel of the Seas will debut in November 2011 at its new seasonal homeport of Tampa. Allure of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas and Freedom of the Seas will continue seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean voyages while Monarch of the Seas and Majesty of the Seas will sail year-round short Bahamas getaways. In total, the seven ships will offer 439 sailings that call at 18 Caribbean ports on 55 unique itineraries. Bookings for these 2011-2012 Caribbean cruises open today.

“Royal Caribbean offers the most innovative cruise ships in the Caribbean for a memorable and affordable family vacation or couples’ getaway,” said Betsy O’Rourke, senior vice president of Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. “Whether for a quick getaway or a longer vacation, guests will enjoy the widest array of exclusive onboard amenities while sailing to some of the most beautiful islands in the world. Throughout, Royal Caribbean’s friendly and engaging staff and crew will deliver the Royal treatment to every guest, every day.”

The Caribbean offers vacationers an endless variety of adventurous and relaxing shore excursion options, whatever their desire, ranging from canopy, ATV or hiking explorations to snorkeling, parasailing, boating, and beach basking. At an additional cost, guests can experience the crystal clear waters and marine life up close on tours such as the “Turtle Cove Sail and Snorkel” in St. Thomas; soar from tree to tree on the “Chukka Canopy Experience” at Falmouth, Jamaica; explore the world famous wall-city ruins of Tulum at Cozumel on “Tulum Mayan Ruins Express”; or seek the ultimate relaxing beach day on “Carambola Beach Break” in St. Croix.

On many itineraries, guests will call at Royal Caribbean’s exclusive beach paradise of Labadee, Haiti, or the private island of CocoCay in the Bahamas. Both destinations offer a wide variety of optional water-sports excursions, while Labadee features additional amenities such as the “Dragon's Tail Coaster” and tours about the history and heritage of the Haitian people.

After its summer 2011 debut in the Mediterranean, Liberty of the Seas will return to South Florida in November and offer two 5-night and a 4-night short Western Caribbean itinerary from Port Everglades. Sister-ship Freedom of the Seas will alternate 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean roundtrip itineraries year-round from Port Canaveral, Fla., and feature a 5-night pre-holiday getaway to the Western Caribbean on Dec 18 and a 9-night New Year’s celebration cruise on Dec 30. Liberty of the Seas and Freedom of the Seas boast an array of amenities that helped revolutionize the cruise industry, including the FlowRider surf simulator, the H20 Zone water park, a boxing ring, cantilevered whirlpools, and the 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom Presidential Family Suite that sleeps up to 14.

Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas will continue to alternate 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Port Everglades. Allure of the Seas will, however, sail a special nine-night Eastern Caribbean holiday itinerary departing December 25, 2011, which features an additional call at Labadee and an extra day at sea to herald in the New Year and take in all the amenities on an Oasis-class ship. The following sailing on January 3, 2012, then offers a unique opportunity to sample an Oasis-class vacation on a five-night Western Caribbean itinerary, calling at Falmouth and Labadee. Or vacationers can combine the two sailings into a 14-night grand holiday voyage aboard the world’s largest and most innovative cruise ship.

Vacationers also will have a wide selection of short vacation options. Jewel of the Seas will offer vacationers two 5-night and a 4-night Western Caribbean itinerary from Tampa, convenient to Southeasterners. Year-round, Majesty of the Seas and Monarch of the Seas will offer 3- and 4-night short Bahamas itineraries from Miami and Port Canaveral, respectively.

Onboard, guests enjoy Royal Caribbean’s award-winning Broadway-caliber entertainment from Royal Caribbean Productions, complimentary Adventure Ocean kids and teen programming, world-class gaming in the Casino Royale, and the widest range of innovative and exclusive onboard amenities. Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 21 ships currently in service and one 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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Azamara Club Cruises Presents Special Europe Promotion

MIAMI, April 15: Extraordinary service, elegant surroundings and true destination immersion await guests sailing with Azamara Club Cruises, and so does an exceptional value that just became even more enticing.
The upmarket brand’s special offer of 2-for-1 fares on all sailings through March 2011 continues, and now, on bookings for select sailings made by June 30, 2010, guests will receive an onboard spending credit of $500 per booking, as well as a $500 per-person ChoiceAir credit. The new offer applies to bookings for Azamara Club Cruises’ European voyages from April 25 through November 10, 2010 on Azamara Journey, and voyages from May 3 through November 20, 2010, on Azamara Quest. The offer is applicable to new, individual bookings in North America only, in all categories with the exception of Club Interior staterooms.

Travelers who take advantage of Azamara’s new, limited-time offer also can enjoy the host of new, inclusive amenities just introduced on both ships this month. Now, guests sailing on every voyage of Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest will be offered complimentary, vintage red and white wines from boutique vineyards around the world at lunches and dinners; bottled water, sodas, specialty coffees and teas, whether in public venues or in staterooms and suites; housekeeping, dining and bar staff gratuities; shuttle bus service to and from port communities, where available; destination-influenced entertainment and enrichment programs; specialty dining in the intimate specialty restaurants, Prime C and Aqualina (complimentary for suite guests; stateroom guests are charged a $15 per person cover); true English butler service in suites; self-service laundry, and concierge services.

Among the European destinations in which guests sailing with Azamara Club Cruises can immerse themselves this year are nine first-time locations for the brand:

• Bastia, one of the two largest cities on the mountainous Mediterranean island of Corsica
• Chania, one of Crete’s most appealing cities, marked by stately neo-classical mansions and massive Venetian fortifications
• Korcula, Croatia, an island rife with small, uninhabited beaches, breathtaking views of nature and medieval architecture
• Katakolon, the Greek seaside town offering a gateway to Olympia, the birthplace of the competitive athletic games
• Skiathos, one of Greece’s most environmentally protected islands, known for its pine tree forests as well as its long, shining beaches
• Zakynthos, Greece (also known as Zante), part of the Ionian Islands and home to the endangered caretta species of sea turtle
• Trieste, the historic Italian port and capital of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, nestled in the northeast corner of the Adriatic Sea against the backdrop of a limestone plateau
Gijón, located on the Catabrian Sea on Spain’s Costa Verde, halfway between eastern and western Asturias
• Liverpool, England’s centuries-old port made just as famous by its one-time musical residents, The Beatles, as by the landmarks designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Azamara Club Cruises presents overnight stays in Europe this year in Florence (Livorno), Sorrento, and Venice, Italy; St. Petersburg, Russia; Barcelona, Spain; Stockholm, Sweden; Istanbul, Turkey; Edinburgh (Leith), Scotland; London (Greenwich), England; Bordeaux, France; Berlin (Warnemunde), Germany; Athens (Piraeus), Greece; and Monte Carlo, Monaco. Late-night stays (departing at 10 pm or later) are featured in 21 European ports this year, including Dubrovnik, Croatia; Alexandria and Port Said, Egypt; St. Tropez, France; Volos, Mykonos, Rhodes and Santorini, Greece; Dublin, Ireland; Ashdod and Haifa, Israel; Ravenna and Trieste, Italy; Valetta, Malta; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Kotor, Montenegro; Amsterdam, Netherlands; Lisbon, Portugal; Gijón, Spain; and Bodrum and Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey.

For more information, consumers are invited to call 1-877-999-9553 or visit the Azamara Club Cruises web site at www.azamaraclubcruises.com

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The Yachts of Seabourn Experiences Record Booking Week

MIAMI, April 15: The Yachts of Seabourn experienced record one-week booking volume and attracted the largest number of first-time guests during the first week of April. The high booking numbers, signaling an increasing demand for luxury cruising, prompted Seabourn to offer a new promotion featuring the line’s best fares ever with prices starting from $2,499 for a 7-day voyage. Last week, the company offered a one-week sale and as a result, saw its booking numbers surge 98 percent compared to the same period last year, making it the biggest booking week of the year. The line also attracted a record number of first-time guests ever in a one-week period, up 125 percent compared to the prior year.

“Travelers continue to seek the best value for their money, and we are pleased to offer our best fares ever on even more cruises this year,” said Pamela C. Conover, Seabourn’s President and CEO. “Based on the positive response we received to last week’s sale, guests are clearly finding tremendous value in our cruises and are very eager to travel well and experience Seabourn-style cruising.”

The new promotion includes two-for-one cruise fares with round-trip air, or cruise-only savings up to 65 percent. The offer encompasses 54 Europe and Asia cruises of seven to 14 days, and departing between June and Nov 2010, on all five of the company’s intimate vessels. Seven-day Mediterranean cruises aboard Seabourn Spirit, Seabourn Legend, and Seabourn Odyssey begin from $2,499 per person for cruise-only, or $3,550 with inclusive air. Nine-to-12-day Northern Europe voyages on the new Seabourn Sojourn start from $4,999 cruise-only or $6,400 with inclusive air. Cruises of 10 to 14 days in Asia aboard Seabourn Pride start from $3,499 cruise-only and $5,400 with air. Inclusive air is available from 40 North American gateways. Prices are available for a limited time.

Seabourn’s all-inclusive, award-winning fleet is renowned for providing spacious, ocean-view suites, unmatched personalized service, superb cuisine and fine wines and spirits, gratuities, and exceptional experiences in the most desirable destinations on earth. All fares are per person, based on double occupancy and are subject to space available. Certain other restrictions apply. For more information on itineraries and the sale, contact a travel agent, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com

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New, Reduced MSC Singles Supplement for Fall Foliage Canada/New England Cruises

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, April 15: Single travelers and those traveling alone can experience the fall foliage of Canada/New England cruises on MSC Poesia for new, reduced rates. Guests who book an interior, oceanview, or balcony stateroom for one on MSC Cruises’ 2010 Canada/New England cruises by Aug 31, 2010 can save with these new rates. This special single supplement offer is applicable for Categories 1-11 on MSC Poesia Canada/New England cruises departing from New York and Quebec. Cruise itinerary highlights include:

• 6-night “Maple Leaves & Mansions” cruise from Quebec City and calling in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada; Boston, Massachusetts; Newport, Rhode Island; and New York. Oct 23; single rate was $1,078.20 and is now $718.80 [plus $81.40 pp. government fees and taxes (GFT’s)] for a savings of $359.40;
• 7-night “Scenic Splendors of Fall” cruise from New York City and calling in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada; Corner Brook, Newfoundland, Canada, and Quebec City, Quebec; Canada, Oct 2; single rate was $1,258.20 and is now $838.80 (plus $78.50 pp. GFT’s) for a savings of $419.40;
• 10-night “Dazzling Fall Foliage” cruise from New York City and calling in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada; Quebec City, Quebec, Canada; Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Newport, Rhode Island; and New York. Sept 22; single rate was $1,798.20 and is now $1,198.80 (plus $72.90 pp. GFT’s) for a savings of $599.40;
• 14-night“Autumn Leaves and Lighthouses,” cruise from Quebec City and calling in Sydney, Nova Scotia; Bar Harbor, Maine; Boston, Massachusetts; Newport, Rhode Island; New York, New York; Halifax, Nova Scotia; and Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. Oct 9; single rate was $2,428.20 and is now $1,618.80 per person (plus $129.45 pp. GFT’s) for a savings of $809.40.

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

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Holland America Line's ms Statendam Completes Signature of Excellence Upgrades

SEATTLE, April 15: Holland America Line's ms Statendam departed Fort Lauderdale, FL, April 11 for a 14-day southern Caribbean voyage, fresh from a stem-to-stern, multi-million dollar Signature of Excellence dry dock at Freeport, Bahamas. The 1,260-guest ship received a host of new facilities and features including new stateroom furnishings and bathroom upgrades; Canaletto, a complimentary Italian eatery; the sophisticated Showroom at Sea; and the stylish lounge called Mix, which combines three distinct bars into one area. The refurbishment enhances Holland America Line's premium vacation experience for guests as part of the company's $525 million Signature of Excellence fleet-wide program. Statendam is the fourth ship in a series of five to receive extensive Signature of Excellence upgrades; the ms Veendam, ms Rotterdam and ms Ryndam refits are now complete. Maasdam is scheduled to receive upgrades in April 2011.

"With Statendam completed, we now have four ships sailing with these exciting enhancements," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "Our on-going commitment through Signature of Excellence means that our guests enjoy the finest amenities and the latest in programming, technology, activities and trends that premium cruisers seek today."

Public Areas Feature Latest Innovations During the Dry Dock: Canaletto, a complimentary, casual Italian restaurant, was added to ms Statendam and comes to life for dinner when a section of the Lido is transformed with glass partitions and an Italian ambiance with dishes such as putanesca and penne alla vodka. Although there is no charge to dine in the alternative venue, reservations are suggested. To create a more open, engaging environment for guests during evenings, Statendam underwent the reconfiguration of the existing Casino and Piano bars into Mix, a multi-themed area with three separate bars: Martinis, Champagne and Spirits & Ales, serving their namesakes. The high-energy Casino was redesigned and the main show lounge was transformed into the Showroom at Sea with the ambiance of a glamorous nightclub and several new shows. An upscale luxury jewelry shop called Merabella was added mid-ship to the completely renovated main shopping area with its Signature jewelry and watch boutiques. Other public areas around the ship also were refurbished and received new carpeting.

Staterooms Receive New Look and New Spa Category Added: Completing the enhancements, Statendam's staterooms received new carpeting, soft goods and completely renovated bathrooms with new vanities and cabinetry. Sixteen staterooms near the Greenhouse Spa (on Verandah Deck) became "spa staterooms" featuring a variety of enhanced amenities. Each offers exclusive items such as organic cotton bathrobes and slippers, a yoga mat, a soothing water feature, special room service menus and treatments, and more.

Explorations Team Expands the Exclusive Activities: Today's premium cruiser seeks enriching experiences and engaging activities. Ever responsive to guests' needs, Holland America Line broadened its onboard programming aboard Statendam and all ships with the Explorations Team--staff with specific, niche expertise ranging from technology to travel, who offer guests a range of programs to educate and entertain guests. The onboard Party Planner will host Explore Food & Entertaining events in the Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine Magazine, significantly expanding the innovative program which brings more than 70 culinary experts on board each year in addition to classes and demonstrations on every sailing. As the destination expert on board under Explore Our World, the Travel Guide will give dynamic multimedia presentations about the ship's itinerary and be a one-stop source for port-of-call information. The Techspert will offer Explore Technology classes and Digital Workshops powered by Windows, where guests can learn how to blog, work with digital photos, arrange a digital scrapbook, create a slideshow or edit a movie. Leading Explore Wellbeing, the LifeStylist will offer new entertainment, fitness and sport activities. On cruises lasting 14 days or more, the Librarian also leads a book club.

Signature of Excellence tops $525 Million: The industry-leading Signature of Excellence initiative is an on-going and comprehensive program that touches every aspect of the Holland America Line experience and the investment now exceeds $525 million. Signature of Excellence features and amenities offer guests more luxurious accommodations, enhanced dining experiences, more enriching activities and exceptional levels of service.

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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Royal Caribbean Unveils 2011 Alaska Cruise & Cruisetour Season

MIAMI, April 14: Whether it’s mushing dog sleds across glaciers or flightseeing over the Arctic Circle, Royal Caribbean International’s 2011 Alaska cruise and cruisetours will offer guests an unrivaled adventure vacation. The cruise line today announced 34 voyages for Royal Caribbean’s 22nd consecutive season in the Great Land, comprising six unique itineraries aboard Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas. Vacationers can choose a seven-night northbound or southbound itinerary between Vancouver and Seward, Alaska, via the Inside Passage, or a seven-night roundtrip Alaska itinerary from Seattle. Additionally, vacationers can select a Royal Caribbean cruise tour land package, which combines a cruise aboard Radiance of the Seas with one of 21 escorted land tour itineraries traveling into Alaska’s majestic and wild interior. Bookings for Royal Caribbean International’s 2011 Alaska cruises and cruisetours open today.

“Royal Caribbean’s 2011 Alaska cruises and cruisetours offer vacationers a variety of ways to take in Alaska’s grandeur: by ship, motorcoach, train and even plane,” said Betsy O’Rourke, senior vice president of Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. “Multigenerational family vacationers and adventurers of all ages will find opportunities for their own “Why Not?” moments, with Alaska’s awe-inspiring natural wonders as the backdrop. Throughout, guests will enjoy the world-renowned Royal treatment delivered by our friendly and engaging staff and crew.”

A grand Alaska adventure awaits guests on a 2011 Royal Caribbean cruise tour land package, 11- to 14-night vacations that combine a seven-night cruise aboard Radiance of the Seas with a pre- or post-cruise tour into Alaska’s interior. A dedicated Tour Director escorts each group of guests as they explore the Alaskan frontier aboard Royal Caribbean’s signature deluxe motorcoaches and the Wilderness Express, the cruise line’s exclusive glass-domed train cars, which offer breathtaking views of the untamed landscape. The packages feature overnights in Denali with included activities into the National Park for the chance to spot grizzly bear, caribou, wolf, moose and dall sheep – known as the “Big Five” – and include overnights at the charming and rustic Talkeetna Lodge. Other highlights include a tramway excursion 2,300 above the valley of Alyeska and learning about Alaska’s indigenous people at the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage. Optional sightseeing tours include flightseeing across the Arctic Circle, white-water rafting; and jet-boating on Alaska’s glacial waters.

Guests also can explore Alaska up-close on a wide variety of optional shore excursions available for purchase, such as mushing across a snow-covered glacier on a dog sled in Juneau on “Dog Sledding on the Mendenhall Glacier via Helicopter,” and cheering on lumberjack teams in Ketchikan as they compete in events such as axe throwing and log rolling at the “Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show.” In Skagway, guests can choose a hike through a rainforest and experience Alaska’s rugged beauty on the “Sawtooth Mountain Nature Hike,” and then voyage from Icy Strait Point to Point Adolphus, the region’s premier whale watching destination, on “Whale & Marine Mammals Cruise.”

Royal Caribbean’s 2011 Alaska season begins on May 13 with a 7-night itinerary to Sawyer Glacier via the Inside Passage aboard Rhapsody of the Seas, departing Vancouver and calling at Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. The season continues with 15 sailings from Seattle that follow a similar 7-night itinerary, 14 of which are roundtrip and replace Ketchikan with a call at Victoria, British Columbia.

Radiance of the Seas will begin the Alaska season with a special 12-night Ultimate Alaska itinerary departing from San Diego on May 15. The itinerary will cruise Hubbard Glacier, calling at San Francisco, Alaska’s Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Sitka, and Nanaimo, British Columbia. Radiance of the Seas will then alternate north- and southbound 7-night itineraries on 16 sailings between Vancouver and Seward via the Inside Passage and featuring a visit to Hubbard Glacier.

Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas are both appointed with multi-deck, dazzling glass windows, affording guests sweeping vistas of Alaska’s landscape as it unfolds. Guests can race to the top of the ships’ iconic rock-climbing walls for an even more thrilling view from the ship’s highest point or enjoy a variety of rejuvenating spa treatments in the Day Spa. Younger guests will be entertained and enlightened in the cruise line’s award-winning Adventure Ocean and teen programs, with scheduled activities led by a college-graduate counselor beginning from 9 to 2 a.m. In the evenings, guests can enjoy the Royal Caribbean Productions’ award-winning Broadway-style musical revues, and recount the day’s experiences in multiple onboard bars and lounges over cocktails. Throughout, all guests enjoy the Royal treatment delivered by Royal Caribbean’s friendly and engaging staff and crew.

Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 21 ships currently in service and one under construction. The line also offers unique cruise tour land packages in 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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Silversea Debuts New Land Programs For
Northern Europe & The Mediterranean

Ft. Lauderdale, FL, April 14: Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises is introducing 10 new optional land extensions to complement its collection of Northern Europe and Mediterranean voyages this spring, summer and fall. For those who seek authentic and immersive travel experiences, Silversea's destination experts have designed a new collection of multiple-day, pre- and post-cruise Silver Shore Land Adventures. From the natural wonders of Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Iceland, to the cultural heritage and monuments of Perugia, to the artistic treasures of Bilbao's landmark Guggenheim Museum, these carefully planned tours showcase some of the world's most remarkable destinations. And with free roundtrip air available on many voyages, savvy travelers can use their air travel savings to spend an extra three or four nights enjoying an in-depth, leisurely exploration--making Silversea cruise and land vacation packages some of the best values in travel today.

"We're pleased to offer a new selection of land programs highlighted by many new interesting destinations, such as Umbria, often called the undiscovered Tuscany," said Darius Mehta, Silversea's associate vice president of air and land programs. "Each program features luxury accommodations, sightseeing and activities tailored to the varied interests and tastes of our discerning guests. Whether your interest is in art, culture, history or cuisine, there is something for everyone."

The new options join an already expansive array of land programs, including mid-voyage land adventures, single- or multiple-day inland tours offered during the cruise; Silver Shore Simply Hotel, single-night programs that feature a 4.5- or 5-star hotel stay before or after the cruise; and Silver Shore Grande Hotel, two-night programs that enable guests to extend their vacation at landmark hotels or boutique properties. Plus, guests can call upon the Silver Shore Concierge to plan personalized pre- and post-cruise land adventures. Except as otherwise indicated, the following all new Silver Shore Land Adventures feature deluxe accommodations, all transportation, transfers, guided sightseeing and some meals.

MEDITERRANEAN
• Perugia & Assisi: Umbria Soggiorno: Each of the Etruscan, Roman, Middle Ages and Renaissance periods has left its mark on Umbria in the form of timeless masterpieces. Discover the heritage and many monuments of Perugia, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Assisi, and Orvieto -- a spectacular town of Etruscan origin. This pre- or post-cruise option departs from Rome. Three nights.
• Marqués de Riscal & The Guggenheim: Frank O. Gehry has designed two outstanding buildings in Spain and this land adventure features both. Visit Bilbao's landmark Guggenheim Museum on your overnight in the city, then head to the heart of Spain's Rioja wine region and the spectacular Marqués de Riscal hotel designed by Gehry and overlooking picturesque vineyards. Lunch at Posada Mayor de Migueloa, dinner at the famous El Portal de Echaurren, and a visit to San Sebastian complete your enriching experience. This pre- or post-cruise option departs from Barcelona. Three nights .
• Minarets & Medinas: Fez to Marrakech: Experience vibrant, modern Casablanca, then travel inland to the imperial cities of Fez and Marrakech. In Fez visit the impressive Dar el Makhzen, Royal Palace, the ancient Fes Medina and Mellah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travel next to Marrakech, the "Pink City," to explore enchanting gardens, souks and squares. Guests on this pre- or post-cruise, four- or six-night option depart or join ship in Barcelona.
• Florentine Soggiorno: The award-winning Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is an enchanted sanctuary in the midst of Florence. Its Renaissance palazzo is filled with original frescoes and sculptured reliefs. Majestic trees shade a centuries-old private park. The wonders of Uffizi and the Duomo are a stroll away. Tuscan hill towns beckon. This pre- or post-cruise option departs from Venice. Three nights.
• UNESCO Sites of Greece: Discover the archaeological and cultural treasures of Northern Greece. From Athens and Thessaloniki to Vergina and the Royal Tombs, the final resting place of King Phillip II, father of Alexander the Great. Explore charming Kalambaka and the Meteora monasteries. This pre- or post-cruise option departs from Athens. Three nights.
• Chateaux of the Loire Valley: Explore the great beauty and history of the Loire Valley from the luxurious Relais & Châteaux hotel Les Hautes Roches. This refined and romantic property is a combination of chateau and cave, and an idyllic retreat during your travels through the French countryside to visit Chateau d'Villandry, Chateau D'Azay-le-Rideau and Chateau d'Angers, housing the remarkable Apocalypse Tapestries. This pre- or post-cruise option departs from Nice or Monte Carlo. Four nights.
• Castello Banfi: Tuscan Soggiorno: Castello Banfi is a family-owned vineyard estate and winery recognized the world over for its dedication to excellence in the art of Italian winemaking. During your stay, learn the secrets to preparing authentic Italian cuisine, sample wines produced on the estate and take in the scenic beauty of Montalcino. This pre- or post-cruise option departs from Rome. Two nights.

NORTHERN EUROPE
• Iceland's Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Thingvellir National Park, the majestic Gullfoss waterfall and the geothermal phenomena at Geysir. Relax in the famed Blue Lagoon -- a natural geothermal spa located in the middle of a beautiful lava field. This pre- or post-cruise option departs from Reykjavik. Three nights.
• Exploring Lapland: Travel north of the Arctic Circle to Jukkasjärvi, Kiruna and Riksgränsen in Swedish Lapland, where the last wilderness in Europe exists. Here under the midnight sun you’ll find majestic mountains, glaciers, rushing rivers and forests. Visit the Ice Hotel Art Center and experience river rafting on the Torne River. This pre- or post-cruise, three- or four-night option departs from Stockholm.
• Cliveden Stately Home of England: One of the world's finest luxury hotels, Cliveden is an Italianate mansion set in the heart of the Berkshire countryside with a palpable sense of history. For over three centuries, it has been home to some of the most famous names in English and American history including three dukes, a Prince of Wales and the Astors. This pre- or post-cruise option departs from London and Southampton. Two nights.

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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Sushi Making to Swedish Lessons: Enriching New Choices for Teens
 Aboard Crystal Summer Cruises

LOS ANGELES, April 14: Teens can learn to make sushi like a professional Nobu-trained chef, take a golf lesson with PGA pro instructors, and language classes with Berlitz educators on Crystal Cruises' award-winning ships this summer. Renowned for Six-Star enrichment for adults, the luxury line offers younger guests opportunities to enhance their travel experiences with onboard programming that is sophisticated, entertaining, and complimentary.

Citing a surge in family and multigenerational travel, Crystal reports that, as of March 2010, it has nearly five times more family groups booked through its Crystal Family Memories program for this year versus 2009. To accommodate this growth, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity have expanded the hours and breadth of supervised activities for junior cruisers of all ages. Junior cruisers can enjoy enriching programs like their parents in sessions tailored specially for them. From a Swedish lesson en route to Stockholm, to Olympic-style competitions sailing from Athens, kids ages three to 17 can immerse themselves in destination-related activities, organized by Crystal's Junior Activities Directors on summer cruises.

Teen options include:

-- *NEW* Sushi making - From Junior Activities Directors, learn techniques practiced by Nobu-trained chefs in Silk Road and The Sushi Bar
-- Dance lessons - Group instruction with onboard championship dancers;
-- and DJ-hosted dance parties.

"Like their parents, our younger guests are well-traveled and curious about the places they're visiting," says Bret Bullock, vice president, entertainment. "Younger travelers enjoy the camaraderie and friendships they cultivate with their peers from around the world."

Crystal's Family Memories program group perks include a complimentary berth, Private Adventure credit and family portraits. The purpose-built Fantasia and Waves children's and teens' facilities - rare in luxury cruising - feature crafts areas, toys and popular video games. Kids' menus, complimentary ice cream bars and babysitting are available.

Junior activities are subject to change per cruise. For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit www.crystalcruises.com.

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Norwegian Epic To Be Host Venue For The National Broadcast
Of America's Largest Fireworks Display

MIAMI, April 13: This year's Macy's 4th of July Fireworks® in New York is sure to be truly epic. Norwegian Cruise Line and Macy's today announced that Norwegian Cruise Line’s new ship, Norwegian Epic, will be the host venue for the 34th Annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks event taking place on Sunday, July 4, 2010. The event includes a national, one-hour, live entertainment broadcast on NBC-TV beginning at 9 pm and takes place on board Norwegian Epic where invited guests will have a front row view of the fireworks display.

As Norwegian Cruise Line's largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship to date, Norwegian Epic will be an ideal venue for the fireworks show. Guests will have incredible views of the New York skyline and river from the ship's pool and outer decks. The expansive ship–-the length of more than three football fields--will provide multiple vantage points to view the largest and most spectacular fireworks display in the nation.

"We're thrilled to be partnering with Macy's to host their 34th Annual 4th of July Fireworks," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line's chief executive officer. "This is the biggest and most spectacular fireworks display in the nation. What better way to salute Norwegian Epic than to host such an epic event on board. It will be an amazing finale to our inaugural festivities in New York and something we're sure we’ll never forget."

"Over the years, Macy's has staged its 4th of July Fireworks in many different locations, but it's my guess that this year's live broadcast, taking place aboard the monumental new Norwegian Epic, will add a dimension to the show that will excite our audience like never before," says Robin Hall, head of Macy's Parade and Entertainment Group. "We are grateful to Norwegian Cruise Line for their partnership." Hall continued, “It seems fitting that the largest ship in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet should host the biggest fireworks show in America."

Spectators from coast-to-coast will have a front row view of the fireworks by tuning into NBC's national broadcast of Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular beginning at 9:00 pm (check local listings). In addition to the splendor of the nation's largest fireworks display, the spectacular entertainment broadcast will feature a star-studded line-up of performances by America's most popular recording artists. In addition to hosting the Macy's Fireworks broadcast on board Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Cruise Line is partnering with Macy's to offer a Norwegian Epic Vacation Getaway Cruise for four on board the ship as part of a national sweepstakes. Viewing information, spectator tips, and fireworks event sweepstakes information will be available as of June 2010 at www.macys.com/fireworks or by calling the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Hotline at (212) 494-4495.

For more information on Norwegian Epic as well as to book a cruise on the ship to the Eastern or Western Caribbean, please call Norwegian at 866-234-7350, visit epic.ncl.com, or contact a travel professional.

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Silversea Unveils "2011 Voyages" Brochure

Ft. Lauderdale, FL, April 13: Silversea Cruises has just published its new 2011 Voyages brochure. The comprehensive 190-page booklet details nearly 200 itineraries visiting seven continents, over 80 countries, and more than 400 destinations. The new brochure opens with an easy-to-read, voyage-by-voyage summary followed by a section revealing the hallmarks of Silversea's unique luxury lifestyle. The balance of the brochure provides detailed worldwide cruise itineraries by region, including highlights of shore excursions, descriptions of land programs, deck plans, savings programs and general information.

"The fresh new look and inspired contemporary design of our 2011 brochure echo Silversea's reputation for refined elegance," said Linda Schultes, Silversea's vice president of worldwide marketing. "Within its pages readers will discover the unique rewards of traveling by small ship to explore the world's most fascinating destinations."

2011 HIGHLIGHTS

World Cruise 2011: Silver Spirit's magnificent, 119-day Inaugural World Cruise 2011 visits the South Pacific, New Zealand and Australia, then sails the seas of Southeast Asia, Arabia and the Mediterranean. And for guests who book the full voyage by June 30, 2010, Silversea just doubled the onboard credit offer to $4,000 per suite! Click on Rewards tab at Inaugural World Cruise 2011 for complete details.

New Cape-to-Cape Adventure: Experience majestic South Georgia landscapes and the world's most remote inhabited archipelago on a new and thrilling Silversea expedition. Environmental expert Dr. David E. Guggenheim will be the special guest lecturer aboard Prince Albert II 's Voyage 7106, a 22-day exploration from Ushuaia to Cape Town, departing March 3, 2011.

New 2011 Land Adventures: Guests can extend their cruise with a Silver Shore pre- and post-cruise land adventure. New for 2011: Harvest of Catalonia (from Barcelona), Serengeti & Ngorongoro (from Cape Town), Chengdu Pandas & Buddhas (from Hong Kong) and Healing Waters (from Tokyo).

Relais & Châteaux L'École des Chefs: Silversea's new interactive cooking school (on select sailings) celebrates the voyage's cultural flavor with cooking demonstrations, wine pairings, chef competitions and, when the itinerary permits, provisioning excursions to local markets.

NEW! The Grill: When the stars come out to shine, Silversea's casual Pool Grill by day is transformed into The Grill, an intimate outdoor venue where interactive Black Rock dining allows guests to prepare fresh dishes directly at their table upon a heated volcanic rock plate.

Suite Indulgence: Guests can transform their suite into a personalized home away from home with a choice of nine pillow types and three aromatherapy room scents by renowned Italian perfumer Laura Tonatto.

Enhanced Amenities: A complimentary backpack filled with a golf cap, bottle of water, Evian water atomizer, a moist towelette packet, and, on select itineraries, a beach towel is offered to Royal, Grand and Owner's Suite guests heading ashore. The butler will prepare a scented bath with flameless votive candles, rose petals, and relaxing lavender-scented Elemis products upon request of Silver, Royal, Grand, and Owner’s Suite guests. Complimentary laundry service is now extended to Silver Suite guests as well as Royal, Grand and Owner's Suite guests.

Extraordinary Incentives: Up to 60% savings, plus free roundtrip air packages that include transfers between airport and pier on the day of embarkation and disembarkation, is available for a limited time on select 2011 voyages.

In keeping with the company's commitment to promote the use of environmentally responsible products, the brochure 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.

Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the luxury segment, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard its intimate, all-suite vessels: Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper, and Silver Spirit--all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. With the 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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Celebrity Cruises’ New Celebrity Eclipse to be Named by
Courageous Ocean-Racing Yachtswoman

MIAMI, April 12: Celebrity Cruises today announced the appointment of Emma Pontin, an inspirational UK-based yachtswoman, to serve as Godmother of Celebrity Eclipse, the third in a series of five stunning Solstice Class ships. Pontin will name the ship in Southampton, England, during the ship’s formal naming ceremony April 24, which will conclude with a magnum of champagne, custom-made by The Corning Museum of Glass, commemoratively crashing against the hull of the 2,850-guest ship.

Pontin began her career as an ocean-racing yachtswoman in 2002 when she crewed on her first Challenge Transatlantic race with only one week’s sailing experience. Her devotion to the sport grew to the point that, in 2006, she was selected to skipper a yacht for the ARC Transatlantic race. But, prior to the start of the race, Pontin was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to immediately return to the UK for a mastectomy, which culminated in a double mastectomy for precautionary measures.

Celebrity Cruises selected Pontin to serve in the revered role of Godmother in recognition of her positive and empowering fight against the disease, from which both her aunt and grandmother died. Throughout her chemotherapy and radiation treatments, she continued to sail, instruct and race, and even went on to skipper several major races during the following 12 months, including the Fastnet and the Sydney-Hobart race.

“Emma is an outstanding individual with an incredible zest for life, and is an inspiration to women from all walks of life,” said Richard D. Fain, Chairman of Celebrity Cruises and Chairman and CEO of parent company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “Her determination to make every day count, her courage, and her positive attitude amidst challenging sailings, even during times of adversity, is tremendously inspiring for other women and their families who are, or have similarly, faced this disease.”

“We are honored to have such a strong and energetic role model serve as Godmother of Celebrity Eclipse; someone whose candid and open approach has helped so many others understand the day-to-day battle against breast cancer,” said Celebrity Cruises President and CEO Dan Hanrahan. “Her personal triumph over the disease and her continued commitment to raise awareness through sailing is an inspiration and encouragement to thousands of women and their families in the UK and beyond.”

In addition to surviving breast cancer, Pontin’s numerous life and sailing achievements include logging more than 100,000 nautical miles and completing 15 transatlantic races, some of which are considered the most grueling sailing challenges in existence. During her treatment, BBC Radio followed Pontin’s story as part of their "100 Lives" project, to highlight her courageous fight. During this period, she chronicled, in diary format, her battle against the disease, in what ultimately became a book, Beating the Blowfish.

“I am hugely honored and believe that serving as the Godmother of this wonderful ship is truly one of the greatest compliments to be bestowed on me," said Pontin. "I look forward enormously to taking up my duties in presiding over and naming this ship during what is one of the most important dates in a ship's life. It is extremely flattering to be recognized for what came naturally to me when fighting breast cancer, and I hope that through this association with Celebrity Cruises, I will continue to inspire and encourage many others. I feel very blessed and privileged to be able to name Celebrity Eclipse in one of the UK’s sailing capitals."

Pontin is currently mounting her next big challenge: a full circumnavigation of the world (30,000 miles), with a planned departure from London in October 2011 to raise funds for, and global awareness of, breast cancer. Her team will be comprised of a small number of experienced sailors, combined with a crew of 42 selected members of the public, all of whom have had a very personal relationship with breast cancer. And, on April 24, as part of the Celebrity Eclipse naming celebrations, the first “Celebrity Sunwalk” sponsored by Celebrity Cruises will see thousands of women, men and families walking through Southampton in decorated bras helping to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer. The walk will begin and end in Mayflower Park, where Celebrity Eclipse will create a sensational backdrop for visitors while they watch the live broadcast of the ceremony on a big screen.

Celebrity Eclipse enters service April 26 from Southampton on a 3-night Paris (Le Havre) cruise, then returns to Southampton to embark on the ship’s official maiden voyage departing April 29 with a short 4-night cruise to Cork (Cobh), Ireland. The ship will present a series of Mediterranean and Russia and Scandinavian cruises throughout the summer, and will offer Caribbean sailings from Fort Lauderdale, FL, beginning this winter. For more information, call your travel agent, dial 1-800-437-3111 or visit www.celebritycruises.com.

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Spring into Fall as MSC Offers $200 Shipboard Credit with Canada/New England Cruises

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, April 12: Guests booking a fall foliage cruise with MSC Cruises by May 30 receive a shipboard credit of up to $200 per stateroom for use on Canada/New England 2010 cruises onboard MSC Poesia. U.S. and Canadian guests departing on cruises from New York City or Quebec City on these inaugural Canada/New England cruises receive up to a $100 shipboard credit per person (maximum of $200 per stateroom). Vacationers will discover the colonial history of the New England coast, experience the French charm of Quebec, and explore the quaint ships and beauty of Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia.

The shipboard credit can be used on 6, 7, 9, 10, 13, 14, 17, and 19-night Canada/New England cruises. Highlights of some cruises include:

• 7-night: “Scenic Splendors of Fall,” Oct 2, New York City to Quebec City calling in New York, New York; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Corner Brook, Newfoundland; and Quebec City, Quebec;
• 10-night: “Dazzling Fall Foliage,” Sept 22, roundtrip from New York City calling in New York, New York; Sydney, Nova Scotia; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Quebec City, Quebec; Halifax, Nova Scotia; and Newport, Rhode Island;
• 14-night: “Autumn Along the Atlantic Shores,” Oct 2, roundtrip from New York City calling in Halifax, Nova Scotia; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Quebec City, Quebec; Sydney, Nova Scotia; Bar Harbor, Maine; and Newport, Rhode Island;
• 14-night: “Autumn Leaves and Lighthouses,” Oct 9, roundtrip from Quebec calling in Quebec City, Quebec; Sydney, Nova Scotia; Bar Harbor, Maine; Boston, Massachusetts; Newport, Rhode Island; New York, New York; Halifax, Nova Scotia; and Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.

Extended-stay hotel packages are available. For more information about MSC Cruises, visit www.MSCCruisesUSA.com, call 877-665-4655, or contact a local travel professional.

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Cruise West Offers $2,500 VISA Gift Card Promo

Seattle, WA, April 12: Expand the mind and enrich the soul on an unforgettable European journey with Cruise West and receive a choice of a free $2,500 VISA gift card or apply the same savings towards the cruise fare. Book and pay in full by May 28, 2010, for any of the nine European adventures from the 2010 Voyages of the Great Explorers series to take advantage of the promotion. Cruise West, the world’s leading provider of small-ship explorations to the most fascinating destinations on earth, is offering nine distinct voyages in Europe ranging from 12- to 19-nights aboard the 60-suite Spirit of Oceanus. Exciting itineraries include:

· 14-nights Alexandria to Istanbul, departing May 4
· 14-nights Istanbul to Venice, departing May 17
· 12-nights Venice to Valletta, departing May 30
· 13-nights Valletta to Rome, departing June 10
· 13-nights Rome to Barcelona, departing June 22
· 16-nights Barcelona to Honfleur, departing July 4
· 19-nights Honfleur to Oslo, departing July 19
· 15-nights Oslo to London, departing Aug 6
· 19-nights London to St. John’s, departing Aug 20

Guests can expect exclusive encounters, included shore excursions at every port and an extraordinary ‘Ultimate Explorers Experience’ designed to bring guests into direct personal contact with fascinating people and cultures. The discovery and learning continues aboard ship as well with expert guest speakers sharing their knowledge through topical presentations. In addition, further exploration by Zodiac to pristine inlets and hard to reach villages fulfill the promise of an unforgettable journey.

Book and pay in full between April 12 and May 28, 2010, for any of the nine 2010 European voyages to receive the $2,500 VISA gift card (in US dollars) or savings towards the cruise fare. Offer is per person and valid on new bookings only. For further details, visit www.CruiseWest.com, call 800-296-8307 or a travel professional.

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Oceania Cruises Partners With ‘Wine Spectator’ Magazine For New Flagship ‘Marina’

MIAMI, April 12: When she debuts in January 2011, Oceania Cruises’ new Marina will feature La Reserve by Wine Spectator, where guests can learn about and sample fine wines selected by the connoisseurs at Wine Spectator magazine. This new wine-tasting center will be home to a series of educational seminars and tastings so guests can better appreciate the nuances of the varietals in the regions where Marina sails. Select evenings during each voyage, seven-course, gourmet tasting menus paired with fine wines will also be offered. Although there is no charge for the food and service, wines are additional.

Situated high atop the ship on Deck 12, La Reserve sports a sophisticated, yacht club décor with seating for 24 guests as well as an al fresco patio boasting panoramic views. As part of the pioneering partnership, the wine list in the ship’s Grand Dining Room will also feature daily red and white wine recommendations from magazine editors which are perfectly paired with the evening’s menu offerings.

“Oceania Cruises is excited to launch this industry-first enrichment program in cooperation with Wine Spectator magazine,” stated Bob Binder, the line’s president. “Marina is truly a ship for epicureans. Complementing our acclaimed cuisine with the ideal wines is the ultimate enrichment for our gourmand guests.”

Oceania Cruises’ new Marina features a total of 10 dining venues – six of which are open-seating, gourmet restaurants – including one by Master Chef Jacques Pépin. Facilities also include a full-service Canyon Ranch® SpaClub and gymnasium, Bon Appétit Culinary Center, swimming pool and hot tubs. Interior design highlights include the Lalique-designed grand lobby, luxurious accommodations by Dakota Jackson as well as Owner’s Suites furnished exclusively in Ralph Lauren Home. For reservations or to order a brochure, contact a travel agent, visit www.OceaniaCruises.com or call toll-free at 800-531-5658.

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Disney Cruise Line & Michelin-starred Chef Create Perfect Pairing with
French-inspired Remy On the Disney Dream

CELEBRATION, FL: In an exquisite, top-deck restaurant with incredible ocean views, Disney Cruise Line debuts Remy – its first-ever premier dining option. With French-inspired, gourmet cuisine by two award-winning chefs, Remy melds classic and contemporary styles in a sophisticated new dining concept exclusively for adults on the Disney Dream.

Chef Arnaud Lallement from l’Assiette Champenoise, a Michelin two-star restaurant just outside Reims, France, and Chef Scott Hunnel from award-winning Victoria & Albert’s at Walt Disney World Resort, are collaborating to create a French-inspired menu featuring superior products and seasonal ingredients sourced from around the world. Master Pastry Chef Erich Herbitschek of Victoria & Albert’s at Walt Disney World Resort and Chef Mattieu Gerard Siegrist of l’Assiette Champenoise will lend their talents to create Remy’s savory breads and delectable dessert offerings. French-trained Chef Patrick Albert, executive chef for Remy, oversees an all-star culinary team that will provide guests with a superb experience and epicurean excellence each day aboard the ship.

“Remy, a first-of-its-kind onboard experience, takes Disney Cruise Line dining to new heights,” said Ozer Balli, vice president, Disney Cruise Line Hotel Operations. “The extraordinary success of Palo on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder encouraged us to create this elegant, upscale and even more intimate dining experience for the Disney Dream.”

Dinner at Remy is a lavish and leisurely affair, starting with a signature chilled Champagne cocktail made tableside, followed by eight to nine small courses complemented by a stellar wine list. Lallement’s cuisine is simple and stylish, such as roasted lobster with cream, and fresh asparagus with black truffles and vin jaune. It earns l’Assiette Champenoise two stars (of a possible three) from Michelin, making the experience “excellent cooking and worth a detour.” Hunnel’s innovative dishes offer small tastes of everything from wild caviar to Kobe beef and Japanese Wagyu strip loin. His cuisine earns Victoria & Albert’s the coveted AAA Five Diamonds, a rating accorded a mere 0.19 percent of restaurants in North America and the Caribbean.

Polished touches at Remy include a tableside trolley for serving international cheeses, decanting stations for wines, and post-prandial coffee service including French press and grand crème. With a subtle nod to the hit Disney•Pixar film “Ratatouille” and its petite French star Remy, the softly lit main dining room with seating for 80 is designed in Art Nouveau style with a palate of soft greens, deep reds and rich gold. The restaurant’s classic French design features graceful sinuous lines on chair backs, etched in glass and in wall treatments, Nouveau-style floral and leaf design in the carpet and warm lighting. The famous Remy character is subtly and artfully integrated into the design.

Tables are elegantly set with Frette linens, Riedel glassware, Christofle silverware and china made exclusively for Remy, with gracious accents such as purse stools for women’s handbags. The attentive serving staff is part of the sophisticated story, dressed in long white aprons, black jackets or burgundy vests, and bow ties. “From the moment our guests walk through the door, they are seamlessly transported to a fine French dining experience,” said Balli.

The private Chef’s Table dining room seats 16 and offers a glimpse into the kitchen. The room is furnished with rich “Ratatouille”-inspired décor – bold red carpet, chairs and drapes with touches of gold, opulent chandeliers, and scenes of Paris on the walls. The private Chef’s Table dining room has its own entrance to the kitchen to allow the chefs easy access, and offers a special multi-course menu.

A glass-walled wine room with marble flooring has seating for up to 16 guests amid more than 900 bottles of wine including a fine rare selection of Old World wines balanced with a solid selection of New World wines. Once dinner is booked and guests are on board, they are invited to meet with a sommelier in Remy’s wine room to taste and pre-select their wines for the evening.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit www.disneycruise.com.

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New Israel Overnight on Crystal Holy Land Cruise

LOS ANGELES, April 10: This fall, ultra-luxury line Crystal Cruises introduces its first ever overnight visit to Ashdod, Israel to its aptly named "Ruins & Relics" Mediterranean itinerary. The expanded call in Israel, along with an overnight stay in Egypt, gives luxury travelers the opportunity to more fully immerse themselves in the ancient cultures of the Holy Land, including such archaeological wonders as the Great Pyramid, King Herod's tomb and Pompeii and Herculaneum. The 12-day cruise aboard Crystal Serenity departs Athens for Rome October 19, also visiting Naples and Sicily, Italy and Valetta, Malta.

Ashore, guests have dozens of options to visit significant historic sites where Christian, Jewish and Islamic religions were founded. Suiting most any interest, Crystal Adventures offer a birds' eye view of Masada or Mount Etna from a helicopter, visits to Israel's Western (formerly Wailing) Wall and Temple Mount, and even three-night excursions to the Rose City of Petra. Archaeology buffs can visit sites including the excavations at Pompeii and Caesarea, the priceless treasures of King Tutankhamen and Athens' lofty Acropolis.

"The destinations featured on this voyage offer more than five millennia of history and culture to explore," says Bill Smith, Crystal's senior vice president of sales and marketing. "Given our guests' penchant for enriching exclusive and unforgettable travel experiences, the additional time to enjoy the rich heritage of the destination is significant."

On board, experts in world affairs, including former White House Press Secretary Marlin Fitzwater, will host enriching presentations and workshops.

Per person, promotional Two-for-One cruise fares include free air transportation from more than 20 North American gateways - free Business Class Air for penthouse guests, and $1,000 per person 'All Inclusive - As You Wish' shipboard credits. For more information or Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit www.crystalcruises.com.

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New Ships in the Old World: Celebrity Cruises' Solstice Class Ships
 to Summer in Europe

MIAMI, April 9: For those who have swooned over Celebrity Cruises' stylish new Solstice-class ships since their introduction in 2008, the year 2011 will be the summer of love. Inspired by its new brand platform, "Designed for you," Celebrity Cruises has created a destination line-up for the summer of 2011 that will place all four of its Solstice-class ships - including Celebrity Silhouette, which will set sail next year - in Europe at the same time, for the first time.

The move marks the return of the widely lauded Celebrity Solstice - the class's flagship vessel - to Europe. Celebrity's 2011 Europe season also will include a series of new 7-night Mediterranean voyages on Celebrity Constellation, which will undergo a series of refreshments inspired by the Solstice-class vessels, later this month. Celebrity's 2011 summer voyages and cruisetours will open for sale beginning tomorrow and continuing through the coming weeks. Celebrity's Captain's Club members can be the first to book voyages on Celebrity Silhouette in Europe and, in a Solstice-class first, in the Caribbean out of Bayonne, New Jersey, in the winter of 2011-12. Celebrity opened its summer Bermuda voyages - 7-night roundtrip sailings from Bayonne, New Jersey, on Celebrity Summit - on March 10.

"We believe our summer destination line-up perfectly complements our commitment to designing cruise vacations around our guests' interests - a commitment that is central to our brand platform, 'Designed for you,'" said Dan Hanrahan, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. "Our guests told us what they wanted in ship design, cuisine, accommodations and innovations, and we designed our Solstice-class ships around those desires. Our guests said that they want to experience that same style on our other ships, and we committed to invest $200 million to "Solsticize," or refit, our Millennium-class ships to reflect some of the Solstice-class venues and design attributes. Now, we have designed a dynamic new cruise calendar valued by discerning cruisers and reflective of the same level of service and sophistication we offer onboard."

When Celebrity Silhouette sets sail for the first time in July 2011, she will offer a unique maiden voyage from Hamburg to Rome and a special nine-night Mediterranean voyage. Then, she will offer a series of 12- and 13-night Holy Land sailings roundtrip out of Rome. Celebrity Equinox also will sail from Rome, offering 10- and 11-night roundtrip Mediterranean cruises.

Celebrity Solstice, offering summer Caribbean voyages out of Fort Lauderdale in the summer of 2010, will return to Europe next summer with a series of 12 night round-trip itineraries out of Barcelona, and Celebrity Eclipse - launching next month in Southampton, England - will offer a similar line-up from that same port in 2011. The 2011 Europe cruises on Celebrity Solstice, and Celebrity Equinox will open for sale to the general public beginning tomorrow; Celebrity Eclipse is already open for booking.

In another Solstice-class first, Celebrity Silhouette will sail from Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey, offering cruisers throughout the Northeast easy driving access to a vacation on the newest ship in the line's award-winning fleet. After Celebrity Silhouette makes her debut in Europe, she will homeport in Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey during the winter of 2011-12, with a series of 12-night Caribbean voyages. Members of Celebrity's loyalty program, Captain's Club, will have exclusive first-booking rights to Celebrity Silhouette's 2011-12 summer and winter itineraries, beginning tomorrow, through April 19. Additional details for Captain's Club members can be found at www.celebritycruises.com/bookingevent. Beginning April 20, the bookings of Celebrity Silhouette will be open to the public.

With a number of guests and travel agents expressing strong interest in having a variety of lengths of Mediterranean sailings, and to showcase its soon-to-be "Solsticized" Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity designed a series of back-to-back seven-night cruises roundtrip out of Athens. Guests can take these separately or as a 14-night cruise. Three sets of the cruises will sail in September and October, and with only one or two sea days per cruise, the itineraries offer guests the opportunity to fully experience the culture-rich "Holy Land" and Greek isles. The summer 2011 season also will mark the first time that Celebrity will have six ships in Europe, with Celebrity Mercury sailing in the region as well. In total, Celebrity will visit 70 total ports in 23 countries in Europe, including six new ports: Leknes (Lofoten) and Longyearbyen, Norway; Bari and La Spezia, Italy; Bodrum, Turkey; and Kotor, Montenegro. Celebrity Constellation's and Celebrity Mercury's 2011 Europe voyages will open in the coming weeks.

Cruisers who wish to make the most of their time in Europe can choose from a variety of cruisetours, land tours offered pre-cruise that are combined with the cruise itself for a longer, more in-depth experience of a destination. In Europe in 2011, Celebrity will offer a new 4-night Greece package on Celebrity Constellation out of Athens. The package features Athens, Delphi (with an overnight in Itea) and Olympia. Additionally, Celebrity will offer a variety of escorted cruisetour packages with colorful, immersive experiences in various cities:

-- A 4-night Madrid and Barcelona package
-- A 5-night Venice, Florence and Rome package
-- A 4-night Paris and London package
-- A 3-night Paris and Amsterdam package

Celebrity has designed a variety of shore excursions to round out the cruise experience by contrasting the new-world style and design of Celebrity's ships with the old-world culture of Europe. Can't-miss examples include:

-- In Ephesus, Turkey, the famous ruins of Ephesus, the largest collection of Roman ruins in the eastern Mediterranean, including the iconic Library of Celsus.
-- In Israel, during itineraries offering overnight stays, two-day overland tours of some of the most sacred sites in the Holy Land, including Bethlehem, Nazareth, the Wailing Wall, and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.
-- In Cairo, Egypt, trips to the awe-inspiring Pyramids and Sphinx. Itineraries with two days in Egypt offer overland tour options to explore further into this fascinating country.
-- In Naples, Italy, a trip to explore either the ruins of Pompeii, a venue that every world explorer should visit at least once in their lifetime, or a trip to the intriguing Isle of Capri, the world's most romantic European spot - or both.
-- In Florence, Italy, tours of Michelangelo's "David," Ghiberti's "Bronze Doors" and numerous architectural wonders including the Ponte Vecchio, Duomo and Pisa's Leaning Tower and Field of Miracles.
-- In Berlin, Germany, a visit to the Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag, which served as Germany's Parliament building until the early 1930s, and Potsdam Square, where the Berlin Wall used to stand.

When Celebrity Cruises' 2011-12 Alaska season opens for sale on Tuesday, April 13, cruisers will find more opportunities to enjoy the breathtaking scenery from the privacy of their stateroom verandas. For the first time, Celebrity Century, which was redesigned to offer an additional 314 verandas in 2006, will sail in Alaska, alongside seasonal favorites Celebrity Millennium and Celebrity Infinity. Replacing Celebrity Mercury in the region will be Celebrity Century, which has 73% more veranda and Concierge Class staterooms. To complement the increase in available verandas, Celebrity has designed a dynamic line-up of itineraries, cruisetours and shore excursions to offer something for every discerning cruiser seeking a premium Alaska vacation experience, including two wine-themed cruises along the Pacific Coast and a new 18-night cruisetour package.

Discerning cruisers seeking the opportunity to experience British Columbia and Alaska in style can choose from a total of 17 repeating 7-night Alaska Hubbard Glacier cruises on Celebrity Century. In addition to the expanded number of veranda staterooms, the 1,814-guest vessel's 2006 "makeover" also included the unveiling of Murano, Celebrity's popular European-style specialty restaurant, and the first "ice" Martini Bar at sea. Visiting Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, and cruising by the awe-inspiring Hubbard Glacier, the cruises sail roundtrip out of Vancouver from May to September. Preceding the season will be an 8-night coastal cruise along the Pacific Coast, sailing from San Diego to Vancouver on May 14.

Celebrity Infinity will continue to offer 7-night Tracy Arm Fjord cruises roundtrip out of Seattle, Washington, from May to Sept of 2011. The itinerary also will include calls at Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway, Alaska, as well as a cruise through the Alaska Inside Passage. Bookending Celebrity Infinity's 7-night pattern will be two 10-night Ultimate Alaska voyages roundtrip out of Seattle on May 10 and September 16.

Building on the popularity of past years, Celebrity Millennium will present 7-night alternating northbound and southbound cruises between Vancouver and Seward, Alaska, from May to early Sept. These cruises will visit Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway, and will cruise by Hubbard Glacier. Celebrity Millennium's 2011 Alaska season will start with a 10-night West Coast wine cruise from San Diego, California, to Vancouver on May 3, featuring an overnight call in San Francisco, followed by a roundtrip 7-night Hubbard Glacier cruise roundtrip out of Vancouver. At the end of its northbound/southbound season, Celebrity Millennium will offer another wine cruise, sailing for 10 nights from Vancouver to San Diego with another overnight call in San Francisco, as well as calls to Monterey and Catalina Island, California.

Celebrity has designed 21 Alaska cruisetours to offer cruisers a variety of land tour experiences like no other into the interior of Alaska. New in 2011 is a vacation-of-a-lifetime experience, "The Ultimate Cruisetour - Canadian Rockies & Alaska," an 18-night package being offered to guests sailing on Celebrity Millennium. The experience features a 6-night pre-cruise Canadian Rockies tour, a seven-night northbound Alaska cruise, and a five-night post-cruise Alaska land tour. Highlights of the Canadian Rockies portion include rail travel through the Rockies, accommodations at Victoria's acclaimed Fairmont Empress, and a two-night stay in Denali. All cruisetours include hotel accommodations, in-tour transportation and baggage transfers, and some meals. In Alaska, Celebrity's local tour directors travel with the guests as they enjoy the luxury of Celebrity's glass-domed Wilderness Express railcars and deluxe motorcoaches.

While sailing on any of Celebrity's Alaska cruises, a wide range of shore excursions have been designed to offer discerning cruisers enriching experiences of Alaska's scenery, culture and history, from train tours to cycling, from culinary extravaganzas to whale-watching. Examples include "Pilot's Choice Glacier Exploration" in Juneau, where guests have an opportunity to take in the beauty of a breathtaking glacier from the viewpoint of a helicopter, and "Wild Alaska: Culinary Extravaganza" in Icy Strait Point, where guests can savor wild Alaskan salmon or locally caught Dungeness crab. Ketchikan's "Saxman Native Village and Lumberjack Show" offers guests a way to experience demonstrations of totem-pole carving and a fun-filled competition by lumberjacks, two hallmarks of Alaskan culture.

For more information on Celebrity's cruises, cruisetours and shore excursions, travelers are encouraged to visit www.celebritycruises.com/sailwithus.

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Holland America Line Captures the Mind, Body and Spirit of its Guests
 with Explore Wellbeing Program

Seattle, WA, April 8: From morning tai chi or Sudoku to afternoon pilates and Wii bowling, Holland America Line’s new Explore Wellbeing program is tailored to guests who want engaging onboard activities while they cruise. Explore Wellbeing offers new directions in sporting events, brain teasers and spa features to intrigue, relax and excite guests.

“Today many of our guests are looking to relax and refresh while on their vacation,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “With Explore Wellbeing we fill the needs of guests who are looking for a healthy session of body or mind enrichment along with other cruise activities.”

Designed for guests of all ages, Explore Wellbeing extends the offerings of the popular Greenhouse Spa to incorporate new entertainment, fitness and sports activities. Leading the program on board is the resident wellness expert - the LifeStylist - who hosts a diverse array of sessions. Guests can start each day with stimulating signature tai chi on deck. They can also can jump into Boot Camp for a challenging regime of exercises, engage in a round of team trivia, sharpen their fairway to green skills with the Golf Challenge, take on fellow guests in Wii Bowling or attend one of many informative Greenhouse Spa seminars. Other activities feature yoga, step classes, additional Wii games, pilates, spinning, Sudoku puzzles, ballroom dance classes and more.

Complementing Explore Wellbeing are other programs hosted by the Explorations Team. The onboard Party Planner will host Explore Food & Entertaining events in the Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine Magazine, significantly expanding the innovative program which brings more than 70 culinary experts on board each year in addition to classes and demonstrations on every sailing. As the destination expert on board under Explore Our World, the Travel Guide will give dynamic multimedia presentations about the ship’s itinerary and be a one-stop source for port-of-call information. The Techspert will offer Explore Technology classes and Digital Workshops powered by Windows, where guests can learn how to blog, work with digital photos, arrange a digital scrapbook, create a slideshow or edit a movie. On cruises lasting 14 days or more, the Librarian also leads a book club.

Explore Wellbeing Augments the Explorations Team
 Today’s premium cruiser seeks enriching experiences and engaging activities. Ever responsive to guests needs, Holland America Line broadened its onboard programming with the Explorations Team — staff with specific, niche expertise ranging from technology to travel, who offer guests a range of “edutainment” programs. Part of the premium line’s ongoing $525 million Signature of Excellence initiative, the Holland America Line Explorations Team is a cohesive team dedicated to enhancing the overall cruise experience. With this team of experts, Holland America Line guests now will have even more memories to take home from their cruise plus the personal experiences that have enriched their lives to share with family and friends.

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

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Seabourn Offers 40 New Shore Excursions in Asia in 2010

MIAMI, April 8: The Yachts of Seabourn has added 40 fascinating new tours in China, Korea, Japan, Thailand and Vietnam, expanding the options for guests exploring the Far East on the company’s year-round 2010 schedule of Asia voyages aboard the intimate, all-suite Seabourn Pride. Among Seabourn’s new offerings are a culinary excursion allowing guests to taste a variety of Japanese delicacies, an introduction to the serene Chinese discipline of tai chi, and a monk-guided visit to a mountainside Buddhist temple in South Korea.

“We have created a collection of small-group shore excursions that will immerse our guests in the local cultures while they sail with us in Asia,” said Pamela C. Conover, Seabourn’s president and CEO. “Guests will do more than simply see Asia,” she continued. “These experiences will add unforgettable chapters to their life stories.”

Highlights of Seabourn’s new shore excursions in Asia include:

-- Dalian, China: Experience traditional Chinese hospitality during face-to-face meetings with local people in their homes, schools and popular squares and other social gathering sites. Or watch young female cadets train for ceremonial equestrian duties at the Dalian Mounted Policewomen Base, mounted on thoroughbred horses retired from Hong Kong’s racetrack.
-- Qingdao, China: Discover the old and new faces of Qingdao, a former German colony and home to Tsingtao, China’s oldest beer brewery, built by Germans in 1903 and today popular throughout the world. See the city’s Olympic Sailing Center and taste freshly-brewed beer directly from the production line. Or learn and practice from a Tai Chi master the Chinese art of Tai Chi, the immensely popular exercise combining thought and action, and reflecting Taoist techniques of stabilizing cosmic energy.
-- Shanghai, China: Stroll some of the many ancient stone and wooden bridges connecting the meandering alleyways of 1,700-year old Zhujiajiao, a venerable “water-town” set amongst lakes and mountains. Or enjoy a delicious “Moveable Feast” including cocktails, dinner, dessert and after-dinner drinks at four highly-acclaimed restaurants located at Number Three on the Bund, one of Shanghai's most outstanding architectural landmarks.
-- Incheon, South Korea: Visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the 155-mile long frontline of the ongoing Korean Cold War. Learn about the war at the DMZ Exhibition Hall, and see the North Korean “propaganda village” built within sight of the South inside the DMZ. Or enjoy shopping for authentic Korean products among the antique stores, art galleries, clothing, paper crafts and ceramics stores at Insadong, a center of Korean culture dating from 1392.
-- Yeosu, South Korea: With a Buddhist monk as a guide, explore the tranquil setting of the mountainside Hwaeomsa Temple, one of Korea’s most famous Buddhist temples. A formal tea ceremony, a lesson in meditation, and a vegetarian lunch prepared at the temple will leave you spiritually refreshed.
-- Mokpo, South Korea: Visit the amazing Bamboo Museum, home to an astonishing collection of thousands of items created from bamboo throughout Korean history. Or delight in a taste of fragrant tea made from the rare white lotus on a visit to the White Lotus Pond of Hoesan.
-- Jeju, South Korea: Watch haenyeos, Korean female free divers, who swim into the depths of the ocean along Jeju’s coastline to gather shellfish and seaweed while simply holding their breath. Visit the Haenyeo Museum to learn more about these traditional “mermaids of Jeju.”
-- Busan, South Korea: Explore the former Silla Kingdom capital of Gyeongju, a "museum without walls" designated by UNESCO as one of the world's ten most historically significant sites, including a visit of the 6th-century Bulguksa Temple and the treasures in the Gyeongju National Museum.
-- Kagoshima, Japan: Taste some of Japan's most revered, gastronomic products including: Kurozu, a traditional rice vinegar; Karukan, a popular sweet made from yams, Satsumaage, a fried fish cake, and sweets made from bean paste. At Hombo Sake Brewery, observe traditional ways of making distilled shochu liquor, and sample matured sakes made not only from rice, but also yams, wheat and plums.
-- Nagasaki, Japan: Discover the origins of beautiful Japanese ceramics in the nearby town of Arita. Or walk though the Samurai Houses of Shimabara Bukeyashiki, where high-ranking warriors lived within the castle grounds.

These and numerous other once-in-a-lifetime adventures are available during Seabourn Pride’s year-round cruises in Asia. Guests can reserve space on Seabourn’s optional shore excursions online prior to their cruise by visiting www.seabourn.com. For a limited time, Seabourn is offering two-for-one cruise fares with included round-trip air, or cruise-only fares featuring savings up to 65 percent. The promotion is valid for Seabourn voyages in Asia departing between June and August 2010. Cruises of 10 to 14 days in Asia aboard Seabourn Pride start from $3,499 cruise-only and $5,400 with air. Inclusive air is available from 40 North American gateways. Certain other restrictions apply. For more information, contact a travel agent, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com

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AARP Selects Norwegian Cruise Line As A Preferred Cruise Line Provider

WASHINGTON, DC: AARP and Norwegian Cruise Line today announced a new relationship that will give AARP members access to special rates on the cruise line’s fleet of Freestyle Cruising ships, including the line’s newest and most innovative ship, Norwegian Epic. Norwegian Cruise Line has the youngest fleet in the industry and sails to destinations around the world, including the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, Hawaii, Bermuda and more.

“AARP members live active lives and want options when it comes to travel,” said John Wider, president and chief executive officer of AARP Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of AARP. “Cruising is popular among our members, so we are pleased to make more options available to them through this new relationship with Norwegian Cruise Line.”

When booking a cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line, AARP members will receive a five percent savings for reservations made at least nine months prior to sailing. Norwegian also is making available a limited time offer to AARP members who book a cruise from April 1 through April 30, 2010 for travel anytime in 2010. The offer includes a $50 on-board credit per stateroom and a 50 percent reduced deposit on select cruises to Bermuda, Canada & New England, Western Mediterranean and the Bahamas from New York.

“When looking at travel options, AARP members should consider the incredible vacation experience that cruising offers,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “Add to that our signature Freestyle Cruising experience, along with the newest, most contemporary ships at sea, and I am confident that AARP members will have the vacation of a lifetime when choosing to sail with us.”

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Freestyle Cruising experience gives guests the opportunity to customize their cruise vacation to suit their needs. This includes the choice of up to 21 restaurants offering traditional and contemporary options and a wide variety of cuisine styles; a variety of amenities including world-class entertainment; and the widest selection of accommodations at sea, including more family-friendly interconnecting staterooms and suites than anyone else.

For more information on Norwegian Cruise Line or to book a cruise, AARP members should call Norwegian at 866-953-1936 or visit www.ncl.com/aarp and provide proof of membership at the time of booking.

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Paul Gauguin Cruises Announces 2011 Calendar of Sailings

BELLEVUE, WA, April 7: Paul Gauguin Cruises, operator of the highest rated and longest continually-sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific, the m/s Paul Gauguin, announces its 2011 sailing schedule. To ensure that every sailing continues to be the cruise of a lifetime, Paul Gauguin Cruises will continue to focus on the exotic regions in which it specializes -- Tahiti, French Polynesia, the Cook Islands, the Society Islands, the Marquesas and Tuamotus -- by adding even more sailings and offering a powerful incentive to come aboard: FREE airfare from Los Angeles, plus 2-for-1 cruise fares on all 2011 sailings.

The m/s Paul Gauguin’s 2011 voyages – all 40 of which are currently open for booking – will highlight the beauty of the South Pacific from the luxurious and spacious accommodations aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin, which underwent a multi-million dollar enhancement in 2009. The ship’s staterooms, public areas and restaurants have been upgraded to reflect the luxurious standard that is characteristic of Paul Gauguin Cruises. Onboard each cruise, marine biologists, environmentalists, naturalists, historians, and special guest lecturers reveal secrets of islands visited, sharing their knowledge and insight to enhance the travel experience.

The 2011 m/s Paul Gauguin sailing schedule will include:

-- Raiatea: the island was once the cultural, religious, royal, and political heart of Polynesia; and was, according to legend, one of Tahiti's most significant archeological sites.
Taha’a: adjacent to Paul Gauguin Cruises’ private Motu Mahana, featuring white sand beaches with swaying palms, crystal-clear waters and gentle breezes, where guests can enjoy with a barbecue lunch serenaded by Polynesian singers.
Bora Bora: immediately recognizable by the basalt tombstone of Mount Otemanu rising from the ocean, this half-atoll, half-mountain is surrounded by a spectacular lagoon and a series of smaller islands.
-- Moorea/Tahiti: covered in an abundance of fresh fruits and flowers, spectacular mountain peaks, peaceful multi-hued lagoons and palm-fringed beaches. Here guests can shop for local crafts, trek on the “Trails of the Ancients,” snorkel one of the world's most beautiful lagoons, or embark on a dolphin-watching expedition with a marine biologist.
Cook Islands: guests will marvel at the contrast of arid Aitutaki, where the ocean is always in view, and Rarotonga, an island of lush valleys and jagged peaks.

With more than 25 years of experience in French Polynesia, the team at Pacific Beachcomber and Paul Gauguin Cruises offers a wealth of knowledge on what to see and do while cruising aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin. The ship provides a myriad of once-in-a-lifetime experiences coupled with a luxurious vessel from which to explore the islands.

Aboard the 5+-star m/s Paul Gauguin —the most highly awarded small ship in the region – guests enjoy blue-ribbon service, spacious accommodations, luxurious amenities, gourmet dining, and Polynesian elegance in a relaxed atmosphere, while immersing themselves in the world’s most enchanting destinations. To view the 2011 Sailing Schedule, you may view the interactive Preview Catalog, complete with sailing dates, pricing, and cabin information. For a coveted reservation on any of the 2011 m/s Paul Gauguin cruise sailings, contact your Professional Travel Agent, call 1-800-848-6172, or visit www.pgcruises.com

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Windstar Cruises Offers WSC Personalized Services
To Enhance and Personalize Windstar Vacations

SEATTLE, April 7: Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world's most treasured destinations, offers WSC Personalized Services designed to enhance and personalize Windstar vacations.

Windstar guests now have a variety of services available to them to complement their cruise, allowing them to experience a cruise vacation that is personalized to their needs. WSC Personalized Services is a guest's personal concierge, assisting them with pre- or post-cruise arrangements along with any requests during their cruise.

WSC Personalized Services can provide:
-- Hotel accommodations
-- Villas/apartments rentals
-- Car rentals
-- Rail tickets
-- Transportation
-- Bike rentals
-- Golf tee times
-- Car and driver
-- Private tours
-- Private guides
-- Sightseeing
-- Event tickets
-- City stopovers
-- Customized shore excursions
-- Restaurant reservations
-- Airline arrangements
-- Transfers
-- Group services
-- Pre- and post-cruise packages

WSC Personalized Services utilizes an extensive list of local merchants and service providers where Windstar sails. The WSC Personalized Services team is well-traveled and experienced in concierge services and the art of trip planning and works within a guest's budget to fulfill their requests. For more information on WSC Personalized Services, please visit www.windstarps.com.

About Windstar Cruises: 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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Azamara Club Cruises, Celebrity Cruises & Royal Caribbean to Air
2010 FIFA World Cup™ Matches Across Fleets

MIAMI, April 07: In some parts of the world, it’s called football. In others, it’s known as soccer. But across the globe, consumers love the sport, which culminates with the FIFA World Cup™. So, to ensure their guests won’t miss a minute of the action, even while vacationing, Azamara Club Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International have obtained rights to air all games of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ while at sea in international waters on every ship across the three fleets.

Guests sailing with any of the three cruise lines during the entire series of the matches – airing from June 11 to July 11, 2010 – can watch them in the comfort of their staterooms, and in designated onboard lounges.* FIFA World Cup fans can combine a memorable Azamara Club Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International vacation and still cheer on their team with fellow likeminded guests in special onboard programs that include themed activities, food and beverages. On some ships, guests also can participate in onboard tournaments, workshops and other special 2010 FIFA World Cup-themed activities.

*Games featured for public viewing will vary by ship itinerary, time zone & demographics.

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Voyages to Antiquity...5,000 Years of History...Two Fascinating Weeks

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, April 7:yages to Antiquity, the new destination cruise line (from the founder of Orient Lines), exploring the cradle of ancient civilizations of the Mediterranean, is offering incredible value to guests booking during the inaugural season. In addition to a host of included amenities during each sailing, such as complimentary shore excursions, gratuities, wine with dinner, an interactive guest lecture program and transfers and porterage to and from the ship for air/sea guests, Voyage to Antiquity is now offering extraordinary savings on a limited number of voyages during the Inaugural season:

-- No single supplement (excluding categories A, B & E)
-- Free air from more than 70 North American Gateways
-- $1,000 stateroom savings (double occupancy)
-- One category upgrade (within category ranges N-I and G-D)
-- Free two-night pre cruise hotel stay (with purchase of category G and above)

The Inaugural savings program is applicable for the following 14 night sailings:

-- A Voyage Through Byzantium, June 28 from Istanbul to Athens
-- Greek and Sicilian Treasures, July 26 from Athens to Rome
-- The Magic of Sicily and Pompeii, August 9 from Rome to Venice
-- Venetian Empire and Dalmatian Coast, August 23 from Venice to Athens

Inspired by The Middle Sea, authored by Lord John Julius Norwich, Voyages to Antiquity was created to offer sophisticated travelers an unparalleled destination immersion and educational experience combining the very best in cultural travel in a tranquil, informal atmosphere. The inaugural season, beginning May 2010, features 9 itineraries (16 departures) focused entirely on the Mediterranean, Adriatic and Aegean Seas as well as North Africa and the Red Sea.

The Aegean Odyssey is currently under undergoing extensive refurbishment to reduce capacity from 570 to 380 guests, featuring 82 brand new (200-500 sq. foot) staterooms and suites, of which 42 have balconies. Additionally, the ship features enhancements to all public rooms, particularly the Spa and Terrace dining venues and redecorations ship wide. Voyages to Antiquity offers boutique-style cruising with a "smart casual" environment free of nightclubs, casinos or formal nights. The experience is enhanced by friendly Filipino service and open seating dining in three venues featuring continental cuisine augmented by regional foods and wines obtained during each voyage.

For more information about Voyages To Antiquity, call (877) 398-1460 or visit www.voyagestoantiquity.com.

* All savings are capacity controlled, subject to availability and may be withdrawn.

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Pillow Top With Gel, Chamomile Highlights Luxurious New Bedding on Oceania Cruises

MIAMI, April 6: Oceania Cruises took a page from the world’s top hotels when they outfitted their staterooms and suites with “Tranquility Beds” offering the ultimate in pillow-top comfort. Seven years later, the pioneering cruise line has upped the ante with the launching of its new “Prestige Tranquility Beds.”

Each mattress is composed of 400 encapsulated springs in seven zones covered by two inches of memory foam. A two-inch thick, “pillow top” cushion filled with gel and wrapped
in Chamomile-infused fiber tops the bed. The gel top is more luxuriant in feel than conventional foam and chamomile is known to aid in inducing relaxation.

The new Prestige Tranquility Beds will be dressed with 1,000-thread-count, Egyptian cotton linens and a plush down comforter. As an added enhancement, guests in higher-category accommodations can complement their mattress with one of four Prestige Tranquility Pillows. The signature pillows are wrapped in Chamomile-infused fiber and stuffed with goose down, memory foam and gel, memory foam, or hypo-allergenic fiber fill.

“Cuisine, service and comfort are the three pillars of the Oceania Cruises’ brand,” stated Bob Binder, the line’s president. “The new Prestige Tranquility Beds will offer the most comfortable, luxurious sleep experience at sea.”

Prestige Tranquility Beds will make their debut on the cruise ship Nautica in fall 2010, followed by Regatta, Insignia and the brand new Marina in 2011. For reservations or to order a brochure, contact a travel agent, visit www.OceaniaCruises.com or call toll-free at 800-531-5658.

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Celebrity Cruises To Present 'Celebrity iLounge' on
Celebrity Solstice & Celebrity Summit

MIAMI, April 6: Just two months ago, in a vivid reinforcement of its new brand platform, "Designed for you," Celebrity Cruises announced plans to introduce on Celebrity Eclipse - the third in Celebrity Cruises' stylish Solstice Class fleet of ships - the first "Celebrity iLounge." The announcement met with such positive response from guests, travel agents and press that today, the brand announced plans to introduce the hip, modern lounge on Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Summit next month.

Dubbed by members of the press as "a hipster haven," "a nifty app for tech junkies," and an illustration of "how much thought some cruise lines are putting into their Internet offerings, while others treat it as an afterthought," the Celebrity iLounge on Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Summit will - as on Celebrity Eclipse - offer what the line's guests said they wanted most in an Internet cafe: easy access to the Internet, inspiring classes and new products.

The Celebrity iLounge on each ship will consist of three main areas: a series of contemporary MacBook® workstations where guests can check their e-mail, retain their social media connections, or print boarding passes; a retail space offering cruisers the opportunity to check out the latest MacBooks, iPods® and accessories; and an enrichment center where certified staff will offer guests tips on Mac or iPod® usage.

"Our 'Designed for you' brand platform is built on Celebrity's commitment to listen to our guests and offer experiences and programs inspired by them," said Celebrity's President and CEO Dan Hanrahan. "The reaction we received after announcing the new venue on Celebrity Eclipse made it clear that our guests would appreciate more opportunities to experience the Celebrity iLounge, and now, they can do that while sailing year-round in the Caribbean on our stunning Celebrity Solstice, or while visiting the sophisticated island of Bermuda on Celebrity Summit."

Cruisers themselves can become more sophisticated with new applications for creatively preserving meaningful vacation moments. Within the "Discover" component of its "Celebrity Life" series of inspiring enrichment and entertainment experiences, Celebrity will offer in each Celebrity iLounge a series of engaging new courses, including movie editing and web design, through programs including iPhoto®, iMovie®, iDVD® and iWeb®. And Celebrity's certified staffers will be well-equipped to assist, having completed more than 125 hours of training in operating systems, applications and products.

Technophiles and collectors of cool merchandise alike will find the Celebrity iLounge an enticing venue. As an Authorized Apple Reseller, Celebrity will offer a variety of products in each Celebrity iLounge for guests to purchase, including iPods, MacBooks and essential accessories.

Located on deck six of Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Eclipse, the Celebrity iLounge will house the 26 MacBook Pros, classroom and retail area, in addition to display pods, a 56-inch flat-screen TV for use during classes, and an accessible workstation. On Celebrity Summit, the Celebrity iLounge will replace the current computer classroom on deck six, with the same new products and technologies as on Celebrity Eclipse and Celebrity Solstice. Even the "Online@Celebrity" cybercafe on deck four of Celebrity Summit will be retrofitted with entirely new MacBook workstations. The new Celebrity iLounge will be 'live' on Celebrity Summit by May 16, on Celebrity Solstice by May 30, and on April 26 on Celebrity Eclipse, when the new ship enters service. The Celebrity iLounge also will be presented on Celebrity Silhouette, which launches in 2011, and the fifth ship in the Solstice Class fleet, which sets sail in 2012.

Celebrity Cruises is designed for discerning cruisers, with modern, sophisticated environments, impeccable service, enriching and inspiring onboard programs, and world-class cuisine. The ultimate in premium cruising, Celebrity sails in Alaska, Bermuda, California, Canada/New England, Europe, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal, South America, and year-round in the Caribbean and the Galapagos Islands. Celebrity also offers immersive cruisetour experiences in Alaska, Canada, Europe and South America. Celebrity's fleet currently consists of nine ships. Its $3.7-billion investment in building five stylish Solstice Class ships between 2008-2012 represents the largest newbuild commitment for a single brand in industry history. For more information, call your travel agent, dial 1-800-437-3111 or visit www.celebritycruises.com.

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Seabourn’s One-Week Sale Offers Two-For-One, Air-Inclusive Fares,
or 65% Cruise-Only Savings

MIAMI, April 5: For one week only, travelers looking to cruise this summer or fall aboard the intimate, all-suite Yachts of Seabourn can choose how they’d like to save. Seabourn’s one-week sale offers two different ways to save: either two-for-one cruise fares with included round-trip air, or cruise-only fares featuring savings up to 65% and fares from $2,499 for seven days.

“A Seabourn yachting vacation has always been about quality, personalization and choice,” said Pamela Conover, Seabourn’s president and CEO. “And when you can get Seabourn quality at these fares, and even choose how you want to save, the value is simply unbeatable.”

To qualify, bookings must be made between Monday, April 5, and close of business on Monday, April 12, 2010. The offers apply to 27 cruises ranging in length from seven to 14 days, and departing between June and August 2010. Seabourn’s award-winning fleet is renowned for providing spacious, ocean-view suites, unmatched personalized service, superb cuisine and exceptional experiences in the most desirable destinations on earth.

Seven-day Mediterranean cruises aboard Seabourn Spirit, Seabourn Legend, and Seabourn Odyssey begin from $2,499 per person for cruise-only, or $3,550 with inclusive air. Nine-to-12-day voyages on the brand new Seabourn Sojourn in Northern Europe start from $4,999 cruise-only or $6,400 with inclusive air. Cruises of 10 to 14 days in Asia aboard Seabourn Pride start from $3,499 cruise-only and $5,400 with air. Inclusive air is available from 40 North American gateways. All fares are per person, based on double occupancy. For more information on itineraries and the sale, contact a travel agent, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com.

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MSC Cruises Sends Additional Ship to South Africa for 2010/11 Summer Cruise Season

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, April 1: MSC announced it will be operating two cruise ships simultaneously out of South Africa during the upcoming 2010/11 season in order to meet increased market demand and offer variety to the South African cruise market. The decision to operate two ships simultaneously shows MSC Cruises’ commitment to the South African market. MSC Cruises will also make important investments into improving embarkation facilities at the Port of Durban as well as developing and enhancing areas of Portuguese Island in Mozambique.

MSC Sinfonia, with a capacity of 1,544 guests, has enjoyed a highly successful maiden season operating out of Durban. She returns for a second extended cruise season from Nov 2010 until May 2011. MSC Melody, with a capacity of 1,064 guests, accompanies her to the South African market.

MSC Sinfonia will continue its itinerary in and around the Indian Ocean islands while MSC Melody will offer South African and international travelers new and varied cruise options and experiences. Itineraries will feature cruises from Cape Town and offer longer cruises in Durban with ports of call in Madascar, Mauritius, Reunion, and Seychelles.

Stefano Vigoriti, newly appointed managing director of MSC Cruises in South Africa, said, “The introduction of a second vessel will increase our capacity to over 100,000 guests for the season providing the general public, and especially the conference and incentive corporate market, greater options, competitive pricing, and more destinations from which to choose.”

For more information about MSC Cruises, visit www.msccruisesusa.com, call 877-665-4655, or contact a local travel professional. 

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