Cruise West Offers 2011 Cruises to Patagonia

(March 9, 2010) – Cruise West (www.cruisewest.com), the world’s leading provider of small-ship explorations to the most fascinating destinations on earth, ventures to rugged and mysterious Patagonia in 2011 with four departures aboard the spacious 64-cabin mv Via Australis. The new 8- or 10- night journey highlights hotspots in Chile by land and cruising through renowned channels, scenic bays and glaciated fjords from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas. Save $600 per person by paying in full by April 30, 2010.

Patagonia is like no other place on earth offering impressive landscapes, beautiful vegetation and a variety of marine mammals and wildlife. The journey includes two nights in the thriving city of Santiago where guests will partake on a private walking tour, lively folkloric dinner show and a full day touring Casablanca Valley, one of Chile’s supreme wine regions, and historic Valparaiso, once the residence of poet Pablo Neruda. Board the mv Via Australis in Punta Arenas, an included flight away, and head out to sea on a custom-designed 5-night voyage, cruising through the Strait of Magellan and Beagle Channel that separates the islands of the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago, making a stop at Magdalena Island to visit the immense colony of Magellanic Penguins.

Continue onto Ainsworth Bay located inside the Alberto De Agostini National Park that offers a sun-polar Magellanic forest, and if the timing is right, elephant seals lounging on the beach; explore a scenic amphitheatre of glaciers via Zodiacs in Brookes Bay; and search for marine mammals around Carlos III Island and Rupert Inlet, known for its unique biodiversity. After navigating across Desolation Bay en route Pia Fjord, explore smaller inlets by Zodiac, stopping to hike to a look out point offering spectacular views of the entire glacier tongue of Pia Glacier.

Last day of exploration includes majestic ‘Glacier Alley;’ Cape Horn National Park, declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2005; and Wulaia Bay, once the site of the largest Yamana aboriginal settlement. Disembark in Ushuaia and continue by plane to Argentina’s capital city of Buenos Aires for one last night of fun including a farewell Tango dinner show and city tour.

The 10-night program includes two extra nights in Puerto Natales with private escorted tours of majestic Torres Del Paine National Park and Milodon Cave, where in 1895 the remains of extinct animals such as the Sabre Tooth Tiger and the Milodon (giant sloths) were found.

Choose from four departure dates: January 26, 31; February 5 and 10, 2011. Prices start at $6,095 per person for the 8-night and $6,795 for the 10-night program, before savings, and include internal flights, all excursions and hotel nights as listed. Save $600 per person by paying in full by April 30, 2010. Note the journey operates one-way between Santiago and Buenos Aires or reverse, depending on departure date.

Princess Unveils 2011 European Season

March 10, 2010 – Princess Cruises has unveiled its most extensive Europe season ever for 2011, with more ships, departure choices and itinerary options than in previous years. In total, seven vessels will offer 42 itinerary choices, including seven new routes, with calls at more than 135 ports.

More than half of these ports feature access to notable attractions designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These remarkable places that make up the planet’s cultural and natural heritage range from Italy’s Amalfi Coast and the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg to the birthplace of Apollo on the island of Delos (from Mykonos) and the 16th-century Suleymaniye Mosque (in Istanbul).

In addition, Princess has enhanced overnight offerings to give passengers extra time in fascinating ports throughout Europe, such as Venice , Istanbul , St. Petersburg , Alexandria , Dublin and Edinburgh on various routes.

The line’s 2011 program includes seven new itineraries, offering fresh vacation opportunities in each major cruise region. Among the new routes are an expanded 11-day Scandinavia & Russia itinerary featuring calls in ports such as Oslo , Berlin , Stockholm and a two-day stay in St. Petersburg . The season also features new seven-day Interlude voyages that can be combined for longer sailings, visiting boutique ports in the Mediterranean .

“As a leader in Europe cruises we constantly aim to design an intriguing range of vacation choices, but next year our lineup may really challenge passengers to choose among some outstanding options,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “Whether they want the amenities of a large ship or the intimate experience of a smaller vessel; a short, seven-day getaway or an extended adventure over several weeks, there’s a Princess cruise to match.”

The 2011 Europe program ships and routes:

• Ruby Princess returns with the line’s signature 12-day Grand Mediterranean itinerary and Greek Isles routes.
• Star Princess also cruises the Mediterranean, taking over the 12-day Egypt , Greek Isles and Mediterranean itineraries.
• Emerald Princess returns to Europe with a new 11-day Scandinavia & Russia itinerary including the best of the Baltic region with Princess’ signature two-day experience in St. Petersburg
• Crown Princess sails to the British Isles on two 12-day itinerary options, as well voyages to Norway and Iceland from seven to 12 days.
• Grand Princess offers three new itineraries featuring a selection of Mediterranean and Northern Europe voyages, ranging from seven to 17 days.
• The intimate Ocean Princess offers new seven-day Greek Isles and Mediterranean Interlude itineraries that can be combined into 14-day or longer voyages, giving passengers the opportunity to explore boutique ports such as Cephalonia in Greece, and Koper, Slovenia.
• Small sister ship Pacific Princess sails to the Holy Land and Black Sea, and offers experiences in classic destinations such as Egypt , Israel , Ukraine , Greece and Turkey

Overnight Calls and Two-Day Experiences – More itineraries than ever offer passengers more time to explore port highlights and enjoy a more immersive experience. All 12-day Mediterranean voyages have been enhanced to include an overnight stay in Venice , while the 12-day Black Sea & Crimean Coasts route now features an overnight stay in Istanbul . Passengers on 12-day Holy Land voyages can explore more of Egypt and Israel , with calls in two ports in each country. In Northern Europe, overnight calls in Dublin and Edinburgh are featured on select voyages, and 11-day Scandinavia & Russia sailings offer two full days in St. Petersburg on every voyage.

New ports – Princess ships will add five new European ports this season, including the charming city of Aahus, home to the tallest cathedral in Denmark; Motril (for Grenada), on Spain’s beautiful coast of Andalusia and within reach of the stunning Alhambra palace; the Mediterranean port of Sete, France; the resort city of Aghios Nikolaos on Crete (Greece), and cosmopolitan Antwerp, Belgium.

Mediterranean and Greek Isles – Princess ships offer 21 different itineraries through the storied waters of the Mediterranean , including six new routes. Both Ruby Princess and Star Princess will offer the line’s signature Grand Mediterranean and Greek Isles itineraries, as well as Egypt & Aegean sailings, giving passengers 30 different cruises to choose from in the Mediterranean . Grand Princess offers roundtrip voyages from Southampton to the Western Mediterranean , including new Canary Isles and Mediterranean & Adriatic sailings.

Seven-Day Interlude Voyages – Ocean Princess offers the small ship experience on a number of Mediterranean options, including new week-long Interlude voyages that are specially designed so they can be combined into longer 14- or 21-day sailings without repeating a port.

Holy Land and Black Sea – Pacific Princess also offers an intimate cruise experience as it sails to the unforgettable ports of the Holy Land , plus Mediterranean Collection voyages and a Black Sea & Crimean Coasts itinerary.

Scandinavia & Russia – Emerald Princess returns to the Baltic region to debut a rich new 11-day itinerary that features the best of the region with calls in Oslo, the new port of Aarhous (Denmark), Berlin, Tallinn, a two-day experience in St. Petersburg, Helsinki, and Stockholm.

Northern Europe – A selection of 14 different itinerary options throughout Northern Europe offers passengers cruise options to the British Isles, Norwegian fjords, and even Iceland and Greenland. A new seven-day Norwegian Fjords Interlude adds to a lineup that includes sailings from Southampton aboard Crown Princess, Grand Princess and Ocean Princess; plus the opportunity to travel on top-of-the-world voyages aboard Ocean Princess to explore the beauty of Iceland and Greenland, or sail on a week-long Ireland & Scotland Interlude.

Princess also offers three European cruisetours which combine certain sailings with a fully-escorted land tour to explore the Italian destinations of Rome and Florence , Ireland ’s wild west and the breathtaking Ring of Kerry, or the imperial treasures in Budapest , Vienna , Prague and Berlin .

The 2011 Princess Europe season opens for bookings on March 25, 2010. Launch Fares for seven-day Europe sailings start at $1,199 per person, based on double occupancy.


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NOTE:

For Information on Cruises From New York Check out www.NYCruiseInfo.com.

For Information on Cruises From Baltimore, Norfolk, Philadelphia, Boston, Quebec, Montreal and the Great Lakes - Check out www.NortheastCruiseGuide.com.

Royal Caribbean Announces 2011 Cruise Schedule from the Northeast

March 11, 2010 – Royal Caribbean International today announced its roster of 2011-12 Bermuda, Caribbean, and Canada and New England cruises, ranging from five- to 12-night itineraries sailing from three convenient U.S. Northeast cruise ports. In 2011, Enchantment of the Seas will continue year-round service from Baltimore – its second consecutive year; for the fifth consecutive year, Explorer of the Seas will remain the most innovative cruise ship in the New York City metropolitan area, sailing year-round from Cape Liberty in Bayonne, N.J.; and Jewel of the Seas will offer its eighth short season from Boston. Royal Caribbean’s 2011-12 Bermuda, Caribbean and Canada and New England cruises from the Northeast U.S. are open for booking.

“Whether for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, Royal Caribbean offers the best value for vacationers in the Northeast,” said Betsy O’Rourke, senior vice president of Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. “Guests will enjoy exciting vacations on a variety of compelling itineraries that sail from convenient, local home ports. Our innovative cruise ships and award-winning onboard programming offer guests of all ages the opportunity to enjoy their own ‘Why Not?’ moments.”

Vacationers can take in the breathtaking seasonal color of Canada and New England on 16 Royal Caribbean voyages in fall 2011. Jewel of the Seas will sail a seven-night itinerary, with calls at Portland and Bar Harbor, Me.; St. John, New Brunswick; and Halifax, Nova Scotia. Vacationers also can choose longer, nine-night itineraries aboard Explorer of the Seas and Enchantment of the Seas, which include Boston as a port of call.

In the summer and autumn seasons, vacationers have a choice of two ships sailing from convenient local home ports to Bermuda and the Caribbean. From Cape Liberty, Explorer of the Seas will alternate a five-night Bermuda and a nine-night Bermuda and Caribbean itinerary. Enchantment of the Seas will alternate a five-night Bermuda and a nine-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary from Baltimore. Both ships’ short Bermuda itineraries include an overnight in King’s Wharf, enabling guests to enjoy the island’s nightlife at their leisure. Both ships also will feature seven-night winter and Easter holiday sailings, with port calls at Port Canaveral, Fla.; Nassau, Bahamas and CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island paradise.

During the 2011-12 winter months, vacationers also have choices of longer cruises to the warm waters of the Caribbean. Explorer of the Seas will alternate 10-night Eastern Caribbean and 11-night Southern Caribbean itineraries from Cape Liberty, while Enchantment of the Seas will alternate nine-night Bahamas and 12-night Southern Caribbean itineraries from Baltimore. Most Caribbean itineraries also will include a call to Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private beach destination on the northern coast of Haiti.

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NOTE:

For Information on Cruises From New York Check out www.NYCruiseInfo.com.

For Information on Cruises From Baltimore, Norfolk, Philadelphia, Boston, Quebec, Montreal and the Great Lakes - Check out www.NortheastCruiseGuide.com.

Voyages of Discovery Offers Discounts on Select Sailings

(Mar 15, 2010) -- Destination specialist Voyages of Discovery has expanded its Summer 2010 Book Inside ~ Sail Outside promotion to include the recently announced Winter 2010/11 South America program. The Winter 2010/11 brochure will be released the week of Mar 15, and a customizable pdf of the brochure is available on the line’s website.

mv Discovery will embark on its first-ever circumnavigation of South America in January 2011, with cruises and cruise combinations from 15 to 80 nights. Early Booking savings up to 38% are available, along with free and reduced air add-ons from the line’s 26 North American gateway cities.

The South American deployment continues the line’s expansion of winter itineraries following six seasons in Antarctica. Currently, the 650-passenger Discovery is sailing the Indian Ocean visiting South Africa, en route to the Red and Black Seas and finally Harwich (London) to begin the Summer Northern Waters cruise season.

Mark Flager, vice president of sales, marketing and passenger services, said “Our Summer 2010 Book Inside ~ Sail Outside program has been so successful, we wanted to expand it to include the upcoming Winter South America program.” Guests who book an inside category N or M by June 1 will be upgraded to oceanview category K or J respectively.

The 80-night Grand South America Discovery cruisetour sails roundtrip from Bridgetown, Barbados, on Jan. 3 and includes a three-night post-cruise hotel stay in Bridgetown. Fares for the cruise begin at $12,429 per person, double occupancy, and include free air add-ons from Voyages of Discovery’s Eastern air gateways.

The season begins with a 20-night “Discovery of the New World” transatlantic crossing from Malaga to Barbados, sailing Nov. 18, with calls at Cadiz, Antigua and St. Kitts, and a three-night post-cruise hotel stay in Bridgetown. Fares start at $2,779 per person, double.

The Winter 2010/11 season also features a selection of pre-, post- and mid-cruise overland tours, including a three-night excursion to the Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires ($1,225 per person) and a two-night mid-cruise excursion visiting Machu Picchu from Callao ($1,315 per person).

Guests also can experience a day trip to the Galapagos Islands from Manta, Ecuador, or a three- or four-night cruise around the islands on the 100-passenger Galapagos Explorer II. The day trip to the Galapagos is $809 per person and the three-night cruise starts at $2,639 per person for a Classic Suite.

Special rates for single travelers are also available. Discovery Club members enjoy an additional 5% savings.

Guests and travel agents are able to view these cruises now by visiting the website for itineraries and pricing. Voyages of Discovery’s website features videos of each itinerary; Winter 2010/11 programs will be available shortly at www.voyagesofdiscovery.com.

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NOTE:

For Information on Cruises From New York Check out www.NYCruiseInfo.com.

For Information on Cruises From Baltimore, Norfolk, Philadelphia, Boston, Quebec, Montreal and the Great Lakes - Check out www.NortheastCruiseGuide.com.

Celebrity Equinox Is Floated out

March 2, 2010 – To witness the next solar eclipse, you have to wait until July 11, 2010. But if you’re in the area of Papenburg, Germany, you can see Celebrity Eclipse right now.

The third in Celebrity Cruises' stylish, $3.7-billion Solstice Class fleet, Celebrity Eclipse showed off her sleek profile Sunday as she emerged for the first time from the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. Celebrity Eclipse will enter service April 26 and, following two "short break" cruises, will offer a series of Canary Islands, Scandinavia/Russia and Spanish Mediterranean sailings roundtrip from Southampton, England. The new vessel will present Caribbean cruises roundtrip from Miami beginning in November.

Oceania Cruise Marina Floated Out

March 1, 2010 – Oceania Cruises celebrated two milestones on Friday, February 26, at the Fincantieri shipyard near Genoa . The building dock for its new 1,258-guest, flagship Marina began filling with water and the first steel was cut for Riviera , a sister ship. Marina is scheduled to sail her maiden voyage on January 22, 2011; plans call for Riviera to debut in April 2012.

To celebrate the occasion, more than 50 US and UK travel agents, Oceania Cruises past guests and journalists were invited to don hard hats and preview Marina . Guests even had the chance to partake in the first meal served in “Jacques” – the eponymous restaurant of Master Chef Jacques Pepin – which is one of six, open-seating gourmet restaurants on the new vessels.

The reaction was overwhelmingly positive. “They have done everything right, Marina is already awesome, and will be fabulous,” according to past guests, Don and Betsy Horner. Travel agents were equally astounded. “Frank, Bob and the rest of the team have personally selected unique interior design elements down to the smallest detail – all making the vision of Oceania Cruises come alive,” stated Terri Burke of Cruise Planners.

Oceania Cruises’ Marina and Riviera will offer 629 elegantly appointed and custom-crafted accommodations that are among the largest at sea, ranging from 174 to a palatial 2,000+ square feet. Their top suites, destined to set new industry standards, will feature furnishings from Ralph Lauren Home and designs by Dakota Jackson and Tocar New York .

The sister ships will also feature a Lalique-designed grand lobby, 10 dining venues and several elegant bars and lounges. Facilities will include a full-service Canyon Ranch SpaClub and fitness center, innovative Bon Appetit Culinary Center , swimming pool and hot tubs.

During the festivities, a bottle of prosecco wine was smashed on the hull of Marina by the shipyard “madrina” in a nod to Italian maritime tradition. The official naming ceremony for Marina will take place in Miami ; her godmother has not yet been announced.

In her inaugural year, Marina will cross the Atlantic, transit the Panama Canal twice, visit ports in Mexico , as well as Los Angeles and San Francisco , and call at a host of Caribbean island gems, sailing round-trip from Miami . Marina will sail along the U.S. Eastern Seaboard and call at Bermuda before repositioning to Europe for summer 2011.

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NOTE:

For Information on Cruises From New York Check out www.NYCruiseInfo.com.

For Information on Cruises From Baltimore, Norfolk, Philadelphia, Boston, Quebec, Montreal and the Great Lakes - Check out www.NortheastCruiseGuide.com.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises Open Booking for 2011 Europe and Alasks Cruises

Effective immediately, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is accepting reservations for its collection of cruises from April through November 2011 to Europe, Alaska and beyond. All voyages feature 2-for-1 cruise fares plus early booking savings of up to $3,000 per person*. Moreover, a wide selection of excursions as well as round-trip, Economy Class air, are complimentary for 2011.

The elegant Seven Seas Voyager, Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Navigator – which all recently emerged from a multi-million dollar refurbishment – will discover the Old World in depth on cruises to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Holy Land and Baltic. New North America voyages include cruises beginning or ending in San Francisco and Montreal .

“Since we opened bookings on President’s Day our 2011 spring, summer and fall cruises have been selling briskly,” stated Mark Conroy, Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ president. “Whether discovering Alaska , taking a grand European tour, or catching the leaves changing in New England , our seven- to 21-night voyages highlight the very best these destinations have to offer. Plus the all-inclusive value of Regent Seven Seas Cruises is unrivaled in the luxury and ultra-luxury cruise sectors.”

2011 Program Highlights:

• Seven Seas Mariner will offer seven- to 14-night cruises to storied ports in the Greek Isles and Mediterranean, departing from Barcelona , Rome , Athens , Istanbul and Venice .
• Seven Seas Voyager visits Scandinavian and Russia capitals on seven- to 12-night voyages in June and July before sailing Southern Europe from August through October; three voyages depart from Southampton .
• Explore the wonders of antiquity – Seven Seas Voyager offers two fall voyages that visit Egypt and the Holy Lands via the Suez Canal .
• Seven Seas Navigator operates a series of seven-night Alaska cruises between Vancouver and Seward, plus two new, 12-night Alaska cruises that begin or end in San Francisco . A three-week cruise takes Navigator from San Francisco to New York via the Panama Canal .
• The splendors of Canada and New England will be offered onboard Seven Seas Navigator on two all-new, fall foliage cruises that begin or end in Montreal .
• Round-trip air transportation from 23 North American gateways, including all surcharges, airline fees and government taxes

To receive a brochure or for more information on Regent Seven Seas Cruises, see a professional travel agent, visit www.RSSC.com

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NOTE:

For Information on Cruises From New York Check out www.NYCruiseInfo.com.

For Information on Cruises From Baltimore, Norfolk, Philadelphia, Boston, Quebec, Montreal and the Great Lakes - Check out www.NortheastCruiseGuide.com.

Cunard Announces Senior Officers for Queen Elizabeth

Following the appointment of Captain Christopher Wells as Master of its new Queen Elizabeth, Cunard Line has appointed three more Senior Officers who will be onboard when the ship enters service in October 2010.

Robert Howie, Hotel Manager

Scottish-born Robert Howie brings almost 25 years of experience – on land and at sea – to his new post as Hotel Manager aboard Queen Elizabeth. He held the position of Food and Beverage Manager aboard Queen Mary 2 in the ocean liner’s inaugural year and was later promoted to the prestigious position of Hotel Manager on Cunard’s flagship in 2005. Howie was also the first Hotel Manager onboard Queen Victoria when she entered service in December 2007.

As Hotel Manager, Howie is in charge of all onboard operations: housekeeping, food and beverage, entertainment and human resources. Prior to joining Cunard, he served in senior managerial food and beverage positions for Princess Cruises – both shoreside and onboard – since 1990.

Alastair Greener, Entertainment Director

Alastair Greener from Marlborough, England has a love of both the sea and stage, characteristics that will serve him well as he prepares to join Queen Elizabeth as Entertainment Director. Alastair has also served as Entertainment Director on both Queen Mary 2 and QE2 and was the first Entertainment Director onboard Queen Victoria.

Currently, Greener is the face of the company’s very popular blog, WeAreCunard.com, which he frequently updates with all the latest news about the fleet. Alastair is a member of the British Actors’ Union and has appeared in a wide range of film, theatre and television productions, including the BBC’s “House of Cards” and Warner Brothers’ “Black Beauty.” He was also asked to represent CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) as a media tour spokesperson.

Prior to Cunard, Greener joined Princess Cruises in 1997 and served on eight ships within the fleet.

Hamish Sunter, Staff Captain

Halifax-born Captain Hamish Sunter joined Cunard in 1990 as an officer on Cunard Princess, where he remained for three years. He also obtained his Master’s Certificate at this time. In 1993 he was transferred to QE2 as Junior First Officer and left that ship as Chief Officer in 1998. After two years Sunter was keen to go back to sea, which he did in 2000 with P&O Cruises, sailing as First Officer on several of their ships. He returned to Cunard as Chief Officer on Queen Mary 2 in October 2005. He rejoined QE2 as Staff Captain in December 2006 and has also served in that capacity onboard Queen Victoria.

Colin Black, Chief Engineer

Colin Black hales from East Lothian near Edinburgh, Scotland and joined P&O / Princess Cruises in 1990 as a CPO Mechanic onboard Royal Princess. He subsequently moved up the ranks to First Engineer prior to being given the responsibility for the newbuild of Princess Cruises’ Dawn Princess, followed by Ocean Princess. In 2001 he was based in the Southampton Office working within the newbuild department. In 2002 he moved across to P&O Cruises serving onboard Oriana, Aurora and then the new Arcadia. Black’s first appointment as Chief Engineer was onboard Tahitian Princess in 2006 and her sister ship Pacific Princess.

In 2007 he was assigned as Technical Fleet Services Project Manager for Queen Victoria, thereafter taking over as Chief Engineer.

“Loyal Cunarders will be delighted to find so many familiar faces aboard our newest ship,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. “One of our distinguishing characteristics is the number and frequency of our repeat guests, and they will truly appreciate sailing with these revered and long time Cunard staff members.”

Queen Elizabeth will feature many unique Cunard traditions linking her with her sisters Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria and their predecessors, together with all the modern day luxuries Cunard’s guests have come to expect.

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NOTE:

For Information on Cruises From New York Check out www.NYCruiseInfo.com.

For Information on Cruises From Baltimore, Norfolk, Philadelphia, Boston, Quebec, Montreal and the Great Lakes - Check out www.NortheastCruiseGuide.com.

Cruise West Announces 2011/2012 World Cruises

Cruise West (www.cruisewest.com), the world’s leading provider of small-ship explorations to the most fascinating destinations on earth, announces its second edition of the Voyages of the Great Explorers in 2011/2012. Twenty-five meticulously crafted itineraries from Asia to the Mediterranean, Europe to the Americas and throughout the South Pacific offer the most discerning and well-traveled guests an array of extraordinary choices and authentic experiences. Book and pay in full by April 30, 2010 and save up to $4,600 per person and receive free international air of up to $1,500.

While several ports are repeats from the original 2010 voyages, there are a myriad of exciting new ports in which to have your passport stamped in countries such as Israel, Greece, Morocco, Scotland, Iceland, Greenland, Nicaragua, Peru, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, Vietnam, China and more.

Exclusive encounters, inclusive pricing (except alcohol) and personal touches define the Cruise West experience:

• Shore excursions are included at every port and each voyage will be enhanced by an extraordinary ‘Ultimate Explorers Experience’ (UEE), designed to bring guests into direct personal contact with fascinating people. For instance, guests will have the chance to observe some of the finest dancing in all the South Pacific at Kitava, Trobriand Islands in Papua New Guinea, and participate in the noviciation ceremony and food offering to the monks in Rangoon.
• The discovery and learning continues aboard ship as well with expert guest speakers sharing their knowledge of the people, cultures, and sights from each journey. On average there will be seven to 10 thought provoking lectures on a 14-night itinerary.
• Further exploration by Zodiac to private islands, snorkeling safaris, pristine inlets and hard to reach villages fulfill the promise of an unforgettable journey.

Destinations that only small-ships can access

Each distinct voyage, ranging from 9- to 18- nights, will visit many ports, places and inlets that the larger ships can’t access such as: Ile Rousse, Corsica, the birthplace of Christopher Columbus; the secluded beaches of Belle-Île-en-Mer, France, also known for its dramatic coastline; the pristine coral reefs of isolated Corn Island, Nicaragua - once frequented by Caribbean pirates; Santa Ana, Solomon Islands known for its elaborately decorated “spirit house”; and Kumai, Kalimantan, Borneo to experience dawn in the jungle and observe orangutans.

Explore cultural treasures, archaeological sites, unique landscapes and remote island chains that many people have only dreamed to venture. Sink your teeth into local Turkish delicacies at an exclusive reception featuring a private classical concert at Ephesus; discover the excavations of Capharnaum and the Mount of Beatitudes in Haifa, Israel; visit the exquisite Grand Mosque in Muscat, Oman that can accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers, and travel onto ancient Shiraz and Persepolis via charter flight; and witness the spectacles as Edinburgh’s world-famous Military Tattoo.

The world will see you now

The 2011/2012 Voyages of the Great Explorers 25 unique back-to-back itineraries will circumnavigate the world in 335 days, commencing in Singapore on February 22, 2011 and ending in Hong Kong on January 24, 2012. The 25 voyages will visit six continents, 254 ports of call in 61 countries while crossing 14 seas and oceans, and transiting four canals -- Port Suez/Port Said (Suez Canal transit); Corinth Canal/ Corinth (Mycenae/Nafplion); Kiel Canal; and the Panama Canal.

Prices start at $6,545 per voyage for the 13-night Panama City to Lima. Book and pay in full by April 30, 2010 and save $2,300 to $4,600 per person (depending on the voyage) and receive free international airfare of up to $1,500. Cruise West must reserve the air. Save an additional five percent by booking consecutive voyages. To book a Cruise West voyage for your client or for more information call 1-800-689-1783. Visit the line’s video gallery at http://www.cruisewest.com/world-cruises-videos.

The Spirit of Oceanus

Cruise West’s all-suite Spirit of Oceanus -- recently named by Frommer’s as the Top Small Ship for 2010, is the line’s most spacious and luxurious ship. It offers gracious comfort for 120 select guests. Seven suite categories are offered onboard, including 14 suites with private balconies and one elegantly appointed and spacious Owner’s Suite located on the ship’s Sun Deck.

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NOTE:

For Information on Cruises From New York Check out www.NYCruiseInfo.com.

For Information on Cruises From Baltimore, Norfolk, Philadelphia, Boston, Quebec, Montreal and the Great Lakes - Check out www.NortheastCruiseGuide.com.

Norwegian Epic Undergoes Sea Trials

February 15, 2010 – Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Cruise Line’s largest and most innovative ship to date, returned from her first successful sea trials on Sunday, February 14, 2010, after four days of sailing the Atlantic Ocean for the first time. During the sea trials, 300 technicians and engineers from STX FRANCE SA, along with 30 Norwegian Cruise Line representatives, checked more than 60 different aspects of the ship’s performance by running trials of the vessel’s speed, maneuverability, hydrodynamics and propulsion, amongst others.

“During her first time ever at sea, Norwegian Epic performed above expectations with excellent marine behavior,” said Roberto Martinoli, Norwegian’s president and COO, who was on-board during the sea trials. “All tests were conducted with positive results. She is a beautiful ship with outstanding performance. Now that sea trials are completed, we can concentrate on finishing the ship and showing her to the world in June.”

A second round of sea trials is scheduled for mid-April in order to finalize all tests, including final speed measurement. The 153,000-gross ton, 4,200-passenger ship – the largest ship ever built in Saint-Nazaire – is scheduled for delivery on June 15, 2010.

Following her seven-day transatlantic crossing from Southhampton to New York on June 24, 2010 and inaugural activities in New York and Miami , Norwegian Epic will sail alternating seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami from July 10, 2010 through April 30, 2011. Ports of call on the Eastern Caribbean itinerary include Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas , US Virgin Islands; and Nassau , Bahamas . The Western Caribbean cruises visit Costa Maya , Mexico ; Roatán, Bay Islands , Honduras ; and Cozumel , Mexico . The 2011 cruise season from May-October will have Norwegian Epic sailing a series of seven-day Western Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona . When she returns to Miami on November 5, 2011, she will sail a series of seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises through April 7, 2012.

To book one of these itineraries or for more information on Norwegian Epic, call Norwegian at 866-234-7350, visit http://epic.ncl.com, or contact a travel professional.

Norwegian Epic

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

In addition to world-class entertainment, the 4,200-passenger Norwegian Epic incorporates many innovations including several new types of accommodations – the curved New Wave staterooms; the largest Villas suite complex at sea, comprising 60 suites and villas on two private decks at the top of the ship; and spa and family-friendly accommodations. Kids will have a blast with Nickelodeon at Sea offering Nickelodeon-themed family entertainment and programming including: character meet and greets; interactive game shows; and more.

The ship also boasts unique nightlife options with the first Ice Bar at sea and Spice H₂0 with non-stop entertainment day and night; an expansive Aqua Park with the only tube slide and largest bowl slide at sea -- The Epic Plunge; seven decks of Freestyle Family Fun with highlights including a 33-foot high, 64-foot wide extreme rock climbing wall and the first ever rappelling wall at sea; the most bowling lanes at sea with six in two venues; a mixed-use sports deck with the ability for guests to engage in eight different athletic activities; as well as three separate kids’ and teen activity areas. In addition, Norwegian Epic will offer the next generation of Freestyle Dining with 20 dining choices and 20 bars and lounges.

About Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is the innovator in cruise travel with a 43-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising, most notably with the introduction of Freestyle Cruising which has revolutionized the industry by allowing guests more freedom and flexibility.

Today, Norwegian has the youngest fleet in the industry with 10 purpose-built Freestyle Cruising ships, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed cruise vacation on the newest, most contemporary ships at sea.

Norwegian is presently building Norwegian Epic, the company’s largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship to date, for delivery in summer 2010. Norwegian Cruise Line is the official cruise line of Blue Man Group, debuting for the first time at sea on Norwegian Epic.

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NOTE:

For Information on Cruises From New York Check out www.NYCruiseInfo.com.

For Information on Cruises From Baltimore, Norfolk, Philadelphia, Boston, Quebec, Montreal and the Great Lakes - Check out www.NortheastCruiseGuide.com.

Carnival Glory Undergoes Multi-Million Dollar Refit

New Features Include Adults-Only Retreat, Seaside Theatre LED Screen, 18 New Balconies

MIAMI- (February 15, 2010) -- The 2,974-passenger Carnival Glory has resumed Caribbean service from Miami following a multi-million-dollar renovation that added a host of new facilities and features, including a Serenity adults-only retreat, a 270-square-foot Seaside Theatre poolside LED screen, and a Circle “C” facility for 12- to 14- year olds.

Eighteen new balconies were also incorporated onto existing ocean view staterooms and a new Mongolian wok venue was added to the casual poolside restaurant. Bow-to-stern Wi-Fi access was added, as well.

From February to May, Carnival Glory operates seasonal seven-day cruises from Miami, alternating weekly to the eastern and western Caribbean. Seven-day eastern Caribbean cruises visit Half Moon Cay, St. Thomas, San Juan and Grand Turk, while the western route features Grand Cayman, Isla Roatan, Belize and Cozumel.

The ship will then be deployed to New York where it will offer a series of four- and five-day Atlantic Canada voyages from June 6 – September 6, 2010, followed by a series of seven-day Canada/New England cruises, from September 11 – October 9.

“We are constantly looking for ways to improve and expand our product to deliver fun and memorable vacations to our guests while at the same time offering exceptional value,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival’s president and CEO. “The new Seaside Theatre, adults-only area and Circle ‘C’ facility, which are all available to our guests on a complimentary basis, serve to enhance an already terrific, value-packed vacation choice,” he added.

New Seaside Theatre
Located poolside on Lido Deck is the Carnival Glory’s new “Seaside Theatre,” a massive 270-square-foot LED screen displaying movies, concerts, sporting events, and other programming, including the popular “Morning Show” hosted by the ship’s cruise director. Utilizing the same technology featured in large stadiums and New York’s Times Square, the state-of-the-art entertainment system includes a 70,000-watt sound system, providing concert quality sound, even outdoors.

New Balcony Accommodations
During dry dock, 18 new balconies were added to existing Spa Deck accommodations, creating spacious 220-square-foot verandah staterooms. They are conveniently located next to the ship’s 14,500-square-foot “Spa Carnival” facility offering sophisticated exercise equipment, expansive workout facilities and a variety of soothing European-style treatments.

With the addition of these newly reconfigured staterooms, nearly 40 percent of the Carnival Glory’s 1,487 cabins now feature private balconies.

New Adults-Only Retreat
Another popular feature added during the dry dock is Serenity, a two-level adults-only retreat located forward on Sun Deck and Sky Deck. Designed as an oceangoing oasis for relaxation, with decorative latticework and teak-style decking, this area features different styles of seating, including shaded sun loungers and hammocks, a full bar, and two oversized whirlpools.

Circle “C” Facility for 12- to 14-Year-Olds
A new Circle “C” facility catering to 12- to 14-year-olds has been added as part of the line’s unique offerings for kids. The center features a high-tech sound and lighting system, plasma-screen TVs displaying movies and music videos, a touch-screen jukebox, and gaming pods with the latest video games and consoles.

Dining Enhancements
A new Mongolian wok option was added to the Carnival Glory’s Red Sail casual restaurant located poolside on Lido Deck. At the new venue, guests can select their favorite meat, sauce, vegetables and other ingredients and watch as a chef creates their custom-designed stir fry dish right before their eyes.

Additionally, the Golden dining room, located forward, was reconfigured for Your Time Dining providing guests the option of open seating between 5:45 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. nightly. For additional information and reservations on the Carnival Glory or any other vessel in the “Fun Ship” fleet, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.

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NOTE:

For Information on Cruises From New York Check out www.NYCruiseInfo.com.

For Information on Cruises From Baltimore, Norfolk, Philadelphia, Boston, Quebec, Montreal and the Great Lakes - Check out www.NortheastCruiseGuide.com.

Cruise West 2011 Galapagos Voyages

Cruise West (www.cruisewest.com), the world’s leading provider of small-ship explorations to the most fascinating destinations on earth, has added three additional Galápagos Island departures in 2011 for total of five voyages. Discover the natural paradise that inspired Darwin to rock the scientific world and discover new wonders everyday. Take advantage of the savings -- pay in full by April 30, 2010 and save up to $600 per person.

In the company of naturalist guides, aboard the gracious 50-suite Galápagos Explorer II, sister to ship to the lines Spirit of Oceanus, guests will scout for breaching whales, pink flamingos, blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises, marine iguanas, tiny penguins and flightless cormorants, to name just a few of the many species that call the Galápagos home. Much of this extraordinary wildlife has never developed a fear of man. The stunning wildlife viewing combined with exploring the volcanic shores of the remote islands and relaxing at pristine beaches makes the journey remarkable.

The 9-night journey starts at Latin America’s best-preserved colonial historic center, Quito, with a city tour, welcome dinner at the Theatrum Restaurant & Wine Bar in the National Theater and two included overnights at the centrally located Hilton Colon Quito. Guests continue via plane to San Cristobal Island to board the Galápagos Explorer II for the next 7-nights, where the island adventure begins.

Guests will visit all the ‘hot spots’ to search for the wonderful creatures that Galápagos is known including: the southernmost island Española (Hood) that offers an amazing assortment of wildlife; Santa Cruz to visit the renowned Darwin Station and Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the islands; Rabida island with its startling red sand; desolate yet breathtaking Bartolomé Island that features a tuff cone known as Pinnacle Rock; Santiago (James) Island, the only island where fur seals can be found in the Galápagos; and Fernandina Island, where marine iguanas bask on every plausible surface and penguins can be found diving into the water.

Continue onto Isabela Island with its massive volcanoes and where intrepid sea-goers can snorkel at a cave that boasts a dazzling array of marine wildlife; ending the journey back at Santa Cruz Island to search for the 40 giant tortoises that live in the highlands.

Guests have the option to add a fully guided, post-cruise 5-night Land Tour of Cusco and Machu Picchu. Spend one night in Lima en route to Cusco for two nights to explore the lively markets and significant monuments of the Inca Fortress, Citadel of Ollantaytambo and the Pisac ruins in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Then it’s onto a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to one of the Seven New Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Machu Picchu. Guests will be welcomed to the charming Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel for a two-night stay.

Galápagos cruises depart March 14, 21; August 15, 22; and October 10, 2011. Prices begin at $4,999 per person, double occupancy. Save up to $600 per person by paying in full by April 30, 2010. To book a Cruise West voyage for your client or for more information call 1-800-689-1783.

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NOTE:

For Information on Cruises From New York Check out www.NYCruiseInfo.com.

For Information on Cruises From Baltimore, Norfolk, Philadelphia, Boston, Quebec, Montreal and the Great Lakes - Check out www.NortheastCruiseGuide.com.