Celebrity Cruises To Offer Round Trip Cruises from Istambul

August 12, 2010 – Celebrity Cruises has designed three new 12-night, port-intensive itineraries sailing roundtrip out of Istanbul in the early fall of 2011, aimed at connecting discerning cruisers with the Byzantine city of Istanbul and three new ports of call. The cruises opened for booking today.

Celebrity’s introduction of these new cruises marks the first time the cruise line has offered roundtrip cruises from the city on the famed Bosphorus Strait that connects Asia and Europe, a unique placement that has long intrigued travelers due to its multiple cultures.

Presented on the newly revitalized, 2,034-guest Celebrity Constellation, the “Greek Isles and Turkey” cruises, sailing on September 19 and October 1 and 13, 2011, will each begin with an overnight in port in Istanbul, before spending a day at sea. Then, guests will enjoy stops in Ephesus (Kusadasi), Bodrum and Marmaris, Turkey; Rhodes, Santorini, Athens (Piraeus), Mykonos and Chania (Souda), Crete, Greece, before spending one more day at sea and returning to Istanbul. Bodrum, Marmaris and Chania are new ports for Celebrity Cruises and examples of ways the cruise line is designing unique experiences in exotic destinations to appeal to discerning cruisers.

The Istanbul itineraries will be bookended by Mediterranean sailings taking place on September 7 and October 25, 2011. On September 7, Celebrity Constellation will sail a 12-night itinerary from Amsterdam to Istanbul, featuring visits to Brugges, Belgium; Cherbourg, France; Vigo, Spain; Gibraltar, United Kingdom; Sicily, Italy and Athens. The 11-night October 25 cruise from Istanbul to Barcelona features an overnight stay in port in Istanbul, then visits to Athens; Naples, Rome, and Florence, Italy; Provence, France; and Palma de Mallorca. On November 5, Celebrity Constellation will reposition from Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale, Florida during a 14-night transatlantic voyage, featuring visits to Cartagena, Spain; Gibraltar; Madeira, Portugal; and Tenerife and La Palma, Canary Islands.

Guests who wish to extend their Istanbul experience can combine the October 13 roundtrip Istanbul cruise, the October 25 Istanbul-to-Barcelona cruise and the November 5 transatlantic cruise, without repeating any ports except Athens, for a 37-night extravaganza.

Celebrity Constellation was recently the first Celebrity Cruises vessel to be “Solsticized,” or revitalized to include some of the most popular venues found on the line’s widely-heralded Solstice Class ships, including the tantalizing Tuscan Grille steakhouse; the vibrant creperie, Bistro on Five; a “cool” new ice-topped Martini Bar; the inviting Café al Bacio and Gelateria; Cellarmasters wine bar, complete with the state-of-the-art wine serving systems known as “Enomatics,” allowing guests to select and serve wines 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’ stylish, modern design in every public venue. The revitalization is only part of Celebrity’s Designed for you platform, which – when combined with the brand’s Celebrity Life onboard experiences, more robust Captain’s Club loyalty program, and other brand enhancements – represents a nearly $200-million investment.

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Luxury Operator SilverSea Gues Speakers Ted Koppel and Mary Higgins Clark on Select Sailing

(August 9, 2010) Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises has landed two renowned celebrities from the worlds of journalism and literature to guest lecture aboard two Silver Whisper voyages. ABC News veteran Ted Koppel will host the 10-day, Stockholm-to-Southampton voyage (#4025) departing August 23, 2010, and bestselling suspense novelist Mary Higgins Clark will be the featured speaker on the 16-day, Buenos Aires-to-Santiago cruise (#4102) departing January 20, 2011.

Ted Koppel is the managing editor for the Discovery Channel, the largest cable network in the United States. In this role, he anchors Koppel on Discovery, a series of programs examining major global topics and events. The Emmy Award-winning journalist spent 42 years at ABC News. From 1980 until 2005, he was the anchor and managing editor of ABC News Nightline, one of the most honored broadcasts in television history.

Mary Higgins Clark is known as America's Queen of Suspense. The worldwide bestselling author -- whose books have sold over one hundred million copies in the U.S. alone -- has penned dozens of suspense thrillers, including one set on the high seas, Santa Cruise, co-authored with her daughter Carol Higgins Clark. Her latest novel, The Shadow of Your Smile, published in April, is already a New York Times bestseller.

"It's a special honor for us to welcome Mr. Koppel and Ms. Clark on these two voyages," said Steve Tucker, Silversea's vice president of field sales for North America. "We know our guests will be intrigued by their stories and insights."

On their respective Silver Whisper voyages, Koppel and Clark will host lectures and a Q&A session.

Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the luxury segment, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard its intimate, all-suite vessels: Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper and Silver Spirit -- all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. With the inclusion of the regal expedition ship Prince Albert II, the company's itineraries encompass all seven continents.

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Princess Cruises Announces 2011 Asia / Pacific Cruises and Tours

(August 6, 2010) – The diverse lands of Asia evoke images of exotic cultures, ancient mysteries and modern bustling cities. Whether visitors long to see the ornate gilded pavilions, ancient temples, towering skyscrapers or distinctive natural beauty, an Asia cruise offers a truly unique cruise vacation. For the Fall 2011–Spring 2012 Asia season, Princess Cruises will offer 14 itineraries that include more than 60 vibrant ports throughout Asia and beyond, plus land and sea cruisetours to visit more of mainland China.

The world’s largest and most populous continent, Asia encompasses a rich collection of nations, peoples, sights and sounds. From the grandeur of China’s Great Wall to the jeweled palaces of Bangkok, the continent’s attractions dazzle on a variety of Princess itineraries, including Southeast Asia and China routes, roundtrip voyages from Australia, and multi-continent adventures that include travel to and from Alaska, Australia, or Africa. Passengers can choose to sail on Diamond Princess, the intimate Ocean Princess, or even aboard one of the Princess ships based “Down Under.”

“The unique sights, sounds, and even tastes of Asia make it one of our most sought after exotic vacation options,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “We’ve been taking passengers to these ancient lands for decades and passengers continue to be fascinated by the range of cultures and astounding sites they can experience in the Far East.”

In China, cruisers can see the ultramodern and the ancient juxtaposed at the port of Shanghai, as the city’s gleaming skyscrapers clash against its colorful temples. In bustling Hong Kong, passengers can explore the former British colony from its harbor or narrow streets. This duty-free capital of the world offers endless shopping and unique dining experiences on floating restaurants. On some itineraries, passengers can enjoy extra time in Hong Kong including an overnight stay with Princess’ signature Two-Day Experience.

Travelers who opt for a China cruisetour spend extra time in Beijing, where they can explore a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the massive Forbidden City where they can wander through its 250 acres of palaces, pavilions and courtyards. Once designed to keep invaders out, The Great Wall presents an unforgettable sight, stretching more than 4,000 miles. In Xian, travelers discover one of the 20th Century’s greatest archaeological finds – more than 8,000 Terra Cotta Warriors and horses. On the Yangtze River cruise, passengers sail through the region’s renowned gorges, and visit the Three Gorges Dam site.

The cities of Japan and South Korea offer another look at Asia, including the juxtaposition of war and peace in Nagasaki. Once a symbol of the horrors of war, this beautiful setting today draws visitors to its Peace Park and atomic bomb museum. Busan, South Korea’s second largest city, is the gateway to a fascinating land that is the second-oldest country in Asia.

Among the distinct countries of Southeast Asia, passengers can experience the rich culture of Thailand with a visit to Bangkok, home to gilded temples, monks in saffron-colored robes and a maze of canals. In Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, the former Saigon, bustles with activity and offers fascinating sites such as the National History Museum, the Mekong Delta and Cu Chi Tunnels. Singapore, the commercial center of Southeast Asia, is a gleaming mix of cultures and a shopper’s paradise. As a new itinerary feature this season, many Princess routes are now scheduled to sail in or out of Singapore, giving passengers an opportunity to spend additional time exploring this diverse cosmopolitan society.

Cruises

Princess offers passengers a variety of Asia itineraries, to explore China, Southeast Asia, or even multi-continent voyages. Travelers can also choose “Aussie style” voyages sailing to Asia from the Australian ports of Sydney, Brisbane or Perth.

Southeast Asia & China Sailings – Passengers can enjoy the best of Asia as they travel between Beijing and Singapore. This 16-day voyage takes travelers to Busan, Nagasaki, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, and Bangkok, with the option to add an overland excursion to Cambodia’s Angkor Wat. Sailings depart throughout the Fall 2011-Spring 2012 season aboard Diamond Princess from October 2011 until April 2012.

Australia & Asia sailings – Travelers can explore two continents aboard Diamond Princess with sailings between Sydney and Singapore or Beijing. The Australia & Asia itinerary takes passengers on a 19-day journey from Singapore to the Asian ports of Ko Samui, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, and Bali; plus Australian calls at Darwin, Port Douglas and Airlie Beach for the Great Barrier Reef. The 23-day Australia & China route also sails around northern Australia and adds ports such as Taipei, Nagasaki, Busan, Shanghai and Dalian. Sailings depart November 27, 2011 and February 4, 2012.

Australia & Asia Small Ship Experience – Ocean Princess offers journeys between Australia and the wonders of Asia, featuring the intimate, classic cruising atmosphere of a small ship. The 20-day Australia & Asia voyages sail to northern Australia, including the Whitsunday Islands, Great Barrier Reef and Darwin; plus call in Bali, Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), and Bangkok and Ko Samui in Thailand. Ocean Princess sets sail on November 12, 2011 and March 17, 2012.

Alaska & Far East Sailings – Princess passengers can also explore the northern reaches of the Pacific with voyages between Alaska and the heart of Asia. Diamond Princess sails on 15- or 19-day itineraries between Beijing and either Anchorage or Vancouver. The ship takes passengers across the international dateline and calls at Sapporo (Muroran), Vladivostok, Busan, and Qingdao and Dailan in China. Sailings depart on September 24, 2011 and May 1, 2012.

Mediterranean, India & Asia – For a far-flung adventure, passengers can sail on a 28-day voyage from Rome to Singapore aboard Ocean Princess. The small ship will take cruisers to Sorrento, Athens, and Kusadasi before transiting the Suez Canal and continuing on to Sharm El Sheik, Aqaba, Safaga, Dubai, Muscat, Mumbai, Cochin, and Kuala Lumpur. Ocean Princess departs on October 15, 2011.

Africa, India & Southeast Asia – The intimate Ocean Princess also offers a 30-day journey from Singapore to Cape Town. Passengers can enjoy the small ship experience on an itinerary to Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Maldives, Mumbai, Muscat, Dubai, Mauritius, Reunion, Durban, and East London, plus an overnight call in Cape Town. Travelers have the option to visit the Taj Mahal in India or take a safari to Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa. The sailing departs on April 6, 2012.

Roundtrip Asia Sailings from Australia – Australia-based Sea Princess and Sun Princess offer a variety of sailings to Asia roundtrip from Australia. These “Aussie Experience” cruises offer activities and cuisine that reflect local tastes and use Australian dollars as the onboard currency.

* Sun Princess sets off from Perth on a roundtrip Southeast Asia Explorer itinerary that ventures to a variety of ports in a 21-day adventure. With calls at Bali, Ho Chi Minh City, Sihanoukville (Cambodia), Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, travelers will experience the rich diversity of Southeast Asia. The ship departs on August 11, 2011.

* The Treasures of Asia Grand Adventure encompasses voyages to and from Singapore from Perth, combined into an unforgettable 25-day roundtrip grand voyage. Sun Princess will call at Phuket, Langkawi, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Sihanoukville, Bangkok, Ko Samui and Bali. The adventure begins on June 18, 2011.

* The 42-day China & Japan journey sails roundtrip from either Sydney or Brisbane. Passengers on these voyages will calls at ports such as Airlie Beach, Darwin, Kota Kinabalu, before spending two days in Hong Kong on Princess’ signature Two-day Experience. Other stops include Shanghai, Busan, Nagasaki, Osaka, Tokyo, Iwo Jima scenic cruising, Guam and Rabaul (Papua New Guinea). Sailings on Sea Princess and Sun Princess depart on September 21, 2011 and Mar 4, 2012 respectively.
* Covering several continents, the South Africa & Indian Ocean Odyssey, sails roundtrip from Perth, on a 46-day adventure. Sun Princess will call at Asian ports such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Phuket, then move on to India with visits to Mumbai, Goa, and the Maldives. After crossing the Equator, the ship visits the Seychelles, and the South African ports of Richard’s Bay, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, and Durban. The ship calls at Reunion Island and Mauritius before returning to Perth. Sun Princess departs on May 3, 2011.
Cruisetours

Princess creates a full land and sea vacation for travelers to see more of the treasures of China. Passengers can choose from two land packages to that combine seamlessly with Diamond Princess Asia sailings. These five- or eight-day tours both highlight China’s most dramatic attractions, including many UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The five-night Best of China cruisetour starts in the bustling city of Beijing, and offers three nights in the Chinese capital and two nights in Xian. In Beijing, passengers will experience the ancient wonder of the Great Wall plus the Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven (all UNESCO World Heritage Sites), the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. The mysterious Terra Cotta Warriors (also a UNESCO World Heritage Site) highlight the Xian portion of the tour, along with the Wild Goose Pagoda and a dinner show at the Tang Palace Theatre.

The eight-night Yangtze Experience also incorporates the highlights of Beijing (three nights) and Xian (one night), plus includes a three-night cruise of the Yangtze River and a night in Wuhan. Passengers will also visit a zoo in Chongqing to view pandas before embarking on their Yangtze River cruise vessel. Along the river they will enjoy several excursions and cruise the Three Gorges Dam locks.
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Holland America's New Nieuw Amsterdam Added Inaugural Activities

July 15, 2010 — Leo and Kathy Falkensammer, co-owners of Las Vegas–based Prestige Travel/American Express, served as the Mariner Ambassadors during inaugural festivities last week for Holland America Line’s newest vessel, ms Nieuw Amsterdam.

The blessing of the ship’s bell is a Holland America Line tradition when welcoming a new ship to the fleet. Mariner Ambassadors joined Captain Edward van Zaane in pouring champagne over the bell while reciting a classic maritime benediction: “We bless the bell of Nieuw Amsterdam as an extension of this vessel. We wish upon Nieuw Amsterdam fair winds and a following sea. We wish safety for her operation, wisdom for her officers, good health for her crew and comfort for her guests.”

The Falkensammers were selected as Mariner Ambassadors for the Nieuw Amsterdam to honor the important role of travel sellers in the company’s ongoing success. Also loyal Mariners, the Falkensammers have sailed more than 200 days on Holland America Line cruises.

“Holland America Line recognizes the vital partnership with travel sellers to our business and the Falkensammers’ on-going commitment in kindling and growing our relationships with loyal repeat guests, or Mariners,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales, and guest programs for Holland America Line. “We were honored to have them serve as Mariner Ambassadors for our newest addition to the fleet.”

The Falkensammers founded Prestige Travel in 1980, and today the company is the largest agency in Nevada with more than 150 employees, 10 full-service stores and more than $100 million in annual sales. In 2000 the company partnered with American Express and since then has been an annual recipient of the American Express Excellence Award, which honors the achievements of member agencies that have reached superior sales results and year-over-year sales growth.

“Holland America is by far our favorite cruise line — our first vacation cruise was aboard ms Westerdam II sailing to Alaska — and my husband and I were honored to serve as Mariner Ambassadors for Nieuw Amsterdam,” said Kathy Falkensammer. “Nieuw Amsterdam is a beautiful ship and we’ll always remember participating in her dedication ceremony.”

Holland America Line held the official dedication for Nieuw Amsterdam July 4 in Venice, Italy, followed by the ship’s maiden voyage. Her Royal Highness Princess Máxima of the Netherlands served as the ship's godmother. The blessing of the bell ceremony was held during the three-day maiden voyage.

After several 12-day Mediterranean sailings, the 2,106-passenger vessel is scheduled to embark on a fall trans-Atlantic crossing to the Caribbean where it will sail seven-day eastern and western itineraries from November 2010 through March 2011.

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Celebrity Cruises Announces Hawaii and Australia Cruises

August 6, 2010 – Like the iconic boomerang believed to have originated in Australia, Celebrity Cruises today announced plans to return to the region in 2011-12, with an enticing new series of vacations on Celebrity Century.

“This marks a significant expansion of Celebrity’s diverse array of global vacation options,” said Celebrity Cruises President and CEO Dan Hanrahan. “We’re thrilled to return to Australia and New Zealand. It’s a region our guests and trade partners around the world have said they wanted to experience again with Celebrity, pairing our award-winning dining, exceptional service and high style with the beauty, charm and diversity of the area. This move further exemplifies our ‘Designed for you’ platform, and how we fulfill what cruisers desire.”

Marking the line’s first return to the land Down Under in two years, Celebrity’s exotic new Australia and New Zealand season – bookended by a series of vacation options in Hawaii – features a total of 36 ports in six countries: Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, French Polynesia, the U.S. and Mexico. The lineup includes 10 distinct itineraries, with six varied departure ports, including Sydney and Perth (Fremantle), Australia; Auckland, New Zealand; Honolulu, Hawaii; San Diego, California, and Ensenada, Mexico.

Celebrity’s new series begins October 2, 2011, with two consecutive 15-night Hawaii sailings from San Diego, followed by a 10-night Hawaii cruise from Ensenada to Honolulu. An 18-night “Pacific Jewels” voyage departs Honolulu November 11, followed by five 12- and 13-night New Zealand cruises between Sydney and Auckland, including a festive holiday sailing departing Sydney December 24. These offer a more destination-rich experience for cruisers, with only three days at sea, versus five on most competing lines’ itineraries.

Cruisers also have the opportunity to experience a rare, 36-night circumnavigational voyage – a first for Celebrity – through two combinable 18-night sailings: One will sail around the southern portion of Australia, featuring an overnight stay in Sydney and transits through three sounds – Milford, Doubtful and Dusky – in New Zealand’s World Heritage-designated Fiordland National Park. The second of the combinable 18-night sailings takes cruisers around Australia’s northern coast, and features a visit to the idyllic island of Bali, Indonesia – marking yet another first for Celebrity.

The new series also includes two tantalizing, 18-night Trans-Pacific voyages visiting the French Polynesian islands and Hawaii.

Among the ports Celebrity will visit for the first time are Geraldton, Broome, Darwin, Cairns, Brisbane, Adelaide, Albany, Bunbury and Perth, Australia, in addition to Burnie, Tasmania, and Bali.

To complement the cruises and allow guests to delve deeper into the land Down Under, Celebrity has created a series of cruisetour packages, with details to be announced when bookings open for the entire slate of vacation options on Thursday, July 29. Celebrity also will announce details of an early booking incentive on that date.

The 1,814-guest Celebrity Century is ideal for offering guests spectacular views of the scenic region, having been refitted in 2006 to add 314 new verandas, along with the elegant Murano restaurant and the truly “cool” Martini ice bar.

Celebrity’s new itineraries replace the previously announced series of 12-night Caribbean cruises from Baltimore on Celebrity Century. Guests with individual and group bookings that are named and deposited on Celebrity Century departing between November 1, 2011 and March 21, 2012, have the option to cancel their booking, or move to the same category of accommodations on a comparable Transcanal voyage on Celebrity Infinity, either October 28, 2011, or March 27, 2012; Celebrity Century’s Hawaii sailings October 2 or 17, 2011, or April 2 or 20, 2012; 10- or 11-night Caribbean cruises on Celebrity Equinox in 2011, or entirely new 12-night Caribbean sailings from Cape Liberty, NJ, on Celebrity Silhouette, the line’s fourth Solstice Class ship, entering service in 2011. Holiday sailings are open only to guests currently booked on Celebrity Century’s double-holiday voyage of December 23, 2011. Guests with applicable bookings who opt to shift to one of the eligible sailings will receive a $200 per stateroom or $400 per suite onboard credit.

Guests with reservations on the previously announced sailings on Celebrity Century from Baltimore in 2011-12 will be proactively contacted by Celebrity Cruises.

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Carnival Cruises to Offer Comedy Clubs Fleetwide

(July 19, 2010) – Carnival Cruise Lines is adding more laughs and upping the fun quotient at sea with the introduction of Carnival Punchliner Comedy Clubs -- dedicated comedy lounges rolling out fleetwide on all 22 “Fun Ships” by the end of the year. Building on the tremendous success of its first comedy club, which debuted on the new Carnival Dream last fall, Punchliner Comedy Clubs will feature a wide variety of side-splitting comics.

Located in the ship’s aft lounge, each Punchliner Comedy Club will offer guests loads of laughs with five 35-minute shows on multiple nights during each voyage, with at least two comedians performing each night. The two early-evening shows offer fun for the whole family while the later performances will feature adult-oriented comedy.

Carnival Punchliner Comedy Clubs will feature hilarious, laugh-out-loud performances from established comedians as well as rising stars, with approximately 10 shows per voyage offered on short cruise itineraries and approximately 20 shows per cruise on longer length departures.

“Laughter is the most public, most infectious expression of fun, so we’re excited to provide our guests with an expanded offering in comedy with our new Punchliner Comedy Clubs,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO. “Given that laughter has been shown to have a positive effect on mood, stress reduction and overall happiness, our new clubs and performance line-up will only further enhance the spirited fun of a Carnival vacation.”

While comedy shows have always been part of Carnival’s diverse entertainment lineup, the concept was taken to another level aboard the Carnival Dream, which offered the line’s first dedicated comedy club last fall. Comedy clubs are currently also featured on Carnival Glory, Carnival Pride and Carnival Sensation -- with the concept being incorporated into the remainder of the fleet over the next several months. When Carnival Magic enters service in May 2011, a Punchliner Comedy Club will also be featured on the line’s newest “Fun Ship.”

All of Carnival’s aft show lounges will be converted to comedy clubs with a special stage and branded glassware, menus, employee uniforms and other items featuring the Punchliner Comedy Club logo. Guests can learn about the performer lineups and schedules in the ship’s Fun Times newsletter.

Carnival is the most popular cruise line in the world with 22 “Fun Ships” operating voyages from three to 16 days in length to The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, New England, Europe and Bermuda. The line currently has two new 130,000-ton ships on order – Carnival Magic, set to debut in Europe May 1, 2011, and Carnival Breeze, scheduled to enter service in spring 2012.

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Princess Cruises Announces 2011/12 South America Sailings

(July 21, 2010) – With a rhythmic samba beat and colorful cultures, South America appeals to all the senses. Detailing its fall 2011-spring 2012 cruise season, Princess Cruises will offer travelers an alluring selection of South American cruises and cruisetours, taking passengers down the Amazon River, around Cape Horn, on a Brazilian Adventure, or up to the fabled Machu Picchu.

Whether they want to tango in Buenos Aires or watch for wildlife at the end of the Earth, passengers can choose from 10 Latin-flavored departures aboard Star Princess and Pacific Princess, encompassing 31 destinations. Passengers can also extend their South American cruise vacation with a cruisetour itinerary to two of the continent’s most famed attractions, Peru’s Machu Picchu or Brazil’s Iguazú Falls.

“South America offers some of the most magnificent travel experiences in the world, and many of its attractions are best navigated by ship,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “We make it easy and convenient to travel between countries, and offer the perfect venue for viewing the scenery around Cape Horn, the dramatic fjords of Chile, and the amazing Amazon River.”

Rio de Janeiro figures prominently on several cruise and tour itineraries. Pulsing with life, Rio offers an experience like no other. A dazzling amalgam of Latin and African cultures, the city offers an array of attractions, including the dramatic peak of Sugarloaf Mountain, the landmark Christ the Redeemer statue who embraces the city below, dazzling white sand beaches and famous beachfronts of Copacabana and Ipanema.

Cruises rounding Cape Horn take in one of sailing’s most legendary passages that has drawn explorers throughout the ages. Today Princess passengers enjoy sailing in comfort around this once-difficult but fabled point where the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans meet. On this route travelers can explore Tierra del Fuego at the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia.

Scenic cruising through the Strait of Magellan and the Beagle Channel leads to the towering Chilean Fjords where Southern Patagonia's ice fields rival those of Alaska's Inside Passage. Passengers have a front-row view of the spectacular glaciers and can watch out for the area’s myriad marine birds.

Passengers choosing to travel up the mighty Amazon will enjoy an adventure into the Brazilian jungle, where they can visit colorful villages and learn about the unique cultures along the river’s route.

Cruisetour passengers can visit the mysterious land of the Incas, Machu Picchu. This unforgettable journey high into the Peruvian Andes defies description as visitors travel from Lima to the ruins of this terraced “City in the Clouds.”

One of the continent’s most dramatic natural wonders, Iguazú Falls is both taller and wider than Niagara Falls and spreads along nearly a two-mile stretch of the Iguazú River. Cruisetour passengers can spend several days viewing the magnificent scene from multiple vantage points.

Throughout their South America voyages passengers can visit a variety of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including not only Iguazú National Park, Machu Picchu, and the Amazon River basin, but also Olinda Historic Center (near Recife), Salvador Historic Center, and the Historic Quarter of Valparaiso, Chile.

South America Cruises

Princess offers travelers an array of South American ports and activities on a variety of itinerary options. Ships large and small travel around the continent, giving passengers the opportunity to encounter many colorful South American cultures.

Amazon River Cruise – The intimate Pacific Princess sails up the mysterious Amazon River on a 14-day cruise that includes calls to St. Maarten, St. Lucia, Tobago, and Devil’s Island in addition to traveling along the world’s second longest river. Stops along the Amazon include Santarém, Boca da Valéria and Parintins with an overnight stay in Manaus. The ship sets sail on December 16 and 30, 2011.

Cape Horn Route to Rio – Star Princess takes passengers on an unforgettable 14-day day cruise vacation around the fabled Cape Horn as they travel between Rio de Janeiro and Santiago. Passengers will visit many South American highlights with calls to Montevideo, Buenos Aires, Falkland Islands, Ushuaia and Punta Arenas. The voyage includes a variety of spectacular scenic cruising opportunities around Cape Horn, including Beagle Channel, the Strait of Magellan and the dramatic Chilean Fjords. Sailings depart on December 24, 2011, January 7 and 21, February 4 and 18, and March 2, 2012.

Brazilian Adventure Cruise – Passengers can experience a combination of Brazilian flavor and Caribbean fun on this 15-day sailing from Rio de Janeiro to Ft. Lauderdale. Star Princess starts with an overnight in Rio, then calls at the Brazilian ports of Salvador and Recife, plus visits the islands of Barbados, Antigua and St. Maarten. The sailing departs March 17, 2012.

Passage to Rio – Travelers can visit three continents on this 16-day journey across the Atlantic with this voyage from Venice to Rio de Janeiro, which includes an overnight stay in Venice and calls at Dubrovnik, Corfu, Malta (Valletta), Tunis/Carthage (La Goulette), Gibraltar, and Recife (Brazil). Star Princess sets sail on December 8, 2011.

Cruisetours

To go beyond South America’s ports and visit some of the continent’s inland wonders, Princess offers land and sea cruisetours featuring the famed Machu Picchu or stunning Iguazú Falls. These seamless vacation options combine easily with Princess’ cruise offerings.

The five-day Machu Picchu Explorer tour offers the opportunity to explore Peru’s magnificent ruins. From Lima, travelers will not only enjoy a guided tour of the fabled site of Machu Picchu, but also the historic city of Cusco and the nearby Sacred Valley and Sacsayhuaman Fortress, as well as enjoy rail travel up into the mountains. The package combines with Princess’ Cape Horn Route to Rio cruise.

The four-night Iguazú Falls Experience cruisetour features extra time to explore lively Rio de Janeiro, plus two days to take in one of the continent’s most spectacular natural wonders, Iguazú Falls. Travelers will not only experience the drama of the falls from several vantage points, but also enjoy excursions on an Ecological Jungle Train and a boat ride to see the falls from the river. Travelers will spend two nights in Iguazú Falls and two nights in Rio on a package that combines with Princess’ Cape Horn Route to Rio or Brazilian Adventure cruises.

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Buy 6 Nights Get 5 Free! Hurtigruten Unveils Unprecedented Opportunity

June 2010 -- The Norwegian fjords, a highlight of Hurtigruten's Coastal Voyage, have had awards and honors bestowed on them over the years, most recently by National Geographic Traveler which named it the world’s most celebrated and iconic travel destinations. And Hurtigruten is making it easier to take in these Norway treats (and many others) this fall, offering its 12-day roundtrip Norwegian Coastal Voyage for the price of the seven-day northbound portion - five nights free with the purchase of six. The special, amounting to a 30% discount, must be booked by Sept. 30 and is available for cabins on select sailings -- 22 to be exact -- that depart between Oct. 5 and Dec. 31, 2010. Solo travelers get the same opportunity as there are no single supplement charges for singles cabins during this time period. The voyage takes in Norway's scenic 1,250-mile west coast between the charming Hanseatic port of Bergen and the near-Russian border town of Kirkenes. Further savings are offered to AARP members -- on board cabin credit of up to $100 -- and a 10% fare savings for passengers who sailed on any Hurtigruten ship in the past three years. As comparison, regular 12-day fares range from $2,190 to $3,057 per person, double.

Besides seeing many of the celebrated fjords, Hurtigruten guests enjoy a charming portfolio of 34 ports, including Trondheim, one of the country’s oldest cities and a thriving university town; Tromso, Europe's largest town above the Arctic circle; the Lofoten archipelago, with peaked mountains and villages filled with rust-red fishermen’s cabins; and Alesund, destroyed by fire in 1904 and completely rebuilt in the Art Nouveau style. Those ports that are visited late at night on the northbound leg are visited during the day on the southbound journey - so guests have the opportunity to easily explore every one of them.

Shore excursions range from touring to active explorations: the North Cape, sitting 1,000 feet above the churning Barents Sea and offering a top-of-the-world vista; a visit to the Norway-Russia border station near Kirkenes; a "Taste of Vesterålen" - visits to Harstad, Trondeneshalvoya Peninsula, Hinnoya Island and Sortland; dog-sledding from November on; and a Lofotr Viking Feast with traditional foods, singing and dancing; to name a few. Pre-booking excursions before departure saves guests 5% off the excursion price.Hurtigruten is a world leader in expedition cruising, sailing to the most remote of destinations including Antarctica, Greenland and the Arctic’s Spitsbergen as well as year round along Norway's coast.
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Azamara Club Cruises Announces 2011 Program

July 20, 2010 – From tango halls to souks, cathedrals to palaces, and pyramids to the Great Wall, Azamara Club Cruises today announced 13 land-tour itineraries, combinable with an Azamara cruise for cruisetour packages that offer more authentic cultural experiences for the up-market traveler. Ranging from two- to six-night escorted land adventures, guests can enjoy even more immersive experiences in eight of the world’s most exciting destinations, including Rome, Athens, Buenos Aires, Cairo, Istanbul, Jordan and Israel, India, and China. All cruisetour packages embody Azamara’s philosophy of visiting unique destinations; immersing in the destinations; delivering extraordinary service by every member of the staff and crew; savoring the regions’ cuisines and fine wines; and focusing on wellness and vigor, onboard and on land. All land-tour itineraries are escorted by a Tour Director or a local host, and feature accommodations in five-star hotels located in metropolitan centers. In addition to included immersive experiences, guests will enjoy plenty of time for personal exploration and shopping, with full breakfast in the hotels, additional select meals, all transportation and ground transfers included in the land-tour itinerary.

“The introduction of these new offerings will enable up-market travelers to enjoy an even more immersive adventure with Azamara,” said Larry Pimentel, president and CEO of Azamara Club Cruises. “Guests have more opportunities to experience the cultures of exotic destinations by extending their Azamara voyage with a land-tour itinerary for an enthralling vacation. Throughout, every staff and crew will deliver Azamara Club Cruises’ extraordinary signature service to our guests.”
Travelers can select from among 13 individual pre- and post-voyage land-tour itineraries to extend their Azamara vacation in some of the world’s most exotic destinations. Azamara Club Cruises cruisetour itineraries are available for purchase ala carte, and travelers have the flexibility to opt for the land-tour extension at any point after they make their cruise booking for an enriching cruisetour vacation.

In summer 2011, guests of Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest can choose a two-night Athens or three-night Rome cruisetour package. In addition to the must-see sites in Athens, guests on this cruisetour will learn the traditional Greek dance of Syartaki and learn to make their own set of Greek Komboloi beads, believed for centuries to possess stress-relieving properties. The Rome cruisetour includes a visit to the Pope’s summer residence and Oastia Antica at the mouth of the Tiber River to see some of the most well-preserved Roman ruins and mosaics, as well as enjoy authentic Italian food and wine tastings and escorted tours of Vatican City’s museums and historic buildings.

In the 2011-12 Austral summer, Azamara Journey guests can choose a three-night Buenos Aires & Iguazu Falls land-tour vacation extension to experience all the culture, flavors, and colors of this vibrant South American city. The cruisetour also takes guests for an overnight to the breathtaking Iguazu Falls on the border of Argentina and Brazil.

Guests of Azamara Quest also have a range of cruisetour packages choices for a more in-depth experience in the Near East. A two-night Istanbul cruisetour visits all the iconic sites of this ancient city, including a fortune-reading of guests’ Turkish coffee drippings, while they enjoy a panoramic view of the bustling city from atop Pierre Loti. A four-night Jordan and Israel itinerary delves into the cradle of Western civilization, and a three-night Cairo itinerary features a visit to the wondrous pyramids of Giza on camelback and the labyrinthine Khan El Khalili Bazaar.

In the Far East, guests can rediscover the inland metropolises of India, including Delhi, Agra for the Taj Mahal, and Jaipur on an amazing five-night itinerary. Additionally, a five- or six-night cruisetour itinerary unveils the cultural heritage of China in Beijing, Xian and Hong Kong.

Azamara Club Cruises is a destination-immersive cruise line for upmarket travelers who want to not only see the places and cultures they visit, but to live them. Azamara’s two intimate, 694-guest ships, Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest, with a combination of 347 suites and staterooms, offer a boutique European hotel ambience with extraordinary service, fine cuisine and wines from around the world, and wellness and vigor programs, all while sailing to a host of destinations larger ships can’t reach. Azamara Club Cruises sails in Northern and Western Europe, Mediterranean, Asia, South America and the Panama Canal, Transatlantic, and the less-traveled islands of the Caribbean, with more overnight and late-night stays in every region.

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Luxury Operator Crystal Cruises Offers Referral Program

July 20, 2010 - With its most significant referral benefit program, Crystal Cruises is dramatically increasing the incentive for guests to share the renowned Crystal Experience with new-to-Crystal travelers.

For almost every Crystal Cruise between September 2010 and April 2011, a brand new Bonus Share the Experience program offers all booked guests $400 in shipboard spending credit (or $250 for Mexico cruises) for each new-to-Crystal guest they refer to sail with them in a separate stateroom. With the new program, booked guests can earn up to $1,600 per person in shipboard credits for his/her friend's new booking made after July 7. New guests will receive a $100 shipboard credit, up to $200 per stateroom.

What's different about this Bonus program and Crystal's existing Share the Experience program is that the credits are much larger and the program is not only open to past guests. Anyone traveling during this period can participate. Even Crystal Society guests (repeat guests) who have reached their previous four per person limit with the original STEX program can bring additional friends with the Bonus program.

"Travelers won't find a richer referral program in the industry. The Bonus Share the Experience program affords the biggest incentive - as much as four times the standard shipboard credit amount for referrals - on more sailings than ever," says Bill Smith, senior vice president, sales and marketing. "Our guests are our most valuable ambassadors, and we're thrilled to reward them for sharing the award-winning Crystal Experience with their friends and family. Whether it's a helicopter adventure, a signature spa series or a coveted piece of jewelry, guests can indulge themselves with memories of a lifetime."

Travelers not only have a strong dollar incentive, but they also have a significant validation for their recommendation this month. Both the August 2010 issues of Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler magazines tout the Crystal ships as the best in the world. Readers of T+L voted Crystal Cruises as the World's Best Large-Ship Cruise Line for the 15th consecutive year, while CNT readers voted Crystal Serenity as the highest rated mid-sized cruise ship, with some of its highest ever scores.

Bonus Share the Experience program details:

* Applies to new-to-Crystal guests referred and booking on or after July 7.

* $400 referral bonus shipboard spending credit for most sailings between September 2010, and April 2011, including the Mediterranean, Caribbean, New England/Canada, South America, Trans-Atlantic - and even the December holiday cruises and the 2011 World Cruise.

* $250 referral bonus credit is for referring guests aboard Crystal Symphony's November and December Mexican Riviera cruises.

* Not available with two February and March Panama Canal cruises.

* Maximum of four bonus referrals per guest; up to $3,200 per stateroom!

* Combinable with all other promotions, including Crystal's generous 'All Inclusive - As You Wish' spending credits of up to $1,000 per person, any other Crystal Society spending credits, Two-for-One promotional pricing, veranda sales, 'Save Now, Save Later,' and the Crystal Family Memories program.

* Crystal Society members (Crystal repeat guests) who have already referred guests for these cruises can add new guests and earn more credits.

* No cancels and rebooks will be permitted.

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

June 29, 2010: Royal Caribbean International is increasing the length of its Dubai-based season for the 2,501-guest ship Brilliance of the Seas

during the winter 2011-2012 season due to feedback from travel professionals that there is yet more demand for those cruises.

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

Jo Rzymowska, associate vice president and general manager, Royal Caribbean International, UK and Ireland , commented:

“ Dubai is very popular with UK travellers, and cruises consistently offer significant value for money. Included within this cruise itinerary is an overnight stay in the city onboard the ship which makes this an affordable way to enjoy this fascinating Emirate. The chance to explore more of the Middle East, Arabian Sea and even India make these additional longer sailings truly exciting options for agents to maximise.”

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

During the 2011-2012 season, Royal Caribbean International will continue to offer the popular seven-night cruises departing weekly from Dubai . In fact, there will be double the number of seven-night itineraries compared to previous years, with minor changes to the itinerary including an overnight stay in Dubai at the end of the cruise, rather than the beginning, and a revised order in the ports of call to simplify visa processing. Featured ports of call include Fujairah and Abu Dhabi in the UAE and Muscat , Oman . The 7-night itineraries for the upcoming 2010-2011 season also will reflect these changes.

The repositioning cruise from Barcelona to Dubai will be an 18-night option via the Suez Canal and ports of call such as Alexandria , Egypt ; Suez Canal passage; Aqaba , Jordan and Safaga , Egypt .

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