MSC Orchestra Maiden Arrival in New York

(May 6, 2009) – Start spreading the news – MSC Cruises introduces its brand of sophisticated European-style cruising to New York City and will be returning in the Fall of 2010 with a series of Canada/New England itineraries.

MSC Orchestra arrived in New York City Tuesday morning to a warm welcome from city officials. Her historic arrival marks the first time one of the Italian-owned cruise line’s ships has called in the “Big Apple.” The ship docked overnight at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal before departing today on an eastbound transatlantic crossing to Copenhagen, where she will sail Northern Europe itineraries during the summer months.

On Sept. 22, 2010, the line’s newest ship MSC Magnifica (currently under construction in France) arrives in New York for the line’s inaugural season of Canada/New England itineraries, roundtrip from New York City and Quebec City. It is estimated that the ship’s calls in NYC can potentially have an indirect revenue impact on the city valued at more than $2.7 million.

“It has been decades since vacationers have been able to sail from New York on a European-owned cruise line with the classic style and elegance that only the Italians know how to deliver,” says Richard E. Sasso, president and CEO of MSC Cruises (USA), Inc.

“We are excited to make this memorable experience readily accessible to the residents of the Northeast.” He adds, “With the most modern and fastest growing fleet in the cruise industry, MSC Cruises feels right at home in this, the crossroads of the world. We look forward to strengthening our position in New York City in future years.”

MSC Cruises offers itineraries in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America and the Caribbean, as well as transatlantic sailings. Each itinerary features the out-of-the-ordinary port calls for which MSC Cruises has become known.

No matter what the sailing region, MSC Cruises offers guests an authentic Italian/European cruise experience, from the superb cuisine featuring regional Italian specialties (as well as perennial, All-American favorites) to the warmth and generosity of the Italian officers and international crew and the European-style entertainment that is suitable for the entire family.

MSC Cruises is no stranger to New York City. The U.S. headquarters of the cruise line’s parent company, Mediterranean Shipping Company, have been based in New York City for nearly 25 years.

Celebrity Cruises Announces 2010/11 South America Season

April 30, 2009 – In December of 2010, when Celebrity Infinity makes its way from the Panama Canal to South America, the voyage will mark the line’s 11th year of sailing guests through the spectacular scenery of the region. The season will include visits to 13 countries via stops at a total of 30 ports. Rounding out the cruise offerings are a variety of available in-port shore excursions and in-depth, fully escorted land tour programs that can be combined with a cruise to create a cruisetour vacation for even richer exploration of this region. Celebrity opened its winter 2010-11 Panama Canal and South America cruises and cruisetours for sale today.

On September 24, Celebrity Infinity will begin her Canal/South America season with a 16-night repositioning cruise from Seattle, Washington to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, by way of the Panama Canal. She will then sail four 14-night Panama Canal cruises between Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles, creating easy access ports for residents of both US coasts. The Panama Canal cruises in the 2010-11 season also include two 14-night “South America and Canal” voyages, two 14-night Canal cruises between Fort Lauderdale and San Diego, and a 16-night repositioning cruise back to Seattle on April 24.

Between the Panama Canal portions of the season, Celebrity Infinity will sail six 14-night cruises throughout South America. These voyages, taking place from mid-December 2010 through February 2011, include sailings “around the Horn” through the Straits of Magellan, between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Valparaiso, Chile, most of which feature an in-port overnight stay in Buenos Aires. For the second consecutive year, there will also be two roundtrip-from-Buenos Aires “Antarctica” cruises, named for the fact that they sail through the region, past several Antarctica islands. Each of these cruises feature a visit to Port Stanley, Falkland Islands, as well as panoramic cruising by Elephant Island, Paradise Bay, and Gerlache Strait in Antarctica.

While onboard, guests may choose to purchase in-port excursions that can give them a richer sense of the region. In Puerto Montt, Chile, the “Petrohue Falls and the Chilean Lake District” excursion is a city tour that includes views of Puerto Varas and Lake Llanquihue, as well as a drive to Todos Los Santos Lake for views of the Osorno Volcano, and a walk along the Petrohue River to view the falls. Chile’s Punta Arenas is the site of the “Magdalena Island Natural Penguin Reserve” excursion, where guests can visit one of the largest Magellan penguin colonies in southern Chile. In Buenos Aires, “Tango Show and Dinner” allows guests to immerse themselves in the spirit of Argentine Tango, with a visit to a tango house for dinner followed by a live tango show on the main stage. In Montevideo, Uruguay, “Day at the Estancia” takes participating guests to Estancia La Rábida, where they can experience the daily chores of the Uruguayan gaucho and learn about the agriculture, horse breeding, cattle raising and other activities at the ranch. A barbeque lunch, or “asado,” is included, complete with Uruguayan wines and traditional songs and dance. Select voyages offer a “Cuzco and Machu Picchu Adventure,” a three-day, two-night overland tour encompassing the city of Cuzco, Peru, and its famed archaeological relics as well as a day at Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas." The package includes overnight stays in Cuzco and train travel to Machu Picchu.

Travelers wishing to extend their time in South America can choose from several fully escorted land tours offered in combination with cruises departing from or arriving in Buenos Aires and Valparaiso. Celebrity offers two land tour packages in South America, each as a pre- or post-cruise option. Premium hotel accommodations, ground transfers, some meals, and ample time for independent shopping, dining and sightseeing are included in the cruisetour packages.
The five-day, four-night “Buenos Aires and Iguazu Falls” land tour package includes visits to a gaucho “estancia,” Buenos Aires’ old-city 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 Zodiak ride along the lower Iguazu River.

The six-day, five-night “Machu Picchu Adventure” land tour 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 at the famed archaeological site. The tour 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.

Cruise West Offers 25% Discount and Extended Stay in Glacier Bay On Select Cruises

April 29, 2009 - Drawing on its 63 years of tour/cruise experience in Alaska, small-ship cruise line Cruise West, is offering tremendous value for its Alaska’s Whales & Wilderness itinerary that includes two days in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve to explore the abundant wildlife and glaciers ─ Cruise West is the only cruise line that offers two full days in this extraordinary park.
Save 25 percent on the May 18, July 24, 29, August 5, 26, and September 2, 2009 departures. The cruise operates on either the 102-guest Spirit on Endeavour or the 84-guest Spirit of Discovery. Both ships provide the perfect platform for intimate cruising on the eight-night Alaska’s Whales & Wilderness, round trip Juneau. The itinerary centers on sea and wildlife viewing including Icy Strait, Glacier Bay National Park and makes a port call at authentic Sitka, the “Jewel of the Inside Passage,” and a remote Wilderness Community. As always, Cruise West offers a whale guarantee on this itinerary or guests receive a $250 refund.

Being only 20-feet from the waterline and having shallow drafts, Cruise West’s small ships have the maneuverability to get up-close and personal with the sea and wildlife. Guests might even see a Humpback whale look them in the eye! In the case of cruising in Alaska, small is beautiful. This itinerary receives raves from guests who seek out authentic experiences where nature is the floorshow. The use of zodiac inflatable boats, also an included feature, bring guests even closer to the wondrous scenery and wildlife for which Cruise West has become so well known for.
A fully escorted four-night Denali Land Tour may be added on to see the best of Alaska's National Parks. Exceptional optional excursions in Denali include the Heli-Hiking Adventure and fly-fishing for Arctic Grayling.

Princess Cruises Expands 2010 Summer Caribbean Season

April 29, 2009 – Two Princess ships will sail to the Caribbean during summer 2010, more than doubling the line’s capacity for the season. Passengers will have the option of five itinerary choices, as well as sailing from New York and Florida.

Caribbean Princess returns to offer the popular nine-day itinerary from New York to Bermuda and the Caribbean, while Emerald Princess will sail on seven-day roundtrip cruises from Fort Lauderdale to the Western and Eastern Caribbean. Together, the two ships will offer 30 departures to the sun-filled islands of the Caribbean.

“We’ve seen increased interest from passengers in sailing to the Caribbean during the summer,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “So in response, we’ve significantly expanded our program to offer cruisers a choice of sailings and the option of two departure ports.”

Caribbean Princess from New York – Caribbean Princess’ summer season from New York will feature 10 departures between May 2 and July 29, 2010. Eight of the nine-day voyages sail roundtrip on an itinerary that includes Bermuda (West End), St. Thomas, Grand Turk and San Juan. Caribbean Princess will also offer two sailings to St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Grand Turk and San Juan. In addition, the ship sails on a special seven-day Eastern Caribbean & Bermuda sailing from San Juan to New York featuring calls in Bermuda, St. Thomas and Antigua.

Emerald Princess from Fort Lauderdale – Emerald Princess will sail on week-long Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale, departing from May 9 to September 12, 2010. The ship will offer nine Eastern Caribbean departures calling at Princess Cays, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Grand Turk, alternating with 10 Western Caribbean sailings to Princess Cays, Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman and Cozumel.

Caribbean Princess and Emerald Princess both offer a variety of passenger-favorite features perfect for cruising the balmy waters of the Caribbean, such as the dramatic poolside “Movies Under the Stars” outdoor theater and the line’s signature Sanctuary, an adults-only pocket of tranquility featuring plush lounge chairs and massage cabanas. Passengers will also enjoy hallmark Princess features such as the piazza-style atrium with its International Café and Vines wine and seafood bar.

Launch Fares for nine-day Caribbean Princess summer Bermuda & Eastern Caribbean cruises begin at $1,099 per person, and seven-day sailings on Emerald Princess begin at $699, based on double occupancy. A $50 per person Captain’s Circle Launch Savings discount is available to Princess past passengers on bookings made by December 31, 2009. Sailings open for booking on May 14, 2009.

Norwegian Cruise Line Re-Arranges Fleet Norwegian Jewel to Sail From NY.

April 27, 2009 – Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) today announced that it has redeployed Norwegian Sun for the summer of 2010, moving the ship from Alaska to Europe . The 1,936-passenger Norwegian Sun is assuming the summer 2010 itinerary previously announced for Norwegian Jewel and will sail a 12-day Baltic Capitals itinerary from London ( Dover ) beginning May 11, 2010 through September 8, 2010. In addition, the 2,376-passenger Norwegian Jewel will move from Europe to New York , sailing a combination of seven-day Bahamas & Florida, 10-day Canada & New England and 10-day Eastern Caribbean sailings from April 24, 2010 through April 24, 2011.

“After carefully weighing the rising costs of deploying three ships in Alaska and taking into account the recently enacted legislation, in particular the $50 head tax, we felt it was necessary to redeploy Norwegian Sun,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “ Alaska is an incredible destination, but we are clearly seeing the impact of these changes in 2009, emphasized even more by this challenging economic environment.”

Norwegian Sun had been scheduled to sail a seven-day itinerary between Vancouver , British Columbia and Whittier , Alaska . The ship’s new European deployment now includes a 15-day Panama Canal sailing from Santiago ( Valparaiso ), Chile , to Miami , Florida on April 11, 2010. Norwegian Sun will then reposition to Europe on a 15-day transatlantic voyage from Miami to London (Dover) on April 26, 2010, and begins her series of eleven 12-day Baltic Capitals cruises with stops in Copenhagen, Denmark; Berlin (Warnemünde), Germany; Tallinn, Estonia; overnight in St. Petersburg, Russia; Helsinki, Finland and Stockholm (Nynäshamn), Sweden.
Following her winter season in Miami , Norwegian Jewel repositions to New York on a 13-day Circle the Caribbean voyage on April 11, 2010. Once in New York, the ship will sail a series of 20 seven-day Bahamas & Florida cruises with stops in Orlando (Port Canaveral), Great Stirrup Cay and Nassau, Bahamas.

Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Star will continue their deployment in Alaska next summer, sailing seven-day Sawyer Glacier and Glacier Bay cruises from Seattle .

Norwegian Cruise Line is contacting travel partners and guests with reservations on Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Jewel’s previously scheduled sailings. The company is offering the option to transfer their reservation to a comparable sailing with their fare protected or re-priced if the fare is lower, along with an on-board credit. Transfers must be completed by Monday, May 11, 2009. To assist impacted guests and travel partners, the company has established a dedicated support line at 877-461-1160, open weekdays beginning this Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EDT.

Starting Wednesday, April 29, 2009, the company is also accepting reservations on Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Jewel’s new itineraries.

Mariner of the Seas Offer 7 Day West Coast - Canada Cruises.

May 1, 2009 – Vacationers can take advantage of recent itinerary changes to enjoy a unique vacation that combines the captivating Pacific Coast with Royal Caribbean International’s Mariner of the Seas, the largest and most innovative cruise ship in the Pacific Ocean. Six new sailings, departing May 3, 10, 24, and 31, and June 7 and 14, 2009, will take guests on seven-night roundtrip itineraries from Los Angeles and feature ports of call in San Francisco, Seattle, and Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Cruise fares start as low as $399 per person, double occupancy, and booking is available immediately.

Royal Caribbean also offers a wide array of shore excursion add-ons available for purchase to complement days in port. In San Francisco, for example, guests can choose Sausalito & Muir Woods, which will take them across the Golden Gate Bridge to visit Muir Woods and witness giant redwood trees rising more than 250 feet; or explore the surround waters in Victoria for whales, seals, porpoises and other wildlife on Whale Watching; or opt for an insiders’ tour of the famed Pike Place Market in Seattle on Taste Pike Place.

Mariner of the Seas features the most diversions on a cruise ship on the West Coast, catering to active travelers and multi-generational family vacations. On the May 10 sailing, Mariner of the Seas will substitute the San Francisco port of call with Astoria, Oregon.

Mariner of the Seas features the cruise line’s exclusive amenities, including the Studio B ice-skating rink with real ice; full-size basketball and sports court; the cruise line’s iconic rock-climbing wall; and the Royal Promenade, an interior boulevard of boutiques, restaurants, and bars and lounges that runs nearly the length of the ship. Mariner of the Seas also offers a nine-hole miniature golf course, interactive golf simulator, the full-service Mariner Day Spa, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. The ship’s three pools include a 25,000-sq. ft. pool deck, which was transformed by pop-art-sensation Romero Britto into an outdoor art exhibit replete with whimsical figures and playful patterns. This one-of-a-kind pool deck also features a side gallery chronicling this project from initial inspiration to final construction.

In the evening, guests can enjoy 16 bars and themed lounges and seven restaurants, including a 1950s-style Johnny Rockets Diner and Royal Caribbean’s signature specialty restaurants, Chops Grille steakhouse and Portofino Italian restaurant. Guests also can enjoy a myriad of entertainment options from top-rated Broadway-style productions in the Savoy Theatre to world-class gaming in the Casino Royale.

For younger guests, Royal Caribbean’s award-winning Adventure Ocean youth program offers scheduled activities throughout the day that enriches and entertains kids. Teens have their own dedicated onboard areas such as Fuel, the teen disco; The Living Room, a place where they can relax and hang out with their friends; and The Back Deck, an outdoor lounge.

Throughout, all guests will experience the line’s hallmark Gold Anchor Service, making each guest vacation a unique and unforgettable experience with friendly and engaging service from the staff and crew.

Carnival Fantasy New 7-Day Cruises From Mobile, Alabama

April 20, 2009) – Earlier today, Carnival Cruise Lines began accepting reservations for a new series of seven-day western Caribbean voyages from Mobile, Ala., taking place next year.

The new weeklong cruises will depart the Alabama Cruise Terminal May 8 and 15, July 3 and 10, and Oct. 23 and 30, 2010, and feature three tropical Caribbean ports of call: Montego Bay, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel, Mexico.

Designed to complement the line’s popular four- and five-day schedule from Mobile, the new seven-day cruises will be offered aboard the Carnival Fantasy, which late last year underwent an extensive multi-million-dollar renovation which included an expansive Carnival WaterWorks aqua park, new Serenity adults-only retreat and redesigned tropical-themed main pool area.

Carnival Fantasy’s new seven-day itinerary is the latest chapter in the line’s continued expansion at the Port of Mobile, which has garnered excellent consumer feedback since Carnival launched the port’s first year-round cruise program aboard the Holiday in 2004. Carnival Fantasy will replace the Holiday in November 2009, representing a 42 percent capacity increase.

“With its convenient location, excellent facilities, and friendly and efficient staff, Mobile has been a terrific market for us and these new seven-day voyages provide our guests with an exciting longer-length ‘Fun Ship’ vacation option from this attractive homeport,” said Lynn Torrent, Carnival’s senior vice president of sales and guest services.

In addition to the new open-deck upgrades, Carnival Fantasy’s suites, along with its 12,000-square-foot Spa Carnival facility and formal and casual dining venues, were renovated and cosmetic enhancements were made to virtually every public area. A new “Circle C” facility catering to 12- to 14-year-olds was added, as well.

Discovery Sun Resumes Sailings to Bahamas

Discovery Cruise Lines' Discovery Sun returned to it daily sailings between Fort Lauderdale Florida and Grand Bahama Island on May 2nd 2009. The Discovery Sun was removed from service for most of the month of April while mechanical repairs were completed.

Discovery sails every day except Wednesdays from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale to Grand Bahama Island, departing at 7:45 am and returning at 10 pm. Discovery offers Fun Day cruises as well as cruise and stay vacation packages at most of the island’s hotels.

Carnival Pride Begin Year-Round Sailings From Baltimore.

(April 27, 2009) – Later today, Carnival Cruise Lines and the Port of Baltimore will launch the city’s first year-round cruise schedule when the 2,124-passenger Carnival Pride sails on its inaugural departure from Baltimore.

The Carnival Pride arrived this morning at the South Locust Point Cruise Terminal, accompanied by, appropriately enough, The Pride of Baltimore, an authentic reproduction of a 19th century clipper topsail schooner. Following the Carnival Pride’s arrival, a special invitation-only reception was held on board the vessel and attended by port and community officials, dignitaries and VIPs.

Today’s voyage of the Carnival Pride marks the first of 50 voyages annually aboard the 88,500-ton “Fun Ship,” which is expected to carry 115,000 passengers a year from Baltimore. The Port of Baltimore estimates that with the addition of the Carnival Pride, the cruise industry will provide an annual economic impact of $152 million and generate 1,550 jobs within the state.

With the new year-round service from Baltimore, Carnival now sails from 19 North American departure points - the most in cruising - providing consumers with easy and affordable access to a wide variety of embarkation ports throughout the U.S.

“Baltimore is an excellent addition to our North American homeport offerings as it is in close proximity to millions of consumers who now have the opportunity to embark on a ‘Fun Ship’ cruise right from their own backyards,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO. “And the Carnival Pride is a truly spectacular ‘Fun Ship,’ offering a host of exciting facilities and features, along with a variety of appealing itinerary options, to create wonderful vacation memories for our guests,” he added.

“The State of Maryland welcomes the Carnival Pride and the beginning of year-round cruising to the Port of Baltimore,” said Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley. “Now, tens of millions of people that live within a short drive of Baltimore can cruise anytime of the year they wish. The Cruise Maryland terminal’s unique location off Interstate 95 makes it easy for passengers to arrive and park on site,” he added.

Carnival Pride’s New Baltimore-Based Cruises Carnival Pride will operate a series of six-, seven- and eight-day cruises from Baltimore through Aug. 29, 2009. These cruises will visit a wide variety of ports, including Nassau, Freeport, Half Moon Cay (a private Bahamian island), Port Canaveral (near Orlando) and Grand Turk in the Turks & Caicos Islands.

Carnival Pride will then feature a year-round seven-day schedule starting Sept. 6, 2009, with cruises departing every Sunday. Two different itineraries will be offered including an Exotic Eastern Caribbean itinerary calling at Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay, and Freeport; and a weeklong Bahamas/Florida route featuring Port Canaveral (near Orlando’s many attractions), Nassau and Freeport.

Signature ‘Fun Ship’ Amenities

The 960-foot-long Carnival Pride offers a host of resort-style amenities and facilities: four swimming pools – one with a cascading water slide - a wedding chapel and an upscale supper club located at the top of a glass-enclosed atrium, just one of several dining venues on board. Sixteen lounges and bars, including a sports bar, wine bar, piano bar and a 1,200-seat theatre showcasing lavish revues, are also featured. These facilities are accessible by a promenade running the length of the ship. Other features include a 14,500-square-foot spa, a jogging track, ship-wide Wi-Fi access and cell phone service.

Carnival Pride also appeals to families by offering expansive facilities and organized activities for children in three age groups - Camp Carnival for 2- to 11-year-olds, Circle “C” for 12- to 14-year-olds, and Club O2 for 15- to 17-year- olds.

The ship offers a wide variety of spacious accommodations and features the exclusive Carnival Comfort Bed sleep system with plush mattresses, luxurious duvets and high quality linens and pillows. This includes approximately 700 staterooms and suites which have a private balcony -- a very popular option for enjoying the beautiful ocean vistas.

Reservations

Reservations are currently being accepted for the Carnival Pride’s new departures from Baltimore. Special rates for third and fourth guests sailing in the same stateroom, along with round-trip air supplements from a variety of North American gateways are also available.

Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises Temporarily Drops Calls in Mexico

April 28, 2009 -- Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. today announced it is temporarily suspending its port calls in Mexico. The decision was made in an abundance of caution, and allows additional time to better understand the full impact of the Swine Flu. The suspension involves the company’s Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises brands. Royal Caribbean International has four ships currently making regularly scheduled port call in Mexico – Enchantment of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas.

Two additional Royal Caribbean International ships were scheduled to make upcoming Mexican port calls as they repositioned – Serenade of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas. Celebrity Cruises had one ship scheduled to make upcoming Mexico port calls as it repositions – Celebrity Infinity.

All but one of the affected ships will either make alternative port calls or spend additional time at sea. Royal Caribbean International’s Mariner of the Seas will sail a fully revised itinerary, visiting Canada and the U.S. West Coast. The temporary suspension takes effect immediately and will be in effect for the immediate future. It will be regularly reviewed in light of any Swine Flu developments.

“Like our guests, we take all health matters seriously,” said Dr. Art Diskin, chief medical officer for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “Although authorities have not raised specific concerns regarding the ports we visit in Mexico, we want to err on the side of caution. We’re taking proactive steps onboard our ships to help ensure the health and well-being of our guests and crew members, and this is just one more step in that process. We apologize for the disruption these changes will cause our guests, and we appreciate their understanding.”