Carnival Cruises Carnival Spirit Alaska Season Begins

(May 11, 2010) – Carnival Cruise Lines will launch its first-ever cruises from Seattle today when the 2,124-passenger Carnival Spirit departs on a seven-day voyage to Alaska – the first of 17 cruises that will bring some 40,000 passengers to the city this season.

Carnival’s new Seattle-based Alaska program will run through Aug. 31, 2010, with week-long Glacier Bay cruises departing every Tuesday from the port’s newest cruise terminal, Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91. Ports of call include popular Alaskan destinations of Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, as well as Victoria and cruising Tracy Arm Fjord.

To commemorate the start-up of Carnival’s new service from Seattle, a special reception and luncheon was held on board the Carnival Spirit, attracting more than 400 community leaders and local officials. The event was part of the annual Maritime Festival Luncheon sponsored by Seattle’s chapter of the Propeller Club.

“We have received a warm welcome from our friends in Seattle, which is a wonderful addition to our industry-leading North American homeport choices. In addition to outstanding support from the local community, including our travel agent partners, Seattle provides a convenient and affordable air transportation option and its location offers those in the western U.S. an opportunity to drive to their cruise,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival’s president and CEO.

“Carnival’s passengers will pump nearly $2 million per ship visit into our economy,” said Port Commission President Bill Bryant. “17 Carnival calls here expected this year mean jobs and local tax revenue. We are pleased to welcome Carnival to their new home at the Port of Seattle.”

Seattle serves as an excellent gateway to Alaska, a region filled with awe-inspiring natural wonders, including calving glaciers, magnificent fjords and native sea and animal life, as well as interesting cultures and attractions.

A wide range of shore excursions – from helicopter flightseeing and rainforest canopy tours to hiking, canoeing, kayaking expeditions and even alpine snorkeling – are available, providing guests myriad opportunities to experience and explore The Last Frontier.

And the Carnival Spirit is the ideal ship for Alaska, with 80 percent of staterooms featuring an ocean view or balcony – perfect for viewing the passing scenery -- along with indoor and outdoor promenades, and a 14,500-square-foot health and wellness center.

Guests also enjoy specially prepared “Just For Alaska” menu items featuring local fish, game and other ingredients, as well as full-service multi-course meals in the main dining room as well as casual options such as a 24-hour pizzeria. Carnival Spirit also features a classic American-style steakhouse with prime U.S.D.A. dry-aged steaks and other gourmet cuisine.

Carnival Spirit also offers a two-deck-high promenade lined with lounges, bars and nightspots, including a 1,200-seat theater showcasing lavish production shows, as well as full casino gambling, a wedding chapel, conference center and bow-to-stern wireless access. Four swimming pools – one of them heated – as well as Carnival’s signature Twister Waterslide, are featured, as well.

Kids sailing on Carnival Spirit can enjoy three different children’s programs – Camp Carnival for ages 2-11, Circle “C” for ages 12 to 14, and Club O2 for 15- to 17-year-olds – with facilities and counselors dedicated to each group. Many activities in these programs feature fun, educational activities with an Alaska theme.

Reservations are currently being accepted for Carnival’s 2010 Alaska cruises from Seattle.

Fred Olsen Outlines 2012 Grand Voyages

May 11, 2010 – Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has announced two longer cruises for 2012. Balmoral has an epic voyage around South America, departing January 5, 2012 for 89 nights, while Black Watch undertakes a 106-night World Cruise departing from Southampton on January 11, 2012.

Balmoral’s cruise, also from Southampton, travels via the Canary Islands and Caribbean and takes in some of North America, visiting Key West, New Orleans and Galveston (for Houston) as well as Cozumel in Mexico and transits the Panama Canal before travelling around the continent of South America. The cruise can also be booked in four shorter sectors: Southampton to Montego Bay, Jamaica; Montego Bay to Valparaiso, Chile; Valparaiso to Rio (Brazil); and Rio to Southampton. Prices for the full cruise start from $13,198 per person.

For those seeking the ultimate in cruising, a world cruise is hard to beat. This Black Watch cruise travels in an easterly direction, visiting Egypt and the Suez Canal, India, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Borneo, Australia – including the Great Barrier Reef – the South Pacific including Vanuatu, Fiji, Bora Bora and Tahiti, South America and the Caribbean. Prices for this all-encompassing cruise start from $15,673 per person. Prices are based on two people sharing an inside cabin and include all meals and entertainment on board and port taxes.

The world cruise can also be booked in four shorter sectors: Southampton to Singapore; Singapore to Sydney; Sydney to Callao (Peru); and Callao to Southampton.

2012 Grand Voyages go on sale May 18, 2010 for Oceans Members, Fred’s loyalty program members, while general sales start May 19, 2010.

Bookings can be made with MN-based Borton Overseas, Fred. Olsen Cruise Line’s Official USA reseller, by calling 1-800-843-0602.

Norwegian Cruise Line - Kids from $99 and Free Soda for Kids

Norwegian Cruise Line continues its six-week long Summer Blockbuster Event which features kids from $99 when booked as third through eight guests on select 2010 sailings for new reservations made now through May 31, 2010. In addition to reduced cruise fare, each child will receive a complimentary soda package, offering unlimited sodas, on new reservations made from May 3 through May 16, 2010. Click here to learn more about the NCL Summer Blockbuster Event.

Norwegian Cruise Line NCL Unveils 2011 Ship Deployment

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Unveils 2011 Cruise Deployments including

-o- Home-porting a ship in Copenhagen, Denmark,
-o- New Ships for Bermuda from New York & Boston
-o- Year Round Cruises from New Orleans.
-o- Norwegian Epic European Season.
-o- Information on Alaska and Hawaii Cruises.
-o- Much More.

Learn More about NCL 2011 Cruises.

Cruises from NY/NJ - NYCruiseInfo.com
Cruises from the Northeast - NortheastCruiseGuide.com

Dinsey Cruise Line Adds Gourment French Restaurant

(April 8, 2010) – In an exquisite, top-deck restaurant with incredible ocean views, Disney Cruise Line debuts Remy – its first-ever premier dining option. With French-inspired, gourmet cuisine by two award-winning chefs, Remy melds classic and contemporary styles in a sophisticated new dining concept exclusively for adults on the Disney Dream.

Chef Arnaud Lallement from l’Assiette Champenoise, a Michelin two-star restaurant just outside Reims, France, and Chef Scott Hunnel from award-winning Victoria & Albert’s at Walt Disney World Resort, are collaborating to create a French-inspired menu featuring superior products and seasonal ingredients sourced from around the world.

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

Dinner at Remy is a lavish and leisurely affair, starting with a signature chilled Champagne cocktail, followed by eight to nine small courses complemented by a stellar wine list.

Lallement’s cuisine is simple and stylish, such as roasted lobster with cream, and fresh asparagus with black truffles and vin jaune. Hunnel’s innovative dishes offer small tastes of everything from wild caviar to Kobe beef and Japanese Wagyu strip loin. His cuisine earns Victoria & Albert’s the coveted AAA Five Diamonds.

Emma Pontin Godmother of New Celebrity Eclipse

April 12, 2010 – Celebrity Cruises today announced the appointment of Emma Pontin, an inspirational UK-based yachtswoman, to serve as Godmother of Celebrity Eclipse, the third in a series of five stunning Solstice Class ships. Pontin will name the ship in Southampton, England, during the ship’s formal naming ceremony April 24, which will conclude with a magnum of champagne, custom-made by The Corning Museum of Glass, commemoratively crashing against the hull of the 2,850-guest ship.
Pontin began her career as an ocean-racing yachtswoman in 2002 when she crewed on her first Challenge Transatlantic race with only one week’s sailing experience. Her devotion to the sport grew to the point that, in 2006, she was selected to skipper a yacht for the ARC Transatlantic race. But, prior to the start of the race, Pontin was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to immediately return to the UK for a mastectomy, which culminated in a double mastectomy for precautionary measures.

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

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

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

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

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

Pontin is currently mounting her next big challenge: a full circumnavigation of the world (30,000 miles), with a planned departure from London in October 2011 to raise funds for, and global awareness of, breast cancer. Her team will be comprised of a small number of experienced sailors, combined with a crew of 42 selected members of the public, all of whom have had a very personal relationship with breast cancer.

And, on April 24, as part of the Celebrity Eclipse naming celebrations, the first “Celebrity Sunwalk” sponsored by Celebrity Cruises will see thousands of women, men and families walking through Southampton in decorated bras helping to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer. The walk will begin and end in Mayflower Park, where Celebrity Eclipse will create a sensational backdrop for visitors while they watch the live broadcast of the ceremony on a big screen.

Celebrity Eclipse enters service April 26 from Southampton on a three-night Paris (Le Havre) cruise, then returns to Southampton to embark on the ship’s official maiden voyage departing April 29 with a short 4-night cruise to Cork (Cobh), Ireland. The ship will present a series of Mediterranean and Russia and Scandinavian cruises throughout the summer, and will offer Caribbean sailings from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, beginning this winter.

Celebrity Cruises is designed for discerning cruisers, with modern, sophisticated environments, impeccable service, enriching and inspiring onboard programs, and world-class cuisine. The ultimate in premium cruising, Celebrity sails in Alaska, Bermuda, California, Canada/New England, Europe, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal, South America, and year-round in the Caribbean and the Galapagos Islands. Celebrity also offers immersive cruisetour experiences in Alaska, Canada, Europe and South America. Celebrity’s mega-series of honors include being named the top mega-ship line in Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards (November 2009). Celebrity’s fleet currently consists of nine ships. Its $3.7-billion investment in building five stylish Solstice Class ships between 2008-2012 represents the largest newbuild commitment for a single brand in industry history.

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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.

Luxury Operator SilverSea Reveals 2011 Brochure

April 12, 2010 Silversea Cruises has just published its new 2011 Voyages brochure. The comprehensive 190-page booklet details nearly 200 itineraries visiting seven continents, over 80 countries, and more than 400 destinations.

The new brochure opens with an easy-to-read, voyage-by-voyage summary followed by a section revealing the hallmarks of Silversea's unique luxury lifestyle. The balance of the brochure provides detailed worldwide cruise itineraries by region, including highlights of shore excursions, descriptions of land programs, deck plans, savings programs and general information.

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


2011 HIGHLIGHTS:

World Cruise 2011

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

New Cape-to-Cape Adventure

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

New 2011 Land Adventures

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

Relais & Châteaux L'École des Chefs

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

NEW! The Grill

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

Suite Indulgence

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

Enhanced Amenities

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

Extraordinary Incentives

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

In keeping with the company's commitment to promote the use of environmentally responsible products, the brochure is printed on paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The brochure displays the FSC's "Mixed Sources" label, certifying the paper comes from well-managed forests, controlled sources and/or recycled material.

For a complimentary copy of the 2011 Voyages brochure, visit www.silversea.com and click on the [BROCHURE REQUEST] link or call toll-free (877) 215-9986.

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

Azura Departs on Maiden Voyage

Monday April 12, 2010

Britain’s newest ship sails on maiden voyage after naming by Darcey Bussell

Prima ballerina Darcey Bussell CBE has officially christened Azura, the latest P&O Cruises ship built exclusively for Britain. The spectacular celebrity naming ceremony, with Darcey Bussell as the ship's Godmother, took place on Saturday April 10, prior to Azura’s maiden cruise to the Mediterranean which departed today.

Widely considered to be one of the greatest ballerinas of all time, Miss Bussell danced in the “Girl Hunt” scene reminiscent of Cyd Charisse in Band Wagon and then twirled onto the top deck of the ship in a striking red Jasper Conran evening dress.

Darcey Bussell said, "It’s a great honour to be involved as Azura’s godmother. For me this is a wonderful event because I am able promote the best of dance within one evening. It’s wonderful that P&O Cruises is carrying on that theme from the old films where dance was so important.”

P&O Cruises managing director, Carol Marlow said: "Darcey embodies glamour, vitality and classical elegance, which are also reflected in Azura. We are honoured that she agreed to become Godmother. Azura has one of her three magnificent dance floors right at the heart of the ship, so with dancing a real feature, Darcey was a natural choice for Godmother and very fittingly has given Azura the best possible start in life.”

In keeping with Azura’s “back to the future” values, her naming ceremony was a departure from tradition yet captured the glamorous spirit of dance and romance. As well as Darcey’s customary champagne naming, the celebration encompassed a spectacular event with clips from the most memorable dance sequences in film history, on Azura’s new SeaScreen, along with a live dance show.

Over 1,200 guests were on board including Azura’s consultant Michelin-starred chef, Atul Kochhar; wine expert Olly Smith who has a designer wine bar on board; GMTV presenter Emma Crosby; Strictly Come Dancing stars Tom Chambers, Camilla Dallerup and Craig Revel Horwood; Angela Griffin; parliamentary candidate Esther Rantzen and comedian Johnny Vegas.

The occasion benefited three charities supported by Darcey Bussell – The Prince’s Rainforest Trust, Royal Ballet School and Sydney Dance Company.

Azura departed today on her maiden cruise to the Mediterranean, calling in Malaga, Katakolon (for tours to Olympia), Corfu, Dubrovnik, Venice, Korcula and Gibraltar before returning to Southampton on Wednesday 28 April.

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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 Host Venue for Macy's Fireworks

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

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

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

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

Now that's an EPIC event!"
In addition to hosting the Macy's Fireworks broadcast on board Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Cruise Line is partnering with Macy's to offer a Norwegian Epic Vacation Getaway Cruise for four on board the ship as part of a national sweepstakes.

Spectators from coast-to-coast will have a front row view of the fireworks by tuning into NBC's national broadcast of Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular beginning at 9:00 p.m. (check local listings). In addition to the splendor of the nation's largest fireworks display, the spectacular entertainment broadcast will feature a star-studded line-up of performances by America 's most popular recording artists.

Viewing information, spectator tips and fireworks event sweepstakes information will be available as of June 2010 at www.macys.com/fireworks or by calling the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Hotline at (212) 494-4495.

Crystal Cruises Offer Teens Sushi Making Sessions and Swedish Lessons.

April 13, 2010 – Teens can learn to make sushi like a professional Nobu-trained chef, take a golf lesson with PGA pro instructors, and language classes with Berlitz educators on Crystal Cruises’ award-winning ships this summer. Renowned for Six-Star enrichment for adults, the luxury line offers younger guests opportunities to enhance their travel experiences with onboard programming that is sophisticated, entertaining, and complimentary.

Citing a surge in family and multigenerational travel, Crystal reports that, as of March 2010, it has nearly five times more family groups booked through its Crystal Family Memories program for this year versus 2009.

To accommodate this growth, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity have expanded the hours and breadth of supervised activities for junior cruisers of all ages. Junior cruisers can enjoy enriching programs like their parents in sessions tailored specially for them. From a Swedish lesson en route to Stockholm, to Olympic-style competitions sailing from Athens, kids ages three to 17 can immerse themselves in destination-related activities, organized by Crystal’s Junior Activities Directors on summer cruises.

Teen options include:

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

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

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

Crystal sails Northern Europe and the Mediterranean from May through October. In the Mediterranean, per person (double occupancy), two-for-one fares start at $3,680, with up to $1,000 per person ‘All Inclusive – As You Wish’ shipboard credits and complimentary air transportation from many North American gateways – Business Class Air for Penthouse guests.
Junior activities are subject to change per cruise.