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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MSC Cruise Confirms Order For New Build MSC Fantastica - Delivery Spring 2011

(July 23, 2010) – MSC Cruises announced the conclusion of the legal process that finalizes the order and confirms construction of a new ‘Fantasia’ class cruise ship, MSC Fantastica, U32, by STX France making it the 12th ship in its fleet.

An important factor in the success of the project was the financial backing provided by French financial institutions, and especially by Coface, the French Export Credit Agency, making it possible for the vessel to be delivered as required by MSC Cruises by the end of spring 2012.

According to Jacques Hardelay, General Manager of STX France, he’s pleased with the contract being confirmed. “We look forward to continuing the long-standing relationship between the teams of MSC Cruises and STX France for the successful delivery of this magnificent vessel,” said Hardelay.

MSC Fantastica will build upon the success of the ‘Fantasia’ prototype, offering a unique experience for guests in its class thanks to innovative features such as the MSC Yacht Club, exclusive ship-within-a-ship area onboard, for unprecedented levels of privacy and personalized service.

Pierfrancesco Vago, worldwide chief-executive-officer for MSC Cruises, said, “We are delighted at the confirmation of this important investment--a sign of the success of our ambitious growth strategy. Together with STX France, we are focused on further enhancing MSC Cruises' leading positioning within the world’s cruise industry.

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Oceania Cruises Offers Sun-Splashed Holiday Cruises

July 21, 2010 – Holidays on the high seas are festive occasions when gourmet cuisine and intriguing ports of call are added to the mix. Oceania Cruises intimate Regatta will celebrate the season with age-old and revered traditions on a Christmas and New Year’s voyage to the Caribbean , departing December 21.

“Christmas is the best time to cruise the Caribbean . The warm weather is complemented by the holiday spirit felt throughout the islands,” stated Bob Binder, Oceania Cruises’ president. “Moreover, decorations and gala onboard events will make the holidays memorable.”

The line’s popular “Sun-Splashed Holiday” onboard Regatta is a 12-day cruise, roundtrip from Miami, departing December 21, that visits the Turks & Caicos, Dominican Republic, Tortola, Antigua, Barbados, Martinique, St. Barts and St. Croix. Fares for interior staterooms are priced from $4,299 per person, double, including free air. A limited number of suites and staterooms are still available.

The holiday spirit is in the air from the moment guests embark on Oceania Cruises’ Regatta, which will be dressed from bow to stern in its festive finery. Strewn garland, wreaths, holly, Christmas trees, and even mistletoe provide a backdrop for carolers singing yuletide favorites, themed entertainment and special guest performers.

The significance of the holiday is observed at a Midnight Mass Dec. 24 and an ecumenical worship service on Christmas Day. Special Hanukkah activities are planned by a guest rabbi and menorahs will complement the ship’s seasonal decorations.

Oceania Cruises’ holiday sailings have a special culinary emphasis. Menus will include such Christmas favorites as roast turkey, goose or ham, plus traditional trimmings, sweets and eggnog. Guests can also enjoy potato latkes, matzo ball soup and Challah bread. A gala New Year's Eve deck party – weather permitting – features live music, noisemakers, party hats and Champagne .

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Norwegian Epic Sets Booking Record and New Discounts

July 19, 2010 – Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest and largest Freestyle Cruising ship ever, has set its third consecutive record-breaking booking week for the week ending July 17, 2010. Booking volume was up more than 50 percent from the previous two record-breaking weeks for the weeks ending July 3 and July 10 with Epic’s innovative New Wave balcony staterooms some of the most popular.

Norwegian’s signature New Wave design offers a completely fresh take on stateroom design with contemporary curved architecture including curved walls and ceilings that maximize the living space.

To celebrate Norwegian Epic’s christening and inaugural season, the line launched several promotions including “Hello Balcony,” offering guests a complementary balcony upgrade when booking an oceanview stateroom. The promotion is valid for new reservations, runs through August 1, 2010 and includes select sailings fleet-wide. In addition, guests also receive half-off standard cruise deposits and up to $150 in on-board credit per stateroom, based on cruise length and category, for new Norwegian Epic reservations.

The 153,000 gross tons, 4,100-passenger Norwegian Epic, billed as the world's largest floating entertainment venue with world-class entertainment unlike anything before seen at sea, was christened by country music superstar Reba McEntire on July 2 in a Christening Ceremony hosted by Curb Your Enthusiasm star and comedian Jeff Garlin. The ship served as the venue for the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® Spectacular broadcast live on NBC television. The hour-long broadcast was the #1 program across all networks for the evening, hitting a three year high in ratings. The Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular show also won the coveted 18-49 demo and had a significant +82% gain in women, ages 25-54, versus last year.

Norwegian Epic sails alternating seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises itineraries every Saturday from Miami through April 2011. Eastern Caribbean sailings make stops in St. Thomas , U.S. Virgin Islands: Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and Nassau , Bahamas . On her Western Caribbean sailings, Norwegian Epic visits Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico and Roatan , Honduras .

Norwegian Epic

World-class entertainment is Norwegian Epic’s hallmark. For the first time at sea, Blue Man Group performs their exhilarating fusion of comedy, theatrics and paint, exclusively on Norwegian Epic. In the only “big top” at sea, Cirque Dreams and Dinner presents a one-of-a-kind interactive theatrical dining experience with music, mayhem and acrobatic imagination. Legends in Concert, the original and world’s greatest live tribute show, is featured for the first time at sea in more than a decade on Norwegian Epic, along with The Second City improvisational comedy and Howl at the Moon, the world’s greatest rock ‘n roll dueling piano show that encourages audience participation. New York-based Slam Allen Band rocks the house with down-home blues in Fat Cats Jazz and Blues club.

In addition to world-class entertainment, the 4,100-passenger Norwegian Epic incorporates many innovations including several new types of accommodations – the curved New Wave staterooms; the largest Villas suite complex at sea, comprising 60 suites and villas on two private decks at the top of the ship; and spa and family-friendly accommodations. Kids will have a blast with Nickelodeon at Sea™ offering Nickelodeon-themed family entertainment and programming including: character meet and greets; interactive game shows; and more.

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

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Luxury Yacht Operator SeaDream Offers Guest Speakers on Transatlabtic Voyages

SeaDream Yacht Club, operator of the twin, ultra-luxury, mega yacht cruisers SeaDream I and II, will offer guests on its October and November, transatlantic westbound voyages a high- profile speakers’ program as a bonus to the joys of blue water sailing.

The transatlantic sailings from Europe to the Caribbean are:

· SeaDream I, Voyage #11041, Malaga-San Juan, 12 days, October 14-26, 2010. Speakers for this voyage are:

Colonel Walter Cunningham---Colonel Cunningham has enjoyed distinguished careers in the U.S. Marine Corps, as an astronaut with NASA and in private industry, including 12 years as a venture capitalist. He is best known as the pilot of Apollo VII, the first manned flight of that program to land a man on the moon. Following that mission in 1968 he became chief of the Skylab Astronauts where he was responsible for the design, development sand integration of systems for the largest spacecraft---manned or unmanned---ever placed in orbit up to that time.

Brian Beck---.Maritime historian Brian Beck is a chartered engineer with more than 30 years experience. After an early career as a marine engineer in the British Merchant Navy, he gained extensive management experience with a major European manufacturing, electrical engineering corporation as CEO of its UK companies. An expert in maritime history, Brian Beck has been a top lecturer on the subject for many years.

* SeaDream II, Voyage #21042, Lisbon-San Juan, 11 days, November 10-21, 2010

Dr. Fred Chernow--- A retired professor of psychology from St. John’s University in New York; Dr. Chernow has long been a seminar leader in the fascinating field of memory improvement. He has presented memory enhancement programs to major Fortune 500 companies He techniques are easy learned and can be put to use immediately. When not lecturing at sea, he appears on countless radio and TV talk shows demonstrating his user-friendly memory tips and strategies.

Jon Bowermaster--- A six-time grantee of the National Geographic Expeditions Council and award-winning writer and filmmaker, Jon Bowermaster has made sea kayak expeditions in the past ten years from the Aleutian Islands to Vietnam, French Polynesia to Chile/Argentina/Bolivia, Gabon to Croatia and Tasmania to Antarctica. Seeing the world from the seat of a kayak has given Jon Bowermaster a one-of-a-kind look at both the health of the planet’s oceans and the lives of the nearly three billion people around the globe who depend on them.

Also, popular on these transatlantic voyages is the SeaDream Spa, with eight massage therapists, kept busy by guests who not only have mental stimulation on their minds but also have well-being and leisure. Lazy sea days become lazy spa days.

Cost for these voyages is from $2,699 per person and is based on double occupancy of a SeaDream Yacht Club stateroom. Rates are also available for solo travelers occupying a stateroom and for and third persons in a stateroom.

SeaDream does not regularly offer a lecture program on its yacht-like sailings. Its guests have ample opportunity to entertain themselves with the company’s noted water sports program, unique shore excursions at ports of call and other activities designed for well-traveled, active guests. It is offering its transatlantic travelers these compelling speakers as a diversion from those lazy days at sea that attract travelers to these “blue-water” sailings.

“We believe the combination of mental tranquility afforded by days at sea and the stimulation of interaction with speakers on topical subjects will provide our guests on this transatlantic sailing with the best of all possible worlds,” said Bob Lepisto, SeaDream’s President.

SeaDream fares include all meals, wine with lunch and dinner, open bar, use of the water toys, and gratuities. Air transportation and ground transportation to and from the SeaDream yacht is not included. Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change with out notice. Some fees apply.

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American Cruise Line Names The New Independence

On July 4, 2010 American Cruise Line celebrated the naming ceremony for their newest ship - the Independence. The festivities took place in Rockport Maine. Christened by United States Senator Susan M. Collins, the Independence is the fifth ship in American Cruise Lines' fleet.

After the celebration, the Independence kicked off a series of 13 Maine Coast and Harbors seven-night cruises. Prior to this, the Independence sailed on her 10-day maiden voyage from Providence, Rhode Island to Portland, Maine and featured ports from the Chesapeake Bay to Maine.

The ship has a number of important differences from other ships that Chesapeake Shipbuilding has built for American Cruise Lines, including a wider beam and active wing stabilizers. The wider beam will allow for larger staterooms, public spaces, and private balconies. The ship accommodates 104 passengers.

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MSC Cruise Offers Discounts to NY, NJ, PA and CT Residents

July 24, 2010 - New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania residents have a reason to celebrate as MSC Cruises announces reduced rates from $449 (plus government fees and taxes, GFTs) for its inaugural fall foliage cruises to Canada/New England onboard MSC Poesia through August 31.

To Learn More About MSC Cruise Discounts for New York, New Jersey and Connecticut Residents Click Here.

To Learn More About MSC Cruise Discounts for Pennsylvania Residents Click Here.

Holland America's Veendam to Sail to Bermuda Again in 2011

July 20, 2010 – Holland America Line will offer 24 seven-day cruises to Bermuda aboard ms Veendam in 2011, continuing the schedule established this year with weekly cruises to the popular vacation destination. To learn more about the Veendam's 2011 Bermuda Cruises Click Here.

Crystal Cruises Publishes 2011 Cruise Guide

July 2, 2010 – Crystal Cruises has published its 2011 Cruise Guide, featuring the 59 worldwide cruises, 167 ports and savings and innovations for Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity in 2011. A full page details Crystal’s extensive value propositions, including Two-for-One promotional pricing, ‘All Inclusive – As You Wish’ shipboard spending credits, ‘Save Now, Save Later,’ and its Crystal Family Memories program. Special attention is given to newly introduced programs Perfect Choice Dining™ featuring Open Dining by Reservation, and the Priority Check-in and Planning Center.

A layout of the six-star elements comprising Crystal’s winning formula of service, space, quality and choices, boasts a “What’s New” top banner detailing these and other new enrichment and shoreside programs. Crystal’s acclaimed Experiences of Discovery theme cruises are also featured.

A preview to the 150+-page Crystal Cruises Worldwide Atlas available later this summer, the 30-page, full color brochure is conveniently color-coded by destination, and includes deck plans for the award-winning vessels with comprehensive listings of the luxurious appointments and new features in the staterooms and penthouses.

“Practical itinerary and ship information, plus the tremendous promotional offers and new services, make the Cruise Guide an ideal tool for advance travel planning for guests and travel agents,” says Nitsa Lewis, vice president, marketing. “At the same time, there is appealing lifestyle information to convey Crystal’s award-winning casually elegant style.”

In addition to Crystal’s epic 110-day “Grand Exotic Expedition” World Cruise, new for 2011 is a return to cruising Alaska for the first time since 2005 aboard Crystal Symphony, with eight visits to Glacier Bay, and to West Africa for the first time since 2001; all Baltic and Mediterranean cruises aboard Crystal Serenity, with added North Cape and Black Sea voyages; a final voyage to Antarctica; overnight calls in Ashdod, Melbourne, Barcelona, Cannes, Istanbul, New York and others; two-night stays in Dubai, Cape Town and St. Petersburg; maiden visits to Argostoli, Kefalonia; Fethiye, Turkey; Komodo Island, Indonesia; Koper, Slovenia; and Marigot Bay, St. Martin; and a Christmas holiday cruise to Mexico round-trip from Los Angeles.

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Carnival Conquest Will Reposition to New Orleans for Year-Round Seven-Day Caribbean Cruises

(June 23, 2010) – Carnival Cruise Lines’ newest ship, the 3,690-passenger Carnival Magic, will operate seven-day Caribbean cruises from Galveston beginning Nov. 14, 2011, becoming the largest cruise ship based at the port year-round. Additionally, the 2,758-passenger Carnival Triumph will reposition from New Orleans to Galveston to operate year-round four- and five-day Caribbean cruises from that port beginning Oct. 6, 2011.

Homeporting the Carnival Magic and Carnival Triumph in Galveston represents the largest-ever capacity commitment by a cruise line to Texas. With these deployments, Carnival expects to carry more than 450,000 guests annually from Galveston – a 28 percent increase over the current year.

In turn, the 2,974-passenger Carnival Conquest and 2,052-passenger Carnival Ecstasy, both of which are currently based in Galveston, will reposition to New Orleans to operate year-round departures from that port, returning the line to pre-Katrina capacity levels there. With Carnival Conquest and Carnival Ecstasy, the line is expected to carry nearly 340,000 passengers annually from New Orleans – the most of any cruise operator.

“Deploying the new Carnival Magic to Galveston and increasing capacity on our popular short cruise program with the Carnival Triumph is a clear indication of the tremendous appeal and growth of this key homeport, which consistently earns high marks from our guests,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO. “At the same time, we are very pleased to return to pre-Katrina capacity levels in New Orleans with the Carnival Conquest and Carnival Ecstasy – a wonderfully positive indicator of the city’s continued growth and recovery,” he added.

Carnival Magic, Carnival Triumph from Galveston
Carnival Magic, which is slated to debut in Europe in May 2011 with a host of innovative facilities and features, will offer two different week-long itineraries from Galveston, including seven-day western Caribbean voyages to Montego Bay, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, and week-long eastern Caribbean cruises to Nassau, Freeport, and Key West.

Carnival Magic will offer many exciting amenities including a spectacular water park, an exclusive adults-only retreat, a wrap-around promenade with whirlpools that extend out over the ship’s sides, and expansive spa and children’s facilities. Also featured will be a variety of stateroom choices, including deluxe ocean view accommodations with two bathrooms, some of which feature five berths and hold particular appeal for families; cove balcony cabins located closer to the water line; and spa staterooms that provide special access and benefits. A number of new innovations are scheduled to be announced in the near future.

Prior to launching year-round Caribbean service from Galveston, Carnival Magic will operate a series of seven-, nine- and 12-day Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona May 1 to Oct. 16, 2011; followed by a 16-day trans-Atlantic crossing from Barcelona to Galveston departing Oct. 28, 2011.

Also being deployed to Galveston is the Carnival Triumph which will operate year-round four- and five-day western Caribbean cruises beginning Oct. 6, 2011, becoming the newest and largest ship to operate a year-round short cruise program from that port. Four-day cruises depart Thursdays to Cozumel, while five-day voyages depart Mondays and Saturdays and visit Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico. Carnival Triumph offers many guest-pleasing features and amenities, including nearly 500 balcony staterooms which are very popular among consumers and typically not available on short cruises.

Expanded Capacity from New Orleans
Carnival Conquest will reposition to New Orleans for year-round seven-day Caribbean cruises beginning Nov. 13, 2011. The ship will offer three different week-long Caribbean options from New Orleans: a new western Caribbean program featuring Montego Bay, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, an eastern Caribbean itinerary to Key West, Freeport and Nassau, and exotic western Caribbean cruises to Belize, Roatan and Cozumel.

Carnival Ecstasy will operate year-round four- and five-day western Caribbean voyages from New Orleans beginning Sept. 22, 2011. The ship underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation last year that added an expansive water park, tropical-style main pool area, adults-only retreat and 98 balconies to existing staterooms. On the Carnival Ecstasy’s new itinerary, four-day cruises departing Thursdays visit Cozumel, while five-day cruises departing Mondays and Saturdays call at Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico.