Celebrity Cruise New Celebrity Silhouette to Be Named in Hamburg

Celebrity Silhouette, the newest addition to Celebrity Cruises Solstice class family, will make history this summer when it is officially named in Hamburg, Germany. When it comes to automobiles and cruise ships, “made in Germany” is often the mark of high quality, innovative design and precision. Celebrity Cruises’ award-winning Solstice Class ships are no exception, and their German heritage is coming full circle with the German locale of Celebrity Silhouette’s official naming festivities, with all their pomp and circumstance.

Built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg Germany, the 2,886-guest Celebrity Silhouette will be introduced to the world on July 1, 2011, with formal naming ceremonies that will kick off a two-night preview cruise for invited travel agents, press and other dignitaries. Celebrity Silhouette is the fourth Solstice Class ship in a series of five built at the sixth-generation, family-owned German yard renowned for its commitment to excellence, and the first in its class to be officially named in Germany.

“We are so honored that Germany will be the first country outside of the United States or the United Kingdom to host the naming of a Solstice Class ship,” said Tom Fecke, General Manager, RCL Cruises Ltd., Germany. “This is a clear commitment not only to the German cruise market, but also to the growing interest in the Celebrity Cruises brand, which continues to evolve and attract affluent vacationers. Hamburg, with its strong cruising tradition and appeal, provides an ideal setting, and we are very much looking forward to the celebration of the launch of this stunningly beautiful new ship.”

Vacationers eager to experience Celebrity Silhouette can book its inaugural cruise of July 23, a seven-night cruise to Rome. Following a Rome-focused two-night preview cruise for invited members of the travel industry and the media, the ship will introduce a series of 12- and 13-night Holy Land sailings roundtrip from Rome. Beginning this November, Celebrity Silhouette will be the first Solstice Class ship to present cruises from Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey, bringing the Solstice Class’s award-winning style and design to the greater New York City area.

Celebrity Silhouette will offer significantly expanded onboard opportunities for vacationers to enjoy their precious vacation time. New venues that will debut on Celebrity Silhouette will highlight some of the premium brand’s most compelling characteristics, offering unique experiences focused on the culinary arts, ways to relax and enjoy stylish surroundings at sea, and engaging, enriching onboard activities. These venues include:

• The Lawn Club Grill, the industry’s first outdoor, interactive grill restaurant
• The Porch, offering quick, simple, casual and complimentary breakfasts and lunches against a backdrop of views of the lawn and sea
• The Art Studio, a space within The Lawn Club where guests can participate in intimate, hands-on instruction from experts in drawing, painting and beading, as well as the art of food, with plating, tastings, mixology and other culinary-themed classes
• The Alcoves, a private retreat overlooking the lawn, ocean and coastlines, featuring eight exclusive, cabana-style settings, each designed for two to four guests
• The Hideaway, a high-tech, avant-garde treehouse-like spot for vacationers relaxing with their Apple iPads or perhaps reading a good book within cozy, intimate lounging “nests”

In addition to the innovative new venues and experiences, Celebrity Silhouette will offer iconic Solstice Class attributes, including:

• The hip “Celebrity iLounge” that made Celebrity Cruises the industry’s first Authorized Apple Reseller
• Uniquely unordinary “Qsine,” the first seagoing restaurant to feature a menu and wine list on an iPad®, and an engaging food-as-theater dining experience
• Ten unrivaled restaurants – in addition to “The Lawn Club Grill” and “The Porch”
• Modern, stylish interiors designed by some of the world’s best architects and designers, including Adam Tihany
• Cool nightclubs and lounges, including CellarMasters, complete with the industry’s first installation of the innovative Enomatic wine serving system
• One of the broadest and best wine offerings in the industry, served by one of the world’s largest staffs of certified sommeliers

* One of the world’s largest permanent collections of original contemporary art, and the industry’s first self-guided art tours to be presented on an iPad®
* Top-tier entertainment, including custom aerial production shows and live music

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SeaDream Yacht Club Announces 2012 Itineraries

SeaDream Yacht Club announced its complete 2012 itinerary, which is now available for bookings. The twin deluxe, mega yachts SeaDream I & II will spend early 2012 sailing the Caribbean with an emphasis on visiting the smaller yachting playgrounds and harbors that large ships cannot reach. In addition, SeaDream II will be adding two, 20-day voyages to the Amazon in February 2012. SeaDream’s President, Bob Lepisto said, “The British Virgin Islands, such as Norman Island, Jost van Dyke and Virgin Gorda are true yachting destinations and continue to be a SeaDream favorite. However, we are excited to be adding the Amazon to our 2012 itinerary.”

SeaDream’s debut in the Baltic in 2011 had swift bookings reflecting an appetite for the region. That led to SeaDream II sailing the Baltic in 2012 with the addition of new ports including:

* Dover, England: Being used as a turn-round port. Located on the English Channel, Dover is easily accessible from London .

* Skagen, Denmark: A popular summer resort and artist colony located at the northern-most point of Denmark.
* Harlingen, Netherlands: A charming Dutch town founded in 1234.
* Brugge, Belgium : One of Belgium ’s most historic cities where SeaDream’s small size allows her to navigate up the canal into the city.
* Sylt Island, Germany : Germany ’s fashionable summer retreat on the North Sea .

The Mediterranean is traditionally a popular region for summer yachting and SeaDream Yacht Club’s 2012 itinerary features more of the magnificent Mediterranean . You’ll also find several new, unique options such as an 11-day Black Sea voyage sailing round-trip from Istanbul on September 11, 2012. Ports include Nessebar, Bulgaria ; Sulina , Romania ; Odessa , Ukraine ; Yalta , Ukraine ; Sochi, Russia ; Novorossiysk, Russia and Sevastopol, Ukraine . Other new ports in their 2012 line up include the archaeological site of Butrint, Albania . Sibenik, Opatija and Mljet, Croatia. Turkey’s Turquoise Coast from Bodrum to Fethiye.

The expression “yachting” is not a sentiment about size; it is a statement about lifestyle aboard the small vessels. Chic and stylish, SeaDream’s 56-stateroom twin yachts are favored for their elegant informality, state-of-the-art facilities, personal service provided by a crew of 95, inclusive open bar and gratuities, ocean view accommodations, luxury spa and world class cuisine. 2011 marks the tenth year anniversary of SeaDream Yacht Club. It was 2001, when innovative SeaDream Yacht Club brought a refreshing change to the world of ultra-luxury holidays at sea – with the intention of being completely different from any and every other cruise product. Since then, the twin, elegant mega-yacht cruisers SeaDream I & II, have received more than 25 Awards, Honors and Accolades from authoritative travel publications and various industry organizations. Itineraries include the Eastern Caribbean, The Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Amazon. For additional information or to make reservations, contact your travel professional, visit www.SeaDream.com

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American Cruise Line Announces Name of New Mississippi River Sternwheeler

American Cruise Lines announced today the name of its brand new 140
passenger Mississippi stern-wheeler – Queen of the Mississippi – currently under construction
and two months ahead of schedule at Chesapeake Shipbuilding Corp. in Salisbury, MD.
American Cruise Lines has also unveiled the first renderings of the ship’s interior, including
those of the future dining salon, Paddle-wheel Lounge and passenger staterooms.

“Queen of the Mississippi is a natural addition to our fleet, the name perfectly befitting of the
grandeur she will exemplify,” said Charles A. Robertson, President of American Cruise Lines.

“We truly look forward to carrying on the historic legacy of Mississippi steamboating, taking it
to the next level, and offering a riverboat cruising experience like never before.”

As depicted in the renderings, the spacious dining salon will have the capacity to generously
seat all passengers and will be complete with crystal chandeliers and fine works of art that will
far surpass the ambiance of past riverboats. The Paddle-wheel Lounge, featuring rich wood and
comfortable furnishings, will offer panoramic views of the passing scenery and the large red
paddle-wheel at the stern. Fine décor and a tasteful interior color scheme will cover every inch
of the ship – from the elevators to the dining salon to the passenger staterooms – capturing
the tradition of the grand riverboats that graced the Mississippi all the way back to the 1800s.
The onboard atmosphere, when combined with live entertainment, exceptional cuisine, and
highly attentive and personalized service, will truly raise the bar in riverboat cruising.
“Providing an authentic Mississippi cruising experience is our ultimate goal in building this
brand new riverboat,” said Timothy Beebe, Vice President of American Cruise Lines. “Making
the Queen of the Mississippi accommodating and comfortable by modern-day standards is an
effort that will meticulously blend in with the historic appeal of riverboats to create a ‘best of
both worlds’ experience.”

The first brand new overnight stern-wheeler built for the Mississippi in nearly 20 years, Queen
of the Mississippi will be the grandest ever with over-sized staterooms larger than those of all
former Mississippi riverboats. Staterooms will feature spacious private balconies and all of the
amenities today’s travelers expect. American Cruise Lines will operate the stern-wheeler over
the entire Mississippi River System, with the option of cruising at significantly higher speeds to
make more itineraries possible with longer visits to the many river towns. A number of unique
seven-night cruises are planned that take passengers as far as St. Paul, MN on the Mississippi
River and Pittsburgh, PA on the Ohio River.

About American Cruise Lines

American Cruise Lines operates the newest fleet of small ships in the industry and offers more
than 20 unique itineraries along the inland waterways and rivers of the Pacific Northwest, the
Mississippi River System and East Coast of the United States.

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NEW SHIP - Hapag-Lloyd's Europa 2

In a move that is unprecedented in the luxury segment of its fleet, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is launching a second ship carrying the same name. Alongside the existing Europa, the Europa 2 will be positioned as a lifestyle-oriented and informal alternative on a 5-star level. Modern entertainment will replace the type of entertainment traditionally associated with cruises. The contemporary, luxurious design and the informal atmosphere with international flair will convey a feeling of relaxed elegance.

The Europa 2 with her eleven decks and 258 suites will accommodate a maximum of 516 passengers and offers the largest amount of space per passenger on a cruise ship. The ship offers exclusively veranda suites with a minimum size of 28 square meters. Spa, penthouse and family suites complement the accommodation range. Seven restaurants, including Sushi Bar, two lounges and four bars offer culinary diversity and a multi-faceted entertainment program. A large wellness and spa zone as well as a variety of sport- and health-oriented facilities do justice to the current trend towards active holidays and well-being.

With seven-day cruises to the Mediterranean in the summer months and to distant destinations in winter, the Europa 2 will particularly fulfill the requirements of guests who are still working and families who are looking for a casual holiday in an elegant ambiance at sea. Equipped with a fleet of Zodiacs, the Europa 2 will also be in a position to offer landings in small harbors and little bays off the customary routes.

Europa 2 Specifications

• Keel Laying: February 7, 2012
• Ship yard: STX / St. Nazaire - France
• Maiden Voyage: Spring 2013
• Charter contract: 12 years
• Passenger-Space Ratio: 74.8
• Length: 225.25 m
• Width: 26.70 m
• Draught: 6.30 m
• Max. speed: 21.3
• Staterooms: 258 (dimension: min. 28 m²)
• Decks: 11
• Max. passenger capacity: 516
• Restaurants: 7 (incl. Sushi Bar)
• Bars, lounges: 4 Bars, 2 Lounges
• Crew: ca. 360
• Onboard language: German
• Onboard currency: Euro
• itineraries: Summer months: 7-day itineraries in the Mediterranean, that can be combined
• Winter months: World cruise destinations

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Kids Sail Free on Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) for a Limited Time

Norwegian Cruise Line Offers Kids Sail Free for New Bookings BUT only for a limited time. To find out the details click here -> NCL Kids Cruise Free Details

Cunard Offers Discounts During 5 Day Cruise Sale.

4-21-2011 - In celebration of Her Majesty The Queen’s 85th birthday (April 21st) and the historic Royal Wedding next week, Cunard Line announces a special five-day sale on select voyages in honor of these Royal celebrations. On sale April 25th – 29th.

For more information and details....Cunard Cruise Discounts

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Disney Cruise Line's Disney Magic to Sail from NY in 2012

Disney Cruise Line Announces Sailings from New York in 2012 -

To learn more about Disney Cruises From New York, Use this link -

http://www.nycruiseinfo.com/News_Article/11-04-17-Disney-Cruise-Line-Disney-Magic-From-New-York.htm

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Royal Caribbean on the Verge of Ordering New Ships

At last Thursday's earning call, Royal Caribbean's chairman, Richard Fain stated that Royal Caribbean in close to placing an order for a new class of cruise ship.

"We've been considering our next new building project, and we feel that the time may now be right with such a move." RCCL Chairman Richard Fain said.

To learn more.....

http://w...ww.nycruiseinfo.com/News_Article/11-02-03-Royal_Caribbean_Orders_New_Ships.htm

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NCL Orders 2 New Cruise Ships From Germany's Meyer Werft

Norwegian Cruise Line reached an agreement with Meyer Werft GMBH of Germany to build two new next generation Freestyle Cruising ships for deliveries in spring 2013 and spring 2014 The order was inked in October 2010.

To Learn more...... http://www.nycruiseinfo.com/News_Article/11-02-02-NCL_Orders_New_Ships.htm

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Luxury Operator Oceania Cruises’ new Marina to Feature 10 Dining Experiences

Oceania Cruises’ new Marina is destined to set new standards
for culinary excellence at sea with 10 dining venues, six of which are no-charge, gourmet restaurants. The 1,250-guest ship, which debuts later this month, was designed for food and wine lovers with an ambitious goal to offer dining experiences comparable to the very best shore-side restaurants.

According to Bob Binder, Oceania Cruises’ president, “Marina is the first ship purpose-built for epicureans. Unlike many cruise lines, all of our meals are cooked to order, a la minute. We are committed to serving cuisine that rivals some of the world’s very best restaurants.”

Continental Cuisine, Asian Fusion & American Favorites

Marina will offer six, open-seating gourmet restaurants, two private-dining venues and two casual eateries. The décor of each is distinctive, yet a common design thread is evident in the extensive use of rich woods, marble and granite, fine wool carpets and supple leather. Below is an outline of the ship’s eight no-charge dining venues and two exclusive options:

1. The Grand Dining Room – Tuxedo-clad wait staff serve a six-course menu in a classic setting reminiscent of a five-star restaurant at one of Europe ’s grandest hotels. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

2. Toscana – Three, illuminated etched-glass panels provide a dramatic backdrop to savory specialties, many of them family recipes handed down from Oceania Cruises’ staff and crew. Open for dinner, reservations suggested.

3. Polo Grill – Plush and supple leather upholstery, a rich palette of crimson, gold and green, and gold-edged mahogany wall panels evoke the glamour of a vintage Hollywood steakhouse. Fine cuts of Prime, dry-aged beef, as well as chops and fresh seafood, are featured. Open for dinner, reservations suggested.

4. Jacques – The first-ever restaurant at sea for its renowned namesake, Jacques Pépin, draws inspiration from fabled brasseries of Paris and his hometown of Lyon. Open for dinner, reservations suggested.

5. Red Ginger – Thai, Japanese and Vietnamese flavors are showcased in a contemporary setting that features three Buddhas carved from a single piece of backlit glass as a dramatic centerpiece. Open for dinner, reservations suggested.

6. Terrace Café – Shades of burgundy, burnt orange, gold and lemon create a bright and pleasant ambiance or guests may dine al fresco. Regional delicacies and sumptuous buffets are served for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

7. Waves – This relaxed, open-air bistro serves gourmet burgers, swordfish, chicken and other grilled items, and features a salad bar and homemade ice cream bar. Open for lunch, weather permitting.

8. Baristas – This coffee bar adjoining the library is the place throughout the day to enjoy Illy espresso and cappuccino, plus homemade biscotti and coffee cake.

Optional Wine Dinners & the Ultimate Chef’s Table

9. La Reserve by Wine Spectator – This intimate venue hosts tastings and seven-course pairing dinners with premium wines selected in consultation with Wine Spectator editors. Extra charge for wines; reservations required.

10. Privée – This posh private dining room offers the ultimate Chef’s Table. Eight fortunate guests can create a personalized menu featuring such specialties as Kobe beef, Brittany lobsters, foie gras, caviar and truffles. Room charge is $1,000. Open select evenings, reservations required.

Oceania Cruises’ new Marina also features a Bon Appétit Culinary Center and full-service Canyon Ranch^® SpaClub. Interior design highlights include a Lalique-designed grand lobby, luxurious suites designed by Dakota Jackson as well as Owner’s Suites furnished exclusively in Ralph Lauren Home.

Additional information about Marina dining venues, including sample menus, can be found online. visit www.OceaniaCruises.com

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