Celebrity Cruises Announces Australia Cruises

Get ready for some company, Sydney Opera House. Another thing of beauty will share Sydney Harbor when premium cruise brand Celebrity Cruises sends its award-winning Celebrity Solstice to Australia and New Zealand for the winter of 2012-13.

“Celebrity Solstice has satisfied guests around the world since we introduced her in 2008, and the obvious next step is to send her to Australia,” said Dan Hanrahan, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. “With this move, we are delivering another way for people to have the best vacation experience possible, in one of the most stunning geographic regions of the world.”

Australians will enjoy the return of the Celebrity Cruises brand to the region this coming winter with the deployment of the 1,814-guest Celebrity Century. Her subsequent replacement by the 2,850-guest Celebrity Solstice is a symbol of the premium cruise brand’s ever-expanding global presence and the popularity of the service, activities, cuisine, and stylish design exemplified on its Solstice Class ships, which are frequently rated as the best by consumer- and travel agent-focused publications around the globe. Recent accolades include the Solstice Class being named among “Best Cruise Ships” by Frommers.com and Celebrity being named “Best Premium Cruise Line” and “Best Cruise Line in Europe” by the readers of Travel Weekly.

“Travelers around the world value their vacation time, and we want to give them more opportunitiesto enjoy Celebrity’s signature attributes, including the first Lawn Club and Hot Glass show at sea, more spacious staterooms, our AquaClass staterooms geared toward the spa enthusiast lifestyle, multiple specialty restaurants, the Celebrity iLounge and state-of-the-art entertainment, in more places. The culture and way of life in Australia and New Zealand are an idealbackdrop for our Solstice Class style and the overall onboard experience.”

Celebrity Solstice will transition from a 2012 summer in the Mediterranean to Australia/New Zealand via the Suez Canal and through Southeast Asia before arriving in Sydney, Australia in early December. The repositioning sailings will include multiple overnights in ports including Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Cochin, India.

Upon arriving in Australia, Celebrity Solstice will present a series of 12- and 13-night open-jaw sailings between Sydney and Auckland, New Zealand. The season also will include a circumnavigation of Australia, consisting of two open-jaw sailings between Sydney and Perth (Fremantle). Many of the itineraries include overnight stays in Sydney.

Celebrity Solstice will continue a series of destination-immersive onboard activities that will debut during Celebrity Century’s upcoming Australia/New Zealand season; activities include local vineyard and wine shore excursions, onboard talks by local cultural entertainers and speakers, and destination-focused food and drink menus. Some activities will be complimentary.

Celebrity will continue to offer its popular Australia/New Zealand cruise tour program geared toward guests who wish to combine a land-based vacation with a cruise. Premium concierge-style service is the hallmark of Celebrity’s four- and five-night pre- and post-cruise escorted land tour packages in Australia, which will visit destinations including Port Douglas (Great Barrier Reef), Ayers Rock (Uluru) and Sydney. A six-night pre-cruise New Zealand package will visit Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown and Sydney. Highlights include a full-day tour over the Great Barrier Reef and a gourmet barbecue dinner under the outback sky in Ayers Rock. All of Celebrity’s cruisetours are escorted by local tour directors, and include hotel accommodations, transportation, select activities, breakfast and some additional meals.

Full details will be available on March 23, when bookings for Celebrity’s new 2012-13 Australia/New Zealand itineraries will open for sale. Bookings for the 1,814-guest Celebrity Century’s 2011-12 Australia/New Zealand cruises are open now.

Celebrity Cruises’ iconic “X” is the mark of the world’s top-rated premium cruise line, with spacious, stylish interiors; dining experiences elevated to an art form; personalized service, with a guest-to-staff ratio of nearly 2:1; unexpected, trendsetting onboard activities, all designed to provide an unmatchable experience for vacationers’ precious time. Celebrity sails to Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, Bermuda, California, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal, South America, and year-round in the Galapagos Islands. Celebrity also offers immersive cruisetour experiences in Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Europe and South America. One of the fastest-growing major cruise lines, Celebrity’s fleet currently consists of nine ships, with two additional Solstice Class ships scheduled to join the fleet: Celebrity Silhouette in July 2011, and Celebrity Reflection in Fall 2012

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Oceania New Marina

Oceania Cruises redefined the upper-premium cruise ship market with the christening of Marina in February. The ship’s godmother, “Entertainment Tonight” Host Mary Hart, named the ship at a lavish, invitation-only gala ceremony, which culminated with a 15-liter Nebuchadnezzar of champagne, custom-made by Armand de Brignac, crashing against the hull. Among the ceremony highlights were inspirational performances by the Marina Choir, assembled just for this event, and the appointment of Master Chef Jacques Pépin as honorary commodore of the Oceania Cruises’ fleet.

Entered into service in January 2011, Marina brings the vision of Frank Del Rio, the founder of Oceania Cruises and chairman & CEO of parent company Prestige Cruise Holdings, to reality with the line’s first newly built ship measuring 66,000 tons and accommodating 1,250 guests.

“The saying goes, ‘good things come to those who wait.’ Although Marina ’s arrival has been long awaited, she’s more than just GOOD,” stated Del Rio “She’s the most beautiful, sophisticated and stylish ship launched in the modern era of cruising – a span of some 50 years.”

Marina is a ship of firsts, featuring the first Bon Appétit Culinary Center , Master Chef Jacques Pépin’s first namesake restaurant at sea, Ralph Lauren Home-furnished Owner’s Suites, luxurious accommodations by Dakota Jackson, a Wine Spectator wine program and a Lalique grand stairway.

“ Marina is not just ‘another’ ship, she is special in so many ways,” stated Bob Binder, Oceania Cruises’ president. “When we set out to design and build our first new ship, we wanted it to set new standards for comfort, service and culinary excellence.”

Oceania Cruises’ new Marina arrived in Miami on February 4, after her maiden voyage from Barcelona . Following a short preview cruise, on February 8 she will depart on the first of two 18-day Panama Canal transits that visit San Francisco and San Diego , both new ports for Oceania Cruises. Marina then operates a 12-day Caribbean cruise, round-trip from Miami , departing March 16, before sailing along the U.S. Eastern Seaboard and on to Europe to begin her inaugural Mediterranean season.

Marina has been purposefully designed to carry guests to the world’s most alluring ports in elegance and style. Marina is full of rich woods, marble and granite, fine wool carpets and lustrous leathers which adorn public rooms. Facilities include 10 dining venues – six of which are open-seating gourmet restaurants, an array of bars and lounges, a full-service Canyon Ranch SpaClub and fitness center, swimming pool and hot tubs.

The new Marina joins the Oceania Cruises’ fleet consisting of the 684-passenger Regatta, Insignia and Nautica, which have taken guests around the world since 2002. Her sister ship Riviera will be christened in April 2012. A leader in destination cruising and defining the upper-premium market, Oceania Cruises offers gourmet cuisine, gracious service and award-winning itineraries at an exceptional value.

Dame Shirley Bassey Named Godmother of P&O Adonia

Britain’s greatest and best loved female performer, Dame Shirley Bassey DBE, is to be Godmother to Adonia, the latest addition to the P&O Cruises fleet.

Dame Shirley will name the stylish ship in a glittering ceremony in Southampton on Saturday May 21, 2011.

Adonia is considerably smaller than the larger ships of today. Carrying just 710 passengers, the ship will be able to reach off the beaten track ports of call, yet is big enough to provide an extensive range of on board facilities. Exclusively for adults, Adonia will offer an atmosphere that is intimate and refined – and the on board excellence for which the company is renowned.

“I have had the most exciting career imaginable, but to be invited to be Godmother to a cruise ship is something very special and very personal,” said Dame Shirley.

“Dame Shirley is Britain’s most successful female artiste ever, a national treasure who defines the word ‘superstar’. We are Britain's favorite and most successful cruise line and can trace our British history back longer than any other line. It’s a perfect match and I am sure on our naming day she will need no excuse to “get the party started!“ said P&O Cruises managing director, Carol Marlow.

During a career that has included 135 million record sales, Dame Shirley Bassey has had many incredible highlights, including being the only singer to record three James Bond movie theme songs & most recently releasing The Performance – an album which she describes simply as “The performance of my life” . Dame Shirley has received numerous awards and accolades including being named a DBE [Dame of the British Empire] in 1999.

“Adonia will be the jewel in the P&O Cruises crown and will celebrate all those things our regular passengers love about cruising with us – a classic dance floor, Crow’s Nest observation lounge, formal nights, classical music recitals, guest speakers, silver service dining and a dedicated card room. Loyal cruisers and those new to cruising alike will be charmed by the refined P&O Cruises experience Adonia will offer, and entertainment will form a vital part of that, so it is entirely fitting for Dame Shirley to give Adonia the best possible start to her life with P&O Cruises,” continued Carol Marlow.

Over 500 invited guests will witness the naming ceremony on Adonia’s top deck in Southampton Docks on Saturday, May 21, prior to the vessel’s maiden voyage the following day, a 16 night cruise to the Western Mediterranean, which includes calls to Alghero in Sardinia; Portofino in Italy; Sete in France; Port Mahon and Barcelona in Spain.

ENDS

Adonia facts

Built in 2001, Adonia has all the facilities you would expect of a modern ship, with a classic and refined interior style.

Adonia’s main restaurant will be the Pacific Restaurant and there will be two further Select dining venues, Italian ‘Sorrento’ and a steakhouse and grill. There will also be a buffet restaurant, with some al fresco dining and a barbecue area out on the Lido deck.

For entertainment, Adonia will have eight bars, including P&O Cruises signature ‘Crow’s Nest’ observation lounge; Andersons, the familiar club-style lounge bar; and Raffles, which will also offer a coffee shop menu throughout the day with pastries, chocolates, hot drinks and afternoon tea. There is also a traditional library with fireplace and views on three sides.

Adonia will also feature The Curzon Lounge, where passengers can enjoy a drink with a sea view during the day, and by night enjoy a performance by the Headliners theatre company, concerts, dancing, or after dinner speakers.

There will be the signature Oasis Spa, offering a range of treatments and therapies such as hot stone massages and body scrubs, Aromatherapy, and reflexology. There is also a well equipped gym with panoramic sea views.

Adonia’s well appointed cabins will feature Egyptian cotton linen, tea and coffee making facilities so popular with British passengers, and over 75% of the cabins will have a private balcony.

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Royal Caribbean Orders New Ships From Meyer Werft

Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. has signed a letter of intent with shipyard Meyer Werft to build the first of a new generation of Royal Caribbean International cruise ships. Developed under the code-name “Project Sunshine,” the new vessel design incorporates new and exciting features that take advantage of the best of Royal Caribbean’s experience and imagination. The project is a result of over a year of dedicated research and development.

The order calls for one ship to be delivered in the Fall of 2014 with an option for a second ship for Spring 2015. The 158,000 Gross Registered Tons (GRT) new build will carry just over 4,100 guests based on double occupancy. The estimated all-in cost per berth is about €170,000. This all-in cost includes the yard’s base contract price plus everything needed to design, operate and build the vessel, from architect fees to supervision costs and all loose inventories from computers to art and bed linens.

“Royal Caribbean has worked hard to earn a reputation of offering the most innovative ships in the cruise industry and this next generation will not disappoint,” said Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. “While we continue our policy of keeping our newest ideas and features under wraps during the early stages of construction, I can say that I am very excited about the passion and imagination that our teams have devoted to the project. Project Sunshine builds on the best ideas of our existing ships and adds exciting new activities and entertainment concepts. It will offer features for everyone: from grand, spectacular spaces to small intimate settings; from active, invigorating activities to the serenity of more personal space; and from a plethora of dining alternatives to a cornucopia of opportunities for families. I am also excited about the energy efficiency and environmental technologies which have been incorporated. Our existing ships are some of the most energy efficient in the world and Project Sunshine takes this one further step. Based on our over 20 years of experience with Meyer Werft, along with their compelling proposal, we know they will deliver on all of the innovations Royal Caribbean’s guests have come to expect.”

"Meyer Werft is pleased to be working with Royal Caribbean especially in light of their reputation for building such innovative ships. I am very happy we are continuing our long time partnership with Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and its brand Royal Caribbean International. Their projects always present incredible opportunities for Meyer Werft to create the latest cutting edge hardware in the cruise industry,” said Bernard Meyer, managing partner of Meyer Werft shipyard.

The letter of intent is subject to customary conditions being satisfactorily met.

About MEYER WERFT GmbH:

Founded in 1795, Papenburg-based MEYER WERFT GmbH is currently owned by the sixth generation of the Meyer family. This well-established company has some 2,500 employees. MEYER WERFT’s extensive production program covers a wide range of ship types, from cruise ships and gas tankers, to car and passenger ferries. In order to stay successful in worldwide competition, production technology has been continuously extended. Today, MEYER WERFT has the most modern production premises in the shipbuilding industry. For more information go to www.meyerwerft.de.

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Princess Cruises Grand Princess Transformation

The most significant transformation ever of a Princess Cruises ship will occur this spring aboard Grand Princess. During a 24-day makeover the ship, which was the prototype for the line’s “Grand Class” vessels, will undergo a remarkable renovation to receive many of Princess’ trademark features introduced since the ship’s 1998 debut including the signature Piazza atrium. Several new features will be also be added including a unique tea lounge and library called “Leaves”; and “Alfredo’s,” a full-service pizzeria showcasing this renowned Princess dish.

A brand new nightclub called One5, inspired by its deck location, will be created on the top deck of the ship, replacing its iconic Skywalker Nightclub, which has given the ship its distinctive profile. Skywalkers will be removed from its 18^th deck perch, with its replacement located on deck 15. This change will significantly improve the operational performance of the ship, including greater fuel efficiency.

“This is the largest makeover we’ve ever undertaken for any of our ships,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “When Grand Princess was launched she was the most innovative ship at sea, and now we’re adding some of the later innovations we introduced on subsequent ships.”

The changes will be made during a drydock from April 11 to May 4 at the Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport, Bahamas. Highlights of the dramatic makeover include:

• New Piazza atrium– The atrium space of Grand Princess will be completely rebuilt to include this signature Princess feature -- a multi-faceted social hub of the ship combining always-changing quick bites and light meals, beverages, entertainment, shopping and guest services. The Piazza will feature the International Café for pastries, grilled panini sandwiches, salads, fresh-baked cookies and a variety of coffee drinks. Passenger will also enjoy a new Vines wine bar offering a selection of more than 30 wines by the glass, plus a selection of tapas and sushi, and a wine shop where passengers can purchase their favorite bottle.
  
• Leaves Tea Lounge and Library– A fusion of tea lounge and library, the new Leaves offers a distinctive opportunity for passengers to custom-blend a variety of base teas with herbs, fruits and spices to create a personalized tea blend. Created in partnership with Mighty Leaf Tea Company, one of the world’s premier maker of artisan teas, Leaves will give passengers an impressive choice of up to 500 different tea blends to suit their palates. A trained tea sommelier will assist passengers in blending a personalized tea creation, which which they can enjoy in the midst of the library and a good book.
  
• Alfredo’s Pizzeria– Known for serving the best pizza at sea, Princess will introduce Alfredo’s, a new sit-down pizzeria with an enticing menu of freshly prepared individual-size pizzas. Named for the line’s master executive chef, Alfredo Marzi, the pizzeria will feature an open kitchen where passengers can watch chefs create the pizzas they’ll enjoy with a glass of wine or other beverage.
  
• One5 Lounge– The new One5 lounge will replace Skywalkers as the place to be for nighttime dancing and relaxing. The new lounge on deck 15 (hence its name) takes its inspiration from the chicest urban nightclubs, and will offer a cool vibe, contemporary seating and lighting, and a dramatic back-lit bar.
  
• Crown Grill– A classic steakhouse with rich wood surroundings, this specialty restaurant features an open, theater-style kitchen where chefs custom-prepare premium aged beef and fresh seafood items, including live lobsters.

Also part of the renovation will be 10 new suites; remodeled casino, boutiques and art gallery; enhancements to the Horizon Court, Lotus Spa, and wedding chapel; and the addition of Crooner’s Martini Lounge.

The newly renovated Grand Princess will debut on May 5 in Ft. Lauderdale where the ship will depart on a transatlantic crossing for her summer and fall homeport of Southampton, from which she will cruise a variety of European itineraries.

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Crystal Serenity to Undergo Refit This Month

While Crystal Cruises’ ocean resorts have racked up countless awards since entering service, the ultra-luxury line has never been one to rest on its laurels. This spring, Crystal will be spending $25+ million dollars to keep its largest ship, Crystal Serenity, on the cutting edge of luxury style.

More than 400 expert technicians flown from around the world, working round the clock for just 14 days, are scheduled for the massive redesign of her 531 Deluxe Staterooms, Penthouses and Penthouses Suites; retail centers; expansive outdoor pool deck and other design projects during a May 8-22 dry dock at Hamburg’s Blohm + Voss shipyard.

“In the past two years, we have invested well over $50 million in our ships,” says Gregg Michel, president, Crystal Cruises. “Our guests can look forward to dazzling new spaces, which will serve as a stunning backdrop to the incomparable service and choices that always characterizes a Crystal vacation.”

Interior designer, Keith Rushbrook, principal at the Toronto-based II BY IV Design Associates, summarizes the vision: “We wanted modern classic elegance. We wanted Fifth Avenue – crème de la crème New York-inspired living and retail spaces that people love and look forward to spending time in.”

New Deluxe Stateroom and Penthouse Accommodation Décor

All of Crystal Serenity’s Deluxe Outside Staterooms, Penthouses, and Penthouse Suites will sport new, floor-to-ceiling tufted headboards, bedside cabinets, wallpaper, sofas, curtains, pillows, and custom carpets in contemporary lines and classic stone, silk, velvet, leather, and crisp linen textures. New modern lighting features and electronic “do not disturb” and doorbell system will allow guests greater personalization of their home-away-from-home.

New Shops

Serenity’s retail shops will receive a similar, sophisticated metamorphosis. The Facets fine jewelry store will mirror a jewelry box, with mother-of-pearl feature wall, beveled chrome vitrines, and new, private sales area. The Apropos boutique will become three-shops-in-one, with a flagship Christian Dior cosmetic/skincare area showcased amongst rich Zebrano wood and herringbone rosewood, arresting black-plum-magenta carpeting, and tufted leather seating.

New Chic Pool Deck

Inspired by Crystal Symphony’s recent transformation, the Seahorse Pool teak deck will be refashioned with circular pod beds, plush sofa groups, and lounge chairs in a kaleidoscope of lime green, azure, and mango.

New Lighting and Furniture

The corridors throughout the ship will be transformed with new, custom carpeting, inspiring artwork, and mood lighting. Dramatic new lighting will also be installed in the Crystal Dining Room, as will new furniture on all stateroom verandas.

Following the dry dock, Crystal Serenity will embark on a series of Baltic, North Cape and British Isles cruises before heading to the Mediterranean for late summer and fall cruise series, where guests cannot only enjoy the resort’s new look but exceptional value with verandah savings and a new fall fare sale.

Crystal Cruises’ ethos of warm and friendly attentiveness, proffered by top-trained service staff from around the world, has earned the line a reputation for elevating hospitality to an art form. With no guest request left untended, Crystal Cruises has been the perfect choice for luxury travelers for over two decades.

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Azamara Cruise Announces 2012 Cruise Schedule

Azamara Club Cruises has unveiled 54 itineraries ranging from five to 16 nights, between March 2012 and February 2013, aboard Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest. The new voyages complete the cruise line’s 2012 deployments, which total 64 sailings that visit unique destinations around the world, calling at 181 ports in 57 countries throughout the Mediterranean Sea, Northern Europe, South America, India and the West Indies. Additionally, 51 percent of all port calls in 2012 feature late night and overnight stays in port, providing time for guests to enjoy a more immersive experience and take advantage of night tourism in destinations where the nightlife is even more vibrant than the day’s.

“Azamara is delighted to present up-market travelers our 2012 line-up of voyages to unique destinations around the world,” said Larry Pimentel, president and CEO of Azamara Club Cruises. “On board, guests will enjoy Azamara’s trademark extraordinary service, fine dining and boutique wine collection, and more inclusive amenities. We designed our itineraries to coincide with some of the world’s most exciting events, such as Rio’s Carnaval, the Floriade in the Netherlands, the 52^ndAnnual Moldejazz Festival in Norway, and others, to offer guests the opportunity to attend these cultural celebrations on some of the Azamara voyages. Guests on these voyages will have the exclusive opportunity to purchase prime-seating ticket and transportation packages from Azamara, eliminating the hassle and guesswork for a truly remarkable travel experience.”

South America Celebration

Azamara Quest sails to electrifying South American destinations during the height of austral summer, beginning with a 13-night Brazil voyage that departs Barbados on December 5, 2012 and concludes with an overnight at Rio De Janeiro. The Christmas in South America voyage, departing December 18, offers guests daily port calls as well as an overnight in Punta Del Esta, Uruguay, with its miles of beautiful beaches, luxury hotels and restaurants, and glittery nightlife; and the cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Guests on the December 27 New Years in Rio, nine-night voyage are in for a real treat, when after a call at Rio De Janeiro on New Year’s eve, Azamara Quest positions itself off of Copacabana Beach to offer guests an unforgettable view of the midnight fireworks over the seas.

The January 5, 2013, Argentina & Uruguay voyage combines charming Brazilian destinations with an overnight at Punta Del Este and two nights in Buenos Aires. On the January 31, 2013, 12-night Carnaval voyage, guests can enjoy overnights in both Buenos Aires and Punta Del Esta before arriving in time for two nights in Rio De Janeiro for the city’s annual Carnaval festival. Guests will have the opportunity to purchase Land Discoveries packages that offer up-close seating to catch all the pageantry. Azamara Quest then sails an 18-night Colonial Brazil and West Indies voyage, beginning with an overnight in Rio De Janeiro on February 12, 2013 to Miami.

East Asia Discoveries

Azamara Journey follows ancient spice trade routes and colonial heritages around the Indian subcontinent to East Asia, starting with a 13-night Spice Coast & Ceylon voyage from Bombay (Mumbai) to Madras (Chennai), India, departing November 29, 2012. Guests can take in the diverse cultures of Western, Southern and Eastern India with overnights in Goa (Mormugao), Cochin and Madras, and during maiden calls to the Maldives, in the Indian Ocean, and Colombo and Galle, Sri Lanka. The ship then continues on December 12 for an 11-night Burma & Andaman Sea Isles voyage, featuring a two-night stay and maiden call at Yangon (Rangoon), Burma – the former British colonial capital that features one of the region’s highest number of period buildings – and concluding with an overnight in the city-state of Singapore. On December 23, Azamara Journey embarks on exciting 14-night Southeast Asia voyage to Hong Kong, offering two-night calls at Bangkok (Klong Toey), Thailand and Ho-Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and an overnight at Hanoi in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay.

Mediterranean Odysseys

Azamara Club Cruises also offers up-market travelers 27 voyages for immersive adventures throughout the Mediterranean, Black and Red seas. Departing May 8, Azamara Quest returns to the Mediterranean from Suez (Sokhna), Egypt, via the Holy Lands and Egypt to Athens (Piraeus), Greece. The only short cruise offered by Azamara, a five-night, roundtrip voyage from Nice, France, departs on May 24 and offers an overnight at and midnight departure from St. Tropez, France, and two late-night departures from Monte Carlo, Monaco, and Portofino, Italy. Guests sailing for this voyage will have the option to purchase tickets to the Monaco Grand Prix.

Azamara Quest then proceeds to the Eastern Mediterranean, offering eight voyages to the Greek Isles, Adriatic Coast, and Italy. These seven- to 12-night voyages feature overnights and late night departures in a variety of exciting ports, such as Kotor, Montenegro; Venice, Amalfi, and Capri, Italy; Athens and Mykonos, Greece; and Istanbul, Turkey. On the Black Sea & Transylvania voyage, departing July 22, Azamara Quest offers guests an opportunity to visit Dracula’s castle on a Land Discovery option during the call at Constanta, Romania. Azamara Journey also offers an 11-night Best of Italy & Greece voyage, departing October 4.

From August through October, both Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest will sail 10 voyages, ranging from seven- to 11-nights, through the Spanish, French and Italian Rivieras, with departures from Athens, Barcelona, Lisbon, Monaco, and Rome. On the October 16 sailing, Azamara Quest features Northern African destinations, and will make maiden calls at Al Khums and Tripoli in Libya.

Northern Europe Explorations

Azamara Journey makes the most maiden calls for the cruise line in the North and Baltic seas in 2012, visiting new destinations with nearly daily port calls on nine voyages that celebrate the vibrant cultures of Northern Europe. On the seven-night round-trip Belgium and South England voyage from Paris (Rouen), departing April 29, the ship will make maiden calls at and midnight departures from Bruges (Zeebrugge), Belgium, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Dover, England and Portland, Dorset in the U.K.; and conclude with an overnight in port. The 11-night Mother’s Day sailing, departing May 6, includes a maiden call at the Isles of Scilly in the U.K., a midnight departure from the medieval walled city of St. Malo, France, and overnights in culture-rich Antwerp, Belgium and Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Guests can fully immerse themselves in multiple North Sea cultural capitals on the 12-night Chelsea Flower Show voyage, departing May 17, which begins with an overnight in Amsterdam; features first-time calls at Flushing (Vlissingen), the Netherlands, and Southampton, England; and stays for two nights in Antwerp, Paris, and London (Greenwich), offering guests the opportunity to attend the annual RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The May 29, 12-night British Isles in Bloom voyage overnights in Dublin, Ireland, and Edinburgh (Leith), Scotland, and includes maiden calls at Isle of Skye (Portree) and Invergordon, Scotland. On a later July 28 Castles, Distilleries & Pubs voyage from Edinburgh (Leith), guests enjoy two-night stays at and post-midnight departures from Dublin, Ireland, and Paris (Rouen).

Azamara Journey continues eastward for three voyages that explore the vibrant Nordic cultures and Baltic jewel cities. A 10-night voyage from Amsterdam on June 10 offers guests overnights in Copenhagen, Denmark and Stockholm, Sweden; a maiden call at and late departure from the charming Danish-island Ronne, Bornholm; and an overnight at and late departure from St. Petersburg, Russia, for guests to join in the city’s annual White Nights Festival. The nine-night Scandinavia Russia, departing June 27, features a maiden call at Visby, Sweden, one of the best preserved medieval cities in Scandinavia and another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and concludes with two nights in Copenhagen.

Jazz aficionados who also love to travelcan choose two very special consecutive voyages aboard Azamara Journey in summer 2012. The July 6 Skagen & Hague Jazz voyage begins with an overnight in Copenhagen and concludes with an overnight in Amsterdam, and features a maiden call at Skagen, Denmark, and two-night stays in London (Greenwich) and Rotterdam, the Netherlands (also a maiden port), where guests can attend the North Seas Jazz Festival. On the last day of the festival, Azamara Journey sails at 2 a.m. to offer guests ample time to enjoy post-festival celebrations. The subsequent July 17 Jazz in the Fjords voyage then takes guests to breathtaking Norwegian fjordlands, with a maiden call at Andalsnes, Norway, and overnights in Stavanger, Norway, and Edinburgh. The itinerary offers guests two days in Molde, Norway, where they have the option for a scenic day excursion through the Fjords on where they can experience a ride on the famous Trollstigen road.

Island Colors of the West Indies

From Barbados, Azamara Journey offers an eight-night West Indies voyage to Miami, departing on March 10, 2012, and makes a maiden call at Soufriere, St. Lucia. The ship then sails a 10-night Virgins and Bermuda voyage on March 30, from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to port for the first time in Boston, featuring overnight stays at both Hamilton and St. George Island in Bermuda, and St. John, U.S.V.I., and Virgin Gorda, B.V.I., where larger ships rarely go. From Boston, Azamara Journey is Europe bound on April 18, via an overnight and maiden call in New York City for an eleven-night Trans-Atlantic voyage to Paris (Rouen).

On November 7, Azamara Quest returns to the Western Hemisphere from Seville, Spain, to Miami, with overnights in Maderia (Funchal), Portugal, and Hamilton. The ship then sails a seven-night Eastern Caribbean voyage from Miami to Barbados, departing November 28, with calls at Virgin Gorda; St. Barts; Castries, St. Lucia; and Mayreau in the Granadines.

Azamara Club Cruises is a destination-immersive cruise line for up-market travelers who want to not only see the places and cultures they visit, but to live them. Azamara’s two intimate, 694-guest ships, Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest, with a combination of 347 suites and staterooms, offer a European-boutique hotel ambience with extraordinary service, fine cuisine and wines from around the world, and wellness and vitality programs, all while sailing to a host of destinations larger ships cannot reach. Azamara Club Cruises sails European destinations, including the Baltic and Scandinavia, British Isles, Western Europe, French and Italian Rivieras, Greek Isles, Croatia, Holy Land and Black Sea, as well as Asia, South America and lesser-traveled islands of the West Indies, with more overnight and late-night stays in every region. Travelers also can choose even more immersive experiences with Azamara cruisetours in eight of the world’s most exciting destinations, including Rome, Athens, Buenos Aires, Cairo, Istanbul, Jordan and Israel, India, and China

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New Carnival Magic to Feature Rope Bridges and More

The sky’s the limit when it comes to outdoor fun and fitness at the innovative SportSquare to be featured on Carnival Cruise Lines’ newest vessel, Carnival Magic, when it sets sail May 1. The line’s most expansive outdoor recreation area by far, SportSquare on Carnival Magic (www.carnivalmagic.com) is an active cruiser’s on-board paradise, featuring SkyCourse, the first ropes course at sea, and cruising’s first-ever outdoor fitness area. Guests can also get in the swing of things with the line’s first-ever two-level nine-hole miniature golf course.

Sure to be a talked about feature will be SkyCourse, the first-of-its-kind ropes course located on Spa & Sports Deck 12. The spectacular new attraction will offer fun and adventure for all, along with magnificent views of the sea nearly 150 feet below. On SkyCourse, thrill-seeking guests can strap into a safety harness and choose from a beginner or intermediate course, traversing across rope bridges, swinging steps and beams suspended above the top deck. Approximately 20 guests at a time can zig and zag along the two 230-foot courses, while friends and family can join in the fun by cheering participants on from the deck. Each of the 20 different elements on the ropes course is named after a notable bridge in the U.S.

“We’re literally taking fun and fitness to a new level with SportSquare. Whether you’re climbing our amazing new ropes course at sea, doing some fresh-air cardio or just taking it all in, there’s something fun for everyone to enjoy, day or night,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival’s president and CEO.

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Orion Expeditions Introduction of Orion II Delayed

Orion Expedition Cruises advises itinerary changes due to the later than
anticipated delivery of Orion II combined with the current situation in Japan.
The vessel, currently operating as Clelia II, is due to undertake a scheduled dry
dock prior to delivery to Orion Expedition Cruises. Due to the time required for
additional technical work the owners have advised that delivery will be delayed
up until 20 May 2011. OEC’s planned interior upgrade works remain unaffected
by this delay.

Orion Expedition Cruises has revised its launch schedule as follows:

• Inaugural voyage 10 June to 4 July 2011
• Russian Far East 4 July to 18 July
• Inland Sea of Japan 18 July to 28 July
• Ryukyu 28 July to 11 August
• Borneo 11 August to 21 August

All itineraries post 21 August 2011 are unchanged.

Guests are being contacted individually to be advised of these date changes and
to assist with any adjustments to travel plans.

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American Cruise Line - Queen of the West Renovations

American Cruise Lines, a leader in small ship cruising, announced today that
the multi-million dollar renovation of the Queen of the West, which operates one week cruises
from Portland, Oregon, is now nearing completion. Reconstruction of major areas including
passenger staterooms, community areas, the galley and engine room, continues in Portland
and progress remains ahead of schedule.

The renovations will provide a more comfortable and elegant atmosphere for cruise
passengers. New furniture for the entire ship, custom built in North Carolina, is ready and has
arrived in Portland.

A new authentic paddle-wheel has been built along with additional propulsion equipment that
allows for quieter, smoother cruising while having less impact on the environment.
Other additions such as larger staterooms, more private balconies and a new library have
already been completed. New carpet is being laid and decoration throughout the Queen of the
West is being revamped.

“American Cruise Lines is delighted with the work being performed on the Queen of the West,”
said Timothy Beebe, Vice President, American Cruise Lines. “We are excited to welcome
passengers aboard this spring for cruises on the Columbia and Snake Rivers.”


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