Look, Up In The Sky! Carnival Dream To Offer Amazing High-Energy Laser Shows. The 15-minute nighttime laser shows will feature choreographed lasers projecting brilliant aerial patterns of blue, red and green set to music.

Carnival Cruise Lines’ new 130,000-ton Carnival Dream will introduce the line’s first outdoor laser shows that will combine the latest in laser technology with rock music to provide guests a unique and exciting nighttime entertainment option. Carnival Dream’s laser shows will be the first ever for a North America-based cruise ship. The 15-minute nighttime laser shows will feature choreographed lasers projecting brilliant aerial patterns of blue, red and green set to music by popular artists such as Styx, Rush, Van Halen, Boston and Pink Floyd.  Smoke machines will be used to enhance the laser light effects in the starry, moonlit sky, creating an ideal setting for guests to relax on Carnival Dream’s expansive open deck.

Four all-weather LaserNet ScannerPro lasers will be positioned high atop Carnival Dream’s Lido Deck. Each high-wattage laser will be independently computer controlled using Pangolin Laser Designer software that synchronizes the lasers in perfect time with the music, which will be amplified by the 70,000-watt sound system of the ship’s Seaside Theatre LED screen. The Seaside Theatre’s jumbo-sized monitor will also display custom-designed graphics and original music videos of the various artists played during the show.

“The idea of a spectacular laser show set to high-energy music from the deck of a cruise ship is truly unique and will provide Carnival Dream guests with a memorable, one-of-a-kind entertainment experience that they can’t find anywhere else,” said Roger Blum, Carnival’s vice president of cruise programming.

Carnival Dream’s new laser shows are just one of a wide range of entertainment choices available aboard the magnificent 3,646-passenger vessel. Last week, the line announced that Carnival Dream will house the fleet’s first comedy club, with comedians performing 24 shows each voyage in the 425-seat Burgundy Lounge. Other options include three lavish production shows in Encore!, an elegant 1,400-seat theater, along with solo musicians on Promenade Deck and a host of live music venues.

Carnival Dream guests are sure to enjoy Sam’s, a lively piano bar featuring rollicking sing-a-longs, and Caliente, a pulsating dance club with a high-tech sound and lighting system. Exclusive to the Carnival Dream will be Ocean Plaza, a stunning indoor/outdoor café/entertainment venue that will showcase bands playing a variety of music genres. Ocean Plaza also will host art, photo and spa seminars, scrapbooking classes, magicians and jugglers, trivia contests and more. Carnival Dream also will feature an acrobatic troupe called Fun Force, which will entertain guests in Ocean Plaza and at various venues around the ship.

Carnival Dream is set to debut Sept. 21, 2009, with the first of three 12-day Grand Mediterranean cruises operating round-trip from Rome, followed by a 16-day trans-Atlantic crossing from Rome (Civitavecchia) to New York Oct. 27- Nov. 12.  From New York, Carnival Dream will operate two 8-day Bahamas/Florida cruises departing Nov. 15 and 23, then reposition to Port Canaveral, Fla., for a special 9-day Caribbean cruise departing Dec. 3. Carnival Dream will launch year-round 7-day Caribbean service from Port Canaveral, Dec. 12, 2009. For additional information and reservations, contact SevenSeasTravel Toll FREE at 888-798-9133.

Queen Mary 2 Delivers Historic Wedgwood Masterpiece, the Gift Between Nations, to the United States. In honour of Wedgwood’s 250th anniversary, the Gift Between Nations will be on display at Macy’s Herald Square in New York City before moving to Washington, D.C.

Cunard Line’s flagship Queen Mary 2 delivered a historic item upon her arrival in New York this morning: Wedgwood’s Gift Between Nations. The unique, large-scale model of the world famous Washington Monument was created by the iconic British pottery company in commemoration of their 250th anniversary, and celebrates the long and illustrious links between the two great nations.

Following a formal presentation to Queen Mary 2’s Commodore Bernard Warner in Southampton, England on 29 August, the masterpiece was transported aboard the ship’s six-day Transatlantic Crossing en route to New York. Lord Piers Wedgwood arrived with the Gift this morning and will be on hand during the fall tour, which includes a prominent display in the famed Macy's Herald Square store in New York City later this month before its onward journey to Washington, D.C.

It will be a focal point of a much anticipated anniversary exhibition hosted by the Daughters of the American Revolution in their magnificent building situated between the White House and the Washington Monument, and will ultimately be presented to and reside in the White House.

“We are honoured to be a part of this momentous occasion and look forward to continuing our historic partnership with Wedgwood,” said Commodore Warner. “Here’s to another 250 years!”

“It is with our esteemed pleasure that we present this Gift Between Nations to the United States of America on our 250th anniversary year. We are delighted to showcase the amazing craftsmanship of our company along with the great heritage of our two nations,” said Lord Piers Wedgwood, executive director, Waterford Wedgwood PLC. This special event helps illustrate the longstanding relationship between Cunard and Wedgwood, with an unmatched lineage of trade and commerce for the two companies across the Atlantic.

Princess Ships Start Plugging Into Shore Power at Port of Vancouver. Island Princess Inaugurates New Canada Place Facility to Reduce Air Emissions.

Island Princess helped inaugurate the Port of Vancouver’s new shore power facility by turning off its engines and instead “plugging in” to clean hydroelectric power from shore. The new shore power technology at the Canada Place cruise ship terminal enables Princess Cruises’ ships, and other equipped vessels, to use power from the city’s grid instead of the onboard diesel-powered engines, reducing emissions when docking in Vancouver. 

The port becomes the third in the world where Princess Cruises’ ships can take advantage of this innovative technology. The new shore power installation is the very first use of this technology in Canada and is the result of a $9 million cooperative partnership among Port Metro Vancouver, Transport Canada, Western Economic Diversification Canada, British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, British Columbia Hydro, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises.

"We’ve been committed to shore power for many years, so we’re pleased we can now ‘plug in’ our ships at Port Metro Vancouver," said Charlie Ball, president of Princess Tours. "We know that local air quality issues are important to the community, and we’re proud to join with all those involved in realizing this important environmental initiative."

Princess’ shore power program made history when it debuted in Juneau, Alaska in the summer of 2001. It expanded to Seattle in summer 2005 and is planned to roll out in other ports that have made commitments to the technology, including Los Angeles and San Francisco. Currently nine of the line’s ships are outfitted with the capability to "plug in" to a shoreside power source.

Four Princess ships will use shore power in Vancouver during the remainder of the 2009 Alaska season. The vessels – Coral Princess, Diamond Princess, Island Princess and Sapphire Princess – sail on seven-day Gulf of Alaska cruises. To create this unique power system, Princess has outfitted its ships with custom-built connection cabinets that connect the ship’s electrical network to the local electrical system ashore. Since 2001, Princess has invested nearly $7 million in equipment alone to enable its vessels to connect to shore power.

The ships currently equipped with this technology include: Coral Princess, Dawn Princess, Diamond Princess, Golden Princess, Island Princess, Sapphire Princess, Sea Princess, Star Princess, Sun Princess.

Also known as cold ironing, shore power uses electrical power transmitted from a landside transformer to the vessel via four 3½-inch diameter flexible electrical cables. The actual cable connection on a vessel is a traditional, though quite large, plug and socket. The length of time needed to connect a ship to shore power and shut down the vessel’s diesel generator is approximately 40 minutes. Once connected, the ship’s engines are powered down and, simultaneously, the necessary amount of power, provided by BC Hydro, will be used to run the ship’s services while in port.

Holland America Line’s ms Zaandam to Navigate The Hawaiian Islands in Fall 2010. Nestled between two stretches of sea days are back-to-back calls at Hawaii, Oahu, Kauai & Maui - plus a call at Ensenada, Mexico.

Holland America Line’s ms Zaandam is set to discover the Hawaiian Island chain in 2010 with Circle Hawaii itineraries that offer guests the best of both worlds: luxuriously relaxing days at sea and exotic islands to explore. The 1,432-passenger ship will sail five 14 Day roundtrip San Diego, Calif., cruises and one 15 Day voyage from Vancouver, British Colombia, to San Diego. The sailings are from October through December 2010.

Nestled between two stretches of sea days are back-to-back calls at Hawaii, Oahu, Kauai and Maui - plus a call at Ensenada, Mexico-  before returning to San Diego. Included in the Hawaii cruise roster is a holiday sailing departing Dec.19. “Our Hawaiian itineraries combine the appeal of warm-water cruising and a port-intensive Pacific island experience,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs, Holland America Line. “Guests will have time to enjoy our shipboard amenities and activities, and the convenience of visiting four ports in four days without multiple flights or the packing and unpacking associated with island hopping.”

Departing Sundays from San Diego, guests will have several relaxing days at sea before arriving at Hawaii. During this time, they can enjoy a day at the Greenhouse Spa, channel their inner chef at the Culinary Arts Center for a hands-on cooking class or attend a Digital Workshop powered by Windows® to learn how to share memorable photos taken on the voyage. The Speaker Series offers exciting insights into upcoming ports and includes destination-related topics such as Polynesian music and dance traditions.

The first port call is to Hilo on the big island of Hawaii where guests can visit one of Hawaii’s best-known landmarks - Kilauea Volcano - with its impressive molten lava flows. Other highlights include world-class botanical gardens and the awe-inspiring Akaka Falls. As Zaandam makes it way to Honolulu, the state capital, guests can enjoy an evening at the Polynesian Cultural Centers or other Hawaiian must-dos: whale watching, a traditional Hawaiian luau, a stroll down Waikiki beach or even surfing. For a more reflective view into Hawaii’s past, guests can visit the USS Arizona Memorial from World War II.

On route to Nawiliwili, Kauai, cruisers are in for spectacular views as Zaandam sails along the island’s dramatic Na Pali Coast. Upon reaching Nawiliwili guests can visit Waimea Canyon (the Grand Canyon of the Pacific) or get an aerial view of the island on a helicopter tour. Thrill-seekers can book a zipline tour through the forest canopy for a unique perspective of the island’s inspiring natural setting. At Lahaina, Maui, guests can explore the stunning beaches and a magnificent volcano, or spend the day shopping at chic boutiques and galleries.

Those sailing on the 15-day voyage departing Oct. 2 have an added call at Kona, once known as the playground of Hawaii's royalty. Kona is synonymous with the famous coffee that grows on the slopes of dormant Hualalai volcano, a definite must-see for coffee aficionados. Another highlight of this longer voyage is an evening scenic cruise past the famous Kilauea volcano. Cruise fares begin at $1,499 per person for the full 14-day Circle Hawaii and $1,699 per person for the 15-day voyage.

Cunard Line Appoints Master for New Queen Elizabeth. Captain Christopher Wells to assume command of Cunard's newest Queen.

Captain Christopher Wells has been appointed Master of Cunard Line’s new 90,000-ton liner, Queen Elizabeth, which will enter service in October 2010. Captain Wells joined Cunard as second officer on Queen Elizabeth 2 in 1992. Captain Wells was born and brought up in Bournemouth, England. His love of the sea developed when he learned to sail in Poole Harbour and resulted in his commencing a four-year cadetship with Shell Tankers at Warsash College in 1974. He qualified as a second officer in 1978 and obtained his Master's certificate in 1985. He served with Shell for 16 years.

He also found time in 1986 to join the Royal Naval Reserve. He still undertakes two weeks' training with the RNR each year, and was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander in 1994. “It is a well deserved honour for Captain Wells to be appointed Master of Queen Elizabeth," said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. “His experience on our longest serving ship QE2, and our flagship Queen Mary 2, will ensure that guests on our newest ship will enjoy all of the same famous traditions offered by Cunard Line.”

After joining Cunard and QE2, Captain Wells worked his way through the ranks to become staff captain. He later joined Queen Mary 2’s New Build Team and spent 18 months at the St. Nazaire shipyard. Having seen the ship develop from the beginning and bringing her into service as staff captain, Wells was extremely proud when appointed to the command of Queen Mary 2 last year.

Queen Elizabeth, currently under construction at the Monfalcone yard in Trieste, Italy, will be a classic Cunarder, offering the very best of Cunard heritage and tradition along with all of the modern luxuries Cunard guests have come to expect. She will join her sister ships Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria next year, ensuring one of the oldest shipping lines in business has the youngest fleet in the world.

Commenting on his new appointment, Captain Wells said, “Bringing Queen Elizabeth into her British homeport of Southampton will be one of the proudest moments of my life, and I very much hope that the people of Southampton and beyond will take the ship to their hearts as they have done with all the Cunard Queens since Queen Mary was launched in 1934. Queen Elizabeth certainly will follow in that great tradition." Captain Wells lives in Barnham, West Sussex, with his wife Hedda, whom he met on QE2, and three children.

Holland America Line Extends 114 Day 2010 Grand World Voyage to 128 Days with Roundtrip from Los Angeles. Guests can combine the 14 day Holiday cruise departing Los Angeles, Dec.23, 2009, with Jan. 6, 2010, Grand World Voyage. Select segment itineraries include special cruise-and-air fares.

Holland America Line’s flagship ms Amsterdam will usher in 2010 with a 128 day round-trip Los Angeles, Grand Holiday-and-World Voyage featuring 13 overnight calls - the most ever offered by the line. Forty-five ports of call showcase some of the world’s most remote and exotic regions including South America, Africa, India the Far East and scenic cruising in Antarctica. An optional 14-day holiday cruise, when combined with the 114-day Grand World Voyage, creates the 128-day roundtrip sailing from Los Angeles, departing Dec. 23, 2009. The voyage begins with calls in Mexico and Central America, including a transit of the Panama Canal.

“Guests on Grand World Voyages seek an immersive experience, and the 2010 itinerary creates an enriching voyage,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs, Holland America Line. “By adding the 14 day holiday roundtrip Los Angeles sailing to the Grand World Voyage, guests can enjoy a relaxing holiday and festive start of their Grand World Voyage.”

Guests wishing to sail after the holidays can embark Jan. 6, 2010, at Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on a 114 day World Voyage. Amsterdam will sail the Panama Canal for a daylight transit of the man-made wonder before beginning its southbound exploration of Central and South America. Three overnight stays enable guests to explore Fuerte Amador ( Panama City), Panama; Callao (Lima), Peru, and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Other southbound calls include Manta, Ecuador; Callao Peru; Arica, Coquimbo, Valparaiso, Isla Robinson Crusoe and Puerto Montt, Chile. As Amsterdam approaches the tip of South America, guests will enjoy scenic cruising past Darwin Channel, Chilean Fjords, Amalia Glacier, Canal Sarmiento and Strait of Magellan before calling at Punta Arenas, Chile. More scenic cruising follows of Cockburn and Beagle channels, a series of glaciers and Ushuaia, Argentina, before the actual rounding of Cape Horn.

The itinerary then takes a turn toward the ultimate southern destination - Antarctica, which includes the Wilhelm Archipelago, South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Sound. After the three-day Antarctic experience, Amsterdam sails to Stanley , Falkland Islands; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Montevideo, Uruguay, where it departs on the trans-Atlantic leg of the cruise.
Amsterdam crosses to Africa to call at Walvis Bay and Lüderitz , Namibia , before heading to South Africa for an overnight at Cape Town and calls at Port Elizabeth and Durban. Upon reaching the Indian Ocean, guests will overnight at Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles , then head to India for overnights in Mumbai and Marmagoa before setting off to Port Kelang, Malaysia.

Next, an intense exploration of the Far East begins, including overnight calls in Singapore, Republic of Singapore; Hong Kong; Xingang (Beijing), China; and Kobe (Osaka) and Yokohama (Tokyo), Japan. Additional calls include Sihanoukville (Kampong Som), Cambodia ; Phu My (Ho Chi Min City) and Halong Bay, Vietnam; Shanghai, China; Cheju City, South Korea; and Kagoshima and Hakodate, Japan. Before heading back to North America, guests will experience Petropavlovsk, Russian Federation, and gain a day when they cross the International Date Line.

Guests then have the option of disembarking in Vancouver , B.C., April 25, or Seattle , Wash., April 26, or continuing on to Los Angeles. The Grand World Voyage features three special celebrity-guest speakers - former television news anchor Sam Donaldson (March 28 through April 1), biographer Kitty Kelley (Jan. 28 through Feb. 7) and Grammy Award–winning musician Doc Severinsen and El Ritmo de la Vida (Jan. 6 through 11).

Reservations are now open for all four 2010 Holland America Line Grand Voyages, with a variety of early-booking bonus amenities offered to full-cruise guests. Depending upon the category booked, guests who book by Sept. 30, 2009, may enjoy shipboard credits up to $1,000 per person, an exclusive shore event, liquor service, complimentary luggage delivery service to and from gateways, pre-paid service charges and welcome-aboard champagne. Cruise fares begin at $17,999 per person for the full 128-day Grand World Voyage.

New holiday segments of Grand World Voyage, a 47-day Los Angeles to Buenos Aires and a 61-day Los Angeles to Cape Town , also are available for booking and include airfare from select West Coast gateways and select East Coast and Central cities for $200 more. The special cruise-and-air fares for the 47-day segment begin at $7,299 and for the 61-day segment at $9,299. For a cruise brochure or for more information on Holland America Line’s Grand Voyages call SevenSeasTravel.com today.

Celebrity Cruises Artfully Presents 'The Essence of Equinox'. Art collection on new Celebrity Equinox includes pieces from Celebrity Galaxy.

An industry trendsetter in presenting permanent, seagoing collections of museum-quality contemporary art, Celebrity Cruises continues its tradition aboard the new Celebrity Equinox with "The Essence of Equinox," a collection of nearly 500 original works. "We are thrilled to continue Celebrity's tradition of offering our guests the opportunity to experience and appreciate art of a caliber rarely seen outside of museums, art galleries and rare private collections," said Celebrity's President and CEO Dan Hanrahan. "This incredible series beautifully and impactfully complements the ship's inspiring style and design."

Together with International Corporate Art - an art consultancy based in Miami, London and Oslo - Celebrity developed a curatorial concept for Celebrity Equinox embodied in "the essence of equinox," where balance, harmony and the principle of "yin-yang" (the existence of opposing elements to create equilibrium) were the driving force behind the selection. With an eye to both quality and beauty, Celebrity's platform for the concept is evident from the varied blend of media, artists and images juxtaposed throughout the ship.

Comprised of new acquisitions from a combination of internationally established, mid-career and emerging artists, the art collection on Celebrity Equinox also features a selection of works from the lauded collection that graced Celebrity Galaxy prior to the ship's transition to the TUI Cruises fleet earlier this year.

In its entirety, the collection on Celebrity Equinox represents a scope of work created by some of the world's most iconic artists, with many hailing from Europe and Latin America. Within the collection are abstract expressionist works by Joan Mitchell and John Chamberlain; pop art masterpieces by Roy Lichtenstein; humorous urban life observations by Red Groom; colorful geometric designs by Sol LeWitt; organic abstractions by Terry Winter; abstract, cartoon images by Carroll Dunham and Donald Baechler; landscape photography by Andreas Gursky; comical arrangements of figurines by Liliana Porter; digitally-manipulated photographic images by Grazia Tolderi; collaged portraits by John Stezaker and Jack Pierson; sculptures by Johan Creten and Marina Abramovic; and works by Parisian Louise Bourgeois, influential German painter Gerard Richter, and the provocative Young British Artist (YBA) Damien Hirst.

Celebrity also commissioned two bold, site-specific installations on Celebrity Equinox. The installation by Argentinean duo Roberto Behar and Rosario Marquardt consists of an enormous, suspended vase - dotted with more than 500,000 Swarovski crystals - holding a live, 18-foot-tall tree in the upper portion of the ship's sweeping Grand Foyer. The stunning creation is paired with a sparkling display of the maxim "Here Comes the Sun" spanning four decks.

In "Still Life for Leisure," the second commissioned installation, Los Angeles-based Jose Pardo, known for emphasizing social interaction as art, transforms Celebrity Equinox's Ensemble Lounge vestibule into a site for relaxation, with a minimal cushioned bench and other furnishings set amidst a blend of color and light. "The entire collection on Celebrity Equinox is yet another vivid example of our dedication to enhancing the onboard experience for our guests with unique and stimulating works of art," said Hanrahan.

Guests sailing on Celebrity Equinox will enjoy a resort-like experience at sea through the brand-defining, industry-first attributes also found on Celebrity Solstice, including the industry's first Lawn Club, a half-acre country-club atmosphere featuring real, growing grass; 10 dining venues including several created by noted hospitality designer Adam Tihany, and all featuring menus pairing classic and contemporary selections created by noted chef, restaurateur and Celebrity's Vice President of Culinary Operations Jacques Van Staden; AquaClass, the line's spa-inspired staterooms offering exclusive access to the Mediterranean-influenced specialty restaurant, "Blu"; the industry's first Hot Glass Show at sea, presented in collaboration with The Corning Museum of Glass; larger, more intuitive staterooms influenced by a panel of five "boomer" women with unique travel and hospitality insights, and widely varied entertainment, including spectacular new shows in partnership with Poet Theatricals.

Celebrity Cruises offers comfortably sophisticated, upscale vacation experiences with highly personalized service, exceptional dining, and extraordinary attention to detail. Celebrity sails in Alaska, California, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Galapagos Islands, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal and South America. The line also offers unique cruisetour vacations in Alaska, Canada, Europe and South America. Noted for four of the top 10 "Top Cruise Ships in the World" in the large-ship category, as voted by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler (February 2009 readers' poll), Celebrity's fleet, including Celebrity Solstice, is joined by Celebrity Equinox this year, Celebrity Eclipse in 2010, a fourth Solstice-class ship in 2011, and a fifth in 2012.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises Announces Full Year Program for 2010. RSSC programs continue to offer a truly diverse collection of luxury cruise options.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC) announced the line’s full 2010 cruise program on its three luxury all-suite ships: the 700-guest Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Mariner, and the 490-guest Seven Seas Navigator.

More Inclusive than Ever: 2-for-1 Fares, Free Air and Free Unlimited Shore Excursions
Making its product even more enticing than ever before, RSSC now offers 2-for-1 fares, free roundtrip airfare and free unlimited shore excursions on all 2010 departures. By adding these valuable amenities to a product that already includes all soft drinks, fine wines, premium spirits, onboard gratuities and governmental fees and taxes, Regent now offers the most inclusive cruise product ever offered by a luxury line. "This is a truly exciting announcement for us," said Mark Conroy, President of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. "We are basically offering our discerning world travelers the opportunity to purchase almost every element of their cruise vacation upfront to ensure a hassle-free, relaxed vacation at sea and ashore that they can enjoy in the luxury and style of a Regent experience," he added.

Limited Time Offer: Additional Savings up to $1,000 per person
Additional savings of up to $1000 per person are available for those booking and depositing a 2010 Regent cruise by September 30, 2009.

Global Deployment in 2010
Varying in length from 7-night cruises in favorite cruise areas such as Alaska, Europe and the Caribbean to an around-the-world Grand Voyage of 119 nights, the 2010 RSSC programs continue to offer a truly diverse collection of luxury cruise options, living up to its brand promise of Luxury Goes Exploring® . A total of 92 cruise departures encompass every major cruise area of the world: Asia; Antarctica; Australia/New Zealand; the South Pacific; India; Arabia; East, South and West Africa; North and South America; Northern Europe; the Mediterranean; Mexico, the Panama Canal and the Caribbean; and Alaska. Highlights of the 2010 program include:

Four Grand Voyages
Continuing the tradition of offering extended voyages in the winter and fall, RSSC will offer the following Grand Voyages in 2010:

Seven Seas Voyager will offer a 119-night World Cruise (RSSC’s 10th such voyage) departing San Diego on January 14, following an exclusive performance for full World Cruise guests by America’s favorite TV comic Jay Leno and rock ‘n roll icons The Beach Boys. The voyage can be purchased in its four-month entirety, or in five shorter segments from 14 to 35 nights. The World Cruise is a global circumnavigation, crossing the Pacific Ocean to Australia via French Polynesia and various South Pacific islands; continuing to Singapore via Indonesia; on to Hong Kong via Brunei, the Philippines and mainland China; sailing West via Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, the Maldives, Seychelles and East and South Africa; and finally returning home to Fort Lauderdale via various stops in West Africa (maiden calls for RSSC), and then transatlantic to the Caribbean and Turks & Caicos islands.

Seven Seas Mariner will operate a 65-night Circle South America cruise roundtrip Fort Lauderdale, departing January 10. The Grand Voyage can be purchased as a 2-month odyssey or in three shorter segments from 14 to 30 nights. The voyage starts with a two-week Caribbean and Panama Canal cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Lima, Peru, followed by a month-long cruise through the Chilean fjords and around Cape Horn (with a special first-time visit to Antarctica by an all-suite Regent ship) to the Falkland Islands, Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro; ending with a three-week cruise home via the Amazon River (up to Manaus) and North through the Caribbean to Fort Lauderdale.

A Grand Asia Pacific cruise of 96 nights will be offered on Seven Seas Navigator departing Anchorage, Alaska on September 15. The voyage can be purchased in its three-month entirety, or in five shorter segments from 15 to 22 nights. The voyage starts with a northern transpacific crossing from Alaska to Beijing, via Japan; a three-week journey to Thailand via Shanghai, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Vietnam; another three-week voyage to Sydney via Singapore, Indonesia and the North and East coasts of Australia; a two-week journey from Australia and Tasmania to the South and North islands of New Zealand; ending with a three-week transpacific crossing to San Francisco via Tonga, Samoa and Hawaii.

Finally, a 75-night Discovery Collection voyage on Seven Seas Mariner departing Istanbul on October 21. The voyage can be purchased in its entirety or in four shorter segments of 14 to 25 nights. The voyage starts from Turkey, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Holy Land, through the Suez Canal and Red Sea to the Arabian Gulf and the United Arab Emirate of Dubai; continuing with an Indian Ocean odyssey via India, the Seychelles, Mauritius, Reunion and South Africa; followed by a two-week southern transatlantic crossing from Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro via Namibia and St. Helena; ending with a Christmas and New Year’s cruise through Brazil and the Caribbean to Fort Lauderdale.

Shorter Programs and Traditional Favorites
In addition to the Grand Voyages, RSSC will continue to offer more standard cruise programs in traditional cruise areas:

Following the World Cruise, Seven Seas Voyager makes a northern transatlantic crossing to Southampton, England via the northeastern US and Canadian seaboard and Reykjavik, Iceland. This is followed by a series of 7 to 14-night cruises to the Baltic and Russia in the summer months, punctuated by a 15-night cruise through the Norwegian fjords to the Arctic Circle. For the fall, Seven Seas Voyager moves south to the Mediterranean for five 10 to 14-night cruises before sailing transatlantic to Fort Lauderdale for four Caribbean cruises from South Florida.

After the Circle South America Grand Voyage, Seven Seas Mariner sails eastbound transatlantic for a full season of Mediterranean cruises of 7 to 12 nights in length featuring the highlights of the Eastern and Western Mediterranean, with voyages beginning or ending in Monte Carlo, Rome, Athens, Venice or Istanbul. Seven Seas Navigator operates a series of 7 to 11-night cruises to the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America during the winter months, followed by a full season of 7-night Alaska cruises between Vancouver and Anchorage during the summer.

A Refurbished Fleet of Ultra-Luxury, Medium-Sized Ships
Following a major refurbishment program involving a total investment of around $70 million, the three-ship ultra-luxury fleet of Regent Seven Seas is at the forefront of luxury cruising. Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Mariner emerged in early 2009 from extensive refurbishment, and Seven Seas Navigator will receive a transformational makeover during a 22-night dry-docking in January 2010. In addition to offering the largest lead-in suites at sea (minimum size 301 square feet), RSSC offers the highest percentage of private balconies of any cruise line, including the world’s only all-suite, all-balcony ships. All of Regent’s award-winning suite accommodations feature walk-in closets and marble-appointed bathrooms. Combined with the highly professional, friendly service, the exclusive enrichment and entertainment programs, stellar cuisine with up to four dining venues, and the all-inclusive product, RSSC offers the luxury cruise traveler a relaxing vacation that is second to none.

Expanded Butler Service
Enhancing yet another level of luxury to the fleet, starting in 2010 Butler service will be expanded to include guests accommodated in suite category C and above (currently B and above). This change will add 85 Butler suites for a new total of 290 fleet-wide (113 on Seven Seas Voyager, 92 on Seven Seas Mariner, and 85 on Seven Seas Navigator), representing over 30% of the total suites available.

Celebrity Cruises Launches "Celebrity Life" - Redefining the onboard experience to create lasting memories for guests. Life has always been good on a Celebrity Cruises vacation, and today, the brand announced a new program that will make it even better.

Celebrity Cruises today announced "Celebrity Life," a new series of palate-pleasing, intellectually-enriching and life-enhancing programs designed to deliver the most unique and sophisticated onboard experience in premium cruising.  Built on long-established pillars of the Celebrity brand - dining, enrichment, and wellness - Celebrity Life encompasses three distinct program categories: "Savor," "Discover," and "Renew." "Celebrity Cruises has always been committed to offering the best vacation experience for discerning travelers," said Celebrity Cruises Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations Lisa Lutoff-Perlo. "Celebrity Life will provide our guests with an array of experiences they will remember long after they sail with us, thanks to the delivery and dedication of our spectacular crew across the fleet."

"Savor" takes an already stellar culinary experience to new heights, with eight new wine enrichment events, six spirits and mixology tastings, and more than seven different interactive programs for guests, hosted by the ship's Executive Chef and team. "Discover" presents an opportunity for guests to do or learn what they have always wanted to try, but never had time to accomplish. Whether it's ordering a bottle of Chianti in Italian, or exploring the universe in 40 minutes, guests can delve into a wide variety of interests. "Renew" offers an improved, more goal-oriented approach to classes, seminars, and treatments designed to help guests on their journey to looking younger, feeling better and living longer.

SAVOR THE MOMENT
Shaped by the line's award-winning chef, restaurateur and Vice President of Culinary Operations Jacques Van Staden, the Savor series will encompass three programs centered around Celebrity Cruises' industry-leading food and beverage programming: "Celebrity Vineyards," "Signature Spirits" and "Food as Art." The "Celebrity Vineyards" wine enrichment program, developed in partnership with the United States Sommelier Association, will feature a host of immersive wine events providing guests the opportunity to expand their understanding and appreciation of the fascinating world of wine. Among the varied activities are the comparative wine workshops Celebrity introduced in 2007, sanctioned by the renowned Riedel Crystal.

Celebrity's "Signature Spirits" events will help unleash guests' "inner mixologist" as they explore the modern world of spirits and cocktails during exclusive "Mixology 101" workshops developed in partnership with Bacardi. The Signature Spirits events also will offer the opportunity to experience the industry's first "Molecular Mixology" workshop developed by "The Liquid Chef," world-renowned Master Mixologist Junior Merino.

Celebrity's immersive "Food as Art" culinary arts program also includes highly interactive and participatory cooking shows. Led by a variety of Celebrity's shipboard chefs, the program allows guests to serve as sous chefs in "Star Chef Cooking Competitions," and to participate in exclusive behind-the-scenes tours to watch the teams in Celebrity's galleys actively preparing delectable desserts, fresh-baked breads and a seemingly endless array of entrees. The Food as Art program also will surprise and delight vacationers with a special lineup of guest chefs who will set sail with Celebrity over the course of the year.

DANCE...DISCUSS…DISCOVER
A highlight of Celebrity Life's "Discover" series is the opportunity to learn a new language through Celebrity's industry-first alliance with Rosetta Stone®. Through this new partnership, over the course of just one sailing, either self-taught or hosted, guests can gain a working knowledge of their choice from among 13 languages.

Celebrity's "Beyond the Podium" enrichment series, as its name implies, will offer guests far more than the typical enrichment lecture. The series will be highlighted by the brand's new association with Smithsonian Journeys, the educational travel program of the renowned Smithsonian Institution, which is the world's largest museum complex and research organization. Guests on select sailings will have the opportunity to gain deep, new insight from Smithsonian Journeys' globally recognized experts as they speak with Celebrity guests about a vast array of topics, including history, culture, art and architecture, and the natural environment.

Meanwhile, iPod addicts can learn new iTunes tips and tricks while onboard, and novice and experienced computer users alike can boost their technological prowess through Celebrity's "digITal" series, with courses ranging from Photoshop and Windows XP primers, to BlackBerry tips and blog creation.

Stargazers will be inspired to stare skyward as they learn about astronomy, telescope tips, and even celestial navigation through Celebrity's new alliance with Stargeezer, a program devoted to educating consumers about astronomy in user-friendly fashion. Celebrity guests also will be invited to gaze at the night skies out on deck during special stargazers' parties and "star hunts" designed to identify the evening's brightest constellations and planets. Dance enthusiasts can share the stage with Celebrity's own professional dancers during itinerary-influenced, interactive productions whose themes include "Sizzle," "Groove," "Decco," and "Flava." Additionally, in partnership with Skyy Vodka, Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Equinox will present "Live @ Sky" in the two ships' Sky Observation Lounge.

In addition to participating in cultural, world and ballroom dance classes, guests also will have the opportunity to compete in the "Everybody Dance" competition, culminating in a vote for "star" dance champions on every sailing. To learn how to creatively preserve photos of their impressive new dance moves, or the picturesque places they visited during their cruise, guests can participate in Celebrity's new courses offered through the line's unique partnership with the StoryTellersClub, designed to guide guests through the process of creating valuable keepsakes of their cruise vacation memories.

TO RENEW YOU
Celebrity Life's new health and wellness program called "Renew" offers an expansion of spa and wellness services designed to help guests feel better, live longer, and look younger. Redefining the spa experience with an innovative range of beauty and wellness options for Celebrity guests, Renew offers three areas of enrichment within the program: "Ageless," "Energy," and "Longevity," each with its own slate of treatment selections, seminars and workshops. Guests can participate in motivating classes, a variety of seminars, and also experience results-driven spa or fitness treatments created for each series within the program.

Within the Ageless series are informative seminars focused on skin renewal and youth-enhancing lifestyle tips, in addition to medi-spa cosmetic services such as BOTOX® Cosmetic, Restylane® and Perlane®, and a selection of anti-aging facials, including a 24-karat gold facial available on the fleet's latest ship, Celebrity Equinox, to target fine lines and wrinkles.

ms Oosterdam Completes 300th Voyage. Holland America Line's Vista Ship Sailing Europe with Exciting New Enhancements.

Sailing the Mediterranean from Venice to Barcelona, ms Oosterdam recently celebrated a milestone with her 300th cruise. The sailing came a few weeks after extensive upgrades in Fincantieri's Palermo Shipyard in Italy to add new guest staterooms, dining options, public areas and a specialty wine bar. "The Oosterdam's recent enhancements are just one more example of Holland America Line's commitment to delivering our Signature of Excellence," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs.

"Our guests will delight in new choices such as the Pinnacle Bar and the Canaletto Restaurant along with enjoying great, panoramic views in the newly located Explorations Cafe -- powered by The New York Times." From the creation of new eateries -- including the addition of Canaletto, a dedicated complimentary Italian restaurant -- to the addition of 34 new staterooms, Oosterdam reflects spectacular and subtle additions from stem to stern. Also among new enrichment programming are the Digital Workshops powered by Windows. Led by Microsoft-trained "techsperts," the innovative and complimentary digital workshops teach the latest computer skills, digital photography and social media applications in a dedicated space with laptops.

Oosterdam also added the Explorations Cafe -- powered by The New York Times -- in the Crow's Nest, a larger Pinnacle Grill restaurant and a Pinnacle Bar with a focus on specialty Northwest wines. To reduce waste behind the scenes, the ship installed an environmentally friendly, state-of-the-art "wet cleaning machine" (for dry cleaning). The 1,916-guest Oosterdam continues to offer several popular Holland America Line features: the innovative Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine Magazine, the Greenhouse Spa and Salon, and a youth facility that includes the teens-only Loft.

Additional Refinements
To add to the cruising pleasure of her guests, the Oosterdam now has an expanded and updated shopping arcade, featuring the exclusive, chic jewelry shop, Merabella. A new high-end home theatre-style screening room has also been added for small group audio-visual presentations, to view videos and DVDs, and to accommodate private parties.

Amenities
Amenities aboard Oosterdam represent the cruise company's focus on providing an elegant ambiance and premium cruise experience. Staterooms include Elemis Aromapure specialty soaps, shampoo, conditioner and lotion and feature plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream Beds, deluxe waffle/terry-cloth robes, Egyptian cotton towels, flat-panel TVs, DVD players, make-up mirrors with halo lighting, massage shower heads, professional-grade hair dryers, fresh flowers and complimentary fruit baskets.

For the remainder of 2009, Oosterdam will sail alternating 12 day eastern and western Mediterranean departures between Venice and Barcelona, a 16 day transatlantic crossing, one 19 day Panama Canal voyage and six 7 day Mexico roundtrip San Diego cruises.

Signature of Excellence Defines the HAL Experience
Oosterdam's enhancements are part of the comprehensive Signature of Excellence product enhancement program totaling more than $525 million. Signature of Excellence features and amenities are evident in every aspect of the Holland America Line cruise experience.

About Holland America Line
Holland America Line's fleet of 14 ships offers nearly 500 cruises to 320 ports in more than 100 countries, territories or dependencies. Two- to 108-day itineraries visit all seven continents, and highlights include Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal. A 15th ship is scheduled to join the fleet in July 2010.

Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a commitment totaling more than $525 million, that showcase the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine -- a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and classes -- Explorations Cafe powered by The New York Times, teens-only activity areas and all new stateroom amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream Beds.

World's Leading Cruise Lines
The highest-rated premium cruise line in the world, Holland America Line is a member of the exclusive World's Leading Cruise Lines alliance, which also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Seabourn Cruise Line and Costa Cruises. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, these lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. The World's Leading Cruise Lines offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.

Film Industry Legends Headline Crystal Cruises Film & Theatre Festival. Acclaimed film critic Rex Reed and Academy Award-winning film and theatre legend Rita Moreno will entertain guests.

Crystal Cruises is celebrating the world of film aboard Crystal Serenity, arriving in Venice just in time for guests to enjoy the glamorous buzz surrounding the 66th annual Venice Film Festival, beginning September 2. Acclaimed film critic Rex Reed and Academy Award-winning film and theatre legend Rita Moreno will entertain guests with inside stories and experiences from their respective careers, aboard the 12 day August 21 “Red Carpet Riviera” voyage from Barcelona to Venice.

“Many of our guests are sophisticated film and theatre patrons who relish the opportunity to hear insights and entertaining commentary from two of the industry’s most talented veterans,” says Kristin Turner, manager of entertainment. “The Mediterranean itinerary is ideal for the theme, as so many celebrated films have been set in these picturesque destinations.”

Rex Reed has long been known for his sharp reviews of everything from film to music and art, which currently appear weekly in the New York Observer. He has served on the juries of the Venice, Montréal and Berlin Film Festivals, and has even appeared in films with the likes of Mae West and Laurence Olivier. He’ll regale guests with experiences like these in his lecture, “Legends I Have Known.”

Rita Moreno’s film career began at age 14, when she began lending her voice to Spanish-language versions of American films. Since then, she’s appeared in more than 100 movies, and is one of a select few performers to have won an Oscar, Grammy, Emmy and Tony Award. In her presentation, “The Lively Arts,” Ms. Moreno will trace film, theatre and television from the early days to today, adding anecdotes along the way.

In addition to leading these interactive sessions with guests, Reed and Moreno will give a pre-film Q&A session. Movie trivia, plus numerous classic films will also be featured in Crystal Serenity’s Hollywood Theatre and in staterooms, including West Side Story, Summertime and Room With a View. The voyage visits Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Florence/Livorno, Rome/Civitavecchia, Sicily/Taormina, Dubrovnik and Venice.

Crystal Cruises Europe Celebration Savings fares start at $5,305 per person, double occupancy, and include a $1,000 per person ‘All Inclusive - As You Wish’ onboard spending credit. For Crystal reservations or more information, please call SevenSeasTravel.com today.

Princess Launches New Cruisetour to Oberammergau Passion Play. Tour Offers Rare Opportunity to See Famed German Production, Only Performed Every 10 Years.

Princess has added a rare opportunity to its 2010 cruisetour lineup in Europe – a unique cruisetour designed to include the famed Oberammergau Passion Play, which is performed only once each decade in this small Bavarian village in Germany. The new 18 day “Oberammergau & Highlights of Germany” tour features two nights in the southern German town of Oberammergau, and includes tickets to the event. Passengers will also visit a variety of other top German destinations during the eight-day land tour, including Frankfurt, the Black Forest, Munich, Nuremberg and Berlin. In addition, the tour will connect seamlessly with a 10-day Scandinavia/Russia cruise aboard Star Princess. Two departures are offered on August 2 and August 12, 2010.

“This is such a unique opportunity, one that literally only comes around once every 10 years,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “This new cruisetour makes it easy to enjoy this famous event, plus take in many of the other attractions for which Germany is famous, coupled with one of our wonderful cruises through the Baltic region. This is yet another example of our commitment to provide our passengers with fascinating experiences around the world.”

The Oberammergau Passion Play has been held every ten years since 1634 in thanksgiving for deliverance from the Black Death in 1633. The play is now performed in years ending with a zero (except 1984 which was the 350th anniversary), and involves more than 2000 actors, singers, instrumentalists and technicians, all of whom are residents of the village. All cast members have lived in the village at least 20 years and must be amateurs of high moral and ethical principles. Villagers also make all the costumes for the production and, as no wigs are used, participants must grow their hair and beards for several months prior to the performances.

The “Oberammergau & Highlights of Germany” cruisetour is one of Princess’ four Europe cruisetour options available next season. Travelers can also opt for the 18 day “Europe’s Imperial Treasures,” which features the cathedrals and castles of four capitals that have figured prominently in history - Budapest, Vienna, Prague and Berlin - and includes a Star Princess Scandinavia and Russia sailing.

The 17 day “Classic Italy” tour offers the charms of Florence and Rome, and can connect to a number of Princess’ Mediterranean sailings. The 16 day “Ring of Kerry” tour offers some of the Emerald Isle’s most inspiring landscapes with visits to Shannon, Killarney and Cork, plus a Crown Princess British Isles cruise. Fares for the 18 day Oberammergau cruisetour begin at $5,319 per person, based on double occupancy. Capacity is limited on these special tours, and could fill quickly. Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through SevenSeasTravel.com.

Celebrity Cruises Officially Takes Ownership Of Celebrity Equinox. The ship will be formally named in ceremonies July 29, and will enter service service July 31 on an 8 Night Norwegian Fjords cruise.

As the sun rose today, so did the number of ships in Celebrity Cruises’ award-winning fleet. At a ceremony in Emshaven, Netherlands, Celebrity officially “took delivery” of Celebrity Equinox, marking the official transfer of the new, 2,850-guest vessel from shipbuilder Meyer Werft to Celebrity Cruises.  Following inspections, Celebrity Equinox will host a series of promotional activities from Southampton, England, for press, travel agents and other audiences. The ship will be formally named in ceremonies July 29, and will enter service service July 31 on an 8 night Norwegian Fjords cruise.

“All of us at Celebrity are extremely grateful to the countless individuals at Meyer Werft and at some of the world’s best architecture and design firms,” said Celebrity Cruises President & CEO Dan Hanrahan. “All of them worked tirelessly with us to bring this ship to fruition, only eight months after Celebrity Solstice. And now, we’re eager to have our guests experience on Celebrity Equinox the exceptional cuisine and service our brand is known for, paired with the inspiring style and design that is synonymous with Celebrity Cruises.”

Guests who sail on Celebrity Equinox will enjoy a resort-like experience at sea through the brand-defining, industry-first attributes also found on Celebrity Solstice, including the industry’s first Lawn Club, a half-acre country-club atmosphere featuring real, growing grass; 10 dining venues including several created by noted hospitality designer Adam Tihany, and all featuring menus pairing classic and contemporary selections created by noted chef, restaurateur and Celebrity’s Vice President of Culinary Operations Jacques Van Staden; AquaClass, the line’s spa-inspired staterooms offering exclusive access to the Mediterranean-influenced specialty restaurant, “Blu”; the industry’s first Hot Glass Show at sea, presented in collaboration with The Corning Museum of Glass; larger, more intuitive staterooms influenced by a panel of five “boomer” women with unique travel and hospitality insights, and widely varied entertainment, including spectacular new shows in partnership with Poet Theatricals.

Following the Norwegian Fjords cruise, Celebrity Equinox will depart Southampton August 8 on a 10 night “Best of Europe” itinerary to Rome, calling on ports in France, Spain, Portugal and Italy, as well Gibraltar, UK. The ship then will sail a series of 13   and 14 night “Ancient Empires” cruises through October, featuring two new ports of call: Haifa and Ashdod, Israel. These voyages also include an overnight stay in Alexandria, Egypt.

On November 5, the ship will sail a transatlantic voyage to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she will begin a series of alternating 10  and 11 night “Ultimate Caribbean” voyages through April 2010. The 11 night voyages will stop in George Town, Grand Cayman; Cartagena, Colombia; Colon, Panama; Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; Roatan, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico. The 10-night sailings include calls on Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Basseterre, St. Kitts; Bridgetown, Barbados; Roseau, Dominica; Philipsburg, St. Maarten.

Celebrity Cruises offers comfortably sophisticated, upscale vacation experiences with highly personalized service, exceptional dining, and extraordinary attention to detail. Celebrity sails in Alaska, California, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Galapagos Islands, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal and South America. The line also offers unique cruisetour vacations in Alaska, Canada, Europe and South America. Noted for four of the top 10 "Top Cruise Ships in the World" in the large-ship category, as voted by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler (February 2009 readers’ poll), Celebrity’s fleet, including Celebrity Solstice, is joined by Celebrity Equinox this year, Celebrity Eclipse in 2010, a fourth Solstice-class ship in 2011, and a fifth in 2012. For more information, call SevenSeasTravel.com.

NCL Norwegian Epic Cruises Closer To Completion. Norwegian’s Biggest Freestyle Cruising Ship Celebrates Major Construction Milestone.

In the early morning hours of Saturday, July 11, Norwegian Epic made her first journey on water, cruising out of her construction quay at STX Europe in Saint-Nazaire, France where the 153,000-ton ship has been under construction since October 2007. Beginning at approximately 7 am, the massive 4,200 passenger ship was accompanied by a fleet of six tugboats and taken a short distance down the Loire Estuary. Within about one and a half hours, the ship was moored at the outfitting dock. Norwegian Epic’s float out represented a major milestone in the vessel’s construction as it indicates that the ship has now moved into the final phase of construction and work will begin immediately on the vessel’s interiors.

“Watching Norwegian Epic make her first journey on the water was a very moving experience,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “Norwegian Epic epitomizes our continued commitment to innovation and represents the next generation of Freestyle Cruising, so we are thrilled to be celebrating her float out and looking forward to her delivery in less than a year.”

On hand for the occasion were Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, chairman of the board of directors for Norwegian Cruise Line and chairman, president and chief executive of the Genting Group; Norwegian Cruise Line executives: Kevin Sheehan, chief executive officer; Roberto Martinoli, president and chief operating officer; and Andy Stuart, executive vice president, global sales and passenger services, as well as Sang-Ho Shin, president and chief executive officer, STX Europe; and Jacques Hardelay, general manager, STX Europe, France.

Norwegian Epic is scheduled to be delivered in late May 2010, and will take part in inaugural events before beginning her Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings from her year-round homeport in Miami. The first Eastern Caribbean sailing from Miami is scheduled for July 17, 2010 and the ship’s alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries are scheduled through April 2011.

Norwegian Epic’s Eastern Caribbean itinerary includes calls in Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands and Nassau, Bahamas. The ship’s Western Caribbean itinerary includes calls in Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico. Guests can make a reservation by contacting SevenSeasTravel.com at 888-798-9133.

Norwegian Epic’s Innovations & Features:
Norwegian Epic is changing the face of cruise line entertainment. In another industry first, Blue Man Group will perform in the ship’s 685-seat Epic Theater. Blue Man Group is best known for their wildly popular theatrical shows and concerts which combine music, comedy and multimedia theatrics to produce a totally unique form of entertainment. The blissful party atmosphere created at their live events has become the trademark of a Blue Man Group experience and will be seen for the first time ever at sea only on Norwegian Epic.

Norwegian Epic will have multiple, specially-designed entertainment venues throughout the ship so that guests can choose from a wide variety of entertainment each evening of their cruise. No longer will entertainment be focused on two nightly shows in one large main theater. Norwegian Epic will offer a number of entertainment options in specially-designed venues, some offered for the first time ever at sea, with choices to appeal to a broad audience.

On this ship, guests will find the only “big top” at sea. In this intimate 265-seat theater-in-the-round, famed producer/director Neil Goldberg will present Cirque Dreams® and Dinner. This one of a kind interactive theatrical dining experience will be performed in the air, while juggling dinner courses, with music, mayhem and acrobatic imagination. During this two-hour show, guests will marvel in amazement and become part of a celebration of spectacle and fantasy. The entire experience will be unlike anything else at sea.

Norwegian Epic will offer the next generation of Freestyle Dining with 14 restaurant choices – the most at sea – and 18 bars and lounges. The ship also boasts unique nightlife options with the first 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 in two venues; 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 and the first squash court at sea.

Norwegian Epic incorporates several new types of accommodations – the curved New Wave staterooms; the largest ship-within-a-ship suite complex at sea, comprising 60 suites and villas on two private decks at the top of the ship; a new category of inside staterooms for the value-conscious traveler – The Studios and Living Room; and spa and family-friendly accommodations.

About Norwegian Cruise Line:
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is the innovator in cruise travel with a 42-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising, most notably with the introduction of Freestyle Cruising which has revolutionized the industry by allowing guests more freedom and flexibility. Today, NCL has the youngest fleet in the industry with 11 purpose-built Freestyle Cruising ships, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed cruise vacation on the newest, most contemporary ships at sea. NCL is presently building Norwegian Epic, a third generation Freestyle Cruising ship, for delivery in 2010.

Celebrity Cruises Launches New Captain's Club; Members Are 'Center Of Attention'. Highlight of the onboard experience is likely to be the Captain's Club Celebration.

Celebrity Cruises' Captain's Club - the top-rated premium brand's three-tiered recognition and benefits program designed exclusively for its most loyal guests - has been redesigned and relaunched based on a series of member-inspired improvements. Several new features are rolling out across the fleet on sailings beginning this month, while others will be introduced in intervals over the course of the year.

"Our most loyal guests deserve our loyalty in return, so we're thrilled to offer them a vastly improved program," said Celebrity Cruises President & CEO Dan Hanrahan. "Our new Captain's Club gives them greater recognition, exclusive benefits, and a number of new features designed to make them feel like the center of our attention every time they sail with us."

New features launching this month include the Captain's Club Celebration, a one-of-a-kind social and entertainment event available to all members; significantly improved Internet and laundry benefits for Select and Elite tier members; and a new onboard lounge exclusively for Elite members. The brand has even introduced a new theme for the club, which doubles as its ongoing commitment to members: "The center of our attention."

But these improvements are only the beginning. During the second half of this year, Celebrity will expand the Captain's Club with a variety of other new features, all of which will be announced prior to taking effect.  "Our new Captain's Club was designed based on a tremendous amount of research, feedback from our members, and advice from our travel partners," said Hanrahan. "We want to ensure that we deliver every aspect to our guests' utmost satisfaction, so we're choosing to roll out the enhancements in intervals, beginning with improvements to the member experience onboard."

A highlight of the onboard experience is likely to be the Captain's Club Celebration. Soon available across the fleet, with the exception of Celebrity Xpedition, all members will be invited to this exclusive event once per sailing. Redesigned to be a highlight of every cruise, the spirited affair will provide the perfect opportunity to meet fellow members, chat with the Captain and senior shipboard officers, experience interactive cooking demonstrations, and enjoy the new "CC Jams" performance by a variety of shipboard musicians.

For members interested in a quiet haven of their own, Celebrity is pleased to introduce the Captain's Club Lounge at Michael's Club, exclusively for Elite members and their stateroom/suite companions each morning and early evening. The new Lounge will offer a casual coffeehouse-style experience from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., with complimentary espressos, teas and other menu items, a variety of reading materials, and, on Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Equinox, wi-fi access.

Every evening from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Captain's Club Elite members and their stateroom/suite companions can return to the Lounge to socialize with fellow members, participate in a wine tasting event, or simply relax and enjoy a quiet, complimentary drink before dinner.  In recognition of their desire to stay in touch with family and friends while vacationing, Elite members will now receive complimentary, 90-minute Internet packages, while Select members will receive a 25 percent discount. Also within the new program, Captain's Club Select- and Elite-level members can now enjoy new laundry, dry cleaning, and pressing benefits, based on the length of their cruise (laundry and Internet benefits upgrade from tier to tier, and are not cumulative).

Celebrity also is extending its pledge to make members the center of attention by engaging many in the entirely new Captain's Club Advisory Board, to ensure its most loyal guests always have a voice in shaping the program. Participation on the Advisory Board will be offered online on a rotating basis to a selection of members across all tiers.

In addition to focusing on effectively delivering the new features of the Captain's Club, Celebrity will continue to ensure that members enjoy all the program benefits currently available, too, and that they continue to have more opportunities to achieve higher-tier status.  "We will continue to provide members in every tier of the Captain's Club with the recognition and rewards they've come to expect, while adding several new enhancements over the course of this year," said Hanrahan.

"We also want to ensure that our members have the opportunity to quickly advance to the next tier. That's why we count tier credits versus purely counting cruises. Tier credits are earned simply by sailing with us, but we also award additional credits for cruises of 12 or more nights, and for booking certain stateroom and suite categories. As a result, members can more quickly advance to the next tier." "What we're rolling out today, combined with everything we'll be adding to the program over the course of this year, will add up to what I'm confident will be the best loyalty program at sea," Hanrahan added.

Prior Captain's Club benefits and new enhancements available at launch include:
For Classic members (1-4 tier credits): Access to the loyalty desk and loyalty host; a premium onboard discount booklet; access to the new Captain's Club Celebration event; a complimentary custom air request; pre-cruise specialty restaurant reservations; member reunion cruises; one-category upgrades (when available); and an online newsletter.

For Select members (5-9 tier credits): All of the benefits of Classic membership, plus priority embarkation, a complimentary wine seminar, priority status to shore excursion waitlist, an invitation to the senior officers' cocktail party, 25% off any Internet package, complimentary pressing of two clothing items, and discounted laundry on cruises of 12 nights or more.

For Elite members (10 or more tier credits): All of the benefits of Select membership, plus a private shipboard departure lounge with continental breakfast, priority tender service, priority waitlist for dining room seating, elegant tea service, complimentary use of Thalassotherapy pool use on Celebrity Mercury, complimentary access to the Persian Garden (port days only), access to the new Captain's Club Lounge at Michael's Club, 90 free Internet minutes, one free item of dry cleaning, a complimentary bag of laundry (wash, dry, fold) and additional discounted laundry on cruises of 12 nights or more.

Celebrity Cruises offers comfortably sophisticated, upscale vacation experiences with highly personalized service, exceptional dining, and extraordinary attention to detail. Celebrity sails in Alaska, California, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Galapagos Islands, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal and South America. The line also offers unique cruisetour vacations in Alaska, Canada, Europe and South America.

Noted for four of the top 10 "Top Cruise Ships in the World" in the large-ship category, as voted by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler (February 2009 readers' poll), Celebrity's fleet - including the new Celebrity Solstice - will be joined by Celebrity Equinox this year, Celebrity Eclipse in 2010, a fourth Solstice-class ship in 2011, and a fifth in 2012. For more information, call SevenSeasTravel.com today.

Holland America Line Enters 2010 With Most Diverse Alaska CruiseTour Program Yet. Thirty-one CruiseTours are 10 to 20 days in length.

For travelers wishing to see the beauty of Alaska and the Yukon, Holland America Line features 31 CruiseTour itineraries in 2010 exploring Southeast Alaska, the Kenai Peninsula, Arctic, Denali and the Yukon Territory. All CruiseTours combine an Inside Passage sailing with in-depth land tours, designed to show guests the best of Alaska's wilderness, wildlife, native culture and history.

Ranging from 10 to 20 days in length, the ever-popular Great Land and Glacier Discovery CruiseTours explore Alaska and the Yukon by land and sea. Twenty Holland America CruiseTours feature a Double Denali option - two nights at a classic wilderness lodge near the gates of Denali National Park. Many tours also feature Canada's Yukon Territory, with its Klondike Gold Rush heritage and pristine national parks. "More than sixty years of experience in the region is wrapped up in each of our cruise tours," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales, and guest programs. "These are comprehensive tours. Holland America has always sought to provide guests with in-depth wilderness experiences."

The new 2010 itineraries and optional excursions offer a choice of 14 national parks and wilderness areas including less visited gems such as Kluane National Park and Tombstone Park along with popular Glacier Bay and Denali National Parks. Holland America's comprehensive CruiseTours combine a variety of transportation adventures to explore Alaska and the Yukon. Guests travel by five-star cruise ships; luxury, domed McKinley Explorer® railcars; intimate vessels such as the mv Yukon Queen II; and comfortable custom-built highway Explorer Coaches™ on Great Land itineraries.

Great Land CruiseTours
The core of the company's extensive Alaska tour program consists of 10 Great Land CruiseTours, combining a southeast Alaska cruise with an in-depth tour of the vast interior. The cruise sails for three or four days between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Skagway. Great Land Klondike CruiseTours offer 11- to 15-day adventures to Denali National Park; Dawson City; Fairbanks and Whitehorse. Four Great Land Wilderness CruiseTours range from 10 to 13 days and provide a more affordable wilderness experience with travel along the most scenic stretch of the famed Alaska Highway.

Glacier Discovery CruiseTours
Guests who prefer a longer Inside Passage cruise with added glacier viewing can choose among 18 Glacier Discovery CruiseTours. Ranging from 11- to 20-days, these CruiseTours include a seven-day sailing and most offer two-night Double Denali stays and the Denali Tundra Wilderness Tour. New Expedition CruiseTours are designed to provide more off-the-beaten-track wilderness experiences. Three itineraries highlight uncrowded, authentic wilderness experiences in the Kenai, Denali and the Yukon. Two tours include accommodations at small, exclusive lodges in remote locations.

The leader in Alaska Cruises and CruiseTours
Holland America Line has been Alaska's leading tour operator for more than 60 years. The line has eight premium ships, offering 148 Alaska cruises in 2010. These include 60 sailings on four ships home-ported in Seattle and 88 cruises on four ships based in Vancouver. CruiseTours start at $1,099 per person, double occupancy. To book an Alaska cruise or CruiseTour, contact SevenSeasTravel.com today.

Construction of Queen Elizabeth Begins. Queen Elizabeth will feature the unique Cunard traditions linking her with her sisters Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria and their predecessors.

Today a ceremony to mark the keel laying of Cunard Line’s new Queen Elizabeth was held at the Monfalcone shipyard of Fincantieri near Trieste, Italy. The second largest Cunarder ever built, Queen Elizabeth’s keel is the third Cunard has lain in the space of seven years. When she enters service in October 2010, she will join Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria as not only the most famous ocean liners in the world but also the youngest fleet in passenger travel. The keel laying involves the placement in the dry dock of the first section of the ship’s hull.

This section is made up of six pre-manufactured blocks, weighs 364 tons and is fitted with 104 tons of pipes, cables, insulation and other equipment. The ceremony followed an intensive period of design and development. Fifty-three sections will be used in the construction of Queen Elizabeth and she will take to the water for the first time at her float out in December.

“We are delighted to be back here among our friends at Fincantieri so soon after we took delivery of Queen Victoria in 2007- the first Cunarder to be built in Italy - and I am sure that Queen Elizabeth will be just as popular and successful as her two sister ships,” said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line. “We at Cunard are always impressed by the commitment and enthusiasm of everyone at Fincantieri, and we look forward to the next year-and-a half of working closely with them on this ship, which will be nurtured by their skill and vision and built into a vessel equal in stature to the other great Cunard liners,” she added.

Paolo Capobianco, director of Fincantieri Shipyard, said, “Our company is the heir to the Italian shipbuilding industry and the world leader in cruise ship construction and believes, as Cunard does, in the possibility and the need of actively matching tradition and innovation. Building a new liner for Cunard is a special achievement for Fincantieri and takes us right to our roots, fostering both our determination to build once again a passenger ship of high technological content and unmistakable style, reflecting the best of the industry and tailored to the needs and requirements of the ship owner.”

Queen Elizabeth will feature the unique Cunard traditions linking her with her sisters Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria and their predecessors, together with all the modern day luxuries Cunard’s guests have come to expect and some exciting features that will give the vessel her own style and personality.

Named after the first Queen Elizabeth, one of Cunard’s greatest ships, the new Queen Elizabeth will reflect her predecessor in interior grandeur, décor and style, but with a modern twist. From the outside, her distinctive black and red livery will hint at an experience that differentiates a Cunard liner from a modern-day cruise ship. This will be most evident in the ship’s adherence to liner traditions, with elegant double and triple height public rooms on a grand scale, luxuriously endowed with rich wood panelling, intricate mosaics, gleaming chandeliers and cool marbles. Art Deco features will pay homage to the original Queen Elizabeth and will allow the new ship to reflect a more civilized era of travel.

Furthermore, in addition to the extensive Cunard entertainment programme on board, Queen Elizabeth will offer some unique strands inspired by the era of the first Queen Elizabeth, such as country house parties at sea, evening piano sing-a-longs and period dancing, from traditional ballroom to the jitterbug and the jive, all within the setting of this 21st century ship. As successor to Queen Elizabeth 2, the ship will also reflect this great liner through artworks and memorabilia and its very own “Yacht Club.”

Queen Elizabeth will also pay homage to the links that Cunard has enjoyed with royalty and the maritime world over the years with photography, memorabilia and exhibits. Queen Elizabeth will depart on her Maiden Voyage on 12 October 2010 - a voyage which sold out in a record-breaking 29 minutes 14 seconds in April 2009. This 13-night celebration will leave from Cunard’s home port of Southampton and will call at Vigo (for Santiago de Compostela), Lisbon, Seville (Cadiz), Gran Canaria (Las Palmas), Tenerife (Santa Cruz de Tenerife, an overnight call), La Palma (Santa Cruz de La Palma) and Madeira (Funchal).

Her Maiden Season will run from October 2010 to January 2011 and include voyages to the Western and Central Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Fares start from just $1,195 per person for the five-night 26 November 2010 Gallic Debut voyage with ports of call at Amsterdam, Zeebrugge and Le Havre; while the 13-night Iberian Discovery voyage departing 1 December 2010 features fares from $2,395 per person, with ports of call at Vigo, Lisbon, Seville, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Palma and Madeira.

The world’s newest ocean liner will depart Southampton on 5 January 2011 on her 103-night epic Maiden World Voyage, which has just been released for sale. This will see her make 35 maiden calls, including Cunard’s first call ever at Port Denarau (Fiji). In total, Queen Elizabeth will call at 38 ports in 24 countries as she makes her way west around the globe, with maiden transits of both the Panama and Suez Canals and calls at Los Angeles, Auckland, Sydney, Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai and Lisbon.

Queen Elizabeth will be in great company as her sisters will be present on several occasions during the voyage: she will sail in tandem to New York with Queen Victoria before all three Queens will meet for a Cunard Royal Rendezvous in New York on 13 January 2011; and then she meets with Queen Mary 2 in Sydney and Civitavecchia and Queen Victoria again in Aruba. Full World Voyage fares aboard Queen Elizabeth start from $19,995; Queen Elizabeth’s Segment World Voyage fares start from $2,545. Fares are based per person, double occupancy. For more information and to book a voyage aboard the new Queen Elizabeth, contact SevenSeasTravel.com.