Celebrity Cruises Announces 2009/2010 Caribbean Sailings!

April 23, 2008 - Miami

Celebrity Equinox, the newest vessel to the Celebrity fleet, will sail alternating 10-night and
11-night Ultimate Caribbean voyages beginning November 23, 2009 through April 9, 2010. Celebrity Equinox will depart for 10-night voyages on Fridays and 11-night voyages on Mondays, round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Celebrity Constellation will alternate long Caribbean sailings with Panama Canal sailings from November, 2009 through May, 2010. All Panama Canal voyages will be opened for sale in mid-May, 2008. The Caribbean voyages will all sail round-trip form Miami, Florida. Celebrity Constellation will sail a 13-night Ultimate Caribbean voyage on November 9, 2009. On December 20, 2009 she will sail a special 14-night Exotic Southern Caribbean Holiday voyage. Celebrity Constellation will also sail two 14-night Exotic Southern Caribbean voyages, the first departing on January 31, 2010 and the last on February 14, 2010.

Celebrity Mercury is slated for alternating 10-night and 11-night Southern Caribbean voyages between November 6, 2009 and March 26, 2010. The 10-night voyages will depart on Fridays and the 11-night will depart on Mondays, round-trip from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Celebrity Mercury will sail a special 15-night Southern Caribbean Holiday voyage departing on December 18, 2009. Immediately following, Celebrity Mercury will depart on January 2, 2010 for a special 9-night Southern Caribbean voyage, to get back to the 10- and 11-night pattern.

Celebrity Solstice will sail two different alternating 7-night Eastern Caribbean itineraries between December 13, 2009 and April 11, 2010. Celebrity Solstice will depart on Sundays and will sail round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Celebrity Summit will sail 7-night Southern Caribbean voyages between December 12, 2009 and April 10, 2010. Celebrity Summit will depart on Saturdays and will sail round-trip from San Juan, Puerto Rico.

To plan your future cruise vacation aboard a Celebrity ship, please book online or call one of our expert travel agents at 1-800-543-1915.

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Cunard Queens Rendezvous in Southampton for First and Last Time

April 22, 2008 -- In yet another historic Cunard occasion, the Line's three Queens - Queen Mary 2, QE2 and Queen Victoria - met yesterday in their homeport of Southampton for the first and last time. QE2 and Queen Victoria arrived after completing milestone World Cruises: the final such voyage for the iconic "grande dame" QE2, set to leave Cunard's service in November, and the first World Cruise for Queen Victoria.

Queen Mary 2 arrived after concluding her first Transatlantic Crossing of the season and will transport the remaining World Cruisers from both QE2 and Queen Victoria back to New York, arriving April 28.

The three ships are the only passenger vessels in the world with Southampton on their sterns.

If you'd like to plan a cruise vacation aboard one of the Cunard Queens' Europe sailings, visit www.europecruises.com or www.cruisecheap.com to book online, or call 1-800-543-2805 to speak with one of our European Cruise Vacation Specialists.

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The Gardens of Central Park

MIAMI, April 15, 2008 – Central Park, the first of seven exceptional neighborhoods to be unveiled on Royal Caribbean International’s Project Genesis, creates a variety of experiences that beckon visitors to explore and learn about flora from around the world:

• A series of columns interlaced with vines is just one of the welcoming entry points into Central Park, elegantly landscaped with tropical foliage, including seasonal flowers, shrubs and trees.


• Drifts of Calla Lilies among Giant Elephant Ears, Red Ginger, Rabbit Foot Ferns, Banana Croton, Gold Dust Dracaena, Butterfly Lily, and Zebra Calathea are some of the plant life guests will discover.
  
• Impressive ‘Green Walls’ spanning 25 feet and four stories high will host flowering vines and a variety of ferns such as Red & White Mandevilla, Twinspur ‘Red Ace’, Verbena and Silver Pothos. The park will also have changing displays of accent plants, such as Birds of Paradise and various Orchids (Phalaenopsis, Cymbidium, Colmanara Wildcat).
  
• Trees, some eventually reaching more than two-and-a-half decks high, include Cherry of the Rio Grande, Fern Pine, Amstel King Ficus and Golden Bamboo. Fragrant additions include Orange Jasmine and Allspice (scents of cinnamon and clove drift from leaves and bark).
  


• Drawing on the concept of surprise and intrigue, garden spaces throughout Central Park will sprout from charming pathways:
  

• The Pergola Garden is a unique interpretive plant garden featuring vegetation from a host of Caribbean locales where guests can see shade grown Coffee plants and budding Pineapple plants, as well as learn about the origin of spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg.


• The Sculpture Garden integrates artwork from international artists and unique plantings, while Sweet Olive trees frame a cozy area to sit and enjoy a view of the Park.
  
• The Chess Garden is located next to a large Cuban Laurel tree and framed with Painted Bamboo where guests can challenge each other to a game of chess or checkers with large-scale pieces. Or for a more intimate experience, personal game tables are found off the main path.
  


• The middle pathway transports guests over a bridge spanning a ‘river of plants’ and past a series of special gardens, restaurants and cafés, as well as boutique shops to the central square lined with colorful Kumquat and lacey Black Olive trees.
  
  
• The Park’s horticulturalist will teach guests about the Central Park gardens, general gardening techniques, and provide lessons on the distinctive and unusual ecology of Caribbean plants.
  


• Irrigation and drainage systems will be incorporated, along with micro climate control techniques.
  
  
• The landscape architects and architects responsible for the design of the Central Park gardens are The Waterfield Design Group of Winchester, Mass. and Wilson Butler Associates of Boston.
  
  
• Atkins Limited of Surrey, England served as the lead design architects of Central Park.
  

When she launches in late 2009, Project Genesis will be the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. An architectural marvel at sea, she will span 16 decks, encompass 220,000 GRT, carry 5,400 guests, and feature 2,700 staterooms. The ship will sail from her home port in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. In 2010, she will be joined by a sister ship.

Stay tuned to Cruising In The News for the most up-to-date information and news on Project Genesis!

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Royal Caribbean Unveils First Architectural Marvel Aboard Project Genesis Ship

Central Park Brings the Outdoors In, Creating Open-air Neighborhood for Guests That Reaches to the Sky

MIAMI, April 15, 2008 – In its latest evolution in cruise ship design, Royal Caribbean International’s Project Genesis will bring the best of the land to sea with Central Park, a revolutionary design in which the center of the ship opens to the sky and features lush, tropical grounds spanning the length of a football field. An exquisite public gathering place featuring serene pathways, seasonal flower gardens and canopy trees, Central Park will provide cruisers with more choices in a unique outdoor space. One of the ship’s most ground-breaking spaces, this new concept is the first of seven neighborhoods to be unveiled on Project Genesis. Each neighborhood will provide vacationers with the opportunity to seek out relevant experiences in various locales based on their personal style, preference or mood.





Elegant and lively, Central Park’s central piazza will be the ship’s “town square” which evolves from a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere during the day to a gathering space for alfresco dining and entertainment in the evening, where guests will enjoy concerts and street performances. The neighborhood is lined with balcony staterooms rising six decks high with views of the Park below and the sky above.

Surrounding this social space will be an array of restaurants, with choices ranging from fine dining to casual chic. Guests will have the option of an elegant dinner at the new 150 Central Park or a picnic lunch from the more casual Central Park Café, where they can sit outdoors and people-watch. Other dining choices will include: Giovanni’s Table, an Italian restaurant; Vintages wine bar; and Royal Caribbean’s signature Chops Grille steakhouse. Several bars will be scattered throughout the Park, including the Canopy Bar, located at one of two impressive glass-domed canopies, and the unique Rising Tide bar - the first moving bar at sea. Truly an engineering feat, Rising Tide will span three decks and allow cruisers to enjoy a cocktail as they slowly ascend into Central Park and then descend back into the public spaces below. Central Park also will have stylish boutique shops, showcasing a selection of upscale merchandise.

“Building such a large vessel allowed us to add even more of the choices and amenities that our guests value and Central Park is a dramatic addition to our already extensive array of exciting features,” said Richard D. Fain, Chairman & CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “Central Park is the first of many dynamic neighborhoods on Project Genesis which will enable each guest to find his or her own space and activity.”

“Our brand identity is founded in innovation and on delivering the best cruise vacation through ‘WOW’ experiences,” stated Adam Goldstein, President & CEO, Royal Caribbean
International. “Central Park is a true evolution of cruise ship design and allows us to provide our guests with not only a more varied selection of balcony accommodations, but also a stunning public venue that will be a central element of the ship, both during the day and at night.”


Central Park Fast Facts

• Central Park is located on Deck 8 of the ship, with dimensions of 62 feet (19 meters) wide and 328 feet (100 meters) long. The sophisticated neighborhood will include 334 staterooms overlooking the Park, 254 with balconies.
  


• Central Park will be landscaped with tropical foliage, including seasonal flowers, shrubs and trees. Drawing on the concept of unexpected surprises and intrigue, garden spaces throughout the Park will sprout from charming pathways. Drifts of Calla Lilies among Giant Elephant Ears, Red Ginger, Rabbit Foot Ferns and Zebra Calathea are some of the plant life guests will discover. Trees, some eventually reaching more than two-and-ahalf decks tall, include Black Olive, Cuban Laurel, Cherry of the Rio Grande, and Painted and Golden Bamboo.
  


• Surprises in the Park include quiet reading corners; a Chess Garden with large-scale pieces; the Pergola Garden, an interpretive garden featuring vegetation from a host of Caribbean locales; and a Sculpture Garden, highlighting work by international artists.
  


• Irrigation and drainage systems will be incorporated, along with micro-climate control techniques.
  


• An on-site horticulturist will provide educational classes for guests seeking to learn more about flora.
  


• The Crystal Canopies, two impressive arched-glass domes, one with a bar, will be a focal point of Central Park and provide sunlight into the ship’s inner public spaces.
  
  
• Restaurants and dining options in the Central Park neighborhood include:
  
  • 150 Central Park – The most exclusive dining venue on the ship, 150 Central Park combines leading-edge cuisine with leading-edge design. An observation window into the kitchen of this stylish restaurant will give Central Park passersby the opportunity to observe the executive chef in action. Open for dinner.
  
  
  • Chops Grille – Continuing the tradition, Royal Caribbean’s popular signature steakhouse will offer premium cut, quality meats in an upscale, contemporary setting. Open for dinner.
  
  
  • Giovanni’s Table – Influenced by the Tuscan countryside, Giovanni’s will be a casual new Italian restaurant concept offering toasted herbal breads, pizzas, salads, pastas, Italian sandwiches, braised meat dishes and stews. Rustic with a contemporary flair, dishes are served family style in an indoor and outdoor setting to provide an alfresco experience in Central Park. Open for lunch and dinner.
  
  
  • Central Park Café – A casual dining choice providing a high level of variety and flexibility, Central Park Café is an indoor/outdoor gourmet market with walk-up counters. From freshly prepared salads and made-to-order sandwiches to paninis, crepes and hearty soups, guests order directly from the chefs behind the food stations. European pastries, sublime chocolates and decadent fudge round out the offerings. Open for breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner and late night treats.
  
  
  • Vintages – Always a popular hot spot for Royal Caribbean guests on Voyager- and Freedom-class ships, the Vintages wine bar evolves into a larger space on Project Genesis, offering a variety of options for those seeking a tropical white Riesling or a mocha-inflected Merlot. Great for a pre-dinner rendezvous, Vintages also provides a selection of cheeses and a full tapas menu to accompany a robust selection of fine wines. Open for lunch and dinner.
  
  
  • Central Park will feature upscale retail boutiques for discerning travelers, including specialty outlets such as The Parkside Gallery, showcasing original artwork for purchase, and Picture This, a portrait studio.

When she launches in late 2009, Project Genesis will be the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. An architectural marvel at sea, she will span 16 decks, encompass 220,000 GRT, carry 5,400 guests, and feature 2,700 staterooms. The ship will sail from her home port in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. In 2010, she will be joined by a sister ship.

Stay tuned to Cruising In The News for the most up-to-date information and news on Project Genesis!

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Royal Caribbean's First Reveal of Project Genesis

Royal Caribbean Begins the Countdown to Launch of Project Genesis

Miami, April 15, 2008 – After much anticipation for details on Project Genesis, Royal Caribbean International today announced the first of many neighborhoods that will encompass this new ship launching in late 2009. This first announcement is just the beginning of Royal Caribbean’s brand promise to provide guests with more choices, more amenities and more ‘WOW’ experiences to create the perfect cruise vacation. The neighborhood, called Central Park, is a new element and will be revolutionary in its design, as the center of the ship opens to the sky and features lush, tropical grounds spanning the length of a football field. The creation of distinctive neighborhoods is an original concept for the cruise line and will provide vacationers with the opportunity to seek out relevant experiences in various locales based on their personal style, preference or mood.


Details of Central Park are as follows:

• 254 Park view balcony staterooms (4 wheelchair accessible)
















• 80 Park view window staterooms
  
• Boutique shops and outlets showcasing upscale merchandise including: The Parkside Gallery, with original artwork for purchase, and Picture This, a portrait studio.



• 7 restaurants, cafés and bars
• 150 Central Park
• Giovanni’s Table
• Central Park Café
• Chops Grille
• Vintages wine bar
• Canopy bar
• Rising Tide bar
  
  
• Landscaped with tropical foliage, including seasonal flowers, shrubs and trees
• The Pergola Garden – interpretive plant garden featuring vegetation from Caribbean locales
• The Sculpture Garden – integrates artwork from international artist
• The Chess Garden – provides large scale pieces for a game of chess or checkers


• On-site horticulturist

When she launches in late 2009, Project Genesis will be the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. An architectural marvel at sea, she will span 16 decks, encompass 220,000 GRT, carry 5,400 guests, and feature 2,700 staterooms. The ship will sail from her home port in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. In 2010, she will be joined by a sister ship.

Stay tuned to Cruising In The News for the most up-to-date information and news on Project Genesis!

CruiseCheap provides you with endless information on cruises to multiple destinations.

Tour De Spin Cycling Classes Debut Aboard Crystal Ships

Funds donated to Lance Armstrong Foundation for each guest who participates


LOS ANGELES, April 14, 2008 - Demonstrating an increased commitment to health and fitness, Crystal Cruises is launching "Tour de Spin," a complimentary indoor cycling program that mirrors stages of the Tour de France. The program, inspired by top cyclist Lance Armstrong and led by onboard instructors, will utilize Le Monde Life Fitness Bikes and include three virtual Tour de France rides.

Participation in the program can benefit one's health as well as The Lance Armstrong Foundation, which unites people to fight cancer. Guests who have completed all three rides in the program will receive a yellow Live Strong wrist band courtesy of Crystal's onboard fitness operator, Steiner Leisure. For each wrist band distributed, Steiner Leisure will donate one dollar to the Lance Armstrong Foundation, which unites people to fight cancer. Participants will also receive a letter from Lance Armstrong thanking them for their participation.

Beginning mid-April on Crystal Symphony and in May on Crystal Serenity, the classes will be available on all itineraries, and will be offered on every sea day and in port when time allows. The three rides are choreographed to music specifically selected for indoor cycling.

Rides include:
· Les Alps - a multi-level profile, which can include flat, medium-mount and mountain stages;
· Time Trial - an interval workout, where cyclists race alone against the clock; and
· Alp D'Huez - a mind-body climb, maximizing guests' cycling potential.


"Our guests are health-conscious, active individuals looking for the very latest in sophisticated fitness classes and equipment, and we are thrilled to add yet another option to our roster," says Thomas Mazloum, Crystal's senior vice president, hotel operations. "This program allows them to participate in something that benefits their own health, as well as a worthy foundation."

Crystal's two ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, are equipped with Fitness Centres complete with panoramic ocean views and state-of-the-art equipment including LifeFitness® treadmills with individual flat screen televisions, elliptical trainers, recumbent and upright life cycles and steppers, strength-training equipment, free weights and a Pilates Reformer® machine. Daily exercise classes include yoga and personal training sessions. Crystal's Walk-on-Water program features the WALKVEST® Training System, which revolutionizes walking simply by adding resistance (added weight) to your walk. Fresh fruit, fresh fish, creative salads, low-calorie and low-carb meals add to the completely trans fat-free dining experience available throughout the ships.

This year, the line is also hosting renowned medical experts from the Cleveland Clinic - one of the nation's most respected academic medical research centers -- who will speak to guests about the latest trends and treatments on a variety of topics, from cardiovascular disease to wellness through mind, body and spirit.

To plan your next cruise vacation aboard Crystal Cruises, please visit www.cruisecheap.com or www.europecruises.com to book online; or call 1-800-439-1909 to speak with one of our Crystal Cruises Certified travel agents.

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Cunard's QE2 Bids Fond Farewell to Florida

April 11, 2008 – QE2, the most famous passenger ship in the world and Cunard’s longest serving ocean liner, departed Port Everglades in grand style yesterday afternoon as locals of Ft. Lauderdale gathered to say bon voyage for the last time amidst a flotilla of local boating enthusiasts. Port Everglades has been the Florida winter home for QE2 nearly every cruise season since 1971.

In commemoration of the special occasion, local Nova High School’s 45-piece concert band provided musical pageantry fit for a Queen as the ship pulled away from the port for the last time.

Currently completing her 26th and final World Cruise, QE2 sailed into Ft. Lauderdale after making her final transit through the Panama Canal. Her onward journey will take her to New York before heading to her homeport in Southampton, England.

QE2 will leave the Cunard fleet in November this year to become a first-class tourist destination in Dubai.

If you'd like to plan a cruise vacation aboard one of the QE2's Europe sailings, visit www.europecruises.com or www.cruisecheap.com to book online, or call 1-800-543-2805 to speak with one of our European Cruise Vacation Specialists.

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Regent Seven Seas Cruises will Offer a Tenth Consecutive Year of Luxury Cruising in Alaska

Fort Lauderdale - April 9, 2008 - Regent Seven Seas Cruises, voted the "#1 Small-Ship Cruise Line" in Condé Nast Traveler's 2007 Readers' Choice Awards poll, will offer the perfect way to vacation in the 49th state in 2008 and 2009 aboard the 700-guest Seven Seas Mariner®, the only all-balcony, all-suite ship sailing in Alaska.

Alaska's most experienced luxury operator, Regent Seven Seas Cruises will be celebrating 10 consecutive years of service in the region in 2009. Because the all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Mariner is a medium-sized ship, it offers guests plenty of open deck space - both private and public - from which to experience Alaska's natural wonders. Additionally, the "Route of the Glaciers" itineraries offered aboard Seven Seas Mariner provide guests with more of Alaska compared to roundtrip departures from Seattle or Vancouver offered by other cruise lines.

"Seven Seas Mariner offers the perfect blend of all-suite luxury and fine dining to complement the rugged wilderness of Alaska," stated Mark Conroy, President of Regent Seven Seas. "We are extremely pleased to be returning for our tenth year and look forward to many more," added Conroy.



The 2008-2009 Alaska itineraries include:

Vancouver, B.C. to Seward, Alaska - A full season of seven-night voyages from Vancouver to Seward through Alaska's breathtaking Inside Passage, calling at Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Sitka, with scenic cruising through Tracy Arm and past inspiring Hubbard Glacier. Per-person fares start at $4,195.

Seward, Alaska to Vancouver, B.C. - A full season of seven-night journeys through the Inside Passage to visit Sitka, Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and experience scenic cruising through Tracy Arm and past Hubbard Glacier. Per-person fares start at $4,195.

Vancouver, B.C. Roundtrip - (Sept. 3, 2008 and May 27, 2009) - Sitka, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan with scenic cruising through Tracy Arm and past Hubbard Glacier with one day at sea. Per-person rates start at $3,895.

Regent Seven Seas will also offer Alaska visitors a comprehensive choice of pre- and post-cruise hotel and land packages in and around Anchorage, Alaska and Vancouver, Canada.

From Anchorage, in addition to the traditional tours in Denali National Park, Regent also offers a great selection of exclusive packages that encompass wild bear viewing; an in depth visit to Glacier Bay; fishing tours; and a tour to the Arctic Circle. More exclusive tours include a two-night program with private plane transportation, and an exclusive tour to Winter Lake Lodge, famous for its spectacular scenery, award-winning cuisine, gourmet cooking classes and outdoor adventures. Located deep in the heart of Alaska's wilderness on 15 acres overlooking Winter Lake, the lodge is reached by float plane. Wolverine Mountain, located behind the lodge, offers intriguing hiking and wildlife viewing. Additionally, world-class chef Kristen Dixon welcomes guests into her kitchen at any time.

From Vancouver, B.C., Regent offers a tour to the Canadian Rockies on the fabled Rocky Mountaineer train; a tour that includes the famous Fairmont Chateau Whistler hotel; and a helicopter tour that includes tea at the legendary Empress Hotel in Victoria. In Regent style, also available are pre-and post-cruise packages to the Secret Cove Resort, a luxurious, private oasis nestled among arbutus trees. Guests encamp in a secluded tent house complete with heated slate floors, shoji screens, a king-size bed, panoramic hydrotherapy tub and private veranda overlooking the Malaspina Strait.

Regent offers a myriad collection of shore excursions on all Alaska cruises, ranging from a wilderness sea kayaking program in Sitka to a float plane adventure over Revillagigedo Island in the Tongass National Forest and dog-sledding in Skagway. As always, guests can also customize their experiences ashore by pre-arranging private tours through The Regent Travel ConciergeSM, reachable at 888-TOUR-321.

A special feature of all cruises that begin or end in Seward, Alaska is Regent's private, exclusive transportation aboard the Grandview Train between Anchorage and Seward. This pre-bookable, four-hour rail journey passes through some of Alaska's most pristine wilderness, and the single-level dome cars are excellent for viewing majestic glaciers, massive ice fields, and wildlife along the route, including Beluga whales, bald eagles and Dall sheep.

Families traveling together are always welcome aboard Regent Seven Seas, as selected Alaska departures will feature the Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Circles of InterestSM program. Created by Jean-Michel Cousteau, son of the famous oceanographer, the program introduces travelers ages 9 to 17 and their families to extraordinary natural wonders while demonstrating imaginative ways to build environmental sustainability into their lives back home. Regent Seven Seas also offers special children's pricing on four-night Denali National Park programs.

To plan a Regent cruise to Alaska, please visit www.alaskacruises.com or www.cruisecheap.com, or call 1-800-201-6937 to speak with one of our Alaska Cruise Vacation Specialists.

Carnival Splendor: The Ultimate Family Vacation

MIAMI (April 9, 2008) – From a 5,500-square-foot play area – the largest in the “Fun Ship” fleet – to a fun-filled water spray park and facilities and activities aimed at youngsters, ’tweens and teens, kids of all ages are sure to have a blast aboard Carnival Cruise Lines' new 113,000-ton Carnival Splendor, set to debut this summer.

The largest “Fun Ship” ever constructed, the 3,006-passenger Carnival Splendor is slated to debut July 2, with a special eight-day Europe voyage from Genoa followed by the launch of the line’s first-ever 12-day Northern Europe program from London (Dover) July 13, 2008.

Designed as the ultimate vacation for families, Carnival Splendor will offer different programs catering to specific age groups, including “Camp Carnival” (ages 2-11), “Circle C” (ages 12-14) and “Club O2” (ages 15-17), along with children’s menus, a corkscrew water slide, a stroller rental program and numerous other family-friendly features.

“As the largest ‘Fun Ship’ ever constructed, Carnival Splendor provides a huge canvas to create some truly exciting spaces to entertain kids of all ages while further bolstering Carnival’s distinction as the family cruise leader,” said Lynn C. Torrent, Carnival’s senior vice president of sales and guest services.


Largest Play Area in the ‘Fun Ship’ Fleet
A focal point for many of the Carnival Splendor’s youth activities will be an expansive 5,500-square-foot children’s play area – roughly 30 percent bigger than the largest facility in the Carnival fleet.

Located mid-ship on Panorama Deck, the two-level facility will be divided into separate areas with each focusing on a different activity or function. One area will be an all-ages playroom with a variety of toys, games and puzzles. Another will be a computer game room with the latest computer gaming consoles, while a third will offer a dance floor and plasma screen TV displaying music videos and popular children’s movies.

Located one deck above will be a children’s water park with various water-spray apparatus, and a wet tot lot offering hours of splashing fun. The water park will complement
Carnival Splendor’s four swimming pools, including a pool on Panorama Deck featuring the line’s signature 214-foot-long “Twister Waterslide.”

In addition to activities focusing on music, art, science and physical fitness, Carnival Splendor will also offer educational programming geared toward the ship’s various European, Caribbean, South American and Mexican Riviera itineraries.


New ‘Circle C’ Program for 12- to 14-Year-Olds
Carnival Splendor will be the first “Fun Ship” to feature a purpose-built “Circle C” facility, which caters specifically to the 12- to 14-year-old set.

Located mid-ship on Atlantic Deck, the sleek, modern facility will feature a dance floor with high-tech sound and lighting system, along with 42-inch plasma-screen TVs displaying movies and music videos, and a touch-screen jukebox stocked with the latest hits.

Other features will include gaming pods with the latest video games and consoles, with 20-inch plasma-screens positioned throughout the room and used exclusively for video gaming. “Circle C” activities will include basketball, volleyball, ping-pong, water games, and late-night movies and pool parties.


‘Club O2’ for Teens
Continuing Carnival’s emphasis on providing older kids with their own spaces and activities,
Carnival Splendor will offer its own version of the line’s popular “Club O2” teen program, which is aimed at kids ages 15 to 17.

The 2,365-square-foot facility, located mid-ship on Promenade Deck, will include a dance floor, DJ, and a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system, and a lounge where teens can relax and enjoy non-alcoholic specialty drinks. A library with popular teen-oriented books and magazines will also be available. Special shore excursions offering older kids an opportunity to visit historic European destinations together as a group, along with Carnival’s popular Y Spa teen spa treatment program, will also be offered.


Children’s Dining Options, Other Family-Friendly Amenities
Kids have their own unique dining preferences and Carnival Splendor will offer such family friendly options as children’s menus in the main dining rooms, 24-hour pizza and ice cream at the poolside restaurant, and a program where kids can enjoy a meal with the youth staff on the Lido Deck.

A children’s turn-down service providing freshly baked cookies at bedtime and Carnival’s popular “Fountain Fun Card,” which, for a one-time fee, provides unlimited soft drinks throughout the voyage, will also be available.

Nightly babysitting services, at a cost of $6 per hour for the first child and $4 per hour for each additional child in the same family, along with Carnival’s popular stroller rental program, are also available. Also featured will be “Carnival’s Seaside Theatre,” a 270-square-foot LED screen located poolside on Lido Deck and displaying movies, concerts and other programming.

Of the ship’s 1,503 staterooms, nearly 200 will be interconnecting with more than 350 accommodating up to three and four guests – perfect for families.


Exciting Inaugural Schedule
Following a special one-time eight-day western Europe voyage from Genoa July 2-10, 2008, Carnival Splendor will launch the line’s first-ever 12-day Northern Europe cruise program from London (Dover) July 13, 2008. The program will run through Aug. 30, after which the ship will sail a trans-Atlantic crossing from London (Dover) to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., from where it will launch a schedule of seven-day Caribbean voyages beginning November 29, 2008.

From January – March 2009, Carnival Splendor will sail on a series of 14- to 18-day South America voyages – the line’s first within the region – then reposition to Long Beach, Calif., for year-round seven-day Mexican Riviera voyages beginning March 29, continuing the expansion of the line’s West Coast operations.


To book your next cruise aboard Carnival Splendor, please book online or call one of our expert travel agents at 1-800-543-1915.

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A Regal Celebration for MSC Poesia

Ninth Ship in the MSC Fleet

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (APRIL 8, 2008) – MSC Poesia was welcomed into the MSC Cruises fleet in grand style Saturday with a truly regal celebration in Dover.

The ship was christened by Hollywood royalty and godmother Sophia Loren, who has served as godmother for the line’s last four ships. The latest in the line’s “Musica” class of ships was also welcomed by Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, representing the British Royal Family.

Providing the onboard entertainment prior to the midnight christening were several members of musical “royalty,” including Italian opera legend Andrea Bocelli and award-winning singer/songwriter KT Tunstall.

This was the first time the Italian-owned MSC Cruises christened a new ship outside of Italy.

At 94,600 tons and 1,275 staterooms (with double occupancy for 2,550 guests), MSC Poesia blends cutting-edge technology, elegant surroundings, exciting entertainment venues and tantalizing dining opportunities (at four restaurants – including the Kaito Sushi Bar – and 12 lounges.

After the event, MSC Poesia set sail on her 13-night pre-inaugural voyage from Dover to Venice, visiting Ireland, Portugal, Spain, Croatia, and finally Italy, arriving in Venice where she will be positioned for the summer of 2008.

MSC Poesia is a sister ship to the popular MSC Orchestra and MSC Musica (launched in 2007 and 2006, respectively). She is the ninth ship in the MSC Cruises fleet, which has experienced the industry’s largest fleet expansion over the last three years.


To book your next cruise on MSC, please book online or call one of our expert travel agents at 1-800-543-1915.

New SCUBA Excursions for Cruise West's 2009 South Pacific Itineraries

Guests Booking by June 13, 2008, Will Save $600 Per Person

SEATTLE, April 8, 2008 – Cruise West, a leading small-ship cruise line with worldwide journeys, will offer seven distinct SCUBA excursions on its three 2009 South Pacific itineraries. The January through March cruises sail on Cruise West’s flagship, the 120-guest Spirit of Oceanus, through the untouched beauty, remote villages and tiny atolls of the South Pacific islands. All three itineraries offer numerous additional activities and excursions with focus on the culture, history and marine biology of these spectacular islands. Guests who book any of the three 2009 South Pacific cruises by June 13, 2008, will save $600 per person and an additional $200 per person if paid in full by June 13, 2008.


~2009 South Pacific Itineraries with SCUBA Excursion Options~

Pearls of Polynesia
SCUBA divers can explore Beqa Lagoon/Carpet Cove or Taveuni/Rainbow Reef on the Pearls of Polynesia itinerary, a 12-night trip that sails to Polynesia and Melanesia.
Beqa Lagoon is renowned for its spectacular soft coral and abundant sealife; Carpet Cove houses a fishing shipwreck, sunk in 1996 and now host to a vibrant array of sealife, including the rare juvenile Blue Ribbon eel. Cost per two-tank dive: $185
The second dive option is in two parts: first is Taveuni, called the “Soft Coral Capital of the World” for its vibrant corals; the second is Rainbow Reef, where divers can expect 60-70 feet of visibility. Cost per one-tank dive: $139
The 12-night Pearls of Polynesia sails between Fiji and Papeete and visits Beqa, Fiji, to watch a traditional firewalking ceremony; the Cook Islands including Atiu, “The Land of the Birds,” which is not visited by many other tourists; and Tonga to meet with local villagers, participate in a kava ceremony and snorkel in the pristine waters. Pearls of Polynesia travels on January
13 and February 12, 2009, and starts at $5,399 per person with maximum early booking savings.

Island Sanctuaries
The 11-night Island Sanctuaries itinerary visits the remote oasis of French Polynesia, where SCUBA divers can choose from two adventures.
The first dive at Bora Bora/Tapu is located on the outside of a lagoon down a mooring line in 30 feet of water filled with dozens of black-tip reef sharks, moray eels, rainbow jackfish, triggerfish and large schools of butterflyfish. Cost per one-tank dive: $135
The second dive will investigate the calm waters of Fakarava’s lagoon, the second largest in Polynesia, and bring divers face to face to dolphins, manta rays, barracudas, blue fin tunas, sharks, angel fish and parrot fish. Cost per one-tank dive: $130
On this round-trip journey from Papeete, guests will visit a local pearl farm in Takapoto and travel through the Marquesas Islands to meet with villagers and explore the plush terrain. This itinerary sails on January 23 and February 2, 2009, and starts at $4,099 per person with maximum early booking savings.

Legends of the Pacific
The 16-night Legends of the Pacific journey explores Micronesian islands, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu, traveling between Guam and Fiji. SCUBA divers can choose from three separate excursions.
The Honiara/Guadalcanal trip explores the Western Battlefields of World War II at the beach of Ruanui, where divers will investigate a Japanese transport ship teeming with coral and pelagic fish life; the second dive will search another Japanese transport ship with anti aircraft guns on the wreck. Cost per two-tank dive: $120
The Chuuk dive explores “Operation Hailstorm,” a battle that sank more than 60 ships more than 60 years ago. Schools of jacks patrol the outside of the ships while stunning soft corals are attached to the ribs and beams. Cost per two-tank dive: $199
The third SCUBA excursion, at Pohnpei’s largest surrounding lagoon, offers a choice of three world-class dive sites: Palaikir Pass, home to a “shark city” of 100 grey reef sharks; Mwand Pass, with branching green tubstreas, gorgonian fans, and schools of colorful small reef creatures; and Manta Road, an underwater channel located between two reefs where manta rays are spotted nearly every day of the year. Cost per two-tank dive: $185
The Legends of the Pacific brings guests to areas seldom visited by other travelers, on an insider’s expedition of native villages, World War II sites and tiny islands. The itinerary sails on December 28, 2008, and February 26, 2009, and starts at $6,449 per person with the maximum early booking savings.

To plan your next Cruise Vacation to the South Pacific, please visit www.hawaiicruiseoutlet.com or www.cruisecheap.com to book online; or call one of our expert travel agents at 1-800-630-4401.

Princess Adds Trademark "Sanctuary" to All Ships by Popular Demand

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (April 7, 2008) - Prompted by enthusiastic response from its passengers, Princess Cruises' ground-breaking "pocket of tranquility" The Sanctuary - has become such a popular haven for passengers looking to escape to a serene hideaway, that it will be added to the entire fleet of Princess ships.

Beginning this summer, the line's trademark retreat will be added to Island Princess, followed by Grand Princess and Star Princess by the end of the year. Additional ships will have The Sanctuary added through 2010.

The Sanctuary, which debuted in 2006 aboard Crown Princess, was an instant success as it gave passengers the perfect place to take a break and indulge in a private getaway with a plush, outdoor spa-inspired setting, complete with massage cabanas, signature beverages, light meals, attentive service and relaxing personal entertainment. The exclusive adults-only retreat enjoyed continued popularity on sister ship Emerald Princess, and will also be available on Ruby Princess, debuting in November.

"The Sanctuary has come to personify Princess' essential philosophy of escape coupled with personal service," said Jan Swartz, Princess senior vice president. "Passengers have told us they love this opportunity to completely relax in such a peaceful and pampering environment, so we're delighted to introduce this special Princess feature on all our vessels."

Depending on the ship, The Sanctuaries will be created in different areas onboard, such as the sports courts atop the "Grand-class" vessels, which will be relocated.

Sanctuary guests lounge amidst lush greenery, with the presence of gentle breezes, ocean waves, and softly piped-in spa music combining to further insulate the area with relaxation sounds. Guests can relax on plush outdoor furniture including double loungers for couples, as well as deluxe chaise lounges and chairs. Passengers also enjoy the personal attention of Serenity Stewards in The Sanctuary, who are on hand to provide everything from a chilled face towel and Evian water atomizers, to a menu of healthy beverages and fare. Serenity Stewards also have personal MP3 players with noise canceling headphones available loaded with themed playlists focused on relaxation for those who want to escape with music.

In addition, The Sanctuary features two outdoor private cabanas where guests can also take advantage of the exclusive Lotus Spa Services at The Sanctuary, including sybaritic favorites such as a Deep Tissue Muscle Massage, a relaxing Swedish Massage or a Full Body Lotus Massage especially for couples.

Guests can also refresh with a variety of special drinks and snacks created exclusively for The Sanctuary. Each day Serenity Stewards will be on hand to offer guests an array of drinks and snacks. Signature Sanctuary beverages include healthy smoothies, energy drinks, iced flavored waters and freshly made lemonade. A menu featuring a selection of light bites such as refreshing fruit skewers, lettuce wrapped spring rolls, and spicy tuna pate with baked pita wedges will also be available through the Serenity Stewards.

Half-day passes for The Sanctuary are available for $10 per person, for 8 am to 12:30 pm or 1 pm to 5 pm. Passengers choosing to indulge with an outdoor massage may also enjoy an hour's use of The Sanctuary area after their treatment.


To plan your next cruise vacation aboard a Princess ship, please visit www.cruisecheap.com to book online or call 1-800-439-1909 to speak with one of our Princess Commodore Certified Agents!

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Tahitian Princess to Be Renamed Ocean Princess

New Name to Reflect Ship's Focus on Worldwide Itineraries


SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (April 3, 2008) - Tahitian Princess, one of the small ships in the Princess fleet, will be renamed in 2009, becoming Ocean Princess. The new name is intended to reflect the ship's new deployment on worldwide itineraries. The renaming will take place while the ship is out of service during a routine maintenance period in Singapore in November 2009.

During next year's fall season, Pacific Princess, another of the line's small vessels, will provide cruises from Papeete, Tahiti, where the Tahitian Princess has been based.

"Tahitian Princess, along with our other two small ships, has developed a loyal following of passengers who enjoy a more intimate cruise experience, and also the opportunity to visit some off-the-beaten-path destinations," said Jan Swartz, Princess' senior vice president of customer service and sales. "As this ship is now sailing on itineraries around the world, we felt its name should reflect a more global theme."

Tahitian Princess joined the Princess fleet in 2002, and has been primarily deployed on sailings in the South Pacific, particularly French Polynesia and Hawaii. Beginning this summer, the ship sets off on new worldwide deployments, featuring a Connoisseur's cruise in Alaska, a world cruise in early 2009 and a season of unique Northern Europe sailings next summer. Following the 2009 renaming, Ocean Princess will sail on a series of Asia voyages to be announced separately.

To plan your next cruise vacation aboard a Princess small ship, visit www.cruisecheap.com, www.hawaiicruiseoutlet.com, or www.europecruises.com to book online; or call 1-800-439-1909 to speak with one of our Princess Commodore Certified Agents!

Windstar Cruises Sails the Awe-Inspiring Greek Isles in 2008

Seattle, April 3, 2008 — Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world’s most treasured destinations, offers guests exceptional opportunities to experience the mythical beauty of the Greek Isles aboard 148-guest Wind Star and Wind Spirit.

In 2008, travelers on Windstar Cruises can choose from 46 7-day sailings during May through October to these ancient, hauntingly beautiful locales in the Greek Isles. Windstar is the only cruise line that offers such an extensive season of Greek Isles itineraries. These cruises have traditionally been favorites of Windstar guests who return year after year to sail on the warm, cobalt blue waters of the Mediterranean, Aegean and Ionian Seas. Due to their popularity, the cruises sell out quickly each season.

Itineraries start or end in Venice, Italy; Rome, Italy; Athens, Greece; or Istanbul, Turkey, with one itinerary featuring Sarandë, Albania and two itineraries featuring Dubrovnik, Croatia. A variety of Greek ports are offered including Capri, Messina, Gythion, Návplion, Ermoúpolis, Katákolon, Gythion, Mykonos, Santoríni, Rhodes, Monemvasia, Corfu, Cephaloniá and Kýthira. Sailing from one magical port to the next, highlights include historic Athens, the lush island of Corfu, the Byzantine ruins in Kỳthira, fashionable boutiques of Mykonos, the cliffs and white-washed architecture of Santoríni and the Acropolis of Rhodes.

Windstar also offers its Connoisseur Collection, which allow guests to combine two Greek Island cruises on Wind Star and Wind Spirit into a 14-day voyage with no repeating ports.

A leader in defining the small ship luxury cruise experience for the last 20 years, Windstar has won the allegiance of a new generation of contemporary travelers who appreciate the line’s casual attire, alternative dining venues, rich mix of shore excursions, complimentary water sports program, deluxe spa facilities and luxurious accommodations.

The line recently invested millions in fleetwide enhancements in its Degrees of Difference initiative which focused on structural and technical operations along with upgrades to guest areas, remodeled bathrooms in staterooms and an expanded beauty salon and spa. On Wind Star and Wind Spirit, the Lounge, Veranda and Pool Bar were renovated. In order to take each ship’s comfort level to a new degree of luxury, Apple iPod Nanos and Bose SoundDock speakers, flat screen televisions, luxury linens and mattresses as well as L’Occitane bathroom amenities were added in each stateroom across the fleet.

Windstar’s commitment to providing guests with the most casually elegant, enriching and luxurious cruise vacation has consistently earned high praise from some of the most notable names in the travel world. Windstar was recognized by Porthole Cruise Magazine as the Most Romantic Cruise Line and the Best Tall Ship by readers in the 9th Annual Reader’s Choice Awards and earned top honors in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards in 2007. All three ships in Windstar’s fleet of luxury sailing yachts were lauded among “The World’s Best Small Ships” by Condé Nast Traveler readers in 2007 and the company was recently recognized as the best small-ship cruise vacation by the readers of Celebrated Living.


Cruise rates begin at $2,599 per person, based on double occupancy.

To plan your Windstar luxury cruise, please book directly online, or you can speak with one of expert travel agents by calling 1-800-543-1915.

MSC Poesia... Taste The Difference

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (April 3, 2008) – There will be four restaurants to serve the diverse tastes of guests sailing on MSC Poesia, the newest addition to the MSC Cruises fleet, which will be christened in Dover on April 5.

The ship’s restaurants are Le Fontane, Il Palladio, La Cafeteria Villa Pompeiana and l’Obelisco, the à la carte restaurant.

There will also be 12 bars, two of which – Mohito Bar and Piraña Bar – will be outdoors, providing perfect places to taste delicious Mediterranean dishes prepared by the ship’s accomplished chefs.

The Cafeteria Villa Pompeiana and the two pool areas – Coral Bay and Cayo Levantado – will occupy more space on the Foscolo Deck, offering guests a stunning panoramic view.

The Kaito Sushi Bar is similar to the one on board MSC Musica. This will offer Japanese food and ambiance, a Zen garden and art pieces. The prestigious Berlitz Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships states, “Kaito, the Japanese restaurant aboard MSC Musica provides a near authentic taste of popular Japanese cold and hot dishes, including excellent sushi, sashimi, tempura, and noodles.

Regional recipes, typical dishes, specialties are prepared by those in the know utilizing Mediterranean trade secrets. Meat and fish are daily alternatives, while daily pasta and sweets reflect the traditions and history of our Italian culture. A myriad of flavors wait to be discovered with a choice of 71 weekly menus, 280 different dishes and more than 200 precious wines produced and selected by international wine connoisseurs. From crusty cheese focaccia to tortellini from Reggio Emilia, pizza “doc” and kebab, this is a journey with a unique taste for life on board. MSC Poesia features a taste worthy of the fleet.

This is the window of a tasteful world. On board ships like MSC Orchestra and MSC Musica, twins to MSC Poesia, 5,700 cups of coffee and 1,000 eggs are prepared daily and 1,000 champagne bottles are popped each week, 14,000 dishes are served weekly, with 182 different choices per day and 1,274 choices per week!

For more information about MSC Cruises and the new MSC Poesia, please visit our MSC Cruises page or call one of our expert travel agents at 1-800-439-1909.

MSC Cruises currently has a fleet of eight ships: MSC Orchestra, MSC Musica, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Opera, MSC Armonia, MSC Lirica, MSC Melody, MSC Rhapsody and from April 2008, nine ships with the new addition of MSC Poesia, cruising in the Mediterranean year round and seasonally in Northern Europe, Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean and South America. The fleet will increase to 12 ships by 2010. In the autumn of 2008 the MSC Fantasia will launch, followed in spring 2009 by MSC Splendida. These will be two of the largest ships built by a European ship owner. Then in 2010 MSC Magnifica, the fourth ship in the” Musica” class, will enter service.

Top 10 Reasons to Cruise Alaska Aboard Majestic America Line’s Empress of the North

Seattle, April 2, 2008 – Majestic America Line, one of the world’s premier river cruise lines and the largest river and coastal cruising company in America, gives guests exclusive access to hidden treasures found in Alaska’s Inside Passage aboard the distinctive 223-guest Empress of the North .

Alaska is well-known for being an unforgettable experience for visitors. Majestic America Line offers travelers the opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking views of Alaska in luxurious comfort.

Here are the top 10 reasons why cruising aboard Empress of the North is a top-choice for cruisers:

• Small Ship Experience – With just 112 staterooms and suites, Empress of the North’s intimate, small ship experience provides unique access to the vast wilderness and waterways of Alaska’s Inside Passage that most Alaska cruises miss. The captain is always at liberty to pursue the day’s most promising viewing opportunities. And, nearly 90 percent of the staterooms feature private verandahs from which guests can enjoy a private, up-close view of Alaska’s dramatic glaciers and landscapes.

• Unique Ship – Empress of the North was built expressly for exploring the narrow passages and coastal inlets of Alaska. She is equipped with a shallow draft to allow exploration of secluded bays and maneuver close to shore. Empress of the North pays homage to the explorers that have traveled these waterways for hundreds of years with the ship's impressive three-story paddlewheel.

• Itinerary – All 2008 itineraries, which begin April 28, allow guests to explore up close the spectacular glaciers, natural wonders, the majestic grandeur of Alaska’s endless forests, plummeting waterfalls, abundant wildlife, and the rich culture of America’s last frontier.

• Luxury – In the spirit of a boutique hotel, every stateroom features elegant furnishings including rich mahogany wardrobes and luxurious velvet draperies. Guests enjoy fivestar comfort, luxurious amenities and award-winning service; including decadent pillowtop mattresses, high thread-count linens and thick cotton towels. Empress of the North also offers exceptional live entertainment and elegant fine dining.

• Award-Winning – In 2007 Majestic America Line was named “Best American Cruise” in the annual Editor’s Choice Awards at CruiseReport.com, Condé Nast Traveler listed Empress of the North in the Top 10 for “Best Small Ships” and Travel & Leisure named Majestic America Line among the “World’s Best Small Ship Cruise Lines” in their 12th Annual Readers’ Poll.

• Enrichment Programs & Included Shore Excursions – Expert naturalists, cultural representatives, historians and wildlife experts elevate the Alaskan experience for guests. The full-time onboard Discovery Guide highlights sites, recounts local legends and answers guests questions one-on-one. Enrichment programs and select shore excursions are included in the cruise price.

• Hospitality – Empress of the North’s all American crew was awarded a perfect score for service in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2007 Readers’ Poll.

• Art and Design – Empress of the North’s interior designs reflect a Russian Alaskan theme, decorated in royal jewel tones of red, green, gold and black. Expansive art collections throughout the ship display unique Native American artwork and artifacts and Russian antiquities such as nesting dolls and beautiful and rare Fabergé eggs.

• No Crowds – A perk of cruising on a small ship with only 223 guests is that it has unique access to remote locations and often no one else is there. No huge crowds competing for the same photo opportunity or sightseeing experience.

• No Passports and Exchange Rates – Forget the hassle of passports and exchange rates if you’re an American cruising to Alaska aboard Empress of the North.

To plan your Alaska Cruise Vacation, please visit http://www.alaskacruises.com/ or http://www.cruisecheap.com/ to book online, or call 1-800-201-6937 to speak with one of our Alaska Cruise Vacation Specialists.

Disney Cruise Line Extends Agreement with Port Canaveral

Celebration, Florida (April 04, 2008) -- Disney Cruise Line® announced it has finalized an agreement with Port Canaveral to extend the company’s current contract 15 years through 2022. In addition, as part of its continuing commitment to the Central Florida area, the company will home port its two new ships in Port Canaveral. The new agreement between Disney Cruise Line and Port Canaveral was recently ratified by Port Authority Commissioners.

As part of the new agreement, the Canaveral Port Authority will expand and modify the Disney Cruise Line port facility, including an extension of the dock and enlargements and enhancements to the terminal building to allow for additional luggage and passenger capacity. A multi-level parking structure, scheduled to be completed by 2011, will also be built for Disney Cruise Line.

“We are very excited to call Port Canaveral our home and look forward to bringing our new ships here,” said Tom McAlpin, President of Disney Cruise Line. “The new enhancements being made to our terminal will provide Guests an even more seamless transition from land to sea.”

Once completed, the enhancements to the already unique Disney terminal will provide for improved passenger flow and additional Guest conveniences that together will contribute to the overall boarding experience. Disney Cruise Line will work with Port Canaveral to create a state of the art facility, which will contain several Disney touches that are certain to delight Guests.

The terminal and dock enlargements are necessary to accommodate the new and larger Disney Cruise Line ships. Scheduled to launch in 2011 and 2012, they will be significantly larger than the existing Disney Magic® and Disney Wonder®.

Port Canaveral Chief Executive Officer Stan Payne said, “Disney Cruise Line has been extremely successful in drawing a strong family market to Port Canaveral since its launch 10 years ago. We’re thrilled that Disney has committed to stay here long-term and are looking forward to the two new ships home porting here.”

Port Canaveral continues to be one of the world’s busiest cruise ports. More than 3.5 million Disney Cruise Line Guests have sailed from Port Canaveral since the line’s beginning in 1998, adding to the economic and tourism growth of Brevard County.

To plan your future Disney Cruise Vacation, please book online or call one of our Authorized Disney Vacation travel agents at 1-800-543-1915.

CruiseCheap provides you with endless information on cruises to multiple destinations.

Holland America Line Offers More Spring Seminars For Travel Sellers In 2008

Seattle, April 1, 2008 - Holland America Line has increased the number of its popular Spring Seminars for travel sellers from 101 in 2007 to 105 this year. The 90-minute seminars will be held from April 3 through May 28. They are designed to help travel professionals generate more cruise bookings by educating them on Holland America Line's Signature of Excellence programs, group booking strategies and many useful sales tools, including Travel Agent Headquarters and POLAR Online.

The 105 seminars will be held across 33 states and four Canadian provinces; several will be onboard Holland America Line cruise ships in coastal cities. Travel sellers can begin signing up on Mar. 19.

"These seminars are designed to provide travel professionals with highly practical knowledge on how to grow their cruise business," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "In particular, the seminars show travel agents how to increase lucrative group sales and how to target groups that produce the most profit, both for them and their agencies. Also, agents get credit towards the Holland America Line Academy agent training program by attending one of these informative seminars."

Seminar reservations are for travel sellers only and are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Those interested in attending must provide the attendee's name, name of travel agency, IATA/CLIA number, business phone number and seminar city, date and location. Some locations are limited to two or three attendees per agency IATA.

CruiseCheap.com is a Holland America Academy 5-Star Agency, and you can speak with one of expert travel agents regarding your next Holland America Line cruise vacation by calling 1-800-543-1915.

CruiseCheap provides you with endless information on cruises to multiple destinations.

Oceania Launches New Epicurean Immersions

New Series of Exclusive Tours Showcases the Culinary Wonders of Europe

Miami, FL, April 1, 2008 — Oceania Cruises is pleased to announce the release an exclusive series of specialty food and wine focused shore excursions – Epicurean Immersions. Produced in conjunction with renowned culinary experts at Food & Wine Trails of Sonoma, California, these tours offer enriching, one-of-a-kind experiences providing an up-close and in depth look at local food and wine legacies. Each tour showcases its culinary treats at magnificent estates, centuries-old wineries and traditional restaurants; many of which are not open to the general public or only known by the most seasoned of travelers. Many of the tours include meals at some of the world’s best wineries or private homes – settings that enhance both food and drink, and will leave guests with a true taste of southern Europe.

Italy, Greece and the south of France are an epicurean’s delight and the perfect stage for this new series of culinary tours which are offered in virtually all 2008 and 2009 western
Mediterranean voyages. Featuring tours in Venice, Florence La Spezia, and Sorrento, Italy; Corfu, and Santorini, Greece; Provence, France; a variety of half- and full-day tours are available. As guest participation is typically limited to 25 or 30 guests, the tours offer a unique perspective not just into the local cuisine, but the personalities that are the fabric of the region’s history and lore.

Enhancing and enriching the tours, and ensuring a truly immersive experience, each is led by a renowned expert. Noted wine experts, cookbook authors, and critically acclaimed food and wine academe such as Judy Francini, Pamela Sheldon, Judy Witts, and Padraig Fournier are among the luminaries that will personally guide guests through each Epicurean Immersion. Each is not only intimately acquainted with the local food and wine scene, but has been instrumental in designing the tours.

“We are always searching for new and exciting ways to enhance and enrich our guests’ culinary experience, whether aboard ship or ashore. With this series of intimate and in depth tours, our guests can immerse themselves in the local cuisines and wines while truly connecting with the local culture,” stated Bob Binder, President of Oceania Cruises.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS


Best of La Spezia Experience - La Spezia, Italy

Chef lead cooking demos

Tasting of locally prepared artisan products

Wine paired luncheon prepared by a local chef

Free time to explore and shop for local wines, olive oil, and other regional products


Best of Venice Strolling and Noshing Experience - Venice, Italy

3-hour guided walking tour through three popular campos (neighborhoods)

Three noshing stops for traditional bite sized snacks

Lunch served with wine in a trattoria

Best of Florence Strolling and Noshing Experience - Florence (Livorno), Italy

Walking tour of the Mercato Centrale food market with snacks provided at pre-arranged food stands. This program is personally led by Judy Witts, who has been recognized by Travel + Leisure magazine and leads one of Europe’s most acclaimed culinary programs.

Lunch served with wine at a local trattoria

Two and a half hours to independently explore Florence

Best of Santorini Wine Experience - Santorini, Greece

Guided tour of the Oia Village

Private Tour and Tasting at the Boutari Winery with a hosted wine paired lunch

Private Tour and Tasting at Domaine Segalas, the only Greek winery selected by Wine Spectator in their Top 100 Wines of the World

Free time in the town of Thira and a cable car ride down to the pier

Best of Provence Wine Experience - Provence (Marseille), France

Private tour of historic Chateau Bas and the estate grounds

Private, winery staff led tasting of their highly rated wines

Multi-course, Provencal luncheon served with premium wines

Two hours for shopping and exploring Aix-en-Provence

Best of Pompeii Wine Experience - Sorrento/Capri, Italy

1-1/2 hour guided tour of the archeological area of Pompeii

1 hour guided vineyard and cellar tour of the Azienda Sorrentino Winery

Winery hosted lunch paired with Azienda Sorrentino Lacryma Christi red & white wines

Best of Ornellaia Wine Experience - Florence (Livorno), Italy

Guided tour of the Ornellaia vineyard, one of the few wineries to ever receive a perfect “100” score by Wine Spectator magazine

Guided tour of Ornellaia’s estate property and wine cellar

Luncheon paired with wines hosted by Ornellaia’s hospitality staff

Free time to explore a medieval village

Opportunity to purchase wines and other regional products

Best of Corfu Wine Experience - Corfu, Greece

Tour of the Theotoki Estate olive press and winery facility

Self exploration of the Estate grounds and historical document library

Wine and food tasting hosted by the Theotoki family

Country luncheon at “Spyros and Vassilis” restaurant served with wine

Best of Gragano Pasta Experience, Sorrento/Capri, Italy

Tour of the Villa San Marco in Castellamare

Guided tour of the Di Nola Pasta Company in Gragano with a demonstration of traditional pasta making and drying methods

Lunch or Dinner hosted by the Zampino Family in their restaurant, with traditional pasta dishes served with wine

Best of Terriccio Wine Experience - Florence (Livorno), Italy

Visit to a medieval village with time to explore and shop for local wines, olive oil and other regional products

Guided estate tour of Castello del Terriccio

Wine tasting presented by a member of the Hospitality Staff

Wine paired luncheon hosted by the winery

Independent time to explore the estate grounds and purchase wine

To plan your next cruise vacation to Southern Europe and the Mediterranean aboard an Oceania ship, please visit www.cruisecheap.com/ or www.europecruises.com/ to book online; or call 1-800-543-2805 to speak with one of our European Cruise Vacation Specialists.

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Three Celebrity Ships Visting Hubbard Glacier in 2009 Alaska

Miami - (April 01, 2008 ) - Hubbard Glacier is the reigning beauty in Celebrity Cruises' Alaska, where the breathtakingly rugged splendor of the natural world meets the comfortable sophistication of a top-notch cruise. Guests on all three Celebrity ships that will sail in the region in 2009 will have the opportunity to gaze at the glacier, which is the only advancing glacier in Alaska. Hubbard Glacier is but one of countless must-see sights in the region, and much of Alaska’s coastal magnificence is featured in Celebrity's 2009 season there. Unique cruisetours will afford guests the opportunity to experience inland Alaska, the Canadian Rockies, and Whistler, British Columbia. Celebrity Cruises’ 2009 Alaska sailings opened for sale today.



Celebrity Infinity, Celebrity Mercury, and Celebrity Millennium will sail Alaska in 2009, from a total of five ports. The season's cruise highlights include the following:

• Celebrity is offering the industry's first roundtrip Alaska cruise out of Los Angeles, with a 14-night roundtrip "Ultimate Alaska" sailing on Celebrity Mercury. The voyage includes visits to five Alaska ports as well as Seattle, Washington and Victoria, British Columbia, on April 27. Immediately following that cruise, the ship will sail a 13-night "Ultimate Alaska" voyage from Los Angeles to Vancouver, also visiting five Alaska ports, among others.

• Celebrity Millennium will sail the line's first 10-night roundtrip-from-Vancouver sailing with an "Ultimate Alaska" voyage on September 18, visiting six Alaska ports and one Canadian port.

• At the core of Celebrity's 2009 Alaska season is a series of seven-night sailings between May and September that include stunning views of Hubbard Glacier, with the itineraries varying between the three ships.

• Celebrity Infinity will depart Fridays roundtrip from Seattle, visiting Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska, and Victoria, British Columbia. Nearly all of these sailings also feature a call at Icy Strait Point, giving guests the opportunity to experience Alaska's only wilderness port.

• Adjacent to the largest Tlingit Indian settlement and home to the historic salmon cannery and carefully restored museum, Icy Strait Point offers numerous shore excursions, including flightseeing, whale watching, sport fishing, biking, kayaking, and rides on the world's longest zip line, which measures 5,330 feet in length and includes a 1,300-foot vertical drop.

• Celebrity Mercury will depart Sundays roundtrip from Vancouver, calling at Sitka, Juneau and Ketchikan, and cruising the famed Inside Passage, one of National Geographic Traveler's highly rated destinations.

• In Juneau, the "Taku Glacier Lodge Flight and Feast" excursion lets guests board a floatplane and enjoy 50 minutes of flightseeing over five glaciers before landing at the historic Taku Lodge for a King salmon feast.

• Celebrity Millennium will cruise between Seward, Alaska and Vancouver, British Columbia, departing on Fridays, calling at Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, and cruising the Inside Passage.

• In Ketchikan, guests can taste local seafood in an intimate setting with the "Alaskan Chef's Table" excursion.

• Celebrity Mercury will reprise its popular 2007 and 2008 wine cruise with an 11-night sailing from Vancouver to San Diego, California on October 12, 2009.

• Celebrity Mercury will continue to alternate between three- and four-night Pacific Northwest sailings out of Seattle in September and October, with calls at Nanaimo and Victoria, British Columbia.

• In Victoria, the "Butchart Gardens, Wine and Chocolate" shore excursion gives guests an introduction to the city's charms, including the renowned Butchart Gardens and a unique wine-and-chocolate-pairing experience at a local winery.



Combining a cruise with a multi-night, land-based journey enhances the Alaska experience. In 2009, Celebrity is increasing its cruisetour offerings. Highlights include the following:

• A total of 21 Alaska cruisetours are available to guests sailing seven-night voyages on
Celebrity Millennium out of Seward and Vancouver.

• In 2009, these offerings include a new seven-night post-cruise tour through Seward,
Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali National Park and Fairbanks, Alaska.

• Three Canadian cruisetour journeys (two Canadian Rockies and one Whistler) are available to guests sailing seven-night voyages on Celebrity Mercury out of Vancouver.

• A five-night Canadian Rockies package featuring rail travel on Rocky Mountaineers' RedLeaf will visit Calgary, Banff and Vancouver.

• A three-night Whistler package features rail travel on Rocky Mountaineers' Whistler Mountaineer Coast Classic and visits the 2010 Winter Olympics sites of Vancouver and Whistler.



For more information regarding the destinations mentioned in this article, please visit us online.

To book your next Alaska Vacation aboard a Celebrity ship, you can book online at www.cruisecheap.com, or www.alaskacruises.com, or call one of our Alaska Cruise Vacation Specialists at 1-800-201-6937.

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Princess Announces New Inaugural Sailing for Ruby Princess

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (March 24, 2008) - The new Ruby Princess will be delivered earlier than previously expected, announced Princess Cruises. The line's next new ship will now debut one week prior on November 8, 2008, creating a new inaugural voyage, a seven-day Western Caribbean sailing taking passengers to Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Princess Cays.

Passengers booked on the ship's previously scheduled inaugural cruise on November 15 will have the opportunity to change their booking to the new November 8 sailing if they wish. Duplicate bookings have been made for all passengers booked on the original cruise, guaranteeing the same cabin on the new voyage. Those who wish to change sailings can call their travel agent by March 31, 2008. Passengers who wish to remain on the November 15 voyage need not take any action, as their duplicate reservation will expire at the end of the month.

"Of course we're delighted that the construction schedule for Ruby Princess has been advanced by a week," said Jan Swartz, Princess' senior vice president of customer service and sales. "The early delivery provides a wonderful opportunity to offer even more passengers the chance to experience our beautiful new ship."

Ruby Princess, a sister ship to Emerald Princess and Crown Princess, will feature a dramatic piazza-style atrium featuring small-bite eateries and an ever-changing array of performing street entertainers, Princess' signature adults-only retreat called The Sanctuary, an Italian trattoria, a seafood and steak house, a "Movies Under the Stars" giant outdoor movie screen and 900 cabins with private balconies.

The 113,000-ton vessel will feature an inaugural season of Western Caribbean cruises roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, followed by a program of Mediterranean voyages in summer 2009.

If you'd like to book your next cruise aboard the Ruby Princess, please book online or call one of our expert travel agents at 1-800-543-1915.

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Celebrity Cruises' Biggest Europe Season Ever!

MIAMI - March 20, 2008 -With its largest European deployment ever slated for 2009, Celebrity Cruises is offering guests the opportunity to paint their idea of the perfect vacation - by numbers, that is. Five ships, including two new vessels, will visit the region in a single European season for the first time in the line's history. The line will visit 76 ports in 29 countries, five of which are brand-new to Celebrity Cruises. Celebrity's 2009 Europe season includes six homeports, overnight stays in eight different ports, and five unique cruisetour options. Celebrity also will offer nine transatlantic sailings in 2009. The cruises open for sale today. "Our guests have told us repeatedly that Europe is where they want to be, and they want to be there in style," said Celebrity Cruises President and CEO Dan Hanrahan. "This year, by offering more ships and itineraries in Europe than ever before - some past favorites and some new stars, including Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Equinox - we're giving our guests a great deal of variety, and Europe really is theirs for the taking."

Five Celebrity Cruises ships will sail in Europe in 2009, including two ships currently under construction, Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Equinox. Joining them are Celebrity Century, which underwent a $55-million makeover in 2006, Celebrity Constellation, built in 2002, and Celebrity Summit, which launched in 2001.

With six different homeports in Europe for the season, including Amsterdam, Holland; Barcelona, Spain; Harwich and Southampton, England; and Rome and Venice, Italy, Celebrity's ships will sail much of the continent. Itineraries exploring Scandinavia and Russia, the Arctic Circle and North Cape, the Mediterranean, Israel and Egypt, and even transatlantic sailings, will offer guests a number of opportunities to get to know Europe. These include overnight, in-port stays that offer travel enthusiasts the opportunity to more thoroughly explore the culture of eight cities: Alexandria, Egypt; Copenhagen, Denmark; Istanbul and Kusadasi, Turkey; Rome, Italy; Stockholm, Sweden; and Venice, Italy.


Celebrity will call on five new ports:

- Antwerp, Belgium, located on the River Scheldt, 50 miles from the sea.

- Ashdod, Israel's largest port, offering access to Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and must-see sites such as Mount Zion, the Tomb of David, the Tomb of Judges and the Dead Sea.

- Haifa, Israel's third-largest city, nestled in a broad natural bay between the Mediterranean Sea and Carmel Mountain.

- La Spezia, Italy, one of Italy's major harbors, located at the head of La Spezia Gulf between Genoa and Pisa on the Ligurian Sea, known for its numerous churches, museums, the Castle of San Giorgio, public gardens and Art Nouveau-style villas.

- Portofino, Italy, the famed town in the province of Genoa on the Italian Riviera, considered to be among the most beautiful Mediterranean ports.

Celebrity's 2009 Europe - New Stars

• Celebrity Century will offer seven-night Western Mediterranean sailings roundtrip out of Barcelona from September 19-November 21. Celebrity's European itineraries have traditionally lasted 10 nights or longer, and this shorter offering will give guests who may not have enough vacation time for a longer sailing, the opportunity to enjoy Celebrity's Europe in a shorter format.
  
• Celebrity Century will offer a 13-night "Best of Europe" sailing September 6, that begins with an overnight stay in Amsterdam and the line's first call on Antwerp, Belgium.
  
• From August 18 through October 23, Celebrity Equinox will sail 13- and 14-night "Ancient Empires" itineraries out of Rome, featuring calls on Ashdod and Haifa, Israel, an overnight stay in Alexandria, Egypt, and ports throughout Greece, Turkey, and Italy.
  
• Beginning May 4, Celebrity Solstice will sail 10- and 11-night Eastern Mediterranean itineraries roundtrip out of Rome, calling on ports throughout Greece, Turkey, and Italy. The 11-night sailings include overnight stays in Istanbul, Turkey.

Guests who sail on Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Equinox will enjoy Europe in a whole new way, as the ships will offer a resort-like experience at sea through features such as the industry's first Lawn Club, a half-acre country-club atmosphere featuring real, growing grass; 10 dining venues including several created by noted restaurant designer Adam Tihany; AquaClass, the line's new spa category of staterooms; the industry's first Hot Glass Show at sea, presented in collaboration with The Corning Museum of Glass; and larger, more intuitive staterooms influenced by a panel of five "boomer" women.

Celebrity's 2009 Europe - Past Favorites

• Celebrity Century has increased the number of "Scandinavia and Russia" cruises roundtrip out of Amsterdam, with nine of these itineraries scheduled between May and August 2009 (in 2008, Celebrity Century will sail four Scandinavia and Russia itineraries). These voyages feature an overnight stay in St. Petersburg, Russia, and calls in Germany, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, and Denmark.
  
• Celebrity Century's 12-night "Arctic Circle and North Cape" itinerary, offered June 26 and July 8 roundtrip out of Amsterdam, features calls on seven Norwegian ports, including the breathtaking Geiranger, which the line hasn't visited since 2006, back by popular demand.
  
• Celebrity Constellation's 14-night transatlantic sailing from Harwich on September 5 will feature a stop in Reykjavik, Iceland, a country named by National Geographic magazine as one of the world's top destinations. This will be the first time Celebrity has called on an Icelandic port since 2004; the voyage, which ends in Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey, also features stops in France, Ireland, Scotland, Newfoundland, and New Brunswick.
  
• Beginning May 10, Celebrity Summit will alternate 12- or 14-night "Classical Mediterranean" and "Mediterranean Legacies" sailings between Venice and Barcelona, calling on ports in France, Italy, Greece, Croatia and Turkey, collectively.
  
  

Celebrity's 2009 Europe - Captivating Cruisetours

In 2009, Celebrity offers a variety of options to guests who wish to make the most of their time in Europe through cruisetours, a combined cruise and pre-voyage multi-night land journey package.
Cruisetours are available for guests sailing on the following ships:

• Celebrity Century and Celebrity Summit out of Barcelona (Mediterranean sailings)
• Celebrity Equinox and Celebrity Solstice out of Rome (Mediterranean sailings)
• Celebrity Summit out of Venice (Mediterranean sailings)
• Celebrity Equinox out of Southampton (Mediterranean sailings)
• Celebrity Constellation out of Harwich (Northern Europe sailings)
  
  

Mediterranean cruisetours include the following:

• New in 2009, a five-night "Venice, Florence and Rome" package featuring two nights in Venice, one night in Florence and two nights in Rome - a popular "highlights of Italy" tour that gives guests a true Italian experience.
  
• The three-night "Italian Lakes, Verona, and Venice" cruisetour, which includes two nights in Lago Maggiore's Stresa, one night in Verona, and touring in Venice prior to boarding the ship. Guests on this cruisetour enjoy a lake tour to the Borromean islands as well as the Shakespearean city of Verona.
  
• A four-night "Madrid and Barcelona" cruisetour, offering two nights in Madrid, two nights in Barcelona, city tours in both locations, a visit to the ancient city of Toledo, and enough free time to experience the true Spanish flair of these iconic cities.
  

Northern Europe cruisetours include the following:

• A four-night "Paris and London" package, featuring two nights in each city and visits to major attractions such as Notre Dame and the Tower of London.
  
• A three-night "Brussels and Amsterdam" cruisetour, with one night in Brussels, two nights in Amsterdam, a visit to the gothic city of Bruges and a private canal cruise through the Amsterdam waterways.
  
  

Thinking of planning a European Cruise Vacation? You can book online at www.europecruises.com or www.cruisecheap.com, or you can speak with one of our European Cruise Vacation Specialists by calling 1-800-543-2805.

Royal Caribbean Announces Record Eight Ships For 2009 Europe Cruise Season

MIAMI, March 19, 2008 - Offering travelers more choices to experience multiple destinations throughout Europe, Royal Caribbean International today announced the planned deployment of a record eight ships to the region for the 2009 summer and fall seasons. Vacationers can select from itineraries ranging from four to 14 nights aboard some of the world's most innovative cruise ships: Independence of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's newest Freedom-class ship; two Voyager-class ships, Navigator of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas; as well as Brilliance of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, Legend of the Seas, Splendour of the Seas, and Vision of the Seas. Totaling 70 distinct itineraries and 87 ports of call in 32 countries, Royal Caribbean will offer vacationers unprecedented choices throughout the Mediterranean Sea, Northern and Western Europe and a variety of transatlantic sailings in 2009. Bookings are available immediately for Royal Caribbean's 2009 Europe cruises and cruisetours aboard all ships except for Vision, which will be opened in April 2008.

"Royal Caribbean's Europe cruises offer great vacation value to see the continent's most popular destinations and where guests need to unpack only once," said Alice Norsworthy, senior vice president, Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. "Vacationers can choose among twelve convenient European homeports to meet our ships - more than any other cruise line in the industry. In addition, guests can enhance their vacation by combining their cruise with a Royal Caribbean cruisetour and delve into Europe's popular inland cosmopolitan centers."


Cruisetours complement a Royal Caribbean International vacation in Europe by combining a cruise with land journeys, city tours and hotel stays ranging from three to five nights prior to embarkation. A tour director escorts each group on the itineraries, featuring the must-see landmarks and attractions in Europe's popular cities, including Paris, London, Madrid, Barcelona, Stresa, Verona, Venice, Florence and Rome. Air and ground transfers, hotel reservations, tours and some meals are inclusive, and guests will have ample time for shopping and independent pursuits.

In 2009, Independence of the Seas returns to Southampton, U.K., for her second Europe season, offering 14-night Western Mediterranean, 10- and 11-night Western Europe and Canary Islands, and four-night British Isles itineraries. Like no other cruise ship in Europe, Independence of the Seas exclusively features amenities that have revolutionized the industry, such as the FlowRider surf simulator, the H20 Zone water park, a boxing ring, cantilevered whirlpools, and the four-bedroom/four-bath Presidential Family Suite. With eight restaurants and more than 15 bars and lounges, Independence offers vacationers a unique onboard experience while cruising in Europe.

Navigator of the Seas will take guests on more varied itineraries from her homeports of Malaga, Spain, a new homeport for Royal Caribbean; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; and Barcelona.
Voyager of the Seas - also homeporting through November 2009 in Barcelona - and Navigator will offer more opportunities for vacationers to experience a Europe cruise aboard a Voyager-class ship. Each ship offers guests an ice-skating rink, the line's iconic rock-climbing wall, a nine-hole miniature golf course, and the Royal Promenade - a boulevard lined with shops, restaurants, bars and lounges that runs nearly the length of the ship.

Brilliance of the Seas will remain in Europe and continue offering year-round itineraries for a second consecutive year. In November and December, Brilliance will offer vacationers a new Egypt and Eastern Mediterranean itinerary sailing roundtrip from Barcelona, featuring the Greeks Isles and calls at Port Said, last called at by a Royal Caribbean ship in 2001, and Alexandria, Egypt. Royal Caribbean also is expanding the line's Northern Europe program with short Scandinavian itineraries aboard Vision of the Seas from her homeport of Copenhagen, Denmark, another new homeport for the cruise line; Oslo, Norway; and Stockholm, Sweden. Concurrently, Jewel of the Seas will specialize in 12-night Scandinavia and Baltic voyages, featuring an overnight in St. Petersburg, Russia, Peter the Great's "Window to the West." Jewel will also sail one 12-night itinerary that combines the British Isles and Norwegian Fjords, which includes a call at Geiranger, Norway, one of the highest rated ports by previous guests.

Vacationers also can choose among very special 10- and 11-night Holy Land itineraries aboard Vision of the Seas. From the line's new homeports of Athens and Istanbul, Vision's ports of call will include Haifa and Ashdod, Israel, last called at by Royal Caribbean in 2000, and Port Said.

Onboard every Royal Caribbean ship, guests enjoy complimentary 24-hour room service, award-winning Broadway-style musical revues from Royal Caribbean Productions, top-rated Adventure Ocean kids programming with teen-only spaces fleetwide, and Royal Caribbean's Gold Service Standard of friendly and engaging service from staff and crew.

Thinking of planning a European Cruise Vacation? You can book online at www.europecruises.com or www.cruisecheap.com, or you can speak with one of our European Cruise Vacation Specialists by calling 1-800-543-2805.

Windstar Cruises Announces 2009 and Winter 2010 Deployment

Seattle, March 18, 2008 — Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world’s most sought-after destinations, announces a tantalizing selection of voyages for 2009 and winter 2010 aboard the 312-guest Wind Surf, and 148-guest Wind Star and Wind Spirit.

With the addition of a new Signature Collection Series, Venice roundtrip sailings and completed ship enhancements, Windstar Cruises has raised the bar for their loyal guests and fellow sailing enthusiasts.

Guests interested in enchanting locales, fine dining, luxurious accommodations, or spending time with renowned wine makers, top chefs and acclaimed artists will all have something to look forward to aboard Windstar Cruises.

“We are excited to offer this selection of remarkable sailings and welcome the return of our Signature Collection Series on our beautiful ships for the 2009 and 2010 seasons,” said Diane Moore, Executive Vice President, Windstar Cruises.


Signature Collection Cruises

Windstar’s Signature Collection Series returns by popular demand and features distinguished guests and lecturers. Windstar guests can taste and learn about wines from top wine makers Greg Lill of DeLille Cellars and Gary Eberle of Eberle Winery. Art lovers will delight in spending time with Canadian artist Jody Hewgill, whose clients include Windstar Cruises, Rolling Stone magazine, Mondavi Wines and TIME magazine. Her paintings are also included in many public and private collections throughout Europe and North America. Nothing will please true food connoisseurs more than some culinary treats and secrets from acclaimed chef and culinary expert David Shalleck, author of Mediterranean Summer, published by Broadway Books. And, sports enthusiasts will relish the opportunity to hear from Rafer Johnson, gold medalist at the 1960 Rome Olympics. Sports Illustrated’s “Sportsman of the Year,” World Sports Humanitarian inductee and one of ESPN’s “100 Greatest North American Athletes” are just a few of the accolades Mr. Johnson has earned in his distinguished athletic career. These special guests and others will sail on select cruises throughout the 2009 season.


Caribbean, Cost Rica, Europe, Greek Isles and Transatlantic Itineraries

European cruises offer guests the chance to experience some of the most exciting places in the world. Due to frequent requests from guests on Windstar’s European sailings, the number and variety of Croatian ports will increase. A new Venice roundtrip itinerary will afford guests the opportunity to overnight in Venice before visiting a unique collection of picturesque, historical Croatian destinations. Additional ports in L’lle Rousse, France and Ischia Island, Italy will also be making their debut on Windstar itineraries in 2009. The history, charm and grandeur of Europe are available to guests on an assortment of 6-, 7- or 8-day cruises aboard all of Windstar’s luxury yachts with departures from Lisbon, Portugal; Barcelona, Spain; Rome, Italy; Venice, Italy; Nice, France. And, guests planning to visit Europe will find a significant benefit of cruising with Windstar Cruises. A strong euro makes cruising a value superior to land-based vacations.

The Greek Isles are the enduring favorite of Windstar’s returning guests and are renowned for breathtaking blue waters, stunning white beaches and the romance of ancient gods. Guests aboard Wind Spirit and Wind Star’s 7-day cruises can expect to experience the ancient spirit and mythic beauty that only the Greek Isles can offer.

Warm, whispering winds and sandy beaches await travelers longing for the colorful tranquility of the Caribbean. Wind Surf offers 7-day sailings roundtrip from Barbados and a variety of vibrant, tropical ports of call on northbound and southbound itineraries. Wind Spirit’s 7-day sailings roundtrip from St. Thomas offer guests dream-like island settings and lively cultural opportunities.

Guests yearning for an exotic experience will enjoy lush rainforests, pristine beaches and warm waters on the 7-day Costa Rican sailings roundtrip from Puerto Caldera. Wind Star’s 14-day cruise features a transit through the Panama Canal with ports of call in Central America, South America and Caribbean Islands.

Travelers who know the true tranquility and leisure that only time away at sea can bring will be eager to book one of Windstar’s 14-day transatlantic voyages. Two weeks provides plenty of time for guests to rejuvenate while enjoying the WindSpa and many other shipboard amenities designed to pamper and indulge. Transatlantic sailings are available aboard all three Windstar ships.


Degrees of Difference

The recently completed multi-million dollar Degrees of Difference enhancements on all three ships focused on structural and technical operations along with upgrades to guest areas, remodeled bathrooms in staterooms and an expanded beauty salon and spa. On the Wind Star and Wind Spirit, the Lounge, Veranda and Pool Bar were renovated. On the Wind Surf, the Yacht Club replaces the library and provides comfortable seating, a large flat screen television, an espresso bar and computers offering Internet access. Two new luxury suites were built on the bridge deck and feature a living and dining area, separate bedroom and whirlpool tub. In order to take the ship’s comfort level to a new degree of luxury, Apple iPod Nanos and Bose SoundDock speakers, wireless Internet, flat screen televisions, luxury linens and mattresses as well as L’Occitane bathroom amenities were added in each stateroom across the fleet.


Windstar Ships

A leader in defining the small ship luxury cruise experience for more than 20 years, Windstar has won the allegiance of a new generation of contemporary travelers who appreciate the line’s casual attire, alternative dining venues, diversity of shore excursions, complimentary water sports program, deluxe spa facilities and luxurious accommodations.

Windstar’s award-wining reputation for luxury paired with casual elegance has been recognized by some of the most notable names in the travel industry. Porthole Cruise Magazine named Windstar “Most Romantic Cruise Line” and all three Windstar ships were listed as “Best Small Ships” in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2008 Readers’ Choice Poll. Windstar was also selected as a 2008 WAVE Editor’s Pick in TravelAge West as the “Cruise Line with the Highest Client Satisfaction,” has earned top honors in Travel + Leisure’s 2007 World’s Best Awards, was placed on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2008 “Gold List”, and was recognized as the best small-ship cruise vacation by readers of Celebrated Living.

To plan your Windstar luxury cruise, please book directly online, or you can speak with one of expert travel agents by calling 1-800-543-1915.

Amadeus Waterways Makes Internal Changes

Amadeus Waterways has appointed Ana Figueroa as its Director of Business Development. The position was created for Figueroa, whose expertise in the cruise industry, media and business affairs will enable her to contribute to the line’s marketing, sales and strategic planning functions. As the premier river cruise operator in Europe, Amadeus Waterways is presently in the midst of an unprecedented growth phase. The line has launched two new vessels in 2008, with two more set to debut in 2009 and two on order for 2010.

Figueroa holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Loyola Marymount University and a Law Degree from Stanford University. She served as a business litigator for the largest law firm in California prior to entering the journalism field.

Amadeus Waterways has recently released its 2009 Europe & Russia cruise schedule, featuring 16 exclusive vacation experiences.

To plan your next European Cruise Vacation, book online at www.cruisecheap.com or www.europecruises.com; or call one of our expert European Cruise Vacation Specialists at 1-800-543-2805.

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Norwegian Cruise Line Set to Launch Freestyle 2.0

Miami - March 12, 2008

NCL Corporation (NCL) announced today it will begin the roll out of Freestyle 2.0 on Norwegian Jade's first Mediterranean cruise which starts on March 30, 2008. Freestyle 2.0 is the company's fleet-wide initiative to further improve the guest experience. The enhancements include a major investment in the total dining experience; upgrading the stateroom experience; new wide ranging on-board activities for guests of all ages; and additional recognition, service and amenities for balcony, suite and villa guests.

The initiative has been driven by quantitative and qualitative feedback from both guests and travel partners and enabled by the $1 billion infusion from Apollo Management, LP in NCL and Star Cruises continued commitment and vision.

"It is critical for NCL to retain today's loyal customer, while still attracting the next generation of travelers," said Colin Veitch, NCL's president and CEO. "We believe the features and benefits of Freestyle 2.0 will further position NCL as a Freestyle Cruising innovator and the preferred brand for today's cruise vacationer."

Guests on Norwegian Jade's March 30 12-day Classic Mediterranean cruise will be the first to experience the Freestyle 2.0 initiatives. Additional ships will launch Freestyle 2.0 within the following weeks, with fleet-wide roll out implemented by June 1, 2008. More specific details of the enhancements include:

• Freestyle Dining:
  
  • A "bubbly welcome" - a welcome aboard glass of bubbly for
    everyone;
  • New menus with expanded choices in every restaurant;
  • Lobster Galore - Lobster in the main restaurant twice per cruise and
    in every specialty restaurant every night of the cruise;
  • Steak & Eggs Breakfast Feast in Teppanyaki restaurant with
    unlimited Bloody Mary's and mimosas;
  • Lavazza coffee in all Java Cafes and top suites;
  • A signature specialty dish in every restaurant, including the
    following:
    
    • Le Bistro: Côte de Boeuf, a 32-ounce premium gold angus rib eye
      steak; Plateau de Fruits de Mar, a cold seafood platter including
      mussels, lobster tail, shrimp and raw oysters on the half shell; and
      Cardinal of the Seas, a braised Maine lobster;
    • Italian: Osso Buco, Lobster Ravioli;
    • Cagney's: Maine Lobster, 32oz Porterhouse, Surf & Turf,
      Alaskan King Crab Legs;
    • Tex-Mex: Jumbo Tiger Prawns;
    • Asian: Szechuan Stir-fried Maine Lobster;
    • Action Station: Chocolate Fountains;
  • The action station restaurants will also receive plasma menu boards, a
    world-class salad bar, soft serve ice cream machines, and improved
    service and nighttime ambiance with tablecloths and candlelight;
  • A new and expanded room service menu.
  
  
  
• Stateroom Experience:
• Elemis bathroom amenities;
• Memory foam mattress toppers;
• Pillow upgrade and addition of Euro pillows to all beds;
• Upgraded linens;
  
  • All beds will receive a top sheet
• Expanded mini-bar options and item customization option;
• Upgraded room service menus.
  
  
  
• Balcony and Mini Suites, all of the above plus:
• Bathrobes;
• Customized Fruit Menu;
• Fresh-baked cookie at turn down on last night of cruise;
• Escort to stateroom on embarkation day;
• Special color keycard;
• Priority Restaurant Reservation and Reception hotlines.




• Suites and Villas, all of the above plus:
  
  • NCL branded bedding collection;
    
    • Upgraded mattress, linens and feather pillows.
  • Upgraded sofa bed;
  • MP3 Player connections;
  • Pillow Menu;
  • Plush Bathrobes;
  • Customized Fruit Menu;
  • Customized Canapé Menu;
  • Turndown cookie last night of cruise;
  • Personal escort to stateroom on embarkation;
  • Bottle (or Half Bottle depending on category of suite) of Moet Chandon
    White Star Champagne upon embarkation;
  • Priority Restaurant Reservation and Reception Hotlines;
  • Special color keycard for ship-wide recognition;
  • VIP Breakfast & Lunch in Cagney's;
  • Private Breakfast & Lunch with action station set-up in Courtyard for Villa Guests;
  • Dedicated Butler in Courtyard.
  
  
  

On-board activities:

• An enhanced educational, entertainment and lifestyle program - NCL
  "U" - offering a range of new classes in:
  
  • Humor hosted by Second City;
  • Food, wine and spirits;
  • Destination education;
  • Digital technology.
• Library transformed into a coffee shop atmosphere with:
  
  • Implementation of honor system for book borrowing;
  • Complimentary coffee and tea;
  • Plasma screens (muted) broadcasting news.
• Enhanced nightlife with new party experiences, such as:
• NCL's White Hot Party;
• NCL's Monte Carlo night.
• An enhanced Pool Deck experience:
  
  • Entertainment taken upscale;
  • Relaxing ambient music;
  • Drink flags on all deck chairs;
  • Pool of indulgence - Evian sprits, cold towels, etc.;
  • Quiet zones and times.
• Exciting sports deck programming;
• X-box game consoles in video arcades;
• Expanded and increased flexibility of Kids Crew hours;
• Enhanced Teen Centers to include:
• X-box game consoles;
• Nintendo Wii;
• Table games such as foosball, billiards and air hockey.
  
  

To book an NCL Cruise, please book online or call one of our expert travel agents at 1-800-543-1915.

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Uniworld Launches 2009 European Grand River Cruise Programs

February 27, 2008 - Uniworld Grand River Cruises has released their European Grand River Cruise programs for 2009. The booking trend is changing and travelers are looking further in advance to reserve the itinerary and stateroom that best fits their needs. We are launching our 2009 Europe Grand River Cruise product at this time to assist our travel agent partners in securing future sales now, states Janice Tully, CTC, Sr. Vice President of Sales. The 2009 Europe Grand River Cruise schedule of itineraries and departure dates are now available on Uniworld’s website and agents can contact our call center now to reserve a cabin for their customers, adds Tully.

The lines luxury ships include the River Ambassador, River Baroness, River Duchess, River Empress, River Princess, River Queen, and River Royale. Intimate, boutique hotel-style ships, elegantly appointed riverview staterooms, classic cuisine with complimentary wine served with dinner and attentive service, are just a few of the onboard experiences that perfectly describe the Uniworld Difference.

Los Angeles-based Uniworld Grand River Cruises, the premier river cruise company, was recently named to Conde Nast Traveler’s 2008 Gold List and voted among the World’s Top 10 Small Cruise Lines. Uniworld features intimate boutique, hotel-style cruise ships designed for the experienced traveler, expertly planned itineraries with custom-blended, included shore excursions, and an all-English speaking staff and crew. It offers 500 departures on more than 35 itineraries sailing on 12 rivers in over 20 countries across four continents.

If you'd like to plan your next vacation aboard a Uniworld Grand River Cruise ship, visit www.europecruises.com or www.cruisecheap.com to book online, or call 1-800-543-2805 to speak with one of our European Cruise Vacation Specialists.

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Yachts of Seabourn and Charlie Palmer Introduce 150 New Menu Items

Feburary 6, 2008 MIAMI – Voted #1 in the “Food” category by Conde Nast Traveler readers in 2007, the Yachts of Seabourn further enhances its award-winning dining menus with more than 150 additions, which are replacing 50% of the menu for the first time in Seabourn history. From Malossol Caviar, Smoked Trout and Potato Parfait and Seared Beef Carpaccio with Sesame Vinaigrette toasted Shiitake Mushrooms to Butter Poached Jumbo Prawn and Red Beet and Goat Cheese Ravioli, Executive Chef Charlie Palmer created the new dishes to tie in with a trend of adventurous diners seeking exotic twists on familiar, comforting ingredients.

“As we know to expect from Chef Palmer and his team, the changes to the menu are cutting edge and will certainly please the discerning palates of our guests,” said Pamela Conover, president of Seabourn. “With a very high customer repeat rate coupled with the fact that our guests dine with us each day for several weeks on their cruises, we are thrilled to be updating the menu with 150 new options.”

With a variety of modern cuisine, classic dishes or lighter fare, travelers experience the new menu changes to award-winning cuisine in a variety of venues aboard the three Seabourn vessels. Over the course of the cruise, guests chose the dining option that is best suited for each meal, from black-tie dinners in the elegant The Restaurant and the Veranda Café’s outdoor seating overlooking the ship’s wake to casual, al fresco dining beneath the stars in the Sky Grill and 24 hour in-suite dining with a full course menu, for the room guests and their friends.

As founder of New York’s highly acclaimed restaurant Aureole and two-time James Beard Award winner, Charlie Palmer raised progressive American cuisine to a world-class level with creations praised for unusual, yet clever combinations. His use of bold flavors and the finest seasonal ingredients combine to produce delectable creations that remain aesthetically pleasing, as exemplified on his Seabourn menus. He currently owns 11 restaurants, including four of New York’s top tier, and founded celebrated dining establishments with a focus on fresh seafood and the highest grade steaks from Las Vegas and Washington D.C. to California’s Sonoma wine region and Dallas.

The original relationship between Chef Palmer and the Yachts of Seabourn allowed for hundreds of new signature recipes for cuisine to be served in the exclusive, single-seating restaurants aboard the line’s ultra-luxury, yacht-like ships. Seabourn Pride, Spirit and Legend, all feature true restaurant kitchens, rather than typical cruise ship banquet galleys, causing cuisine that is cited by Gourmet Magazine as “consistently excellent.”

“The menu additions reflect an ultra-luxury taste with a contemporary twist,” said Chef Palmer. “Seabourn guests are accustomed to the best and it is our job to constantly amaze them. Using the highest-quality and freshest ingredients, we have created a menu to delight each guest over the course of their cruise.”

Cruisers enjoy all of Seabourn’s Signature Delights, including dining experiences to fit any mood, from casual in-suite to black tie on worldwide cruise itineraries of seven to 72 days or longer exploring landmark ports and lesser-known gems where larger ships do not travel.

To plan a yachting vacation of your own, visit www.cruisecheap.com/ or call 1-800-439-1909 to speak with an expert travel agent who can help make your vacation dreams come true.

Celebrity Cruise Unveils Top 10 On Celebrity Solstice

MIAMI - February 6, 2008 - Ten of 2008's hottest new restaurants will open this fall, but diners won't need special connections to book a table. In fact, they won't even need directions, since the GPS coordinates will change daily. That's because the 10 restaurants are all on one of the world's most eagerly awaited new cruise ships: Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Solstice.

"The dining experience has always been central to our guests' cruise experience, and on Celebrity Solstice, we'll present the extraordinary service the brand is known for, in venues designed to perfectly complement the spectacular cuisine," said Celebrity's President and CEO Dan Hanrahan. "The larger size of Celebrity Solstice allows us to offer more options for our guests, with menus created by some of the best talent in the business."

"Celebrity has long been recognized as a leader in the culinary arena, and we're clearly taking it to the next level with Celebrity Solstice," said Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO of Celebrity's parent company, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. "In addition to outstanding cuisine, we believe the brand also will be recognized for some of the most impressive design work in the industry when Celebrity Solstice sets sail."

Celebrity partnered with some of the world's best designers in the hospitality business to create the restaurants onboard Celebrity Solstice; among them, preeminent restaurant and hotel designer Adam Tihany, who created such lauded restaurants as Per Se, Jean Georges, Le Cirque, The Sea Grill and Osteria del Circo in New York; Aureole, Bouchon and Seablue in Las Vegas; and Monte's and the chic Mandarin Bar at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in London.

In his first foray into design onboard a cruise ship, Tihany created Celebrity Solstice's dramatic, two-level Grand Epernay dining room; the classic steakhouse, "Tuscan Grille," and the stylishly casual "Oceanview Café and Grill" on the ship's lido deck. His sophisticated, often groundbreaking design is evident on Celebrity Solstice in the Grand Epernay's two-story wine tower, to the Napa-meets-Old-World-Italy ambience in the ship's inviting Tuscan Grille. Driving the creation of the tantalizing menus for each venue are Celebrity's Vice President of Food & Beverage Jacques Van Staden, in conjunction with Celebrity's culinary consultant Blau & Associates. Van Staden was previously one of the top chefs and restaurateurs in Washington, D.C. and Las Vegas. Blau & Associates is credited with shaping the dining experience at high profile destinations such as the Bellagio and Wynn Resort and Casino, and developing the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino's Simon kitchen + bar, named one of the best new restaurants in America in 2003 by Esquire magazine.

Together with Celebrity's highly experienced Food and Beverage team at its Miami headquarters and across the fleet, Van Staden and the Blau & Associates team have carefully created menus for each restaurant onboard Celebrity Solstice based on a pairing of thorough studies of guests' culinary preferences and the latest dining trends from around the world. The team will take their creations into test kitchens later this month to ensure each selection meets Celebrity's discerning guests' tastes.


A "Taste" of Celebrity Solstice's Dining Venues:

The Grand Epernay
Old Hollywood glamour meets stunning contemporary design in this refined, sweeping main dining room created by Adam Tihany, highlighted by a distinctive, dramatic, two-story glass wine tower. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, evening entrée options include peppered bison filet with red onion preserve; smoked filet with lentil stew, sultana caper and beef jus; and taro-crusted salmon filet with glazed Brussels sprouts, turnip hash and apple cider sauce. A champagne collection from the region inspiring the venue's name includes Perrier Jouet Grand Brut, Moet & Chandon Dom Perignon, Heidsieck and Monopole, Champagne Pol Roger, and Louis Roederer Cristal.

Tuscan Grille
The Old World charm of Italy is the inspiration behind this Tihany-designed specialty venue, where guests enter through an archway reminiscent of a fine Napa Valley wine cellar. There, diners can enjoy Caesar salads prepared tableside, antipasti bar, Kobe beef, and a variety of steaks, all paired with a robust list of fine Italian wines.


Blu
"Clean cuisine" is served in this soothing specialty venue designed by Celebrity's own Newbuilding and Design team. A venue exclusively for guests booked in Celebrity Solstice's new AquaClass category of accommodations, Blu is open for other guests on a space-available basis. The menu features savory appetizers such as roasted beet salad with goat cheese; Mediterranean chopped salad with pita chips and pomegranate vinaigrette; and entrees including blackened ahi tuna, pan-seared filet mignon, and herb-crusted rack of lamb.

Murano
A twist on the restaurant of the same name on Celebrity Century, and reflective of the specialty restaurants on the cruise line's Millennium-class fleet, Murano presents a blend of classic and modern Continental cuisine. The warm, elegant restaurant designed by BG Studios of New York features dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows, with romantic ocean views that pair beautifully with the fine Riedel stemware, exquisite bone china and gleaming silverware. The wine cellar offers options from around the world, with a focus on boutique-style and limited-production vintages. Appetizers include warm goat cheese pancakes with sweet bell pepper nage; salads include a combination of Maine lobster, white asparagus and black truffle lobster aioli; and entrees run the gamut from spice-roasted duck with raisin-apple compote to pan-seared turbot with Alaskan King crab ragout.

Bistro on Five
A variety of specialty crepes highlight the menu in this casually-chic location, where guests are welcome to take out selections, but the ocean views are likely to entice them to stay. Designed by Wilson Butler Associates, the venue's creperie is complemented with sandwiches, soups, salads, desserts and entrees including quiche, fish and chips, baked ziti and chicken pot pie nearly around-the-clock.

Café al Bacio & Gelateria
This upscale coffeehouse radiates all the energy of a popular European café, highlighted by a sophisticated gelateria serving authentic gelatos and Italian ices, as well as signature and specialty coffees, teas, fresh-baked pastries, chocolate truffles and petit fours.

AquaSpa Café
The AquaSpa Café is the perfect option for guests seeking quick, lighter fare. A signature venue introduced on Celebrity's Millennium-class fleet, and designed by RTKL, the soothing, airy setting invites guests to dine at comfortable tables while soaking up the tranquility of the Solarium, or enjoy their cuisine while nestled in the comfort of the lounge chairs.

Mast Grill & Bar
Comfort food is the focus of this ultra-casual, poolside venue, where the simple, fast and tasty options include burgers grilled to order, tacos, nachos, hot dogs, bratwurst, chicken wings, lamb gyros, Reuben sandwiches, and onion rings.

Silk Harvest
Exotic Asia is the theme of this contemporary, casual specialty restaurant designed by RTKL. The menu serves up a fusion of hot and cold, spicy and mild Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese and Indian selections, while the specially-selected libations include a variety of sakes, Asian-influenced martinis and beers, and cocktails created with ginger root and acai berries.

Oceanview Café and Grill
Embodying the casually chic atmosphere of a European marketplace, this Tihany-designed restaurant offers extensive menus with international flavors that change to reflect the regions in which the ship is sailing. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the venue offers plenty of outdoor seating for dining al fresco and soaking up the sun and sea air. Inside, during evening hours, a special section of the venue features tables draped with linen tablecloths for yet another casual dining option.

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

Excited about the experience that the new Solstice Class of ships has to offer?

Call 1-800-439-1909 to speak with one of our Certified Celebrity Special Agents who can answer any questions you may have and help plan your next cruise vacation.

Ready to book right here, right now? Then go ahead and book online at www.europecruises.com or www.cruisecheap.com.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises Celebrates Ten Glorious Years of Uninterrupted South Pacific Service for Paul Gauguin

Fort Lauderdale - January 18, 2008 - At a gala ceremony in Papeete Harbor featuring fireworks and colored water streaming skyward from tugboats, Tahiti's government and Regent Seven Seas Cruises this week celebrated 10 years of uninterrupted South Pacific service for the ultra-luxury cruise ship Paul Gauguin.

French Polynesian Tourism Minister Marc Collins presented Mark Conroy, president of Regent, with a commemorative plaque honoring the ship's 10th anniversary. Collins thanked Conroy for Regent's decade of fidelity in deploying the popular vessel year-round in Tahiti. The ceremony was highlighted by traditional music and dancing.

"From her very first cruise, Paul Gauguin has provided our guests with a unique experience featuring an authentic Polynesian flavor," said Conroy. "We could not have achieved this success without the spirit of welcome and cooperation we continue to receive from the Tahitian government and people. Regent is proud to operate this magnificent ship in this beautiful destination, and to introduce Tahiti's charms to discerning travelers from around the world."

Paul Gauguin first arrived in French Polynesia's Society Islands in January 1998, having sailed from its shipyard in St. Nazaire, France, via the United States mainland and the Hawaiian Islands. Arriving amidst much fanfare, Paul Gauguin ushered in a new era of cruising in Tahiti, introducing outstanding onboard luxury and gracious, friendly service combined with generous and insightful exploration into Tahiti's cultures and unrivaled natural beauty.

Paul Gauguin has completed more than 400 South Pacific cruises, carrying more than 120,000 guests and contributing tens of millions of tourism dollars to Tahiti's economy. Since its construction, the ship has undergone four refurbishments at a cost of more than $15 million.

Paul Gauguin offers year-around, seven-night cruises departing roundtrip from Papeete to Raiatea, Taha'a, Bora Bora and Moorea. The ship's schedule also features 11-night voyages that include Rangiroa and Hiva Oa and Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas Islands; 10-night cruises that include Huahine; and 14-night journeys that include Fatu Hiva and Ua Huka in the Marquesas and the remote Cook Islands. Seven-day rates start at $2,195 per person.

To plan a Regent cruise to the South Pacific, please visit www.hawaiicruiseoutlet.com or www.cruisecheap.com, or call 1-800-630-4401 to speak with one of our Cruise Vacation Specialists.

The Grass Really Is Greener on Celebrity Solstice

MIAMI – January 18, 2008 – There is a new job opening at Celebrity Cruises: groundskeeper. The perfect candidate must be willing to perform his or her duties while traveling the world aboard a beautifully appointed ocean liner. The successful candidate also must be a dedicated horticulturist who possesses an unmistakable enthusiasm for the unexpected, as the greens will be miles out at sea.

When Celebrity Solstice launches in December, vacationers will find that the grass really is greener on a Celebrity Cruises vacation. The ship will present an industry first on the top deck of the ship: real, growing grass, set in an innovative new country club environment known as “The Lawn Club.”

The half-acre Lawn Club on Celebrity Solstice will invite guests to enjoy bocce ball and croquet, practice their putting, picnic with a basket of wine and cheese, or simply feel the grass between their toes, while sailing the oceans of the world. The area also will feature the Hot Glass Show, another first in the industry, developed in collaboration with The Corning Museum of Glass; the Patio on the Lawn; the Lawn Club Shop, and the Sunset Bar. “We want our guests to experience the unexpected, like the thrill of sinking a putt on a freshly manicured lawn in the middle of the ocean,” said Dan Hanrahan, President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises. “The experiences on and around the lawn exemplify what we aim to achieve: to recognize, celebrate and indulge our guests in style.”

“Everything about the Celebrity Cruises brand is authentic,” said Richard D. Fain, Chairman of Celebrity Cruises. “Our vision for a completely genuine experience demanded nothing less than real grass, and we sought out the right innovation to make that vision a reality.”

Metric Facts about The Lawn Club on Celebrity Solstice

• At 2,130 square meters (22,927 square feet), The Lawn Club is just over a half-acre in size.
  
• Over three times larger than New York’s Rockefeller Center ice skating rink (668 sq. meters)
  
• 1.7 times larger than an Olympic-size swimming pool, which is 1,250 sq. meters
  
• The equivalent of 8.2 tennis courts (these are 260 sq. meters each)
  
• 2.4 times the size of Centre Court at England’s Wimbledon Lawn & Tennis Club, which is 902 sq. meters.
  
• One-third the size of a regulation soccer field, which is 6,500 sq. meters.

The Lawn Club is the central element of the top-deck experiences on Celebrity Solstice. The Patio on the Lawn offers elegant yet relaxed sitting areas where luxury meets casual country club charm. Guests can read the morning paper, lose themselves in a good novel, or enjoy a cup of gourmet coffee with friends, courtesy of the patio’s coffee cart service.

The Hot Glass Show, presented in collaboration with The Corning Museum of Glass, is the patio’s main feature. In its own, dedicated glassblowing studio, the Hot Glass Show will present the history and craft of glassblowing, from its ancient origins to its current countless uses. Three resident “gaffers” – highly skilled glassblowing artists – will educate and entertain cruisers with live glassmaking shows, lectures and workshops.

The area also features the Sunset Bar – the ideal sailaway setting on any ship, enhanced on Celebrity Solstice by the natural grass in The Lawn Club. Located at Celebrity Solstice’s highest point aft, the Sunset Bar provides breathtaking views in a relaxed atmosphere.

“We’re confident our guests will be thrilled with The Lawn Club and the many new entertainment and sports options it offers,” Hanrahan said.

Excited about the experience that the new Solstice Class of ships has to offer?
Call 1-800-439-1909 to speak with one of our Certified Celebrity Special Agents who can answer any questions you may have and help plan your next cruise vacation.
Ready to book right here, right now? Then go ahead and book online at www.europecruises.com or www.cruisecheap.com.