Seven Seas Travel - Cruise News Archived Headline Links:

Rainforest Bobsled Shore Attraction Opens in Ocho Rios, Jamaica Holland America New Eurodam Blends Traditional Dutch Art with New Works Holland America Line 2009 CruiseTours: Experience Alaska's Wilderness New Carnival Dream to Operate Exciting Inaugural Schedule Royal Caribbean Announces the Latest Amenities on Oasis of the Seas Holland America Line Launches New Premium Shore Excursions Carnival Freedom Year-Round Caribbean Cruises from Ft. Lauderdale in Nov. 2008 Carnival Cruises to Introduce Baltimore's First Year-Round Cruise Program Celebrity Cruises 3rd Season in Australia/New Zealand, Hawaii & South Pacific Outdoor Adventures Highlight Tours For Crystal's New England/Canada Season Disney Cruise Line Returns to West Coast for Summer 2008 Princess Cruises Showcases "The Heart of Alaska" with Unique Video Recession Proof Your Vacation Carnival Expands Alaska Shore Excursions with a Number of New Tours Crystal Cruises Mind, Body & Spirit Voyages Take Holistic Approach to Wellness Princess Expands Canal Experience in 2009-10 with Extra Day in Panama NCL Welcomes Return of Norwegian Sky to Miami Cunard's Queen Victoria Makes Condé Nast Traveler's Annual "Hot List" Food, Wine and Celebrities Cruise Features Barbara Walters, Marvin Hamlisch Cunard Line offers New Ports & Itineraries for Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria in 2009 See More Archived News Headlines

Unique Bobsled Shore Excursion/Tourism Attraction Opens in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Bobsled ride, eco-tours, island culture and heritage to be featured at new multi-million-dollar attraction.

Carnival Corporation has partnered with Rain Forest Trams Ltd., a local bank and businessmen to develop Rainforest Bobsled Jamaica at Mystic Mountain, a new eco-friendly attraction in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. The facility welcomed its first visitors in a "soft opening" held earlier today. Grand opening festivities are set for late July.

Rainforest Bobsled Jamaica was developed by Mystic Mountain Ltd., a partnership between Rain Forest Trams Ltd and Jamaican businessmen Horace A. Clarke, and O.J. and Michael N. Drakulich, Carnival Corporation, and the Development Bank of Jamaica. The expansive multi-million-dollar tourism attraction features an exciting and unique Jamaican Bobsled ride through the lush tropical forest, a chairlift journey over the verdant countryside, a zip-line canopy adventure through the treetops, an island culture and heritage center, as well as mountaintop dining and shopping venues.

Rainforest Bobsled Jamaica at Mystic Mountain covers more than 100 acres stretching from the Coast Road entrance near Dunn's River Falls to more than 700 feet above sea level at the peak of Mystic Mountain. The site supports a diverse ecosystem of natural springs, tropical foliage, native trees and a variety of colorful bird species. Mystic Mountain's tours and rides have been designed to have minimal environmental impact and physical footprint.

"The Caribbean is vital to the continued growth and success of the North American cruise industry and Carnival Corporation is very pleased to support the development of this spectacular attraction," said Graham Davis, director of port operations and destination development for Carnival Corporation. "In addition to serving as an example of responsible, sustainable tourism development, the Mystic Mountain complex will have tangible economic benefits, including creating numerous job opportunities for the local community," he added. Cruise ship guests and visitors can view and explore the indigenous seaside tropical forest ecosystem via three exhilarating excursions:

Rainforest Bobsled Jamaica
Custom-designed bobsleds celebrating the Jamaican Olympic bobsled teams of the 1980s and '90s travel on winding, plunging stainless steel rails on a 3,280-foot gravity-driven ride through the forest. The bobsled track was laid to avoid disturbing the natural landscape, curving around ancient trees, hugging majestic cliff faces and limestone outcroppings through narrow chutes of dense forest. Riders control their rate of descent with an in-sled handbrake, allowing for either a leisurely tour through the forest or a pulse-quickening ride. At the end of the ride, the bobsled slides to a graceful stop and is slowly pulled back by cable to the top of the mountain, completing the entire circuit in approximately six minutes.

Rainforest Sky Explorer
Located at the park's Coast Road entrance, this state-of-the-art chairlift soars above the treetops through the heart of the tropical seaside forest canopy. The ascent on Sky Explorer skims the top of the trees, providing panoramic views of the picturesque coastline and close-up views of tropical treetops on the way to the centerpiece of the attraction, the 700-foot peak of Mystic Mountain. The return ride on Sky Explorer carries riders just below treetop level, but high above the forest floor to provide a sense of immersion in tropical wilds.

Rainforest Zip-Line Tranopy Tour
A series of tree-to-tree platforms sends riders gliding through the coastal forest on this customized zip-line canopy tour. The guided tour covers virgin areas of the mountain, flying through the canopy via a zip line along a series of interconnected tree- and land-based platforms. The tour ends at the mid-station of the Rainforest Sky Explorer chairlift, which returns zip-line riders to the park entrance. At the summit of Mystic Mountain is the Jamaican Railway Station & Mystic Pavilion. Designed by acclaimed Jamaican architect Ann Hodges, the traditional three-story building is a replica of an early 20th-century Jamaican railway station.

The site provides views of Jamaica's north coast and the hills and valleys of St. Ann. The 9,000-square-foot multilevel rail station features a lookout tower with spectacular panoramic views of Ocho Rios and the harbor, a bar and restaurant, retail outlets, and a photo shop while serving as the boarding point for Bobsled Jamaica. Adjacent to the Rail Station, Mystic Pavilion features displays and memorabilia celebrating Jamaica's culture, great moments in the country's sporting events and promotion of environmental awareness and conservation of natural resources.

Endeavoring to maintain the pristine beauty of the Jamaican landscape, Mystic Mountain developers paid close attention to minimizing the environmental impact of the various attractions during construction. The chairlift foundations were installed by helicopter to significantly reduce ground disturbance and eliminate the necessity of building a road to transport equipment. The latest design in chairlift towers -- the F tower -- also was specifically selected to reduce impact on the forest environment. More than 3,400 feet of bobsled track was hand-carried through the forest and laid hugging natural limestone cliffs through the sloping hilly interior.

Holland America Line's New ms Eurodam Blends Traditional Dutch Art and New Works. From sculptures to paintings, wide range featured throughout ship.

From the Dutch Golden Age to dramatic sculpture, the new ms Eurodam will showcase a stunning range of artistic works. The 2,104-guest liner -- Holland America Line's first Signature-class ship -- honors the traditional Dutch art and artifacts integral to the Holland America brand while extending the theme with contemporary works.

"Working with VFD Architects of the Netherlands and Yran & Storbraaten Architects of Norway, we've installed a truly impressive array of works ranging from glass creations and oil paintings to digital collages and unique chandelier sculptures," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "Some pieces provide a glimpse into the Dutch Golden Age, while others feature contemporary messages designed to intrigue and involve our guests."

To assist Eurodam guests in viewing the entire collection, a self-guided, narrated iPod virtual tour is offered, with iPods available for use free of charge on the ship. But even prospective guests can enjoy the art and listen to interviews with the artists, as a free download will be available on Holland America's website and on iTunes. With one more passenger deck than Holland America's Vista-class ships, the 11-deck Eurodam will be Holland America's largest ship with more public areas, restaurants and staircases to showcase the new art. Included in the new collection is a variation on a fleet favorite, the Lido pool sculpture.

"We took a different tack from our traditional Lido sculpture," said Meadows. "Made of lightweight stone, the elegant structure functions as both a sculpture and an eight-foot high waterfall which guests can walk through as they enter or leave the pool. The word 'water' is subtly engraved in the stone in 100 languages from around the world -- awaiting discovery by our guests." The water sculpture is found at the end of the swimming pool on the Lido Deck.

The Dutch Golden Age
The Eurodam showcases the Dutch Golden Age in several public areas of the ship. Highlighting the ship's mid-staircase is the painting, "The Nightwatch, Two Minutes Later," by Dutch artists Aldert Mantje and Jan Maris. The painting, part of The New Nightwatch project in 2006 to honor Rembrandt van Rijn, at first appears like Rembrandt's original, until one notices slight changes in the figures' positions. It is accompanied by a selection of additional Rembrandt interpretations, his finest self-portraits and sketches showing his development as an artist.

Another inspired homage is the 17th century Old Masters Collage by father and son artists Peter and Sven de Ru. Installed in the Pinnacle Grill, the piece lifts the best and most famous details of 17th century Old Master paintings and recombines them into a creative digital collage.

History buffs will revel in the 17th century sea maps located at the aft staircase. Drawn by Dutchman Johannes Vingboons between 1640 and 1670, the maps show the trading routes of the Dutch East India Company's ships around the world -- remarkably accurate considering he never left the Netherlands. Additionally, several of Vingboons' landscape drawings provide a glimpse of life in the 17th century and sailing ship adventures, including Havana Bay in 1665.

At the entrance to the Rembrandt Dining Room is a fascinating showcase containing broken ceramic plates, Delftware and Chinese spoons from a Chinese ship that sank 300 years ago near Indonesia, then a Dutch colony. These relics were culled from the 70,000 pieces recovered from the shipwreck.

Additional contemporary artists depicting Dutch heritage are Jan van 't Hoff, who paints still life in the centuries-old tradition, and Charles Bell, whose paintings are intense with monumental dimensions depicting fruit and flowers in casual broad strokes and vibrant colors on large canvases. Also featured are Stephen Card, a British artist whose paintings richly detail past Holland America cruise ships, and Dutch painter Bas Sebus, whose work -- a blend of the real and surreal -- is in high demand by private collectors.

Not all of the Eurodam's spectacular art is at eye level. Adorning the central Atrium is a chandelier-inspired sculpture -- an artistic cluster of transparent flowers descending from the ceiling. The white mother-of-pearl colored flowers will be lit up in different shades that change throughout the day with brighter colors during the day and warmer colors through the evening. The Atrium piece is designed by VFD/ Vincent Jansen and executed by the Dutch company, Transtech, who has a second abstract ceiling sculpture featured in the main Dining Room.

On the Lido Deck more art abounds, pieces that complement the large waterfall sculpture by the swimming pool. In Canaletto, the new casual Italian restaurant, two glass sculptures mark the entrance. Created by British artist Galia Amsel, the swooping shapes emphasize movement, rhythm and tension.

Glass panels, on the walls in the Italian-themed Canaletto restaurant feature gold leaf and painted script from the Scandinavian team of Birgitta Ahlin and Sirkka Lehtonen. Also showcased on the Lido Deck are framed prints by Seet van Hout; two bronze torsos by Dutch sculptor Eppe de Haan, each balancing on a cube that is his artistic signature; and a bronze sculpture by French artist Arman Pierre, who was a founding member of the Nouveaux Realistes in 1960. Under the Magrodome on the Lido Deck stands "Wantennas" by Austrian Katrin Maurer -- a pair of sculptures constructed of glass elements, sandblasted with individual colors and augmented with her original poetry.

Located in the Crow's Nest on Deck 11 of the Eurodam, fittingly installed at the entrance to the Explorations Cafe powered by The New York Times, is a keyboard-head sculpture by Rick van Rijswick. Also in the Crow's Nest are sculptures by Hanneke Fokkelman, sea-creature-like glass balls which appear to be illuminated from the inside, an effect created by cutting, sandblasting and reheating the glass. Several decks below, in the Neptune Lounge, two paper sculptures by Mark Jamieson are featured, along with two mechanical sculptures by Keith Newstead; both artists are British.

The Eurodam art collection isn't strictly European. In a nod to the United States, the Sports Bar features a tribute to American baseball with photographs of Joe DiMaggio's professional career and his marriage to Marilyn Monroe. Enormous baseball gloves serve as chairs and an exact replica of the World Series trophy, also called the "commissioners trophy," is displayed.

Asian art is also featured onboard. Tamarind, the 144-seat pan-Asian restaurant on Deck 10 -- a new alternative dining option offered to Holland America guests -- offers ocean views outside, but the eye is drawn to the Asian antiques inside. At Tamarind's entrance, a pair of lion dogs stands guard, along with a sculpture of Buddha surrounded by disciples seated in the "calling the earth to witness" and "subduing Mara" posture. In the Silk Den are framed antique pipes from the Bayon period of the 12th to early 19th centuries.

Complementing its new facilities, the Signature-class Eurodam continues several much-admired Holland America Line features, including outside-view glass elevators at midship; the Explorations Café (an Internet cafe powered by The New York Times); the Pinnacle Grill and Pinnacle Bar; the innovative Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine Magazine, where culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and intimate classes in a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchens; an expanded Greenhouse Spa and Salon with thermal suites, hydro-pool and the largest gymnasium ever built for Holland America Line; and a youth facility that includes the teens-only Loft.

The Eurodam debuts this summer with European inaugural festivities, including a July 1st naming ceremony in Rotterdam with Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, followed by a Maiden Voyage in the Baltic region. The ship will offer its first trans-Atlantic cruise and sail Canada/New England in the fall, followed by Caribbean itineraries for the remainder of 2008.

2009 CruiseTours: Experience Alaska's Wilderness by Land and Sea With Holland America Line. Choose from 29 CruiseTours from 10 to 20 days in length.

Recognized as a leader in Alaska tourism for more than 60 years, Holland America Line's diverse selection of CruiseTours showcase the grandeur of the 49th state from the tip of the Kenai Peninsula, to the fjords of the Inside Passage, across the Arctic Circle, and through the rugged Yukon Territory. With 29 CruiseTours ranging from 10 to 20 days in length, Holland America Line combines a cruise of the scenic Inside Passage with land tours into the expansive wilderness of Alaska.

Celebrating 50 years of statehood in 2009, Alaska's wilderness, wildlife, native culture and eventful history are center stage on the CruiseTour itineraries. Many tours also delve into Canada's Yukon Territory tracing the history of the Klondike Gold Rush.

"For many people, a cruise or CruiseTour to Alaska is the trip of a lifetime," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales, and guest programs. "We have designed the CruiseTours to be a comprehensive tour of the best there is to see and do in Alaska via land and sea. The myriad natural wonders and vastness of the state calls for exploration by many modes of transportation -- ship, train, motor coach, boat -- and Holland America Line owns the infrastructure to smoothly combine all these elements together into one unforgettable CruiseTour."

Holland America's comprehensive CruiseTours indulge guests with a relaxing cruise aboard five-star ships and exciting land travel via the luxury, domed McKinley Explorer(R) railcars and comfortable coaches. Great Land cruise tours 1-10 feature travel on custom-built, highway Explorer Coaches(TM). The coaches have just 45 seats with extended legroom and first-class amenities: leather seats, battery-charging stations for guests traveling with electronic equipment, LCD monitors and a mini-galley serving beverages and snacks. Every seat is equipped with a headset and eight-channel audio.

Itineraries and optional excursions encompass 14 national parks and wilderness areas. In addition to Denali, Glacier Bay, Kluane and Tombstone, they include the Kenai Fjords, Gates of the Arctic, Klondike (Skagway), Wrangell-St. Elias and Sitka national parks, plus the Klondike Historic Site (DawsonCity), Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Misty Fjords National Monument and Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge.

A total of 20 Holland America CruiseTours feature "Double Denali" -- two nights at a classic wilderness lodge near the gates of Denali National Park, plus a guided Tundra Wilderness Tour offering the best wildlife and Mt. McKinley viewpoints.

"Wildlife sightings are at the top of most people's wish list in Alaska," said Meadows. "You'll have a good chance of spotting wildlife if you give yourself enough time. Moose and bear aren't on the payroll. We encourage people to give themselves time -- two days if they can -- in Denali so they have plenty of opportunities for spotting wildlife."

Great Land CruiseTours
Ten Great Land CruiseTours include three- or four-day Inside Passage cruises between Vancouver and Skagway. New for 2008, northbound Great Land Tours include a glacier cruise experience with a trip into Tracy Arm to see the twin Sawyer Glaciers. Southbound CruiseTours visit Glacier Bay National Park.

Six Great Land Klondike CruiseTours offer 11- to 15-day adventures to Denali National Park; Dawson City with optional excursions to Tombstone Territorial Park; Fairbanks; an exciting Yukon River cruise aboard the mv Yukon Queen II; and Whitehorse, capital of the Yukon Territory. Some CruiseTours also include Kluane National Park and the White Pass & Yukon Railroad with Lake Bennett excursion.

Four Great Land Wilderness CruiseTours range from 10 to 13 days and provide a more affordable wilderness experience. They feature Denali, Whitehorse, Kluane, the White Pass & Yukon Railroad, Beaver Creek and Fairbanks, with travel along the most scenic stretch of the Alaska Highway.

Glacier Discovery CruiseTours
Travelers wanting more time on the ship may choose a Glacier Discovery CruiseTour which combines a seven-day cruise with a land tour. These CruiseTours range from 11- to 20-days. In addition to a tidewater glacier experience at either the Hubbard Glacier or Glacier Bay National Park, most offer two-night "Double Denali" stays, the Denali Tundra Wilderness Tour and tour directors.

Nineteen different itineraries include options to travel above the Arctic Circle, cruise the Kenai Fjords National Monument, explore the Kenai Peninsula or stay two nights at the Alyeska Resort near Anchorage.

The leader in Alaska Cruises and CruiseTours
Holland America Line has been leading tours in Alaska for 60+ years and has eight premium ships offering a total of 156 cruises in 2009. These include 59 sailings on three ships home-ported in Seattle and 98 cruises on five ships based in Vancouver, BC.

LARGEST ‘FUN SHIP’ EVER CONSTRUCTED, 130,000-TON CARNIVAL DREAM TO OPERATE EXCITING INAUGURAL SCHEDULE, OFFER HOST OF ON-BOARD INNOVATIONS. 3,646-Passenger Vessel to Debut in Europe in September 2009, Launches Year-Round Service from Port Canaveral In December 2009.

The new 130,000-ton Carnival Dream – the largest “Fun Ship” ever constructed, offering a host of on-board innovations and amenities – is slated to debut September 21, 2009, operating a diverse inaugural schedule that features visits to magnificent European and Caribbean destinations.

Currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, the 3,646-passenger SuperLiner will be a new class of vessel for the line and usher in a new era of “Fun Ship” cruising. With a new layout, sleek hull and distinctive profile, Carnival Dream is designed as the ultimate vacation experience.

Unique features of the Carnival Dream include a new concept in entertainment called The Piazza, a stunning indoor/outdoor café and live music venue; the most elaborate children’s facilities at sea, including expansive play areas and a huge Carnival WaterWorks aqua park; “scenic whirlpools” that extend over the ship’s beam; and a variety of new stateroom categories, including those specifically catering to families. Carnival Dream will also offer many other exciting and innovative features that will be announced in the coming months.

“We’ve taken everything we’ve learned about shipbuilding and incorporated it into the magnificent Carnival Dream. By offering the widest variety of all-inclusive facilities and features at sea, we will create fun, memorable vacations for our guests, all at an incredible value,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO. “From a bold new entertainment concept called The Piazza to innovative new larger stateroom categories and the most elaborate children’s facilities ever featured on any Carnival ‘Fun Ship’ – all of which are included in the initial cruise fare and accessible to everyone on board. – Carnival Dream was specifically designed with our valued guests in mind,” he added.

Exciting Inaugural Schedule:
Carnival Dream is scheduled to enter service September 21, 2009, with an inaugural 12-day Grand Mediterranean cruise from Rome (Civitavecchia) featuring seven spectacular ports: Naples, Livorno and Venice (two-day call), Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Messina, Sicily; Monaco; and Barcelona, Spain. Two additional 12-day Grand Mediterranean cruises will be offered on October 3 and October 15, 2009.
The ship will then sail on a 16-day trans-Atlantic crossing departing Rome (Civitavecchia) Oct. 27 and arriving New York Nov. 12, 2009.

Featured ports include Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, and Malaga, Spain; Las Palmas, Canary Islands; and King’s Wharf, Bermuda (overnight call). From New York, Carnival Dream will operate two eight-day Bahamas/Florida cruises departing Nov. 15 and 23, 2009. These voyages include a call at Port Canaveral (in proximity to Orlando-area attractions), followed by a visit to Nassau and Freeport in The Bahamas.

Year-Round Cruising From Port Canaveral:
Following its New York departures, Carnival Dream will reposition to Port Canaveral, Fla., where it will launch year-round seven-day Caribbean cruises Dec. 5, 2009. On its new Port Canaveral-based program, Carnival Dream will depart every Saturday on alternating weeklong cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. Eastern Caribbean cruises will call at Nassau; St. Thomas/St. John, U.S.V.I.; and St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles; while exotic Western Caribbean voyages will visit Cozumel; Belize; Costa Maya; and Nassau. Carnival Dream will assume this route from the Carnival Glory, which will be redeployed to Miami to operate year-round seven-day Caribbean cruises beginning October 3, 2009.

Unique Features and Facilities:
With a basis-two capacity of 3,646 passengers and spanning 1,004 feet in length, Carnival Dream is the largest and longest “Fun Ship” ever constructed and the line has made maximum use of the vessel’s added size by creating some truly spectacular on-board facilities and features.
Among the ship’s many highlights is a brand new concept in entertainment – The Piazza. Designed as a comfortable oasis during the day and a bustling entertainment complex at night, this breathtaking indoor/outdoor café and live music venue will feature a bandstand where a variety of musical genres will be showcased, along with a large circular dance floor.

A massive floor-to-ceiling curved glass wall will separate the room, creating comfortable and spacious indoor and outdoor seating areas offering stunning ocean views. Guests at The Piazza can also enjoy full bar service, along with an espresso bar offering gelato and a variety of decadent baked goods, along with high-speed Internet access.  Carnival Dream will also take the traditional cruise-ship promenade to new heights with a half-mile, open-air promenade encircling the ship on Promenade Deck 5. Here, guests can take a stroll while enjoying spectacular ocean vistas, read a book, or just take in the sun from one of the many deck chairs that will line this unique open deck area.

Along the expansive promenade, four “scenic whirlpools” cantilever out over the sea providing magnificent sea views. Higher up, Lido Deck 10 will offer the most elaborate and expansive open-deck area of any Carnival ship with a tropical, resort-style main pool complete with a Seaside Theatre LED screen, a Serenity adults-only retreat, and numerous other features.

A wide variety of lounges, bars and nightspots – including a new dance club concept offering indoor/outdoor access – will be accessible via an 11-deck-high atrium whose ground level will offer a cantilevered bandstand atop a massive dance floor. Other features include an expansive 23,750-square-foot Cloud 9 Spa – Carnival’s largest and most elaborate health and wellness center to date.

Innovative New Staterooms:
Particular attention was paid to Carnival Dream’s accommodations, as several innovative new types of staterooms will be introduced. The line’s first-ever “cove” balcony staterooms – located closer to the water line – offer beautiful sea views and exceptional value.

New deluxe ocean view staterooms – featuring a unique, guest-friendly configuration with two bathrooms – will provide the ultimate in comfort and convenience for guests who can enjoy their unique spaciousness, particularly families. In addition to twin beds that convert to a king, ample closet space and elegant décor, the two-bathroom configuration will include one full bathroom and a second bathroom featuring a junior tub with shower and sink.

There are even staterooms that can accommodate five guests – a rarity in new ship construction and also ideal for families. Additionally, there will be a wide selection of balcony staterooms and suites from which to choose – all offering the best in scenic cruising. Additionally, adjacent to Carnival Dream’s luxurious Cloud 9 Spa will be 65 spa staterooms and suites which will offer guests a number of exclusive amenities and privileges. All Carnival Dream staterooms will feature the Carnival Comfort Bed sleep system with plush mattresses, luxurious duvets and high quality linens and pillows.

Families Will Live the Dream:
Carnival Dream’s numerous family-friendly amenities will include separate, purpose-built facilities for the line’s three distinct children’s programs: “Camp Carnival” for kids ages 2-11, “Circle C” for 12- to 14-year-olds, and “Club O2” for teens ages 15 to 17, along with a full schedule of morning-til-night activities catering to each age group. Sure to be a hit with guests of all ages will be Carnival WaterWorks, an expansive aqua park offering exhilarating water slides and various water spray apparatus. Carnival Dream will also be the first “Fun Ship” to feature a two-level miniature golf course.

All this, combined with the spacious two-bathroom staterooms and an attractive and convenient Port Canaveral/Central Florida homeport, will make Carnival Dream an exceptional family vacation.

INNOVATION AND IMAGINATION ARE CORNERSTONES OF THE NEIGHBORHOODS ONBOARD ROYAL CARIBBEAN’S OASIS OF THE SEAS. Revolutionary Design Creates Boardwalk with AquaTheater, Sky-lit Royal Promenade and Unique Loft Accommodations.

Steeped in a philosophy that innovation and imagination contribute to a remarkable cruise vacation, Royal Caribbean has once again raised the bar with the announcement of the latest amenities on its newest ship, Oasis of the Seas.

Launching in late 2009, Oasis of the Seas will be the world’s largest and most revolutionary ship introducing the cruise line’s new neighborhood concept, which will provide vacationers with the opportunity to seek out relevant experiences based on their personal styles, preferences or moods. Boardwalk, will be a breathtaking space for families inspired by the nostalgic seaside piers of yesteryear; the first amphitheater at sea, AquaTheater, will celebrate water with the largest freshwater pool found on a ship offering a full spectrum of activities and performances for guests; and the urban living concept will take to the high seas with the introduction of industry-first loft suites offering expansive ocean views and luxury amenities.

Enhancements to the cruise line’s signature Royal Promenade will include a new design allowing guests to have a physical connection with the neighborhood above, Central Park, as natural light cascades down from the sky through the Crystal Canopy sculptured glass domes. Other surprises include two rock-climbing walls and the first zip-line at sea suspended nine decks above Boardwalk.

The announcement of the new neighborhoods adds to the previously revealed neighborhood, Central Park, which was introduced in April. Reminiscent of the piers that dot the coast of England and amusement parks such as Coney Island, the elements of Boardwalk will dynamically engage the entire family in classic fun – whether young or just young at heart – with eateries, retail outlets and carnival games. An original, handcrafted carousel – the first at sea – will be the centerpiece of this vibrant neighborhood. AquaTheater, created to offer two unique experiences, will allow guests to swim in the theater’s magnificent kidney-shaped pool, relax on sun loungers located on tiered platforms surrounding the pool, and even take SCUBA lessons in the afternoon.

At night, it will deliver a complete sensory experience playing on the element of surprise as audience members witness the venue come alive with heart-pounding theatrical performances featuring dramatic acrobatics, synchronized swimming, water ballet, and professional high-diving, as well as elaborate fountain shows synchronized to music and lights. The introduction of 28 contemporary two-level loft suites will redefine cruise ship accommodations with vibrant, ocean-inspired colors in a sophisticated and spacious setting. Never before seen at sea, the lofts will feature spectacular views of the ocean with floor-to-ceiling, double-height windows to ensure the view will be enjoyed from each and every vantage point. The signature lofts will round out a new portfolio of 37 categories of accommodation options many with views unique to Oasis of the Seas.

“With our history of introducing game-changing amenities, we’re pleased to be able to answer the question of ‘what could possibly come next?’” said Richard D. Fain, Chairman & CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “We are particularly excited about the neighborhood concept which gives guests compelling choices and the ability to flow seamlessly throughout the ship to meet their individual desires and preferences.”

Additions to Royal Promenade, the heart of the ship, will include a mezzanine level that overlooks the main promenade below. The Royal Promenade will be home to a vast array of shopping, dining and entertainment options including, the Rising Tide bar, the first moving bar at sea, which will traverse three decks and allow cruisers to enjoy a cocktail as they slowly ascend into Central Park. A focal point will be a giant copper globe sculpture built into the facade above the Globe and Atlas Pub, which will “crack open” to create a spectacular, surprise element for guests, as it unfurls on hinged hydraulics and becomes a bridge platform for performances. Other options include the cruise line’s popular Schooner Bar and Champagne Bar; the new Mondo Coffee Bar; Focus, a photo shop and gallery; and the ever-popular Boleros Latin dance club.

“Royal Caribbean is proud to introduce a number of industry ‘firsts’ on a level and scale that the world has never seen before,” stated Adam Goldstein, President & CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Oasis of the Seas is the ultimate expression of the creativity and imagination found on all of our ships, providing guests with a collection of experiences that will offer an incredible cruise vacation.”

When she launches in late 2009, Oasis of the Seas 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 gross registered tons (GRT), carry 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and feature 2,700 staterooms. Oasis of the Seas will be the first ship to tout the cruise line’s new neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which includes Central Park, Boardwalk, and the Royal Promenade. The ship will sail from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Oasis of the Seas will begin her inaugural season with 19 consecutive seven-night sailings to the Eastern Caribbean, with ports of call at Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and Nassau, Bahamas. Starting May 1, 2010, Oasis of the Seas will alternate its Eastern Caribbean itinerary with the Western Caribbean itinerary, which will call at Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private beach destination in Haiti; the new port of Falmouth, Jamaica; and Cozumel, Mexico.

“Royal Caribbean is fortunate to have taken millions of satisfied guests over 40 years to these highly regarded destinations,” said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “We thank the government of Haiti, Port Authority of Jamaica, State Government of Quintana Roo, Island of Cozumel, SSA Mexico, Ministry of Public Works and Port Authority of the Bahamas, Virgin Islands Port Authority, West Indian Company, and Port of St. Maarten for their support and cooperation in working with us to provide such compelling itineraries for our guests.” Royal Caribbean has been working closely with the ports on the Oasis of the Seas itineraries to ensure the guest experience is seamless when the ship visits. The cruise line and St. Maarten will enhance the guest welcome facilities, while Cozumel’s pier will be widened. Approaches to the docks at St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Nassau also will be dredged.

Royal Caribbean is working in partnership with the Port Authority of Jamaica to complete the new Falmouth Cruise Pier by March 2010, as well as establish the associated infrastructure necessary to welcome cruise ship guests. A historically important 18th-century settlement, Falmouth was a colonial center of Jamaica’s sugar and fine rums industry. The town’s rich history and Georgian architecture has most recently drawn the attention of His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, who has been a long time supporter of restoring historic buildings of Great Britain.

Royal Caribbean also is working with the government of Haiti to construct a pier at Labadee, the cruise line’s private beach destination. Additional plans are underway to expand guest offerings with an alpine coaster and fast-boat tours, among others, to complement Labadee’s stunning Dragon’s Breath Flight Line, which has proven to be one of the destination’s most popular attractions.

Holland America Line Launches New Premium Shore Excursions. Four New Programs Designed for World-curious Travelers.

The Collections of Holland America Line, debuting this summer on Alaska, Canada/New England and European itineraries, provide guests with nearly 500 specially selected shore excursions. Included in the Collections series are the Signature, Medallion, Encore and World Wonders Collections, each with its own individual focus and its own descriptive logo. “The Collections of Holland America Line is just one more example of how we enrich the cruise experience for each guest,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “By offering private tours, exotic discoveries and ‘off the beaten path’ opportunities in ports around the world, our guests can be assured of receiving rich, lifetime memories every time they cruise with us.”

Holland America Line Medallion Collection:
Medallion Collection tours provide in-depth perspective and access to events and sights not normally or readily available. They feature first-class style, smaller groups and multi-day overland journeys. Examples include an unforgettable meal in Ketchikan on the Alaska Chef’s Table; the opportunity to become a dolphin trainer for a day in Puerto Vallarta; or the chance to experience the timeless Spirit of Lake Titicaca on an overland adventure in South America.

Holland America Line Encore Collection:
Designed especially for guests who have previously visited the destination, The Encore Collection provides tours beyond well-known attractions; each showcasing hidden gems, unique perspectives and “insider’s stories.” For example, guests who have seen the Coliseum in Rome can instead select an Encore tour that will take them to Etruscan treasures of Tarquinia and Tuscania. For those who are tired of shopping in Cozumel, an Encore Mexican cuisine demonstration and tasting tour is an alternate choice for their consideration. Other Encore Collection excursions: a guided exploration of the most prominent and important places of Eva Peron’s life in Buenos Aires; visits to the best tapas restaurants and bars in Barcelona; or a private boat tour of the islands of Istanbul.

Holland America Line World Wonders Collection:
The World Wonders Collection features the many wonders of the world such as natural treasures, architectural marvels, and astounding technical achievements. Included in this collection is an overland adventure to the Galapagos Islands and the landmarks of Quito, a flight over the spectacular sights of Antarctica or a hike to the summit of Mauna Kea volcano in Hawaii.

Holland America Line Signature Collection:
Designed for independent-minded travelers, Signature Collection tours allow guests to customize their excursions and to reserve private transportation (cars, minivans, Hummers, limousines or planes) for transport. This exclusive touring option comes with driver or pilot and an English-speaking guide in all ports where English is not the mother tongue. Samplings of Signature Collection tours include an exploration of Juneau’s untamed coastline in a private boat or a private plane over Alaska’s glaciers and forested terrain. In Europe, Asia and South America, guests can visit out-of-the-way villages or travel through ancient landscapes in a private car or van.

CARNIVAL FREEDOM TO OPERATE YEAR-ROUND SIX- AND EIGHT-DAY CARIBBEAN CRUISES FROM FT. LAUDERDALE BEGINNING NOVEMBER 2008.

Carnival Cruise Lines’ 2,974-passenger Carnival Freedom, which was originally scheduled to operate six- and eight-day Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on a seasonal basis, will now operate the program year-round, following the conclusion of its 2008 Mediterranean program in October.  Carnival Freedom’s year-round schedule from Fort Lauderdale begins November 22, 2008, with six-day cruises departing Sundays and visiting Key West, Fla., George Town, Grand Cayman; and Ocho Rios, Jamaica, while eight-day voyages departing Saturdays alternate to the eastern and western Caribbean.

Eight-day eastern Caribbean voyages visit five ports: San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas/St. John, U.S.V.I.; Antigua, Lesser Antilles; Tortola/Virgin Gorda, B.V.I.; and Nassau, The Bahamas. Western Caribbean cruises include Cozumel, Mexico; Limon, Costa Rica; and Colon, Panama.

According to Lynn C. Torrent, Carnival’s senior vice president of sales and guest services, “The Caribbean is, by far, the most popular cruising region for North Americans. It is easily accessible and affordable, and when combined with attractive, destination-rich itineraries such as these, a Caribbean cruise represents the ideal vacation choice for consumers.” Torrent noted that while the plan had been for Carnival Freedom to return to Europe in 2009, the strong performance of the line’s entire Caribbean fleet made the new six- and eight-day deployment a compelling choice.

Exciting Six- and Eight-Day Cruises:
On Carnival Freedom’s six-day cruises, guests can enjoy three distinctly different island experiences – Key West, Grand Cayman and Ocho Rios – each of which offers excellent shopping and dining opportunities, along with a variety of “fun in the sun” activities, including magnificent beaches and watersports.

Carnival Freedom’s eight-day eastern Caribbean cruises feature five ports – San Juan, St. Thomas (optional shore excursion to St. John), Antigua, Tortola (optional shore excursion to Virgin Gorda) and Nassau – providing consumers a diversity of landside experiences, along with a variety of restaurants, shops and boutiques. A wide range of shore excursions are also offered, including horseback riding, scuba diving, hiking and kayaking. During an extended evening stay in San Juan, guests can also sample that city’s legendary nightlife.

In addition to historical sites and attractions, including centuries-old ruins, the eight-day western Caribbean cruises to Cozumel, Limon and Colon offer a multitude of dining, shopping and watersports experiences. A number of “adventure-type” tours, including canoeing, and white-water rafting, are featured, as well. From Colon, guests can experience all the wonders of the Panama Canal and even a unique bi-coastal railroad adventure.
Both of these eight-day cruises offer visits to ports that are usually available only on cruises of 10 days or longer. In addition, these cruises depart on Saturdays and return on Sundays, which allow them to fit into the consumer’s traditional one-week vacation pattern.

Variety of ‘Fun Ship’ Amenities:
Spanning a length of 952 feet, Carnival Freedom offers a variety of on-board amenities and facilities: a 14,500-square-foot health and wellness facility, a jogging track, a duty-free shopping mall, full casino gambling, and 22 lounges and bars, including a multi-level theater showcasing lavish revues.

Dining options include two two-level main dining rooms offering extensive menus and wine lists, a 1,200-seat poolside eatery with full breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets and a 24-hour pizzeria, and an elegant reservations-only supper club. Family friendly amenities include children’s programs for three different age groups – “Camp Carnival” for kids ages 2-11, “Circle C” for ’tweens, and “Club O2” for older teens – with facilities and activities for each.

Carnival Freedom also offers a variety of accommodations including a wide selection of balcony staterooms and suites – perfect for scenic cruising. All Carnival Freedom accommodations feature the Carnival Comfort Bed sleep system with plush mattresses, luxurious duvets and high quality linens and pillows. Carnival Freedom also houses an Internet Café, along with ship-wide Wi-Fi access and cell phone service.

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES TO INTRODUCE BALTIMORE’S FIRST YEAR-ROUND CRUISE PROGRAM IN SEPTEMBER 2009.

Carnival Cruise Lines, the world’s largest cruise operator, will launch the first year-round cruise program from the Port of Baltimore with seven-day cruises aboard the 2,124-passenger Carnival Pride beginning in fall 2009.

The new program kicks off September 13, 2009, and encompasses two different weeklong itineraries departing Sundays from the historic Maryland port. Baltimore’s first year-round cruise program will feature a variety of interesting ports on two distinctly different seven-day itineraries. Exotic Eastern Caribbean departures will call at Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos; the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay; and Freeport, The Bahamas; while Bahamas/Florida departures visit Port Canaveral, Fla.; and Nassau and Freeport, The Bahamas.

It is expected that the Carnival Pride will carry more than 115,000 guests annually from the Port of Baltimore. Including its new Baltimore-based program, Carnival Cruise Lines will operate from 17 North American departure points, including 11 year-round homeports – the most of any cruise operator.

“We’re thrilled to introduce the first year-round cruise program from Baltimore aboard the Carnival Pride, a truly magnificent ‘Fun Ship’ that will visit a wide range of tropical destinations from one of America’s most historic cities,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival’s president and CEO. “Today’s consumers are more value-conscious than ever and considering that Baltimore is within a day’s drive for millions of Northeastern U.S. residents, these new seven-day voyages provide a convenient and affordable vacation option,” he added.

“This is tremendous news for the Port of Baltimore and our State,” said Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley. “Year-round cruising will allow the 40 million people that live within a six-hour drive of Baltimore to look beyond the traditional cruising seasons and sail throughout the year. Carnival Cruise Lines is internationally recognized as one of the finest cruise ship operators in the industry and we are happy to welcome their ‘Fun Ship’ to Maryland.”

Year-Round Cruising From Baltimore:
Carnival Pride’s year-round seven-day cruises from Baltimore will visit popular destinations in the Caribbean, Bahamas and Florida. Carnival Pride’s Exotic Eastern Caribbean cruises from Baltimore feature Grand Turk, a 10.5-square-mile island paradise which, in addition to a rich history, offers crystal-clear waters that attract snorkelers and divers the world over. Ships dock at the Grand Turk Cruise Center, a modern facility offering an 800-foot-long private beach, a Margaritaville-themed restaurant and a variety of retail shops.

Also featured is Half Moon Cay, a crescent-shaped private island offering beautiful beaches and a diversity of watersports opportunities, along with a children’s aqua park and beachside cabanas. The third destination on this itinerary, Freeport, The Bahamas, is the island chain’s second largest city with excellent shopping at the International Bazaar and the Port Lucaya Marketplace, along with stunning beaches and exciting golf opportunities.

Seven-day Bahamas/Florida cruises call at Port Canaveral, located on Florida’s Space Coast and in close proximity to Orlando-area theme parks and attractions, as well as the world famous Kennedy Space Center. Visitors also enjoy the area’s gorgeous white-sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Other ports include Nassau, the historic Bahamian capital known for its outstanding duty-free bargains, beautiful beaches and laid-back atmosphere. During their visit in Nassau, guests can tour a variety of historical sites, including centuries-old forts. A daylong visit to Freeport rounds out this itinerary.

Special Six-Day Voyage from Baltimore:
Prior to the start-up of year-round seven-day cruises, Carnival Pride will operate a special one-time six-day departure round-trip from Baltimore September 7-13, 2009. Featured ports on this voyage include Freeport and Port Canaveral.

‘Fun Ship’ Carnival Pride:
The 88,500-ton Carnival Pride offers a host of facilities and features, including indoor and outdoor promenades, a wedding chapel, and an elegant reservations-only supper club located at the top of a soaring nine-deck-high atrium and accessible by a glass staircase, just one of several different dining venues on board.

Other features include a ship-long promenade with a variety of lounges, bars and nightspots, including a multi-level theater showcasing lavish production revues. Family friendly amenities include organized programs for three different age groups – “Camp Carnival” for younger kids, “Circle C” for 12- to 14-year-olds, and “Club O2” for older teens – with supervised activities and expansive facilities for each.

Carnival Pride also offers a variety of accommodations including a wide selection of balcony staterooms and suites – perfect for scenic cruising. All Carnival Pride accommodations feature the Carnival Comfort Bed sleep system with plush mattresses, luxurious duvets and high quality linens and pillows. Carnival Pride also houses an Internet Cafe, along with ship-wide Wi-Fi access and cell phone service.

Reservations are currently being accepted for the Carnival Pride’s new departures from Baltimore. Special rates for third and fourth guests sailing in the same stateroom, along with round-trip air supplements from a variety of North American gateways and pre- and post-cruise Baltimore land stays, are also available.

Sydney, Samoa, Surfing and Scenery: Celebrity Cruises Announces Third Season in Australia/New Zealand, Hawaii and the South Pacific.

Cruise enthusiasts seeking a vacation experience that pairs the delights of a "downunder" vacation with outstanding onboard service need look no further than Celebrity Cruises' third season of Australia/New Zealand, Hawaii and South Pacific sailings. In the winter of 2009-2010, Celebrity will offer 14 sailings in the region, visiting a total of 33 ports in eight countries.

Guests wishing to extend their vacation also may take advantage of a five-night pre- or post-voyage cruisetour in Australia. Departing from Vancouver, British Columbia; Honolulu, Hawaii; Auckland, New Zealand; and Sydney, Australia, all of Celebrity's 2009-10 Australia/New Zealand sailings are scheduled to take place on the 2,038-guest Celebrity Millennium, the same ship that will sail there later this year. The 2009-10 season also includes the brand's only Hawaii departures.

The season's highlights include:

• Calls at five ports new to Celebrity Cruises: Vila, Vanuatu; Apia, Samoa; Pago Pago, American Samoa; Noumea, New Caledonia; and Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand
• Itineraries ranging from 11 to 19 nights
• Ten Australia/New Zealand cruises ranging from 12 to 16 nights, sailing between Auckland and Sydney
• A special 16-night Christmas and New Year's sailing from Auckland to Sydney, departing December 20, 2009, which includes Celebrity's first passage through the Marlborough Sounds
• Overnight, in-port stays in Sydney or Melbourne on most sailings, including a two-night in-port stay at the start of the February 27, 2010 sailing
• A five-night pre- or post-voyage cruisetour option in Australia, including one night in Sydney, two nights in Ayers Rock, including a "Sounds of Silence" dinner and a tour of Olgas, and two nights in Port Douglas, including a Great Barrier Reef Cruise and Hartley's Croc Adventure; the package includes deluxe hotel accommodations, all transfers, intra-Australia flights, breakfasts and several other meals, and is 100% escorted
• Two South Pacific sailings, both of which spend three days in French Polynesia's Papeete, Moorea and Bora Bora
• A 19-night sailing from Sydney to Honolulu, featuring Celebrity's first visits to Vila, Apia, Pago Pago and Noumea
• A 15-night repositioning cruise from Honolulu to Vancouver on April 9, 2010, that features visits to six Hawaiian ports, including an overnight, in-port stay in Lahaina, Maui, as well as visits to San Francisco, California, Seattle, Washington, and Victoria, British Columbia.
  
  Celebrity Cruises' 2009-10 Australia/New Zealand/Hawaii/South Pacific sailings 2/2 Guests can make the most of their experience by booking Celebrity's shore excursions. These in-port experiences include offerings such as the following:
  
  
• Wine, Cheese and Oysters" in Hobart, Tasmania, where guests visit the Coal Valley Vineyard for a tasting and an informative session on oyster farming and tasting before traveling to Meadowbank Wines for a wine and cheese tasting
• "Sydney Bridgeclimb and The Rocks" in Sydney, where guests make a once-in-a-lifetime climb up Sydney Bridge and enjoy the view before visiting "The Rocks," Sydney's oldest village known for its pioneering settlers
• "Deluxe Tranz Alpine Tour" in Christchurch, New Zealand, where guests board the Tranz Alpine Express and experience views of mountain peaks, rain forests and gorges where traveling, with tea service, to the alpine village of Arthur's Pass, the highest point on the road in the Southern Alps before enjoying lunch and traveling back through rich farmland and visiting several other attractions
• "Leading Wineries of Hawkes Bay" in Napier, New Zealand, which gives guests a tour through New Zealand's leading wine-producing region, including visits at three wineries
• "Volcano, Lavender, Wine and Cheese Sensation" in Lahaina, which takes guests on an interactive adventure aboard a limo-van that visits Haleakala rater, Ali'I Kula Lavender Garden, Tedeschi Vineyards and Surfing Goat Dairy
• "Pearl Harbor VIP Military Base Tour" in Honolulu, which takes guests to the USS Arizona Memorial, Wheeler Field, the "Pineapple Pentagon," Fort Shaffer, and the Home of the Brave Museum.

Outdoor Adventures Highlight 23 New Tours For Crystal's Fall New England/Canada Season.

A helicopter adventure over the vast landscape of Gros Morne National Park, nine holes at the Fairmont Algonquin Golf Course and a kayaking expedition that ends with a beach site lobster bake, are a few of 26 brand new Crystal Adventures shore excursions offered for Crystal Cruises' 2008 New England and Canada itineraries. More than 100 tours in all, including many new outdoor options, are available with four 10- and 11-day itineraries aboard Crystal Symphony from September 16 through October 29 , 2008.

Sailing between New York and Montréal, the cruises include a maiden call at Corner Brook Newfoundland, and visits to such perennial favorite destinations as Newport; Boston, Bar Harbor, Maine; Saint John, New Brunswick; Halifax, Nova Scotia and Quebec City. A golf-themed itinerary sails from Montréal to New York on September 27, 2008.

"New England's rich history and the region's stunning fall landscape are major attractions for travelers within the U.S. as well as abroad," said John Stoll, director, land programs. "Adding to the itineraries' diversity are French Canada's flair and the traditions of the maritime provinces. Our outdoor and culturally enriching options are designed to engage guests in the region's charm and beauty."

New excursions run the gamut from culturally fascinating to adventurous, including:
America's Cup Sailing Experience in Newport - Aboard your private vessel, the helpful crew show you the workings of these "greyhounds of the seas." Participate in sailing, or if you prefer, sit back and relax, enjoying picturesque Narragansett Bay.
Riding the Reversing Rapids in Saint John - Jet across the churning water, glimpsing powerful, swirling whirlpools and seeing towering waves along the way.
Picture Perfect Newport: A Photographer's Expedition - A professional photographer will offer tips on taking compelling photos of "America's First Resort" with this photography expedition.
Halifax Schooner Cruise: A Swashbuckling Adventure - During your at-sea adventure on a top sail schooner, and replica of the privateer schooners that once sailed from Halifax for fame and fortune, help fire off one of the four black powder canons, hoist the sails or steer the ship.

New England and Canada Crystal Adventures are priced from $40 to $1,784. Cruise fares start at $3,435 per person, double occupancy.

Disney Cruise Line Returns to West Coast for Summer 2008.

The Disney Magic cruise ship has returned to the Port of Los Angeles, making it easier than ever for guests residing in Southern California to experience Disney Cruise Line’s highly popular seven-night cruises to the Mexican Riviera. The ship is on the West Coast for a limited engagement, sailing just 12 cruises this summer, but staterooms are available for select voyages throughout the season. The ship is scheduled to sail back to Port Canaveral, Fla. on August 17, 2008.

Disney Cruise Line developed the special itinerary in response to overwhelmingly positive feedback about its original West Coast sailings in 2005 and requests from guests who wanted to see the ship once again depart from the Port of Los Angeles.

“When we launched our first Disney Cruise Line Mexican Riviera sailings in 2005, the guest reaction to the itinerary was tremendous. We have a significant Disney Cruise Line fan base on the West Coast and we look forward to another summer season sailing from the Port of Los Angeles,” said Disney Cruise Line President Tom McAlpin.   Beginning today, the Disney Magic is scheduled to sail 12 consecutive seven-night cruise vacations from the Port of Los Angeles to the Mexican Riviera ports of Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta.

The 2008 West Coast Itinerary for the Mexican Riviera sailings is as follows:
Departing May 25, June 1, June 8, June 15, June 22, June 29, July 6, July 13, July 20, July 27, Aug. 3, Aug. 10.

• Sunday. . . . . . . . . . . . Port of Los Angeles
• Monday . . . . . . . . . . . At Sea
• Tuesday . . . . . . . . . . . Cabo San Lucas
• Wednesday . . . . . . . . . Mazatlán
• Thursday . . . . . . . . . . Puerto Vallarta
• Friday . . . . . . . . . . . . At Sea
• Saturday . . . . . . . . . . At Sea
• Sunday. . . . . . . . . . . . Port of Los Angeles

Guests will delight in the unspoiled beauty of the Mexican Riviera. Cabo San Lucas will treat guests to a tropical paradise of white sand beaches, crystal-clear blue waters and breathtaking mountain vistas. Mazatlán offers guests a glimpse into Mexico’s rich history and culture, while Puerto Vallarta, with more than 100 miles of scenic coastline, will allow guests to absorb the natural beauty of Mexico.

Disney Cruise Line developed some magical experiences for the ship’s return to the West Coast including brand new shore excursions exclusive to Disney Cruise Line, enhanced entertainment offerings and themed youth activities.
Here is a glimpse at what’s in store:

Waterfall and Hot Springs Tour in Cabo San Lucas
Guests embark in a private vehicle to the East Cape Region in Cabo San Lucas. Once there, they take a short hike to a beautiful waterfall where they can take a dip in the cool waters and marvel at the sandy shores gleaming with gold pyrite. Guests continue to hot mineral springs and melt their cares away with a spa treatment created by Mother Nature.

The Villa at Caletas in Puerto Vallarta
Guests board a private speedboat that whisks them to a secluded oasis only accessible by sea where they have exclusive use of a small villa. Hosts are available to assist in creating a relaxing and enjoyable stay as guests enjoy the snorkeling and kayak activities, take a relaxing snooze in a hammock or laze in a private Jacuzzi.

Entertainment
Even the world famous Disney Characters are getting in the spirit of the Mexican Riviera with lively entertainment enhancements, including:

Minnie’s Fiesta Grande: Minnie is getting ready to say “todos a bailar” with a brand new sail-away celebration as the Disney Magic departs the port of Mazatlán. Guests join Minnie and her pals for Minnie’s Fiesta Grande, a fun filled party celebrating the magic, music and culture of Mexico.

Youth Activities
Children get a taste of Mexican traditions through fun-filled activities aboard the Disney Magic. Here is a glimpse at some of the activities:

Churro For Sure-Oh: Children learn about one of the most famous Mexican desserts – the churro! They can experiment with different toppings and enjoy their own creations!

Piñata Party: Children discover the history of this traditional Mexican pastime creating brightly-colored paper piñatas and stuffing them with an assortment of goodies. A special surprise awaits as children get to break their piñatas at the end of the program.

Significant enhancements have been made to the Disney Magic since its original West Coast sailings in 2005. Today, guests can enjoy poolside movies on a 24-by-14-foot jumbo LED screen, an expanded spa and fitness center exclusively for adults and a new youth activities space designed for children ages 10-14. Rates for the special West Coast cruises start at $1,449 per person.

Princess Cruises Showcases "The Heart of Alaska" with Unique Video Production. Viewers Can Explore "The Great Land" through the Eyes of Diverse Group of Local Residents.

"We are so lucky that we have Alaska ... everything is different here - it is all so unique." This view from Denali National Park Ranger Patrick Gamman is one of 12 Alaska voices featured in "The Heart of Alaska," a dramatic new video produced by Princess Cruises. This production has already received widespread praise from the film and travel communities, and has been honored with acceptance into two film festivals.

Shot exclusively by Princess in high-definition format to showcase the Princess cruisetour experience, "The Heart of Alaska" beautifully depicts the land, wildlife and people of Alaska, with interviews from some of the people who make the state unique, and who tell a compelling story of life in the untamed wilderness of Alaska's interior.

Available exclusively from Princess, the 26-minute film was photographed and directed by Princess Video Editor Scott Martin. Filmed over nine days last summer in Alaska, the production was coordinated by Becky Buxton, manager of Princess Tours in Alaska. The video will be shown on board Princess ships in Alaska and can be purchased on the ships and at Princess' five Alaska wilderness lodges. "The Heart of Alaska" is the first of a series of Princess videos taking a unique look at many of the company's destinations.   "The Heart of Alaska" has been accepted into the First Take Film Festival and the prestigious New York Independent Film & Video Festival, where it will compete this summer in the best documentary category.

"We wanted to create something that really captures the spirit of this extraordinary destination - particularly the diverse people who make the state so unique," said Charlie Ball, president of Princess Tours. "This is a unique production for us - it not only gives our guests a stunning look at so many aspects of this amazing place, it does so in brilliant high definition. We believe that this new view of the Great Land easily outshines the quality of the traditional Alaska travelogue."
The documentary offers a unique introduction to the wonders of the state as it is seen through the eyes of Alaskans. Viewers will meet rangers from both Denali and Wrangell St. Elias National Parks, Alaska natives, homesteaders and dog mushers who share an insiders' perspective of life in the 49th state. Other voices include a bush pilot, a captain from Fairbanks' iconic riverboat and a mountain climber.
The film also brings the audience up close to the wildlife of Denali National Park, including bears, moose, dall sheep, and caribou. Soaring photography takes viewers high above the world's tallest peaks, including 'The Great One,' Mt. McKinley.

"The Heart of Alaska" tells its story through many Alaskan voices, each with a unique perspective on life in the state. Among the observations shared on screen are:

"Being Alaskan to me means being connected to everything around you. My dad had always told me that people live the way the land tells them to - they follow the rhythm of the waters that they're nearest." - Alaska Native Quentin Simeon.
"We have glaciers the size of states - the Malaspina Glacier is the size of Rhode Island" - Wrangell St. Elias National Park Ranger Kelly L. Vandenberg.
"It is quite a humbling place because we quickly realize just how small we are in the scheme of things" - Mountain Climbing Guide Laurent Dick.
"People here do what they do - they don't retire. They have a lifestyle and they live it to their last day" - Homesteader Janel Porterfield.
"They teach me something constantly. No two days are alike when you live with 18 dogs" - Musher John C. Fowler.
"Still today when I see a moose alongside the road, I have to stop and look at it myself as if it's the first one I ever saw" - Wildlife Conservation Center Executive Director Mike Miller.

"The Heart of Alaska" video also includes special features on the Princess cruisetour program, the Alaska Native Heritage Center, Inside Denali, and trailers for the Heart of Alaska.

Recession Proof Your Vacation!
Just as we're all planning summer vacations, airlines are now charging us for bringing our own luggage, gas prices are going out of sight, the dollar is so weak that a trip to Europe seems out of reach, and many are still suggesting that the economy is going to get worse. Over 50 percent of those recently polled by a major travel company, said money is the biggest barrier when it comes to family vacations. Still, we shouldn't give up planning our trips to the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska or wherever you've dreamed of going this year -- as long as we can figure out how to make it work financially.

Many of us may not be planning the "trip of a lifetime", but we are going to take a vacation this summer. Another recent travel survey found that while the economic downturn has caused close to 80% of travelers to change their vacation plans, those surveyed say they still intend to get away this summer. The trick is to figure out how to take that vacation without busting the bank. ''You have to shop carefully,'' suggests Mark Allen, a cruise industry expert with SevenSeasTravel.com. ''One of the most affordable ways to save on your vacation is to take a cruise'' he says.

A cruise vacation typically has something to offer for everyone. With more over 24 different ports around the US, you may save even more by driving rather than flying to the ship. On 3-7 day sailings originating from a US port, you can visit the Bahamas, Mexico, Canada, Alaska, Hawaii , Bermuda and even the Caribbean. Cruise fares even cost less for your children, since third and fourth passengers in a stateroom, can cruise with bigger discounts. Currently, SevenSeasTravel.com is offering a Kids Cruise FREE promotion on 3-4 day Bahamas sailings on NCL beginning in mid July of this year.

If you are considering a 2008 Europe vacation, there isn't a more economical way to go than a cruise this summer, since your transportation, meals, entertainment and lodging are included plus you will be paying in U.S. dollars. Several cruise lines still have great availability for this year and SevenSeasTravel.com is currently offering some European sailings onboard Carnival Cruises for as little as $2,000 for 12 Nights including air from the US. If you want to save even more money, book your cruise on sailings that aren't during the peak season. Typically, cruise fares can be as much as 50% less during the fall and winter months when the demand isn't as high.

For considerably less than $100 a day you can go on a luxury cruise including gourmet food, Broadway type entertainment, pools, a spa and stops in exotic ports of call. So if you are looking for THE great vacation bargain, now is the best time to book a cruise.

CARNIVAL EXPANDS ALASKA SHORE EXCURSIONS WITH A NUMBER OF NEW TOURS FOR EXPLORING THE ‘LAST FRONTIER’.  Adventures include eco-friendly options and a ‘Deadliest Catch’ tour.

Alaska is one of the world’s most beautiful destinations and Carnival Cruise Lines has expanded its shore excursion offerings in the “Last Frontier” with 10 exciting new tours that cater to adventure lovers and history buffs alike.   Carnival’s summer 2008 lineup of new shore excursions includes everything from fascinating historical and cultural tours to glass-blowing demonstrations and a trip on one of the Bering Sea fishing boats from the reality program, “Deadliest Catch.”  

Carnival will offer more than 120 different shore excursion choices in total on its seven-day itineraries aboard the 2,124-passenger Carnival Spirit. Voyages depart northbound from Vancouver or southbound from Whittier/Anchorage, with each itinerary introducing guests to Alaska’s stunning beauty through scenic cruising opportunities.

“Alaska is an incredibly diverse and naturally beautiful region where we can offer a wide variety of excursions that are unique to only that part of the world, “ said Mico Cascais, Carnival’s vice president of tour operations. “Today’s cruisers want more hands-on, eco-friendly shore excursions, and our tour program is continuously evolving to meet the demands of our guests.” Guests have the option of sailing one of three seven-day itineraries: Southbound, Northbound or Glacier Bay. Each itinerary provides incredible views with scenic cruising through the Inside Passage, Lynn Canal, Prince William Sound, College Fjord and Glacier Bay as Carnival Spirit makes its way to Alaska’s most popular port towns including Sitka, Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan.

In Skagway, the Gateway to the Klondike, cruisers can now take part in the new “Golden Glassblowing Experience.” This hands-on outing allows guests to sculpt their own work of art complete with 24-karat gold and have the finished product packed and shipped home as the ultimate souvenir.

Also making a debut this season is the “Takshanuk Mountain Trail by 4x4.” This journey begins with a scenic cruise aboard a high-speed catamaran down North America’s longest and deepest fjord. A four-wheel drive “mule,” or heavy-duty golf cart, continues the journey, taking guests to beautiful waterfalls and crystal clear creeks before reaching sub-alpine meadows, followed by a gourmet lunch and fast-ferry return to the ship. Skagway, located in the upper Lynn Canal, is considered the northernmost point in Southeast Alaska and features wooden sidewalks, old-fashioned saloons and horse-drawn carriages serving as reminders of the Alaska gold rush days. Those seeking a golden treasure can opt for the “Gold Fever Adventure,” which allows guests to pan for gold on an active claim.

Joining Ketichkan’s array of excursions are four new experiences, including the “Bear Creek Zip Line and Challenge Course.” This eco-rainforest adventure begins with an all-terrain vehicle ride, suitable for beginners and experts, and features zip lines, tree platforms, a skywalk, a rainforest swing, rope-bridge and a spruce slide. Those seeking a more relaxing day can explore Revillagigedo Island, which boasts the world’s largest collection of totem poles, or opt for the “Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary, Eagles & Totems,” an eco-exploration with a guided nature hike, bald eagle viewing and interaction with reindeer.

Foodies also are in for a treat with Carnival’s latest culinary offering in Ketchikan - “The Alaskan Chef’s Table, A Cultural Affair.” This culinary tour allows guests to see how local produce is caught and then crafted into a sumptuous Alaskan dinner party. This excursion keeps on giving once guests return home, as they receive a unique keepsake box featuring recipes for the dishes served so they, too, can re-create the fun for friends and family.

Those wanting to get a little more up-close and personal with their Alaskan fare may want to board the Aleutian Ballard for the “Bering Sea Crab Fisherman” experience. The Aleutian Ballard, the king crab fishing vessel made famous by the Discovery Channel’s original series “Deadliest Catch,” invites guests calling at Ketchikan to sail and learn how these boats operate and to hear first-hand accounts of the crews’ Bering Sea exploits. Juneau, America’s largest capital city geographically, also presents an incredible opportunity for cruisers.

Here guests can board their own private custom-built catamaran, complete with captain and naturalist, to explore the region’s ice-carved fjords and rugged coast. This “Wild Coast Exploration by Private Boat” accommodates up to six guests and lets them set a course for watching whales, bears and eagles, or hauling in their own catch of the day.

While calling at Sitka, history enthusiasts who take “Sitka's Cultural & Colonial Russian Tour” will gain an appreciation for the island community. Participants will delve into the region’s history at the Sheldon Jackson museum, the oldest exhibit of Indian and Eskimo artifacts in Alaska; view a former World War II PBY Aircraft Base, and visit St. Michael’s Cathedral — home to priceless religious artwork dating back to the late 15th century.

Back on board, Carnival Spirit’s activities cater to the whole family with relaxing spa experiences or dining options such as the elegant reservations-only Nouveau Supper Club, and children’s programs for three different age groups - Camp Carnival for kids, Circle C for ’tweens and Club O2 for teens.  Carnival Spirit also offers indoor and outdoor promenades, a variety of entertainment options and a diversity of nightclubs, lounges and live music venues. Additionally, 80 percent of the staterooms aboard the Carnival Spirit offer either an ocean view or balcony – ideal for scenic Alaska cruising.

Crystal Cruises Mind, Body & Spirit Voyages Take Holistic Approach to Wellness.

"Wellness, wellness, wellness" is one of the top trends for 2008, reports SpaFinder magazine. In keeping with this global trend, Crystal Cruises is introducing two "Mind, Body & Spirit" cruises this December. Holistic, comprehensive programming incorporates lectures, classes and workshops given by leading experts and instructors from The Cleveland Clinic, Tai Chi Cultural Institute and the line's exclusive Walk on Water program.

The Mind, Body & Spirit focus is set for Crystal Symphony's December 7 South America voyage from Los Angeles to Valparaiso, Chile and Crystal Serenity's December 12 Panama Canal cruise from Caldera, Costa Rica to Miami. "Our guests are active and inquisitive individuals looking to continue their healthy lifestyles while on vacation," says Thomas Mazloum, Crystal's vice president, hotel operations. "The sophisticated programming on the Mind, Body & Spirit cruises allows them to learn about the latest developments in health, fitness and well-being from top experts.

" The guest experts will cover topics from medical treatment and prevention, to spiritual healing and growth through tai chi and yoga, to the physical and mental fulfillment of strenuous exercise. They include:

Crystal Symphony - "South American Sojourn":

• Donald Malone, M.D. - The Cleveland Clinic instructor and staff psychiatrist will speak about wellness in relation to mind, body and spirit;
• John McMichan, M.D. - Mayo Clinic staff physician specializing in Critical Care Medicine, Anesthesiology and Medical Education;
• Dr. Martin Lee and Emily Lee - Dr. Lee, a Stanford University physicist and his wife founded the Tai Chi Cultural Center in 1974, utilizing a pioneering approach to understand Tai Chi, health and the self;
• Debbie Rocker - Founder of Crystal's exclusive Walk on Water program featuring the WALKVEST^® Training System, revolutionizing walking by adding weight resistance;
• Richard Deutsch, - Author of One Best Hike: Yosemite's Half Dome, Deutsch has inhabited every continent, hiking his way through some of the most challenging areas of the world; and
• Cathy L. Greenberg, PhD - Dr. Greenberg delivers time-tested "happiness tips" and is the author What Happy Women Know, What Happy Companies Know; What Happy Parents Know and What Happy Leaders Know.

Crystal Serenity - "Caribbean Jewels":

• Jim Karras, - Author of the bestseller The Business Plan for the Body Karras is also a fitness contributor on ABC's Good Morning America;
• Leslie Cho, M.D. - Director of The Cleveland Clinic's Women's cardiovascular center, Cho specializes in heart disease in women;
• Sandra Shaner - Certified by the Yoga Institute and a Registered Yoga Teacher with the Yoga Alliance, Shaner has been teaching yoga for more than 10 years
• Mollie Epstein - Epstein oversees Crystal's exclusive Walk on Water program featuring The WALKVEST® Training System; and
• Jeff Corbett - Corbett, a member of the Tai Chi Cultural Center will conduct workshops utilizing Dr. Lee and Emily Lee's unique approach to the art.

Shoreside, Crystal is offering several opportunities for guests to expand their healthful horizons with Crystal Adventures shore excursions catering to its wellness-minded guests. A kayaking Eco-Adventure in Cabo San Lucas, a hike through Caldera's tropical rainforest and "power" snorkeling in Grand Turk all challenge the body and mind, while a day's retreat to a tranquil resort and spa in St. Barts soothes the soul.

The Crystal Spa is the first floating spa to implement the principles of Feng Shui (in accordance with another of SpaFinder's top trends, "Feng Shui'd" gyms). The luxury line also recently launched "Tour de Spin," a complimentary indoor cycling program that mirrors stages of the Tour de France. Crystal ships boast 360-degree promenade decks, ideal for walking and jogging, as well as paddle tennis courts. Guests can choose from a bounty of fresh fruit and fish, creative and healthful salads, low-calorie and low-carb meals and trans fat-free dining experiences. Even the cocktail menus include only the freshest fruit purees and juices.

Cruise fares for Crystal Symphony's 15-day South America itinerary begin at $3,450; Crystal Serenity's 12-day Panama Canal voyage begins at $3,550, per person, double occupancy. Call SevenSeas Travel today for more information.

Princess Expands Canal Experience in 2009-10 with Extra Day in Panama. New Two-Day Visit Offers Opportunity to Enjoy Both Full Canal Transit and Time to Explore Region. Canal Leader Now Offers Three Ways to See Modern Marvel of Engineering.

Panama Canal passengers marvel at this dramatic transit through the Canal's locks, but often wish they could also explore the country's natural beauty and culture. To give travelers more time in Panama, Princess Cruises is introducing a new "Two-day Canal Experience" on all 2009-10 Canal transits of 15 days or longer, featuring a second day in port so passengers can enjoy both the engineering wonder of the Canal and further discover the country.

This new double dose of Panama will be offered on 23 sailings on four ships. In addition, Princess will also offer two other favorite itineraries, with a shorter 10-day full-transit option and the convenient 10-day roundtrip voyage from Ft. Lauderdale featuring a partial transit to Gatun Lake - giving passengers three distinct options for visiting the Panama Canal. In total, the season will feature 44 Canal sailings, with calls at 20 ports in 10 countries.

The Two-day Canal Experience will feature the full Canal transit plus a day with the ship at anchor at Fuerte Amador, on the Canal's Pacific side. Passengers can take advantage of this day to enjoy a variety of shore excursion options including the Panama Canal Railway, Panama City, Soberania National Park Rainforest or a visit to an authentic Embera Indian Village. The intimate Royal Princess' 20-day sailing will also introduce a new port for Princess, Puerto Chiapas in Mexico, the gateway to the rich culture of the Mayan region featuring opportunities to explore coffee plantations and architectural landmarks.

"Panama is such a rich country with so much to see, and many passengers don't get the opportunity to experience it because they naturally want to savor the marvel of engineering that is the Panama Canal," said Jan Swartz, Princess senior vice president. "So we're now offering the opportunity to do both - spend one day on the ship as it is lifted and lowered through all three sets of locks, plus have a day in port to venture further into Panama."
Panama Canal Two-Day Experience - Coral Princess and Island Princess will feature 15 sailings on this 15-day Los Angeles/Ft. Lauderdale route, with the two-day Canal experience plus calls at Cabo San Lucas, Acapulco, Huatulco, Costa Rica (Puntarenas), Cartagena, and Aruba. In addition, Island Princess and Sea Princess will offer three similar sailings between San Francisco and Ft. Lauderdale. Royal Princess will offer one 20-day itinerary from Ft. Lauderdale to Seattle, offering the two-day Canal experience, plus calls at Aruba, Costa Rica (Puntarenas), new port Puerto Chiapas, Huatulco, Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas, and San Francisco. Coral Princess and Island Princess also offer longer 17-, 18- and 19-day options, sailing to and from Vancouver. Coral Princess sailings depart between September 21, 2009 and April 21, 2010. Island Princess sailings depart on September 14, 2009 and April 29, 2010; and Sea Princess sailings depart September 25, 2009 and May 7, 2010. Royal Princess sails on April 30, 2010.

Full Transit Sailings - The 10-day Panama Canal Adventurer route between Ft. Lauderdale and Acapulco offers a full Canal transit plus a focus on Central America with visits to Costa Rica (Puntarenas), Nicaragua (San Juan del Sur) and Guatemala (Puerto Quetzal), as well as Ocho Rios and Huatulco. Island Princess offers eight sailings on this route, with departures between December 10, 2009 and March 20, 2010.

Roundtrip Panama Canal - Island Princess will sail on this classic 10-day itinerary from Ft. Lauderdale, which offers a partial Panama Canal transit to Gatun Lake followed by a call in Cristobal, plus calls in the Caribbean ports of Aruba, Cartagena, Limon (Costa Rica), and Ocho Rios. The ship offers 13 departures between October 1, 2009 and April 19, 2010. Panama Canal cruises are available for booking with SevenSeas Travel on May 22, 2008. Escape Fares for 10-day sailings start at $1,199 per person, based on double occupancy. Past Princess passengers are eligible for up to $50 in Captain's Circle Launch Savings on bookings made by December 31, 2008.

NCL Welcomes Return of Norwegian Sky to Miami. Ship to sail three and four-day cruises to the Bahamas beginning mid-July 2008 with introductory kids sail free promotion.

NCL Corporation (NCL) announced today that it will reflag and rename Pride of Aloha and launch the ship as Norwegian Sky, offering three and four-day Bahamas cruises from Miami commencing this summer. The 2,002-passenger ship, built in 1999, will return to the NCL international fleet, and will be outfitted with NCL's Freestyle 2.0 enhancements. It will be the youngest and highest quality ship sailing three and four-day cruises to the Bahamas from Miami beginning July 14, 2008. The new itineraries go on sale today with fares from $229 per person for an inside stateroom and from $329 per person for a balcony stateroom.

To welcome the ship to Miami, NCL is offering a "Kids Sail Free Summer Vacation" promotion for reservations on Norwegian Sky made from May 6, 2008 to May 31, 2008 for sailings taking place July 14, 2008 to September 26, 2008. Children ages six months to 17 are eligible to sail free (government taxes and fees and fuel supplement apply).

"NCL pioneered the first Bahamas cruise from Miami more than 41 years ago and last had a ship in the three and four-day cruise market from Miami in 2003. By reintroducing Norwegian Sky and positioning the ship in Miami sailing short cruises to the Bahamas, we are returning to our roots. At the same time, we are raising the bar by offering a modern Freestyle Cruising ship that features a variety of accommodations, including balconies and suites, a multitude of on-board amenities and a choice of six restaurants," said Colin Veitch, NCL's president and CEO. "In addition, we will outfit Norwegian Sky with the Freestyle 2.0 enhancements currently being introduced across our fleet. This, coupled with the port-intensive itineraries, offers guests seeking a quick getaway an unmatched cruise experience. There is no doubt that NCL's three and four-day Freestyle product on the industry's newest ship offers the highest quality and best value for money in the market."

Norwegian Sky will depart Miami on Mondays sailing four-day Bahamas cruises with full-day stops in Grand Bahama Island, Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL's private island in the Bahamas. On Fridays, the ship will sail a weekend getaway three-day Bahamas itinerary, departing Miami at 5 p.m. with all-day stops in Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay, returning to Miami at 7 a.m. on Monday mornings. These sailings are scheduled through April 17, 2009.

Norwegian Sky will enter a wet dock in Miami during which a casino will be added. In addition, the ship will receive the significant product and hardware upgrades that are part of the company's major fleetwide initiative, Freestyle 2.0. These enhancements include: a major investment in the total dining experience such as all new menus and Lobster Galore; upgrading the stateroom experience; new wide ranging on-board activities for all guests; and additional recognition, service and amenities for balcony and suite guests.

Originally launched in 1999, Norwegian Sky has more than 240 balcony staterooms, a choice of six different restaurants, 10 bars and lounges, multiple entertainment venues, two pools, extensive children's facilities, a sports deck and a variety of spacious public rooms. Norwegian Sky had been reflagged and renamed Pride of Aloha in 2004 and sailed Hawai'i inter-island cruises until May 2008.

Cunard's Queen Victoria Makes Condé Nast Traveler's Annual "Hot List".

Cunard Line's new Queen Victoria has garnered top spots on Condé Nast Traveler's just-released "Hot List," the definitive guide to the most celebrated new hotels, restaurants, spas and nightclubs in the world. Appearing in the May 2008 issue (on newsstands now), the Hot List reflects the magazine's rigorous, undercover evaluation of hundreds of new properties around the globe. Queen Victoria is recognized as one of the "hottest hotels in the world," and the ship's well-appointed Cunard Royal Spa is included among the "hottest spas in the world."

The Condé Nast Traveler Hot List issue, now in its twelfth year, is a must-read compendium of new establishments and features 136 top new hotels categorized by region. Given her distinction as a luxury liner, Queen Victoria is recognized in her own regional category entitled "The World," an appropriate reference given she has just completed her Maiden World Cruise.

"We are truly honoured to be recognized among this elite list of new establishments," said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line. "To think that after nearly 170 years the Cunard brand continues to offer a luxury travel product that appeals to a contemporary audience is both inspiring and monumental. We hope to welcome the readers of Condé Nast Traveler onboard Queen Victoria soon," added Marlow.

In singling out Queen Victoria, the magazine's editors noted, "she is a grand ship that harks back to the romantic era of cruising, and its sober yet elegant design...is a welcome departure from the brash interiors that blight modern fleets." Nostalgic onboard experiences such as white-gloved afternoon tea and entertainment innovations including a two-story library, fencing lessons and private theatre boxes "straight out of London's West End" earned the ship its inclusion on the coveted list.

The Cunard Royal Spa was named among 76 of the hottest new spas in the world. The magazine noted its "impressive stats," including 13 treatment rooms on two decks, a hydrotherapy pool, three steam & sauna rooms and a wide-ranging menu of both ancient and contemporary treatments.

Food, Wine and Celebrities Cruise Features Barbara Walters, Marvin Hamlisch. The cruise also includes appearances by world-renowned guest chef Gualtiero Marchesi and Master Sommelier Robert Bath. The 12-Day Wine, Food & Celebrities cruise sails July 31, 2008.

The date has been set for a luxury sailing experience featuring popular television personality Barbara Walters and award-winning composer and famed conductor Marvin Hamlisch, SevenSeasTravel.com announced today.  The exclusive Food, Wine & Celebrities luxury sailing also features world-renowned guest chef Gualtiero Marchesi and Master Sommelier Robert Bath. Passengers will be able sample fresh oysters from the famed Ston oyster beds in Dubrovnik, enjoy private cooking instruction in the South of France, and savor from 14 carefully crafted culinary excursions during the Wine and Food Festival sailing this summer on the five-star Crystal Serenity.

The Mediterranean voyage sails through the region known for bountiful delicacies. Highlighting the onboard experience with cooking demonstrations and a special chef’s dinner is world-renowned Italian chef Gualtiero Marchesi, the first chef in Italy to be awarded three coveted Michelin Stars. Master Sommelier Robert Bath and wine educator Philip di Belardino will also be aboard for exclusive wine tasting and wine education seminars.

In addition to the exclusive culinary experiences offered on this sailing, Barbara Walters will be the featured celebrity guest speaker while Marvin Hamlisch is slated to be the celebrity entertainer. This luxury Crystal cruise travels from Monte Carlo to Venice, stopping in seven of the nine ports along the way for farmhouse visits in the Roman and Tuscan countryside, tapas tours and lessons in traditional Spanish cooking in Barcelona, and other special wine and food-themed excursions that allow guests to immerse themselves in the rich flavors and the culinary heritage specific to the region.

“This 12-day Mediterranean itinerary provides a unique opportunity for world-class culinary experiences that focus on authentic cuisine and local Mediterranean delicacies,” says cruise expert Mark Allen, of SevenSeasTravel.com. “This Wine and Food Festival sailing aboard the luxurious Crystal Serenity offers a real treat for all culinary enthusiasts.” Wine tasting in four countries and multi-course meals in spectacular settings such as the Isle of Capri and Dubrovnik’s ancient sea port round out a list of culinary shore tours and excursions including:

• Exploring the underground Codorniu Cava Cellars and visiting Montserrat and its famous Benedictine monastery.
• Travel to the Tuscan village of Monte Carlo to taste their local wines, cheeses and extra-virgin olive oils.
• Participate in a cooking class at a scenic country farm and prepare traditional Roman dishes including fresh fettuccini.
• Visit a farmhouse to see how mozzarella and Limoncello are made and lunch at a deluxe Relais hotel.
• Sample Croatia's world-famous Ston oysters.
• Sample Umbrian wines in Orvieto’s regional wine house in the underground passages of a former convent.
• Prepare and sample Italian cuisine during a hands-on cooking lesson in Florence.

The luxury sailing begins with a shipboard overnight in Monte Carlo plus the following ports of call: Marseille, France; Barcelona, Spain; Florence/Livorno, Rome/Civitavecchia, and Sorrento, Italy; Corfu, Greece; and Dubrovnik, Croatia before concluding in Venice.

SevenSeasTravel.com offers the exclusive 12-day Food, Wine & Celebrities sailing July 31, 2008, aboard the Crystal Serenity from $4,995 per person including the cruise, prepaid gratuities and $250 shipboard credit.

Cunard Line Celebrates 170th year with New Ports and New Itineraries for Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria's 2009 Schedule. Convenient New York Departures, More Transatlantic Crossings and 11 New Queen Victoria Itineraries are among the Highlights.

Following simultaneous World Cruises in early 2009, Cunard Line's flagship Queen Mary 2 and the new Queen Victoria will celebrate Cunard's 170th year in service by embarking on a series of more than 60 departures calling on over 75 ports in 34 countries. Highlights of the 2009 schedule include additional Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Crossings (including options to extend or embark a Crossing via Boston) and 11 new Queen Victoria itineraries featuring 18 maiden calls.

"Among the most discerning travelers, Cunard Line holds a special place," says Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line. "It is, without question, the line-of-choice for those who seek a singular blend of elegance and grandeur coupled with a most distinctive history and lineage. Whether they are attracted to the line's collection of intriguing itineraries, unparalleled onboard enrichment programme, legendary White Star Service or exceptional cuisine that rivals anything on land, our guests know they will be rewarded with one of life's most extraordinary travel experiences."

Queen Mary 2 Highlights:
Continuing her reign as the world's grandest ocean liner, Queen Mary 2 will continue to be the line of choice for those travelers who seek the pinnacle in gracious ocean travel and elegant shipboard style. 2009 marks her fifth year of service with a record number of New York departures as well as an extended Transatlantic season with 6-, 8- and 9-day Crossings. In total, she will sail 25 Transatlantic Crossings, including classic six-day voyages between Southampton and New York, two eight-day voyages between Hamburg and New York, one eight-day voyage from Boston via New York to Southampton and one nine-day Crossing from Southampton via New York to Halifax and Boston. Transatlantic fares start from $1,195.

In commemoration of her fifth year in service, Queen Mary 2 will sail her maiden tour of the British Isles with an eight-day Around the British Isles itinerary that will include first-time calls to Liverpool, Glasgow and Cork. Fares for the British Isles voyage start from $1,795.
In addition to the British Isles voyage, Queen Mary 2's 2009 schedule is also highlighted by her extended European season with voyages in Northern and Southern Europe:
* Voyage of the Vikings, a seven-day roundtrip voyage departing from Southampton on June 6 with calls to Stavanger, Flaam, Hellesylt, Geiranger and Bergen.
* Northern Splendours, an eight-day roundtrip voyage departing from Hamburg on August 7 with calls to Oslo, Stavanger, Bergen, Hellesylt, Geiranger, and Alesund.
* Mediterranean Delights, an 11-day roundtrip voyage departing from Southampton on May 14 with calls to Lisbon, Gibraltar, Rome (Civitavecchia), Monte Carlo and Barcelona.
* Mediterranean Highlights, a 12-day roundtrip voyage departing from Southampton on September 14 with calls to Lisbon, Gibraltar, Rome, Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Monte Carlo and Barcelona. Fares for these voyages start from $1,695*pp.

Guests who wish to skip air travel and luxuriate in an all-at-sea travel experience by sailing roundtrip to Europe from New York, can do so with Cunard's Grand Voyages of 20-24 days. These are available for each of the above itineraries by adding a legendary Transatlantic Crossing to the beginning and end of a voyage, affording guests an extended and more relaxing journey of a lifetime. Fares start from $4,085.

In the fall, Queen Mary 2 returns to the Americas, once again taking in the vivid autumn colours of New England and Canada on two seven-day Splendours of Autumn voyages, scheduled October 2 and October 29. Stops include the quintessential New England and Canadian ports of Boston, MA; Portland, ME; Newport, RI; Halifax, Nova Scotia and St. John, New Brunswick. In addition, the ship will offer two Holiday Getaway voyages coinciding with long holiday weekends: the five-day July 1 Fourth of July Getaway with calls in Halifax and Boston, and the four-day September 4 Labor Day Getaway calling on St. John, New Brunswick. Fares start from $895*pp.

In November and December, Queen Mary 2 will once again sail her fall Caribbean season from New York, and is set to visit many popular sun-drenched ports on four voyages of ten- to 15-days from New York:
* Connoisseur's Caribbean, two 10-day roundtrip voyages departing from New York on November 30 and December 10 with calls to St. Maarten, Barbados, Grenada, St. Lucia and St. Thomas.
* Caribbean Delights, a 13-day roundtrip voyage departing from New York on November 17 with calls to Cristobal, Curaçao, Grenada, Barbados, St. Kitts and Tortola.
* Caribbean Celebration, a 15-day roundtrip voyage departing from New York on December 20 with calls to Grand Turk, Tortola, Curaçao, Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia, Dominica, St. Kitts and St. Thomas. Fares start from $1,645*pp.

Queen Victoria Highlights:
Kicking off her second year at sea, Queen Victoria will offer a wide range of voyages from her home port of Southampton. Her 2009 schedule features 11 new itineraries with 18 maiden calls, including Kristiansand, Norway; Gothenburg, Sweden; Alghero on the Italian Island of Sardinia, and Cephalonia, Greece. Queen Victoria will sail the sunny Mediterranean on eight voyages of 12- to 16-days. They include:

* Mediterranean Medley, two 12-day roundtrip voyages departing from Southampton on April 20 and August 17 with calls to Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Rome (Civitavecchia), Sardinia (Alghero), Mallorca (Palma) and Gibraltar.
* Mediterranean Mosaic, a 12-day roundtrip voyage departing from Southampton on October 26 with calls to Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Rome, Corsica, Mallorca and Gibraltar.
* Mediterranean Explorer, a 13-day roundtrip voyage departing from Southampton on June 10 with calls to Barcelona, Cannes, Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Rome, Sardinia, Mallorca and Gibraltar.
* Mediterranean Treasures, two 14-day roundtrip voyages departing from Southampton on May 6 and July 20 with calls to Vigo (for Santiago de Compostela), Lisbon, Palma, Barcelona, Cannes, Rome, Corsica (Ajaccio) and Gibraltar.
* Mediterranean Adventure, a 16-day roundtrip voyage departing from Southampton on September 2 with calls to Malaga (for Grenada), Cephalonia, Dubrovnik, Venice, Split, Corfu and Gibraltar.
* Wonders of the Mediterranean, a 16-day roundtrip voyage departing from Southampton on November 7 with calls to Malaga, Palermo (Sicily), Dubrovnik, Venice, Split, Corfu and Gibraltar. Fares for these Mediterranean voyages start from $2,395*pp.

In addition, Queen Victoria will sail the picturesque Canaries and the Atlantic Coast on three separate itineraries, including a 16-day holiday season voyage, A Festive Celebration, which sails roundtrip from Southampton on December 19 which calls on La Coruna (for Santiago de Compostela), Lisbon, Seville (Cadiz), Gibraltar, Lanazarote, Grand Canaria (Las Palmas), Tenerife (Santa Cruz de Tenerife), La Palma and Madeira (Funchal). Shorter Canary Islands itineraries include the 10-day Iberian Serenade sailing roundtrip from Southampton on October 12 with calls to Vigo, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, La Palma and Madeira, and the 12-day Canary Island Explorer, departing roundtrip from Southampton on November 23 with calls to Madeira, La Palma, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Lisbon and Vigo. Fares for these voyages start from $1,895*pp.

In July, she will make her maiden voyage to Iceland, visiting nine ports including Akureyri, home of the northernmost golf course in the world, and Reykjavik, the northernmost capital city in the world, on the 13-day Geysers & Glaciers itinerary roundtrip from Southampton. Other port calls include Grundarfjordur, Alesund, Hellesylt, Geiranger, Flaam/Sognefjord, Stavanger and Bergen. Fares start from $3,295.

Other voyages in the Northern Europe region include:
* Norwegian Wonders, a seven-day roundtrip voyage departing from Southampton on May 20 with calls to Stavanger, Hellesylt, Geiranger, Alesund and Bergen.
* Winter Wonderland, a ten-day roundtrip voyage with overnight stays in both Hamburg and Copenhagen, departing from Southampton on December 9 with additional calls to Stavanger, Oslo and Brussels/Bruges (Zeebrugge).
* Baltic Splendours, two 14-day roundtrip voyages departing from Southampton on May 27 and August 3 with calls to Brussels/Bruges, Bremerhaven, Kristiansand, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, St. Petersburg (overnight), Tallinn and Gottenburg.
* Land of the Midnight Sun, a 14-day roundtrip voyage departing from Southampton on June 23 with calls to Stavanger, Hellesylt, Geiranger, Honningsvag, North Cape, Ny Alesund (Spitsbergen), Tromso, Andalsnes and Bergen. Fares for these voyages start from $1,695*pp.

Queen Victoria will also offer a set of four Gallic Getaway voyages sailing roundtrip from Southampton with stops in such classic ports as Cherbourg (for Normandy), Rotterdam (for Amsterdam) and Brussels/Bruges. The four-day voyages are scheduled for May 2, August 29, October 22 and December 5. Fares start from $995*pp.

Queen Victoria will make her maiden voyage to New England and Canada in 2009. Her 24-day Autumn Colours voyage stops in such historic seaports as Boston, MA; Newport, RI, Quebec City and Halifax, Nova Scotia, the birthplace of Sir Samuel Cunard. Fares start from $5,295*pp.