HAL $200 Million Enhancements

As part of its ongoing Signature of Excellence, Holland America Line is doubling the amount to be spent in upgrades, enhancements and new features on five of the line’s most popular ships. Over the next two years, the ms Statendam, ms Ryndam, ms Maasdam, ms Veendam and ms Rotterdam will undergo extensive dry docks to create new venues, new staterooms, new décor and more. The 18-month, $200 million program will begin when Veendam enters an extended dock in spring 2009, and the last ship is slated for completion in late 2010.

The investment in this new series of enhancements will include a new resort pool concept, innovative lanai staterooms, new entertainment and enrichment options, all new stateroom décor and more. Holland America Line’s commitment to enhancing its premium fleet now exceeds $525 million.

Signature of Excellence features and amenities are evident in every aspect of the Holland America Line cruise experience, offering guests more luxurious accommodations, more enticing destinations, enhanced dining experiences, more creative activities and even higher levels of service.

Previously, during the first phase of Signature of Excellence, these five ships were enhanced with the Explorations Café, Culinary Arts Center, expanded Club HAL youth facilities and more. This next installment reinforces Holland America Line’s commitment to its popular mid-sized ships. The enhancements will add more verandah staterooms, introduce a new category of stateroom, expand the Lido Deck’s pool feature with The Retreat, create a showroom at sea and upgrade staterooms, bathrooms and fixtures.

“Holland America Line has long been the leader in the premium cruise segment,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president of sales, marketing and guest services. “This significant and continued investment reaffirms our commitment to our fleet of mid-sized ships and our ongoing leadership in the premium category by continually raising the bar in terms of products and services.

“In an era where cruise lines are building ships to carry more than 5,000 passengers, Holland America Line remains focused on mid-sized vessels,” said Meadows. “These enhancements will blend the latest innovations for premium travel into our ships, creating a deluxe experience that is unparalleled.”

The most dramatic alteration will be to the aft portion of the ships, allowing for a new resort-style pool area on Lido deck called The Retreat with a shallow area where guests may lounge in chairs and dip their fingers and toes in the water or relax on the bench and dangle their legs in the refreshing water. A new pool bar and an upscale pizzeria called Slice will be installed, as well as a canopy and wind screens to provide additional covered seating for the Lido Restaurant.

All staterooms will receive new décor, carpeting and soft goods. Each ship also will have an additional 44 to 46 staterooms, 32 with verandahs and the remaining will be inside staterooms. On the four S-class ships, twelve staterooms near the spa (on Deck 9) also will have verandahs added, and along with three inside staterooms, become ’spa staterooms’ featuring a variety of enhanced spa amenities. On the Rotterdam, 23 staterooms on Verandah deck will become spa staterooms. On the five ships, forty-six new lanai staterooms will be created by replacing existing windows of 42 staterooms (on Lower Promenade Deck 6) with lanai doors that open directly onto the walk-around promenade, and adding four additional staterooms.

The program also involves enhancements to several of the public rooms. A Merabella luxury jewelry shop will be added. The Casino and Piano bars will be reconfigured into a multi-themed area called Mix with three separate bars - Martinis, Champagne and Spirits & Ales. Next door, the high-energy casino will be redesigned highlighting the always trendy table and slot games. The main show space will be transformed into the Showroom at Sea with the ambiance of a glamorous nightclub. The ever-popular Ocean Bar will be refurbished and carpets will be replaced in most public areas. The new Sky Room on Sports Deck will feature the latest in multi-generational video games and high-tech entertainment.

Entertainment and enrichment, or “edutainment,” is taking on a new, contemporary look and feel across the fleet. A new Explorations Team employs cruise staff, each specializing in a particular area, to educate and entertain guests with an expanded menu of activities including flower arranging, hands-on cooking, dancing and working with digital photos, blogs and movies. Each team consists of a party planner, a travel guide, dance directors and a “techspert.” On longer cruises, a book club leader joins the team to lead lively group discussions.

Renowned for service levels provided by its award-winning staff, the program will also include significant crew area enhancements including a new fitness facility, internet centers, staterooms and recreational areas.

The industry-leading Signature of Excellence initiative announced nearly five years ago in November 2003 has evolved into an ongoing and comprehensive review of every aspect of the Holland America Line experience. Signature of Excellence is Holland America Line’s brand promise and continues to bring innovation and relevance to guests.

Signature of Excellence: By the Numbers
Statistics on Signature of Excellence to date include:

More than 2,000 people (including Holland America Line staff, shipyard workers, contractors and ship personnel) have tested and retested hundreds of items to ensure quality, coordinated delivery schedules and complex installations.
10 million hours worked in dry-dock.
1.2 million pounds of steel installed on the ships.
695,743 luxury items added to staterooms, from Mariner’s Dream beds and bathrobes to make-up mirrors and new blow dryers.
49,372 pieces of electronic equipment, from televisions to CD players, DVD players to computers, installed on the 13 ships.
27,000 book titles added to Explorations Cafés. At one book a week, it would take more than 500 years to read them all.
If you stacked all the new Euro-Top plush mattresses, they would reach 21,089 feet high - almost 770 feet higher than the summit of Alaska’s Mt. McKinley.
254 nautical miles of electrical cable installed on the ships - enough to reach from Ft. Lauderdale to just off shore of Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line’s private Caribbean island.
170 new ways to explore destinations on the Medallion, Signature, World Wonder and Encore Collection shore excursions.
60 nationalities represented by people working in the shipyards - a virtual United Nations.

Official Press Release (Abridged) Holland America Line dated 30th August 2008.

Signature of Excellence $525million

New Enhancements

• Creation of a resort-styled aft pool concept called The Retreat.
• Mix, a new bar concept with three separate bars - Martinis, Champagne and Spirits & Ales’as well as a piano.
• Creation of electronic game room on Sports Deck.
• Showroom at Sea - a glamorous nightclub.
• Merabella luxury goods boutique added.
• Ocean Bar refurbished.
• Stateroom upgrades including carpets, soft goods, bathroom enhancements and more.
• Aft end of ship lengthened to accommodate the addition of 32 verandah staterooms, and a varying number of inside staterooms.
• Addition of bar and Slice pizzeria to aft of Lido Deck 11.
• Addition of canopy and windscreens to create additional covered seating for Lido Restaurant.
• Creation of 46 Lanai category staterooms on Deck 6 with dedicated teak lounge chairs.
• Addition of verandahs to 12 staterooms on Deck 9 forward (already exist on Rotterdam).
• Creation of 15 new Spa Staterooms (23 on Rotterdam).

Dry Dock Timeline & Sailing Schedule

• Veendam: March 29-April 27, 2009 First Cruise: 20-day Panama Canal from Tampa to Vancouver, April 27, 2009
• Rotterdam: Nov. 18-Dec. 16, 2009 First Cruise: 19-day Panama Canal holiday sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, December 16, 2009
• Ryndam: Jan. 16-Feb. 13, 2010
  First Cruise: TBD
• Statendam: March 26-April 23, 2010
  First Cruise: TBD
• Maasdam: Late 2010
  First Cruise: TBD

Official Press Release (Abridged) Holland America Line dated 30th August 2008.

Enhanced Mediterranean Service

Grand Alliance has announced that they are to enhance their service between the Mediterranean and Asia. They will be adding Valencia as a port of call so that they can cater for customers needs.

The new service will begin in the second full week of August 2008 and will call at a variety of ports in the following order: Busan, Shanghai, Ningbo, Shekou, Hong Kong, Singapore, Port Klang, Jeddah, Damietta, Genoa, Fos, Barcelona, Valencia, Damietta, Singapore, Hong Kong, Busan.

The Grand Alliance was formed in 1998 and is a consortium in global container shipping. Hapag-Lloyd is a member of this consortium.

Pacific Sun Refurbishment

Brisbane is about to receive a significant economic boost, with P&O Cruises’ Pacific Sun heading to the local Forgacs Cairncross Dockyard in Morningside for scheduled maintenance work and a major refurbishment this weekend.

The 47,000-tonne liner will go into the dry dock late on Saturday (Aug 30) for a 12-day overhaul, and will sail on her next South Pacific cruise on Saturday September 13.

The multi-million dollar dry dock project will involve around 280 tradesmen employed by Forgacs Engineering as well as more than as well as more than 200 P&O Cruises’ contractors, who will work on the internal refurbishment.

The Forgacs’ team will work in shifts around the clock to complete the project, which the company estimates will take about 25,000 hours, encompassing machinery and equipment overhauls as well as piping and electrical work. Painters will also be kept busy, with more than 10,000 litres of paint set to be applied to Pacific Sun as her livery is transformed to a classic all-white look.

Meanwhile, P&O Cruises is using the dry dock as an opportunity to change some interior sections of the ship, with the refurbishment to include the addition of a stunning new adults-only Oasis spa retreat and an ocean-view gym.

Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia which operates P&O Cruises, said the dry dock would make a significant contribution to the Queensland economy in terms of expenditure on labour and materials.

“Earlier this year Access Economics estimated that expenditure when cruise ships are in port is worth $164 million a year to Queensland and $734 million nationally,” Ms Sherry said.

“This dry dock work is above and beyond that estimate and further underlines the value of our industry to Queensland.”

Forgacs Engineering Global Sales Director George Windram said the company had worked hard to develop its cruise ship business since 2000, with the sector growing to represent 20 per cent of its turnover during that time.

“With the expansion of the Australian cruise industry over the past few years we’ve seen a real opportunity to increase our business, so we’ve invested in the necessary training.

“We’ve also learnt to work alongside cruise companies and accommodate their refurbishment crews while we work on the maintenance side of things, which is very important for the cruise sector.”

Official Press Release P&O Cruises Australia dated 29th August 2008.

2009 Europe Cruises Preview

Amalfi, St. Tropez, Mykonos, Mallorca, Monte Carlo and Santorini, just their names alone evoke romantic images of the picture-perfect summer holiday. In 2009, Orient Lines will visit all of them in addition to a host of new ports in the Baltic, Black Sea, British Lake District, Croatia, North Cape and Northern Europe.

Cruise vacations from 11 to 37 days are priced from $2,399 per person, double occupancy, including free air from selected North American gateway cities. New for 2009, the line will enhance each itinerary with a free shore excursion in selected ports.

Highlights for 2009 include cruise-tours which begin or end with an included hotel stay in Berlin, plus calls at the lesser-known ports of Szczecin, Poland; Villagarcia and Bilbao, Spain; Bordeaux and Hornfleur, France; Murmansk, Russia; Sarande, Albania; and Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria, England.

The destination cruise specialists at Orient Lines have carefully planned each new itinerary to include overnight stays on board ship in selected ports. With two full days, guests have time to see the pyramids from Port Said, shop for bargains in Istanbul and Lisbon, explore the classical treasures of Rome and Athens, or visit St. Petersburg and Copenhagen.

Orient Lines’ new 650-guest Marco Polo II is larger in size yet carries nearly 200 fewer guests than the brand’s former flagship. “At nearly 25,000 tons, Marco Polo II is the perfect size for cruising in Europe,” said Wayne Heller, the line’s president and CEO. “She’s large enough to offer every four-star comfort, yet small enough to enter the snug harbors and intimate coves where mega-liners cannot go.”

Aboard Marco Polo II guests enjoy the intimacy and charm of a European boutique hotel while offering the comforts of a modern cruise liner. The vessel has 325 staterooms, complete with such amenities as en suite mini-bar, color TV, personal safe/safe drawer and built-in hair dryer. Suites also feature sitting areas, twin sinks, bidets and terry cloth bathrobes.

Public rooms include a single-seating main dining room, as well as a French and Italian brasserie; grill room serving prime meats, chicken and seafood; and Lido deck buffet serving regional specialties. The vessel also has several bars and lounges, cinema, casino, Internet center, library, card room, duty-free boutiques, outdoor and indoor pools, spa and modern gymnasium. Enrichment lecturers and gentlemen social hosts are also on board to enhance each voyage.

The ship’s deck officers are European, the social staff American and British, and the hotel staff – perhaps the line’s greatest asset – are Filipino.

Official Press Release Orient Lines dated 27th August 2008.

Prince Albert in New York

Fresh from a summer of explorations in the Arctic, Silversea Cruises’ new luxury expedition ship, Prince Albert II, arrived in New York City on Monday, August 25.  While docked at the New York Cruise Terminal, she is hosting three days of gala receptions for members of Silversea’s Venetian Society loyalty club, travel agents, media, New York dignitaries and other special guests.

A high point of the inaugural festivities was an elegant dinner yesterday evening in the ship’s restaurant attended by Monaco’s Consul General, Hon. Mrs. Maguy Maccario-Doyle; Mr. Joseph Kaiha, French Polynesia’s minister of culture; Mrs. Hinano Bagnis, special envoy of French Polynesian President Mr. Gaston Tong Sang; Silversea’s chairman, Manfredi Lefebvre; and Amerigo Perasso, president and CEO of Silversea, to mention a few notables.  Highlighting the evening was entertainment provided by a colorful and lively troupe of Tahitian dancers performing traditional dances of Polynesia.

In his remarks during the events, Lefebvre noted, “It’s a great honor to be here in New York to introduce our new expedition ship to the American market.  We’re very pleased to welcome aboard many of our loyal guests, travel agent partners, and members of the press to take part in the festivities while the Prince Albert II is here in port. Your interest and support is very much appreciated.”

Perasso commented, “We’re delighted that our unique concept of luxury expedition cruises has been so well received by the public.  In fact, most of the voyages during our first season in Antarctica have already sold out.  This is a testament to the increasing interest in exploring our planet’s most remote regions — and having the option to enjoy such adventures from a base of comfort and luxury.” 

Later today the Prince Albert II sets sail along the eastern coast of the U.S. to continue a special inaugural series of voyages spanning from Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles before the ship ultimately repositions to South America and Antarctica for autumn and winter expeditions.

The Prince Albert II will be deployed in Papeete from mid-March to late October 2009, offering expedition cruises to the less-traveled regions of Polynesia ranging from the southernmost Austral Islands to the sprawling Tuamotu Archipelago and the northernmost Marquesas Islands.  For the balance of 2009, the 132-guest luxury expedition ship will offer a series of Antarctic explorations with convenient roundtrip departures from Ushuaia.

The Prince Albert II offers full-scale exploring from an ultra-luxury base at sea, in true Silversea style.  With the largest average size accommodations of any expedition ship, guests enjoy spacious, ocean-view accommodations (many with French balconies or large private verandas), sumptuous gourmet cuisine, warm hospitality and personalized service (with a crew-to-guest ratio of nearly 1 to 1), and Silversea’s generous selection of all-inclusive shipboard amenities, including complimentary beverages, bottled water, wines and spirits served throughout the ship, 24-hour room service, stocked in-suite beverage cabinet and all gratuities.  Plus, complimentary Butler Service is provided in the Grand and Owner’s Suites.

Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the luxury segment, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard four intimate vessels, Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, and Silver Whisper, all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance.  With the addition of the regal expedition ship Prince Albert II, the company’s itineraries encompass all seven continents.

In the U.S., Silversea has been voted “World’s Best” by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler (nine times) and Travel + Leisure (seven times), and rated Number-One luxury cruise line by high-net-worth consumers in the 2008 Luxury Brand Status Index (LBSI).  International awards include “World’s Leading Luxury Cruise Line” from World Travel Awards (2007); “Five Star Diamond Award” from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences (2007); “Number One” small-ship line in the Readers’ Choice” survey conducted by Britain’s Condé Nast Traveller magazine (2007); “Best Luxury Cruise Line” by Spain’s Cruceros & Destinos magazine (2008); “Best Small Cruise Line” by Australia’s Luxury Travel Magazine (2007); and “Best Luxury Cruise Operator” according to Asia’s Travel Weekly (2008).

Official Press Release Silversea Cruises dated 27th August 2008.

Thomsons Strictly Come Dancing

After the success of last year’s ‘Destiny Dance Fever’ on the Thomson Destiny, Thomson Cruises has once again joined forces with Strictly Come Dancing champions, Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova, for ‘Darren and Lilia’s Get Up & Dance’ onboard the Thomson Celebration.

From the Caribbean to the Crimea, Thomson Cruises, the second largest cruise company in the UK, will sail to more than 100 ports of call with over 30 itineraries in 2009. In January and February of next year, the Thomson Celebration seven night Colourful Coasts itinerary will take on a distinctly Latin theme, and be the stage for a series of dance classes covering salsa, jive, rumba and the cha-cha-cha. With prices starting at £599 per person, Thomson is encouraging everyone to have a go, from complete novices to those with a bit more experience.

There is a chance to get competitive at the end of each cruise as the week will end with a ‘dance-off’, with ‘heat’ winners qualifying for a Grand Final set to be held in April. Prices start at just £779 per person for the final, but heat winners will enjoy a complimentary trip courtesy of Thomson Cruises. The Grand Final will be hosted by Darren and Lilia, the former British champions of Latin dance, who will be on the ship for the whole week of the cruise. During their week on board, Darren and Lilia will perform during a masterclass; they’ll also hold open classes as well as taking part in a Q&A session. Tips and personal coaching sessions will be available to the finalists; which everyone on board is welcome to come and watch.

“Dancing has always been a great source of entertainment for our guests, even before dance shows became hugely popular on TV,” commented David Selby, Director of Thomson Cruises, Europe’s No 1 Cruise and Stay company. “We’re sure that ‘Darren and Lilia’s Get Up & Dance’ will entice many potential performers to get up – and dance! - on Thomson Cruises in 2009.”

For further information on ‘Darren and Lilia’s Get Up & Dance’, visit: http://www.thomson.co.uk/cruise/getupanddance or call 0871 231 3240.

(Abridged) Official Press Release Thomson Cruises dated 26th August 2008.

Princess Rewards Loyal Passengers

Widely recognized as one of the top passenger loyalty programs in the cruise industry, the Princess Captain’s Circle is adding even more benefits for Platinum and Elite members. Frequent cruisers can now use their free Internet packages to access the ships’ wireless Internet networks, they’ll receive a complimentary upgrade to Platinum-level coverage when purchasing the new Princess Vacation Protection plan, and they have an exclusive new phone number to reach the “Circle Desk.”

The new Platinum- and Elite-level benefits, for passengers having taken at least six and 16 cruises, respectively, include:

Wireless Internet Access — Members can now choose to use their free Internet package minutes on their personal laptops in wireless hot spots, or in the Internet Cafes. This generous benefit rewards guests with a credit of $75 to $400 per person towards Internet use, depending on cruise length. Wireless connections are currently available on all ships in various locations, and this new member benefit will be available fleetwide by winter 2008.

Exclusive Phone Number — Members will have their calls directly routed to the Circle Desk through an exclusive phone number expressly for the line’s most loyal cruisers. Calls to the new number will be quickly referred to a membership representative so passengers can easily check on their cruise history, member status and benefits.

Princess Vacation Protection Upgrade — Beginning with summer 2009 voyages, the line is introducing a new Princess Vacation Protection program that replaces Princess Travel Care and features additional benefits. For North American Platinum and Elite Circle members, Princess will provide a complimentary upgrade to the higher level Princess Platinum Vacation Protection, offering members more coverage than ever before including a 100 percent “cancel for any reason” benefit.

The Princess Captain’s Circle offers an extensive array of loyalty benefits. Among the many other perks available to repeat cruisers are exclusive Launch Savings discounts for early booking, a free mini-bar set up, free laundry services, priority tender embarkation, complimentary wine tasting, a boutiques discount, preferred embarkation and disembarkation, a Referral Rewards program and last-minute sailing opportunities.

For more information about the Princess Captain’s Circle, visit the Circle Center here, and click on “Member Benefits.”

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company’s website at www.princess.com.

Official Press Release Princess Cruises dated 26th August 2008.

Princess Gets Fit

Staying fit on a cruise has never been easier or more fun, as Princess Cruises introduces new ways for passengers to stay active on their vacation — including the industry’s first in-room fitness program, fun yoga classes for kids and teens, and a new array of Lotus Spa classes featuring the three vital components of balanced health.

Designed for cruisers of all ages and activity levels, these innovative fitness choices will help passengers get moving in the privacy of their own staterooms with Fitness@Sea hosted by celebrity trainer Gillian Clark; strike a pose in an interactive yoga class for junior cruisers; or test their mettle with a “Tour de France” spin class as part of the line’s new Core.Balance.Strength. program.

“We know that many of our passengers are interested in maintaining their exercise programs while on their cruise, and still others like to try new things to stay in shape,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises senior vice president. “Our new fitness programs are a great way to do both.”

Fitness@Sea
Led by celebrity fitness trainer and bestselling fitness DVD host Gillian Clark, passengers can participate in a series of Fitness@Sea classes in the comfort of their own staterooms to challenge their minds and bodies. Produced as an industry first for Princess, the classes are designed as a way for passengers to comfortably start off their day with beneficial exercise. Clark leads nine different classes shown exclusively on the line’s Wellness Channel, including:

• Core strengthening
• Flexibility
• Arm and leg strengthening
• Big muscle groups and an overall body workout
• Cardio training
• Stretching
• The mind/body connection
• Breathing to enhance your workout
• Back strengthening

Fitness@Sea debuts fleetwide this month. On ships with Movies Under the Stars, morning sessions are offered on the signature 300-square-foot-screens for those passengers who want to enjoy the open air on deck and work out in a group setting.

Yoga for Kids and Teens
In another industry first, Princess will introduce yoga to kids and teens in a fun and imaginative way, while promoting exercise in a positive environment. With the worldwide popularity and widely known benefits of yoga, Princess brings this mind and body exercise to kids and teens ages 3-17.

The program promotes building coordination, breathing, balance and emotional strength with an element of play incorporating music, chants and singing. With yoga mats provided, kids can participate in a variety of yoga animal poses from Downward Dog to Cat and Mouse. Classes are complimentary and are currently rolling out fleetwide in the onboard youth and teen centers. Classes range from 30 minutes to one hour and parents are welcome to participate.

Core.Balance.Strength.
This exclusive new onboard fitness program focuses on three vital components of balanced health called Core.Balance.Strength. Using a variety of energetic new options for health-conscious passengers, these classes are offered in Princess’ Lotus Spa.

Core.Balance.Strength. is designed to help guests maximize their wellness potential by focusing on three fitness components, each with a series of corresponding classes. The Core component is designed to create a strong foundation on which to build, and is based primarily on the principles of Pilates and correct postural alignment. Balance focuses on centering both mind and body, and features fusion yoga classes. Strength includes a high-energy mixture of both strength and cardio classes designed to get the heart racing and the endorphins flowing.

As part of the new program, passengers who’ve dreamed of bicycling in the famed Tour de France can now get a taste of the action with a new Tour de Spin program, offered as part of the strength course options, which will benefit LIVESTRONG, the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

The new Core.Balance.Strength. program is currently being rolled out fleetwide and is expected to be in place aboard all Princess ships by the end of the year. A nominal fee is charged for each class, which includes the following:

Core

• AbSession: A 20-minute abdominal blaster
• Core Strength and Stretch: Pilates based, concentrating on creating a strong foundation
• Pilates Basics: An introduction to classic Pilates moves
• Fitball Pilates: Innovative core class utilizing the Pilates ring to develop a strong center

Balance

• Meditation Series: A guide to a clearer more enriched life
• Yoga Basics: Suitable for all fitness levels, this yoga series introduces the ancient concepts of yoga
• Strong Centered and Stretched: Fusion class incorporating yoga and Pilates, focusing on posture, strength and the individual’s chi

Strength

• Body Challenge Conditioning: The ultimate all over body workout set to chart topping hits
• Tour de Spin: Offered in association with LIVESTRONG, the Lance Armstrong Foundation, the Tour de Spin program will consist of three different 45-minute classes, each featuring a ride named after various stages of the Tour de France. Each spin class offers a different profile based on the class theme: Les Alps features multi-level resistances, Time Trial offers a fast interval workout and Alp D’Huez consists of a mind/body climb. One dollar from each class series will be donated to LIVESTRONG to fight cancer, and at the conclusion of the three-ride program each participant will receive one of the foundation’s famous yellow wrist bands.
• Step to My Groove: Beginners step aerobics, simple, easy and fun

In addition, the new program will continue to offer a selection of complimentary classes, including:

• Long and Lean Stretch class: An introductory stretching class with an emphasis on postural imbalances and tight muscle groups
• Ab Workshop: An in-depth look at the perfect sit-up with an informative and results-driven workout
• Circuit City: Using resistance machines, guests will experience the ultimate full body workout and learn the best way to use exercise machines
• Aerobically Challenged: A low impact aerobics class for beginners — easy and simple
• Chillax: Chill out and relax on the ultimate wind down
• Lotus Tai Chi: A meditative workout to promote inner peace and calm using slow rhythmic movement

Wii Fit
All Princess ships, which have long featured Nintendo’s popular Wii? systems onboard, also offer the revolutionary Wii Fit? balance games, challenging passengers of all ages to put their athletic skills to the test with active video game tournaments such as the ski jump, Hula Hoop? or heading soccer balls. Exciting family competitions are held onboard — including on the dramatic Movies Under the Stars poolside screens. Youth and teen centers are also offering younger cruisers the opportunity to participate in Wii Fit activities on their vacation.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company’s website at www.princess.com.

Official Press Release Princess Cruises dated 25th August 2008.

Crystals Passport to Music

In response to the overwhelming success of the keyboard classes offered through Yamaha’s “Passport to Music” program, Crystal Cruises and the pioneering music company are adding a series of progressively challenging classes called “Passport to Music PLUS”. Geared toward more accomplished piano and keyboard players, the new curriculum builds from the basics to more advanced levels.

Available complimentary through the ultra-luxury line’s Creative Learning Institute, the courses are scheduled this year on more than a dozen Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity cruises in the Mediterranean, Baltic, Transatlantic, Panama Canal and South America.

The three new “PLUS” classes are:

• Playing By Ear - Sharpen listening skills to enhance playing or singing, and discover music without the printed page;
• Exploring Chords 101 - Learn the basics of harmony, music theory and orchestration and how to create and play chords and the basics of; and
• Exploring Chords 202 - Progress to higher levels of harmony study.

“The Yamaha ‘Passport to Music’ program has exceeded the expectations of Crystal guests - who are so thrilled with the curriculum that they’ve been eagerly awaiting more advanced courses,” said Kristin Turner, Crystal’s manager of entertainment. “The ‘PLUS’ program is ideal for musicians who are returning to the piano as well as those interested in furthering their musical skills.”

Study materials for each class will include “homework” exercises that participants can complete during lab sessions held during days at sea. The lab sessions will provide guests with additional practice and one-on-one time with instructors. By the end of 2008, an Independent Study option will debut, enabling participants to work on their own selected pieces of music with the aid of step-by-step guidelines and instructor assistance.

Crystal’s exclusive Creative Learning Institute has offered “Passport to Music” keyboard classes through Yamaha aboard every cruise on Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony since 2003 and 2004, respectively. “Passport to Music PLUS” classes began on Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity in May and June 2008, respectively.

About Yamaha

A long-standing musical pioneer, Yamaha created its first keyboard in 1887. Since 1954, Yamaha music schools and courses have helped people of all ages learn how to play, while a wide range of innovative Yamaha musical instruments have made music more fun to play. The Passport to Music program benefits from Yamaha’s unparalleled education and product development experience to help everyone - regardless of age, ability or prior knowledge - find musical satisfaction.

About the Creative Learning Institute

The Crystal Cruises Creative Learning Institute is designed to provide comprehensive instruction focusing on enhancing quality of life and improving wellness. The Institute expands upon Crystal’s commitment to enrich mind, body and spirit by extending new opportunities for personal growth. In addition to the Yamaha Passport to Music program, expert instruction is offered through a wide range of Crystal partners, including Berlitz, Tai Chi Cultural Center, The Cleveland Clinic and The Society of Wine Educators.

For additional information on Crystal Cruises’ worldwide itineraries, please contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625. Visit the luxury line’s website at crystalcruises.com.

Official Press Release Crystal Cruises dated 25th August 2008.

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