Celebrity Solstice Sets Sail

The most widely heralded ship to enter the cruise market this year, Celebrity Solstice, departed Meyer Werft shipyard yesterday in Papenburg, Germany, as the largest ship ever built by the longtime shipbuilder. In a milestone event known as “The Conveyance,” the 2,850-guest Celebrity Solstice made its way down the River Eems, as tens of thousands of area residents lining the river banks cheered and photographed the historic event.

“This is a very momentous occasion for Celebrity Cruises,” said the brand’s President and CEO Dan Hanrahan. “Celebrity Solstice is the perfect manifestation of what the Celebrity brand is all about: extraordinary service, spectacular dining, and fabulous style and design. And as the first in a series of five Solstice-class ships, it’s a vivid example of the growth and momentum of the Celebrity brand, and our commitment to meet our guests’ and travel agent partners’ demands for more vacation options with Celebrity.”

Among the wealth of attributes guests will find only on Celebrity Solstice are:

• The industry’s first Lawn Club, a lush, half-acre recreation area with real, growing grass.
• The industry’s first Hot Glass Show, with live glassblowing demonstrations presented in association with The Corning Museum of Glass.
• Larger staterooms, with design inspirations offered by a panel of five women, hand-picked for their unique travel and hospitality insights.
• 10 varied restaurants, ranging from the dramatic, two-level “Grand Epernay” main dining room with a sweeping wine tower, to four exquisite specialty restaurants, to several stylish, casual venues.
• An entirely new category of accommodations, “AquaClass,” designed to offer a spa vacation experience at sea rivaling the best of those on land.
• A state-of-the-art theater and stage design, with three new leading-edge shows custom-designed for Celebrity with Poet Theatricals, in their first cruise line partnership.

“There also is the intangible attribute which is consistent across the Celebrity fleet, and that’s the extraordinary, anticipatory service our phenomenal staff offer our guests every day,” said Hanrahan.

Celebrity Solstice will be berthed in Eemshaven, Netherlands, from September 29 to October 24, with two separate sea trials planned during that period, in addition to crew arrivals, training, provisioning and finishing work onboard. The ship will depart Eemshaven October 24 on a transatlantic voyage, with arrival in Fort Lauderdale planned for early November, followed by a series of promotional cruises for invited travel agents, press and other dignitaries. The ship will be named in formal ceremonies on November 14, and will begin its maiden season November 23, with a series of alternating 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruises roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, calling on San Juan, St. Maarten, St. Kitts, and Tortola during this Fall and Winter. Celebrity Solstice presents a series of romantic 10- and 11-night Mediterranean cruises from Rome beginning in Spring 2009.

Celebrity Cruises offers comfortably sophisticated, upscale cruise experiences with highly personalized service, exceptional dining, and extraordinary attention to detail. Celebrity sails in Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, California, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Galapagos Islands, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal and South America. The line also offers unique cruisetour vacations in Alaska, Australia, Canada, Europe and South America. Noted for four of the top ten “Top Cruise Ships in the World” in the large-ship category, as voted by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler (February 2008 readers’ poll), Celebrity’s current fleet will be joined by Celebrity Solstice in 2008, Celebrity Equinox in 2009, Celebrity Eclipse in 2010, a fourth Solstice-class ship in 2011, and a fifth in 2012. For more information, call your travel agent, dial 1-800-437-3111 or visit Celebrity Cruises website.

Official Press Release Celebrity Cruises dated 29th Septembber 2008.

Most Improved Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line (”NCL”) was voted “most improved cruise line” by CruiseOne, a leading U.S. franchise operation of more than 550 independent cruise-only travel professionals, and Cruises Inc., the nation’s original host agency network with nearly 500 independent contractors, at the agency’s 15th annual 2008 national conference which took place at sea on September 14-22, 2008.

“For more than 15 years CruiseOne and Cruises Inc. (CTC) has been a preferred partner with NCL. In 2008, we have seen significant enhancements with Partnership 2.0 - so much so that our more than 1,000 cruise agents voted NCL “Most Improved Cruise Line” for 2008,” said Dwain Wall, CTC senior vice president, general manager, CruiseOne & Cruises Inc. “The voting, done in August, was one of the highest participations we’ve seen and NCL was definitely number one in this important category. On behalf of all CruiseOne and Cruises Inc. agents, we thank NCL for their commitment to travel agents. It is clear that Partnership 2.0 has been a great success for both of us.”

“Earlier this year, NCL set out to strengthen its relationships with its travel partners through Partnership 2.0, so it is gratifying to see that those initiatives have resonated with them,” said Kevin Sheehan, NCL’s president. “We want our travel partners to know that we are continuously listening to their feedback in order to better improve the way we do business together.”

Partnership 2.0 initiatives launched to-date include: earlier processing of group commissions, a seven-day a week resolution desk, simplified and consistent pricing quotes, improved credit card policies, electronic payment processing, enhanced confirmations and a premium flight-assistance desk.

NCL Corporation Ltd. is the holding company for various subsidiary companies involved in owning and operating the ships of Norwegian Cruise Line.

NCL is building a new third generation Freestyle Cruising project known as F3, for delivery in 2010. NCL today has the youngest fleet in the industry, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy the flexibility of Freestyle Cruising on the newest, most contemporary ships at sea, and has recently added its latest new ship, the 2,400 passenger Norwegian Gem.

Official Press Release Norwegian Cruise Line dated 25th September 2008.

Staterooms Undergo New Decor

Five Holland America Line ships will soon undergo individual month-long dry docks at a total cost of approximately $200 million. The most dramatic alterations during the latest Signature of Excellence enhancements will result in an additional 32 verandah staterooms added to the aft portion of each ship. In addition, 46 new innovative lanai staterooms will allow guests direct access to the Lower Promenade Deck and on four ships verandahs will be installed on 12 staterooms on Deck 9 forward.

On the five ships, ms Statendam, ms Maasdam, ms Ryndam, ms Veendam and ms Rotterdam, forty-six staterooms on the Lower Promenade deck will become a new lanai category stateroom with lanai doors that open directly onto the walk-around promenade. Décor in the lanai staterooms will reflect elements of nature with soothing earth-tones.

Fifteen new Spa Staterooms will be created from existing staterooms, except on the Rotterdam where 23 staterooms on Verandah deck will be transformed into spa staterooms. The rooms, so named because of their proximity to the Greenhouse Spa and Salon and special in-room spa amenities, offer their own ambiance, providing unmatched relaxation, privacy and serenity. Décor reflects the natural elements of the earth with soft earth-tone hues and light, fresh accent colors echoing nature’s own. Soothing patterns adorn the bed runner and pillows and graphite-colored carpeting tie together all the elements. A counter-top water feature in each stateroom provides a natural, ambient background sound and artwork reflects serene images in nature. Exclusive spa treatments are offered only in these staterooms.

“By adding or enhancing staterooms with verandahs and lanais, we’re able to better meet the guests” demand for balcony accommodations,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs, Holland America Line. “The latest Signature of Excellence installment enhances our premium product and the stateroom modifications update the layout and décor of the rooms while remaining elegant.”

Ship capacities will change as a result of the additional staterooms. All five ships also will add a varying number of inside staterooms. Guest capacity on Rotterdam will be 1,404 and capacity on Statendam, Maasdam, Ryndam Veendam will be 1,350.

As part of this next phase of Signature of Excellence, all staterooms and their bathrooms will be enhanced. All staterooms will receive new soft goods including carpet, and desks and vanities will be resurfaced. Decorative wall sconces, drapery and accent pillows will add a touch of modern elegance to the new décor.

Outside and inside staterooms will be redecorated in rich earth hues complimented by accents of sienna and gold. New soft goods include a rich, olive-colored sofa with decorative pillows, chairs reupholstered in gold chenille, and a bed runner with a design inspired by nature.

Suites will have a contemporary color scheme with a traditional twist. A rich, dark carpet and chocolate-colored leather sofa contrast with light golden tones of soft goods and maple casework. Accent colors of reddish-orange punctuate sofa pillows, chairs and the bed runner. Sheer cream-colored draperies are light and airy with imprints of gold leaves.

This $200-million phase in the Signature of Excellence commitment brings the latest innovations at sea to Holland America Line”s Statendam, Maasdam, Ryndam, Veendam and Rotterdam. The first of the extensive dry dock periods begins with the Veendam in spring 2009 and the last will be completed on the Maasdam in late 2010. While in dry dock, ships will expand the aft deck to create a new resort pool concept, The Retreat, and create a new bar concept called Mix that features separate areas - Martinis, Champagne and Spirits & Ales. Overall, Holland America Line has committed $525 million to its Signature of Excellence program that redefines premium cruising.

For a cruise brochure or for more information, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

Official Press Release (Abridged) Holland America Line dated 25th September 2008.

World Cruise Night Incentives

To assist travel sellers, Holland America Line will provide promotions, sales tools and special incentives in support of the fourth annual World’s Largest Cruise Night (WLCN) to be held on October 16. In addition to three-day special fares, the premium line will feature promotional materials that include e-tools on successful selling and a guide on how to create profitable cruise nights.

As a further incentive to plan WLCN events, Holland America Line is unveiling a sweepstakes, with a grand prize of a Caribbean cruise for two. The company’s reservations hours will be expanded October 16 until midnight Eastern time to provide real-time booking assistance to close sales immediately at cruise nights.

“The World’s Largest Cruise Night event creates sales momentum and gives travel sellers a focus for fall cruise promotions,”said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “Holland America Line is committed to supporting travel agents and helping them achieve success with innovative tools, incentives and accessibility to our reservations department.”

Holland America Line is equipping agents with materials to help plan and support their WLCN events, including mini-brochures on the company and cruise brand, cruise planners, 60 Second to Success fliers and A Guide to Profitable Cruise Nights. “Our sales team use Profitable Cruise Nights guides to ensure that agents have all their bases covered when it comes to implementing all the important aspects of a Cruise Night,”said Meadows. Electronic tools available at www.travelagentheadquarters.com include an e-version of 60 Seconds to Success, e-mail invitations inviting clients to attend cruise events, and a host of other collateral materials.

Travel agents will also be equipped with a wide array of booking incentives to help close sales from October 15 to 17. Special fares will be communicated to travel agents on a wide variety of destinations, such as Alaska, Caribbean and Europe. All guests who book from October 15 through 17 will receive reduced deposit amounts of $100 to $300, depending on cruise length, to hold bookings.

As a reward for their WLCN sales efforts, agents will be entered into a drawing for a Caribbean/Mexico cruise for two for every booking made from October 15 to 17, with a second prize of ten $100 Starbucks cards.

On Thursday, October 16, the line”s 46 business development managers in the U.S. and Canada will participate with local travel agencies in their territories. The line will launch five On Stage Alaska presentations for WLCN agent cruise nights. The live events deliver exciting overviews of Alaska cruises and tour options with performances by couples that entertain, sing and relay stories about the Great Land. Holland America Line will also showcase its Explorer series of motor coaches at select agency WLCN events.

Agents are encouraged to take advantage of the wide variety of sales tools and incentives that are at their disposal for WLCN promotions, including an enhanced Holland America Line Cruise Night Planning Kit. During the World”s Largest Cruise Night promotion, travel agents can conveniently book their clients using POLAR online, where they can make a booking in seven easy steps, including booking and managing groups.

For more information, contact your sales representative, call 800-544-0443 or visit www.travelagentheadquarters.com.

Official Press Release (Abridged) Holland America Line dated 25th September 2008.

Shore Excursions e-Brochure

Holland America Line has launched a new Shore Excursion e-Brochure online system for its guests to view and print shore excursion information for booked cruises. Now, a cruise guest can receive up-to-the minute, personalized information that is specific to the guest’s cruise itinerary. This technological Web enhancement allows guests to access and update any shore excursion that applies to their cruise itinerary on a 24/7 basis.

“We strive to personalize each guest’s experience and to endeavor to make their interaction with us as easy and enriching as possible,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “By giving our guests the flexibility of printing an e-brochure with their shore excursion options that is tailored specifically to their cruise itinerary, we are able to present the exact information they need - when they need it. Additionally, more and more of our guests applaud our online efforts from an environmental standpoint.”

Besides tailoring the Shore Excursion e-Brochures to each guest’s ship and sail date, the online versions offer readers the same useful information as the print versions but with two newly added and helpful features: tour pricing and excursion departure times.

How the online system works By visiting the Shore Excursion page on Holland America’s Web site (www.hollandamerica.com), booked guests simply need to input their booking number and last name, click on the “View Your Personalized Shore Excursion Brochure” link and a personalized e-brochure will immediately download. The Shore Excursion e-Brochure will present the guest’s name and all available shore excursions for the guest’s booked cruise. Guests have the option of continuing their shore excursion viewing online, printing their personalized Shore Excursion e-Brochure for review at a later date or booking their tours immediately. Additionally, guests may review their personalized Shore Excursion e-Brochure from six months to a year before their cruise departure date rather than waiting for a hard-copy version that accompanies guests’ cruise documents 30 - 60 days from their cruise departure date. In the five weeks since the Shore Excursion e-Brochure online system has gone live, 20,470 guests have downloaded an e-brochure.

“With the launch of Shore Excursion e-Brochures we’ve created a way that our guests can leisurely review their shore excursion options in a much timelier manner. This allows guests to book early and to help avoid possible disappointment should the tours that pique their interests potentially sell out,” said Meadows.

For more information on cruises and shore excursions, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-877-724-5425 or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

Official Press Release (Abridged) Holland America Line dated 24th September 2008.

HAL New Martini Menu

Holland America Line has introduced a new menu of martini cocktails on board its fleet of 14 ships. Featured on the menu are 19 Grey Goose martinis and a sampler platter of mini, specialty martinis called the martini flight. Showcasing mixology at its best, a new martini flight will feature six of the menus premier martinis.

The martini flight includes Holland America Line’s signature martini, the Yellow Tulip, a mixture of Grey Goose vodka, lychee juice, pineapple juice, guava juice, coconut cream and fresh lime juice. Other martinis included in the flight are the Peartini, Cosmopolitan, Sunshine Martini, Rum Sundae and High Tide Martini. A house specialty will be a signature Martini for Two with aged Cognac served with a dish of caviar and traditional garnishes. Holland America Line’s new martini menu will be featured in the Explorer’s Bar on its newest ship, ms Eurodam, in the Pinnacle Grill Bar of its Vista-class ships and in the Ocean Bar on ms Amsterdam, ms Maasdam, ms Rotterdam, ms Ryndam, ms Statendam, ms Veendam, ms Volendam and ms Zaandam.

“We are constantly exploring new and inventive ways to enhance our onboard offerings be that entertainment, culinary or with innovative cocktails,’ said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “The martini menu offers a wide variety of imaginative, sophisticated cocktails that will appeal to our guests.”

Launched as a precursor to the highly anticipated Martinis that will be a part of the upcoming Mix specialty theme bar area, Holland America Line’s new martini menu was inspired to infuse a new splash of sophistication to its already popular bars and lounges. Mix incorporates three specialty theme bars - Martinis, Champagne, and Spirits & Ales. These enhancements are part of a new $200-million Signature of Excellence upgrade to ms Statendam, ms Maasdam, ms Ryndam, ms Veendam and ms Rotterdam.

For new Signature of Excellence upgrades, the first of the extensive dry dock periods begins with the Veendam in spring 2009 and the last will be completed on the Maasdam in late 2010. While in dry dock, ships will expand the aft deck to create a new resort pool concept, The Retreat. Enhancements will be made to all existing staterooms and additional staterooms will be added to the ships. The ships also will introduce 46 innovative lanai staterooms with direct access to the Lower Promenade Deck. New spa staterooms near the Greenhouse Spa and Salon will offer special in-room spa amenities. Overall, Holland America Line has committed $525 million to its Signature of Excellence program that redefines premium cruising.

About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)]
Holland America Line’s fleet of 14 ships offers nearly 500 cruises to 314 ports of call in 97 countries, territories or dependencies. Two- to 108-day itineraries visit all seven continents, including Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal. A 14th ship, ms Eurodam, will launch in July 2008. For more information, contact a travel agent or call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, totaling more than $425 million, that showcase the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine - a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and classes - Explorations Café powered by The New York Times, teens-only activity areas and all new stateroom amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner’s Dream Beds.

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

Official Press Release Holland America Line dated 15th September 2008.

Carnival Destiny Miami Sailings

When the 2,642-passenger Carnival Destiny begins a new schedule of four- and five-day cruises from Miami on Saturday, Sept. 27, it will not only provide consumers with an exciting new “Fun Ship” vacation option but will also be the largest ship to be deployed year-round on short cruise itineraries.

Additionally, the Carnival Destiny offers nearly 500 balcony staterooms and suites – the most of any ship operating a year-round short-cruise program – providing consumers with unprecedented variety in their accommodation choices.

Carnival Destiny’s deployment to Miami will also further solidify Carnival’s position as the short-cruise leader, with 29 such options from 12 U.S. homeports – the most in cruising.  In total, Carnival’s ships will operate nearly 850 departures of five days or less in length with roughly half of its 22-vessel fleet offering short cruise itineraries.

On its new Miami-based schedule, Carnival Destiny departs Thursdays on four-day cruises to Key West, Fla., and Cozumel, Mexico; Mondays on five-day cruises to Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands; and Half Moon Cay, a private Bahamian island; and Saturdays on five-day voyages to George Town, Grand Cayman; and Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
         
In addition to providing a convenient and affordable vacation option, Carnival Destiny offers a host of on-board amenities, including some new features that were installed during a recent two-week dry dock. These include Carnival’s Seaside Theatre, a massive 270-square-foot outdoor LED screen on Lido Deck displaying movies, concerts, sporting events and other programming, along with an expansive new “Circle C” facility catering to the 12- to 14-year-old age group.

Located on Sun Deck 12, “Circle C” features a high-tech sound and lighting system, plasma-screen TVs displaying movies and music videos, a touch-screen jukebox, and gaming pods with the latest video games and consoles. A variety of cosmetic enhancements such as new carpeting, wall coverings and tile work, were also completed.
           
Continued Expansion of Short Cruise Market
The deployment of the Carnival Destiny to Miami is one of several enhancements to the line’s short cruise programs. 

This past weekend, the 2,052-passenger Carnival Fascination began year-round four- and five-day cruises from Jacksonville, Fla., becoming the newest and largest ship to sail from that port on a year-round basis.  The 2,052-passenger Carnival Imagination, which offers such features as a water park and adults-only area – all part of the “Evolutions of Fun” product enhancement initiative – began a new three- and four-day schedule from Miami last week, as well.

Next year, Carnival will dramatically expand capacity on its short cruise programs from Mobile, Ala., and New Orleans, when the 2,052-passenger Carnival Fantasy and the 2,758-passenger Carnival Triumph, respectively, launch new programs from those ports in November 2009.
 
A Spectacular ‘Fun Ship’
Carnival Destiny — the world’s first 100,000-plus-ton cruise ship — offers a host of resort-style facilities and features: 18 lounges and bars, including a 1,400-seat theater featuring lavish production revues, a 14,500-square-foot health and wellness center, a jogging track, an Internet café, ship-wide Wi-Fi access and cell phone service.

Dining options include two two-level main dining rooms with extensive menus and wine lists, a 1,200-seat poolside eatery with a 24-hour pizzeria, a patisserie serving specialty coffees and sweets, and complimentary 24-hour room service.

In addition to the new “Circle C” facility for 12- to 14-year-olds, Carnival Destiny offers numerous other family friendly features, including a children’s program, “Camp Carnival,” catering to kids ages two to 11, and “Club O2,” the line’s award-winning teen program for 15- to 17-year olds.

Carnival Destiny also offers a variety of accommodation categories, including a wide range of balcony staterooms and suites. All staterooms feature the Carnival Comfort Bed sleep system with plush mattresses, luxurious duvets and high quality linens and pillows.
 
Reservations
Reservations are currently being accepted for the Carnival Destiny’s new four- and five-day cruise schedule from Miami.  For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.

Official Press Release Carnival Cruises dated 25th September 2008.

Travel With Gary Eberle

Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world’s most treasured destinations, offers guests a unique opportunity to travel with acclaimed winemaker Gary Eberle on a Costa Rica sailing aboard Wind Star, departing February 21, 2009, from Puerto Caldera.

Windstar’s Signature Collection Host Series features distinguished guests and lecturers throughout the 2009 season, including Gary Eberle, who will host wine tastings and lectures about his wines and wine regions.

Gary Eberle is a winemaking pioneer in the Paso Robles region and one of its most accomplished producers. His career began in 1973 heading the family’s Estrella River Winery (currently Meridian Vineyards). By 1980, Gary had co-founded the Paso Robles Appellation, opening his own winery three years later with the premiere of Eberle’s 1979 Cabernet Sauvignon. Eberle’s handcrafted style remains a favorite of wine-lovers and connoisseurs, earning 91-point ratings from Wine Enthusiast for its 1999 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and 1996 Sauret Vineyard Zinfandel.  For more information on the Eberle Winery, please visit www.eberlewinery.com.

Wind Star’s 7-day Puerto Caldera roundtrip itinerary includes ports in San Juan del Sur, Playas del Coco, Quepos, Bahia Drake, Curu and Tortuga Island. Cruise rates start at $2,599 per person, based on double occupancy.

Wind Star, with intimate 148 guest capacity, recently completed Degrees of Difference enhancements which included upgrades in the public areas, staterooms and technical operations. Luxury amenities were added as well including plush Euro-top mattresses, luxury bedding, Egyptian cotton towels, Bose SoundDock speakers for Apple iPods, flat-screen TVs, waffle-weave robes with slippers and L’Occitane products. 

Water sports enthusiasts will appreciate Windstar’s complimentary waterskiing, windsurfing, sailing and kayaking from the ship’s water sports platform. Guests looking for some quiet time can peruse books, CDs and DVDs in the library or relax in the Lounge, Reception area or tranquil WindSpa. Sophisticated cuisine can be enjoyed in the casual comfort of The Restaurant or sunny Veranda.

Windstar’s award-winning reputation for sophisticated, yet casual elegance has been recognized by some of the most notable names in the travel world. Celebrated Living, American Airlines’ prestigious publication for first class passengers, named Windstar Cruises “Best Small-Ship/Mid-Ship Cruise Line” on their 2008 Platinum List for the second time in a row. Readers of Porthole Cruise Magazine awarded Windstar “Most Romantic Cruise Line” and “Best Tall Ship” in the 9th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards. Windstar has also earned top honors in Travel + Leisure’s World’s 2008 Best Awards and was lauded among “The World’s Best Small Ships” by Condé Nast Traveler in 2008.

About Windstar Cruises
Windstar Cruises operates three sailing yachts known for their pampering without pretense and their ability to visit the hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world’s most treasured destinations.  Carrying just 148 to 312 guests, the luxurious ships of Windstar cruise to nearly 50 nations, calling at 100 ports throughout Europe, the Caribbean and the Americas. For more information including rates and itineraries contact a professional travel agent or call Windstar at 1-800-258-7245.  Visit Windstar Cruises online at www.windstarcruises.com.

Windstar is a division of Ambassadors International Cruise Group, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ambassadors Cruise Group, LLC.

Official Press Release Windstar Cruises dated 24th September 2008.

October Recharge For Carnival

Carnival Cruise Lines will roll out its first-ever “October Recharge” event featuring special offers throughout the month of October.

The month-long promotion will feature a variety of booking incentives, including free stateroom upgrades and special discounts on select “Fun Ship” cruises through 2009. 

The special offers are available in conjunction with a variety of “Fun Ship” departures, including a wide range of three- to five-day getaways to the Caribbean or Mexico, seven-day voyages to the Caribbean or Mexican Riviera, or longer length sailings to Europe and Alaska.

“In addition to offering excellent value, October is the perfect time to book a ‘Fun Ship’ cruise for some much-needed R&R as it is positioned perfectly between the busy summer period and the often-hectic holiday season,” said Ruben Rodriguez, Carnival’s executive vice president of marketing and guest experience.  

The October Recharge event will be promoted through banner ads and a special section within Carnival’s Web site, as well as e-mail blasts, and trade print advertisements.

Carnival is the largest and most popular cruise line in the world, with 22 “Fun Ships” operating voyages ranging from three to 18 days in length to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, New England, Canada, Bermuda, Europe, and South America.  The line has two new ships scheduled for delivery between now and 2011.

Consumers interested in booking a cruise as part of the “October Recharge” promotion, may contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com/recharge beginning October 1.   

Official Press Release Carnival Cruises dated 24th September 2008.

New Partnership For Crystal

Crystal Cruises announces that it has become a founding partner of the Condé Nast Traveler Five & Alive Fund. The announcement came during the magazine’s 2008 World Savers Congress in New York City on September 23. Five & Alive, a program of Population Services International (PSI), supports children five and under in more than 30 countries around the world by preventing and treating malaria, water-borne illness, pneumonia and malnutrition. Nearly 10 million children in impoverished countries die every year of preventable illnesses before they reach the age of five because they lack the simplest of things - clean drinking water, basic medicines, mosquito netting, and nutrition.

“This partnership was directly inspired by last year’s Condé Nast Traveler World Savers Congress,” said Crystal Cruises President Gregg Michel. “Throughout our company’s history, we have supported numerous philanthropic projects, and we had been close to creating our own global program. Rather than go it alone, this partnership presented a perfect opportunity to join forces to create something bigger. I was thoroughly impressed with the determination of Condé Nast Traveler and Kate Roberts from Five & Alive to make this world a better place through travel.”

In one year, Five & Alive has raised nearly $1 million from readers and the travel industry, including efforts from Crystal Cruises. In April 2008, Michel, along with Crystal Serenity Cruise Director Gary Hunter, joined Condé Nast Traveler editor-in-chief Klara Glowczewska, Kate Roberts, and actress Ashley Judd on a trip to Rwanda where the Crystal team was further enlightened and inspired by the challenges and opportunities facing Five & Alive.

With its new commitment to the cause, Crystal Cruises will introduce initiatives to raise money and engage its guests and employees. Slated for later this year is the on-board sales of specially designed polo shirts for adults and Webkinz “pets” for children with proceeds benefiting Five & Alive. As part of its ongoing effort, in its high end jewelry shops, the luxury line is also planning to introduce a “fundraising” bracelet.

“We are delighted that Crystal Cruises has joined as a founding partner of the Condé Nast Traveler Five & Alive Fund,” said Condé Nast Traveler Editor-in-Chief Klara Glowczewska. “We hope this generous act will inspire others to join us as the Five & Alive Fund seeks to raise money to save the lives of children under five around the globe.”

“Five & Alive is thrilled to be partnering with Crystal Cruises on this important program,” said Five & Alive Director Kate Roberts. “The Condé Nast Traveler Five & Alive Fund was created to engage hospitality leaders such as Crystal Cruises in the fight to prevent childhood disease and we applaud Crystal for their leadership and commitment.”

About Crystal Cruises
With an emphasis on innovative product differentiation, Crystal Cruises is distinguished by classic service, abundant space, extensive choices and superior quality. Its ultra-luxurious Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity bridge the best of land and sea on worldwide vacations of seven to 100+ days. Grounded in more than a decade of accolades from travelers and critics, Crystal is dedicated to raising shipboard and shore-side awareness of responsible and respectful treatment of the environments through which we travel. Among other honors, Crystal Cruises has been voted Best Large-Ship cruise by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine for 14 years.

For more information about the Five & Alive Fund, visit www.fiveandalive.org. For more information about Crystal Cruises and reservations, please call 800-446-6620, or visit the luxury line’s website crystalcruises.com.

Official Press Release Crystal Cruises dated 25th September 2008.

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