-- Northern Europe Cruises

CLIA Releases Optimistic 2008 Cruise Market Profile Study
Driven by satisfied customers eager to travel more, despite the uncertain economy, the cruise industry is well-positioned for continued growth and success. This is one of the conclusions to be drawn from the Cruise Lines International Association’s (CLIA) 2008 Cruise Market Profile Study released this month.
The biannual survey of American consumers, first conducted in 1986, identifies American consumer demographics, attitudes and intentions as they relate to leisure travel and specifically to cruising. Research was conducted online in March and April 2008 by TNS, a leading market research firm. A total of 2,426 U.S. residents were interviewed.
This year’s findings reinforce previous studies in painting a picture of a healthy, in-demand cruise industry fueled by vacationers with broader travel interests than non-cruisers and whose satisfaction with cruising is based on perceived and realized value. In 2007, 9.57 million Americans took a cruise vacation representing 76 percent of the total 12.56 million guests carried on CLIA member cruise lines. Based on this year’s study, 33.7 million Americans stated intent to cruise within the next three years.
The study also shows that travel agents, who sell the great majority of cruises, remain a vital part of the industry and are perceived by travelers as providing the best service in vacation and cruise planning. The majority of cruisers (70 percent) reported that professional designations, such as CLIA’s Cruise Counselor Certification, would influence their choice in selecting a travel agent to plan and book their vacation. “Given the current economic climate, we are particularly pleased to see that American cruisers remain bullish on the industry. Their high satisfaction with a wonderfully diverse cruise product drives their intention to take more cruises. In fact, cruisers represent the ideal travel prospect, because of their broad interest in all types of travel and willingness to spend on what they perceive to be high value experiences,” said Terry Dale, CLIA’s president and CEO. “This fact is not lost on CLIA’s nearly 16,000 travel agency members who continue to be the industry’s invaluable distribution system and consumers’ most reliable source of assistance and service in planning and booking vacations,” he continued.
Among the key findings of CLIA’s 2008 Cruise Market Profile Study:
-- Consumer interest in cruising continues to be strong despite downward pressure on travel in general due to the economy and fuel costs; 77 percent of past cruise vacationers and 55 percent of vacationers who have yet to take a cruise expressed interest in doing so within the next three years.
-- CLIA survey respondents who indicated a “definite” or “probable” intent to cruise within the next three years represents almost 34 million adults from the target market (at least 25 years of age with a minimum household income of $40,000), which is good news for not only the cruise industry, but also for travel agents who can cultivate new customers.
-- 94.8 percent of all cruisers rate their cruise experience as satisfying with 44 percent claiming the highest “Extremely Satisfying” ranking making a cruise among the very best in meeting and exceeding guest expectations.
The general profile of the 2008 cruise vacationer is upscale (with a median household income of $93,000), educated (69 percent have a college degree) and the median age of cruisers is now 46 years old, down from 49 in 2006, which shows that cruise vacations continue to appeal to younger travelers.
-- Travelers most frequently name the Caribbean as their cruise destination of choice (43 percent) with Alaska, Bahamas, Hawaii, Europe and the Mediterranean/Greek islands also top choices.
-- Cruise vacationers agree (80 percent) that a cruise is a great way to sample destinations that they may wish to visit on a future land-based vacation.
-- The cruise line utilization and the consumer awareness of more than 30 domestic embarkation ports add strong inducement to future cruising: 72 percent cite additional “close to home” ports as increasing their likelihood to cruise. Respondents cited the convenience of being able to drive to the ship (71 percent), saving money by not having to purchase air travel (67 percent) and avoiding the hassles of flying to embarkation points (64 percent) as primary benefits of “close to home” cruising options.
-- Cruise vacationers are the premier leisure traveler. Cruisers travel 39 percent more per year than non-cruise vacationers, they take 2.9 annual leisure trips on all types of vacations by both land and sea (21 percent or nearly one in four of their vacations are by cruise), and they typically spend 50 percent more on their vacation travel than a non-cruise vacationer.
-- Both past cruisers (69 percent) and cruise prospects (56 percent) recognize a cruise vacation as providing very high value for the vacation dollar. Those who have experienced the inclusive nature and service of a cruise vacation rank cruising as the best vacation value.
-- Typical vacationers, including cruisers (75 percent), travel in pairs, usually with spouses, with the proportion of family travel with kids under 18 steadily growing (25 percent in 2008 from 13 percent in 2002).
-- Travelers, including cruisers, consider destination as the most influential aspect of choosing a vacation.
-- Travel agents continue to play an important role in planning and booking cruises and travel: 42 percent of respondents say agents provide the best service, up from 40 percent in 2006; 59 percent are extremely or very satisfied with agents, with overall satisfaction of 93 percent; 78 percent of cruisers use travel agents for all types of travel planning as compared to 44 percent of non-cruise vacationers.

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CLIA Member Cruise Lines Offering Northern Europe 2008 Itineraries
From the coastal villages and majestic fjords of Norway to the splendor of St. Petersburg, from the Land of the Midnight Sun above the Arctic Circle to the former Soviet capitals of the Baltic Sea, few regions of the world offer such variety of landscapes, beauty and cultural significance as northern Europe.
All of it can be enjoyed in a comfortable and often highly luxurious way - by cruise ships belonging to 16 member lines of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). In fact, in a part of the world where natural environments, history and culture have been shaped by the sea, there may be no better or easier way to savor it. And, thanks to inclusive pricing and current foreign exchange rates, passengers who have paid in advance in dollars are enjoying much appreciated extra value on their northern Europe cruise this summer and fall.
CLIA member lines offer northern European cruises of three days to two or three weeks in length, from embarkation ports in the United Kingdom, Scandinavia and Europe. Destinations include Ireland and Scotland; the beautiful cities of Scandinavia, including Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm; Finland, Russia and other capitals of the Baltic; Germany and Poland. There are longer voyages that encompass Scandinavia and Russia and shorter ones with a more narrow focus - the North Cape and the Arctic Circle, the coast of Norway or the British Isles. And, many transatlantic crossings in the fall of 2008 will feature ports in northern Europe as well as exotic destinations such as Iceland and Greenland.
In all, travelers will have more to choose from - in size and number of ships and itineraries - than ever before. Here are some examples of northern Europe cruises offered by CLIA lines:

Azamara Cruises
Azamara offers 12-, 14- and 16-night itineraries that feature northern Europe. One, between Barcelona and Copenhagen, combines Spain, Portugal, France, the UK, Holland and Germany with Denmark. There is a Norwegian Fjords cruise and a Scandinavia/Russia itinerary, both roundtrip from Copenhagen, as well as a British Isles voyage that features Scotland and Denmark.

Carnival Cruise Lines
This year marks Carnival's inaugural season in northern Europe. The new Carnival Splendor will offer a 12-day itinerary beginning July 13 from Dover, England that features Copenhagen, Warnemunde (for Berlin), Helsinki, St. Petersburg (for a two-day visit), Tallinn and Amsterdam. The cruise will be offered on five sailings through August 30, offering passengers an opportunity to experience some of Europe's most famous cultural treasures.

Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity will have two ships in northern Europe this year - Celebrity Century and Celebrity Constellation. Five- to 14-night itineraries feature Scandinavia, Scotland and Ireland, Russia, the Arctic Circle and North Cape, and the Norwegian Fjords. Ports of embarkation include Amsterdam, Harwich, Copenhagen, and Stockholm. Among the new ports for Celebrity this year will be Harwich, Cherbourg and Brest.

Costa Cruises
This year Costa will have three ships in northern Europe - Costa Mediterranea, Costa Atlantica and Costa Victoria. Offering seven-night trips, the itineraries will feature various combinations of ports in Scandinavia, Iceland, Netherlands, Germany, France, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia and Spitsbergen, an archipelago of islands in the Arctic Circle. All three ships feature a large percentage of verandah accommodations for ideal viewing of scenery.

Crystal Cruises
Crystal Cruises this year will offer one seven-day and five 11-day Baltic cruises with extended stays in St. Petersburg, Russia, as well as one North Cape voyage and a British Isles itinerary. In addition to the excitement of the ports themselves, Crystal Symphony's northern European cruises will offer a choice of other features, including top classical music artists, a Tall Ships event, and golfing at top-ranked courses, even VIP access to the famed British Open golf championship.

Cunard Line
Cunard returns to the Baltic with the new Queen Victoria and a variety of itineraries in Russia and the Norwegian Fjords. The 14-day Russian Rendezvous features Zeebrugge, Oslo, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn, Gdansk and two days in St. Petersburg. There is also a seven-day cruise of the Norwegian Fjords and a 12-day itinerary called Voyage of the Vikings roundtrip from Southampton featuring the North Cape and numerous ports in Norway.

Holland America Line
Holland America's newest ship, ms Eurodam, will offer a series of ten-day roundtrip cruises from Copenhagen that feature Scandinavia and the Baltic, with the possibility of combining two trips for a 20-day northern Europe cruise that does not repeat a single port. In addition, the ms Prinsendam sails to the Polar Ice Cap as well as the Kiel Canal and journeys up the Thames to the heart of London. Ms Maasdam is featuring a 35-day Voyage of the Vikings cruise roundtrip from Boston.

Hurtigruten
Norway's 1,250-mile west coast between Bergen and Kirknes, above the Arctic Circle, is the setting for Hurtigruten's six themed voyages on its fleet of modern ships, which make 34 ports of call during the 12-day roundtrip sailing. Norwegian coastal voyages may also be taken on seven-day northbound and six-day southbound itineraries. The wide range of themes of onboard activities includes Singles at Sea; the culture and history of the Himalayas; Springtime Awakening to open mind, body and soul; classical music; big bands; Arctic birding; and, for the Red Hat Society, Northern Lights and Fun-filled Nights.

MSC Cruises
This year, MSC Cruises will have three ships in northern European waters, offering a variety of cruise lengths and itineraries. MSC Opera and MSC Lirica offer seven-night Russia & The Baltic and Scandinavian Fjords voyages departing from either Kiel or Copenhagen. MSC Armonia offers ten-night cruises from Dover that feature the Netherlands, Germany, Russia, the Baltic or the Scandinavian Fjords as well as the North Cape, land of the midnight sun.

Norwegian Cruise Line
In 2008, Norwegian Cruise Line will offer its largest ever deployment in Europe and, for the first time in the company's 41-year history, position a ship in the region year-round.  Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Jewel, both with Freestyle 2.0 upgrades, will be sailing a variety of Northern Europe itineraries.  These itineraries include Baltic Capitals and North Cape cruises with ports of call in Alesund, Kristiansund, Honningsvaag, Trondheim, Hellesylt, Geiranger, Bergen, Oslo and Stavanger, Norway; Amsterdam, Netherlands; Brussels/Brugge, Belgium; Copenhagen, Denmark; Berlin (Warnemuende), Germany; St. Petersburg, Russia; Helsinki, Finland; Tallinn, Estonia; and Stockholm, Sweden.

Oceania Cruises
Oceania's 2008 northern Europe season includes a 14-day itinerary between Stockholm and London that features Tallinn, two days in St. Petersburg, Helsinki, Gdansk, Copenhagen, Berlin, the Kiel Canal, Amsterdam and Bruges and an overnight visit in Stockholm. In 2009, the company will offer a new Scenic Splendors and Gilded Palaces voyage between Rome and Stockholm as well as a new Vikings, Castles and Kings itinerary highlighting the British Isles and Ireland.

Princess Cruises
Crown Princess makes her European debut this year with cruises of Scandinavia and Russia, offering two itinerary options - a visit to Oslo or Berlin combined with two full days in St. Petersburg and all the delights of Scandinavia. Grand Princess offers cruises of the Norwegian fjords, Iceland and the British Isles, while Royal Princess will offer three all-new itineraries, including a sailing to the best of classical Europe between Stockholm and Rome.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Regent Seven Seas will offer ten cruises in northern Europe this year featuring Scandinavia, Russia and the Baltic. All are offered on the 700-guest Seven Seas Voyager, the only all-suite, all-balcony ship in the region. Trips include seven-night sailings between Stockholm and Copenhagen; ten-night sailings from Copenhagen to Southampton; a ten-night cruise from Reykjavik to Southampton; 11-night roundtrips from Stockholm and two 14-night itineraries. New ports of call include Sochi, Russia; Bristol, England; and Ny Alesund, Norway.

Royal Caribbean International
This year will mark Royal Caribbean's largest deployment in Europe, with seven ships visiting all parts of the continent. Jewel of the Seas will sail from Harwich, England on 11- to 13-night voyages to Norway and its famous fjords, the British Isles, Scandinavia, Russia and the cities of the Baltic. Jewel also will sail on a series of three- and four-night North Sea cruises departing from or between such ports as Amsterdam, Oslo, Hamburg and Harwich. Each voyage will feature one popular northern European city, including Copenhagen and Brussels.

Seabourn Cruise Line
The intimate Seabourn Pride sails 12 nights round trip from Copenhagen into the heart of St. Petersburg, then lingers for three full days. Tallin, Helsinki, Berlin, an overnight in Stockholm, and the charming Danish Isle of Bornholm round out this summer yachting classic. Copenhagen, likewise, is the pivot for nine-day yachting cruises of Norway's fjords. Cities like Bergen, Oslo and Aalesund are interspersed with scenic splendors such as Ulvik, Eidfjord, Gudvangen and Flaam. The Sail & Stay option adds two nights ashore in Copenhagen.

Silversea Cruises
This summer, Silversea's Silver Cloud and Silver Wind as well as the company's new expedition ship, Prince Albert II, will feature 24 different northern Europe itineraries of six to 18 days. Among the opportunities offered passengers will be sailing beneath London's Tower Bridge, docking directly in the heart of St. Petersburg, exploring Greenland's fjords and glaciers by Zodiac, a private tour of the Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace in London and "cosmonaut for a day" training at Russia's Yuri A. Gagarin Space Center.

The nonprofit Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is North America’s largest cruise industry organization. CLIA represents the interests of 24 member lines and participates in the regulatory and policy development process while supporting measures that foster a safe, secure and healthy cruise ship environment. CLIA is also engaged in travel agent training, research and marketing communications to promote the value and desirability of cruise vacations and counts as members 16,000 travel agencies. For more information on CLIA, the cruise industry, and CLIA-member cruise lines and travel agencies, visit http://www.crusing.org.

May, 2008

Small Ship Cruising: Seeing The World Up Close
At first glance, the American Eagle, the River Queen and the Seabourn Spirit might seem to have little in common. The first carries barely 60 guests on informal journeys
through the Chesapeake Bay, the Antebellum South and other destinations on the East Coast. The River Queen travels the legendary Rhine and Moselle rivers of Europe. And, the Seabourn Spirit and its sister ships sail the world, accommodating just over 200 passengers.
But, in fact, these ships, while representing very different varieties of small ship cruising, have important things in common, qualities that distinguish this cruise segment from all other types of travel. And, they are just three of many small ships belonging to member lines of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
Together, almost 50 small ships belonging to CLIA offer the opportunity to explore the world from a uniquely personal perspective. From Antarctica to the Arctic, the Caribbean to Canada, Mexico to the Mediterranean, they travel the great rivers of Europe and North America, sail along Norwegian fjords and other scenic coasts, cross oceans, explore the globe's most remote destinations, and even embark on world cruises. Their size enables a small group of travelers to go where no other cruise ships go - to the inland capitals of Europe and Asia, tiny islands in the tropics, undiscovered ports in the Middle East, remote coves and bays in Alaska, America's Intra-Coastal Waterway and much
more. The combination of out-of-the-way destinations and relatively small amount of passengers means that the lucky few onboard experience the world as though it was theirs alone to discover.
Whether the shipboard experience emphasizes sheer elegance and luxury while visiting some of the world's most glamorous yachting destinations, or a more informal yet equally delightful and comfortable lifestyle for journeying through nature's most extreme environments, all small ships have other qualities in common. They enable guests to socialize easily and share experiences with new-found friends who share their interests
and tastes. They provide a true and very satisfying sense of having a home away from home, feeling cared for by staff the guests come to know and enjoy. And, small ships virtually eliminate the hassles of travel. Getting on and off the vessel is effortless, with docking in the very center of the action of each destination or port, and sightseeing is
crowdless, often in places where there are few other visitors.
Here is a sampling of small ship cruise opportunities offered by members of CLIA:

American Cruise Lines' four ships—American Star, American Spirit,
American Glory and American Eagle—carry no more than 100 passengers and offer comfortable accommodations, a friendly informal ambiance and such amenities as onboard naturalist and historians, enrichment activities and entertainment, dining that features regional dishes and complimentary cocktails in the evening. Itineraries encompass the length of the East Coast, including the Rivers of Florida, the Antebellum
South, the Mid-Atlantic Inland Passage, the Chesapeake Bay, the Hudson River, Maine and New England Islands.

Hurtigruten, formerly Norwegian Coastal Voyage, continues to offer a variety of cruises along the 1,250-mile coast of Norway with its majestic fjords on numerous small ships as well as journeys on the Gota Canal between Stockholm and Gothenburg on three Art Nouveau vintage ships. But among the most popular offerings are voyages to Antarctica, a North to South world cruise, and Greenland Exploration cruises featuring the 310-berth MS Fram, launched in 2007 and built specifically for adventure. As they visit such remote destinations at the southern tip of the world as Marguerite Bay, Whaler's Bay, Cuverville Island and others, passengers discover that the only ones wearing tuxedoes are the penguins.

Majestic America Line offers voyages from Alaska to the Mississippi River. The intimate, 112-stateroom Empress of the North is small enough to explore the wilderness and waterways of Alaska's Inland Passage. The 142-passenger Queen of the West and the 75-stateroom Columbia Queen were built to cruise the rivers of the Northwest, including the Columbia and the Snake. And, on the mighty Mississippi, the historic, 176-passenger
Delta Queen is the last operational steam-powered sternwheeler reminiscent of those piloted by Mark Twain, while the 436-guest American Queen is the world's largest river cruise ship. In addition to capturing a romantic and unique era in American history, both glamorous ships are fully modernized for today's travelers.

Pearl Seas Cruises' first ship, as yet unnamed, will begin service in 2009 offering 214 passengers accommodations with private balconies equipped with flat screen TV/DVD systems, a well-stocked library, six lounges, a sports and exercise deck and multiple observation areas. The ship will sail on seven- to 11-night itineraries in the Caribbean during the winter months and a variety of voyages in North America during the spring, summer and fall. These include trips through the Canadian Maritimes, the St. Lawrence Seaway and Thousand Islands, a circumnavigation of Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and the Great Lakes.

Seabourn Cruise Line also offers the very highest levels of luxury on its three 208-guest yachts, Seabourn Pride, Seabourn Spirit and Seabourn Legend. In 2009, they will be joined by the somewhat larger, all-new Seabourn Odyssey. With staff members almost outnumbering guests, Seabourn guests are treated to gourmet cuisine created by celebrity chef Charlie Palmer, a casino and spa, all-suite accommodations, complimentary wines, spirits and champagne and such signature experiences as "Caviar in the Surf." In addition to the world cruises and transatlantic crossings, Seabourn voyages take in the entire world
from Asia to Europe to the Americas and Caribbean.

Seadream Yacht Club offers a true luxury yachting experience on two 110-passenger ships, SeaDream I and SeaDream II. Facilities and amenities include fine dining with complimentary red and white wine, a casino, library, a piano bar and Top of the Yacht bar, a Main Salon and a water sports marina offering a full range of equipment for enjoyment right off the ship. From May through October, the ships offer seven-night itineraries to classical yachting ports in the French and Italian Riviera, Costa del Sol, the Amalfi Coast, Greek Islands, and the Adriatic and Black Seas. In the winter, SeaDream visits some of the most exclusive islands in the Caribbean, including St. Barts, Virgin Gorda, Jost van Dyke and the Grenadines.

Silversea Cruises' new Prince Albert II is an adventure ship carrying no more than 132 guests on luxurious expeditions to the Arctic, Antarctica and many points in between. During its inaugural 2008 season it will feature special Sea of Cortez expeditions in September, complete with eight Zodiac boats for up close viewing of birds, dolphins, whales and sea lions. The company's other four larger ships also fit the small ship
category, with Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper carrying no more than 382 passengers and Silver Cloud and Silver Wind accommodating only 296. Offering worldwide itineraries, the vessels feature ocean-view suite accommodations, complimentary shoreside experiences, entertainment and onboard enrichment, complimentary beverages and in-suite beverage cabinets and other amenities for an ultra-luxury experience.

Uniworld River Cruises is the leading operator of river cruises in Europe, offering intimacy and personalized service on a variety of ships that typically carry no more than 134 guests. Combining old world elegance with modern amenities, the vessels feature expansive views of passing countryside, libraries, a lounge with full-service bar,
boutiques, a beauty salon and 24-hour coffee bar. Operating for more than 30 years, Uniworld offers itineraries on 12 rivers in 20 countries across four continents, including Europe, Russia, Egypt and China. Among the most popular European itineraries are Castles Along the Rhine, Danube Discovery, Enchanting Danube, European Jewels, Eastern Europe Explorer and Tulips & Windmills. One 17-day voyage features the Ukraine, the Black Sea and Istanbul.

Windstar Cruises operates three sailing yachts—Wind Spirit, Wind Star and Wind Surf— known for offering a pampered luxury lifestyle and the ability to visit the hidden harbors and secluded coves of some of the world's most sought after destinations. Carrying just 148 to 312 guests, the ships visit 50 countries, calling at 100 ports throughout Europe,
the Caribbean and the Americas. Windstar appeals to contemporary travelers with a casual onboard ambiance, alternative dining venues, a diversity of shore excursions, deluxe spa facilities and a complimentary water-sports program. Popular with honeymooners because of the ships' innate romantic elegance, Windstar also offers voyages through the Greek Islands and in-depth explorations of Costa Rica.

For more information about small ship cruising, visit www.cruising.org .

About CLIA
The nonprofit Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is North America's largest cruise industry organization. CLIA represents the interests of 23 member lines and participates in the regulatory and policy development process while supporting measures that foster a safe,
secure and healthy cruise ship environment.

April, 2008

CLIA Enhances Travel Agent Resources With New ‘Infocentre’
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has announced another new feature to its online “Your Business Resource Center” for its member travel agencies and agents.
InfoCentre is a one-source service for agents to order sales and promotional materials from cruise lines and other travel suppliers. By simply accessing InfoCentre through the online, password-protected “Your Business Resource Center”, agents can place orders for a wide variety of cruise lines and other travel suppliers’ sales materials. Requested information is shipped by InfoCentre and delivered to the agent in two to five days, nationwide.
This demand-driven distribution model significantly reduces the waste associated with unsolicited sales materials that suppliers send to agencies. As a result, millions of brochures can be saved by simply providing agents with what they need when they need it. “CLIA is committed to making the industry greener and helping travel agents in every aspect of their business, including finding ways to improve the fundamentals of conducting business in the cruise industry,” said Bob Sharak, CLIA’s executive vice president of marketing and distribution. “This new one-stop resource, InfoCentre, is a great enhancement to ‘Your Business Resource Center’ because it supports agents’ sales efforts in an environmentally-friendly way.”
“Your Business Resource Center”, which offers CLIA agents exclusive access to a full spectrum of services at one web page, was launched at the beginning of the year. InfoCentre, the latest service to be added to “Your Business Resource Center”, was created by Todd Travel Promotions which has worked with CLIA on a variety of projects since 1975. InfoCentre may be accessed at www.ordericworld.com and from the Business Resource Centre at www.cruising.org.

New Cities, Courses And Certification Credits For Trainingfest 2008
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has announced details of TrainingFest 2008, the fastest way for travel agents to earn CLIA certification credits, including new cities and new seminars. New in 2008 is the ability to earn the mandatory training credits needed during the two-day TrainingFest to become a Master Cruise Counsellor (MCC).
TrainingFest provides travel agents throughout the United States and Canada with a convenient way to earn valuable credits toward CLIA certification by attending the two-day seminar program and trade show in any of 11 cities between July and September. For the first time, participation in four seminars and attendance at the trade show will fulfill CLIA Institute requirements for MCC accreditation. TrainingFest has grown in attendance every year since it was launched in 2006, including a 10 percent increase in attendance in 2007 for a total of more than 1,200 agents attending the event throughout North America. “Along with cruise3sixty and our extensive ongoing program of online and classroom training courses, TrainingFest is a major feature of CLIA’s commitment to provide all the tools and knowledge travel agents need to become expert sellers of cruises,” said Terry L. Dale, CLIA’s president and CEO. “The effort is a win-win situation for all of us because CLIA agents report an average increase in annual cruise sales of 261 percent after completing certification.”
TrainingFest cities for 2008 include:
Houston, July 10-11
Philadelphia, July 17-18
Las Vegas, July 24-25 (New for 2008)
Cleveland, July 31-August 1 (New for 2008)
Atlanta, August 7-8
Los Angeles, August 14-15
Toronto, August 21-22
Seattle, September 4-5 (New for 2008)
Baltimore, September 11-12
Edmonton, September 18-19 (New for 2008)
Chicago, September 25-26
New seminars for this year’s TrainingFest include Power Selling Techniques and Cruising…Knowing the World You Sell. Both are Level 1 courses and recommended for agents with less than two years experience selling cruises. Other Level 1 seminars this year will be: Cruise Vacations – An Introduction and Principles of Professional Selling. The more advanced level 2 seminars will include: Building a Smart Business Plan, Customer Relations Management Made Easy, Selling to Special Interests – Niche Markets, and Cruising – The Ultimate Incentive.
In addition to the seminar program, TrainingFest will feature a CLIA member cruise line trade show that provides participants further opportunities to expand their knowledge of cruise products offered by each brand.
Fees for TrainingFest range from $35 to $105 depending on the number of seminars taken and whether the agent is a CLIA member. Admittance to the trade show is complimentary for all taking at least one seminar and for a small fee for anyone not participating in the seminar program.
For more information about TrainingFest and to fill out an application form, visit www.cruising.org or call 754-224-2200.

The nonprofit Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is North America’s largest cruise industry organization. CLIA represents the interests of 23 member lines and participates in the regulatory and policy development process while supporting measures that foster a safe, secure and healthy cruise ship environment. CLIA is also engaged in travel agent training, research and marketing communications to promote the value and desirability of cruise vacations and counts as members 16,000 travel agencies.

March, 2008

Travel Agents At CLIA’s Cruise3sixty Express Strong Optimism For 2008
The 1,500 travel agents at Cruise Lines International Association’s 4th annual cruise3sixty conference and trade show in Fort Lauderdale March 7 to 9 expressed their strong optimism about sales in 2008. CLIA’s 24 member cruise lines called on the sellers to take advantage of their companies’ major investments in new ships, itineraries, destinations and shipboard innovations – as well as CLIA’s training and education – to help build their business.
Delivering a snapshot of the industry today, Dan Hanrahan, CLIA’s marketing committee chairman and president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises, told the 2,200 total delegates, “The travel agency community is bullish on the cruise industry,” according to travel agent surveys conducted as recently as mid-February. An immediate interactive poll of the audience, a new feature at this year’s cruise3sixty sessions, drew an optimistic response, with more than 90 percent of agents expecting as good or better sales in 2008 compared to the past year, despite a weakening economy.
Providing a glimpse of new developments in the industry, Hanrahan said there was ample reason for the optimism. By 2012, the CLIA fleet will expand by 36 ships, an investment of nearly $22 billion and representing a potential incremental increase in agent commissions of $300 million.
Hanrahan joined fellow cruise presidents during a wide-ranging panel discussion about opportunities and challenges facing the industry. Hanrahan was joined by Gerry Cahill, Carnival Cruise Lines; Carol Marlow, Cunard Line; Rick Sasso, MSC Cruises and Mark Conroy, Regent Seven Seas Cruises. The theme was strategies agents can use to sustain the optimism and realize their goals.
Moderated by CLIA president and CEO Terry Dale, who frequently brought agents in attendance into the conversation through interactive instant polling, the discussion covered a number of topics, including the biggest changes in the industry in 20 years, the greatest challenge for cruise lines and ways to counter bumpy economic times. “We’re not recession proof but we’ve certainly proved to be recession resistant,” Hanrahan said.
The panelists urged agents step up their marketing initiatives, stressing the exceptional value of cruise vacations, really get to know their customers, and close the deal. “You’ve got to focus on promotion, be proactive and go for the close, ask for the order,” Conroy said. Noting the great diversity of cruise products and experiences, the CEO’s said the primary challenge was to convert land-based vacationers to cruisers. From the cruise lines’ perspective, the panelists agreed that the biggest challenges were continuing to provide top quality service, including finding and retaining good personnel, and controlling costs, an issue made considerably more difficult with the cost of new ships almost tripling.
For many at cruise3sixty, one of the most popular panels was a look at the cruise industry from experts representing the future generation of cruisers. In a group discussion called “Kidding Around,” six children aged seven through fifteen offered their opinions on everything from shipboard activities and food to favorite destinations. Moderated by Eileen Ogintz, whose nationally syndicated column “Taking the Kids” reaches 10 million readers, the kids debated whether spending time with family or time away from family was more fun, agreed that making new friends, doing new things and seeing new places were the best reasons to cruise and said that their personal choices and wishes were part of the decision-making process when their families planned a vacation.
On Saturday evening, CLIA hosted its annual Hall of Fame dinner where it inducted three cruise industry legends: A. Kirk Lanterman, chairman emeritus, Holland America Line; Joanie Ogg, former president of National Association of Commissioned Travel Agents (NACTA); and Donna Flora, vice president, travel industry relations, American Express. Entertainment for the evening featured four cruise line performance acts from Carnival Cruise Lines (G-Force), Celebrity Cruises (Solstice), Norwegian Cruise Line (Second City) and Royal Caribbean International (Invitation to Dance).
On the closing day of the conference, ten cruise lines showcased innovative amenities and features of their new vessels such as private spa suite accommodations, new dining options, even the first real lawn at sea. The lines included: Azamara Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International.
Agents also were briefed on the rapidly growing small ship/river cruises market. Executives from four companies – Hurtigruten, Majestic America Line, Uniworld Grand River Cruises and Windstar Cruises – and three top producing agents pointed out the opportunities to earn high commissions and develop new clientele. Together, they called on agents to take advantage of training opportunities offered by the lines and CLIA to develop the knowledge to find and retain the well-educated, experienced travelers who gravitate toward small ships and the river cruise experience.Terry Dale concluded cruise3sixty 2008 saying, “In all the change happening around us, the one thing that will never change is our need for you, our partnership with travel agents.
CLIA’s cruise3sixty will return to Fort Lauderdale April 2-5, 2009, and has officially announced that for the first time, CLIA will hold cruise3sixty on the West Coast, in Vancouver, June 3-7, 2010. Registration for 2009 will open to pre-registered delegates on March 10 and to the public on April 1, 2008. Visit www.cruise3sixty or www.cruising.org  for more details.

About CLIA
The nonprofit Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is North America’s largest cruise industry organization. CLIA represents the interests of 24 member lines and participates in the regulatory and policy development process while supporting measures that foster a safe, secure and healthy cruise ship environment. CLIA is also engaged in travel agent training, research and marketing communications to promote the value and desirability of cruise vacations and counts as members 16,000 travel agencies.

January, 2008

Cruise Industry Anticipates Record Year For Cruise Bookings
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the cruise industry organization for 24 member cruise lines and 16,000 travel agency members, predicted at a press meeting in New York a record year for 2008, with its member lines projected to carry 12.8 million passengers. Of the total, 10.5 million passengers will originate from North America; 2.3 million from international markets. "The cruise industry, represented by CLIA member lines and driven by new ships, innovative itineraries and ground-breaking shipboard facilities and activities, continues to demonstrate enviable strength," said Dan Hanrahan, CLIA's marketing committee chairman and president & CEO of Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises. "We anticipate that the unparalleled diversity of cruise experiences offered by our members will result in another record year for the industry."
Also newly released was the third quarter 2007 passenger carrying results and fourth quarter estimates, which revealed that CLIA member cruise lines are anticipated to have carried 12.6 million worldwide passengers last year, a 4.6 percent increase over the 12.01 million carried in 2006. Included in that forecast are 10.33 million North Americans in 2007, compared with 10.08 million the previous year. Cruise lines also maintained their high utilization rates, posting a collective occupancy factor of over 105 percent in 2007.
Adding to the excitement of cruising in 2008 will be the introduction of eight new ships and two redeployed vessels joining the CLIA fleet, representing a total increase in berths of 23,275. Taking into account the timing of ship introductions and deletions throughout the year, the actual annual increase in available net bed days—and passenger growth—is projected to be a moderate 1.6 percent. Based on known 35 new ships that CLIA will introduce from 2008 - 2012, the CLIA fleet will have a 29 percent increase in capacity from 2007, reflecting a dynamically changing capacity environment.
CLIA's optimism is supported by early reports from CLIA member travel agents on this year's Wave Season, the period between January and March traditionally known as the heaviest booking period of the year. A recent survey indicated that 90 percent of agents expect as good or better annual sales results as 2007, 60 percent of agents expect 2008 to be better than 2007, and 20 percent expect it will be their best year ever overall for cruise bookings. Almost 35 percent of respondents expect Wave Season to be their highest volume booking period although 32 percent reported that their cruise sales are generally consistent throughout the year -- which is also good news for the industry.
"With consumers typically booking at least five to six months out, Wave Season gives us a good indication of the year to come and it's looking positive," said Terry L. Dale, president and CEO of CLIA. "We are also heartened by the fact that cruise bookings and sales are increasingly strong throughout the year, extending beyond Wave Season. From all indications, CLIA member lines are having great success reaching an increasingly diverse population of vacationers -- of all ages, backgrounds and interests. And, according to the travel agents who sell nearly 90 percent of all cruises, they are strongly receptive to the extraordinary range of different experiences offered on CLIA member ships."

New Ships, Itineraries & Shipboard Amenities Shape 2008 Cruise Experience
Looking ahead to 2008, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has pronounced the state of the cruise industry to be sound, growing and diverse. “The cruise industry continues to be an amazing success story,” said Terry L. Dale, president and CEO of CLIA. “CLIA lines have experienced a more than 36 percent increase in net capacity since 2002, yet maintained average occupancy to over 105 percent. In 2008, the addition of eight brand new ships as well as the reintroduction of several vessels will create new CLIA member cruise line capacity that we anticipate will be filled as increasing numbers of consumers are drawn to the remarkable diversity and variety of cruise experiences all over the world.”
CLIA member lines have enjoyed an average annual passenger growth of more than seven percent since 1980. Worldwide, CLIA forecasts 12.5 million people will have taken a cruise vacation in 2007, an increase of 4.2 percent over the previous year. Of the 12.52 million 2007 cruise guests, 10.5 million were sourced from North America with over 2 million, or 16 percent, being sourced from international markets. CLIA expects the percentage of internationally sourced guests (outside of the U.S. and Canada) to increase as cruising continues to gain momentum worldwide. Combined with the increase on worldwide capacity, the actual number of international guests has increased four-fold since 1995.
New Ships: Between 2008 and 2012, 35 new cruise ships will be introduced, an investment of more than $21 billion. By the end of 2007, the CLIA fleet had exceeded 175 vessels, of which more than 100 were built since 2000. This year CLIA will welcome eight new arrivals from its member lines:
-- Royal Caribbean International’s Independence of the Seas, with a capacity of 3,643 passengers —May
-- MSC Cruises’ 2,550-passenger Poesia – May
-- Carnival Splendor, carrying 3,006 passengers – July
-- Holland America’s 2,104-passenger Eurodam - July
-- Pearl Seas Cruises’ 210-passenger ship (to be named) - July
-- Princess Cruises’ 3,100-passenger Ruby Princess - November
-- Celebrity Solstice, carrying 2,850 passengers - December
-- MSC Cruises’ 3,300-passenger Fantasia – December
In addition, Silversea Cruises will refurbish and re-introduce its recently purchased Silver Dawn carrying 132 guests on adventure voyages. Also, Norwegian Cruise Line will transfer Pride of Hawaii from its NCL America inter-island Hawaii itinerary and rename the ship Norwegian Jade to sail in the NCL fleet in Europe during the summer of 2008.
In addition to the new build and reintroduced vessel capacity increases, net capacity is moderated by known deletions in the CLIA fleet via vessel sale or transfer including:
-- Orient Lines – Marco Polo, 848 Guests (March)
-- Royal Caribbean International’s Empress and Sovereign of the Seas – 3,894 guests (March/October)
-- Carnival Cruise Lines – Celebration – 1,486 Guests (April)
-- Majestic America – Delta Queen, 174 Guests (November)
-- Cunard QE2 – 1,791 guests (November)
Collectively, the 2008 vessel additions and the known deletions as of December 2007 represent a net increase in 2008 bed day capacity of 2.6 percent. 
Growth in new markets: In addition to the perennially popular Bahamas/Caribbean, Alaska and Mexico cruise markets, the big news in the industry is the continued strong growth in European cruises – the Mediterranean and Adriatic, Iberia, northern Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic region. Many CLIA member lines are significantly increasing their capacity in Europe, including year-round deployments of large capacity ships and the introduction of new ships straight out of the shipyards of Europe. With cruising considered a relatively “new concept” – it is estimated that only five percent of Europeans have taken a cruise vacation – some CLIA members are also establishing their own European brands targeting the Spanish, French, German and UK markets.
The cruise boom in Europe has also fueled the development of new itineraries and ports of call in the region. These range from out of the way ports in Scotland and remote islands in the north Atlantic to ports on the Black Sea, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Albania and Dalmatian coast, to Tunisia and other North African ports, Sicily, Corsica, and “undiscovered islands of Spain, Italy and Greece.
South America, from the Caribbean nations of Belize and Honduras to the Falkland Islands, is experiencing equally impressive growth, with CLIA members deploying ships
there for the first time or greatly expanding their presence, particularly during the winter season, to take advantage of consumer interest (from North and South America as well as Europe) in exploring the great cosmopolitan cities of Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires and others as well as the continent’s extraordinary natural beauty, from the Chilean fjords to the mighty Amazon River. Many of the itineraries also feature the wonders of Antarctica.
An emerging market is cruising in the South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand with several CLIA member lines deploying larger ships in this area, adding more ships and establishing a year-round cruise presence. The popularity and variety of the destinations, coupled with the exotic appeal of places like Tahiti, the fascinating aboriginal culture of Australia and the spectacular scenery of New Zealand are driving new interest among cruise passengers worldwide.
Other markets that are experiencing strong growth, though on a much smaller scale, include the Middle East’s Gulf region where such destinations as Dubai and Oman are investing in port development and attracting the interest of not only travelers but cruise lines, as well.
Globalization: As CLIA members seek to keep customers loyal and attract new ones, the industry is characterized by the globalization of itineraries and destinations. In addition the growth markets already mentioned, many cruise lines are expanding their areas of operation, in some cases encompassing over 300 ports of call on all seven continents. In part this has been driven by surprisingly strong consumer demand for world cruises, with several CLIA members either joining the “long cruise” market for the first time or expanding their world cruise operations with more ships or more ambitious itineraries.
New itineraries featuring ports of call in Africa, including Tunisia, The Gambia, the Seychelle Islands, Kenya and Madagascar; in Asia, including Cambodia, Vietnam, India; and closer to home, Egg Island in The Bahamas, the Turks and Caicos, Peter Island in the Caribbean. Port development projects are also proposed in Turks and Caicos, Roatan and other destinations in the Caribbean region. Along with the more exotic worldwide itineraries has been a growth in extended excursions to cultural treasures in Europe, Asia and elsewhere, including the temples of Angkor Wat, the Taj Mahal, even the mountain Kingdom of Bhutan.  
Shipboard Innovations:
Continuing the trend toward offering passengers greater choice and flexibility, CLIA member lines are introducing an impressive range of shipboard facilities and activities. Recreational facilities continue to become more varied and ambitious, as reflected in such
offerings as full-scale aqua parks, adults-only and teens-only recreational areas, even bowling alleys. The shipboard dining experience continues to focus on allowing guests more choices and options – when, where, what and with whom to eat, including, in some cases, dining rooms or restaurants for children.
Among the hottest trends to watch for: a new generation of shipboard spas that compete in size and amenities, including dedicated spa suites, with top-brand, land-based spas; the latest personal technology, including cell phones, iPods, and wireless Internet access; increasingly impressive onboard enrichment programs, including cooking schools, theater camps for kids; and, less visible but increasingly influential, the creation of “consumer advisory panels,” including teens and women, to provide input on everything from entertainment and recreation to interior design.

CLIA Adds Major New Benefit For Members
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has just added another major feature to its already impressive list of member benefits. CLIA announced its partnership with Marsh , offering CLIA agencies online quotes for insurance programs. The information and the link to Marsh ConsumerConnexions is located in the members-only section of CLIA’s website. “CLIA’s goal is to provide our members with the broadest possible range of products and services designed to support their businesses in every way,” said Terry L. Dale, president and CEO of CLIA. “These new insurance products from Marsh are a major step toward completely fulfilling that goal.”
Marsh ConsumerConnexions offers exclusive access to several insurance programs. These include group health, individual health, long term care, short term medical, term life, auto and homeowners, dental, executive medical and others. By using Marsh Smart Business Interactive, CLIA members can receive an online, no obligation quote.
Marsh ConsumerConnexions designs, implements, and manages insurance, risk management and financial service programs for private clients and sponsoring entities, delivering vision, value, convenience, choice and innovation to consumers worldwide. Marsh, a unit of Marsh & McLennan Companies (MMC), is the world’s leading insurance broker and risk advisor providing advice and transactional capabilities to clients in over 100 countries.
About CLIA
The nonprofit Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is North America’s largest cruise industry organization. CLIA represents the interests of 24 member lines and participates in the regulatory and policy development process while supporting measures that foster a safe, secure and healthy cruise ship environment. CLIA is also engaged in travel agent training, research and marketing communications to promote the value and desirability of cruise vacations and counts as members 16,000 travel agencies. For more information on CLIA, the cruise industry, and CLIA-member cruise lines and travel agencies, visit www.cruising.org.

October, 2007

Over-the-Top Accommodations Redefine Cruise Ship Luxury
An elegant duplex apartment the size of a house; exclusive courtyards and verandahs with private pools, hot tubs and fitness areas; private space large enough to entertain 100 friends; 24-hour butlers and concierge service; a marble-appointed bath for every bedroom: today's cruise ships are redefining luxury with over-the-top suite accommodations unimagined only a few years ago.
On luxury yachts, globe-trotting ocean liners and every type of cruise ship in-between, guests in search of the ultimate in elegance, exclusivity or spacious privacy will be astonished by what they find. Among the member lines of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) there are ships offering suites of more than 2,000 square feet. In one case, five, two-story suites can be combined to create an incomparable living space of more than 9,000 square feet. Even on intimate yachts and ships carrying barely 100 passengers, a lucky few have the option to live in grand style in the "Owner's Suite."
While the size, design and ambience of these remarkable accommodations may vary, what is common to all is a level of personalized service unparalleled on land or sea. In addition to the latest in technology and the world's finest toiletries and other amenities, most suite accommodations feature the undivided attention of butlers or suite stewards, the skillful services of a concierge and a variety of options that enable the occupants to enjoy, in complete privacy, anything from cocktails with friends to full-course meals served on a verandah under the stars.
Most remarkable is the fact that many CLIA member lines report that these decidedly upscale accommodations are often the first to sell out.
Here is a sampling of over-the-top suite accommodations offered by members of CLIA:

Azamara Cruises
Azamara Cruises' deluxe, 694-passenger ships each offer guests the choice of six Penthouse Suites, four Royal Suites, and 32 brand-new, custom-built Sky Suites. While guests in every stateroom and suite on Azamara's ships enjoy stateroom butler service, fresh-cut flowers, fresh fruit, afternoon canapés, plush cotton bathrobes, European bedding and towels, complimentary slippers, and one night of complimentary dining in a specialty restaurant, guests in suites receive even more pampering. Guests staying in suites will receive a bottle of champagne in their stateroom at embarkation, two nights of complimentary dining in the specialty restaurants, in-room DVD players and the ability to enjoy movies free of charge from the ship's library; silk hangers and drawer liners upon request; and the ability to book certain spa services to take place in the privacy of their suite.

Carnival Cruise Lines
When the 3,006-passenger Carnival Splendor arrives in 2008, it will feature the line's first spa accommodations, which are adjacent to a luxurious 21,000-square-foot spa that spans the forward portion of two full decks and overlooks the bow of the ship. Accessed through a private elevator and stairway, Carnival Splendor's 68 spa suites include priority spa appointments with a pre-cruise concierge consultation, complimentary fitness classes, an abundance of special spa amenities, and unlimited use of the facility's relaxing thalassotherapy pool and an elaborate thermal suite.

Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises' suites feature 24-hour butler service, which includes full breakfasts, lunches and dinners served in the suite, if guests desire; hors d'oeuvres delivered to the suite every afternoon; complimentary espresso and cappuccino; in-suite afternoon tea service; assistance with packing and unpacking; assistance with booking AquaSpa® appointments, and more. Amenities for guests in Celebrity's suites include welcome champagne, personalized stationery, a Celebrity Cruises tote bag; priority check-in and departure; priority tender services in applicable ports of call; express luggage delivery at embarkation; dining room seating preference; invitations to exclusive cocktail parties and onboard events; a private portrait sitting; and complimentary use of the Thalassotherapy pool in Celebrity's AquaSpa® facilities, on those ships that have one.

Costa Cruises
The Costa Serena and the Costa Concordia each offer exclusive spa suites with direct access to the ships' revolutionary Samsara Spa. Exclusive Samsara Spa Suite privileges include flat screen televisions, special Elemis bath accessories and access to the wellness cuisine in the private Ristorante Samsara. Suite accommodations also feature the spa's unique "Welcome Ritual," including unlimited use of the spa facilities, the Thalassotherapy pool, two complimentary fitness classes, two spa treatments, two sun-lamp sessions, a personalized wellness consultation and an invitation to the Samsara Spa tea ceremony.

Crystal Cruises
The four Crystal Penthouse suites on Crystal Serenity feature over 1,300 square feet of space, which encompasses a verandah, living room, dining area, luxurious bedroom, master bath with Jacuzzi, separate shower and ocean view, library, pantry, guest bathroom and private workout area with a personal treadmill. Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks, state-of-the-art sound system, flat screen TV, and the undivided attention of a personal butler are also part of the package. On Crystal Symphony, the two Crystal Penthouse suites are just slightly smaller but features most of the same luxury amenities.

Cunard Line
On Cunard's newest liner, Queen Victoria, four Grand Suites named after illustrious past Cunard liners: Aquitania, Berengaria, Mauretania and Laconia will range in sizes from 1,918 to 2,131 square feet.  Two more past Cunarders are honored with the naming of two Master Suites, Carpathia and Caronia, at approximately 1100 square feet.  The ultimate in luxury, Queens Grill suites aboard Queen Victoria feature butler service with butlers trained to the exacting standards of the International Guild of Professional Butlers. 
Queen Mary 2's five duplex Queens Grill suites range in sizes from 1,566 to 2,249 square feet.  For those passengers seeking even more space, all five may be combined to create a 9,000 square foot home at sea.  Four forward suites overlooking the ship's bow measure between 796 and 1,194 square feet and can be connected to create a stunning 3,980-square-foot suite.

Disney Cruise Line
Disney Magic and Disney Wonder cater to royalty with two Royal Suites on each ship featuring two bedrooms, one with a queen bed, the other with twin beds and pull down bunks, as well as 2 ½ baths, a whirlpool tub, living room, dining room, media library with a pull-down double bed and verandahs. Amenities include Disney-designed furnishings and extras such as a non-stocked wet bar, DVD player, walk in closets and the services of a concierge that begins even before boarding. All suites offer spectacular ocean views as well.

Holland America Line
Holland America provides its suite guests with exclusive amenities as well as spacious accommodations. All the line's ships feature at least one penthouse suite and a variety of other suite sizes, depending on the ship. In addition, passengers with suite accommodations have exclusive access to the Neptune Lounge staffed by a 24-hour concierge. Offering a private place to relax and socialize, the lounge provides worktables, a TV, a library, sofas and chairs and refreshments, including continental breakfast, a mini-bar and coffees, sandwiches and pastries through much of the day. Added luxuries for suite guests include a full stateroom breakfast at the start of the cruise, corsages and boutonnieres for the first formal night and, in many cases, a private verandah.

MSC Cruises
When MSC Fantasia debuts in 2008, guests will have a choice of 68 suites in an exclusive VIP area accessed by two private elevators. The five different suite designs all feature full butler service, laundry, housekeeping, room service from a dedicated VIP galley and concierge services. In addition to the suite accommodations, the VIP area will feature an observation lounge and bar, a concierge lounge, two VIP massage rooms in the spa, which is directly accessed from the VIP suites, and a VIP Sun Deck that includes a swimming pool, two Jacuzzis, showers and a bar for suite guests only.

Norwegian Cruise Line
NCL offers some of the most high-end accommodations afloat with its exclusive "ship within a ship" concept, which combines luxury accommodations with all the facilities of a large vessel in a private setting. Guests can cruise in style in Garden Villas, each spanning up to 5,750 square feet and offering a spacious living room, dining room, and three separate bedrooms, each with a private bathroom. Garden Villa guests also enjoy their own private sun beds, hot tub and steam room in a private garden, plus butler and concierge service. One of NCL's newest and most luxurious stateroom categories is the Courtyard Villa suite complex. The ten suites share a private courtyard, complete with lap pool, hot tub, male and female steam rooms, and a small fitness area.

Princess Cruises
In a style befitting its name, the Grand Princess features a Grand Suite, complete with fireplace, hot tub, convertible double sofa bed, large walk-in closets, spacious living areas and whirlpool tubs in the bathroom. All Princess ships offer suite and mini-suite accommodations of varying descriptions but all surround their occupants with luxury. Among the amenities are luxury toiletries, the finest in linens, in-suite DVD players, mini-bars and complimentary services such as access to the spa's thermal suite and the Internet Café, a private portrait sitting and expedited embarkation and disembarkation. Suite stewards are always on hand to assist.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises
No need to ponder the pros and cons of suite accommodations on Seven Seas Mariner or Seven Seas Voyager because both ships offer nothing but suites, some as large as 2,002-square feet and all with private balconies. In-suite amenities include high tech, interactive TV systems and DVD players, marble-appointed bathrooms with separate showers and full tubs, separate sitting areas, walk-in closets and, in Penthouse B suites and above, the pleasures of attentive butler service. A third ship, Seven Seas Navigator, also features ocean-view suites, 90 percent with balconies. Ten of the suites are interconnecting, creating a living space of over 1,500-square feet.

Royal Caribbean International
With a total of more than 2,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor living space, the Presidential Family Suite can be found on the company's "Freedom Class" ships accommodating up to 14 guests. Among the features: two master bedrooms with en suite bathrooms and 30-inch flat screen TV's, two additional bedrooms, with 23-inch TV's, a common area with two additional bathrooms with showers, a spacious living room with a sectional sofa that sleeps two and an extensive entertainment center, including a 42-inch plasma TV. The balcony is equipped with a whirlpool, wet bar, lounge chairs and dining alfresco for 14. Throughout the RCCL fleet, Royal Family Suites feature two bedrooms, two baths and spacious living areas.

Seabourn Cruise Line
When Seabourn Odyssey debuts in June of 2009, she will offer some of the most exceptional accommodations at sea. The Winter Garden Grand Suite provides a living room with a sofa bed for one and armchairs, a dining table for six, a butler pantry with wet bar, a private veranda and a solarium with bathtub, a separate seating area with couch, chairs, desk/dining table, another private veranda, two bedrooms with queen-size beds or two twin beds, two walk-in closets with personal safe, one alcove closet, three flat-screen televisions with DVD, one fully stocked bar, two bathrooms with separate tub (one whirlpool) and shower, and guest bath. The combined suites measure 1182 square feet. Two private verandas add another 215 square feet of private space.

SeaDream Yacht Club
SeaDream I and SeaDream II are luxury mega yachts, each with only 55 guest accommodations. The prize is the 450 square foot, elegantly appointed Owner's Suite featuring a private master bedroom and marble-lined bathroom, and a living and dining room area with a guest bath providing extra comfort for private entertaining. Amenities include Bulgari® toiletries, SeaDream's own plush 100% Turkish cotton bathrobes with slippers, separate, multi-jet shower massage units, lighted magnifying mirrors and hair dryers. Each suite's living room area features an entertainment center with a flat screen television, CD and DVD systems, Internet-ready outlets and personalized stationery. There is also a bar and refrigerator unit stocked with complimentary beer, soft drinks and bottled spring water.

Silversea Cruises
Two-bedroom Owner's Suites on Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper - each ship has two - offer over 1,200 square feet of luxury. Light-filled, with views of the sea from two private teak verandahs, the suites accommodate six guests and feature a living room with full-sized sofa, club chairs and coffee table, a dining area, a private bar stocked with complimentary beverages, wines and spirits, two bedrooms each with a TV, walk in closets, two marble baths with separate showers, a powder room and a full-sized Jacuzzi. Complimentary butler service and the finest of toiletries and linens, plus laundry service, 24-hour room service and Pommery Champagne upon arrival are among the other amenities.

Windstar Cruises
Perched on the Bridge Deck of Windstar Cruises' Windsurf are two new suites that provide all the luxury expected from a private European villa. Encompassing almost 500 square feet, they feature a living room and dining area, entertainment center with flat panel TV and DVD player, a separate bedroom also with flat screen TV and DVD player, a full bath with a whirlpool tub, separate shower and L'Occitane bath amenities. Chilled Champagne is offered upon arrival and evening appetizers and high tea service is available upon request. iPod Nanos are also available for checkout during the voyage.

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To locate a CLIA member travel agency near you, use the Travel Agent Locator on CLIA's Web site at www.cruising.org.

About CLIA
The nonprofit Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is North America's largest cruise industry organization. CLIA represents the interests of 24 member lines and participates in the regulatory and policy development process while supporting measures that foster a safe, secure and healthy cruise ship environment. CLIA is also engaged in travel agent training, research and marketing communications to promote the value and desirability of cruise vacations and counts as members 16,500 travel agencies.

September, 2007

Fitness, Wellness, Spa and Healthy Dining Programs Appeal to Cruisers
           
Theme Cruises and Special Interest Programs Continue to Lure Passengers

                                                                                                 Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Lines

South America Cruises Offer Vibrant Cultures And Natural Splendors
From the Amazon to Antarctica, Peru to Patagonia, Buenos Aires to Brazil, there is no more enjoyable, convenient and comfortable way to explore the impressively diverse and often remote treasures of South America and the world's most southern waters than by cruise ship.
Few cruise destinations offer such incredible variety as South America. There are the sophisticated, cosmopolitan cities of Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Montevideo and Valparaiso, among others, and the renowned beaches of Brazil; the extraordinary natural wonders of Patagonia, the Chilean fjords, Cape Horn and the Strait of Magellan, barely disturbed since Charles Darwin's famous exploration in the 19th century. The continent of Antarctica, the Falkland Islands, the Amazon River, vibrant celebrations of Carnival, extraordinary cultural landmarks, stunning landscapes and unique ecological diversity, flora and fauna: these are all to be found on South America cruises.
Many CLIA member cruise lines position one or more ships in South America at the
best time for cruising in late fall through winter. They offer itineraries as short as two days from ports in Brazil, to Christmas, New Year's or Carnaval holiday voyages, to circumnavigations of the continent in appealing segments of two or more weeks. From yacht-sized ships to the newest ocean liners carrying thousands of passengers, the
vessels come in all sizes, offering shipboard lifestyles and character as varied as the expectations of vacationers seeking to cruise. Many South America voyages also feature shipboard and shore side educational programs or, in some cases, special themed itineraries showcasing the cultural and natural wonders of the destination.
Here’s a sampling of South America cruises offered by CLIA member lines in 2008 and 2009:

Azamara Cruises
In 2008, Azamara Journey will offer several South American cruises, including a 12-night roundtrip from Buenos Aires departing January 28 to celebrate Carnival in Brazil; a 12-night voyage between Buenos Aires and Sao Paulo departing February 27 featuring stops in Punta del Este and Montevideo in Uruguay and four stops in Brazil, including Rio; a 12-night roundtrip from Sao Paulo departing March 10 to Buenos Aires and
back; and an 18-night sailing from Sao Paulo to Miami departing March 22 with stops in Brazil and the Caribbean. On December 18, 2008, Azamara Quest will sail from Sao Paulo to Buenos Aires, featuring the Falkland Islands, Cape Horn and the southern tip of South America.

Carnival Cruise Lines
For the first time, Carnival Cruise Lines will operate three voyages in South America in 2009 with extended visits to destinations in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Ecuador, Chile and Peru aboard the its newest Fun Ship, the 113,300-ton Carnival Splendor. The first cruise is a 17-day cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Buenos Aires, departing from Fort Lauderdale on January 31, 2009. A second 14-day, six-port Cape Horn/Strait of Magellan cruise from Buenos Aires to Santiago (Valparaiso).departs February 17. The final 18-day Andes, Peru and Mexican Riviera cruise departs from Santiago (Valpariso) March 3 and concludes in San Francisco on March 21.

Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Infinity offers several South American itineraries in 2008, including a 14-night voyage from Buenos Aires to Valparaiso, Chile departing January 6. On January 20, the ship embarks on a 15-night cruise to Rio de Janeiro from Valparaiso to celebrate Carnival, and, on February 15, sets off on the first of four voyages between Buenos Aires and Valparaiso (other embarkation dates are March 1 and 15 and December 21). On March 30, Infinity leaves Valparaiso on a 14-night journey to Fort Lauderdale, with a visit to the Panama Canal (the reverse itinerary will be offered December 7).

Costa Cruises
Three ships will spend winter in South America this year, offering a variety of cruises from Santos, Brazil in between transatlantic voyages in the fall and spring. Costa Victoria will offer three- to nine-night voyages from Santos beginning December 13, plus a 22-night Christmas/New Year voyage to the tip of South America and the Falkland Islands.  Costa Magica will offer three- to seven-night voyages to a number of Brazilian destinations, including Rio de Janeiro and Salvador da Bahia, with the first departure from Santos scheduled for December 14. And Costa Classica also sails from Santos beginning December 20, offering three- to 11-night itineraries, with some of the longer trips featuring Uruguay and Argentina in addition to popular ports in Brazil.

Crystal Cruises
Crystal Symphony will circumnavigate South America at the end of 2008.  Departing from Los Angeles on December 7, the 49-day voyage takes in the Pacific coast of Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru and Chile before journeying around Cape Horn. After visiting Antarctica for New Year’s and the Falkland Islands, the ship then visits Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Barbados, Turks & Caicos before finishing the voyage in Miami on January 25. The cruise is available in segments of 15 days, between Los Angeles and Valparaiso; 18 days, from Chile to Buenos Aires, and 16 days from Argentina to Miami.

Cunard Line
Three “Queens” will sail throughout the world in 2008; one of them will visit South America. Queen Elizabeth 2’s first leg of her 26th and last World Cruise before she retires from a distinguished career features two South America segments. Departing from New York on January 13, a 24-night sailing will include stops in Fort Lauderdale, Barbados, Salvador da Bahia, Rio de Janeiro, Montevideo, the Falkland Islands, Cape Horn, and Punta Arenas, Chile before arriving in Santiago, or Valparaiso. Then, departing from Santiago on February 6, QE2 offers the rare opportunity to visit a more distant part of South America, Chile’s mysterious Easter Island, as the ship sails across the Pacific Ocean.
Holland America Line
A bounty of choices is offered on five ships and more than 17 cruises to South America. New for 2008 is an extra January sailing on an expanded 20-day South America Explorer & Antarctica cruise aboard ms Rotterdam that features Wilhelm Archipelago, South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Sound. Also new are a 32- to 36-day Panama Canal & Amazon Explorer sailing on ms Veendam in September; and in November; a 13- to 26-day Inca Discovery on ms Statendam; a 26-day Amazon Explore” on ms Prinsendam; and a 22-day Americas Discovery on ms Amsterdam with tours to Chile’s Machu Picchu and Lauca National Park. Cruises include guest lecturers and regional experts.

Hurtigruten (Norwegian Coastal Voyage)
Hurtigruten sailings this winter will be focused on South America and Antarctica. With departures November 21 through February 17, there are 13-day Argentina & Antarctica itineraries featuring five days in Antarctica; eight sailings between October 31 and February 6 of a 19-day Antarctica and Chilean Fjords cruise with 15 days at the southern tip of South America and Antarctica; and a 21-day Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands Islands voyage, with two departures: October 15 and February 20. All itineraries feature naturalist guides, noted guest lecturers, city tours and, where appropriate, “PolarCirkel” boat landings. There are also a variety of optional shore excursions featuring such attractions as the Tierra del Fuego National Park, the Chilean pampas and tours of Torres del Paine National Park by foot or plane.

MSC Cruises
Three ships will winter in South America, offering a range of itineraries and ports of embarkation. MSC Opera, sailing roundtrip from Santos, will make three- to seven-night cruises between November 23 and March 19. Highlights will include Carnival in Rio de Janeiro and visits to Buenos Aires. Between December 9 and February 10, MSC Sinfonia will offer roundtrip cruises from Buenos Aires ranging from three to nine nights, including a Christmas itinerary featuring Rio de Janeiro. MSC Armonia will be based in Rio, offering roundtrip itineraries of four to nine nights between December 19 and March 11. During MSC’s South America season, there will also be a number of theme cruises focusing on wellness, fitness and Brazilian dance.

Norwegian Cruise Line
Beginning November 7 and extending through March 30, 2008, Norwegian Dream will be positioned in South America offering 14- and 18-day cruises featuring the Chilean Fjords, Tierra del Fuego and the Strait of Magellan. She will offer 14-day itineraries roundtrip from Santiago and between Santiago and Buenos Aires. On April 13, the ship will embark on an 18-day repositioning voyage from Santiago to Boston. In 2008, Norwegian Sun will offer 14-day Chilean Fjords and Strait of Magellan voyages between Santiago and Buenos Aires departing November 23, December 7 and 21.

Oceania Cruises
During the winter season of 2008-2009, Oceania will offer a variety of South America cruises ranging in length from 12 to 19 days. A 12-day itinerary between Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires features Buzios, Ilhas Grandes, Sao Paulo, Porto Belo, Itajai, Punta del Este, and Montevideo, with departures December 8, 2008; January 24 and February 5, 2009. A 16-day Buenos Aires-Valparaiso trip departing December 20, 2008 includes stops in Montevideo, Puerto Madryn, Port Stanley, Ushuaia, Cape Horn, Punta Arenas, the Chilean fjords, Laguna San Rafael, Puerto Chacabuco, and Puerto Montt. There will also be a 19-day Rio-Valparaiso itinerary, with departures January 5, February 17 and March 8, 2009.

Princess Cruises

In 2008, Princess will position three ships in South America during the winter months, offering a record 21 departures on six different itineraries. Star Princess will return with the popular Cape Horn & Strait of Magellan, Antarctic and Andes cruises plus a new 14-day Cape Horn itinerary. The intimate Pacific Princess explores the Amazon rainforest offering more voyages there than ever before. Her sister ship Royal Princess will sail on two new 12-day voyages between Fort Lauderdale and Guayaquil, Ecuador that will provide optional cruisetours to the Galapagos Islands and Machu Picchu. For those who can’t wait until late 2008, the line’s South America season this year gets under way December 20, 2007 with a 21-day Brazilian Adventure from Fort Lauderdale to Buenos Aires on.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Seven Seas Mariner will offer several South American cruises in early 2008. Departing from Fort Lauderdale on January 4, the ship will make a 12-night journey to Callao, Peru through the Panama Canal. The voyage will be highlighted by a “Spotlight Series” on chocolate. From Callao, the ship departs for Buenos Aires on January 16, sailing around Cape Horn, through the Falkland Islands. The 19-night cruise will feature a Le Cordon Bleu Circle of Interest program featuring intensive workshops, demonstrations and culinary excursions. Departing from Buenos Aires on February 2, Seven Seas Mariner sails up the Amazon River to Manaus on a 17-day voyage, then sails for Fort Lauderdale on a 12-night trip departing February 21.

Royal Caribbean International
Between December 18, 2007, and March 22, 2008, Splendour of the Seas will make a series of South America cruises ranging from a two-night roundtrip from Santos (Sao Paulo) and several eight-night roundtrips from Santos to Montevideo, Rio de Janeiro and other ports, to 15-night, one-way voyages between Sao Paulo and Valparaiso. Radiance of the Seas will offer longer voyages in South America: 13- to 16-night cruises between major ports such as Santos, Buenos Aires and Valparaiso.  Scheduled for November 23 through March 13, the series will include a 13-night roundtrip from Buenos Aires to celebrate Carnival in Rio de Janeiro.
Seabourn Cruise Line
Seabourn Pride offers four South American itineraries in early 2008.  Treasures of the Inca Coast is an 18-day cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Valparaiso, Chile departing January 5. Patagonian Passage, departing January 23, takes passengers on an 18-day voyage from Chile to Buenos Aires around the tip of South America. On February 10, Seabourn Pride sails from Buenos Aires to Manaus on a 20-day itinerary visiting Uruguay, Rio de Janeiro and other ports in Brazil; and, the Amazon & Caribbean Isles 16-day journey from Manaus to Fort Lauderdale departs on March 1 and features Devil’s Island, French Guiana, Barbados, Guadeloupe, Virgin Gorda and San Juan.

Silversea Cruises
In late 2007, the 296-guest Silver Wind will offer five voyages of eight to 16 days exploring South America from French Guiana in the north, along the east coasts of Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina, through the Strait of Magellan to Chile and its famous fjords. For example, a 14-day cruise departing from Manaus on the Amazon on November 13 takes in the length of the Amazon and calls in Santarem, Belem, Natal, Recife and Salvador before arriving in Rio de Janeiro. International relations expert Dr. Richard Atkins will host discussions on the region’s history and culture. Silver Wind will return to South America in winter, 2008 for another series of four voyages.

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Theme Cruises and Special Interest Programs Continue to Lure Passengers
The cruise industry - as reflected in the theme cruises and special interest lectures, workshops, discussions and shore excursions offered by the member lines of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) - is more than ready and able to give cruisers what they’re looking for and, more likely, dramatically exceed their expectations. South African wine, NASCAR racing legends, vegan cooking or French haute cuisine, killer whale safaris in the Arctic, golf, Tai Chi, Broadway trivia, mastering Adobe Photoshop or video editing: these are just a few of the subjects featured in special interest programs or theme cruises on CLIA cruise lines.
These, and hundreds of other topics and themes, can be found on short and long cruises in virtually every part of the world. In addition to showcasing the history, culture and natural wonders of countries and regions visited, the special interest programs are designed to help passengers pursue the latest trends in hobbies, explore new fields of learning, catch up on world developments, even engage some of the world’s leading experts and celebrities in conversation.
Here are some special topics featured in shipboard programs and theme cruises offered by CLIA member lines:

Carnival Cruise Lines
Theme cruises include: the first annual Soap Opera Cruise, a five-day cruise from Miami aboard the Carnival Imagination November 15-19, featuring ten popular daytime drama personalities; the Rusty Wallace Cruise, a seven-day cruise from Miami, December 1-8, with the car-racing legend; the Mind & Body Cruise, a seven-day cruise from Galveston aboard the Carnival Conquest December 2-9, co-sponsored by Shape and Men’s Fitness magazines; and the John Heald’s Bloggers Cruise, a seven-day cruise from Miami aboard the Carnival Freedom January 19-26, 2008, featuring Carnival’s popular senior cruise director.

Costa Cruises
Among Costa’s many theme cruises: Holistic Holiday at Sea aboard the Costa Fortuna, departing March 30, 2008 from Fort Lauderdale, with renowned teachers and authors and more than 50 workshops on vegan and macrobiotic cooking, massage, meditation and health; and the Chocoholic Celebrity Chef Cruises 2008 aboard Costa Mediterranea, departing from Fort Lauderdale on February 5, with all-star chefs from the Food Network, plus feasts of chocolate dishes, recipes, lectures, demonstrations, private parties and more.

Crystal Cruises
Of Crystal’s 61 voyages in 2008, 28 will feature focused programming ranging from wellness through Tai Chi, yoga and Pilates. Themes include the Arts & Antiquities cruise; the perennially popular Crystal Wine & Food Festival, offered on six voyages; three special Golf cruises in partnership with TaylorMade; Jazz & Big Band; Film & Theatre; and Smithsonian Journeys, featuring lecturers from the Smithsonian Institute offering particular insights on the Panama Canal. Crystal will also connect with the Tall Ships sailing event in Northern Europe in July. In addition to theme cruises, Crystal’s Creative Learning Institute offers complimentary destination lectures, special interest lectures on such topics as music keyboard classes, Computer University@Sea; Berlitz Foreign Language instruction and more.

Cunard Line
Cunard’s newly re-visioned enrichment programme, Cunard Insights™, features renowned authors, lecturers and personalities from the worlds of culture, entertainment, sports and politics. Among the featured guests during Queen Mary 2’s remaining 2007 Transatlantic season are Jeffrey Hoffman, former NASA astronaut and currently co-director of the Massachusetts Space Grant Consortium at MIT, September 22 sailing; Frank DeFord, Emmy Award-winning sports commentator, October 7 sailing; Richard Underwood, notable space photographer and technical director at NASA, October 19 and 25 sailings; and Lynn Truss, best-selling author of Eats, Shoots and Leaves, on the October 25 westbound transatlantic crossing.

Holland America Line
One of Holland America’s most popular special interest programs is the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine. Featuring celebrity chefs from around the world, the program is part of the line’s $225 million Signature of Excellence initiative and features special show kitchens, classes and cooking demonstrations on each ship. This year, the line introduced special cooking activities for kids as part of the Club HAL program. Another popular feature is the Explorations Speaker Series on longer voyages, with notable speakers and experts from a variety of fields. Stock market analyst David Leibowitz will be featured on the October 20 sailing of the ms Prinsendam. Other special interest activities include the line’s iPod-based shipboard art tours, and a “completely wild Alaskan seafood dinner” served during the Alaska cruise season.

Hurtigruten (Norwegian Coastal Voyage)
Hurtigruten's 12-day theme cruises capture the special quality of
sailing in the dark sea, along fjords and snow-clad mountains with lights glowing from villages, towns and lighthouses and, when conditions are right, the Northern Lights. Among the themes are: Watercolors and Art, a February 19 departure, with onboard artists and teachers; Winter Digital Photography in the Arctic, departing February 4; Harmony at Sea, departing February 12, with an experienced choirmaster organizing passengers into singing groups; and a Bridge cruise departing January 28. Other special interest activities offered include whale safaris to view the killer whales in the Lofoten Islands, featured on October 30 and December 26 sailings, and winter snowmobile and dogsled safaris in Spitsbergen, with eight- to 13-day cruise departures between February and May.

MSC Cruises
MSC offers a full slate of theme cruises throughout the year, enabling guests to expand their knowledge of a wide range of subjects. Themes include food and wine, classical music, dance, art, astronomy and astrology, hobbies such as art, photography and bridge, golf and well-being and health. Among the theme cruises coming up: Baseball Greats, featuring some of the game’s legends, a seven-night cruise departing from Fort Lauderdale December 14; and a Golf Cruise featuring some of Europe’s best courses departing October 22. Guests on all MSC ships also have the opportunity to learn to speak Italian as well as learn the latest dance steps.

Norwegian Cruise Line
NCL will host Cooking Light’s annual Ship Shape Cruise on November 11 aboard Norwegian Dawn. This health-and-wellness voyage will depart Miami, sailing an Eastern Caribbean itinerary. Guests will enjoy morning walks, customized shore excursions, cooking demonstrations and question and answer sessions with Cooking Light chefs, a private beach party in St. Thomas, Iron Chef-style cooking competitions and more. NCL America, which sails inter-island Hawaiian itineraries, features conservation and research discussions by experts from the Pacific Whale Foundation on select ships.

Oceania Cruises
In addition to destination experts and special interest lecturers on such topics as political science, history and finance onboard every sailing, Oceania is noted for its culinary cruises with well-known chefs. Among those coming up is an Antarctica and Chilean Fjords cruise with Susie Heller, departing December 20. Heller has been executive producer for Jacques Pepin and culinary producer for Julia Child. Master Chef Andre Soltner, dean of Classic Studies at the French Culinary Institute and former chef-owner of now closed Lutece restaurant in New York, will be featured on a January 10 sailing between Chile and Buenos Aires. Alain Sailhac will join a Buenos Aires to Childe cruise departing January 26.  Other special interest themes include wine tasting seminars and classes in computer software, iPod, Adobe Photoshop and video editing.

Orient Lines
As part of its Celebrity Speakers program, Orient hosts numerous lecturers, including noted historians, journalists, political commentators, diplomats, naturalists, explorers and scientists. Among the names Orient guests might encounter are: internationally known photographer Joe Dimaggio, Buzz Aldrin, the astronaut who landed on the moon, Ian Maxtone-Graham, Peter Hillary, Angelo Dundee and others.  Colonel Stephen Bauer, White House aide to five Presidents, will be onboard the October 10-24 sailing between Barcelona and Istanbul; Paul Kidd, butler to the British Royal Family will sail between Barcelona and Rio de Janeiro departing November 14; and Dr. Mark Rich, noted geologist will lecture on Scandinavia  and the Baltics on the December 13 sailing from Stockholm.

Princess Cruises
Princess offers a comprehensive shipboard enrichment program called ScholarShip@Sea. Featuring guest lecturers and experts on such topics as cooking, visual arts, computer skills, photography and pottery, participating passengers can choose from approximately 20 courses per voyage. The four core subjects are Culinary Arts, Visual/Creative Arts, Photography and Computer Technology and some of the topics include scrapbooking, Italian cooking, ceramics, digital travel photography, Web page design and water color painting. In addition to the main subject areas, each sailing may include courses or lectures on such topics as maritime history, science, politics, nutrition, geography, health and fitness, presented by authors, astronauts, naturalists, historians and personal development experts.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises
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