Azamara Cruises
Carnival Cruise Lines
Celebrity Cruises
Costa Cruises
Crystal Cruises
Cunard Line
Disney Line
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
Holland America Line
MSC Cruises
P&O Cruises
Princess Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean/UK
Seabourn Cruise Line
Star Cruises

 

Azamara Cruises

Azamara Cruises Invites Travelers To Savor The Tastes Of Europe
From Italian “slow food” and Slovenian salt to the French vineyards of Sauternes and Graves, Azamara has begun offering packaged shore excursions on certain itineraries.
This summer and fall, the 694-passenger Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest, are sailing the Baltic and Mediterranean seas for the first time. Onboard, guests enjoy complimentary meals in the ships’ restaurants, including two specialty restaurants, as well as various wine-themed workshops and activities. On land, the offerings are no less tantalizing. Examples of Azamara Cruises’ food- and wine-related Europe shore excursions include:
--Slow food tours in Livorno, Civitavecchia, and Venice, Italy; designed for those who love tastes that have endured through the ages, and who appreciate traditional ways of preparing and savoring meals, these tours feature wine tastings, olive oil tastings, cooking demonstrations and serene countryside walks.
-- A sampling of Koper, Slovenia’s wine, olives and salt during a tour that begins with a drive through the Slovenian Mediterranean coast to the salt plants that date back more than 700 years; there, guests see the salt houses, where raw salt is processed and packaged, and continue their journey to a farmhouse known for its olive-oil production and its depiction of Istrian farm life, as well as to a Slovenian wine cellar for a tasting.
-- A Vineyards of Sauternes and Graves tour in the Bordeaux region of France, where guests travel through acres of vineyards before visiting the underground winery at Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, known for its red wines; the region of Sauternes, where the world-renowned dessert wine is vented; and chateaux Y’Quem and Suduiraut, which offer outstanding tastes as well.
-- An exclusive cooking workshop at Amsterdam, Holland’s Michelin-2-star Ron Blaauw restaurant, where guests have the opportunity to learn from a culinary master before enjoying a gastronomic four-course lunch paired with select wines.
-- A pasta party at Country Relais due Laghi in Civitavecchia, featuring a visit to the medieval village of Anguillara by the lake of Bracciano before a trip to Tuscia, where local chefs demonstrate the traditional art of pasta-making three ways: with water and flour, with eggs, and with potatoes, before inviting guests to try their hand at it before enjoying a five-course gourmet meal.
-- A celebration of the colors, tastes and smells of Turkey in Kusadasi, during which guests experience a visit to Sirince, known for its incredibly fragrant and flavorful apricots and peaches; a trip to the mountainous area of Kirazl Koy, where guests can visit the local primary school, nap beneath a tree, or stroll through the village sipping Turkish coffee; a freshly prepared special lunch of gozleme, keskek and manti; and even a chance to help the locals pick seasonal fruits.
-- Capitals of the Baltic, offered on some of Azamara’s Scandinavia/Russia sailings, includes a slate of excursions such as Berlin’s Cultural Splendors, Porvoo, Hirvihaara Manor and Helsinki Highlights, The Best of St. Petersburg, Hermitage Splendor, Moscow and the Mysterious Kremlin, Historic Stockholm and Sigtuna, and Drottingholm Palace, Residence of the Swedish monarchy.
The packages, which guests can book before sailing, are offered on 18 different sailings. Booking these tours as a package individually costs guests less than it would to book all of them separately. Azamara also offers guests the opportunity to extend their European vacation with a cruisetour, exploring destinations inland that are not accessible by ship. Azamara's cruisetours in Europe are offered pre-cruise; ranging from three to eight nights in length, they focus on the regions of Italy, Greece and Eastern Europe. More information at www.azamaracruises.com.

‘Azamara Journey’ Visits London In August
As part of its European season, Azamara Journey will return to the London skyline in August 2008 as part of a two-night stay in the city for guests on a 16-night Western Europe cruise from Copenhagen. Azamara Journey will also visit other ports in the UK and Ireland including Edinburgh, Inverness, Oban, Belfast, Dublin and Falmouth.
Following the 2008 European summer season, Azamara Journey will sail to the Caribbean before returning to Europe in 2009.
Azamara Cruises’ series of seven-to-15-night Europe itineraries in 2009 will visit 91 ports in 36 countries, and depart from five different homeports: Athens, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Rome and Venice. Overnight stays will be offered in Barcelona, Edinburgh, Florence, Istanbul, Ravenna, St. Petersburg, and Stockholm. Late-night (10 pm or after) departures will be offered in ten further ports of call. Azamara Journey will be joined by sister-ship Azamara Quest in Europe in summer 2009.    

Azamara Cruises Set To Amaze In Asia In 2009-10
Azamara will offer a series of 14- to 18-night Southeast and Northeast Asian voyages and two 24-night repositioning cruises, each featuring two to six in-port overnight stays. Azamara also will offer guests the opportunity to spend seven nights in China on a cruisetour before or after their sailing. Azamara’s Asia bookings are open.
Azamara Quest, the 694-guest ship that underwent a $19-million makeover before its 2007 launch, will stay overnight in ten ports during its Asia season: Bangkok, Thailand; Danang, Vietnam; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, Vietnam; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Hong Kong, China; Mumbai, India; Shanghai, China; Singapore; and Tianjin, China. Azamara Quest also will make day visits to 11 other ports, bringing the season’s total ports to 21, in a total of 13 countries. Three ports will be new to the brand: Nagasaki, Japan; Phuket, Thailand; and Taipei, Taiwan.
Additional highlights of the season include:
Cruises from three homeports: Hong Kong, Shanghai and Singapore.
-- A special 18-night Christmas and New Year’s voyage from December 22, 2009, to January 9, 2010, which overnights in six different ports, including two nights in Bangkok.
-- An alternating pattern of 14-night Southeast Asia sailings between Hong Kong and Singapore in January and February 2010; these feature a day call in Danang and three overnights on every voyage, plus additional overnights in Bangkok and Ha Long Bay on the northbound itinerary, and an additional day call at Sihanoukville, Cambodia and a three-day call at Bangkok on the southbound itinerary.
-- A one-time Northeast Asia sailing from Hong Kong to Shanghai on March 6, featuring overnights in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing, as well as visits to Taipei and Nagasaki.
The opportunity to experience Azamara Quest for 24 nights on two repositioning cruises between Athens, Greece, and Singapore, each featuring overnight stays in Dubai and Mumbai as well as a visit to Phuket.
New dock locations in Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City and Ha Long Bay bring guests closer to the cities via docks that are inaccessible to larger ships. Land excursions include:
-- Essence of Cambodia – A three-day shore excursion in Sihanoukville featuring intensive visits to the famed Angkor Wat.
-- Cu Chi Tunnels – A day visit to Ho Chi Minh City’s extensive underground network of tunnels that were used by Vietnamese soldiers to remain unseen by their enemies.
-- Shanghai Classic Tour – An in-depth city tour featuring visits to the Jade Buddha Temple, the Bund (Shanghai’s most famous thoroughfare), the Yu Garden and Old Town.
-- Kyoto Experience – A day tour to the former capital of Japan, featuring stops at shrines and temples preserved through World War II.
-- Morning Refresh in Lumpini Park – An opportunity to join the locals in Bangkok for some early-morning Tai Chi in a popular park.
-- Asian Cooking Experience – Multiple excursions offering firsthand instruction and experience in preparing highly intriguing cuisines such as those of Korea, Thailand and Vietnam.

Guests who wish to extend their Azamara experience in Asia can do so by adding a seven-night land-based cruisetour in China, either before or after their cruise. The package includes deluxe accommodations, accompaniment by a tour guide, all transfers and intra-tour flights;
daily breakfast and several other meals on the following tours:
the following:
-- Three nights in Beijing, accompanied by tours of the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, and the Forbidden City, as well as a Peking Duck dinner.
-- Two nights in Xian, featuring visits to the Terracotta Warriors Museum and the Shaanxi Provincial Museum.
-- One night in Guilin, including an outing to the Sound and Lights show and a cruise on the River Li.
-- One night in Hong Kong, featuring a sightseeing tour.
Website: www.azamaracruises.com  

 

Carnival Cruise Lines

Exciting New 2009 Itineraries Announced For Carnival’s New ‘Carnival Dream’
Newbuild Carnival Dream is scheduled to enter service September 21, 2009, with an inaugural 12-day Grand Mediterranean cruise from Rome (Civitavecchia) featuring seven spectacular ports: Naples, Livorno and Venice (two-day call), Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Messina, Sicily; Monaco; and Barcelona, Spain. Two additional 12-day Grand Mediterranean cruises will be offered on October 3 and October 15, 2009.
The ship will then sail on a 16-day trans-Atlantic crossing departing Rome (Civitavecchia) Oct. 27 and arriving New York Nov. 12, 2009.  Featured ports include Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, and Malaga, Spain; Las Palmas, Canary Islands; and King’s Wharf, Bermuda (overnight call).
From New York, Carnival Dream will operate two eight-day Bahamas/Florida cruises departing November 15 and 23, 2009.  These voyages include a call at Port Canaveral (in proximity to Orlando-area attractions), followed by a visit to Nassau and Freeport in The Bahamas.
Following its New York departures, Carnival Dream will reposition to Port Canaveral, Fla., where it will launch year-round seven-day Caribbean cruises Dec. 5, 2009.    On its new Port Canaveral-based program, Carnival Dream will depart every Saturday on alternating weeklong cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. Eastern Caribbean cruises will call at Nassau; St. Thomas/St. John, U.S.V.I.; and St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles; while exotic Western Caribbean voyages will visit Cozumel; Belize; Costa Maya; and Nassau.  Carnival Dream will assume this route from the Carnival Glory, which will be redeployed to Miami to operate year-round seven-day Caribbean cruises beginning October 3, 2009.  
Reservations Open July 1

Reservations will be accepted for all of Carnival Dream’s cruises starting July 1, 2008. A special online preview of the Carnival Dream is available now at www.carnival.com/dream   . 

‘Carnival Freedom ‘To Operate Year-Round Cruises From Ft. Lauderdale
Carnival Cruise Lines’ 2,974-passenger Carnival Freedom, which was originally scheduled to operate six- and eight-day Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on a seasonal basis, will now operate the program year-round, following the conclusion of its 2008 Mediterranean program in October. 
Carnival Freedom’s year-round schedule from Fort Lauderdale begins November 22, 2008, with six-day cruises departing Sundays and visiting Key West, Fla., George Town, Grand Cayman; and Ocho Rios, Jamaica, while eight-day voyages departing Saturdays alternate to the eastern and western Caribbean.
Eight-day eastern Caribbean voyages visit five ports: San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas/St. John, U.S.V.I.; Antigua, Lesser Antilles; Tortola/Virgin Gorda, B.V.I.; and Nassau, The Bahamas. Western Caribbean cruises include Cozumel, Mexico; Limon, Costa Rica; and Colon, Panama.
 On Cardinal Freedom’s six-day cruises, guests can enjoy three distinctly different island experiences – Key West, Grand Cayman and Ocho Rios – each of which offers excellent shopping and dining opportunities, along with a variety of “fun in the sun” activities, including magnificent beaches and water sports. 
Carnival Freedom’s eight-day eastern Caribbean cruises feature five ports – San Juan, St. Thomas (optional shore excursion to St. John), Antigua, Tortola (optional shore excursion to Virgin Gorda) and Nassau – providing consumers a diversity of landside experiences, along with a variety of restaurants, shops and boutiques. A wide range of shore excursions are also offered, including horseback riding, scuba diving, hiking and kayaking.  During an extended evening stay in San Juan, guests can also sample that city’s legendary nightlife.
In addition to historical sites and attractions, including centuries-old ruins, the eight-day western Caribbean cruises to Cozumel, Limon and Colon offer a multitude of dining, shopping and water sports experiences. A number of “adventure-type” tours, including canoeing, and white-water rafting, are featured, as well. From Colon, guests can experience all the wonders of the Panama Canal and even a unique bi-coastal railroad adventure.
Both of these eight-day cruises offer visits to ports that are usually available only on cruises of 10 days or longer. In addition, these cruises depart on Saturdays and return on Sundays, which allow them to fit into the consumer’s traditional one-week vacation pattern.  
Reservations are currently being accepted. Special rates for third and fourth guests sailing in the same stateroom, along with round-trip air supplements from a variety of North American gateways and pre- and post-cruise South Florida land stays, are also available. 
For additional information and reservations, call 1-800-327-9501 (individual) or 1-800-327-5782 (groups) or visit the line’s travel agent Internet portal, www.bookccl.com.

Carnival to Introduce Baltimore’s First Year-Round Cruise Program In 2009
Carnival Cruise Lines will launch the first year-round cruise program from the Port of Baltimore with seven-day cruises aboard the 2,124-passenger Carnival Pride beginning in fall 2009. The new program kicks off September 13, 2009, and encompasses two different weeklong itineraries departing Sundays from the historic Maryland port. 
Baltimore’s first year-round cruise program will feature a variety of interesting ports on two distinctly different seven-day itineraries. Exotic Eastern Caribbean departures will call at Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos; the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay; and Freeport, The Bahamas; while Bahamas/Florida departures visit Port Canaveral, Fla.; and Nassau and Freeport, The Bahamas.

Shore Excursions Available on ‘Carnival Splendor’s Northern Europe Cruises
For its first-ever Northern Europe cruise program set to debut aboard the new Carnival Splendor July 13, Carnival Cruise Lines has assembled nearly 100 different shore excursion choices providing guests an opportunity to explore historic cities in Denmark, Germany, Finland, Russia, Estonia, and The Netherlands. Carnival Splendor will operate a series five 12-day Northern Europe cruises from London (Dover) July 13 to August 30, 2008. Featured ports on these voyages include Copenhagen, Denmark; Warnemunde (Berlin), Germany; Helsinki, Finland; St. Petersburg, Russia (two-day call); Tallin, Estonia; and Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Included among the Carnival Splendor’s nearly 100 different Northern European shore excursion choices are:
-- Amalie Palace (Copenhagen) – The winter home of the Danish Royal Family, Amalie Palace was built in 1794 for four different noble families, thus the complex consists of four identical palaces surrounding an octagonal courtyard.  The three-hour tour also includes time for sightseeing opportunities throughout Copenhagen’s legendary cobblestone streets and centuries-old homes and museums.
-- Suomenlinna Island Fortress (Helsinki) – Following a 20-minute ferry ride, guests arrive at the Suomenlinna Island Fortress, the largest fortification in Finland which is surrounded by a variety of elegant shops and museums. Built in 1748 and located on a bastion of six rocky islands near Helsinki harbor, the historic fortress has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1991.
-- Rostock by Land and Sea (Warnemunde) –  On this four-and-a-half-hour tour, guests have an opportunity to marvel at the magnificent architecture of this 800-year-old city, including Europe’s oldest university, the University of Rostock, which was founded in 1419 and distinguished by its ornate Italian Renaissance design. The day also includes a leisurely cruise down the Warnow River and an opportunity to enjoy some traditional German cuisine.
-- Hermitage Museum and Gold Room (St. Petersburg) - Originally founded as a private museum to Catherine the Great in 1764, the Hermitage now houses Russia’s largest art collection with more than three million individual pieces, including original works by Da Vinci, Raphael and Titian. Also included in the tour is a visit to the recently restored Gold Room which features Russian, European and Oriental jewelry dating back to the 17th century.
-- Rijksmuseum & Sightseeing (Amsterdam) - This historic museum offers one of the finest collection of Dutch paintings in the world, including several classic works by Rembrandt.  Following the museum visit, guests can tour Amsterdam’s famed architectural sites, including the 550-year-old New Church, the Mint Tower, built in 1618, and the 15th century Weepers Tower.
-- Medieval Old Town Walking Tour (Tallinn) – Offering one of the finest collections of medieval architecture in Europe, Tallinn features a variety of preserved structures, some dating back to the 13th century.  A highlight of this four-hour tour is a visit to Katarina’s Passage and Müürivahe Lane, a marketplace where guests can purchase hand-made crafts, linens and other items.
Following its Northern Europe cruises, Carnival Splendor will operate a special 12-day western Mediterranean cruise from London (Dover) to Rome (Civitavecchia) Sept. 11-23, 2008, with visits to Le Havre (Paris), France; Vigo, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; Malaga and Barcelona, Spain; Cannes, France; and Livorno, Italy.
From Rome (Civitavecchia), the ship will sail on a 12-day Grand Mediterranean cruise featuring Naples and Venice (two-day call), Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Messina, Sicily; Barcelona, Spain; Cannes, France; and Livorno, Italy.  Carnival Splendor will then operate two Mediterranean, Greece & Turkey cruises round-trip from Rome (Civitavecchia) Oct. 5 and 17, 2008.  These cruises include visits to Naples, Italy; Marmaris, Izmir (Ephesus) and Istanbul, Turkey, Athens (Piraeus) and Katakolon, Greece; and Livorno, Italy, and an overnight call at Rome (Civitavecchia).
On the 12-day Grand Mediterranean cruise guests can visit the fabled Montserrat Monastery in Barcelona; Monaco and Monte Carlo in Cannes; the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Livorno; and the village of Fatima in Lisbon. Highlights from the 12-day Mediterranean, Greece and Turkey cruises include the Acropolis in Athens; the Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque in Istanbul; and the Olympia museum and archeological site in Katakolon.
The 110,000-ton Carnival Freedom is also deployed in Europe this summer, operating a schedule of 12-day Grand Mediterranean and Mediterranean, Greece & Turkey cruises round-trip from Rome (Civitavecchia) now through October 25, 2008. Reservations are currently being accepted for all of Carnival’s various European departures.  Special rates for third and fourth guests sailing in the same stateroom, as well as round-trip air supplements from a variety of North American gateways, are also available. For additional information and reservations, call 1-800-327-9501 (individual) or 1-800-327-5782 (groups) or visit the line's travel agent Internet portal, www.bookccl.com.

 

Celebrity Cruises

‘Celebrity Solstice’ Extends 2008 Inaugural Season
Newbuild Celebrity Solstice, has introduced three additional sailings for cruisers to enjoy during its inaugural season this year. The ship will enter service with a Thanksgiving cruise, November 23, 2008, three weeks prior to its previously announced date of December 14, followed by two additional seven-night Caribbean cruises. Each new seven-night cruise – November 23, November 30 and December 7, 2008 – will present the same itinerary, departing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, with visits to San Juan, Puerto Rico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten, and Basseterre, St. Kitts.
Bookings for the November 23 sailing will be open exclusively to guests booked on the December 14 cruise until June 12, when the special two-week rebooking period ends. Bookings for the November 30 and December 7 sailings are open.
The 2,850-guest vessel also will have staterooms 15 percent larger than those on previous Celebrity ships, 90 percent of which will be outside, and 85 percent of all staterooms will have verandas.
For more information, call your travel agent, dial 1-800-437-3111 or visit www.celebritycruises.com .

 

Costa Cruise Line

Costa Cruises To Deploy Two Ships In 2009/2010 Caribbean Season
Costa will deploy two ships once again during its Caribbean 2009/2010 season from Ft. Lauderdale, with voyages available for sale now. Guests may choose from the grand Costa Fortuna and the elegant Costa Atlantica, which is making its much anticipated return to Ft. Lauderdale, complete with exclusive new spa cabins. Both ships will sail alternating Eastern, Western and Southeastern Caribbean routes as well as one sailing to Bermuda aboard the Costa Atlantica.
The grand 110,000-ton (2,720 double occupancy) Costa Fortuna will once again return to the Caribbean from December 2009 through March 2010, departing every Sunday on seven-night voyages.
In December 2009, the 86,000-ton (2,114 double occupancy) Costa Atlantica will make her return to Ft. Lauderdale, sailing seven-night voyages each Saturday and boasting 44 exclusive spa cabins that create a true “vacation within a vacation.” Guests who reserve these spa accommodations, appropriately located on Deck “8 ½” in honor of Federico Fellini, who inspired design elements of the ship, will enjoy a variety of special privileges. These include a personalized wellness consultation, three complimentary treatments, two fitness or meditation classes and complimentary access to the Wellness Restaurant, offering a wide array of spa-friendly cuisine. Spa cabins, available in ocean view, veranda and suite categories, will feature aromatherapy diffusers, special shower and air filters, and a mini bar stocked with healthy food and beverage selections. In addition, guests with these accommodations will be offered priority spa reservation times.
Costa’s ports-of-call in the Caribbean include Casa de Campo, Catalina Island, La Romana, Dominican Republic; Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos; Key West, Florida; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Nassau, Bahamas; Roatán, Honduras; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; St. Maarten, Leeward Islands; King’s Wharf and Freeport, Bahamas and Tortola, British Virgin Islands. Early booking fares for seven-night sailings begin at $499 and are cruise only, per person, and based on double occupancy. All fares are subject to change and based on availability.

Travel Agents May Earn Up to 17% Commissions Booking Groups with Costa
Starting this month, travel agents who book and place a deposit on any group by September 30, 2008 will automatically become eligible for a $2,010 gift certificate to Prada, another venerable Italian brand. Booking with Costa is not only simple, but lucrative, with commissions of up to 17%. Additionally, travel agents who graduate from Costa’s Online Sales Training Academy (C.O.S.T.A.) will start at a commission base of 3% higher, which means they will need less Amore Points to get to 17%! For complete information on how to book groups with Costa, travel agents may visit www.costalovesgroups.com , contact our group department at (800) 66-COSTA or via email at sales@us.costa.it. 

 

Crystal Cruises

Crystal Cruises Publishes 2009 Worldwide Cruise Atlas
Crystal Cruises' 2009 Worldwide Cruise Atlas is now available to travel agents and luxury vacationers.  The luxury line's 174-page, full year compendium - its largest and most comprehensive brochure to date - showcases the luxury line's 61 itineraries, ranging in length from seven to 106 days and visiting 185 ports throughout the world.
New in the 2009 Cruise Atlas are:
* Expanded "Experiences of Discovery" section, featuring a collection of theme cruises
* Value spread, highlighting many of Crystal's inclusive features, amenities, and services
* Silk Road and The Sushi Bar, depicting the new restaurants on Crystal Symphony and Nobu Matsuhisa's creative cuisine
* Eight new Penthouses, which will be converted from 12 category AA staterooms, thus reducing capacity and increasing Crystal Serenity's per guest space ratio
In 2009, the 940-guest, 50,000-ton Crystal Symphony, and the newly refurbished, 1,072-guest, 68,000-ton Crystal Serenity cruise through the Caribbean, South America, Antarctica, Middle East, Mediterranean, Canary Islands, Black Sea, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, South Pacific, British Isles, Baltic Sea, Arctic Circle and New England/Canada.
Among the highlights are:
* The World Cruise, a 106-day epic journey visiting 17 countries along the Pacific Rim.
* New fall cruise to Israel and Egypt
* New return to the Amazon for the first time in three years
* Asian itineraries with complimentary three-day land programs in Beijing
* Nearly every cruise in the Mediterranean, Baltic and New England/Canada features at least one overnight stay in port
* Maiden calls to Kotor, Montenegro; Lipari, Italy; Patmos, Greece; Sinop, Turkey; Napier, New Zealand; Sihanoukville, Cambodia; Komodo, Indonesia and Kiel, Germany;
To order a 2009 Atlas or for additional information on Crystal Cruises, contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625 or visit www.crystalcruises.com.

New 'Crystal Memories' Plan Available On 2009 Sailings
Crystal Cruises is unveiling its largest ever family and multigenerational group promotion, Crystal Memories, which is valid on virtually all the line's 2009 itineraries.  The promotion, which was first introduced this year as Mediterranean Memories on select 2008 Mediterranean sailings, has been expanded fleet wide as Crystal continues to tap into unprecedented growth of family and multigenerational travel.
The program includes:
-- One free sailing for every ten full-fare, full-paying guests;
-- Prepaid gratuities;
-- $100 per person onboard credit for maximum of two guests per stateroom
-- Third berth guests of 17 and under sail free;
-- $500 credit for Private Adventure shore excursion of $2,500, enabling large multigenerational family groups to custom tailor land experiences, and
-- One 8 x 10 group/family photo and one photograph of guest's choice per stateroom.
The size and range of accommodations aboard the ultra-luxury Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, coupled with the extraordinary levels of service and diversified onboard amenities and features, make a Crystal Cruise an ideal vacation option for multigenerational groups of discerning travelers.
The line features a fully supervised Junior Activities Program for kids 17 and under during summer voyages and other cruises with 12 or more children; Fantasia, the ships' dedicated playroom, with games, crafts, Sony PlayStation® and Microsoft's XBox 360 video games, and personal computers with entertainment and educational software.
The ships also feature dining options for any taste and sensibility, including casual poolside options, specialty restaurants and exceptional dining experiences in the Crystal Dining Rooms.
The Crystal Memories program is available with all 2009 cruises aboard Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, except the World Cruise, North Cape, Black Sea and Christmas and New Year's cruises. For more information or Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625 or visit www.crystalcruises.com.

Crystal 2009 Value Collection - Broad Savings, Broad Range Of Cruises
Crystal Cruises has announced its 2009 Value Collection sailings, allowing savvy luxury travelers the opportunity to plan ahead and realize extraordinary savings of up to 50 percent off regular cruise fares aboard Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity.
While typically offered on shoulder season dates and repositioning cruises, for 2009, Crystal is expanding its Value Collection to more than a dozen sailings of seven to 17 days through the Panama Canal, South America, the Mediterranean, Western Europe, New England and Canada, Caribbean and the Amazon, as well as Atlantic and Pacific Ocean crossings.
Itineraries offering savings of up to 50 percent in 2009 are:
Panama Canal/Caribbean/Amazon
--  February 16, Miami to Los Angeles, 14 days.  From $3,595 on Crystal Symphony.
--  May 7, Los Angeles to Miami, 16 days.  From $4,995 on Crystal Serenity.
--  November 22, Round-trip Miami, 7 days.  From $2,480 on Crystal Serenity.
--  November 22, Miami to Manaus, 13 days.  From $3,990 on Crystal Symphony.
--  November 29, Miami to Caldera, 11 days.  From $3,775 on Crystal Serenity.
--  December 10, Caldera to Miami, 11 days.  From $3,775 on Crystal Serenity.
Western Europe/Mediterranean
--  June 2, Lisbon to Venice, 12 days.  From $5,070 on Crystal Serenity.
--  June 7, Rome to London, 12 days.  From $4,360 on Crystal Symphony.
New England/Canada
--  October 1, Boston to Montréal, 7 days.  From $2,575 on Crystal Symphony.
--  October 30, Montréal to New York, 11 days.  From $3,835 on Crystal Symphony.
Ocean Crossings
--  March 9, Los Angeles to Hong Kong, 17 days.  From $3,690 on Crystal Symphony.
--  May 23, Miami to Lisbon, 10 days.  From $3,540 on Crystal Serenity.
--  November 12, Lisbon to Miami, 10 days.  From $3,540 on Crystal Serenity.
Fares quoted are based on per person, double occupancy accommodations.  For additional information and Crystal reservations, please contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625.  Website: www.crystalcruises.com.

 

Cunard Line

Royal Academy of Dramatic Art Aboard Queen Mary 2's Transatlantic Crossings
With Queen Mary 2's Transatlantic season underway, the accomplished actors and directors of London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) are engaged in a full program of performances and workshops designed to engage and entertain the ship's guests. Highlights of this season's RADA programming schedule include abridged versions of Shakespeare's Richard III and Romeo & Juliet, Charles Dickens' Great Expectations, Dylan Thomas' Under Milk Wood and Noel Coward's Private Lives, as well as three acting workshops led by RADA's experienced troupe.  In addition, this season the RADA program will expand to include dramatic poetry readings, often with musical accompaniment, on one evening during each Crossing. 
A cornerstone of the Cunard experience, the RADA program features a repertory troupe comprising six recent RADA graduates on the thresholds of their careers - some who have been featured in West End productions - as well as occasional appearances by distinguished alumni of the Academy.  Established in 1904, RADA is one of the foremost dramatic training programs in the world.
To get started, aspiring actors need only sign on for one (or all three) of RADA's onboard workshops.  Each 50-minute workshop delves into an important aspect of the acting experience. Topics include:
-- Finding Your Voice - Featuring introductory exercises demonstrating how RADA training allows actors to give their voice power and impact;
-- Filling The Space - Games and exercises to help actors be aware of their body as a means of communication;
-- Speaking the Speech - A chance to perform a Shakespeare monologue or poem.
Guests who attend all three workshops earn a special Cunard/RADA certificate signed by the actors.
For more information about Queen Mary 2, RADA onboard or Cunard, go to www.cunard.com.

 

Disney Line

Disney Cruise Line Returns to West Coast for Summer 2008
The Disney Magic cruise ship returned to the Port of Los Angeles in late May, making it easier than ever for guests residing in Southern California to experience Disney Cruise Line’s highly popular seven-night cruises to the Mexican Riviera. The ship is on the West Coast for a limited engagement, sailing just 12 cruises this summer, but staterooms are available for select voyages throughout the season. The ship is scheduled to sail back to Port Canaveral, Fla. on August 17.
Disney Magic is scheduled to sail 12 consecutive seven-night cruise vacations from the Port of Los Angeles to the Mexican Riviera ports of Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta. The remaining  departing dates for the Mexican Riviera sailings is as follows:  June 29, July 6, July 13, July 20, July 27, August 3, August 10.
Guests will delight in the unspoiled beauty of the Mexican Riviera.  Cabo San Lucas will treat guests to a tropical paradise of white sand beaches, crystal-clear blue waters and breathtaking mountain vistas. Mazatlán offers guests a glimpse into Mexico’s rich history and culture, while Puerto Vallarta, with more than 100 miles of scenic coastline, will allow guests to absorb the natural beauty of Mexico.
Available exclusively to guests sailing on Disney Cruise Line, the West Coast Signature Adventure Collection offers a luxurious repertoire of fun-filled shore excursions. These adventures offer an intimate way to explore the sights of the Mexican Riviera. Some of the highlights include:
-- Ÿ  Waterfall and Hot Springs Tour in Cabo San Lucas—Guests embark in a private vehicle to the East Cape Region in Cabo San Lucas. Once there, they take a short hike to a beautiful waterfall where they can take a dip in the cool waters and marvel at the sandy shores gleaming with gold pyrite. Guests continue to hot mineral springs and melt their cares away with a spa treatment created by Mother Nature.
-- Ÿ  The Villa at Caletas in Puerto Vallarta
Guests board a private speedboat that whisks them to a secluded oasis only accessible by sea where they have exclusive use of a small villa.  Hosts are available to assist in creating a relaxing and enjoyable stay as guests enjoy the snorkeling and kayak activities, take a relaxing snooze in a hammock or laze in a private Jacuzzi.
Children get a taste of Mexican traditions through fun-filled activities aboard the Disney Magic. Significant enhancements have been made to the Disney Magic since its original West Coast sailings in 2005.  Today, guests can enjoy poolside movies on a 24-by-14-foot jumbo LED screen, an expanded spa and fitness center exclusively for adults and a new youth activities space designed for children ages 10-14.
Rates for the special West Coast cruises start at $1,449 per person.  Guests can book a seven-night cruise to the Mexican Riviera, or a magical three-, four- or seven-night cruise vacation to the Bahamas and Caribbean from Port Canaveral, Fla., by calling 888/DCL-2500, visiting www.disneycruise.com,  or contacting their travel agent.

 

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Fred. Olsen Publishes Its 2009/10 Worldwide Cruise Brochure
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has just launched its brochure of worldwide cruises for 2009-10, offering its greatest ever choice of ships, destinations and departure ports.  The brochure features a total of 312 different ports and 134 countries and islands visited in the cruise program.  A total of 160 cruises is featured in the brochure.
With a fifth ship - Balmoral - joining the fleet in February 2008, and Braemar undergoing a major refit and lengthening in spring 2008 to increase capacity, the cruise line goes from strength to strength.
Highlights of the new brochure include:
-- Three round-the-world cruises - two on Balmoral and one on Black Watch -plus long voyages to Canada and the USA (Balmoral) and Around South America (Black Watch).  Long cruises can also be booked in sectors with a number of options for pre- and post-cruise holidays ashore.
-- Two ships - Braemar and Boudicca - offering winter Caribbean fly/cruise programs with a choice of homeports - Miami or Barbados.
-- More long voyages - Canada and the USA (40 nights), Around South America (73 nights).
-- Ex-UK cruises from Portsmouth for the first time aboard Boudicca - this port joins the list of regional ports used by Fred. Olsen around the UK:  Dover, Southampton, Newcastle, Liverpool, Leith and Greenock.
-- Fly/cruises from a total of 19 regional airports - Gatwick, Manchester, Stansted, Newcastle, Doncaster Sheffield, Norwich, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford, Bristol, Dublin, East Midlands, Birmingham, Belfast, Glasgow, Newquay, Durham Tees Valley, Humberside, and - for the very first time - Aberdeen.
A new selection of Civilizations cruises is also featured. These special add-on packages are aimed at discerning travelers, who are interested in culture, history and the arts and want to get under the skin of the places they visit.  Dedicated hosts and expert guides and lecturers ensure a very special experience, with exclusive shore tours and in-depth onboard sessions.
A more informal, but none the less popular extra on many cruises is Fred. Olsen’s Arts  Club program of special interests. This eclectic program features a whole range of varied topics - painting, comedy, wildlife, wine, gardening, antiques and even story telling and creative writing come under its broad umbrella.  At no extra cost (with the exception of wine and watercolor painting), participants in Arts Club can enhance their experience and perhaps start a new hobby, or refresh their interest in an old one.
The now well-established Flagship Golf program continues to attract golfers all over the world. For a small extra fee, golfers can enjoy games ashore as well as on-board practice sessions, tuition from a PGA professional and golf-related social activities.
The choice of cruises - from a two-night mini cruise, to 106 nights round the world.  Destinations include the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Scandinavia. Iberia, the Canaries, Baltic, Black Sea, Caribbean and South America—offer diverse itineraries to suit all tastes. 
Cruise prices start from £141 per person, for a Black Prince two-night mini cruise Irish Jig departing from Greenock on 21st June 2009 and visiting Dublin and Liverpool.
More details of all Fred. Olsen cruises can be found at www.fredolsencruises.co.uk. To book, call Reservations on 01473 742424, book online or see your local ABTA travel agent. Agents can book online via F-OCAL or AmadeusCruise or call Reservations on 01473 742424. For customers outside the UK, contact one of Olsen’s General Overseas Agents. To find the nearest Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines agent, use the website’s Travel Agent Locator. All prices on this website include fuel supplement.

Two Major Cruise Hubs For Caribbean Cruises In Winter 2008/09 Season
Fred. Olsen Cruise lines is delighted to announce they will be operating 14-night Caribbean itineraries from two major hubs this winter.  The newly stretched Braemar will operate from Miami and the classic Boudicca will operate from Bridgetown, Barbados.  Unique Eastern Caribbean and Southern itineraries are featured along with departures highlighting major Western Caribbean ports in Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras.

Major Bonus Features On Olsen 2009 World Cruises
Fred. Olsen has also announced major bonus features in conjunction with its two major around the world cruises. Fred. Olsen's Black Watch will be sailing from Southampton around the world in a westerly direction beginning January 6, 2009, and ending 97 nights later.  Then on February 14, 2009, Balmoral departs from Dover on a 104-night world cruise heading in an easterly rotation.  Both world cruises feature US$950 on board credit, and air subsidy (to London), private car transfers roundtrip between a London airport and the ship, and one pre-cruise night near the port.
 

 

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

Experience The Historical Journey Through The Northwest Passage
 Seafarers from all over the world sought the Northwest Passage for more than 400 years, but their efforts were all in vain. The first expedition under the command of Didrik Pining in 1473 probably did not get any further than Greenland. Finally, Explorer Roald Amundsen was the first to triumph over the legendary Northwest Passage in 1903 to 1906. In August 2009 Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will exclusively offer the only Northwest Passage itineraries on the Hanseatic and her sister ship the Bremen. For the first time in Hapag-Lloyd Cruises history both ships will meet in the Northwest Passage, traveling in opposite directions. This very popular itinerary has already sold out on the Bremen, but there are still limited cabins available on the Hanseatic.  The itinerary will be fully bilingual and departs Nome, Alaska on August 12, 2009 for a 25-day voyage around Greenland and the Artic Circle, ending in Reykjavik, Iceland on September 5. The Hanseatic is a five-star expedition vessel and holds the highest ice class ranking for passenger vessels (E4).
The legendary passage starts in Alaska, and then crosses the Canadian Arctic, the heart of the Northwest Passage. Thanks to its shallow draught, the ship is able to sail close to the Canadian Arctic coast, so that guests have box seats on the outer decks for viewing the rugged and icy panoramas of the shores. Guests will be thrilled to encounter caribou, polar bears, musk oxen, bald eagles, and white whales, while taking full advantage of the many Zodiac landings to explore the imposing glacial coasts of Greenland along the route.  Other highlights include: Herschel Island, where guests will be able to visit the former whaling base; a landing in Cambridge Bay on Victoria Island, where guests will find the remains of another polar adventure of Roald Amundsen: the wreck of the Maud, in which he conquered the Northwest Passage, lies in the bay; a helicopter flight near Ilulisat (additional charge); viewing of bizarrely shaped icebergs in Disko Bay; and close encounter of the imposing glacier cliff faces of Prins Christian Sund.
All of the dedicated 09’ bilingual cruises on the HANSEATIC ensure English-speaking passengers feel comfortable from the moment they step onboard. Travel Documents and information are provided to guests in English prior to their trip. Documentation in English onboard includes: daily programs, menus, announcements, lectures, and safety drill instructions. Selected in-room movies are offered in English as well as television (depending on satellite availability) and email instructions. Selected shore excursions in each port are offered in English on a group basis whenever possible. Lastly, the entire crew is fluent in English.
 The itinerary starts at $19,380 per person, based on double occupancy for an outside cabin. For bookings, inquiries or to request a brochure call 877-445-7447. 

 

Holland America Line

Experience Alaska’s Wilderness by Land and Sea with Holland America Line
Holland America Line’s diverse selection of CruiseTours showcase the grandeur of the 49th state from the tip of the Kenai Peninsula, to the fjords of the Inside Passage, across the Arctic Circle, and through the rugged Yukon Territory. With 29 CruiseTours ranging from 10 to 20 days in length, Holland America Line combines a cruise of the scenic Inside Passage with land tours into the expansive wilderness of Alaska.
Celebrating 50 years of statehood in 2009, Alaska’s wilderness, wildlife, native culture and eventful history are center stage on the CruiseTour itineraries. Many tours also delve into Canada’s Yukon Territory tracing the history of the Klondike Gold Rush.
Holland America’s comprehensive CruiseTours indulge guests with a relaxing cruise aboard its premium ships and exciting land travel via the luxury, domed McKinley Explorer® railcars and comfortable coaches. Great Land cruise tours 1- 10 feature travel on custom-built, highway Explorer Coaches.TM The coaches have just 45 seats with extended legroom and first-class amenities: leather seats, battery-charging stations for guests traveling with electronic equipment, LCD monitors and a mini-galley serving beverages and snacks. Every seat is equipped with a headset and eight-channel audio.  
Itineraries and optional excursions encompass 14 national parks and wilderness areas. In addition to Denali, Glacier Bay, Kluane and Tombstone, they include the Kenai Fjords, Gates of the Arctic, Klondike (Skagway), Wrangell-St. Elias and Sitka national parks, plus the Klondike Historic Site (Dawson City), Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Misty Fjords National Monument and Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge.
-- A total of 20 Holland America CruiseTours feature Double Denali – two nights at a classic wilderness lodge near the gates of Denali National Park, plus a guided Tundra Wilderness Tour offering the best wildlife and Mt. McKinley viewpoints. 
-- Ten Great Land CruiseTours include three- or four-day Inside Passage cruises between Vancouver and Skagway. 
Six Great Land Klondike CruiseTours offer 11- to 15-day adventures to Denali National Park; Dawson City with optional excursions to Tombstone Territorial Park; Fairbanks; an exciting Yukon River cruise aboard the mv Yukon Queen II; and Whitehorse, capital of the Yukon Territory. Some CruiseTours also include Kluane National Park and the White Pass & Yukon Railroad with Lake Bennett excursion.
-- Four Great Land Wilderness CruiseTours range from 10 to 13 days and provide a more affordable wilderness experience.  They feature Denali, Whitehorse, Kluane, the White Pass & Yukon Railroad, Beaver Creek and Fairbanks, with travel along the most scenic stretch of the Alaska Highway.
-- Travelers wanting more time on the ship may choose a Glacier Discovery CruiseTour which combines a seven-day cruise with a land tour. These CruiseTours range from 11- to 20-days. In addition to a tidewater glacier experience at either the Hubbard Glacier or Glacier Bay National Park, most offer two-night “Double Denali” stays, the Denali Tundra Wilderness Tour and tour directors.
-- Nineteen different itineraries include options to travel above the Arctic Circle, cruise the Kenai Fjords National Monument, explore the Kenai Peninsula or stay two nights at the Alyeska Resort near Anchorage.
CruiseTours start at $1,299 per person, double occupancy. For more information about booking an Alaska cruise or CruiseTour, contact a travel agent or call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

Booking Contest & Pinnacle Grill Promotion On Fall Caribbean Cruises
Holland America Line is featuring two major incentives for travel professionals to book Caribbean cruises on the ms Maasdam and ms Noordam by July 31.  Agents who book five Caribbean cruises between now and July 31 will be entered to win either a 10-day Caribbean cruise for two on the Noordam – or a 14-day cruise on the Maasdam.  Winners will be randomly drawn and two cruises will be awarded.
Clients benefit, too. Agents can offer their clients a free dinner in the Pinnacle Grill when they make new bookings on the ten-day Noordam and 14-day Maasdam cruises by July 31. Applicable sailings are October 18 through Janunary 23, 2009 on the Noordam and October 14 through January 30, 2009 on the Maasdam.
Beginning Oct. 18, the Noordam will sail the popular ten-day Wayfarer and Seafarer itineraries roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale. Seafarer cruises explore popular ports such as Aruba and Curaçao, while Wayfarer sailings highlight the islands of St. Lucia and Barbados. The itineraries can be combined to create an extraordinary, 20-day cruise experience.
The Maasdam will sail the comprehensive 14-day southern Caribbean itinerary. Departing roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale, the ship calls at San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Dominica, Barbados, St. Lucia, Guadaloupe, St. Maarten, Tortola and Half Moon Cay.
Cruise fares begin at $799 per person for a 10-day itinerary and $999 for a 14-day southern Caribbean adventure.
For complete details, terms and conditions, visit www.hollandamerica.com  and click on the icon for Travel Agent Headquarters.  Agents can also order or download sales tools, including a 10-day Caribbean postcard.

Holland America Line Launches New Premium Shore Excursions
The Collections of Holland America Line, debuting this summer on Alaska, Canada/New England and European itineraries, provide guests with nearly 500 specially selected shore excursions. Included in the Collections series are the Signature, Medallion, Encore and World Wonders Collections, each with its own individual focus and its own descriptive logo.
-- Medallion Collection tours provide in-depth perspective and access to events and sights not normally or readily available. They feature first-class style, smaller groups and multi-day overland journeys. Examples include an unforgettable meal in Ketchikan on the Alaska Chef’s Table; the opportunity to become a dolphin trainer for a day in Puerto Vallarta; or the chance to experience the timeless Spirit of Lake Titicaca on an overland adventure in South America.
-- Designed especially for guests who have previously visited the destination, The Encore Collection provides tours beyond well-known attractions; each showcasing hidden gems, unique perspectives and “insider’s stories.” For example, guests who have seen the Coliseum in Rome can instead select an Encore tour that will take them to Etruscan treasures of Tarquinia and Tuscania. For those who are tired of shopping in Cozumel, an Encore Mexican cuisine demonstration and tasting tour is an alternate choice for their consideration. Other Encore Collection excursions: a guided exploration of the most prominent and important places of Eva Peron’s life in Buenos Aires; visits to the best tapas restaurants and bars in Barcelona; or a private boat tour of the islands of Istanbul.
-- The World Wonders Collection features the many wonders of the world such as natural treasures, architectural marvels, and astounding technical achievements. Included in this collection is an overland adventure to the Galapagos Islands and the landmarks of Quito, a flight over the spectacular sights of Antarctica or a hike to the summit of Mauna Kea volcano in Hawaii.
-- Designed for independent-minded travelers, Signature Collection tours allow guests to customize their excursions and to reserve private transportation (cars, minivans, Hummers, limousines or planes) for transport. This exclusive touring option comes with driver or pilot and an English-speaking guide in all ports where English is not the mother tongue. Samplings of Signature Collection tours include an exploration of Juneau’s untamed coastline in a private boat or a private plane over Alaska’s glaciers and forested terrain. In Europe, Asia and South America, guests can visit out-of-the-way villages or travel through ancient landscapes in a private car or van.
In addition to excursions in The Collections of Holland America Line, hundreds of exciting and interesting tours are available in 320 ports of call worldwide. The Collections of Holland America Line tours will be identified in upcoming shore excursion brochures and on www.hollandamerica.com.

 

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises' Europe 2009 Sailings Now Available
Guests who book a stateroom on one of MSC Cruises’ exciting 2009 Europe sailings by July 31 will receive a special Extra Early Booking bonus in the form of a shipboard credit.
The amount of the shipboard credit will be determined by the type of stateroom:
Interior stateroom -- $25 shipboard credit per person (maximum $50 per stateroom)
Oceanview -- $50 shipboard credit per person (maximum $100 per stateroom)
Balcony -- $100 shipboard credit per person (maximum $200 per stateroom)
By reserving early, guests can reap significant savings on the line’s Mediterranean and Northern Europe itineraries. Rates begin at $799 per person, double occupancy for a 7-night cruise. Plus, children under the age of 17 sail free on all sailings when sharing a stateroom with two full-fare-paying adults and guests need only place a deposit of $100 per person.
MSC Fantasia, debuting this December, and its sister-ship MSC Splendida, which enters service in June 2009, mark a new era in cruising for MSC Cruises. The largest ships built by a European ship-owner, both will offer guests an exclusive VIP area – a paradise within a paradise. It will consist of 99 spacious suites (up to 700 square feet), plus a bar, solarium, 2 Jacuzzis, a pool with sky dome, as well as offer guests their own butler service.
After her December christening in Naples, MSC Fantasia will sail two 8-night roundtrip itineraries from Genoa: the December 20, 2008 sailing calls at Rhodes, Alexandria, Messina and Naples, while the December 28, 2008 itinerary visits Barcelona, Lisbon, Malaga and Civitavecchia. The ship will then sail 11-night Western Mediterranean and Canary Islands roundtrip itineraries from Genoa that call in Barcelona, Funchal, Tenerife, Arrecife, Malaga and Civitavecchia through March 1, 2009, when she will begin seven-night Mediterranean Fantasy roundtrip itineraries from Barcelona to Marseille, Genoa, Naples, Palermo, La Goulette, and Palma.
MSC Splendida will begin her inaugural season June 29, 2009, sailing The Splendid Mediterranean, roundtrip 7-night Western Mediterranean itineraries from Barcelona through November.
Other MSC Cruises’ 2009 Mediterranean itineraries include:
MSC Poesia, which debuted in spring 2008, will spend the winter sailing alternating 11-night“Eastern Mediterranean and Egypt itineraries with Western Mediterranean and Canary Islands itineraries roundtrip from Genoa. In April, she will begin a series of seven-night Turkish Treasure and Croatian Coasts Eastern Mediterranean itineraries from Venice.
MSC Armonia: seven-night Wonders of the Aegean Eastern Mediterranean from Venice, April-October.
MSC Melody: seven-night Islands of the Tyrrhenian Sea roundtrip Western Mediterranean sailings from Genoa, May-October.
MSC Musica: seven-night Greek Islands in the Sun from Venice, April-October.
MSC Rhapsody: 11-night Egyptian Antiquities, Ancient Moorish Kingdoms and “rand Black Sea Eastern Mediterranean itineraries from Genoa, March-October.
MSC Sinfonia: seven-night Sparking Rivieras Western Mediterranean itineraries from Livorno, beginning the end of April through October.
MSC Opera: seven-night Jewels of the Adriatic roundtrip from Trieste, fall 2009.
MSC Orchestra: eight-night “Iberian Discovery” from Barcelona, fall 2009.
MSC Lirica: seven-night “Mediterranean Marvels” roundtrip from Civitavecchia (Rome), fall 2009.
In Northern Europe, MSC Cruises also will have three ships in Northern Europe in 2009. Experience the folklore and tradition from Copenhagen to Visby, from Riga to Helsinki, up to St Petersburg. Enjoy the natural beauty of the fjords and the diverse cultures. Or cruise through the North Sea and south into the Mediterranean, visiting countries that are vastly different. Itineraries include:
-- MSC Lirica: 11-night Treasures of the Russian Czars, Fairytale Towns and Towering Fjords and Voyage to the Top of the World itineraries from Dover, May-August.
-- MSC Opera: alternating 11-night Czarist Russia Revealed and Land of the Midnight Sun from Copenhagen May-June; alternating seven-night Baltic Beauty and Russian Treasures and Route of the Vikings from Copenhagen July-August.
-- MSC Orchestra: alternating seven-night Baltic Castles and Russian Palaces and Fascinating Fjordlands from Copenhagen May-September.
For the convenience of our guests, MSC Cruises offers alternate departure ports, such as Bari, Valencia, Kiel and Amsterdam, on many itineraries. Check with your local travel professional. Website:   www.msccruisesusa.com or www.msccruises.com.

Kids Sail Free With MSC Cruises
For the perfect vacation that combines a family escape with the desire to discover new places, MSC Cruises also offers children ages 17 and under free passage on all MSC Cruises' itineraries when sharing a stateroom with two full-fare-paying adults.
Each ship has cheerful, colorful, safe play areas. MSC Cruises' ships are kid friendly, offering daily entertainment and plenty of space for running, exploring, diving, swimming and playing.
Special activity leaders organize age-appropriate fun activities, with ages 3-9 in the Mini Club, 9-13 in the Juniors Club, and 14-17 in the Teenagers Club. MSC Cruises also offers MY Teen Card. This personalized card, which can be used like a credit/cruise card, allows children ages 12-17 to spend small amounts of money on board. Each card comes with a bonus amount. In the Caribbean, a $30 card purchase comes with a $5 bonus (a total card value of $35); a $50 card purchase comes with $10 bonus, for a total value of $60.
In the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, a euro 30 card comes with a euro 5 bonus, making it a euro 35 card; and a euro 50 card comes with a euro 10 bonus, making it a euro 60 card.
In addition to Italian favorites like pasta and pizza, there are All-American favorites such as hamburgers and hot dogs and numerous tantalizing pastries and desserts served.
For families who want to share a shore excursion experience, MSC Cruises also offers a 30 percent discount for children under age 14.
Cruise-only rates begin at $449 per person, double occupancy for a 7-night Caribbean cruise and $599 per person, double occupancy for a seven-night cruise in Europe. Government fees and taxes for all guests are additional, as well as a fuel surcharge for the first and second guests in a stateroom. Websites: www.msccruises.com or www.msccruisesusa.com.

‘MSC Orchestra’ Debuts In North America With Two-Night Inaugural Cruise
MSC Cruises has announced a special one-of-a-kind cruise that will provide a unique opportunity for cruise aficionados to be among the first to sail on MSC Orchestra in North American waters – and enjoy an extended New Year’s celebration at the same time.
The line has opened reservations for a two-night Caribbean inaugural cruise on MSC Orchestra departing from Fort Lauderdale January 2, 2009, to launch the ship’s first season sailing Caribbean itineraries. The ship will spend one day in Nassau and return to Fort Lauderdale on Sunday, Jan. 4.
Cruise-only rates for the two-night inaugural sailing begin at $199 per person, double occupancy; government fees and taxes are additional, as is a fuel surcharge for the first two people occupying a stateroom.
With the line’s “Kids Sail Free” offer (ages 17 and under sail free when sharing a stateroom with two full-fare-paying adults), the entire family can enjoy a winter weekend getaway on one of the cruise world’s newest and most beautiful ships.
MSC Orchestra, which debuted in 2007, is the largest of the line’s ships to sail in North American waters. Onboard, guests will find the perfect combination of grace and style, with five restaurants, including the only dedicated Chinese restaurant at sea; ten lounges (two of which are open air), including a disco;   a 21-foot by 12-foot outdoor LED movie screen; and an expansive 16,146 square-foot Body and Mind Spa.
After the special inaugural sailing, MSC Orchestra will sail alternating seven-night roundtrip itineraries through April 25, 2009:
-- Eastern Caribbean, calling at Cayo Levantado, Dominican Republic; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. John, Antigua; and Nassau, Bahamas, as well as two days at sea.
-- Western Caribbean, calling at Key West, Florida; Cozumel, Mexico; Georgetown, Grand Cayman; Cayo Levantado, Dominican Republic, and two days at sea.
A special seven-night roundtrip Bermuda sailing departs Fort Lauderdale April 25, 2009. This itinerary includes three days in King’s Wharf, Bermuda and a day in Nassau, Bahamas, as well as two sea days.
For more information about MSC Orchestra, visit www.theorchestraiscomingtotown.com  or a local travel professional.

 

 
P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises Announces Expanded Cruise Program For 2009

P&O Cruises’ newly published, 2009 brochure features holidays to 182
destinations in 60 countries. It has also had a full redesign in response to customer research and is now destination led as opposed to ship led, therefore making it easier for customers to use when looking for a cruise holiday.
The fleet of six ships will be sailing to all of the classic cruise ports across the Mediterranean, Baltic, Norwegian fjords, Canary Islands and the Caribbean, as well as calls into the USA, Mexico and South America.
New ports of call include Antwerp in Belgium, the island of Hvar in Croatia
and La Spezia in Italy.
Ventura, the largest and newest superliner built exclusively for the British market, will sail her first full year program, with 19 departures from Southampton and ten fly-cruise holidays from Barbados within the 2009 brochure.

Early booking incentives are available for bookings made before August 31

2008, including up to 45 percent Pricebreakers discount.
Highlights of the brochure include:
-- Party Cruise, Ventura (N920) two nights  August 30–September 1, 2009.
Southampton, Bruges (from Zeebrugge), Southampton. Starting from
£299.
-- Cruise Break, Oceana (E913) seven nights  May 30–June 6, 2009.
Southampton, Falmouth, Dublin, Bilbao, La Rochelle (from La Pallice),
Brest, Southampton. Starting from £619.
-- North America, Aurora (R911) 24 nights August 30 –September 23, 2009.
Southampton, Wilmington for Philadelphia, New York (two full days in port), Newport, Boston (full day and evening in port), Portland, Bar Harbor, Halifax, Quebec (day and a half in port), St. John’s, Southampton. Starting from £2,619.
-- Mediterranean, Oriana (X915) 14 nights  August 30–September 13, 2009.
Southampton, Gibraltar, Palau, Rome (from Civitavecchia), La Spezia,
Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Palma, Southampton. Starting from £1,419.

To order a copy of the brochure call P&O Cruises on 0870 5 726 726, visit

www.pocruises.co.uk or visit your local ABTA travel agent. All prices given are per person and based on two adults sharing an inside twin cabin, inclusive of a maximum 45 per cent Pricebreakers discount.

 

Princess Cruises

Princess Adds 110 New Shore Excursion Options in Europe This Summer
This summer Princess passengers in Europe have 110 new ways to enjoy their ports of call, whether they explore Stockholm by rooftop for the ultimate bird’s eye view, go on a treasure hunt through the ruins of Herculaneum or streets of Dubrovnik, take an overnight train to Moscow, or explore on their own with the help of an iPod.
These new options add to Princess’ extensive lineup of 849 Adventures Ashore® throughout Europe, including sailings in Scandinavia and Russia, where they can go aboard a Finish icebreaker; the Mediterranean, which serves up experiences such as a three-course pasta party; and Northern Europe and the British Isles where passengers can explore one of the Concords from the era of supersonic flight. The line also introduces new iPod-guided walking tours in a number of cities, plus begins offering a series of Personalized Experience tours featuring smaller group sizes.
Some selected highlights of the new tour options include:
-- New Ways to Tour – For passengers who want to set their own pace or those who enjoy a more personalized tour, two new tour options are available in several ports:
-- Grab an iPod and Go –The convenience of a do-it-yourself day combined with the expertise of a recorded guide. These walking tours offer the use of a pre-loaded iPod for the day as well as a customized map. Travelers can set their own pace as they listen to a detailed narration about the area’s most important points of interest, and can follow a suggested walk route or create their own adventure. Walking tours are available in Amalfi, Athens, Barcelona, Cannes, Capri, Corfu, Dubrovnik, Florence, Lisbon, Monte Carlo, Mykonos, Pisa, Portofino, Rhodes, Rome, and Sorrento.
-- Personalized Experiences – Visitors to Berlin, Florence/Pisa, Naples or Rome can opt for a more intimate shore excursion option with a new Personalized Experience tour, featuring smaller tour groups and the opportunity for more personal interaction with the tour’s guide. Personalized Experience tours feature Berlin of the 20th Century; Florence & Pisa; Amalfi Coastal Drive & Pompeii; and Rome, The Eternal City
-- Grand Overland –Overland tours offer the opportunity to go further afield to visit cities and attractions away from the port area. This new choice adds a Moscow option to select Scandinavia and Russia voyages:
-- Travel to Moscow (Helsinki, Finland to St. Petersburg, Russia—This new Grand Overland Tour to Helsinki, Moscow and St. Petersburg offers the opportunity to visit three cities in one tour, including a unique chance to visit the heart of Russia in Moscow. Visitors will tour Helsinki before traveling overnight by train to Moscow, where they will spend a full day and attend a ballet performance. Another overnight train takes them meet back up with their ship in St. Petersburg with time to visit the city’s spectacular palaces and museums.
--Other Grand Overland Adventures – In addition to the new Moscow trip, there are a variety of other opportunities to travel overland for a day or two to see parts of Europe and the Holy Land further away from the port. Other Grand Overland tours are available to experience Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Galilee as well as the pyramids and antiquities of Egypt.
-- Exploring Stockholm by Rooftop (Stockholm, Sweden) – For a view of Stockholm like no other, passengers can set out on a rooftop tour to see the city from 140 feet above street level. Participants are buckled into safety harnesses before they step out onto the roof of the city’s Old Parliament Building, where they will navigate the narrow, iron-railed path of the rooftop as a guide narrates stories of Stockholm and points out the views.
-- Hunt for Treasure (Dubrovnik, Croatia; Naples, Italy) – Travelers in Dubrovnik and Naples can add a new twist to their touring by participating in a treasure hunt. Passengers can search for hidden treasure through the streets of Dubrovnik or the ruins of Herculaneum. Teams are given tasks in the search of clues and points that will take them to some of the area’s most famous landmarks and sights. At the end, the most successful team will win a prize.
-- Finnish Icebreakers (Helsinki, Finland) –Ice breakers are a neccessity to keep Finish ports open in the winter. Passengers can go behind the scenes of these unique vessels with a guided tour of one of two icebreakers – Urho or Sisu. A senior fleet officer will guide visitors through the bridge, engine room, mess hall and crews’ quarters.
-- The Concorde Experience (Edinburgh, Scotland) –Passengers can still experience one of these rare planes with a visit to Scotland’s National Museum of Flight. Here, the ‘Concorde Experience’ includes exhibits and multimedia presentations that trace the history of commercial supersonic flight and chronicle the 1960s’ race to build the first SST, culminating in a tour of G-BOAA – the first British Airways Concorde to fly commercially … at over 1350 mph.
For passengers who want to experience a true taste of their destination, the following tours are perfect for traveling gourmets:
-- A Taste of Bornholm (Bornholm, Denmark) – Passengers can discover why Bornholm is home to the popular TV series new Scandinavian Cooking with this tour of the best of the region’s food and drink. Visitors will travel to Lille Gadegaard Vineyard to sample their sparkling fruit wines. Passengers will then visit Hallegard, an 80-acre working farm noted for its fine, organic gourmet sausages. For beer lovers, a visit to Svaneke, a village brewery, offers the opportunity to try their award-winning beer that has won top honors in Denmark. To top off the day, the Siemsens Gaard Hotel offers a tasting of St. Clemens, and award-winning blue.
-- Bracciano Lake & Pasta Party (Rome, Italy) – Hungry passengers travel to Lake Bracciano in the heart of Etruscan Italy to explore the quaint lakeside resort of Anguillara, and then a special destination in the Tuscia wine country for a pasta-making demonstration followed by a five-course lunch (three courses of pasta!) accompanied by Tuscian wines. Participants can join in or observe as the hosts demonstrate three types of traditional Tuscian pasta – one made solely with flour and water, an egg pasta, and a potato pasta. After the demonstration participants sit down to a five-course gourmet lunch that features the three pastas accompanied by Tuscan wines.
-- A Taste of Cadiz – (Seville, Spain) – An opportunity to learn the secrets of sherry production at an exclusive bodega. Passengers will view a demonstration of the blender’s art and sample a range of sherry from fino to amontillado or oloroso. And of course no visit to Andalusia would be complete without tapas to accompany with the sherry, so visitors can also try these appetizer-sized little plates.
-- Swedish Fairytales (Stockholm, Sweden) – A magical tour for kids – and the young at heart – featuring the Junibacken Museum, where the world of award-winning Astrid Lindgren's well-loved books for children come to life. Visitors can meet characters such as Alfie Atkins, Old Man Festus and Mercury the Cat in Storyboook Square, climb aboard the Story Train for a magical tour through Lindgren's stories, and play in Pippi Longstocking's house, the Villa Villekulla. The tour also includes a visit to Stockholm’s 17th-century warship Vasa, the oldest fully preserved ship in the world.
-- Venetian Churches Chorus Pass (Venice, Italy) –Passengers have the opportunity to purchase a unique Chorus Pass to 16 of the lagoon city’s most important churches -- and potentially view more than a 1,000 works of art. The Chorus Project, which offers the Chorus Pass, aims to contribute to the safeguarding, conservation and restoration of the architectural and artistic heritage of Venetian churches. Purchase of this pass supports the group’s efforts and entitles passengers to explore the history and faith of the city’s monumental churches and the precious paintings, sculptures, goldsmith’s works and fabrics preserved within them.
-- The Sporting Life (Dublin, Ireland; Liverpool, England) – Sports fans visiting Dublin or Liverpool can go behind the scenes at the local sport stadiums to learn more about the local sporting life. In Dublin, visit Croke Park Stadium, one of the most historic and modern sporting arenas in the world. Tours takes visitors to the dressing rooms, premium and corporate entertaining levels, service areas, and visitors can even test their own skills in hurling and Gaelic football in the interactive games area. In Liverpool, fans can visit Anfield Stadium, home to the Liverpool Football Club, for a behind-the-scenes tour of that explores the player areas plus the club museum and the Champions League Trophy.
Active Tours include:
-- Helsinki by Jopo Bike (Helsinki, Finland) – Passengers can join a Finish rage by touring Helsinki by Finland’s famed Jopo bike – the gearless, unisex red bicycle created back in the ’60s. Jopo bikes are again in fashion, and offer a great way to cycle past many of the city’s points of interest, from the main public beach to the striking Sibelius Monument. During the 10 mile tour, participants will enjoy views of the Opera House from Töölö Bay and see the icebreaker fleet at Katajanokka Island.
-- Nordic Walking in Finland (Helsinki, Finland) – For another unique way to tour in Helsinki, passengers can try Nordic Walking. Developed in the off-season by Finnish cross-country skiers, Nordic Walking uses specially designed poles to exercise the upper body during a fitness walk. Participants will experience Helsinki in the course of an approximately seven-mile fitness walk that travels to the heart of the city.
-- Shore excursions can be reserved in advance through the line’s innovative Cruise Personalizer on www.princess.com, providing passengers with the comfort of knowing they’re confirmed on their preferred tours before they sail, plus the added convenience of having their tour tickets ready and waiting in their stateroom on arrival.
Princess’ 2008 Europe season offers something for every explorer’s wish list, with six ships callings at over 115 ports throughout the continent – more than ever before. Eight new ports debut – including such untouched locales as Albania – as well as five new itineraries. Princess’ six-vessel fleet is the largest in the region, offering 87 departures of 32 unique itineraries, ranging from seven to 23 days in length. The Europe season runs through November 28, 2008.
Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting www.princess.com.

 

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

African And Brazilian Cuisine On Tap For November Spotlight Cruise
South Africa has emerged as one of the world's most productive wine regions, as complex vinous experimentation has turned the country's longtime industry into an extraordinary centerpiece of the country's culture. In addition to some of the world's best-loved coffee, Brazil produces culinary delights that combine old and new cooking styles. Guests will sample the world-class of each of these vibrant countries during a 13-night Spotlight on Food & Wine voyage from Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro aboard Seven Seas Navigator.
The Spotlight series aboard Regent Seven Seas Cruises feature lectures and entertainment options focused on specific themes and interest areas and are complimentary to all guests on the voyage. The November 21 Spotlight departure aboard Seven Seas Navigator will offer in-depth wine and even coffee tastings, as well as cooking demonstrations featuring guest chefs who utilize the rich cuisines of Africa and highlight Brazil's culinary delights.
As a special feature of the program, guests, led by the celebrity chefs, will explore how wine, food, art, music and design all share several common elements.  After an overnight stay in Cape Town, the transatlantic journey will proceed to Walvis Bay, Namibia; Jamestown, St. Helena; and end with an overnight stay in Rio de Janeiro. The voyage will also offer seven luxurious days at sea. Per-person rates start at $3,995. Pre-cruise land safaris in South Africa area available, as are pre- and post-cruise land extensions in Cape Town and Igauzu Falls, Rio de Janeiro and Ouro Preto in Brazil.
For more information on this voyage, click http://www.rssc.com/voyage/details.jsp?code=NAV081121&offerId=1546857&page=board.

 

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean Announces ‘Oasis Of The Seas’ Itineraries
Royal Caribbean International has announced seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries for the new ship’s inaugural year, with the inaugural voyage planned for December 12, 2009. Bookings for Oasis of the Seas will open September 3, 2008. The ship’s homeport is Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Oasis of the Seas will begin her inaugural season with 19 consecutive seven-night sailings to the Eastern Caribbean, with ports of call at Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and Nassau, Bahamas. Starting May 1, 2010, Oasis of the Seas  will alternate its Eastern Caribbean itinerary with the Western Caribbean itinerary, which will call at Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private beach destination in Haiti; the new port of Falmouth, Jamaica; and Cozumel, Mexico. Website: www.royalcaribbean.com

Royal Caribbean Announces Winter Cruises To Australia, Asia, And Europe
From boomerangs to chopsticks to maracas, vacationers can match a travel accessory for each of the 59 Royal Caribbean sailings announced for 2009-10. Vacationers have extensive options for cruises in Australia, Asia, the Canary Islands and the Mediterranean, ranging from three- to 18-night itineraries, aboard one of three Royal Caribbean ships. Brilliance of the Seas will continue its second year-round deployment in Europe in 2010 from Malaga, Spain. Rhapsody of the Seas will embark on its third season in the South Pacific and Australia, and Legend of the Seas will sail Royal Caribbean’s third consecutive winter season in Southeast Asia. Bookings for these cruises open this week.
Pre- and post-cruise cruisetours enhance guests’ vacations with prearranged itineraries to explore attractions found inland. A five-night Australia cruisetour itinerary begins in Sydney and features the Great Barrier Reef from the seaside town of Port Douglas and the magnificent natural formations at Ayers Rock. On a six-night New Zealand itinerary, guests explore Auckland, Rotorua and Queenstown, cruise Milford Sound, and conclude with an evening in Sydney. All Royal Caribbean International cruisetours are escorted by regional specialists, and include deluxe hotel accommodations, activities, air and land transfers, certain meals, and time for individual pursuits.
Rhapsody of the Seas will return to the “Land Down Under” from September 2009 through April 2010, offering 17 voyages to Hawaii, the South Pacific islands, Australia and New Zealand. Highlights include:
Itineraries ranging from eight to 18 nights, calling at a total of 39 ports in six countries.
An option to combine two cruises into a 35-night Australia odyssey. Rhapsody will circumnavigate the continent in November 2009 and again in late February 2010, each time sailing a 17-night northern coast passage from Sydney to Perth and an 18-night southern coast return passage.
On the Hawaii and Sydney segment at the beginning and end of the season, guests will call at four French Polynesian ports, including a maiden call at Raiatea.
From January through April 2010, Brilliance of the Seas will continue to offer Europe cruise options for the winter season, offering 16 round-trip sailings from Malaga on alternating seven-night itineraries to the Canary Islands and the Western Mediterranean.
Legend of the Seas returns to Asia in October 2009 for its second season, offering 19 sailings, ranging from three- to 15-night itineraries, calling at a total of 21 ports in 11 countries:
Of particular interest for North American vacationers, a 15-night Exotic Asia itinerary on January 28, 2010, sailing from Singapore to Hong Kong will feature overnight stays in Singapore; Bangkok (Laemchabang), Thailand; Ho Chi Minh City (Vung Tau) and Hanoi (Ha Long Bay), Vietnam; and Hong Kong.
Vacationers also can choose one or both segments of Legend’s repositioning from the Mediterranean: a 12-night itinerary from Rome to Dubai departing October 23, 2009, and a 13-night itinerary from Dubai to Singapore departing November 4, 2009, featuring a transit through the Suez Canal and overnights in Dubai, Bombay (Mumbai), and Singapore.

New Deployment Resource for Travel Professionals
Royal Caribbean’s new www.CruisingPower.com  website gives travel agents a central online repository for current and upcoming deployment openings. Travel professionals can visit the new deployment micro-site and view and download the latest flyers and itineraries at www.cruisingpower.com/royalcaribbeandeployment. Agents can use drop-down menus based on product or ship, or click on a region on a world map for more information about Royal Caribbean’s cruises and itineraries.

 

Royal Caribbean/UK

Head To The Caribbean This Summer With Royal Caribbean International
Try a nine-night Western Caribbean fly/cruise on board Freedom of the Seas from as little as £1667.00 (based on two sharing an inside cabin). Price includes return flights from London Heathrow; transfers; one night’s hotel accommodation; a seven night cruise departing Miami and calling at Labadee (Haiti), Ocho Rios (Jamaica), George Town (Grand Cayman) and Cozumel (Mexico) before returning to Miami; meals and entertainment on board the ship; all relevant cruise taxes and fees. Price is based on 8th July 2008 departure.
Freedom of the Seas  has 15 decks of activities, including the, H2O zone children’s water park, Johnny Rockets American Diner, a video arcade, the first ever Flowrider surf park at sea, an onboard ice-skating rink, rock climbing wall, basketball and volleyball courts, miniature golf course and shopping. Website: www.royalcaribbean.co.uk

Cruise Around the Credit Crunch On ‘Independence Of The Seas’
Forget the credit crunch and book next years cruise today onboard Royal Caribbean International’s Independence of the Seas. With activities such as an onboard ice rink, rock climbing wall, Flowrider surf simulator and a ‘street’ packed with shops, restaurants and bars, Independence of the Seas is an action-packed floating resort.
Try a 14-night Italian Mediterranean Cruise onboard Independence of the Seas from only £1,215.00 pp (based on two sharing an inside cabin). Price includes 14 night cruise departing Southampton and calling at Gibraltar (UK), Cannes (Monte Carlo, France), Florence/Pisa (Livorno, Italy) Rome (Civitavecchia, Italy), Cagliari (Sardinia, Italy), Seville (Cadiz, Spain), Lisbon (Portugal) and Vigo (Spain) before returning to Southampton (UK); all meals and entertainment onboard and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. Price based on May 9, 2009 departure.
For more information or to book, visit www.royalcaribbean.co.uk.

 

Seabourn Cruise Line

Savor Adventure With A Cruise To Panama, Belize & Costa Rica
Want some adventure on your next cruise? Do it in style, and for a very enticing rate, aboard Seabourn Legend on cruises to Panama, Belize & Costa Rica. Sail 14 days between Fort Lauderdale and Caldera, Costa Rica, in all-suite elegance while exploring Central America’s prime tropical habitats from $4,373 per person, based on double occupancy – a savings of up to 50 percent off brochure rates.
From Belize City to Puerto Moin to the Panama Canal, ports of call lend themselves to active pursuits. The cays of Belize and Honduras dot the world’s second-longest barrier reef, teeming with vivid fish and corals. Mangrove forests and lagoons lend themselves to airboat exploration. At Hunting Caye in Belize, travelers can take in water sports from the vessel&rsq