Welcome to Ships and Cruises - Special Cruises

Join Azamara Club Cruises’ for a four-night Monaco Grand Prix cruise onboard Azamara Journey from £769.00 (based on two people sharing an ocean view cabin, cruise-only).

With the Monaco Grand Prix taking place on May 29, 2011, join in and be in the thick of the action before making a glamorous retreat to a ship moored in Monte Carlo harbor – perfect for spotting film stars and European royalty partying on yachts.

The ship departs Monte Carlo at 3 am, allowing plenty of time for taking in the celebration atmosphere of the world’s most glamorous principality.

Price includes a four-night Monaco Grand Prix cruise departing from Nice (France) and calling at Portofino (Italy), St. Tropez (France) and Monte Carlo (Monaco) on the day of the famed race before returning to Nice; meals and room service; destination-influenced entertainment and enrichment programs; housekeeping and dining gratuities; bottled water throughout the voyage; house wines with meals; specialty coffees and teas; and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. Price is cruise-only and excludes flights.

Absorb Italian culture with Azamara Club Cruises

Join Azamara Club Cruises for a five-night Italian Riviera Voyage fly/cruise onboard Azamara Journey from £1,171.00 (based on two people sharing an inside cabin).

Voyagers will spend a day in each port and have the chance to delve into the rich history and culture of the cities. So, there’s the opportunity to explore Florence, the birthplace of Italian Renaissance, take in the amazing architecture in the Piazza del Duomo and see the iconic Leaning Tower in Pisa, and even see world-famous sights such as the Colosseum and the Vatican Museum in Rome.

Price includes return flights from London Heathrow; a five-night Italian Riviera Voyage departing Nice (France) and calling at Santa Margarita (Italy), Florence/Pisa (Laspezia, Italy), Florence (Italy), and Bastia (Corsica) before arriving in Rome (Civitavecchia, Italy); meals and room service; destination-influenced entertainment and enrichment programs; housekeeping and dining gratuities; bottled water throughout the voyage; house wines with meals; specialty coffees and teas; and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

Price is based on May 30, 2011 departure.

Azamara Club Cruises: Briony Peters (bpeters@rccl.com) on 01932 834 200.

Carnival Cruises

Website: www.carnival.com

Carnival Magic To Operate Caribbean Cruises From Galveston In Fall 2011

Carnival Cruise Lines’ newest ship, the 3,690-passenger Carnival Magic, will operate seven-day Caribbean cruises from Galveston, Texas beginning November 14, 2011, becoming the largest cruise ship based at the port year-round. Additionally, the 2,758-passenger Carnival Triumph will reposition from New Orleans to Galveston to operate year-round four- and five-day Caribbean cruises from that port beginning October 6, 2011.

Carnival Magic, which is slated to debut in Europe in May 2011 with a host of

innovative facilities and features, will offer two different week-long

itineraries from Galveston, including seven-day western Caribbean voyages to

Montego Bay, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, and week-long eastern Caribbean cruises

to Nassau, Freeport, and Key West.

Carnival Magic will offer many exciting amenities including spectacular water

park, an exclusive adults-only retreat, a wrap-around promenade with whirlpools

that extend out over the ship’s sides, and expansive spa and children’s

facilities. Also featured will be a variety of stateroom choices, including

deluxe ocean view accommodations with two bathrooms, some of which feature five

berths and hold particular appeal for families; cove balcony cabins located

closer to the water line; and spa staterooms that provide special access and

benefits. A number of new innovations are scheduled to be announced in the near

future.

Prior to launching year-round Caribbean service from Galveston, Carnival Magic

will operate a series of seven-, nine- and 12-day Mediterranean voyages from

Barcelona May 1 to Oct. 16, 2011; followed by a 16-day trans-Atlantic crossing

from Barcelona to Galveston departing October 28, 2011.

Also being deployed to Galveston is the Carnival Triumph, which will operate

year-round four- and five-day western Caribbean cruises beginning Oct. 6, 2011,

becoming the newest and largest ship to operate a year-round short cruise

program from that port. Four-day cruises depart Thursdays to Cozumel, while

five-day voyages depart Mondays and Saturdays and visit Cozumel and Progreso,

Mexico. Carnival Triumph offers many guest-pleasing features and amenities,

including nearly 500 balcony staterooms which are very popular among consumers

and typically not available on short cruises.

Carnival Conquest and Carnival Ecstasy Reposition to New Orleans

The 2,974-passenger Carnival Conquest and 2,052-passenger Carnival

Ecstasy, both of which are currently based in Galveston, will reposition to New

Orleans to operate year-round departures from that port, returning the line to

pre-Katrina capacity levels there.

Carnival Conquest will reposition to New Orleans for year-round seven-day

Caribbean cruises beginning November 13, 2011. The ship will offer three different

-week-long Caribbean options from New Orleans: a new western Caribbean program

featuring Montego Bay, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, an eastern Caribbean itinerary

to Key West, Freeport and Nassau, and exotic western Caribbean cruises to

Belize, Roatan and Cozumel.

Carnival Ecstasy will operate year-round four- and five-day western Caribbean

voyages from New Orleans beginning September 22, 2011. The ship underwent a

multi-million-dollar renovation last year that added an expansive water park,

tropical-style main pool area, adults-only retreat and 98 balconies to existing

staterooms. On the Carnival Ecstasy’s new itinerary, four-day cruises departing

Thursdays visit Cozumel, while five-day cruises departing Mondays and Saturdays

call at Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico.

Carnival Adds 7-Day Eastern Caribbean Options From Jacksonville & Tampa

Carnival Cruise Lines will introduce new seven-day eastern Caribbean cruise itineraries from Tampa and Jacksonville, Florida in 2011. The cruises will be offered on the Carnival Legend from Tampa and Carnival Fascination from Jacksonville, both of which are currently based at those ports but have never before offered these itineraries.

--From Jacksonville, the recently renovated 2,052-passenger Carnival Fascination will offer a series of six week-long Exotic Eastern Caribbean cruises to Grand Turk, the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay, and Nassau, complementing the ship’s popular four- and five-day Bahamas/Key West departures. Departure dates include April 30, May 7, July 23 and 30, and September 17 and 24, 2011.

--From Tampa, the 2,124-passenger Carnival Legend will add five new seven-day Exotic Eastern Caribbean cruises featuring Half Moon Cay, Nassau and Key West to its existing week-long western Caribbean cruise schedule. The new week-long Exotic Eastern Caribbean cruises will be offered May 1, June 26, July 24, August 7 and October 16, 2011.

Half Moon Cay is a crescent-shaped island offering magnificent beaches, a children’s water park, private cabanas and a variety of shore excursion opportunities. Grand Turk is an eight-square-mile island paradise with beautiful white-sand beaches, the Caribbean’s largest Margaritaville restaurant and centuries-old historical sites. Known for its perpetually laid back ambiance, Key West has a character all its own, with numerous bars and lounges lining historic Duval Street and myriad watersports opportunities. The Bahamian capital of Nassau offers gorgeous beaches and a host of shops, restaurants and boutiques.

Like other “Fun Ships,” Carnival Fascination and Carnival Legend offer a variety of on-board facilities and features: myriad formal and casual dining options, expansive facilities and programming for children in three age groups, full casino gambling, and a host of live music and entertainment venues. Both ships also offer acres of open deck space and the line’s signature Twister Water Slide.

Celebrity Cruises/UK

Websites: www.celebritycruises.co.uk or www.celebritycruises.com

Celebrity Expands Celebrity Life To Include Culinary-Themed Cruises

Celebrity Cruises is taking its Celebrity Life onboard program to a new level. Savor, the popular culinary-and-wine/spirits-focused pillar of Celebrity Life, is expanding to include a line-up of special interest cruises aimed at celebrating the onboard culinary experience by inviting guest chefs and other food and wine experts to enhance selected sailings. Celebrity Cruises new “Savor Your Destination” themed cruises kicked off today when Celebrity Cruises newest ship, Celebrity Eclipse, set sail with Australian chef Benjamin Christie onboard.

During each Savor Your Destination cruise, guests will have the opportunity to attend a meet-and-greet-style cocktail hour where they will be able to interact with the chef. Each guest chef will lead a cooking demonstration in the ship’s theatre, where he or she will highlight the techniques, ingredients and flair specific to their individual style. Guest chefs who have published cookbooks may hold book-signing events. On every Celebrity Cruises sailing (with the exception of Celebrity Xpedition, the 90-guest mega-yacht that sails year-round in the Galapagos Islands), the Celebrity Life Savor series includes a “Star Chefs” competition in the ship’s theatre.

During the event, guests are selected from the audience and then guided by the ship’s own highest-ranking chefs to compete in a cook-off judged by a panel of selected guests. When possible, guest chefs participating in Celebrity’s Savor Your Destination chef-focused cruises will take part in the Star Chefs competition. Most of the events are complimentary; the hands-on cooking class and food-and-wine-pairing dinner will require reservation fees, and space is limited. Guests who attend the class or dinner will receive a special recipe booklet featuring the chef’s own creations.

Guests who wish to improve their own culinary knowledge can participate in hands-on cooking classes led by the chef in the ship’s main galley. Each guest chef will design and present an exclusive food-and-wine-pairing dinner in Murano, Celebrity Cruises spectacular gourmet specialty restaurant, sharing insights into the inspiration behind the ingredients, the menu, and the specific pairings.

Celebrity Cruises has confirmed UK-based chef and author Adam Byatt, head chef at London’s award-winning Trinity in Clapham Old Town, to sail on Celebrity Eclipse on August 21, for the first seven nights of a 14-night Spanish Mediterranean cruise roundtrip out of Southampton.

On September 2, Celebrity Equinox, will serve as the stylish backdrop for Puerto Rican chef and Food Network television personality Daisy Martinez, on a seven-night Western Mediterranean voyage from Barcelona, Spain, to Rome, Italy.

On October 31, Zach Bell, Chef de Cuisine at Palm Beach’s Café Boulud and recipient of the 2008 South Florida Rising Star Chef Award, will sail on Celebrity Solstice on a seven-night roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale.

Sailing a ten-night Caribbean voyage roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale on Celebrity Equinox on November 26 will be Puerto Rican chef and recent “Top Chef Masters” participant Carmen Gonzalez, former sole proprietor of Miami’s Carmen The Restaurant, where she became renowned for innovative modern American cuisine with Puerto Rican influences.

American chef John Currence, a star in the U.S. Southern cuisine arena will be joining a seven-night Caribbean cruise on Celebrity Solstice on December 5 from Fort Lauderdale.

Celebrity Cruises is including its popular wine cruises along the Pacific Coast in the Celebrity Life Savor Your Destination program. The wine cruises feature a visiting winemaker who hosts workshops and dinners aimed at educating guests on how to pair food and wine as well as activities designed to celebrate the love of wine, food, and entertainment, such as “Sabering at Sea,” where guests learn how to saber a champagne or sparkling wine cork from the bottle.

In 2010, Celebrity Cruises is offering a wine cruise sailing from Vancouver, British Columbia to San Diego, California on September 17. In 2011, Celebrity Cruises will offer two wine cruises; the first of these will sail from San Diego to Vancouver on May 3, and the second from Vancouver to San Diego on September 9. All three wine cruises will be ten night itineraries onboard Celebrity Cruise’s Celebrity Millennium.

Celebrity Cruises will announce additional Savor Your Destination events over the next few months.

In addition to its Savor Series, Celebrity Life also offers a Discover Series aimed at entertaining, educating and expanding guests’ horizons, and a Renew Series created to help recharge and renew guests by focusing on health and wellness. Many Celebrity Life activities are complimentary; some require a fee.

To learn more about or reserve space on Celebrity’s Savor Your Destination cruises, visit www.celebritycruises.com/savoryourdestination.

Costa Cruises

Website: www.costacruises.com

Costa Inaugurates The Tianjin Cruise Terminal In China

Costa Opened the new international cruise terminal in Tianjin with the first port call of the Costa Romantica. With the arrival of the Costa Romantica, the Italian Company is further expanding its cruise capacity in China: the Costa Romantica is joining her sister ship Costa Classica, effectively doubling the number of Costa ships deployed in the Far East. In all, the Costa Romantica will be calling at Tianjin ten times this year.

In the 2010 summer season the Costa Romantica will be offering five- and six-day cruises to South Korea (Cheju and Pusan) and Japan (Fukuoka) with departures from Tianjin and Shanghai. Meanwhile, in June this year the Costa Classica resumed her direct sailings from Hong Kong to Taiwan; then from July she will be operating out of Shanghai on four-to-six-day cruises to South Korea (Cheju and Pusan) and Japan (Fukuoka, Kagoshima and Nagasaki).

In the 2010/11 winter season, while the Costa Romantica will be positioned in Mauritius on Indian Ocean cruises, the Costa Classica will be offering 14-day cruises from Hong Kong to Vietnam and Thailand, plus a new 14-day itinerary, which can be broken down into two seven-day segments, sailing from Singapore to some of the loveliest destinations in Thailand and Malaysia. In February, May and June 2011 the Costa Classica will once again be deployed on regular scheduled cruises to Taiwan.

In the 2011 summer season the Costa Romantica will be back in Shanghai operating on four-to-six-day cruises to South Korea (Cheju and Pusan) and Japan (Fukuoka, Kagoshima and Nagasaki). Meanwhile, the Costa Classica will be departing from Tianjin and Shanghai on new six to eight-day itineraries to South Korea (Cheju and Pusan) and Japan (Osaka, Fukuoka, Kagoshima and Nagasaki).

Seven-Night Cruises From Just $699 Plus Three Category Upgrades

Costa is making peak-season Europe accessible with Mediterranean cruise getaways in 2010 from just $699 per person. These limited-time fares are available on the new Costa Pacifica as well as the Costa Serena, Costa Concordia, Costa Fortuna and Costa Victoria. Routes featured include Costa’s most popular Mediterranean getaways from Venice and Barcelona. On certain sailings, guests may even be able to enjoy complimentary three-category upgrades.

Sailings include Costa’s popular seven-night Western Mediterranean voyage from Barcelona aboard the Costa Pacifica (114,500-tons; 3,000 do), which was inaugurated just last summer. The ship features the line’s award-winning Samsara Spa, an onboard recording studio, a Grand Prix race car driving simulator and intimate specialty dining with menus created by Michelin restaurateur Ettore Bocchia. Ports-of-call on the popular voyage include Palma de Mallorca, Tunis, Valletta, Catania, Civitavecchia and Savona.

Another popular route featured is the seven-night Eastern Mediterranean departure from Venice aboard the Costa Serena, sister ship to the Costa Pacifica. Ports-of-call featured include Bari, Katakolon (Olympia), Izmir, Istanbul and Dubrovnik. Additional routes featured include the Costa Concordia from Barcelona to France, Italy and Tunisia as well as the Costa Fortuna and Costa Victoria to the Greek Isles. Sailings are available throughout June, July and August.

Crystal Cruises

Website: www.crystalcruises.com

Kids Sail Free Aboard Crystal Serenity Holiday Voyage

Crystal Cruises is sweetening the deal for families

on Crystal Serenity's Christmas/New Year cruise through the Caribbean. In addition to Two-for-One cruise fares, generous shipboard credits and Crystal Family Memories program offering perks for groups of six or ten, children age 17 and under can sail free with two full-fare adults aboard the ship's 14-day, December 21 Tropical Holiday voyage roundtrip from Miami. Junior Activities Directors will be on board to host complimentary supervised behind-the-scenes activities, and optional babysitting is available.

Along with programs for junior cruisers, adult guests can enjoy dozens of classes through Crystal's Creative Learning Institute and Crystal Visions Lecture Series, including stimulating presentations from a National Geographic

scientist and an expert in Russian foreign policy. Ashore, Crystal Adventures

offer helicopter views, deep sea fishing and zip lining throughout the

Caribbean.

From Miami, Crystal Serenity calls at St. Thomas, Barbados, St. Lucia and

Antigua, St. Maarten, Curaçao and Grand Turk.

With Crystal's Two-for-One promotion, per person, double occupancy cruise fares

start at $7,995 per person, double, and include $500 per person All Inclusive -

As You Wish shipboard credits.

Musicians Jazz Up Crystal December Caribbean Cruise

This December, nearly two dozen jazz artists will dazzle music lovers aboard Crystal Cruises' Experiences of Discovery Jazz Cruise. With live performances from piano solos to harmonious trios, quartets and full seven-piece bands, the ten-day Caribbean itinerary roundtrip from Miami aboard the Crystal Serenity December 11, 2010.

The acclaimed Bill Allred Classic Jazz Band will headline, along with a variety of solo artists to fill the ship with the sounds of jazz in the classic styles of the '30s, '40s, and '50s. In all, six jazz pianists, nine brass musicians, and eight artists on drums and strings will be accompanied by four premier jazz vocalists. Also on board will be noted jazz historian, professor, author and Grammy Award-nominated producer Dr. Robert G. O'Meally.

Among the featured performers are renowned saxophonist Harry Allen who has

performed with Rosemary Clooney, Tony Bennett, and James Taylor, acclaimed

vocalist and award-winning bass player Nicki Parrott and jazz pianist Rossano

Sportiello whose music is influenced by playing with the world's finest jazz

luminaries.

Sailing from Miami, the cruise visits St. Thomas, Antigua, St. Barts, St.

Maarten and Turks & Caicos. Per person, promotional Two-for-One cruise fares

start at $3,575, double occupancy, and include $500 All Inclusive - As You

Wish shipboard credits.

Many of the featured jazz stars will also perform on board Crystal Serenity's

12-day, August 24 Mediterranean cruise from Venice to Istanbul, including the

Pieter Meijers Quartet and numerous swinging solos.

Savings On Crystal's Christmas/New Year & And Fall Mexican Riviera Voyages

Crystal Cruises announces its best ever fall/winter sale for Penthouses and verandah staterooms offering savings of $1,000 or $500 per person for a Christmas/New Year cruise, Thanksgiving cruise and fall Mexican Riviera cruises on the highest rated cruise

ships in the world. For Penthouse and verandah bookings made by September 30, 2010, guests can enjoy the following new savings: \\

-- $1,000 per person off - Crystal Serenity, Caribbean Holiday: Calls at St.

Thomas, Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, St. Maarten, Curacao, and Turks & Caicos.

* December 21 - 14 days round-trip Miami, over Christmas and New Year's

--$500 per person off - Crystal Symphony, Mexican Riviera: Call at Cabo San

Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta, plus, La Paz, Loreto and a maiden visit to

Topolobampo on the December 12 itinerary.

* November 21 - seven days round-trip Los Angeles

* November 28 - seven days round-trip Los Angeles

* December 5 - seven days round-trip Los Angeles

* December 12 - 10 days round-trip Los Angeles

The new savings are in addition to the line's Two-for-One promotional fares and

$500 per person All Inclusive - As You Wish shipboard credits.

vacation experience all the more enticing."

The three latter Crystal Symphony Mexican Riviera voyage feature stimulating

Experiences of Discovery programming, while the November 21 cruise and the

Crystal Serenity cruise offer lavish holiday feasts and celebrations.

Cunard Line

Website: www.cunard.com

On Sale July 15: 2012 World Voyages On Queen Elizabeth & Queen Mary 2

Continuing the company’s legacy of the annual World Voyage they pioneered 90 years ago, Cunard Line is proud to announce the 2012 World Voyage program aboard the new Queen Elizabeth and its flagship Queen Mary 2, which will sail these legendary voyages to a combined 60 ports across 33 countries, featuring Queen Mary 2’s first circumnavigation around Australia.

The leader in World Cruising, Cunard offers itineraries calling on legendary ports, featuring overnights in Sydney and Hong Kong on Queen Elizabeth; and overnights in Cape Town, Hong Kong and Dubai on Queen Mary 2. These rich travel legacies, combined with the Line’s hallmarks of elegant fine dining, impeccable White Star Service™ and a wide variety of premier stateroom accommodations - including the award-winning Queens Grill and Princess Grill suites - provide unforgettable experiences.

--Queen Elizabeth World Voyage

For her second World Voyage, Queen Elizabeth will once again offer a complete circumnavigation of the globe on a 107-day journey from Southampton. North American guests have the ease of embarking on their World Voyage experience from New York, Fort Lauderdale or San Francisco, after the ship transits the Panama Canal.

From the West Coast, Queen Elizabeth sails into the South Pacific and New Zealand before arriving for an overnight in Sydney. Next, she heads north to Singapore via Queensland, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand, and makes an overnight stay in Hong Kong. After visiting more of Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka and India en route to Dubai, Queen Elizabeth begins the final leg of her epic voyage, including the transit of the Suez Canal, as well as calls in Egypt, Greece, Italy and Portugal before returning home to Southampton.

Here, North American guests have the option to rendezvous with Queen Mary 2 and take in the Line’s iconic Transatlantic Crossing to complete their historic World Voyage. Fares for the full 107-day World Voyage start from $20,995 per person.

Segment Voyages offer the Queen Elizabeth experience and capture the essence of a World Voyage, ranging from 12 to 24 days, including New York to San Francisco (17 days), San Francisco to Sydney (24 days), Sydney to Singapore (24-days), Singapore to Dubai (12 days) and Dubai to Southampton (22 days). Guests can enjoy great value by combining two or more consecutive segments to create adventurous Liner Voyages. Segment fares start from $2,775 per person.

--Queen Mary 2 World Voyage

Queen Mary 2 will begin her fifth World Voyage in Southampton, including a maiden call to the spectacular sand dunes in Namibia’s Swakopmund before a two-night stay in Cape Town. From South Africa, she sails to Sydney via Mauritius where she offers her first-ever circumnavigation of Australia and a maiden call in Darwin along the way. After returning to Sydney for a second visit, she is off to Japan, including a maiden call to Hiroshima, and China en route to an overnight stay in Hong Kong. Queen Mary 2 then visits Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand and India en route to Dubai. From here, Queen Mary 2 will call in Egypt and transit the Suez Canal before returning home to Southampton via Greece and Portugal. Full World Voyage fares start from $20,995 per person.

Segment Voyages aboard Queen Mary 2 range from 15 to 22 days and include Southampton to Cape Town (15 days), Cape Town to Sydney (20 days), roundtrip from Sydney (22 days), Sydney to Hong Kong (19 days), Hong Kong to Dubai (16 days) and Dubai to Southampton (16 days). Segment fares start from $2,995 per person.

In addition to receiving a bonus 10 percent discount off Early Booking Fares (EBF), Full World Voyage and Liner Voyage guests will receive an on-board credit of up to $3,000 per stateroom when booking by February 28, 2011. Full World Voyage guests also receive complimentary Hotel and Dining Charges.

Further, an invitation will be extended to all Full World Voyage guests to join Cunard President Peter Shanks ashore at one of the ports of call during their time on board for the traditional World Voyage Dinner, an exclusive evening of world-class dining and entertainment. Cunard World Club members will receive an extra 5 percent savings off Bonus Early Booking Fares.

Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines

Website: www.fredolsencruises.com

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ 2011/12 Season Now On Sale

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ 2011/12 cruise season is now on sale. New routes featured in the 2011/12 brochure include a 28-night cruise to the Red Sea from Southampton aboard Black Watch; a 14-night winter adventure to Norway in search of the Northern Lights; and an epic 89-night cruise around South America, with a detour via the Gulf of Mexico for maiden calls to New Orleans and Galveston.

ArtsClub programs are featured on several cruises, with topics such as photography, wine, ballroom dance, bridge and wildlife. These programs are generally free and include lectures and seminars from experts in the field.

View the digital brochure at: http://brochures.fredolsencruises.com/?userpath=00000508/00013407/00054418/

Minneapolis, MN-based Borton Overseas is Fred. Olsen’s official USA Reseller; call for USD pricing, availability, and to book your clients’ cruise. Email: info@bortonoverseas.com or www.bortonoverseas.com/cruises. (Note; pricing in the digital brochure is in pounds sterling.)

Holland America Line

Website: www.hollandamerica.com

HAL To Deploy Two Ships In Australia Simultaneously In 2011-12

Holland America Line will deploy ms Volendam and ms Zaandam in Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the South Pacific in 2011-12, marking the first time the line will have two ships sailing a series of itineraries in the region simultaneously. Guests will be able to select from a variety of itineraries ranging from 13 to 26 days, with calls at some of the most popular and exotic ports throughout the Pacific. Travelers looking for a longer exploration will be able to sail a Collectors’ Voyage from 27 to 39 days long that combines two back-to-back itineraries, allowing for an in-depth experience while visiting multiple regions.

--14-day Explorations Highlight Australia and New Zealand

Volendam will sail a series of 14-day cruises roundtrip from Sydney, Australia, or between Sydney and Auckland, New Zealand, that explore both the North and South Islands. The nine departures from October 2011 thorough March 2012 feature extensive scenic cruising opportunities in Fiordland National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — as well as Milford, Dusky and Queen Charlotte Sounds. Calls at some of the most popular ports like Wellington, Napier and Tauranga highlight the itineraries, along with several evening departures.

Following the same itinerary as Volendam, Zaandam also sails a 14-day roundtrip Sydney cruise departing November 25, 2011.

--South Pacific Itineraries Feature Exotic Islands

From December 2011 through February 2012 Volendam and Zaandam will sail three 13- or 14-day roundtrip Sydney itineraries to island jewels in the South Pacific. The ships visit lesser-known tropical ports in New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Fiji that are celebrated for their crystalline waters, powdery beaches and dramatic scenery. Guests will be able to soak up the sun and learn about fascinating island cultures.

HAL’s Zaandam Sails In The Far East

In 2012, Zaandam sails six spectacular 14-day sailings between Singapore or Kobe (Osaka), Japan and Hong Kong, China. Ancient customs and traditions live on in this part of the world, and the mysteries of a little-known region will unravel with each port of call. The cruises — which depart January through March — offer extended stays in several ports, as well as overnight calls at Laem Chabang (Bangkok), Thailand; and Hong Kong, Shanghai and Xingang (Beijing), China.

With extra time in port, guests will be able to visit world-famous landmarks such as Hong Kong’s Big Buddha, and the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Great Wall of China, Vietnam’s Halong Bay and Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

Pacific Crossings Offer Unique Ports, Relaxing Days at Sea

Volendam and Zaandam both offer repositioning cruises to and from Asia and the South Pacific region, ranging from 22 to 26 days. These trans-Pacific adventures provide an excellent opportunity to visit several countries on one cruise, spend relaxing days at sea and require only one-way international airfare.

--Volendam departs September 7, 2011, from Vancouver, B.C., on a 26-day cruise that makes its way to Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji and New Caledonia before arriving at Sydney. The ship returns to Vancouver from Sydney on a 23-day itinerary departing April 10, 2012, that also makes calls throughout the South Pacific and the Aloha State.

--Zaandam sails from San Diego, California, to Sydney on a 26-day crossing via Hawaii and the South Pacific that includes an evening sailing by the Kilauea Volcano. Guests looking for a northern Pacific crossing can sail from Kobe to Vancouver April 1, 2012, on a 22-day journey and explore several ports in Japan before arching up to Alaska and enjoying scenic cruising in Glacier Bay and the Inside Passage.

Sea days aboard a Holland America Line ship are an invitation to unwind and rejuvenate. Guests can fill their time with enriching activities such as cooking demonstrations at the Culinary Arts Center, pampering at the Greenhouse Spa or simply sipping a coffee while reading the news at the Explorations Café.

Cruisers looking to make the most out of their time in Asia, Australia and New Zealand can add a pre- or post-cruise land tour to further explore sites such as the Forbidden City in Beijing, Uluru/Ayers Rock or Alice Springs in Australia’s Northern Territory.

HAL’s 2011 Canada/New England Cruises Feature Historic Seaports, Fall Foliage

Next year two Holland America Line ships -- ms Maasdam and ms Eurodam -- will explore the historic seaports and scenic beauty of Canada and New England, offering guests the opportunity to sample some famous Maine lobster, walk Boston's Freedom Trail and sail along the St. Lawrence River.

The 2011 itineraries range from seven to 13 days and will feature 24 sailings between May and October. The region's beautiful jewel-toned foliage will be on display as summer turns to autumn, a favorite time of year to cruise Canada and New England.

--Maasdam kicks off the 2011 season on April 24 with a special 13-day cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Montreal, Quebec, Canada. During this longer voyage, guests will visit Newport, R.I.; Gloucester (Boston), Mass.; Bar Harbor, Maine; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; and Gaspe and Baie-Comeau, Quebec, before arriving at Montreal.

--From May 7 to Oct. 8, Maasdam offers 18 seven-day sailings between Boston and Montreal, with calls at Bar Harbor; Halifax and Sydney, Nova Scotia; Charlottetown; Quebec City, Quebec; and scenic cruising along the St. Lawrence River. Guests can combine two sailings for an extended 14-day roundtrip journey, allowing extra time ashore to hunt for antiques, explore the charming fishing towns, learn about the history and sample the region's fresh seafood.

Maasdam concludes the season with a 13-day sailing October 15 from Montreal to Fort Lauderdale. Ports of call include Quebec City, Saguenay, Baie-Comeau and Gaspe, Quebec; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Sydney and Halifax, Nova Scotia; Bar Harbor, Maine; and Saint John, New Brunswick.

--During the height of the fall foliage season, Eurodam will sail three 10-day cruises in September 2011 between New York and Quebec City, with calls at Newport, Boston, Bar Harbor, Halifax, Sydney and Charlottetown. That itinerary also features an overnight stay at Quebec City and scenic cruising along Saguenay Fjord.

--On October 10 Eurodam will depart on a 12-day itinerary from Quebec City to Fort Lauderdale. Ports of call include Saguenay, Gaspe, Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax, Bar Harbor, Gloucester (Boston) and Newport.

Canada/New England cruise fares start at $799 per person, double occupancy, plus taxes.

MSC Cruises

Website; www.msccruises.com or www.msccruisesusa.com

MSC Offers Free Third, Fourth Person on Fall Foliage Cruises

MSC Cruises is offering a free cruise to third and fourth adults and kids 17 and younger when sharing a stateroom on select fall foliage Canada/New England cruises on MSC Poesia when booked by July 31. Reduced rates begin at $599 per person, double occupancy. Fall foliage cruises vary from six to ten nights and depart from New York City and Quebec City. The promotion is good on the ten-night cruise departing New York on September 22, the seven-night cruise from New York on October 2, the seven-night cruise from New York on October 16, the nine-night cruise from Quebec City departing October 23, and the six-night cruise from Quebec City on October 23.

Special Rates For AARP Members On MSC Caribbean Cruises’ 2010/11 Season

MSC Cruises is making available to AARP members savings of up to $50 per person, per stateroom, and up to a two-category upgrade with rates starting from $179, for a two-night cruise, onboard MSC Poesia, through February 28, 2011. Kids cruise free, as the third/fourth guests, which is ideal for an extended-family vacation with grandparents and their grandchildren.

These special rates for AARP members are available on select Caribbean cruises. Cruise prices are per person, based upon double occupancy.

All cruises depart from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. and vary in length from two to ten nights. Government fees and taxes for all guests are additional.

--Two-night Caribbean cruise calling in Nassau, Bahamas. January 2, 2011; rates from $179 plus $81.35 pp.

--Three-night Caribbean cruise calling in Key West, Florida and Nassau, Bahamas. November 11, 2010; rates from $209 plus $67.63 pp

--Seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise calling in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Nassau, Bahamas. In 2010, November 14 and 28, December 12 and 26. In 2011, January 9 and 23, and February 6 and 20; rates from $479 plus $69.62 pp

--Seven-night Western Caribbean cruise calling in Key West, Florida; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Georgetown, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel, Mexico. In 2010, November 21 (Thanksgiving cruise), December 5 and on December 19 (Christmas cruise). In 2011, on January 16 and 30 and February 13 and 27; rates from $479 plus $81.35 pp

--Ten-night Panama Canal and Southern Caribbean cruise calling in Cozumel, Mexico; Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; Cristobal, Panama; Cartagena, Columbia; and Montego Bay, Jamaica. November 1; rates from $699 plus $73.68 pp

Restrictions apply. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion including standard AARP member offers.

For more information, visit http://www.msccruisesusa.com/aarp.

About MSC Cruises:

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have

independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole.

Oceania Cruises

Website: www.oceaniacruises.com

Pacific Northwest Cuisine Showcased On Oceania Cruises In Alaska

Fresh ingredients, simply prepared, with influences from Asian and Native American traditions are characteristics of Pacific Northwest cuisine. Oceania Cruises will up the epicurean ante in Alaska, from May through August 2011, when guests on m/s Regatta will be treated to succulent selections that showcase regional delicacies.

Highlights of Oceania Cruises’ maiden Alaska season include two full days of glacier cruising and a mix of marquee and off-the-beaten-path Inland Passage ports, the latter a hallmark of the brand. With two-for-one rates and free airfare, 10-day voyages start at $3,499 per guest, based on double occupancy.

Pacific Northwest cuisine will be featured during lunch in the casual Terrace Café, which offers both indoor, and al fresco seating and in the ship’s gourmet Grand Dining Room as well. In the evenings, regional specialties will be showcased in all four of the ship’s gourmet, open-seating restaurants; all of which are available with no surcharge.

When provisioning locally, the ship’s executive chef seeks the freshest catch and shellfish, making on-the-spot decisions. Consequently, not all selections will always be available and there may be surprise menu additions.

Although berries grow abundantly in the vast wilderness areas of the 49th state, they are a limited resource because Alaska’s black and brown bears eat them all summer long. Guests onboard Regatta may nevertheless get the chance to taste the favored fruit when the pastry chef creates Alaskan Blueberry Coffee Cake or Springtime Alaskan Berry Pie.

Four Different & Desirable Itineraries for 2011

--Majestic Alaska – 14 days roundtrip from San Francisco, a maiden port for Oceania Cruises, visiting Victoria and Vancouver, British Columbia; Sitka, Hoonah, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska; and Astoria, Ore. Departures: May 12, August 26.

--Alaskan Grandeur – 12 days between San Francisco and Vancouver. Ports include Astoria and Victoria, as well as Wrangell, Juneau, Hoonah, Sitka and Ketchikan. Departures: May 26, Aug. 14.

--Frontiers and Glaciers – ten-day roundtrip from Vancouver, calling at Sitka, Hoonah, Kodiak, Wrangell and Ketchikan. Departures: June 7, Aug. 4.

--Glacial Wilderness – 12 days between Vancouver and Anchorage, with visits to Ketchikan, Wrangell, Juneau, Hoonah, Skagway, Sitka, Seward and Homer. Departures: June 17 and 29, July 11 and 23.

Travelers will discover Alaska aboard Oceania Cruises’ 684-guest Regatta – an intimate ship acclaimed for its open-seating gourmet dining (no surcharges), luxurious public rooms and accommodations, and warm, attentive service.

P&O Cruises/UK

Website: www.pocruises.com

Largest Ever World Cruise Program Offered From P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises is offering five world cruises, 18 line voyages and 72 shorter cruise holidays, departing in 2011 and 2012. The 2011/12 world cruise brochure will be available on line or via travel agents and will be on sale from Thursday, July 15, 2010.

-- Arcadia, 72-night Grand Alaska Adventure departs Tuesday, April 12, 2011

-- Adonia, 87-night South America Grand Adventure departs Friday, January

13, 2012

-- Arcadia, 109-night Grand Odyssey departs Monday, January 9, 2012

-- Aurora, 98-night full world circumnavigation departs Wednesday, January 4, 2012

-- Oriana, 97-night full world circumnavigation departs Thursday, January 5, 2012

Adonia, the newest and smallest ship in the fleet, will embark on an 87-night adventure with a full circumnavigation of South America via the Caribbean and returning via the Panama Canal. Adonia will visit 37 ports in 17 countries, including three new destinations Georgetown, Guyana; Salaverry, Peru and Chacabuco, Chile.

Highlights include:

-- Overnight stays in Manaus, Amazon; Buenos Aires; and New Orleans

-- Scenic cruising in the Amazon, Cape Horn, Beagle Channel, Amalia Glacier, PIO X Glacier and through the Panama Canal.

-- 17 shorter cruises including a 17-night cruise holiday from New Orleans to Southampton. Six ports of call including Key West, Florida; Port Everglades, Florida and Half Moon Cay, Bahamas.

Prices start from GBP1,829. Prices for full cruise start from GBP7,999

P&O Cruises/Australia

Website: www.pocruises.com.au

Special Savings For Solo Cruisers Sailing The South Pacific

P&O Cruises is offering solo cruisers the opportunity to sail the South Pacific for a fraction of the usual fare on selected cruises. The specials are ideal for mature travelers looking to enjoy holidaying with friends, with the added luxury of their own cabin.

The fares are available on a range of cruises departing from Sydney, Brisbane and Newcastle, and sailing to some of the South Pacific’s most spectacular ports. Deals include:

--A ten-night cruise from Sydney onboard P&O Cruises’ newest addition, Pacific Jewel. Departing August 17, the cruise visits five popular South Pacific ports including Mystery Island. Fares start from $1799* per person complete single.

--A seven-night cruise from Brisbane onboard P&O cruises’ Pacific Dawn. Departing August 21, the cruise visits South Pacific ports in New Caledonia, the Loyalty Islands and Vanuatu. Fares start from $1199* per person complete single.

--A ten-night cruise from Newcastle onboard P&O Cruises’ Pacific Sun. Departing September 8 and 18 and October 8 and 18, the cruise visits three South Pacific ports, including the Isle of Pines and Emerald Bay. Fares start from $1299* per person complete single.

All fares include accommodation, main meals and entertainment.

Princess Cruises

Website: www.princess.com

Princess Cruises Debuts 2011-12 Americas Program

Sun-swept destinations, engineering marvels and a variety cruise options mark Princess Cruises’ just-announced Americas program to the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera and West Coast for the 2011-12 season. Season highlights include two new week-long itineraries in the Caribbean, two new 14-day day itineraries through the Panama Canal, and a new seven-day California Coastal route featuring the best of the Golden State’s ports.

The line’s Americas season runs from September 2011 through May 2012 and includes:

--Caribbean – Five ships sail the sparkling waters of the Caribbean, offering 14 itineraries to more than 20 sun-kissed ports. Passengers can choose from sailings of seven to 14 days, including two new itineraries – seven-day Southern Caribbean (with Aruba, Curacao and Princess Cays) and Western Caribbean (featuring Belize, Roatan, Grand Cayman and Cozumel) routes on Crown Princess, both roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale.

--Panama Canal – Princess continues to lead the way in Panama Canal cruising with five itinerary options including ten-day partial transits and 14-day itineraries between Ft. Lauderdale and Los Angeles, featuring Coral Princess and Island Princess, ships specifically designed for Canal cruising. On select 14-day departures, Princess offers the Two-Day Experience with a full transit of the Panama Canal and a full-day in Fuerte Amador. In total, passengers can choose from 38 departures, sailing roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale, or between Ft. Lauderdale and Los Angeles, San Francisco or Vancouver.

--Mexican Riviera – Sapphire Princess sails on seven-day Mexican Riviera itineraries roundtrip from the convenient Port of Los Angeles. The ship offers 11 sailings of the popular seven-day roundtrip itinerary from Los Angeles, featuring calls at the festive posts of Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan.

--West Coast Cruising – A new seven-day California Coastal itinerary debuts aboard Sapphire Princess, with three departures sailing roundtrip from Los Angeles with calls at San Diego, Santa Barbara, San Francisco and Ensenada. In addition passengers can enjoy a popular seven-day Wine Country sailing between Los Angeles and Vancouver, plus a selection of coastal voyages ranging from quick overnights to five-day getaways.

Princess Cruises Announces 2011-12 Worldwide Sailing Schedules

True to its destination cruising heritage, Princess Cruises has just released its 2011-2012 schedule for worldwide voyages featuring intriguing itineraries to Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Tahiti, India, and South America.

The “Exotics” program will give passengers the opportunity to explore these fascinating destinations aboard intimate small ships or spectacular larger vessels. Among the program highlights is a new roundtrip 28-day Hawaii, Tahiti & Samoa itinerary from Los Angeles aboard Sapphire Princess, giving passengers an extended South Pacific experience. In South America, the line will expand capacity on sailings around Cape Horn by 50 percent, enabling more travelers the opportunity to make this fabled passage.

The Exotics season runs from September 2011 to May 2012 and includes:

--Asia, Africa & India – A passenger favorite, the 16-day Southeast Asia itinerary between Beijing and Singapore returns in the fall and spring aboard Diamond Princess. Travelers can also choose to sail between Asia and Alaska or Australia, for two-continent adventures. Passengers can explore further with a collection of connoisseur voyages aboard Ocean Princess, visiting unique locations in Asia, the Indian Ocean and West Africa.

--Australia & New Zealand – Princess offers a wide range of options for exploring “down under” with a season of Australia & New Zealand sailings aboard Diamond Princess, connoisseur cruises on Ocean Princess, and “Aussie-style” cruising aboard Sun Princess, Dawn Princess and Sea Princess to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific from Sydney, Melbourne and now Brisbane.

--South America – Princess offers even more opportunities in 2012 for a sailing rite of passage – rounding Cape Horn, the southernmost tip of South America. Star Princess departs on more cruises for a 50 percent increase in capacity on this celebrated route. The ship also sails on a Brazilian Adventure from Rio, and Pacific Princess takes passengers exploring down the mighty Amazon River.

--Hawaii & Tahiti – A new 28-day roundtrip Hawaii, Tahiti & Samoa cruise debuts on Sapphire Princess, offering a new option from Los Angeles. Sapphire Princess joins Golden Princess sailing to the Hawaiian Islands on the line’s popular 14-day roundtrip Los Angeles itinerary. Ocean Princess also sails on a series of ten-day Tahiti & Polynesia and 11-day Hawaii & Tahiti voyages.

Princess’ Exotics program cruises are now open for sale.

Royal Caribbean International

Website: www.royalcaribbean.com

Royal Caribbean Lengthens Dubai-Based Cruise Season

Royal Caribbean International is increasing the length of its Dubai-based season for the 2,501-guest ship Brilliance of the Seas during the winter 2011-2012 season due to feedback from travel professionals that there is yet more demand for those cruises.

Brilliance of the Seas debuted cruises from the United Arab Emirates in January 2010 with the ship operating a series of eight-night fly/cruise cruises until April 2010. The ship’s return to Dubai in November 2011, two months earlier than previously planned, will offer an increased range of itineraries including longer cruises up to 12- and even 18-nights.

The enhanced 2011-2012 Dubai-based season of Brilliance of the Seas will be the ship’s third year based from the destination following a second year of winter cruises from January until April 2011. New itineraries offered during the longer six-month season, include a 12-night Dubai and India cruise featuring ports of call such as Muscat, Oman; Cochin, Goa and Mumbai, India. Brilliance of the Seas also will feature the first ever call by a Royal Caribbean International ship to the New Mangalore port in Panambur on the west coast of India. The town is famed for its beautiful beaches on the Arabian Sea, the Nandaneshwara Temple and the Gurupura River.

During the 2011-2012 season, Royal Caribbean International will continue to offer the popular seven-night cruises departing weekly from Dubai. In fact, there will be double the number of seven-night itineraries compared to previous years, with minor changes to the itinerary including an overnight stay in Dubai at the end of the cruise, rather than the beginning, and a revised order in the ports of call to simplify visa processing. Featured ports of call include Fujairah and Abu Dhabi in the UAE and Muscat, Oman. The seven-night itineraries for the upcoming 2010-2011 season also will reflect these changes.

The repositioning cruise from Barcelona to Dubai will be an 18-night option via the Suez Canal and ports of call such as Alexandria, Egypt; Suez Canal passage; Aqaba, Jordan and Safaga, Egypt.

SeaDream Yacht Club

Website: www.seadream.com

Seadream Yacht Club’s Fall 2010 Caribbean Itineraries

For its Fall 2010 Caribbean season, SeaDream Yacht Club is offering overnight calls at popular St. Barts and tiny, exclusive Norman Island as well as active fun stops at the Spanish Virgin Islands of Culebra, Culebrita and Vieques with its bioluminescent bays.

Both SeaDream I and II are now offering a new array of water toys that guests may enjoy from the vessels’ stern marinas. In addition to its zodiacs, water skis, banana boats, wave runners, floating island and snorkeling equipment, it has added twin-hulled Hobie Cats, Laser Sailboats and Glass Bottom Molokini Kayaks and Glass Bottom Hanauma II Inflatable Kayaks (for underwater viewing).

A perfect choice for honeymoons, anniversaries and family reunions or just a quick get away, prices start at $2,799 per person plus fees (or in select other currencies). Additionally if guests book between June 15 and August 15 there’s a spa credit of $200 per stateroom. Sailings are highly inclusive with elegant dining, open bar with select premium spirits, gratuities, water sports, mountain biking and more.

Seabourn (Yachts of)

Website: www.seabourn.com

The Yachts Of Seabourn Offers Value Fares On New Seabourn Sojourn

The Yachts of Seabourn is celebrating the launch of its newest luxury vessel, Seabourn Sojourn, by offering special value fares during the remainder of 2010. For a limited time, Seabourn is offering value fares for Sojourn with round-trip airfare included from $3,699. Or, guests can save up to 65 percent with cruise-only fares from $3,299. Certain restrictions apply, and starting rates vary from sailing to sailing.

Itineraries eligible for the value fares include:

--14-day Norwegian Fjords and Scotland, departing August 8

--12-day Grand Norwegian Fjords, departing September 15

--12-day Maiden Transatlantic, departing November 3

--11-day Maiden Caribbean, departing November 19

--10-day The Yachtsman’s Caribbean, departing November 30

--10-day The Yachtsman’s Caribbean, departing December 10

Like its sister yacht, Seabourn Odyssey, which took to the waters at Venice last summer, Sojourn can carry 450 guests in 225 spacious suites, 90 percent of which have private verandas. All suites feature separate living areas and bedrooms, writing desks with personalized stationery, iPod and MP3 connections and spacious granite bathrooms with separate bath and shower and twin sinks.

The two-deck, state-of-the-art Spa at Seabourn features a Spa Villa for hours of pure indulgence and relaxation, as well as a Kneipp Walk, herbal bath facility and an aroma steam bath with salt inhalation. The new vessel has four dining venues featuring menus by celebrity Chef Charlie Palmer, as well as six bars and lounges serving a full range of beverages including fine wines and spirits with Seabourn’s compliments.

On January 5, 2011, Sojourn will embark on a world cruise from Los Angeles to London via the South Pacific, New Zealand, around Western Australia, Indonesia and Southeast Asia, India, Arabia and the Mediterranean. Rates for the full 111-day world cruise begin at $49,995 per person, based on double occupancy, and include many exciting benefits and amenities, such as a pre-cruise Bon Voyage event with dinner and luxury overnight in Los Angeles, special shoreside events and exclusive complimentary shore excursions, Personal Valet luggage shipping service, and shipboard credits of $1,000 per guest ($2,500 per person if booked by June 30). Onboard gala celebrations and special gifts will also be available for guests during the voyage.

Silversea Cruises

Website: www.silversea.com

Silver Wind To Host 2011 World Leaders Symposium In The Middle East

Silversea Cruises has announced its collaboration with San Francisco-based World Leaders Travel to host the 2011 World Leaders Symposium, featuring a Middle East voyage aboard Silver Wind. Highlighting the program are such distinguished guest speakers as former US Secretary of State James A Baker, III, former Egyptian first lady Jehan Sadat, veteran journalist Bill Moyers, and a team of other leading figures in Middle East politics, culture, history, religion, journalism and human rights.

This customized travel event, December 29, 2010 to January 12, 2011, departs from Amman, Jordan, and ends in Dubai, UAE. An all-inclusive itinerary includes a comprehensive educational program, a Persian Gulf cruise aboard the exclusively chartered Silver Wind, five-star hotel accommodation, and specially arranged events and excursions in Jordan, UA.E, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. Optional program extensions include Christmas in Bethlehem, as well as Iran and Oman.

Symposium participants will go beyond the headlines as they engage in dynamic intellectual discussions with keynote speakers, special guests, local experts, and fellow travelers who offer a range of perspectives and personal insights. A seven-night Gulf cruise from Dubai offers opportunities for further exploration in exotic Kuwait City, Dammam, and Doha. Travelers will enjoy the freedom to customize their experience by choosing from a menu of optional, small-group excursions.

Among the highlights are a special New Year's Eve celebration on the shore of the Dead Sea; the rare opportunity to experience the magic of Petra by candlelight; an engaging discussion with female students at Dubai's Zayed University; a private visit to the impressive Arab Organizations Headquarters Building in Kuwait; behind-the-scenes access at the Al Jazeera media complex, the IM Pei-designed Museum of Islamic Arts, and the Al Shaqab Arabian horse stables in Qatar; and a meeting with Aramco executives during an excursion to the source of Saudi Arabia's oil wealth, the famous Well #7.

In addition to Baker, Sadat, and Moyers, the educational team also includes Karen Armstrong, best-selling author and expert on world religions; Joan Brown Campbell, director of the department of religion at the Chautauqua Institution; Zalmay Khalilzad, former US Ambassador to the UN, Afghanistan and Iraq; Aaron David Miller, Middle East policy expert and advisor to six US secretaries of state; and Crocker Snow, Jr, director of the Edward R Murrow Centre for Public Diplomacy. Special guests will join the Symposium for various lengths of time. Other notable experts and scholars, including a lineup of local speakers, will be confirmed prior to departure.

Symposium sponsors include the Association of Rice Alumni, Chautauqua Institution, Foreign Affairs magazine, Smithsonian Journeys, Tufts Travel-Learn, Woodrow Wilson International Centre for Scholars, and World Affairs Council.

For all-inclusive pricing information, a detailed brochure, or to book today, please contact your professional travel advisor, sponsoring organization, or World Leaders Travel at (US) 800.395.3288, or visit www.WorldLeadersTravel.com/Silversea.

Silversea's Top 4 Reasons To Travel Solo

Silversea Cruises has just sweetened the deal for single travelers by reducing the single supplement to a mere ten percent (above the per-person, double-occupancy fare) for Vista, Veranda and Midship Veranda Suites on 4 voyages this year. Plus, nine new sailings have a single supplement of just 25 percent.

With a crew-to-guest ratio that is almost one to one, single guests enjoy highly personalized service, warm hospitality, and an ambiance that makes them feel right at home. Also, on several voyages, Social Ambassadors will be on board, which is a real plus for single female guests looking for a dining companion or a dance partner.

All-inclusive fares include a spacious, ocean-view suite (most suites feature a private veranda), attentive butler service, complimentary wines and spirits, fine dining, sophisticated enrichment and entertainment programs, and all onboard gratuities.

The following voyages offer a 10% single supplement:

--Mediterranean Voyage 2027: Silver Wind, August 20 - 27, Venice to Athens. Solo Traveler fares start at $4,651 (reflecting a 55% Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities.

-- Caribbean Voyage 4030: Silver Whisper, October 14 - 24, New York City to Barbados. Solo Traveler fares start at $4,057 (reflecting a 55% Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities. Social Ambassadors will also be on board.

--Mediterranean Voyage 5035: Silver Spirit, October 16 - 23, Barcelona to Lisbon. Solo Traveler fares start at $4,530 (reflecting a 60% Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities.

--South America Voyage 4034: Silver Whisper, December 3 - 19, Santiago to Buenos Aires. Solo Traveler fares start at $7,698 (reflecting a 60% Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities.

The following new voyages offer a 25 percent single supplement:

--Northern Europe Voyage 1026: Silver Cloud, September 1 - 11, Reykjavik to London. Solo Traveler fares start at $5,848 (reflecting a 60 percent Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities.

--Mediterranean Voyage 2032A: Silver Wind, October 10 - 20, Rome to Nice. Solo Traveler fares start at $5,848 (reflecting a 60 percent Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities.

-- South America Voyage 4031: Silver Whisper, October 24 - November 9, Barbados to Rio de Janeiro. Solo Traveler fares start at $7,248 (reflecting a 60 percent Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities. Social Ambassadors will also be on board.

--Far East Voyage 3030: Silver Shadow, October 29 - November 6, Bangkok to Singapore. Solo Traveler fares start at $6,072 (reflecting a 55 percent Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities.

--South America Voyage 4032: Silver Whisper, November 9 - 17, Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires. Solo Traveler fares start at $6,241 (reflecting a 55 percent Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities.

--Africa & Indian Ocean 2035: Silver Wind, November 9 - 25, Athens to Dubai. Solo Traveler fares start at $9,148 (reflecting a 60 percent Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities. Social Ambassadors will also be on board.

--Arabian Peninsula Voyage 2036: Silver Wind, November 25 - December 2, Dubai to Dubai. Solo Traveler fares start at $5,298 (reflecting a 60 percent Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities.

--Indian Ocean Voyage 2037: Silver Wind, December 2 -11, Dubai to Mumbai. Solo Traveler fares start at $4,898 (reflecting a 60 percent Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities.

--Indian Ocean Voyage 2038: Silver Wind, December 11 - 20, Mumbai to Dubai. Solo Traveler fares start at $4,898 (reflecting a 60 percent Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities.

--An additional 15 voyages offer a 25 percent single supplement. Click here for complete list of sailings offering single supplements from 10% to 25%, or visit Silversea.com and click on Special Offers.

All fares listed above are per person based on double occupancy for a Vista Suite and do not include port charges and handling fees that can range from $150 to $500 per person on these sailings, depending on the itinerary. Solo Traveler and Silver Savings are capacity-controlled programs and subject to availability.

*FREE AIR: A free roundtrip economy air package, that includes transfers between airport and pier on the day of embarkation and disembarkation, is available from 22 gateway cities in the U.S. and Canada. It is a capacity-controlled program offered for a limited time. Additionally, there are specially priced air programs available from another 50 cities.

TUI Cruises/Germany

Website: www.tuicruises.com

TUI Cruises Announces First Cruise Program For Mein Schiff 2

TUI Cruises, based in Germany, will introduce Mein Schiff 2 (ex-Celebrity Mercury) next May, and has published her first cruise program.

Mein Schiff 2 will sail from Hamburg on May 15,2011 on a nine-night cruise to the UK, Belgium, Denmark and Norway, The cruise will terminate in Kiel on May 24. The ship will then depart that same day on an eight-night voyage to Norway.

The ship will spend the summer in northern European waters before heading to the Mediterranean on September 22 after which she will operate ten-night cruises in the western Mediterranean, based in Palma de Mallorca.

The company has opened bookings on these cruises.

Windstar Cruises

Website: www.windstarcruises.com

Wind Surf’s 2010 Holiday and New Year’s Caribbean Voyages

Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world’s most treasured destinations, offers guests the opportunity to sail with media icons Tina Brown and Sir Harold Evans on Wind Surf’s Holiday and New Year’s Caribbean voyages.

Brown was the legendary editor of Vanity Fair and The New Yorker and is the best-selling author of “The Diana Chronicles,” a biography of Diana, the Princess of Wales. Brown co-founded and is editor-in-chief of The Daily Beast, an on-line publication providing insight, opinions and news exclusives in politics, world affairs, finance, science, culture and more. She has also produced a serious of specials for CNBC, and hosted a weekly talk show on business, politics and culture. Brown has been honored with four George Polk Awards, five Overseas Press Club awards, and ten National Magazine Awards.

Evans was editor of London’s Sunday Times and the Times, and was founding editor of Condé Nast Traveler and editorial director and vice chairman of U.S. News and World Report, the New York Daily News and The Atlantic Monthly. Evans is also the author of the critically acclaimed “The American Century” and “They Made America: The Centuries of Innovators from the Steam Engine to the Search Engine” which was adapted into a four-part mini-series and into a National Public Radio special. Evans was knighted for his services in journalism by Queen Elizabeth.

Both Brown and Evans will present a lecture during the sailings. Brown’s lecture focuses on Princess Diana and Evans’ lecture centers on the innovators who made America from the steam engine to search engine.

--Wind Surf’s seven-day Barbados roundtrip Holiday sailing departs December 19, 2010, from Bridgetown, Barbados and visits Pigeon Island, St. Lucia; Îl des Saintes, F.W.I.; St. Barts, F.W.I.; Marigot, St. Martin and St. Kitts, F.W.I. Cruise fares start at $2,249 per person, based on double occupancy.

Wind Surf’s 7-day New Year’s sailing departs December 26, 2010, from Bridgetown, Barbados and visits Mayreau, The Grenadines; St. George’s, Grenada; Bequia, The Grenadines; Portsmouth, Dominica and Pigeon Island, St. Lucia. Cruise fares start at $2,249 per person, double occupancy. Combine both cruises into one luxurious 14-day sailing from $4,278 per person, double occupancy.

Wind Surf accommodates 312 guests and offers deluxe, oceanview staterooms that include beds with luxury linens and mattresses, flat-screen TV and DVD player, Bose SoundDock speakers for Apple iPods, waffle-weave robes with slippers and sumptuous L’Occitane products. Suites also include an extra bath, TV and sitting area. Wind Surf recently launched new spa suites which include all the amenities of a suite along with luxurious microfiber linens, spa robes, an orchid flower arrangement, specialty pillow menu, daily fresh fruit platter, O SPA London products, WindSpa spa experiences and events as well as unlimited Pilates and Yoga classes. Bridge Suites offer guests the additional luxury of a spacious private living room and relaxing whirlpool spa. Guests enjoy culinary wonders in Wind Surf’s The Restaurant, Degrees, Le Marché and Candles. Wind Surf also features a lounge, Yacht Club, WindSpa, casino, three bars, two pools, two hot tubs, a shop, photo gallery and watersports platform.

Windstar Cruises Includes Roundtrip Airfare On Select Caribbean Sailings

Windstar Cruises, will include roundtrip airfare from certain gateway cities on select fall and winter Caribbean sailings aboard Wind Surf on new bookings made now through July 23, 2010.

The applicable Wind Surf Caribbean sailings that include roundtrip airfare feature vibrant ports, pristine beaches, and lively island culture:

--Seven-day Barbados roundtrip cruise departing November 28, 2010, visits St. Kitts, St. Martin, St. Barts, lles des Saintes, and St. Lucia with rates from $1,999 per person, double occupancy.

--Seven-day Barbados roundtrip cruise departing December 12, 2010, visits St. Kitts, St. Martin, St. Barts, lles des Saintes, and St. Lucia with rates from $1,999 per person, double occupancy.

--Sevem-day Barbados roundtrip cruise departing January 9, 2011, visits Bequia, Grenada, Mayreau, Dominica and St. Lucia with rates from $1,999 per person, double occupancy.

For the applicable Wind Surf Caribbean sailings, roundtrip airfare will be included from the following gateway cities: New York (JFK, EWR); Boston (BOS); and Miami (MIA). Air add-ons are also available to guests by request for $149 per person from Atlanta (ATL) and San Francisco (SFO); $199 per person from Los Angeles (LAX) and Seattle (SEA); and $249 per person from Washington, D.C. (IAD). Ground transportation between the Barbados airport and the ship's pier is also included.

Windstar's airfare offer is valid on new bookings only through July 23, 2010. Offer is nonrefundable for all bookings made without purchasing TCP/TCIP. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions, programs, discounts, shipboard credits or package offers. Offer is capacity controlled and may be withdrawn or modified at the discretion of Windstar Cruises. Taxes additional.

Wind Surf's deluxe, oceanview staterooms include beds with luxury linens and mattresses, flat-screen TV and DVD player, Bose SoundDock speakers for Apple iPods, waffle-weave robes with slippers and sumptuous L'Occitane products. Suites also include an extra bath, TV and sitting area. Wind Surf recently introduced new spa suites which include all the amenities of a suite along with luxurious microfiber linens, spa robes, an orchid flower arrangement, specialty pillow menu, daily fresh fruit platter, O SPA London products, WindSpa spa experiences and events as well as unlimited Pilates and Yoga classes. Bridge Suites offer everything in a suite along with the additional luxury of a spacious private living room and relaxing whirlpool spa. Guests enjoy culinary wonders in Wind Surf's The Restaurant, Degrees, Le Marché and Candles. Wind Surf also features a lounge, Yacht Club, WindSpa, casino, three bars, two pools, two hot tubs, a shop, photo gallery and watersports platform.

Windstar’s Wind Surf Sails The Greek Isles For First Time in Six Years

Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world’s most treasured destinations, offers guests exceptional opportunities to experience the mythical beauty of the Greek Isles aboard seven-day voyages on Wind Surf in 2011.

--Wind Surf’s seven-day Athens, Greece to Istanbul, Turkey sailings depart July 16; September 24; and October 8, 2011, visiting Mykonos, Greece; Santorini, Greece; Rhodes, Greece; Bodrum, Turkey; and Kuşadasi, Turkey with rates from $3,499 per person, double occupancy.

--Wind Surf’s seven-day Istanbul, Turkey to Athens, Greece sailings depart July 23; October 1; and October 15, 2011, visiting Kuşadasi, Turkey; Rhodes, Greece; Bodrum, Turkey; Santorini, Greece; and Mykonos, Greece with rates from $3,499 per person, double occupancy.

Wind Surf also offers 2011 itineraries that combine the Greek Isles and Italy or Croatia:

--Wind Surf’s -seven-day Athens, Greece to Rome, Italy sailings depart July 30 and October 22, 2011, and visit Milos, Greece; Monemvassía, Greece; Messina, Italy; Amalfi, Italy; and Ischia, Italy with rates on the July 30, 2011, sailing from $3,399 per person, double occupancy and rates on the October 22, 2011, sailing from $2,599 per person, double occupancy.

--Wind Surf’s seven-day Venice, Italy to Athens, Greece sailing departs September 17, 2011, and visits Pula, Croatia; Trogir, Croatia; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Pylos, Greece; and Monemvassía, Greece with rates from $3,599 per person, double occupancy.