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NCL’s Newest Ship—Norwegian Pearl—Christened in Miami

At an official ceremony at the Port of Miami December 16, popular talk show host and Emmy® Award-winner Rosie O'Donnell served as Godmother and christened Norwegian Cruise Line's (NCL) newest ship, Norwegian Pearl. The new 93,530-ton Freestyle Cruising vessel boasts an industry first - a four-lane ten-pin bowling alley; and two NCL firsts—a rock-climbing wall and two top-of-the-ship Deluxe Owner's Suites.
Approximately 2,400 guests were in attendance for the ceremony that also commemorated the company's 40th birthday and kicked off a year-long birthday celebration. “The first on-board bowling alley, coupled with the rest of the ship's irresistible amenities, make Norwegian Pearl one of the most exciting ships at sea,” NCL Corporation's President and CEO Colin Veitch said. “Since initiating the first Caribbean cruise 40 years ago, NCL has blazed a trail of innovation in the cruise industry. Today, we continue that tradition by introducing our latest treasure, Norwegian Pearl.”
Norwegian Pearl accommodates 2,394 guests and includes a world of innovative features and amenities, including 10 restaurants, 13 bars and lounges, two swimming pools and a casino, among others. The ship is the seventh vessel purpose-built for NCL's signature Freestyle Cruising - an approach to cruising unlike any other offered in the industry. Freestyle Cruising leaves regimented schedules behind, and is characterized by having no fixed dining times, no formal dress codes, relaxed disembarkation, up to 10 different restaurants and even more lounges, bars, theatres and other entertainment and activity options. Click New Ships for the details.

MSC Cruises’ Post-Panamax Ships To Feature Designated VIP Areas
When MSC Cruises’ first post-Panamax ship debuts in 2008, guests will find a new dedicated VIP area. “We are very excited to be able to offer our guests yet another option for their cruise experience,” says Richard E. Sasso, president and CEO of MSC Cruises (USA). “This is the epitome of pampering and service.”
The VIP area (currently named “Happy Island”) will be located on the fore part of decks 15, 16 and 17 and will be serviced by two elevators accessible only to guests staying in the VIP area. The area will include a total of 68 suites (five different types) – 34 on Deck 15 and 34 on Deck 16, ranging from 250 to 437 square feet. Two of the suites, as well as all the passenger areas and services, will be in compliance with ADA recommendations.
Each VIP cabin will have full butler service, including laundry; housekeeping; room service (with a dedicated galley) for breakfast, lunch and dinner, if desired; priority reservations to the spa and restaurants; and more.
The “Happy Island” area will feature other amenities as well:
An observation lounge and bar on Deck 15;
The 133,500-ton MSC Fantasia, being built at Aker Yards in St. Nazaire, France, is scheduled to debut in 2008. It will be followed by sister-ship MSC Serenata in 2009. Each ship will have 1,650 staterooms (of which 1,260 are balconied).
Special stairs covered by a glass dome will allow passage from Deck 15 to Deck 16;
Other amenities include a dedicated VIP elevator from Deck 14 to Deck 17, allowing direct, private access to the spa area on Deck 14 and the VIP Sun Deck on Deck 17. Two VIP massage rooms in the spa on Deck 14, located opposite the elevator; and VIP Sun Deck on Deck 17 includes a dedicated swimming pool, two Jacuzzis, showers and bar.
For more information about MSC Cruises, visit www.msccruises.com.

Family Travel Guide Posted to Crystal Cruises' Website
Effective the last week in December, www.crystalcruises.com will feature a new section under special offers titled, Family Reunion Cruises. Whether it is a renewal of vows, the reunion of a large multigenerational family or adult cousins looking for a luxury getaway, family planners can find a comprehensive overview of the value of family travel on a Crystal cruise and also information on how to contact a travel agent with expertise in booking family travel with Crystal Cruises. The dedicated section of the website offers a glimpse of the family-friendly opportunities and amenities offered on board, such as:
-- Junior Activities Directors (on select sailings, such as summer and holidays) to plan and supervise such "insider" activities as cookie baking in the galley, bridge visits with the Captain and interactive backstage costume events.
-- Dedicated children's playrooms with games and craft areas, and even Xbox 360 and Sony PlayStation kiosks.
-- Multiple dining options with assigned group seating for dinners.
-- Large families can earn free staterooms (limited availability).
Depending on one's interests and time of year, families can choose from an array of destinations and cruise lengths, including a selection of convenient seven-day departures closer to home as well as voyages of 14 days and longer exploring exotic locales around the globe.

NCL Sings New Long-Term Lease Renewal In Miami
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), has signed a major long-term renewal and expansion of its lease at its current headquarters in Airport Corporate Center, an 11-building office campus located in the Airport West/Doral section of Miami. At this location since 1996, NCL currently leases a total of 208,737 square feet or approximately 20 percent of the Airport Corporate Center campus (including all of building 11 and almost 65 percent of building 10). With the expansion, NCL is leasing an additional 26,000 square feet, and securing expansion options over an additional 40,000 square feet.
Over the next 24 to 36 months, the company plans to renovate its current space, including the addition of a cafeteria, gym and conference facility.

Carnival Corp. & TUI AG Plan New Large-Scale German Cruise Operation
Carnival Corporation & plc and TUI AG), the German tour operator, announced the signing of a letter of intent to form a joint venture company to develop, market and operate two cruise brands: Carnival's existing AIDA Cruises and a new TUI Cruises brand—both designed for the German-speaking holiday market.
AIDA, the German affiliate of Costa Crociere S.p.A., is currently the market leader in Germany with its club resort cruise concept aimed at younger, more active passengers. AIDA currently operates a four-ship fleet, with four additional ships under construction at Germany's Meyer Werft shipyard and scheduled for delivery between 2007 and 2010.
Under the proposed joint venture agreement, a new TUI Cruises brand, which will target a different segment of the German cruise market, will be developed. It is expected that the first TUI branded ship, with an estimated 3,000 passenger berths, will be delivered in spring of 2010.
The new joint venture company will be managed under the direction of Pier Luigi Foschi, chairman and CEO of Carnival's Costa Cruises unit, who currently oversees Carnival's German operations, including AIDA. Michael Thamm, president of AIDA Cruises, based in Rostock, Germany, will become president of the new joint venture company.
Under the proposed transaction, TUI will initially purchase five percent of the joint venture in 2007 and is expected to purchase another 20 percent in 2010. For purposes of this transaction, AIDA's business was valued at €1.9 billion for inclusion in the joint venture, which will be formed with €600 million of indebtedness. The purchase price will be paid to Carnival in cash at the closing of each transaction based on a net equity value of €1.3 billion. When the initial five percent purchase closes in 2007, Carnival expects to record a pre-tax gain of approximately €60 million ($80 million). Another gain will be recorded under U.S. accounting principles at the time of closing of the subsequent 20 percent purchase in 2010. “TUI is a highly diversified and experienced company in the European travel and tourism sector and has extensive brand awareness throughout Europe, particularly in Germany," said Micky Arison, Carnival Corporation & plc chairman and CEO. "By combining TUI's strengths with Carnival's tremendous experience in building, operating and marketing cruise ships, we are creating an excellent platform for growth in the rapidly expanding German cruise market."
Added Dr. Michael Frenzel, CEO of TUI AG, "With AIDA Cruises, Carnival has already set up a successful and profitable model in the German cruise market. By entering into this joint venture and benefiting from Carnival's unrivaled expertise, we are able to put the TUI Cruises brand on water. Together, AIDA and TUI Cruises will provide ideal offers to an even larger potential of cruise customers in this commercially highly interesting segment."
The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2007 pending approval of both companies boards of directors, all necessary regulatory approvals, customary due diligence and the execution of definitive agreements.
TUI Group is the European market leader in tourism and one of the top five players in global container shipping. The tour operators of TUI trade in 17 European countries and in 2005 sold the Group's products to around 21 million customers. TUI encompasses all in all about 3,200 travel agencies, 7 airlines with more than 100 aircraft and 35 incoming agencies. Its hotel portfolio is made up of 279 hotels with approximately 164,000 beds in 30 countries. Through its wholly owned subsidiary Hapag-Lloyd, headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, TUI operates one of the world's leading container shipping companies with more than 140 container ships. Under the brands of Hapag-Lloyd in Germany and Thomson in the UK, TUI also operates a fleet of nine cruise liners. The Hapag-Lloyd cruise ship division is the leading "premium and luxury cruise" tour operator in German-speaking countries. The four cruise liners including the 5-star-plus MS Europa are at home on all the world's oceans.

Celebrity Cruises Expands Celebrity Expeditions
Celebrity Cruises has taken another significant step in its quest to expand the Celebrity Expeditions extension of the brand. Celebrity Quest will join Celebrity Expeditions in 2007, pairing new avenues for delivering the Celebrity Treatment with exotic new itineraries for the vessel and its sister ship, Celebrity Journey. The three-ship class includes Celebrity Xpedition, which has sailed in the Galapagos Islands since 2004. "Rounding out the Celebrity brand has been a strong focus for our company, and the expansion of Celebrity Expeditions furthers that strategic objective," said Celebrity's President Dan Hanrahan. "Celebrity Quest, Celebrity Journey and Celebrity Xpedition combined represent a natural extension of the brand as we move into new markets with tailored-to-market products."
The 710-guest Celebrity Quest - most recently sailing as Blue Moon, owned by Pullmantur - will join the Celebrity Expeditions fleet in October 2007. Like Celebrity Journey, which sets sail in May 2007, the vessel's smaller size allows for greater versatility in deployment, allowing Celebrity to offer guests exceptional destination experiences, while adding 32 new ports to the line's itinerary portfolio. With those, the Celebrity brand next year will call on 247 ports. "These smaller, upscale ships are the perfect complements to the premium destinations they'll visit, while offering the best of what the Celebrity brand is all about - unparalleled service, extraordinary dining experiences, revitalizing spa programs, truly exotic destinations and exceptional shore excursions," said Hanrahan.
Both Celebrity Journey and Celebrity Quest will undergo a combined $35-million revitalization during separate one-month drydock periods to incorporate 32 new suites on each ship, entirely new bedding and soft goods, and a variety of Celebrity's most popular signature elements, including the Martini Bar, Cova Cafe, Sushi Cafe, Michael's Club jazz/piano bar, casino, Boutique C, AquaSpa by Elemis, Acupuncture at Sea and Online@Celebrity.
Celebrity Quest will make its first sailing under the Celebrity Expeditions banner in October 2007, introducing a series of 12- to 14-night Caribbean sailings featuring several first-time ports of call, including those in St. Barts, Guadeloupe, Dominica, and Turks & Caicos, followed by a series of 14-night Eastbound and Westbound Panama Canal itineraries featuring some of the most exotic destinations in Colombia, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama. Additionally, each port will feature a new, immersive series of shore excursions.
Fortifying the Celebrity fleet remains a strong focus for the company, with the expansion of Celebrity Expeditions falling on the heels of announcements for three extraordinary new ships - Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Equinox, and a third Solstice-class ship, launching in 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively. Setting the stage for the build-up was a $55-million revitalization of Celebrity's Century, completed in May.
Central to Celebrity's recent expansion was the agreement between Celebrity's parent company, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCCL), and the shareholders of Madrid-based cruise and tour operator Pullmantur S.A., signed in August, to buy all the company's capital stock. In October, RCCL announced plans to swap Celebrity's Zenith with Pullmantur's Blue Dream, renamed Celebrity Journey, which enters service in Bermuda in May 2007. RCCL completed its purchase of Pullmantur on November 14, 2006.
Celebrity Quest was constructed in France and entered service in November 2000 as R7 for the now-defunct Renaissance Cruise Line. Like Celebrity Journey, the ship is 30,277-grt and has 355 staterooms.

HAL Best Overall Cruise Value According to World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society
World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society (WOCLS) members named Holland America Line as the Best Overall Cruise Value in the industry. The premium line, which recently completed a $225 million Signature of Excellence enhancement program, was honored with the distinction for the 15th year in a row. "I'm honored to again have Holland America Line recognized by the members of the World Ocean and Cruise Liner Society," said Stein Kruse, president and chief executive officer. "Our investment in Signature of Excellence enhancements certainly has helped keep Holland America at the top of the premium market and we intend to remain there through innovative on-going programs and upgrades."
WOCLS is a 24-year-old organization comprised of thousands of experienced cruisers who average taking two cruises a year. The society reviews all cruise lines annually and noted in its monthly publication, Ocean and Cruise News that "Holland America Line passengers continue to mention the excellent value that the line provides and with the recent completion of their Signature of Excellence program, Holland America Line easily wins again. Further adding to the sense of value is the consistency of the product across its entire fleet of ships."
Holland America Line also received top marks in the High-Deluxe, 5-Star, Large Ships category during the annual Best Cruise Value awards by the World Ocean and Cruise Liner Society.

Celebrating British Traditions, Cunard Line Introduces Wedgwood Tea Service
Catering to the preferences and palates of its well-heeled passengers, Cunard introduced Wedgwood Tea Service aboard its flagship Queen Mary 2 and legendary Queen Elizabeth 2. The selection of 23 premium teas includes traditional varieties such as Darjeeling and Orange Pekoe, as well as new flavors specially developed by Wedgwood to suit the tastes of Cunard guests. With the introduction of the new teas and a new tea menu, Cunard's quintessentially British onboard experience is further enhanced and perfectly paired with the Line's renowned White Star ServiceSM.
The Wedgwood Tea selection includes Assam, Ceylon, Darjeeling Pure teas, Earl Grey, English Afternoon, English Breakfast, Japanese Green Tea, Jasmine, Lapsang Souchong, Queen Ann, Orange Pekoe, Wedgwood Original, Camomile, Forrest Berries, Lemon Grass and Peppermint among many others. A new Wedgwood tea menu provides detailed descriptions on the flavors and origins of each variety and traces tea's history in China, Japan, Europe, America, Russia and India.
The full line of Wedgwood teas is available aboard Queen Mary 2 in the daily tea service offered in the Queens Grill Lounge featuring finger sandwiches, sweet pastries and warm scones served with jam and fresh cream. The teas are also available in the Queens Grill and Princess Grill accommodations and restaurants, the Grills Concierge Lounge as well as in other cocktail lounges upon request. Guests will also be able to enjoy the new teas in the ship's new Britannia Club restaurant, debuting in spring 2007.

Travel Agents Name Celebrity’s President Dan Hanrahan Executive Of The Year
Travel agents honored Celebrity Cruises President Dan Hanrahan by naming him 2006 Executive of the Year in Travel Trade’s annual industry-wide election this month.
Under Hanrahan’s leadership, Celebrity Cruises has made numerous efforts to put the line’s partnership with travel agents in the spotlight. Among these initiatives is a TV ad in which an exuberant guest in eveningwear glowingly thanks her travel agent, Hollywood-awards-show-style, for making her Celebrity Cruises experience possible. Travel agents have reacted favorably to being positioned as crucial to the line’s accomplishments, and Hanrahan says the spot reflects the way Celebrity feels about travel agents. “As the woman did in the ad, I’d like to thank our travel agent partners, too, for this incredible honor and their tremendous support,” said Hanrahan. “We’ve always known agents are vital to our success. Our TV campaign illustrates that commitment.”
Earlier this year, Celebrity also launched BEST (Being an Extraordinary Sales, Service and Support Team), a program that provides monthly recognition of extraordinary effort by Celebrity’s travel agent partners and its own employees. Winners in each department are determined by travel agent feedback and nominations from immediate colleagues and supervisors.
Celebrity has also taken its partnership with travel agents to an unprecedented level by involving them in the $55-million redesign of Celebrity Century, which set sail earlier this year.

Carnival Corp. Exercises Option For New 92,700-Ton Ship For Costa Cruises
Carnival Corporation & plc has exercised an option for a new 92,700-ton cruise ship for Italian cruise operator Costa Cruises. Additionally, the company has extended the option for a previously announced 86,000-ton ship for Holland America Line.
The new Costa ship, which is scheduled for delivery in March 2010, will have 2,260 lower passenger berths and will be built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri at its Marghera shipyard at an all-in cost of approximately €420 million. It will be a sister ship to a previously announced 92,700-ton Costa vessel which is scheduled to enter service in spring 2009.
With today’s announcement, Costa has four new ships on order with a combined capacity of 10,520 lower berths. Once those vessels are introduced, the Costa fleet will have a total of 15 ships. “Europe is one of the world’s fastest growing cruising areas and Costa is the region’s preeminent cruise operator. Continuing to invest in new ship construction will enable Costa to maintain its leadership position within the region while providing new and innovative on-board facilities and features for its guests,” said Micky Arison, Carnival Corporation & plc chairman and CEO.
Carnival is also extending the option for a new 2,044-passenger Holland America Line ship which, if the option is exercised, would be built by Fincantieri and enter service in late 2010. The 86,000-ton Panamax vessel would be the second in the line’s new Signature class. The first in the series, the Eurodam, will be delivered in June 2008.
With the addition of the new Costa ship, Carnival Corporation & plc has 18 new ships on order, 12 of which are being built by Fincantieri.

Royal Rendez-vous For ‘Queen Mary 2’ and ‘Queen Elizabeth 2’ January 10
On January 10, 2007, maritime and Cunard ocean liner enthusiasts will have a rare opportunity to see the line's legendary liners—Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth 2—set sail on simultaneous, but different, World Cruises. A Royal Rendezvous of the world's most famous ocean liners, the two iconic ships will depart Port Everglades, Florida on southward journeys; Queen Mary 2 on her first-ever World Cruise—an 81-day circumnavigation of the globe—and Queen Elizabeth 2 on her Silver Jubilee World Cruise—an exotic 108-day voyage marking her 25th around the world.
Views of the historic event are available from several vantage points, including the 17th Street Causeway Bridge. At 5 pm, viewers can also watch the ships sail together from Fort Lauderdale Beach, at either the pier or beach at John U. Lloyd Beach State Park.

Ocean Village’s Revamped Website Helps First-Timers Cruise With Confidence
Casual cruise company Ocean Village launches a sharper, snappier and sassier website this week at www.oceanvillageholidays.co.uk to help first-time cruisers take to the water with confidence. Offering customers a fresh new look, clearer navigation and a more intuitive structure, the re-worked site links in panoramic pictures on-board and mini-adventure movies ashore on relevant pages. Previously, visitors had to open the whole virtual tour to look at specific rooms on the ship, and could only access Action Ashore footage from one entry point.
As well as making it easier to see what Ocean Village is all about, a new holiday search facility makes checking availability relating to specific dates, regional airports and destination much quicker and easier. The brand new design also features ‘quick links’ so people can roam through the site without needing to return to the homepage.
The site also contains more detailed information about Ocean Village’s 2007 holiday offering, including updated destination and itinerary information for both its Med and Caribbean seasons including interactive maps, new transatlantic cruise options and details of Ocean Village Two’s maiden voyage in April 2007.
The 360 degree virtual tour relating to the original Ocean Village ship is retained as a complete ‘walk-through’ guide, but in addition, the panoramic photos (many with integral video inserts) of each bar, restaurant, pool area, cabin type and other facility have been re-edited and integrated into the appropriate subject areas. So visitors can now access 360 degree photos of Connexions Bar, including fun video footage of cocktails being prepared, under the ‘Watering Holes’ heading. Under ‘Gigs and Giggles’ and ‘Deck Spectacular’ meanwhile, viewers can watch excerpts of a Robbie Williams tribute act and Ocean Village’s signature aerial deck show. Visitors can also view panoramic shots of each room type under the ‘cabins’ section.
To give customers a real taste for adventure, the new site also hosts video clips of Ocean Village’s acclaimed Action Ashore options, which have been categorized under Adventure, Cultural and Fun headings, to show customers what they can get up to at each destination. Film clips include hi-octane choices such as zip-wire rides, river rafting, and mountain biking as well as wine-tasting, pizza-making and scuba diving.
The new website provides a more detailed look at Ocean Village’s ‘Stay and Cruise’ options. To give passengers a better insight into their week ashore, this section focuses on the hotel facilities in Barbados, Majorca and Crete for 2007 and provides a full range of imagery and descriptions – perfect for the many first-time cruisers who chose this holiday option.
The new site will shortly also include an interactive spa feature profiling Ocean Village Two’s ‘Ultimate Spa Experience’. This facility will take customers through the new ship’s outstanding spa facilities with calming video footage, extensive photography and floor plans for the new ship’s Karma Spa and Fitness areas, complete with an ocean view gym, aerobics zone, 11 luxury treatment rooms, Herbal, Swedish and Hammam sauna/steam rooms, plus meditation and relaxation rooms and a shower station.

New Niche Cruise Marketing Alliance Unveils New User-Friendly Website
The Niche Cruise Marketing Alliance has unveiled a new user-friendly website at www.nichecruise.com that not only provides information about the unique cruise products offered by the organization's 14 member lines but assists consumers in locating a travel agent that specializes in niche cruises. Niche cruises provide more intimate experiences than the mass-market cruise lines. These products sail to many remote destinations that are inaccessible to larger vessels and feature unique learning experiences
and ambiance.
The new website directs consumers to certified Niche Cruise Specialists so they can be served by a travel agent who is knowledgeable in exploring these unique vacation options. On the website, each member line is supported with a brief description
of the type of product they offer, but also contains contact information and links to the websites for each of the 14 individual lines.
Visitors to the website can enter their zip code and find Niche Cruise Specialists (travel agents who have completed the NCMA training seminar) close to their home. Niche Cruise Specialists can also be located by entering the agent or agency name or the name of city where the agency is located.
Using the Destination Map feature on the site, visitors can click on the part of the world that they would like to explore and the site will show them what cruise lines offer

Cruise Lines International Association Selects South Florida Location
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) will move its headquarters from New York City to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with the office operational in January 2007, said Terry L. Dale, CLIA's president and CEO. It was previously announced that CLIA would merge with sister organization, the International Council of Cruise Lines (ICCL), and relocate to South Florida where the majority of its member cruise lines are located.
Dale also announced the senior management who will head the newly merged organization, including executive vice presidents: J. Michael Crye, responsible for technical and regulatory affairs, and Robert Sharak, overseeing marketing and distribution.
The new CLIA team also includes Captain Ted Thompson, vice president, technical and regulatory affairs; Tom Cogan, director of training; Stan Deno, director of operations; Christine Fischer, director of public relations; and Bob Fuller, director of finance.
Sharak, Cogan and Fuller are well-known CLIA veterans. Crye, Thompson, Deno and Fischer comprised the executive leadership at ICCL. Due to their government relations responsibilities, Crye and Thompson will operate from a CLIA satellite office in metropolitan Washington, D.C. According to Dale, "Without question, the synergy and shared energy, skill and experience created by meshing the respective talents of this team of professionals will benefit all of our stakeholders including the cruise lines, our travel agency partners, regulators and legislators as well as the many businesses that the cruise industry interacts with."
CLIA's new office will be located at 910 SE 17th Street, just minutes from Port Everglades, the port for Greater Fort Lauderdale.
Jim Lida Named CLIA Marketing Director
Twenty-year cruise industry veteran Jim Lida has joined Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) as director of marketing, a new position created to drive even greater visibility of CLIA, its myriad programs and the cruise industry. As director of marketing, Lida will be responsible for managing all the association's consumer and trade marketing efforts, including agency membership and training, collateral production and development, e-marketing and Web content, trade advertising, CLIA's annual National Cruise Vacation Month and World's Largest Cruise Night and other CLIA promotional initiatives and programs.
Lida joins the CLIA team in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., with broad marketing experience, ranging from cruise lines' public relations to travel agency distribution, to destination tourism and operations. Most recently, he served as the assistant director of the cruise marketing division at Port Everglades, the port for Greater Fort Lauderdale, where he was a liaison between the port and cruise companies.

‘Crystal Symphony ‘Emerges From Crystal Cruises' Largest-Ever Dry Dock
Following a $23 million dry dock in November, Crystal Symphony has emerged with a dazzling new nightclub, a complete redesign of its main entertainment deck and a decidedly sophisticated and contemporary style. Crystal Symphony's comprehensive refurbishment, its largest ever, has transformed all staterooms and bathrooms, completely reconstructed a social lounge and casino, refashioned boutiques, shops and its famed Bistro café, as well as dozens of behind the scenes improvements.
Underscoring the company's commitment to quality, this major construction project follows a multi-million dollar renovation two years ago that debuted a brand-new Feng Shui-inspired spa, a new Vintage Room, an expanded Computer University@Sea, redesign of specialty restaurants, and complete refurbishment of all penthouse accommodations.
Completely redesigned with the look of a chic boutique hotel, the staterooms are elegant sanctuaries of refined style. Notable appointments such as new Murano glass bedside lamps, Rubelli fabrics and handsome leather headboard adorn a reconfigured space with state-of-the-art features including special LED reading lights and new 20" LCD flat screen televisions. Bathrooms are newly reconstructed with a contemporary style showcasing oval glass sinks atop granite countertops.
As the hub of social activity, shopping, entertainment and casually elegant dining, Tiffany Deck (deck six) was completely transformed from stem to stern with new color schemes, new construction and new contemporary lighting that will create different moods as day moves into night.
Centrally located in the middle of Tiffany Deck, existing walls were removed and a dramatic round bar takes center stage in this stylishly open environment offering panoramic sea views. With window walls sparkling with Swarovski crystals, the new Starlite Club is the place to see and be seen, featuring lectures by day and dancing by night.
Crystal selected prestigious design firms to lead the reconstruction including SMC Design and Clixby Associates, regarded for its modern luxe design. Each has a proven history of high-end projects, including previous work on Crystal ships. Crystal Symphony was in dry dock at the BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair in Norfolk, Virginia from November 1-10, 2006.
The luxury ship kicks off 2007 with several Panama Canal and Mexican Riviera cruises and then cruises to Asia and Europe.

For Art Enthusiasts, Regent Announces First Hotel-Cruise 'Art Travel' Program
In conjunction with the kick-off of Art Basel Miami Beach and a partnership with the Bass Museum, Regent introduces the first-ever experiential "art travel" program to be offered by a cruise and hotel company. The Regent Art Experience and Endowment Program, is a multi-faceted program that will give Regent hotel and cruise guests exposure to some of the art world's most prominent players and exhibitions. The program's initiatives will include exclusive hotel-art packages, Circles of InterestSM programs aboard Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and fundraisers "Regent is delighted to embrace the art community globally through our cruises and hotels, by offering our guests innovative enrichment experiences focused on art," said Sophie Vlessing, vice president guest strategy and marketing for Regent. "In our on-going commitment to experiential travel, we are offering art enthusiasts unique opportunities to gain private access to art experts, artists and exhibits."
The Regent Art Experience and Endowment Program is launched first in partnership with the Bass Museum of Art, to coincide with the Regent hotel brand's renaissance in North America. Over the next few months, Regent will open two new hotels in the greater Miami area, The Regent South Beach and The Regent Bal Harbour. The program will soon be introduced into Regent's current and future hotel destinations, including Boston, Berlin, Shanghai, and Zagreb.
To bring the art world to the Regent Seven Seas experience, Regent is working with esteemed museums to develop an ongoing series of art-focused Circles of Interest. A Regent signature program, Circles of Interest is a themed enrichment program, featuring lectures, excursions and events that are led by a "Circle" expert and promote camaraderie among guests who share a common interest. For the first Regent Art-focused Circles of Interestprogram, Regent has partnered with the Bass Museum's Executive Director and Chief Curator, Diane Camber, to lead three Seven Seas Navigator voyages through the Mediterranean. Camber's art excursions will be held in the ports of Sorrento, Venice, Monte Carlo and Florence/Livorno. Guests will have the opportunity to explore Roman ruins, survey Michelangelo's masterpieces throughout Florence and view the private collection of billionaire collector Francois Pinault at the Palazzo Grassi in Venice.
On board, Camber will provide unique insights into the life and art of various artists such as Gaudi, Miro, Picasso and Carvaggio.

Seabourn Drops Libya Port Calls From 2007 Cruises
Seabourn Cruise Line has cancelled calls in Libya scheduled for the ultra luxury Seabourn Spirit and Seabourn Legend in 2007, due to that country's refusal to permit entry for its guests traveling on U.S. passports. "We regret the need to change any itinerary," said Seabourn's president Pamela C. Conover, "but we have repeatedly petitioned the Libyan authorities to allow all of our guests into their country and they have shown no indication that they will do so. Fortunately, there are very attractive alternatives available, and we have added several."
The change affects two cruises, the first of which is a 12-day voyage aboard Seabourn Spirit from Alexandria, Egypt to Rome, departing May 7, 2007. The second affected cruise is an 11-day voyage aboard Seabourn Legend, sailing between Rome and Lisbon on October 27, 2007. More information on Cruise Itinerary News/Offers.

Berlitz Guide To Cruising 2007 Names 18 Cruise Ships 5-Star Category
Seventeen ships in addition to Europa scored high enough for the prestigious Five Stars Club. Membership remains unchanged from last year, and only a few ships received varying scores from 2006.For the seventh consecutive year, Europa, the luxury Hapag-Lloyd Cruises flagship, attained the highest scores in the most categories to top the list in Berlitz Publishing’s annual ultimate cruising guide: Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2007, now in bookstores this month.
Topping the list again is Europa, which earned 1,858 points this year out of 2,000 to match last year’s total. The winning ship is so high-scoring in all areas that the author Douglas Ward created a new class for the ship in an earlier edition: Five Stars Members of the prestigious Five Stars Club that scored high points out a possible 2000 are:
1. SeaDream II with 1,790 points
2. SeaDream I with 1,789 points
3. Seabourn Legend with 1,786 points
4. Seabourn Pride with 1,785 points
5. Seabourn Spirit with 1,785 points
6. Silver Shadow with 1,760 points
7. Silver Whisper with 1,760 points
8. Hanseatic with 1,740 points
9. Silver Cloud with 1,722 points
10. Silver Wind with 1,722 points
11. Queen Mary 2 (Grill Class) with 1,712 points
12. Sea Cloud II with 1,706 points
13. Sea Cloud with 1,704 points
14. Crystal Serenity with 1,702 points
15. Crystal Symphony with 1,701 points
16. Seven Seas Mariner with 1,701 points
17. Seven Seas Voyager with 1,701 points
The Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2007 has a retail price of US$24.95; CAN$34.95. Website: www.berlitzbooks.com. Look for Shipsandcruises’ review of the book in January.

Carnival Completes Fleetwide Implementation Of Cellular Phone Service
With the installation of cellular phone technology aboard the 2,974-passenger Carnival Liberty earlier this week, Carnival Cruise Lines has completed the fleetwide implementation of cell phone service aboard all 21 of its “Fun Ships.” With the new service, made possible through an agreement between Carnival and Wireless Maritime Services (WMS), a joint venture of Cingular Wireless and Maritime Telecommunications Network, guests sailing aboard the “Fun Ships” can make and receive calls and transmit text and multimedia messages from their personal cell phones, BlackBerrys or similar devices while at sea. “Since we launched cell phone service last summer, response has been excellent. Our guests are making maximum use of the opportunity to utilize this convenient and cost-effective means for keeping in touch with friends, family members and business associates back home,” said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO.
Utilizing WMS’ state-of-the-art high-bandwidth technology, the new fleetwide service is compatible with virtually any cellular telephone and enables guests sailing on Carnival to make and receive calls and send messages anywhere in the world from any cruising region.
The service requires no additional software or special dialing procedures – guests simply make and receive calls as well as transmit text and multimedia messages as they would on land using their personal cell phone. International roaming fees apply to all shipboard cell phone calls.

Silversea Upgrades Its Bedding Fleetwide
Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises is set to enhance the bedtime sleep experience for its guests with the installation of new Sealy Posturepedic Plush EuroTop mattresses aboard its entire fleet of four all-suite ships. Also, the line's top suites—Owner's, Grand, Royal and Rossellini—will feature Stearns & Foster Plush ultra-luxury beds that provide 10 percent more sleep surface than a conventional mattress.
The new beds, custom-designed by Sealy exclusively for Silversea, will debut aboard Silver Shadow just in time for its 126-day World Cruise departing Fort Lauderdale on January 15, 2007, and will be rolled out to the rest of the fleet during the following months.
The new mattresses are set to complement a luxurious selection of bedding amenities that already includes fluffy goose down duvets, sheets made of 100% fine Egyptian cotton (thread count 320) and a choice of pillows. The line's standard pillow is a soft goose down and feather blend, but guests may opt for a firmer goose down and feather pillow, or a synthetic one that's hypoallergenic, or even a contour pillow of therapeutic foam.

Family Travel Guide Posted To Crystal Cruises’ Website
As Crystal Cruises experiences a surge in multigenerational travel, the luxury cruise line is expanding its website to offer guidance and advice for discerning families seeking to design the perfect family reunion vacation. Effective the last week in December, www.crystalcruises.com will feature a new section under special offers titled Family Reunion Cruises.
Here, travelers will discover why a Crystal cruise is ideal for family travel. From the convenience of only having to pack and unpack once while visiting multiple destinations to the exclusivity of a Crystal Private Adventure shore excursion for the whole family, Crystal Cruises offers the service, space, quality and choices for families of all ages and sizes.
Whether it is a renewal of vows, the reunion of a large multigenerational family or adult cousins looking for a luxury getaway, family planners can find a comprehensive overview of the value of family travel on a Crystal cruise and also information on how to contact a travel agent with expertise in booking family travel with Crystal Cruises. The dedicated section of the website offers a glimpse of the family-friendly opportunities and amenities offered on board, such as:
-- Junior Activities Directors (on select sailings, such as summer and holidays) to plan and supervise such “insider” activities as cookie baking in the galley, bridge visits with the Captain and interactive backstage costume events.
-- Dedicated children's playrooms with games and craft areas, and even Xbox 360 and Sony PlayStation kiosks.
-- Multiple dining options with assigned group seating for dinners.
-- Inspired menus appealing to a variety of dietary requirements, including vegetarian, sugar- and gluten-free, and low carbohydrate.
-- Broadway-style shows for the whole family.
-- Group portrait photography opportunities.
-- Large families can earn free staterooms (limited availability).
-- A family of connoisseurs can reserve the Crystal Cruises Vintage Room for exclusive, intimate wine-makers dinners.
Depending on one’s interests and time of year, families can choose from an array of destinations and cruise lengths, including a selection of convenient 7-day departures closer to home as well as voyages of 14 days and longer exploring exotic locales around the globe.

Meyer Werft Delivers To NCL Its Newest Ship—the ‘Norwegian Pearl’
NCL Corporation (NCL) took delivery of its latest treasure, Norwegian Pearl, from Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, this week.
The new 93,530-ton Freestyle Cruising vessel is the latest in a string of innovative Jewel class ships. Norwegian Pearl boasts an industry first—a four-lane ten-pin bowling alley; and two NCL firsts - a rock-climbing wall and two top-of-the-ship Deluxe Owner's Suites. "As we get ready to celebrate 40 years of cruising innovation, it is only fitting that we welcome Norwegian Pearl, a crowning achievement, to our big, modern fleet," said Colin Veitch, president and CEO of NCL Corporation. "With the industry's first bowling alley and a host of other striking features, Norwegian Pearl epitomizes NCL's continued commitment to innovation."
Just like her sisters—Norwegian Star, Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Jewel and Pride of Hawaii— Norwegian Pearl will accommodate 2,400 guests, and features all the elements of NCL's dynamic modern Freestyle Cruising fleet including multiple restaurants, lively public rooms, versatile, family-friendly accommodations and NCL's sizzling new style of accommodations - Courtyard Villas - which along with each ship's two Garden Villas make up the biggest, most luxurious and innovative suite complexes at sea.
After a series of inaugural events in Europe and Miami, the ship will deploy to Miami where she will be christened by popular US talk-show host Rosie O’Donnell before embarking on seasonal sailings to the Caribbean.

Discovery Announces New Cruise Concept for New Year's Eve
Discovery Cruise Line, Americas Favorite One-Day Cruise, announced a brand new line-up for New Year's Eve that includes Nikki from Y-100 Radio during the entire evening.
The ship will be available at the terminal at 7:00 pm for early boarding. Passengers will receive e-confirmations so they can board without having to wait in lines to check in. According to Hanns J. Hahn, General Manager of Discovery, "This New Year's Eve gala is for everyone who wants to party and have fun. Instead of designated hours for dining, there will be an all-night all- you-can-eat gala buffet including the likes of Norwegian Salmon, New York Strip, Veal and much, much more. Hahn said that "This will not only let people eat when they want, but it will eliminate the lines of passengers having to wait for their table in one of two dining periods. And, you can eat all night and not just at your designated seating time."
All of this, plus shows, dance music in all lounges, party favors, entertainment, a Las Vegas-style casino, and the traditional midnight champagne toast followed by Discovery's famous breakfast buffet.
The price is only $99.99 per person. Visit www.DiscoveryCruise.com for more details.

‘Crystal Symphony’ Emerges From Crystal Cruises' Largest-Ever Dry Dock
Following a $23 million dry dock, Crystal Symphony has emerged with a dazzling new nightclub, a complete redesign of its main entertainment deck and a decidedly sophisticated and contemporary style. Crystal Symphony's comprehensive refurbishment, its largest ever, has transformed all staterooms and bathrooms, completely reconstructed a social lounge and casino, refashioned boutiques, shops and its famed Bistro café, as well as dozens of behind the scenes improvements.
Underscoring the company's commitment to quality, this major construction project follows a multi-million dollar renovation two years ago that debuted a brand-new Feng Shui-inspired spa, a new Vintage Room, an expanded Computer University@Sea, redesign of specialty restaurants, and complete refurbishment of all penthouse accommodations. Within the last two years Crystal Cruises has invested in excess of $35 million dollars in new construction projects on Crystal Symphony, expanding the stylish choices in dining, recreation and relaxation.
Crystal selected prestigious design firms to lead the reconstruction including SMC Design and Clixby Associates, regarded for its modern luxe design. Each has a proven history of high-end projects, including previous work on Crystal ships. Crystal Symphony was in drydock at the BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair in Norfolk, Virginia from November 1-10, 2006.

Celebrity Cruises Cancels One Caribbean Sailing
Celebrity Cruises is canceling one sailing on Millennium to replace the port thrust bearing in the ship's propulsion system. The ship must enter drydock to replace the bearing, which will result in the cancellation of its December 10 sailing. The ship is expected to return to its scheduled sailings on December 17. The cancelled sailing is a seven-night Caribbean cruise, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale.
Guests booked on the cancelled sailing will receive a full refund and a free Celebrity cruise of equal value from North America of up to seven nights, departing on or before December 31, 2007, excluding holiday and Celebrity Xpedition sailings. Travel agents will receive full commissions for the cancelled sailing, plus a $50 rebooking fee per stateroom when their clients reschedule their cruise.
Celebrity has established a special help desk to assist guests and travel agents with rebooking, air transportation, land tours and other issues. That toll-free number is 1-888-281-9343.

Extended Drydock for ‘Regent Seven Seas Voyager’ Cancels Two Cruises
The Seven Seas Voyager entered a scheduled ten-night dry-dock in Freeport, Bahamas on November 20 as part of the general maintenance program that is scheduled every two and a half years to update the safety certificates of the vessel and to perform technical work that cannot be carried out while the ship is in normal operation. During a regular inspection of the vessel’s diesel electric motors by the manufacturer’s attending technicians, some damage to the electrical connections was observed. Upon further review, it was determined that both motors needed to be disassembled and repaired prior to the ship re-entering service. Although the required spare parts were flown in from their European manufacturer, the time needed to complete the repairs is an additional 11 nights. As a result Regent has canceled two scheduled cruise departures for Voyager out of Ft. Lauderdale: a four-night cruise on November 30 and a seven-night cruise on December 4. The ship will resume its cruise schedule on December 11.

Carnival & Center For Disease Control Investigating Virus Outbreak On ‘Liberty’
A thorough scrubbing of the Carnival Liberty took place after the ship docked after a virus sickened nearly 700 passengers on a trans-Atlantic cruise. Fourteen guests and five crew remained ill and in isolation when the ship arrived at Port Everglades on November 19, according to a statement released by Carnival Cruise Lines, a brand of Carnival Corp. Some passengers were escorted off the ship in wheelchairs by crew wearing blue gloves.
Preliminary tests identified the source of the outbreak as the highly contagious norovirus, which had struck several guests just before they boarded the cruise November 3 in Rome, Carnival officials said. More than 530 guests and 140 crew reported to the ship's infirmary with similar symptoms during the 16-day voyage.
Passengers who fell ill during the cruise said they received over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medication and pills or an injection to ward off nausea in the ship's infirmary, and had been quarantined in their cabins.
Crews scrubbed the ship's handrails and utensils, offered disinfecting hand gel and halted the self-serve buffets after the outbreak started. Most cruise activities and excursions continued as scheduled, passengers said, though the crew's illness disrupted some personal services.
A team from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control boarded the cruise when it docked in St. Maarten to oversee the cleaning operation and try to determine what caused the outbreak, Carnival said.
Norovirus is a group of viruses that cause stomach flu symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting and stomach cramps, according to the CDC. The illness usually lasts one to two days without any long-term health effects. It spreads through contaminated food or liquids, by touching contaminated surfaces or objects and then placing that hand in one's mouth, or through direct contact with someone who is infected and showing symptoms.
The Liberty, which has room for 2,974 travelers, had been scheduled to set sail again on a six-day Caribbean voyage, but Miami-based Carnival delayed its next departure two days so crews could have extra time to disinfect the ship. ---- AP
The CDC Chart below shows the cruise lines affected this year by gastrointestinal illness, which the Disease Control Center is investigating. Website: http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp/surv/GIlist.htm

2006
Cruise Line	Cruise Ship	Sailing Dates	Causative Agent
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line	Serenade of the Seas	11/18-11/25	Pending
Celebrity Cruises	Summit	11/11-11/25	Pending
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line	Adventure of the Seas	11/5-11/12	Pending
Carnival Cruises	Liberty	11/3-11/19	Pending
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line	Serenade of the Seas	10/29-11/11	Pending
Princess Cruises	Island Princess	10/21-11/5	Norovirus
Celebrity Cruises	Constellation	10/27-11/7	Norovirus
Celebrity Cruises	Constellation	10/16-10/27/06	Norovirus
Princess Cruise Line	Diamond Princess	9/2-9/9	Norovirus
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line	Radiance of the Seas	9/2-9/9	Unknown, negative for norovirus
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line	Mariner of the Seas	7/23-7/30	Norovirus
Celebrity Cruises	Infinity	7/9-7/16	Norovirus
Celebrity Cruises	Mercury	6/2-6/9	Norovirus
Holland America Line	Ryndam	5/28-6/4	Norovirus
Holland America Line	Ryndam	5/14-5/21	Norovirus
Norwegian Cruise Line	Norwegian Star	5/14-5/21	Norovirus
Norwegian Cruise Line	Norwegian Sun	5/13-5/20	Norovirus
Holland America Line	Veendam	4/22 - 5/9	Norovirus
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line	Explorer of the Seas	4/23-4/30	Norovirus
Princess Cruises	Island Princess	3/7-3/22	Norovirus
Holland America Line	Amsterdam	3/7-3/22	Norovirus
Holland America Line	Amsterdam	3/22-4/6	Norovirus
Celebrity Cruises	Mercury	3/6-3/17	Norovirus
Celebrity Cruises	Mercury	3/17-3/27	Norovirus
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line	Grandeur of the Seas	3/6-3/11	Norovirus
Holland America Line	Volendam	3/3-3/13	Norovirus
Regent Seven Seas Cruises	Seven Seas Mariner	2/28-3/13	Unknown
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line	Explorer of the Seas	2/26-3/5 and Investigation Report	Norovirus
Cunard Line	Queen Mary 2	2/8-2/22	ETEC
P & O Cruises	Minerva II	1/12-1/26	Unknown
Holland America Line	Zuiderdam	12/30/2005-1/7/2006	Norovirus

Washington State Fines Celebrity Ship For Puget Sound Wastewater Discharges
The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) has fined Celebrity Cruises, Inc. of Miami, Florida, $100,000 for allowing the cruise ship Mercury to discharge more than a half million gallons of untreated wastewater into Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Records voluntarily maintained aboard the vessel showed that it discharged untreated wastewater 10 times over nine days in September and October, 2005. The discharges violated the state’s water-quality standards.
The Ecology Dept. learned of the ship’s discharges during a September 2006 on-board inspection of the Mercury, which included a review of the vessel’s wastewater discharge records. Ecology inspectors found records on the ship that contradicted a December 2005 letter from the vessel’s owners to Ecology saying the Mercury had not discharged wastewater in Washington during the 2005 cruise season.
An April 2004 agreement between Ecology, the NorthWest CruiseShip Association (NWCA) and the Port of Seattle, bans cruise-ship wastewater discharges into Washington waters, except from vessels using advanced treatment systems approved by Ecology. The Mercury did not have an Ecology-approved system when the discharges occurred. The agreement also authorizes Ecology to inspect wastewater treatment systems and associated records aboard NWCA member ships. “Controlling cruise ship pollution is an important part of the state’s broad effort to protect and restore Puget Sound and the rest of our marine waters,” said Dave Peeler, manager of Ecology’s water quality program. “While Celebrity kept good records and cooperated in sharing this information, all of these city-sized ships must take great caution to adhere to the agreement and avoid illegal discharges in our state’s waters.”
In a statement, Dan Hanrahan, president of Celebrity Cruises, said that “Celebrity Cruises takes full responsibility for these discharges and has taken corrective actions to prevent them in the future. Part of our solution is an investment of well over $50 million in advanced wastewater purification systems on all of our ships, which makes waste water so clean that it is virtually drinking-water quality and far exceeds all existing standards in the world today, including those in the State of Washington. We sincerely regret that the locations of the discharges were the result of a misinterpretation regarding the reach of Washington state waters.”
The wastewater contained mostly untreated sink, shower and laundry water – commonly known as gray water -- and a small percentage of treated sewage from a Coast Guard-certified marine sanitation device. This type of waste water typically contains extremely high levels of fecal coliform bacteria and nutrients.
Fecal coliform pollution indicates pathogens are present that could contaminate shellfish beds and harm people who eat contaminated shellfish. In this case, no records of shellfish contamination were reported. Nutrients can contribute to the growth of algae, which can lead to low oxygen levels in marine waters that sometimes suffocate marine life.
Ecology, NWCA and the Port of Seattle signed the 2004 memorandum of understanding in response to increasing cruise ship traffic. The agreement gives Washington’s marine waters greater protection than typically provided under federal and international law. Celebrity has 30 days to apply to Ecology for relief from the penalty or appeal the fine to the state Pollution Control Hearings Board.
For more information about the memorandum, click http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/wastewater/cruise_mou/index.html

Oceania Cruises Takes Ownership Of Its Three Vessels
Oceania Cruises announced it has successfully completed a $400 million bank debt offering. UBS Securities and Lehman Brothers acted as financial advisors for the transaction and underwrote the credit facilities with a syndicate of leading North American and European financial institutions. The credit facilities consist of a $300 million six-year term loan, a $75 million seven-year term loan, and a $25 million five-year revolving credit facility. The proceeds of the credit facilities were used to fund the acquisition of Oceania Cruises’ three, 684-guest vessels, Regatta, Insignia and Nautica, from Cruiseinvest LLC. The vessels, previously operated under long-term lease agreements, have been purchased for a total cost of $375 million.
Oceania Cruises will now assume full ownership and management responsibilities for each of the vessels and no changes will be made to the current operations onboard. The renowned ship management firm V.Ships Leisure of Monte Carlo remains as marine and technical managers for the fleet, and ICS, a subsidiary of Miami-based Apollo Ship Chandlers, will continue to provide hotel services for the fleet.
Since its inception in 2002, Oceania Cruises has grown from a start-up company with one ship and fewer than 50 employees, to a three-ship fleet with 2,052 berths, 165 shore-side staff and more than 2,000 crew members worldwide. From 2003 to 2006, available berths quadrupled yet yields per guest increased by 41 percent during this time period and occupancy levels remained consistently close to capacity. The company has a high degree of earnings visibility, with more than 72 percent of the available occupancy for 2007 and 30 percent of the available occupancy for 2008 having already been booked as of November 2006. “By acquiring the vessels, the company expects to significantly reduce overall capital expenditures and carrying costs of operating the vessels, which will have a positive effect on EBITDA going forward,” said Frank Del Rio, CEO and President of Oceania Cruises. “Taking ownership of our vessels and the recently executed credit facility have perfectly positioned Oceania Cruises to enter its next phase of growth. With our enhanced financial performance and flexibility, we can now focus on fleet expansion.”

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Finalizes Pullmantur Purchase
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. completed its purchase of Madrid-based cruise and tour operator Pullmantur S.A. Closing documents were signed this monthin Madrid.
In August, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. signed an agreement with Pullmantur's shareholders to buy all the company's capital stock. Last month, the company received regulatory approval for the acquisition.” The Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and Pullmantur partnership officially begins today and we could not be happier," said Richard D. Fain, chairman and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. "Together, we look forward to an exciting future of expanding our brands globally."

American Airlines Announces Cruise Booking Through AA.com
As temperatures drop and winter weather approaches, what better time to think about getting away from it all? With American Airlines Cruises(SM), it's easier than ever. In fact, now customers can book a dream cruise directly from the American Airlines Web site, www.AA.com and earn one AAdvantage(R) bonus mile for every dollar spent. "We're pleased to offer customers the convenience of booking cruises directly through AA.com, the one-stop shop for all their traveling needs," said Rob Friedman, Managing Director - Interactive Marketing, at American Airlines. "Customers can enjoy a quick weekend or weeks at sea, earning miles on each cruise. And with the Best Price Guarantee for cruises, they'll rest assured they found the best deal on AA.com."

‘Ocean Village’ And ‘Ocean Village Two’ Rated Top Of The Pops By Berlitz
The new Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising 2007, published in the UK in November, has rated Ocean Village and Ocean Village Two (currently sailing as AIDAblu) as the best ships in the mainstream or “popular” cruise sector including Ocean Village, Thomson and Island Cruises. Of the seven ships which travel agents usually class as offering mainstream cruises, Ocean Village Two came top with an overall score of 1360 while Ocean Village came second with a score of 1351, more than 20 points above its nearest rival. Says Peter Shanks, Managing Director, Ocean Village, “Getting the Best in Class accreditation from an independent and trusted travel brand such as Berlitz is a real feather in our cap. The mainstream cruise sector is the fastest growing segment of the cruise industry and now accounts for around 25 percent of the UK cruise market. Ocean Village has always been at the forefront of this sector, representing the best option in terms of quality, value for money and experience, and now we have the Berlitz accolade to support our claims.”
In 2006 the mainstream cruise sector grew by 24 percent and is forecast to grow by 25 percent in 2007 with the introduction of Ocean Village Two and other new ships to the sector. The mainstream market is primarily driven by first time cruisers and those seeking a quality, value for money holiday product. Nearly 60 percent of Ocean Village passengers are cruise virgins and over 90 percent of them report they would recommend an Ocean Village holiday to a friend, which places the Ocean Village brand at the top of a very competitive set.
The Berlitz Best in Class accolade comes hot on the heels of Ocean Village winning Best Cruise Line in the Observer and Guardian Travel Award 2006 in October.

New Scrapbooking@Sea Lets Princess Passengers Get Creative
One of the country's fastest-growing pastimes is coming aboard the Princess fleet with a new way for scrapbooking fans to take their hobby to sea. The recently launched Princess Scrapbooking@Sea program is designed to encourage passengers to preserve their cruise memories in a fun and creative way. The first such program hosted by a cruise line, the new activity offers a social atmosphere where passengers can learn helpful hints on how to enjoy this popular activity.
Presented as part of Princess' award-winning ScholarShip@Sea educational program, Scrapbooking@Sea incorporates a series of onboard classes and a specially created scrapbooking kit with unique themed pages designed exclusively for Princess. The program begins rolling out to select ships this month, and is expected to be available across the Princess fleet by early 2007.
Scrapbooking@Sea offers a series of classes, starting with a complimentary Scrapbooking Basics class which will introduce passengers to the art of creating scrapbook pages. Participants will learn how to use basic tools of the craft, familiarize themselves with page design and journaling techniques, and will receive the supplies and instruction needed to create their first page. Subsequent courses are available to all passengers who purchase Princess' special scrapbooking kit. Classes offer tips and creative ideas, plus plenty of free time to work on pages with a full range of supplies available for use, including scissors, adhesive, deluxe paper, die cut machines with assorted die cuts, a selection of pens and other items that can be used during the class sessions. All materials are acid-free and archival safe.
Princess' special Scrapbooking@Sea kit features decorative papers, stickers and rub-on emblems along with instructions on how to build five unique vacation-themed pages. These pages can be used to create decorative backdrops for photos from typical cruise activities such as welcome aboard, days at sea, shore excursions, or formal evenings. Kits are available for $24.95 at any Scrapbooking@Sea class or at the ship's onboard photo gallery. Additional themed kits are being developed for future sailings. In addition, a specially designed Princess scrapbook is available for purchase at the ship's photo gallery.

Carnival/UK Sweeps The Board At British Travel Awards
Carnival UK swept the board at the prestigious British Travel Awards ceremony earlier this month, picking up a total of five awards between brands P&O Cruises, Cunard Line and Ocean Village. The award categories were two-fold, consumer awards voted for by the readers of the London Times and Sunday Times, and industry awards voted for by
travel professionals.
In the consumer awards, P&O Cruises topped the single cruise line category, being voted Favorite Cruise Line. P&O Cruises also scooped Best Mainstream Cruise Line, with Ocean Village picking up Best Niche Cruise Line and Cunard winning Best Premium Cruise Line.
Cunard also received the Cruise Line of the Year award, as voted by a panel of experts including 31 industry opinion formers. “These awards top off a fantastic year that has seen Carnival UK recognized across a range of influential travel industry and consumer awards events,” said Carnival UK managing director David Dingle. “These awards recognize and underline the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the Carnival UK cruise lines, and I am delighted to have received such recognition at the British Travel Awards.

Star Cruises’ ‘Wasa Queen’ In Rescue Operation
A rescue operation was launched earlier this month by a Star Cruises ship, the Hong Kong based Wasa Queen, following the sighting of a person in a small boat signaling for help, by an officer on watch onboard the Wasa Queen. The rescue which took place just after midday was initiated by the Captain with the ship’s Man Overboard or MOB team comprising five persons in a special rescue craft being activated to rescue the person in distress.
The team reached the drifting boat within minutes and returned with the rescued person who was brought onboard and looked after till the ship’s arrival in Hong Kong.
The MOB team comprises a group of officers and crew who are specially trained to deal with situations of this nature and it is part of the safety policy that MOB drills are conducted regularly while at sea on all Star Cruises’ ships. Various other safety and emergency drills are also regularly conducted onboard as part of the training for Star Cruises’ officers and crew in responding to any eventuality that may arise at sea.
This is the second such rescue involving the Wasa Queen in Hong Kong.

Fourth Pod Reinstalled on QM2 In Recent Drydock In Hamburg
QM2 departed Hamburg following her scheduled dry dock at Blohm + Voss Germany and has resumed her cruise itinerary.
While reinstalling her repaired 270-ton Mermaid pod was the primary purpose of the drydocking, work was completed on the installation of sprinklers to all of the ship’s balconies to conform to new fire-safety regulations. The ship’s Bridge wings were also extended several feet for better visibility during docking and leaving port.
In addition work was begun on the Britannia Club dining venue which will go into operation at the conclusion of Queen Mary 2’s world cruise in April 2007. The new club style restaurant will be located in the aft section of the Britannia Restaurant and feature single seating dining exclusively for those Britannia Club guests staying in new Category AA Deluxe Balcony staterooms.
The new single-seating dining room will feature the atmosphere of an intimate private salon where guests will enjoy Cunard’s impeccable White Star ServiceSM from the same servers throughout the voyage, as well as the personal attention of a dedicated Maitre D’. Table-side flambé service and the recommendations of a sommelier add to the luxurious atmosphere and gourmet dining experience.

Carnival Corp & Plc Announces Promotions And Organizational Changes
Miami-based Carnival Corporation & plc has announced several promotions and organizational changes, including the creation of the new maritime policy and compliance department, comprised of the former corporate environmental compliance/maritime affairs and maritime audit services departments.
Headed by Vice President of Maritime Policy and Compliance Jim Hunn, the new department is responsible for developing and implementing corporate standards and policies regarding health, environmental, safety and security issues, and identifying emerging issues in these areas. Through its maritime audit services division, the department is also responsible for the data collection and analysis, as well as cross-company reviews of health, environmental, safety and security areas.
With the formation of the new maritime policy and compliance department, Carnival has announced the following promotions:
Richard Ames, a 17-year Carnival Corporation & plc veteran, has also been named senior vice president – shared services, replacing Pam Conover who was named president and CEO of Seabourn Cruise Line earlier this month. As senior vice president – shared services, Ames oversees the company’s global source, corporate marketing, port operations and development, corporate information technology and strategic projects.
Peter Fisken has been appointed vice president – maritime audit services. In this role, he is responsible for corporate-level assessments of the safety management systems, as well as health, environmental, safety and security issues, within its various operating units.
Tom Strang, a six-year Carnival veteran, has been named vice president – technical policy and regulations, responsible for the development and implementation of policies and standards in the health, environmental and safety areas.
Richard Brilliant, with Carnival Corporation & plc since 1994, has succeeded Ames as vice president – audit services and chief audit executive. In this capacity, he is responsible for overseeing all audit services functions for the company’s 12 cruise brands.
John Klein, a 12-year Carnival veteran, has been named vice president – audit services. In this capacity, he oversees the company’s Sarbanes Oxley Compliance Program, audit services investigations, and financial and operational audits related to corporate areas.

MSC Cruises Introduces ‘Do Re Mi’ As Its Mascot For The Younger Set
Named to mirror the musical names of the ships in the line’s fleet, the name for MSC Cruises’ new mascot was chosen by children who have cruised on MSC Cruises. By launching a new mascot such as DO RE MI, MSC Cruises demonstrates its commitment to meet the needs of all its guests, including its younger cruisers.
The DO RE MI character is in the shape of the compass logo (keeping in line with the line’s logo) with a smiling face, arms and legs. DO RE MI is not just a design but a life-sized character that will keep the younger guests onboard MSC Cruises’ ships company throughout their magical journey on the Italian cruise line.
DO RE MI will be on hand to welcome the children at embarkation and bid good day at disembarkation points. DO RE MI will entertain younger guests and parents, too, adding to the fun of the swimming galas and parties in the disco.
DO RE MI is debuting this month onboard MSC Armonia and MSC Sinfonia as they make their way to the coast of South America to spend the winter season cruising to Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. Soon after, DO RE MI will appear on all the other vessels in the fleet.

Norway’s Crown Princess Mette Marit Named Godmother Of New NCV Ship
Norwegian Coastal Voyage has announced that Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mette Marit of Norway has agreed to be godmother of the line’s newest deluxe expedition ship, MS Fram. The 12,700-ton, 318-berth, eight-deck ship has just finished exterior construction at Italian shipyard Fincantieri and is on schedule for its maiden voyage in April, 2007. The christening ceremony will take place in Oslo on May 19, 2007. Crown Princess Mette-Marit, 33, married Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, the heir apparent to the throne of Norway, in 2001. She is a special representative to the Joint United Nations Program on HIV and AIDS.
The ship is named after the polar ship built and used by Norwegian explorer Fridtjof Nansen on a three-year expedition around Greenland in the late 1800s and reflects Norwegian Coastal Voyage’s position as a leader in exploration cruises in Polar waters.
The ship makes significant use of Greenland’s culture as inspiration for design while incorporating a striking Scandinavian feel with the extensive use of wool, leather and oak. Original artwork is a theme on all of NCV’s ships and the MS Fram continues the tradition -- Ane Birthe Hove, from Nuuk in Greenland, chosen as the ship’s main artist, and several other artists from Greenland and Norway have been commissioned. The ship also boasts excellent conference and meeting facilities, a large glass-enclosed observation salon offering panoramic views of the outside scenery, restaurant with ocean views, wellness center with saunas, work-out room and two glass-screened heated outdoor whirlpools, a bistro, a guest bridge for viewing selected data from the ship’s bridge and a ship’s library. It’s specially equipped tender lobby makes expeditions to shore in Polarcirkel boats both safe and comfortable.

P&O Cruises Re-Flags More Ships To Bermuda Registry
P&O Cruises, the Carnival Corp subsidiary, is to transfer its 69,153-gt Oriana from the British to the Bermuda flag because weddings on board a British-registered cruise ship are not legally recognized. As the cruise liner will still fly the Red Ensign but under Bermuda registry, no UK seafarers will lose their jobs or any loss of conditions and pay. P&O has already re-flagged the Arcadia, Oceana and Artemis, all operating cruises out of Southampton, understandably for the same reason.
The 115,000-gt newbuilding Ventura, despite the focus on its British pedigree, will also fly the Bermuda flag. This means a loss of 390,000 gt from the British register. Reportedly, the ability for ship masters to perform weddings onboard was the only reason for transferring the ships. All five P&O ships will offer a Weddings At Sea package

From Cruise Ship to Scholar Ship - an Oceangoing Campus for a Flat World
The Scholar Ship, an oceangoing campus backed by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and six international universities, will launch its maiden 16-week voyage with 600 students from around the world in September 2007. The Scholar Ship is the first ship-based international education program to immerse graduate and undergraduate students in a multi-cultural, multi- destination academic and living environment.
Students and staff will embark The Scholar Ship in Piraeus, Greece, and sail westward on a compelling itinerary to Lisbon, Portugal; Panama City, Panama; Guayaquil, Ecuador, Papeete, Tahiti; Suva, Fiji; Sydney, Australia; Shanghai, China; and Okinawa and Kobe, Japan. The January 2008 voyage will depart Kobe and call on Shanghai, China; Singapore, Japan; Cochin, India; Port Victoria, Seychelle Islands; Cape Town, South Africa; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Casablanca, Morocco; Barcelona, Spain; and Piraeus. Future itineraries are under development. Ports of call provide extensive educational opportunities for students through a port program in which students participate in academic field study, shore excursions and independent travel.
The rigorous academic program has been developed by six international universities, The Scholar Ship's Consortium of Academic Stewards, including the University of California - Berkeley, representing the United States, Macquarie University (Australia), Fudan University (China), Tecnologico de Monterrey (Mexico), Al Akhawayn University (Morocco), and University of Ghana, representing Sub-Saharan Africa.
On behalf of The Scholar Ship's Consortium of Academic Stewards, Macquarie University has been designated to award academic credit to students. The study abroad community recognizes Macquarie University for its longstanding and successful history of hosting international students.
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. provides funding and operational support for The Scholar Ship. "Having traveled the world extensively, for both business and pleasure, I believe The Scholar Ship's goals of building a globally competent and culturally sensitive workforce could not be more timely and essential," said Richard D. Fain, chairman and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
Multinational corporations such as IBM, Microsoft and HSBC Bank also have been engaged to ensure the program's learning outcomes are relevant and practical for students. The Scholar Ship's introduction reflects the increased interest and extraordinary growth in study abroad programs. Over the past decade the number of American students studying abroad has more than doubled according to the Institute of International Education (IIE). More than 8,000 students from over 175 countries have already requested an application for admission. Thus far, the Americas region represents 36 percent of student interest; Europe/Middle East/Africa, 44 percent; and Asia Pacific, 20 percent.
The program is in the final stages of leasing a ship that will become The Scholar Ship.
Program fees are approximately US $20,000 per semester. A $2 million scholarship fund has been established for the 2007/2008 academic year to broaden the availability of this program to students from diverse backgrounds. Scholarships will be awarded based on merit and economic need. For additional information, visit www.TheScholarShip.com , or email Study@TheScholarShip.com.

NCL Corporation Reports Third Quarter Results for 2006
NCL Corporation Ltd. (“NCL” or the “Company”) reported net income of $49.0 million on total revenues of $592.3 million for its third quarter ended September 30, 2006. This compares to net income of $41.2 million on total revenues of $495.0 million for the third quarter of 2005. Net income for the third quarter of 2006 included $7.3 million in connection with a settlement agreement for the remaining portion of our claims against the builder of Pride of America.
Driven primarily by a 15.2% increase in Capacity Days, higher onboard revenues and an increase in the percentage of our guests purchasing air travel with us, revenues for the third quarter of 2006 increased 19.7% compared to the third quarter of 2005. Net Yields in the third quarter of 2006 were essentially flat with the same quarter in 2005, with improvement in the international business counterbalanced by downward pricing pressure in Hawaii driven by a 64.1% increase in our capacity in our inter-island cruises as well as increases in the costs of providing air travel to our Hawaii guests. Gross Yields overall increased 3.9% from the third quarter of 2005.
Net Cruise Costs per Capacity Day for the third quarter of 2006 decreased by 0.8% compared to the same period in the prior year. The decrease was primarily attributable to lower marketing, general and administrative expenses and certain operating efficiencies, partially offset by increases in payroll and related expenses and higher fuel expense. The third quarter of 2006 represents the first full quarter with three vessels deployed in our inter-island Hawaii cruises. While the Company expects the stabilization of this fleet to ultimately result in cost efficiencies, the significant increase in capacity deployed in our inter-island Hawaii cruises represented a larger portion of our fleet in the third quarter of 2006 than in 2005, and this has therefore resulted in higher payroll and related expenses. In addition, fuel prices in the third quarter of 2006 averaged $368 per metric ton, or an increase of 20% from the average price of $306 per metric ton in the third quarter of 2005. This increase in price contributed to a year-over-year increase in fuel costs of $10.1 million. Excluding fuel cost, Net Cruise Costs per Capacity Day decreased 2.8% primarily due to a 10.9% decrease in marketing, selling and administrative expenses per Capacity Day as well as various operating efficiencies. Gross Cruise Costs per Capacity Day increased 4.3% from the third quarter of 2005. “Our rapid expansion in inter-island Hawaii cruises and increased fuel costs continue to impact our results,” said Colin Veitch, president and chief executive officer of NCL Corporation Ltd. “In the near term, we still have a challenging road ahead of us in Hawaii, but with the stabilization of our NCL America fleet we expect to achieve operating improvements in 2007. We are in the process of implementing measures to reduce crew turnover and accelerate the rate at which product delivery scores have been improving. Our international fleet, where the big new ships continue to perform well, will see further addition of new modern vessels, one in the fourth quarter of this year and one in the fourth quarter of 2007, and the departure of two of our older mid-sized vessels, one in the second quarter and one in the fourth quarter of 2007.”
The Company continues to feel the effect of rising interest rates on its floating rate debt of $1.3 billion. As a result of higher interest rates and an increase in average outstanding borrowings, interest expense increased approximately 37.2% to $34.6 million in the third quarter of 2006 from $25.2 million in the third quarter of 2005.
Outlook
Bookings continue to be closer to the sailing date than at the same time last year. Through the first quarter of 2007, the Company continues to see downward pressure on pricing, especially in Hawaii and the Caribbean. As a result, for the fourth quarter of 2006, the Company expects Net Yields to be down approximately 1% compared to the fourth quarter of 2005.

Carnival Cruise Line
Celebrity Cruises
Costa Cruises
Crystal Cruises
easyCruise
Hapag-Lloyd Cruise Line
Hebridean International Cruises
Louis Cruises
Monarch Classic Cruises
MSC Cruises
Norwegian Coastal Voyages
Norwegian Cruise Line
Peter Deilmann Cruises
Princess Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Star Cruises

Carnival

‘Carnival Triumph’ To Operate New Seasonal Exotic Eastern Caribbean Itinerary
Carnival Cruise Lines’ 2,758-passenger Carnival Triumph will operate a unique new four-port seven-day Exotic Eastern Caribbean itinerary from Miami beginning April 2007 that features a perfect combination of diverse and captivating ports of call. Stops on the itinerary include Half Moon Cay, a stunning Bahamian private island; San Juan, Puerto Rico, known for its rich cultural heritage and fascinating historical sites; St. Thomas, U.S.V.I., whose postcard perfect beaches, gorgeous mountain terrain and endless shopping make it a venerable favorite; and Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands, the Caribbean’s newest port of call, offering world-renowned snorkeling, diving and beaches.
The program will operate seasonally, with cruises departing from Miami every other Sunday from April 21 through August 11, 2007.
The Carnival Triumph features a wide variety of amenities, including a 15,000-square-foot spa, a jogging track, full casino gambling, and 18 themed lounges and bars with dramatic interiors inspired by the world’s great cities. Dining options include twin two-level restaurants offering extensive menus and wine lists and a casual poolside eatery featuring 24-hour pizza and ice cream/frozen yogurt. The ship also features cellular phone service, an Internet café, and wireless access in virtually all public rooms and areas.
For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit www.carnival.com.

Carnival Cruise Lines to Operate San Diego's First Year-Round Cruise Program
Carnival Cruise Lines, the world's largest cruise operator, will launch San Diego's first year-round cruise schedule with four- and five-day Baja Mexico voyages aboard the 2,052-passenger Fun Ship Elation beginning in June 2007. On this program, the Elation will depart Thursdays on four-day cruises to Cabo San Lucas and on Mondays and Saturdays on five-day cruises to Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada, on a rotating schedule.
The Elation will offer 78 voyages annually from San Diego and join the 2,124-passenger Carnival Spirit which has operated seasonal eight-day Mexican Riviera voyages from San Diego since 2004.
Beginning June 2, 2007, the 70,000-ton Elation will launch the first year- round cruise program from San Diego encompassing four- and five-day cruises to ports in Baja Mexico. Four-day cruises feature Cabo San Lucas, one of Mexico's most popular seaside destinations highlighted by its distinctive rock formations, lush landscape and aqua-blue waters popular with snorkelers and scuba divers the world over. Five-day cruises add a stop in Ensenada, located along Mexico's Baja Peninsula and offering gorgeous beaches, a waterfront promenade, and its most famous attraction, the "La Bufadora" geyser.
Prior to the start-up of this program, the Elation will operate a special six-day Mexico cruise departing San Diego May 27, 2007. Featured ports on this one-time voyage include Cabo San Lucas, La Paz and Ensenada, each offering magnificent white-sand beaches, diverse cultures, and interesting sites and historical attractions.
The Elation will also sail on a special 15-day Panama Canal cruise departing Port Canaveral, Fla., May 12 and arriving San Diego May 27, 2007. It will mark Carnival's first Panama Canal cruise since 2004.
In addition to the unforgettable transit of the Panama Canal, the Elation will visit the Caribbean island of Aruba followed by calls at Puntarenas, Costa Rica; and Acapulco, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Numerous shore excursion opportunities, including watersports such as kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving, as well as myriad golfing and eco-tourism opportunities, will be available during this voyage.
The Elation, which currently operates four- and five-day cruises from Port Canaveral, will continue that program through May 12, 2007, then embark on its Panama Canal cruise.

Carnival’s ‘Fun Ship’ Cruises: The Ideal Holiday Getaway
Carnival, the world's largest cruise line, will operate all 21 of its “Fun Ships” on holiday cruises this year, offering a variety of three- to eight-day voyages to the Bahamas, Caribbean and Mexico departing from 11 North American homeports.
A holiday mood is set the minute guests step on board, as the ships’ atrium and promenade areas are adorned with colorful Christmas trees, garland, wreaths and mistletoe, along with signage proclaiming traditional holiday greetings. The spirit of the season continues with an elaborate holiday-themed revue with sets that evoke a “home away from home” atmosphere complete with a faux oversized fireplace, large comfortable sofas and a Christmas tree with decorations created by the kids from the Camp Carnival program.
Kids also have an opportunity to showcase their artistic talents, performing a dance routine with the ships’ entertainers. Santa Claus, of course, also makes an appearance, bringing along a sack full of toys which are distributed to all children on board. A parade of crew members representing dozens of different nationalities on board closes the popular show.
With music such an important part of the season, traditional holiday selections are available within Carnival’s in-stateroom music system and incorporated into the live entertainment presented by the cruise director and entertainment staff. Caroling is also popular with guests and crew strolling throughout the ship singing classic and contemporary holiday songs.
Other featured events include readings of traditional holiday stories such as "Twas the Night Before Christmas” by the ship’s staff, while popular holiday-themed movies such as “The Polar Express” are shown on the in-cabin televisions.
In addition to providing a lifetime of memories, Fun Ship cruising during the holidays is one of the most affordable vacations around. For example, for just $499 per person, consumers can sail on a four-day Bahamas cruise aboard the 2,052-passenger Sensation from Port Canaveral, Fla., a five-day Caribbean cruise aboard the 2,056-passenger Fantasy from New Orleans, or a five-day Key West/Nassau cruise aboard the 1,486-passenger Celebration from Jacksonville, Fla.
For those looking for a longer-length departure, seven-day Caribbean cruises from San Juan aboard the 2,642-passenger Carnival Destiny or from Miami aboard the 2,758-passenger Carnival Victory are available starting at $749 per person, while seven-day Caribbean voyages from Tampa aboard the 2,124-passenger Carnival Miracle or from Miami aboard the 2,974-passenger Carnival Valor are available for just $799 per person. Prices are based on double occupancy for an interior (category 4A) stateroom and are subject to change without notice.
For additional information and reservations on Carnival’s Fun Ship holiday cruises, 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’s ‘Millennium’ To Host Line’s 4th Annual Savor the Caribbean Series
Celebrity Cruises is serving up another sizzling Savor the Caribbean series featuring some of the nation’s hottest chefs. Celebrity’s fourth annual series will take place on Millennium’s seven-night Eastern Caribbean sailings from January 7 through March 4, 2007, with a host of celebrated chefs and restaurateurs. Allen Susser, renowned creator of Palm Tree Cuisine, will be the featured chef on Millennium’s January 7 itinerary.
Heating up the January 14 cruise will be Cindy Hutson, owner of Ortanique, which has received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, Five Star Diamond Award, Mobil Four Stars and “Best New Restaurant” honors from Esquire magazine. Hutson is best known for her “Cuisine of the Sun,” combining South American, Asian, Caribbean and American fusion influences.
Starring on Millennium’s January 21 itinerary will be the “Caribbean Cowboy, Chef Johnny Vinczencz. Known in Florida for his Caribbean-influenced cuisine, Vinczencz is adding a second Johnny V restaurant on South Beach, in addition to his Ft. Lauderdale location which has garnered praise by the Miami Herald and Wine Spectator.
Robert Trevino will be sizzling on Millennium’s cruise setting sail on February 18. Mixing his Mexican heritage, classic training and passion for Puerto Rican cooking, Trevino has helped shape Nuevo Latino cuisine. He has appeared on shows including Rachel Ray’s $40 A Day, and even challenged Mario Batali on Food Network’s Iron Chef America.
Edgar Leal, who will be steaming up Millennium’s February 25 cruise, developed his culinary style in his native Venezuela, where he learned to combine the classic and modern culinary influences of Latin America to create his signature Pan-American culinary style. His restaurant, Cacao, was recently named one of the best new restaurants in Miami by the Miami Herald.
Those sailing on March 4 will enjoy the company of two star chefs, Carmen Gonzalez and Norman Van Aken. Gonzalez, chef and owner of Carmen the Restaurant, is inspired by seafood and the traditional fare of her native Puerto Rico. Gonzalez infuses traditional Pan-Latino ingredients with modern elegance and imagination, using bold flavors with a deft hand. World-renowned chef and culinary innovator, Norman Van Aken, is the owner of three award-winning restaurants. Van Aken is one of the only chefs in America to have won the coveted James Beard Award and Food Arts’ Silver Spoon award for lifetime achievement.
Guests onboard Millennium will have the rare opportunity to participate in a hands-on cooking class with the featured chef on each Savor the Caribbean cruise. Two classes will be offered per cruise with a class size limited to eight. The cooking class, two hours long, will have an extra charge of $59 per person. Guests also may participate in a Bacardi-sponsored class that teaches them to make perfect mojitos, complete with souvenir muddler and glass.
Extending guests culinary education on land, Celebrity will feature a host of culinary-inspired shore excursions. For example, in San Juan, guests can enjoy a private cooking demonstration with Chef Robert Trevino at his Parrot Club, hailed by Bon Appetit for serving the best meal in the Caribbean. The luncheon menu includes a taste of traditional Puerto Rican fare including The Parrot Club’s famous “parrot passions” rum drink.
In St. Thomas, guests can be a part of an intimate cooking demonstration hosted by three-time Best Chef on St. Thomas winner Brian Katz at his new restaurant, Wikked. Chef Katz will demonstrate and serve recipes such as his three-rum-flamed shrimp with fried cassava, malt-marinated chicken with plantain mofongo and Grand Marnier-macerated mangoes with white chocolate cake and caramelized cashews.
Shore excursions and cooking classes can be purchased online up to 10 days prior to sailing, as well as onboard, if space remains available.
Departing Fort Lauderdale on Saturdays, Millennium will call on Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas.
For more information, call your travel agent, dial 1-800-437-3111 or visit www.celebritycruises.com .

Costa Cruises

‘Costa Concordia’ Brings A New Dimension To Cruising With Largest Spa At Sea
Innovative and revolutionary, the Costa Concordia offers a new style of cruising with the luxurious Samsara Spa, the largest spa at sea. Extending over two decks and boasting panoramic views of the ocean, the 20,500 square-foot haven of relaxation and rejuvenation offers travelers the ultimate wellness experience at sea.
Elements of the spa’s invigorating treatments and stunning design are inspired by the meaning of Samsara, which is associated with the path to spiritual enlightenment, bliss and balancing of life energies. A full menu of treatments based on Ayurvedic principles, a state-of-the-art fitness center, exclusive spa accommodations and a specialty restaurant are just some of the spa’s innovative features.
For those who want to fully immerse themselves in the Samsara Spa ambience, 55 cabins and 12 suites provide a veritable extension of the experience at all times with direct access to the spa via elevator and stairs. Guests who reserve these accommodations will have access to exclusive privileges including flat screen televisions, a special set of Elemis bath accessories and a “Welcome Ritual,” all included in the cruise price. The “Welcome Ritual” features unlimited access to the spa and Thalassotherapy pool, two complimentary fitness classes, a personalized wellness consultation with a spa expert, two treatments, two sun-lamp sessions in the solarium and an invitation to a special spa tea ceremony. In addition, guests who reserve exclusive Samsara Spa accommodations will have access to the wellness cuisine in the Ristorante Samsara. This specialty restaurant features spa-friendly cuisine in private surroundings.
The Samsara Spa features numerous treatments inspired by aromatic herbs, essential oils, exotic plants and Ayurvedic essences. Ayurvedic-inspired treatments include the Shiordara Body Glow, a sea salt exfoliation combined with an essential oil compress; and the Shiorbhyanga Massage, which includes a combined relaxation technique using aromatic frangipani essence and reflexology.
All spa guests will have access to Thalassotherapy baths, a rock sauna (a hotter version of classic saunas) and a Turkish bath (either traditional or scented with gently fragrant rosemary, eucalyptus and lavender). Before all treatments, spa guests may begin their path to rejuvenation in the Tepidarium, a warm thermal bath. Couples who wish to indulge in the spa experience together may do so in one of two special couples’ treatment rooms. An expansive fitness center and wide variety of wellness classes complete the spa’s facilities.
Costa’s newest flagship, the Costa Concordia, joined the Italian cruise line’s fleet in July of 2006. At 112,000 tons with a double occupancy of 3,000, she is the largest cruise ship in Costa’s growing fleet and the largest ship ever built for an Italian company. Additional features on the flagship vessel include a Grand Prix driving simulator and two pools with retractable magrodomes.

Crystal Cruises

Dubai's Tourism Revolution Attracts Crystal Cruises In 2007
As Dubai continues on its awe- inspiring climb as one of the world's hottest travel destinations, Crystal Cruises is expanding its travel opportunities to this stylish emirate with four diverse cruises and a new pre- and post-cruise hotel stay. For the first time, the award-winning luxury line will deploy both of its ships in the region in 2007. Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony will offer a total of four cruises that begin and end in Dubai.
Considered the "pride of United Arab Emirates," Dubai's flourishing tourism is attracting the attention of today's most sophisticated travelers. Located midway between Europe and the Far East, Dubai bridges exotic destinations on four new Crystal itineraries:
* March 3; Cape Town, South Africa to Dubai, 17 days (Crystal Serenity),
* March 20; Dubai to Istanbul, Turkey, 18 days (Crystal Serenity),
* May 1; Singapore to Dubai, 16 days (Crystal Symphony), and
* May 17; Dubai to Rome, Italy. At 14 days, this is the shortest of the
Dubai cruises that also includes visits to Salalah, Safaga, Alexandria
and Sorrento (Crystal Symphony).
With its new hotel program, Crystal guests have the option of extending their stays at the plush Grand Hyatt Dubai, a city-center resort set within 37 acres of lavishly landscaped gardens.
Cruise fares start at $5,795 per person, double occupancy for the 14-day cruise beginning May 17. Pre- and post-cruise hotel stays are available at $335 for the first night and $250 for additional nights (per person, double occupancy), and include a 480-square foot Grand Creek View room, tax, porterage, transfers and daily breakfast.
For additional information, please contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625. Visit the luxury line's website at www.crystalcruises.com.

Crystal Cruises Sets Menu of 2007 Wine & Food Festival Cruises
As Crystal Cruises puts the final touches on its 11th Annual Wine & Food Festival, the award-winning luxury line is serving up the hot new details of its celebrity guest roster for the first half of 2007. In addition to celebrated chefs like Neal Fraser of California's Grace, Craig Higgins of Botswana's Mombo Camp Resort and the world-renowned and highly influential winemaker Christian Moueix, the festival features James Beard Award winners like A Voce's Andrew Carmellini and the legendary Andre Soltner, along with culinary-themed shoreside excursions. Food and wine journalists also join the 2007 program, including Bon Appetit's Editor-in-Chief Barbara Fairchild and broadcaster Carolyn O'Neil.
The 2007 series aboard the elegant Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony features 11 diverse voyages of 10 to 17 days through the Panama Canal, Caribbean, South America, Africa & the Red Sea, Western Europe, the Mediterranean, and New England/Canada. During each cruise, A-list chefs are paired with the finest names in wine to host cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, share recipes and cooking tips, and prepare a four-course gala dinner spotlighting the signature cuisine of each guest chef. Complementing most itineraries is a mouth-watering collection of culinary-themed Crystal Adventures -- from an outdoor evening dining experience in the Dubai desert to lunch at the Michelin-starred Relais Chateau Saint-James in Bordeaux.
The following culinary voyages are on the menu for the first half of 2007:
-- January 12 South America cruise -- Miami to Valparaiso (Crystal Serenity)
* Lisa Zimmerman, wine journalist for Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast.
* Loretta Barrett Oden, Native American chef and food historian and host
     of PBS series Seasoned With Spirit: A Native Cook's Journey (first
     series focusing on Native American food).
* Optional excursions: Wine tastings at the Tamaya Vineyard in Coquimbo,
     known for its unique blends of wine stocks as Viognier, Sangiovese and
     Carmenere; and the Casablanca Valley in Valparaiso, the Napa Valley of
     Chile.
-- February 11 Bon Appetit Culinary Cruise -- Miami to Los Angeles (Crystal
Symphony)
* Andrew Carmellini, executive chef and a 2005 James Beard Award winner,
     and Olivier Flosse, wine director/sommelier -- both of A Voce, New York
     City.
* Neal Fraser, executive chef/owner, and Eduardo Carreiro, wine director—both of GRACE, Los Angeles
* Bon Appetit Editor-In-Chief Barbara Fairchild and Managing Editor
     Laurie Buckle.
* Food historian and award-winning author, Betty Fussell.
--March 3 Africa -- Cape Town to Dubai (Crystal Serenity)
* Craig Higgins -- executive chef of the acclaimed Mombo Camp Resort in
     Botswana and author of “An Elephant in the Kitchen.”
* Dr. Fedon Lindbergh -- medical doctor/bestselling food writer, emphasizing the benefits of Mediterranean diets.
-- April 19 Western Europe -- Rome to London (Crystal Serenity)
* Christian Moueix, owner of Dominus Estate and general manager of the
     mythic Chateau Petrus, in addition to managing numerous chateaus in
     Bordeaux.
* Carolyn O'Neil, three-time James Beard Award-winning broadcast food
     journalist, registered dietician, and frequent guest on NBC "Weekend
     Today" and The Food Network.
* Optional excursions: Wine tastings at the Cotes du Rhone vineyards in
     Marseilles, Millesima wine merchant, St-Emilion & Pomerol in Bordeaux
     and in northern Portugal sampling its famous Vinho Verde; also lunch at
     Relais Chateau Saint-James in Bordeaux, the Michelin-awarded restaurant
     designed by famed French architect Jean Nouvel.
-- May 17 Africa & The Red Sea -- Dubai to Rome (Crystal Serenity)
* Andre Soltner, former owner/chef, Lutece, New York City, and a James
     Beard Award winner
* Stephen Mack, director, Hong Kong Wine School
* Janice Wald Henderson, prolific American food and travel writer
* Optional excursions: An outdoor evening dining experience in Dubai;
     wine tasting, olive oil sampling and Italian cooking lesson in the
     heart of Roman wine country; and a journey to the medieval city of
     Orvieto to sample its famed Orvieto Classico.
For additional information, please contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625. Visit the luxury line's website at www.crystalcruises.com.

Crystal Cruises Returns to Asia in 2007 With Exciting New Programs
Renowned for its authentic and innovative shoreside excursions, Crystal Cruises is introducing more than three dozen new land adventures as part of the luxury cruise specialist's 2007 return to Asia. Canoeing and snorkeling in Thailand, a Tate-do martial arts performance in Japan, longboat sailing along the Vietnamese Mekong Delta, cookery classes in Vietnam and Hong Kong and multiple-night overland adventures to Hanoi, Angkor Wat and Laos are but a small sampling of the new and carefully designed excursions Crystal Cruises is introducing to experience the allures of the East.
In conjunction with four cruises departing between March 29 and May 1 aboard the award-winning Crystal Symphony, tailored tours expose travelers to the exotic cultural heritage, enchanting history, and colorful outdoor adventures available throughout Asia's ancient dynasties. Among the more than three dozen new Crystal Adventures are:
-- Palate-pleasing excursions including a Kagoshima exploration to learn
    about the brewing of rice vinegar and liquors and visits to local
    produce markets in Hong Kong and Vietnam in conjunction with regional
    cooking demonstrations.
-- Two- and three-night overland adventures to Hanoi, Angkor Wat and Laos.
-- Canoeing and snorkeling off the coast of Thailand.
-- Visits to the imperial city of Hue and the preserved, ancient Vietnamese
    seaport, Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
-- A Mumbai Jewish heritage journey to the Gateway of India, Knesseth
    Eliahod Synagogue, the Magen David Synagogue and Magen Hassidin
    Synagogue, as well as a visit to the fascinating local laundry called
    the dhobi ghats.
-- Restorative hot springs soaks in Taiwan and energizing spa treatments at
    the Cheraim Spa in Thailand.
On cruises ranging from 11 to 16 days, Crystal Symphony will visit 17 cities in nine different countries, including a maiden call at Chan May, Vietnam. A Trans-Pacific cruise from Los Angeles to Hong Kong on March 11 kicks off Crystal's Asia Collection:
-- March 29, 2007 -- Hong Kong to Beijing, including an overnight in Hong
    Kong and Shanghai, and three nights in Beijing, plus Taipei/Keelung,
    Kagoshima and Dalian;
-- April 6, 2007 -- Beijing to Hong Kong, including three nights in
Beijing, an overnight in Shanghai, Osaka and Hong Kong, plus Nagasaki;
-- April 20, 2007 -- Hong Kong to Singapore, including an overnight in Ho
Chi Minh City, Laem Chabang (for Bangkok) and Singapore, Chan May;
-- May 1, 2007 -- Singapore to Dubai, including two overnights in Yangon
and an overnight in Dubai, plus Phuket, Cochin and Mumbai.
Cruise fares begin at $4,295 per person, double occupancy.
Crystal's complimentary land program in Beijing, with the season's first two cruises, showcases the Forbidden City, Tian An Men Square and the Great Wall, among other attractions, with luxurious accommodations at the Shangri-La Hotel. Crystal is also offering pre- and post-cruise land programs to Tibet, Xi'an and hotel stays at the InterContinental Hong Kong or The Peninsula Hong Kong.
For additional information, please contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625. Visit the luxury line's website at www.crystalcruises.com.

Dubai’s Tourism Revolution Attracts Crystal Cruises In 2007
As Dubai continues on its awe-inspiring climb as one of the world’s hottest travel destinations, Crystal Cruises is expanding its travel opportunities to this stylish emirate with four diverse cruises and a new pre- and post-cruise hotel stay. For the first time, the award-winning luxury line will deploy in the region in 2007. Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, will offer a total of four cruises that begin and end in Dubai.
Considered the pride of United Arab Emirates, Dubai’s flourishing tourism is attracting the attention of today’s most sophisticated travelers. Located midway between Europe and the Far East, Dubai bridges exotic destinations on four new Crystal itineraries:
-- March 3, Cape Town, South Africa to Dubai, 17 days (Crystal Serenity),
-- March 20; Dubai to Istanbul, Turkey, 18 days (Crystal Serenity),
-- May 1; Singapore to Dubai, 16 days (Crystal Symphony), and
-- May 17; Dubai to Rome, Italy. At 14 days, this is the shortest of the Dubai cruises that also includes visits to Salalah, Safaga, Alexandria and Sorrento (Crystal Symphony). With its new hotel program, Crystal guests have the option of extending their stays at the plush Grand Hyatt Dubai, a city centre resort set within 37 acres of lavishly landscaped gardens.
Famous for its courtesy and hospitality, Dubai is a land of fascinating contrasts. Ancient gold souks and traditional customs thrive alongside soaring skyscrapers, man-made islands visible from outer space, haute couture shopping and incomparable sporting opportunities such as sand dune surfing, camel racing and even ice skating and skiing.
In 2005, Dubai enjoyed a 60 percent increase over 2004 of visitors from the US.
In a single day, a tourist can experience mountains, desert, beaches, lush green parks, small villages, luxurious residential districts, ancient primitive architecture and ultra-modern shopping malls. Free of tax, many top brand-name products are cheaper in Dubai than in their countries of origin.
Cruise fares start at $5,795 per person, double occupancy for the 14-day cruise beginning May 17. Pre- and post-cruise hotel stays are available at $335 for the first night and $250 for additional nights (per person, double occupancy), and include a 480-square foot Grand Creek View room, tax, porterage, transfers and daily breakfast.
For additional information, please contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625. Visit the luxury line's website at www.crystalcruises.com .

EasyCruise

easycruise Announces New 2007 Greek Itinerary
easyCruise has announced that its 2007 summer season will see easyCruiseOne visit Greece, taking in Athens and the cosmopolitan islands of Mykonos, Paros and Ios as well as the undiscovered islands of Milos, Amorgos, Naxos, Folegandros, Sifnos and Serifos. The itinerary, which allows you to take anything from a weekend break to a two-week holiday, will set sail on May 31, 2007 from Athens for less than $167 per person for a ten night vacation (based on two people sharing a standard cabin).
The easyCruise Greek itineraries have been specifically tailored to allow passengers to customize their own cruise vacations and explore up to eleven different islands. On the seven day Alternative Aegean cruise, you visit six off-the-beaten-track islands giving you the chance to explore some of the most beautiful destinations in the Aegean Sea. Arriving each day by lunchtime, you can stroll along some of the prettiest untouched beaches, try the local delicacies in one of the many tavernas, discover the charm of the villages, or simply enjoy the stunning views.
Complete with the new livery of graphite grey with orange trim and a new bar and restaurant, which is the brainchild of premier Dutch designer, Jan Des Bouvrie, easyCruise is unlike any other cruise allowing passengers to enjoy the day and nightlife in each destination. On board, passengers can relax in the hot tub, enjoy a leisurely meal or drink, sunbathe on one of the two sundecks, work out at the gym or listen to the sounds of the resident DJ well into the early hours before heading back to one of the 86 cabins (available in twins/doubles, quads and suites), which have also seen a redesign in line with customer feedback, including almost sixty cabins which have had windows added.
easyCruiseOne’s Greek itinerary is now on sale for departures from May 31 to October 18, 2007. To book, visit www.easyCruise.com , see your travel agent or call 1-650-385-0563.

Hapag Lloyd

Sail ‘Europa” On December 14 On A Nine-Day Bi-Lingual Caribbean Cruise
If you’ve been hoping to become acquainted with the ship that rates the highest honors and has been named No.1 in the world for six years running by the Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships, or you thought you’d never be able to find a new way to experience the Caribbean, now is your chance. Europa will sail from Fort Lauderdale to Fort Lauderdale for 9 days - beginning December 14, 2006 to December 23, 2006, on a fully bilingual trip (German/ English).
The ship will be celebrating still another accolade at the beginning of this trip: the Six Star Diamond Award from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences. Europa is the first ship ever to have received this award.
The itinerary for the December 14, 2006 trip includes Nassau/Bahamas, Cockburn Town/ Bahamas, Ocho Rios/Jamaica, Georgetown/Grand Cayman, and Key West, Florida, and, of course, some days at sea.
Shore excursions allow guests to choose from outings for late risers or groups of like-minded people with special interests. Excursions include the opportunity to swim with dolphins, go on a catamaran cruise, snorkel, climb Dunn’s River Falls, fly over the Cayman Islands, and of course, prepare for the holidays with duty-free shopping everywhere.
An extensive range of music for a variety of audiences is presented on this sailing; including swing music played by a Big Band, classical music performed by tenor Mr. Bernhard Gaertner with Hoera Crishan on the violin and panpipes, and soul and pop tunes sung by Irvin Doomes. A special guest performer from the label "Wave Music," specializing in soul, jazz and R&B, also entertains onboard.
The Europa experience includes a masterful blend of world-class cuisine, with two specialty restaurants of fine Italian and Euro-Asian dishes. Special Michelin- star guest chef Karlheinz Hauser who is Culinary Consultant of the Mar-a-Lago Club, owned by Donald Trump, will be on this cruise with an array of gourmet presentations. In addition to the ship’s main dining room, the EUROPA chef recently instituted cuisine légère, a culinary innovation offering light lunch and evening fare for those who are fitness conscious. Website: www.hl-cruises.com

Hebridean International Cruises

‘Hebridean Spirit ‘ventures to Cape Verde and Algeria
Hebridean International Cruises’ 96-passenger Hebridean Spirit is sailing to new shores in 2007 including Algeria, Cape Verde Islands, Canary Islands and Rome. In addition the ship is expanding some of this year’s most popular itineraries, says the company, including Libya, Turkey and the Black Sea. It will also be berthed in Monte Carlo during the Monaco Grand Prix. A new visit to Oran in Algeria features a privately escorted tour to the fishing village of Montaganem to view the 11th century citadel, ramparts and Mosque built in 742AD. Spirit’s first visit to the Canaries includes stops in Santa Cruz in Tenerife, El Heirro, La Palma, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote.
Another extended Canaries cruise takes in Morocco and Cape Verde Islands, stopping at Mindelo in St Vincent Island where a private tour visits the lagoon beach of Baia des Gatas and the fishing market of Mindelo before sailing onto the island of Santiago, where the capital Praia is located.

Louis Cruises

Louis Cruises To use Lavrion For Its Three-Day Cruises In 2007
Louis Cruise Lines is using the Athens port of Lavrion (rather than Piraeus) for its three-day cruise program to the Greek Islands and Turkeyin 2007. Perla will depart from the major ferry hub of Lavrion, located close to Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos, every Friday and return on Mondays. The season runs from May through to beginning October.
Linking in with the cruise itineraries of Sea Diamond (three/four days) and Orient Queen (seven days) - both operating out of Piraeus to the Greek Islands and Turkey - Perla’s 2007 itineraries also allow passengers to embark in other ports en-route. The ship is offering three- and four-day roundtrips from Kusadasi, Heraklion and Santorini.
Coral, also under the Louis Hellenic Cruises banner, is operating seven-, eight- and 10-day West Med/Morocco cruises starting in Genoa and also embarking in Marseilles, from next March through to November.
Sapphire will sail a ten-day France, Italy, Greece and Turkey summer itinerary from Marseilles also picking passengers up in Genoa, Naples and Piraeus. Two eight-day departures are scheduled at the end of the season in November which substitutes Greece and Turkey for calls in Malta, Tunisia and an overnight stay in Tripoli, Libya.

Monarch Classic Cruises

Monarch Classic Cruises To Operate Cruises In Aegean, Eastern Med
Newly emerging Monarch Classic Cruises plans to enter the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean market in 2007. Founded in July, the company will market two ships, the Majestic Cruises-owned 548-passenger Ocean Monarch, built 1957, and the Elysian Cruises managed 570-passenger Blue Monarch, built 1966.
A third ship, Majestic's 16,795gross ton Ocean Countess, may also operate cruises for Monarch. The vessel has been on charter to recently collapsed German operator, Holiday Kreuzfahrten and operating as the Lili Marleen.
In 2007, the Ocean Monarch will perform three- and four-day cruises out of Piraeus in the Aegean and wider Eastern Mediterranean, as it did in 2006, while the Blue Monarch will undertake a seven-day Golden Fleece itinerary in the Greek islands and Turkey with stops at Istanbul, Mykonos, Kusadasi (Ephesus), Patmos, Rhodes, Crete (Heraklion and Knossos) and Santorini.
Blue Monarch is the former World Renaissance which was previously owned by the defunct Royal Olympic Cruises (ROC), and which was bought at auction and is now managed by Elysian Cruises. It is currently sailing as Grand Victoria and was reported recently as positioning out of Cartagena, Colombia for the upcoming winter cruise season.
Athens-based Monarch Classic Cruises, which specializes in Aegean itineraries, has opened an office in New York to support U.S. travel agent and tour operator sales, the company has announced. The line's new collection of 2007 cruises will sail roundtrip from Athens or Istanbul every week from March through November on Monarch's two ships, the 484-passenger Blue Monarch and the 462-passenger Ocean Monarch. For group rates, call 800-881-2377. (DE)

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises Expands ‘Kids Sail Free’ Program In Europe
MSC Cruises’ Kids Sail Free offer has proven so popular in the Caribbean that the line is extending it to its 2007 European sailings. Youngsters ages 17 and under sail free (except for government fees and taxes) on all of the line’s Mediterranean and Northern Europe itineraries. when sharing a stateroom with two paying guests. Cruise-only rates, which are dependent on stateroom category and sailing, begin at $795 per person, double occupancy.
MSC Cruises’ European itineraries allow families to savor the subtle pleasures of European life, history and culture while visiting magnificent destinations and absorbing the line’s “Beautiful. Passionate. Italian.” cruise experience.
Onboard, guests of all ages can enjoy the ship’s elegant design, exceptional service, delicious cuisine (featuring authentic Italian dishes, international delights and a children’s menu with younger-set favorites such as hamburgers, hot dogs and pizza), Kids’ Club activities and European-style entertainment suitable for the entire family.
For more information about MSC Cruises and its “Kids Sail Free” program, visit www.msccruises.com or a local travel agent.

Special Rates Available on Mediterranean, Northern Europe Itineraries
If you have your heart set on a European vacation in 2007, MSC Cruises can make your dream come true with special Best Fare, Best Room rates. By booking early, guests can reserve the best accommodations at the lowest price within their selected category and save as much as $1,655 per person. With its roots in Europe, MSC Cruises features extraordinary experiences in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe on ships with style that is “Beautiful. Passionate. Italian.”
MSC Cruises Best Fare, Best Room promotion for Mediterranean and Northern European sailings allows guests to reserve the best stateroom within various categories at the lowest available price at time of booking and provides a savings of up to $1,655 per person on the retail rate of select sailings. Pricing has been simplified into categories of interior, oceanview, balcony, etc., depending on the ship. Cruise-only rates for interior category start at $795 and oceanview category at $995 (prices are per person, double occupancy) on a 7-night cruise. As an added bonus, guests can combine this special rate with the line’s “Kids Sail Free” offer: youngsters ages 17 and under sharing a stateroom with two paying guests sail free (except for government fees and taxes).
To take advantage of the “Best Fare, Best Room” pricing, guests must book by Jan. 31.
For more information about MSC Cruises and the “Best Fare, Best Room” rates, visit www.msccruises.com or a local travel agent.

Former NHL Coach Scotty Bowman To Sail On ‘MSC Opera’
Get an inside look at the world of professional hockey with former National Hockey League head coach Scotty Bowman on the January 25, 2007 sailing of MSC Opera.
Bowman is considered among the greatest coaches in NHL history and the only coach in the major North American professional sports leagues to win championships with three different professional teams. During his 30-year career as a coach, Bowman won a record nine Stanley Cups (Montreal Canadiens – 1973, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979; Pittsburgh Penguins 1992; and Detroit Red Wings – 1997, 1998 and 2002). Known for his demanding coaching style, he became the league's most successful coach with 1,244 wins in the regular season and 223 in the playoffs. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a “Builder” in 1991.
During the 11-night roundtrip cruise from Fort Lauderdale to San Juan, St. Maarten, Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia, Tortola and Samana (Dominican Republic), Bowman will hold a Q&A session, talk about his legendary career and some of his most memorable games and players, and participate in a free autograph signing.
For more information, visit www.msccruises.com or a local travel agent.

Norwegian Coastal Voyages

Norwegian Coastal Voyage 2007 Brochure Offers New Array Of Cruise Vacations
Norwegian Coastal Voyage offers an exciting new array of cruise vacation offerings in its 2007 brochure. Highlights include a new 16-day escorted vacation combining an exploration of Sweden and Norway with a six-day southbound voyage along Norway’s coast; three new theme cruises: Killer Whales, Sami Encounters, and The Alta Igloo Hotel; The Gota Canal and two new pre-/post-cruise options—Scandinavian Capitals and St. Petersburg Express.
Known for sailing the spectacular fjord-filled west coast of Norway year-round for more than 100 years as well as expedition cruises to the remote destinations of Antarctica, Greenland and the Arctic--Spitsbergen, Norwegian Coastal Voyage, also known as Hurtigruten, is a unique combination of first-class cruise travel and lifelines to remote coastal towns and villages. The ships sail daily between Bergen and Kirkenes, above the Arctic Circle, and call on 34 ports.
A 16-day Scandinavian Smorgasbord has been added to NCV’s air-inclusive Escorted Vacations offerings, joining the 13-day Norway Naturally, with a six-day southbound sailing; 15-day Spectacular Norway, with a seven-day northbound cruise; and 18-day Norway Splendor, with a 12-day round-trip voyage.
Highlights of Scandinavian Smorgasbord include visits to Stockholm, Sweden’s political and economic center since the 13th century; Gallivare in Swedish Lapland, traveling by overnight express train; Karasjok, where guests will dine in a traditional turf hut; and Copenhagen, with an overview city tour and plenty of time to enjoy a wealth of sightseeing possibilities. In Norway the tour takes in Ulvik, after traveling by ferry, the scenic Flam Railway and Bergen Railway; and Oslo.
Prices of the NCV Escorted Vacations range from $4,699 to $7,169 per person, double, and include transatlantic flights from New York, first-class hotels, deluxe motorcoaches, trains, most meals, the coastal voyage, and port charges.
Three new air-inclusive theme vacations offer something for nearly everyone: Killer Whale Safari—October to December—is a seven-day adventure in Tromso, Svolvaer and Oslo, with the focus on viewing orcas as they breach, lobtail and hun. Sami Encounters November to December., lasts nine days and offers an in-depth look at the ancient Sami culture, visits to a reindeer farm as well as time exploring Oslo, Kirkenes, Karasjok and Lapland; and the seven-day Alta Igloo Hote” package, January-February, which includes an overnight stay in the ice hotel and time in Oslo, Kirkenes and the North Cape. Prices are $2,149 to $3,369.
For those looking to add other features to their vacation, NCV has added two new pre-/post-packages to its assortment of possibilities for 2007—spend either seven days exploring Copenhagen, Stockholm and Oslo (“Scandinavian Capitals); or six days in St. Petersburg and Helsinki (“St. Petersburg Express”) with a train trip between them. Two others take in Norway’s best-known fjords with two days on either the Sognefjord or the Hardangerfjord; one offers a “Taste of Lapland,” above the Arctic Circle for three days; another sends guests on a Gota Canal cruise – seven days between Gothenburg and Stockholm; and the. Prices range from $499 to $3,019.
NCV Independent Vacations are flexible 12-day to 17-day air-inclusive programs designed for independent travelers who prefer the flexibility of doing their own sightseeing and dining in major cities but appreciate the convenience and cost savings of air-inclusive cruise tours.These packages combine the coastal voyage with first-class hotels including breakfast, all meals on board, Oslo and Bergen Cards, and the Oslo-Bergen train journey; upgrades are available to suites on board the ship and superior first-class hotel accommodations. They operate daily year-round at prices from $2,939 to $6,599 per person, double.
Promotional offers, which can be combined for maximum savings, include AARP membership discounts available on Independent and Escorted Vacations are $100 to $150 per cabin and a senior savings for passengers 67 and older of $75 to $135 per person on most programs except in June and July; or a $75 to $150 per person discount on the cruise-only fare of the six-, seven- and 12-day sailings between Bergen and Kirkenes for those who have previously sailed at least once since 2000; and a waived single supplement in selected cabin categories from January 1-April 30 and September 1-December 31.
Cruise-only rates range from $1,099 to $5,099 per person, double for six days, $1,399 to $6,099 for seven days and $1,999 to $9,099 for the 12-day roundtrip; higher prices are for suites. Rates are highest in June and July.
Norwegian Coastal Voyage Inc. is at 405 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022; (800) 323-7436 or (212) 319-1300; fax (212) 319-1390; for brochures, (800) 582-0835, 24 hours a day; www.norwegiancoastalvoyage.us.

Norwegian Cruise Line

NCL’s Norwegian Gem 2007/08 Itineraries
Unveils ‘Norwegian Gem’s Hull Artwork & Signature Glassware Collection
NCL Corporation fourth Jewel-class ship, Norwegian Gem is scheduled for delivery in October 2007. After delivery of the ship in early October, Norwegian Gem will sail five new Mediterranean itineraries. The ship will reposition from Dover to Barcelona on October 8 and visit Vigo, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; Gibraltar; Naples; Civitavecchia (Rome); Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy; and Nice, France. On October 21, the ship sails a seven-day cruise roundtrip from Barcelona calling into Messina (Sicily); Civitavecchia (Rome); Naples; Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy; and Villefranche (Nice), France.
On October 28, November 9 and 21, the ship will sail three 12-day cruises roundtrip from Barcelona calling in Malaga (Grenada), Spain; Casablanca and Agadir, Morocco; Arrecife and Las Palmas in the Canary Islands; Lisbon, Portugal; Cadiz (Sevilla), Spain, Gibraltar; and Palma, Majorca, Spain. The ship will sail a transatlantic cruise from Barcelona to Boston on December 3.
Following a series of inaugural events on the east coast, Norwegian Gem will be home ported year-round in New York featuring a seven-day Bahamas & Florida itinerary in December 2007, February, March and April 2008.In January and February 2008, she will sail a series of 10- and 11-day Exotic Southern Caribbean itineraries roundtrip from New York. Website: www.ncl.com

Peter Deilmann Cruises

Free Air, Excursions & Carnivale Tix On Valpariso , Buenos Aires Cruises
Free air from New York, free shore excursions and transfers on summertime ocean voyages around South America aboard the 286-cabin Deutschland are two enticing offers from Peter Deilmann Cruises in 2007. Space is still available on the two Deilmann cruises, January 25 and February 14, that sail to the pulsating capitals of Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro. and to the Chilean Fjords past snowcapped volcanoes, to Punta Arenas, the southernmost city of the Americas on the Strait of Magellan, to stunning scenery in Argentina's Ushuaia and the cliffs of Cape Horn Passage and to Port Stanley in the British Falkland Islands.
Scenic and historic South America destinations are highlights of these cruises that depart from Chile’s historic port city of Valpariso and from the lively metropolis of Buenos Aires. Carnival in Rio and Brazil’s colonial city of Salvador are on the itinerary of the second cruise that also crosses the South Atlantic to the Cape Verde Islands and Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands.
Free round-trip air transportation from New York City, free shore excursions worth up to $796, reserved Carnival tickets, complimentary parade transfers and airport-ship transfers are among the cost-free specials on these two sailings that also offer very low cost air supplements from 40 other U.S. cities priced between $50 and $200.
Air rates start at just $50 from Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, Miami and other eastern cities and $150 from Los Angeles and San Francisco and other western gateways. In addition, travelers, who prefer to arrange their own flights, can deduct $1,000 per person from the cruise prices on these two sailings.
-- The 20-night cruise from Valparaiso, Chile, January 25 to February 14, begins with an overnight stay and tour of this World Heritage city built along amazingly steep hills and its lovely, neighboring oceanside resort of Viña del Mar, a pretty town with tree-lined avenues and flower-filled parks. From Puerto Monnt, a city settled by Germans, a day’s excursion explores the redwood forest park, and from Punta Arenas, a gateway to Southern Patagonia, cruisers see a land of majestic mountains, lakes and glaciers.
From Ushuaia, Argentina, an excursion takes passengers to see the spectacular lakes and forests in Tierra del Fuego National Park. The ship sails through the Chilean Fjords, the Strait of Magellan, the Beagle Canal and Cape Horn Passage and visits Puerto Vargas, overlooking the continent’s third largest lake, and Monteverde, site of the oldest known human settlement of the Americas unearthed in 1977. An excursion from Puerto Madryn, Argentina, takes cruisers to the wildlife sanctuary for birds and marine life and the world’s largest colony of Magellan penguins. The cruise ends with an overnight iIn Buenos Aires where passengers tour the city in the morning and have fun at a tango show in the evening.
-- On the second 19-night cruise from Buenos Aires, February 14 to March 5, Deutschland passengers have two days and nights to get acquaint with the barrios or neighborhoods of this Argentinian city with a European feel. Not to be missed are the elegant mansions and shops along the tree-lined avenues of stylish Recoleta, the historic houses and streets in old San Telmo and Montserrat and the fine dining at "in" restaurants in the new Puerto Madero quarter on the river or on the trendy streets of Palermo.
On the must-see list are Café Tortoni, one of the city's old Cafés Notable famous for its Art Nouveau decor, crowded nightly with locals and tourists alike enjoying the intimate tango show; Plaza de Mayo, surrounded by the 18th century city hall and Metropolitan Cathedral, the pink Casa Rosado and 19th century Pyramid; and Calle Florida, the bustling pedestrian street where shops specialize in leather and suede goods and the impressive Galeria Pacifico offers three levels of chic boutiques and restaurants, while just outside there are daily impromptu tango street performances.
The first port of call in Brazil is Itajaí, a European port city founded in 1860 that is known for its beautiful beaches. The ship stays overnight in Rio allowing passengers to attend Carnival and view the colorful parade and musical festivities from reserved seats. City sightseeing includes a train ride through lush forest up the mountain to the Christ the Redeemer statue.
Salvador da Bahia, Brazil’s third largest city is another port of call with an overnight stay. A walking tour takes Deutschland passengers through the Pelourinho downtown district, a World Heritage Site filled with the colonial city's oldest architecture.
The 513-passenger MS Deutschland, launched in 1998 and refurbished annually, is a grand ocean liner designed in art nouveau and art deco styles. Rates on the South America cruises from New York City begin at $5,852 per person twin for the 20-night Valpariso-Buenos Aires sailing including air. Single staterooms start at $6,604. Twin cabins on the Buenos Aires-Tenerife cruise start at $6,324, per person. For more information, contact Deilmann Cruises at 1-800-348-8287, e-mail pdcmail@deilmann-cruises.com or log on to www.deilmann-cruises.com .

Princess Cruises

Princess Introduces New Overland Shore Excursion Options in Asia/Australia
Princess passengers headed to Asia and Australia have a unique new opportunity to venture beyond their ship's ports of call and travel inland to some of the world's most impressive wonders. Two new overland shore excursions debut for the fall season featuring "must see" attractions - Cambodia's famed Angkor Wat, and northern Australia's stunning Kakadu National Park - both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The new multi-day tour options are available to passengers aboard Sapphire Princess' Asia and Australia/Asia cruises. Overland shore excursions give passengers the opportunity to spend several days ashore during a cruise and experience more of the area of the world in which they are traveling. The shore excursion options, which are designed to flow seamlessly with the ship's itinerary, allow passengers to easily explore some of the world's most dramatic wonders by leaving the ship in one port and rejoining in another. Packages include hotel stays, meals and transportation.
The new excursions debuting this season are:
-- Grand Overland: Cambodia's Angkor Wat & Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City - A three-day journey between Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City (alternate itinerary patterns also available from Bangkok) featuring a flight to Cambodia to visit that country's legendary Angkor Wat. This famous temple complex dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu was abandoned by the Khmer civilization in 1431 and was lost to the world until it was rediscovered in 1860 when a botanist stumbled upon it deep in the jungle. After years of civil war, Angkor Wat - one of the world's most important archaeological sites - is once again open to travelers. Other tour highlights include a stay in Singapore and a day in Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City. This tour is available to passengers on Sapphire Princess' Southeast Asia and China itineraries.
-- Top End Overland Adventure: National Parks of Northern Australia - A four-day excursion from Darwin that rejoins the ship in Cairns, this adventure focuses on the majestic Kakadu National Park, featuring extensive wetlands, diverse wildlife and the largest number of accessible Aboriginal sites in Australia. The deep Katherine River Gorge carved through ancient sandstone in Nitmuluk National Park, as well as the towns of Darwin and Cairns are also featured. The tour is available on Sapphire Princess' Asia/Australia itinerary.
Princess now offers a total of 16 overland tour options around the world, featuring some of the globe's most sought-after destinations. In addition to Angkor Wat and Kakadu National Park, Princess overland tours can take passengers to such famed worldwide attractions such as Machu Picchu, the Taj Mahal, the Pyramids of Egypt, New Zealand's Mt. Cook, Hanoi, and an African safari. Overland shore excursions include flights, accommodations, transfers, admission to attractions and meals as stated. Costs vary depending on the destination and tour, beginning at $569 per person.
Princess shore excursions can be reserved online via the company's Cruise Personalizer, where they are posted up to 120 days in advance of the cruise. Additional information about Princess excursions is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or at http://www.princess.com/shorex/index.jsp .

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Last Chance To Book 3 Segments Of’ Seven Seas Voyager’ 2007 World Cruise
While the 2007 Regent Seven Seas World Cruise is quickly selling out, limited space is still available on three exciting segments of the voyage. World travelers can still book suites on the luxurious 700-guest all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Voyager, as she journeys from Hong Kong along the Spice Route to the Sultanate of Oman, through ancient Egypt up to the Mediterranean ports of Italy, Monaco and Spain, and then westward on a thrilling open-sea voyage to her home in Ft. Lauderdale. Limited space is still available on the following segments:
-- Hong Kong to Muscat, Oman (Segment 4: March 10-31) - This 21-night voyage sails along the fabled Spice Route from India to Oman. The journey begins in Hong Kong with stops in Vietnam, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Penang (Malaysia), Cochin and Mumbai (India), and ends in Muscat, the sparkling white capital city of Oman. Guests will enjoy a complimentary overnight stay in a five-star hotel in royal Bangkok, a bustling city of glittering palaces, ancient temples and evocative cultural shows.
-- Muscat to Monte Carlo (Segment 5: March 31-April 15) - A luxurious 15-night voyage through exotic Egypt and the Mediterranean, the Voyager crosses the Red Sea to explore the mysteries and monuments of ancient Egypt with stops in Sharm el-Sheikh, Suez, Port Said and Alexandria. While in Egypt, all guests will enjoy a complimentary overnight stay at a five-star hotel in the vibrant city of Cairo, with its fabled Sphinx and the Great Pyramids of Giza. The journey then continues across the Mediterranean to the ancient architecture of Rhodes, Greece, followed by Sicily, the Isle of Capri and Livorno in Italy; ending in Monte Carlo in the principality of Monaco.
-- Monte Carlo-Ft. Lauderdale Passage West (Segment 6: April 15-30) - The final leg of the journey features stops in Spain's bustling Barcelona and Valencia, host of the 2007 America's Cup yacht race. Dennis Conner, four-time winning skipper of the Cup, will take Regent guests on an exclusive, complimentary behind-the-scenes preview of the America's Cup village and event venue. Then on to Malaga (Spain) and across the Strait of Gibraltar to the tiny British Colony of Gibraltar, believed by the ancient Greeks and Romans to be one of two Herculean pillars that marked the edge of the known world. The voyage will then head southwest to the distinct volcanic landscapes of the Canary Islands, before embarking on a sailor's delight - seven days of uninterrupted open sea, as the ship sails home to Ft. Lauderdale.
Guests sailing on select voyages will also have an opportunity to participate in enrichment programs led by celebrities and leaders in their field of expertise as part of the Regent Seven Seas' Spotlight Series. On the March 10 Hong Kong to Muscat segment, political satirist Mark Russell will be on board departing from Mumbai; famed ocean explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau will be on board during the April 15 Monte Carlo to Ft. Lauderdale segment, as well as newscasters Judy Woodruff and Al Hunt, departing from Tenerife.
Guests may also select from a wide array of exclusive Concierge Collection land adventures, ranging from multi-night overland journeys to ultra-deluxe pre- and post-cruise hotel extensions.
Per person prices start from $11,996 for the 21-night cruise from Hong Kong to Muscat, from $9,971 for the 15-night cruise from Muscat to Monte Carlo, and from $5,998 for the 15-night cruise from Monte Carlo to Ft. Lauderdale. All fares include shipboard gratuities, all non-alcoholic beverages and select liquor and wines. In addition, all three of these World Cruise segments feature complimentary $100-$200 per suite shipboard credits, and free economy-class air is offered on segments four and five. Seven Seas Society members receive a five percent savings on all World Cruise segments.

The newly refurbished Seven Seas Voyager is Regent's second all-suite, all-balcony vessel. This acclaimed, six-star ship caters to 700 guests, boasting an exceptionally generous space-per-guest ratio with the world's largest lead-in suites and butler service in 88 suites. The Voyager also features one of only two Le Cordon Bleu® of Paris restaurants at sea in Signatures, one of four single, open-seating restaurants on board.
For further information, contact Regent Seven Seas Cruises, 1000 Corporate Drive, Suite 500, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33334. For brochures, call toll-free (866) 284-4079; for reservation information call toll-free (800) 285-1835; or visit: www.theregentexperience.com .

Regent Seven Seas Cruises Offers 17 Alaskan Voyages In 2007
Regent Seven Seas Cruises will offer 17 opportunities to explore the pristine, palatial wilderness of Alaska in 2007 aboard its newly refurbished 700-guest all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Mariner. From the soaring snow-covered peaks of the Denali to diamond-blue icebergs floating on glassy bays, the added luxury of an all-balcony vessel allows guests to come face-to-face with some of the world's most stunning scenery, even from the comfort and privacy of their own suites, and all while enjoying the personalized and gracious service of The Regent Experience.
The Seven Seas Mariner, after completing refurbishments and upgrades this winter, offers 16 one-way, seven-night itineraries between Vancouver and Seward, Alaska (or reverse), beginning May 23 with the final trip of the season departing September 5, 2007. Alaskan ports of call include Seward (for Anchorage), Hubbard Glacier, Sitka, Skagway, Juneau, Tracy Arm and Ketchikan.
The season kicks off with a special 11-night cruise departing May 12 from San Francisco, calling on Astoria, Oregon; Seattle, Washington; Prince Rupert and Seymour Narrows, British Columbia; Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Sitka in Alaska; and ending in Vancouver on May 23. Regent also offers a variety of exciting pre- and post-cruise land adventures ranging from fly-fishing in Anchorage to a wildlife hiking excursion in Denali.
This winter, the Seven Seas Mariner will complete a multi-million dollar refurbishment of her private guest accommodations and public areas. Suites are being re-designed to reflect Regent's rich tradition of world-class hospitality - from exquisite down comforters to pure Egyptian cotton percale Anichini linens. Guests will also enjoy technology upgrades including flat screen TVs, faster wireless Internet access and iPod® players with Bose® speakers in butler suites.
Per person prices for Alaskan sailings start from $3,697, based on double occupancy. All fares include shipboard gratuities, all non-alcoholic beverages and select liquor and wines. Select sailings also include free economy class air or an air credit of $500 per guest.* Families may enjoy the added value of Club Mariner, Regent's complimentary youth program, available on most Alaskan cruises, and a "Kids Sail Free" special on five cruises from May through July. Select sailings also feature an onboard lecture program with naturalists from famed ocean explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Futures Society, while Cousteau himself will be on board the September 12 sailing from Seward, Alaska to Osaka, Japan.
Land Adventures For 2007 Alaskan Voyages
Regent has announced more than 75 Alaskan land adventures for 2007. Guests sailing aboard the 700-guest all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Mariner between Vancouver and Seward, Alaska can enjoy exciting port excursions ranging from touring an authentic Gold Rush boomtown to listening in on the underwater calls of whales and porpoises using a high-tech hydrophone. Each Alaskan excursion is designed for a group of eight or fewer guests, ensuring the personalized experience for which Regent voyages are known. Highlights for 2007 include:
-- Dry Suit Snorkeling (Sitka) - An underwater exploration of the colorful waters of Sitka Sound, home of a variety of crabs, sea stars, sea cucumbers and fish.
-- Extended Helicopter Glacier Trek (Juneau) - A helicopter transports guests directly onto a glacier where the group is introduced to basic climbing techniques and together explores its most pristine and remote areas.
-- Whales & Forest Trails (Juneau) - An eco-tour combining a rainforest hike with marine exploration - and guaranteed whale sightings. Guests will learn about the delicate eco-system of the Alaskan rainforest and later, get up close and personal with marine wildlife in a covered watercraft featuring a hydrophone to listen to the underwater sounds of whales.
-- Wilderness Guided Fly-Fishing (Ketchikan) - Escape to the great Alaskan outdoors for a remote fly-fishing adventure for beginners and experts alike. Guests will visit Regent's privately-owned river valley and lake where they will not only have opportunities to catch chum, salmon or trout, but are also likely to spot black bears, bald eagles, deer and beaver. From May to mid-July, guests have the unique option of fly-fishing from their very own float tube.
-- Bear Viewing on Prince of Wales (Ketchikan) - Board a floatplane to be transported to a quiet watershed on Prince of Wales Island, inhabited by the world's highest population of black bears.
-- Walk Up an Appetite (Ketchikan) - A personalized tour and up-close look at this harbor town's maritime and Gold Rush history. The journey culminates with an exclusive seafood meal in a private dining room overlooking bustling Ketchikan Harbor.
-- Exchamsiks River Jet Boat & Helicopter Adventure (Prince Rupert, B.C.) - Take a scenic drive through the Coast Mountains and along the valley of the mighty Skeena River, and a jet boat tour of the Exchamsiks, one of British Columbia's most pristine rivers. The tour offers potential for moose, bear and eagle sightings and features an outdoor salmon barbecue, followed by a helicopter tour.
-- Captain's Choice - Wildlife Quest & Beach Trek (Sitka) - Climb aboard a deluxe expedition-style catamaran where the boat's captain will guide a personalized exploration of Sitka Sound, using the current tides and weather to devise an expedition uniquely suited to the day. Visit areas unreachable by conventional boat and later climb ashore a remote island to explore colorful tide pools.
-- Exclusively Yours - Alaska by Private Boat (Sitka) - A beautiful 30-foot catamaran and a knowledgeable captain are at guests' command for a wide choice of activities featuring a stunning variety of wildlife and soul-stirring coastal scenery. Guests choose their own timeframe, activity and pace for this unique and personalized marine adventure.
-- Lake Bennet Train and Stampeder's Way Trek (Skagway) - Board the Scenic Railroad of the World to Lake Bennet, end of the Chilkoot Trail for the Klondikers over 100 years ago. Enjoy an exhilarating hike up Stampeder's Way with a professional guide, followed by a sumptuous and (well-earned) "Backcountry Buffet."
Additionally, guests can extend their Alaskan journey through a wide selection of pre- and post-cruise land and hotel programs. One of the most popular, the Alaska Fishing trip, has been enhanced for 2007 and includes a full-day fishing charter and helicopter or float plane transfers to fishing sights; one night accommodations at The Hotel Captain Cook and two nights accommodations at Alaska's Wilderness Lodge, both in Anchorage; a private tour of Anchorage including a light lunch and visit with a local artist; and round-trip air Anchorage/Kenai. Cost is $3,525 per person, double occupancy, or $4,970 for single accommodations. An angler's dream come true, this experience provides some of the world's most incredible fishing and a chance to reel in some of the largest game fish on Earth.
Through its newly expanded Regent Travel Concierge, featuring one-on-one concierge services and tools for guests to customize their travel programs, guests have virtually limitless options for personalized land experience - from a private wild bear viewing to an aerial tour of the glaciers or extended pre- or post-cruise adventure. All land adventures must be pre-booked through a travel professional or Regent's reservations center.
For brochures, call toll-free (866) 284-4079; for reservation information call toll-free (800) 285-1835; or visit: www.theregentexperience.com.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises Offers 45 European Voyages In 2007
Regent Seven Seas Cruises will offer 45 European voyages in 2007, introducing two newly refurbished ships and calling on several new and less-visited ports. From the elegant casinos of Monte Carlo, to the Roman and Byzantine monuments of Kotor's medieval streets, to sampling fine vodkas and caviar in St. Petersburg, Regent brings the cultural authenticity of the Old World to the most discerning travelers.
Regent has added several exciting new ports of call for 2007, including Falmouth (England), Cartagena and Valencia (Spain), Golfe de Porto (Corsica), Koper (Slovenia), Korcula (Croatia), Kotor (Montenegro), and Kos (Greece). Regent's intimate smaller and mid-sized luxury ships enable guests to experience smaller ports that many larger ships simply cannot access, such as Monte Carlo, Portofino and Kotor. These are in addition to Regent's other established favorites like St. Petersburg, Copenhagen, Bordeaux, Venice and Istanbul.
Guests on European cruises will enjoy the 700-guest all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Voyager and the 490-guest all-suite (90 percent with private balconies) Seven Seas Navigator, both of which will complete multi-million dollar refurbishments this winter. Suites are being re-designed to reflect Regent's rich tradition of world-class hospitality - from exquisite down comforters to pure Egyptian cotton percale Anichini brand linens. Guests will also enjoy technology upgrades including faster wireless Internet access and iPod® players with Bose® speakers in butler suites.
In addition, beginning in 2007, every Regent cruise will be all-inclusive, with complimentary wine and spirits at all on-board restaurants and bars.
The European cruise season begins April 16 with a 15-night transatlantic voyage aboard the Seven Seas Navigator from Ft. Lauderdale to Monte Carlo, and culminates with the November 7 eight-night voyage aboard the Navigator from Funchal in Madeira, Portugal to Ft. Lauderdale. While the Voyager will sail Southern, Western and Northern Europe, the Navigator will make the Mediterranean her home for more than six months in 2007, canvassing nearly the entire region, from the Strait of Gibraltar to the Greek Isles to the Aegean Sea. Sailings range from seven to 19 nights, and per person prices start from $4,157. All fares include shipboard gratuities, all non-alcoholic beverages, select wine and liquor throughout and "What a Fare Deal"* options: a choice of roundtrip economy class air from 86 North American gateways, $499 business class upgrade when an economy class air add-on is purchased, or $1,000 savings off the cruise fare.
For the ultimate in luxury, guests can indulge in the 42-night Grand Europe Discovery, departing Rome on May 26 aboard the Seven Seas Voyager and ending in enchanted Copenhagen on July 7. This remarkable grand voyage explores Europe from the Mediterranean north to the Arctic Circle, with more than 25 ports including Portofino and the Isle of Capri (Italy), Monte Carlo, St. Tropez, Bordeaux (France), Barcelona, London, St. Petersburg, Stockholm, and several stops across Norway's fjordlands and the Arctic Circle.
A season highlight includes an already sold-out 14-night Norway cruise aboard the Seven Seas Voyager to the North Cape and Spitzbergen, hosted by Captain Dag Dvergastein and including a call to his hometown of Nevlunghaven, Norway. In addition, seven-night Baltic sailings between Stockholm and Copenhagen will feature two-day/three-night on board stays in the gilded city of St. Petersburg from July 14 through August 25. The Northern European sailing season culminates with an exclusive British Isles cruise, a return to the area after an interval of several years.
New Land Programs For European Sailings Announced by Regent
Regent Seven Seas Cruises, has announced 13 new and enhanced pre- and post-cruise land programs for European sailings in 2007. Available as add-on extensions to voyages throughout Europe, a total of 20 Concierge Collection land adventures provide guests opportunities to discover both highlights and hidden treasures of select ports of call, and are specially designed for individuals or small groups. New land programs in 2007 include:
-- A Country Home in the Cotswold" (London) - Explore the quintessential English countryside, including a two-night stay at one of Britain's finest country house hotels, exploration in the Roman city of Bath, and a visit to an 18th century Palladian manor.
-- The Aegean by Gullet (Istanbul) - For a unique change of pace from a six-star luxury vessel, guests may experience the Aegean shoreline from a traditional wooden gullet. Includes a three-night stay aboard the gullet and in Istanbul as well as a city tour.
-- Sights and Sounds of Seville - From a junior suite at Cortijo Soto del Real, a palacio built by an Arabian prince, guests explore the beautiful city of Seville during this three-night stay, including a sampling of local cuisine and world-famous sherry as well as an Andalusian horse viewing.
-- Slow Food: Step Away from the Microwave (Turin) - A three-night getaway including a visit to the small town of Bra in the Italian region of Piedmont, where the "Slow Food" movement was founded. Guests will gain an understanding of the movement, which promotes food and wine culture, and savor food made from scratch with fresh ingredients and produce, learn about local wines and enjoy accommodations at the Bernini Bristol Rome and Albergo dell' Agenzia Pollenzo.
-- Neapolitan Magnifico (Rome) - A discovery of Campania, the birthplace of pizza, spaghetti, and buffalo mozzarella, including an exploration of the Archaeological Museum of Naples to see treasures unearthed following the eruption of Vesuvius, and visit to the ruins at Pompeii. Guests will also enjoy two days on the Amalfi Coast, with a stop at the "Italian Versailles," and a massage in the spa town of Fiuggi.
-- Experiencia Madrid! (Barcelona) - Visit Madrid, one of Europe's most vibrant capital cities, and enjoy three nights at the Palacio del Retiro, located in the famous museum triangle between Thyssen, Prado and Reina Sofia.
-- The CrystalKingdom (Stockholm) - VisitKalmarCastle in The Kingdom of Crystal, and tour the blowing rooms of world-renowned crystal companies Orrefors, Kosta and Boda.
Additional new land programs are also available in the Swedish Lake District (via Stockholm) and Tuscany, while existing programs in Dublin and Moscow have been enhanced. Other highly popular programs from 2006 to return in 2007 include:
--Venice Simplon-Orient Express (Venice) - Featuring accommodations aboard the world's most celebrated train en route to London, as well as overnight stays at the Savoy Hotel London and Hotel Bauer Venice (select sailings only).
--Agatha Christie's Egypt (Cairo from Athens) - Grand tour of Egypt featuring the Great Pyramids and King Tut's tomb.
---The Da Vinci Code (Paris) - Two-night luxury hotel stay including a tour of the Louvre, pointing out real life highlights of the best-selling novel and movie.
--European Capitals - Exclusive three-night programs with leading luxury and landmark hotels in key destinations throughout Europe.
All land adventures must be pre-booked through a travel professional or Regent's reservations center.
Guests on European cruises will enjoy the 700-guest all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Voyager, sailing Southern, Western and Northern Europe, and the 490-guest all-suite (90 percent with private balconies) Seven Seas Navigator, which will make the Mediterranean her home for more than six months in 2007. Collectively, the two ships will offer 45 European voyages in 2007, ranging from seven to 19 nights. Per person prices start from $4,157. All fares include shipboard gratuities, all non-alcoholic beverages, select wine and liquor throughout and What a Fare Deal* options: a choice of roundtrip economy class air from 86 North American gateways, $499 business class upgrade when an economy class air add-on is purchased, or $1,000 savings off the cruise fare. Website: Website: www.theregentexperience.com

Star Cruises

Meetings At Sea With Star Cruises Provide Option For Meeting/Incentive Planners
A magical experience at sea with Star Cruises not only offers the cruise holiday of a life time but also a unique and fantastic option to combine business needs with a pleasurable holiday. Star Cruises' ships present a truly inspiring and ideal venue for company meetings, incentives and functions differing from a land option as it provides an opportunity to conduct the seriousness of business on a world-class floating resort while sailing to some of the most enchanting and exotic destinations in Asia.
Star Cruises offers meeting and incentive planners the flexibility in organizing exciting and dynamic company events for groups of varying sizes that can be accommodated ranging from small group meeting facilities, sales and dealer incentives, customer recognition programs and even a full ship charter. Participants will also get to enjoy the spectacular array of dining, recreation and world-class entertainment that the majestic Star Cruises fleet has to offer.
The SuperStar Virgo and SuperStar Gemini are equipped with essential facilities including meeting rooms, boardrooms and related equipment. Internet and wi-fi wireless facilities are also available on selected ships. Innovative, lively and inspiring onboard programmes and activities can also be tailored to suit individual customer's needs while Star Cruises' planners and event coordinators are on hand to assist in taking care of every detail.
Companies can also opt for specially tailored onboard corporate programs, run jointly with Star Cruises that provide highly effective corporate training sessions. Programs like 'Assertive Management’ comprising modules such as ‘Building Self Esteem’, ‘Taking Risks’ and ‘Handling Criticism’ as well as other dynamic self-development training sessions with topics like ‘Learning the Art of Listening’ and ‘Public Speaking, the Do’s and Don’ts’ are available on SuperStar Gemini. There is also a choice of Team Building @ Sea with team synergy programs and Seminar @ Sea which offers a variety of workshops with subjects like Managing Stress, Executive Presentation Skills and Leadership for Success on SuperStar Virgo.
Participants can look forward to an uninterrupted schedule focusing on the business agenda without the common distractions that may be encountered on land. Faxes, phone calls and messages can be kept to the minimum.
The meetings at sea option are also an excellent opportunity for participants to visit a number of enchanting destinations on a single cruise without the hassle of packing and unpacking. Star Cruises offers a superb choice of ships based in different regions offering different exciting itineraries and destinations depending on the preference of the customer. The majestic vessels to choose from include SuperStar Virgo from Singapore and SuperStar Gemini from Malaysia’s Port Klang or Singapore. Website: www.starcruises.com