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New 130,000-Ton Cruise Ship Ordered For  Carnival Cruise Lines

Carnival Corporation & plc has reached an agreement with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri to construct a 130,000-ton cruise ship for its Carnival Cruise Lines brand, scheduled to enter service in spring 2012. To be built at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone yard under a US dollar-denominated contract, the all-in cost of the vessel is approximately $200,000 per lower berth.

The new 3,690-passenger vessel will offer many of the same innovations featured on the recently launched Carnival Dream, as well as some exciting new elements to be announced at a later date. Like Carnival Dream, which has earned accolades for its creative design and on-board amenities, the new 130,000-ton ship will include a WaterWorks aqua park with a 300-foot-long corkscrew water slide, a stunning indoor/outdoor café and live entertainment venue called Ocean Plaza, and a wide range of staterooms including deluxe ocean views with two-bathrooms, some of which feature five berths and hold particular appeal for families.

Expansive, modern facilities for children and teens, a 23,750-square-foot Cloud 9 Spa, and The Lanai, an outdoor promenade featuring cantilevered whirlpools that extend over the ship’s sides, will be included, as well.

Already under construction at Fincantieri is the second sister ship to the Carnival Dream, the 130,000-ton Carnival Magic, which is scheduled to enter service in May 2011.

Carnival Corporation & Plc Reports Fourth Quarter And Full Year Earnings

Carnival Corporation & plc reported net income of $193 million, or $0.24 diluted EPS, on revenues of $3.2 billion for its fourth quarter ended November 30, 2009. Net income for the fourth quarter of 2008 was $371 million, or $0.47 diluted EPS, on revenues of $3.3 billion. Operating results in the fourth quarter were better than the company's September guidance driven by stronger than expected revenue yields, primarily onboard, as well as lower operating costs. 

The company reported net income for the full year ended November 30, 2009 of $1.8 billion, or $2.24 diluted EPS, compared to net income of $2.3 billion, or $2.90 diluted EPS, for the prior year. Revenues for the full year 2009 were $13.2 billion compared to $14.6 billion for the prior year. Micky Arison, Carnival Corporation & plc Chairman and CEO, commenting on full year results said, “We weathered the most challenging economic environment in the company’s history exceptionally well. In 2009, Carnival was the most profitable leisure travel company, which is testament to the strength and quality of our global portfolio of highly recognized brands and their management teams. On significantly reduced global travel demand, net revenue yields for our North American brands fell 13 percent while our European brands’ yields fell a more modest 6 percent (in constant dollars). Despite an 8 percent capacity increase, the stronger performance of our European brands in this economic environment reinforces our strategy to expand our European presence, which will continue in 2010 with four of six newbuilds scheduled for our European brands.  In addition, through effective global cost containment initiatives we achieved $170 million of savings since the start of the year, which partially offset the pressure on net revenue yields.”

Arison added, “During the fourth quarter, we placed our first new ship order in two years which demonstrates our continued confidence in the future of our industry.” The new 3,690-passenger ship for Carnival Cruise Lines will be the third ship in the Dream-class and is set to enter service in June 2012.

Outlook 

Booking volumes continue to be strong and occupancy levels for 2010 are currently in line with 2009. On a cumulative basis, 2010 pricing is slightly behind last year at this time. However, since September, pricing is running well ahead of last year’s lower levels, as a result the company expects to show yield improvement in the second half of 2010. 

Looking forward, Arison noted, “We are optimistic that the attractive pricing we have in the marketplace and pent-up demand for vacation travel will continue to stimulate strong booking volumes and lead to a solid wave season. We remain focused on cost controls and expect to reduce non-fuel costs on a per unit basis in 2010 (in constant dollars).  Our lean and efficient operating structure leaves us well positioned as the global economy recovers.”

The company forecasts a 2 to 3 percent increase in net revenue yields on a current dollar basis for the full year 2010 as a result of favorable movements in currency exchange rates. On a constant dollar basis, the company expects full year net revenue yields to be flat to up slightly.

The company expects net cruise costs excluding fuel for the full year 2010 to be down approximately 1 to 2 percent compared to the prior year on a constant dollar basis due primarily to lower dry-dock costs and tight cost controls. Based on current spot prices for fuel, forecasted fuel costs for the full year are expected to increase $368 million compared to 2009, costing $0.46 per share. This is forecasted to be partially offset by favorable movements in currency exchange rates worth $0.08 per share.

Taking all the above factors into consideration, the company forecasts full year 2010 earnings per share to be in the range of $2.10 to $2.30 fully diluted, compared to $2.24 for 2009.

Based on current fuel prices and currency exchange rates, the company expects earnings for the first quarter of 2010 to be in the range of $0.08 to $0.12 per share, down from $0.33 per share in 2009, which included $0.04 of nonrecurring gains.

In the first quarter, the company will continue its European expansion when it takes delivery of two new ships, AIDA Cruises’ 2,192-passenger AIDAblu which is set to debut in Europe, and Costa Cruises’ 2,260-passenger Costa Deliziosa, which will be the first cruise ship to be inaugurated in Dubai.

Azamara Cruises Becomes "Azamara Club Cruises"

Azamara Cruises - the two-ship brand launched in 2007 with the 694-guest Azamara Journey and sister ship Azamara Quest - today became "Azamara Club Cruises," with a newly refined focus, and a series of new attributes designed for upmarket, experienced travelers. "This isn't a strategy of going 'from good to great'," said Azamara Club Cruises President & CEO Larry Pimentel. "This is about taking an already great product and making it exceptional."

Tapped to take the helm of Azamara Cruises in July of this year, Pimentel spent several weeks talking with travel agents, past guests and press to determine how to make his great-to-exceptional goal a reality. He also tapped a small new team focused 100 percent on Azamara, including VP of Sales & Marketing Edie Bornstein, AVP of Hotel Operations Bert Van Middendorp, Director of Marketing Signe Bjorndal, Director of National Accounts Michelle Nevin, and an eight-member field sales team dedicated solely to Azamara.

Together, Pimentel and team shaped the new Azamara Club Cruises, whose most distinguishing new attributes will be in effect by April 2010. "Today's cruisers have incredible new vacation options - like Celebrity's stunning Solstice Class, and Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas," said Pimentel. "Azamara Club Cruises will distinguish itself by delivering the destination like no other line."

Azamara Club Cruises will visit 140 ports in 50 countries in 2010, with itineraries featuring more overnight stays to allow guests to immerse themselves in communities and cultures. Among the overnight locations are Istanbul, Turkey; Sorrento, Italy, which offers a host of tour options along the Amalfi Coast and Capri; a full three days and two nights in St. Peters burg, Russia, on Azamara's Scandinavia and Russia itineraries; and multiple overnight stays in Azamara's Southeast Asia region, including Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Singapore and Hong Kong. "We're going to slow down the tempo, and allow our guests to not just see the destination, but to live it," said Pimentel. "Consider destinations like St. Tropez or St. Petersburg, Russia. If you've experienced them only by day, you haven't really experienced them. With Azamara, through more overnight stays and late-night stays, you can."

The destination focus of Azamara Club Cruises inspired the brand's new tagline - "You'll love where we take you" - and will extend to its shore excursions, too, an essential ingredient to allow guests to truly experience a community and its culture. Azamara has created distinctive two-day packages tailored to the overnight destinations, to make it easy for guests to immerse themselves in each location, whether it's Dubrovnik, Croatia; Odessa, Ukraine; Livorno (Florence), Italy, Warnemunde (Berlin), Germany, or London, in addition to Sorrento and St. Petersburg. Azamara also will offer experiences such as a two-night package from Bangkok to Laos; an overnight tour from Hiroshima to Osaka via bullet train; a three-night experience from Mumbai including a visit to the Taj Mahal; overnight tours in Israel between Ashdod and Cairo, and a Grand Egypt tour featuring the

Azamara Club Cruises also will offer many inclusive amenities, with the following included in the cruise fare beginning with the first voyages in April 2010 on Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest: a specific brand of bottled water offered at no charge throughout the voyage, whether in public venues or in staterooms; specialty coffees and teas; housekeeping and dining gratuities; shuttle bus service to/from port communities, where available; destination-influenced entertainment and enrichment programs; most meals and room service; house wine at lunches and dinners; and self-service laundry. Specialty dining in Azamara's intimate Prime C steakhouse and the Mediterranean-influenced Aqualina will be complimentary for suite guests for the duration of their cruise. Cruisers who can't get enough of Azamara will be invited to join the line's new loyalty program, "Le Club Voyage," with specific features and benefits yet to be announced.

Cruise Shipping's FOCUS ON Series Showcases Exhibitors

The 26th annual Cruise Shipping Miami event will feature the debut a new business-to-business tool. Cruise Shipping's FOCUS ON Series is a new product designed to give exhibitors a platform to promote their products and services to the cruise industry via live on-site or online presentations.

The first on-site Cruise Shipping's FOCUS ON Series will be held at the upcoming 2010 Cruise Shipping Miami conference and exhibition. Cruise Shipping's FOCUS ON Series consists of 20-minute exhibitor presentations delivered to an audience of cruise industry decision-makers.

Scheduled for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, March 15, 2010, at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Cruise Shipping's FOCUS ON Series will be open to cruise line representatives, conference delegates and exhibitors. "These 20-minute on-site exhibitor presentations can give cruise industry buyers a preview of new products so they can make a point of seeing those exhibitors during the tradeshow," said Michael Kazakoff, vice president of UBM International Media, CSM's organizers. "This will give exhibitors an opportunity to deliver a concentrated product message to a targeted audience."

Time slots for the on-site Cruise Shipping's FOCUS ON series are limited and will be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information or to book a time, contact sales@cruiseshippingmiami.com . For information regarding the online Cruise Shipping's FOCUS ON Series please visit this link.

Cruise Shipping Miami, the international conference and exhibition serving the cruise industry, is scheduled for March 15-18, 2010, at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The three-day trade show runs Tuesday through Thursday, and the four-day conference offers sessions Monday through Thursday.

Additional information on conference registration or exhibiting is available at these links or by contacting UBM International Media, 212 Carnegie Center, Suite 203, Princeton NJ 08540; (609) 759-4700; fax: (609) 759-4774; info@cruiseshippingmiami.com  

‘Royal Princess’ To Leave Princess Fleet To Join UK Sister Line P&O Cruises

 One of the small ships of Princess Cruises, the 710-passenger Royal Princess, will depart the line’s fleet in spring 2011, transferring to sister company P&O Cruises in the UK.  The ship will be renamed Adonia. As a result, five sailings in April and May will be cancelled, and in place of these a 26-day South Pacific and Andes Explorer cruise will be offered prior to the transfer.

The ship’s 2010 cruise program includes sailings to the Amazon, Caribbean, Panama Canal, Alaska, Hawaii and French Polynesia.

 With the transfer of Royal Princess there will be one less Princess ship in Alaska for the 2011 season, though full details are not yet available.  During summer 2010, the ship will sail on a 14-day roundtrip “Connoisseur” cruises from Seattle to Alaska.

The following 2011 sailings are being cancelled:

·         April 6, 2011      10-day Tahiti & Polynesia

·         April 16, 2011    10-day Tahiti & Polynesia

·         April 26, 2011    12-day Hawaii & Tahiti

·         May 8, 2011      10-day Hawaiian Islands

·         May 18, 2011    1-day coastal

The new 26-day cruise that replaces these sailings will depart April 6, 2011 and travel between Papeete, Tahiti and Fort Lauderdale.  Ports of call will include Bora Bora, Moorea, Pitcairn Island (for scenic cruising), Easter Island, Pisco (San Martin), Lima (Callao for Machu Picchu overland excursion), Quito (Manta), Panama Canal Transit, San Blas, and Limón.  Fares begin at $4,145 per person, double occupancy.

 The ship will then go into a drydock in the Bahamas to change its livery prior to joining the P&O Cruises fleet in May 2011. Royal Princess joined the Princess fleet in 2007, having originally been built in 2001.

Princess Ship Receives New Name -- and First-Ever Virtual Christening

Princess Cruises is celebrating the new name of its ship Ocean Princess (formerly Tahitian Princess) by extending an open invitation to anyone wishing to become an honorary godparent for the vessel, with the first-ever virtual christening.

In a new twist on the time-honored tradition, the naming ceremony will occur completely online, at http://www.princess.com/oceanvirtualchristening. Each new godparent will trigger a $1 donation from Princess to the New England Aquarium, a global leader in ocean exploration and marine conservation, up to $25,000.

One of the small ships of Princess, Ocean Princess -- fresh out of a two-week drydock -- departed Singapore today on the first voyage with her new name. The virtual christening will run throughout the ship's 16-day Southeast Asia cruise, ending on December 18.

In addition to virtually christening the ship and becoming an honorary godparent, participants will be able explore the following areas online:

Honorary Godparents -- Real-time collection of the names of Ocean Princess' honorary godparents

Ocean Princess Webcam -- Live web cam from the ship

Ocean Princess Itineraries -- Link to Ocean Princess' extensive list of itineraries

About the New England Aquarium -- Information about this renowned non-profit conservation and research organization

Ocean Princess Drydock Photo Journal -- Pictorial of the ship's drydock in Singapore

About Ocean Princess -- Details about Ocean Princess and her offerings

The Small Ships of Princess -- Information about the small ships of Princess

In addition, people will be able to share their virtual Ocean Princess experience with friends and family, and encourage them to participate through send-to-friend and Facebook functions.

During the ship's recent drydock at the Keppel Shipyard in Singapore, the Ocean Princess name was placed on the bow and throughout the vessel. The ship also received new fuel-efficient silicone paint on its hull, and interior enhancements including new upholstery, carpet and flooring. The ship was renamed Ocean Princess to more accurately represent her global range of itineraries.

Following its inaugural Treasures of the Southeast Asia cruise from Singapore to Shanghai, Ocean Princess will offer a season of unique Asia, India and Africa sailings, followed by a summer of European voyages.

P&O Cruises To Send Two Elephant Puppets To Sea

P&O Cruises has announced plans to send two elephants to sea – as stars of its new all-Australian stage show, Run Away to the Circus, on its latest superliner Pacific Jewel.

Affectionately known as Ertha and Dubbo, the mother and baby elephants are life-size and life-like puppets that stand 3 and 1.5 meters tall respectively. The new stars have been created by artists in Sydney especially for Run Away to the Circus show, which will debut on Pacific Jewel when she is launched on December 12.

The 45-minute show will feature a troupe of 14 dancers and circus artists performing to a great sound track, ranging from Britney Spears’ "Circus" to Tears for Fears’ "Mad World".

Made from paper, cloth and a moveable metal frame, the animals have come to life over the past few months in the puppet workshop Erth, which has created replica dinosaurs for museums around the world. Both elephants move just like their real counterparts, but are controlled by specially trained Pacific Jewel performers.

P&O Cruises’ Entertainment Manager Brett Annable said the new show was expected to be a huge success. "We wanted a show that was vibrant and energetic and the circus theme is perfect for Pacific Jewel, because the ship features an aerial stage for circus acts on its pool deck," Mr Annable said. "We also wanted a show that would surprise people and I think we’ll achieve that - the last thing people expect to see on a ship is an elephant! Ertha and Dubbo's appearance will be a magical moment for passengers and will create a lasting holiday memory."

Pacific Jewel will also feature another new show, Girt by Sea, showcasing a range of contemporary Australian music, and the popular audience-participation show Pirates of the Pacific.

Pacific Jewel debuts on December 13 and will be based in Sydney full-time offering a range of cruises.

Louis Cruises’ ‘Aquamarine’ Sails Inaugural Cruise From Kochi

The Aquamarine sailed her inaugural cruise from the Indian port of Kochi this month. The Aquamarine is the first cruise ship to sail from India and offer cruises targeting the Indian market, statues Louis Cruises. The Aquamarine carries 1,200 passengers and will offer itineraries on the Kochi-to-Maldives-Kochi, and the Kochi-Colombo-Kochi routes, in addition to a one-night high sea-sailing.

The Aquamarine will homeport in Kochi from Dec. 2, 2009 to April 25, 2010 and will sail three times a week. Around 60,000 Indian tourists are expected to cruise on the ship this season. It should be noted that Kerala Tourism has joined Louis in joint marketing and promotion efforts.

Louis Cruises, as part of its strategy to offer tailored-made cruises that cater for the needs and tastes of the Indian market, has proceeded with the addition of a cricket pitch – giving Indian travelers a new experience of playing cricket on the high seas. Food and entertainment onboard have been tweaked for Indian tastes.

Commenting on the launch of Louis Cruises’ Indian operation, Costakis Loizou, Louis Group executive chairman expressed his great satisfaction on this important day for Louis Cruises and added: "We feel proud for being the first to charter cruise ships to major European tour operators and thus open cruising to the mass tourism market. Today, with our own brand operations we are introducing the benefits of cruising and its unique advantages to Indian travelers. The Aquamarine’s inaugural sailing is merely the first step of our long-term plans in India and the successful opening of a new market for us and cruising as a whole".

Australia-based Orion Expedition Cruises Expands with Second Expedition Ship

Orion Expedition Cruises, Australia's only international-standard, five-star expedition cruise line, increases the size of its fleet with the addition of the Orion II, a second specialist expedition ship which will join the line’s existing 106-passenger Orion. The ship, configured to the brand’s exacting requirements, is scheduled to commence expedition voyages under the Orion Expedition Cruises banner in May 2011.

Orion Expedition Cruises announced on November 26,the forthcoming long-term charter of Clelia II, a 100-passenger, all-suite luxury expedition cruise ship, to be renamed Orion II. Making the announcement onboard Orion in Sydney Harbour, Orion’s Managing Director, Ms. Sarina Bratton, was enthusiastic about the expansion of the cruise business she started in 2004, referencing a strong existing luxury cruise market – despite tough current worldwide economic conditions – and growing interest from international markets in expedition cruising in this part of the globe.

Based on thorough research, and following the success of Orion’s recent voyages, Orion II will be based in South East Asia offering a wide range of expeditions that will include Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, the Indonesian archipelago, Japan and Borneo. Details of destinations and itineraries will be released in 2010, once voyage details and expedition team scouting are finalized.

Commenting on the additional range of destinations and itineraries, Sarina said that Orion Expedition Cruises will be able to provide exclusive expeditions from Antarctica to Asia, and the Kimberley to Melanesia and New Zealand, with the two ships offering a balance of onboard service and luxury combined with unique personal experiences in environmentally and culturally sensitive parts of the region.  Together, Orion and Orion II will be two of the most modern and capable expedition cruise ships cruising in Australasia.

Recently subject to a €13 million (approximately USD $19 million) refurbishment coordinated by the ship’s current operators, with emphasis on technical enhancements and upgraded environmental systems, Clelia II will also undergo additional cosmetic enhancements to bring her fully into the Orion Expedition Cruises style.

Until April 2011, she will continue to be marketed and operated by Travel Dynamics International, New York, a leading U.S. expedition cruise company serving the American educational and cultural non-profit groups. Originally launched in late 1990 as Renaissance Four and re-launched in 2009, after extensive technical refurbishment, redecoration and other improvements, the all-suite Clelia II offers fine small-ship cruise travel. In May 2011, the ship will be renamed Orion II.

The long term charter of a second purpose built ship able to access remote regions in comfort is a further step to fulfilling the company’s original vision to have Orion Expedition Cruises regarded as the operator of choice in the Asia-Pacific region.

Are Cruise ships Getting Too Large?

On its November 20 webblog, The Economist magazine questions whether the cruise trade can sustain the increase in passenger capacity on its mega cruise ships. With the christening of Royal Caribbean newest megaship—Oasis of the Seas—eyebrows are raised as to whether these ships can sustain passenger traffic. At 225,000 gross tons, Oasis of the Seas,  is 70,000 tons more and 21 meters longer than the line’s previous record holder, Freedom of the Seas. A sister ship --Allure of the Seas—will join Oasis in 2010.

“By contrast,, the blog continues, “the Titanic, built by White Star Line nearly a century ago and at the time the largest steam ship ever, measured 269 meters and was less than a fifth of the size of today’s behemoths. The new ship cost Royal Caribbean around $1 billion and has 20 restaurants, 17 bars and lounges, a walk through mock-up of New York’s Central Park and two rock-climbing walls. The ships were planned long before the global downturn: it remains to be seen whether passenger demand for cruise ships will remain strong.”

A  sampling of current and past ships built:

Mega Cruise Ships  Year Launched   Gross Tonnage  Maximum Passengers  

Oasis of the Seas             2009                 225,282             6,296

Carnival Dream               2009                 130,000             4,631

Freedom of the Seas         2006                 154.407             4,375

MSC Splendida             2009                 133,500                         3,300

Queen Mary 2                 2004                 151,400             3,090

Ships of Yore Year Launched   Gross Tonnage  Maximum Passengers  

Queen Elizabeth 2            1967                 70, 327              1,900   

Queen Mary                    1934                 81,237              2,139   

Titanic                          1911                 46,328              1,309

Cruise West Appoints remerinc As Agency of Record

remerinc, a Northwest-headquartered full-service advertising and creative marketing agency with award-winning global expertise, has announced that it has been named Agency of Record for Cruise West - the leading small-ship exploration cruise company. The appointment is effective immediately.

Cruise West is consolidating its marketing activities to a single agency relationship to ensure integrated messaging across all of their media platforms and markets. remerinc will oversee corporate positioning, branding, marketing, online, sponsorship, and marketing communications to address both consumer and travel agent communication channels. The company will continue to focus on its position as the preferred alternative to small-ship cruising.

Dick West, Chairman of Cruise West, said, "remerinc brings us fresh, innovative thinking in the battle to win over the hearts and minds of our guests. As we roll out to new markets around the globe, it's important that we have a marketing partner with experience in both national and international markets."

Seabourn Embarks Upon Refurbishment Of Seabourn Pride, Spirit And Legend

Capping off a year that saw the launch of its first new yacht in over a decade, The Yachts of Seabourn has embarked upon a multi-million dollar renovation of the original trio of its award-winning, small-luxury fleet. Seabourn Spirit has just completed a makeover, and Pride and Legend are planned to undergo extensive refurbishments during the coming year, transforming the look and feel of each vessel with open and airy interiors, modern embellishments, and richly colored contemporary on-deck furnishings. Seabourn Spirit came out of drydock a couple of weeks ago,” said Seabourn President and CEO Pamela Conover, “and the response of our guests, both multi-repeaters and first-timers, has been unanimous—the Spirit looks absolutely beautiful.”

The renovation is being overseen by RTKL Associates Inc. in Miami, an award-winning international design firm recognized for its creative approach to commercial and residential spaces. The extensive work is being done during regularly scheduled periodic maintenance. With Spirit finished, Pride and Legend will head to dry dock in January 2010 and fall 2010, respectively.

Enhancements begin just steps into the Reception Lobby with honey-toned wood paneling, two-toned marble flooring and furnishings reupholstered in rich burgundy. Onboard entertainment spaces shine, with the main show lounge transformed with cut-velvet banquettes in muted blues and taupe chairs beneath glittering stars. In The Club, floral-motif carpeting plays off warm reds and burnt oranges while elegantly toned, matte stone panels invoke spaciousness throughout.

That play of color and comfort continues in the observation lounge, where wrap-around windows illuminate new pale-green accents and soothing creams and beiges with the ever-changing light of sea and sky. New club chairs and sofas of creamy leather are inviting perches for taking it all in, accented with leaf-patterned throw pillows that echo the foliage theme in the carpeting.

In The Restaurant, celebrity Chef Charlie Palmer’s cuisine is presented in a rich, yet understated elegance realized in handsome toffee-toned woods, creamy caramel accents, dramatic sheer curtains striped horizontally in violet and gold interspersing muted purple drapes, and flooring finished in sumptuous golden stone with sage infusions. Meanwhile, the open decks are going modern with graceful new furniture of coffee-hued, powder-coated metal and chocolate-toned fabric.

“The renovation of Pride, Spirit and Legend ensures that guests will be enjoying the Seabourn experience on these unique vessels in a fresh, contemporary style,” said Conover. “With our original three yachts scheduled for refurbishment, Seabourn Odyssey enjoying a stellar maiden year, and Seabourn Sojourn scheduled to launch in June 2010, Seabourn can now offer travelers more beautiful yachts in more exciting destinations throughout the year.”

Cruise Lines Suspend Port Call Land Excursions In Nassau

At least three cruise ship companies have canceled excursions within certain parts of Nassau after police in the Bahamas reported several tourists being robbed. Carnival spokeswoman Jennifer de la Cruz says the Carnival decision to suspend trips to Earth Village is temporary. She said today that the company is offering other trips as an alternative.

Norwegian Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Line officials said they also have suspended excursions within Nassau.

Bahamas tourism director Vernice Walkine says police have increased foot and car patrols in popular tourist areas as a response to the recent robberies. She said she deeply regretted the incidents.

More than 2 million cruise passengers come through the port of Nassau each year.

 

November, 2009

American Cruise Lines Expands To West Coast                         

American Cruise Lines (ACL) is pleased to announce it will start operating seven-night itineraries aboard the recently acquired Queen of the West, on the Columbia and Snake

Rivers in 2010. Queen of the West, a 120-passenger, US-flagged cruise ship, is currently the only authentic paddlewheel, over-night passenger vessel, operating in North America.

American Cruise Lines plans to announce plans for even further expansion to the west coast in early 2010. “Bringing our 30 plus years of small ship cruising experience to the West Coast is a very exciting prospect for us,” said Timothy Beebe, Vice President of American Cruise Lines. “To bring Queen of the West back to the spectacular Pacific Northwest creates an enormous opportunity for discerning passengers looking to explore the best destinations in America.”

American Cruise Lines is planning several different itineraries that will depart from Portland, Oregon and Clarkston, Washington, starting in the summer of 2010. Stops along the route will include the Columbia River Gorge, Multonomah Falls, Mt. St. Helen’s, The Dalles, Hells Canyon and Astoria. Passengers can look forward to a few modifications to the ship including a number of larger staterooms and a decrease in passenger capacity, allowing for an even higher level of personal service from the all-American crew.

Cunard’s Newest Queen Receives Her Legendary Name

For more than 70 years, Cunard ships graced with the name Queen Elizabeth have been a significant part of maritime history, British heritage and an unparalleled cruise liner experience. And now, with less than a year to go until her maiden voyage, the legendary letters that will identify the newest addition to Cunard’s regal fleet of Queens have been welded onto the bow of Queen Elizabeth (photo left) at the Fincantieri yard in Trieste, Italy. “It is a rare honor for any ship to bear the name Queen Elizabeth, and as I saw the famous name being welded to the bow, I was overcome by the historical significance,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. “A milestone such as this only continues to build on the already wide anticipation of the debut of our gracious new Cunarder.”

Her Maiden Voyage, now sold out, will depart from Cunard’s homeport of Southampton, U.K., on October 12, 2010, en route to the Atlantic Isles.

More progress photos on Cunard’s blog at www.wearecunard.com .

STX Finland Floats Out ‘Allure Of The Seas’                           

While sister ship Oasis of the Seas takes center stage in Port Everglades, the Allure of the Seas, the second Oasis-class vessel under construction at STX Finland's Turku yard, was floated out November 20. Allure of the Seas is the twin of Oasis of the Seas, excluding some color and material changes, Toivo Ilvonen, yard project manager for the Oasis class is quoted as saying in a press article.

As a building project, Allure is just as complex a whole as its predecessor, the yard said.

However, a sister ship is more straightforward to produce as part of a series, because the design work has already been completed, Ilvonen noted.

Allure has progressed on schedule and, in the launching stage, more than 60 percent of the work has been finished. Once the ship is moored at the outfitting quay, the next step will be interior outfitting. The ship joins her sister in December 2010 at Port Everglades for eastern and western Caribbean cruises.

Princess Cruises Allows Viewers To View ‘Tahitian Princess’ Transformation

Capping a year of taking viewers behind the scenes as ships go through drydock, Princess Cruises is again offering an opportunity to follow a vessel through the renovation process.  In the newest installment of the Princess online drydock journal, the current Tahitian Princess will not only undergo a makeover, but also get a new name.  The vessel, one of the small ships of Princess, will be transformed into Ocean Princess during the two-week process, giving her a new moniker reflecting her global range of fascinating itineraries.

The fifth in this unprecedented series, the Ocean Princess Drydock Journal will run through December 2 on www.princess.com, and will be updated regularly with photos as the ship progresses through its drydock at Keppel Shipyard in Singapore.  Viewers can follow along as the ship’s name is removed and replaced on the bow and throughout the vessel – including on equipment such as the lifeboats.  The journal will also chronicle changes as the ship is lifted from the water and receives a new coating of energy-efficient silicone paint, plus the interior refurbishments, with new upholstery, carpet and flooring.

Seven Godmothers Named For Oasis Of The Seas

When Royal Caribbean International officially names its newest cruise ship, Oasis of the Seas, on Monday, Nov. 30, 2009, the global cruise line will continue its tradition of innovation by putting a new twist on one of maritime’s longest standing traditions. While normally bestowing the honor of godmother on one special person, Royal Caribbean has chosen seven extraordinary godmothers to represent the seven signature neighborhoods onboard Oasis of the Seas–-Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, Pool & Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone – Each of the seven godmothers was chosen because they personify strength of character, exemplify the spirit of giving, and are role models for men, women and children alike. The godmothers include:

·         Gloria Estefan, world-renowned singer, songwriter, actor and author, who was godmother of Royal Caribbean’s Empress of the Seas

·         Michelle Kwan, the Olympic Games medalist is an all-time great and the most decorated figure skater in United States history, and is also an American Public Diplomacy envoy promoting education, positive health practices and respect for diversity

·         Jane Seymore, a multiple Emmy and Golden Globe winning actor, as well as an Officer of the British Empire, who remains actively involved in the J and J Foundation benefiting children in need.

·         Dara Torres, twelve-time Olympic medalist and oldest female swimmer to compete in a record five Olympic games (1984, 1988, 1992, 2000 and 2008)

·         Keshia Knight Pulliam, film and television actress.  The youngest actress ever nominated for an Emmy Award when she was only 6 years old, she presently stars on the TBS television comedy "Tyler Perry's House of Payne" and was most recently seen starring in the hit motion picture "Madea Goes To Jail."

·         Shawn Johnson, four-time medalist at the 2008 Olympic games for women’s gymnastics and cancer philanthropist, who in addition to serving as a godmother for Oasis of the Seas, will be granting wishes onboard as part of her work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

·         Daisy Fuentes, international television personality and producer, beauty and fitness expert, and recognized role model for Latin-American women in the United States, who is committed to improving children’s health and treatments through St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Starlight Children’s Foundation and the March of Dimes 

The ship arrived in her homeport of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. following a 14-day somewhat stormy transatlantic crossing from Turku, Finland. After a series of preview cruises, the ship will be named on Monday, November 30 during a one-night inaugural celebration fundraiser to benefit the non-profit Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Marinelife Partners With Swan Hellenic Cruises  

Marinelife, the marine conservation research charity, is continuing its marine wildlife research and education in the offshore waters of the Atlantic through its partnership with Swan Hellenic Cruises.

Marinelife has been researching the waters of the European Atlantic for whales, dolphins and seabirds from large vessels such as commercial ferries and container ships for over a decade. The partnership with Swan Hellenic Cruises offers an opportunity to research area of the oceans, which are little studied, whilst simultaneously allowing us to provide passengers with information about the wildlife they are seeing and the threats it faces.

The ship sailed from Madeira earlier this month on route for Buenos Aires, passing close to the Canaries, Cape Verde Islands and Fernando de Noronha before reaching the coast of Brazil. During the cruise, Marinelife team recorded all sightings and engaged the passengers through a program of presentations and deck watches. The team are writing a blog on the Marinelife website to keep the general public up to date with the range of exciting encounters which include many hundreds of dolphins of multiple species, Humpback Whale mother and calf pairs and many species of seabird. Marinelife researcher Adrian Shephard said: “This second cruise with Swan Hellenic has provided further insight into the species of whales, dolphins and seabirds in the offshore waters of the mid-Atlantic and we thank Swan Hellenic for this opportunity.”

Norwegian Cruise Line Reports Results For Third Quarter 2009

Norwegian Cruise Line reported results for its third quarter ended September 30, 2009. EBITDA in the period improved by 7.1% to $151.6 million versus $141.5 million for the same period in 2008. The improvement in EBITDA was achieved despite a decline in Net Revenue in the third quarter of 15.3%. This decline resulted from a 10.1% decrease in Net Yield and a 5.7% decrease in Capacity Days. The decrease in Net Yield was primarily due to weakness experienced in passenger ticket pricing versus 2008 and was partially offset by an increase in Net Yield from onboard and other revenue. The decrease in Capacity Days resulted from the departure of Norwegian Dream from the Company's fleet in November 2008. Occupancy Percentage for the third quarter of 2009 increased to 114.8% compared to 111.3% in the prior year. Net income in 2009 was $85.6 million on revenue of $550.7 million compared to net income of $171.2 million on revenue of $639.0 million in 2008. The decline in net income reflects foreign currency exchange translation gains in 2008 of $117.6 million.

Net Cruise Cost per Capacity Day decreased 20.1% in the third quarter of 2009 compared to the same period in 2008. The decrease in Capacity Day cost was primarily attributable to lower fuel costs together with a decrease in crew payroll and other ship operating expenses. Additionally, the Company's results benefited from rigorous shoreside cost saving initiatives.

Operating income in the third quarter of 2009 increased to $113.4 million from $100.6 million in 2008 with Operating Income Margin increasing 690 basis points to 27.9% from 21.0%.

Interest expense, net of capitalized interest, decreased to $25.8 million in the third quarter of 2009 from $35.1 million in 2008, primarily due to lower average interest rates in the 2009 period. Other income (expense) decreased to an expense of $(2.1) million in 2009 from income of $104.6 million in 2008, mainly due to a loss on foreign exchange translation of $(3.8) million in 2009 versus a gain of $117.6 million in 2008. "I am pleased to see that the strategies and initiatives we have been putting in place, both on the revenue and operating sides of the business, continue to result in improved year-over-year EBITDA, even in this soft economic climate," said Kevin Sheehan, chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. "With the departure of Norwegian Majesty on November 2, our entire fleet is now comprised exclusively of modern vessels purpose-built for our signature Freestyle Cruising. With these great assets, and the addition of the highly anticipated Norwegian Epic in 2010, I am extremely confident about Norwegian's prospects for the future."

Fourth quarter of 2009 is substantially booked and bookings for the first quarter of 2010 are pacing ahead of last year. Recent booking activity indicates that the pricing environment continues to stabilize and that the consumer recognizes the value of cruising as a vacation option.

On November 12 the Company closed on a financing package comprised of a $750 million secured revolving credit facility along with $450 million in senior secured notes. Proceeds were used to retire certain indebtedness and for transaction fees and expenses.

All Leisure Group Plc Acquires ‘MV Alexander Von Humboldt’

All Leisure group plc, which operates Swan Hellenic, Voyages of Discovery and Hebridean Island Cruises, is pleased to announce that it has successfully tendered for mv Alexander von Humboldt in an auction conducted by the Admiralty Marshal. The vessel, which has a gross tonnage of 15,271 tons, came into service in 1990 and has 250 passenger cabins, 90 percent of which are outside cabins. The Group intends to undertake an extensive upgrade and refurbishment program on the ship, bringing the total investment in the vessel to approximately $20 million. “We are always looking to expand our specialist small ship cruise fleet and our latest acquisition fits perfectly with both the profile of our fleet and our destination-led product offering, especially given the high number of outside cabins,” said Roger Allard, Chair of All Leisure Group plc. “This acquisition underpins the confidence that we have in the potential of our destination-led small ship niche cruise offering.”

The newest addition to the fleet will be available for passengers from summer 2011 and will join Voyages of Discovery’s mv. Discovery (708 lower berths), Swan Hellenic’s mv. Minerva (394 lower berths) and Hebridean Island Cruises’ mv Hebridean Princess (49 lower berths) in the All Leisure fleet, making the Group one of the largest British-owned cruise ships operators.

MSC Cruises’ Express Check-in Speeds Up Passenger Embarkation

MSC Express – MSC Cruises’ online express check-in – is designed to make it virtually effortless for guests to meet new check-in requirements. Each cruise guest will now be required to check-in online at least 72 hours (3 days) before sailing. This will enable the cruise line to comply with a government mandate to submit passenger manifests 72 hours prior to departure.

MSC Express Web Check-In is required before any tickets (paper or e-tickets) can be issued. In order to utilize MSC Express, guests can visit the line’s consumer website (www.MSCCruisesUSA.com) or go directly to www.MSCCruisesUSA.com/mscexpress complete a short form with their booking information and click to send. Guests who do not have Internet access may ask their agent for assistance in completing the form.

The completed printed form, cruise ticket and required identification information can then be presented at the check-in desk at the port.

Windstar Cruises Adds Amenities and Enhancements To Its Fleet

Windstar Cruises has launched its latest phase of its Degrees of Difference initiative featuring added amenities and enhancements to its ships, which will be completed in stages and finishes the summer of 2010. “The next phase of the Degrees of Difference initiative will take the ships to a new degree of excellence,” said Diane Moore, president of Windstar Cruises. “Our guests enjoy fine dining, luxurious accommodations, outstanding service, dream destinations and the feeling that they are sailing on their own private yacht. With this latest initiative, we look forward to delivering an experience that continues to raise the bar.”

The Restaurant menus on all three ships will be reinvigorated with innovative new dishes from land and sea, bringing the flavors of the world to guest plates and reflect the flavors of the destinations the cruise line visits.

Other dining enhancements include the addition of a spa dining menu and redesigned menu holders with sleek and elegant lines.

Wind Surf’s Yacht Club will be transformed into a contemporary wine bar featuring a selection of luscious California, Washington, Oregon, New Zealand and Australian wines by the glass. On each ship, during each sailing, guests will be able to partake in special wine tastings featuring crystal stemware by Riedel and led by a sommelier.

Windstar also will introduce relaxing spa suites on Wind Surf. Spa suites will feature special bedding and linens, spa amenities, and credits for certified organic spa services and fitness classes in WindSpa provided by The OnboardSpa Company’s O SPA London. 

New rejuvenating poolside spa treatments include a 30-minute reflexology session, a foot and ankle massage (complete with Himalayan salt scrub), an hour-long traditional sport massage or Swedish massage

Royal Caribbean International Announces New eDocs & Luggage Tag Program

Azamara Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International believe that their guests’ cruise experience begins before the first suitcase is packed. A personalized, interactive, visually appealing, web-based format offers guests all the information they need prior to their cruise, including travel agency contact details, information on shore excursion choices and various onboard offerings available during the guests’ particular cruise, travel and documentation instructions, and much more. Once the booking has been finalized, eDocs will be issued as early as 49 days prior to sailing.

In an effort to offer guests more information in a visually appealing way with less burden on the environment, all Azamara, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean bookings made on or after December 13, 2009, will generate eDocs as the default format for guest travel documents. eDocs also will be the default format for any bookings made before December 13, 2009, that didn’t include a selection of a hard-copy guest travel documents preference. Guests will access their eDocs via each cruise line’s consumer website.

Celebrity and Royal Caribbean will offer guests the option of ordering printed cruise documents, for a fee of $35 per document. The up-market Azamara, however, will waive this fee for its guests who order printed cruise documents.

It is also possible for travel partners and guests to self-print eDocs at no charge using a printer-friendly format; however, this version will lack the interactive qualities of the online eDocs.

Oceania Cruises Launches Online Reservations For Specialty Restaurants

Oceania Cruises is introducing a new online portal that will let booked guests make advance reservations for specialty restaurants from the comfort of their home. Its three 684-guest vessels – Regatta, Insignia and Nautica – offer a choice of four different dining venues, all of which come under the watchful eye of renowned master chef, Jacques Pépin, who serves as executive culinary director for the cruise line. Guests can choose from The Grand Dining Room, Polo Grill, Toscana and Tapas on the Terrace.

The new online “Dining Reservations Calendar” conveniently includes the times the ship is in port, as well as any pre-reserved shore excursions to assist guests in selecting the ideal dining times. Reservations can be made 90 days in advance of sailing, once final payment has been received, and will remain available until ten days prior to departure. “Offering the ability to pre-book specialty restaurant reservations before embarkation is just one more we have elevated our acclaimed dining experience,” stated Bob Binder, Oceania Cruises’ president. “At home they are accustomed to making advance reservations for top restaurants. On board our ships the dining experience is every bit equal in both quality and service, now it is also equally convenient.”

Guests may now access the Dining Reservations Calendar beginning with the 2009-2010 Winter Collection voyages of Regatta, Insignia and Nautica to Asia and Australia, South America and the Caribbean. To access the calendar, guests must register in the “Already Booked” section of www.OceaniaCruises.com.

By the year’s end, travel agents will also have the ability to make dinner reservations on behalf of their clients via the travel agent center on Oceania Cruises’ Web site.

Princess Cruises Debuts Array Of Digital Documents

Princess Cruises has debuted an innovative array of digital documents designed to transform the way passengers plan for and learn about their upcoming cruise. The timely digital documents include a brand-new email series filled with personalized pre-cruise information, a downloadable Princess Countdown ConnectionTM widget that delivers useful and entertaining information to a passenger’s computer, personalized online luggage tags, and customizable shore excursion eBooks.  The change from printed information to fully digital documents applies to all North American passengers on voyages departing on or after January 21, 2010. Click Princess Cruises in Cruise Itinerary News for more information.

Paul Gauguin Cruises Offers New Incentives For Travel Agents

Paul Gauguin Cruises has introduced new incentives for travel agents.  Along with 15% commission, professional travel agents will receive a complimentary seven-day voyage (cruise only/ single or double occupancy) when selling three staterooms -- on a retail, non group basis -- for client departures from January 1, 2010 to March 31, 2010.  The travel agent offer is valid November 9, 2009 to December 18, 2009 and subject to availability for 2010 sailings (booked immediately within the first quarter of 2010 and 30 days out for the remainder of the year).

Additionally, the offer is combinable with Paul Gauguin Cruises’ published offer of complimentary airfare (for ten or more days cruising) from Los Angeles or 50% off the airfare ($625.00 p/p) for any seven-day cruise. Professional travel agents also receive 50% savings on a wide selection of 2010 cruises. 

Paul Gauguin Cruises recently unveiled an enhanced new Web site, featuring an exceptional, state-of-the-art Travel Agent Center. With 24/7 access, the new interface provides more efficient ways for professional travel agents to assist clients in planning the ultimate cruise among the breathtaking islands of Tahiti, French Polynesia and the South Pacific.  Additionally, this past year Paul Gauguin Cruises eliminated non-commissionable cruise fares for 2010 bookings aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin as part of its ongoing commitment to support professional travel agents.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Gears Up For Increased Growth In Asian Market

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Shanghai International Port (Group) Co., Ltd. (SIPG) at Shanghai International Passenger Terminal this month. The memorandum will strengthen the strategic partnership between the two parties in areas of cruise operations in port, market promotion, staff training and management experience exchange. This cooperation will open more gateways to overseas visitors to Expo 2010 Shanghai and further boost China’s cruise market. By leveraging the opportunities brought by China’s rapid economic growth and Expo 2010 Shanghai, the strategic partnership between the two parties is dedicated to jointly promoting the healthy and fast development of the Chinese cruise market.

 Activities from SIPG include the development of the international cruise terminal with the addition of cruise-relevant retail outlets, market promotion, services as a ticket agent, and operating as a one-stop boarding and clearance service for Royal Caribbean guests. As part of the new commercial partnership, Royal Caribbean will share its operational experience of managing world-leading international cruise terminals with new staff training and development, as well as key activities to improve the operations and logistics, service quality and infrastructure of Shanghai International Passenger Terminal. Together Royal Caribbean and SIPG are working to ensure that Shanghai firmly establishes itself as a world-class port of call.

The approaching Expo 2010 Shanghai makes the strategic partnership between SIPG and Royal Caribbean an important one; the 2010 Expo Shanghai is scheduled to attract more luxury cruises to Shanghai, along with increased numbers of international tourists. Moreover, the Expo will also generate a wave of outbound travel to nearby countries such as Japan and South Korea.

Final Touches Complete Crystal Symphony’s Dramatic New Look

Crystal Symphony underwent a$25 million makeover to enhance her look during an October drydock. Swarovski Crystal chandeliers, cashmere throws, sunken Philippe Stark Duravit Jacuzzi bathtubs, chic new pool deck furniture, works by famed Venetian artists, service islands with top-of-the-line pizza ovens and woks, and dozens more upscale and behind-the-scenes embellishments are evident as one tours the vessel which was recently docked in New York. Following the makeover, the vessel boasts completely transformed Crystal Penthouses, Lido Café and pool areas, elegantly redesigned Penthouses and Prego Italian restaurant, and dozens of behind-the-scenes improvements.

New touches on Crystal Symphony include:

* Crystal Penthouses – The 982-square-foot suites were remodeled top to bottom, with expanded living space, state-of-the-art audio-visual system, and floor-to-ceiling dining room windows. Ocean view bathrooms offer large Philippe Stark bathtubs, glass mosaic tiles and recessed televisions.

* Penthouses – The butler-serviced suites were redesigned in two new color schemes, featuring new custom cabinetry, plush bedding, flat-screen televisions and lavish bathroom accoutrements.

* Lido Café – The breakfast and lunch venue sports a refined yet modern motif, with abundant natural light, and colors and details inspired by the Hampton seashore. New food and drink service islands showcase fresh cuisine and add intimate seating and improve flow.

* Seahorse and Neptune Pool Decks – The outdoor spots feature crisp white deck furniture accented with citrus-hued cushions and throw pillows for added al fresco dining and conversational seating. With its retractable roof and brand new teak decking, the mid-ship Neptune Pool was replaced with additional plush seating and extra-large Jacuzzi hot tub.

* Prego – The Venetian-designed Italian restaurant, showcasing cuisine by Piero Selvaggio, has a vividly modern design, with rich color palettes (think chocolate suede walls and red wine-colored upholstery) and warm, dramatic lighting.

* Staterooms – All staterooms were refreshed with smart leather sofas, replacing armchairs.

* Broadcast Center – State-of-the-art overhaul improves programming quality and options.

‘Costa Deliziosa’ To Be Named In Dubai

Costa Cruises and the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) announced this month that the new Costa Deliziosa with be named in Dubai the first time a cruise ship will be named in an Arabian city. The new flagship of the Costa fleet will be inaugurated in the international locale on February 23, 2010.

The naming ceremony will take place during the ship’s Grand Inaugural cruise, departing from Savona, Italy on February 5, 2010 and calling in Dubai from February 23-26. Costa guests sailing on the first leg of the grand maiden cruise will be able to attend the exclusive inaugural ceremony.  “Costa Cruises was the first and it’s still the major operator to believe in the value of this new cruise destination, confirming the pioneering spirit of our Italian company,” said Fabrizia Greppi, Costa Crociere S.p.A. Vice President of Corporate Marketing & Communication. “Thanks to the partnership and four years of activities with the DTCM, we have boosted our presence, bringing ships to Dubai which are ambassadors of the best of “made in Italy” in the world. For the coming winter season Costa will deploy in the area “top of the range” sister ships Costa Luminosa and Costa Deliziosa. The naming ceremony of our fifteenth ship, Costa Deliziosa, in Dubai confirms our strategy while strengthening the partnership between Costa Cruises and DTCM. We are working together towards the same goal of creating an unforgettable event rich with surprise and atmosphere, combining the charming tradition of an Arabian night with the unique Italian style by Costa Cruises.”

The Costa Deliziosa naming ceremony further strengthens the ties linking Dubai and Costa Cruises. The Italian company, together with AIDA Cruises, a German brand also belonging to Costa Crociere’s group, was the first to market regular cruises in the Arabian Gulf, turning Dubai into a major cruise destination and contributing to its growth as a tourism destination.

In winter 2009/10 both Costa Deliziosa and Costa Luminosa will sail 7-night itineraries with two overnights in Dubai and one day calls at the ports of Muscat (Oman), Fujairah (United Arab Emirates), Abu Dhabi (UAE) and Bahrain.  The Costa Deliziosa will depart from Dubai on Sundays from March 24, 2010 to May 9, 2010 the Costa Luminosa will depart on Saturdays from December 12, 2009 to April 10, 2010. In addition to the two Costa flagships, the Costa Europa will offer a brand new itinerary: 18-night winter cruises from Savona to Dubai and from Dubai to Savona – a unique itinerary crossing the Mediterranean, the Suez Canal and the Red Sea.

Legends In Concert To Headline On NCL’s New ‘Norwegian Epic’

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that Legends in Concert, the original and world’s greatest live tribute show, will be featured for the first time at sea in more than a decade on Norwegian Epic, the company’s largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship to date, debuting in June 2010. A staple on Las Vegas’ center strip for the past 25 years, Legends in Concert is known as the pioneer of live tribute shows and has assembled the greatest collection of live tribute artists and celebrity look-alikes in the industry. Norwegian Epic also welcomed Howl at the Moon, the world’s greatest rock ‘n roll dueling piano show that encourages audience participation. “Norwegian Epic has already made headlines with its world-class entertainment offerings, featuring Blue Man Group, Cirque Dreams™ and Dinner and The Second City. Now, with the addition of Legends in Concert and Howl at the Moon, we have raised the bar even higher, taking cruise ship entertainment to a whole new level, on par with major entertainment hubs like Las Vegas and New York,” said Kevin Sheehan, NCL’s chief executive officer.

Legends in Concert on Norwegian Epic will feature three celebrity-tribute performers taking the stage in the Epic Theater for six 45-minute shows over three days during a seven-day cruise. In addition, a cabaret-style show will be performed on three additional nights in the Manhattan Room, the ship’s New York-inspired supper club, providing an unprecedented dining and entertainment experience on Norwegian Epic. The celebrity performers will change every four months, keeping the show fresh and exciting.

‘Galapagos Explorer II’ Resumes Service Following Annual Maintenance

Galapagos Explorer II resumed service on Baltra Island November 7 following its annual maintenance period.

As part of a five-year transformation master plan, the restaurant, coffee station and the Jacuzzi bar were remodeled this year. The restaurant was decorated with hand-painted images done by a renowned local artist. The restaurant walls received a classic wood finish and the portholes were replaced with picture windows. The wall panels of the coffee station and Jacuzzi bar were replaced with more modern wood panels.

Balconies were added to eight premium category cabins, bringing the total number of balcony cabins to 24. This is the largest amount of balcony suites available on any vessel serving the Galapagos. More information at www.canodros.com.

Disney Cruise Line To Appear In Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Sailor Mickey balloon will make his maiden voyage high above the streets of New York City as he represents Disney Cruise Line in the 83rd annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Millions of Parade goers and television viewers will see the Sailor Mickey helium balloon make its Parade debut, which also marks the first time Disney Cruise Line has been represented in the Parade.

It takes about 14,000 cubic feet of helium to inflate Sailor Mickey – dressed in his signature red shorts and yellow shoes, nautical blazer, sailor’s cap and perched atop a larger-than-life ship’s anchor. When inflated, the balloon stands approximately six stories tall. The Sailor Mickey balloon will be a part of the Macy’s Parade through 2011.

Sailor Mickey will also be Macy’s official holiday ambassador this year. Available exclusively as a collectible talking plush at all Macy’s stores across the U.S. and online at macys.com, Sailor Mickey will be on sale beginning November 8 and through the holiday season.

Royal Caribbean Reports Third Quarter Results

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd reported net income for the third quarter 2009 of $230.4 million, or $1.07 per share, compared to net income of $411.9 million, or $1.92 per share, in 2008.

Revenues were $1.8 billion, versus $2.1 billion in the third quarter of 2008. Net Yields decreased 16.5% from the prior year or 14.5% after adjusting for year over year changes in currency. Net yields improved approximately one and a half percentage points from the company's previous guidance, mainly as a result of the strength of close-in bookings. As was announced during the second quarter, the H1N1 virus had a negative impact on yields of approximately two percentage points during the third quarter.

NCC decreased 10.0% from the prior year or 8.8% after adjusting for changes in currency. NCC, excluding fuel, declined 3.8% from the prior year or 2.2% after adjusting for changes in currency.

Fuel costs were in-line with the company's previous calculations. Third quarter pricing averaged $460 per metric ton and consumption was 318.2 thousand metric tons.

The company reported that booking volume since mid-September was up about 40% compared to same period last year, with favorable comparison for cruises departing both in the fourth quarter and next year. "While the pricing environment is still not what we'd like it to be, we're pleased to see solid growth in our order book and a rapidly diminishing gap in year-over-year booked volume comparisons," said Brian J. Rice, executive vice president and chief financial officer.

The company expects fourth quarter Net Yields to decline approximately 7% to 8%, slightly worse than its previous forecast of down mid-single digits. "During the fourth quarter, we historically source a disproportionate number of our guests from Florida," said Rice. "As a consequence of the weaker economy in the state, we do not anticipate the same strength of close-in bookings in the fourth quarter as we saw in the third quarter."

The company noted that its new ships, Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class and Celebrity's Solstice-class vessels, continue to command significant premiums and volumes. Oasis of the Seas will enter service on December 1, 2009; Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Equinox are already in service, with Celebrity Eclipse debuting in April of 2010.

Cleaner Public Restrooms Could Hinder Norovirus Infection Outbreaks On Ships

In a published article in Clinical Infections Journal October 7^th issue, a new study conducted by health professionals in Boston assessed 56 cruise vessels over a three-year period. The study found that Norovirus infection outbreaks (NoVOs) occur frequently in closed populations, such as cruise ship passengers.

Trained health care professionals covertly evaluated the thoroughness of disinfection cleaning (TDC) of six standardized objects (toilet seat, flush handle or button, toilet stall inner handhold, stall inner door handle, restroom inner door handle, and baby changing table surfaces) with high potential for fecal contamination in cruise ship public restrooms, by means of a previously validated novel targeting method.

The results of 56 cruise ships (30% of 180 vessels operated by nine large cruise lines) were evaluated from July 2005 through August 2008. Overall, 37% randomly selected public restrooms were cleaned daily. The TDC did not differ by cruise line and did not correlate with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Vessel Sanitation Program inspection scores for cruise ships operating in American waters.

More than half the vessels had overall TDC scores of 30%, although several of these low‐scoring ships had near‐perfect CDC sanitation scores. The mean TDC of the three ships evaluated within 4 months before a NoVO (10.3%) was substantially less than the mean TDC of the 40 ships that did not experience NoVOs (40.4%).

An objective evaluation of public restroom environmental hygiene on 56 cruise ships found that only 37% of selected toilet area objects were cleaned on a daily basis. Low TDC scores may predict subsequent NoVO‐prone vessels. Enhanced public restroom cleaning may prevent or moderate NoVOs on cruise ships.

Windstar Adds Amenities and Enhancements to Fleet

Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world’s most treasured destinations, announces the latest phase of its Degrees of Difference initiative featuring added amenities and enhancements to its ships which will be completed in stages and finishes the summer of 2010.

The Restaurant menus on all three ships will be reinvigorated with innovative new dishes from land and sea, bringing the flavors of the world to guest plates.  This unique culinary dining experience will exhibit flavors of the destinations that Windstar Cruises visits.

Wind Surf’s alternative restaurant Degrees will feature a new rotating menu reflecting the fresh and seasonal preparations of Mediterranean cooking. The menu highlights popular flavors of Mediterranean Rim cuisines showcasing the use of authentic ingredients and simple techniques. The spirited menu will also highlight the regional and local cooking reflective of the areas visited.  Menu examples include: Tuscan shrimp and white beans; grilled lamb loin chops with green olives, preserved lemon and spinach; baked snapper with nicoise olives, tomato and basil; shellfish in saffron brodetto; pompano with rouille and toasted almonds; crepes with champagne poached pears and crème fraiche; and panna cotta with tangerines in dark rum syrup.

selection of luscious California, Washington, Oregon, New Zealand and Australian wines by the glass. On each ship, during each sailing, guests will be able to partake in special wine tastings featuring crystal stemware by Riedel and led by a sommelier.

For those looking for a retreat for the mind, body and soul, Windstar will introduce relaxing spa suites on Wind Surf. Spa suites will feature special bedding and linens, spa amenities, and credits for certified organic spa services and fitness classes in WindSpa provided by The OnboardSpa Company’s O SPA London. 

All guests will be able to enjoy new rejuvenating poolside spa treatments that take pampering to a whole new level. Offerings include a 30-minute reflexology session, a foot and ankle massage (complete with Himalayan salt scrub), an hour-long traditional sport massage or Swedish massage.

Wind Surf’s Fitness Center and Wind Star and Wind Spirit’s Gyms will receive new state-of-the-art fitness equipment including weight machines, treadmills, bikes and stair climbers from Technogym, a world leader in the design of fitness equipment.

Water sports enthusiasts appreciate the up-close and personal views of the world’s most dramatic coastlines with Windstar’s complimentary waterskiing, windsurfing, sailing, ski-tubing and kayaking from the ship’s aft Marina Deck. This summer, Windstar introduced an inflatable island trampoline to Wind Surf’s watersports platform equipment collection which has proven to be extremely popular with guests. Windstar will also be investing in new watersports equipment on all three ships. 

The ships’ library DVD collection of feature films has been expanded along with travel, adventure and discovery favorites for guests to use in their staterooms. A collection of new travel and guide books will also be added to the library. In addition to Windstar’s iPod program, where guests check out an iPod to listen to music during their sailing, Windstar will offer a Kindle program for booklovers for reading e-books and other digital media.

In March, Windstar introduced its e-Sail Docs program to support its environmental efforts. Windstar guests who opt for e-Sail Docs, receive their cruise documents earlier and in a more convenient fashion since they are delivered electronically. In the coming year, e-Sail Docs will reveal a new look and feel and include additional information on ship services.

Costa Cruises Announces Names Of Its Newest Ships To Debut In 2011/12

After more than 16,000 suggestions from more than 40,000 travel agents and fans around the world, the names of the 16th and 17th ships in the Costa fleet have been selected. The two sister ships, set to debut in 2011 and 2012, will be named the Costa Favolosa and Costa Fascinosa. The selections were chosen as a result of Costa’s “Send Us a Sea of Names” project whereby travel agents and fans sent in name suggestions for the two ships. The final selections were chosen based on their definition of the all-encompassing magic, glamour, emotion and passion reflected on all of Costa’s ships.

The Costa Favolosa and Costa Fascinosa, (114,500 gross tons with a double occupancy of 3,000 each) will be delivered in summer 2011 and spring 2012 respectively. The two new sister ships, built by Fincantieri at its Marghera shipyard, are part of a major fleet expansion plan for Costa with five new ships due for delivery between 2009 and 2012. This plan includes the launch of the Costa Luminosa and  the Costa Pacifica (June 2009) and the Costa Deliziosa (set to debut in January 2010) for a total investment worth 2.4 billion Euros. The Costa Favolosa will be the first of the two new vessels to enter service.

New adventure cruise line to enter Alaska in 2011.

InnerSea Discoveries Set To Sail In 2011

A new expedition line InnerSea Discoveries was recently formed by corporate entity InnerSea Discoveries, which also owns American Safari Cruises (ASC). While ASC will continue to offer luxe expeditions in Alaska, InnerSea Discoveries  will offer more adverturous activities on its two small ships—80-guest Wilderness Discoverer and 66-guest Wilderness Adventurer. Both expedition ships have the capability of nimbly exploring nature’s most dramatic hideaways. Their shallow draft and hull design make it possible to get as close to Southeast Alaska’s wildlife-rich shores and glacially-fed inlets as possible and are ideal platforms or “launching pads” for an exciting array of daily adventure excursions. The wide beam and ample decks allow a fleet of high-quality sea kayaks and fishing equipment to be carried as well as other activity gear. A fully equipped fishing boat will travel with each small ship.

A full-fledged brochure will be available after the first of the year and the company will begin accepting reservations in late winter 2010. Cruise operations start May 2011.

National Geographic CSD Partners With Hurtigruten In Geotourism

National Geographic’s Center for Sustainable Destinations (CSD) and Norwegian coastal liner Hurtigruten have signed a cooperation agreement to safeguard and enhance Hurtigruten’s unique destinations along the Norwegian coast -- known as some of best destinations in the world.

The cooperation agreement has been established with the intent to help Hurtigruten to become even better -- following a code of good practices.  Hurtigruten has served the passengers, the ports and the Norwegian coast since 1893 bringing freight and passengers between 34 daily ports of call year round.  This history of service gives the coastal voyager an insight beyond a travel product; and in many ways already fulfills much of National Geographic geotourism principles: to sustain or enhance a place’s geographical character by maintaining the destination’s distinctiveness - its nature, culture, history and the well-being of its residents.  "National Geographic pinpoints what we understand is the unique character of Hurtigruten.  In many ways Hurtigruten has a mission besides presenting the beautiful Norwegian coast to tourists.  This mission is exercised in cooperation with our environment - with our destinations as our local partners.  Hurtigruten supports and depends on strong and sustainable destinations and wants to improve our skills and performance on this field.  By doing this we will enhance what makes Hurtigruten unique in the world", states Hurtigruten CEO Olav Fjell.

 

October, 2009

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Star Cruises Changes Its Name To Genting Hong Kong Ltd

Shareholders approved on October 15 a Board of Directors proposal to change of the name Star Cruises to Genting Hong Kong Limited and adopt the Chinese name “雲頂香港有限公司” as the secondary name of the company to replace the Chinese name “麗星郵輪有限公司” that was adopted for identification purpose.

The name change was proposed by Star’s Board of Directors “to align with the corporate strategy of the Company in diversifying into land based integrated resorts, casino and entertainment businesses, in addition to its existing principal businesses of cruise and cruise-related operations,” according to a company statement.  “It also reflects the Company’s primary place of listing and its affiliation with the Genting Group.  Genting Berhad, the holding company of the Genting Group of companies, is listed on Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad and is a substantial shareholder of the Company indirectly. 

The Board believes that the new company name can provide the Company with a more

appropriate identification and image which will benefit the Company’s future business

development and is in the interest of the Company and the Shareholders as a whole,” the statement concluded. 

Tom Murray Joins Lindblad Expeditions in the Role of Chief Executive Officer

Lindblad Expeditions (www.expeditions.com), the small ship adventure travel

pioneer committed to conservation and environmental stewardship, has named Tom Murray as its Chief Executive Officer.  

Murray, who joined Lindblad Expeditions (LEX), last month, has a long track record of success in the hotel industry. Until recently, Tom served as Chief Operating Officer for the Americas, at Intercontinental Hotels Group, and he has spent his entire career involved with four major hotel groups – Marriott, Promus Hotels, Hilton and Intercontinental. “Bringing Tom onboard to facilitate the continued expansion and evolution of Lindblad Expeditions represents one of the best choices we have made as an institution,” said Founder Sven Lindblad.  He continued, “Tom’s skills and temperament

are very suitable for our complex organization and, on a personal level, I am very excited to have more time to focus on building ideas and working more closely with our partners around the globe to ensure their success.  I am also very excited to have Tom lead the company into the future so that I can rechannel my energy towards the elements of the

enterprise that I am most passionate about – our commitment to the environment, promoting healthy communities in the places where we travel and ensuring that opportunities exist for our expeditions to enhance learning and education for

individuals and school systems.” 

P&O Cruises to Launch ‘Pacific Pearl’ in Auckland

P&O Cruises will launch its latest superliner, Pacific Pearl, in Auckland, in an historic first, which recognizes the growing popularity of cruising in New Zealand.

The 63,500-ton, 1800-passenger superliner will be christened in Auckland Harbour on December 19, 2010 before commencing a Down Under summer season of six new cruises from the city.

Speaking in Auckland at the launch of the 2009-10 cruise season, Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia which operates P&O Cruises, said Pacific Pearl’s debut would represent the first time a cruise line had launched a superliner in New Zealand. “Given New Zealand is driving so much of our growth we thought it only fitting that the fourth ship for our expanding fleet, Pacific Pearl, should be launched in Auckland,” Sherry said.

Sherry also pointed out that the 2009/10 New Zealand cruise season will see Carnival Australia bring a record 52,000 passengers to New Zealand on 11 ships sailing under five of its brands - P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Cunard, P&O World Voyages and Yachts of Seabourn. Between them the ships will make a total of 158 port visits, 50 per cent up on last season and three times the number of visits made just five years ago.

Pacific Pearl, which is presently sailing in the UK Ocean Village fleet, will join P&O Cruises’ existing fleet of Pacific Dawn, Pacific Sun and Pacific Jewel, which will debut in Sydney this December.

Sherry said the decision to base Pacific Pearl in Auckland for her inaugural season, rather than Sydney as originally proposed, meant that Pacific Sun would now sail from Sydney over the 2010-11 summer instead of Fremantle. Sherry also pointed out that P&O Cruises remained committed to developing Fremantle as a homeport and would be looking to sail from there again in future seasons.

Regent’s ‘Seven Seas Navigator’ To Undergo Major Refurbishment This Fall

Regent Seven Seas Cruises announced that its 490-guest Seven Seas Navigator will undergo a comprehensive, stem-to-stern refurbishment just in time to debut on a New Year’s Caribbean voyage, departing Fort Lauderdale on December 28. The extensive enhancements to Seven Seas Navigator complete a fleetwide rejuvenation that was directed by the renowned marine architects Yran & Storbraaten of Oslo. Their design directive was for the ship to radiate elegance and sophistication, resplendent with rich fabrics, textures and elegant furnishings.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises Announces Revised Dress Code

As a result of guest feedback convincingly in favor of a less formal policy, Regent Seven Seas Cruises has established a revised dress code. Effective with the 2009/2010 New Year’s cruises, all guests are respectfully requested to adhere to the following guidelines:

Daytime Dress Code (until 6 p.m.) During the day, resort style clothing (including shorts, warm-up suits, jeans and sneakers) is acceptable in all public areas. Bare feet are acceptable only on the Pool Deck. Note: Bathing suits, while acceptable at the Pool Bar and Grill, are not considered appropriate in any indoor venue.

Evening Dress Code (after 6 p.m.) Two types of dress code have been established for evenings in public areas: Elegant Casual and Formal Optional. The number of Formal Optional nights per cruise is dependent upon the length of the cruise, as follows:

• Cruises of fifteen nights or less will be Elegant Casual for the duration

• Cruises of sixteen nights or more will have two Formal Optional nights

Note: Guests on the World Cruise or Grand Voyages should refer to the individual itinerary pages on our website for specific daily dress code guidelines.

Elegant Casual: Skirt, or slacks (no jeans) with blouse or sweater, pants suit or dress for ladies; slacks (no jeans) and collared shirt for gentlemen. Sport jackets are optional. Note: Jeans, T-shirts, baseball caps, shorts, sneakers and bathrobes are not considered appropriate in any public area after 6 p.m.  

Formal Optional: While guests are welcome to dress each evening as per the Elegant Casual dress code, during Formal Optional evenings, guests may opt for a more formal choice of clothing including gowns and cocktail dresses for ladies; tuxedos, dinner jackets or dark suit with tie for gentlemen.

France-Based Compagnie du Ponant Looks To More World Sales

Compagnie du Ponant is intent on attracting a more international passenger mix. At the current time, the French cruise line carries about 80 percent French passengers and 20 percent international passengers on its cruises. The company with its current fleet of three ships (excluding charters), hopes to increase the number of international passengers in the next five years, says a company executive.

Ponant will debut two new ships: Le Boreal in May 2010, and L’Austral a year later.

With two newbuildings, Le Boreal and L’Austral, coming on stream in May 2010 and May 2011, the company will double passenger capacity, around 11,000 passengers in 2008. The company says that the current customer base is not ample enough to fill the new ships; and in addition, prices are such that Ponant is not getting the number of US charters it has in the past, so more cruises are now open to independent travelers.

The itineraries, too, are a distinct ingredient with the future fleet covering the globe, except for Alaska and French Polynesia. The initial plan to position L’Austral in Asia was scrapped due to the opportunity presented by changing regulations in Antarctica, and likely soon in the Arctic. As a result Le Diamant will go to Asia beginning winter 2010, being replaced in Antarctica by Le Boreal--the latter is being chartered by luxe tour operator Abercrombie & Kent for its 2010/11 season out of Ushuaia, Brazil. In 2008, 60 percent of Ponant cruises were charters.    –Excerpted from Sea Trader Insider News

US House Of Representatives OKs Cruise Ship Safety Bill

Legislation aimed at improving cruise ship safety and formalizing crime reporting requirements was approved October 23 in the US House of Representatives as part of a massive Coast Guard reauthorization bill. It's the first time such a bill has made it to a House vote despite repeated attempts. The measure must still be approved by the Senate and sighed by President Obak Obama.

The House bill would require cruise lines that serve U.S. ports to publicly report shipboard crimes, employ US doctors and install peepholes in cabin doors, among other requirements.

The cruise industry has faced criticism in recent years for a series of high-profile cases involving missing passengers, sexual attacks and so-called sick ships. Cruise lines have largely been exempt from federal oversight. Most ships are registered in foreign countries, and companies are not required to pay income tax, comply with U.S. labor laws or report shipboard crimes and illness outbreaks to U.S. authorities.

The industry has maintained that cruising is one of the safest forms of leisure travel. But after several congressional hearings into cruise crime, the industry began voluntarily reporting serious shipboard incidents to the FBI and the Coast Guard.

The proposed legislation -- HR 3619, written by Rep. Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento) -- would make that reporting mandatory and require statistical crime information to be posted on a public website maintained by the Coast Guard.

The House bill would also require security latches on all new ships, use of time-sensitive key cards and technology to detect when someone goes overboard. Each ship would also have to provide anti-retroviral medications to rape victims to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. Sexual assault victims also would be given access to a rape crisis hotline. At least one crewmember would be trained in crime scene investigation and evidence preservation.

Cruise Lines International Association, the cruise industry's lobbying and marketing organization, supports the legislation.    ---Excerpted from LA Times

CLIA’s World’s Largest Cruise Night 09 Breaks Previous Participation Records

Cruise Lines International Association's World's Largest Cruise Night (WLCN) shatter end previous participation records by nearly 25 percent as travel agencies across North America teamed up with CLIA member cruise lines and other partners to dramatically stimulate sales. Leading up to WLCN's October 14 date, over 4,000 virtual, or online, events and 1,262 traditional, or live, events had been registered to take advantage of CLIA's and member lines' marketing support to reach consumers. "We are beyond thrilled that travel agents have embraced World's Largest Cruise Night in record numbers this year. There's never been a more important time to create your own stimulus package and WLCN is a unique opportunity to boost cruise sales through high-visibility virtual or traditional events designed to reach those customers most likely to cruise. Once again, with this increased level of participation, we have the potential to break all records,' said Bob Sharak, executive vice president, CLIA.

Immediately at the end of October, CLIA will survey participants to determine and report on total number of bookings and their sales value as well as total commissions for World's Largest Cruise Night. Virtual WLCN will remain online through October 31.

SeaDream Yacht Club Announces Key Personnel Appointments

Christopher Burgess, whom SeaDream Yacht Club President Bob Lepisto refers to as “the numbers whiz kid of the organization,” has been appointed Director, Database Management and Miami Operations. Burgess joined SeaDream in 2007 as Revenue and Database Manager.

The line also announced the appointment of cruise-industry veteran Erling Frydenberg to the position of Vice President Hotel Operations. Frydenberg will be based at the company's headquarters in Oslo and will oversee hotel, culinary, crewing and purchasing. SeaDream’s President Bob Lepisto commented: ”This appointment confirms our long-term committment to provide the absolutely finest service possible. We take great pride in the quality of the unique SeaDream yachting experience. Erling will not only help us maintain the fine SeaDream Yacht Club reputation but will ensure that it is enhanced further in the years ahead.”

An accomplished veteran of the luxury-cruise industry, Frydenberg brings over twenty-five years of niche cruise-industry experience to his new position at SeaDream Yacht Club. A native of Oslo, Norway, Erling graduated from Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne, and earned an MBA from Pepperdine University in Los Angeles.

The third appointment announced by SeaDream is Gretchen Bell who has been named Vice President Sales, the Americas for SeaDream Yacht Club. A member of the original SeaDream team that put together the classy operation in 2001, Gretchen Bell has served as Director of Business Development and National Accounts since that time.

Princess, Cunard Begin New Version Of OneSource Travel Agent Website

Princess Cruises and Cunard Line have started a new version of the OneSource travel agent web portal at www.onesourcecruises.com. This new site allows visitors to cruise through a number of resources for access to sales and marketing, bookings, media, and more. The redesigned sales and marketing section of the website expands upon a previous version of eTools, with customizable promotional emails, advertising materials, eFlyers, and eBrochures.  This section also includes a sales report function so that agents can monitor business trends and sales patterns within the company.

For automated assistance, “OneSource Answers” provides agents with many of the same resources used by customer service agents on the phone.  The searchable database displays information about policies, procedures, ports of call, onboard info, and more.  Agents can also turn to the “Princess Media Library” for access to over 300 cruise images for use on their own promotional materials and websites.

Booking cruises is handled on the site by the POLAR Online booking engine, and agents interested in more extensive online training programs can sign up for free online webinars.

New Record Set For 2009 Cruise Passenger Visits To Stockholm

This year’s cruise season in Stocholm set a new record. At the end of the last week of the season this month, more than 440,000 cruise passengers had visited Stockholm, which is an increase of 60,000 compared to 2008. “More than 440,000 passengers is a fantastic statistic that shows the power of attraction of Stockholm as a destination. U.S.A., Germany and Great Britain are still the major cruise countries, but the 2009 results demonstrate that our marketing efforts in Europe have yielded results. The strongest growth markets are Spain and Italy, providing us with the impetus to continue to back cruise tourism,” said Josefin Haraldsson, project leader for Stockholm Cruise Network at the Stockholm Visitors Board.

The revenue generated by cruise travelers is important and profitable for the city. These travelers spend between SEK 450 million ($54 million) and SEK 500 million ($71 million) in the city, approximately SEK 1,100 ($157) per person. This season 84,000 cruise passengers were so called “turnaround” passengers. These are passengers who either begin or end their cruise in Stockholm. This demographic group is particularly important to the tourist industry as it generates overnight-stays in Stockholm.

In recent years, Ports of Stockholm has invested in new cruise centers. A new cruise center opened in the port of Frihamnen in 2008 and during 2010 another new center will open in the Stora Tullhuset building at the Stadsgårdskajen quay. This new center means that the city can provide passengers with a more comprehensive service, such as tourist information, a café and shopping. In 2008, 265 ships called in Stockholm; in 2009, 293 did. In 2008, 365,000 cruise passengers called; in 2009, 443,000 did.

A survey of 1,200 cruise visitors found that 87 percent were happy or very happy with their visit to Stockholm, 73 percent say that it is likely or very likely that they will recommend a holiday in Stockholm to a friend, 89 percent thought that their visit to Stockholm was better or much better than they had expected it to be, and 82 percent were happy or very happy with the welcoming services in Stockholm. For more information, visit www.stockholmcruise.com.

Seabourn Cancels Indian Ocean Cruises Planned for 2010/11

The Yachts of Seabourn will not operate a planned five-month, 15-cruise series of voyages in the Indian Ocean aboard the 208-guest, all-suite yacht Seabourn Legend in late 2010 and early 2011. The vessel will instead be positioned back to the Americas at the end of its Mediterranean season to cruise in the Caribbean for the winter.

Calling the decision “regrettable,” Seabourn’s president and CEO Pamela Conover said that while the intended shoreside destinations remain apparently safe for visitors, the high seas routes between them are currently vulnerable to incidents of piracy that have not been adequately controlled.” It makes me sad to have to cancel these cruises,” Conover said. “I personally loved touring Kenya’s game parks, and the islands of the Seychelles, Madagascar and Zanzibar are lovely and exotic destinations where we sincerely had hoped to be able to take our guests. We look forward to a time when the sea routes are controlled enough for us to cruise there for a season.”

Azamara, Celebrity Appoint New  Marketing Directors                                   

Signe Bjørndal is the latest veteran luxury industry executive to join Larry Pimentel’s team at Azamara Cruises, Seatrade Insider has learned. In the past year Bjørndal had established her own Miami-based marketing consultancy, SB Communication.

She earlier served as director of marketing and sales for Hawks Cay Resort and Cheeca Lodge, both in the Florida Keys. Previous positions were director of marketing for Silversea Cruises, vp marketing and communications for ResidenSea and director of marketing worldwide for Cunard Line.

Prior marketing and advertising roles were with Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Cruise Line and Royal Viking Line.

Royal Caribbean to Grant Wishes Onboard ‘Oasis Of The Seas’

When Royal Caribbean International officially names Oasis of the Seas - the world's largest and most revolutionary cruise ship - on November 30, at Port Everglades Cruise Terminal in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., the cruise line will be doing more than making wishes come true for vacationers, it will be granting wishes for children across the country through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Royal Caribbean will be hosting an inaugural celebration-fundraiser onboard Oasis of the Seas and has donated 100 percent of the sales from 1,000 of the ship's staterooms for this once-in-a-lifetime event to the non-profit Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. Tickets for the event begin at $750 per person. Guests who purchase one of the staterooms and wish to continue their adventure onboard will receive an exclusive discount price, beginning at $650 per person, on a four-night cruise package sailing to the cruise line's private beach destination, Labadee, departing the morning following the event on Dec. 1 (rates based on double-occupancy and stateroom package).

Wish kids and their families will participate in the onboard festivities during the celebration on Nov. 30, including the official naming ceremony of Oasis of the Seas, and will enjoy the ship's world-class entertainment amenities during the spectacular inaugural event. Onboard amenities for guests' enjoyment will include two rock-climbing walls, two FlowRider surf simulators, four unique types of pools in the Pool and Sports Zone, spa treatments at the Vitality Spa and Fitness Center, and an acrobatic diving show in the AquaTheater. Additionally, guests will enjoy a special dinner featured in the Opus Dining Room after which they can catch side-splitting comics in Comedy Live, relax in one of the ships many lounges, or join in world-class gaming in the Casino Royale.

Anyone interested in attending the November 30 festivities and/or booking the exclusively discounted four-night cruise to Labadee departing December 1 should contact Cynthia Paez, Royal Caribbean International, at (877) 202-1520, ext. 12751, or cpaez@rccl.com.

Good Morning America Broadcasts Live From ‘Oasis of the Seas’ November 20

On November 20, Royal Caribbean International will unveil their newest and most innovative cruise ship, Oasis of the Seas on ABC’s “Good Morning America. The US morning talk show will give viewers an exclusive first glimpse of the highly anticipated ship during a special live broadcast.

GMA fans across the country can tune in on Friday, November 20, 2009, from 7:00 am – 9:00 am (ET) on ABC for a sneak peek at the seven distinct neighborhoods and many spectacular elements and features onboard Oasis of the Seas. Some of these unique features include Central Park, the first park at sea with nearly 12,000 plants and trees; Boardwalk, a family oriented environment with a hand-carved carousel; a thrilling zip wire ride that races diagonally over Boardwalk 90 feet above the deck; 28 multilevel loft suites boasting floor-to-ceiling windows; and the AquaTheater – an amphitheater style space that serves as a pool by day and a dazzling oceanfront theater by night.

“We couldn’t think of a better way to launch Oasis of the Seas than by partnering with “Good Morning America” to show her off on morning television for the very first time” said Adam Goldstein, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Oasis of the Seas is our most innovative and imaginative ship yet, and we are confident that the millions of viewers will be wowed by what they see.”  

In addition to the live broadcast,  Royal Caribbean and “Good Morning America” are working with ABC affiliate stations in six markets – Hartford, Miami, New York, Orlando, San Francisco and Seattle – to execute a contest/search for people who have done something extraordinary for their community, making friends and neighbors thankful for the effort.  Three deserving individuals (plus guest) in each market will win a trip to join GMA for the live broadcast onboard Oasis of the Seas, and will enjoy an exclusive pre-inaugural cruise following the show.

NCL introduces ‘Norwegian Epic’s Captains and Hotel Directors

NCL named the two seasoned captains who will serve on Norwegian Epic, the company’s largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship to date. In a live interactive online event, NCL also introduced the ship’s two hotel directors who will be responsible for all guest areas, including the 20 dining options, world-class entertainment, extensive nightlife venues, along with family and recreational activities. The company also unveiled Norwegian Epic’s inaugural sailing dates in both Europe and the United States.

The 4.200 passenger Norwegian Epic will enter service next June under the command of Captain Trygve Vorren, a 29-year seafaring veteran who is currently captain of Norwegian Jade; and Captain Hakan Svedung, at sea for 35 years and currently captain of Norwegian Dawn. Vorren, a native of Norway, joined NCL in 1980 as first officer on the SS Norway, then the world’s largest cruise ship.  He has also served aboard Skyward, Southward, Sunward II, Dreamward, Leeward, Starward, Royal Odyssey, Norwegian Sea, Norwegian Crown, Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Majesty. Svedung, who lives in Sweden, has served on Norwegian Dawn since 2006; prior to that he worked for Star Cruises, one of NCL’s shareholders, for 12 years. Both captains are looking forward to this exciting and challenging new role.

Klaus Lugmaier and Sean Wurmhoeringer will serve as Norwegian Epic’s hotel directors. Lugmaier, currently director of shipboard operations at the company’s Miami headquarters, began his career at NCL 21 years ago aboard Seaward and held a variety of positions before becoming one of the youngest hotel directors in the cruise industry at the age of 26. As hotel director, he has launched seven of the company’s new ships, including Leeward, Norwegian Sky, Norwegian Star, Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Gem. He was also part of the team that launched Norwegian Dream and Norwegian Wind. 

Wurmhoeringer, with NCL since 2002, is currently serving as hotel director on Norwegian Spirit and has also served on Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Sky.

Inaugural Sailing Dates

The company also revealed that it will showcase Norwegian Epic to travel partners and media in both Europe and the United States during five inaugural sailings, prior to the ship entering weekly service to the Caribbean in July, 2010 from Miami.  Following delivery in mid-June, 2010, Norwegian Epic will sail to Rotterdam for a two-night inaugural cruise departing on June 19, followed by a one-night cruise from Rotterdam to Southampton (London) on June 21, and then a two-night inaugural cruise from Southampton on June 22. Following her transatlantic crossing from London to New York on June 24, the ship will be christened in New York on July 2, followed by a three-night inaugural cruise over the Fourth of July weekend. Once in Miami, the ship will sail a two-night inaugural cruise on July 8. The ship’s first seven-day Eastern Caribbean voyage is scheduled for July 10 and is currently on sale, along with the ship’s alternating Western Caribbean sailings.

Norwegian Epic is currently under construction at STX Europe in France. At 153.000 gross tons, the ship is NCL’s largest with 19 decks, spanning 325 meters in length and 40 meters in width with a 8,5 meters draft, staffed with approximately 1.730 crew members.

HAL’s New Interactive Site Gives Peek Of NewBuild ‘ms Nieuw Amstersdam’

Holland American has introduced a new microsite that gives a look at the line’s newest ship ms Nieuw Amsterdam. The site is located on www.hollandamerica.com website in the Quick Links area of the homepage.

The site allows visitors to explore features of Holland America Line’s newest Signature class ship through interactive videos, photographs, animation and renderings that bring the ship to life.  “We are using the latest technology to present our new ship’s diverse amenities in a way that informs, engages and inspires our guests,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales, and guest programs.  “We look forward with great anticipation to the launch of this beautiful ship next July.  Until then, this new site allows us to share all the wonderful details with cruisers who are anxious to experience the Nieuw Amsterdam.”

When first arriving at the page, a vibrant animated invitation to explore the Nieuw Amsterdam greets visitors.  From this aerial, 360-degree view of the ship, visitors can then enter into public areas of the ship to visually explore staterooms, the grand atrium, entertainment and dining venues, and other locations.

Ship renderings and animation are used in combination with photos and narrated videos from other Holland America Line ships, including sister ship ms Eurodam, to give visitors an idea of what it will be like to sail aboard the 2,104-guest Nieuw Amsterdam.

Visitors will also find helpful links to connect to the Find Cruises tool on Holland America Line’s website and the Holland America Blog — a fleetwide web blog that highlights all 14 existing ships, including the latest news and photographs on the progress of Nieuw Amsterdam and a wide array of topics.  It’s also easy to share the site with a friend via email.

Nieuw Amsterdam’s inaugural cruise sails July 4, 2010 10-days roundtrip from Venice to ports in Croatia, Greece, Montenegro and Italy.  After several Mediterranean sailings, Nieuw Amsterdam embarks on a fall crossing of the Atlantic as she heads to warmth of the Caribbean for the remaining winter months.

Fred Olsen’s ‘Black Watch Scheduled For Major Refurbishment In December

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ ship Black Watch will enter dry-dock in early December 2009 for an extensive refurbishment.   The work, to be carried out at the Blohm + Voss GmbH shipyard in Hamburg, is scheduled to start December 2 when Black Watch returns from a Canary Islands cruise.  She will resume service on December 14, with a five-day European Christmas Markets mini cruise, departing from Southampton, England.

The work being done will include a major refurbishment of the ship’s public areas, including a new casual dining area, which will be created in the space where the Braemar Lounge and Garden Café are currently situated – midships on Deck 6, Lounge Deck. The transformed area will become the Braemar Garden, a casual dining area with seating for over 120 persons, and replaces the Garden Café that currently seats only 80.  One section of this newly created dining area will be screened off; creating a 40-seat room that can be used for private dining. This new area will be completely refitted with new soft furnishings, a new bar, and buffet.

Other areas of the ship will also have new soft furnishings as part of this program, including the Neptune Lounge, Piper’s Bar, Glentanar Restaurant (one of the main formal dining areas), and the Observatory Lounge. In addition, many bathrooms will also be refitted. “This is a major refurbishment for the very elegant Black Watch, and will improve and enhance the facilities on board,” says Nigel Lingard, Marketing Director for the Olsen Line. “The new casual dining area will be fresher and more contemporary, and will offer a more spacious option for those choosing this dining option.”

On the technical side, Black Watch will also have her last three open lifeboats replaced by two covered boats, which will be supplied by Fassmer Davit International.

Richard Bailey Named Chairman, President & CEO Of Paul Gauguin Cruises

Pacific Beachcomber, owner of Paul Gauguin Cruises since August, has announced the completion of the company’s post-acquisition management transition. Effective immediately, the company announced that Richard Bailey will serve as chairman, president and CEO of Paul Gauguin Cruises, replacing acting President and CEO David Giersdorf. “We are ready as the new owners of Paul Gauguin Cruises to assume our full role in managing the company from this point forward,” said Bailey, who also serves as managing director of Pacific Beachcomber.

Paul Gauguin Cruises was acquired in August 2009 by Pacific Beachcomber, which owns the four InterContinental Resorts in French Polynesia: Intercontinental Tahiti Resort, Intercontinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort, Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, and Intercontinental Moorea Resort and Spa. The company also owns and manages the Maitai Hotel on Bora Bora and is developing a luxury eco-resort called “The Brando" on the late actor’s private island.

Bailey said Giersdorf’s accomplishments over the past year in defining and launching the Paul Gauguin Cruises brand, leading the team, establishing and expanding valuable relationships in the travel community contributed greatly to Paul Gauguin Cruises being an attractive business opportunity for Pacific Beachcomber to pursue. “We hope to continue to draw on his talents in the future,” he said.

In 2010, the 332-passenger Paul Gauguin will offer a choice of 38 itineraries, ranging from seven to 15 nights, including visits to Tahiti, the Society Islands, Tuamotus, the Cook Islands, Marquesas, Tonga, Fiji and New Zealand.

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ ‘Ms Hanseatic’ Receives A Facelift

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ returned to service after a two-week shipyard stay. The main objective of the shipyard stay was the replacement of the cabin windows as well as the refurbishment of the suites, which included gutting and rebuilding the bathrooms in the suites with separate bath tubs and showers, and adding new marble walls and granite floors. Additionally, two suites received a new cabin design. Another modification is the transformation of the hair salon into a modern styling and cosmetics studio. A new lighting and sound system also was added to the deck.

The Hanseatic will also be offering a new art-on-board concept, which will include premium-quality black and white photographs, portraying extraordinary nature and animal scenes throughout the ship, emphasizing the spirit of expedition. And

new ITV system offers direct access to the Internet from all cabins. The additional installation of Wireless LAN (local area network) makes it possible to use the Internet in many public spaces on board as well. For itinerary information, click Cruise Itineraries.

‘Black Watch’ To Enter Drydock In December

The Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ ship Black Watch will enter dry-dock in early December 2009 for an extensive refurbishment program.  The work, to be carried out at the Blohm + Voss GmbH shipyard in Hamburg, is scheduled to start on December 2. She will resume service on December 14 with a five day European Christmas Markets mini cruise, departing from Southampton.

The work will include a major refurbishment of the ship’s public areas, including a new casual dining area, which will be created in the space where the Braemar Lounge and Garden Café are currently situated – midships on Deck 6, Lounge Deck. The transformed area will become the Braemar Garden, a casual dining area with seating for over 120 persons, and replaces the Garden Café, which currently seats only 80. One section of this newly created dining area will be screened off, creating a 40-seat room that can be used for private dining. This new area will be completely refitted with new soft furnishings, a new bar, and buffet.

Other areas of the ship will also have new soft furnishings as part of this programmed, including the Neptune Lounge, Piper’s Bar, Glentanar Restaurant (one of the main formal dining areas), and the Observatory Lounge. In addition, many bathrooms will also be refitted.

Nigel Lingard, Marketing Director for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: "This is a major refurbishment for the very elegant Black Watch, and will improve and enhance the facilities on board. The new casual dining area will be fresher and more contemporary, and will offer a more spacious option for those choosing this dining option."

On the technical side, Black Watch will also have her last three open lifeboats replaced by two covered boats, which will be supplied by Fassmer Davit International.

MSC Cruises’ Group Policies Feature Flexibility

Groups large and small can custom-tailor their onboard programs as well as benefit from attractive group rates on MSC Cruises’ sailings worldwide. MSC Cruises offers groups everything in one location while onboard, from multiple restaurants and dining options, to nightlife, A/V equipment, meeting room space, interpreters, WiFi and a spa where they can rejuvenate from a day’s worth of meetings. There are team-building opportunities including shipboard volleyball, bowling, and special shore excursions featuring golf and more. There’s even an exclusive MSC Yacht Club (on MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida) area where companies can purchase staterooms as an incentive for recognizing their outstanding performers.

Highlights of MSC Cruises’ group programs include special rates, amenities and programs are available for groups booking eight staterooms or more on all sailings.

Each group earns “music points” based on the length of cruise, departure date and destination of the cruise. The “music points” can be used to provide complimentary shipboard credits, events and other services and amenities.

Specific arrangements for onboard activities and programs can be arranged through the MSC Cruises Group Department and generally must be made at least 75 days prior to sailing. Large groups (100 staterooms or more) are served by a dedicated MSC employee representative who coordinates all plans and special arrangements.

‘Costa Atlantica’ Racks A Perfect 100 For Vessel Sanitation

Part of the Costa Cruises fleet, once Costa Atlantica again received a perfect score for vessel sanitation in a recent inspection conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  The inspection was held on September 26 during a stopover in New York, one of the port calls of the Costa Atlantica during the latter part of her transatlantic cruise. The cruise departed on September 16 from Savona and ended on October 3 in Québec.

The CDC inspections are part of the Vessel Sanitation Program introduced in the early 1970s for all ships that stop in a U.S. port.  The inspections are unannounced and conducted by officials from the United States Public Health Service twice a year.  The score, on a scale from 1 to 100, is assigned based on a checklist with 48 areas of assessment, evaluating hygiene and sanitation of food (from storage to preparation), water, shipboard personnel and the ship as a whole.

This is the sixth time that the Costa Cruises fleet has received maximum marks from the CDC inspectors.  The first vessel to obtain the perfect 100 was the Costa Atlantica in 2001. She repeated this success in 2005, while her sister ship, the Costa Mediterranea, obtained a top score in 2004, 2005 and 2006. To  see how other cruise ships rate, click

Vessel Sanitation on shipsandcruises’ homepage.

Celebrity Cruises Names New Vice President, Marketing

Celebrity Cruises has appointed Lisa Kauffman as Vice President of Marketing.  Kauffman will lead the brand’s overall marketing program, including brand strategy and development, web marketing, research, loyalty and direct marketing, public relations and advertising.  She will report to Celebrity’s President & CEO Dan Hanrahan.

Kauffman has worked in the retail and marketing arenas for more than 20 years, most recently serving as senior Vice President of Marketing for Macy’s, Florida, where she led a team of 120 executives responsible for marketing, advertising, sales promotion, public relations, special events, loyalty marketing and direct marketing.

Prior to Macy’s, she served in several senior roles with The Walt Disney Company.  A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Kauffman also studied at the American College in Paris in Paris, France.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd Becomes ABTA member

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd has reinforced its commitment to UK travel trade with confirmation of its membership in the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) effective October 1, 2009. The move means that cruise-only holidays offered by the company’s three global brands – Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises – will be bonded under the ABTA protection scheme from that date, rather than under the current Passenger Shipping Association bonding scheme.  

Robin Shaw, vice president and managing director, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, UK and Ireland, commented: “Our decision to join ABTA comes at an exciting time for the organization and the industry as a whole. Over recent months there is a real feeling that businesses involved in travel and tourism should speak with one voice through one body – and ABTA is taking on the challenge to be the main lobbying body. We look forward to having our say and being able to make a positive contribution on behalf of the cruise sector.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd remains a full and dedicated member of the Passenger Shipping Association (PSA) and will continue to play an active part in its work promoting the cruise industry to both the trade and consumers. The decision to join ABTA will not affect the PSA. By joining ABTA, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd will officially sign up to the association’s Codes of Conduct, though Shaw pointed out that the business was already complying with all regulations as part of its everyday operations.

ABTA membership and bonding does not impact on Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd’s existing CAA bonding for flight-inclusive cruise packages, which will continue under the ATOL scheme.

 ABTA – The UK  Travel Association was founded in 1950 and currently has 1,351 members with 5,700 outlets. Members include travel agents, tour operators and support services right across the spectrum from small family-owned businesses to the largest tour operators.  ABTA is the largest travel association in the UK and its members provide 90% of the foreign package holidays in the UK as well as selling millions of independent travel arrangements.  In 2008 ABTA merged with the Federation of Tour Operators [FTO], thereby cementing its role as the leading travel association and increasing benefits for both ABTA and FTO members. Both the ABTA and the FTO brands will be retained.

Abercrombie & Kent Charters Ponant’s ‘Le Boreal’ For 2010/11 Antarctic Season

To celebrate 20 years in Antarctica, Abercrombie & Kent has chartered the spacious new Ponant Cruises; MV Le Boreal, an all-balcony expedition ship, for the 2010/2011 Antarctic season during the best months to travel in these remote waters. Designed with the environment in mind, MV Le Boreal will be an environmentally friendly ship sailing in Antarctica, with new cutting-edge technology designed to ensure that the ship operates with minimal impact on the environment. The ship currently being built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona, Italy will debut in May 2010.

 

 

September, 2009

More news at

Cruise Lines Itineraries & Offers

Expedition/Eco Cruises

New Ships

CLIA

Cruise Ports

River News & Offers

Ambassadors Int’l. Signs Definitive Agreement to Sell Queen of the West

Ambassadors International, Inc. announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell Queen of the West to Blue Spruce LLC, an affiliate of American Cruise Lines.

The 142-guest Queen of the West most recently operated seven-night cruises on the Columbia and Snake rivers roundtrip from Portland, Oregon. The vessel features 71 staterooms, four decks, a dining room, a show room, a lounge and a bar and grill.

With this sale, Ambassadors continues to execute the plan announced in February 2009 to focus all capital and efforts on Windstar Cruises and the small ship luxury segment.

Ambassadors has also completed sales of the Housing portion of its Travel and Events division and its Marine Group earlier this year and recently entered into a definitive agreement to dispose of Ambassadors' Cypress Reinsurance business.

Fincantieri Delivers ‘Carnival Dream’ At Monfalcone Shipyard                                

Fincantieri delivered on September 18 the Carnival Dream, at 130,000gt, the largest cruise ship ever built in Italy and the largest vessel in the Carnival Cruise Lines fleet.

Present for the handover at the Monfalcone shipyard were acting vp of Italy’s Senate, Rosa Angela Mauro; the minister for Institutional Reforms and Devolution, Umberto Bossi; Carnival Corp. & plc chairman and ceo Micky Arison and Carnival brand president and ceo Gerry Cahill. Fincantieri was represented by chairman Corrado Antonini and ceo Giuseppe Bono.

Since 1990 Fincantieri has built 50 cruise ships, 47 for brands in Carnival Group. A further 12 vessels are scheduled to be delivered by 2012 in the group’s shipyards.

Carnival Corporation & Plc Reports Third Quarter Earnings

Carnival Corporation & plc  reported net income of $1.1 billion, or $1.33 diluted EPS, on revenues of $4.1 billion for its third quarter ended August 31, 2009. Net income for the third quarter of 2008 was $1.3 billion, or $1.65 diluted EPS, on revenues of $4.8 billion.

Micky Arison, Carnival Corporation & plc Chairman and CEO, commenting on third quarter results said, “given the global economic environment earning more than $1 billion this quarter was quite an achievement and is a testament to the power of our global brands. Our net income for the quarter exceeded our previous guidance, as a result of better than expected pricing on close-in bookings worldwide during the seasonally strong summer period.”

Key metrics for the third quarter of 2009 compared to the prior year were as follows:

•           On a constant dollar basis net revenue yields (net revenue per available lower berth day) decreased 12.3 percent for Q3 2009 which was better than our June guidance of down 14 to 16 percent. Net revenue yields in current dollars decreased 16.5 percent due to unfavorable currency exchange rates. Gross revenue yields in current dollars decreased 17.6 percent.

•           Excluding fuel, net cruise costs per available lower berth day (“ALBD”) for Q3 2009 were 0.7 percent lower on a constant dollar basis.  Excluding the impact of the $26 million insurance settlement received during the same period last year, net cruise costs per ALBD excluding fuel were 2.4 percent lower on a constant dollar basis.                      

•           Including fuel, net cruise costs per ALBD decreased 11.4 percent on a constant dollar basis (decreased 14.8 percent in current dollars). Gross cruise costs per ALBD decreased 17.1 percent in current dollars.

•           Fuel price decreased 39 percent to $405 per metric ton for Q3 2009 from $666 per metric ton in Q3 2008 and was in line with the June guidance of $406 per metric ton.

Outlook 

Since June, booking volumes for the remainder of 2009 and the first half of 2010 are running 19 percent ahead of the prior year. Although occupancy levels are catching up with last year they are still slightly behind, with ticket prices for these bookings also at lower levels. “While the environment for travel remains challenging, we are encouraged by the strength we have had in booking volumes throughout the year. Consumers are responding to the attractive pricing and product offerings our brands have in the marketplace. We have begun to experience an extension in the booking window as consumers realize the best value by booking early. For consumers, the value proposition has never been greater than it is now, so prospective vacationers looking for the best price should act quickly,” said Arison.

Based primarily on the strength in the third quarter, the company now expects full year net revenue yields, on a constant dollar basis, to decrease 10 percent, at the better end of its previous guidance range of down 10 to 12 percent. The company forecasts a 14 percent decline in net revenue yields on a current dollar basis for the full year 2009 compared to 2008 caused by unfavorable movements in currency exchange rates.

The company continues to expect net cruise costs excluding fuel for the full year 2009 to be in line with the prior year on a constant dollar basis. Based on current spot prices for fuel, forecasted fuel costs for the full year have increased $40 million since the previous guidance, costing $0.05 per share. This has been partially offset by favorable movements in currency exchange rates worth $0.03 per share.

Taking all the above factors into consideration, the company now forecasts full year 2009 earnings per share to be in the range of $2.16 to $2.20, compared to its previous guidance range of $2.00 to $2.10.

CLIA Remains Committed To H1n1 Prevention & Control Protocols

The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) reiterated this month its commitment to aggressively managing all cases of influenza, including the H1N1 virus, as the fall season approaches and brings a potential resurgence of the virus. During the annual conference of Seatrade Europe in Hamburg, Germany, CLIA Executive Vice President Michael Crye highlighted the industry’s continued cooperation with international health authorities. "Based on our consultations with health officials, the industry is continuously revising its policies and procedures as the situation dictates. As a result, we are in a position to respond quickly to evolving circumstances and to communicate professionally with medical authorities," said Crye.

CLIA’s current policies for the prevention and control of H1N1 cases are the result of months of work and collaboration among CLIA member lines, U.S. and international public health authorities, and ports around the world. Since the onset of the H1N1 outbreak, CLIA has held meetings and discussions with a variety of organizations, including the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pan American Health Organization, Caribbean Community and Common Market, United Nations World Tourism Organization, and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. "We will continue to coordinate with health authorities around the world to ensure that CLIA protocols are up-to-date and effective. The cruise industry is taking these proactive steps out of an abundance of caution to keep H1N1 off of cruise ships and appropriately manage and treat any influenza illnesses when and if they occur," said Crye.

In May, CLIA announced enhanced screening protocols to protect the public. Under the new policy, all passengers are required to complete and sign a written questionnaire prior to boarding a CLIA member cruise ship anywhere in the world. A secondary screening will be conducted if a passenger reports on the questionnaire flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, runny nose or sore throat, or contact with a confirmed Influenza A (H1N1) case.

Medical personnel at each cruise line will make case by case decisions regarding the boarding of these passengers. Passengers will not be permitted to travel if they exhibit influenza-like-illness or meet the suspect case conditions for H1N1 as defined by CDC.

Further, medical staff will isolate and treat passengers and crew with flu symptoms, if such a situation arises while the cruise ship is under way. CLIA member lines that operate internationally will maintain appropriate medical support equipment and medications, including anti-viral medications that are effective in treating flu, including H1N1.

Disney Ranks Dirtiest, HAL Best in First-Ever Cruise Ship Environmental Report

This month Friends of the Earth issued the first-ever Cruise Ship Environmental Report Card, an assessment of the environmental and human health footprint of cruise lines and ships operating in the United States.

Millions of Americans take cruise vacations every year. Travelers may not realize that taking a cruise is more harmful to the environment and human health than many other forms of travel. “For the first time, vacationers can decide which cruise to take based on a ship’s environmental and human health impacts,” said Marcie Keever, Clean Vessels Campaign Director at Friends of the Earth. “Typically, cruise ship passengers are attracted to cruise vacations with pictures of pristine waters and promises of unspoiled scenery and abundant wildlife, but these passengers are never told that their vacation could leave a dirty mark on the places they visit. This is something travelers should pay close attention to: half of the cruise lines we evaluated earned grades of C- or below.”

Cruise ships carrying up to 7,000 passengers and crew are like floating cities that release substantial amounts of pollution into the air and water. Cruise ships have the potential to despoil the very areas they visit and passengers often ask whether there are any cruise lines or ships that are environmentally friendly.

Friends of the Earth’s report card ranks ten major lines—Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Cunard Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, and Silversea Cruises—according to three environmental criteria: sewage treatment technology, air pollution reduction, and water quality compliance in Alaskan waters. Holland America, Norwegian and Princess come out on top, and Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Disney are rated the worst.

An explanation of Friends of the Earth’s grading system, information about the environmental impact of individual cruise ships, and actions people can take to pressure cruise lines to clean up their act can be found at http://www.foe.org/cruisereportcard.

CLIA Refutes Friends of The Earth Environmental Findings

Cruise Lines International Association is reported to have refuted a cruise ship environmental study issued by Friends of the Earth (FOE), saying it is “not based on science, law or the facts, but rather FOE’s own arbitrary and flawed criteria.’’

The San Francisco-based environmental group evaluated lines on sewage treatment technology, air pollution reduction and water quality compliance in Alaskan waters. Holland America Line ranked highest, with a B, followed by Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruises with B-. Royal Caribbean International and Disney Cruise Line both failed.

CLIA’s forceful rebuttal states that, above all, FOE ignored the fact that cruise lines comply with and in most cases exceed all environmental regulations set by the federal government and other regulatory bodies around the world. “Fortunately Friends of the Earth has no authority in the matter,’ CLIA said. ‘Regulatory compliance is not based on meeting Friends of the Earth’s biased, unscientific interpretation of what the rules should be.’

CLIA noted that while some member lines’ ships are equipped to use shore power, the technology is only available at five berths in North America. ‘Therefore, to fail a ship for not using port-side technology that is not even available is emblematic of FOE’s tactics and further discredits this so-called report card.’

On water quality, CLIA said that while many vessels in its fleet are equipped with advanced wastewater purification systems, which produce effluent cleaner than that of most municipalities, those ships that do not have the new technology use federally required sewage treatment systems. The wastewater effluent meets national clean water standards, CLIA stated.

Cruise Europe Launches New Interactive Website

In recognition of the need for more interactive liaison with the consumer, cruise lines and their partners and its desire to keep abreast and ahead of the industry, Cruise Europe relaunched with a completely new website and corporate identity. Dirk Moldenhauer, chairman Cruise Europe, says: “We live in a time where everything changes and develops faster than ever, so we must be able to adapt to what is going on in the world quickly and professionally." Cruise Europe recognizes that the web is the only way to provide up to the minute information and also the growing demand for paperless offices.

"We think it is very important to keep up with the trend, especially of US cruise lines, where companies such as Holland America Line are reducing their costs and moving towards totally eliminating all printed matter,” Moldenhauer explained.

The website – www.cruiseeurope.com -- will be much more elaborate with over 400 pages and 500 web links. It will include information for the cruise lines, an intranet for the members plus access to information about the Cruise Europe regions and destinations for the consumer. Additions will be a media gallery, more than 300 FAQs, statements from cruise passengers and a 'what's on' page listing more than 300 events. In the fall, a news service will be introduced online.

The 106-member Cruise Europe's annual statistics demonstrate the incredible growth taking place in the region. In 2008 7.86m passengers were recorded on 6,333 calls while in 2007 there were 6.44m passengers on 5,684 calls. Despite the global recession, figures for 2009 are coming in strong. Moldenhauer says: "Talking to our member ports, it looks as though the figures for this year will be about the same as 2008 which shows just how well the cruise sector is coping with the financial crisis but also what a popular destination Northern and Western Europe has become."

Holland America Launches New Mariner Society Loyalty Program

Holland America Line’s new Mariner Society Rewards Program provides past guests with exciting new benefits from generous onboard discounts while sailing and special rates on select cruises to reduced or free third and fourth rates when booking future cruises. Benefits are tiered and vary based on a guest's cruise history. The Mariner Society Rewards Program offers a four-level progressive membership with a wide range of cruise and on-board savings and extra values. All guests who sail with Holland America Line are automatically welcomed into the Mariner Society where they receive special offers on upcoming cruises as well as advance information about new ships and the latest product enhancements.

Based on past cruises recorded as cruise days, members now enjoy Star memberships with four different levels offering an ever-widening range of cruise options and enhancements. Guests automatically collect additional "cruise days" or cruise day credits based on their onboard spending or through the purchase of one of the premium line's suite options. The new Mariner Society Rewards Program will roll out to the entire fleet by October 18, 2009.

Norwegian Epic’s Transatlantic Crossing Set For June 24, 2010

Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that Norwegian Epic, the company’s largest and most innovative ship to date currently under construction in France, will make her inaugural transatlantic seven-day cruise on June 24, 2010, departing from London (Southampton).  The 4,200-passenger Freestyle Cruising ship will arrive in New York, her first port of call in the United States, on July 1, 2010.  In addition, Norwegian Cruise Line also announced that a new seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruise has been added to Norwegian Epic’s inaugural season, departing Miami on July 10, 2010, one week earlier than previously scheduled.

Cruise Shipping Miami Launches New Website

Cruise Shipping Miami, the annual international exhibition and conference held in Miami, has launched a new and improved website, www.cruiseshippingmiami.com.

The revamped web site now offers an easy-to-navigate layout and will serve as the premiere, year-round online destination for all 2010 events, including Cruise Shipping Miami 2010 taking place on March 15–18, virtual tradeshows, and webinars. The new interactive site will feature a virtual floor plan and searchable product database, which will allow visitors to source products before the live event, plan their visit, and create a personal profile. The site also enables the visitors an easy and secure way to register for the conference program, view streaming videos, download speech transcripts, and make hotel reservations. Social media links are also embedded throughout the site so that visitors can share Cruise Shipping Miami news and information with others on sites such as Linked In and Twitter.

The new site provides several eco-friendly initiatives including the ability to download show brochures and online Exhibitor Manual, which in past years were printed. It also includes valuable Green Exhibiting Tips for exhibiting companies.”

Cruise Shipping Miami is the cruise industry’s most important event and includes a four-day conference and three-day tradeshow. Cruise Shipping Miami will be held on March 15–18, 2010 at the Miami Beach Convention Center, located in Miami Beach, Florida USA.

Crystal Cruise Ship Chartered For Porsche’s Panamera Launch

In advance of its much-anticipated Panamera launch, European luxury automobile manufacturer, Porsche, chartered Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Serenity for comprehensive training of more than 1800 worldwide dealers. The new Panamera automobile is Porsche’ first four-door, four-seat luxury sports car. Hundreds of subcontractors completely emptied Crystal Serenity’s deck areas and public rooms to make way for five cars and thousands of pounds of special equipment, furniture and exhibits for the intensive training in July.

Together with Crystal Cruises, Porsche and its event organizers planned three-day itineraries roundtrip from Barcelona for five groups of 350-400 international Porsche dealers. Crystal Serenity’s public rooms were converted to training centers where dealers could absorb all of the car’s specifications, including rooms devoted to its engine, brakes and sound system. Dealers then disembarked Crystal Serenity in Marseilles for hours of test driving to St. Tropez. “This was the best executed event in years,” said Andreas Henke, General Manager Marketing Services. “The Crystal Cruises’ team was professional, flexible and always maintained a positive attitude. When you launch something as impressive and innovative as the Panamera and you have an educational project of this magnitude, you want to work with the best.”

Bad Times Force River Line Closing Says Deilmann Cruises

In a statement issued in German by Peter Deilmann Cruises, the company placed the onus for the river line demise on the on the failing world economy. Deilmann blames economy for river cruise collapse. "We did not lose group and charter business to our competitors," Deilmann owners Gisa and Hedda Deilmann said in a statement. "Group bookings and charters were not realized due to the worldwide financial crisis. Operators of luxury niche products were the first to suffer from the consequences of the worldwide economic downturn." 

Gisa and Hedda Deilmann, daughters of company founder Peter Deilmann, own and run Peter Deilmann Reederei, parent company of Peter Deilmann Cruises. They must present an insolvency plan to creditors in early November.

Deilmann’s river-cruise operation of eight river vessels was declared insolvent on June 24 due to declining passenger numbers, according to a news release describing the insolvency proceedings, which opened on September 1 in Germany.

Deilmann says it has secured financing to run river cruises through the end of the 2009 season. Until the end of August, Deilmann had been receiving government support, but now it must pay employee salaries on its own through the remainder of the season, the release stated.

The cruise line’s ocean-going ship, the Deutschland, has not been affected by the insolvency proceedings. "Deilmann will remain in the cruising business with MS Deutschland and will focus in the near future on another ocean-going vessel," the Deilmann sisters stated.

Cruceros Australis Becomes 14th Member Of NCMA

Cruceros Australis, an expedition cruise line offering three-, four-, and seven-day cruises in the southernmost regions of Chile and Argentina, has become the 14th member line of the Niche Cruise Marketing Alliance.

"Cruceros Australis joined NCMA in our effort to reach out to travel trade professionals particularly the community of travel agents," said Jorge Rodriguez, Marketing Manager for the USA and Canada for Cruceros Australis. "Our objective is to educate these trade professionals in our destination, Southern Patagonia, and our Small Cruise Ship programs. Once travel agents learn of the beauty and breathtaking scenery that is experienced in our excursions, they will understand the uniqueness of our programs."

The line currently operates two vessels, the 64-cabin Mare Australis (built in 2002) and the 64-cabin Via Australis (built in 2005). A third vessel, the 100-cabin Stella Australis, is currently under construction and will join the fleet for the line's 20th anniversary in 2010-11.

NCL Freestyle Cruising New Partner In Lufthansa’s Frequent Flyer Program

As the first cruise line NCL Freestyle Cruising is now a partner in Lufthansa’s frequent flyer program Miles & More. Thus, European Miles & More members can spend their award miles on selected NCL cruises. “NCL has always been the innovator in the cruise industry and now we can again offer our customers another additional service. I am convinced that the cooperation with Lufthansa Miles & More will further support our growth above average in Continental Europe”, says Michael Zengerle, General Manager NCL Continental Europe.

Carsten Schaeffer, Managing Director of Miles & More International GmbH, adds: “NCL provides one of the best products on the international cruise market. We are convinced that the NCL Freestyle Cruising concept will be well received by our clients and we are very happy about this cooperation.”

Cruise lovers can choose between seven- and nine-night cruises in Europe and five- and seven-night cruises in the Caribbean according to availability. For instance, an Inside Stateroom on the seven-night itineraries “Venice & Greek Isles” and “Venice & Classic Mediterranean” is available for 190.000 award miles. Miles & More members can cruise from Venice in an Oceanview Stateroom for 230.000 award miles, in a Balcony Stateroom for 266.000 award miles and in a Mini Suite for 290.000 award miles (per person and double occupancy).

Rates include accommodation on board in the booked category, the participation in onboard events, full board as well as all port taxes. In order to redeem award miles for an NCL cruise, Miles & More members contact the Lufthansa Miles & More Service Team on +49 - (0) 18 05 - 59 59 (toll charges apply).

Star Cruises Proposes To Change Its Company Name

The board of directors of Star Cruises Limited proposes to change the name of the company from Star Cruises Limited to “Genting Hong Kong Limited and adopt the Chinese name 雲頂香港有限公司 as the secondary name of the company to replace the Chinese name 麗星郵輪有限公司, which was adopted for identification purpose.

The proposed name change is to align with the corporate strategy of the

company in diversifying into land-based integrated resorts, casino and entertainment

businesses, in addition to its existing principal businesses of cruise and cruise-related

operations.  It also reflects the company’s primary place of listing and its affiliation with the Genting Group. 

The Board believes that the new company name can provide the Company with a more

appropriate identification and image which will benefit the Company’s future business

development and is in the interest of the Company and the Shareholders as a whole. The name change is subject to approval by the company’s shareholders via a special resolution at a forthcoming Special General Meeting; and the approval by the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda having been obtained. The relevant filing with the Registrar of

Companies in Bermuda will be made after the passing of the special resolution at the Special General Meeting.

Disney Cruise Line Sets Sail For Alaska In 2011

For the first time ever, Disney Cruise Line will offer Alaskan cruises during a four-month season of seven-night sailings aboard the Disney Wonder in summer 2011. The Disney Wonder will depart out of Vancouver, B.C., calling on popular ports such as Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway.

Before and after the 2011 summer season in Alaska, the Disney Wonder will sail seven-night Mexican Riviera cruises from the Port of Los Angeles to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta.

In response to guest demand, the Disney Magic will once again return to the Mediterranean in 2011 with ten- and 11-night cruises sailing out of Barcelona.  In addition to popular ports in Italy, France and Spain, the Disney Magic will visit Tunis in northern Africa and the island nation of Malta.

Cunard Line Appoints Master For New Queen Elizabeth

Captain Chris Wells has been appointed Master of Cunard Line’s new 90,000-ton liner, Queen Elizabeth, which will enter service in October 2010. Captain Wells joined Cunard as second officer on Queen Elizabeth 2 in 1992.

Captain Wells was born and brought up in Bournemouth, England. His love of the sea developed when he learned to sail in Poole Harbour and resulted in his commencing a four-year cadetship with Shell Tankers at Warsash College in 1974. He qualified as a second officer in 1978 and obtained his Master's certificate in 1985. He served with Shell for 16 years.

He also found time in 1986 to join the Royal Naval Reserve. He still undertakes two weeks' training with the RNR each year, and was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander in 1994.

After joining Cunard and QE2, Captain Wells worked his way through the ranks to become staff captain. He later joined Queen Mary 2’s New Build Team and spent 18 months at the St. Nazaire shipyard. Having seen the ship develop from the beginning and bringing her into service as staff captain, Wells was extremely proud when appointed to the command of Queen Mary 2 last year.

Queen Elizabeth, currently under construction at the Monfalcone yard in Trieste, Italy, will be a classic Cunarder, offering the very best of Cunard heritage and tradition along with all of the modern luxuries Cunard guests have come to expect

Commenting on his new appointment, Captain Wells said, “Bringing Queen Elizabeth into her British homeport of Southampton will be one of the proudest moments of my life, and I very much hope that the people of Southampton and beyond will take the ship to their hearts as they have done with all the Cunard Queens since Queen Mary was launched in 1934. Queen Elizabeth certainly will follow in that great tradition."

Captain Wells lives in Barnham, West Sussex, with his wife Hedda, whom he met on QE2, and three children.

Crystal’s Computer University@Sea Expands With New Windows 7 System

Crystal Cruises is expanding its innovative Computer University@Sea programming with the brand new Windows 7® operating system, and more options for guests earning college credit during the World Cruise.

This fall, the line will offer classes based on Microsoft’s Windows 7®, exclusively available on both ships – a month before the operating system will be available to the public. Additionally, guests aboard Crystal Serenity’s 2010 World Cruise will be able to earn three transferable college credits for various computer courses, and can learn using two different operating systems, Microsoft and Apple.

The Windows 7® classes will be taught by Crystal’s Computer University@Sea instructors, and cover basic computing and valuable tips for mastering the operating system and maximizing ease and efficiency. The collegiate courses aboard the World Cruise, taught by an instructor from Del Mar College, include:

* Components of the System Unit

* Computer Storage Devices

* Database Management

* Privacy and Ethics

Every Crystal Cruise offers complimentary instruction on the Windows 7® operating system, e-mail, website design, digital video editing, digital camera orientation, Photoshop, and even surfing the Web. Other topics include Word, Excel, Access, Powerpoint, greeting and business card design, and various financial research tools and spreadsheet preparation. Private instruction is also available. There is a nominal fee for those wishing to earn collegiate credit.

‘Disney Dream’ Begins to Take Shape

In late August, Disney Cruise Line celebrated the keel laying of the Disney Dream, the first of two newly-designed ships destined to expand family cruise options to more people in more places around the world. The keel laying ceremony is the first time the Disney Dream will begin to take shape after many years of design work.  In the maritime industry, the ceremony marks a momentous occasion when the first block – or section – of the ship is lowered into the building dock and a coin is placed under the keel for good fortune.

 Doing the honors of placing the coin was Captain Tom Forberg.  With a distinguished maritime career aboard Disney Cruise Line, Forberg was the first crewmember hired and the captain who launched the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder.  Recently, Forberg was named as the future Master of the Disney Dream.

The ship will continue to take its form through a block construction process in which pre-fabricated complete hull sections are joined together in block units and are then brought together to form the ship. The Disney Dream will be made up of 80 blocks, with the first block weighing in at approximately 380 tons.

The Disney Dream is scheduled to join the current fleet in 2011, followed by Disney’s second new ship, the Disney Fantasy in 2012.  Together the two new ocean liners will more than double the capacity of Disney Cruise Line, each having 1,250 staterooms and a tonnage of 128,000.

Both new ocean liners will call Port Canaveral, Florida, their home, where expansion efforts are underway to accommodate the larger ships and additional guests.  In addition to an extension of the dock and enlargements to the one-of-a-kind Disney terminal building, a new multi-level parking structure will be built, complementing the design and storytelling elements of the ships.

Silversea Cruises Launches ‘Silver Spirit Blog’ And New Look For Website

Silversea Cruises is pleased to announce the official launch of the Silver Spirit Blog along with a refreshed website at www.silversea.com.  The Blog will serve as a resource for latest news and photographs detailing the ship's progress and counting down the days until December 23, when Silver Spirit welcomes her first guests.

With the upcoming debut of its newest ship already generating buzz, it is more important than ever to offer travelers more ways to access information and keep updated on developments.  In addition to the Silver Spirit Blog, the company recently soft launched a Facebook fan page and Twitter microblog, both of which can now be easily accessed from the website's Blog page.  By leveraging these social media platforms, the company hopes to increase communication and gain valuable feedback from readers.

Other website enhancements include improved functionality features, new content pages, and a more visually engaging home page that displays a flash header allowing vibrant images to fade in and out with messages that highlight key brand attributes and special programs.  The Silversea Expeditions section has also been revamped with improved navigation features and dynamic flash imagery.  Visitors to this section can now readily experience the excitement of an expedition cruise by viewing the Prince Albert II video prominently displayed in the header.  And more new features will be added to the website in the coming weeks.

Transocean Tours Files For Insolvency

According to press reports, German cruise operator Transocean Tours, which charters the Marco Polo, filed for insolvency on September 3. The Bremen-based company, which also charters the Astor, will over the next few weeks attempt to restructure, according to reports in the German media. The same reports say that cruises for the remainder of 2009 on both ships will be unaffected.

A spokesman for Cruise & Maritime Services International (CMS), Transocean's U.K. representative, has confirmed that British passengers are booked on Marco Polo's 32-day Treasures of the West Indies voyage, departing October 6. But this is the only voyage aimed at U.K. cruisers for the rest of the year. The remainder of Marco Polo's calendar for the year is charters for the German market and cruises on Astor are only sold in Germany.

According to media speculation, a number of factors led to the company's demise, among them hefty insurance payouts that had to be made following the cancellation of Astor's 2008/09 world cruise.

Cruise & Maritime Services International announced last month that it was setting up a new cruise operation, Cruise & Maritime Voyages, for 2010, chartering Marco Polo and a second ship, Ocean Countess, to offer ex-U.K. cruises to the Amazon, Orinoco and West Indies in winter and northern Europe and the Mediterranean in summer.

New Zealand PM Launches Cruise Vessel In Bay Of Islands

According to a Radio New Zealand report, Prime Minister John Key has launched a cruise ship in the Bay of Islands. The 45-meter catamaran, built for Fullers at a cost of $12 million, has 30 luxury staterooms, a bar and dining-level, and a sundeck.

Malcolm Johns of Intercity Group, which owns the company, says the ship will make overnight cruises in the Bay of Islands and Hauraki Gulf.

Tangata whenua have gifted the vessel the name Ipipiri, which is an early Maori name for the Bay of Islands.

Regent Seven Seas Adds Canyon Ranch's Renowned SpaClub to Its Cruise Fleet

Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC) has announced that Canyon Ranch(R), a leading operator of destination health resorts, will soon operate the spa, beauty salon,

wellness and fitness facilities on board the line's fleet of all-suite ultra-luxury ships.

Aboard Seven Seas Voyager, Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Navigator, the

Canyon Ranch SpaClub(R), from the Canyon Ranch at Sea division, will feature a

state-of-the-art spa, wellness and fitness facility, plus a luxurious, full-service beauty salon.

Canyon Ranch SpaClub will be installed on each ship in December 2009, with the

first cruises featuring this luxurious facility being December 18 for Seven Seas

Voyager, December 20 for Seven Seas Mariner, and December 28 for Seven Seas Navigator.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises will also feature a full range of culinary offerings

from Canyon Ranch's Spa Cuisine, which will be available starting in the spring of 2010 at breakfast, lunch and dinner in each of the ships' main dining room, Compass Rose; for breakfast and lunch in the more casual dining venue La Veranda; at the Pool Grill, and on

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

NCL Launches NCL U Online Radio Show For Travel Partners

Norwegian Cruise Line took to the online air waves on August 25 launching the line's first hour-long NCL U Radio show. The show attracted more than 700 travel partners listening in live while Andy Stuart, Norwegian's executive vice president of global sales and passenger services, along with Pride of America's Hotel Director Cary Turecamo and Cruise Director Doug Dunnell spoke about the aspects and benefits of Norwegian's Hawaii cruises. The radio show will broadcast the first and third Tuesday of each month at 4 p.m. EST through December 15, 2009.

Travel partners interested in joining the next radio show or listening to past shows on demand can head to www.ncluniversity.com. NCL U Radio's programming will feature a variety of Norwegian's executives covering a broad range of selling tips and techniques along with author and expert interviews adding insight on varying business topics, culminating with a question and answer session. A number of interactive elements are interwoven throughout the broadcast giving listeners a chance to win prizes. In addition, NCL U will offer monthly online quizzes testing listener knowledge of the information presented in the broadcasts where NCL U points will be awarded.

NCL U Radio's line-up of programming scheduled though December 15, 2009 includes:

--October 6 - "Norwegian Epic - The Next Generation of Freestyle Cruising" with Stuart and Olivere;

--October 20 - "Innovating for Your Future" with Stuart, Olivere and special guest Joe Pine, author of "The Experience Economy - Work is Theatre & Every Business a Stage;"

--November 3 - "Partnership 2.0 - The Year in Review" with Stuart, Olivere, Crane Gladding, Norwegian's senior vice president, revenue management and passenger services; and Vivian Ewart, Norwegian's vice president, passenger services;

--November 17 - "How to Grow Your Client Base with Freestyle Cruising" with Stuart, Olivere and sales training expert Andrea Sittig-Rolf;

--December 1 - "Grow Your Business with Groups" with Stuart, Olivere and Ewart;

--December 15 - "Making Waves in 2010" with Stuart and Olivere.

NCL University is the industry's first-of-its-kind online travel partner networking and education community, where travel partners can earn Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) credits, become certified in Norwegian's Freestyle Cruising, get the latest information on Norwegian cruises, share selling tips and compare success stories via online classes, videos and blogs.

Celebrity Cruises Introduces ‘Celebrity Select’ Flexible Dining Option

Celebrity Cruises introduces ‘Celebrity Select Dining’, the industry’s first pre-cruise flexible dining reservation system that allows guests to choose when they dine in the main dining room onboard, on a day-by-day basis.

Guests simply go online at www.celebritycruises.com to choose their desired dining time – anytime between 6 and 9:30 pm – for each day of their cruise, up to four days prior to boarding. Reservations also can be made onboard with the main dining room’s Maitre d’. Pre-cruise reservations are strongly encouraged in order to ensure the best possible dining experience. All dining times are subject to availability, and guests who elect Celebrity Select Dining must pay gratuities.  Only groups of 20 or less can be seated at one time.

The first guests to experience Celebrity Select Dining will be onboard Celebrity Cruises’ newest ship, the 2,850-guest Celebrity Equinox for the September 26, 2009 sailing and online booking for pre-cruise day-by-day dining reservations are now open. Media

Oceania Cruises Reports Record Booking Activity In August

The month of August set new booking records for the company while the one week period of August 23rd through the 29th marked the busiest week on record and August 31st registered as the biggest single booking day in the company’s history. The company credits the record booking activity to the culmination of promotional offers on its popular 2010 European Collection voyages, which expired at the end of August.

About a third of the line’s 2010 voyages are already sold out and overall pricing has strengthened back to the record setting 2007 and 2008 pre-recession levels which prompted the line to raise prices on over 40 percent of its 2010 departures effective September 1.  Another price increase is slated effective January 1, 2010.

Travel Agent partners are also reporting record booking levels as consumer confidence strengthens. “Oceania Cruises, along with all of our cruise industry partners, have done a phenomenal job of marketing the value of cruise travel and driving consumers into the offices of agents,” stated Brad Anderson, Co-President of San Diego-based Anderson Travel and Miami-based America’s Vacation Center.

Stay Afloat with A Virgin Limited Edition Catamaran

Virgin Limited Edition, Sir Richard Branson’s privately owned collection of luxury retreats, announces a new girl in town, Necker Belle – a magnificent 32 meter (105 foot) catamaran with a top cruising speed of 20 knots.

 Necker Belle has spent the last two years undergoing an impressive refit, following her former years as Lady Barbaretta. Necker Belle will be available for tailor-made weekly charters from February 2010 onwards.  It is planned that she will spend the winters in the Caribbean and summers in the Mediterranean, should her guests want her to sail the Riviera or uncover its untouched bays.

Accommodating eight guests in four double cabins, Necker Belle is 14 meters wide, which means she’s extremely roomy. It’s been commented that she’s as spacious as a beautiful beach house, a fine extension from her sister property, Necker Island. Except of course she can travel at over 20 knots under full sail!

To keep afloat of Necker Belle’s progress in the run up and during her sea trials, visitors can log onto the ‘Captain’s blog’ at http://vlog.virginlimitededition.com  This also provides the opportunity to chat with Captain Jono and Chief Stewardess Suzanne.

The seven night weekly charter rate for the remainder of the 2009/2010 winter Caribbean season will be $88,000 USD. This rate includes the charter of Necker Belle with a full crew.

Azamara Cruises Announces New Personnel Appointments

Azamara Cruises has announced the appointment of industry veteran Edie Bornstein as vice president of Sales and Marketing for the brand. Edie brings more than 25 years of experience in the global cruise, travel, and technology industries, most recently serving as Vice President of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships for Carnival Cruise Lines. Previously, she was a senior officer at Cunard and Seabourn Cruise Lines, where she developed profitable strategic plans and led partnerships with brands including Canyon Ranch Spa, Hermes, Chopard, Dunhill, Waterford, Wedgwood, Veuve Clicquot, Todd English, and more. She also served as vice president of Specialty Sales for Amadeus Global Distribution System, where she was instrumental in the implementation of automation solutions for the cruise industry and numerous other projects.

Bert Van Middendorp Appointed AVP, Hotel Operations

Azamara Cruises has tapped Bert Van Middendorp to serve in the new role of Associate Vice President of Hotel Operations. Van Middendorp brings extensive experience in customer service, quality assurance and cost management in the boutique sector of the business, most recently serving as Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations and Quality Assurance for luxury operator Seadream Yacht Club.

Prior to serving as Senior Vice President at Seadream, where he was a founding member, Van Middendorp was vice president of Shoreside Operations and director of Operations. Prior to that, he held a series of progressive shipboard and shoreside roles with Cunard Line and Seabourn Cruise Line, and earlier worked for Royal Viking Line as a Food & Beverage Controller and Assistant Purser. He began his career as a Front Office Manager with the Crest Hotel Group in his native Amsterdam.

Deilmann Cruises President Joins AMAWaterways

AMA Waterways has appointed Ronald A. Santangelo to the position of Vice President, Business Development effective immediately. Santangelo’s career in the cruise industry includes thirteen years as President, North America, of Peter Deilmann Cruises.

Prior to serving as President, North America for Peter Deilmann Cruises, Santangelo served as President of Regency Cruises. He also held several positions at Cunard Line, Ltd, including Senior Vice President Worldwide Marketing and Sales, during which time he served on the Cunard Line Board of Directors. Santangelo is a past Marketing Committee Chairman of the Cruise Lines International Association and has served on numerous industry advisory boards, including that of the U.S. House of Representatives’ Caucus on Travel.

He joins AMAWaterways at a time when the line is experiencing unprecedented growth with the debut of the brand‐new 148‐passenger MS Amalyra and MS Amadolce in 2009, increasing the fleet to six vessels.

Additionally, AMAWATERWAYS will expand into South East Asia this fall, with the launch of its 15‐day Vietnam, Cambodia & the Riches of the Mekong program, featuring a seven‐night Mekong river cruise on the luxurious, new MS La Marguerite. Three additional vessels, MS Amadouro, MS Swiss Pearl and MS Tolstoy round out the AMAWATERWAYS fleet, offering popular destination cruises in Portugal, France and Russia, respectively.

Disney’s Private Island In The Bahamas Gets Enhanced

Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island paradise in the tropical waters of the Bahamas, is getting an extra dose of pixie dust.  Enhancements will provide guests with more water-based family-fun, additional conveniences and a slice of beachside luxury all designed to complement the idyllic island setting.  The additional island amenities are scheduled to be complete by summer 2010, in time for special five-night cruises aboard the Disney Wonder with two stops at Castaway Cay, and the Disney Dream cruise ship which starts sailing in early 2011.

The cruise ship dock at Castaway Cay eliminates the need to tender, making the ship easily accessible throughout the day.  To accommodate Disney Cruise Line’s new ships, additional mooring dolphins will be installed to lengthen the dock.

Norwegian Cruise Line Launches NCL U Online Radio Show For Travel Partners

Norwegian Cruise Line took to the online air waves on Tuesday, August 25 launching the line’s first hour-long NCL U Radio show.  The radio show will broadcast the first and third Tuesday of each month at 4 p.m. EST through December 15, 2009.

Travel partners interested in joining the next radio show or listening to past shows on demand can head to www.ncluniversity.com.  NCL U Radio’s programming will feature a variety of Norwegian’s executives covering a broad range of selling tips and techniques along with author and expert interviews adding insight on varying business topics, culminating with a question and answer session.  A number of interactive elements are interwoven throughout the broadcast giving listeners a chance to win prizes.  In addition, NCL U will offer monthly online quizzes testing listener knowledge of the information presented in the broadcasts where NCL U points will be awarded.

NCL U Radio’s full line-up of programming scheduled though December 15, 2009 includes:

-- October 6 – “Norwegian Epic – The Next Generation of Freestyle Cruising” with Stuart and Olivere;

-- October 20 – “Innovating for Your Future” with Stuart, Olivere and special guest Joe Pine, author of “The Experience Economy – Work is Theatre & Every Business a Stage;”

-- November 3 – “Partnership 2.0 – The Year in Review” with Stuart, Olivere, Crane Gladding, Norwegian’s senior vice president, revenue management and passenger services; and Vivian Ewart, Norwegian’s vice president, passenger services;

-- November 17 – “How to Grow Your Client Base with Freestyle Cruising” with Stuart, Olivere and sales training expert Andrea Sittig-Rolf;

-- December 1 – “Grow Your Business with Groups” with Stuart, Olivere and Ewart;

-- December 15 – “Making Waves in 2010” with Stuart and Olivere.

Aussie Celebrity Chef Luke Mangan Heads To Sea On P&O Cruises

Internationally renowned celebrity chef, Luke Mangan, will take his culinary expertise to sea with the launch of a signature restaurant, Salt Grill by Luke Mangan, on P&O Cruises’ latest superliner Pacific Jewel. Salt Grill by Luke Mangan will provide an exclusive dining experience on the superliner, which will be launched in Sydney on December 12, offering cruises to the South Pacific from Sydney year-round.

The partnership with Mangan is part of P&O Cruises’ ongoing program of innovation for its three-ship fleet, which has seen a total revamp of its food and wine offerings over the past year.

Salt Grill by Luke Mangan will join an award-winning list of Mangan’s restaurants including Glass Brasserie in Sydney, Salt Tokyo and South food + wine bar in San Francisco.

Ann Sherry CEO Carnival Australia, which operates P&O Cruises, said food was such as integral part of cruising, and this partnership would further extend the range of fine dining options available. “This is the first time an Australian chef has been brought onboard a cruise ship and the partnership with Luke reinforces our commitment to culinary innovation that continues to exceed the expectations of our passengers,” Ms Sherry said.

At 70,310 tons, Pacific Jewel will carry 1950 passengers and feature one of the largest spas at sea, an open-air deck with aerial stage for circus and music performances, a three-storey atrium foyer and almost 200 private balcony cabins, the most in P&O Cruises’ fleet.

‘Carnival Fascination’ To Add 98 Balcony Staterooms During January Drydock

Reservations open today for 98 new balcony staterooms that will be incorporated into the 2,052-passenger Carnival Fascination during a multimillion-dollar renovation in January 2010. Other enhancements will include a new Carnival WaterWorks aqua park, Serenity adults-only retreat and resort-style main pool area.

The refurbishment, which will take place during a 28-day dry dock, continues the extensive makeovers to the line’s eight 70,000-ton Fantasy-class vessels. Carnival Fascination will be the third ship to be retrofitted with additional balconies, joining Carnival Ecstasy, which will receive new balconies during its dry dock in September, and Carnival Sensation, which had similar work completed earlier this year.

Carnival Fascination operates a four- and five-day schedule from Jacksonville, Florida.

HAL’s Cancellation Protection Plan Allows Guests To Cancel For Any Reason

Holland America Line guests who purchase the line’s Cancellation Protection Plan (CPP) can cancel their cruise for any reason whatsoever to receive a refund of up to 90 percent of the cruise fare paid.  Two variations of the plan allow cancellation of a cruise up to 24 hours prior to the cruise or cruisetour departure for Standard CPP and right up to departure for CPP Platinum. 

For most sailings, Holland America Line’s standard cancellation policy allows guests to cancel in writing without penalty up to 76 days prior to the departure date.

Standard CPP reimburses 80 percent of eligible amounts paid for cancellations for any reason up to 24 hours prior to the cruise or cruisetour departure.  Plus, the plan provides an additional $500 liability (for a total of $600) for lost, damaged or delayed baggage.

CPP Platinum features a 90 percent refund upon cancellation for any reason prior to departure.  Other benefits for the expanded plan are increased baggage protection for lost or damaged luggage up to $1,600 total, delayed baggage coverage up to $1,100, trip interruption protection if a guest must return home unexpectedly and trip delay coverage.

Medical coverage under the plan provides for emergency medical expenses for illness or injury first occurring during the voyage, emergency medical evacuation and 24-hour emergency hotline assistance for legal, passport, cash transfer, medical and documentation assistance.

Standard CPP and CPP Platinum are available to U.S. and Canadian residents and must be purchased at the time of deposit.

‘Disney Dream’ Begins to Take Shape

Disney Cruise Line celebrated the keel laying of the Disney Dream, the first of two newly designed ships destined to expand family cruise options to more people in more places around the world.

The keel laying ceremony marks a momentous occasion when the first block – or section – of the ship is lowered into the building dock and a coin is placed under the keel for good fortune. Doing the honors of placing the coin was Captain Tom Forberg.  With a distinguished maritime career aboard Disney Cruise Line, Forberg was the first crewmember hired and the captain who launched the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder.  Recently, Forberg was named as the future Master of the Disney Dream.

The ship will continue to take its form through a block construction process in which pre-fabricated complete hull sections are joined together in block units and are then brought together to form the ship.  The Disney Dream will be made up of 80 blocks, with the first block weighing in at approximately 380 tons. She is scheduled to join the current fleet in 2011, followed by Disney’s second new ship, the Disney Fantasy in 2012. Both new ocean liners will call Port Canaveral, Fla., their home, where expansion efforts are underway to accommodate the larger ships and additional guests.

 

August, 2009

More news at

Cruise Itineraries & Offers

Expedition/Eco Itineraries & Offers

Paul Gauguin Cruises Bought By Pacific Beachcomber

Paul Gauguin Cruises, operator of the luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific, has been

acquired by Pacific Beachcomber, a leader in French Polynesia luxury destination resorts. Paul Gauguin Cruises operates the luxury cruise ship m/s Paul Gauguin, featuring itineraries among the islands of Tahiti, French Polynesia and the South Pacific. "The acquisition of Paul Gauguin Cruises by Pacific Beachcomber is a most positive development for our company, our Travel Agent partners and valued guests, and for the tourism industry of French Polynesia," said David A. Giersdorf, President and CEO of Paul Gauguin Cruises. "The m/s Paul Gauguin is a very successful ship, sailing at full occupancy the past three years, and with only five percent of capacity remaining in 2009. As we approach 2010, it will be business as usual, with no changes to our award-winning inclusive product, our dedicated officers and crew members, or our support of travel sellers worldwide, and we see many opportunities to enhance an already world-class experience for our guests."

Pacific Beachcomber owns the four InterContinental Resorts in French Polynesia: Intercontinental Tahiti Resort, Intercontinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort, Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, and Intercontinental Moorea Resort and Spa. The company also owns and manages the Maitai Hotel on Bora Bora. Pacific Beachcomber is developing a luxury eco-resort named The Brando on the late actor's private island.

Saga Holidays Fleet Acquires Ship To Replace Retiring ‘Saga Rose’

Saga Rose the flagship of the Saga cruise fleet will be leaving the Saga Holidays fleet this fall. In May, the company announced that it had acquired the Astoria at auction in Gibraltar. The ship will be renamed Saga Pearl II in homage to the original Saga Pearl, which sailed under the Saga flag until 2004 when she was replaced by Saga Ruby. Saga Pearl II will match the classic style of Saga Rose and will build on the success of the Saga cruising brand. Her inaugural cruise will be on 15th March 2010 departing Southampton and heading for the magic of the Norwegian cost and the northern lights in the high arctic.

The ship will undergo a comprehensive £14m refit in Europe over the winter. The refit will include the creation of balcony cabins and the superior classical Saga ambiance that our customers enjoy; upgrading the show lounge, spa and two swimming pools; creating one of the best libraries afloat; and, new kitchens to support the gourmet dining experience in the stylish single-sitting dining rooms – including a new elegant Veranda

Saga Pearl II will accommodate 446 passengers and they will be served by 269 officers and crew. She is an 18,591-ton ship that is 539 feet long with a beam of 74 feet and a draft of 20 feet. She was built in Germany in 1981 and was originally launched as the Arkona and later named Astoria.

Cruise & Maritime Services Launch A New Cruise Operation

Cruise & Maritime Services International (CMS) will launch in 2010 an exciting new two ship ex-UK cruise operation to be marketed under a new brand and trading name called Cruise & Maritime Voyages.

The hugely popular 820 passenger, 22,000grt Marco Polo has proved a great success on the UK market during the past two summer seasons trading under the Transocean Tours brand, achieving high levels of customer satisfaction and repeat business and a recent top five ranking on one of the UK’s leading cruise review sites. This success has encouraged CMS, who have been acting as UK General Sales Agents for Transocean Tours since 2006, to extend its presence on the UK market in 2010 with a year round program of cruises to offer a much wider and varied choice of sailings.

Chris Coates, Director of CMS said, “We have finalized a five year time charter agreement with Marco Polo Chartering Company and in 2010 will be working directly with the Piraeus based Global Maritime Group, the vessel’s existing ship managers, and Owners to develop the product on the British market. We will continue our unique and successful distribution strategy of marketing the program via a select group of firmly established British tour operating partners and the retail travel trade. While our core market will predominantly be the British sector, we believe the program will also appeal to the wider North American, Australasian and South African English speaking markets where sales representation announcements will be made shortly”.

The vessel’s current Transocean Tours scheduled winter Antarctica 2009-10 program will be replaced by a new winter program following the existing 32-night West Indies cruise sailing from Tilbury on October 6, 2009 which will operate as scheduled for the international markets. A new 15-night Canary Islands cruise from Bremerhaven on the November 8, 2009 will also be added for the German market.

Following a short docking period in the UK, the vessel will commence operations under her new livery on January 2, 2010 with a new ex-UK winter program. London Tilbury will be Marco Polo’s home port and her 2010 program will comprise 24 ex-UK ‘no fly’ sailings featuring the Amazon, Orinoco and West Indies during the winter months followed by a season of Nordic cruises to Scandinavia and the Baltic & Russia, Iceland, the British Isles, the Mediterranean and Canary Islands. With minimal numbers of children cruising aboard Marco Polo this year, she will also be positioned as an adult only (16 years and over) product.

The 800-passenger, 17,000grt Ocean Countess will also be joining the Cruise & Maritime Voyages fleet on April 18, 2010 under an initial two season (2010 & 2011) deck and engine charter arrangement from the Greek based Majestic International Cruises Group, also managers of the popular Ocean Majesty. As part of the deal, CMS have appointed the Global Maritime Group to supply hotel, marine and entertainment management services, which they also provide for Marco Polo, to ensure product continuity.  Ocean Countess will operate a year round program of 22 ex-UK regional ‘no fly’ sailings operating from Hull, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Greenock, Liverpool and Plymouth with a summer season of Nordic cruises to Scandinavia, the Baltic & Russia, Iceland, the British Isles, the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands. Prior to delivery, Ocean Countess will undergo a £3million refurbishment and upgrade program.

Chris Coates added, “For the company and our trading partners this is indeed an exciting development and presents an attractive market opportunity. We all collectively believe that despite the significant increase in the larger resort style vessels, the reducing number of smaller, traditional and lower capacity vessels generally operated by the independent and privately owned shipping companies, still have a huge following on the British market. We believe this potentially enables us to deliver a more personal and friendly standard of service and our vessels can also visit more remote ports of call and places not always accessible to the larger resort ships. We are all of course still mindful of the recessionary pressures facing the British and global economies but believe that our largely grey market sector is more resilient and our strong price positioning will assist us in achieving our targets as the market begins to recover during 2010 and 2011.

The summer 2010 program goes on sale during the last week of August. Fares lead in at £199 for a 3 night weekend spring bank holiday mini cruise to Amsterdam and Antwerp.

Arison Family to Sell up to 8.5 Million Shares of Carnival Corporation

Carnival Corporation & plc announced that members of the Arison family and certain related entities, including trusts organized by members of the Arison family, have advised Carnival Corporation that they plan to sell up to 8.5 million shares of Carnival Corporation Common Stock in market sales, representing up to approximately 1% of the total combined voting rights of Carnival Corporation & plc.

Of the shares planned for sale, up to 5 million shares are held either directly or indirectly by Micky Arison, the company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. If all the shares covered by the sales plan are sold, the Arison family and related entities will remain beneficial owners of approximately 220 million shares, constituting approximately 28 percent of the total combined voting rights of Carnival Corporation & plc. The sellers have advised Carnival Corporation that they are selling for tax planning, estate planning and diversification purposes.

Steep Second Quarter 2009 Loss For Ambassadors International

Ambassadors International Inc. reported a loss of $22 million for the second quarter, compared to a $2.9 million loss in the same period last year. Total revenue from continuing operations for the three months ended June 30 was $14.2 million, compared to $49 million for second-quarter 2008. The decrease in revenue was primarily related to Majestic America Line, which was not in operation during the current period. Windstar Cruises’ revenue decreased $5.3 million primarily due to lower number of passengers carried as a result of the current economic conditions and the overall reduction in consumer discretionary spending, the company said. The Form 10-Q SEC form also included a warning found several times in past financial reports. The company said it is discussions with potential buyers and other prospects for additional funding or sale of non-Windstar assets. “If we are not able to sell our remaining non-Windstar Cruises assets, raise additional financing and/or renegotiate existing debt obligations in order to fund operations,” the statement stated, “we may be forced to extend payment terms with vendors where possible, and/or to suspend or curtail certain of our planned operations and possibly seek protection in bankruptcy. Any of these actions would harm our business, results of operations and future prospects could cause our debt-obligations to be accelerated and could result in potential damage to our business.”

Giersdorf Lawsuit Settled

In a separate development, Ambassadors International Inc. announced that it had settled an improper termination lawsuit filed by David Giersdorf, who previously headed cruise operations for the company. Giersdorf alleged he was improperly terminated and claimed damages. Giersdorf helped Ambassadors assemble Majestic America Line by buying river cruise companies. Giersdorf also filed a claim for $54 million for his assistance in helping Ambassadors acquire Windstar Cruises, which the company still operates. Terms of the settlement were not revealed. Giersdorf now is president and CEO of Paul Gauguin Cruises Inc.

Hellenic Seaways Acquires easyCruise

Greek ferry operator Hellenic Seaways has acquired easyCruise, including the ship

easyCruise Life, a 574-passenger ship operating in Greece. Sea Star Capital Plc (the “Company”) made the August 15 announcement, which stated “an agreement has been reached for the participation of easyGroup Holdings Ltd (“easy Group”) in its shareholding structure. easyGroup will subscribe for 34.615.385 shares with a nominal value of €0,04 at the price of €0,26 per share, or for a total consideration of €9m in cash. The 34.615.385 shares represents circa 5,496% of the share capital of the Company after the issue of the new shares.”

The easyGroup is the private investment vehicle of Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, the serial entrepreneur. The easyGroup is the owner of the easy brand and licenses it to all of the easy branded businesses, including easyJet plc, the airline Stelios started in 1995 and in which he remains the largest single shareholder.

In his comments, Mr. Akis Cleanthous, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sea Star Capital Plc, praised the importance of the participation of easyGroup and as a result Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou in the shareholding structure of the Company. “The depth of knowledge and experience that easyGroup and Sir Stelios possess, will most certainly contribute to the fulfillment of our strategic plans”. Sir Stelios commented: “I am very much looking forward to this new cooperation”.

Hellenic Seaways operates a fleet of 32 fast ferries in Greece.

NCL Introduces Online Social Media Forum For Guests

Norwegian Cruise Line has launched Freestyle Voices, www.ncl.com/FreestyleVoices, an online social media forum enabling guests to post their own experiences and opinions to Norwegian’s web site.  The company is the first cruise line to directly post user-generated content, including reviews, on its main corporate web site.  Freestyle Voices gives guests the ability to interact with each other by sharing their personal Freestyle Cruising stories, posting shore excursion reviews, along with asking and answering questions about the cruise line’s 11 ships and worldwide destinations.

Freestyle Voices showcases customer stories where guests can share their Freestyle Cruising experiences, post photos from their cruise vacation, and also link their story to their Facebook page to share with their friends.  With the rate and review function, users can rate shore excursions and share their opinions with others by posting

a full review including the ability to post photos and videos.  In the ask and answer section, users can answer each other’s questions, rate the helpfulness of an answer or post new questions to be answered by the online community or in some instances by the cruise line itself.  

Chef Named for Oasis of the Seas’ Signature Restaurant

Royal Caribbean International continues to deliver the unexpected for its much-anticipated Oasis of the Seas, including the choice of chef de cuisine for 150 Central Park, the ship’s signature restaurant in the Central Park neighborhood.  Keriann Von Raesfeld, an award-winning, internationally acclaimed chef will be heading up the restaurant aboard the world’s largest and most revolutionary cruise ship, due to begin sailing in December 2009.

After a world wide search for the most up and coming talent, Royal Caribbean International discovered Von Raesfeld at the prestigious 2008 World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS) Congress in Dubai.  Von Raesfeld’s extraordinary talents have earned her high profile accolades, which include being the first American and the first woman to win the honor of ‘Best Young Cook in the World’ at the 2008 WACS Congress. She also led Team USA to a first gold medal at the Scothot Competition in Scotland and was part of Team USA’s regional team that won the first ever gold medal at the Culinary Olympics held in Germany as well as part of the gold winning Team USA. At the age of 23, Von Raesfeld will realize any chef’s lifetime goal to manage a restaurant of their own, leading a team of the best chefs in the industry.   

“Royal Caribbean International has given me a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” says Chef Keriann Von Raesfeld.  “My experience in international culinary competitions – where time and food constraints are inherent – is a huge advantage in helping to prepare me for what will be one of the best restaurants at sea. 150 Central Park will be a refined and inviting restaurant, offering extreme attention to detail, from the china and stemware to our amazing wait staff and sommeliers.”

Inspired by the simple elegance concept of trend-setting restaurants in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles, each detail of 150 Central Park will be dedicated to enhancing the dining ambiance, from the tabletops to the service team uniforms. The restaurant will feature two menus per sailing, each offering a six- and eight-course option, and be open for dinner daily from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. with a cover charge of $35.

New Cruise Line Launched By Cruise Veteran Gerry Herrod

A new cruise line named Voyages to Antiquity is being launched by Gerry Herrod, who previously launched several cruise lines, all of which he subsequently sold. The foundling company has acquired the 1973-built, 11,500-ton, 560-passenger Aegean I to be renamed the Aegean Odyssey.  She will be sailing in the Mediterranean on two-week cruises from May to November.

One of the cruise industry's most-respected figures, Herrod is the founder of Ocean Cruise Line, Orient Lines and Discovery World Cruises, which he sold to Paquet Cruises, NCL and Voyages of Discovery, respectively. Ocean Cruise Line and Orient Lines no longer exist, while Discovery World Cruises was merged with Voyages of Discovery.

Aegean I started life as the ZIM ro-ro ferry NARCIS in 1973. She was bought in 1985 by Dolphin Hellas Shipping, a company controlled by the Greek ship owner Anargyros Angelopoulos, and in 1988 emerged from a massive refit as the cruise ship AEGEAN DOLPHIN. She was renamed Aegean I in 1996 and later marketed under the Golden Sun Cruises and Golden Star Cruises brand names. She has been laid up at Piraeus since 2006 because of a dispute between Dolphin Hellas Shipping, Louis Cruise Lines and Majestic International Cruises about the ship's ownership. This dispute appears to have been resolved recently.

Seabourn Odyssey Attracting Younger, First-Time Guests

Seabourn Odyssey’s first two sold-out, seven-day voyages, sailing among the Greek Isles and along the coast of Turkey, carried nearly 40 percent more first-time guests than Seabourn’s average. And those guests averaged 10 percent younger than the line’s long-time loyal following---the number of guests under 45 years of age exceeded the norm by 64 percent.

Odyssey is rich in details that appeal to a new breed of upscale travelers: expansive outdoor dining venues, a state-of-the-art gym and the largest spa facility on any luxury vessel; complimentary watersports from Odyssey’s own marina; the relaxed, club-like atmosphere created by all-inclusive beverage service and open-seating dining. And there are savvy touches that delight a hip, worldly crowd, such as the avant-garde tasting menus served in the intimate Restaurant 2, the pizza oven and gelateria by the pool and the European-style coffee bar in the comfy confines of Seabourn Square.

And there is more good news for those younger guests who love Seabourn Odyssey — it’s only the first of three. The second sister, Seabourn Sojourn, is already in the fitting-out stages at the T. Mariotti shipyard in Genoa, Italy, being prepared for a June 2010 debut at Greenwich, England, and a maiden season in Scandinavia and the Baltic. A third new yacht, yet to be named, will debut in 2011.

HAL Chance For Travel Agents To Win Segment Of Amsterdam’s World Voyage

Seattle, Aug. 11, 2009 ¡ª With its ongoing innovative programs for travel agents, Holland America Line is offering travel professionals the opportunity to win a cruise on their choice of a select segment of its 2010 Grand World Voyage aboard Holland America's flagship, ms Amsterdam. The line’s Gems of the World: The Ultimate Voyage will span 114 days and depart from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., January 6, 2010. A 128-day roundtrip Los Angeles Holiday Grand World Voyage, departing Dec. 23, 2009, is also offered. The winning agent will have his or her choice of one complimentary cruise for either the nine-day Singapore to Hong Kong segment departing March 20, the 13-day Hong Kong to Kobe, Japan, segment departing March 29 or the 19-day Kobe, Japan, to Los Angeles segment departing April 11. In addition to one grand-prize winner, the first 100 travel agents to enter the contest will be awarded a copy of  “The Art of Cruising: Fine Art and Antiques of Holland America Line,” a 176-page hardcover book that highlights the history, art and antiques of the line’s 14 ships.

For more information and complete contest rules on Holland America Line's 2010 Grand World Voyage Contest, visit www.hollandamerica.com.

Royal Caribbean Opens New Sales Office In Brazil

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is ramping up its commitment to growing the South America cruise market with the official opening of a new office in São Paulo, Brazil, the first Royal Caribbean International company-owned office in the region. The opening of the new office comes at a key time for the growing Brazilian cruise business. In the last eight seasons, the number of guests embarking on cruises from Brazil grew by 623%, with an average growth of 33% per year.

 “The cruise market in Brazil is one of the fastest growing in the world, and with increased investment and commitment, we aim to accelerate this trend” said Adam Goldstein, RCI president and CEO. “In late 2009 Royal Caribbean International will have two ships – Vision of the Seas and Splendour of the Seas – dedicated to the Brazilian market which represents a significant uplift in available cruise departures.”

The new Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. office, located in São Paulo, will support the commercial and operational efforts in Brazil of the company’s three cruise brands – Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises – and will continue to further its international expansion plans, supporting the growing demand for cruise itineraries departing Brazil and around the world.

Major Makeover Scheduled For Crystal Symphony

This September, following a $25+ million makeover, luxury cruise specialist Crystal Cruises is unveiling dramatic new interiors and deck spaces for its sophisticated and stylish Crystal Symphony. The 922-guest, 50,000-ton ultra-luxury ship will boast redesigned Penthouses (including its uber-plush Crystal Penthouses), pool areas, Prego Italian restaurant, Lido Café as well as guest elevators and numerous of behind-the-scenes upgrades.

During the September drydock, Crystal is also investing in upgraded elevators, a new crew restaurant, new lighting systems and other behind-the-scenes projects. Medical center improvements include digital x-ray equipment, enabling doctors to efficiently share x-rays with guests’ personal physicians and other specialists. A major upgrade of the ship's onboard broadcast production studio will enhance Crystal's extensive television programming with added clarity and brilliance.

Crystal’s drydock is scheduled for September 17 to October 1 in Boston at the Atlantic Marine Boston shipyard.

Norwegian Cruise Line Reports Results For Second Quarter 2009

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL Corporation Ltd. or "the Company") reported results for its second quarter ended June 30, 2009. EBITDA in the period improved by 87% to $84.2 million versus $45.1 million for the same period in 2008. Net income in 2009 rose to $15.4 million on revenue of $478.4 million compared to a net loss of $27.0 million on revenue of $525.0 million in 2008. These improvements in earnings were achieved despite a decline in Net Revenue in the second quarter of 9.3%. This decline resulted from a 7.7% decrease in Net Yield and a 1.8% decrease in Capacity Days. The decrease in Net Yield was primarily due to continued weakness in passenger ticket pricing versus 2008 and was partially offset by an increase in Net Yield from onboard and other revenue. The decrease in Capacity Days resulted from the departure of Norwegian Dream from the Company's fleet in November of 2008. Occupancy Percentage for the second quarter of 2009 was 109.6% compared to 107.9% in the prior year and, following the trend in the first quarter of 2009, is the highest for a second quarter since the introduction of the Company's first purpose-built Freestyle Cruising ship.

Net Cruise Cost per Capacity Day decreased 20.5% in the second quarter of 2009 compared to the same period in 2008. The decrease in these costs is primarily attributable to lower fuel costs across the fleet, lower crew payroll costs per Capacity Day primarily due to cost savings from the re-flagging of Pride of Hawaii and Pride of Aloha from the U.S.-flagged fleet to the international fleet as well as cost control initiatives. For the quarter, average fuel costs decreased 38.2% to $356 per metric ton from $576 per metric ton in 2008.

Interest expense, net of capitalized interest, decreased to $26.6 million in the second quarter of 2009 from $34.4 million in 2008, primarily due to lower average interest rates in the period, partially offset by an increase in average outstanding borrowings.

"I am very pleased with our performance this quarter especially given the current economic climate. Despite the weakness in ticket pricing, we are continuing to achieve improvements in our earnings and have begun to demonstrate consistency in our performance," said Kevin Sheehan, chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. "Our continuing razor focus on all aspects of our operation, from revenue management to shipboard and shoreside operations, has resulted in record-setting EBITDA for the quarter and an enormous turnaround from our performance just a year ago."

Capacity for the remainder of 2009 is substantially booked, although at prices below last year, particularly in the third quarter. "Although I believe we are moving beyond the low point with regard to ticket pricing, we must maintain our diligence in controlling costs and carrying out our strategic initiatives," said Sheehan.

With her superstructure complete, Norwegian's next generation Freestyle Cruising ship, Norwegian Epic, was recently floated out of her dry-dock to the outfitting dock where work on the interior spaces of the ship has commenced. "Norwegian Epic, with her focus on entertainment, wide range of accommodations and 20 dining options, has created a lot of excitement and anticipation in the marketplace," said Sheehan. "We are looking forward to her delivery next summer. Sailings through April 2011 are open for sale and the response from the public has been very positive to date."

Carnival Encourages Children to Dream Big With Virtual Book of Dreams Contest

In celebration of Carnival Cruise Lines’ newest and largest ship, the 130,000-ton, the company announced the Virtual Book of Dreams™ contest, inviting residents in the U.S. and Canada to participate in a call for entries. Children between the ages of 7 to 12 have the opportunity to share their awesome dreams online at http://www.carnivalbookofdreams.com for a chance to become the world’s first-ever cruise ship waterslide Godchild, and travel to New York City to christen the spectacular Carnival WaterWorks aqua park on the Carnival Dream. The winning family will also receive a cruise on the Carnival Dream when the ship makes its North American debut in November.

In an effort to remind people why it is important to dream, Carnival Cruise Lines also announced it will make a $2 donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for every entry received and $1 for each vote on the Virtual Book of Dreams web site www.carnivalbookofdreams.com, with a maximum contribution of $25,000 donated to St. Jude. St. Jude is one of the world’s premier centers for the research and treatment of pediatric cancer and other catastrophic diseases.

Cruise West, Smithsonian Enterprises Partner on Voyages of Great Explorers

The Voyages of the Great Explorers - the Cruise West yearlong world cruise that launches in March 2010 -- will feature lectures and presentations by noted travel experts from the Smithsonian Journeys on select segments of the epic world voyage.

Cruise West and Smithsonian Journeys will develop the lecture series for ten of the 24 distinct itineraries of the yearlong cruise highlighting such exotic locales as Singapore, Rome, Alexandria, Istanbul and Mumbai. Smithsonian Journeys experts will lead in-depth discussions and presentations on each region's rich history and culture.

The Voyages of the Great Explorers is a collection of distinct voyages that reflects the exploits of the legendary seafarers. Booked separately or as a complete journey, each segment offers historical insights into the sea commanders who first made history along the same routes. "A world journey deserves world-class lecturers and guides," said Dietmar Wertanzl, president and CEO of Cruise West. "We recognized early on that a lecture series provided by Smithsonian Journeys would be a perfect complement for our adventure, given their long experience with onboard enrichment augmented by speakers recognized as authorities on our destinations. Working together, we can better achieve our mutual objective -- to educate people in the arts, history, sciences and culture through rich travel experiences."

Smithsonian Journeys, the Smithsonian Institution's educational travel program, feature top experts who are passionate about their subjects and delight in sharing their knowledge in lively, informative lectures and informal discussions.

Norovirus Aboard Marco Polo Rapidly Eradicated by New Vaporization Process

The cruise ship Marco Polo, whose round-Britain cruise had to be cancelled because hundreds of passengers became ill with the vomiting bug Norovirus, has been totally disinfected by SitexOrbis' revolutionary infection control fogging service in just five hours at the Tilbury docks. During that time 375 rooms on 11 decks plus public spaces, lifts and communal areas were disinfected.

Infection control powered by Activ8(TM) is available from SitexOrbis, which is certified to offer the vaporization process as per the industry standard. The antibacterial agent, Activ8(TM) is of proven biological efficacy and kills 99.99% of all known viruses and bacteria, both airborne and on surfaces, in minutes. "The sheer speed with which SitexOrbis have solved the problem has been amazing" commented Christian Verhounig of the ship's operator. "We are extremely impressed, as it took only a few hours to disinfect the ship, rather than days of cleansing by traditional methods."

The SitexOrbis infection control process fills every space in the premises with a 'vapor' of Activ8(TM), which is totally harmless to human beings and animals, but kills 99.99% of life threatening bacteria and viruses, including salmonella, MRSA, Clostridium Difficile, SARS, Listeria, avian flu and H5N1 influenza A type viruses. A similar strain of influenza virus H1N1 is apparently responsible for the current swine 'flu outbreak.

Activ8(TM) is frequently used by SitexOrbis teams in schools, hospitals, offices, leisure facilities and workplaces where Norovirus outbreaks can occur. The disinfectant Activ8(TM) has been scientifically tested, the UK-based company claims, to be totally effective against Norovirus and other pathogens. The treatment of rooms only takes a few minutes with a minimum of disruption and, after sealing the premises for just an hour, the space is safe and ready to use again. Because of its speed and capabilities, it is more cost-effective than traditional steam cleaning and less disruptive.

As with all disinfection processes, Activ8(TM) cannot prevent re-infection of those using premises, or a ship, by new visitors or passengers who carry the virus. The incubation period of Norovirus is between 24 and 48 hours, so reappearance of the infection weeks after disinfection is no reflection on the effectiveness of the Activ8(TM) service.

July, 2009

More news at

New Ships

Cruise Itineraries & Offers

Expedition/Eco Cruises

River Cruise News & Offers

 

 

(updated 7/29/09)

Celebrity Cruises Newest Ship ‘Equinox’ Named In Southampton UK

In formal ceremonies on July 29 in the historic port of Southampton, England Celebrity Cruises’ newest ship Celebrity Equinox was officially named. The ship’s godmother Nina Barough CBE was praised by Richard Fain, Chairman of Celebrity Cruises and Chairman and CEO of parent company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., “for her outspoken devotion to cancer causes.”

Celebrity selected Barough in recognition of her fervent devotion to raising awareness of breast cancer and her tremendous success in raising funds for the cause – $85-million to-date – through her organization’s “SunWalks” and “MoonWalks.” The four annual marathon walks in London, Edinburgh, Bristol and Newcastle attract thousands of people typically clad in decorated bras – the signature apparel for most participants. In addition to defeating breast cancer herself, Barough’s numerous other life achievements include receiving a CBE for her contributions to health care through the British “New Year Honours” in December 2006.

At the naming ceremony on Celebrity Equinox, in what is believed to be an industry first, Celebrity invited sister ship Celebrity Solstice’s Godmother Sharon Smith to participate. Smith took the stage by surprise to Barough, and both joined Fain to cut the ribbon – symbolically, pink, in recognition of breast cancer causes. The ribbon threaded through the ship, ultimately releasing a large bottle of champagne that crashed against the stack atop the ship, signifying the official naming of the vessel.

Celebrity Equinox enters service July 31 from Southampton on an eight-night Norwegian Fjords cruise, then returns to Southampton to embark on the ship’s official maiden voyage departing August 8 for the Mediterranean. The ship will present a series of Mediterranean sailings from Rome (Civitavecchia) through the fall and will offer Caribbean sailings from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., beginning this winter.

Cruise Lines Generate Record $40 Billion Contribution To US Economy In 2008

The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has released "The Contribution of the North American Cruise Industry to the U.S. Economy in 2008" report, detailing the industry’s strong performance despite uncertain economic times, which began more than a year ago. The top line results show growth in four main categories: direct spending, total output, job creation and wages.

In 2008, direct spending in goods and services by cruise lines and their passengers totaled $19.07 billion, a two percent increase over the previous year. Adding indirect spending, which includes expenditures of cruise line vendors and those businesses that provide the goods and services to passengers and crew, the total gross economic impact in the United States was $40.2 billion – a six percent increase over 2007.

The cruise industry also generated 357,710 jobs that paid a total of $16.2 billion in wages and salaries nationwide, according to the report, which was compiled by Business Research and Economic Advisors (BREA) of Exton, Pa. CLIA began conducting a national cruise industry economic impact study in 1997, and has conducted one every year since then. Last year represents the eleventh consecutive year of growth in job creation in the cruise vacation industry. "The cruise industry continues to be an engine of economic growth around the world and a positive force in the United States. While a two percent annual increase in cruise industry spending represents a slower rate of growth than our industry’s historical averages, we are gratified and encouraged to post continued gains during this recessionary environment when many businesses are retrenching," said CLIA Executive Vice President Bob Sharak.

Passenger embarkations on CLIA member cruise lines at U.S. ports totaled nearly 9 million in 2008. Globally, 13 millions passengers took a cruise vacation last year, a four percent increase over 2007. Florida remains the center of cruising in the United States, accounting for 57 percent of all U.S. embarkations. The state is home to the top three ports in the nation - Miami, Port Canaveral, and Port Everglades.

The cruise vacation industry’s economic impact touched all 50 U.S. states, but it was greatest in 10 states, which accounted for 78 percent of direct purchases in the United States and 81 percent of the total employment and income. Those states are: Florida, California, Alaska, New York, Texas, Washington, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois and Colorado.

The full report can be read at www.cruiseindustryfacts.com, a new website launched this month by CLIA (www.cruising.org).

Royal Caribbean Reports Second Quarter Results

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. announced earnings on July 29 for the second quarter of 2009 and provided updated guidance for the third quarter and full year.

Key Highlights

·        Second quarter 2009 net loss was $35.1 million, or $0.16 per share, compared to net income of $84.7 million, or $0.40 per share in 2008.  The results were consistent with the company’s most recent disclosures.  

·        Net Yields for the second quarter decreased 17.9% versus 2008 and declined 14.2% on a constant dollar basis.  

·        Net Cruise Costs per APCD (“NCC”) for the second quarter decreased 11.5% versus 2008 and declined 8.5% on a constant dollar basis. NCC, excluding bunker for the second quarter declined, 8.4% versus 2008 and declined 4.7% on a constant dollar basis.

·        Earnings per share (“EPS”) are expected to be between $0.95 and $1.00 in the third quarter and between $0.70 and $0.80 per share for the full year.

·        The company projects net yields to decline approximately 18% in the third quarter and approximately 14% for the full year. On a constant dollar basis net yields are projected to decline 15% - 16% in the third quarter and 11% - 12% for the full year.

·        The H1N1 virus impacted EPS by approximately $0.05 in the second quarter and is expected to have a $0.18 and $0.27 impact on the third quarter and full year, respectively.

Commenting on the report, Richard D. Fain, chairman and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. said “Obviously, the economy continues to be a challenge and the impact from the publicity surrounding H1N1 has been very frustrating. However, the demand environment has shown remarkable stability and, with the extraordinary performance of our newest vessels and easier comparables, we look forward to improving yields in 2010.  In the meantime, we remain vigilantly focused on cost management and liquidity,” Fain continued.

Chef Jacques Pepin to Open French Bistro Onboard Oceania s' New ‘Marina’

At a media presentation in New York this month, Master Chef Jacques Pepin announced that he will open Jacques - his first ever restaurant at sea - onboard Oceania Cruises' new 1,258-guest Marina, scheduled to launch in late 2010.

Pepin's namesake restaurant, he says, will draw inspiration from bistros in his hometown of Lyon and the fabled bistros of Paris. "The cornerstone of any great dining experience is freshly prepared, simple dishes that are as visually pleasing on the plate as they are on the palate," says Pepin, who’s been cooking for half a century.

The restaurant will feature custom Jacques Pepin signature china, antique flatware and Lalique glassware dressing the tables while chandeliers fashioned from crystal decanters add a whimsical shimmer to the room. An art collection comprised of some of Pepin's favorite personal pieces and original works Pepin created especially for Marina, grace the room and adds a warm, personal touch.

Pepin is the Executive Culinary Director for Oceania Cruises, overseeing the cuisine for the cruise line’s three ships—Regatta, Insignia and Nautica. In addition he hosts a TV cooking show on PBS, has authored more than 20 cookbooks and has served as personal chef to three heads of state, including Charles de Gaulle. Pepin also serves as Dean of Special Programs at the French Culinary Institute, part of the new International Culinary Center, in New York City, and also teaches at Boston University.

In addition to winning a Daytime Emmy along with Julia Child for their collaborative TV cooking show in 2001, Pépin has received two of the French government's highest honors: he is a Chevalier de L'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (1997) and a Chevalier de L'Ordre du Mérite Agricole (1992). In October 2004, he received France's ultimate civilian recognition, the Légion d'honneur.

Oceania Cruises' new Marina has been purposefully designed for epicureans with ten dining venues, including six open-seating, gourmet restaurants. In its commitment to top of the line dining, Oceania’s president Bob Binder announced in June that a full-fledged cooking school will also be on board with fully equipped individual food stations, each with induction cook tops, that will allow passengers hands-on instruction on the fine art of cooking. “

Celebrity Cruises Introduces ‘Celebrity Life’

Celebrity Cruises has announced "Celebrity Life," a new series of palate-pleasing, intellectually-enriching and life-enhancing programs designed to deliver the most unique and sophisticated onboard experience in premium cruising. Built on long-established pillars of the Celebrity brand - dining, enrichment, and wellness - Celebrity Life encompasses three distinct program categories: "Savor," "Discover," and "Renew."

"Celebrity Life will provide our guests with an array of experiences they will remember long after they sail with us, thanks to the delivery said Celebrity Cruises Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations Lisa Lutoff-Perlo and dedication of our spectacular crew across the fleet."

"Savor" will offer eight new wine enrichment events, six spirits and mixology tastings, and more than seven different interactive programs for guests, hosted by the ship's Executive Chef and team. Discover will present an opportunity for guests to learn or do what they always wanted to try but never got around to doing it, whether its exploring the universe or learning the fine details of ordering a choice bottle of whine. Renew

"Renew" offers an improved, more goal-oriented approach to classes, seminars, and treatments designed to help guests on their journey to looking younger, feeling better and living longer.

Costa North America Offers New Job Loss Protection Program

Costa is offering guests an added protection for job loss under its “Costa Carefree” Job Loss Protection Plan. The program provides coverage for cruise guests who involuntarily lose their job and covers cruise and air fares.

The plan is part of “Costa Carefree,” a recently renamed program that also features Costa’s existing Guest Protection Plan. Both plans must be purchased separately. Job Loss Protection Plan prices range from $19 to $69, depending on the cruise itinerary and may be purchased up to the final cruise payment. The plan allows for reimbursement of cruise fare (and air fare if purchased through Costa) should an individual be involuntarily terminated from their job and has worked for their employer for three years or longer.

Costa’s Guest Protection Plan, administered by BerkelyCare, covers trip cancellations/interruptions, travel delays, emergency medical expenses, evacuations, baggage delays and loss, and emergency worldwide assistance among a variety of other benefits. Plans are commissionable for travel agents at 10%.  Complete information on “Costa Carefree” is available at www.costacruises.com.

Holland America Extends 114-Day 2010 Grand World Voyage To 128

Holland America Line’s flagship ms Amsterdam will usher in 2010 with a 128-day round-trip Los Angeles, Grand Holiday-and-World Voyage featuring 13 overnight calls — the most ever offered by the line. Forty-five ports of call showcase some of the world’s most remote and exotic regions including South America, Africa, India the Far East and scenic cruising in Antarctica.

 An optional 14-day holiday cruise, when combined with the 114-day Grand World Voyage, creates the 128-day roundtrip sailing from Los Angeles, departing Dec. 23, 2009. The voyage begins with calls in Mexico and Central America, including a transit of the Panama Canal.

 

 

Carnival Corporation & plc Reports Second Quarter Earnings

Carnival Corporation & plc (reported net income of $264 million, or $0.33 diluted EPS, on revenues of $2.9 billion for its second quarter ended May 31, 2009. Net income for the second quarter of 2008 was $390 million, or $0.49 diluted EPS, on revenues of $3.4 billion.

Carnival Corporation & plc Chairman and CEO Micky Arison indicated that operating results in the second quarter were better than the company's March guidance due primarily to lower than expected net cruise costs and better than expected pricing on close-in bookings. This was partially offset by higher fuel prices and the impact from disruptions of its Mexican cruises in response to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations against non-essential travel to Mexico which reduced second quarter earnings by approximately $0.03 per share.

Commenting on second quarter results, Arison said, "We were pleased with the quarterly operating results in light of the current economic environment. During the quarter, our operating companies remained focused on reducing costs which is expected to continue through the remainder of the year." A variety of energy conservation programs resulted in a six percent reduction in fuel consumption during the quarter, which helped to mitigate some of the recent fuel price increases.

Carnival UK Announces Board Changes, Shanks Replaces Marlowe At Cunard Peter Shanks has been named president and managing director of Cunard Line as part of a new management structure for Carnival UK. This is in response to the continued growth of both Cunard and sister-brand P&O Cruises. Previously serving as chief commercial officer of Carnival UK, Shanks is now responsible for the global leadership and brand development of Cunard which operates flagship Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria. He will oversee the construction of the line's new ship, Queen Elizabeth to be launched October 2010 and will direct Cunard offices in Los Angeles, Hamburg and Sydney while supported by the commercial and product groups within Carnival UK. He will report to David Dingle, chief executive officer, Carnival UK.

Called upon to lend her brand management expertise to Cunard's UK sister brand, Carol Marlow becomes managing director of P&O Cruises. She will be responsible for leadership and development of the cruise line onboard and ashore.

Other new Board appointments announced are:

-- Nick Lighton, in addition to continuing as Managing Director Ocean Village, takes up the new position of Fleet Product & Services Director Carnival UK responsible for the Carnival UK Product Services group and the Product groups of P&O Cruises, Cunard and Ocean Village. Neal Martin, Product Services Director, will report to Nick who will also retain responsibility for the Air Department of Carnival UK.

Lighton, Marlowe, Shanks, and Martin will report to David Dingle, Chief Executive Officer Carnival UK, and take up their new positions immediately.

-- John Marden, previously Fleet Services Director, takes up the new position of Director of Corporate & International Affairs, with a wide-ranging set of responsibilities including port and infrastructure development, shore programs, fleet management development in Carnival Australia, risk management, medical and public health management and industry representation.

-- David Strawford, previously Head of Technical Services, joins the Board as Marine & Technical Director responsible for all marine, technical, programming, security, environmental and safety matters. Marden and Strawford will take up their new positions on August 3, each reporting to David Dingle.

Royal Caribbean To Hold Conference Call On Second Quarter Results

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. has scheduled a conference call for 9 am Eastern time, Wednesday, July 29, 2009, to discuss the company's second quarter financial results. The call can be listened to by all interested parties at the company's investor relations web site, www.rclinvestor.com. Alternatively, please dial (877) 663-9606 in the US and Canada. International phone calls should be made to (706) 758-4628. There is no passcode or meeting number. A replay of the webcast will be available at the same site for a month following the call.

Costa Cruises To Start Cross-Straits Cruises From Hong Kong To Taiwan

Beginning in January 2010, Costa Cruises will be the first international cruise company operating in China to introduce regular Taiwan cruise itineraries for mainland tour groups, offering a total of 15 cruises throughout the year. The Taiwan cruise itinerary will depart from Hong Kong aboard the Costa Classica to Taiwan's most appealing cities of Taipei, Keelung and Taichung.

Encouraged by the positive trend of its cruises in China and based on its full confidence and long-term contribution to the Chinese cruise market, Costa Cruises will launch its regular Taiwan itinerary January 31, 2010. This milestone development for the Chinese cruise industry follows shortly after Costa Cruises became the first industry leader to operate two ships in China simultaneously. Following the success of the product marketed in China for four years, Costa Cruises has strengthened its presence in China. In July and August, Costa Classica and Costa Allegra are offering a Japan-Korea route at the same time, home-ported in Shanghai and Tianjin, respectively.

'We are delighted to see Costa Cruises introducing regular itineraries between Hong Kong and Taiwan, taking full advantage of the new measure for Mainland tour groups to take cruise vessels homeporting in Hong Kong to Taiwan," says Margaret Fong, Hong Kong Commissioner for Tourism. 'These cruise itineraries will enrich the travel experience of Mainland visitors on multi-destination trips covering two exciting destinations. The new measure will also reinforce Hong Kong's position as a regional cruise hub."

Costa Cruises' regular Taiwan cruise itinerary will depart from Hong Kong during the months of January, February, May and June. The five-day/four-night cruise holiday will bring Chinese tourists to Taiwan's port city of Keelung, with off-board day trips to Taipei and Tai Chung. The launch of Costa's regular cruise itineraries to Taiwan in 2010 will give a boost to local economies in these Taiwanese port cities. It is estimated that these cruises will bring more than 50,000 mainland Chinese tourists to these cities aboard Costa cruises.

Celebrity Cruises Officially Takes Ownership Of Celebrity Equinox

Celebrity Cruises officially increased its award-winning fleet on July 16 at a ceremony in Emshaven, Netherlands, where the cruise line 'took delivery" of Celebrity Equinox, marking the official transfer of the new, 2,850-guest vessel from shipbuilder Meyer Werft to Celebrity Cruises.

Following inspections, Celebrity Equinox will host a series of promotional activities from Southampton for press, travel agents and other audiences. The ship will

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Chairman & CEO

Richard Fain (right) accepts delivery of Celebrity's newest ship

be formally named in ceremonies on July 29 and will enter service July 31 on an eight-night Norwegian Fjords cruise.

Following the Norwegian Fjords cruise, Celebrity Equinox will depart Southampton

August 8 on a ten-night Best of Europe itinerary to Rome, calling on ports in France, Spain, Portugal and Italy, as well as Gibraltar. The ship then will sail a series of 13- and 14-night 'Ancient Empires" cruises until October, featuring two new ports of call: Haifa and Ashdod in Israel. These voyages also include an overnight stay in Alexandria, Egypt.

On November 5, the ship will sail a transatlantic voyage to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she will begin a series of alternating ten- and 11-night Ultimate Caribbean voyages until April 2010. The 11-night voyages will stop in George Town, Grand Cayman; Cartagena, Colombia; Colon, Panama; Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; Roatan, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico. The 10-night sailings include calls on Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Basseterre, St. Kitts; Bridgetown, Barbados; Roseau, Dominica; Philipsburg, St. Maarten.

Hurtigruten Joins Cruise Council

The International Cruise Council Australasia has welcomed another cruise line to its ranks - the Norwegian operator Hurtigruten. Cruise Council General Manager Brett Jardine said Hurtigruten's membership in Australia reflected growing interest in a broader range of cruises and destinations. 'Today's travelers are becoming more adventurous in the cruises they choose and there is an increasing appetite for unspoilted destinations offered by specialist cruise lines like Hurtigruten," Jardine said. 'Through their Cruise Council membership, Hurtigruten will be able to make more travel agents aware of the wide range of cruises they offer."

Hurtigruten began services more than 100 years ago, transporting mail, cargo and passengers along the Norwegian coastline. Since 1993, the cruise line has introduced a fleet of custom designed vessels to take passengers on cruises along the spectacular coastal waters of Norway and the Arctic as well as to the remote lands of Spitsbergen and Greenland and the southern oceans off Antarctica.

Hurtigruten is represented in Australia by Discover the World Marketing.

French Brand Paquet Plans A Return To Cruising In 2010

Paquet, the French cruise brand that Costa Crociere discontinued in 1993, will stage a comeback next year as a result of the initiative of a Marseilles-based travel company TMR. The company plans to charter the 29,000 gross ton Costa Allegra from Costa Crociere and introduce the vessel on the French market under the Paquet brand name, according to the French business publication Pros du Tourisme's website. TMR has chartered Costa Romantica on several occasions recently and has good trading contacts with the Genoa based Costa Cruises that is part of the Carnival Corp & PLC group. Costa remains the owner of the Paquet brand name.

Paquet was the operator of the 14,000 gross ton Mermoz on the French market from 1970 to 1993. Earlier, it had also operated the 11,000 gross ton Azur and briefly in the 1980s the 24,000 gross ton Rhapsody, (formerly the Statendam of Holland America Line).

MSC Cruises' Welcomes 'MSC Splendida' To Its Fleet

MSC Splendida, the second in MSC Cruises' luxurious 'Fantasia" class of cruise ships and the newest addition to the most modern fleet in the industry, was christened in Barcelona on July 12. This latest ship brings the MSC Cruises' fleet total to ten ships.

MSC Splendida - at 137,936 gross registered tons and 1,092 feet long, 124 feet wide and 219 feet tall - ranks in the top tier of Post-Panamax megaships in the world's cruise fleet with a top cruising speed of 23 knots. As on sister ship MSC Fantasia, MSC Splendida features an Aqua Park main pool with 150 fountains and water jets, and North Pole-themed children's play center. MSC Splendida's unique amenities include two mini-bowling alleys in her high-tech Sports Bar and the signature L'Olivo restaurant, serving exciting Mediterranean cuisine. She offers 1,637 staterooms (43 accommodate special needs guests) with 80 percent of them, including the ship's 107 suites, providing an ocean view. The staterooms range from 193 to 571 square feet.

RCCL Names Larry Pimentel President & CEO of Azamara Cruises

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCCL) today announced the appointment of Larry Pimentel to the newly created position of president and chief executive officer of Azamara Cruises. Pimentel will have responsibility for the strategic direction and leadership of the deluxe brand to ensure its continuous growth and success. He will report directly to Richard D. Fain, chairman and chief executive officer of RCCL. "It is time for Azamara to stand on its own, after a successful two years of operation," said Fain. "The onboard experience and brand recognition of Azamara is due to the leadership, dedication and commitment of Dan Hanrahan and his Celebrity Cruises team."

Celebrity Cruises President and CEO Dan Hanrahan said, "I'm very proud of my management team here in Miami and onboard our ships, and thank them for their accomplishments in successfully launching and developing Azamara Cruises. I welcome Larry to the Company and look forward to partnering with him to build on the success this brand has already achieved, and to capitalize on its great promise."

Pimentel has more than 25 years of travel industry experience catering to the high-end consumer. Most recently, he served as president, chief executive officer and co-owner of Seadream Yacht Club, designed to provide an intimate luxury yachting experience on itineraries primarily in the Caribbean and Mediterranean. Previously, he served as president and chief executive officer of Cunard Line and Seabourn Cruise Line. He also held the position of president and chief executive officer of Classic Hawaii.

IAATO Approves New Safety Measures For Antarctica

Mandatory participation in a satellite vessel tracking system with hourly reporting, the use of enclosed lifeboats and required Antarctic experience for the captain or appointed ice pilot are among the safety changes adopted by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators. IAATO members approved the new measures at its annual meeting in June in an effort to address issues that emerged from Liberia's flag-state investigation of the sinking of G.A.P Expeditions' Explorer in November 2007. When the report was issued in April, IAATO tasked its marine committee with assessing what specific advice could be put in place as industry best practice prior to the upcoming 2009/10 Antarctica season.

The measures address issues highlighted in Liberia's probe of the Explorer accident, including the captain's lack of Antarctic ice experience and the fact that passengers were evacuated to open life boats. There were no deaths or serious injuries, largely due to unusually benign weather conditions, according to Liberia's investigating officer.

Association members approved mandatory participation in the IAATO satellite vessel tracking system by October 1, 2010, with hourly reporting while operating in Antarctic waters. And they voiced strong encouragement to those members with open lifeboats to refit with partially or totally enclosed lifeboats. Currently, just four of 43 IAATO-member-operated vessels use open lifeboats.

Members also approved compliance, 'as far as reasonable and practical,' with IMO Guidelines for Ships Operating in Polar Waters by the 2010/11 season.

The IAATO meeting further agreed a change in the association's bylaws to strengthen the requirements for experience of bridge officers. Vessels must have a captain or appointed ice pilot with Antarctic experience suitable for their intended operation. It may be necessary to have additional relevant Antarctic experience among the bridge officers depending on operations.

IAATO's marine committee was asked to develop further recommendations by July 31. The association also intends to provide a forum for the review and enhancement of crisis management plans.

Moreover, members approved continued development of the Tiered-Risk Assessment Plan, that will enable operators to evaluate risk during voyage planning, preparation and execution, with consideration to seasonal and geographic variations, expected risk, historic and real-time information (ice, weather, sea conditions), as well as contingency and mitigation measures. -Excerpts from Seatrade Insider article 7/20/09

Celebrity Cruises Launches New Captain's Club

Celebrity Cruises' Captain's Club - the premium brand's three-tiered recognition and benefits program designed exclusively for its most loyal guests - has been redesigned and relaunched based on a series of member-inspired improvements. Several new features are rolling out across the fleet on sailings beginning this month, while others will be introduced in intervals over the course of the year.

New features launching this month include the Captain's Club Celebration, a one-of-a-kind social and entertainment event available to all members; significantly improved Internet and laundry benefits for Select and Elite tier members; and a new onboard lounge exclusively for Elite members. Celebrity Cruises has even introduced a new theme for the club, which doubles as its ongoing commitment to members: 'The center of our attention."

During the second half of this year, Celebrity Cruises will expand the Captain's Club with a variety of other new features, all of which will be announced prior to taking effect.

'Our new Captain's Club was designed based on a tremendous amount of research, feedback from our members, and advice from our travel partners," said Celebrity Cruises President & CEO Dan Hanrahan. 'We want to ensure that we deliver every aspect to our guests' utmost satisfaction, so we're choosing to roll out the enhancements in intervals, beginning with improvements to the member experience onboard."

A highlight of the onboard experience is likely to be the Captain's Club Celebration. Soon available across the fleet, with the exception of Celebrity Xpedition, all members will be invited to this exclusive event once per sailing. Redesigned to be a highlight of every cruise, the spirited affair will provide the perfect opportunity to meet fellow members, chat with the Captain and senior shipboard officers, experience interactive cooking demonstrations, and enjoy the new 'CC Jams" performance by a variety of shipboard musicians. 'We will continue to provide members in every tier of the Captain's Club with the recognition and rewards they've come to expect, while adding several new enhancements over the course of this year," said Hanrahan. 'We also want to ensure that our members have the opportunity to quickly advance to the next tier. That's why we count tier credits versus purely counting cruises. Tier credits are earned simply by sailing with us, but we also award additional credits for cruises of 12 or more nights, and for booking certain stateroom and suite categories. As a result, members can more quickly advance to the next tier."

Bermuda Votes 'No' On Ship Casinos Open During Port Calls

After months of speculation that the Bermuda government would allow cruise ships to open their casinos while in port, the measure-Prohibion of Gaming Machines Amendment Act of 2009--was voted down by the island's House of Assembly on July 10. After the vote, Premier Dr. Ewart Brown, minister of tourism and transport, said in a prepared statement that the vote was clear and all uncertainty was removed. Cruise lines and tourism partners now know where they stand, he said, and can plan accordingly.

Acccording to AP, Bermuda lawmakers banned slot machines in 2001, arguing they were driving some islanders into debt. The law took effect in 2004.

German Designer To Christen Aida's Newest Ship In February

With a spectacular launching ceremony at the Port of Hamburg, AIDA Cruises will

welcome its latest new ship, the AIDAblu, to the "Puckered Lips" fleet on February 9, 2010. The christening will be performed by the well-known international

designer, Jette Joop. Know for her stylish designs, Joop is also creating new uniforms for the masters and officers of the existing AIDA fleet. In addition, the stylish collection of jewelry designed by Joop will also be presented on the Club Ships in the future.

AIDAblu is the fourth of a total of six new vessels for the AIDA fleet, in which AIDA Cruises is investing a sum in excess of 2 billion euros. The christening of the AIDAblu can be enjoyed exclusively and live onboard by the guests on the maiden voyage, setting course for Palma de Mallorca on February 9, 2010.

New 'Celebrity Equinox 'to be Named by Founder of 'Walk the Walk' Charity

Celebrity Cruises today announced that Nina Barough, CBE (Commander of the British Empire), founder of the UK-based charity, Walk the Walk, will serve as Godmother of Celebrity Equinox, the second in Celebrity's lauded Solstice Class fleet. Barough will officially name the ship in Southampton, England, during the formal naming ceremony July 29, culminating in a large bottle of champagne custom-made by The Corning Museum of Glass crashing against the hull of the 2,850-guest ship.

Celebrity selected Barough in recognition of her fervent devotion to raising awareness of breast cancer and her tremendous success in raising funds for the cause -- $85-million to-date -- through Walk the Walk's "SunWalks" and "MoonWalks." The four annual marathon walks in London, Edinburgh, Bristol and Newcastle attract thousands of women typically clad in decorated bras -- the signature apparel for most participants. A fair number of men also participate in the walks.

A breast cancer survivor herself, Barough's numerous other life achievements include receiving a CBE for her contributions to health care through the British "New Year Honours" in December 2006. More recently, she was recognized at the "Pride of Britain Awards" (September 2008), where she was named "Fundraiser of the Year." And in October 2008, Barough was honored once again; this time, with the "Woman of the Year - Outstanding Achievement Award" in recognition of her willpower, spirit and courage.

Celebrity Equinox enters service July 31 from Southampton on an eight-night Norwegian Fjords cruise, then returns to Southampton to embark on the ship's official maiden voyage departing August 8 for the Mediterranean. The ship will present a series of Mediterranean sailings from Rome (Civitavecchia) through the fall and will offer Caribbean sailings from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., beginning this winter.

Whither Go-est the QE 2?

Rumors are afly that the beloved Cunard liner, the Queen Elizabeth 2, could be heading to South African waters as a permanent home. Giant property developer Nakheel, which had planned to tug QE2 to a special pier on its man-made Palm Island, said it "has been investigating opening QE2 to visitors as a stationary hotel before work on her refurbishment begins." "In addition to alternative locations in Dubai, other ports in the Middle East and Africa have also expressed an interest in hosting this impressive maritime icon," Nakheel told AFP in an emailed statement.

Dubai was scheduled to be the final stop for the QE2 which received a royal welcome when it arrived in the city state in November. Nakheel then said that the boat would be refitted within three years as a luxury hotel.

South African media reported recently that Nakheel's parent firm Dubai World is looking into moving QE2 to South Africa to berth it as a floating hotel at Cape Town's V&A Waterfront.

Dubai World bought the QE2 for about 50 million pounds (81 million dollars) from US cruise operator Cunard in 2007, when the economy of Dubai and the rest of the United Arab Emirates was growing at a breakneck speed.

Dubai was hit hard as the global financial crisis brought the rapid growth in its property sector to a standstill, forcing the government to help the debt-ridden Nakheel.

The company cut 500 jobs, or 15 percent of its workforce, only a few days after taking control of the QE2 in November. It has reportedly cut 400 more jobs recently.

Launched by her British namesake in September 1967, the QE2 was Cunard's longest-serving ship.

Deilmann Cruises Shuts The Door On River Cruising

Peter Deilmann Cruises is exiting the river cruise business in 2010 and taking all eight of its river vessels out of service because its river cruise business is insolvent, according to a spokesperson for Deilmann's US office.

All river cruises booked through the end of October 2009 will be honored, according to a company release issued in Germany.

Deilmann's parent company, Peter Deilmann Reederi, headquartered in Neustadt in Holstein, Germany, reportedly has witnessed a declining number of river cruise passengers, particularly from the US and the UK. Unfavorable currency exchange rates also negatively affected business, according to the German release and media reports.

The company's ocean-going vessel, the Deutschland, is not affected by the announcement.

Holland America To Add High-End Staterooms To 'ms Prinsendam' in 2010

As part of its continuing Signature of Excellence enhancement program, Holland America Line has announced the addition of 22 new staterooms to ms Prinsendam, in January 2010. The drydock will occur in Freeport, Bahamas. "Prinsendam continues to be a ship with one of our most loyal followings," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "The new staterooms will mostly be verandah cabins. This will also allow us to create some other very special additions."

With the addition of staterooms aft, the pool deck will expand with more space and many more deck chairs for guests to enjoy. A new sea-view bar will be created to enhance the ambiance further.

Sixteen of the new staterooms will be deluxe verandahs and two will be slightly smaller verandahs. Four will be standard inside staterooms. As customary with all Prinsendam staterooms, appointments will feature elegant bathrooms and recently redesigned closet space. Amenities feature Mariner Dream Beds, 250-count linens, Elemis spa bathroom amenities, large vanity mirror, stainless steel fruit basket, flat panel television and DVD player, quality shower head, and more. Guest capacity of the Elegant Explorer will increase from 793 to 837.

New staterooms will be fully finished while under way and ready to book for the 54-day Quest of the Argonauts voyage, sailing March 24 roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale to the Mediterranean, Black Sea and back.

US Cruise Ship Industry Endorses Federal Safety Law

The nation's cruise ship industry, in a turnaround from its long-standing position that no additional government oversight is needed, endorsed proposed federal safety legislation, paving the way for increased safety measures on cruise ships.

A letter of support was sent Monday to Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., one of the measure's co-sponsors, by Cruise Lines International Association, the industry's chief lobbying and advocacy organization that represents 24 member cruise lines. Association President Terry Dale said in the letter that he would work to ensure the passage of the comprehensive security bill.

If it passes, the bill would make shipboard crime-reporting mandatory and require installation of security latches and peepholes on cabin doors. Ship physicians would have to be trained in sexual assault examinations. Ken Carver, president and founder of International Cruise Victims, called the shift ``a historic moment.'' ''I think they've really taken a lot of heat, and I'm glad to see them joining forces,'' he said, adding that he believes that with the cruise industry's backing the bill will pass.

For years, the $38 billion-a-year industry has maintained that cruises were one of the safest forms of vacationing and that self-regulation was adequate. But in recent years, after a series of high-profile reports of missing persons and sexual assaults, cruise lines had come increasingly under scrutiny. If the bill passes, it would be a significant victory for safety advocates, who have long claimed that the industry skirts regulation by registering its vessels in foreign countries to avoid U.S. labor laws and income tax.

The industry requested one major concession -- deletion of an amendment to the Death on the High Seas Act -- that would have allowed surviving relatives to recover damages for their emotional suffering and bereavement, as well as any suffering the victim might have experienced before death. --Miami Herald/Los Angeles Times Service

Thompson Cruises Charters Costa Europa

Thomson Cruises, one of the UK's biggest cruise lines, is adding another ship to its fleet. To be renamed the Thomson Dream, the ship is currently sailing as the Costa Europa for Costa Cruises. The 54,000 gross-ton vessel will carry 1,506 passengers and will be the company's biggest vessel to date. The ship, which was chartered for ten years from Costa, will begin sailing under the Thomson Cruises brand as of April 2010. T Under the agreement, Thomson has the option to purchase the ship after five years.

A Thomson Dream brochure covering itineraries for Summer 2010 will go on sale on July 16, 2009 with prices from just £729 per person based on two adults sharing, including return flights and accommodation on a full-board basis. Plans for the Winter 2010/2011 season will be revealed soon.

The 25-year old Costa Europa joined Costa Cruises' fleet in 2002, coming over from sister brand Holland America Line (both cruise lines are owned by Carnival Corp.) In a statement announcing the ship's charter, Carnival Corp. CEO Micky Arison said: "While we continue to grow our business with new and exciting vessels, we are also divesting of older tonnage which allows us to offer one of the most modern, technologically advanced fleets in the cruise industry." (Over the next three years, Carnival Corporation & plc will launch 13 vessels for seven different brands.)

This year, the Costa Luminosa and Costa Pacifica entered Costa's fleet. In January 2010, the Costa Deliziosa, sister ship to the Costa Luminosa, will be launched and in 2011 and 2012, two sister ships to the Costa Pacifica will make their debut.

Carnival Enhances Its Cruise Protection Plan

Carnival Cruise Lines has enhanced its Cruise Vacation Protection Plan (VPP) to include new severe weather watch/warning protection, as well as job loss protection. The enhanced features apply to plan purchases made July 15, 2009 and after.

The severe weather watch/warning protection provides reimbursement in the event the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and/or National Weather Service issues or maintains a severe weather watch or warning within 48 hours of a cruise departure. Should the watch or warning affect either the cruise departure city or the guest's route to that city, the plan will allow for cancellation and reimbursement up to the full amount of the cruise cost.

Another new weather protection feature provides that if a guest is traveling to the cruise departure port via a common carrier (airplane, bus, train, etc.) and inclement weather ultimately causes the guest to miss 50 percent or more of the cruise vacation, the guest may receive reimbursement up to the total cost of the cruise.

The new job loss protection will provide reimbursement up to the total

cruise cost if individuals who have booked a cruise and purchased the plan are

subsequently terminated by their employer and have worked for that employer for

at least one continuous year.

Former NCL Ship Set to Sail For Louis Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Majesty will sail for Louis Cruises as the Louis Majesty, as of December 4, 2009. Louis Cruises acquired the ship from NCL's parent company Star Cruises in July 2008. The vessel is chartered to Norwegian Cruise Lines until the end of October, operating cruises from the United States.

The Louis Majesty will undertake the Coral's itineraries from the ports of Genoa and Marseilles until Jan. 3 and will then operate a number of itineraries from the aforementioned ports to Mediterranean enticing destinations. Website:

www.louiscruises.com.

Swan Hellenic's 'Minerva' Returns To The Far East & India In 2010

Swan Hellenic's Minerva will be returning to India and the Far East in Winter 2010/11. The selection of captivating new itineraries includes visits to Oman, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and the Philippines. With fares from just £1225pp, visiting this fascinating and beautiful part of the world has never been so tempting.

Minerva is returning to the Far East after spending several years exploring the Antarctic in the winter months.

Construction of Cunard's New 'Queen Elizabeth' Begins

On July 2, a ceremony to mark the keel laying of Cunard Line's new Queen Elizabeth was held at the Monfalcone shipyard of Fincantieri near Trieste, Italy. The second largest Cunarder ever built, Queen Elizabeth's keel is the third Cunard has lain in the space of seven years. When she enters service in October 2010, she will join Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria as not only the most famous ocean liners in the world but also the youngest fleet in passenger travel.

The keel laying involves the placement in the dry dock of the first section of the ship's hull. This section is made up of six pre-manufactured blocks, weighs 364 tons and is fitted with 104 tons of pipes, cables, insulation and other equipment.

The ceremony followed an intensive period of design and development. Fifty-three sections will be used in the construction of Queen Elizabeth and she will take to the water for the first time at her float out in December. (Click New Ships for more details)

Carnival Introduces Self-Service Check-In Kiosks at Port of Miami

As part of an ongoing effort to streamline the embarkation process, Carnival Cruise Lines has installed self-service check-in kiosks at its Port of Miami cruise terminal. The state-of-the-art kiosks provide guests with a fast and convenient way to check in for their 'Fun Ship" cruise.

To use Carnival's self service kiosks, guests must have pre-registered online and be a U.S. or Canadian citizen, or from a Visa waiver country. To access their booking information and check in via the kiosk, guests simply swipe their passport or the credit card used to pre-register online. Additionally, the kiosks accept cash deposits for guests' shipboard Sail & Sign accounts. Once guests have successfully checked in, the station prints a receipt confirming that their registration process is completed and directs them to pick up their stateroom keys at a nearby desk.

The kiosks are part of a pilot program at the Port of Miami and, if met with positive response from guests, will be expanded to the line's other year-round homeports.

Windstar Cruises Takes Over Shipboard Management of Its Luxury Yachts

Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world's most sought-after destinations, announced that it will take over its shipboard management starting this September, ending its management agreement with V. Ships Leisure.

Windstar will take complete control of managing its shipboard deck, engine, and hotel operations, as well as shore-based management functions such as port operations, technical and hotel purchasing, compliance, and human resources. New positions have been created at Windstar's headquarters in Seattle to manage the new responsibilities.

'V. Ships Leisure did a tremendous job managing our beautiful sailing vessels over the past two-and-a-half years," said Captain Nico Corbijn, Executive Vice President of Fleet Operations for Windstar Cruises. 'However, we are in a position now to control all ship operations which will allow us the opportunity to directly enhance our award-wining product and luxurious guest experience through implementation of new services and by evolving existing features which reflect Windstar's vision of '180 Degrees from Ordinary.' We look forward to working closely with V.Ships to make this transition as smooth and seamless as possible and we thank them for their service."

Corbijn will lead shipboard management along with Nick Burger and Huib van Leeuwen. Burger, Vice President of Marine Hotel Operations, will oversee hotel operations and hotel purchasing. Van Leeuwen, Vice President of Marine Operations, will be responsible for all technical, deck and engine operations.

RCI Debuts Commercials Starring Real guests & Their Why Not? Moments

Royal Caribbean International is not just asking travelers 'Why Not?" - they are showing them. Beginning July 13, 2009, the cruise line will film and debut an unprecedented series of television spots starring real guests enjoying a variety of 'Why Not" experiences onboard Liberty of the Seas during a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise. Dubbed 'Postcards from the Nation of Why Not," this series of ship-to-air commercials will air nationally begin the week of July 20. From July 13-17, consumers also can visit www.RoyalCaribbeanPostcards.com to watch the new daily commercial spot and enter a daily drawing to win a cruise, and pursue their very own 'Why Not" moments on a Royal Caribbean vacation. 'Postcards from the Nation of Why Not" also can be viewed at Royal Caribbean's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RoyalCaribbean.

The 'Postcards from the Nation of Why Not" commercials will mark the first time television viewers on land can experience an actual cruise while it is happening. On the July 11-18 cruise, a production crew will shoot, edit, deliver and air these commercials while the ship is still at sea. Using Royal Caribbean's 'Why Not?" brand messaging as the premise, the commercials will feature a variety of guests either stepping out of their normal comfort zone to try something new for the first time or reporting the 'News of the Day," recapping events and 'Why Not?" moments that happened on Liberty of the Seas that day. Spots will be aired within 24 hours of being filmed, giving guests the extraordinary opportunity to star in their very own commercial and showcase their vacation to friends and family before they even step foot back on land.

Pearl Seas Cruises Cancels 2009 'Pearl Mist' Inaugural Season

In May, Pearl Seas Cruises announced that it had canceled the 2009 Canadian sailings for new ship Pearl Mist. A company statement cited 'deficiencies recently discovered during sea trials, quality issues and construction delays." The vessel has been repeatedly delayed during its construction at Irving Shipbuilding in Halifax.

Passengers booked on the canceled 2009 cruises have the option of receiving a full refund of their deposits or rebooking for a later cruise.

At this time, the 2010 Canadian season is scheduled, beginning in late Spring. Pearl Mist is scheduled to begin her inaugural season of Caribbean cruises in March.

 

May 26, 2009

Mein Schiff Begins Her Season of Baltic Cruises

TUI's Mein Schiff seen in Hamburg port prior to her naming on May 15. Mein Schiff (My Ship), the first ship in the new TUI Cruises fleet, is a significant step for the joint venture between Royal Caribbean Cruise sand TUI AG. The new brand is designed to serve the German cruise market, where some 906,000 Germans took cruises in 2008, and where that number is forecast to increase by 11 percent in 2009. The 1,914-passenger vessel was formerly the Celebrity Galaxy, which left Celebrity Cruises' fleet in March.

Record 400,000 Cruise Passengers Expected In Stockholm In 2009

The port of Stockholm will welcome eight new ships this year, bringing the total to call at our beautiful capital to more than 300 before the season ends in September. In 2009 the port of Stockholm expect some 400,000 cruise passengers on more than 300 ships of which 39 calls will be turnarounds, compared to the 365.000 passengers and 265 ships in 2008. Many of these ships will be visiting the new and exclusive cruise terminal that opened in 2008. "We are very optimistic about the season," says Josefin Haraldsson, project manager for the Stockholm Cruise Network. "We have been working intensively for many years to place Stockholm on the map as a cruise destination. And despite the worldwide financial crisis, all reports now show that we will have another record season."  Cruise Lines have expressed optimism. Moreover, because the Euro and U.S. dollar are trading so favorably against the Swedish Krona, Stockholm and Sweden in general provide exceptional value when compared to other destinations in Northern Europe.

'Pearl Mist' 2009 Canadian Maritimes Season Cancelled

According to press reports, Pearl Seas Cruises has canceled its 2009 Canadian inaugural season of Pearl Mist, currently being built at the Irving Shipbuilding in Halifax. The company cited 'deficiencies recently discovered during sea trials, quality issues and construction delays."

The 214-passeeger vessel has been repeatedly delayed during its construction at Irving Shipbuilding in Halifax and was slated to make her debut this May.

In a statement, Pearl Seas said that it expressed appreciation for 'the tremendous support it has received from of all the Canadian provinces and communities where the ship was scheduled to visit this year.' Canada is on the itinerary schedule for Pearl Mist in 2010, starting in June.

Passengers booked on the canceled 2009 cruises have the option of receiving a full refund of their deposits or rebooking for a later cruise.

NCL Announces New Entertainment For Its Newest Ship, 'Epic'

In another industry first, Norwegian Cruise Lines will welcome Blue Man Group,

performing in the 685-seat Epic Theater. Blue Man Group is best known for their wildly popular theatrical shows and concerts, which combine music, comedy and multimedia theatrics to produce a totally unique form of entertainment. The blissful party atmosphere created at their live events has become the trademark of a Blue Man Group experience and beginning in the summer of 2010 will be seen for the first time ever at sea only on Norwegian Epic. 'NCL has spent 42 years breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising and redefining what it means to be innovative. Now, with Norwegian Epic, we are re-inventing cruise ship entertainment by offering multiple entertainment options for every taste and age," said Kevin Sheehan, NCL's chief executive officer. 'Having a world-class creative organization like Blue Man Group headline the entertainment on Norwegian Epic will provide our guests with a sensory experience unlike any other at sea."

Norwegian Epic's 2010 inaugural sailings are now on sale. The first Eastern Caribbean sailing from Miami is scheduled for July 17, 2010 and the ship's alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries are available through April 2011. Norwegian Epic's Eastern Caribbean itinerary includes calls in Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands and Nassau, Bahamas. The ship's Western Caribbean itinerary includes calls in Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico.

New ECC Report Highlights Significant Growth In European Cruise Market

According to the latest European Cruise Council (ECC) figures, the expansion of the cruise industry is exceeding expectations in terms of its impact on jobs, wealth creation and inbound tourism in Italy and across the continent. The fourth edition of the 'European Cruise Contribution" report of the ECC, presented in Rome this month, shows direct expenditure by cruise companies, shipyards and passengers of 14.2 billion Euros in 2008 (a 10 percent increase from the previous year), with 4.3 billion Euros from Italy (+9 percent compared to 2007). Italy derives the greatest economic benefits from the cruise industry in Europe (30 percent of total spending in 2008).

A key factor behind this growth is the increasing number of passengers embarking on cruises from European ports, up 10 percent to 4.7 million in 2008.  Italian ports are the busiest in Europe with 1.7 million departing passengers.  There is a similar pattern for the continent's transit passengers, who numbered 21.7 million in 2008 (+14 percent). Italy remains Europe's favorite cruise destination with 23 percent of transit passenger movements, followed by Greece (20 percent), Spain (17 percent) and France (8 percent).

Europe's position as the world's leader in cruise ship design and construction is also helping to drive this growth. The ECC report estimates that during 2008 the global cruise industry spent around 5.2 billion Euros on cruise ship construction and maintenance in Europe. Italy is the country with the biggest slice of the 5.2 billion euro pie, with 1.5 billion spent.

Another rise for 2008 was seen in the number of Europeans taking holiday cruises, up ten percent to 4.4 million. In addition, there was an increase in the number of people employed in the cruise industry in Europe, with approximately 311,000 jobs in 2008, 15 percent more than the previous year.

 

May /April 2009       

'MSC Orchestra Makes Her Debut Call On New York

MSC Orchestra leaving the Big Apple after her festive visit

MSC Orchestra arrived in New York City on May 5 to a warm welcome from city officials. Her arrival marks the first time one of the Italian-owned cruise line's ships has called in the "Big Apple." The ship docked overnight at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal before departing on an eastbound transatlantic crossing to Copenhagen, where she will sail Northern Europe itineraries during the summer months.

At a press conference on board the Orchestra, CEO and president Rick Sasso announced that on September 22, 2010, the line's newest ship MSC Magnifica--currently under construction in France--arrives in New York for the line's inaugural season of Canada/New England itineraries, roundtrip from New York City and Quebec City. It is estimated that the ship's calls in NYC can potentially have an indirect revenue impact on the city valued at more than $2.7 million. "It has been decades since vacationers have been able to sail from New York on a European-owned cruise line with the classic style and elegance that only the Italians know how to deliver," says Richard E. Sasso, president and CEO of MSC Cruises (USA), Inc. "We are excited to make this memorable experience readily accessible to the residents of the Northeast." And, he added, 'we look forward to strengthening our position in New York City in future years."

MSC Cruises is no stranger to New York City. The U.S. headquarters of the cruise line's parent company, Mediterranean Shipping Company, have been based in New York City for nearly 25 years. Sasso, who was born and raised in New York, is keeping his affinity for his home city with the projection that Big Apple will see more MSC ships departing from the Westside piers in years to come.

Hull Artwork For NCL's 'Norwegian Epic's Revealed

NCL unveiled the contemporary hull design, which will adorn Norwegian Epic, the company's largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship to date, scheduled for delivery in May 2010. In addition, the company will begin taking reservations for Norwegian Epic's 2010/2011 inaugural season on Thursday, May 21, 2009, with a special preview day for NCL's past guests (Latitudes members) on Wednesday, May 20, 2009.

Norwegian Epic's hull artwork, designed by the company's Miami marketing team,

is painted on both sides with free form rolling waves of varying sizes that run through a modern color spectrum of lime, aqua, red, and purple and are dotted by silver circles.

Norwegian Epic's hull design is a departure from the rest of the line's signature hull artwork which typically is inspired by the ship's name or the destination the ship sails from. Instead, the hull artwork on Norwegian Epic takes on the characteristics of the ship's interior features – a sophisticated, modern and sleek design and color palette that is seen in everything from the innovative curved design of the New Wave staterooms to the more contemporary design of the ship's public areas. 'An NCL ship is instantly recognizable with its distinctive hull art that conveys each ship's personality and the freedom and flexibility that is found on board," said Kevin Sheehan, NCL's chief executive officer. 'With Norwegian Epic, we are taking Freestyle Cruising to the next level, so it is fitting that her hull artwork conveys more of the modern, sleek design guests will find once they are on board the ship."

To see the hull artwork being added to the ship, download renderings and register for news about the Epic, visit www.epic.ncl.eu  or www.epic.ncl.com.

Fred. Olsen Alters Routes to Heighten Passenger Safety And Health

In response to a the threat of piracy on the seas and the spread of swine flu, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has altered upcoming itineraries affecting immediate as well as future cruises to heighten passenger safety.

The cruise line has changed the itinerary of Balmoral's 2010  world cruise. The new itinerary avoids sailing through the Gulf of Aden, where pirate activities continue to present an imminent danger.  The 106 night cruise, which is scheduled to sail from Dover on January 5, 2010 in a westerly direction, was due to visit ports in the Indian Ocean en route to Dubai, Oman and Egypt before transiting the Suez Canal and returning to the UK via the Mediterranean. Now it will cruise around Africa. Calls at Mauritius and South Africa shall replace visits to places such as Dubai and Salalah.  Balmoral will return to Dover as scheduled on April 21, 2010.

On a related note, Fred. Olsen cancelled a call into Acapulco, which was on the 2009 world cruise of Balmoral. An extended stay in San Diego and an additional call in Costa Rica filled the gap.  "The health and safety of our passengers and staff on board is of paramount importance, and we take very seriously the advice issued by the UK Government -- advising against all but essential travel to Mexico --with regard to issues such as this outbreak of Swine Flu," explains Matt Grimes, Fred. Olsen's Director of Planning. As scheduled, Balmoral will return to Dover on May 29.

'Black Prince' Sold To Venezuelan Cruise Operator

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines just announced the sale of its 451-passenger Black Prince to Servicios Acuaticos de Venezuela CA (SAVECA). The vessel will change hands in late October 2009 and will be used as a cruise ship operating in Venezuelan waters.

Cruise Baltic Launches 'Best Adventures' Competition

Cruise Baltic is encouraging travelers who return from a cruise vacation in the Baltic Sea region to share their favorite experiences on a new website www.ILoveCruiseBaltic.com. The site provides a forum for these holidaymakers to discuss their Cruise Baltic adventures through text, photos or videos, and access the experiences of fellow visitors to the region. The site also provides a great resource for consumers interested in vacationing in the region. 

Additionally this site, will offer three monthly prizes for the promotion period, May 1, through August 31, 2009, for the best submissions of selected video, or slide show entries. In addition to these three prizes, at the end of the promotion period, a Grand Prize will be awarded in September, including two roundtrip Scandinavian Airlines tickets from any nonstop Scandinavian Airlines destination in the world to Copenhagen; two nights' accommodation at the Scandic Palace hotel; two air tickets from Copenhagen to Stockholm and a further two nights' accommodation at the Scandic Anglais hotel. The Grand Prize winner also will also receive free city cards, giving admission to public transport, attractions and more in both cities.

Free of charge, the www.ILoveCruiseBaltic.com  site allows consumers to create their own Profile and store their own Baltic Sea region travel photos, travel videos, and travel blogs all in one place and share them with friends, family and others. The site also will allow users to research their next Baltic Sea region vacation with the help of cutting-edge tools and first-hand advice.

DUBAILAND and Royal Caribbean Sign Joint Marketing Partnership

DUBAILAND, a member of Tatweer, and Royal Caribbean International have announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding towards the formation of a strategic marketing partnership, which is expected to provide a substantial boost to the cruise industry and the destination of Dubai. The agreement's goal is to promote the development, growth and commercial success of the two brands through joint marketing and promotional activities in key global source markets. Royal Caribbean will feature DUBAILAND's key live attractions in their shore excursion programs, while DUBAILAND will actively promote Royal Caribbean's Dubai cruises through their global agency network.

From January to April 2010, Royal Caribbean International will introduce seven-night sailings aboard the Brilliance of the Seas from Dubai to an international mix of guests, in line with its signature style of cruising for active holidaymakers. Guests will have ample time to explore the spectacular city with overnight stays at the beginning and conclusion of the voyage.

DUBAILAND is the world's largest tourism, leisure and entertainment destination. Phase One of DUBAILAND is now open with its five live projects - including Dubai Autodrome in MotorCity, Dubai Outlet Mall in Outlet City, The Global Village, Al Sahra Desert Resort and Dubai Sports City, which contains the Ernie Els Golf Club, the Butch Harmon School of Golf and the Cricket Stadium - operational.

DUBAILAND, a member of Tatweer and the world's largest tourism, leisure and entertainment destination has been designed to elevate the position of Dubai as an international hub for tourism. Covering an area of three billion square feet, DUBAILAND comprises an unparalleled portfolio of diverse mega projects that include theme parks, cultural attractions, spas, hotels and resorts, sports and entertainment venues. These world-class projects are being developed by respected international and local investors.

While phase One of DUBAILAND is now open with five operational projects, several other projects currently under construction include The Tiger Woods Dubai, Dubai Golf City, City of Arabia, F1X theme park at MotorCity, Dubai Lifestyle City, Palmarosa and Al Barari. Design and development is also underway on several theme parks including Universal Studios DUBAILAND(TM), Freej DUBAILAND, Dreamworks DUBAILAND, Marvel DUBAILAND, Six Flags DUBAILAND and LEGOLAND DUBAILAND.

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April Cruise News

CLIA Issues Statement On Cases of Swine Influenza

The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) released the following statement regarding global concerns of the Swine Flu and the CDC's April 27, 2009 Traveler's Health Alert Notice:

'While no cases of Swine Flu aboard cruise ships or in cruise ports have been reported, the cruise industry is consulting closely with public health officials and government agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to monitor the situation.

'CLIA member cruise lines go to great lengths to maintain clean and sanitary environments aboard our vessels with the most comprehensive and proactive health and sanitation protocols in the travel and tourism industry. All CLIA members that engage in international voyages have well trained medical staff, expansive reporting and surveillance capabilities onboard. Working with U.S. public health officials in the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program, the cruise industry has developed and complies with extensive practices and procedures that are effective in mitigating illness aboard cruise ships. Additionally, working with the CDC and other governmental agencies, we are examining further steps that can be taken if necessary."

Cruise Lines Enhance Screening Protocols On A Global Basis

 The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) announced that its member lines have adopted and begun employing enhanced screening procedures on a global basis to help prevent the introduction and/or spread of Influenza A (H1N1) on board cruise ships. Under the new CLIA health screening protocols, all passengers will be required to complete and sign a written questionnaire prior to boarding a CLIA member cruise ship anywhere in the world.

All passengers scheduled to board CLIA member line cruise ships will be required to complete the new public health questionnaire prior to boarding at any port. Under the enhanced screening protocols, CLIA member lines will perform a secondary screening if a passenger reports on the questionnaire flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, runny nose or sore throat, or contact with a confirmed Influenza A (H1N1) case. Medical personnel at each cruise line will make case-by-case decisions regarding the boarding of these passengers. Passengers will not be permitted to travel if they exhibit influenza-like-illness or meet the suspect case conditions for Influenza A (H1N1) as defined by CDC (http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/casedef_swineflu.htm). All other passengers will be permitted to travel. The industry instituted similar global screening protocols in the past during the outbreak of SARS in Asia.

Further, medical staff will isolate and treat passengers and crew with flu symptoms, if such a situation arises while the cruise ship is under way. CLIA member lines that operate internationally will maintain appropriate medical support equipment and medications, including anti-viral medications that are effective in treating flu, including Influenza A (H1N1).

The new screening protocols augment comprehensive vessel sanitation and public health surveillance procedures already employed by the industry, and subject to inspection by CDC in the U.S., that reduce the potential for transmission of contagious diseases including Influenza A (H1N1). These practices include the use of recommended disinfectants, surveillance and treatment of illnesses like influenza, isolation of sick passengers, food safety sanitation protocols, and consultation with public health authorities. Further information on travel and the swine flu can be found on the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/swineflu/CLIA

Quark Expeditions Alters Trip Schedule for Antarctica 2009-10.

In response to current market conditions, Quark Expeditions has introduced some changes to its 2009-10 programs. The main changes relate to Akademik Shokalskiy, which will not sail to Antarctica during the 2009-2010 season; and Akademik Sergey Vavilov, which will operate on a revised sailing schedule for Quark's Melbourne-based sister company Peregrine Adventures. Note that bookings for Akademik Sergey Vavilov can now be directed to Peregrine Adventures at http://www.peregrineadventures.com/default.aspx?bhcp=1. For other inquiries, visit www.quarkexpeditions.com

'Norwegian Sun' Redeployed To Europe In 2010

NCL announced this month that it has redeployed Norwegian Sun for the summer of 2010, moving the ship from Alaska to Europe. The 1.936-passenger Norwegian Sun is assuming the summer 2010 itinerary previously announced for Norwegian Jewel and will sail a 12-night Baltic Capitals itinerary from Dover (London) beginning May 11, 2010 through September 8, 2010. In addition, the 2.376-passenger Norwegian Jewel will move from Europe to New York, sailing a combination of seven-night Bahamas & Florida, ten-night Canada and New England and ten-night Eastern Caribbean sailings from April 24, 2010 through April 24, 2011. 'After carefully weighing the rising costs of deploying three ships in Alaska and taking into account the recently enacted legislation, in particular the US $ 50 head tax, we felt it was necessary to redeploy Norwegian Sun," said Kevin Sheehan, NCL's chief executive officer. 'Alaska is an incredible destination, but we are clearly seeing the impact of these changes in 2009, emphasized even more by this challenging economic environment."

Norwegian Sun had been scheduled to sail a seven-night itinerary between Vancouver and Whittier. The ship's new deployment now includes a 15-night Panama Canal sailing from Valparaiso (Santiago de Chile) to Miami on April 11, 2010. Norwegian Sun will then reposition to Europe on a 15-night transatlantic voyage from Miami to Dover (London) on April 26, 2010, and begin her series of eleven 12-night Baltic Capitals cruises with stops in Copenhagen, Warnemünde (Berlin), Tallinn, overnight in St. Petersburg, Helsinki and Nynaeshamn (Stockholm)

Following her winter season in Miami, Norwegian Jewel repositions to New York on a 13-night Circle the Caribbean voyage on April 11, 2010. Once in New York, the ship will sail a series of 20 seven-night Bahamas & Florida cruises with stops in Port Canaveral (Orlando), Great Stirrup Cay and Nassau.

Two other NCL ships, Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Star will continue their deployment in Alaska next summer, sailing seven-night Sawyer Glacier and Glacier Bay cruises from Seattle.

Those who have booked reservations on Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Jewel's previously scheduled sailings, have the option to transfer their reservation to a comparable sailing with their fare protected or re-priced if the fare is lower, along with an on-board credit. In addition, bookings can be cancelled without charges. Transfers must be completed by Monday, May 11, 2009.

MSC Cruises' Ship Successfully Evades Pirates Near Seychelles

MSC Cruises confirms that its Melody cruise ship was attacked by pirates near the Seychelles Islands on Saturday evening, April 25, 2009. The ship initiated avoidance procedures and quickly escaped the attack with no injuries to any of the approximately 1,000 passengers and 500 crew members onboard.

The pirates approached the ship in a small speedboat firing automatic weapons at 7:35 pm GMT while the ship was sailing 180 nautical miles from Port Victoria in the Seychelles. MSC Cruises immediately informed the Italian government foreign office (La Farnesina), the Maritime Security Center in London and the Coordination Center for Security in Dubai.

A military vessel from the international security forces in the region has been sent to escort the Melody as a precaution, and the ship is continuing to Aqaba, Jordan, on its scheduled itinerary.

First RCI Ship To Be Based Year-Round In Southampton, UK

With the Independence of the Seas returning to the UK for its second season based out of Southampton, owners Royal Caribbean International have announced that the ship will be based year round from the port in 2010. The development will see Royal Caribbean International generate a massive £50 million in terms of knock-on economic impact on the Southampton area.

Independence of the Seas will be the first ever Royal Caribbean International ship to be based year-round from the UK and will remain the largest and most innovative ship sailing in Europe. 'Royal Caribbean International is committed to continuing to grow its presence in the British and Irish markets. When Independence of the Seas first sailed from the UK it was one of the best performing ships in the fleet," commented Robin Shaw, vice president and managing director, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, UK and Ireland It is great news that Independence of the Seas will call Southampton home for the long term and means that we firmly cement our position as one of the leading players in the UK cruise industry."

Royal Caribbean International first based a ship from Southampton in 2005, the 2,076-guest Legend of the Seas. After two summer seasons from the port, Royal Caribbean International introduced the 3,114-guest Navigator of the Seas for one year in summer 2007. Navigator of the Seas was replaced in summer 2008 when the 3,600-guest Independence of the Seas launched in Southampton and became the first new Royal Caribbean International ship to operate its inaugural season from this port.

Operating at maximum capacity, Independence of the Seas can carry up to 4,300 guests.

Reservations for the 2010 winter season are open as of June 1, 2009.

'Hebridean Princess' Sold To All Leisure Group plc

All Leisure group plc, which operates Swan Hellenic and Voyages of Discovery, has signed an agreement with Ernst & Young, acting as administrators for Hebridean International Cruises Ltd. and Leisure and Marine Holdings Ltd., for the acquisition of the cruise ship Hebridean Princess and other related assets for a cash consideration of £1.4 million ($2.1 million).

The Hebridean Princess carries 49 passengers and 37 crew and offers luxury cruises from March through to November and operates principally from Oban in Scotland around the Scottish Highlands and Islands and Norwegian Fjords.

Roger Allard, Group Executive Chairman said that 'this acquisition is our first investment of the funds raised on flotation and represents, as promised, a continuation of All Leisure's strategy to acquire established niche destination-led brands. Hebridean Princess justifiably enjoys the exceptionally high levels of both passenger loyalty (historically enjoying over 50% repeat passenger business) and customer support that a product of this quality and profile should demand."

The line's Hebridean Spirit was sold to an undisclosed private buyer. The larger of Hebridean International Cruises two vessels, the 98-passenger ship ceased operations in March.

Royal Caribbean Beats First Quarter Projections But Trims Outlook

Stable close-in bookings and better than expected cost-cutting reduced Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.'s first quarter loss to $36.2 million, or a loss of 17 cents per share, well below guidance of a loss of 30 cents to 35 cents. Wall Street had expected a loss of 34 cents per share. A year ago, Royal Caribbean posted a profit of $75.6m, or 35 cents per share.

RCI Chairman and CEO Richard Fain reported a more stable revenue environment for the rest of the year. However, net yields are projected to come at the lower end of previous guidance of down 12% to 13% (down 9% to 10% in constant dollars). Reduced revenue expectations are largely offset by an improved cost outlook, and the company now projects 2009 EPS of around $1.35, a nickel below previous guidance.

First quarter revenues were $1.3bn, down from $1.4bn a year ago. Net yields came in at down 13.5%, slightly better than guidance of down 14% to down 16%. Costs per available berth were cut 7%, beating guidance of down 4% to 6%. 'Given the horrible economy, I am encouraged by a more stable revenue environment and I am proud that our people have been able to reduce expenses and deliver better than expected results," Fain said.

Royal Caribbean noted the overall revenue picture has remained relatively consistent since the end of 2008. Discounting continues to be 'aggressive' yet is within the range of previous guidance, and booking volumes have been sufficient to achieve forecasted occupancy levels.

In January, the company noted booking patterns had begun to stabilize but said there was still a high level of uncertainty in the market. 'Since then, we have seen consumer behavior stabilize even further,' said CFOo Brian Rice. 'We are obviously not completely back to equilibrium yet, but the predictability of our bookings gets better every day and the risk of a dramatic deviation continues to fall.'

Second quarter net yields are projected to decline 17% (12% on a constant dollar basis). Third quarter net yields are seen as slightly better, mainly due to Pullmantur, which will have easier comparables from the prior year due to the earlier deterioration in the Spanish economy.

Q2 and Q3 net yields are projected to show the largest declines on an as-reported basis, with each quarter impacted by approximately five percentage points based on current exchange rates. On a constant dollar basis, the quarters are also being impacted by weaker demand for premium seasonal itineraries such as Alaska.

Royal Caribbean expects Q4 will not suffer as large a revenue decline thanks to more favorable currency comparables and a product mix weighted more heavily toward the stronger performing Caribbean. Q4 will be comparable to the last months of 2008, which included an impact from the economic downturn.

Royal Caribbean described Oasis of the Seas bookings as 'extremely robust' and expected to have a significant accretive impact on yields.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. announced April 15 that it has arranged commitments for unsecured financing in the amount of USD 1,050,000,000 or 80 percent of the contract price of Royal Caribbean International's Oasis of the Seas. The facility will be 95 percent guaranteed by Finnvera, the official export credit agency of Finland, and amortizes over 12 years. BNP Paribas, Nordea Bank and SEB have each committed to provide 20 percent of the financing and each may elect to opt-out after six years. Finnish Export Credit Ltd. will provide funding for the remaining 40 percent. The company has an option of a floating or fixed rate of interest, and overall terms will fall within the company's financial projections. The commitments are subject only to customary closing conditions. "We are very pleased to have secured the financing for Oasis of the Seas," said Brian J. Rice, executive vice president and chief financial officer. "With the tight credit environment and lack of liquidity in the financial markets today, this financing is a testimony to the strength of our company, the terrific partnership we have with Finland, and the outstanding long-term relationships we enjoy with our banks."

Cruise Lines Suspend Calls At Mexican Ports Temporarily

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is temporarily suspending its port calls in Mexico. The decision was made in an abundance of caution, and allows additional time to better understand the full impact of the Swine Flu. The suspension involves the company's Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises brands. Royal Caribbean International has four ships currently making regularly scheduled port call in Mexico - Enchantment of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas. Two additional Royal Caribbean International ships were scheduled to make upcoming Mexican port calls as they repositioned - Serenade of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas. Celebrity Cruises had one ship scheduled to make upcoming Mexico port calls as it repositions - Celebrity Infinity.

All but one of the affected ships will either make alternative port calls or spend additional time at sea. Royal Caribbean International's Mariner of the Seas will sail a fully revised itinerary, visiting Canada and the U.S. West Coast. The temporary suspension takes effect immediately and will be in effect for the immediate future. It will be regularly reviewed in light of any Swine Flu developments.

The company has been closely monitoring Swine Flu developments and is utilizing its Influenza Prevention and Response Plans. That plan was developed by its office of Medical and Public Health in coordination with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other health experts. The plan is based on three pillars: Preparedness and Communication; Surveillance and Detection; and Response and Containment.

 Other cruise lines are also making a detour from Mexican port calls. Holland America announced that five of its ships will not make port calls in April and early May. Those ships are the Ryndam, Statendam, Westerdam, Zuiderdam and Veendam

Other cruise lines revising their itineraries include Princess and Carnival Cruise Lines.

SeaDream Cruise Line Not For Sale Says Company Owner & CEO

Amid industry reports that SeaDream Yacht Club was up for sale, company owner and CEO Atle Brynestad issued a statement refuting the rumors. ' I am pleased to inform you that SeaDream is not for sale.  There have been some miss quotes in the media in Norway.  The ships and the remarkable teamwork and performance of the SeaDream team (300 in total) have made it possible for the ships to sail with 100 percent occupancy for almost two years now. SeaDream had a record year in 2008 and SeaDream will also have a very good year in 2009. As of the week of April 20 SeaDream has achieved more than 80 percent of its year- end revenue goal. The first quarter net result for 2009 was even higher than for the same quarter in 2008."

SeaDream was founded in 2001 by Brynestad and Larry Pimentel, who abruptly left the company earlier this year, saying his departure was 'due to fundamental disagreements with the principals of the organization." Brynestad assumed the CEO role and Bob Lepisto was named president. Pimentel previously worked under Brynestad at Seabourn Cruise Line, a line that Brynestad founded in 1987 and served as its chairman for ten years.

Norwegian Cruise Line Reports Record Results & Net Yield Growth For 2008

Norwegian Cruise Line (the "Company") completed a strategic repositioning in 2008, implementing a number of initiatives that have led to record results and improved financial performance even within a challenging economic environment.

Highlights from 2008 included the augmentation of its senior management team with both seasoned managers and industry veterans; enhancement of its onboard product with the full implementation of Freestyle 2.0; significant improvement in the way it conducts business with its travel partners through Partnership 2.0; realignment of its Hawaii operations; restructuring of its new build program; and a keen focus on managing and streamlining its cost structure. "The Company achieved record improvements in both EBITDA and Net Yields in 2008 despite an extremely challenging economy," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line's Chief Executive Officer. "We worked diligently in 2008 to transform the Company with the successful implementation of a variety of measures and initiatives. The result is a new Company, one that is extremely focused on customer service, financial performance and is well poised to come through this difficult period."

Norwegian Cruise Line reported a record setting 18.2% increase in EBITDA1,2, in 2008 of $228.1 million versus $192.9 million in 2007. On a pro forma basis, EBITDA1,2 increased 55.7% to $300.1 million versus the prior year after including the impact of restructuring initiatives such as the re-flagging and redeployment of Pride of Hawaii and Pride of Aloha from the Company's U.S.-flagged fleet to its international fleet as Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Sky, respectively, as well as other cost saving initiatives.

In 2008, net revenues increased 2.9% despite a 3.7% decrease in capacity. Total revenues for 2008 were $2.1 billion versus $2.2 billion in 2007, a 3.2% decrease. Net Yields1 for 2008 increased 6.9% from the prior year while Gross Yields1 were modestly higher. Operating income for the Company increased by 46.3% to $65.5 million in 2008 from $44.8 million in 2007, excluding impairment charges in 2008 of $128.8 million related to the cancellation of a contract to build a ship and $2.6 million in 2007 related to the sale of Oceanic. Excluding these one-time charges, the Company reported a net loss of $83.0 million for its year ended December 31, 2008, as compared to a net loss of $224.4 million for the prior year. Results for the year ended December 31, 2008 include a non-cash foreign exchange translation gain of $101.8 million primarily related to marking-to-market the Company's Euro denominated debt, offset by $99.9 million of losses due to the change in fair value of our derivative contracts. The Company reported a non-cash foreign exchange translation loss of $94.5 million for the same period in 2007. Interest expense (net of capitalized interest), decreased by $23.0 million year-over-year as a result of lower average outstanding debt balances for the year.

Outlook

In the first few months of 2009, the Company experienced strong bookings with a rise of 15% year-over-year through March 15, 2009. In addition, the new Groups 2.0 program, launched in December, saw a threefold increase in group staterooms blocked compared to the same time last year. In 2009, the Company will return the last of its older chartered ships (Norwegian Majesty) to Star Cruises, completing the transformation of its fleet to 100% modern ships purpose-built for Freestyle Cruising. The Company is eagerly anticipating the arrival of its next generation of Freestyle Cruising ship, Norwegian Epic, scheduled for delivery in May 2010. The arrival of Norwegian Epic represents the next step in this exciting evolution of the Company's fleet. The Company announced further details about the ship's wide range of accommodations on March 18, 2009, the innovative dining and amenities on April 3, 2009 and will reveal information about the entertainment on May 20, 2009. The Company will also open Norwegian Epic's 2010 itineraries for sale to the public on May 20, 2009.

In recent months, the Company had been exploring alternatives to optimize its capital structure. In conjunction with an equity investment by its shareholders of $100 million, the Company has refinanced approximately $800 million of debt that it had coming due in 2009 and 2010.

"This is an extremely exciting time for Norwegian Cruise Line. We've transformed the Company, improved our financial performance, negotiated new lender terms and received additional financial support from our shareholders," added Sheehan. "In addition, we've just received in depth broadcast coverage with the premiere of the much anticipated CNBC/Peter Greenberg documentary which showcases Norwegian Cruise Line to a large, international viewing audience. All of these elements are helping us to weather this challenging climate."

Swan Hellenic Launches North American Website

Swan Hellenic has launched a North American website featuring promotions for the US and Canadian market, complete details on the line's ocean and river programs and pricing in U.S. dollars. The line, which features the 394-guest Minerva and the 199-guest A-Rosa Riva, also has announced savings up to 70 percent on select departures and categories. Fares start at $1,995 per person, double, on the 14-night Eastern Mediterranean & Black Sea cruise, sailing May 12 to 26; $1,995 per person, double, on the Grecian Odyssey cruise sailing May 26 through June 10; and $1,795 per person, double, for the 16-night Journey from the Mediterranean cruise departing Livorno June 9. Air add-ons and transfers are available from 21 U.S. and Canadian gateway cities, ranging from $1,107 to $1,627 per person. Savings also are available on select voyages of Swan Hellenic's Danube river cruises. Fares for the 10-night cruises aboard the A-Rosa Riva are priced from $2,195 per-person, double. These cruises sail roundtrip from Vienna May 10 and 30. Air add-ons are available from $205 to $655, depending on cruise and gateway. Cruise-only guests may deduct $400 from the cruise fare. For more information, call 866-923 9182 or visit www.swanhellenic.us.

'Black Prince' Sold To Venezuelan Cruise Operator

An agreement to sell the Fred. Olsen cruise ship, Black Prince, has today been confirmed by the vessel's owning company, Black Prince Cruise Ltd. Purchase of the 451 passenger vessel has been agreed with Servicios Acuaticos de Venezuela CA (SAVECA) through

US Shipbrokers of Florida, USA.

Completion of the sale and the delivery of Black Prince to SAVECA will take place shortly after its last cruise finishes in Southampton on October 16, 2009. It is understood that the vessel will be used as a cruise ship operating in Venezuelan waters.

With the sale of the Black Prince after October, the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines fleet will consist of four vessels: Black Watch, Boudicca, Braemar and Balmoral.

Black Prince entered service for Fred. Olsen in October 1966, initially as a joint cruise ship and vehicle ferry between the UK and the Canary Islands, and the UK and Norway, and in recent years as a full time cruise ship from various regional UK ports to destinations in Europe, the Arctic, Africa, and the Caribbean. Reportedly, Fred. Olsen chose to retire Black Prince instead of completing the costly upgrades needed to comply with new International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulations, which will become effective by October 1, 2010.

Windstar Cruises Launches Future Cruise Program

Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world's most sought-after destinations, announces the new Future Cruise program that allows guests to book their future cruises from the comfort of their current Windstar cruise.

Windstar guests can now book future cruises onboard their current Windstar cruise and receive a minimum $100 per person shipboard credit, plus a reduced deposit amount. This new offering provides guests with the leisure of selecting their next sailing with the help of their onboard host and ensures that they have the best chance of securing their favorite stateroom. Guests' onboard bookings will be linked to the travel agent that booked their current sailing.

'Golden Princess' Enters Drydock For Dramatic Makeover & Twitters

As Golden Princess begins the most extensive makeover ever undertaken by the company, Princess Cruises is inviting cruise fans to follow the progress through Twitter updates that will showcase a daily photo journal of the ship's transformation. A first for Princess, the online posts will chronicle the dramatic changes throughout the ship during its nearly three-week drydock at Victoria Shipyards in British Columbia.

The journal has launched at www.princess.com/goldendrydock  and will run through May 5, when the ship sets sail again with its new features, including a new piazza-style atrium, an adults-only Sanctuary, a Movies Under the Stars poolside movie screen, a new Crown Grill steak and seafood restaurant, and a variety of other enhancements.

Twitter users will receive a daily "tweet" about the latest construction progress after they follow an easy sign up process and elect to follow Princess at http://twitter.com/PrincessCruises.

The amenities being added during the drydock are the Princess signature features already aboard the line's newest ships, Crown Princess, Emerald Princess and Ruby Princess. Many have also been introduced aboard on Caribbean Princess, Star Princess and Grand Princess during earlier drydock periods.

In addition to work being done on the Golden Princess, the Victoria Shipyards will also be refitting Holland America's Amsterdam and then the Celebrity Millennium.

Royal Caribbean Announces New Dining and Beverage Offerings

Royal Caribbean has announced enhancements to the cruise line's dining program, offering guests greater flexibility. With the introduction of new flexible dining programs called My Time Dining and My Family Time Dining for kids and other enhancements, guests will now have a diverse variety of choices to dine at whichever time and however they wish, in addition to the cruise line's traditional dining, casual or specialty dining, and in-stateroom service offerings. The new dining program is available immediately fleetwide.

My Time Dining, which Royal Caribbean has piloted on select ships since early 2008, provides guests with the flexibility to enjoy dinner in the main dining room whenever they wish during dining hours. Guests choosing My Time Dining will not have a pre-assigned table, but will be seated in the ship's main dining room; order from the same traditional dinner menu.

My Time Dining guests can make daily reservations for specific seating times or choose to walk-in. Guests can be seated with the party they arrive with, request to be seated with other guests or dine alone. To ensure a smooth and undisrupted experience, no additional guests will be seated at a table once dinner service has begun. Guests choosing My Time Dining must prepay gratuities and enroll onboard or in advance through www.RoyalCaribbean.com or the cruise line's reservations department. Travel agents can enroll their customers for My Time Dining through the reservations department currently for select ships and via booking tools for all ships beginning May 10.

Inquiry Into 'MV Explorer' Sinking Faults Captain and Poor Safety Equipment

A Liberian inquiry into the sinking of a small adventure cruise ship in the Antarctic last year, in which ten Australians were among the 154 passengers and crew rescued from open lifeboats, has blamed the Swedish captain and inadequate safety equipment and training. The report also proposed tough new safety benchmarks in the booming Antarctic cruise market, which carries thousands of Australians south to the ice fields each year.

The Canadian ship, MV Explorer, sailing under a Liberian flag, sank on November 23, 2007, after being holed by ice in the South Atlantic off King George Island while on a 19-day voyage tracing the route of the early 20th century explorer Ernest Shackleton.

The engines of three of the four lifeboats failed to start and passengers had to be pulled to safety from crushing ice by rubber Zodiac boats to wait some four hours to be rescued by another cruise ship.

The Liberian Government inquiry said the 39-year-old captain, who was untrained for Antarctic ice conditions, drove his ship too fast at a "wall of ice" at night in the mistaken belief it was thinner. If not for the fair weather, the failures that followed might have meant a greater cost to everyone on board, who were rescued uninjured in Antarctica's first sinking of a tourist ship.

According to the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators, a total of 3300 Australians went to Antarctica in 2007-08, the industry's peak year. Increasingly, some of these tourists are coming to grief. There were 11 Australians on MV Ushuaia when it grounded on the Antarctic Peninsula last December 5, and another seven aboard the Ocean Nova when it hit rocks there on February 17. Each ship was evacuated safely, freed off the rocks, and repaired.

Holland America Lays Keel For 'ms Nieuw Amsterdam'

Construction of Holland America Line's new Signature-class premium cruise ship ms Nieuw Amsterdam reached a milestone on March 24 with the keel-laying ceremony at the Fincantieri Marghera shipyard in Italy. The 2,106-guest ship is scheduled for delivery in late June 2010. 

Just before laying the keel, the large section of Nieuw Amsterdam that was built at Fincantieri's Sestri yard near Genoa, Italy, was towed around the foot of Italy to Venice. Once it arrived, the section was floated into the building dock and placed on blocks.  The section that signifies the ceremonial keel laying was lifted into the building dock and later joined with the section built in Sestri.

The section that was built at Fincantieri's Sestri yard near Genoa was towed around the foot of Italy. 

Explorations Book Club Debuts On Holland America Line Cruise Ships

An enriching new book club program will debut on Holland America Line's sailings of 14 days or more starting in May 2009. As part of the cruise line's ongoing Signature of Excellence initiative, the Explorations Book Club will launch with the popular novel 'Like Water for Chocolate" on the Panama Canal ms Veendam sailing.  Book club gatherings will be implemented on select sailings of 14 days or more starting in the fall, with a different novel selected for each itinerary.

Lively book discussions will be hosted by the on-board librarian in the Explorations Café powered by the New York Times.  Guests interested in joining the discussion will have time to read the selected book as the chosen title will be posted online prior to each sailing. The onboard librarian will plan and facilitate two to three discussions for each book.  Books chosen will relate to the sailing destination whether by author or topic.  For example, books under consideration are 'In a Sunburned Country" by Bill Bryson for Australia itineraries or 'Saving Fish from Drowning: A Novel by Amy Tan" for Asia cruises.

AIDAluna Inaugurated In Festive Ceremony In Palma

Since April 5, the newest ship of the AIDA fleet officially bears the name AIDAluna. At exactly 10:18 PM, international top model Franziska Knuppe smashed the champagne bottle across the bow and enunciated the talismanic christening words.

For the first time ever, the naming ceremony took place on board an AIDA ship. The whole vessel had been turned into a huge stage. The christening act and the fireworks were embedded into the spectacular entertainment program and made the event an unforgettable experience. Internet users also enjoyed a true world premiere: For the first time, a ship christening was broadcasted live via satellite and twitter. More than 12,000 viewers watched the board program with great excitement on their screens.

The newly christened ship will operate ten roundtrips in the Baltic Sea during summer. In September, AIDAluna will change to the Canary Islands.

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises To Offer First Classical Music Competition At Sea

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises' flagship, MS Europa in cooperation with eight international opera houses, including New York's Metropolitan Opera, is hosting their first annual classical music competition. The competition named Stella Maris (Latin for "Stars of the High Seas"), will occur on board a ten-day Southern European cruise departing from Venice, Italy on October 25 and ending in Barcelona, Spain on November 4, 2009.  Unlike the EUROPA's very popular yearly Ocean Sun Festival , featuring renowned classical music artists, the Stella Maris concept brings the world's best up-and-coming young singers together from opera houses in New York, Toronto, Hamburg, Dresden, Zurich, London, Milan and Paris competing in a vocal competition on board. 

The top notch prizes for the winners include: a performance at the Vienna Opera House, €15,000 in cash, a Test-Recording with Deutsche Grammophon, a management contract and and a concert with recording time with Deutsche Radio Philharmonic conducted by Christoph Poppen.   Additionally, MS Europa will invite one of the three winners to perform on a cruise in 2010/2011.

Cunard Line and Oxford University Press Introduce Science at Sea

Cunard Line is partnering with Oxford University Press (OUP) to introduce the Cunard/Oxford University Press Science Club, a multi-faceted membership program featuring the new onboard Science at Sea lectures by prominent science writers. In addition, guests can join the Science Club, affording ongoing opportunities to stay abreast of the latest in popular science publishing through quarterly OUP email newsletters, invitations to book launches and more.

Prior to forming the Science at Sea program, Cunard surveyed more than 3,000 guests on their interest in science and the particular topics about which they would like to know more. Among the hottest topics are genetics, astronomy and oceanography.        

Cunard guests can become members of the Science Club simply by completing a membership card onboard a Science at Sea voyage. Membership will entitle them to quarterly emails from Oxford University Press featuring updates and articles on the upcoming Science at Sea voyages and invitations to book launches, promotional offers, competitions and information on speakers.

'Queen Elizabeth' Maiden Voyage In 2010 Sells Out

The October 2010 Maiden Voyage for Cunard's new ocean liner Queen Elizabeth, which was placed on worldwide sale ton April 1, sold out in a record 29 minutes – easily making this the fastest selling voyage in Cunard's 170-year history. In fact, this voyage sold out quicker involving more guests than QE2's Final Voyage when it set a previous Cunard sell-out record of 36 minutes in June 2007.

In addition, more than half of Queen Elizabeth's remaining Maiden Season, comprising six voyages from October to December 2010, was sold within the first two hours.

Queen Elizabeth will feature the unique Cunard traditions linking her with her sisters Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria and their predecessors, along with some exciting features that will give the vessel her own style and personality, plus all the modern day luxuries Cunard's guests have come to expect.

Named after the first Queen Elizabeth, one of Cunard's greatest ships, the new Queen Elizabeth will reflect her predecessor in interior grandeur, décor and style, but with a modern twist. From the outside, her distinctive black and red livery will hint at an experience that differentiates a Cunard liner from a modern-day cruise ship. This will be most evident in the ship's adherence to liner traditions, with elegant double and triple height public rooms on a grand scale, luxuriously endowed with rich wood paneling, intricate mosaics, gleaming chandeliers and cool marbles. Art Deco features will pay homage to the original Queen Elizabeth and will allow the new ship to reflect a more civilized era of travel.

Queen Elizabeth's maiden 2010 season will consist of six voyages, calling on 32 distinct ports in 18 countries. Her Maiden Voyage, now sold out, will depart from Cunard's homeport of Southampton on October 12, 2010, en route to the Atlantic Isles.

The ship will then embark on five celebratory inaugural voyages, for which space is still available but selling fast:

Carnival Cruise Lines Introduces New Your Choice Dining Program

This month, Carnival Cruise Lines launched Your Choice Dining which provides a selection of three different dinner seating options for guests aboard the lines 22-ship fleet. In addition to Early or Late assigned seating, the cruise line is rolling out Your Time open seating to accommodate individual guest preferences. Also, under the new Your Choice Dining program, dining assignments will be confirmed at the time of booking.

'We have been experimenting with an open seating dinner option on a few ships since the latter part of 2008, said Roberta Jacoby, Carnival's senior vice president of hotel operations. 'Exceptional guest feedback to the pilot program and an indication from the vast majority of those participating that they would choose that option again has prompted the decision to extend open seating fleetwide."

Your Time open seating, currently available on five ships, will be implemented one vessel at a time over the next several months as modifications in dining room table configurations are completed on each ship. An additional eight ships are scheduled to be converted by the end of year and the balance of the fleet by summer 2010. Confirmed dining assignments are now being offered fleetwide.

Royal Caribbean International Names New Senior Vice President, Marketing

Royal Caribbean International has named Betsy O'Rourke senior vice president of Marketing. O'Rourke will be responsible for all aspects of the cruise line's marketing program, including brand strategy and positioning, consumer and trade advertising, web and loyalty marketing, research, brand development and communications. She will report directly to Adam Goldstein, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO.

O'Rourke has more than 25 years of marketing and communications experience. Most recently, she served as senior vice president of Marketing and Communications for Wyndham Worldwide, where she was responsible for developing corporate marketing programs, oversaw media relations and served as marketing liaison within the company's various business units, including Wyndham Hotel Group, the world's largest hotel franchising company with nearly 7,000 hotels under 12 brand names; Group RCI, the world's largest vacation exchange and rental company; and Wyndham Vacation Ownership, the world's largest timeshare company.  Previously, she served as senior vice president of marketing for the Travel Industry Association of America, where she created SeeAmerica, an international umbrella marketing program for the U.S. travel industry, and was recognized for her leadership in the 9/11 travel industry recovery campaign.

'MSC Rhapsody' is Sold 

On April 8, MSC Cruises confirmed the sale, effective immediately, of MSC Rhapsody to a new owner. Reportedly, the ship was sold to an Israeli ship owner.

The 16,852 gross registered ton MSC Rhapsody -- 681 feet long, 89 feet wide with 382 staterooms -- was built in 1977 and has been part of the MSC Cruises' fleet. The ship was refurbished in 2004.

Disney Announces Names for Two New Cruise Ships

Disney Cruise Line announced the names of its two new ships: Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. announced the names of the company's two new cruise ships.

Disney Dream will debut in 2011 and the Disney Fantasy in 2012.

The new ships will be purpose built with families in mind, and specially designed areas and activities for each member of the family to allow for both quality time together and wonderful individual experiences.  The focus is to provide a setting where families can reconnect, adults can recharge and kids can immerse themselves in worlds only Disney can create.

The expansion will more than double the passenger capacity for Disney Cruise Line.  Each ship will have 1,250 staterooms and will each be 128,000 tons.

Susan Hooper New Head Of Saga Holidays

Susan Hooper, former senior vice president and managing director EMEA for Royal Caribbean International & Celebrity Cruises, has joined Saga Holidays. Hooper, who left Royal Caribbean in September 2008, is CEO of Saga Holidays and Saga Cruising, specializing in travel for the over-50 age group.