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Disney Cruise Line

Delight in the ‘Magic’ and ‘Wonder’ of the Holidays
From the happy haunts of Halloween through the revelry of the New Year, guests will discover an extra dose of pixie dust aboard Disney Cruise Line this holiday season. From traditional Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts to “snowflake” sightings and seasonal caroling, the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder will sparkle with the joy of the holiday season.
The festivities begin on the October 27 and 28 sailings, where guests can take part in some Halloween fun. Children will enjoy a trick-or-treat trail that culminates in a dance party on the top deck and special costume parties in each of the youth activity areas. For adults, there’s a dance party and costume contest with prizes for costume categories such as best group, most original and most Disney. With Halloween decorations throughout the ship and scary – as well as not-so-scary – movies playing in various venues, children of all ages will enjoy a uniquely Disney twist on this autumn tradition.
Then, beginning in late November, the spirit of the season will surround cruise guests from the moment they arrive at Port Canaveral, Florida. Disney characters decked out in their finest holiday attire will welcome guests to the lavishly decorated private cruise terminal. Onboard, the festivities continue with special themed activities, decorations, and even a transformed winter wonderland on Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.
On Thanksgiving Day, guests will delight in a traditional Thanksgiving feast complete with roast turkey, stuffing and all the trimmings. After enjoying as much as they care to eat, guests can relax in a deck chair or partake in some of the many shipboard activities such as themed craft projects for the children. To top off the festivities, Mickey and Minnie will don their Thanksgiving costumes.
After Thanksgiving, guests will discover continued holiday cheer along with:
-- A nearly three-deck-tall tree festooned with decorations in the atrium lobby, where “snow” flurries fall and a tree-lighting ceremony occurs.
-- A Christmas Day visit from Santa Goofy, with surprises for all the kids.
-- International holiday caroling by crew members from around the globe (exclusively on the Christmas cruises).
-- Special family time for designing and decorating gingerbread houses.
-- A reading of “The Night Before Christmas” by Mrs. Claus.
-- Traditional holiday feasts in Disney’s three themed dining rooms (Christmas cruises only).
-- Multiple faith and interdenominational holiday services (Christmas and Hanukkah cruises only).
-- A ship-wide party to ring in 2008 and a New Year’s Day tailgate party.

The holiday fun even extends to Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. When the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder arrive at the sandy Bahamian isle just after Thanksgiving, the island will be transformed into a Magical Wonderland – a “snowy” holiday hideaway. “Snow” flurries will fall like magic, Christmas trees will glow and carolers will croon. Mr. and Mrs. Snowman, wearing shell noses and tropical attire, will greet guests with a sleigh full of presents. The tram that transports guests across the 1,000-acre island will be reindeer themed, complete with antlers and tail. At the beach, kids can dive into holiday-themed activities that include making candy cane reindeer, paper plate angels and snowflake mobiles.
The festivities begin on the Disney Magic on a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise departing on November 24, and on a special four-night Bahamian cruise leaving November 21. Guests wishing to spend the Christmas holiday onboard Disney Cruise Line can enjoy a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise beginning December 22, or a four-night Bahamian cruise departing December 23.
To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can contact their travel agent, visit www.disneycruise.com or call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500. Travel agents can call Disney Cruise Line at 888/325-2500 or visit www.disneytravelagents.com.

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[Editor’s Note/Not For Publication: For more information, photos and podcasts about Disney Cruise Line, access the Disney Cruise Line Public Relations media-only Web site at www.dclnews.com; user name: disney; password: magic.]

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises Offers Family Plan For Its New Year’s Sailing On MSC Lirica
MSC Cruises is offering a special Family Plan promotion on its December 28 New Year’s sailing of MSC Lirica. Family Plan prices start at $499.50 per person, quad occupancy, for an inside stateroom (government fees and taxes are additional for all passengers). Oceanview staterooms begin at only $75 more per person ($574.50), quad occupancy.
On the seven-night December 28 Western Caribbean itinerary, MSC Lirica sails roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale and calls at Key West, Georgetown, Cozumel and Nassau, and includes two days at sea.
Rates include onboard dining and international entertainment appropriate for the entire family. Onboard MSC Lirica, guests will be surrounded by the line’s ‘Beautiful. Passionate. Italian.’ cruise experience, including the elegant décor, authentic Italian cuisine, European ambiance, and exceptional service.
As an added bonus, North American residents who place a reservation need only place a $100 deposit per person, based on double occupancy. To qualify for the Family Plan, reservations must be made by Sept. 30.
Rates quoted are USD, cruise only. Offers are capacity controlled, restrictions apply and subject to availability. Offers maybe withdrawn at anytime without notice.
For more information about MSC Cruises, visit www.msccruisesusa.com or a local travel professional.