April 24, 2008: Today at Aker Yards in France, NCL Corporation revealed the cruise industry's most innovative living space at sea - New Wave Staterooms by NCL. Designed for its next generation of Freestyle Cruising ships, F3, the New Wave standard, New Wave balcony and New Wave deluxe staterooms represent a giant leap forward in cruise ship accommodations with a completely fresh take on bathroom design, contemporary curved architecture and open living space.

"From the introduction of the first Caribbean cruise more than 41 years ago to the launch of Freestyle Cruising in 2000 and beyond, NCL has always blazed a trail of innovation," said Colin Veitch, NCL's president and CEO. "We have thrown away the rule book with the design of F3 and today are revealing the very first element with our New Wave staterooms. Gone are the regimented typical designs and in place are sleek staterooms that are totally outside the box, designed for the needs of tomorrow's guests."

The New Wave staterooms most distinctive design element is its curved walls and lines creating a modern and chic experience. NCL has maximized the living space with a bathroom that is completely unique with a separate shower stall, separate water closet and a modern vanity top sink. The staterooms feature a sophisticated earth-tone palette accented with a splash of color and rich, dark wood. Concealed contour LED lighting and back-lit domed ceilings set a relaxing vibe.

All the amenities and comforts of NCL's Freestyle 2.0 enhancements are included with upgraded bedding, linens and towels, Euro pillows, Elemis bathroom products and MP3 connectivity upon request. Balcony and deluxe staterooms have bathrobes, a customized fruit menu, a fresh-baked cookie at turn down on the last night of cruise, an escort to the stateroom on embarkation day, priority restaurant reservation and reception hotlines and special color keycard for ship-wide recognition.

"Today's announcement is just the first chapter in a series of innovations we will be revealing about our new F3 ships leading up to their launch in 2010," Veitch said. "These ships will further deconstruct the traditional cruise ship experience with innovations in design, accommodations, luxury and entertainment to create a cutting-edge resort vacation experience unlike any other at sea."

Further design details of the New Wave staterooms include:

New Wave Deluxe:

• A bathroom that's "outside the box," including:
  • Separate water closet
  • Separate vanity top sink within the room
  • Separate bathtub and shower or luxurious shower
• Unique curved walls
• Concealed contour LED lighting
• Back-lit domed ceiling
• Comfortable seating area
• Flat-screen TV
• Mini-Bar
• Balcony
• Expanded living space

• A bathroom that's "outside the box," including:
  • Separate water closet
  • Separate vanity top sink within the room
  • Separate shower stall
• Unique curved walls
• Concealed contour LED lighting
• Back-lit domed ceiling
• Comfortable seating area
• Flat-screen TV
• Mini-Bar
• Balcony

• A bathroom that's "outside the box," including:
  • Separate water closet
  • Separate vanity top sink within the room
  • Separate shower stall
• Concealed contour LED lighting
• Most inside staterooms feature the back-lit domed ceiling
• Flat-screen TV
• Mini-Bar

The two 150,000-ton F3 ships will each total 4,200 passenger berths, representing the largest ships in NCL's fleet. The new ship design will offer 60 percent more guest space than NCL's largest ships to date, which will be used to provide guests an even wider range of on-board activities, amenities and stateroom options. The ships' cabin mix will be the richest of any NCL ship with 100 percent of outside staterooms featuring private balconies. In total, each ship will have 1,415 balcony staterooms.

More details about the F3 ships including other innovative accommodations, public spaces, dining, entertainment/nightlife, cutting-edge technology and casino will be announced leading up to the launch of the first F3 ship in 2010.

NCL is building two new third generation Freestyle Cruising ships for delivery in 2010. NCL today has the youngest fleet in the industry, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy the flexibility of Freestyle Cruising on the newest, most contemporary ships at sea, and has recently added its latest new ship, the 2,400 passenger Norwegian Gem.

MIAMI, April 15, 2008 – In its latest evolution in cruise ship design, Royal Caribbean International’s Project Genesis will bring the best of the land to sea with Central Park, a revolutionary design in which the center of the ship opens to the sky and features lush, tropical grounds spanning the length of a football field. An exquisite public gathering place featuring serene pathways, seasonal flower gardens and canopy trees, Central Park will provide cruisers with more choices in a unique outdoor space. One of the ship’s most ground-breaking spaces, this new concept is the first of seven neighborhoods to be unveiled on Project Genesis. Each neighborhood will provide vacationers with the opportunity to seek out relevant experiences in various locales based on their personal style, preference or mood.

Elegant and lively, Central Park’s central piazza will be the ship’s “town square” which evolves from a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere during the day to a gathering space for alfresco dining and entertainment in the evening, where guests will enjoy concerts and street performances. The neighborhood is lined with balcony staterooms rising six decks high with views of the Park below and the sky above.

Surrounding this social space will be an array of restaurants, with choices ranging from fine dining to casual chic. Guests will have the option of an elegant dinner at the new 150 Central Park or a picnic lunch from the more casual Central Park Café, where they can sit outdoors and people-watch. Other dining choices will include: Giovanni’sTable, an Italian restaurant; Vintages wine bar; and Royal Caribbean’s signature Chops Grille steakhouse. Several bars will be scattered throughout the Park, including the Canopy Bar, located at one of two impressive glass-domed canopies, and the unique Rising Tide bar - the first moving bar at sea. Truly an engineering feat, Rising Tide will span three decks and allow cruisers to enjoy a cocktail as they slowly ascend into Central Park and then descend back into the public spaces below. Central Park also will have stylish boutique shops, showcasing a selection of upscale merchandise.

“Building such a large vessel allowed us to add even more of the choices and amenities that our guests value and Central Park is a dramatic addition to our already extensive array of exciting features,” said Richard D. Fain,Chairman & CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “Central Park is the first of many dynamic neighborhoods on Project Genesis which will enable each guest to find his or her own space and activity.”

“Our brand identity is founded in innovation and on delivering the best cruise vacation through ‘WOW’ experiences,” stated Adam Goldstein, President & CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Central Park is a true evolution of cruise ship design and allows us to provide our guests with not only a more varied selection of balcony accommodations, but also a stunning public venue that will be a central element of the ship, both during the day and atnight.”

• Central Park is located on Deck 8 of the ship, with dimensions of 62 feet (19 meters) wide and 328 feet (100meters) long. The sophisticated neighborhood will include 334 staterooms overlooking the Park, 254 with balconies.
• Central Park will be landscaped with tropical foliage, including seasonal flowers, shrubs and trees. Drawing on the concept of unexpected surprises and intrigue, garden spaces throughout the Park will sprout from charming pathways. Drifts of Calla Lilies among Giant Elephant Ears, Red Ginger, Rabbit Foot Ferns and Zebra Calathea are some of the plant life guests will discover. Trees, some eventually reaching more than two-and-ahalf decks tall, include Black Olive, Cuban Laurel, Cherry of the Rio Grande, and Painted and Golden Bamboo. Surprises in the Park include quiet reading corners; a Chess Garden with large-scale pieces; the Pergola Garden,an interpretive garden featuring vegetation from a host of Caribbean locales; and a Sculpture garden,highlighting work by international artists. Irrigation and drainage systems will be incorporated, along with micro-climate control techniques.
• An on-site horticulturist will provide educational classes for guests seeking to learn more about flora.
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   The Crystal Canopies, two impressive arched-glass domes, one with a bar, will be a focal point of Central Park and provide sunlight into the ship’s inner public spaces.

• Restaurants and dining options in the Central Park neighborhood include:

•  150 Central Park – The most exclusive dining venue on the ship, 150 Central Park combines leading edge cuisine with leading-edge design. An observation window into the kitchen of this stylish restaurant will give Central Park passersby the opportunity to observe the executive chef in action. Open for dinner.
   
• Chops Grille – Continuing the tradition, Royal Caribbean’s popular signature steakhouse will offer premium cut, quality meats in an upscale, contemporary setting. Open for dinner.
  
  Giovanni’s Table – Influenced by the Tuscan countryside, Giovanni’s will be a casual new Italian restaurant concept offering toasted herbal breads, pizzas, salads, pastas, Italian sandwiches, braised meat dishes and stews. Rustic with a contemporary flair, dishes are served family style in an indoor and outdoor setting to provide an alfresco experience in Central Park. Open for lunch and dinner.
  
• Central Park Café – A casual dining choice providing a high level of variety and flexibility, Central Park Café is an indoor/outdoor gourmet market with walk-up counters. From freshly prepared salads and made-to-order sandwiches to paninis, crepes and hearty soups, guests order directly from the chefs behind the food stations. European pastries, sublime chocolates and decadent fudge round out the offerings. Open for breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner and late night treats.
  
•  Vintages – Always a popular hot spot for Royal Caribbean guests on Voyager- and Freedom-class ships, the Vintages wine bar evolves into a larger space on Project Genesis, offering a variety of options for those seeking a tropical white Riesling or a mocha-inflected Merlot. Great for a pre-dinner rendezvous, Vintages also provides a selection of cheeses and a full tapas menu to accompany a robust selection of fine wines. Open for lunch and dinner.

Central Park will feature upscale retail boutiques for discerning travelers, including specialty outlets such as The Parkside Gallery, showcasing original artwork for purchase, and Picture This, a portrait studio.

When she launches in late 2009, Project Genesis will be the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. An architectural marvel at sea, she will span 16 decks, encompass 220,000 GRT, carry 5,400 guests, and feature 2,700 staterooms. The ship will sail from her home port in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. In 2010, she will be joined by a sister ship.

Disney Cruise Line has announced it's agreement to extend its contract with Port Canaveral through 2023.  In addition the cruise line will homeport its two newest ships there which are scheduled to debut in 2011 and 2012.

Port Canaveral will extend the dock and enhance the Disney terminal to accomodate the greater number of passengers expected with Disney's two new, larger ships.

New York's iconic Statue of Liberty stood tall as a fitting backdrop for a Royal Rendezvous of Cunard Line's three luxury liners - Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth 2 and the new Queen Victoria, which made her maiden call to New York on January 13. Despite the freezing rain, thousands of maritime buffs lined the shores of lower Manhattan to see the regal fleet gather for the first and only time in New York. During a celebration that began with a whistle salute by each liner, the nautical royalty made a majestic procession through New York Harbor illuminated by a fireworks-filled sky as they departed on their respective voyages. It is the first time that three Cunard Queens have been in service simultaneously in the company's 168-year history.

Queen Victoria was launched on December 10, 2007, by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall (Camilla Parker Bowles) in Southampton, England. Following her celebratory maiden call to New York, she embarks on her Maiden World Cruise, a 105-day journey stopping in 37 ports in 23 countries, while Cunard's grand dame Queen Elizabeth 2 departs on her 26th and final World Cruise. Queen Mary 2 continues her winter sailings to the Caribbean.  And in less than three years  time, the line will take delivery of the new Queen Elizabeth, which will replace the venerable QE2 leaving the fleet later this year.

Cunard Line has ordered a new 92,000-ton liner, to be named Queen Elizabeth, scheduled to enter service in the autumn of 2010. Cunard has signed an agreement with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for the construction of the new 2,092-passenger ocean liner, which will be built at Fincantieri's Monfalcone yard at an all-in cost of approximately $700 million. The vessel will be the second largest Cunard ship the company has ever built.

The decision  to add a third ship was made in response to both the strong bookings on the new Queen Victoria (due to debut in December, 2007) and to the departure of the much beloved Queen Elizabeth 2 from the Cunard fleet. The new Queen Elizabeth is being named after the original Queen Elizabeth liner, which sailed from 1940 to 1968. 

For more information about Cunard, please call Leslie Marsh, ECC at 866-912-7245. Leslie Marsh is a Cunard certifed Commodore agent.

Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas was floated out of dry dock during ceremonies at the Aker Yards in Finland where she is being built. The ship, sister to the Freedom of the Seas and the Liberty of the Seas, is slated to debut in May of 2008. This is the largest ship to home port in Europe.

Please call 866-912-7245 for more information.

As Queen Victoria prepares to enter service in December 2007, a team of 16 classically trained singers and dancers is already rehearsing four major theatrical productions that will form the core of the ocean liner's inaugural entertainment schedule.  From concept to curtain, Cunard will have spent nearly two years crafting sophisticated shows that engage guests with a striking balance of opulence and innovation.
     
"What Cunard presents is on a par with the highest calibre of world class productions," said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line, referencing the line's legacy of premium onboard entertainment.  "From the set décor and talent to the beautiful costumes by renowned theatrical designers, the work reflects a deep understanding of our guests' cultural intellect.  Our investment in entertainment is considerable and includes every aspect of the experience, from the sight lines in the theatre to the hand-selected creative team."
     
To ensure that the theatre venue is as extravagant as the shows themselves, painstaking detail went into designing the Royal Court Theatre, a three-tiered venue unsurpassed in form and function.  "We looked at several theatres and were inspired by the spectacular spaces designed by noted English theatrical architect Frank Matcham, whose dramatic multi-tiered spaces made him one of the most prolific theatrical architects of all time," said Coordinating Architect Giacomo Mortola.  "In every sense, the Royal Court Theatre captures that same feeling of grandeur and luxury."
     
Among the theatre's most distinguishing features is the collection of sixteen private boxes - the first-ever at sea - that frame the stage and afford 48 lucky guests exclusive seating from which to enjoy the performances.  Seating from two to eight guests each depending on the size, the boxes are furnished with graceful armchairs and cocktail tables.  Individual-sized Veuve Clicquot bottles and sweet or savory treats (depending on the show time) are served by white-gloved theatre ushers.  Following the performance, guests have an opportunity to meet the cast backstage.
     
The Royal Court Theatre is a visual tribute to Matcham's turn-of-the-century theatrical design works.  Known as the foremost theatre designer in the early 20th century, his vast output comprised more than 80 theatres and influenced theatre design throughout several decades.  His notable London landmarks include The Coliseum built in 1904 and now the home of the English National Opera, the London Palladium, Victoria Palace and Alhambra Theatre in Leicester Square.  "From the moment of arrival, guests will be awed by the sheer magnificence of the space," says Martin Lilly, Cunard's director of creative entertainment.  "The ambience is very much that of a 19th century theatre, with rich brocade fabric dressing the walls, a deep red velvet curtain, private boxes featuring an ornate frieze of gold leaf, and murals framing the walls above the stage.  It is everything the Cunard guest would expect."
     
According to Lilly, that expectation naturally extends to what's on stage.  "Because our guests are among the most sophisticated and well-traveled in the world, we are able to be bolder with our show concepts."

Shows as Spectacular as the Setting
Nowhere will the ship's Victorian era sensibility come more brilliantly to life than in Victoriana, a spectacular show that will take guests back in time to the apex of the British Empire, paying tribute to milestones of the era.  Victoriana captures Music Hall memories with splendid character performances, a touch of Victorian Gothic featuring contemporary choreography and period costumes.  After each Victoriana performance, guests carry the mood into the Queens Room for a jubilant Royal Victoriana themed ball.
     
Dance Passion celebrates the exuberant world of dance.  Outstanding international dancers execute superb and diverse choreography, capturing the magic of Gene Kelly, the sensual Argentine Tango, Salsa and Samba.  The show delivers the grace and elegance of classic dance to the vibrant energy of Swing and Jump Jive.
     
Cunard tapped Dmitri Iliukhin, choreographer and former Riverdance performer, to give Celtic Heartbeat an authentic resonance.  Featuring a mix of original and traditional Irish music, song and dance, it tells the story of a young Irishman and his search for fortune, capturing all the joy, conflict, humor, heartbreak and romance of his journey.  It features two principle dancers, four singers who take the role of the narrators, and a full dance ensemble.
     
The final production, A Stroke of Genius, pairs world-famous works of art with popular music.  This fresh and eclectic show features a blend of Andy Warhol and the Rolling Stones, Edward Hopper's American Realism and the music of Hoagy Carmichael, and ballerinas coming to life against a backdrop of Edgar Degas' French Impressionist paintings.
     
The productions are the work of the same team who produce acclaimed shows for sister ships Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth 2.  UK-based Belinda King Creative Productions works in tandem with Cunard to create "a voyage of light and sound, music and dance, with passion and soul, elegance and style," says King.
     
In addition to the production shows, Singers in Concert brings the combined orchestras of the Queens Room and Royal Court Theatre together for a concert-style show combining classic standards, contemporary songs and original musical arrangements.  An amusing and poignant musical presentation that light-heartedly explores the intriguing dynamics between men and women, the show features songs by Burt Bacharach, Billy Joel, James Taylor, Gilbert O'Sullivan and others.

About Queen Victoria
The 90,000-ton Queen Victoria will offer the very best of the heritage and traditions of Cunard Line, along with all modern day luxuries including some exciting innovations.  These will include the first traditional West End-style private boxes at sea in the Royal Court Theatre, the first Cunardia museum exhibit at sea, housing Cunard artifacts and memorabilia along with the first two-storey library at sea featuring an elegant spiral staircase.  The ship will also feature the line's celebrated Queens Grill and Princess Grill accommodations and dining, further enhanced on Queen Victoria with an exclusive deck terrace and an al fresco dining option.
     
From the outside, her distinctive black and red livery will hint at the sophistication that differentiates a Cunard liner.  This will be most evident in the ship's adherence to liner traditions of the past, with elegant public rooms, many on a grand scale, featuring rich wood paneling, intricate mosaics and gleaming chandeliers.  There will also be a grand, colonial-style conservatory complete with a retractable glass roof.
     
As well as being the second largest Cunarder ever built, Queen Victoria's arrival is particularly noteworthy as it will mark the first time that three Cunard Queens have been in service together in the company's 168-year history (she joins the world's grandest liner, Queen Mary 2 and the world's most famous and best-loved liner, QE2).
      
For more information about Cunard or Queen Victoria, contact Cruise Planners at 866-912-7245.

Carnival Cruise Lines' new Carnival Splendor was floated out at Fincantieri's Sestri Ponente shipyard. The ship is due for delivery in spring 2008. Present at the ceremony were the director of the shipyard, Attilio Dapelo, and Carnival Corp. Vice President Richard Haslam-Jones. Msgr. Luigi Molinari blessed the ship and Laura Adofaci, a Fincantieri passenger area supervisor, acted as godmother. The 113,500-ton Carnival Splendor has 1,638 cabins, including 52 suites, and a passenger capacity of 4,914, comprising 3,734 guests and 1,180 crew members. One of the main innovations on board the Carnival Splendor will be the Spray Park, a water park for children. Sestri Ponente shipyard, which has a workforce of 900, is currently also building the Costa Pacifica, due for delivery in summer 2009, and two super-luxury 65,000-ton cruise ships for Oceania Cruises, due for delivery within autumn 2010 and summer 2011.

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  Guests who sail with Seabourn in 2007 or 2008 will have first priority.
  
  


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  Past guests of Seabourn who do not sail in 2007 or 2008 will be granted second priority.
  
  


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  Third priority will be granted to first-time Seabourn guests who have placed a deposit for the inaugural sailings.
  
  

Solstice. The term for the longest day and shortest night of the year, summer solstice traditionally marks the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, but at Celebrity Cruises, it also marks the opening of bookings for Celebrity SolsticeSM, the top-rated premium cruise line's first new ship since 2002.

Bookings for Celebrity Solstice will opened for members of Celebrity's loyalty program, "Captain's Club," on June 21, the date of this year's summer solstice. Beginning July 5, all other cruise enthusiasts are welcome to book a Celebrity Solstice vacation. "We are thrilled with the early interest and enthusiasm we're receiving from our guests and travel partners about Celebrity Solstice," said Celebrity's President Dan Hanrahan. "As a special gesture of appreciation to our loyal Captain's Club members, we're pleased to offer them the first opportunity to set sail in the ship's inaugural season."

Celebrity Solstice will offer the extraordinary service and dining experience the brand is known for providing, along with a variety of compelling new features that will be revealed over time. One of those features is the line's new AquaClassSM category of veranda accommodations expressly designed for spa enthusiasts. Guests booked in AquaClass will receive unlimited access to Celebrity Solstice's new AquaSpa relaxation room and the Persian Garden, an exotic aromatherapy and steam room, as well as exclusive, complimentary dining in Blu, an intimate, 130-seat specialty restaurant whose design is likely to be as inviting as the cuisine.

AquaClass will comprise 130 of the ship's 1,425 staterooms. A full 85 percent of all staterooms onboard Celebrity Solstice will have verandas, and all staterooms will be equipped with flat-screen TVs, smarter storage and closet space, spacious bathrooms, and plush European bedding. The ship will offer wireless Internet access throughout.

Following several weeks of inaugural activities, Celebrity Solstice will make its maiden voyage December 14, 2008, on a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., visiting San Juan, Puerto Rico; Basseterre, St. Kitts; and Philipsburg, St. Maarten. The itinerary will be offered on Sundays through April 5, 2009, with an alternating itinerary calling on San Juan, Puerto Rico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Tortola, B.V.I.; and Labadee, Haiti, through April 12, 2009. Fares for veranda staterooms begin at $1,099 per person, based on double occupancy.

Celebrity Solstice will be the line's first in a class of four 2,850-guest vessels with an exceptional range of guest-inspired services and amenities. German shipbuilder Meyer Werft is building the 122,000-ton vessels. Meyer Werft also built the line's Century-class fleet: Celebrity Century, Celebrity Mercury, and Celebrity Galaxy.

Princess Cruises this week celebrated the official keel-laying ceremony of the new Ruby Princess at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. The ceremony consisted of moving the ship's first section into the building dock, where it will remain until its float-out ceremony. A sister ship to Crown Princess and the new Emerald Princess, the 113,000-ton Ruby Princess will join the Princess fleet in fall 2008, sailing Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale.

Princess Cruises will debut the Ruby Princess in November 2008. The line has unveiled the ship's name along with its inaugural deployment, a season of seven-day Western Caribbean sailings from Fort Lauderdale. The Ruby Princess is a sister ship to the Emerald Princess and the Crown Princess and will make its maiden sailing on Nov. 15, 2008. Its Caribbean program will feature calls at Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, Cozumel and the line's private beach call at Princess Cays in the Bahamas. The ship's first season will run through April 2009. The new vessel will include a piazza-style atrium featuring small-bite eateries and a changing array of street entertainers. Other dining venues will include the signature Sabatini's Italian trattoria and the Crown Grill steak and seafood restaurant, plus the adults-only Sanctuary. The ship also will offer the line's Movies Under the Stars poolside movie screen, multiple entertainment options, Personal Choice Dining featuring traditional or "anytime" seating, the Asian-style Lotus Spa with a fitness center, a children and teen's center, a wedding chapel and nearly 900 staterooms with private balconies.

On May 4, Richard Fain introduced Royal Caribbean's new deluxe cruise brand--Azamara.

The christening ceremony for the newest addition to Princess' fleet, Royal Princess, has been re-scheduled for June 14 in the picturesque port of Portofino, Italy.  Originally to have been held in Santorini in a double naming ceremony with Emerald Princess on May 12, the event was changed out of respect for the tragic sinking of a Greek cruise ship in that location.

Royal Princess' relocated christening celebration will take place during the ship's first port of call on a voyage that begins in Rome the previous day.  Further details, including the announcement of the godmother, will be released shortly. 

"Although we're saddened by the tragedy that prompted this change, we are pleased to name Royal Princess in a beautiful Mediterranean port that signifies the ship's visits to some of the most scenic ports in Europe," said Alan Buckelew, president of Princess Cruises.  "Portofino is a charming example of the type of the 'explorer' destinations we're able to highlight with this smaller vessel, and we're delighted to be able to christen our new ship in such a beautiful location."

A sister ship to the line's popular Tahitian Princess and Pacific Princess, the 30,200-ton Royal Princess offers passengers a boutique version of Princess' acclaimed onboard options -- including a variety of dining and entertainment choices and a large number of cabins with private balconies - all offered in intimate surroundings.   The 710-passenger vessel and her sisters have become popular choices for vacationers looking for a "off the beaten path" itineraries and a small-ship experience.

One of the Mediterranean's most picturesque towns, Portofino is known for its enchanting views and a lovely waterfront.  The quaint fishing village sports a dramatic natural harbor that has attracted sailing vessels for centuries.  Made famous by visits from royalty and Hollywood stars, the resort town became a favorite European travel destination in the 1950s, and today offers a secluded atmosphere, natural beauty and charming waterfront houses and cafes.

Portofino represents the many unique ports of call available on Royal Princess itineraries.  The christening voyage - a new "Mediterranean Collection" itinerary - features three of the four new ports debuting for Princess this season: Ravenna, Italy; Split Croatia; and Kotor, Montenegro.  Royal Princess also offers sailings that visit the ruins of Troy with a call at the new port of Canakkale, Turkey, as well destinations such as the Crimean coast, Egypt and the Holy Land.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available by calling 866-912-7245.

Carnival Cruise Lines’ new 113,300-ton Carnival Splendor – representing a new class of vessel with a host of innovations including exclusive new “spa staterooms” that surround a luxurious 21,000-square-foot health and wellness center – will debut in July 2008 operating the line’s first-ever Northern European cruise program.  These 12-day Northern Europe voyages, which will operate July 13 – Aug. 30, 2008, will offer guests a diversity of shoreside experiences with visits to historic, centuries-old cities in Denmark, Germany, Finland, Russia, Estonia, and The Netherlands.  Following the Northern European voyages, Carnival Splendor will operate a unique 12-day London-to-Rome cruise Sept. 11, 2008, then sail on a series of 12-day Mediterranean voyages Sept. 23 – Oct. 17, 2008.

Carnival Splendor will be the second Carnival ship deployed in Europe next year, joining the Carnival Freedom which will operate a program of 12-day Mediterranean cruises May-October 2008.  

“Consumers are discovering that cruising is the best way to see Europe as it provides the opportunity to experience and explore multiple destinations while enjoying the comfort and convenience of a modern ‘floating resort,’” said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO. “Carnival Splendor represents a new class of ‘Fun Ship’ offering a number of innovative facilities and features and, for its inaugural season, we’ve assembled a truly diverse schedule that showcases the fascinating cultures, history and architecture that has made Europe such a sought-after cruise destination,” he added. 

Also included in Carnival Splendor’s 2008 inaugural season will be a 16-day transatlantic voyage departing Rome Oct. 29, as well as a series of seven-day Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale commencing Nov. 22, 2008.  A special one-time four-day eastern Caribbean cruise will depart from Fort Lauderdale Nov. 17, 2008.

As the first in a new class of “Fun Ships,” Carnival Splendor will offer a host of innovative on-board features and facilities, highlighted by a 21,000-square-foot health and fitness center – one of the largest at sea – which will feature Carnival’s first  elaborate thermal suite and thalassotherapy pool covered by a glass dome.  Surrounding the facility will be 68 exclusive “spa staterooms” – also a first for Carnival.  Guests in spa staterooms will have exclusive entry access to the adjacent spa facilities and will receive a wide array of special offerings including priority spa appointments, unlimited use of the thermal suite and thalassotherapy pool, complimentary fitness classes and other amenities. 

Its family-friendly facilities will include a water spray park on Lido Deck, along with a two-level 5,500-square-foot children’s play area – the largest in the Carnival fleet, part of the line’s “Camp Carnival” program — along with a teen club featuring a dance floor, DJ and high-tech sound and lighting system, part of Carnival’s “Club O2” program.

A comprehensive golf program with opportunities to play top European and Caribbean courses will also be available.

Of the ship’s 1,503 spacious staterooms, more than 60 percent will offer an ocean view or private balcony – ideal for scenic European cruising.

Princess Cruises has altered the dates and locations of the christening ceremonies for the Emerald Princess and the Royal Princess, which were to take place in Santorini, Greece, out of respect for the sinking of Louis Cruises' Sea Diamond off Santorini this month, Princess said.

Princess had been planning to name both ships in a single ceremony in Santorini on May 12.

The Emerald Princess will now be named on May 13 in Athens. The new date and location for the Royal Princess' christening will be announced shortly, Princess said.

The Sea Diamond scraped volcanic rock with its hull just outside Santorini's harbor and began taking on water; it sank April 6. The disaster apparently cost the lives of two passengers.

"Given the great shock and sadness this incident has caused, and out of the respect for those affected, we have decided that it would not be appropriate to continue with the celebrations we had planned in Santorini," said Alan Buckelew, Princess' president.

Buckelew said Princess will continue with the original plans to reunite a pair of TV mothers and daughters for the christening of Emerald Princess. Florence Henderson, best known as Carol Brady on "The Brady Bunch," and Marion Ross, aka Marion Cunningham of "Happy Days" fame and their TV daughters, Susan Olsen (Cindy Brady) and Erin Moran (Joanie Cunningham) will all be aboard Emerald Princess in Athens to officially welcome her into the Princess fleet. For more information, please call Cruise Planners, 866-912-7245.

NCL Corp. says it is renaming and reflagging the Pride of Hawaii before moving it into European deployment. The company will reflag the vessel from U.S. registry into the Bahamas registry and rename it Norwegian Jade after a short wet dock in Honolulu in February 2008. The ship will continue to operate seven-day roundtrip Honolulu cruises through the Jan. 28, 2008 cruise. The ship will enter wet dock on Feb. 6 when it will receive modifications including the addition of a casino and new hull artwork. The renamed ship will be showcased during inaugural events in both Los Angeles and Miami. After a series of repositioning cruises, the ship will arrive in Barcelona for its first 12-day cruise beginning on March 30, 2008. Detailed information on Norwegian Jade's European itineraries will be available next week.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. exercised its option to build a second ship in its Genesis Project, the line said April 2.

Aker Yards in Finland will build the 5,400-guest, 220,000-ton ship with a projected delivery for August 2010, less than a year after the first Genesis prototype ship is due out, RCCL said. The ships would be the 23rd and 24th in the Royal Caribbean International fleet.

RCCL said it estimates the all-in cost of the ship to be approximately $1.4 billion. According to Aker Yards, the Genesis project ship will be 43% larger than the current largest ship in the world, Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas. The new ship will be longer than the Eiffel Tower and will weigh twelves times more!

Stay tuned for details about each of these exciting new ships!

There was excitement at the recent Seatrade Cruise Shipping Convention, as several new shipbuilds were announced by luxury lines. These new ships are in addition to the recently announced orders that were placed by The Yachts of Seabourn.

Oceania Cruises, which currently has three ships in its fleet (former Renaissance ships) has ordered two new ships to be built by the Fincantieri Shipyard in Italy. They are expected to debut in the fall of 2010 and summer of 2011. Each will be 65,000 tons and will accommodate 1,260 passengers.  Although appreciably larger than Oceania's current vessels, the new ships will provide more space per person with staterooms that will be apprixomatly 50% larger than the current ones, as well as larger public spaces.

Silversea's new ship will be 36,000 tons and will accomodate 540 passengers. This will be the 5th ship in Silverseas fleet when it is delivered toward the end of 2009.

Seabourn's two new ships will each accomodate 450 passengers, more than doubling their current capacity if 634 berth. The new vessels will each be 32,000 GRT.