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Celebrity Cruises

“Soap Cruise” Returns To ‘Celebrity Century’

Fans of Celebrity Cruises and of soap opera stars have the rare opportunity to spend four days with their favorite actors at sea, when Celebrity Century again hosts “Soap Cruise” in 2010. Soap Cruise – the third voyage of its kind – is a special offering that pairs Celebrity’s exceptional service with exclusive activities allowing guests who have purchased the Soap Cruise package the opportunity to directly interact with 20 of the hottest actors on several of daytime TV’s most popular shows.

Among the activities that Soap Cruise organizers have arranged exclusively for Soap Cruise guests will be autograph and photo sessions, soap opera trivia games, an elite beach party with the stars, and other special events allowing guests to mingle with their favorite actors. Fans of Guiding Light – the show that shined for 72 years – will have the opportunity to meet top actors from the landmark show, including Kim Zimmer (“Reva”), Robert Newman (“Josh”) and Jeff Branson (“Shayne”).

Hosting Soap Cruise will be Cameron Mathison, who plays “Ryan” on All My Children and has appeared on Dancing with the Stars. Joining him on Celebrity Century will be fellow All My Children actors Jacob Young (“J.R.”) and Vincent Irizarry (“David”); Austin Peck (“Brad”) and Julie Pinson (“Janet”) from As the World Turns; Brandon Beemer (“Owen”), Don Diamont (“Bill”) and Winsor Harmon (“Thorne”) of The Bold and the Beautiful; Nadia Bjorlin (“Chloe”), Drake Hogestyn (“John”) and James Scott (“E.J.”) of Days of Our Lives; Bradford Anderson (“Spinelli”) and Laura Wright (“Carly”) from General Hospital; Jeff Branson (“Shayne”), Robert Newman (“Josh)” and Kim Zimmer (“Reva”) of Guiding Light; Bree Williamson (“Jessica”) and John Brotherton (“Jared”) on One Life to Live; and Daniel Goddard (“Cane”) and Christian LeBlanc (“Michael”) of The Young and the Restless.

The stars will mix it up exclusively with guests who have booked the Soap Cruise package on Celebrity Century’s January 28 itinerary departing roundtrip from Miami, with visits to Key West, Fla., and Cozumel, Mexico. But, “like sand in the hourglass,” time is running out for booking the opportunity. A limited number of staterooms remain for guests interested in experiencing Soap Cruise. For reservations, visit www.soapcruise.com , or call 888-381-4654. Bookings on Celebrity Century’s January 28 itinerary through other avenues will not include access to Soap Cruise activities.

Costa Cruises

Costa Cruises Offers 240 Eco-Excursions On Sailings Around The World

Travelers sailing with Costa, Europe’s Number One Cruise Line, may select from 240 special eco-excursions, created to minimize their impact on ecosystems and generate economic opportunities for local communities. Excursions are available on all Costa sailings, throughout the regions Costa sails including the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America, Dubai, Indian Ocean and Far East.

-- One of Costa’s most popular eco-excursions is “Lanzarote: Yesterday and Today” in Arrecife, Canary Islands. This excursion takes travelers through the scenic hidden side of Lanzarote and introduces guests to the island’s art, traditions and customs. Travelers will first be taken to the César Manrique Museum-Foundation, located on the site of Manrique’s former house and studio. Manrique, famous for his paintings, architecture and sculptures was also a renowned ecologist. The museum is built on an outcrop of lava on top of five large natural volcanic bubbles. Visitors of the museum will learn how he furnished and designed the spaces by taking advantage of all environments. Later, excursionists will cross Lanzarote’s lunar landscape and arrive at the Cactus Garden, containing over 1,000 different species of cacti. At the end of the excursion, travelers will visit “El Patio Agricultural Museum,” where they will be able to visit a farmer’s house dated from 1840 with all of its typical furniture and utensils set in the oldest and largest agriculture cultivation of the island. El Patio still grows fruit trees, tomatoes and other vegetation and breeds animals including camels, goats and chickens in an agricultural landscape showing the best example of human integration to nature. Guests will also be able to taste traditional food from the island accompanied by a glass of local wine.

-- In Singapore, guests may enjoy the “Night Safari Tour,” which is the world’s first wildlife park built to be viewed at night. The park covers an area of 40 acres where animals are allowed to roam freely in huge landscaped enclosures. The different areas of the park are divided into eight geographical zones, including everything from the exotic Himalayan foothills to the Nepalese River Valley, the Savanna grasslands of Equatorial Africa and the dense jungles of Indo-Malaya. A subtle lighting technique throughout the park enables excursionists to view over 1,000 nocturnal animals of over 100 species in their most active time. The featured animals on the safari include the greater one horned rhino, cape giraffes and buffalo, Malayan tigers, African bongo, blue sheep and Asian elephants.

-- For guests seeking an action-packed eco-excursion, the “Volcano Hiking” tour in Santorini, Greece is not to be missed. After a boat trip in a traditional “caique,” an uphill walk will take excursionists to the crater of an active volcano. While walking up the ascending path, guests will have the opportunity to observe lava fragments and volcanic rock formations. Once they have reached the crater, they will have time to relax and enjoy the view of Santorini. Guests will also see the amazing cliff of Caldera, a depression created as a result of a volcanic eruption.

-- Spa and wellness enthusiasts will have the opportunity to enjoy an incredibly unique spa experience when cruising with Costa in Northern Europe. Located in Lake Myvatn, the “Myvatn Nature Baths” is Iceland's newest health-spa and part of Costa’s eco-excursion offerings. Opened in June 2004, the complex offers bathers a completely natural spa experience with a relaxing dip in clouds of steam rising up from a fissure deep in the Earth's surface. Containing a unique blend of minerals, silicates and geothermal micro-organisms, the warm, soothing waters of Myvatn Nature Baths benefit both skin and spirit alike, creating a sense of well-being which lingers on as a lasting memory of a visit to this area at Europe's outer limits.

These eco-excursions are part of over 1,100 different excursions Costa offers. All shore excursions may be conveniently reserved in advance online after guests purchase their cruise at www.costacruises.com.

Malta To Homeport For Costa Cruises In 2010

Costa Cruises has chosen Malta as its homeport for four different itineraries next year that promise to increase tourist arrivals to the island both by sea and air.

The Italian cruise liner will be increasing its calls to Malta from 24 this year to 37 next year, Parliamentary Sectary for Tourism Mario de Marco said this morning during the launch of next year’s itineraries.

The Costa Allegra will operate three back-to-back itineraries from Valletta between June 29 and July 18 next year.

-- The first cruise, from June 29 to July 6, takes passengers around the Adriatic through Sarande (Albania), Dubrovnik (Croatia), Koper (Slovenia), Venice (Italy), Kotor (Montenegro) and Brindisi (Italy).

-- Between July 6 and 12, the liner will cruise around the Greek islands through Olympia, Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Crete and Kefalonia. Next, the Allegra would sail around Greece between July 12 and 18 through Olympia, Mykonos and Delos, Meteora, Santorini and Kefalonia.

In a separate itinerary, the larger Costa Pacifica, will be operating Mediterranean tours from Valletta between March and November. The Pacifica would sail through Taormina (Catania), Citavecchia (Rome), Savona (Porofino), Barcelona (Spain), Palma De Mallorca and Tunis.

Crystal Cruises

Crystal Offers Diverse Tours Exploring Judaic History

Passengers can now explore Judaic history and even trace their roots in the cities of Jerusalem, Berlin, Odessa, Rome, St. Petersburg, and even unexpected places like Stockholm, Dublin, Mumbai and Montevideo. “Often, guests seek experiences that are not only historically significant, but personally relevant. It helps connect travelers to a foreign destination. Guests may be surprised at some cities that have a rich Jewish history, and thriving modern Jewish culture,” said John Stoll, director, land programs.

Many options in Jerusalem explore the Jewish Quarter; the Western Wall, the holiest of Jewish sites; Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Martyrs’ and Heroes Remembrance Authority, dedicated to the history of Jews during the Holocaust period; and other significant locations. Additionally, Jewish tours throughout the world include:

Berlin

* Sachsenhausen Concentration camp, a prototype for all the camps that followed.

* Jewish Old Quarter and the New Synagogue, laid in 1988, exactly 50 years after the “Night of Broken Glass.”

Dublin

* The Irish Jewish Museum, formerly a synagogue, opened by President Chaim Herzog, Israel’s Irish former leader, plus a visit to his childhood home.

Montevideo

* The Uruguay city’s historic Sephardic and Ashkenazi synagogues, as well as the Holocaust memorial and a glimpse into modern-day Jewish life.

Mumbai

* An array of Indian synagogues and other important Judaic cultural sites.

Odessa

* Shomrei Shabbos synagogue; the Jewish Cemetery and memorial to Shalom Aleyhem, famed Ukrainian writer of Fiddler on the Roof.

Rome

* The Jewish Ghetto, issued by anti-Semitic Pope Paul IV in 1555, isolated by walls until 1870.

St. Petersburg

* Special concert by the cantor of the Great Choral Synagogue, the second largest in Europe.

Stockholm

* The Great Synagogue, and its memorial to 8,500 Swedish Holocaust victims, plus one of the few Jewish museums in Scandinavia.

The tours are available on itineraries throughout 2010. For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit www.crystalcruises.com.

More 7-Day European Options Than Ever For Crystal In 2010

Crystal Cruises is offering more seven-day options than ever for 2010 European cruises. Six itineraries in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Baltic and British Isles allow travelers to enjoy the award-winning Crystal Experience and a wealth of intriguing ports in a shorter time than Crystal’s more prevalent 11- and 12-day European cruises.

Crystal’s European season runs from May through November, with seven-day voyages including:

Crystal Symphony

* May 26, Mediterranean, Athens to Rome – Mykonos, Rhodes and Santorini, Greece; Kusadasi, Turkey; and Sorrento, Italy

* June 14, British Isles, Roundtrip London – Guernsey, Channel Islands; Dublin, Waterford and Belfast, Ireland; and Liverpool, England

* August 7, Scandinavia, Copenhagen to Stockholm – Tallinn, Estonia; and St. Petersburg, Russia (double overnight)

Crystal Serenity

* May 11, Mediterranean, Rome to Athens – Sorrento and Sicily, Italy; Crete and Mykonos, Greece; and Kusadasi, Turkey

* May 18, Mediterranean, Athens to Venice – Sanotrini and Corfu, Greece; Bodrum, Turkey; and Dubrovnik, Croatia

* June 18, Mediterranean, Athens to Venice – Mykonos and Corfu, Greece; Split, Croatia; Kusadasi, Turkey

In addition to new 2-for-1 fares and $500 per person All Inclusive – As You Wish shipboard credits for seven-day European voyages, the line also recently introduced complimentary roundtrip air transportation from more than 20 North American gateways – even Business Class for penthouse guests. Fares for Crystal European seven-day voyages start at $3,680 per person, double occupancy.

With many combination options that don’t repeat ports, seven-day voyages can be taken back-to-back with various cruises for longer vacations, and additional savings. Along with the shorter European voyages are a seven-day, roundtrip Miami, Caribbean cruise and three roundtrip Los Angeles, Mexican Riviera cruises. Two fall nine-day options in the Mediterranean are also available. Website: www.crystalcruises.com

Disney Cruise Line

Disney’s Newest Ship to Sail to Bahamas, Spending More Time at Castaway Cay, Bookings open today for the newest Disney Cruise Line ship, the Disney Dream, which will enter service beginning in early 2011. The Disney Dream will sail three-, four- and five-night cruises to Nassau, Bahamas and Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island.

The Disney Dream will transport guests to the vacation of a lifetime with incredible family experiences, incomparable entertainment, immersive youth areas, adult indulgences, exceptional dining and technological innovations.

On January 26, 2011, the Disney Dream is scheduled to depart Port Canaveral, Fla., for a four-night maiden voyage. For the majority of 2011, the Disney Dream will alternate three- and four-night sailings. During the summer months, the ship will alternate four- and five-night itineraries. The schedule also includes special five-night holiday cruises during Christmas and New Year’s. All five-night sailings will include two stops at Castaway Cay – rated by Disney Cruise Line guests as their favorite port of call.

Rates for three- and four-night cruises on the Disney Dream start at $389 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

In preparation for the arrival of the Disney Dream, Castaway Cay will undergo several enhancements to provide more family-fun, additional conveniences and a slice of beachside luxury – all designed to complement the idyllic island setting. An expanded family beach, a new floating water platform with slides, two land-based water play areas, new private beach cabanas and many other upgrades will further transform Castaway Cay into the ultimate private island escape for adventure, relaxation and quality time with family.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit www.disneycruise.com , call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500 or contact their travel agent. Travel agents can call Disney Cruise Line at 888/325-2500 or visit www.disneytravelagents.com .

Holland America Line

‘Ms Rotterdam's 2010 Alaskan Explorer Cruises Highlight Hubbard Glacier

‘For the first time, Holland America Line’s flagship ms Rotterdam will sail from Seattle to Alaska in 2010, featuring convenient, seven-day, roundtrip cruises. The Rotterdam will offer a total of 18 Alaskan Explorer sailings departing Saturdays from May 15 through September 11.

The Alaskan Explorer itinerary highlights the scenic Inside Passage and immense Hubbard Glacier in Yakutat Bay, North America's largest tidewater glacier. Hubbard Glacier is one of only eight glaciers in Alaska that is currently advancing instead of retreating. First mapped in 1895, the Hubbard’s huge open face is more than five miles wide and actively calves icebergs as large as 10-story buildings.

Under Holland America’s $525-million Signature of Excellence program, the Rotterdam gains 39 new lanai staterooms, created by replacing existing stateroom windows (on Lower Promenade Deck 6) with lanai doors that open directly onto the walk-around promenade. The ship also adds 23 new spa staterooms, featuring a variety of enhanced spa amenities, on its Verandah Deck. All staterooms and bathrooms will receive complete new décor and furnishings.

Public areas will add The Retreat, a resort pool feature; the Showroom at Sea, a glamorous nightclub; and Mix, a new concept with three separate bars: Martinis, Champagne and Spirits & Ales. Canaletto, Holland America Line’s popular and complimentary casual Italian restaurant, will also be added to the ship.

The Rotterdam’s Alaskan Explorer cruises call at the historic ports of Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan, plus Victoria, BC, and feature scenic cruising of the Inside Passage and Vancouver Island. In Alaska’s capital of Juneau, guests can visit the Alaska State Museum or opt for an active adventure such as kayaking, rafting, whale-watching or flight-seeing over the Mendenhall Glacier.

In Sitka guests can learn about Alaska’s Russian heritage at onion-domed St. Michael’s Cathedral, visit the renowned Raptor Center, or see otters, whales and seabird rookeries up close by day boat or kayak. In Ketchikan they can enjoy its colorful Creek Street, Totem Bight State Park and Saxman Native Village or opt for a floatplane flightseeing trip to Misty Fjords National Monument. Cruise-only fares start at US $649, per person, double occupancy, for a seven-day Alaskan Explorer cruise on the Rotterdam.

2011 Grand Voyages Set to Explore Seven Continents, 65 Countries

Holland America Line's ms Amsterdam and the line's Elegant Explorer, ms Prinsendam, will each sail two spectacular Grand Voyages in 2011. When combined, the four extensive itineraries feature a total of 308 cruising days, 121 ports of call and 65 countries.

Built for world cruising, Amsterdam will sail a 110-day Grand World Voyage in January and a 70-day Grand Asia & Australia Voyage in the fall. Simultaneously, ms Prinsendam will sail a 66-day Grand South America & Antarctica Voyage followed by a 62-day Grand Africa & Mediterranean Voyage.

"A Grand Voyage with Holland America Line is more than a vacation, it's an experience of a lifetime," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs, for Holland America Line. "These voyages offer guests a unique blend of inspired itineraries, lasting friendships and the pleasures of life at sea while exploring the world."

-- Departing Jan. 5 and sailing roundtrip Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Amsterdam rings in 2011 with its sixth Grand World Voyage. The 110-day journey is a port collector's dream that includes ten overnight calls, visits to an impressive collection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and three maiden ports of call -- Alofi, Niue; Oban, Stewart Island, New Zealand; and Koror, Palau. Several exciting segments ranging from 16 to 48 days also are available.

Sailing westbound, Amsterdam will call on Puerto Limon, Costa Rica, before continuing on its way to a daylight transit of the Panama Canal, one of the most remarkable man-made wonders in the world. Also in store for guests are unforgettable calls at Callao, Peru -- the gateway to Machu Picchu -- and Easter Island, Chile, known for its famous giant stone statues. As Amsterdam continues its voyage, the ship will journey throughout Australia and Asia, transit the Suez Canal and cruise the Mediterranean before crossing the Atlantic and heading back to the States.

Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage

-- Also departing Jan. 5 on a Grand Voyage is Holland America Line's most intimate ship, ms Prinsendam, which is designed to explore the most remote corners of the world in elegance and style. Prinsendam returns to South America, Antarctica and the Amazon on a 66-day Grand South America & Antarctica Voyage that sails roundtrip Fort Lauderdale. The itinerary emphasizes in-depth exploration by offering eight overnight calls, including an overnight at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and a maiden call at Fernando de Noronha, Brazil. Other memorable moments include eight full days of cruising the Amazon River, navigating around Cape Horn and through the Straits of Magellan, a daylight passage through the Panama Canal and scenic cruising in Antarctica. An option for those with less time is a 33-day segment to or from Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Grand Africa and Mediterranean Voyage

-- Following its Grand Voyage down south, Prinsendam returns to Ft. Lauderdale March 12 and embarks on a 62-day Grand Africa & Mediterranean Voyage. The roundtrip Ft. Lauderdale sailing takes guests on a journey to West Africa, the Mediterranean and the Holy Lands. Guests will enjoy a call at Haifa (Tel Aviv), Israel, where they may travel to Nazareth and visit the land of miracles: Galilee, the Jordan River, the Mount of the Beatitudes and Tabgha. This exceptional itinerary will especially appeal to guests who have traveled or cruised this region before, as the ship is set to call at many unique ports including Banjul, Gambia; Dakar, Senegal, and Arrecife, Lanzarote, Canary Islands. Four maiden ports of call are scheduled for the Grand Africa and Mediterranean Voyage as well: Havre de Robert, Martinique; Lipari, Italy; Syracusa, Sicily, Italy and Motril, Spain.

Grand Asia and Australia Voyage

-- Amsterdam will wrap up the year with a 70-day Grand Asia and Australia Voyage sailing from Seattle, Wash., to Los Angeles, California, departing September 26. Following calls throughout Asia to Indonesia, the itinerary will continue to Western Australia and the South Pacific. This voyage offers extensive time in port to allow guests to take in the wide-ranging history and culture of the region and includes overnights at Beijing and Hong Kong, China, and Sydney, Australia. Guests on board also can enjoy some tropical sunshine with calls at the exotic islands of New Caledonia, Samoa, Fiji and Hawaii.

2011 Grand Voyages open for reservations

Reservations are now available for all four Holland America Line 2011 Grand Voyages, and early-booking bonus amenities for full-cruise guests may include prepaid hotel service charges, a shipboard credit, luggage delivery service and an exclusive shore event when booking select stateroom categories; amenities vary by cruise and category booked.

The four Grand Voyages are available to book for the full cruise or in segments as short as 16 days. Cruise fares are per person, double occupancy, and rates start at $16,999 for Amsterdam's 110-day Grand World Voyage departing Jan. 5, 2011; $10,999 for Prinsendam's 66-day Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage departing Jan. 5, 2011; $9,599 for Prinsendam's 62-day Grand Africa and Mediterranean Voyage departing March 26, 2011; and $9,499 for Amsterdam's 70-day Grand Asia and Australia Voyage departing Sept. 26, 2011.

Complete details regarding Holland America's 2011 Grand Voyages are included in the line's recently released brochure, "Exotic Voyages 2010-2011." Along with important itinerary information for both 2010 and 2011, "Exotic Voyages 2010-2011" includes detailed maps, fare information, sample shore excursions, pre-and-post hotel and vacation packages, stateroom floor plans, an "at-a-glance" 2010 -2011 sailing schedule and ship deck plans. The brochure is also available on the Holland America Line website.

For more information on Holland America Line's Grand Voyages--consult a professional

Louis Cruise Line

Louis Cruises is unveiling an entire array of new and enhanced cruise itineraries that begin sailings in spring of 2010 including three programs aboard the newly introduced Louis Majesty departing from Genoa, Italy and three cruise vacations onboard the Louis Cristal, Orient Queen and Coral. The new programs -- all depart and return from Genoa visiting ports of call throughout the Western Mediterranean -- that Louis Majesty will be operating include:

--Seven-day Mediterranean Highlights – visiting the ports of Marseilles, Port Mahon (Menorca), Tunis, La Valletta (Malta), and Trapani (Sicily)

-- Eight-day Spanish Odyssey & Tangier – calling at Marseilles, Mallorca, Almeria, Malaga, Tangier, Ibiza, and Barcelona

-- Nine-day Italy, Greece, Ionian Islands & Albania – sailing to Marseilles, Sardinia (Olbia), Sicily (Messina), Katakolon, Zante, Corinthos (Athens), Saranda (in Albania) and Corfu

Travel agents can register online at www.louiscruises.com to access SMART RATES for the company’s Western Mediterranean cruise programs and book the above detailed programs for their clients.

Louis Cruises is also introducing the following new programs:

-- Seven-day Three Continents – a captivating voyage onboard the Louis Cristal visiting intriguing destinations along Europe, Asia and Africa. This to adventure takes you to explore cities and villages in Greece, Egypt, Israel, the Greek Islands, and Turkey -- beginning and concluding in Athens.

-- Ten-day Adriatic Coast, Italy and the Ionian – cruise program aboard the Orient Queen sails round-trip from Marseilles and offers travelers the opportunity to experience eight breathtaking villages and cities in Italy, Montenegro, Croatia, and Greece.

-- Ten-day Corinth Canal, Greek Islands, Istanbul – Onboard Louis Cruises’ Coral, guests will revel in the itinerary that embarks in a choice of either Marseilles or Genoa then navigates along to Olympia and Santorini in Greece, Istanbul in Turkey, next on to Mykonos and Athens in Greece, before sailing through the Corinth Canal, and then visits Sicily in Italy and Corsica in France, and returning to Marseilles.

MSC Cruises

MSC Poesia Arrives In Fort Lauderdale for Inaugural Caribbean Season

Welcomed by local and port officials and popular television star and entrepreneur Suzanne Somers, MSC Poesia arrived in Port Everglades earlier this month to begin her inaugural season of Caribbean sailings. “We are very excited to introduce MSC Poesia to North America,” says Richard E. Sasso, president and CEO of MSC Cruises (USA), Inc. “It is an elegant ship in every respect – spectacular public areas, and a wealth of choices for dining, entertainment and activities, all with a style that epitomizes MSC Cruises.”

The Italian, family-owned line is bringing the elegant MSC Poesia to Fort Lauderdale for a season featuring itineraries of three, five, sevenm eight and ten nights throughout the Caribbean and to Bermuda during the winter season before returning to Europe in spring 2010.

MSC Poesia features 1,275 staterooms, of which 80 percent are outside staterooms and 65 percent have a balcony. Guests can enjoy two pools and four hot tubs, a 13,000-square-foot spa, and four restaurants, including a Sushi Bar themed restaurant.

Her Caribbean season will include:

--Five-night sailings: November 10 and November 15

-- Ten-night itineraries – November 20, November 30, December 10

-- Seven-night Christmas itinerary, departing December 20

-- Seven-night New Year’s itinerary, departing Dec. 27

-- Seven-night eastern and western Caribbean itineraries January 16 to April 10

-- Seven-night Bermuda itinerary – departing April 17, features 3 nights in Bermuda

-- Three-night Bahamas cruise, departing April 24

On April 27 MSC Poesia departs Fort Lauderdale on an 18-night voyage to Hamburg for her spring/summer season of cruises in Europe.

During the 2009-10 season, MSC Poesia will host an extensive lineup of theme cruises, including:

-- President’s Cruise: November 10, 2009 -- five-night “Caribbean Escape”

-- Latin Music: January 23, 2010 -- seven-night “Eastern Caribbean Enchantment”

-- Comedy: January 30 2010 -- seven-night “Eastern Caribbean Enchantment”

-- Oldies Music: March 20, 2010 -- seven-night “Eastern Caribbean Dream”

-- Festa Italiana: April 10, 2010 -- seven-night “Island Treasures & Ancient Temples”

-- Baseball Greats: November 20, 2009--ten-night “Dazzling Dutch Caribbean & The Panama Canal”; seven-night sailings: Januarya 16, 2010 and February 6, 2010 “Island Treasures & Ancient Temples”; March 6, 2010 “Eastern Caribbean Enchantment”; April 3, 2010 “Eastern Caribbean Dream.”

-- Big Band: December 10, 2009 -- ten-night “Remarkable Rainforests & The Panama Canal”

-- Polka: January 9, 2010 -- seven-night “Eastern Caribbean Enchantment”

-- Baseball Greats & Big Band: February 27, 2010 -- seven-night “Island Treasures & Ancient Temples”

-- Life Modification Cruise: January 16, 2010—seven night “Island Treasures & Ancient Temples”

For more information on MSC Cruises, visit www.msccruisesusa.com or a local travel professional.

Princess Cruises

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.

Princess’ new digital documents include:

-- Personalized Pre-Cruise Emails--As soon as passengers book their cruise, they will begin to receive a new series of four emails that are timed to deliver just the right information needed for each stage of the cruise planning process. Replacing a printed Cruise Answer Book, the emails include the passenger booking details and interactive content that gives passengers a fun, engaging way to learn more about the signature amenities and activities they will experience on their ship. The information will be customized to the itinerary and the ship the passenger is sailing, and greetings are featured from some of the senior officers who will be sailing on their cruise. An array of links are also provided to such things as ship videos and virtual tours, bridge cams, dining options, entertainment choices, shipboard features and amenities, travel logistics, weather information, packing tips, frequently asked questions, Captain’s Circle benefits, important notices and reminders, and how to stay connected to family and friends while onboard.

-- Princess Countdown ConnectionTM--To help passengers anticipate and prepare for their upcoming sailing, the innovative Princess Countdown ConnectionTM widget is an eye-catching online clock that ticks down the days, hours and minutes until their cruise departs. The new application, which can be downloaded from the pre-cruise emails, can live right on a passenger’s computer desktop, and will automatically deliver an array of personalized information to them about their upcoming sailing such as dining, onboard activities, shore excursions and notices.

-- Personalized Online Luggage Tags--Passengers will also be able to print their own personalized luggage tags from their home or office computer. These new tags not only include the passenger's name, but also feature their Captain's Circle membership status, cabin number and embarkation information. Passengers will be able to print as many tags as needed to ensure all their luggage is properly marked prior to boarding the ship.

The printable luggage tags debut for all voyages departing after December 1, 2009, and are accessible through the Cruise Personalizer. They can be printed up to 75 days prior to the sailing date. Generic luggage tags will continue to be available at the pier for passengers who may need them.

-- Shore Excursion eBooks--Beginning in December, passengers will be able to print their own personalized shore excursion eBook for their cruise. Using this innovative tool, passengers will be able to select their favorite excursions from the wide array offered in each port, and create their own customized eBook of shoreside experiences. Further details will be available next month.

Windstar Cruises

Windstar Offers a 2010 Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix Cruise

Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world’s most treasured destinations, offers a special eight-day cruise from Rome, Italy to Nice, France aboard the elegant, 312-guest Wind Surf departing May 9, 2010. The sailing features the glamorous Cannes Film Festival and the thrilling Monaco Grand Prix race.

Guests will overnight in Cannes, France during the star-studded Cannes Film Festival and spend three nights in Monaco during the prestigious Formula One Grand Prix race. Other ports visited include Bastia, France and San Remo, Italy. Cruise rates begin at $2,999 per person, double occupancy.

Guests who wish to attend the Grand Prix may purchase the Monaco 68th Grand Prix Package Tour which begins on Friday, May 14 and ends on Sunday, May 16, 2010. The package includes a private transfer to the luxurious L’Hermitage for an exclusive cocktail party overlooking Monaco’s Marina and Royal Palace with open bar, original Monegasque canapés and live music. A lavish dinner with wine pairings and live music follows. Guests also receive entrance to the renowned Grand Casino and an exclusive gift package of binoculars, official 68e Grand Prix de Monaco program, official club ticket holder, souvenir hat and jacket.

On Saturday, guests tender to the pier in Monaco to take their seats in Tribune K reserved section of the Formula One Grand Prix time trials. That evening, an exclusive private cocktail reception will be held followed by a private Grand Prix dinner on board Wind Surf.

Sunday morning guests enjoy a private Grand Prix brunch on board the ship followed by a thrilling day of viewing the final Grand Prix race from the same track-side reserved seats. Box lunches will also be available. Rates for the limited 3-day shore excursion package is $2,700 per person and must be pre-booked at www.windstarcruises.com.

Windstar recently announced the latest phase of its Degrees of Difference initiative featuring added amenities and enhancements to its luxurious ships in the areas of dining, accommodations, entertainment, spa, fitness and shore excursions. With this latest initiative, Windstar continues to raise the bar, delivering a vacation experience that is “180 Degrees from Ordinary.” Website: www.windstarcruises.com