TRAVEL PROFESSIONALS NAME REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES 'WORLD'S BEST LUXURY CRUISE LINE'
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
2007-12-17 12:40:16
Travel Weekly, one of the world's leading travel industry trade publications, honored Regent Seven Seas Cruises at a celebratory gala last week in New York City, as part of the publication's annual "Readers' Choice Awards" showcasing the "best of the best" among travel and tourism suppliers worldwide. For the fourth consecutive year, Regent Seven Seas Cruises garnered the top award in the category "Best in Cruise Lines - Luxury." Travel Weekly's readership of agents, industry marketing executives and CEOs of the world's largest travel companies visited TravelWeekly.com to cast their votes for the best in travel in 51 categories. Winners in each category will be featured in the January 21, 2008 issue of Travel Weekly.

LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS ANNOUNCES TWO NEW PIONEERING PROGRAMS FOR YOUNG EXPLORERS - NEW EXPEDITION PROGRAMS ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO LEARN THROUGH FIELD EXPERIENCE AND EXPLORATION
Lindblad Expeditions
2007-12-17 11:32:32
Recently, Lindblad Expeditions (LEX) announced its support and participation in the Kalpana Chawla Ocean Journey Scholarship ­ a scholarship program launched in October by Blue Ocean Institute (www.blueocean.org) in honor of Kalpana Chawla, the astronaut who perished in the Challenger explosion in 2003. LEX is honored to work with Blue Ocean Institute on this initiative designed to place more students interested in marine ecology into the field.The Kalpana Chawla Ocean Journey Scholarship will be offered to two high school or college science students who show a strong interest in the oceans, and who would not otherwise have an opportunity to travel at sea. The selected scholarship recipients will take part in a weeklong Lindblad Expeditions voyage in the presence of scientists, naturalists and researchers.

Danger Cruise
Derek Hart Books
2007-12-17 11:25:36
First Officer John Drake is Derek Hart's latest hero, yet perhaps it's the cruise ship that takes center stage in this exciting adventure. The legendary Princess Carla is the setting for a tale of love and intrigue, romance and excitement, with some international criminals thrown in for good measure. Indeed Drake is handsome, dashing, and certainly entertaining, but it's Interpol Agent Raylene Capri who creates all the mystery and torrid romance. Danger Cruise takes place during a one-week roundtrip cruise from San Juan, Puerto Rico with several scenic stops in between. While the characters and certain events are fictional, not only is the cruise timeframe based on fact, but also all the details about life aboard the Carla during those days are true, right down to the movies shown, the live shows, and the food served. (Danger Cruise by Derek Hart, Price: $12.95, Pages: 166)

All New Northern Territory and Queensland 6 Night "Over The Top" Cruises
North Star Cruises Australia
2007-12-17 11:22:44
Our traditional 14 night "Over The Top" adventure from Darwin to Cairns, is now also available as a 6 night cruise option. Join the True North for 6 nights in the Top End or 6 nights on the Great Barrier Reef. The 6 Night cruises depart Darwin on 17th October 2008 (includes return flight to Darwin) or Thursday Island on 25th October 2008 (includes flight ex Cairns). Itinerary and 2009 dates available on request.

A MULTI-MILLION EURO "MAKE UP" FOR THE COSTA CROCIERE FLEET: 4 SHIPS IN DRY-DOCK FOR A RESTYLING WORTH 15 MILLION
Costa Crociere
2007-12-17 10:08:58
Costa Crociere continues to make investments to keep its fleet operating at the highest quality standards. Between November and December 2007 no less than 4 ships in the Italian company's fleet,were placed in dry-dock to carry out technical maintenance and restyling operations worth a total of 15 million euros. The works were carried out in the dry-docks of the ports of Genoa and Palermo: the Costa Victoria (from 13 to 23 November) was the guest of the Mariotti shipyards in Genoa; the Costa Marina (from 13 to 25 November) was placed in dry-dock no. 5 of the port of Genoa; the Costa Concordia (from 4 to 14 December) and the Costa Classica (from 20 November to 1 December) were overhauled in the Fincantieri dry-docks of Palermo.

New Year Eve Cruises - From Gala Dinner To Family Ski In Norway
travmedia.com/uk
2007-12-17 10:05:44
DFDS Seaways has New Year all wrapped up. No need to worry about slaving over the stove for a dinner party, queue in the rain for taxis or worry about trying to find a baby sitter. DFDS Seaways has a range of three New Years short breaks and holidays so one is sure to suit you. Whether you want to party onboard a cruise ferry at a Gala Dinner as you sail to Amsterdam, or enjoy a family holiday in picturesque Norway, or skiing in Voss.

Availability On A High Season Antarctic Peninsula Departure
travmedia.com/uk
2007-12-17 10:03:15
Oceanstar are offering an opportunity to experience the breathtaking scenery of ice-choked waterways, glaciers, blue and white icebergs and rugged mountains of Antarctica on a high season January voyage on board the Hanse Explorer, a five-star ice-strengthened expedition cruise vessel, with just 12 passengers.

Globus & Cosmos to introduce packages for the travel trade to the UK, US at 50 % and 75 % discount
travelbizmonitor.com (India)
2007-12-17 09:02:55
Globus & Cosmos plans to introduce travel packages at discounted rates for travel agents and tour operators in India under the 'Globus Family Club,' a dedicated group tours division, from January 1 to December 31, 2008.

Singapore's cruise industry bolstered
traveldailynews.com
2007-12-17 07:50:10
Singapore's efforts to grow and cultivate its local cruise industry has been bolstered the previous week with the announcement from Costa Cruises, Europe's leading cruise line, that it is doubling its presence in Asia from March 2009 with the introduction of a second cruise ship in the region.

Ships could inject $35m into economy
tvnz.co.nz
2007-12-16 18:02:17
The world's largest cruise shipping line, Carnival Cruises, is promising to boost ship visits to New Zealand by more than 70 port calls over the next 18 months.

Growing Rebellion on the High Seas
2007-12-16 09:02:19
USED to be, you'd be hung from the yardarm for mutiny at sea. Now, it seems, some rebellions may get you a refund. Evidently, that was a lesson learned in January 2006 when passengers on the Queen Mary 2 organized sit-ins and alerted the news media of their grievances by sending e-mail and making cellphone calls from the ship. Hobbled by a propeller problem, the liner had been forced to cancel three port calls on a Latin American cruise.

Cruise line hpnours Trini
newsday.co.tt
2007-12-15 15:01:58
A SURE sign that the cruise ship season is in full swing was when the majestic MV Sea Princess docked in Port-of-Spain recently.

The poshest digs at sea
2007-12-15 15:01:57
You certainly can live large, at least for a week or two, by cruising on almost any of today's mega ocean liners or on any of the small fleet of luxury vessels that crisscross the Seven Seas. In some of the poshest digs afloat, you can dream the big dream. As your ship roams the oceans, you can roam in an elegant suite - a duplex apartment the size of a modest house! - soak in marble tubs with solid gold faucets, dine on your private verandah overlooking azure waters, and have a white-gloved butler at your beck and call around the clock.

Fred. Olsen Cruises Joins UK Fuel Surcharge Bandwagon
cruisecritic.com
2007-12-14 18:02:47
U.K.-based Fred. Olsen announced today that it will add a fuel surcharge on all voyages, starting December 21, 2007. The charge will not be retroactive; only bookings made on or after December 21 will be affected.

Cruises from SF: More ships making fewer round trips
sfgate.com
2007-12-14 18:02:46
There's little argument that San Francisco is a great place to leave your heart, but, through no fault of its own, the city continues to languish as a place to leave on a cruise ship. Of the 59 cruise ship calls scheduled at the Port of San Francisco next year, 34 are by four ships. (By comparison, 34 ships would be a busy week in Miami.)

A Closer Look at Apollo's High-Seas Deal
dealbook.blogs.nytimes.com
2007-12-14 18:02:46
While other major private equity firms are sitting on the sidelines, thanks to the tight credit markets, Apollo Management has managed to strike at least one deal ‹ by thinking like a strategic buyer. On Monday, Apollo announced that it agreed to acquire Regent Seven Seas Cruises in what was its third investment in the cruise sector for the year. The deal, which trade publications pegged at about $1 billion, now makes Apollo the third-largest cruise company in the world.

Report: Auto pilot error might have caused cruise ship to tilt
orlandosentinel.com
2007-12-14 18:02:46
A second officer may have turned off auto pilot on a cruise ship causing the vessel to tilt at sea last year, injuring 227 passengers and 57 crew members, according to transcripts released Friday by transportation officials. Interviews with Capt. Andrew Proctor and Second Officer Adam Stratford indicated that Stratford may have been responsible for taking the Crown Princess off auto pilot after he became concerned with the speed of a turn.

A Seatrade exclusive interview with Apollo Management
Seatrade Cruise Review
2007-12-14 15:59:44
Apollo Management, one of the richest US private equity firms, is making bold strides into the cruise arena with three major investments in a year. Apollo first took a 60% stake in Oceania Cruises for $325m then stumped up $1bn for a 50% share of NCL Corp. The acquisition of Regent Seven Seas Cruises announced earlier this week is its latest deal. Could Apollo make even bigger moves? Apollo, like most private equity firms, rarely shows its cards yet Seatrade Cruise Review's December issue includes an exclusive interview with Apollo Management's Steve Martinez and Adam Aron who explain their value-creation approach to investing.

PETER DEILMANN CRUISES WINS 2007 PORTHOLE CRUISE MAGAZINE'S "READERS' CHOICE AWARD FOR BEST RIVER CRUISES" - FOR THE NINTH YEAR IN A ROW
Peter Deilmann Cruises
2007-12-14 15:51:36
"From scenic itineraries to thoughtful service, Peter Deilmann Cruises has consistently offered guests the best of Europe's fabled waterways," said Bill Panoff, Porthole's editor in chief. "That's why our readers have consistently cited Peter Deilmann as the best provider of a river cruise vacation." Winning the 2007 Cruise Magazine Reader's Choice Award for Best River Cruises marks the ninth year that Deilmann has been so acclaimed and continues a tradition of well-earned praise from the company's guests and from many of the world's best travel publications. Deilmann has been offering award-winning European river cruise vacations since 1983, and in 2008 has more than 265 leisurely European river sailings aboard nine deluxe river ships between late March and early November.

EASYCRUISE 'CLASSICAL GREECE' CRUISE VACATION FEATURED ON TRAVELZOO - 7-night voyage with meals and round-trip air from $899
easyCruise
2007-12-14 15:48:43
There's no better travel value this season than a new week-long cruise that showcases some of the most amazing archaeological sites in Classical Greece, priced from $899 per person, double, including round-trip Economy Class air from New York, departing February 23, 2008. The new Greece air/sea package from easyCruise and Friendly Planet Travel begins in Piraeus and includes visits to the ancient ports of Corinth, Ithaki, Patras (Olympia), Itea (Delphi), Aegina and Piraeus, where the ship remains overnight so that guests can experience the Acropolis by night before flying home. Four other departures, priced slightly higher, are offered: March 1 and 8, $999 per person, double, and March 16 and 23, $1,099 per person, double. To learn more about the new easyCruiseOne "Classical Greece Cruise with Air" visit www.travelplanet.com or call toll-free 800-555-5765 or 215-572-9594.

COSTA CROCIERE'S NEW FLAGSHIPS FITTED WITH ENGINES POWERFUL ENOUGH TO LIGHT UP A CITY OF OVER 100,000 INHABITANTS
Costa Crociere
2007-12-14 15:36:53
Work is proceeding in the Fincantieri shipyards at Genoa-Sestri Ponente and Marghera on the construction of the Costa Pacifica and the Costa Luminosa, the next new flagships of Costa Crociere. At present the finishing touches are being applied to the installation of the diesel engine generator sets, namely the engines that produce the electrical energy required to power the ship and supply the hotel services on board. Delivery of the 2 new Costa flagships is scheduled for spring 2009.

Cruise Down the Red Carpet Onboard seaescape's New Year's Eve Cruise
newsobserver.com
2007-12-14 15:03:33
Passengers will be treated like celebrities this New Year's Eve, as SeaEscape cruises into 2008 with a bit of glitz, glamour and some vintage red-carpet treatment for all. From a lavish gourmet dinner fit for a star to live entertainment throughout the night, featuring impressionists of classic Hollywood and television personalities, this year's party cruise should make everyone feel like an award-winner.

UNIWORLD WAIVES NEW 2008 CRUISE FUEL SURCHARGE - PAY IN FULL BY DECEMBER 31, 2007, AND AVOID SURCHARGE
UNIWORLD
2007-12-14 09:35:03
Due to the unprecedented rise in the price of fuel, Uniworld Grand River Cruises will implement a new cruise fuel surcharge of $7.00 per guest per cruise night on 2008 Europe cruise programs; and a cruise fuel surcharge of $10.00 per guest per cruise night on Russia and Ukraine programs. Uniworld will waive the cruise fuel surcharge for all existing and new bookings for these cruise programs if paid in full by December 31, 2007.

Ahead of the Bell: Cruise Companies
moneycentral.msn.com
2007-12-14 09:02:22
Cruise pricing should remain strong through the first half of 2008, leading cruise companies to outperform the broader market despite the volatility of fuel and growing U.S. economic concerns, according to one analyst.

Coral Princess Cruises Offers Free Hotel Night
modernagent.com
2007-12-14 07:47:52
Down Under Answers is offering is offering one complimentary hotel night in conjunction with new bookings for sailings Dec. 26 to Feb. 16 on Coral Princess Cruises' five-night Auckland/Bay of Islands cruise.

Sun Princess Arrives in Auckland
scoop.co.nz
2007-12-13 18:02:43
The 77,000-tonne premium superliner Sun Princess's visit to Auckland is part of a six-port visit that heralds a major new commitment by Carnival Australia, injecting at least $35 million dollars into the New Zealand economy.

Cruise ship holed - passengers stranded
Sydney Morning Herald, Australia
2007-12-13 10:37:12
About 1700 passengers, including Australians, from the cruise ship Norwegian Dream are stranded in the Uruguayan capital, Montevideo, days after the accident-prone boat collided with a barge. Norwegian Dream sustained damage to its bow and forward ballast tank when it collided with the barge on Monday, sending five shipping containers and as many as 10 cars into the water.

DOUBTS RAISED ABOUT SINKING OF ANTARCTIC CRUISE SHIP M/S EXPLORER
tcgnews.com
2007-12-13 10:35:08
More than two weeks after the ship M/S Explorer sank in Bransfield Strait off the coast of Antarctica, experts are questioning the official explanation of why the vessel sank.

COSTA CROCIERE SETTLES IN THE HEART OF NAPLES: INAUGURATION OF NEW OFFICES WITH A SPECIAL VIP LOUNGE AND SCREEN DEBUT FOR THE COSTA SERENA
COSTA CROCIERE
2007-12-13 10:22:17
Costa Crociere has consolidated its place in the heart of Naples. The Italian Company, which is the leading operator in the Port of Naples, the number of Guests brought here by its ships having skyrocketed by 75% in the last 5 years, has today inaugurated its new offices located inside the cruise terminal.Costa's new premises in Naples extend for an area of almost 300 m? and stand out on account of their highly innovative design by the architect Antonella Pugno, combining contemporary elements with a Baroque style from the Neapolitan city's glorious past. The Company has chosen the best in Italian and international design for the realization of this project. In addition to the operational areas, intended for the employees comprising Costa Crociere's sales force for Naples and Campania, the new offices also feature an exclusive VIP area of almost 100 m?, reserved for Guests who have booked suites on Costa cruises departing from Naples. The official opening of the Costa offices also provided an opportunity, together with the film producer and Chairman of S.S. Calcio Napoli Aurelio De Laurentiis, to promote the imminent release of "Natale in Crociera" produced by Aurelio and Luigi De Laurentiis' Filmauro movie studios.

Carnival Cruise Lines' 2009 Europe Season to be Biggest Yet, with Unprecedented Number of Fun Ship Departures
Carnival Cruise Lines
2007-12-13 10:11:03
Continuing its growth in the rapidly expanding European cruise market, Carnival Cruise Lines will operate an unprecedented number of "Fun Ship" voyages within the region in 2009. The line's 2009 European season will feature two of its newest 110,000-ton ships ­ Carnival Liberty, which will operate 12-day Northern European and Mediterranean cruises, and Carnival Freedom, sailing 12-day departures to the Mediterranean.

CARNIVAL CORPORATION & PLC ORDERS TWO NEW 71,000-TON CRUISE SHIPS FOR AIDA CRUISES BRAND; INCREASES CAPACITY OF A PREVIOUSLY ORDERED VESSEL Triples AIDA's Total Fleet Capacity to 16,384 Berths by May 2012
CARNIVAL CORPORATION & PLC
2007-12-13 10:07:52
Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK) has ordered two 71,000-ton cruise ships for its AIDA Cruises brand, which caters exclusively to the German-speaking market. These two newbuilds mark six new ships that the German cruise operator has ordered in just the past three years. The 2,174-passenger vessels, which will be built at Germany's Meyer Werft shipyard at an all-in cost of ?380 million and ?385 million, are scheduled to enter service in April 2011 and May 2012, respectively. Additionally, the company announced that it has contracted with Meyer Werft to increase the size of the fourth vessel in the series, set to debut in April 2010, to 71,000 tons with a passenger capacity of 2,174, making it a sister to the two ships ordered today. The all-in cost for that vessel has been increased from ?335 million to ?350 million.

Princess to Offer More Sailings From "The City by the Bay" Than Any Other Cruise Line in 2008 - Nearly 40 Years After First San Francisco Cruises, Passengers Can Sail through the Golden Gate to Head Across the Pacific, North to Alaska, Even Far East
Princess Cruises
2007-12-13 10:04:26
Nearly 40 years after Princess Italia set off from San Francisco on its first Alaska cruise, Princess is marking its long history of sailing from the city with more than 20 departures in 2008.

The inaugural Seatrade Winter Cruising Forum heads to Malta
traveldailynews.com
2007-12-13 08:10:44
Cruising is now a year round product with the number of ships deployed in the Mediterranean outside the traditional summer season significant and growing. There are many other examples around the world of deployments that break out of the familiar seasonal pattern with ships based in New York year round, and Christmas cruise itineraries in North Europe. With interest in winter cruising growing, final plans are being made for the Seatrade Winter Cruising Forum which will unite a cross section of the stakeholders in this still new cruise concept to discuss how its huge potential can be realised. Between 17-18 January 2008, Malta, at the epicenter of many winter cruise itineraries, will play host to the inaugural event.

Holland America Launches View & Verandah Promotion
modernagent.com
2007-12-13 08:06:00
Holland America Line launched its "View & Verandah" promotion, offering savings on outside and verandah staterooms for hundreds of departures in 2008.

Holland America Line's ms Eurodam Maiden Voyage to Feature Fjords and Kilts New Three-day Prelude and Preview Cruises Planned
prnewswire.com
2007-12-12 18:02:14
Norway's famed fjords and Scotland's Highlands are highlights of the ms Eurodam's 10-day maiden voyage of northern Europe, set for July 5, 2008. The 2,104-guest Eurodam, under construction at Fincantieri's Marghera, Italy, shipyard, will be Holland America Line's newest ship and the first in the Signature Class series.

Tropical Storm Olga Expected to Weaken
cruisecritic.com
2007-12-12 15:03:05
Tropical Storm Olga, which has caused delayed and canceled ports calls for several cruise ships sailing the Caribbean since Monday, is expected to weaken and could dissipate by late today.

When Cruise Ships Skip Promised Ports
concierge.com
2007-12-12 15:03:05
Two cruise news items yesterday -- Subtropical Storm Olga's effect on ships in the Caribbean and the cruise-ship collision off Uruguay--highlight one of the big advantages, and at the same time one of the big drawbacks, of vacationing at sea: Ships often change their itineraries at the last minute.

RCI Adds the Pacific Aurora as One of the First Cruise Ship Affiliates in Canada
sys-con.com
2007-12-12 12:03:16
RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange and Marine Growth Ventures, Inc., a diversified high growth marine holding company, today announced they have signed an agreement to add the M\V Pacific Aurora as one of the first Canadian cruise ship affiliates in the RCI network.

2008 Windjammers aboard Tall Ship Manitou Aim to Please all the Senses
2007-12-12 09:04:06
From astronomy to music and wine to chocolate, you'll find a multi-day windjammer aboard the Tall Ship Manitou offers a truly unique experience out of one of the most pristine coastal communities in Michigan ­ Traverse City.

Tauck Drops Singles Surcharge on Some Programs
modernagent.com
2007-12-12 08:05:20
Tauck World Discovery is dropping or reducing its single occupancy surcharge on some of its river cruises and tours for 2008. The special rates will apply to 44 departures on 14 river cruise and tour itineraries in the U.S., Europe and Canada.

Grand Circle Sold to Court Square Capital Partners
modernagent.com
2007-12-12 08:04:51
Alan Lewis, chairman and CEO of Grand Circle Corporation, and his wife Harriet signed an agreement to sell a majority stake in Grand Circle to Court Square Capital Partners.

Nobu Brings His Legendary Cuisine to Crystal Symphony - Famed Restaurateur Expands Partnership with Acclaimed Cruise Line
prnewswire.com
2007-12-11 18:03:59
World-class master chef Nobuyuki "Nobu" Matsuhisa is partnering with Crystal Cruises for two new restaurants aboard the award-winning luxury ship, Crystal Symphony. Silk Road and The Sushi Bar will debut during Crystal Symphony's March 3, 2008 Trans-Pacific cruise from Los Angeles to Hong Kong. Nobu will join the ship in March to personally oversee the launch. Renowned internationally for the innovative blend of classically styled Japanese foods with distinct Peruvian and European influences, Nobu-trained chefs will showcase some of Nobu's most popular specialties at The Sushi Bar, including yellowtail sashimi with jalapeno and tuna tataki with ponzu sauce.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines launches Captain's Collection 2008
Cybercruises.com
2007-12-11 12:38:58
The Collection is made up of 51 cruises on board all five ships - Balmoral, Boudicca, Black Watch, Black Prince and Braemar. All are offered at discounted rates with some exceptionally good offers designated as Star Buys. Additionally, on 21 of the cruises in the collection, the Captain's Bonus applies, which means an onboard spending credit of up to £200 for each booking. Captain's Collection discounts apply to bookings made between 1st December 2007 and 29th February 2008.

A new itinerary in Northern Burgundy on the newly renovated Nenuphar leads the slate of offerings from French Country Waterways in 2008
Cybercruises.com
2007-12-11 12:38:04
French Country Waterways is introducing a new itinerary in 2008 aboard the newly-renovated luxury barge, Nenuphar, with highlights that take in many of the best features of Northern Burgundy: historic Auxerre, the 12th-century Abbaye de Pontgny, wine tasting in Chablis and dinner at the three-star Michelin-rated La Côte Saint-Jacques.

Costa Cruises doubles presence in Asia. In 2009, Costa Classica to join Costa Allegra in Asia for a combined total of 60 cruises and 85,000 berths
Cybercruises.com
2007-12-11 12:34:12
Costa Cruises, the leading cruise line in Italy and Europe, was the first international company to schedule regular cruises in China and Asia. Its operations began on July 2, 2006 with the Costa Allegra, which flies the Italian flag. A year and a half later, following the success of the product marketed both in China and internationally, Costa has decided to strengthen its presence in Asia from March 2009 onward with the deployment of a second ship - the 53,000 gross tonnage Costa Classica.

Disney Cruise Line adds two Eastern Caribbean itineraries amidst a wave of new choices for guests in 2008 & 2009
Cybercruises.com
2007-12-11 12:33:32
Disney Cruise Line announced today two new eastern Caribbean itineraries for 2009 - giving guests more choices than ever before to explore the beautiful islands of the Caribbean - and special offerings for 2008. Beginning in 2009, St. Croix will be a featured stop on one new seven- night itinerary, and Tortola will be featured on another seven-night itinerary. Both islands are new to Disney Cruise Line, increasing the seven- night Caribbean choices on the Disney Magic to four itineraries (Disney's traditional eastern and western Caribbean itineraries will continue).

P&O Cruises and Nick Munro complete biggest design exercise ever undertaken in contemporary British cruising
PSA UK
2007-12-11 11:50:14
P&O Cruises Leading designer Nick Munro has been commissioned exclusively by P&O Cruises to complete more than 200,000 items to be on board Ventura ­ the largest superliner designed for Britain - when she launches in April 2008.

New Expedia CruiseShipCenters Brand Unveiled in Las Vegas
Expedia
2007-12-11 11:46:20
Expedia, Inc., the world's leading online travel company, and CruiseShipCenters International, Inc., a leading North American cruise vacation specialist, unveiled their new combined brand Expedia® CruiseShipCenters® today at the Home-Based Travel Agent Expo and Conference in Las Vegas.

Bad omen for a new queen? Camilla is struck by curse of the unbroken
timesonline.co.uk
2007-12-11 10:04:50
The champagne bottle wobbled on its perch above the bow of the Queen Victoria. Having pushed the button that was to send it smashing into the side of the new Cunard ocean liner in the naming ceremony in Southampton yesterday, the Duchess of Cornwall stood on stage and waited.

Basking in wave of cruise visits - Thirty-two ships have called on Portland this year, carrying a record 48,768 passengers. Next year is likely to bring even more
mainetoday.com
2007-12-11 09:51:19
Ken Kantro and other merchants in Portland's Old Port noticed more customers coming from cruise ships this year than ever before -- and they had plenty of money to spend. "We are all pleased," said Kantro, who owns Lovell Designs, a jewelry store on Exchange Street. "It enables us to stay in business and pay our employees."

ISLAND SKY VISIT DUBAI - Dubai welcomed six cruise ships at its state-of-the-art cruise terminal since the start of cruise season in October
Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing
2007-12-11 09:43:42
British cruise ship, Island Sky, docked at the state-of-the-art Dubai Cruise Terminal in Port Rashid Complex for a short sojourn with about 176 passengers and crew members. The vessel arrived from the Qatar 's capital city, Doha , and left the emirate for Kuwait . During the current winter season 2007-2008, Dubai expects more than 200,000 cruise passengers to visit the emirate, giving a big boost to the booming tourism industry.Dubai handled 32,000 cruise passenger movements in 2006, up from 23,000 cruise passengers in the previous year. For the 2006-2007, season, Dubai is expected to play host to over 85,000 passengers. For the 2008 season, the number is expected to reach over 200,000.

Copenhagen a popular Christmas cruise destination
Cruise Copenhagen Network
2007-12-11 09:38:22
In 2005, the first Christmas cruise visited Copenhagen. This December, the ships will once again find their way to Northern Europe's leading cruise destination. Cruise lines have discovered Northern Europe as a Christmas destination and three cruise ships have scheduled their arrival.

AAPA'S 2008 Cruise Seminar Set For San Francisco, Feb. 5-7 - Agenda Includes Talks With Cruise Executives, Reports On Cruise Security, Sessions On Cruise Facility Development And Financing
AAPA
2007-12-11 09:29:38
While stories abound about the tidal wave of cargo moving through America's ports, a similar story is unfolding in the cruise industry, which last year saw 9 million U.S. passenger embarkations (a 4.5 percent annual increase) and $35.7 billion in total economic impacts (a 10 percent annual increase). To assist cruise ports in preparing for the challenges ahead, the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) will hold its 10th annual Cruise Seminar in San Francisco, Feb. 5-7.

FOURTH CRUISE TERMINAL FOR SOUTHAMPTON AS ABP AND CARNIVAL SEAL 20-YEAR, £19M DEAL
abports.co.uk
2007-12-11 09:23:38
A fourth cruise terminal is to be constructed at Associated British Ports' (ABP) Port of Southampton after ABP and Carnival UK today (7 December) signed a major, 20-year contract. As part of the agreement, ABP will invest £19m in the new terminal, which will be built at Ocean Dock opposite the site of the old Ocean Terminal.

VIKING launches the only liferaft designed and tested specifically for Arctic sailing
VIKING Life-Saving Equipment
2007-12-11 08:27:27
VIKING has launched a new liferaft container that provides thermal protection for the liferaft inside, so that the liferaft can be activated at temperatures as low as -45°C. This VIKING Arctic liferaft is the only liferaft designed and tested specifically for sailing in Arctic ice-covered waters.

NCL to institute fuel supplement
NCL Europe
2007-12-11 06:21:52
The Continental European branch of the cruise line NCL announced today that it will begin assessing guests a fuel supplement in response to record high fuel prices. Effective on all NCL Freestyle Cruising and NCL America bookings made on or after December 19, 2007, the fuel supplement for reservations made in Continental Europe will be Euro 4 per person per day for the first and second guests in a stateroom and Euro 2 per person per day for any additional guests in the same stateroom.

FOUR CHRISTMAS CRUISES TO OSLO IN DECEMBER
Oslo Cruise Network
2007-12-11 06:15:41
Four cruise ships are calling in Oslo this week. P&O's Artemis, Fred.Olsen's Black Watch and Cunard's Queen Elizabeth 2 and the new flag ship Queen Victoria on her maiden voyage are all on Christmas cruises to Oslo. More than 6 000 passengers will visit the Holmenkollen Ski Jump, the Viking ships, the museums at Bygdøy and other popular attractions in and around Oslo.These four winter cruises mark the end of the 2007-season for Oslo. The Norwegian capital had 138 calls with almost 200 000 passengers visiting; a slight decrease from 2006 when 156 cruise ships sailed in the Oslo fjord. Bookings for 2008 show an increase in calls with 140 scheduled calls so far. The Port of Oslo expects the same number of passengers in 2008 as in 2007 (approx. 200 000). Both RCCL and MSC will use Oslo as a turn around port for short cruises in April and May. The cruise lines are seeking to inovate their cruises with new itineraries, destinations and themes. Christmas cruises with visits to Christmas markets and winter activities in Oslo seem to be popular. All winter cruises to Oslo have sold well and 6000 passengers will enjoy a glimpse of winter and snow in Oslo's surroundings this week.

The 2008 edition of Stern's Guide to the Cruise Vacation
Stern's Travel Guides, Ltd.
2007-12-11 06:10:26
Stern's Guide to the Cruise Vacation's 2008 edition has awarded its highest rating of 6+ stars to the following cruise lines and ships: Seabourn (all three vessels) Crystal (both vessels) Silver Seas ( all four vessels) Regent Seven Seas Voyager and Mariner Grill Room class on QM2 Awards of 6 stars were given to Europa of Happag-Lloyd, Regent's Seven Seas Navigator and the three vessels of Oceania Cruises.

REGISTER NOW FOR CRUISE3SIXTY 2008; ONLY THREE WEEKS LEFT TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LOWER RATES - Popular Seminars and Ship Inspections Filling Quickly
CLIA
2007-12-11 06:06:45
One of the most popular industry events, Cruise Lines International Association's (CLIA) cruise3sixty, is expecting a record turnout for the 2008 event. With more than 1,100 travel professionals already registered for the March 7-9 conference and trade show to be held at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, seminars and ship inspections are filling at a rapid pace. Only three weeks are left before registration rates increase by $50 on January 1, 2008. Those travel agents who have not yet registered are well advised to do so immediately in order to capitalize on its educational and networking opportunities. Agents are encouraged to visit the cruise3sixty Web site at www.cruise3sixty.com to take advantage of the lower rates and to register before a number of programs are sold out.

Her Royal Highness The Duchess Of Cornwall Names Cunard's New Queen Victoria
Cunard Line
2007-12-11 05:03:04
Continuing a grand royal tradition, HRH The Duchess of Cornwall officially named Cunard Line's newest ocean liner, Queen Victoria, this afternoon during a colorful and regal ceremony in front of a VIP audience of more than 2,000 guests, celebrities and dignitaries.

Apollo to Buy Regent Seven Seas Cruises From Carlson (Update2)
bloomberg.com
2007-12-10 18:01:45
Apollo Management LP, the private- equity firm run by Leon Black, agreed to buy Regent Seven Seas Cruises in a transaction valued at about $1 billion, its third investment in a cruise-ship operator this year.Regent Seven Seas, based in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, was acquired from Carlson, the closely held hotel and travel- services company based in Minneapolis, Apollo said today in a statement.

Sneak Peak At Cunard's New Queen Victoria
cruisecritic.com
2007-12-10 09:03:51
More than 7,000 people from all parts of the world will have had a chance over the weekend to tour the new Queen Victoria. The newly built 90,000-ton, 2,014-passenger ship, the third in Cunard's fleet, arrived in Southampton Friday.

Royal Caribbean Continues Global Expansion; Launches Tui Cruises
cruisecritic.com
2007-12-10 09:03:29
Royal Caribbean, which has already embarked on efforts to expand its business to Spain and France, announces today that it has acquired a cruise foothold in Germany. The company will team up with TUI AG, a German travel and shipping company, to launch a German-centric line. If TUI sounds familiar to you it may be because Carnival Corporation, this time last year, had announced it would form a joint venture with TUI AG to market and operate two German-focused cruise lines. One would have been the existing AIDA, which is already part of the Carnival Corp. family of cruise lines; the other would be a new Tui Cruises brand.

TUI AG and Royal Caribbean Cruises launch joint venture for the German cruise market
Travel Daily News
2007-12-10 07:45:43
TUI AG and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. announced they will launch a new joint venture serving the German cruise market. The new company, TUI Cruises, will begin service with one ship, in early 2009, and grow quickly with two newbuilds planned for 2011 and 2012. Sales and marketing will commence earlier in Spring 2008.

Royal Caribbean Names Bauer as SVP-hotel operations
modernagent.com
2007-12-10 07:43:36
As reported in Travel Pulse Daily last week, Royal Caribbean International officially announced changes to its executive team. Lisa Bauer has been named senior vice president-hotel operations.

Shanghai refit for Australian expedition cruise ship
OffRadar weekly cruise and ferry review
2007-12-10 04:50:51
Australian adventure travel company Aurora's new 100 passenger vessel Marina Svetaeva is undergoing the first phase of her upgrade at the Li Feng Shipyard in Shanghai, China before she starts her 2008 programme of cruises.

Turkish refit for Clipper Pearl
OffRadar weekly cruise and ferry review
2007-12-10 04:49:30
The Danish shipowning group Clipper has added a third cruise ship to its fleet in the shape of Clipper Pearl (ex Dream, Dream Princess, Song of Norway).

Dedicated cruise terminal for Bahrain
OffRadar weekly cruise and ferry review
2007-12-10 04:47:42
With cruises operating around the Arabian Gulf becoming more and more popular, the Kingdom of Bahrain is building a dedicated cruise and ferry terminal.

Blue Lagoon Cruises expands Historical & Cultural Dateline Cruise' program - Blue Lagoon Cruises has announced it will operate four of its highly popular Historical & Cultural Dateline Cruises' in 2008 with the addition of a new 19 May sailing
Blue Lagoon Cruises
2007-12-10 04:39:23
The seven-day/six-night Gold Club standard' cruises offer an unique and very limited opportunity to join a team of international anthropologists visiting the largely uncharted reaches comprising Fiji's remote north-eastern tip. The area is unique in the fact that it is the only place on earth where travellers can see all three of the Pacific Ocean's distinct cultural groupings - Melanesian, Micronesian and Polynesian - living together. Itinerary highlights include Kioa Island, home to some 300 Polynesian Elice Islanders who migrated into the region in the 1940's. The cruise will also visit the 4,000 Micronesian Banabans who have inhabited Rabi Island since 1941. Prices start from AUD$2715 (conditions apply) per person twin share inclusive all meals, all onboard entertainment, cultural activities and shore excursions. However all bookings made by 31 January 2008 will receive a 30 per cent early bird' discount. The Historical & Cultural Dateline Cruises' will depart the cruise company's home port on Lautoka on 18 February, 19 May, 18 August and 17 November 2008.