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More Than 120 Crystal Adventures® Take Travelers To Exotic Sites And Hidden Treasures Throughout Asia LOS ANGELES, October 30, 2007 - From ancient temples and villages untouched by time to tours of verdant spice plantations and the life along the Mekong Delta, luxury travel specialist Crystal Cruises is offering guests more of Asia than ever before with 120 unique shoreside adventures exploring the region's famed wonders and hidden treasures off the beaten path. Culinary enthusiasts can savor a spice plantation in India, while adventure seekers can opt for a three-night overland adventure into Laos.
In 2008, Crystal is increasing its presence in Asia with two ships sailing the region. The award-winning Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony will sail Asia from March through May 2008 aboard six destination-rich itineraries, all of which feature noted UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Among the extensive Crystal Adventures during the cruise are 12 new programs and nine different overnight tours offering in-depth travels in Vietnam, Thailand, China, Laos, Cambodia and India, and all are available online at cruisevacationworld.com for review and pre-booking.
Crystal's Asia Adventures include:
- Himeji Castle & Mount Shosha-zan (Kobe, Japan) - Explore Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Japan's most beautiful surviving medieval castle, and the magnificent Engyoji Temple perched atop Mount Shosha-zan.
- NEW Shanghai's Jewish Heritage (Shanghai, China) - Discover the rich history of Shanghai's Jewish community exploring impressive synagogues and walking the Jewish ghetto where streets look more European than Chinese.
- Train to Wuxi (Shanghai, China) - Journey to the ancient garden city of Wuxi and visit a Chinese silk-reeling factory to witness the entire process from the silkworms to the deft workers as they wind the cocoons into spools.
- Da Nang & Hoi An (Da Nang, Vietnam) - Walk a living UNESCO World Heritage Site in the scenic river town of Hoi An where the colorful streets, temples and waterside markets remain largely untouched by time.
- Laos Overland Adventure (Bangkok, Thailand) - Embark upon a three-night overland adventure into Laos and explore caves lit with candles and filled with hundreds of Buddhas. Admire magnificent temples, view spectacular waterfalls, and wake at dawn to participate in a traditional Buddhist alms-giving ceremony.
- Cuisine of Kerala (Cochin, India) - Savor the cuisine of Southern India with lunch and a cooking demonstration as top chefs prepare a special meal infused with regional flavors and local spices. * Wine & Food Festival voyage
- NEW The Temples & Spices of Goa (Marmagao, India) - Admire the beautiful Hindu architecture of the impressive Shri Mahalasa temple and learn about the flavors of India during lunch at a spice plantation. *Wine & Food Festival Voyage
- Mystical Muscat (Muscat, Oman) - Explore the former residence of one of Oman's wealthiest and most well known families and view private collections of Omani weaponry, jewelry, clothing, photographs, books, paintings and maps.
Other highlights of Crystal's Asia cruises:
- An unprecedented number of in-port overnights, 17 in all, allow guests extended time to experience Hong Kong, Shanghai, Osaka, Kobe, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, and Bangkok with two- and three-day calls.
- Two Crystal Symphony itineraries also include a complimentary three-night overland adventure in Beijing with tours of the Summer Palace, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Great Wall of China.
"With nearly every Asia itinerary featuring in-port overnights in two or three cities throughout the voyage, we have arranged more than 120 unique adventures, including many new offerings to lesser known, yet magnificent sites,'' says John Stoll, Crystal's director of land programs. "Whether this is a traveler's first trip to Asia or their second or more, we can assure something new and exciting for every interest."
From March through May 2008 Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony will embark upon six destination-rich voyages to Asia ranging from 11 to 17 days and featuring calls in the exotic port cities of Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, and Dalian, China; Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Bangkok, Ko Samui and Phuket, Thailand; Singapore; Kobe, Hiroshima, and Osaka, Japan; Kuala Lampur/Port Kelang, Malaysia; Mumbai, Cochin, and Marmagao, India; Muscat, Oman; Doha, Qatar; and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Fares start at just $4,495 per person double, occupancy depending upon itinerary and suite selected.
The Crystal Difference
Aboard the ultra-luxurious ships of Crystal Cruises, refined elegance meets casual simplicity. With an emphasis on innovative product differentiation, the renowned Crystal experience is distinguished by classic service, abundant space, extensive choices and quality, providing worldwide vacations that bridge the best of land and sea.
For additional information, please contact cruisevacationworld.com or call 888-828-7327.
| Honeymooners can combine MSC Cruises'Mediterranean Experience with Land Stay
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (May 8, 2007) – Couples can enjoy the Mediterranean honeymoon of their dreams with MSC Cruises' two-week cruise and land packages.
The packages combine MSC Cruises'“Beautiful. Passionate. Italian.” cruise experience with a mid-cruise hotel stay in one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful cities.
During the 7-night Western Mediterranean cruise on one of the line's vessels, couples can disembark mid-cruise for a 7-night hotel stay at one of the ship's ports of call, returning to the ship for the remainder of their 7-night cruise. Mid-cruise hotel packages vary by ship and include the contemporary vessels MSC Musica in Palma, Spain; MSC Armonia in Corfu, Greece, and MSC Sinfonia in La Valetta, Malta; or the classic MSC Melody in Ibiza, Spain.
Rates for a 7-night hotel stay and 7-night cruise package begin at $1,571 per person, double occupancy and are available through November on select sailings. In addition to onboard meals and entertainment and the line's Italian ambiance and fine service, the price includes breakfast and evening buffets in the hotel (excluding drinks) and transfers to and from the hotel; government fees and taxes are additional.
While enjoying MSC Cruises'“Beautiful. Passionate. Italian.” experience, honeymooners can choose to indulge in one of the line's special honeymoon spa packages.
| Seabourn's Next Yacht will be an Odyssey Past Guest Wins a Maiden Year Cruise for Guessing Correct Name
MIAMI, June 26, 2007----Seabourn Cruise Line has announced the name that will be given to its new, ultra luxury cruising vessel, presently under construction in Italy. The all-suite, 450-guest ship will be christened Seabourn Odyssey when she debuts in Venice in mid-2009.
“There were literally hundreds of names that we considered,” said Seabourn president Pamela C. Conover, “and we pursued dozens of different directions. But in the end, we wanted her name to reflect her primary purpose, which is to wander the globe, carrying our guests to the world’s most exciting and fascinating destinations, in signature Seabourn luxury and style.”
Seabourn invited its Seabourn Club, an exceptionally loyal coterie of repeat guests, to participate in the fun by guessing the name before it was announced. With the incentive of a free cruise for two during the new ship’s maiden year for the winner, the contest drew thousands of entries from around the world by mail and email. Over fifty of those entries divined the correct name, and the winners, John and Hazel Coleman of Monaco, were drawn at random from among those who answered correctly.
Beginning last May, more than 8,500 tons of steel is being cut and welded to form the sleek hull and graceful superstructure of the line’s new, $250 million flagship, which, when she is launched, will be the first addition to any fleet in the ultra luxury segment of the cruise industry in six years.
Although three times the size of her smaller 10,000-ton sister ships, Seabourn Pride, Spirit and Legend, Seabourn Odyssey will carry just over twice as many guests, and boast the same gracious ratio of hospitality staff to guests and among the highest space-per-guest ratios in the cruise industry. In addition, the new vessel will offer more dining options than her sisters, as well as more types of suites, more verandas, more entertainment venues and enhanced spa and recreational facilities.
Plans for maiden year itineraries are still being finalized, but the initial level of interest and excitement prompted Seabourn to devise a system for accepting reservations that will be at once equitable to its loyal guests and supporters, and manageable for the company’s internal staff.
Guests who wish to sail on voyages during the maiden year can secure a spot on a waitlist by making a standard Seabourn deposit of $1,000 per person, or $2,000 per person for the actual maiden voyage. These deposits are being accepted now. Seabourn expects to publish the details of Odyssey’s maiden year schedules by the end of 2007. At that time, waitlisted persons will be notified in advance and given priority booking access, which will allow them to select the specific voyage and accommodation they prefer. These reservations will be accepted according to the following criteria:
Guests who sail with Seabourn in 2007 or 2008 will have first priority. They will be notified in advance and given a two week priority booking window. This will include anyone who books and sails on a cruise departing by the end of 2008.
Past guests of Seabourn who do not sail in 2007 or 2008 will be granted the second priority notification and a second two-week booking access.
A third priority booking period will be available to first-time Seabourn guests who have deposited for the waitlist.
After that, reservations will be accepted from anyone for remaining space on maiden year voyages, based on Seabourn’s standard deposit and booking policies.
Travelers can experience Seabourn’s award-winning style on cruises of seven to 28 days or more in Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Asia, India and Arabia. Cruise itineraries explore landmark ports and lesser-known gems where larger ships cannot go.
| SILVERSEA 2007-2008 VOYAGE ATLAS NOW AVAILABLE Ft. Lauderdale, FL -- June 19, 2007 Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises has released its 2007-2008 Voyage Atlas. The 172-page, full-color guide showcases nearly 200 imaginative itineraries visiting all corners of the world during the period of July 2007 through December 2008.
The new brochure opens with Silversea ambassador Isabella Rossellini and her daughter Elettra Wiedemann lounging on Silver Whisper's aft deck, savoring the last rays of an evening sunset -- an image evoking the luxurious freedom and convivial ambiance of the Silversea lifestyle that unfolds throughout the following pages.
"Our ships and itineraries cater to the discerning traveler's love of fascinating locales and authentic experiences," said David Morris, Silversea's executive vice president of worldwide sales and marketing. "We think this new brochure does an excellent job of communicating Silversea's easygoing luxury and the rewards of traveling by small ship to explore the world's most desirable destinations."
In addition to an easy-to-read, voyage-by-voyage summary of cruise itineraries, the brochure features comprehensive information on Silversea's signature amenities, special programs, deck plans and pricing. The balance of the brochure is dedicated to enrichment programs, optional shore excursions and land programs.
A sampling of the line's complimentary shoreside experiences, available on select voyages, offers the chance to enjoy a classical concert at ancient Ephesus, delight in an evening of fine dining and African music in the Namib desert, or take in the spectacle of the Blue Wall glacier aboard a catamaran in Laguna San Rafael, Chile.
From July 2007 through December 2008, Silversea is also offering a rich variety of pre- and post-cruise land packages and safaris ranging in length from two to six nights and priced from $585 per person. Guests may choose to retreat to the Huka Lodge on New Zealand's North Island to soak in a natural hot pool, or immerse themselves in the old-world romance of rail travel as they leisurely explore the Scottish Highlands aboard the luxurious Royal Scotsman. Those who prefer to live life in the fast lane may decide to test drive the latest Ferraris on the winding roads of the Tuscan wine country, while other adventure seekers may enjoy an African game drive on Kenya’s Maasai Mara. Silversea offers land options to suit every taste with creativity and style.
In 2008, the company's four all-suite ships are set to visit nearly 340 different ports in 116 countries on a diverse schedule of over 140 itineraries ranging from six to 110 days. Silver Shadow kicks off the year with its second World Cruise, departing Fort Lauderdale in January. Other highlights include return visits to Alaska and Hawaii, plus 27 new destinations, including first-ever visits to Taiwan, Okinawa, Guam, the Marshall Islands, Pohnpei, the Marquesas and Northern Mariana Islands in the Pacific; The Gambia and Mozambique in Africa; and Saudi Arabia.
| QE2's Farewell Voyages: On Sale June 27 Valencia, CA (June 25, 2007) Cunard Line has announced a series of special 'Farewell Voyages' for the most famous ship in the world, QE2, prior to her completing service in November 2008. QE2 will begin a new life as a first-class hotel, retail and entertainment destination at The Palm Jumeirah. Two voyages already programmed for 2008 have been replaced by a British Isles voyage and two Transatlantic Crossings, while her final voyage to Dubai has also been added. These special voyages offer the perfect opportunity for guests to share in QE2's farewell to her country, where she has long been regarded as the flagship, and also to experience a farewell tandem crossing of the Atlantic, where she will bid farewell to New York, her second home. These voyages also offer a final opportunity for those who have always wanted to experience a voyage on this iconic Grand Dame of the Seas. "These voyages will signal the eminent completion of QE2's service in the Cunard fleet and offer the opportunity to celebrate her widely heralded and illustrious career. She will make final calls to ports that are home to many of her most loyal fans, beginning with the British Isles, followed by two tandem Transatlantic Crossings," said Carol Marlow, president and managing director of Cunard Line. "Guests who sail these voyages will take their place in history on the longest-serving, most famous Cunarder and will no doubt be greeted by groups of well-wishers who will salute her one last time," added Marlow.
Farewell to the British Isles
QE2's Farewell to the British Isles voyage will depart Southampton on September 30, 2008 and replaces the previously announced Canary Islands Splendour voyage. The 10-night voyage will include maiden calls to Dublin and Belfast and an emotional call to the Clyde (Greenock) where QE2 was built, as well as calls to Cork (Cobh), Liverpool (Cunard's ancestral home), Edinburgh (South Queensferry) and Newcastle. Fares start from $2,455 for an M6 grade stateroom, up to $5,695 for a Q1 grade Grand Suite.
Final Transatlantic Crossings
On October 10, QE2 will leave Southampton with Cunard's flagship Queen Mary 2 and both vessels will depart on a final tandem crossing to New York. The six-night Final New York Arrival Crossing will arrive in New York on October 16 where QE2 will say farewell to what was her North American home, when she was Queen of the Atlantic for 34 years. Fares start from $1,175 for an M6 grade stateroom, up to $4,395 for a Q1 grade Grand Suite.
Later that day both liners will leave New York as QE2 begins her Farewell to America Crossing. This will be QE2's 806th and final Atlantic crossing and both ships will arrive in Southampton on October 22. Fares start from $1,065 for an M6 grade stateroom, up to $4,295 for a Q1 grade Grand Suite.
These two Atlantic voyages have replaced a Mediterranean voyage scheduled to depart on October 12, 2008.
QE2's Final Voyage
In addition, Cunard has also announced QE2's Final Voyage which will leave Southampton for Dubai on November 11 and will call at Lisbon, Gibraltar, Civitavecchia, Naples, Malta, Alexandria and transit the Suez Canal before arriving on November 27. Fares start from $4,615 for a M6 grade stateroom, up to $11,995 for a Q1 grade Grand Suite.
QE2 is likely to attract huge crowds at each port on each of these voyages and special onboard programming will be incorporated into these voyages to honor the completion of QE2's service in the Cunard Fleet.
Guests booked on voyages that are impacted by these changes will be given the opportunity to rebook on one of the new voyages. If they book one of the new voyages replacing their cancelled voyage in the same grade, their original fare will be protected. If the fare on the same grade is lower, then the lower fare will be honored. If a guest decides to book any other 2008 voyage, the applicable fare for that voyage will be charged. Rebooked guests will be offered a $300 onboard credit and those who wish to cancel will be refunded.
The new voyages will be open for booking Wednesday, June 27, 2007, at 9:00am (ET) / 6:00am (PT).
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Royal Caribbean Announces 2008-09 Seasonal Caribbean Itineraries for Grandeur of the Seas And Vision of the Seas MIAMI, June 11, 2007 - Cruisers looking for a quick winter escape to the Caribbean will continue to have diverse Royal Caribbean cruise offerings during the 2008-09 winter season. The cruise line recently announced 42 Caribbean sailings aboard Grandeur of the Seas and Vision of the Seas. Ranging from four- to 10-night Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean voyages from Tampa or Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Grandeur and Vision sailings are currently open for bookings.
"Royal Caribbean offers travelers many choices for an exhilarating cruise vacation during the winter months," said Alice Norsworthy, senior vice president, Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. "Tampa is a convenient port for travelers from the eastern Gulf Coast to enjoy a rejuvenating weekend getaway aboard Grandeur of the Seas. And for a truly authentic Caribbean experience, Vision of the Seas will sail from Santo Domingo to the lesser-trodden island-gems in the Southern Caribbean."
Travelers may choose from 10-night Eastern Caribbean cruises or four- and five-night Western Caribbean roundtrip voyages starting November 10, 2009, aboard Grandeur of the Seas. Eastern Caribbean ports-of-call include San Juan, Puerto Rico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Basseterre, St. Kitts; St. Johns, Antigua; and Tortola, British Virgin Islands. Travelers have two itinerary choices on the five-night Western Caribbean sailings, calling at Yucatan (Progreso) and Cozumel, Mexico; or Costa Maya, Mexico, and Belize City, Belize. The four-night voyage will include calls at Key West, Florida, and Cozumel.
At the beginning of 2009, Vision of the Seas will take guests on two fascinating seven-night itineraries to the Southern Caribbean. Sailing roundtrip from Santo Domingo, she will call at Pointe A Pitre, Guadeloupe; Fort De France, Martinique; Bridgetown, Barbados; and Castries, St. Lucia. The alternate itinerary takes guests to ports-of-calls at Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Roseau, Dominica; Margarita Island, Venezuela; and Oranjestad, Aruba. Travelers also can choose a 14-night eastbound Panama Canal repositioning cruise, sailing on January 4, 2009, with calls at Cabo San Lucas, Acapulco, and Huatulco, Mexico; Puntarenas and Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; Cristobal Pier, Panama; and Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Both Vision-class ships, Grandeur of the Seas and Vision of the Seas feature a solarium covered by a crystal canopy, a glass roof that retracts to take advantage of the tropical Caribbean weather. Guests can enjoy a total of 10 restaurants and lounges, 24-hour room service, Royal Caribbean's award-winning Broadway-style productions, and Vegas-paced gaming in Casino Royale. Grandeur and Vision's extensive fitness programs and world-class spa menu, coupled with intriguing ports-of-call, offer guests additional choices for an exhilarating and rejuvenating vacation experience. The line's award-winning Adventure Ocean youth program, with five age-tiered curricula, also entertains and enlightens younger guests under the age of 18. Furthermore, Royal Caribbean's friendly and engaging staff and crew help make each guest's cruise vacation a unique and unforgettable experience by providing the line's signature Gold Anchor Service.
| NCL America to Feature the Hottest Off-Broadway Show of All Time - Tony n' Tina's Wedding Miami - Jun 25, 2007 --- Today, NCL America announced that off-Broadway's legendary show phenomena, Tony n' Tina's Wedding, will be featured on board its ships Pride of America, Pride of Aloha and Pride of Hawai`i. The 25-member cast of Tony n' Tina's Wedding satirizes a traditional Italian wedding with passengers as "invited guests" to the nuptials of the Vitale and Nunzio families. The wedding and reception is held in an on-board lounge, which is transformed into Vinnie's Coliseum restaurant, a classic Italian wedding hall.
"Along with great restaurants, amenities, itineraries, shore excursions and accommodations, we also want to offer our passengers the best and most creative entertainment options possible," said Colin Veitch, president and CEO for NCL Corporation. "Tony n' Tina's Wedding is the ultimate experience combining fantastic food and drinks with a fun and unique theatrical show."
At the start of the evening, passengers become part of the family, greeted by members of the wedding party and are immediately immersed into the show. Guests eat, drink, dance, as well as interact with the wedding party, eccentric friends and relatives.
A family-style dinner is provided, along with music and dancing to a live band, aptly named Donny Dulce and Fusion. Throughout the evening, a number of unexpected twists and turns provide humor and drama.
"Initial feedback from guests has been extremely positive. They come to the 'wedding' ready to have a good time and the show delivers," Veitch continued.
Tony n' Tina's Wedding, which is sold as a ship excursion, is held on the evenings when the ships are docked in Maui and is in addition to the shows currently on board the vessels. Tickets for the show are $24.95 per person and can be purchased at the shore excursion desk on board each ship. VIP seating will be available. Tickets are limited to approximately 250 to 350 guests per show, depending on the ship.
Since its original New York opening in 1987, Tony n' Tina's Wedding has garnered rave reviews and is currently playing in venues across the country. This production was supervised by Jeff Gitlin and Larry Pellegrini, the original creators and producers of the New York/Las Vegas Tony n' Tina's Wedding. NCL Corporation has the exclusive rights to produce the show at sea. A cast of twenty-five professional actors portray the many characters involved in the show.
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