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BREAKING NEWS!!!
 

Cruise Planners Wins Another Tour Award
Mon Feb 16 2009, by Travel Trade Staff

For a cruise retailer, Cruise Planners/American Express is racking up awards for tour sales. Its latest -- the "Premier" Travel Partner Award from the Globus Family of Brands in recognition of Cruise Planners' 2008 sales results with the Globus Family of Brands.

Cruise Planners also recently received Travel Impressions' "Globe Award" for its sales of Travel Impressions/American Express Vacations products. TI award recipients are selected based upon criteria including business growth, innovation and partnership.

Vicky Garcia, Cruise Planners senior vice president of sales and marketing, told Travel Trade that the franchise organization has also been honored by Apple Vacation as a top seller.

Cruise Planners agencies have always sold land vacations, said Garcia, to capture all their clients' business and to meet their clients' needs for their vacations. She added that Cruise Planners has been very successful with its proprietary Sail and Stay pre- and post-cruise packages it markets under its brand, using Travel Impressions/American Express Vacations products.

 

NCL Names F3 Norwegian Epic; Announces Inaugural Season Itineraries

Largest Freestyle Cruising ship to sail year-round

Miami   -    Jan 27, 2009   ---   

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) today announced that it has selected the name for its new F3 ship: Norwegian Epic. Just as the name implies, the ship will be the largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship to date.

The 4,200-passenger Norwegian Epic is scheduled to sail year-round to the Caribbean from Miami, beginning in summer 2010. Following a series of inaugural events in Europe and the U.S., the ship will homeport in Miami and will sail year-round to the Caribbean offering alternating seven-day Western and Eastern Caribbean voyages through April 2011. These cruises are scheduled to go on sale to the public later this spring. NCL will open Norwegian Epic's sailings for group block bookings exclusively for travel partners in mid-March 2009.

"The F3 experience will take our already successful Freestyle Cruising to the next level, affording our guests the ultimate freedom and flexibility. Norwegian Epic, denoting a ship that is very impressive on a grand scale, is the most fitting name," said Kevin Sheehan, NCL's president and CEO. "The combination of the ship's exciting new features, along with the tropical allure of these Caribbean destinations, will provide an extraordinary cruise vacation for our guests."

The ship's Western Caribbean itinerary includes stops in Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico. Norwegian Epic's Eastern Caribbean itinerary includes stops in Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands and Nassau, Bahamas.

Norwegian Epic represents the next generation of Freestyle Cruising – a ship that incorporates a wide range of new features and amenities, including curved New Wave staterooms and unique nightlife options. To date, the company has revealed five unique nightlife venues that rival the experiences of Las Vegas, Ibiza, the Riviera and South Beach. The five venues include the industry's first true Ice Bar; POSH Beach Club, a first of its kind beach club at sea that offers an exclusive, adults-only setting at the top of the ship; Halo, the Über Bar, a private bar and lounge in the ship-within-a-ship villa complex; Bliss Ultra Lounge, NCL's all-day entertainment and nightclub complex with four-lane bowling alley; and Spice H20, an adults-only aft pool deck experience.

In addition, the ship will feature the New Wave standard, New Wave balcony and New Wave deluxe staterooms that represent a giant leap forward in cruise ship accommodations with a completely fresh take on bathroom design, contemporary curved architecture and open living space. The New Wave stateroom's most distinctive design element is its curved walls and lines creating a modern and chic experience. NCL has maximized the living space with a bathroom that is completely unique with a separate shower stall, separate water closet and a modern vanity top sink. The staterooms feature a sophisticated earth-tone palette accented with a splash of color and rich, dark wood. Concealed contour LED lighting and back-lit domed ceilings set a relaxing vibe.

NCL plans to unveil additional details about Norwegian Epic in the near future. To view renderings and register for news, visit epic.ncl.com.

About NCL

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is the innovator in cruise travel with a 42-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising, most notably with the introduction of Freestyle Cruising which has revolutionized the industry by allowing guests more freedom and flexibility.

Today, NCL has the youngest fleet in the industry with 11 purpose-built Freestyle Cruising ships, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed cruise vacation on the newest, most contemporary ships at sea.

NCL is presently building Norwegian Epic, a new third generation Freestyle Cruising ship, for delivery in 2010.

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Norwegian Spirit to Receive Multi-Million Dollar Renovation

Freestyle Cruising ship to undergo total refurbishment

Miami   -    Nov 4, 2008   ---   

Norwegian Cruise Line today announced that Norwegian Spirit is undergoing a multi-million dollar refurbishment focused on enhancing the total guest experience. The 2,376 passenger Freestyle Cruising ship is receiving a total renovation to its public areas, staterooms and suites. These refurbishments are in addition to the enhancements already made as part of Freestyle 2.0, the company's fleet-wide initiative to further improve the guest experience across all guest touch points from food and beverage to staterooms.

"Norwegian Spirit's multi-million dollar renovation will enrich the overall guest experience by making significant enhancements to the ship overall," said Andy Stuart, NCL's executive vice president and chief product officer. "With the combination of our recent Freestyle 2.0 enhancements and all of the refurbishments being made, Norwegian Spirit will emerge refreshed and revitalized for her winter season sailing seven-day Exotic Western Caribbean cruises from New Orleans."

Norwegian Spirit's total refurbishment includes:

  • 11 new staterooms are being added, eight of which are balconies;
  • one diesel engine is being replaced;
  • the Stardust Theater, with a capacity of approximately 700, is receiving all new seating and chairs;
  • seating throughout the ship is being reupholstered;
  • more than 21,000 sq meters of carpet is being replaced in public areas, stairwells, suites and staterooms;
  • new wallpaper is being installed in suites, corridors and public areas;
  • new curtains are being added to all suites;
  • tile in 300 bathrooms throughout the ship is being replaced;
  • all open decks including the main pool, kid's pool and four hot tubs are undergoing refurbishment;
  • the Roman Spa & Fitness Center is being upgraded with new doors, panels and seats;
  • more than 60 windows are being replaced;
  • the onboard phone system is being upgraded to a state of the art wireless system.

Following the completion of the refurbishment, Norwegian Spirit will re-enter service on November 23, 2008 and begin a series of 21 seven-day Exotic Western Caribbean cruises from New Orleans, her homeport for the winter season, with calls in Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; Santo Tomas De Castilla, Guatemala; and Belize City, Belize.

Norwegian Spirit offers Freestyle Cruising with the flexibility of 11 restaurants, seven bars and lounges, multiple entertainment venues, two pools, extensive children's facilities, a sports deck, casino, spa, and a variety of spacious public rooms. The ship joined the NCL fleet in 2004 and underwent a previous dry dock in 2005.

For more information or to book a sailing on Norwegian Spirit, call your travel professional, go to www.ncl.com or contact NCL at 866-234-0292.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is the innovator in cruise travel with a 42-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising, most notably with the introduction of Freestyle Cruising which has revolutionized the industry by allowing guests more freedom and flexibility.

Today, NCL has the youngest fleet in the industry with 12 purpose-built Freestyle Cruising ships, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed cruise vacation on the newest, most contemporary ships at sea.

NCL is presently building a new third generation Freestyle Cruising project known as F3, for delivery in 2010.

Princess Cruises®

 

Princess Cruises Christens Newest Ship, Ruby Princess
Befitting the “Most Romantic Cruise Line,” Reigning Reality Couple Trista and Ryan Sutter of “The Bachelorette”
Christen Ship to Celebrate Their Fifth Wedding Anniversary
Trista & Ryan Sutter Christen Ruby Princess as Carnival Corporation Chairman and CEO Micky Arison looks on.

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (November 6, 2008) -- In a “ruby red” themed ceremony celebrating romance, Princess Cruises today named its newest ship, Ruby Princess. America’s reigning reality couple, Trista and Ryan Sutter of The Bachelorette did the honors, breaking the traditional bottle of champagne to mark the ship’s launch, and their own fifth anniversary. The new godparents were surrounded by hundreds of guests decked out in ruby red-tie formal attire, and a ruby-haired singer serenaded the crowd. As befitting the most romantic cruise line, and an event celebrating “romantic moments and milestones,” the official naming was followed by the ultimate romantic milestone – a wedding in the midst of the festivities. The California couple joined in matrimony not only had Trista and Ryan as wedding attendants, but the Love Boat captain himself, Gavin MacLeod, gave away the bride.

Tonight the ship hosts a “Ruby Red Tie” gala and sets sail on a two-night cruise for hundreds of VIP guests who will enjoy a special preview of Princess’ newest vessel. During the mini sailing, the ship will host an array of romantic activities, including a massive renewal of vows for all couples tomorrow while the ship is at sea. Ruby Princess then returns to Port Everglades on November 8 for its inaugural seven-day sailing to the Western Caribbean.

“It’s only fitting that as the most romantic cruise line in the industry, we celebrate the naming of our newest ship with a tribute to ‘romantic milestones,’” said Alan Buckelew, Princess Cruises president and chief executive officer. “It was exciting to have Trista and Ryan Sutter serve as godparents of Ruby Princess and of course the wedding during the ceremony added an appropriate touch to the festivities.”

Princess Cruises has long been associated with romance on the high seas, dating back to its days as the setting for the now-iconic TV show The Love Boat. Cementing that connection, Princess was just named the "Best Cruise Line for Romance" and "Best Cruise Line for Weddings" in the 2008 Cruise Critic Editors' Picks Awards. The Ruby Princess naming ceremony continued the line's tradition of romance with godparents Trista and Ryan, who were introduced to America in 2003 on the television hit The Bachelorette.

Trista and Ryan Sutter became America’s reigning romantic couple as millions of viewers followed their courtship and witnessed their nationally televised wedding. To this day they are the only couple from the Bachelor or The Bachelorette shows to actually get married.

The ceremony fulfilled the dream of yet another couple as Kip Hickman and Danielle Vurpillat tied the knot as part of the ship’s naming ceremony. The couple, from Dunsmuir, Calif., met on a blind date and expressed their desire to be married onboard Ruby Princess during a recent contest held with national newspaper, USA Today. The minister who officiated the nuptials, Phil Roberts, is also a member of Princess Cruises’ Department of Romance.

The Ruby Princess naming ceremony will be available for viewing on line at www.princess.com beginning November 7.

The 3,080-passenger Ruby Princess includes a dramatic piazza-style atrium featuring small-bite eateries and an ever-changing line-up of street performers. Passengers will also enjoy Princess' other array of dining venues including the signature Sabatini's Italian restaurant and the Crown Grill steak house, plus a relaxing oasis just for adults called The Sanctuary. The new ship will also offer the many other innovations that define the Princess experience, including the popular Movies Under the Stars poolside movie screen, Personal Choice Dining featuring traditional or Anytime seating, multiple entertainment venues, a relaxing Asian-style Lotus Spa with fitness center, an extensive children and teen's center, and a wedding chapel.
During Ruby Princess' inaugural season she will make seven-day weekly sailings from Fort Lauderdale to the Western Caribbean. Calls include Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Cozumel, Mexico and Princess Cays in the Bahamas. Next spring the ship will move to Europe for 12-day sailings in the Mediterranean and Greek Islands.
Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company's website at www.princess.com.
 
 

 

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Princess Cruises®
 
Ruby Princess Delivered by Shipyard Today; Sets Sail for Florida
 
Newest Addition to Princess Fleet En Route to Fort Lauderdale for
November 6 Naming Ceremony
 
 
SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (October 23, 2008) -The newest addition to the Princess fleet, Ruby Princess, was delivered to Princess Cruises today in Monfalcone, Italy by the ship's builder, Fincantieri Cantieri Navali Italiani. The 3,070-passenger vessel has set sail for Fort Lauderdale where she is scheduled to arrive on November 4.

The ship will be christened on November 6 by celebrity couple Trista and Ryan Sutter from ABC's hit reality series, The Bachelorette. In keeping with the launch's "romantic milestones" theme, Princess will help the duo celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary.

Ruby Princess will debut a number of new services and amenities on board, including new dining options such as a pub lunch in the Wheelhouse Bar, unique enrichment programs and the new Ultimate Ship Tour. The vessel also includes a dramatic piazza-style atrium featuring small-bite eateries and an ever-changing array of performing street entertainers, Princess' signature adults-only oasis called The Sanctuary, Sabatini's Italian restaurant, Crown Grill seafood and steak house, "Movies Under the Stars" giant outdoor movie screen, and Hearts & Minds wedding chapel.

Ruby Princess will then set sail on her maiden voyage from Fort Lauderdale on November 8, beginning a program of Western Caribbean sailings taking passengers to Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Princess Cays. Following her inaugural Caribbean season, the ship will offer a program of Mediterranean voyages in summer 2009.
 

 
Princess Cruises®
 Princess to Debut Array of New Features and Special Touches Aboard Ruby Princess
 
Pub Lunch, Sabatini's Suite Breakfast, and Unique Enrichment Programs
Among New Offerings Introduced
SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (October 20, 2008) - When Ruby Princess launches on November 8, the ship will introduce a host of new shipboard services and special features, underscoring Princess' tradition of continually evolving the onboard experience for its passengers. Among the new options is a pub lunch, an exclusive breakfast for suite passengers, unique enrichment programs from astronomy to mixology, two new stage shows, plus expanded wireless Internet and cell phone connectivity.
The 3,070-passenger vessel will feature the familiar favorites that have become passenger pleasers aboard its sister ships Crown Princess and Emerald Princess but, in addition, other special touches and innovations will be found throughout the service, dining and entertainment areas.
"The new features aboard Ruby Princess are a perfect example of our commitment to provide passengers with the widest array of intriguing options to customize their cruise vacation," said Jan Swartz, Princess senior vice president.
Many of the ship's enhancements are slated to become staples across the Princess fleet following their debut on Princess' newest ship. Among the new features being introduced on Ruby Princess:
Wheelhouse Bar Pub Lunch - On sea days, Ruby Princess' Wheelhouse Bar will be transformed into an authentic English-style pub, serving a selection of traditional fare. A menu of British favorites, including bangers & mash, fish & chips, ploughman's lunch and cottage pie, will complement a selection of traditional pub brews such as Stella Artois, Bass Ale or Guinness. Pub lunch meal service is free of charge and will run from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Sabatini's Breakfast for Suite Passengers - Suite passengers aboard Ruby Princess will have the opportunity to enjoy an exclusive breakfast in Sabatini's. Beginning with a "Good Morning Mimosa," the menu features a variety of breakfast favorites, plus specialty items such as brioche French toast with apple & cinnamon compote, yogurt and super granola parfait with raspberry swirl, soft-poached egg over potato & vegetables with hollandaise sauce, and freshly made Belgian waffles. Suite passengers can enjoy this new amenity, along with the restaurant's dramatic top-of-ship views, from approximately 7:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Artisan Cheeses at Vines - In addition to serving more than 30 wines by the glass and seafood appetizers that have made Vines a passenger favorite, the atrium-area bar on Ruby Princess will now feature a selection of domestic and imported artisan cheeses. Twelve varieties - including unique choices such as boschetto al tartufo bianchetto, reblochon, and cambozola - will be featured each day for a nominal fee. Vines will also host a series of lively events where passengers can meet members of the ship's staff, and will continue to offer wine flights and parings.
New Enrichment Programs - A number of new ScholarShip@Sea enrichment programs debut aboard Ruby Princess to expand passengers' horizons, whether they aspire to host the perfect party or increase their maritime knowledge. The Art of Entertaining offers passengers the opportunity to learn party-planning tips from lifestyle expert Susie Coelho via a multimedia presentation hosted by the cruise director. Navigation@Sea focuses on the history of navigation as well as the complexities of plotting the route of a modern cruise ship, with a presentation by the ship's navigator. Mixology@Sea lets passengers channel their inner bartender with a hands-on course taught by the ship's bar manager. For star gazers, the new Astronomy@Sea program provides passengers with the opportunity to explore the night sky through a telescope on the top deck, with the expert guidance of a ship's bridge officer. Developed in conjunction with Dr. Thomai Serdari, Professor of Art History and Director of Research Collections for New York University, Art History@Sea: Botticelli to Warhol, The Evolution of Art makes 500 years of art come to life with a special hour-long presentation.
Two New Production Shows - Ruby Princess audiences will be able to enjoy two new Princess-produced shows in the ship's theater. "Broadway Ballroom" presents the music of the 'Great White Way' with a ballroom flair, pairing the songs of hit musicals with dance numbers ranging from foxtrot to rumba. The show also features the talents of a costume designer and choreographer from the TV hit "Dancing with the Stars." Meanwhile, "Once Upon a Dream" uses unique multidimensional cinematic projection to follow a dreamscape unlike anything seen a sea. The audience will accompany a young woman's journey as she dreams of everything from a tea party in an English garden to singing camels in the desert, and even a trip through a waterfall and brief nightmare before waking to a new day.
The Audience Gets in the Act - A variety of new audience-participation events will also debut on the ship, giving passengers a number of ways to seek their 15 minutes of fame. Karaoke fans can go a bit farther with Love Boat Legends, where they are actually transformed into a famous artist of the past. So You Wanna Be A Rock Star? moves beyond pre-recorded Karaoke tunes to give audience members the opportunity to rock out with a live band on stage. Oceans of Talent puts passenger talent center stage - whether they play a musical instrument or want to try out their comedic timing. The Wake Up Show takes Princess' popular morning show with the cruise director to a new level with an irreverent talk show format, live band, special guests and an opportunity for passengers to join the "studio" audience, as the show is taped in the evening before its broadcast the next morning.
A Few Fine Touches - A number of new service touches will be introduced to delight passengers. In the Horizon Court buffet, new waffle stations will offer fresh cooked-to-order waffles at breakfast and throughout lunchtime, and the buffet will also begin serving complimentary lemonade as a beverage choice. In the evening, passengers will find a selection of canapés in several of the ship's public lounges. Passengers arriving back from shore will be greeted with chilled face cloths, and by the pool, "misting stewards" will offer a quick refreshing spritz with Evian to cool off.
Kid Stuff - Young passengers can enjoy a new Wizards Academy, an exclusive presentation from the award-winning California Science Center. This enriching new program lets children explore the connection between science and magic in a fun and participative environment. Kids will also enjoy activities and projects from popular arts and crafts company Klutz, or participate in Yoga for Kids, a healthy and fun course designed specifically for children.
Wireless Internet and Cell Phones - Expanding on Princess' Internet and phone connectivity, Ruby Princess will offer laptop users additional wireless hotspots around the vessel, including staterooms. The ship will also be equipped so that passengers can use their personal cellular phones, if they have international roaming plans, while onboard.
Ultimate Ship Tour - A new exclusive opportunity to experience an array of "back of house" areas that are key to a ship's daily operations, the Ultimate Ship Tour will give passengers the unique opportunity to explore beyond the public areas with visits to the ship's engine control room, medical center, print shop, laundry, photo lab, funnel, bridge and other spaces. In addition to getting a rare insider's view of many areas typically seen only by the ship's crew, participants will receive a variety of themed mementos at many of the stops along the route.
Ruby Princess also includes a dramatic piazza-style atrium featuring small-bite eateries and an ever-changing array of performing street entertainers, Princess' signature adults-only oasis called The Sanctuary, Sabatini's Italian restaurant, Crown Grill seafood and steak house, "Movies Under the Stars" giant outdoor movie screen, and Hearts and Minds wedding chapel. The ship will feature an inaugural season of Western Caribbean cruises roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, followed by a program of Mediterranean voyages in summer 2009.
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Farewell to a Nautical Queen 
 
 
 
October 16, 2008 – Cunard’s QE2 bid farewell to America today in a poignant celebration befitting the company’s longest serving liner, recognized as the most famous ship in the world. 
On her 710th and final call to New York, the iconic passenger vessel elegantly sailed through New York Harbor for the last time, escorted by the US Coast Guard and FDNY Fireboats, meeting her sister ship Queen Mary 2 for their final Royal Rendezvous at the Statue of Liberty before departing in tandem for Southampton, England.
“It is most fitting that QE2’s farewell to America be celebrated in New York, the city Cunard has called our North America homeport since 1847 and the setting for so much of the Line’s history,” said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line.



 
 
Earlier in the day, Her Majesty’s Consul General New York Sir Alan Collins (left) and British Ambassador Sir Nigel Sheinwald (right) joined Carol Marlow and distinguished guests onboard QE2 for a reception and farewell luncheon to celebrate the storied life of the legendary ocean liner.



 
 Members of the FDNY Emerald Society Pipes and Drums provided a regal salute to QE2 and joined crowds of well-wishers lining the Battery Park Promenade to bid a fond farewell.
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Cruise Planners Earns 7th Straight NCL President's Elite Award
 In recognition of the achievement, NCL presented Cruise Planners with a limited edition personalized and framed version of the Versace Plate used in the Le Bistro Restaurants onboard NCL ships.
Cruise Planners, the American Express national cruise franchise agency, announced that it has received the President's Elite Award from Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) for 2007. This marks the seventh straight year that Cruise Planners has earned NCL's highest production category award.
"This award is testimony to the fantastic working relationship NCL enjoys with the entire Cruise Planners team, demonstrated in the incredible selling efforts of your professional cruise agents nationwide," said Terri Burke, vice president of industry relations at NCL, on presenting the award. "We appreciate your loyalty and recognize the fact that it is because of agencies like you that we can continue to promote and expand the reach and impact of our unique and innovative 'Freestyle Cruising' program."
 Michelle Fee, CEO of Cruise Planners said: "Everyone at Cruise Planners is truly honored to receive this award...Like every honor we receive, this award is a real reflection on the high quality of our agents. We work hard to offer an unmatched level of sales and marketing support, training and technology worthy of being called the best home for the best agents in the business."
 NCL's President's Elite Award is the fifth award bestowed upon the company this year. In March 2008, Cruise Planners was honored with the American Express Travel 2007 Representative Excellence Award, for the fourth consecutive year. In February 2008, the company was inducted into Carnival's Pinnacle Club, and in January of this year, Entrepreneur Magazine ranked Cruise Planners as the number one cruise agency franchise for the fifth consecutive year. At the end of last year, Royal Caribbean International named Cruise Planners its Home Based Partner of the Year.
 
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Cunard to Build "Queen Elizabeth"
New liner to enter service in 2010

Valencia, CA - October 10, 2007 - Cunard Line announces that it has ordered a new 92,000-ton liner, to be named "Queen Elizabeth," scheduled to enter service in the autumn of 2010.  Cunard, a unit of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE CUK) signed an agreement with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for the construction of the new 2092-passenger ocean liner, which will be built at Fincantieri's Monfalcone yard at an all-in cost of approximately $700 million.  The vessel will be the second largest Cunarder the company has ever built.
"Cunard already owns and operates the two most famous ocean liners in the world, Queen Elizabeth 2 and Queen Mary 2, and a third - Queen Victoria - is due to be named by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, in the presence of HRH The Prince of Wales, in December of this year," said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line.  "The decision to order another ship for Cunard Line has been taken as a result of the strong booking response to the new Queen Victoria, and we are extremely pleased that Cunard will once again become a three-ship fleet so soon after the departure of the much-celebrated Queen Elizabeth 2 in November next year.  Furthermore, we are delighted that Her Majesty The Queen has given her blessing to our calling this new Cunarder 'Queen Elizabeth', after our first vessel of that name."
The new ship follows a long line of famous Cunard liners stretching back to the company's inception as the first operator of a timetabled transatlantic service 167 years ago.
"It is a particularly special moment for Fincantieri to have secured a second order from Cunard at a time when we are nearing the completion of Queen Victoria," said Mr. Giuseppe Bono, Fincantieri's Chief Executive Officer.  "Cunard is the most famous name in passenger shipping and we are honoured to have been chosen to build Queen Elizabeth and to continue the tradition and heritage of that great company."
Queen Elizabeth will offer the very best of Cunard's values and traditions, blended with every conceivable modern luxury that today's discerning travellers expect.  Through her opulent public rooms and impeccable service, the new ship will reflect the grandeur which has been associated with Cunard ships since the introduction of the Mauretania in 1907; and from the outside, her black hull, gleaming white superstructure and distinctive red funnel will echo the classic characteristics of the company's distinctive liner heritage.
Queen Elizabeth will fly the Red Ensign with her home-port Southampton, as is the case with the other ships in the Cunard fleet.
The agreement is subject to approval by the board of directors of Carnival Corporation & plc.  Design details and initial itineraries will be announced in due course.
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Mariner Of The Seas Makes Epic Voyage Around Cape Horn In 2009
Royal Caribbean to Introduce West Coast's Largest and Most Innovative Cruise Ship
 MIAMI, August 27, 2007 - Adventurers will have a rare opportunity to circumnavigate the South American continent on Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas, the line's first Voyager-class ship to chart a course around Cape Horn. Starting in January 2009, Mariner will take guests on one of three cruises, calling at some of the most spectacular destinations in South America, or a combined 46-night cruise for an extended South America adventure.

"Mariner will offer a remarkable experience for vacationers as they visit the must-see destinations of South America and enjoy the exceptional onboard amenities and service only found on a Royal Caribbean ship," said Alice Norsworthy, senior vice president, Marketing, Royal Caribbean International."

Mariner will begin the southerly ocean-crossover on January 4, 2009 from Port Canaveral on a 15-night voyage to Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Guests will call at St. Maarten, St.Kitts, Barbados, and Salvador De Bahia, Brazil, as well as CocoCay - Royal Caribbean's private island destination in the Bahamas. The sailing will conclude with an overnight stay in Rio, regarded as South America's most sizzling destination.

Mariner will continue with a 15-night sailing on January 19 to round the southern tip of South America departing from Rio to Valparaiso (Santiago), Chile and including calls at Montevideo, Uruguay and Ushuaia, Argentina - the southernmost city in the world. Guests also will cruise along the majestic Chilean fjordlands and enjoy overnight stays in Buenos Aires - the "Paris of South America" - and Valparaiso.

Mariner will conclude her epic journey with a 16-night sailing from Valparaiso (Santiago) on February 3. Guests will enjoy calls at Arica, Chile; Lima (Callao), Peru; Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica; and Acapulco and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, debuting in her new homeport of Los Angeles on February 19.

Guests booking the 46-night voyage by December 15, 2007 receive a 50% reduced deposit and a $500 onboard credit.
 Voyager-class ships revolutionized the cruise industry in the '90s by introducing an onboard rock-climbing wall, ice-skating rink, and Royal Promenade - a boulevard running the length of the ship that is lined with lounges, stores and restaurants, including a Ben & Jerry's scoop shop.

Guests on Mariner of the Seas can enjoy a rejuvenating treatment in the Mariner Day Spa or relax in one of the many pools and heated whirlpools by day, and take in non-stop entertainment, from top-rated Broadway-style productions in the Savoy Theater to gaming in Casino Royale, by night. They also can choose from more than 15 bars and lounges and seven restaurants, including Johnny Rockets and Royal Caribbean's signature specialty restaurants, Chops Grille Steakhouse and Portofino Italian Ristorante. Royal Caribbean's hallmark Gold Anchor Service helps make each guest's vacation a unique and unforgettable experience with friendly and engaging service from the staff and crew.

Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 21 ships currently in service and three under construction. The line also offers unique land-tour vacations in Alaska, Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, South America and New Zealand through its cruisetour division. For additional information or to make reservations, call your travel agent, visit www.royalcaribbean.com or call (800) Royal-Caribbean. For travel professionals, go to www.cruisingpower.com or call (800) 327-2056.  
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Disney Announces Expansion of Successful Cruise Business
 
Two new ships will more than double passenger capacity
 
         BURBANK, Calif., (February 22, 2007) -- The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) plans to expand its successful cruise business by adding two new ocean liners, President and CEO Bob Iger announced today. Scheduled to launch in 2011 and 2012, the ships will more than double the passenger capacity for Disney Cruise Line to meet the sustained demand for Disney's family cruise vacations.
         The company signed a letter of intent with Meyer Werft shipyard, based in Papenburg, Germany, to negotiate a contract to build the 122,000-ton new cruise liners, which will be two decks taller than the existing 83,000-ton ships, the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder. Each ship will have 1,250 staterooms. Specific design plans and itineraries for the yet-unnamed ships are still in development and will be unveiled at a later date.
         "Since our maiden voyage in 1998, Disney Cruise Line has been a huge success for our guests and for our shareholders alike," Iger said. "It has brought our unparalleled family vacation experience to the high seas, and has also generated high margins and double digit returns on invested capital. We're excited to announce the expansion of our fleet, which is a logical next step in what is a real growth business for us."
         Disney Cruise Line established the family market within the cruise industry when the business launched in 1998. The first two ships were purpose built for families to reconnect and recharge while creating vacation memories that will last a lifetime. From a theater featuring live musical spectaculars to a luxurious spa for adults and nearly an entire deck dedicated to children's activities, the ships offer something for every member of the family. Disney Cruise Line continues to grow by attracting passengers who say they would not have cruised if it hadn't been for the Disney brand.
         "Focusing on families has been smart business for us," said Jay Rasulo, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "More than 95 percent of Disney Cruise Line guests rate their cruise experience as excellent or very good. Families know they can trust us to provide a quality, immersive Disney experience. As a result, Disney Cruise Line continually sets sail with the highest load factors in the industry of nearly 150 percent."
         Similar to the original Disney Cruise Line ships, the new ships will be a modern interpretation of classic ocean liners of the 1930s. Disney Imagineers drew their inspiration from the original trans-Atlantic ships that featured a dramatic black hull with two funnels and porthole windows. The profile of the ships, with its gentle curves at the stern combined with sleek angles at the bow, are reminiscent of the art deco designs of the era. To add whimsy to the classic design, the Disney ships have the same exterior color palette as Mickey Mouse with black, white, red and yellow. The new ships will feature elegant, detailed Disney scrollwork at the bow and will evoke images of the glamour of the golden age of cruising.
         Tom McAlpin, the President of Disney Cruise Line, said, "This is an exciting time for Disney Cruise Line, and we are looking forward to working with Meyer Werft to blend our innovation and creativity with their fine craftsmanship. Meyer Werft has a long tradition of building magnificent ships. We are confident that the result will be ships that take the immersive Disney family-focused cruise experience to an entirely new level."
New itineraries
         Disney Cruise Line, which traditionally offers 3-, 4- and 7-night Caribbean cruises, has also enjoyed strong demand for new itineraries. Trips to the Mediterranean and to the West Coast have recently set booking records within the company and booked 30-50 percent faster than the existing itineraries at higher prices.
         "With a larger fleet, we'll have greater flexibility to offer a variety of itineraries," Rasulo said. "This is a business that our guests love, and we're pleased to give them more options to explore the world with Disney with two new ships.