Miami   -    May 27, 2010   —   

Norwegian Cruise Line today announced that its largest and most innovative ship Norwegian Epic is sold out on its June 24, 2010 seven-day transatlantic sailing from Southampton, England to New York City. The line has launched a wait list for those interested in sailing on the transatlantic should cancelations occur. The ship, the largest to berth in the Port of New York, will arrive at Manhattan Cruise Terminal’s Pier 88 on Thursday, July 1. Country music legend Reba McEntire will christen the ship on Friday, July 2 followed by a two-day inaugural sailing. On Sunday, July 4, Norwegian Epic will serve as the host venue for the 34th Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks event. The event includes a national, one-hour, live entertainment broadcast on NBC-TV beginning at 9 p.m. ET and takes place on board Norwegian Epic where invited guests will have a front row view of the fireworks display.

“We are on the edge of our seats in anticipation of the debut of Norwegian Epic to the world in only a few short weeks,” said Kevin Sheehan, chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Guests on the transatlantic sailing will be among the first to experience all of Norwegian Epic’s innovative features including her more than 20 dining options and world-class entertainment.”

The company released a sneak peak video of Norwegian Epic on its YouTube channel on Wednesday, May 25 showcasing the finishing touches being made. The video is viewable at www.ncl.com/youtube.

Norwegian Epic will sail alternating seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings from Miami beginning July 10, 2010 through April 2011. Norwegian Epic’s Eastern Caribbean itinerary includes calls in Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands and Nassau, Bahamas. The ship’s Western Caribbean itinerary includes calls in Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico. From May through October 2011, Norwegian Epic will sail a seven-day Western Mediterranean itinerary from Barcelona, Spain with ports of call including: Florence/Pisa (Livorno); Rome (Civitavecchia); Naples, Italy; and Palma, Majorca, Spain.

For more information on Norwegian Epic and to book a cruise, call Norwegian at 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784), visit http://epic.ncl.com, or contact a travel professional.

Norwegian Epic

World-class entertainment is Norwegian Epic’s hallmark. For the first time at sea, Blue Man Group will perform their exhilarating fusion of comedy, theatrics and paint, exclusively on Norwegian Epic. In the only “big top” at sea, Cirque Dreams” and Dinner, written and directed by Neil Goldberg, will present a one-of-a-kind interactive theatrical dining experience with music, mayhem and acrobatic imagination. Legends in Concert, the original and world’s greatest live tribute show, will be featured for the first time at sea in more than a decade on Norwegian Epic, along with The Second City® Comedy Troupe and Howl at the Moon Dueling Pianos Show.

In addition to world-class entertainment, the 4,100-passenger Norwegian Epic will incorporate many innovations including several new types of accommodations  the curved New Wave staterooms; the largest Villas suite complex at sea, comprising 60 suites and villas on two private decks at the top of the ship; and spa and family-friendly accommodations. Kids will have a blast with Nickelodeon” at Sea offering Nickelodeon-themed family entertainment and programming including: character meet and greets; interactive game shows; and more.

The ship also boasts unique nightlife options with the first Ice Bar at sea and Spice H2O with non-stop entertainment day and night; an expansive Aqua Park with the only tube slide and largest bowl slide at sea — The Epic Plunge; seven decks of Freestyle Family Fun with highlights including a 33-foot high, 64-foot wide extreme rock climbing wall and the first ever rappelling wall at sea; the most bowling lanes at sea with six in two venues; a mixed-use sports deck with the ability for guests to engage in eight different athletic activities; as well as three separate kids’ and teen activity areas. In addition, Norwegian Epic will offer the next generation of Freestyle Dining with more than 20 dining options and 20 bars and lounges.

About Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is the innovator in cruise travel with a 43-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, Norwegian has the youngest fleet in the industry with 10 purpose-built Freestyle Cruising ships, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed cruise vacation on the newest, most contemporary ships at sea.

Norwegian is presently building Norwegian Epic, the company’s largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship to date, for delivery in June. Norwegian Cruise Line is the official cruise line of Blue Man Group, debuting for the first time at sea on Norwegian Epic, as well as the official cruise line of Legends in Concert.

Miami – (May 27, 2010 ) – Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Mercury will become the second ship in the fleet of TUI Cruises, a cruise brand established in 2008 through a joint venture between Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and TUI AG, tailored for the German market. The new ship, to be named Mein Schiff 2, will become sister ship to Mein Schiff (the former Celebrity Galaxy), which set sail in May 2009.

“Celebrity Mercury has been a cherished member of the Celebrity family since she entered service in 1997, and has offered countless guests outstanding vacation experiences,” said Celebrity Cruises President & CEO Dan Hanrahan. “We are dedicated to offering the same impeccable service our brand is known for right up until the ship transitions to TUI Cruises, and we are confident that the ship’s future with TUI Cruises is very bright.”

Hanrahan assured that the future for the crew on Celebrity Mercury is equally bright. “With the rapid growth and momentum of the Celebrity brand, and the fourth member of our five-ship Solstice Class fleet, Celebrity Silhouette, launching in July 2011, we have abundant opportunities for the fine crew on Celebrity Mercury to transfer to another Celebrity ship.”

Celebrity Mercury joined the Celebrity Cruises fleet in November 1997, and was built by Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany – builder of Celebrity’s widely heralded, new Solstice Class fleet. The 77,713-ton ship carries 1,898 guests (double occupancy) and 909 crew.

“The timing for expanding the TUI Cruises fleet could not be better,” said TUI Cruises CEO Richard J. Vogel. “Mein Schiff has firmly established its place in the German market, and now, it is time to broaden and further develop the concept. The cruise industry has shown its resilience in the midst of the economic crisis, and we look forward to growing it further, with our expanded fleet and our unique ‘premium all-inclusive’ concept.”

Celebrity Mercury will complete its scheduled sailings through the February 14, 2011, itinerary. Guests with individual bookings and named group bookings on Celebrity Mercury on or after February 26, 2011 have the option to either cancel their booking or move to any Celebrity Mercury sailing from Baltimore from October 18, 2010, through February 14, 2011, with the exception of the December 20, 2010 itinerary.

Guests who pursue this option will receive an onboard credit of $75 per stateroom for inside or ocean-view accommodations; $100 per stateroom for veranda or Concierge Class, and $200 per suite.

Guests with reservations affected by the transition will be proactively contacted by Celebrity Cruises. Guests with questions specific to impacted bookings are welcome to call 1-888-281-9343.

Celebrity Mercury will enter service with TUI Cruises in May 2011, as Mein Schiff 2, following an extensive refurbishment resulting in additional verandas, an expanded spa and fitness area, inclusion of a teen bar, and a host of design elements and other attributes consistent with those found on Mein Schiff.

Mein Schiff 2 will spend her first cruising season in the Baltic and Nordic regions. Full itinerary details will be published when bookings open June 1, 2010.

Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. has agreed to provide seller’s financing in the event that alternative financing is not fully available at the time of delivery. Additionally, the company will recognize a gain related to the sale of the Celebrity Mercury, but the gain is not expected to have a material effect on the company’s annual earnings.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is a global cruise vacation company that operates Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Pullmantur, Azamara Club Cruises, CDF Croisières de France, and TUI Cruises through a 50 percent joint venture. The company has a combined total of 39 ships in service and three under construction. It also offers unique land-tour vacations in Alaska, Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, Latin America and New Zealand.

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Princess cruises announced that contracts to build two 3,600-passenger ships have been finalized with Italy’s Fincantieri shipyard!

The new Princess ships are scheduled to enter service in spring 2013 and spring 2014.  At an estimated 141,000 tons, the as-yet-unnamed ships will be the largest in the Princess Cruises fleet.

The ships’ design will be evolutionary, in keeping with the themes of their newest vessels, but with some exciting new features and innovations.  For example, all outside cabins will feature balconies, bringing the percentage of balconies on the ships to 80 percent of all staterooms.

In addition, the signature Piazza – the popular Italian-inspired atrium featuring complimentary dining, entertainment and retail – will be expanded, as will the popular Sanctuary, spa, and restaurants.

“We’re pleased that in this challenging economic environment, the order for these new ships is a testament to the confidence in the growth potential of the Princess brand,” said Alan Buckelew, president and CEO of Princess Cruises. “These new ships will include the features from our newest ships that have been so well received, and take them to the next level,” he added.

Freedom of the Seas Pool

Some amenities and features on the Oasis of the Seas will appear on Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas and the Liberty of the Seas in early 2011 when both ships are scheduled to go into dry-dock, said Royal Caribbean International.

“We had such an amazing reaction to so many of the features on Oasis, that our intent over time is, to roll them across the fleet,” said Lisa Bauer, Royal Caribbean International’s senior vice president of hotel operations.

Both ships will get 18.5-foot outdoor video screens similar to the ones in the Oasis’ Aqua Theater. The giant screen will overlook the main family pool area where the Freedom and Liberty show movies and programs. For the direction challenged the Wayfinder navigating system will be installed. This touch-screen sign system that give information on activities and provide directions to any room or venue on the ship has been highly acclaimed by passengers. A  nursery for children ages 6 months to 36 months and the Cupcake Cupboard, which Bauer said “can’t bake fast enough” on the Oasis to meet demand for the $2.50 cupcakes, will also be part of the upgrade.

Broadway-style entertainment will also be maintained on both ships.

Independance of the Seas, the newer of the three Freedom class ships, will be upgraded at a later date depending on the popularity of the upgrades on the Freedom and Liberty of the Seas.

MIAMI, May 20, 2010 – Royal Caribbean International is providing guests with more options than ever before to explore European destinations across 55 ports in 22 countries.  Just in time for summer travels, the global cruise line is touting new shore excursion opportunities that feature the ability to make private tour arrangements as well as exclusive family-friendly tour options. Royal Caribbean also will be expanding its existing shore excursion services by nearly doubling the number of “Easy” tours for accessible sight-seeing throughout the 57 unique itineraries currently available – soon to be 109 unique itineraries when a record setting 11 Royal Caribbean ships will be deployed in Europe in 2011.  Dedicated to providing unique travel experiences, Royal Caribbean’s enhanced offerings will empower guests to create European cruise vacations that meet their individual styles, needs and preferences. 
            For those guests that enjoy more flexible vacation schedules Royal Caribbean is introducing new customizable half- or full-day private shore excursions. Each of the excursions offers guests the opportunity to travel in private vehicles on their own or with an English-speaking guide to provide tour commentary and local insight.  Featuring the same convenience and peace of mind that comes with booking Royal Caribbean’s group shore excursions, guests can enjoy the private tours in 13 ports-of-call throughout Egypt, Finland, Greece, Israel, Italy, Sweden and Turkey, in addition to previously introduced private tours offered in Russia.  For those travelers who do not want to be limited by a schedule, Royal Caribbean excursion specialists will create custom arrangements to fit individual styles and interests, or simply provide a private vehicle for an existing tour.  Both private and custom arrangements accommodate up to 10 people and can be initiated online. 
            As the leader in family travel, Royal Caribbean continues to cater to guests of all ages by introducing new hands-on activities that are fun for children, parents and grandparents alike.  To accommodate multigenerational travels, the global cruise line is debuting new half-day excursions designed specifically with families in mind.  Examples include gastronomic experiences such as “Pizza Making for Families” in Sorrento, Italy,  featuring a city tour followed by a pizza making class and lunch to enjoy the family’s culinary creations, as well as “Sea Kayaking” in Dubrovnik, Croatia, where guests can explore the outdoors and admire the historical city walls from a unique perspective, a kayak at sea level. 
            Royal Caribbean continues to pioneer accessible cruise travel by introducing 14 new additional “easy” tours for a total of 33. Featuring vehicles adapted with access ramps or lifts when available, new and existing “easy” shore excursions cater to individuals who have difficulty walking or standing for extended periods, or who use wheel chairs full time.  European sightseeing is extended to new bounds for these guests with engaging activities, such as exploring the quaint town of Trogir from Split, Croatia, wine tastings in Sardinia, and coach tours highlighting historical landmarks and local artistry, such as Florence’s famed Michelangelo Square and leather factories.
            In addition to enhancing new experiences for guests, the global cruise line is adding to its contribution to its destination partners.  Royal Caribbean is pre-purchasing Chorus Pass tickets from the Venetian Chorus Association, a non-profit entity tasked with safeguarding, conserving and restoring the architectural and artistic heritage of churches in the city of Venice, to invest in maintaining the cultural heritage represented in more than 1,000 pieces of art.  Guests onboard Brilliance of the Seas will receive a complimentary Chorus Pass ticket ($13 value), providing access to 16 of most important churches in Venice, with the purchase of each Shuttle Bus Pass. 
            Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 21 ships currently in service and one under construction. The line also offers unique cruisetour land packages in Alaska, Dubai, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, and South America.

the retreat

On Saturday May 15th 2010, I was priviledged to view the ms Rotterdam, Holland America’s flagship in Vancouver Harbor. The latest Signature of Excellence enhancements at Holland America Line have managed to rejuvenate a vessel which saw its maiden voyage in 1997. I sailed the Mediterranean on her that year and still retain fond memories. The enhancements certainly live up to expectations.  The most dramatic alterations are the 39 new innovative lanai staterooms, all in soothing earth tone decor. These staterooms allow guests direct access to the Lower Promenade Deck outfitted with two reserved deck chairs for each room. Additionally 32 verandah staterooms have been built on the aft portion of the ship.

“By refurbishing and enhancing staterooms, we’re able to meet the latest trends sought by our guests,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs, Holland America Line. “The latest Signature of Excellence installment enhances our premium product and the stateroom modifications update the layout and décor of the rooms while remaining elegant.”

 Thirty-two new Spa Staterooms were created from existing Verandah deck staterooms. The rooms, so named because of their proximity to the Greenhouse Spa and Salon and special in-room spa amenities, offer their own ambiance, providing unmatched relaxation, privacy and serenity. Décor reflects the natural elements of the earth with soft earth-tone hues and light, fresh accent colors echoing nature’s own. Soothing patterns adorn the bed runner and pillows and graphite-colored carpeting tie together all the elements. A counter-top water feature in each stateroom provides a natural, ambient background sound and artwork reflects serene images in nature. Exclusive spa treatments are offered only in these staterooms.

On the outside ”The Retreat” has been added at the stern of the ship on Lido deck. It offers an area of relaxation for sun worshippers in an aquatic evironment with a big screen TV for entertainment. I can imagine this to be an excellent area to relax on a warm tropical evening. The Oasis, also in the stern on Sky deck, is a great addition for the younger set to relax with their own kind.

The Ship capacities at 58,885 tons, has changed somewhat to 1,404 guests in 658 staterooms. The tonnage in today’s cruise environment, tending to ever larger ships of 150,000 tons and more , classifies the ms Rotterdam  as a small luxury vessel in contrast to 1997 where I classified her as a mid sized ship.

For photos of my visit to the ms Rotterdam in Vancouver please follow the link.

A Vancouver, Canada law firm has asked permission to launch a class action suit against British Airways (BA) on behalf of Vancouver flyers to recover potentially substantial amounts of money. The suit alleges that a large portion of the taxes charged  on air tickets  was never remitted to any taxing authority and instead went straight to the bottom line of the carrier. If the suit goes forward other airlines will most likely be added. Perhaps this will have an effect on all travel suppliers that are not transparent in the charges embedded in the cost of their product.

Princess Cruises has announced that its superliner Sea Princess will be based in Australia over the 2011-12 cruise season, taking the size of the locally based Princess fleet to an unprecedented four ships.

Sailing from Sydney between October 2011 and March 2012, the 77,000-ton Sea Princess  will offer cruises to New Zealand, Japan and Tasmania.

She will join Dawn Princess, Sun Princess and Sapphire Princess in sailing Australian waters.

Sea Princess  move to Sydney means that the popular Sun Princess  will head north to Brisbane from September 2011 until February 2012, becoming the first Princess Cruises’ ship to be based in the Queensland capital.

Sun Princess  cruises from Brisbane will include seven two-week sojourns to New Zealand, two 11-night South Pacific cruises to Fiji and an exciting new 41-night voyage to Asia, featuring visits to Brunei, Vietnam, Japan and China including Beijing.

Meanwhile, Dawn Princess will return to Melbourne for another summer season, offering cruises to New Zealand, around Australia and to Tahiti and Hawaii.

Announcing Princess‘ expansion in Australia, Princess Cruises President Alan Buckelew said Australian interest in Princess Cruises’ ships was at an all-time high.

“Since Princess Cruises based its first superliner, Sun Princess , in Australian waters full time in late 2007, it’s been clear that Australians love the cruise line’s relaxed style of cruising as well as the exotic destinations that it offers,” Buckelew said.

“Dawn Princess debuted full time in Australia in late 2008 and has been just as successful as Sun Princess, so we think the time is right to introduce their sister ship, Sea Princess , into the Australian market.

“Meanwhile Sapphire Princess , the youngest ship to be deployed in Australian waters, attracts a large number of Australians and Americans on its trans-Tasman voyages each summer.”

A sister ship to Dawn Princess and Sun Princess, Sea Princess first debuted in the Princess fleet in 1998. She carries 1990 passengers and offers 975 staterooms, including more than 400 with private balconies. Her other features include two showlounges, four pools, two main restaurants, a steakhouse, pizzeria and 24-hour café as well as a giant poolside moviescreen.

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (March 25, 2010) — Princess Cruises has added nine new choices to its lineup of optional land excursions for Alaska cruisetours, giving travelers opportunities for fresh adventures, including discovering how local hunters and trappers live, exploring by ATV, riding a dog cart, visiting a true Eskimo village or learning to cook Alaska cuisine.

In total, the optional land excursion program features 96 tour choices that cruisetour travelers can add to the land portion of their trip. These activities are currently open for purchase and offer a range of experiences from easygoing to exhilarating — including cultural tours, nature hikes, kayak adventures and flightseeing tours.

Cruisetour passengers can get additional information about the land excursions from a new section on Princess’ web site, http://www.princess.com/learn/cruisetours/alaska/land_excursions, offering full details on the program and tour listings.

“Just like shore excursions from our ships, these optional land excursions are selected to give cruisetour guests some uniquely Alaska adventures and experiences,” said Charlie Ball, president of Princess Tours. “And because these tours are all operated by Alaskan companies, travelers will be able to experience the state from a true local perspective.”

Land excursions operate from each of Princess’ own wilderness lodges — Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge, Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge, Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge and Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge — as well as from additional locations featured on some cruisetours, such as Anchorage and Coldfoot (for Arctic Explorer cruisetours).

New land excursion options debuting this season include:

Wilderness Living Adventure & Dog Cart Ride (Denali) – How did the hunters, trappers and woodsmen of old travel and live in the wilderness of Alaska? This tour provides a look at many Alaskans who make their living in the wilderness near Denali. The hosts share stories about their lives, particularly what winters are like in Denali. A dog cart ride takes travelers down a rustic trail for a taste of sledding and possible views of Mt. McKinley.

Anaktuvuk Pass Adventure (Coldfoot) – Guests can visit a true Eskimo village with this tour to the Nunamiut village of Anaktuvuk Pass. Travelers fly northwest from Coldfoot to Anaktuvuk Pass, nestled in the heart of the majestic Brooks Mountain Range and the Gates of the Arctic National Park. Once in the village, guests will get a first-hand look at life in Anaktuvuk Pass as it exists today.

A Taste of Fairbanks – An evening at Chez World Cooking School will show travelers how to prepare food the Alaskan way. Whether they fully experience the class with hands-on participation or simply watch the overhead monitors, students will learn the secrets behind Alaskan delicacies such as salmon, reindeer sausage, halibut, crab, moose, and caribou, as well sourdough bread and pancakes. Students will get to taste the entrees of the day plus take home recipes and a chef’s apron.

Susitna River Airboat Adventure (Mt. McKinley) — Travelers can experience parts of the lovely Susitna River that others can’t with this airboat excursion. Piloted by a captain who knows the waters well, the airboat can navigate through narrow channels, moving through inches of water and in some cases no water at all. Participants will enjoy the beauty of the Susitna while looking for wildlife and their tracks, and can even bring home a souvenir animal track casting. On clear days, they can also marvel at spectacular views of Mt. McKinley.

Sea Kayaking at Columbia Glacier (Copper River) — This opportunity to paddle into the massive Columbia Glacier icefield offers an experience that travelers will never forget. From Valdez participants take a scenic ride to Columbia Glacier for a kayaking expedition up close to the glacier, plus lunch on the beach. The excursion could also result in sightings of wildlife such as seals, sea otters, bald eagles, sea lions, whales and bears.

Chatanika Gold Camp & ATV Ride with Dinner (Fairbanks) — The early miners never traveled like this! Following a hearty dinner at Chatanika Gold Camp, travelers take a 2.5 hour ATV ride along a mining trail used by early miners to access the surrounding gold fields. The approximately 15-mile route follows a ridge line and offers beautiful views of the distant mountains and valleys.

Explore Historic Seward (Kenai) — From Kenai, travelers can enjoy a drive down one of the nation’s most scenic highways and past parts of the Iditarod National Historic Trail. At the end of the road at Resurrection Bay is the historic city of Seward, gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. Travelers will have plenty of time to see the town, visit local attractions or browse the quaint shops and art galleries.

South Denali 65-Mile ATV Adventure (Mt. McKinley) — An ATV adventure along dirt roads carved out of the wilderness by the area’s first prospectors, this tour takes travelers far into the back-country of south Denali with its cascading waterfalls and scenic wonders. Participants can also try their hand at panning for gold in Peters Creek.

Scenic Koyukuk River Float (Coldfoot) – It’s not too often that travelers can enjoy a scenic float trip 60 miles north of the Arctic Circle! This tour takes passengers down the Middle Fork Koyukuk River through the Brooks Mountain Range, where they can relax as their raft floats through the vast wilderness of Alaska and a guide shares the rich history of the region.

Optional land excursion information is available through the passenger’s online Cruise Personalizer. Tours are currently available for pre-purchase by calling 1-877-325-7552. As many tours fill up quickly, passengers are encouraged to make excursion selections as early as possible.

Scandinavian Port Receives Highest Satisfaction Marks from Passengers

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (March 16, 2010) — Princess Cruises has named Copenhagen as its “Port of the Year” for 2009 — a distinction awarded as the result of passenger satisfaction surveys. Copenhagen is the first port outside of North America to earn this honor.

The annual award is given to one of Princess’ 33 worldwide turnaround ports that earn the highest scores for the year, as rated by passengers on each cruise. A turnaround port is where a cruise ends and the next one begins.

The honor recognizes that a port has provided the service, facilities and personnel that have enhanced the passenger experience while boarding or disembarking the ship. In total, the voting measured passenger satisfaction scores from 14 calls in Copenhagen during the summer 2009 season.

“A turnaround port offers passengers their first or last impression of their cruise with us, so it’s very important that they have a good experience as they travel through the local facilities,” said Dean Brown, Princess executive vice president of corporate services. “Copenhagen has been recognized as the highest ranked port for 2009, but they’ve also been one of the highest ranked ports in years past. It’s clear that our passengers appreciate the level of service and efficiency that the port and their staff provide.”

This is the fifth year for the award, and previous Port of the Year designations have gone to Los Angeles, Whittier, Vancouver and Brooklyn.

Copenhagen serves as home port for Princess Scandinavia & Russia itineraries. Star Princess will begin the 2010 cruise season on these popular itineraries on May 12.

Princess Cruises Announces Largest Europe Program Ever for 2011
Season Includes Most Princess Ships to Sail in Europe, 42 Unique Itineraries and 135 Ports
More Than Half of Ports Include Opportunity to Visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site

SANTA CLARITA, Calif.  — Princess Cruises has unveiled its most extensive Europe season ever for 2011, with more ships, departure choices and itinerary options than in previous years. In total, seven vessels will offer 42 itinerary choices, including seven new routes, with calls at more than 135 ports.

More than half of these ports feature access to notable attractions designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These remarkable places that make up the planet’s cultural and natural heritage range from Italy’s Amalfi Coast and the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg to the birthplace of Apollo on the island of Delos (from Mykonos) and the 16th-century Suleymaniye Mosque (in Istanbul).

In addition, Princess has enhanced overnight offerings to give passengers extra time in fascinating ports throughout Europe, such as Venice, Istanbul, St. Petersburg, Alexandria, Dublin and Edinburgh on various routes.

The line’s 2011 program includes seven new itineraries, offering fresh vacation opportunities in each major cruise region. Among the new routes are an expanded 11-day Scandinavia & Russia itinerary featuring calls in ports such as Oslo, Berlin, Stockholm and a two-day stay in St. Petersburg. The season also features new seven-day Interlude voyages that can be combined for longer sailings, visiting boutique ports in the Mediterranean.

“As a leader in Europe cruises we constantly aim to design an intriguing range of vacation choices, but next year our lineup may really challenge passengers to choose among some outstanding options,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “Whether they want the amenities of a large ship or the intimate experience of a smaller vessel; a short, seven-day getaway or an extended adventure over several weeks, there’s a Princess cruise to match.”

The 2011 Europe program ships and routes:

Affordable New Cruisetour Options Offer More Flexibility and Extra Time at Denali

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (February 19, 2010) — Princess Cruises is introducing four new “A la Carte” Alaska cruisetour options for this summer’s season, offering more affordable and flexible options for independent-minded travelers. These new cruisetours spend an extra day at one of the Denali-area Princess lodges, and do not include excursions, giving travelers the time to customize their own daily schedules.

The four A la Carte tours range from 10 to 12 nights, offering at least three nights in the Denali area. All cruisetours feature a northbound “Voyage of the Glaciers” Gulf of Alaska cruise aboard Coral Princess or Island Princess, departing from Vancouver; combined with a three-, four- or five-night land tour to the heart of Alaska, featuring stays in Princess’ two Denali-area wilderness lodges and exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness rail service. All tours will visit both of the state’s top attractions: Denali National Park and Glacier Bay National Park.

Travelers choosing these itineraries will not be scheduled on the Denali National Park tour or other activities usually included with cruisetours, and instead can choose to add any of four park tour options or a variety of other area excursions offered at Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge and Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge.

“These new A la Carte cruisetours are designed specifically with the value-conscious, independent traveler in mind,” said Charlie Ball, president of Princess Tours. “With fewer ‘extras’ included, we can offer a more affordable tour option with greater flexibility for travelers who prefer to discover the wonders of Alaska at their own pace. Passengers can truly customize their vacation to suit their own interests, whether they want to spend extra time viewing Denali’s fascinating wildlife, hike through the spectacular wilderness or try an exhilarating pursuit such as river rafting.”

The four A la Carte cruisetours itineraries are:
Tour 101 — 10 nights (Two nights at Denali lodge, one night at Mt. McKinley lodge)
Tour 102 — 11 nights (Two nights at Denali lodge, one night at Mt. McKinley lodge, one night Fairbanks)
Tour 103 — 11 nights (Two nights at Denali lodge, two nights at Mt. McKinley lodge)
Tour 104 — 12 nights (Two nights at Denali lodge, two nights at Mt. McKinley lodge, one night Fairbanks)

All A la Carte tour options are available throughout the May to September Alaska season, with fares beginning at $899 per person.

Princess offers a variety of land/sea Alaska experiences with itineraries ranging from 10 to 15 nights. All cruisetour options feature at least two nights in the Denali National Park area, stays in Princess’ own riverside wilderness lodges, and a seven-day Voyage of the Glaciers sailing with Glacier Bay National Park.

Passengers Can Once Again Invite Friends and Family Aboard Ship On Embarkation Day

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. – Reviving a signature tradition from the early days of cruising, Princess Cruises is debuting an innovative, new program giving passengers the opportunity to invite their friends and family aboard their ship on embarkation day to wish them “bon voyage” and get a taste of the onboard experience.

Called the “Bon Voyage ExperienceSM,” the program is a new twist on the departure celebration of bygone days, when friends and family would routinely come aboard to see off passengers. Because of increasingly tighter security procedures, this practice disappeared more than two decades ago, but it’s now back — complete with lunch in the dining room and tour of the ship.

Unique in the cruise industry, the Bon Voyage Experience enables passengers to extend an invitation to their guests to join them onboard during sailing day for a four-course dining room lunch with wine, a ship tour and even a souvenir photo. Passengers and their guests can enjoy priority embarkation and will be able to spend approximately four hours together on the ship before it sets sail. The cost for the program is $39 per person, which can be applied toward a future Princess cruise.

The program will debut in March in the ports of Los Angeles and Fort Lauderdale, and then roll out to New York, San Francisco and Seattle.

“Long-time cruisers will recall the fun of the bon voyage send-off with their family and friends, and we’re excited to re-introduce a new, modern version of this experience,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president.

Cruise passengers will be notified about the program through the pre-cruise emails they receive from Princess as their cruise date approaches. In-port guests can be booked through a travel agent or by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, beginning 120 days before the cruise and up to six days before the sailing date. Once registered, guests will be able to input their required security information through the line’s Cruise Personalizer.

The number of guests who will be able to participate in the Bon Voyage Experience on any given embarkation day will be approximately 50.

The roll-out schedule for the launch of the Bon Voyage Experience is:

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (May 10, 2010) — Princess Cruises will introduce a distinct Kiwi flavor on its upcoming season of cruises to New Zealand, with passengers experiencing a taste of the local cuisine, entertainment and culture as they explore the North and South islands.

Passengers on Sun Princess and Dawn Princess’ New Zealand cruises will be able to feel the spirit of Aotearoa the “Land of the Long White Cloud” throughout their voyage, enjoying features such as Maori dance performances, local cuisine and seminars on the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park.

The new programs and menus will be featured on 18 New Zealand sailings, beginning on Sun Princess October 13 and starting on Dawn Princess December 8.

“Our goal is for passengers to feel the essence of New Zealand throughout their time onboard,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “We hope our passengers will gain a deeper understanding of what makes New Zealand so special.”

Highlights of Princess’ New Zealand cultural program include:

New Zealand Cuisine – New Zealand’s cuisine will be a focus on each sailing, with Kiwi dishes marked on the menu with the country’s iconic silver fern. Dinner will include items such as Braised New Zealand Lamb Shanks on Lentil Ragout, while lunch menus will feature the country’s Colonial influence with Fish & Chips and Shepherd’s Pie. Passengers can even start their day with a new breakfast selection — famous NZ Bacon & Egg Pie.

Wine and Beers — Bars will feature local Steinlager and Rheineck beers, while the wine lists will include a selection of New Zealand’s acclaimed wines.

New Zealand Island Night – This festive evening will feature a New Zealand theme, with local food (Lolly Log Cake, for instance) and drink selections (Kiwi Caipirinha among them).

Chef and Bartender Challenge – A new activity debuting on New Zealand sailings, this TV-style challenge features the ship’s chef and bartender facing off in a competition to make two dishes or five drinks with a secret New Zealand ingredient in just 30 minutes.

Enrichment and Education – Destination experts will travel with each ship to give passengers information about ports of call, while a park ranger will provide narration as the ship sails through Fiordland National Park. Princess is also working with Tourism New Zealand to present an onboard exhibit where passengers can learn more about local history and culture.

In Port Cultural Programs – In select New Zealand ports, Maori cultural performers will offer afternoon presentations demonstrating aspects of their culture and heritage. Maori masters will offer workshops in Kapa Haka dance traditions, tiki warrior rituals, Waiata chants, and lessons in Maori language.

Entertainment — While the ships are in port in Tauranga and Auckland, passengers can enjoy performances from local entertainers. Maori bands and other local performers are also being added to the lineup. The ships’ movie and TV screens will be showing films with a local twist, such as the Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Piano as well as NZ documentaries and sporting events.