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Monday, April 30, 2007

Costa Serena Gets Grand Prix Driving Simulator

Costa has installed a Grand Prix race car driving simulator aboard the new Costa Serena, which will be officially inaugurated in Marseille on May 19 and sail from Venice to Greece, Turkey and Croatia in its first season. Installed on Deck 12 of the ship, nearly 100 feet above the sea, the simulator was produced from an original Grand Prix race car and is the result of advanced real-time vehicle modeling -- the same software and technology used by Grand Prix champion drivers themselves in training. This new addition follows the success of the driving simulator on the Costa Concordia, which entered service in June 2006. The simulator onboard the Costa Serena will go even faster than the one on the Costa Concordia, with virtual speeds of up to 217 mph.

In addition, the "Costa Serena Grand Prix" will blend the world's best racing circuits such as "Zandvoort" in Holland, "Suzuka" in Japan and "Interlagos" in Brazil. The course is almost a half-mile longer than the one on the Costa Concordia. As on the Costa Concordia, the Grand Prix race car driving simulator will have four levels of difficulty. The Grand Prix race car driving simulator will be inaugurated by Pierre Combot, a French Grand Prix driver. Combot will complete the first lap and set a record time for all the ship's guests to beat. The official delivery of the Costa Serena is scheduled for May 15 at Fincantieri's Genoa-Sestri Ponente shipyard. For more information, call 800-GO-COSTA or visit http://www.costacruises.com/.

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About the author: Eric Lam is a Cruise Consultant of Best Cruise Spot LLC, www.bestcruisespot.com
For more information, please contact eric@bestcruisespot.com or (866) 277-8618.

Best Cruise Spot LLC was founded on the principles of creating the ultimate destination for cruise travel by integrating an innovative Web 2.0 technology with an online cruise shopping experience to deliver the most enjoyable and satisfying cruise vacation purchase experience available to online cruise shoppers worldwide. Combining with our first-class customer service and a guarantee of the lowest fares available to all of our customers, make us become one of the largest sellers of cruise vacations on the internet.

Friday, April 27, 2007

Costa Inaugurates Barcelona Cruise Terminal

Costa officially opened its new Palacruceros cruise terminal on Tuesday with an inaugural ceremony in Barcelona. The ceremony was attended by national and local authorities including Jordi Valls, chairman of the Port of Barcelona; Pier Luigi Foschi, Costa Crociere chairman and CEO; Gianni Onorato, president of Costa Crociere; and Luis Grau, general manager of Costa Cruceros Spain. Inaugural festivities concluded with a concert by the singer Soraya and a special fireworks presentation. "Our objective with the new terminal is to confirm our leadership in the port and in Spain, guaranteeing excellent services for all our guests stopping off in Barcelona," Foschi said. "As in Savona, the philosophy guiding the Palacruceros concept is to offer maximum efficiency and comfort to our cruise ship guests -- we want them to feel as if they are on holiday from the moment they enter the new terminal."

The new Palacruceros terminal occupies a nearly 6,000-square-foot stretch of the Muelle Adosado quay. The Port of Barcelona granted a 25-year concession on the area to Costa, which is now equipped to accommodate cruise ships of all tonnage, length and capacity, including the largest currently in service (over 140,000 tons). The Italian company has invested approximately 12 million Euros in the new terminal for preferential use by Costa and other companies in the Carnival Corp. group. The new terminal was built on four levels, covering a total area of approximately 107,000 square feet. The architecture is characterized by light and glazed surfaces. Passenger safety and protection for the environment are just two of the factors that were given priority during the development of the project. Among the facilities in the terminal are a children's club, an Internet café, a shopping area, a VIP lounge and a cafeteria and terrace with views. Palacruceros will now be the site of Costa's office in Barcelona, which features 20 employees. In 2006, Costa featured around 80 calls in Barcelona, bringing a total of over 200,000 guests. The Italian company is expecting its local traffic to increase substantially during 2007, with 126 planned cruise operations and approximately 330,000 guests (65 percent more than in 2006).

The 2,720-passenger Costa Fortuna and 3,000-passenger Costa Concordia will offer weekly departures this summer from the terminal. In 2007, Carnival Corp. companies anticipate 251 cruise operations in Barcelona, which amount to over 500,000 passengers in total. According to the European Cruise Council, each passenger that visits a Spanish port generates an average expenditure of nearly 45 Euros per passenger visit. As such, in 2007, Costa's guests will generate a forecasted economic benefit for Barcelona of almost 15 million Euros. Barcelona has forecasted a total of 1.6 million cruisers in 2007, with more than 20 percent coming from Costa). For more information, call 800-GO-COSTA or visit http://www.costacruises.com/.

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About the author: Eric Lam is a Cruise Consultant of Best Cruise Spot LLC, www.bestcruisespot.com
For more information, please contact eric@bestcruisespot.com or (866) 277-8618.

Best Cruise Spot LLC was founded on the principles of creating the ultimate destination for cruise travel by integrating an innovative Web 2.0 technology with an online cruise shopping experience to deliver the most enjoyable and satisfying cruise vacation purchase experience available to online cruise shoppers worldwide. Combining with our first-class customer service and a guarantee of the lowest fares available to all of our customers, make us become one of the largest sellers of cruise vacations on the internet.

NCL to Convert to Electronic Cruise Documents

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and NCL America on May 28 will convert to an electronic documentation process for all cruise bookings. For reservations that are paid in full and finalized, e-documents will be available up to 60 days prior to sailing. In addition, guests will have 24/7 access to their cruise documents online. "Our mission for our guests is to provide a great vacation experience from beginning to end," said Andy Stuart, NCL's executive vice president of marketing, sales and passenger services. "E-docs offer increased flexibility and choice for all of our guests further supporting the freedom and flexibility offered by our signature Freestyle Cruising, in addition to significantly enhancing reliability and earlier delivery of cruise documents."

Travel agents or guests with fully paid reservations after May 28 will begin receiving email messages from NCL that notify them that electronic documents are ready and can be accessed via an imbedded link in the email. As an added convenience for travel agents, the subject line of the emails will contain the guest name, reservation number, and ship and sail date, allowing travel partners to easily organize incoming email messages. In addition, travel documents can be accessed from any computer with Internet access by going to a designated section of NCL's website. Once the cruise documents are accessed, the travel partner or guest views HTML-based cruise documents that can be printed or forwarded on to clients or traveling companions. Guests can also complete their online advance guest registration form up to four days prior to sailing, giving them 10 days longer than the current system allows.

NCL's e-documents include a welcome-aboard letter, cruise ticket, passenger terms and conditions, airline e-ticket if air travel arrangements have been made through NCL's air/sea program, pre- or post-cruise hotel vouchers (if applicable), pre- or post-cruise transfer vouchers (if applicable) and electronic luggage tags that are printable online. In advance of the e-documents, travel agents or guests with paid reservations will receive a new pre-documentation Freestyle Cruising Kit in the mail approximately 75 to 21 days prior to their scheduled sailing. This kit includes a personalized welcome letter, NCL's welcome-aboard booklet that answers questions they may have prior to their cruise, a shore excursion order form and booklet, personalized luggage tags and travel protection plan details, if applicable.

To prepare for the shift to e-documents, agents are strongly encouraged to visit www.ncl.com/agencyupdate between April 26 and May 28 to update their agency profile. "We've built this system to meet the needs of our travel partners," said Crane Gladding, NCL's vice president of passenger services. "We've made it as flexible as possible, so that travel partners can indicate their preferences for the delivery of the Freestyle Cruising Kit, as well as the e-documents." For more information, call 800-327-7030 or visit www.ncl.com.

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About the author: Eric Lam is a Cruise Consultant of Best Cruise Spot LLC, www.bestcruisespot.com
For more information, please contact eric@bestcruisespot.com or (866) 277-8618.

Best Cruise Spot LLC was founded on the principles of creating the ultimate destination for cruise travel by integrating an innovative Web 2.0 technology with an online cruise shopping experience to deliver the most enjoyable and satisfying cruise vacation purchase experience available to online cruise shoppers worldwide. Combining with our first-class customer service and a guarantee of the lowest fares available to all of our customers, make us become one of the largest sellers of cruise vacations on the internet.

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Ports of Stockholm to Build Cruise Terminal

The Ports of Stockholm board of directors has approved plans to build a state-of-the-art cruise terminal for Stockholm, Sweden. The terminal is expected to be completed for the beginning of the 2008 cruise season. The terminal, located at Frihamnen, will be Stockholm's first purpose-built cruise facility. The Frihamnen pier is to undergo a complete interior and exterior renovation in a modern Swedish design style. The terminal will include a café, Internet access, shops, a departures hall, customs and luggage handling facilities.

"There is a great need for facilities for cruise ship tourists in a terminal that's modern and exciting, but also functional and environmentally sound," said Ulla Hamilton, chairman of the board of Ports of Stockholm and Stockholm's city commissioner for real estate. "The new terminal will be a great boost, and will make Stockholm even more attractive as a cruise destination."

Every year hundreds of international cruise liners call at Stockholm during the summer season. The number of calls is growing steadily, and more than 300,000 cruise ship passengers are expected in the 2007 season. "This represents an extremely important tourist segment for Stockholm's ever-growing tourism industry," said Martin Rosborg, managing director of Stockholm Visitors Board. "A good first impression ensures satisfied ambassadors for Stockholm as a destination.

"The initial steps in construction already are under way to ensure completion in time for the 2008 cruise season, which extends from May to October. The port is considering alternative potential uses for the terminal during the winter months. The Ports of Stockholm jointly make up the largest seaport complex in the Baltic Sea, with ports at Kapellskär, Stockholm and Nynäshamn. For more information, visit www.stockholmshamnar.se.

Best Cruise Spot LLC was founded on the principles of creating the ultimate destination for cruise travel by integrating an innovative Web 2.0 technology with an online cruise shopping experience to deliver the most enjoyable and satisfying cruise vacation purchase experience available to online cruise shoppers worldwide. Combining with our first-class customer service and a guarantee of the lowest fares available to all of our customers, make us become one of the largest sellers of cruise vacations on the internet.

Royal Caribbean Sets 2008-2009 Caribbean Itineraries

Royal Caribbean International's 160,000-ton Independence of the Seas in November 2008 will become the world's largest cruise ship to make a transatlantic passenger voyage. Having completed its inaugural summer and fall seasons in Europe, Independence will head to the balmy waters of the Caribbean for the winter. Independence will be joined by three more Royal Caribbean ships offering 14 more six- to 13-night Caribbean itineraries starting in November 2008 that visit 24 ports.

"Independence of the Seas will make her U.S. debut at the end of 2008, bringing together all three Freedom-class ships in the Caribbean," said Lisa Bauer, senior vice president-sales for Royal Caribbean. "With four more ships in the wintertime to supplement seven ships already deployed year-round in the region, travelers will have the most options to sail on a Royal Caribbean cruise from a port close to them."

Independence of the Seas will sail from Southampton, U.K. on the 13-night transatlantic voyage to Fort Lauderdale, calling at Vigo, Spain; Madeira (Funchal), Portugal; and Philipsburg, St. Maarten. Once sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Independence will alternate eight-night Eastern Caribbean cruises departing on Saturdays and a six-night Western Caribbean departing on Sundays. Other seasonal Caribbean itineraries are offered by Jewel of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas. Jewel will sail roundtrip from Miami on 10- and 11-night voyages to the Panama Canal. Voyager of the Seas returns to Galveston to offer two seven-night roundtrip itineraries through the Western Caribbean. On a Mexico-focused itinerary, ports of call include Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Progreso, Mexico; and Roatan, Honduras. The second itinerary includes an additional day at sea and calls at Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Montego Bay. Serenade of the Seas will offer seven-night Southern Caribbean roundtrips to St. Thomas; St. Maarten; St. Johns, Antigua; Castries, St. Lucia; and Bridgetown, Barbados. For more information, call 800-327-2056 or visit http://www.cruisingpower.com/.

Celebrity Opens Books on 2008 Caribbean Season

Celebrity Cruises opened the books on its 2008-09 winter Caribbean season. Holiday sailings for Celebrity Century include a five-night Western Caribbean itinerary roundtrip from Miami on Dec. 24, 2008, with stops in Ocho Rios and Grand Cayman, and another five-night sailing on Dec. 29 from Miami that will call on Key West and Grand Cayman. The Century will sail alternating four-night and two different five-night Western Caribbean voyages roundtrip from Miami from December 2008 through April 2009. Celebrity Constellation will sail an 11-night Bermuda and Caribbean cruise on Oct. 30, 2008, from Cape Liberty, N.J., to Fort Lauderdale. The first stop is an overnight stay in Kings Wharf, Bermuda, before the ship continues on to St. Maarten, Aruba and Labadee, Haiti. Celebrity Constellation will sail a series of alternating 10- and 11-night "Ultimate Caribbean" itineraries roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale from November 2008 through March 2009. Celebrity Galaxy will sail 10- and 11-night Southern Caribbean cruises roundtrip out of San Juan from December 2008 through April 2009. From December 2008 through April 2009, Celebrity Summit will sail seven-night Southern Caribbean voyages roundtrip from San Juan. For more information, call 800-437-3111 or visit www.celebritycruises.com.

Princess Plans Five Gulf of Alaska Ships in 2008

Princess Cruises announced that its 2008 Gulf of Alaska program will feature five vessels. Sailing in Alaska for the first time, the 670-passenger Tahitian Princess will debut a new longer "Connoisseur" route that includes the chance to view the famous brown bears of Kodiak, explore "Alaska's Little Switzerland" at Valdez, and view wildlife from Seward, the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park.

Princess ships will offer 73 Gulf of Alaska sailings and eight departures of the new Connoisseur voyages throughout the May-to-September season. Ships on the Gulf route include Diamond Princess, Sapphire Princess, Coral Princess and Island Princess, each returning for another season of the seven-night "Voyage of the Glaciers" cruises between Vancouver and Whittier. Tahitian Princess will operate 14-day roundtrips from Vancouver. The seven-day Gulf of Alaska cruises can be combined with one of 34 different land tour options for a cruise-tour including the state's two most sought-after destinations on every departure -- Glacier Bay National Park and Denali National Park.All of the line's 2008 Gulf of Alaska cruises include calls in Glacier Bay. In addition, travelers headed to Denali arrive earlier with Princess' exclusive "Direct to the Wilderness" rail service to and from Whittier. The 2,670-passenger Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess will be deployed on 37 voyages departing Saturdays from Vancouver or Whittier and featuring calls at Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway with daylight cruising of Glacier Bay and the 16 glaciers of College Fjord. In addition, the 1,970-passenger Coral Princess and Island Princess will offer 36 sailings on the same itinerary, departing on Mondays. The Tahitian Princess' Connoisseur voyages include new port calls at Kodiak, Seward, and Valdez in addition to visits to Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka and Victoria, with daylight cruising of Glacier Bay. Tahitian Princess will sail on eight voyages departing on Thursdays from Vancouver. Gulf of Alaska cruises and cruise-tours for 2008 will be available for reservations starting May 14, with early-booking fares beginning at $649 for a seven-day voyage and $1,399 for cruise-tours. For more information, call 800-PRINCESS or visit www.princess.com.

Princess Cruises Sets 2008 Polynesia Program

Princess Cruises has announced its full 2008 cruise program in French Polynesia, which features a spring season from January through May and a fall schedule from October through December. Cruises will continue aboard the 670-passenger Tahitian Princess on the 10-day itinerary sailing roundtrip from Papeete, and visiting Huahine, Rangiroa, Raiatea, Bora Bora and Moorea. "We've enjoyed good success with our Tahiti-based cruises, and our passengers have been enthusiastic about the islands and the warm welcome from the people of French Polynesia," said Alan Buckelew, president of Princess Cruises. "So we're pleased to return not only for the spring of 2008, but to also announce we will be homeporting Tahitian Princess in Papeete in the fall of 2008 as well."

Princess began roundtrip cruising from Papeete through French Polynesia in 2002, when Tahitian Princess joined the fleet. Since that time, the line has brought over 135,000 passengers to this destination on this ship alone. Other Princess ships also call on French Polynesian ports during transit calls. "We are very pleased that Princess Cruises has fulfilled its five-year obligation to our country," said Maina Sage, French Polynesia's minister of tourism and the environment. "In addition, Princess Cruises has reinforced their commitment to our destination by announcing that our partnership will continue when they return to our waters in the coming years." Between the spring and fall of 2008, Tahitian Princess will reposition north to offer a new "Connoisseur" itinerary in Alaska. Following its first summer season in this destination, the ship will return to French Polynesia. For more information, call 800-PRINCESS or visit http://www.princess.com/.

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Seattle Launches Record 2007 Cruise Season

The Port of Seattle launched its 2007 cruise season on April 23 with the arrival of Holland America Line's Zaandam at Terminal 30 and the Celebrity Cruises' Mercury at Pier 66. The 2007 season brings new ships, new itineraries and new environmental initiatives. A new agreement between the port and the cruise lines means that all cruise ships homeported in Seattle will use shore power or low sulfur fuel while docked. The air emissions agreement follows a similar agreement among the cruise lines, the port and the Washington State Department of Ecology regarding wastewater discharges. It went into effect in 2004.

A total of 190 vessel calls will bring a record 754,605 passengers to Seattle this season. Nine ships will be homeported in Seattle. The port's cruise business has grown steadily from just six ships and 6,600 passengers in 1999. Among the vessels offering Alaska cruises from Seattle this year are three ships new to Seattle -- Norwegian Cruise Lines' Norwegian Pearl, Holland America Line's Noordam and Princess Cruises' Golden Princess. Returning vessels include Holland America's Oosterdam and Amsterdam, NCL's Norwegian Star, Royal Caribbean's Vision of the Seas and Princess' Sun Princess. The Mercury will be back in Seattle at the end of the season with 13 three- and four-day cruises to British Columbia, extending the season into November for the first time.

Also making a debut in Seattle this season is a new service that allows passengers to check in for their return flight aboard the ship before they disembark. Luggage is sent directly from passenger cabins to the airport, giving cruisers a chance to enjoy the Seattle area before returning home. "Seattle's cruise industry demonstrates that economic growth and environmental protection are compatible, achievable goals," said Port of Seattle CEO Tay Yoshitani. "The cruise industry is responsible for nearly 2,000 jobs, more than $60 million in annual payroll and $6 million in state and local tax revenues. And the voluntary controls placed on air emissions and wastewater discharges help protect the beautiful environment cruise passengers come here to enjoy." For more information, visit http://www.portseattle.org/.

Holland America's Eurodam Revamps Guest Room Décor

Holland America Line's first Signature-class ship, the Eurodam, will feature a new décor in staterooms and suites when it debuts in June 2008. The new calming, more mono-chromatic design, accented with bursts of color, will replace the floral schemes used in the past. The "elegantly simple" design is enhanced with rich wood tones and the use of burnished nickel fixtures. Passenger corridors leading to the guest staterooms also will be decorated in the same theme. Nancy Burfiend, principal designer and founder of NB Design Group, added the intent was to transform each stateroom and suite into a calming oasis where guests could relax and rejuvenate.

"There is so much taking place aboard a cruise ship-diverse activities, exciting dining, theater shows, and more-that we wanted the guest rooms to reflect a soothing environment," said Burfiend. "For example, the deluxe verandah suites will feature rich walnut furniture, charcoal gray seating, crisp white draperies and a patterned gray tip sheared carpet-accented with powder blue and citrus orange in strategic areas to add dimension and interest."

Burfiend said inside staterooms will have blond, maple-toned furniture to create a lighter environment, with the recessed area behind the beds painted sky-blue and covered by sheer curtains with a burn-out, wave pattern that allows hints of blue to show, "in effect, creating the sense of a window." The new décor will be in all staterooms on the 11-passenger deck Eurodam. For the first time on any Holland America ship, staterooms will be added to the top decks. Deck 11 just off the Crow's Nest will feature 10 verandah staterooms and, just below on Deck 10, 28 staterooms with verandahs and four, forward-facing "panorama" rooms will be located. With one more deck than Holland America's 10-deck Vista-class ships, the Signature-class Eurodam will feature three alternative dining venues, including a new pan-Asian restaurant on Deck 10.

Eurodam is scheduled to debut in June 2008 with European inaugural events and then cruise the Baltic region through the summer. The ship will then offer its first transatlantic cruise and sail Canada/New England in the fall, followed by Caribbean itineraries the remainder of 2008. For more information, call 877-SAIL-HAL or visit http://www.hollandamerica.com/.

Royal Caribbean Enhances Website "Locate a Travel Agent"

Royal Caribbean International is enhancing the "Locate a Travel Agent" section of its website, Lisa Bauer, the line's senior vice president, North American sales, said during the America's Vacation Center University Travel Executive Forum webinar yesterday. Site visitors will be able to search by a travel agent's name as well as by city, state or zip code. Agents will be able to go onto Cruising Power and fill out a form with details about themselves such as how long they've been in business, their specialties, industry certifications and similar information. Agents will be able to upload their logo or photos and describe the agency, essentially creating their own advertisement for themselves on the website. Agents who have graduated from Royal Caribbean's University of WOW will be listed as Royal Caribbean experts. Bauer said that 5,000 agents have enrolled in the University since it was announced three weeks ago and 2,800 are already Royal Caribbean experts. Royal Caribbean is also launching a youth recognition program for children who sail with their families with the cruise line. In May, agents will be able to book insurance for groups sailing on Royal Caribbean directly with RCI instead of with their insurance carrier. For more information, visit www.royalcaribbean.com.

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About the author: Eric Lam is a Cruise Consultant of Best Cruise Spot LLC, www.bestcruisespot.com
For more information, please contact eric@bestcruisespot.com or (866) 277-8618.

Best Cruise Spot LLC was founded on the principles of creating the ultimate destination for cruise travel by integrating an innovative Web 2.0 technology with an online cruise shopping experience to deliver the most enjoyable and satisfying cruise vacation purchase experience available to online cruise shoppers worldwide. Combining with our first-class customer service and a guarantee of the lowest fares available to all of our customers, make us become one of the largest sellers of cruise vacations on the internet.

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Carnival Website Highlights $250 Million Enhancement

Carnival Cruise Lines has created a website showcasing the highlights of its recently announced $250 million "Evolutions of Fun" product enhancement initiative. Located at www.carnival.com/evolutions, the new micro-site provides a comprehensive overview of the ship refurbishment program which is resulting in a dramatic transformation of the line's eight Fantasy-class ships. Fun Ships included in the Fantasy-class are the Fantasy, Ecstasy, Sensation, Fascination, Imagination, Inspiration, Elation and Paradise.

Contained within the site are multiple images highlighting Evolutions of Fun features such as expansive facilities for children and teens, completely renovated health and fitness centers, atrium lobby bars, coffee bars, nine-hole miniature golf courses, and new production revues and updated sound and lighting systems in the main show lounges. Also highlighted are stateroom upgrades, which include new flat-screen televisions, the Carnival Comfort Bed sleep system, and dozens of interconnecting cabins.

The site also provides a preview of upcoming upgrades including expansive children's water parks, the creation of the exclusive adults-only Serenity pool areas, and a new design style and feature for the ships' pool areas. Other upgrades, incorporated fleetwide, are cell phone service and Wi-Fi Internet access. Many aspects of the Evolutions of Fun enhancements have already been completed on the Fantasy, Ecstasy and Fascination and partially executed on the Sensation, Elation and Paradise. The Imagination and Inspiration are next in line to receive the Evolutions of Fun upgrades during month-long dry docks this fall, with all Fantasy-class ships expected to be completed by 2009. For more information, call 800-327-9501 or visit www.bookccl.com.

Disney Cruise Finalizes Orders for Two Ships

Disney Cruise Line announced Monday that it has finalized a contract to build two new 124,000-ton ships. Disney Cruise Line President Tom McAlpin and Bernard Meyer, managing partner of Meyer Werft shipyard of Papenburg, Germany, signed the contract in front of several hundred cheering cast members at a Disney Cruise Line cast gathering. "This is an exciting time at Disney Cruise Line, and we are looking forward to working with Meyer Werft to build two new innovative ships that will take our immersive family-focused cruise experience to an entirely new level," McAlpin said.

Scheduled to launch in 2011 and 2012, the ships will more than double the passenger capacity for Disney Cruise Line. The new ocean liners will be significantly larger than the existing 83,000-ton ships, the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder, with 1,250 staterooms each. Disney Cruise Line was formed in 1998. The first two ships were purpose built for families to reconnect and recharge. The ships feature theaters with live musicals as well as adult-only areas and nearly an entire deck dedicated to children's activities.

Similar to the original Disney Cruise Line ships, the new ships will be modern interpretations of classic ocean liners of the 1930s. Disney Imagineers drew their inspiration from the original transatlantic ships that featured a black hull with two funnels and porthole windows. The profile of the ships, with gentle curves at the stern combined with sleek angles at the bow, is reminiscent of the art deco designs of the era. To add whimsy to the classic design, the Disney ships feature the same exterior colors as Mickey Mouse, with a black, white, red and yellow palette. The new ships will feature detailed Disney scrollwork at the bow.

Disney, which traditionally offers three-, four- and seven-night Caribbean cruises, has enjoyed strong demand for new itineraries. Trips to the Mediterranean and to the West Coast have recently set booking records within the company. "Expanding our fleet will give us the flexibility to offer a variety of itineraries in the future," McAlpin said. For more information, call 888-325-2500 or visit www.disneytravelagents.com.

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About the author: Eric Lam is a Cruise Consultant of Best Cruise Spot LLC, www.bestcruisespot.com
For more information, please contact eric@bestcruisespot.com or (866) 277-8618.

Best Cruise Spot LLC was founded on the principles of creating the ultimate destination for cruise travel by integrating an innovative Web 2.0 technology with an online cruise shopping experience to deliver the most enjoyable and satisfying cruise vacation purchase experience available to online cruise shoppers worldwide. Combining with our first-class customer service and a guarantee of the lowest fares available to all of our customers, make us become one of the largest sellers of cruise vacations on the internet.

Disney Cruise Finalizes Orders for Two Ships

Monday, April 23, 2007

Regent Seven Seas Enhances Onboard Entertainment

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has announced entirely new entertainment programming aboard three of its ships, the 700-guest Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Voyager, and 490-guest Seven Seas Navigator. The new program will debut aboard the Navigator's May 19 Mediterranean sailing and features a nine-piece orchestra, an emphasis on live musical performances and five new productions with "The Regent Singers and Dancers." "The Regent Signature Orchestra," the cruise line's new nine-piece band aboard each of the three ships, will be the largest aboard any luxury cruise line. In addition to lending concert-quality musical support to each of the production shows on board, the orchestra will be available for intimate performances as a smaller group at other times aboard the ships. For example, an evening of late-night cocktails or afternoon tea in one of the lounges may now be complemented by the soothing sounds of a live jazz quintet.

The Mariner, Voyager and Navigator will also feature a new late-night cabaret show and a line-up of five new productions, each featuring live music by the orchestra as well as a permanent cast of up to 10 singers and dancers plus a full-time ballroom dance couple. The entire cast is part of the cruise staff, meaning greater personal interaction with guests throughout each voyage. The five new shows being introduced aboard the Navigator are "Vintage Vegas," a spectacular that brings back the golden age of Las Vegas; "Motown Gold;" "They're Playing Our Song," a traditional book musical by Neil Simon with music and lyrics by Marvin Hamlisch and Carol Bayer Sager; "Jazz Legends;" and "Ballroom Bravo," a show that fuses ballroom with theatrical dance. In addition to the new shows, Regent will continue to offer a roster of headline entertainers throughout the year. Entertainment upgrades aboard the Voyager will debut aboard the Nov. 11 transatlantic crossing and aboard the Mariner's Dec. 21 Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale voyage. The new entertainment offerings are produced by Peter Grey Terhune Productions. For more information, call 866-284-4079 or visit www.TheRegentExperience.com.

Carnival's Ecstasy Earns Award for Service

Carnival Cruise Lines' 2,052-passenger Ecstasy, which underwent an extensive refurbishment last year under the first phase of the line's $250 million "Evolutions of Fun" initiative, has earned the company's Crystal Eagle award for superior guest service. The award is presented annually by Carnival to the shipboard team that receives the highest ratings from guest comment cards. To mark the occasion, a shipboard reception was held aboard the Ecstasy during which President Bob Dickinson presented Capt. Salvatore Messina with a custom-designed award that resembles an eagle. The criteria for Crystal Eagle award is best described by its acronym for "eagle" which is as follows: Exceeding Expectations; Anticipating Needs; Going the Extra Mile; Lasting Memories; Excellence in Every Aspect.

The Ecstasy's 35-day refurbishment included expansive new facilities for children and teens, a 1,200-square-foot conference center, an updated Lido restaurant and gift shop, a renovated Spa Carnival facility, new art and photo galleries, and a nine-hole miniature golf course. These amenities are all part of "Evolutions of Fun," a ship refurbishment and product enhancement initiative focusing on the line's eight Fantasy-class vessels. The Ecstasy's multimillion-dollar refurbishment also included the renovation of its 1,026 staterooms, which now feature flat-panel televisions, new wall coverings, and updated bathrooms. Future "Evolutions of Fun" initiatives include expansive new children's water parks, a new design style and features for the pool areas, and the creation of the "Serenity" adults-only deck area. The Ecstasy sails year-round from the Port of Galveston on four- and five-day cruises to Mexico. Four-day cruises depart Thursdays and call at Cozumel, while five-day voyages depart Mondays and Saturdays and visit Cozumel and Progreso/Yucatan. For more information, call 800-327-9501 or visit www.bookccl.com.

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About the author: Eric Lam is a Cruise Consultant of Best Cruise Spot LLC, www.bestcruisespot.com
For more information, please contact eric@bestcruisespot.com or (866) 277-8618.

Best Cruise Spot LLC was founded on the principles of creating the ultimate destination for cruise travel by integrating an innovative Web 2.0 technology with an online cruise shopping experience to deliver the most enjoyable and satisfying cruise vacation purchase experience available to online cruise shoppers worldwide. Combining with our first-class customer service and a guarantee of the lowest fares available to all of our customers, make us become one of the largest sellers of cruise vacations on the internet.

P&O Australia Opens to North America Bookings

Princess Cruises now is offering P&O Australia cruises for sale in North America. These voyages are offered primarily for sale in Australia and New Zealand. The voyages sail to South Pacific islands and exotic ports of call such as Pago Pago, Bora Bora, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji, the Cook Islands and Tonga, as well as Australia. Onboard, P&O has a casual Aussie atmosphere and traditional dining. Voyages are available on three ships -- the Pacific Sun, Pacific Star and the new Pacific Dawn -- which will sail on P&O Australia's largest program ever in 2007-08, its 75th anniversary season. The schedule features 95 sailings to choose from on itineraries departing from Sydney, Brisbane and Auckland.

The 2,050-passenger Pacific Dawn -- the former Regal Princess -- debuts as Australia's first "superliner" in November. The ship's first season features 10 roundtrip Sydney itineraries, ranging from seven- to 28-day sailings. Highlights include regular cruises to New Caledonia, Vanuatu and a 28-day cruise to French Polynesia, calling many Pacific Islands, including Bora Bora, Fiji, Samoa and Tonga. The 1,900-passenger Pacific Sun sails on itineraries ranging from seven to 13 days in length. Sailing roundtrip from its new homeport of Brisbane as well as Sydney, the ship features voyages not only to the South Pacific Islands, but also a week-long Queensland sailing highlighting the best of the Great Barrier Reef and surrounding areas. The 1,350-passenger Pacific Star sails from Brisbane and Auckland, New Zealand, offering South Pacific island voyages as well as cruises between Australia and New Zealand. Itineraries range from seven days up to a 21-day Australia odyssey. "Pricebreaker Discount" fares for begin at $963 per person, double occupancy, for a seven-day sailing. U.S. dollar rates apply to cruise fares only; onboard purchases will be priced in Australian dollars. For more information, call 800-PRINCESS or visit www.princess.com.

Friday, April 20, 2007

Air New Zealand Study Shows Effects of Vacationing

Air New Zealand, in collaboration with a group of former NASA scientists from a research company called Alertness Solutions, completed the first phase of a two-part study of the effects of travel. When the second phase is completed, the study will compare American travelers' perceptions of what happens to them before, during and after a vacation with what really happens to them according to data measured by physiological monitoring equipment borrowed from NASA.

Air New Zealand is calling the difference between the perception and reality "The Vacation Gap." The results of the study will be used to help Air New Zealand and others figure out "how to accelerate, extend and maximize the vacation experience," according to Rebecca Nicol, Air New Zealand's director of marketing for the Americas. Gus Gilmore, vice president of Air New Zealand said the results will be used to "identify and explore new ways to accelerate the vacation mindset and extend it for travelers once they return."

The first part of the study was an online survey recording consumer perceptions of what happens on a vacation. The survey questions were carefully matched with the physiological monitoring process in order to create a basis for comparison between perception and reality. Respondents worked an average of nine to 10 hours and rated their stress levels as "moderate" to "extreme."

Among the results of the questionnaire, nearly 70 percent said they believed doctors should be able to write prescriptions for vacations. More than half said extended time off results in as much as a 25 percent increase in work productivity. Fifty-one percent said they would be willing accept reduced benefits, daily breaks, pay or holiday time if it meant they could have more annual vacation time. Fifty-nine percent said they felt like they were on vacation even before they arrived at the destination, but 51 percent said they begin to feel like they were never on vacation only two days after returning to their normal routines and stress levels. In the second part of the study, 10 travelers were wired with electronic monitoring devices before, during and after the 12-hour flight from the U.S. to New Zealand. While the results of the survey portion are complete, the data from the physiological monitoring will take several weeks to analyze, according to Nicol. For more information on Air New Zealand, visit www.airnewzealand.com.

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About the author: Eric Lam is a Cruise Consultant of Best Cruise Spot LLC, www.bestcruisespot.com
For more information, please contact eric@bestcruisespot.com or (866) 277-8618.

Best Cruise Spot LLC was founded on the principles of creating the ultimate destination for cruise travel by integrating an innovative Web 2.0 technology with an online cruise shopping experience to deliver the most enjoyable and satisfying cruise vacation purchase experience available to online cruise shoppers worldwide. Combining with our first-class customer service and a guarantee of the lowest fares available to all of our customers, make us become one of the largest sellers of cruise vacations on the internet.

Royal Princess Departs on Inaugural Voyage

Princess Cruises' Royal Princess welcomed its first passengers Thursday, as it set sail on its maiden voyage from Barcelona under the command of the line's senior master, the recently appointed Commodore Michael Fatchen. The 710-passenger vessel, which takes the name of a former Princess ship, debuts with a series of "Elite Mediterranean" cruises that feature a variety of new itineraries and ports. Royal Princess' first "Mediterranean Interlude" voyage features calls in Marseille, Florence/Pisa, Elba, Palermo, and Mallorca. Upcoming voyages include a number of interesting new "explorer" destinations, including four ports appearing for the first time in Princess routes: Ravenna, Italy; Split, Croatia; Kotor, Montenegro; and Canakkale (for Troy), Turkey -- all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Royal Princess itineraries will also take travelers to the Crimean coast, Egypt and the Holy Land.

A former Renaissance Cruises vessel and sister ship to the Tahitian Princess and Pacific Princess, the 30,200-ton Royal Princess offers passengers a boutique version of Princess' acclaimed onboard options, including dining and entertainment choices and a large number of cabins with private balconies. The Royal Princess will feature the line's new culinary enhancements, including the Chef's Table dinner experience, new dining room menus, enhanced buffet service, and a number of special treats such as an afternoon cookies and milk and in-cabin delivery of pizza. The ship also features Sabatini's Trattoria, Sterling Steakhouse, the Lotus Spa and 24-hour room service, including private balcony dining. Suites were renovated with new décor and furnishings. The ship also has an upgraded show lounge, new carpet and upholstery, and premium mattresses and bedding. For more information, call 800-PRINCESS or visit www.princess.com.

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About the author: Eric Lam is a Cruise Consultant of Best Cruise Spot LLC, www.bestcruisespot.com
For more information, please contact eric@bestcruisespot.com or (866) 277-8618.

Best Cruise Spot LLC was founded on the principles of creating the ultimate destination for cruise travel by integrating an innovative Web 2.0 technology with an online cruise shopping experience to deliver the most enjoyable and satisfying cruise vacation purchase experience available to online cruise shoppers worldwide. Combining with our first-class customer service and a guarantee of the lowest fares available to all of our customers, make us become one of the largest sellers of cruise vacations on the internet.

Thursday, April 19, 2007

Carnival Conquest to Host Mind/Body Cruise

Carnival Cruise Lines, "Shape" magazine and "Men's Fitness" magazine have partnered to sponsor the fourth annual Mind/Body Cruise to be held Dec. 2-9 aboard the Carnival Conquest. The cruise will operate round-trip from Galveston, Texas, and call at Montego Bay, Grand Cayman and Cozumel. It will offer a variety of fitness, nutritional, and wellness classes and seminars. The fitness and relaxation classes include an aerobic workout to the sound of live drums and a daily sunset meditation session on the ship's Lido Deck. The Mind/Body Cruise also offers cooking demonstrations and nutritional workshops, all hosted by personal trainers, and nutrition and health experts. These experts will also be on hand for one-on-one consultations and Q&A sessions.

Participating experts include Jacqui Stafford, an executive director at "Shape" magazine; Teri Hanson, assistant fitness editor for Weider Publications; Jon Giswold, who teaches group exercise classes at Reebok/Sports Club New York and other locations; Jeffrey Scott, a Reebok University global master trainer and an international fitness presenter; Kent and Maria Burden, authors of the book, "Yin Yang Fitness: The Whole Package of Health;" Misty Tripoli, a Nike Elite Instructor; and Jim Stoppani, senior science editor for "Muscle & Fitness," "Muscle & Fitness Hers" and "Flex" magazines. Prices begin at $659 per person based on double occupancy and include all Mind/Body Cruise activities. Agents must reference fare code CSSH when making the reservation. For additional information, call 800-327-9501 or visit www.bookccl.com.

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About the author: Eric Lam is a Cruise Consultant of Best Cruise Spot LLC, www.bestcruisespot.com
For more information, please contact eric@bestcruisespot.com or (866) 277-8618.

Best Cruise Spot LLC was founded on the principles of creating the ultimate destination for cruise travel by integrating an innovative Web 2.0 technology with an online cruise shopping experience to deliver the most enjoyable and satisfying cruise vacation purchase experience available to online cruise shoppers worldwide. Combining with our first-class customer service and a guarantee of the lowest fares available to all of our customers, make us become one of the largest sellers of cruise vacations on the internet.

Princess Debuts 200 New Europe Adventures

Princess Cruises is offering nearly 200 new shore excursions to its European program. The new additions to the line's Adventures Ashore program offer options for food enthusiasts, wine and spirit lovers, historians, art aficionados, pilgrimage seekers, race car fans, movie lovers, families and explorers of all kinds. In total, Princess features more than 800 intriguing tour choices throughout Europe. In addition to the many new tours, this year Princess also debuts a new tool in its shore excursion booklets -- an "Excursions at a Glance" section. This feature categorizes each port's tours into one of four types-Explorer (full-day tours), Traveler (half-day excursions), Adventurer (for active travelers) and Elite & Overland (Elite Collection tours offer an intimate group setting, while Overland tours offer unique, multi-day experiences). This chart is found in the front of each Europe shore excursion booklet.

Among the many new tours debuting this season are a private tour that includes a visit to the Nobel Museum in Stockholm and lunch in the City Hall Cellar Restaurant, visits to the factory museums at Ferrari and Lamborghini, a visit to the Absolut Ice Bar and Old Town in Stockholm, and a tour in the steps of the movie "The Godfather" in Messina. For a more in-depth experience in select locations, Princess offers multi-day Grand Overland Adventures which includes at least two full days of travel, hotel accommodations and meals. Passengers disembark the ship in one port and rejoin it in another. Two new overland tours debut this season, including the Holy Land Experience between Ashdod and Haifa and the Grand Brussels Overland between Rotterdam and Zeebrugge.

Princess also has added several new tours designed with families in mind. The Family Adventure with Boat Trip allows families to sail along the Bosporus in a private yacht and visit the Blue Mosque and the Underground Cistern, plus refreshments at a Turkish tea house and shopping in the Grand Bazaar. Another family outing from Kusadasi lets parents and kids explore the ruins of ancient Ephesus together, followed by an afternoon at a private beach club. Princess shore excursions can be reserved in advance through the Cruise Personalizer on www.princess.com or by phone. Princess' 2007 Europe season offers 81 departures on 31 itineraries, calling at 110 ports. Five ships sail in Europe this season, ranging from 710 to 3,070 passengers, to destinations as varied as Iceland and Egypt. Two vessels, Royal Princess and Emerald Princess, make their Princess debuts, as do five new boutique itineraries. The extended Europe season runs through Dec. 3. For more information, call 800-PRINCESS or visit www.princess.com.

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About the author: Eric Lam is a Cruise Consultant of Best Cruise Spot LLC, www.bestcruisespot.com
For more information, please contact eric@bestcruisespot.com or (866) 277-8618.

Best Cruise Spot LLC was founded on the principles of creating the ultimate destination for cruise travel by integrating an innovative Web 2.0 technology with an online cruise shopping experience to deliver the most enjoyable and satisfying cruise vacation purchase experience available to online cruise shoppers worldwide. Combining with our first-class customer service and a guarantee of the lowest fares available to all of our customers, make us become one of the largest sellers of cruise vacations on the internet.

Royal Caribbean Takes Delivery of Liberty of the Seas

Royal Caribbean International took delivery of its newest Freedom-class ship, Liberty of the Seas, from Aker Yards during a ceremony Wednesday in Turku, Finland. The ship makes its U.S. debut on May 3. The Liberty will be the first in Royal Caribbean's fleet to showcase new wellness, family and wedding programming, which will be rolled out fleet-wide. Liberty shares the title of world's largest cruise ship with sister ship, Freedom of the Seas, which launched in May 2006. The revamped Vitality wellness program promotes healthy vacations through a variety of fitness, spa, shore excursion and culinary offerings, including Tai Chi, acupuncture, wellness seminars and even a soothing signature scent.

Adventure Theater by Camp Broadway, New York City's famed children's theater group, introduces kids and teens to the theatrical arts with folk tales, music, dance and cultural elements. Scratch DJ 101 classes allows teens to hone turntable skills in sessions hosted by professionals from New York City's Scratch DJ Academy. Also, the Crown & Anchor Society Youth Program is the industry's first loyalty program designed for cruisers under age 18. Members will enjoy frequent cruiser rewards such as the Youth Ultimate Value Booklet, which includes puzzles, games, and special onboard offers to Ben & Jerry's, Challenger's Arcade, and Y-spa, the line's teen spa treatment menu. Also new are the Build & Grow with Lowe's program and Chefs on Deck by Fisher-Price. Explorer Weddings gives thrill-seekers the option of tying the knot on an Alaskan glacier, in a hot-air balloon or on Liberty's FlowRider surf simulator, to name a few.

At 160,000 tons with a capacity of 3,634 guests double-occupancy, Liberty of the Seas also boasts the FlowRider surf attraction, the H2O Zone water park, a full-size boxing ring and a 14-person family suite. Royal Caribbean's new Freedom-class ships will be joined by a third, the Independence of the Seas, in 2008. Liberty will depart on Saturdays and Freedom on Sundays from Miami and will alternate between seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. Both itineraries include a call at Royal Caribbean's private destination Labadee, Haiti. Liberty's Western Caribbean itinerary calls in Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Montego Bay. The Eastern Caribbean itinerary calls in San Juan and St. Maarten, allowing for a third day at sea. For more information, call 800-327-2056 or visit www.cruisingpower.com.

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About the author: Eric Lam is a Cruise Consultant of Best Cruise Spot LLC, www.bestcruisespot.com
For more information, please contact eric@bestcruisespot.com or (866) 277-8618.

Best Cruise Spot LLC was founded on the principles of creating the ultimate destination for cruise travel by integrating an innovative Web 2.0 technology with an online cruise shopping experience to deliver the most enjoyable and satisfying cruise vacation purchase experience available to online cruise shoppers worldwide. Combining with our first-class customer service and a guarantee of the lowest fares available to all of our customers, make us become one of the largest sellers of cruise vacations on the internet.

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Carnival Destiny to Boost St. Kitts' Arrivals

The St. Kitts Tourism Authority announced that its cruise arrivals will increase by over 70 percent in 2008. This increase is largely due to the addition of the Carnival Destiny to the island's cruise ship roster, which will be the first cruise ship to call at St. Kitts on a weekly year-round basis. The Carnival Destiny will bring 130,000 passengers next year to St. Kitts, beginning with its first call on Jan. 10, 2008. The ship will spend a full day in port, allowing passengers the maximum amount of time to explore St. Kitts. "We are approaching the 400,000 annual passenger milestone in the growth of St. Kitts' cruise tourism industry," said Ricky Skerritt, Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Culture. "However, increasing the number of passenger arrivals is not our biggest concern. We are more concerned about seasonality, sustainability and the quality of visitor experience and visitor expenditure."

Located in the northern Leeward Islands of the Caribbean, St. Kitts' tourism attractions include hiking through the tropical rainforest, riding the scenic railway that connects the island's sugar plantations, touring Brimstone Hill Fortress, the only man-made UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Eastern Caribbean, wreck diving and the more traditional vacation pastimes such as water sports, golf, shopping, tennis, gourmet dining, shopping downtown, gaming at St. Kitts' exclusive casino or simply relaxing on one of the island's sandy beaches. Call 800-582-6208 or visit http://www.stkitts-tourism.com/.

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About the author: Eric Lam is a Cruise Consultant of Best Cruise Spot LLC, www.bestcruisespot.com
For more information, please contact eric@bestcruisespot.com or (866) 277-8618.

Best Cruise Spot LLC was founded on the principles of creating the ultimate destination for cruise travel by integrating an innovative Web 2.0 technology with an online cruise shopping experience to deliver the most enjoyable and satisfying cruise vacation purchase experience available to online cruise shoppers worldwide. Combining with our first-class customer service and a guarantee of the lowest fares available to all of our customers, make us become one of the largest sellers of cruise vacations on the internet.

Discovery World Offers Free Air to Antarctica

Discovery World Cruises is featuring free round-trip economy-class air transportation from U.S. gateways on two select 2007-08 winter cruises that visit Antarctica, the Falkland Islands and South Georgia. Typically, Discovery combines exotic itineraries with hotel stays to create cruise-tour vacations. The 20-night "Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia," trip, departing Nov. 26, includes three hotel nights in Buenos Aires before joining the ship in Ushuaia, the world's southernmost town. Passengers will cruise to West Point and Port Stanley in the Falklands and on to South Georgia, home of King penguins. Three ports in South Georgia -- Grytviken, Elsehul and Gold Harbour -- will offer the opportunity to set foot on Antarctica and participate in small-boat sightseeing around the shoreline. Early booking fares start at $5,295 per person. The 15-night "Antarctica I," departing Dec. 12, 2007, includes three nights in Buenos Aires. Passengers will cruise past the grand icescapes of Antarctica and go ashore for an up-close encounter with the rare wildlife. Early booking fares start at $4,550 per person. Discovery World Cruises' free air promotion offers round-trip air from its 26 North American gateway cities. For more information, call 866-623-2689 or visit www.discoveryworldcruises.com.

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About the author: Eric Lam is a Cruise Consultant of Best Cruise Spot LLC, www.bestcruisespot.com
For more information, please contact eric@bestcruisespot.com or (866) 277-8618.

Best Cruise Spot LLC was founded on the principles of creating the ultimate destination for cruise travel by integrating an innovative Web 2.0 technology with an online cruise shopping experience to deliver the most enjoyable and satisfying cruise vacation purchase experience available to online cruise shoppers worldwide. Combining with our first-class customer service and a guarantee of the lowest fares available to all of our customers, make us become one of the largest sellers of cruise vacations on the internet.

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Crystal Cruises Plans Tribute to Character Actors

Crystal Cruises will pay tribute to character actors: the villains, sidekicks and familiar faces that have made their mark on film and theatre history. Aboard the line's Aug. 31 Film & Theatre Festival voyage on Crystal Symphony, the tribute features noted actor Bruce McGill, along with theatre lecturers, producer Steven Rivellino and author and historian Robert Kimball. A departure from the typical crossing, the 14-day transatlantic cruise will call in Dublin, Ireland; Reykjavik, Iceland; Nuuk, Greenland; and Halifax, Nova Scotia. Bruce McGill's film resume includes pivotal roles in "Cinderella Man," "Collateral" and "The Insider," among dozens of others.

In addition to McGill's work, the ship will screen films of other great scene-stealers, complemented by pre- and post-movie commentary by an expert moderator. Film and theatre enthusiasts will also be treated to panel discussions, lectures, daily movie trivia contests and a social "name that movie tune" cocktail party. As vice president and general manager of Radio City Music Hall, producer Rivellino has produced The Grammy Awards, MTV Music Video Awards, and concerts starring Frank Sinatra and Madonna. Currently preparing "Rizoma" to open on Broadway next season, Rivellino will share insights on "The Business of Broadway Trends," "Tonys and Tickets" and "Radio City Music Hall, the Showplace of the Nation." Theater historian, author and Grammy Award nominee Kimball is artistic adviser to both the Gershwin Trusts and the Cole Porter Trusts, and a consultant on musical theatre to the Library of Congress. He will regale Crystal guests with talks on Berlin cabaret, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, the Gershwins in Hollywood, and the music of Frank Loesser. Fares begin at $4,745 per person, double occupancy. The cruise starts in London and concludes in New York. For more information, call 800-446-6620 or visit www.crystalcruises.com.

Carnival Corp. Boosts Dividend, Discusses Growth Plans

Carnival Corp. & plc held its annual shareholders meeting in Southampton, U.K., Monday and announced a 27 percent increase in its regular quarterly dividend from 27.5 cents per share to 35 cents. The announcement was made by Carnival Vice Chairman and COO Howard Frank, who noted that since the company's merger with P&O Princess Cruises in April 2003, Carnival Corp. has more than tripled its dividend with the latest increase.

"This dividend increase reflects our management's confidence in the future of our business," Frank said. "Carnival Corp. & plc is in the uniquely enviable position of being able to aggressively pursue our growth strategies-both through our $11 billion newbuilding program and developing new markets in Europe and Asia-while still generating the cash flow to return more added value to our shareholders in the form of increased quarterly dividends and our share buy-back program."

Since 2005, Carnival has repurchased $1.2 billion of its shares. "Carnival remains committed to its previously stated policy of returning excess cash to shareholders by increasing dividends as our earnings grow, as well as continuing our stock repurchase program opportunistically," Frank said. "We have approximately $770 million remaining under our previously authorized stock repurchase program."

Frank also discussed the company's growth plans which are focused on its newbuilding program but also include a number of initiatives aimed at growing existing markets and expanding internationally. Carnival's five core business regions -- U.S., UK, Germany, Italy and Spain -- "all offer tremendous growth potential because of their favorable demographics and low penetration levels," Frank said.

In 2006, North America accounted for 70 percent of Carnival Corp. & plc's passenger base with Europeans and the rest of the world accounting for the remaining 30 percent. Frank said that by 2010, this ratio is expected to shift to 60 percent North Americans and 40 percent Europeans and the rest of the world as the company continues to expand operations beyond North America. "In North America we plan to add eight ships from 2007 through 2010," he said. "While North America remains our largest market, we have intensified our efforts at growing our European business, both through strategic alliances with existing travel companies in the region, as well as an aggressive newbuilding program that will introduce 12 new ships for our European brands through 2010."

Other growth initiatives include a planned new cruise joint venture in Germany with TUI AG, the world's largest tour company, to develop, market and operate two cruise brands -- Carnival's existing AIDA Cruises and a new TUI Cruises brand -- both designed for the German-speaking holiday market. Carnival also has a planned joint venture in Spain with Orizonia Corporación, Spain's largest travel company which operates its own cruise fleet under its Iberojet division, to operate and expand the existing Iberojet Cruceros brand in Spain. The joint venture will grow that fleet over the next several years through the acquisition of existing tonnage from Carnival's current fleet.

Since the company's merger with P&O Princess Cruises in 2003, annual cash flow from operations has nearly doubled from $1.9 billion to $3.6 billion. Over the past four years, the company has funded $9 billion in new ship construction all through its own cash flow, according to Frank. Frank also recapped the line's 2006 performance during which Carnival Corp. & plc achieved record earnings of $2.3 billion on record revenues of $11.8 billion. The boards of directors approved a record date for the dividend of May 18, 2007, and a payment date of June 8, 2007. Holders of Carnival Corp. common stock and Carnival plc ADSs will receive the dividend payable in U.S. dollars. The dividend for Carnival plc ordinary shares will be payable in U.S. dollars or sterling. As a dual-listed company, traded on both the New York and London stock exchanges, Carnival alternates the site of its annual shareholder meeting each year between venues in the U.S. and U.K. For more information, visit www.carnivalcorp.com.

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About the author: Eric Lam is a Cruise Consultant of Best Cruise Spot LLC, www.bestcruisespot.com
For more information, please contact eric@bestcruisespot.com or (866) 277-8618.

Best Cruise Spot LLC was founded on the principles of creating the ultimate destination for cruise travel by integrating an innovative Web 2.0 technology with an online cruise shopping experience to deliver the most enjoyable and satisfying cruise vacation purchase experience available to online cruise shoppers worldwide. Combining with our first-class customer service and a guarantee of the lowest fares available to all of our customers, make us become one of the largest sellers of cruise vacations on the internet.

NCL Unveils Plans for Largest European Deployment

NCL Corp. announced that it will place three of its newest Jewel-class ships in Europe beginning in March 2008 in response to increased consumer demand for European cruises. Norwegian Jade will join sister ships Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Jewel in Europe in 2008. Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Jewel itineraries will go on sale April 17 and Norwegian Jade's itineraries will go on sale April 24. Norwegian Jade (formerly Pride of Hawaii) will be the first to arrive in Europe at the end of March 2008, staying through the end of November. The ship will sail a mix of 12-, 13- and 14-day Eastern and Western Mediterranean cruises, beginning with a number of 12-day cruises departing from Barcelona, Istanbul, and Athens (Piraeus) with a variety of ports including Rome (Civitavecchia), Naples, and Venice, Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Ephesus, Turkey; Mykonos, Santorini, Iraklion, Crete, Corfu and Katakolon, Greece; and Alexandria, Egypt. Norwegian Jade will then reposition from its spring Mediterranean base to Southampton for a series of cruises to the Mediterranean, North Cape, Western Europe and British Isles.

In an NCL first, Norwegian Jade will offer several sailings out of the U.K. designed specifically for the local U.K. market, departing roundtrip from Southampton. These include a pair of two-day sampler cruises and four 14-day Western Mediterranean cruises roundtrip from Southampton with stops in Malaga, Spain; an overnight in Barcelona; Nice, France; Florence/Pisa and Rome, Italy; Gibraltar; Lisbon, Portugal; and Vigo, Spain. Norwegian Jade's 12-day North Cape itinerary roundtrip from Southampton will cruise the North Sea with several stops in Norway, cross the Arctic Circle and cruise by the Svartisen Glacier. The ship's 13-day Around the British Isles and Northern Europe itinerary roundtrip from Southampton will visit France, England, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium. Two 13-day Western Europe itineraries will sail between Southampton and Barcelona and visit Nice, Florence/Pisa, Rome, Naples, Cagliari, Granada Gibraltar, Seville, Lisbon and Vigo.

Norwegian Gem arrives in Europe in early May after a winter season in New York and will sail seven-day Western Mediterranean cruises roundtrip from Barcelona through Nov. 9, 2008. The Western Mediterranean itinerary includes stops in Valletta, Malta; Naples, Rome, and Florence/Pisa, Italy; and Nice. Returning for its third season in Europe in early May, Norwegian Jewel will replace Norwegian Dream, sailing a Baltic Capitals itinerary roundtrip from Dover through mid-September. The 12-day sailings will run from May 5 through Aug. 23 with stops in Copenhagen, Denmark; Berlin (Warnemunde), Germany; Tallinn, Estonia; two days in St. Petersburg, Russia; Helsinki, Finland; and Stockholm, Sweden. On Aug. 9, the ship will offer a two-day sampler cruise from Dover specifically designed for the U.K. market. A final 13-day sailing departing on Sept. 4 will include a stop in Oslo, Norway. Detailed information on Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Gem's European itineraries will be available in the next few days on http://www.ncl.com/.

NCL Set to Rename, Reflag Pride of Hawaii

NCL Corp. said it will rename and reflag the Pride of Hawaii before moving it into European deployment. The company will reflag the vessel from U.S. registry into the Bahamas registry and rename it Norwegian Jade after a short wet dock in Honolulu in February 2008. The ship will continue to operate seven-day roundtrip Honolulu cruises through the Jan. 28, 2008 cruise. The ship will enter wet dock on Feb. 6 when it will receive modifications including the addition of a casino and new hull artwork. The renamed ship will be showcased during inaugural events in both Los Angeles and Miami. After a series of repositioning cruises, the ship will arrive in Barcelona for its first 12-day cruise beginning on March 30, 2008. Detailed information on Norwegian Jade's European itineraries will be available next week at www.ncl.com.

Monday, April 16, 2007

Celebrity Cruises Opens 2008 Bookings

Celebrity Cruises has opened 2008 bookings for its Alaska, Hawaii, Pacific Northwest and Panama Canal seasons as well as for some 2009 sailings. The Celebrity Infinity will bookend her Alaska season with "Ultimate Alaska" itineraries. The first is an 11-night itinerary northbound from San Francisco on April 28, 2008, arriving in Vancouver on May 9. The second is southbound out of Vancouver on Sept. 19, 2008, with a 14-night itinerary that arrives in San Francisco on Oct. 3. Both sailings feature ports of call in Alaska and British Columbia; the southbound trip includes stops in Washington and Oregon.

The Celebrity Millennium will kick off its 2008 Alaska season with a 14-night "Ultimate Alaska" itinerary, sailing roundtrip from San Francisco on May 5. On May 19, Celebrity Millennium will sail an 11-night West Coast and Alaska cruise from San Francisco to Vancouver. The Millennium offers another 14-night "Ultimate Alaska" sailing on Sept. 22 from Vancouver to San Diego. The Celebrity Mercury will sail a 14-night "Golden Gate to Alaska" cruise from San Francisco to Vancouver on April 27. Between May and September, Celebrity Infinity will sail seven-night Hubbard Glacier itineraries roundtrip from Seattle. Celebrity Millennium will alternate between seven-night northbound and southbound sailings between Seward and Vancouver. During the same months, Celebrity Mercury will sail seven-night Hubbard Glacier itineraries roundtrip from Vancouver before an eight-night trip from Vancouver to Seattle on Sept. 14. Before the Alaska season, Celebrity Mercury will sail three seven-night and one eight-night Pacific Coastal cruises roundtrip from San Francisco beginning March 29, 2008, with stops in Oregon, Washington and British Columbia. The eight-night itinerary also visits Monterey, Calif.

At the end of the 2008 Alaska season, Celebrity Mercury will offer three- and four-night Pacific Northwest sailings roundtrip out of Seattle. On Oct. 13, Celebrity Mercury will sail a nine-night wine cruise from Vancouver to San Diego, featuring stops in British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and California, including an overnight stay in San Francisco. On Sept. 19, the Millennium will present a three-night British Columbia cruise roundtrip from Vancouver. On March 16, 2008, Celebrity Mercury will sail a 12-night Hawaii cruise from Honolulu to Ensenada, featuring overnight stays in both Honolulu and Kailua Kona, Hawaii. On Oct. 6, 2008, the Millennium will sail an 11-night Hawaii cruise from Ensenada to Honolulu, featuring overnight stays in Lahaina and Honolulu. On Oct. 22, Nov. 6, and Dec. 19, 2008, and on Feb. 28 and March 15, 2009, Celebrity Mercury will sail 15-night Hawaii itineraries roundtrip out of San Diego. The November sailing features an evening sail around Mount Kilauea, and the October and December sailings include an overnight in Lahaina, Maui. On April 13, 2008, Celebrity Infinity will sail a 15-night Panama Canal cruise from Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco, with stops in Jamaica, Colombia, Costa Rica and Mexico. On April 20, 2008, Celebrity Millennium will sail a 15-night Panama Canal cruise from Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco. Celebrity Infinity will sail a 16-night Panama Canal cruise from San Francisco to Fort Lauderdale on Oct. 3, 2008. Celebrity Infinity will also sail two 14-night Panama Canal cruises from Fort Lauderdale to San Diego on Oct. 19, 2008, and March 29, 2009, and a 13-night Panama Canal cruise from San Diego to Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 2. Celebrity Mercury will sail a 14-night Panama Canal itinerary from San Diego to Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 21, 2008, and return west on another 14-night sailing between the same cities on Dec. 5. In 2009, Celebrity Mercury will sail transcanal sailings between Fort Lauderdale and San Diego on Jan. 3, Jan. 17, Jan. 31, Feb. 14 and March 30. For more information, call 800-437-3111 or visit www.celebritycruises.com.

Royal Caribbean Announces 2008-2009 Itineraries

Royal Caribbean International this week opens bookings for 2008-09 for Alaska, Caribbean, Mexico and Hawaii cruises. Included in the lineup is a second year-round ship in Los Angeles. Liberty of the Seas and Freedom of the Seas will alternate seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean roundtrips from Miami. Liberty will sail on Saturdays, and Freedom on Sundays. The Mariner of the Seas will alternate Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, which will depart every Sunday from Port Canaveral. Prices for seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean voyages begin at $599 per person, double occupancy. The Adventure of the Seas offers seven-night roundtrips from San Juan. Through April 2009, travelers can choose from two itineraries going as far south as Barbados. Prices for Southern Caribbean cruises begin at $649. From Fort Lauderdale, four- and five-night Western Caribbean are being offered on Enchantment of the Seas or the Voyager-class Navigator of the Seas. Three- and four-night Bahamas itineraries will be operated by the recently revitalized Majesty of the Seas, sailing roundtrip from Miami, and the Sovereign of the Seas, roundtrip from Port Canaveral. Prices for three-, four- and five-night Caribbean cruises start at $279.

From Los Angeles, the Vision of the Seas will sail every Sunday on seven-night Mexican Riviera voyages. Monarch of the Seas will offer three- and four-night Baja cruises. Prices for Mexican Riviera cruises start at $239. In early and late summer 2008, Royal Caribbean offers five itineraries to Hawaii. Radiance of the Seas will operate one eastbound and one westbound 10-night cruise between Ensenada and Honolulu. In addition, Serenade of the Seas and Radiance together will offer three 15-night Hawaii itineraries roundtrip from San Diego. Hawaii cruises start at $1,399. Also in summer 2008, Royal Caribbean offers more than 55 voyages to Alaska. Radiance will take guests on seven-night north- and southbound itineraries between Vancouver and Seward. Rhapsody of the Seas returns to Seattle cruising on seven-night "Alaska Fjords & Glacier" voyages and Serenade of the Seas will sail a seven-night roundtrip itinerary from Vancouver visiting Hubbard Glacier. Both Radiance and Serenade will each offer a 14-night "Ultimate Alaska" voyage. Alaska cruises start at $749. The company also offers 20 pre- and post-cruise Alaska land packages. For more information, call 800-327-2056 or visit www.cruisingpower.com.

Friday, April 13, 2007

Boston to Start 2007 Cruise Season April 15

The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) announced that the 2007 cruise season officially begins on April 15 with the arrival of the Saga Ruby for an overnight call. This year's season runs through Dec. 17. So far, 103 ship calls with roughly 250,000 travelers are anticipated this year at Cruiseport Boston. Fifteen cruise lines offer an assortment of New England/Canada, Bermuda, Caribbean, and trans-Atlantic itineraries. New this year to the Port of Boston will be the inaugural visit by Norwegian Cruise Line's new Norwegian Gem. The 2,400-passenger, 93,000-ton ship is one of nine brand-new cruise ships entering the North American market.

Other new ships to Boston include the Norwegian Spirit, Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas and Explorer of the Seas, and Classic International Cruises' Athena. "This cruise season promises to be a busy one with a 20 percent increase over last year in leisure travelers through Cruiseport Boston," said Mike Leone, Massport's port director. "This is good news for Boston's local restaurants, shops, and attractions."

Last fall, Massport issued a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) to developers and cruise lines for construction of a new cruise terminal in South Boston. A modern two terminal/berth facility would complement and enhance the emerging Seaport District, and accommodate the consistent growth of Boston's cruise industry since the first cruise ship called in the 1980s. Several cruise lines have expressed interest in calling at Boston year-round. The Saga Ruby will be berthed at Cruiseport Boston's Black Falcon Terminal beginning at 7 p.m. April 15, and will depart at 6 p.m. April 16. Viewing is prohibited from the pier; the best opportunity to view the ship is on the Summer Street Bridge over the Reserved Channel in South Boston. The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) operates Boston Logan International Airport, the Port of Boston, Tobin Memorial Bridge, Hanscom Field and Worcester Regional Airport. For more information, visit www.massport.com.