After nearly six years in the making, Royal Caribbean International proudly took delivery today of its newest and most revolutionary cruise ship, Oasis of the Seas, from STX Europe in Turku, Finland. Kicking off the 12-day countdown until her U.S. debut into Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009, Oasis of the Seas will be departing Turku on Friday, Oct. 30 with Captain William S. Wright at the helm. Her transatlantic crossing will be chronicled on OasisoftheSeas.com as new webisodes are posted daily and via Twitter by following @OasisandAllure.

A new feature to OasisoftheSeas.com will allow visitors to view a Google Maps application and follow Oasis of the Seas journey. Richard Fain's "Chairman's Blog" on OasisoftheSeas.com and "Adam's Blog" by President and CEO Adam Goldstein on NationofWhyNot.com also will provide personal updates.

The cruise line that revolutionized the industry with the FlowRider surf simulator, ice-skating rinks, cantilevered whirlpools, rock climbing walls and the Royal Promenade, an entertainment boulevard stretching nearly the length of the ship, is poised to unveil a range of new attractions and engineering marvels onboard Oasis of the Seas. The ultimate expression of Royal Caribbean's legacy of imagination and innovation, Oasis of the Seas introduces unique industry "firsts" including a neighborhood concept - seven themed areas providing guests with the opportunity to seek out relevant experiences based on their personal style, preference or mood. Within these seven neighborhoods - Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone - are extraordinary elements such as the first park at sea, a thrilling zip line that races diagonally nine-decks above an open-air atrium, an original handcrafted carousel, 28 multilevel urban-style loft suites boasting floor-to-ceiling windows, an aquatic amphitheater - called the AquaTheater that serves as a pool by day and a dazzling ocean front theater by night; and an array of epicurean innovations that allow for new culinary experiences each day of a guest's cruise vacation.

This November, just in time for the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday, Oasis of the Seas will be unveiled on ABC's "Good Morning America" who will be there to welcome her into her home port in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. as well as give viewers an exclusive first glimpse of the ship during a special live broadcast on Friday, Nov. 20.

The official naming ceremony for Oasis of the Seas will take place on November 30 during a one night inaugural celebration-fundraiser to benefit the non-profit Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. Tickets for the once-in-a-lifetime event begin at $750 per person and guests who wish to continue their adventure onboard will receive an exclusive discount price, beginning at $650 per person, on a four-night cruise package sailing to the cruise line's private beach destination, Labadee, departing the morning following the event on Dec. 1 (rates based on double-occupancy and stateroom package). For reservations to this exclusive event combined with the four-night sailing, contact Cynthia Paez, Royal Caribbean International, at (877) 202-1520, ext. 12751, or cpaez@rccl.com.

Bookings are also available for Oasis of the Seas' inaugural sailing departing on December 5. The inaugural sailing will include exclusive entertainment and gifts for guests to commemorate the special occasion.

Oasis of the Seas is the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. An architectural marvel at sea, she spans 16 decks, encompasses 225,282 gross registered tons, carries 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and features 2,700 staterooms. Oasis of the Seas is the first ship to tout the cruise line's new neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which includes Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone. The ship will sail from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Additional information is available at www.OasisoftheSeas.com.

Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 21 ships currently in service and one under construction. The line also offers unique cruise tour land packages in Alaska, Canada, Dubai, Europe, and Australia and New Zealand. For additional information or to make reservations, call your travel agent, visit www.royalcaribbean.com or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN. Travel professionals should go www.cruisingpower.com or call (800) 327-2056.

SOURCE Royal Caribbean International

Cruise spending is up in a down economy in destinations visited by cruise line-members of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association.

Cruise tourism boosted revenues for ports and businesses in Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean in one of the gloomiest financial years since the Great Depression, according to an FCCA-commissioned study from Business Research and Economic Advisors.

BREA reported that FCCA-regional cruise tourism in 2008-2009 generated more than $2.2 billion in direct expenditures, 56,000 jobs and $720 million in employee wages among 29 destinations surveyed.

"This certainly is wonderful news, but it doesn't surprise me," Michele M. Paige, FCCA president, told association members attending the 16th Annual Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association's Conference and Trade Show in St. Lucia. "FCCA members are known for seeing opportunities -- not obstacles."

FCCA Chairman Micky Arison agreed. "No industry is recession-proof, but the cruise industry traditionally has been recession-resistant," said Arison, chairman and CEO of Carnival Corporation & plc.

The new study analyzed spending by passengers, crew members and cruise lines in destinations ranging from the Caribbean islands, Mexico, Central America and South America, said Andrew Moody, Ph.D., president of the Exton, PA-based research group. Among BREA's findings:

• Cruise passengers (17.56 million) spent $1.71 billion in 29 participating destinations. An average of 52 percent of passengers bought shore excursions, generating $328 million in total payments to tour operators. Passengers also bought watches and jewelry ($634 million); clothing ($168 million) and other goods and services ($164 million).
• Crew members (3.24 million) spent nearly $289 million in the 29 destinations, mostly for clothing, food and beverages, as well as jewelry, electronics, perfumes and cosmetics.
• Cruise lines spent an estimated $279.9 million in participating destinations for port fees and taxes, utilities, navigation services and ship supplies.
  

"These expenditures have a direct impact on local employment and wages," Moody said. "Local businesses... create additional jobs and income."

BREA-surveyed destinations included Antigua & Barbuda; Aruba; The Bahamas; Barbados; Cayman Islands; Curacao; Dominica; Dominican Republic; Grenada; Jamaica; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Kitts and Nevis; St. Lucia; St. Maarten; St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Trinidad and Tobago; Turks and Caicos and U.S. Virgin Islands in the Caribbean; Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas, Cozumel, Ensenada and Huatulco in Mexico; Belize, Costa Rica, Honduras and Nicaragua in Central America, and Cartagena, Colombia, in South America.

Paige noted that polled passengers said they enjoyed their cruises, a strong indication that they are likely to cruise again in the region and spend money.

"Establishing relationships among member lines and the public and private sectors of partner destinations was the reason we founded the FCCA," Paige said. "Never has it been more important for cruise and travel partners to link arms and share ideas. That's the spirit behind the conference we're attending here in St. Lucia."

A complete copy of the Economic study can be downloaded from the FCCA at: http://www.f-cca.com/study.

 

SOURCE Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association

Through Cunard's partnership with the Tribeca Film Festival, film industry veterans to be featured as Cunard Insights speakers

As part of Cunard's partnership with the Tribeca Film Festival, the iconic ocean liner company will be pleased to welcome acclaimed filmmakers Griffin Dunne and Gary Winick on the 11 November Transatlantic Crossing from Southampton to New York aboard Queen Mary 2. This year, Cunard was recognized as the Official Cruise Line of the Tribeca Film Festival, of which both film industry insiders have been active participants for a number of years. With this upcoming sailing, they join a distinguished list of luminaries and tastemakers that have sailed a legendary voyage with Cunard, operator of The Most Famous Ocean Liners in the World.

During the Crossing, Dunne and Winick will . . . To view this release in its entirety, please click here.

Cunard Line, operator of the luxury ocean liners Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, has long been synonymous with the quest for new discoveries and the epitome of British refinement since the company's first paddle-wheeled steamer, Britannia, crossed the Atlantic in 1840. Cunard voyages bring together like-minded travelers who seek a civilized adventure and relish the Cunard hallmarks of impeccable White Star Service(TM), gourmet dining and world-class entertainment. Today, Cunard offers the only regularly scheduled Transatlantic liner service and continues the legacy of world cruising which it began in 1922. Queen Elizabeth joins the fleet in October 2010.

Cunard Line is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. The exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to quality and value, member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Together they offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.

Cunard also can be found on:

Facebook: http://facebook.com/cunard

Twitter: http://twitter.com/CunardLine

Blog: http://www.WeAreCunard.com

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/wearecunard

Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cunard

SOURCE Cunard

For the week ending Tuesday, October 20, Crystal Cruises announces a surge of new bookings for 2010 since the luxury line announced reduced and value-added pricing. The ultra-luxury line enjoyed a 70% increase in new bookings since four weeks ago.

Additionally, Crystal reports more than a 100% increase in booking revenue for 2010 versus the same time last year for 2009.

On September 21, Crystal announced new 2010 pricing with Two-for-One fares, All Inclusive - As You Wish spending credits and a price guarantee for all cruises plus Free Air for most cruises and even Free Business Class air for Penthouse accommodations on European cruises. The new pricing resulted in an average of 8.3% lowered cruise-only pricing - and nearly a 20% reduction on some Mediterranean cruises.

Crystal Cruises enjoyed more good news this week when it was voted the "Best Large-Ship Cruise Line" by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler magazine for a record 16th year. In addition to an overall winning score of 92.7, Crystal outscored all other large-ship lines for its service/crew, itineraries/schedules, food/dining and design/layout.

"Experienced travel agents and discerning travelers have been telling us our new offers are very compelling and I'm delighted to report they've kept our Reservations and Sales staff very busy," said Gregg Michel, Crystal's president. "For years, reputation and destination have been leading drivers for guests making their vacation decisions. In this economy, strong value is also a key ingredient."

Crystal Cruises just published its 2010 Cruise Guide and expects to have 2010 Cruise Atlases in the marketplace within a week. The new materials detail Crystal Symphony's and Crystal Serenity's global itineraries and the new pricing.

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625, or visit crystalcruises.com.

SOURCE Crystal Cruises

When Royal Caribbean International officially names Oasis of the Seas - the world's largest and most revolutionary cruise ship - on Nov. 30, 2009 from Port Everglades Cruise Terminal in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., the renowned cruise line will be doing more than making wishes come true for vacationers, it will be granting wishes for children across the country through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Royal Caribbean will be hosting an inaugural celebration-fundraiser onboard Oasis of the Seas and has donated 100 percent of the sales from 1,000 of the ship's staterooms for this once-in-a-lifetime event to the non-profit Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. Tickets for the event begin at $750 per person. Guests who purchase one of the staterooms and wish to continue their adventure onboard will receive an exclusive discount price, beginning at $650 per person, on a four-night cruise package sailing to the cruise line's private beach destination, Labadee, departing the morning following the event on Dec. 1 (rates based on double-occupancy and stateroom package).

Wish kids and their families will participate in the onboard festivities during the celebration on Nov. 30, including the official naming ceremony of Oasis of the Seas, and will enjoy the ship's world-class entertainment amenities during the spectacular inaugural event. Onboard amenities for guests' enjoyment will include two rock-climbing walls, two FlowRider surf simulators, four unique types of pools in the Pool and Sports Zone, spa treatments at the Vitality Spa and Fitness Center, and an acrobatic diving show in the AquaTheater. Additionally, guests will enjoy a special dinner featured in the Opus Dining Room after which they can catch side-splitting comics in Comedy Live, relax in one of the ships many lounges, or join in world-class gaming in the Casino Royale.

The Make-A-Wish celebration-fundraiser is part of Royal Caribbean's ongoing support of the organization. Since 2000, the cruise line has hosted more than 1,300 children who wished to go on a cruise to destinations around the world and has contributed more than $2.8 million in in-kind services and $372,000 in discount savings through its Wishes at Sea program. Through employee and guest fundraising efforts, Royal Caribbean has also raised more than $480,000 and 460,000 frequent flier miles, used to secure airline tickets for children's wish travel and help the Make-A-Wish Foundation conserve critical financial resources.

"The generosity of sponsors like Royal Caribbean has greatly enhanced our ability to grant life-affirming, world-class wishes and is critical to the mission of the Make-A-Wish Foundation to bring hope, strength and joy into the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions," said David Williams, Make-A-Wish Foundation of America president and chief executive officer. "We hope that people across the nation will support the Foundation by joining us for this special inaugural cruise celebration and fundraising effort, enabling us to bring smiles to the faces of even more children - children who are waiting for wishes."

Anyone interested in attending the Nov. 30( )festivities and/or booking the exclusively discounted four-night cruise to Labadee departing Dec. 1 should contact Cynthia Paez, Royal Caribbean International, at (877) 202-1520, ext. 12751, or cpaez@rccl.com, Monday - Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST.

When she launches in December 2009, Oasis of the Seas will be the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. An architectural marvel at sea, she will span 16 decks, encompass 225,282 gross registered tons (GRT), carry 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and feature 2,700 staterooms. Oasis of the Seas will be the first ship to tout the cruise line's new neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which includes Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone. The ship will sail from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Additional information is available at www.oasisoftheseas.com.

SOURCE Royal Caribbean International

Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world's most treasured destinations, announces its "30 Sailings for 30 Days" sale. For only 30 days, Windstar will offer special rates on 30 cruises in 2010.

The sale begins October 15, 2009, with a choice of 7-day sailings on the 312-guest Wind Surf and the 148-guest Wind Star and Wind Spirit. Special rates on these sailings begin at $1,849 per person, double occupancy. Wind Surf's April 18, 2010, sailing starts at $1,649 per person, double occupancy.

Wind Surf Sailings:

    4/18/10 Rome to Athens              8/08/10 Rome to Nice
    ----------------------------------- --------------------------------------
    4/25/10 Athens to Rome              8/22/10 Barcelona to Nice
    ----------------------------------- --------------------------------------
    5/30/10 Rome to Rome                8/29/10 Nice to Rome
    ----------------------------------- --------------------------------------
    6/20/10 Venice to Venice            9/12/10 Venice to Venice
    ----------------------------------- --------------------------------------
    7/04/10 Rome to Nice                9/19/10 Venice to Rome
    ----------------------------------- --------------------------------------
    7/18/10 Barcelona to Rome           9/26/10 Rome to Nice
    ----------------------------------- --------------------------------------

Wind Star Sailings:

    3/06/10 Costa Rica Roundtrip        7/31/10 Istanbul to Athens
    ----------------------------------- --------------------------------------
    3/20/10 Costa Rica Roundtrip        10/23/10 Rome to Rome
    ----------------------------------- --------------------------------------
    7/03/10 Athens to Rome              10/30/10 Rome to Barcelona
    ----------------------------------- --------------------------------------
    7/10/10 Rome to Rome                11/06/10 Barcelona to Lisbon
    ----------------------------------- --------------------------------------
    7/17/10 Rome to Athens
    -----------------------------------

Wind Spirit Sailings:

    3/13/10 St. Martin Roundtrip        10/23/10 Athens to Rome
    ----------------------------------- --------------------------------------
    5/08/10 Nice to Rome                10/30/10 Rome to Rome
    ----------------------------------- --------------------------------------
    5/15/10 Rome to Rome                11/06/10 Rome to Barcelona
    ----------------------------------- --------------------------------------
    7/17/10 Venice to Venice            11/13/10 Barcelona to Lisbon
    ----------------------------------- --------------------------------------
    7/24/10 Venice to Athens
    -----------------------------------

Offer is not combinable with any other promotions/programs, except for CLIA's "World's Largest Cruise Night" $50 per person shipboard credit promotion. Taxes additional. Offer is capacity controlled and may be withdrawn or modified at the discretion of Windstar. Offer valid on new bookings between October 15 and November 14, 2009.

Windstar has been recognized by notable names in the travel world. Celebrated Living, American Airlines' prestigious publication for first class passengers, named Windstar Cruises "Best Small-Ship/Mid-Ship Cruise Line" on their 2009 Platinum List for the third time in a row. Windstar received a "Favourite Small-Ship Cruise Line" award in the U.K.'s Conde Nast Traveller's 2009 Readers' Travel Awards and was listed in their "Top 100 of the Best the Travel World has to Offer." Windstar has also earned top honors in Travel + Leisure's "World's 2009 Best Awards," and was lauded among "The World's Best Small Ships" by Conde Nast Traveler.

SOURCE Windstar Cruises

Crystal Cruises announces an inspired collection of 2010 Experiences of Discovery theme cruises designed to enrich more than two dozen Crystal cruises with a special-interest focus. Special classes, events and, in most cases, shoreside options will augment voyages throughout the Middle East, Australia/New Zealand, Europe and beyond.

A new Science & Technology focus joins Crystal classic favorites including Crystal's Wine & Food Festival (set for seven cruises, with two back-to-back options); Mind, Body & Spirit; Jazz; Golf; Film & Theater Festival; and Big Band. Additionally, Crystal's annual President's Cruise adds special programming and events in celebration of the line's 20th anniversary of luxury cruising.

"The 2010 Experiences of Discovery offer guests more in-depth exploration of an array of topics that suit most any interest," said Bill Smith, senior vice president, sales and marketing.

In focus for 2010 are:

*NEW* Science & Technology - Guest expert lecturers focus on the world's latest scientific developments on a winter Caribbean itinerary.

Emerging Artists - Tomorrow's stars shine today through Crystal's exclusive partnership with The Music Center Los Angeles, showcasing the brightest talent on two European cruises.

Wine & Food Festival - World-renowned culinary experts share techniques and specialties on Australia/New Zealand, Mediterranean and Mexican Riviera voyages.

Mind, Body & Spirit - Wellness experts focus on yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates and general fitness on Asia/Indian Ocean, Mexican Riviera and Transatlantic voyages.

Golf - PGA pros offer onboard and shoreside tips and play at exclusive courses in New England/Canada.

Fashion & Style - Personal style consultations with designers and stylists, fashion shows, films and lectures showcase European fashion.

Film & Theater Festival - Guest film experts salute film and theater on a Pacific Ocean crossing.

Jazz - Live performances and discussions about musical legends jazz up South America and Mexican Riviera itineraries.

Big Band - Swing to live daily performances, music lecturers, and extra dance hosts on an Atlantic Ocean crossing.

President's Cruise - Crystal's President Gregg Michel hosts Special Crystal 20th Anniversary events on board and ashore on a Red Sea journey.

Experiences of Discovery programs complement Crystal's exclusive ongoing Creative Learning Institute, which presents language classes through Berlitz, keyboard instruction through Yamaha, and stimulating guest lecturers from the Crystal Visions Lecture Program.

SOURCE Crystal Cruises

In yet another industry first, Crystal Cruises is partnering with the Travel Channel Academy to teach its guests how to produce, direct and edit professional travel films.

Taught by Travel Channel producers and directors, the comprehensive curriculum mirrors the Academy's respected land-based program, embellished with camera equipment and editing software available exclusively to Crystal guests. The Academy is the only travel-focused digital filmmaking workshop on the planet. As the only cruise line to offer a version of the program at sea, Crystal is encouraging travelers to combine their passion for travel and film to become video travel journalists. Crystal's onboard Creative Learning Institute is introducing the workshops on the February 9, 21-day Cape Town-to-Mumbai "Safaris and Saris" segment of the ultra-luxury line's World Cruise.

"Storytelling is one of the great joys of travel," says Thomas Mazloum, Crystal's senior vice president of hotel operations. "This Crystal Cruises filmmaking experience is the kind of sophisticated enrichment our guests appreciate, enabling them to professionally document, relive and share the intangible adventures that inspire them to travel."

Via personalized and group instruction from nine Travel Channel professionals, guests will learn both the basic processes and finer nuances of developing travel documentaries, using their own adventures and stories as subject matter, during two distinct, comprehensive classes in travel filmmaking. The "Master Class" is a three-week intensive session during which participants will shoot, edit and produce two individual one-minute films, plus a three-minute group effort. The weeklong option, "How to Make Great Travel Videos," teaches the same skills in producing professional short travel videos, and help guests develop their own one-minute project.

Each person will have the opportunity to play the role of director, cameraperson, writer and editor, with the best videos selected at an awards ceremony during the cruise and shown on the Travel Channel Academy in-stateroom TV network. Guests can also submit their completed works to the Travel Channel and possibly showcase them on one of the network's many outlets. Master Class students will also learn how to market their documentaries.

"Research shows that consumer interest in and usage of travel video continues to rise, and since launching the Travel Channel Academy in 2007, we have now trained over 1000 people in the art of digital filmmaking and editing," said Adam Sutherland, vice president of business development, Travel Channel. "Since The Academy's inception, it was always our goal to identify partners who could help us grow the business and continue to build a base of skilled travel video journalists with the potential to take on projects for the network. Partnering with Crystal Cruises is a great way for us to build Travel Channel Academy awareness and reach, while providing Crystal's customers with useful skills they can apply while enjoying the splendors of cruising. It's a great fit for both parties, and one we feel will really resonate with Crystal's passengers."

No experience or technical knowledge is necessary to enroll in the program. Included in the $1,995 cost for the three-week course is hands-on training with Travel Channel Academy experts; and all equipment, including cameras, Apple computers, and Final Cut Pro video editing software, all of which runs several hundred dollars extra for the land-based course. Guests can opt for the shorter class for $495. Pre-registration is encouraged, as space is extremely limited.

In addition to Cape Town and Mumbai, the voyage visits Durban and Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Zanzibar, Tanzania; Mahe/Victoria, Seychelles; Male, Republic of Maldives; and Cochin and Marmagao, India. With two-for-one fares, the 21-day cruise starts at $13,190 per person, double occupancy, and offers a $500 per person 'All Inclusive - As You Wish' spending credit. Free air is included if the voyage is combined with another World Cruise segment.

Source: Crystal Cruises

MSC Cruises is offering a complimentary balcony stateroom upgrade from an interior stateroom on select Caribbean cruises for bookings made by October 16, 2009, providing savings up to 60 percent on a Caribbean cruise vacation.

Rates for this special "Fall Promotion" begin at $899 per person when booking an interior stateroom. Guests booking this promotion will be upgraded to a balcony stateroom on select 10-night cruises to the Southern and Eastern Caribbean and Panama on MSC Poesia, which debuts in the U.S. with Caribbean sailings for the 2009-10 season.

The special rates are for new bookings made by October 16, 2009, while space is available, on the following 10-night Caribbean itineraries of MSC Poesia departing from Fort Lauderdale:

• Baseball Greats Cruise featuring Bob Feller, Frank Howard, Cito Gaston, Stan Bahnsen and Bill Russell to the "Dazzling Dutch Caribbean & The Panama Canal" Southern Caribbean, calls at Willemstad, Curacao; Oranjestad, Aruba; Cartagena, Colombia; Cristobal, Panama; and Playa del Carmen, Mexico; departs Nov. 20. Fare: $949
• "Tropical Splendors, European Charm," Eastern Caribbean, calls at San Juan, Puerto Rico; Basseterre, St. Kitts; Bridgetown, Barbados; Fort de France, Martinique; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and Nassau, Bahamas; departs Nov. 30. Fare: $899
• Les DeMerle Big Band Cruise to the "Remarkable Rainforests & The Panama Canal," Panama, calls at Georgetown, Grand Cayman; Cartagena, Colombia; Cristobal, Panama; Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; and Playa del Carmen; departs Dec. 10. Fare: $899
  

Cruise-only rates are per person based on double occupancy for U.S. and Canadian residents. Government fees and taxes for all guests are additional; restrictions apply. Children ages 17 and younger sail free when sharing a stateroom with two full-fare-paying adults.

Check out our website for a wide array of theme cruises at www.MSCCruisesUSA.com. All cruises offer just a $100 deposit on all sailings and itineraries.

Source: MSC Cruises

Once again, the cruise line known for recognizing, indulging and celebrating its guests is teaming up with the magazine known for celebrating the world of great food and sharing it with others. In December of this year, Celebrity Cruises' new Celebrity Life Savor Series and Bon Appetit will present their second at-sea experience focusing on the joys of cooking and dining: a seven-night Eastern Caribbean voyage on Celebrity Solstice, the stylish and innovative flagship of Celebrity's newest class of ships.

Building on the success of April's joint program during which the magazine and the cruise line offered a Mediterranean experience on Celebrity Summit, and playing off Celebrity's new Celebrity Life program of onboard activities, the Bon Appetit cruise will take place on the 2,850-guest vessel that elevated the cruise industry's approach to style and design. Celebrity Solstice will depart Fort Lauderdale, Florida on December 13, 2009, on a round-trip voyage that includes calls at San Juan, Puerto Rico; Basseterre, St. Kitts; and Philipsburg, St. Maarten.

The featured guest chef will be one of the foremost chefs in the U.S., Chef Marc Murphy, owner and executive chef of three popular New York City restaurants: Landmarc [TriBeca], Landmarc [at the Time Warner Center] and Ditch Plains. Renowned for his mastery of rustic French and Italian dishes, Chef Murphy will offer guests a comprehensive gastronomic experience.

Chef Marc Murphy

Onboard, Chef Murphy will bring his own flair to the voyage's culinary, enrichment and entertainment activities, as well as partner with Celebrity's own team of highly accomplished chefs. Chef Murphy will lead several culinary demonstrations and share his experiences via two enrichment lectures. During the cruise, Celebrity will feature special custom dishes inspired by Chef Murphy in addition to the traditional menu served in the Grand Epernay Dining Room.

Celebrity's most loyal guests, members of the line's Captain's Club program, will be offered the opportunity to participate in a shore excursion with Chef Murphy (on a space-available basis).

The seven-night sailing will also feature food and wine trivia, a recipe contest, a cooking class and an interactive cooking competition.

Travelers are encouraged to visit www.celebritycruises.com/bonappetit for more details.

In July, Celebrity Cruises launched Celebrity Life, in tandem with the arrival of the brand-new Celebrity Equinox, the second Solstice Class ship. Celebrity Life offers guests a new series of palate-pleasing, intellectually-enriching and life-enhancing programs designed to deliver the most unique and sophisticated onboard experience in premium cruising.

Built on long-established pillars of the Celebrity brand - dining, enrichment, and wellness - Celebrity Life encompasses three distinct program categories: "Savor," "Discover," and "Renew."

Guests sailing on Celebrity Solstice will enjoy a resort-like experience at sea through the brand-defining, industry-first attributes introduced with the ship's launch in 2008, including The Lawn Club, a half-acre country-club atmosphere featuring real, growing grass; 10 dining venues including several created by noted hospitality designer Adam Tihany, and all featuring menus pairing classic and contemporary selections created by noted chef, restaurateur and Celebrity's Vice President of Culinary Operations Jacques Van Staden; AquaClass, the line's spa-inspired staterooms offering exclusive access to the Mediterranean-influenced specialty restaurant, "Blu"; the industry's first Hot Glass Show at sea, presented in collaboration with The Corning Museum of Glass; larger, more intuitive staterooms influenced by a panel of five "boomer" women with unique travel and hospitality insights, and widely varied entertainment, including spectacular shows in partnership with Poet Theatricals.

Source: Celebrity Cruises