Luxury cruise specialist Crystal Cruises reports that soaring sales for its 2010 cruises continued through the end of January. Bookings for the month were 205% greater than for the same month in 2009. Additionally, to date, new-to-Crystal guests booked for 2010 are 89% of totals for all of 2009.

The update comes shortly after announcing record bookings for its week ending January 11 and its highest January sales in more than five years for same year bookings.

Where do luxury travelers want to go in 2010?

• Crystal's European cruises are generating some of the strongest sales farthest out. Understandable, since the line has more than 30 different itineraries in Northern, Western and Eastern Europe, including cruises to the Black Sea, British Isles, Greek Isles, Dalmatian Coast, Baltic, French and Italian Rivieras, North Cape and Canary Islands in its cruise collection.
• Crystal Symphony's new holiday cruise in Hawaii is expected to sell out soon.
• Crystal's fall Canada/New England season is booking at impressive 2007 and 2008 levels and approximately 30% ahead of last year at this time. Many of Crystal's huge base of Crystal Society members (repeat guests) have added one of the new seven-day fall Mexican Riviera cruises to their travel plans because they are only seven days and cruise roundtrip from Los Angeles.
• While the booking window is increasing (travelers booking farther out), there continues to be substantial close-in reservations - even for very exotic two-week cruises. Of the line's two Australia/New Zealand cruises, one is completely full, while the second is continuing to book closer in.

"The close-in booking patterns for 2009 are shifting dramatically," says Bill Smith, Crystal Cruises' senior vice president, sales & marketing. "Savvy travelers and travel agents recognize the value and reputation of Crystal's luxury cruising in 2010, and that we deliver an incomparable experience of service, space, quality and choices. Along with the strong bookings from new Crystal guests, our very loyal Crystal Society members continue to come back - discovering Crystal's many new itineraries and voicing overwhelming compliments for the major redesign of Crystal Symphony."

Adds Smith, "I'd like to think it was Crystal's 20th anniversary that is bringing everyone out this year, but it's probably our guests' pent up demand to celebrate their own anniversaries, birthdays, family getaways, reunions, special interest trips and the emotional enrichment of travel that is nearer and dearer to their vacation hearts."

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

SOURCE Crystal Cruises

Cunard Line, operator of the most famous ocean liners in the world, is pleased to announce a partnership with The Juilliard School that will present stellar jazz performances on select 2010 eastbound Transatlantic Crossings aboard Queen Mary 2. Students and faculty from Juilliard, which has set America's standard for education in the performing arts, will perform programmes in the ship's Royal Court Theatre, treating guests to the best in classic and contemporary jazz. These presentations are part of Cunard's entertainment and award-winning enrichment programme, which showcases a variety of compelling entertainers - from new and emerging world-class talent to today's most enduring and iconic artists. Last August, Juilliard Jazz scholar Jumaane Smith became the first student from the school to take the stage onboard Queen Mary 2, presenting a trumpet recital that proved to be very popular with the voyage's guests.

The Juilliard School established this country's standard for education in the performing arts, beginning with music in 1905. In 1951, its Dance Division was established, with combined training in contemporary and ballet technique. Juilliard became part of Lincoln Center in 1968, and added a four-year drama program. A residence hall - the School's first - was completed in 1990, and in 2001, Juilliard broke new ground with the addition of its jazz program; a graduate program in Historical Performance begins in Fall 2009, the same year that Juilliard inaugurates its partnership with the Metropolitan Opera's Lindemann Young Artist Development Program. As Juilliard commences its second century of excellence, it is expanding its facilities with a 39,000 square-foot addition, due for completion in 2009. Currently more than 800 young artists from 39 states (plus Washington, D.C.) and 46 foreign countries attend Juilliard. For more information, visit Juilliard's Web site at www.juilliard.edu.

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.

SOURCE Cunard Line

Distinctly Disney Experiences, Exclusive Tours and Rich Storytelling Bring One-of-a-Kind Excursions to Life

In 2010, Disney Cruise Line will offer the most diverse itineraries in the line's history - sailing Mediterranean, Northern European, Caribbean and Bahamian routes. With a wide variety of European itineraries, Disney Cruise Line is working closely with local tour operators to create family-friendly Port Adventures that allow guests to best experience these culturally rich and exotic locales.

All Port Adventures will offer impeccable Disney guest service and are designed to entertain and inspire both children and adults - in true Disney fashion. Added touches such as more scheduled breaks, complimentary snacks and beverages, and fun port journals for kids are provided on all Disney Cruise Line Port Adventures.

While every port of call will offer Port Adventures for families to enjoy together, many tours integrate separate activities for children and adults. While kids are engaged in age-appropriate activities supervised by youth counselors from the ship, parents are given the opportunity to explore cultural sites and points of interest in greater depth.

For the 2010 European season, each itinerary will include at least one tour that features distinctly Disney touches, beloved characters and rich storytelling to help bring local culture and customs to life. Itineraries also will showcase authentic cultural experiences in intimate, upscale settings during Signature Collection tours.

Some of the Port Adventures exclusive to Disney Cruise Line guests include:

Distinctly Disney

At one port of call, on both Mediterranean and Northern European itineraries, a magical, one-of-a-kind experience brings local history and stories to life with the help of some Disney friends.

For example, in St. Petersburg, Russia, the majestic Catherine Palace provides the setting for an elaborate Royal Ball. The noble estate served as Russia's imperial family summer residence for more than 200 years, but on this Port Adventure it is Disney Cruise Line guests who are treated like royalty.

Catherine Palace is the stage for a grand gala hosted by Disney princesses such as Cinderella, Snow White and Belle. Arriving by horse-drawn carriages, the princesses and their princes will entertain guests in the gilded Grand Ballroom.

Live musicians and royal courtiers resplendent in period costumes and powdered wigs add to the ambiance and lead guests in song, dance and regal revelry.

Something for Everyone

At many ports of call during the 2010 European season, at least one Port Adventure will bring youth counselors from the Disney Magic ashore to join the tour and direct special activities for children. While kids are enjoying "mini adventures" designed just for them, adults on the tour continue on with a more in-depth exploration of the destination. Everyone reconnects later in the tour to share their experiences.

During a tour of Florence, families experience city highlights together then divide into separate groups for their own style of fun. Children spend about an hour honing their skills as the next Michelangelo as they create their own traditional Italian fresco painting. During this time, parents are free to explore the rest of the impressive Palazzo Vecchio and take a deeper dive into the masterpieces of this Florentine palace.

Family Adventures

Unique to Disney Cruise Line, one-of-kind family adventures will be offered at select ports of call. These immersive, interactive tours allow families to experience the sites and culture of the destination in a fun and entertaining way while spending quality time together.

In one instance, the Sidi Bou Said Treasure Hunt in Tunis guides families throughout focal points of this popular destination by following clues. This entertaining quest brings to life the culture, sites, sounds and flavors of the city.

As part of this Port Adventure, families visit a traditional Tunisian house, learn about the origin of Sidi Bou Said from a local storyteller, receive a hand-painted henna tattoo, bargain with local merchants for a keepsake water vessel, sip freshly prepared mint tea and get their name written in Arabic as a souvenir.

Signature Collection

Signature Collection tours are found on all Disney Cruise Line itineraries and will be available as part of the 2010 European season. These exclusive tours are customized for guests seeking deluxe experiences ashore in intimate, upscale settings.

In Florence, the Tuscan Cooking School and Wine Tasting takes guests on a northern Italian culinary journey. An authentic Tuscan farmhouse is the venue where guests learn how to create delectable Tuscan cuisine using fresh, local ingredients.

An Italian chef provides one-on-one instruction and guides the hands-on participation. Guests then enjoy their culinary creations such as antipasto, grilled meats, pasta, focaccia and cantucci - traditional Tuscan almond biscotti. A sampling of wines bottled onsite at the farmhouse provides the perfect pairing to the regional feast.

SOURCE Disney Cruise Line

Steeped in ancient wellness practices, Thailand, Myanmar and India are featured destinations on Crystal Cruises' April 26 "Mind, Body and Spirit" Experiences of Discovery voyage. Optional Crystal Adventures explore the spiritual heritage of the region via personal meetings with Buddhist monks, therapeutic spa rituals and a visit to a meditation center, while guest health experts share insights on life balance, Tai Chi, yoga and family health.

Enlightening experiences ashore include:

• Myanmar - A rare conversation with the monks of the World of Buddhist Institute, plus famed meditation center Chanmyay Yeiktha Monastery.
• Phuket - Detoxifying Cheraim Spa experience using natural oils and tea. Also, Wat Chalong Temple (pictured below), the largest of Phuket's 29 Buddhist monasteries.

Specialists include:

• Jim Karas - Acclaimed fitness expert will help guests develop a "Business Plan for the Body";
• Dr. Martin Lee - Founder of the Tai Chi Cultural Institute will teach classes and lecture on youthful longevity;
• Dr. Donald B. Ford - Cleveland Clinic expert will address family health and the latest research;
• Sandy Shaner - Yoga expert will lead classes in the ancient discipline;
• Susanne Sweeny - Author will speak to how to turn stress into strength;
• Susan King - Intuitive counselor will highlight the soul faction of the mind-body-soul connection.

"The connection between mind, body and spirit is fundamental to the culture of Asia and India," says Thomas Mazloum, senior vice president, hotel operations. "The programming on board and ashore provides the unique opportunity to examine physical and spiritual health with today's top experts, in a destination with a centuries-long wellness heritage."

Guests can also enjoy Crystal Symphony's Feng Shui-inspired Spa & Fitness Center, 360-degree Promenade deck for walking or jogging, new Nordic Poles walking program, indoor cycling classes and acupuncture treatments. Tropical fruit, fresh fish and salads, low-calorie and low-carb selections are available throughout. Even cocktails include only the freshest fruit purees and juices.

The 16-day voyage visits Singapore; Phuket, Thailand; Yangon/Rangoon, Myanmar; Cochin and Mumbai, India; and Dubai, UAE. Two-for-one cruise fares start at $7,390 per person, double occupancy, including $1,000 per person All Inclusive - As You Wish shipboard credits and complimentary air transportation from more than 20 North American gateways.

SOURCE Crystal Cruises

Zagat recently released the results of its first cruise line survey revealing that travelers named Crystal Cruises as their "favorite" among mid-sized ships. The ultra-luxury line was also the winner for Top Facilities and Top Activities.

The survey, conducted on ZAGAT.com, covers 22 major cruise lines as voted on by 2,379 regular cruisers.

The announcement comes less than a month after Conde Nast Traveler readers voted Crystal Cruises as the "Best Large-Ship Cruise Line" for a 16th year and, in August, Travel + Leisure readers voted the ultra-luxury line as the "World's Best" for a 14th consecutive year. Crystal Cruises has also recently been awarded Best Luxury Line by editors at Cruise Critic, trade magazines and leading travel agents.

"We are very pleased that experienced cruisers are rating Crystal as their favorite," says Gregg Michel, president of Crystal Cruises. "The choices of sophisticated facilities and the array and quality of activities aboard Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity are resonating with guests who want their port experience embellished with an interesting and fulfilling shipboard experience."

Crystal Cruises' ultra-luxurious Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony are renowned for their service, space, quality and choices, as well as innovations and value. In 2010, Crystal Cruises celebrates its 20th anniversary with an array of value-added promotions, including two-for-one pricing, up to $1,000 per person All Inclusive - As You Wish spending credits, free airfare with most cruises and a price guarantee. The ships sail worldwide on itineraries through the Mediterranean, Australia/New Zealand, Southeast Asia, India, Middle East, Baltic, British Isles, North Cape, Africa, South America, Panama Canal, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera and New England/Canada. New seven-day cruises in 2010 complement a variety longer itineraries offer more choices to sample the line's lauded Crystal Experience.

SOURCE Crystal Cruises

Cunard, Regent and SeaDream Are Top Rated, Respectively, for Large, Mid-Size and Small Ships While Royal Caribbean, Crystal and Windstar are Most Popular in Each Size Category

Carnival Wins for Budget Travel and Singles; Disney for Families, Nightlife and Entertainment

When it Comes to Top Itinerary Choices, Romance, Shopping, Spas and Casinos, Cunard Sweeps

Zagat released the results of its first Cruise Line survey today. The survey, conducted on ZAGAT.com, covers 22 major cruise lines as voted on by 2,379 regular cruise-goers who had taken 9.5 trips, each averaging nine days. All told the surveyors had taken a total of 22,700 separate cruises.

"The survey reveals what the cruise line industry is doing plenty right, but that there's still room for improvement," said Tim Zagat, CEO of Zagat Survey. "Hopefully, these new results will help consumers during a time when making informed decisions is more important than ever."

Background: The cruise lines in the survey were categorized as follows: Large Ships (1,500+ passengers), Mid-Size Ships (200 to 1,500) and Small Ships (less than 200), based on the average size of the ships in its fleet. Each line was then rated on Zagat's signature 30-point scale for five aspects of its performance: (1) Cabins, (2) Service, (3) Dining, (4) Facilities and (5) Shipboard Activities, with an "Overall Score" based on an average of the five separate ratings.

Smooth Sailing: The top cruise lines, based on their Overall Scores, are Cunard Line (Large), Regent Seven Seas (Mid-Size) and SeaDream Yacht Club (Small). Lines with mid-size ships tended to get the highest overall ratings. Thus, following Regent were Crystal, Seabourn and Silversea all with a score of 26 out of a possible 30. Following with overall rating of 25 are Cunard and Disney. Based on their ratings, the major category winners are as shown below:

                   Large (1,500+)  Mid-Size (200 to 1,500)  Small (<200)
                   -------------  ----------------------   -----------
    Top Rooms          Cunard              Regent            SeaDream
    ---------          ------              ------            --------
    Top Service        Cunard             Seabourn           SeaDream
    -----------        ------             --------           --------
    Top Dining         Cunard             Seabourn           SeaDream
    ----------         ------             --------           --------
    Top Facilities     Cunard              Crystal           SeaDream
    --------------     ------              -------           --------
    Top Activities     Disney              Crystal           Lindblad
    --------------     ------              -------           --------
    Top Overall        Cunard              Regent            SeaDream
    -----------        ------              ------            --------

When asked to name their personal favorites, the surveyors chose Royal Caribbean (Large), Crystal Cruises (Mid-Size) and Windstar Cruises (Small).

Setting Course: When choosing a cruise line, 88% of surveyors say that Ports of Call is their principal consideration, with Past Experience (81%) and Ticket Price (80%) following close behind. Other major issues are Cruise Duration (72%), Dates (69%) and Balcony/Deluxe Room Availability (64%). Departure Ports are cited by 61% of surveyors, with Ship Size and Activities tying at 58%.

Staying Afloat: As a result of the recession, many lines lowered their prices. The three named as "best for budget cruises" are Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line in that order. When asked how the economy has affected their cruising, 47% say they're looking for better values, while 23% report cruising less. Surveyors report these alternate ways to be cost-conscious: 20% are limiting their excursions, 19% are choosing cruises that depart closer to home, 15% cut back on what's included in their packages, 10% choose less expensive rooms and 5% take shorter cruises. A lucky 18% say the recession hasn't affected their cruising habits, while an unlucky 19% say they "don't cruise enough to have habits yet."

Choppy Water: Although cruising is all about feeling good and relaxing, we asked surveyors about their top complaints: crowds/lines (23%), embarking/disembarking (15%), other passengers' behavior (12%), bad food (11%), poor service (11%), room sizes (5%), smoking (4%) and extra charges (3%). Surprisingly, bad weather, motion sickness, ship size and fixed dining times were not serious concerns.

More Winners: Other categories with smoother sailing are as follows:

    Top Fitness Centers              Top Live Entertainment

    1.  Celebrity Cruises            1.  Disney Cruise Line
    2.  Cunard Line                  2.  Cunard Line
    3.  Royal Caribbean              3.  Royal Caribbean


    Top Nightlife                    Top Spa Services

    1.  Disney Cruise Line           1.  Cunard Line
    2.  Royal Caribbean              2.  Disney Cruise Line
    3.  Cunard Line                  3.  Celebrity Cruises


    Top Onboard Shopping             Top Casinos/Gambling

    1.  Cunard Line                  1.  Cunard Line
    2.  Disney Cruise Line           2.  Royal Caribbean
    3.  Royal Caribbean              3.  Celebrity Cruises


    Top Excursions                   Best for Singles

    1.  Princess Cruises             1.  Carnival Cruise Lines
    2.  Celebrity Cruises            2.  Royal Caribbean
    3.  Cunard Line                  3.  Norwegian Cruise Line


    Top Itinerary Choices            Best for Romantic/Honeymoon

    1.  Cunard Line                  1.  Cunard Line
    2.  Holland America Line         2.  Celebrity Cruises
    3.  Celebrity Cruises            3.  Princess Cruises


    Best for Kids                    Best for Weekend Getaways

    1.  Disney Cruise Line           1.  Disney Cruise Line
    2.  Royal Caribbean              2.  Royal Caribbean
    3.  Carnival Cruise Lines        3.  Carnival Cruise Lines


    Best for Families                Best for Budget Cruises

    1.  Disney Cruise Line           1.  Carnival Cruise Lines
    2.  Royal Caribbean              2.  Costa Cruises
    3.  Carnival Cruise Lines        3.  Norwegian Cruise Line


    Best for Seniors                 Best for Expedition Cruises

    1.  Holland America Line         1.  Celebrity Cruises
    2.  Cunard Line                  2.  Princess Cruises
    3.  Celebrity Cruises            3.  Holland America Line

The Survey in Detail: Please visit (www.zagat.com/cruiselines) for the full survey results. Here's a sampling of outtakes from our surveyors, which were deemed 'not fit for print.'

"A conga line is not conducive to good digestion."

"No activities for anyone who isn't an alcoholic seeking random sex."

"They cater to the newly wed and nearly dead."

"Great if you like hairy chest contests."

"A rust bucket filled with rowdy people."

"The more you booze, the better you cruise."

"Bathrooms so small you have to sit on the toilet sideways."

"It does attract a crowd - it's called 'God's floating waiting room.'"

 

SOURCE Zagat Survey

Celebrity Cruises is toasting guests on every sailing with a seasonal expansion of the brand's new Celebrity Life "Savor" series of onboard food and beverage programming. From now through December 15, guests on every Celebrity ship can enjoy the line's Wine Harvest Celebration, a "full-bodied" program celebrating the global harvest of the grape through rich wine appreciation courses and tastings, aromatic food and wine pairings, "smoky" silent auctions, and "crisp" presentations by noted authorities on select sailings.

"Celebrity continues to offer one of the broadest and best wine selections in the industry, inspired by the high percentage of our guests who are wine enthusiasts," said Celebrity's Vice President of Culinary Operations, Chef Jacques Van Staden, who shaped the Savor series of Celebrity Life. "Our Wine Harvest Celebration presents a series of activities celebrating the Fall harvest and our guests' passion for wine."

Among the highlights of Celebrity's Wine Harvest Celebration will be an industry-first unveiling of Beaujolais Nouveau simultaneously across the fleet on November 19. Hosted by a guest speaker and one of Celebrity's own certified cellarmasters, the event will offer guests the opportunity to sip the eagerly-anticipated light wine from oak casks and commemorative bottles, while enjoying live music and dancing, canapes, a cheese carving station and a roast carving station.

Guests with a passion for cool music and rich chocolate are likely to be "seduced" by Celebrity's "Jazz, Port and Chocolate Tasting Seduction," with a complimentary glass of port wine and a deluxe chocolate buffet and fountain, all set against a backdrop of light jazz music.

At the "Grand Cru Dinner," following a sparkling wine reception, Celebrity's cellarmaster, guest speaker and chef will prepare a top-tier dinner comprised of food and wine reflective of the region in which each ship is sailing. Up to 40 guests can participate in each distinctive dinner in Celebrity's intimate specialty restaurants.

Through "Sabering at Sea," guests will observe the delicate, age-old art of sabering - uncorking a bottle with saber or knife - while participating in tastings and discussion of sparkling wines including Champagne, Cremants, Spumantes and California Methode Traditional wines.

Throughout the course of the celebration, a "Celebrity Wine Harvest Exposition" will be open to all guests on embarkation day. Hosted by Celebrity's certified cellarmasters and a variety of noted wine authorities from around the world, the event features a complimentary glass of house wine, canapes and hors d'oeuvres, and an overview of the varied wine experiences and packages available for guests, paired with the opportunity to make reservations for limited-capacity events.

Additionally, among the wine-focused experiences offered year-round through the Celebrity Life "Savor" series are:

• "Wine Appreciation 101" presents tastings of six different varietals and wine appreciation tips offered by Celebrity's certified cellarmasters.
• "The Art of Food and Wine Pairing" explores how certain flavor components, such as acids in food, can impact the flavor of wines.
• "Celebrity's World Wine Tasting and Silent Auction" allows guests to taste wines from each of the regions represented in Celebrity's global wine program, including Africa, France, Germany/Austria, Italy, Spain, the U.S. and South America. The tastings are paired with canapes, fruits and cheeses, and highlighted by a silent auction of premium wines packaged at special prices.
• "The Riedel Comparative Wine and Crystal Workshop" is a one-hour seminar Celebrity has offered since becoming the first cruise line endorsed by Riedel to offer it in 2007. Participants learn and experience how dramatically the shape of a wine glass can affect the outcome of flavors on the palate, and hear the interesting tale of how the Riedel family has influenced the crystal industry.
  .

SOURCE Celebrity Cruises

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, offers a special 8-day cruise from Rome, Italy to Nice, France aboard the elegant, 312-guest Wind Surf departing May 9, 2010. The sailing features the glamorous Cannes Film Festival and the thrilling Monaco Grand Prix race.

Guests will overnight in Cannes, France during the star-studded Cannes Film Festival and spend three nights in Monaco during the prestigious Formula One Grand Prix race. Other ports visited include Bastia, France and San Remo, Italy. Cruise rates begin at $2,999 per person, double occupancy.

Guests who wish to attend the Grand Prix may purchase the Monaco 68th Grand Prix Package Tour which begins on Friday, May 14 and ends on Sunday, May 16, 2010. The package includes a private transfer to the luxurious L'Hermitage for an exclusive cocktail party overlooking Monaco's Marina and Royal Palace with open bar, original Monegasque canapes and live music. A lavish dinner with wine pairings and live music follows. Guests also receive entrance to the renowned Grand Casino and an exclusive gift package of binoculars, official 68e Grand Prix de Monaco program, official club ticket holder, souvenir hat and jacket.

On Saturday, guests tender to the pier in Monaco to take their seats in Tribune K reserved section of the Formula One Grand Prix time trials. That evening, an exclusive private cocktail reception will be held followed by a private Grand Prix dinner on board Wind Surf.

Sunday morning guests enjoy a private Grand Prix brunch on board the ship followed by a thrilling day of viewing the final Grand Prix race from the same track-side reserved seats. Box lunches will also be available. Rates for the limited 3-day shore excursion package is $2,700 per person and must be pre-booked at www.windstarcruises.com.

Windstar recently announced the latest phase of its Degrees of Difference initiative featuring added amenities and enhancements to its luxurious ships in the areas of dining, accommodations, entertainment, spa, fitness and shore excursions. With this latest initiative, Windstar continues to raise the bar, delivering a vacation experience that is "180 Degrees from Ordinary."

SOURCE Windstar Cruises

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