Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is ramping up its commitment to growing the South America cruise market with the official opening of a new office in Sao Paulo, Brazil, the first Royal Caribbean company-owned office in the region.

The event is marked today by a formal visit by Royal Caribbean International President and CEO, Adam Goldstein, highlighting Brazil as a key region earmarked for both investment and growth.

"The cruise market in Brazil is one of the fastest growing in the world, and with increased investment and commitment, we aim to accelerate this trend," said Goldstein. "In late 2009 Royal Caribbean International will have two ships - Vision of the Seas and Splendour of the Seas - dedicated to the Brazilian market which represents a significant uplift in available cruise departures. Reinforcing the positive knock-on economic benefits that cruising brings and improving cruise selling awareness are key objectives of my visit to Brazil. I look forward to Royal Caribbean International's expansion in Brazil and in the entire South America cruise market."

The new Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. office, located in Sao Paulo, will support the commercial and operational efforts in Brazil of the company's three cruise brands - Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises - and will continue to further its international expansion plans, supporting the growing demand for cruise itineraries departing Brazil and around the world.

The opening of Royal Caribbean's Sao Paulo office comes at a key time for the burgeoning Brazilian cruise business. In the last eight seasons, the number of guests embarking on cruises from Brazil grew 623%, with an average growth of 33% per year.

In addition to marking the official opening of the Brazil offices, Goldstein is also meeting cruise industry representatives from ABREMAR, the Brazilian association of cruise lines, and local authorities from the Ministry of Tourism, the Port Authority and the Commission of Tourism and Sports of the Federal Chamber.

Working alongside ABREMAR, Goldstein will be highlighting key benefits of the growing cruise industry to Brazil including international visitor attraction and increased revenue opportunities for related services such as hotels and land tours.

Plus, the official visit also will see Goldstein convey best practice examples from ports of call around the world that have improved port and destination infrastructure and services to attract growing cruise guest numbers.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. holds a leading role in ABREMAR, since the company's Brazil managing director, Ricardo Amaral, was appointed as the new President earlier this year.

"Leading ABREMAR and growing the cruise industry in Brazil complements my role with Royal Caribbean," said Amaral. "ABREMAR estimates that during 2008 to 2009, the cruise industry in Brazil was responsible for generating almost 40,000 jobs and almost US$340 million in related expenditure. The cruise market in Brazil has a huge growth potential. There is a lot still to be done and many challenges to face, but it is our first goal for the main cruise lines and related services to work successfully together in order to stimulate the expansion of the market."

When Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. appointed cruise veteran, Amaral as managing director for Brazil in January 2009, it was the company's first such appointment in the South America region. The cruise market in Brazil has grown from 70,000 cruisers in 2001 to over half a million guests in 2008.

New for the 2009-2010 season, Royal Caribbean International will offer 21 departures of three and four-night cruises from the port of Santos with the 2,000-guest Vision of the Seas and 1,804 guest Splendour of the Seas. Also available are five, six, seven and eight-night cruises onboard Vision of the Seas and Splendour of the Seas from December 2009 including cruises dedicated to Christmas and New Year celebrations, for a total of another 21 sailings.

SOURCE Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

Oculus is the first "design launch" of Schöpfer Yachts LLC. This 250-foot vessel was designed by E. Kevin Schöpfer, founder and owner of his namesake company.

Designed to accommodate 12 guests in extraordinary comfort and style,

Oculus is a long distance cruising yacht capable of speeds upwards of 25 knots. The exterior styling is representative of the jaw and eye socket bone structure of large oceanic fish and mammals. Featuring a dramatic reverse bow configuration, the yacht's armature balances an elegant expression of symmetry and structure.

In addition to the bow, Oculus also features a "low rider profile". This slightly lowered surface allows for new side recreational areas, alternate dockage access and light cruising openness. Lateral retractable side panels close this area when heavier wave action is indicated.

The interior features of Oculus focus on a 12 foot high ceiling in the main salon, a cylindrical double height dining room, central stair and elevator tube, and seemingly anatomical ceiling and floor lighting extensions giving definition to the seating areas.

The second level is the dedicated Owner's suite. Living areas and bedchambers are divided by a series of four freestanding tubes, which house bath and storage necessities.

In addition to the main common stair, the second Owner's stair connects to the third level aft private salon and deck / water feature. The third level also contains the forward pilothouse and separate captain's quarters. The generous open decks with separate water features are located forward and aft for convenient guest use. Specifications and plans are in the final stages of completion and will be posted at a later time.

Schöpfer Yachts was founded in 2008 as a US based company dedicated to the pursuit of advanced yacht aesthetics and technology. They are among a new breed of yacht companies, which will secure strategic alliances with the world's finest naval architects and shipyards. This strategy will allow the flexibility to explore a wide range of design venues while insuring these designs meet and exceed the highest level of maritime standards.

To that end, we are pleased to announce that Sparkman and Stephens (New York, Ft. Lauderdale and Newport) will be the naval architect for our first venture, the Oculus. As we enter the next generation of yachting design, we offer our design collection to the global yachting community and to prospective owners who share our vision of innovation and excellence.

Source: Schöpfer Yachts LLC

Global Culinary Ambassador and Executive Chef Jean-Marie Zimmermann Showcases Culinary Expertise

Cunard Line's Executive Chef Jean-Marie Zimmermann hosted the esteemed James Beard Foundation aboard the line's flagship Queen Mary 2 when it docked today in Brooklyn, New York. The exclusive "foodie" event included a cocktail reception in the ship's nautically themed Chart Room and a four-course lunch in the grand, two-storey Britannia Restaurant - specially prepared by Chef Zimmermann himself. Pictured with him is Susan Ungaro, President of The James Beard Foundation.

Chef Zimmermann joins the prestigious list of culinary superstars such as Daniel Boulud, Emeril Lagasse, Nobu Matsuhisa and Jacques Pepin, who have delighted the palates of members of the James Beard Foundation, one of America's most well known culinary arts organizations.

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

Guests can combine the 14-day Holiday cruise departing Los Angeles, Dec. 23, 2009, with Jan. 6, 2010, Grand World Voyage. Select segment itineraries include special cruise-and-air fares.

Holland America Line's flagship ms Amsterdam will usher in 2010 with a 128-day round-trip Los Angeles, Grand Holiday-and-World Voyage featuring 13 overnight calls -- the most ever offered by the line. Forty-five ports of call showcase some of the world's most remote and exotic regions including South America, Africa, India the Far East and scenic cruising in Antarctica. An optional 14-day holiday cruise, when combined with the 114-day Grand World Voyage, creates the 128-day roundtrip sailing from Los Angeles, departing Dec. 23, 2009. The voyage begins with calls in Mexico and Central America, including a transit of the Panama Canal. "Guests on Grand World Voyages seek an immersive experience, and the 2010 itinerary creates an enriching voyage," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs, Holland America Line. "By adding the 14-day holiday roundtrip Los Angeles sailing to the Grand World Voyage, guests can enjoy a relaxing holiday and festive start of their Grand World Voyage." Guests wishing to sail after the holidays can embark Jan. 6, 2010, at Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on a 114-day World Voyage. Amsterdam will sail the Panama Canal for a daylight transit of the man-made wonder before beginning its southbound exploration of Central and South America. Three overnight stays enable guests to explore Fuerte Amador (Panama City), Panama; Callao (Lima), Peru, and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Other southbound calls include Manta, Ecuador; Callao Peru; Arica, Coquimbo, Valparaiso, Isla Robinson Crusoe and Puerto Montt, Chile. As Amsterdam approaches the tip of South America, guests will enjoy scenic cruising past Darwin Channel, Chilean Fjords, Amalia Glacier, Canal Sarmiento and Strait of Magellan before calling at Punta Arenas, Chile. More scenic cruising follows of Cockburn and Beagle channels, a series of glaciers and Ushuaia, Argentina, before the actual rounding of Cape Horn. The itinerary then takes a turn toward the ultimate southern destination -- Antarctica, which includes the Wilhelm Archipelago, South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Sound. After the three-day Antarctic experience, Amsterdam sails to Stanley, Falkland Islands; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Montevideo, Uruguay, where it departs on the trans-Atlantic leg of the cruise. Amsterdam crosses to Africa to call at Walvis Bay and Luderitz, Namibia, before heading to South Africa for an overnight at Cape Town and calls at Port Elizabeth and Durban. Upon reaching the Indian Ocean, guests will overnight at Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles, then head to India for overnights in Mumbai and Marmagoa before setting off to Port Kelang, Malaysia. Next, an intense exploration of the Far East begins, including overnight calls in Singapore, Republic of Singapore; Hong Kong; Xingang (Beijing), China; and Kobe (Osaka) and Yokohama (Tokyo), Japan. Additional calls include Sihanoukville (Kampong Som), Cambodia; Phu My (Ho Chi Min City) and Halong Bay, Vietnam; Shanghai, China; Cheju City, South Korea; and Kagoshima and Hakodate, Japan. Before heading back to North America, guests will experience Petropavlovsk, Russian Federation, and gain a day when they cross the International Date Line. Guests then have the option of disembarking in Vancouver, B.C., April 25, or Seattle, Wash., April 26, or continuing on to Los Angeles. The Grand World Voyage features three special celebrity-guest speakers -- former television news anchor Sam Donaldson (March 28 through April 1), biographer Kitty Kelley (Jan. 28 through Feb. 7) and Grammy Award-winning musician Doc Severinsen and El Ritmo de la Vida (Jan. 6 through 11). Reservations are now open for all four 2010 Holland America Line Grand Voyages, with a variety of early-booking bonus amenities offered to full-cruise guests. Depending upon the category booked, guests who book by Sept. 30, 2009, may enjoy shipboard credits up to $1,000 per person, an exclusive shore event, liquor service, complimentary luggage delivery service to and from gateways, pre-paid service charges and welcome-aboard champagne. Cruise fares begin at $17,999 per person for the full 128-day Grand World Voyage. New holiday segments of Grand World Voyage, a 47-day Los Angeles to Buenos Aires and a 61-day Los Angeles to Cape Town, also are available for booking and include airfare from select West Coast gateways and select East Coast and Central cities for $200 more. The special cruise-and-air fares for the 47-day segment begin at $7,299 and for the 61-day segment at $9,299. For a cruise brochure or for more information on Holland America Line's Grand Voyages, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-800-522-3399 or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

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, is recognized as one of the "Top 10 Small-Ship Cruise Lines" in the 14th annual "World's Best Awards" voted by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine.

"Windstar is thrilled to be recognized again by the discerning, sophisticated readers of Travel + Leisure," said Diane Moore, President, Windstar Cruises. "This honor acknowledges our pledge of creating unforgettable experiences onboard our beautiful ships that continue to exceed guest expectations."

Windstar's commitment to providing guests with the most casually elegant, enriching and luxurious cruise vacation has consistently placed Windstar on the prestigious Travel + Leisure "World's Best" list year after year.

The readers of Travel + Leisure rated contenders in the small-ship cruise category on a variety of criteria including service, itineraries and destinations, food, cabins, activities, and value. The survey was developed by the editors of Travel + Leisure in association with Harris Interactive. Readers were invited to complete the survey from January 15 through March 29, 2009, with each respondent permitted to complete it only once. A list of winners in every category can be found on the magazine's website www.travelandleisure.com/worldsbest. Winners will also be featured in the August issue of Travel + Leisure, on newsstands July 24, 2009.

A leader in defining the small ship luxury cruise experience for more than 20 years, Windstar has won the allegiance of a new generation of contemporary travelers who appreciate the line's luxurious accommodations, alternative dining venues, diversity of shore excursions, complimentary water sports program and deluxe spa facilities. Windstar recently released its 2010 and Winter 2011 Sailing Atlas with new itineraries, additional sought-after ports and a captivating Signature Collection Host Series.

In addition to Travel + Leisure, Windstar has been recognized by other notable names in the travel and lifestyle 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 was awarded "Favourite Small-Ship Cruise Line" in the U.K.'s Conde Nast Traveller's 2008 Readers' Travel Awards. Windstar received the highest score of any cruise line in the poll and was also only one of three cruise lines in Conde Nast Traveller's list of the "Top 100 of the Best the Travel World has to Offer." Readers of Porthole Cruise Magazine awarded Windstar "Most Romantic Cruise Line" and "Best Tall Ship" in 2008's 10th Annual Readers' Choice Awards. Windstar also was lauded among "The World's Best Small Ships" by Conde Nast Traveler and was selected as one of Modern Bride's "Favorite Cruise Lines for Honeymooners".

SOURCE Windstar Cruises

Italian Entertainers, Activities and Dancing on April 10, 2010 Cruise

Experience a piece of Italy with a celebration at sea onboard MSC Poesia's April 10, 2010 7-night "Festa Italiana" cruise. The sailing features opera singers and contemporary Italian vocal artists as well as the diverse ports in the Western Caribbean.

Dance the night away or sit back and enjoy performances by bands playing Italian and Italian-American favorites throughout the cruise. Participate in Venetian-mask making, a pizza-throwing contest, and tarantella dancing -- a southern Italian folk dance for couples that is among the most recognized of traditional Italian music.

Taste the delicious Mediterranean dishes and learn the secrets to preparing them during cooking demonstrations by top Italian chefs. Other opportunities available to guests include lectures on Italian art and architecture, Italian automobiles, or Italian fashion and design.

The "Island Treasures and Ancient Temples" itinerary for this unique "Festa Italiana" theme cruise sails roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale and calls at ports in Key West, Florida; Playa del Carmen, Mexico; Georgetown, Grand Cayman; Montego Bay, Jamaica; and Nassau, Bahamas. Cruise-only rates including the "Festa Italiana" performances and festivities begin at $549 per person, double occupancy; government fees and taxes are additional. As on all MSC Cruises' sailings, kids ages 17 and younger sail free when sharing a stateroom with two full-fare-paying adults.

SOURCE MSC Cruises

Crystal Cruises is celebrating the world of film aboard Crystal Serenity, arriving in Venice just in time for guests to enjoy the glamorous buzz surrounding the 66th annual Venice Film Festival, beginning September 2. Acclaimed film critic Rex Reed and Academy Award-winning film and theatre legend Rita Moreno will entertain guests with inside stories and experiences from their respective careers, aboard the 12-day August 21 "Red Carpet Riviera" voyage from Barcelona to Venice.

"Many of our guests are sophisticated film and theatre patrons who relish the opportunity to hear insights and entertaining commentary from two of the industry's most talented veterans," says Kristin Turner, manager of entertainment. "The Mediterranean itinerary is ideal for the theme, as so many celebrated films have been set in these picturesque destinations."

Rex Reed has long been known for his sharp reviews of everything from film to music and art, which currently appear weekly in the New York Observer. He has served on the juries of the Venice, Montreal and Berlin Film Festivals, and has even appeared in films with the likes of Mae West and Laurence Olivier. He'll regale guests with experiences like these in his lecture, "Legends I Have Known."

Rita Moreno's film career began at age 14, when she began lending her voice to Spanish-language versions of American films. Since then, she's appeared in more than 100 movies, and is one of a select few performers to have won an Oscar, Grammy, Emmy and Tony Award. In her presentation, "The Lively Arts," Ms. Moreno will trace film, theatre and television from the early days to today, adding anecdotes along the way.

In addition to leading these interactive sessions with guests, Reed and Moreno will give a pre-film Q&A session. Movie trivia, plus numerous classic films will also be featured in Crystal Serenity's Hollywood Theatre and in staterooms, including West Side Story, Summertime and Room With a View.

The voyage visits Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Florence/Livorno, Rome/Civitavecchia, Sicily/Taormina, Dubrovnik and Venice. Europe Celebration Savings fares start at $5,305 per person, double occupancy, and include a $1,000 per person 'All Inclusive - As You Wish' spending credit.

SOURCE Crystal Cruises

As part of the continuing Signature of Excellence enhancement program, Holland America Line has announced the addition of 22 new staterooms to ms Prinsendam, the Elegant Explorer, in early 2010. The drydock will occur in Freeport, Bahamas, from January 4 through 13, 2010.

"Prinsendam continues to be a ship with one of our most loyal followings," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "The new staterooms will mostly be verandah cabins. This will also allow us to create some other very special additions."

With the addition of staterooms aft, the pool deck will expand with more space and many more deck chairs for guests to enjoy. A new sea-view bar will be created to enhance the ambiance further.

Sixteen of the new staterooms will be deluxe verandahs and two will be slightly smaller verandahs. Four will be standard inside staterooms. As customary with all Prinsendam staterooms, appointments will feature elegant bathrooms and recently redesigned closet space. Amenities feature Mariner Dream Beds, 250-count linens, Elemis spa bathroom amenities, large vanity mirror, stainless steel fruit basket, flat panel television and DVD player, quality shower head, and more. Guest capacity of the Elegant Explorer will increase from 793 to 837.

New staterooms will be fully finished while under way and ready to book for the 54-day Quest of the Argonauts voyage, sailing March 24 roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale to the Mediterranean, Black Sea and back. The ship sails a leisurely eastbound course across the Atlantic for an extensive Mediterranean exploration with calls at ports in more than 10 countries, including Morocco, Spain, France, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Russia, Georgia, Greece and Turkey. The cruise includes overnight stays in Barcelona, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal and Istanbul, Turkey, as well as late-night departures in Athens and Santorini, Greece, and Lisbon, Portugal. Prinsendam will visit Bermuda and New York City before returning to Fort Lauderdale.

Other standard maintenance and technical service will take place along with upgrading laundry and galley equipment.

Signature of Excellence Defines the HAL Experience

Prinsendam's enhancements are part of the comprehensive Signature of Excellence upgrade program now totaling more than $525 million. Signature of Excellence features and amenities are inherent in every aspect of the Holland America Line premium cruise experience.

Source: Holland America Line

With summer in full swing and consumers carefully weighing possible vacation options, Royal Caribbean International is not just asking travelers "Why Not?" - they are showing them. Beginning July 13, 2009, the innovative cruise line will film and debut an unprecedented series of television spots starring real guests enjoying a variety of "Why Not" experiences onboard Liberty of the Seas during a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise.

Dubbed "Postcards from the Nation of Why Not," this series of "ship to air" commercials will air in select markets during the week of July 13, and nationally begin the week of July 20. From July 13-17, consumers also can visit www.RoyalCaribbean.com/contest to watch the new daily commercial spot and enter a daily drawing to win a cruise, and pursue their very own "Why Not" moments on a Royal Caribbean vacation. "Postcards from the Nation of Why Not" also can be viewed at Royal Caribbean's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RoyalCaribbean.

"There really is nobody that can better express the 'Why Not' philosophy of a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation than a guest who is experiencing it at that very moment," said Betsy O'Rourke, senior vice president of Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. "The content of these TV spots is real and genuine, and not only illustrates the many types of people and activities that can be found throughout The Nation of Why Not, but also showcases the great value of taking a Royal Caribbean cruise."

The "Postcards from the Nation of Why Not" commercials will mark the first time television viewers on land can experience an actual cruise while it is happening. On the July 11-18 cruise, a production crew will shoot, edit, deliver and air these commercials while the ship is still at sea. Using Royal Caribbean's "Why Not?" brand messaging as the premise, the commercials will feature a variety of guests either stepping out of their normal comfort zone to try something new for the first time or reporting the "News of the Day," recapping events and "Why Not?" moments that happened on Liberty of the Seas that day. Spots will be aired within 24 hours of being filmed, giving guests the extraordinary opportunity to star in their very own commercial and showcase their vacation to friends and family before they even step foot back on land.

The Nation of Why Not is Royal Caribbean's current marketing campaign, which highlights the cruise line's spirit of providing experiences undreamed of on other vacations and delivering innovative activities that challenge guests' imagination. As part of the Nation of Why Not, guests (also known as citizens) have access to do, learn and enjoy activities that are not readily accessible in day-to-day life or found in one land-based vacation destination.

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 sought-after destinations, announced that it will take over its shipboard management starting this September, ending its management agreement with V. Ships Leisure.

Windstar will take complete control of managing its shipboard deck, engine, and hotel operations, as well as shore-based management functions such as port operations, technical and hotel purchasing, compliance, and human resources. New positions have been created at Windstar's headquarters in Seattle to manage the new responsibilities.

"V. Ships Leisure did a tremendous job managing our beautiful sailing vessels over the past two-and-a-half years," said Captain Nico Corbijn, Executive Vice President of Fleet Operations for Windstar Cruises. "However, we are in a position now to control all ship operations which will allow us the opportunity to directly enhance our award-wining product and luxurious guest experience through implementation of new services and by evolving existing features which reflect Windstar's vision of '180 Degrees from Ordinary.' We look forward to working closely with V.Ships to make this transition as smooth and seamless as possible and we thank them for their service."

Corbijn will lead shipboard management along with Nick Burger and Huib van Leeuwen. Burger, Vice President of Marine Hotel Operations, will oversee hotel operations and hotel purchasing. Van Leeuwen, Vice President of Marine Operations, will be responsible for all technical, deck and engine operations.

Windstar has been recognized by some of the most notable names in the travel world. Windstar was recently awarded "Favourite Small-Ship Cruise Line" in the U.K.'s Conde Nast Traveller's 2008 Readers' Travel Awards. Windstar received the highest score of any cruise line in the poll and was also only one of three cruise lines in Conde Nast Traveller's list of the "Top 100 of the Best the Travel World has to Offer." 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. Readers of Porthole Cruise Magazine awarded Windstar "Most Romantic Cruise Line" and "Best Tall Ship" in the 2008 10th Annual Readers' Choice Awards. Windstar has also earned top honors in Travel + Leisure's World's 2008 Best Awards and was lauded among "The World's Best Small Ships" by Conde Nast Traveler.

Source: Windstar Cruises