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From morning Tai Chi or Sudoku to afternoon Pilates and Wii bowling, Holland America Line's new Explore Wellbeing program is tailored to guests who want engaging onboard activities while they cruise. Explore Wellbeing offers new directions in sporting events, brain teasers and spa features to intrigue, relax and excite guests.

"Today many of our guests are looking to relax and refresh while on their vacation," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "With Explore Wellbeing we fill the needs of guests who are looking for a healthy session of body or mind enrichment along with other cruise activities."

Designed for guests of all ages, Explore Wellbeing extends the offerings of the popular Greenhouse Spa to incorporate new entertainment, fitness and sports activities. Leading the program on board is the resident wellness expert - the LifeStylist - who hosts a diverse array of sessions. Guests can start each day with stimulating signature Tai Chi on deck. They can also can jump into Boot Camp for a challenging regime of exercises, engage in a round of team trivia, sharpen their fairway to green skills with the Golf Challenge, take on fellow guests in Wii Bowling or attend one of many informative Greenhouse Spa seminars. Other activities feature yoga, step classes, additional Wii games, Pilates, spinning, Sudoku puzzles, ballroom dance classes and more.

Complementing Explore Wellbeing are other programs hosted by the Explorations Team. The onboard Party Planner will host Explore Food & Entertaining events in the Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine Magazine, significantly expanding the innovative program which brings more than 70 culinary experts on board each year in addition to classes and demonstrations on every sailing. As the destination expert on board under Explore Our World, the Travel Guide will give dynamic multimedia presentations about the ship's itinerary and be a one-stop source for port-of-call information. The Techspert will offer Explore Technology classes and Digital Workshops powered by Windows, where guests can learn how to blog, work with digital photos, arrange a digital scrapbook, create a slideshow or edit a movie. On cruises lasting 14 days or more, the Librarian also leads a book club.

Explore Wellbeing Augments the Explorations Team

Today's premium cruiser seeks enriching experiences and engaging activities. Ever responsive to guests needs, Holland America Line broadened its onboard programming with the Explorations Team -- staff with specific, niche expertise ranging from technology to travel, who offer guests a range of "edutainment" programs. Part of the premium line's ongoing $525 million Signature of Excellence initiative, the Holland America Line Explorations Team is a cohesive team dedicated to enhancing the overall cruise experience. With this team of experts, Holland America Line guests now will have even more memories to take home from their cruise plus the personal experiences that have enriched their lives to share with family and friends.

For additional information, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook and the Holland America Blog. Access all social media outlets via the Online Communities quick link on the home page at www.hollandamerica.com.

Holland America Line's fleet of 14 ships offers almost 500 cruises to 354 ports in nearly 100 countries, territories or dependencies. Two- to 108-day itineraries visit all seven continents, and highlights include Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal. A 15th ship, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, is scheduled to join the fleet on July 4, 2010.

Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a commitment totaling more than $525 million, that showcase the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine -- a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and classes -- Explorations Cafe powered by The New York Times, teens-only activity areas and all new stateroom amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream Beds.

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

Over 60 percent of travel agents report their cruise wedding business has increased in the last two years. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) member lines report increases of as much as 60 percent in the last decade. More and more cruise lines offer shipboard wedding packages, amenities and wedding planning services, including legal marriages performed by ships' captains virtually anywhere in the world.

Couples have gotten the message that a cruise can be the setting for an ideal destination wedding -- an easily planned, fully-personalized marriage ceremony, reception and honeymoon all rolled into one convenient package. The options are boundless: a shipboard wedding on embarkation day followed by a honeymoon for two; a shoreside wedding on a tropical beach; or a sunset marriage ceremony at sea with everyone in the wedding party enjoying the entire cruise are among the many choices.

Whatever the plan -- a wedding close in the Caribbean or Bahamas on one of the newest and largest ships in the CLIA fleet or on an all-suite luxury vessel in Europe or the South Seas -- couples and wedding planners will find outstanding value at every price level, often with costs significantly less than a similar land-based wedding and reception. It is even possible to charter an intimate luxury yacht or elegant river cruise ship and have total control over all the details, even the itinerary. And, besides weddings, many CLIA lines offer honeymoon and vow renewal packages, bachelor and bachelorette parties, even programs for "popping the question" -- the ultimate engagement party at sea.

To gauge the significance of the cruise wedding market and its trends, CLIA recently surveyed those who sell approximately 90 percent of all cruises. More than three hundred travel agents provided their input on who they are booking destination weddings at sea for and what their wedding clients are looking for. Here are the highlights of the findings:

• Almost 40 percent of travel agents have sold shipboard or destination wedding cruises
• Cruise weddings are getting more popular: Travel agents report booking more day-of-embarkation wedding cruises (18.3 percent); more shipboard weddings with guests going along for the cruise (22.1 percent) and more in-port weddings during the cruise (18.3 percent)
• Over 60 percent of agents report their cruise wedding business has increased in the last two years
• The best reasons to have a cruise wedding? Almost 35 percent of agents say their clients want to combine a wedding with a honeymoon; over 23 percent said value offered by cruise lines was the top reason
• For romance, nothing beats the Caribbean/Bahamas: Over 80 percent of agents rank this destination as the overwhelming favorite among cruise wedding clientele
• The typical wedding cruise is a seven-day voyage in the Caribbean and/or The Bahamas, on a large cruise ship with less than ten guests in the group. However, almost 30 percent of agents report booking wedding groups of 10 to 20 guests and over 10 percent book wedding parties of 20 to 30, and some cruise lines have reported wedding parties of as much as 200
• The typical cruise wedding clientele are mid-priced travelers aged 44 or younger who book eight to 10 months ahead
  

Here is a sampling of how CLIA member lines cater to bridal couples and other romantic travelers:

AZAMARA CRUISES

Azamara offers legal, captain-led wedding ceremonies, vow renewals and in-port wedding programs. Partnering with The Wedding Experience, a variety of packages feature everything from private receptions in the ship's specialty restaurant to cake, Champagne and more. Guests should book in advance to ensure processing of legal documents and licenses.

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES

Some 2,300 couples will take advantage of Carnival's all-inclusive wedding packages this year, a 50 percent increase from a decade ago. Carnival's wedding programs include an official civil ceremony, reception and other value-added features and can be tailored to the couple's wishes. Shipboard ceremonies are available on embarkation day in Carnival's U.S. ports and many Caribbean destinations. Vow renewal packages are also available.

CELEBRITY CRUISES

Celebrity's most popular wedding package is the "Nautical Nuptials" program featuring a captain-led wedding ceremony at sea offered on all Celebrity ships except Celebrity Xpedition. Other packages available include a "Bridesmaids' Tea Party," a "Cigar and Cognac Party," a "Test the Waters" package and a "Welcome Reception." Vow renewal celebrations are also offered.

COSTA CRUISES

Costa's cruise weddings take place while the ship is in port, either onboard or on land, with the company's wedding planners taking care of all the details. Couples may invite guests to join the full cruise or simply spend wedding day with the bride and groom. Among the choices are a "Caribbean Island Wedding" in a beach or garden location, or an "Italian Shipboard Wedding" in keeping with Costa's romantic heritage.

CRYSTAL CRUISES

Crystal offers captain-led wedding vow renewal ceremonies and it is rare that one of the company's ships sails without at least one honeymoon couple. Focusing on helping guests plan and enjoy a completely customized honeymoon rather than a pre-packaged program, Crystal offers such romantic options as a candlelight dinner on a suite's verandah, onboard florists, a portrait studio and private shore excursions.

DISNEY CRUISE LINE

Guests on Disney Cruise Line can exchange vows onboard the ship or step ashore for a romantic beach-side ceremony on the line's private island paradise, Castaway Cay. With a magical Fairy-Godmother functioning as wedding planner, Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings handles all the details, including floral arrangements, elegant cakes and Champagne toasts. For many couples, Disney is also the ultimate honeymoon experience.

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE

Holland America offers a Wedding Package as part of its Group Advantage Program (GAP). The wedding couple enjoys a free stateroom upgrade and a commemorative wedding cake with at least eight staterooms booked and the entire group enjoys numerous amenities, including a Pinnacle Grill lunch, private wine tastings, and chocolate-covered strawberries and Chase Limogere Brut in their staterooms.

MSC CRUISES

MSC offers a variety of amenity packages to enhance cruise honeymoons and other romantic occasions. These range from a bottle of Asti Spumante and a special fruit basket or a bottle of Ferrari Perle and cold canapes, to a "Romantic Sunrise" -- Champagne in commemorative flutes, orange juice and pastries -- to a "Romantic Sunset" -- Champagne in commemorative flutes and chocolate-covered strawberries.

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE

Norwegian offers two wedding packages -- "Onboard Aisles" and "On Shore Aisles" -- available in ports in the U.S., Canada, Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico and Bermuda. Both include a ceremony conducted by a local official plus all the features of a wedding, from music to wedding cake and sparkling wine. Norwegian also offers vow renewal packages and an "Engagement Aisles" program for the ultimate proposal at sea.

PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES

French Polynesia in the South Seas is the setting for "A Lifetime of Memories" as the staff of Paul Gauguin create an unforgettably romantic event for honeymooners or those celebrating an anniversary. Among the features are a celebratory bottle of Champagne, a Polynesian blessing ceremony performed by Les Gauguines, an exclusive pillow gift and a photo portrait.

PRINCESS CRUISES

Princess pioneered weddings at sea more than a decade ago, and since then ship captains have married thousands of couples while sailing in locations around the globe. The unique "Tie the Knot at Sea" program offers ceremonies in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Alaska and other exotic locales, which couples can customize with live music, flowers and reception options. In addition, a harborside option enables couples to be married in port, and ashore weddings are available in a variety of scenic ports.

REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES

Guests wishing to make customized wedding plans in conjunction with a Regent Seven Seas cruise may use the services of Royal Ocean Events, which can handle all the details and requests. A honeymooner package features a letter of congratulations from the captain, Veuve Clicquot Champagne and caviar, in-suite canapes every afternoon, a miniature wedding cake and Leonidas chocolates and more.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL

In addition to a "Royal Romance" package featuring a one-hour wedding ceremony onboard ship or on shore on embarkation day, couples on Royal Caribbean can exchange vows while climbing the ships' rock walls or ice-skating or even catching the waves on the shipboard Flowrider. Shoreside wedding venues include the glaciers of Alaska, European castles, rainforests and an Italian vineyard.

SEADREAM YACHT CLUB

SeaDream offers two wedding vow renewal ceremonies -- one designed for couples only, the other for as many as 12 guests -- and both conducted by the yacht's captain. Iced Champagne and canapes, a cake and flowers add special touches to the elegance of an elegant luxury yacht experience. SeaDream points out four couples who have completed the legal process at home, the shipboard vow renewal ceremony can serve as a wedding.

UNIWORLD BOUTIQUE RIVER CRUISES

Offering an intimate and elegant atmosphere, Uniworld's boutique hotel-style ships provide the ideal situation for couples to charter the vessel and create the wedding of their dreams. Uniworld can accommodate 82 to 160 guests, depending on the ship, and offers flexibility to customize itineraries and inclusions. Short of this, Uniworld river cruise itineraries are perfectly suited for honeymooners whether they want to explore Europe or even the treasures of the Nile in Egypt.

WINDSTAR CRUISES

Windstar invites couples celebrating honeymoons, renewing wedding vows or honoring a special anniversary to discover romance at sea. Chilled Champagne, chocolate-dipped seasonal fruit, breakfast in bed, "Time for Two" massages and elegant dinners for two at sunset are among the amenities featured on the line that has been named "Most Romantic Cruise Line" by Porthole Magazine.

Please visit CLIA's Website at www.cruising.org for more information on weddings at sea and to find a CLIA-certified travel agent near you.

SOURCE Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)

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

Crystal Cruise's youngest luxury travelers have more options this summer. Given the surge of multi-generational travel, Crystal is expanding the hours and programming of its Junior Activities Programs. From designing their own "Sistine Chapels" while cruising Italy, to photo sessions in traditional Russian costumes en route to St. Petersburg, kids on board the award-winning Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony this summer will enjoy creative, sophisticated programming that highlights the ships' destinations.

Crystal's purpose-built Fantasia and Waves children's and teens' facilities - rare in luxury cruising - have long featured numerous organized events and top video games and toys. Up to 10 Junior Activities Directors on each sailing supervise the programming during summer months and holidays. Expanded junior programming includes:

Longer Hours - With Crystal's port-intensive itineraries, the Junior Activities program now features even more organized games and events on port days, in addition to sea days and evenings packed with fun and educational choices.

Destination-related Enrichment - As with Crystal's Crystal Visions Enrichment Program lectures and exclusive Creative Learning Institute, children's activities include options relevant to the voyage. On a cruise visiting Monaco, kids can learn key French phrases from the Berlitz language instructor. On a Baltic cruise, scavenger hunts promote fun facts about Stockholm. Kids also create memory books with maps and photos of the countries they visit as a souvenir of their travels. For teens, there are destination-themed dance parties hosted by a special guest DJ.

"We have so many 'behind-the-scenes' events in out of the way locations that junior cruisers are kept occupied and supervised away from Crystal's mainstream adult activities," says Bret Bullock, vice president, entertainment. "In their own private sessions, kids can experience some of the expert lecturers and music, language and dance classes on board that help the destinations come alive for adult guests."

Kids' menus, complimentary ice cream bars and babysitting services are available.

With Crystal's Celebration Savings Fares, summer European cruises start at $3,240 per person, double occupancy, plus "All Inclusive - As You Wish" spending credits of $500-$1,000 per person. Crystal's Family Memories offers groups one free berth for every 10 full-fare guests, plus other perks.

Source: Crystal Cruises

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, welcomes The OnboardSpa Company and their certified organic O SPA London products and services to the spa, salon, and fitness center onboard Windstar ships.

"Windstar Cruises is thrilled to partner with The OnboardSpa Company, who will provide our guests with a new level of pampering and rejuvenation," said Diane Moore, president of Windstar Cruises. "Our guests value luxury, health, and vitality and we are pleased to offer them decadent O SPA London certified organic products and services in WindSpa."

O SPA London is a completely certified organic spa experience designed for both face and body. The products used are created with time proven organic essential oils and extracts of aromatic plants and herbs. Earth and sea botanicals are designed to actively treat, soothe, nourish, revive and restore the skin and body. Drawing on the ancient practices from cultures across the world, the O SPA experience takes guests on an exotic, multi-sensorial journey of rejuvenation and relaxation. All ingredients are sourced from organic, sustainable sources, such as The Eden Project (the largest biosphere project in the world), Lisadell House, an organic medicinal co-operative on the West Coast of Ireland and Georgina Koomson's FairTrade women's co-operative in Ghana.

Guests have the opportunity to indulge in a variety of spa rituals. Body treatments feature the purist botanicals available, ancient stones, mythical crystals and exotic muds. Balinese, Swedish, classic, reflexology, sports as well as fire and ice ancient stone massages are available. Ayurveda and aromatherapy options rejuvenate and harmonize the chakras of the body. An assortment of specialty facials include an intensive eye masque experience. Guests will also be able to take advantage of luxurious manicures, pedicures and body contouring. Classical acupuncture, a system of healing that has been practiced in China and other Eastern countries for thousands of years, is also offered.

In the salon, a skilled team of dynamic stylists provide professional hair care services including precision cuts, hair coloring, styling and treatments utilizing luxurious, French Kerastase hair care products.

For the ultimate in well-being, guests can partake in a Pilates Institute at Sea Program, yoga, personal training, meditation, and fitness classes led by a team of fitness professionals.

Source: Windstar Cruises