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Monday, April 30, 2007

Royal Caribbean to Launch Liberty Of The Seas

Here's a new and exciting announcement direct from Royal Caribbean concerning their newest (Freedom Class) cruise ship:

Second in Famed Freedom Class of Ships Surpasses Industry Standards with New Onboard Programming.

MIAMI, April 18, 2007 - Continuing on the successful track of creating revolutionary onboard offerings and innovative products, Royal Caribbean International took delivery of its newest Freedom-class ship, Liberty of the Seas, from Aker Yards during a ceremony today in Turku, Finland. Just weeks away from making her U.S. debut on May 3, 2007, the ship will be the first in Royal Caribbean's fleet to showcase new and distinctive wellness, family and wedding programming, which will be rolled out fleet-wide. Liberty shares the title of world's largest cruise ship with sister ship, Freedom of the Seas, which launched in May 2006.

Healthy Living, Family Fun and "I Dos"
From tots to teens to brides and wellness seekers, Royal Caribbean has kept all guests in mind when developing its original and enhanced programming.

For health and wellness enthusiasts, Royal Caribbean presents a completely revamped Vitality wellness program, promoting well-balanced healthy vacations through a variety of diverse fitness, spa, shore excursion and culinary offerings, including Tai Chi, acupuncture, wellness seminars and even a soothing signature scent.

Adventure Theater by Camp Broadway, New York City's famed children's theater group, introduces kids and teens to the theatrical arts by folding folktales, music, dance and cultural elements into the mix. Sure to be a hit among teen cruisers are the Scratch DJ 101 classes, where teens hone their turntable skills in sessions hosted by professionals from New York City's Scratch DJ Academy.

Royal Caribbean launches the Crown & Anchor Society Youth Program, the industry's first loyalty program designed for cruiser under the age of 18. Members will enjoy frequent cruiser rewards such as the Youth Ultimate Value Booklet, which includes puzzles, games, and special onboard offers to Ben & Jerry's, Challenger's Arcade, and Y-spa, the line's teen spa treatment menu.

The Build & Grow with Lowe's program and Chefs on Deck by Fisher-Price bring budding young builders and tomorrow's culinary super-stars together with their families to play, learn and grow while at sea. Brides and grooms now have more distinctive settings in which to say "I do" with Explorer Weddings, an extreme extension of the line's existing Royal Romance wedding and vow renewal program, allowing thrill-seekers the option of tying the knot on an Alaskan glacier, in a hot-air balloon or on Liberty's FlowRider surf simulator, to name a few.

The Liberty to Do it All
At 160,000 GRT with a capacity of 3,634 guests double-occupancy, Liberty of the Seas has emerged from Aker Yards in Finland with the popular, industry-first amenities seen on Freedom of the Seas, including the FlowRider, the H2O Zone water park, a full-size boxing ring and a 14-person family suite.

Liberty's 445 foot-long Royal Promenade will keep guests busy at one of the many restaurants, shops and lounges. From an Italian-style pizzeria, Sorrento's, to A Clean Shave men's barbershop and the Hoof & Claw pub - cruisers have a wide variety of venues to visit and experience while onboard.

The On Air Club, the ship's karaoke venue, and the Art Deco-style Platinum Theatre (1,350 guests), home to dazzling new Broadway-style shows Ever After and Somewhere in Time, provide endless hours of entertainment.

In addition to the popular FlowRider, Royal Caribbean's active onboard amenities include an interactive sculpture garden, located in the H2O Zone water park. Both offer many ways to stay cool in the Caribbean sun. Cantilevered whirlpools suspended 112 feet above the ocean, located in Liberty's serene solarium, are an adults-only oasis flanked by a pool, hammocks and colorful art sculptures. For an indoor chill, the ice-skating rink, Centre Ice at Studio B, is open for lessons and free skating during the day and presents the spectacular original ice show Encore on Ice at night.

At 1,215 square feet, Liberty's Presidential Suite sleeps 14 people and features an 810-square foot outdoor living area with a Jacuzzi and private wet bar. The 588 square-foot Royal Family Suites include two bathrooms, a living area, and best of all, a 234 square-foot balcony to catch a breath a fresh air and enjoy a private meal. In addition, each stateroom onboard Liberty comes equipped with flat-paneled televisions and the line's plush bedding enhancements, an indulgence for all guests.

Sailing the Caribbean
Royal Caribbean's new Freedom-class ships will be joined by a third, Independence of the Seas, in 2008. Liberty will depart on Saturdays and Freedom on Sundays from Miami and will alternate between 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. Both itineraries include a call at Royal Caribbean's private destination Labadee, Haiti. Liberty's Western Caribbean itinerary calls in Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Cayman Islands; and Montego Bay, Jamaica. The Eastern Caribbean itinerary calls in San Juan, Puerto Rico and Philipsburg, St. Maarten, allowing for a third day at sea to take advantage of all the ship has to offer.

Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 21 ships currently in service and two under construction. The line also offers unique land-tour vacations in Alaska, Canada, Europe and Australia through its cruisetour division.

Monday, April 23, 2007

NCL Announces Jade, Jewel And Gem For Largest Ever European Deployment

The following information was just released by Norwegian Cruise Line concerning major changes to one of their newest ships:

Pride of Hawai`i to be re-named Norwegian Jade and sail a mix of European itineraries to the Eastern and Western Mediterranean, Baltic, British Isles and the North Cape; Ship joins sisters Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Jewel for extended 2008 season.

Miami - April 16, 2007. Today, NCL Corporation announced that it will place three of its newest Jewel-class ships in Europe beginning in March 2008 in response to increased consumer demand for European cruises. The company will re-flag Pride of Hawai`i into the Bahamas registry and re-name her Norwegian Jade after a short wet dock in Honolulu in February 2008. Norwegian Jade will join her sister ships Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Jewel in Europe in 2008 offering NCL's largest and most varied European deployment ever. Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Jewel itineraries will go on sale April17 and Norwegian Jade's itineraries will go on sale April 24.

"The combination of our new and varied itineraries, the choice of three new sister ships, along with an extended season, will make for an unforgettable Freestyle Cruising experience for guests who explore Europe with us in 2008," said Colin Veitch, president and CEO of NCL Corporation. "In particular, Freestyle Cruising gives them the freedom and flexibility to explore and make the most of the culture-rich European destinations without worrying about returning to the ship for a set dining time."

Norwegian Jade will be the first to arrive in Europe at the end of March 2008, staying through the end of November. The ship will sail a unique mix of 12-, 13- and 14-day Eastern and Western Mediterranean cruises, beginning with a number of 12-day cruises departing from Barcelona, Istanbul, and Athens (Piraeus) with a variety of ports including Rome (Civitavecchia), Naples, and Venice, Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Ephesus, Turkey; Mykonos, Santorini, Iraklion, Crete, Corfu and Katakolon, Greece; and Alexandria, Egypt.

Norwegian Jade will then reposition from her spring Mediterranean base to Southampton in the UK for a series of cruises to the Mediterranean, North Cape, Western Europe and British Isles.

In an NCL first, Norwegian Jade will offer several sailings out of the UK designed specifically for the local UK market, departing roundtrip from London (Southampton). These include a pair of two-day sampler cruises and four 14-day Western Mediterranean cruises roundtrip from London (Southampton) with stops in Malaga (Cordoba), Spain; an overnight in Barcelona; Nice (Villefranche), France; Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Gibraltar; Lisbon, Portugal; and Vigo, Spain.

Norwegian Jade's 12-day North Cape itinerary roundtrip from London (Southampton) will cruise the North Sea with several stops in Norway, cross the Arctic Circle and cruise by the Svartisen Glacier. The ship's 13-day Around the British Isles and Northern Europe itinerary roundtrip from London (Southampton) will visit France, England, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium. Two 13-day Western Europe itineraries will depart from London (Southampton) to Barcelona or Barcelona to London (Southampton) and visit Nice (Villefranche), France; Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Rome (Civitavecchia), Naples, and Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy; Granada (Malaga), Spain; Gibraltar; Seville (Cadiz), Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; and Vigo, Spain.

Norwegian Gem, NCL's newest ship, complete with bowling alley, arrives in Europe in early May after her winter season in New York and will sail seven-day Western Mediterranean cruises roundtrip from Barcelona through November 9, 2008. The Western Mediterranean itinerary includes stops in Valletta, Malta; Naples, Rome (Civitavecchia), and Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy; and Nice (Villefranche), France.

Returning for her third season in Europe in early May, Norwegian Jewel will replace Norwegian Dream, sailing a Baltic Capitals itinerary roundtrip from London (Dover) through mid-September. The 12-day sailings will run from May 5 through August 23 with stops in Copenhagen, Denmark; Berlin (Warnemunde), Germany; Tallinn, Estonia; two days in St. Petersburg, Russia; Helsinki, Finland and Stockholm, Sweden. On August 9, the ship will offer a two-day sampler cruise from London (Dover) specifically designed for the UK market. A final 13-day sailing departing on September 4 will include a stop in Oslo, Norway.

Pride of Hawai`i becomes Norwegian Jade
Pride of Hawai`i will continue her seven-day roundtrip Honolulu cruises through the January 28, 2008 cruise. The ship will enter wet dock on February 6 where she will receive modifications including the addition of a casino and new hull artwork. The ship will be re-named Norwegian Jade and will be showcased during inaugural events in both Los Angeles and Miami. After a series of repositioning cruises, the ship will arrive in Barcelona for her first 12-day cruise beginning on March 30, 2008.

As a Jewel-class ship and a sister to Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade features all the attributes of NCL's purpose-built ships for Freestyle Cruising. Norwegian Jade features a vast array of accommodations including the very popular Villa complex at the top of the ship. This "ship within a ship" complex features two luxurious Garden Villas with their own private gardens and sun decks, 10 Courtyard Villas sharing a private courtyard, pool and sundeck on deck 14, and a spectacular top-of-the-ship Owner's Suite. Here, guests can enjoy an exclusive private haven while still experiencing all the amenities, and Freestyle flexibility, of a big ship. The ship features multiple lively public rooms, 10 restaurants, NCL's Bar Central area -- the brand's popular new entertainment concept first introduced on Norwegian Jewel and impressive on-board amenities.

NCL Corporation Ltd. is an innovative cruise company headquartered in Miami, Florida, with a fleet of 15 ships in service and under construction. The corporation oversees the operations of Norwegian Cruise Line, NCL America, and Orient Lines. The company recently took delivery of its newest ship, Norwegian Pearl, and is currently building Norwegian Gem for delivery in October of 2007. In addition, NCL plans to build up to three new third generation Freestyle Cruising ships for delivery between 2009 and 2011.

NCL is on target to have the youngest fleet in the industry by the end of 2007 with the introduction of Norwegian Gem, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy the flexibility of Freestyle Cruising on the newest, most contemporary ships at sea.

Detailed information on Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Gem's European itineraries will be available on www.americandiscountcruises.com in the next few days. Detailed information on Norwegian Jade's European itineraries will be available next week.

Thursday, April 19, 2007

Celebrity Cruises to Add Series of Upgrades to Celebrity Mercury

Here's a press release direct from Celebrity Cruises concerning an exciting upgrade being done to the Celebrity Mercury:

Miami - April 05, 2007 - It takes 88 days for the planet Mercury to orbit the sun, but it will take only six for Celebrity Cruises to navigate through a significant "home improvement" program on Celebrity Mercury, highlighted by the addition of new verandas and a complete transformation of the ship's boutique boulevard.

From April 13 - 20, during Celebrity Mercury's scheduled dry dock period in San Francisco, 14 new verandas will be added to the aft end of the ship, offering breathtaking views from the 210-square-foot staterooms on cruises through Alaska from May through October. The vista then transitions to Hawaii, before Celebrity Mercury embarks on the line's first season in Australia and New Zealand beginning in December. Celebrity Mercury's entirely transformed boutique boulevard will present Celebrity's Beauty the line's first cosmeceutical (pairing science with cosmetics) store, offering products from leading brands including Dr. Brandt, DermaNew, Freeze 24/7, Fekkai, L'Occitane, MD Skincare, Origins and StriVectin. A skin-care specialist will be available by appointment to offer personalized demonstrations and tips for guests. The new shopping boulevard also will feature Boutique C, Celebrity's ultra high-end, appointment-only jewelry store; a dedicated destinations store featuring merchandise reflective of the region in which the ship is sailing, and Celebrity's "Blue Collection" line of upscale, subtly-branded casual apparel. To help guests maintain their fitness regime while sailing, all gym equipment, strength training as well as cardio machines, which will have individual TVs will be upgraded during the dry dock, with new carpeting installed throughout the fitness center. Celebrity also will roll out on Celebrity Mercury its new bedding program, upgrade the entire pool deck, and install new carpeting in the ship's main restaurant, Martini and Champagne Bars, Cova Cafe, Fortunes Casino, guest corridors, staircases and main foyer. Celebrity Cruises offers comfortably sophisticated, upscale cruise experiences with highly personalized service, authentic five-star dining, and extraordinary attention to detail. Celebrity sails in Alaska, Antarctica, Bermuda, California, Caribbean, Europe, Galapagos Islands, Hawaii, Mexican Riviera, Panama Canal and South America, and will begin sailing in Australia and New Zealand this year. The line also offers unique land-tour vacations in Alaska, Canada, Europe and Australia through its cruisetour division. Noted for "The World's Best Large Ships," as voted by the readers of Conde' Nast Traveler (February 2007 Cruise Poll), Celebrity's current fleet will be joined by Celebrity Journey and Celebrity Quest this year, Celebrity Solstice in 2008, Celebrity Equinox in 2009, and Celebrity Eclipse in 2010.

Saturday, April 14, 2007

NCL Announces Temporary Withdrawal of Pride of Hawai`i

We have a VERY IMPORTANT announcement from Norwegian Cruise Line:

Miami, April 10, 2007: NCL Corporation ("NCL"), parent company of NCL America and Norwegian Cruise Line, today announced the temporary withdrawal of Pride of Hawai`i from the Hawai`i market effective February 2008. The ship will be deployed to Europe for the summer of 2008 as part of the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet.

NCL's substantial 2006 losses, reported in February of this year, have been caused by downward pricing pressure in the Hawai`i market following the addition of Pride of Hawai`i to the fleet last summer, and the steep increase in the amount of foreign flag competition entering the Hawai`i market from the west coast.

"We take this action with regret, but sure in the knowledge that a temporary retrenchment is the right thing to do for the good of the business and the good of Hawai`i in the long run," said Colin Veitch, NCL Corporation's president and CEO. "We remain committed to building a strong U.S. Flag cruise business home ported in Hawai`i, and we need to make sure that our other two ships, Pride of Aloha and Pride of America, are able to achieve acceptable profitability before we can confidently re-introduce Pride of Hawai`i."

According to Veitch, NCL America has grown very quickly over three years, and its competitors have also surged, starting in 2006, offering almost 80 percent additional capacity days on top of NCL America's in 2007.

"Clearly we are victims of our own success," Veitch continued. "We have demonstrated that Hawai`i is a highly attractive cruise destination and Hawai`i now has four times as much capacity serving it in 2007 as it did in 2004 when we started NCL America.

"We are now very hopeful that this latest measure will make the critical difference in ensuring the success of this important venture. We continue to have a vision of a strong domestic cruise industry in Hawai`i and firmly believe that the combination of steps we have now taken will result in a strong NCL America delivering the best cruise itinerary anywhere in the world with the very highest standard of service at sea," Veitch concluded.

For guests booked on Pride of Hawai`i in February 2008 and beyond, NCL is offering a $50 on-board credit per stateroom for those who rebook by May 1, 2007, on Pride of America, Pride of Aloha or any ship in the NCL fleet. Guests choosing to cancel will receive a full refund.

In addition, NCL plans to build up to three new third generation Freestyle Cruising ships for delivery between 2009 and 2011. NCL is on target to have the youngest fleet in the industry by the end of 2007, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy the flexibility of Freestyle Cruising on the newest, most contemporary ships at sea.

Thursday, April 5, 2007

Princess Europe Cruise - 2008 Report

Here's an exciting announcement direct from Princess Cruises, regarding their Europe 2008 cruise itineraries:

Princess Details Its Most Expansive Europe Season Ever for 2008
A Record Six Ships Cruise to More Ports than Ever Before, with Eight New Destinations, 32 Unique Itineraries, and New Classical Europe Route

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (March 29, 2007) -- An unprecedented selection of European cruises awaits Princess passengers in 2008, presenting travelers with a delightful dilemma. Should they luxuriate among the sun-drenched shores of the Greek Islands, or lose themselves in the splendor of a czar's palace? Do they want to walk where gladiators once marched or hike through rugged highlands? Marvel at the pyramids of Egypt or kiss the Blarney Stone? Explore the Holy Land, Black Sea or Arctic Circle?

Princess' 2008 season offers something for every European explorer's wish list, with six ships callings at over 115 ports throughout the continent -- more than ever before. Eight new ports debut -- including such untouched locales as Albania -- as well as five new itineraries, including a new Classical Europe option that combines the best of Scandinavia/Russia with the Mediterranean in a single cruise -- so that for the first time travelers won't have to choose between visiting St. Petersburg or Florence.

Next year Princess features its largest fleet in the region, with six vessels -- from 670 to 3,070 passengers -- sailing on 87 departures of 32 unique itineraries, ranging from seven to 23 days in length. The Europe season begins April 12 and runs through November 28, 2008.

Two ships make their European debuts -- Crown Princess, which brings extra capacity to favorite Scandinavia/Russia itineraries, and Pacific Princess, which offers an intimate cruise experience throughout the Mediterranean, including a significant increase in Holy Land sailings. In addition, Royal Princess returns with an all-new schedule and Emerald Princess' sails once again throughout the Mediterranean and Greek Isles, Grand Princess showcases both Northern Europe and the Mediterranean, and Sea Princess sails on a selection of one- and two-week Mediterranean and Northern Europe itineraries from Southampton.

"Exploring Europe with Princess is the perfect way to see these dream destinations, with visits to both the marquee ‘must see' treasures of the continent as well as a number of unique, out-of-the-way places," said Jan Swartz, Princess' senior vice president. "Whether our passengers are excited to experience the glory of Rome or be the only person on their block to have visited Albania, our program offers more choices than ever for the perfect European escape."

Eight new ports will tempt those with a yearning for adventure, including Sarande, Albania featuring the remains of the ancient Greek and Roman city of Butrint and the Ottoman town of Gjirokastra, the nation's two UNESCO World Heritage Sites; Dartmouth, a charming seaside town at the heart of Devon in the UK; Harwich, a convenient alternative port for visits to London; Bornholm (Rønne), a scenic Danish island; and Scrabster in the very north of Scotland, a convenient jumping off point for visits to the Scottish Highlands and the charming Castle of Mey. Passengers on transatlantic sailings will also be able to explore new ports on the way to or from Europe with visits to Banjul, capital of The Gambia offering wildlife sightings, colorful markets and intriguing local villages; Horta, a small village in the Portuguese Azores Islands; and St. Anthony, Newfoundland, offering an opportunity to go whale watching or visit Viking ruins at L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, another UNESCO site thought to be one of the earliest European settlements in North America.

Princess' 2008 Europe season includes:

Royal Princess Classical Europe -- Royal Princess combines an intimate 710-passenger cruising experience with a schedule of three all-new itineraries, including a sailing to the best of classical Europe between Stockholm and Rome and two extended transatlantic sailings.

Pacific Princess' Elite Mediterranean and Holy Land -- The 680-passenger Pacific Princess makes its Mediterranean debut by taking over many of Royal Princess' itineraries to unique places such as Albania, Croatia, Montenegro and Bulgaria, and featuring the line's most sailings ever to the Holy Land.

Emerald Princess in the Mediterranean -- Emerald Princess returns for a second season offering her 3,070 passengers the opportunity to enjoy Princess' favorite Mediterranean and Greek Isles itineraries, including its signature Grand Mediterranean route and two different choices for luxuriating in the sunny islands of the Aegean.

Grand Princess in Northern Europe, Mediterranean and Egypt -- Offering one of the most diverse schedules, the 2,600-passenger Grand Princess not only offers cruises through the dramatic Norwegian Fjords, the remote beauty of Iceland and the charming British Isles, but it also heads for the wonders of Egypt, the lovely Greek Isles and some of the most sought-after ports in the Mediterranean.

Crown Princess in Scandinavia & Russia -- The 3,070-passenger Crown Princess makes her European debut with sailings to these favorite destinations. With two itinerary options, passengers can choose to visit Oslo or Berlin in addition to the highlights of Scandinavia and two full days in St. Petersburg.

Sea Princess from Southampton -- Sea Princess again offers her 1,950 passengers a series of different one- and two-week voyages with convenient roundtrip departures from Southampton. Travelers will visit the Mediterranean, Iberian Peninsula and Scandinavia with these popular itineraries.

Passengers can add to their European adventure with a choice of cruisetour options offered in conjunction with Grand Princess, Emerald Princess, Crown Princess and Pacific Princess sailings. These fully escorted tours include "Under the Tuscan Sun," highlighting Florence, Siena and Milan; "Cathedrals and Castles of Imperial Europe," featuring four capitals -- Budapest, Vienna, Prague and Berlin; and the "Ring of Kerry," with visits to Shannon, Killarney and Cork. All tours are designed to mesh seamlessly with Princess' cruise itineraries for a complete land/sea vacation.

Early booking fares for Europe cruises start at $1,640 per person, based on double occupancy.

Cruise Blog, by American Discount Cruises