The “new” Orient Lines earlier announced plans to acquire vessels rich in history and character and that can carry 600 to 800 passengers in comfort and safety to all seven continents, much like the former company’s beloved Marco Polo. Additionally, the new owner’s plans include preserving Orient Lines’ hallmark cruise-tour product, which seamlessly incorporated pre- and/or post-cruise hotel stays and orientation sightseeing tours, as well as distinguished guest lecturers and local cultural highlights, where possible.

Moving forward, Orient Lines has now announced that its new flagship, to be christened Marco Polo II, will carry 650 guests in 325 staterooms, two thirds of which are outside. The cruise liner, which most recently sailed as Maxim Gorkiy, will make her maiden voyage for Orient Lines in April 2009. Rich in character and history, Marco Polo II promises proven ocean-going capabilities, including an ice-strengthened hull, deep draft, Denny Brown fin stabilizers, bow thrusters and ample provisional stores, essential for cruising to all seven continents. The vessel has a classic interior décor and handsome exterior profile with a raked bow and traditional cruiser stern.

At nearly 25,000 tons Orient Lines’ new flagship is larger in size than her Marco Polo predescessor, yet carries nearly 200 fewer guests. The added space translates to a greater number of public areas and amenities including an indoor spa pool and four separate dining venues, six bars, a show lounge, cinema, casino, library, Internet center, card room, state-of-the-art fitness center and outdoor pool. Marco Polo II will maintain the line’s proven service formula with European officers, American and British social staff, and a friendly and gracious Filipino crew.

“We’re delighted to introduce Marco Polo II to Orient Lines’ large and loyal family of past guests,” said Wayne Heller, Orient Lines’ president and CEO.

After roaming the Med throughout summer 2009, Marco Polo II will set sail on a 33-day Grand Transatlantic crossing on Oct. 25, 2009 from Venice to Rio de Janeiro and begin a series of South America voyages. To receive additional ship and itinerary news electronically or by mail, you may register at www.orientlines.com or call toll-free 800-333-7300.

©2008 Cruise Talk Central. All Rights Reserved.

Jody Hewgill is a fine artist and illustrator whose clients include Rolling Stone magazine, Mondavi Wines and Time magazine. Her work has also graced the pages of previous Windstar Cruises Sailing Atlases. Hewgill’s paintings are among many public and private collections throughout Europe and North America, including the Library of Congress’ Permanent Poster Collection and the Centennial Olympic Games Museum in Atlanta. In addition to her painting and illustration work, Hewgill currently teaches at the Ontario College of Art and Design in Toronto.

Wind Surf’s 7-day Barbados roundtrip itinerary includes ports in St. Kitts, Nevis, St. Martin, St. Barts, Guadeloupe, Iles des Saintes and St. Lucia.

Wind Surf accommodates 312 guests and offers deluxe, oceanview staterooms that include beds with luxury linens and mattresses, flat-screen TV and DVD player, Bose SoundDock speakers for Apple iPods, waffle-weave robes with slippers and sumptuous L’Occitane products. Suites also include an extra bath, TV and sitting area. Bridge Suites give guests the additional luxury of a spacious private living room and relaxing whirlpool spa. Culinary wonders abound in Wind Surf’s The Restaurant and Degrees enjoy live music in the Lounge and cocktails in the Terrace Bar. Water sports enthusiasts will appreciate Windstar’s complimentary waterskiing, windsurfing, sailing and kayaking from the ship’s water sports platform. For more information including rates and itineraries contact a professional travel agent or call Windstar at 1-800-258-7245. Visit Windstar Cruises online at www.windstarcruises.com.

©2008 Cruise Talk Central. All Rights Reserved.

On its new route, Carnival Elation will depart Thursdays on three-day cruises to Ensenada, providing a value-packed long weekend getaway. Four-day cruises will depart Sundays and visit two ports, Ensenada and Catalina Island.

Carnival has offered a similar, highly successful program from Southern California for a number of years, currently on the Carnival Paradise based in Long Beach, with those departures occurring on Fridays and Mondays.

“Between the two ships, consumers will have a choice of two very popular departure points, Long Beach and San Diego, as well as four different departure days each week to select from,” said Terry Thornton, Carnival’s senior vice president of marketing planning. “These will be the only ships in the Southern California market offering three and four-day cruises starting in 2009, and with short getaways currently a trend among North American consumers, combined with the inherent value of a cruise, these voyages represent an extremely desirable vacation choice,” he added.

Carnival, which is the West Coast’s largest, most popular cruise line, also offers longer length voyages from Southern California. The Carnival Pride operates seven-day Mexican Riviera cruises from Long Beach year-round (to be replaced by the new Carnival Splendor in March 2009) and the Carnival Spirit offers seasonal eight-day Mexican Riviera voyages from San Diego.

Myriad ‘Fun Ship’ Features

Part of Carnival’s highly successful Fantasy class, the 70,000-ton Carnival Elation features 12 lounges and bars, including a multi-level theater showcasing lavish revues, a 12,000-square-foot health and wellness center, full casino gambling, and a wide range of full-service and casual dining options.

Family-friendly amenities include organized programs for children in three age groups – “Camp Carnival” for ages 2-11, “Circle C” for 12- to 14-year-olds, and “Club O2” for older teens – all with facilities, activities and staff for each.

Carnival Elation also features three swimming pools, a 115-foot-long water slide, a one-eighth-mile jogging track and a variety of stateroom categories, each offering the Carnival Comfort Bed sleep system with plush mattresses, luxurious duvets and high quality linens and pillows. Cell phone service and ship-wide Wi-Fi access are available, as well.

Reservations

Reservations are currently being accepted for the Carnival Elation’s new three- and four-day cruises from San Diego. Special rates for third and fourth guests sailing in the same stateroom, along with round-trip air supplements from a variety of North American gateways, are also available.

For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.

©2008 Cruise Talk Central. All Rights Reserved.

The 2008 World Savers Awards are featured in the September issue of Condé Nast Traveler, which hit newsstands on Tuesday, August 19. The World Savers Awards finalists will be recognized during an award ceremony on September 23, 2008, at the 2nd Annual Condé Nast Traveler World Savers Congress in New York City.

“Sustaining maritime ecosystems is among NCL’s highest priorities,” said Colin Veitch, NCL’s CEO. “The protection of the oceans on which NCL makes its living is of paramount importance to the company and so it is with great pride that we accept this recognition from Condé Nast Traveler for our efforts.”

Last year, the company recycled 96 tons of cardboard, 206 tons of wood pallets, 275 cubic meters of cooking oil, 364 tons of plastics, 909 tons of scrap metal, and 1,813 tons of glass. This recycling effort avoided manufacturing from virgin materials, which further conserved precious natural resources. NCL also managed 253 tons of trash and food waste at a Waste-to-Energy (WTE) facility which generated enough electricity to fulfill the monthly needs of more than 575 homes.

In 2007 alone, the recycling program saved 2,200 mature trees, 2,300 gallons of gas and 672,000 gallons of water. This translates to enough saved timber resources to produce more than 27.28 million sheets of newspaper; enough gasoline to drive more than 64,500 miles; and enough fresh water to meet the daily fresh water needs of more than 8,960 people.

NCL began recycling used cooking oil from its ships at the Port of Miami in early 2007. More than 15,000 gallons of used cooking oil have been offloaded and donated to an organic farmer in Vero Beach, Fla., who converted the oil to 870 gallons of usable bio-diesel for his farming equipment.

NCL pioneered the recycling of used lube oil, and routinely recycles plastics, aluminum, steel, batteries, oil sludge, and a wide variety of consumer products. NCL ships recycle whenever and wherever it is feasible.

The company has invested heavily, not just on new environmental protection technology, but also on a shore-side environmental department and has placed trained environmental officers on board every NCL ship. The company has also undertaken environmental training for all of its crew members, who make it a priority to separate recyclable materials from regular waste on board.

Each of NCL’s ships has state-of-the-art solid and liquid waste processing equipment on-board. The Advanced Wastewater Treatment System has been described as better than most land-based systems and the effluent from the system meets even the most stringent discharge standards of the U.S. Coast Guard and the State of Alaska.

NCL tries to instill positive environmental habits amongst its young cruisers. Children who participate in Kid’s Crew can learn about the importance of clean water, and the effects and prevention of marine pollution through Officer Snook’s Water Pollution Program. Elements of the program are incorporated into the NCL Kid’s Crew and include activities for kids of all ages. For kids ages 2-5, there are story-telling, coloring books and games. For pre-teens, there are crafts, a simulated “Beach Clean Up” activity, a “Catch or Release” game identifying endangered species, and an environmental poster contest. The program’s teen component allows high school students to earn between one and five community service hours depending on their level of involvement in the program. These hours may be used at the teen’s school as part of their community service allotment.

In 2008, Norwegian Pearl received the Port of San Francisco’s Cruise Ship Environmental Award and in 2007, Norwegian Sun was honored with the same award. The Port’s program recognizes annually those cruise ships whose on-board environmental systems help decrease air and water pollution.

World Savers Awards Methodology: To determine the award finalists and winners, Condé Nast Traveler editors reviewed 142 applications and narrowed them to 38 finalists. An independent panel of 17 judges, comprised of leaders from the travel industry and non-governmental organizations, rated how applicants exercised social responsibility in five key areas: poverty alleviation, cultural and/or environmental preservation, education, wildlife conservation and health. There were seven categories of travel companies: airlines, cruise lines, hotel chains, individual city hotels, large resorts, small resorts, and tour operators.

NCL Corporation Ltd. is the holding company for various subsidiary companies involved in owning and operating the ships of Norwegian Cruise Line. NCL is building two new Third Generation Freestyle Cruising (”F3″) ships for delivery in 2010. NCL today has the youngest fleet in the industry, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy the flexibility of Freestyle Cruising on the newest, most contemporary ships in the market, and has recently added its latest new ship, the 2,400 passenger Norwegian Gem.

©2008 Cruise Talk Central. All Rights Reserved.

In addition to providing an exciting new “Fun Ship” cruise option from New Orleans, Carnival Triumph will introduce new seven-day eastern and exotic western Caribbean schedules to complement the line’s popular four- and five-day cruises to Mexico.

The Carnival Triumph’s seven-day cruises will depart on Saturdays, with exotic western Caribbean voyages visiting Belize City; Isla Roatan, Honduras; and Cozumel; and eastern Caribbean cruises calling at Key West, Freeport and Nassau. Four-day cruises will depart Thursdays to Cozumel, while five-day cruises will depart Mondays and Saturdays to Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico.

Carnival Triumph will operate 65 departures annually from New Orleans, carrying approximately 200,000 passengers – the most of any cruise line. Carnival Fantasy, which currently sails from New Orleans, will be deployed to Mobile, Ala., to operate four- and five-day cruises beginning in November 2009.

“We’re very pleased to bring a newer, larger ship to New Orleans as well as expand our operations with new seven-day western Caribbean itineraries that will provide exciting new ‘Fun Ship’ vacation options,” said Terry Thornton, Carnival’s senior vice president of marketing planning. “In addition to serving as an excellent homeport for Carnival for nearly 15 years, New Orleans is a one-of-a-kind vacation destination and we’re delighted to continue our relationship with this wonderful city,” he added.

“The Port and the entire New Orleans tourism community is thrilled by Carnival’s decision to homeport the Carnival Triumph here,” said Port President and CEO Gary LaGrange. “This community has demonstrated its resilience and proven once again it is an international tourist destination. This business decision by a valued partner such as Carnival only reiterates the bright future of cruising in New Orleans.”

Four- to Seven-Day Cruises from New Orleans

Carnival Triumph will make its New Orleans debut with a special four-day cruise departing Tuesday, Nov. 10, then launch its new year-round four-, five- and seven-day schedule beginning with a weeklong voyage departing Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009.

Four-day Carnival Triumph cruises departing Thursdays visit Cozumel, a 308-square-mile island offering world-class beaches, myriad watersports and a diversity of restaurants, shops and nightspots. Five-day cruises departing Mondays and Saturdays feature both Cozumel and Progreso, located along Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula offering access to centuries-old ruins and archeological sites, including Chitzen Itza, recently named one of Seven Wonders of the World.

Seven-day exotic western Caribbean cruises departing Saturdays visit Belize, a tropical paradise where guests can visit Mayan ruins and enjoy myriad eco-tourism opportunities; and Isla Roatan, a breathtaking Honduran island distinguished by gorgeous white-sand beaches and lush countryside. A daylong visit to Cozumel rounds out this weeklong itinerary.

The eastern Caribbean route will feature Key West, the southernmost city in the U.S. known for its excellent shopping and watersports and perpetually laid back atmosphere. The itinerary also includes two popular Bahamian ports – Freeport, the island chain’s second largest city offering stunning beaches and exciting golfing, shopping and dining opportunities; and Nassau, the bustling capital known for outstanding duty-free bargains, beautiful beaches and historical landmarks.

A Truly Magnificent ‘Fun Ship’

The 102,000-ton Carnival Triumph offers a host of resort-style facilities and features: a 14,500-square-foot spa, a jogging track, ship-wide Wi-Fi access and cell phone service, a duty-free shopping mall, and three restaurants, including twin two-level main dining rooms with extensive menus and wine lists and a 1,200-seat casual eatery with full breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets and a 24-hour pizzeria.

Also featured are 18 themed lounges and bars – including a wine bar, sports bar, piano bar and a multi-level theatre showcasing lavish revues – all with dramatic interiors inspired by the world’s most famous bodies of water. A golf program offering professional instruction and opportunities to play top Caribbean courses is available, as well.

Family friendly amenities include programming for children in three age groups – “Camp Carnival” for youngsters, “Circle C” for 12- to 14-year olds, and “Club O2” for older teens – with activities and facilities dedicated to each. Additionally, Carnival Triumph offers a variety of accommodations, including a wide selection of balcony staterooms and suites. All staterooms feature the exclusive Carnival Comfort Bed sleep system with plush mattresses, luxurious duvets and high quality linens and pillows.

Reservations Now Open

Reservations are currently being accepted for the Carnival Triumph’s new four- to seven-day cruises from New Orleans. Special rates for third and fourth guests sailing in the same stateroom, along with round-trip air supplements from a variety of North American gateways and pre- and post-cruise land packages, are also available.

For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.

©2008 Cruise Talk Central. All Rights Reserved.

Holland America Line won an honorable mention in the health category based on its ongoing donations to organizations in need. The company recently donated $90,000 worth of dental equipment after dismantling its shipboard dental offices. Donated equipment included dental chairs, digital x-rays, and dental supplies.

“As one of the world’s major cruise lines, we recognize our important role in protecting and contributing to the well-being of the communities we visit, both environmentally and socially,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “This is one piece of our larger corporate social responsibility initiative, and we are grateful to be recognized by Condé Nast Traveler.”

Equipment from five ships went to Indian Health Services, responsible for providing federal health services to American Indians and Alaska natives. Four ships donated supplies to Loma Linda for its worldwide dental programs for children. One ship donated supplies to an orphanage in Pichilingue, Mexico. Equipment also was donated in Indonesia and Manila.

Previous donations from the medical department benefited two dental programs in Vietnam that specialize in children with cleft palettes, as well as programs in South America, and Mexico.

Another successful initiative addressing health issues is the line’s On Deck for the Cure program. Holland America Line recently announced it has surpassed the million-dollar mark in contributions raised for Susan G. Komen for the Cure® via its On Deck for the Cure program, earning it a place on Komen’s prestigious Million Dollar Council. Holland America estimates that more than 80,000 guests have participated in more than 1,000 walks on Holland America Line cruises worldwide since the program began in 2006.

The line also donates supplies through Ship to Shelter, an innovative new community-giving program that is the first of its kind in the nation. Reusable goods are collected from Holland America Line ships sailing from Seattle and donated to local charities serving people in need. Donated items include individual-sized toiletries, towels, linens, dishes, cookware, silverware, televisions and mattresses. Ships sailing around the world also donate valuable and reusable items to communities in need and the ship’s crew also donate their own money, time, and often toys, to organizations of need in ports of call.

Seventeen judges reviewed 142 applications and rated how applicants exercise social responsibility in five key areas: poverty alleviation, cultural and/or environmental preservation, education, wildlife conservation, and health.

©2008 Cruise Talk Central. All Rights Reserved.

With the Carnival Fantasy’s departures from Mobile, the company expects to carry approximately 170,000 passengers annually from that port.

Carnival Fantasy will offer a new “Fun Ship” cruise experience with a larger vessel that will include a number of exciting new features. This fall, the ship will undergo the next phase of the line’s Evolutions of Fun enhancement program. During an extended dry dock period, the open decks will be completely transformed to include the Carnival WaterWorks aqua park, Serenity adults-only retreat, and a new resort-style pool area.

“Mobile has been a terrific homeport for us since we began service there in 2004 and we’re absolutely thrilled to be able to expand capacity from this port with the deployment of the Carnival Fantasy,” said Terry Thornton, Carnival’s senior vice president of marketing planning. “The support of the local community, particularly city and port officials and our travel agent partners, has been nothing short of exceptional and we are very pleased to continue operating Mobile’s first and only year-round cruise program,” he added.

“Mobile is one of the nation’s most progressive cities, a quality we attribute to our partnership with Carnival Cruise Lines and our ability to build coalitions united around one goal – a better Mobile,” said Mobile Mayor Sam Jones. “We are truly grateful to welcome the larger Carnival Fantasy ship, and look forward to the future opportunities this partnership will bring to our city, state and region,” he added.

Year-Round Four- and Five-Day Mexico Cruises

Carnival Fantasy will launch year-round four- and five-day service from Mobile Monday, Nov. 16, 2009. On this route, four-day cruises departing Thursdays visit Cozumel, one of the cruise industry’s most popular destinations known for its beautiful white-sand beaches, excellent shopping and variety of shore excursion opportunities.

Five-day cruises departing Mondays visit both Cozumel and Calica, which, in addition to aqua-blue waters that attract snorkelers, scuba divers and windsurfers the world over, is in close proximity to the magnificent Mayan ruins of Tulum, the ecological theme park Xcaret, and Playa del Carmen and its popular Avenida Cinco shopping district.

Five-day cruises departing Saturdays call at Cozumel and Progreso, an emerging port with exciting excursion options to the beautiful colonial city of Merida and the spectacular Mayan ruins in Chichen Itza, recently named one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

On November 10, 2009, the ship will offer a one-time six-day cruise visiting Progreso, Cozumel and Costa Maya. The Holiday will remain in Mobile through the departure of November 2, 2009 and will then be transferred to Iberocruceros, a Spain-based sister cruise brand under the Carnival Corporation & plc umbrella.

‘Evolutions of Fun’ Upgrades

The 70,000-ton Carnival Fantasy’s extensive renovation this fall is part of the line’s $250 million “Evolutions of Fun” refurbishment program for its eight Fantasy-class vessels. The “extreme makeover” will include a new Carnival WaterWorks aqua park that will feature a 300-foot-long corkscrew water slide, dual-lane 82-foot-long racing slides and various water spray apparatus.

Also featured will be Serenity, an exclusive adults-only retreat featuring plush chaise lounges and chairs, oversized umbrellas, teak decking and two whirlpools, while the “resort-style” main pool will incorporate a tropical theme with thatched roofs, faux palm trees, colorful umbrellas, and a tiled “beach” bordering the pool.

Carnival Fantasy also offers 12 themed lounges and bars, a nine-hole miniature golf course, a 12,000-square-foot Spa Carnival facility, three restaurants, full casino gambling, a comprehensive golf program where guests can play top Caribbean courses, and organized programs for children in three different age groups – “Camp Carnival” for youngsters, “Circle C” for 12- to 14-year olds, and “Club O2” for older teens.

Carnival Fantasy also offers a variety of staterooms and suites, all of which feature the “Carnival Comfort Bed” sleep system with plush mattresses, luxurious duvets and high quality linens and pillows. Ship-wide Wi-Fi access and cell phone service are also available.

Reservations Now Open

Reservations are currently being accepted for the Carnival Fantasy’s new four- and five-day cruise program from Mobile. Round-trip air supplements from a variety of North American gateways and discounted rates for third and fourth guests sailing in the same stateroom are also available.

For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.

©2008 Cruise Talk Central. All Rights Reserved.

“The World Cruise excursions are specifically designed to enable travelers to explore, taste and feel each destination,” says John Stoll, Crystal’s director of land programs. “World Cruise guests no longer fit the stereotype of just sitting on the deck with a book and a blanket. Crystal guests are seeking worldwide adventures with six-star luxury.”

Along with the tours, expanded onboard enrichment programming serves to offer Crystal World Cruise guests more - more celebrity guest lecturers and performers, more keyboard classes through Yamaha and language classes through Berlitz and more experiences and events unique to World Cruise itineraries.

The thrilling roster of Crystal Adventures allows guests to:

Over the Top Aerials

• *NEW* Dunedin, New Zealand - Explore the filming locations of Lord of the Rings by helicopter, as well as the breathtaking New Zealand landscapes and the Misty Mountains.
• *NEW* Petropavlovsk, Russia - Helicopter over dormant and active volcanoes and jagged ice crests in the Kamchatka Peninsula.
• Ketchikan, Alaska - Fly over the awe-inspiring fjords, lakes, 1,000-foot waterfalls and granite cliffs of the Misty Fjords National Monument.

Active Adventure

• *NEW* Noumea, New Caldonia - Swing through the Koghi Mountain rainforests on webbed ropes, pulleys and zip lines.
• *NEW* Sihanoukville, Cambodia - Discover the nearly 37,000 acres of land and 15,000 acres of marine habitat during a day-long trek through Siem Reap National Park.
• Ha Long Bay, Vietnam - Kayak through the striking Thien Cung and Dau Go caves, and explore the secluded grottoes and natural limestone structures lining the waters of Ha Long Bay.

Wild Encounters

• *NEW* Waitangi, New Zealand - Swim with the dolphins - and perhaps penguins and orcas, too.
• *NEW* Petropavlovsk, Russia - Visit Kamchatka Peninsula, where the Siberian K9 Kennel breed, train and house the famed sled dogs used as the primary transportation in the area.
• *NEW* Bali, Indonesia - Ride an elephant at the Bali Elephant Safari Park, then venture into the Bali Bird Sanctuary.
• *NEW* Komodo Island, Indonesia - Explore Komodo National Park, the habitat of the dragons of the same name, and likely spot a few as they hunt for food and greet visitors.
• Perth, Australia - Get up close and personal with koalas, kangaroos, wombats, camels and emus in their natural habitat at Caversham Wildlife Park and Zoo.

Tasteful Experiences

• *NEW* Suva, Fiji - Discover the culinary techniques and flavors of the spice islands of the South Seas.
• *NEW* Adelaide, Australia - Visit Southern Australia’s Barossa Valley for exclusive wine tasting at Jacob’s Creek, Peter Lehmann Winery and Yaldara Estate.
• *NEW* San Francisco, CA - Savor the wines and cuisine of California’s renowned Napa Valley.
• Hong Kong - Discover why Hong Kong is known as the culinary capital of Asia with a visit to a local market and demonstrations and samplings of the region’s authentic dishes.

Crystal’s full “Pacific Circle Celebration” World Cruise spans the globe, visiting 45 ports in 22 countries throughout the South Pacific, Asia, Africa and Europe, and is available in eight distinctive segments from 11 to 17 days. Fares for the full World Cruise begin at $54,135 per person, double occupancy. Crystal Adventures shore excursions are priced from $39 to $6,999 per person.

For more information and Crystal reservations, please contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625. Visit the line’s website at crystalcruises.com.

©2008 Cruise Talk Central. All Rights Reserved.

Seventeen judges reviewed 142 applications and rated how applicants exercise social responsibility in five key areas: poverty alleviation, cultural and/or environmental preservation, education, wildlife conservation, and health. Thirty-eight finalists were named and the final winners were determined by compiling the judges‘ overall rankings. (The full list of finalists, detailing the areas in whieh they are being honored, is below).

The finalists will be recognized at the World Savers Awards ceremony on Sept. 23rd at the 2nd Annual Condé Nast Traveler World Savers Congress in New York City.

“These finalists are prime examples of how the world‘s hotels, airlines, cruise lines and tour operators can inspire their peers to improve our world,” said Deputy Editor for Special Projects Dorinda Elliott. “The efforts by these World Savers, from building schools and furnishing much-needed medical supplies to restocking wildlife reserves and dispensing mirco-loans, are models for the entire travel industry.“

“We are honored to be recognized by Condé Nast Traveler for the work we do,” said Richard E. Sasso, president and CEO of MSC Cruises (USA). “MSC Cruises has always been environmentally conscious and has implemented numerous sustainable programs to help safeguard the environment.“

©2008 Cruise Talk Central. All Rights Reserved.

Onboard the ship, which will be christened in Naples on Dec. 18, is the AUREA SPA, with more than 17,000 square feet fully devoted to wellbeing, with professional treatments and machines carefully monitored by the dedicated wellness center staff.

One of these is Q-Frequency, a state-of-the-art machine specially designed to eliminate not just cellulite, localized fat deposits and stretch marks, but also acne and drooping facial skin.

Using the beneficial effects of radiofrequency and biocompatible energy, Q-Frequency gives outstanding results in tissue toning, cellulite reduction, slimming and anti-wrinkle treatment, with an immediate anti-aging lifting effect.

Thanks to improved blood flow and a reactivated lymphatic system, the fat cells are stimulated to release toxins and excess fluids, restoring the skin’s natural balance and leaving it toned and glowing.

On board MSC Cruises’ ships, the spa doctor will always be on hand for a free consultation, to help you choose the treatments that are best for you.

MSC Fantasia is the newest flagship in MSC Cruises’ superb fleet. At 133,500 tons, it is the largest ship ever built for a European owner. It will be launching a whole new concept in cruise ships: a distinguishing feature of MSC Fantasia will be the MSC YACHT CLUB, a dedicated VIP area with 99 beautiful, spacious suites fitted out to the highest standard, special restricted-access areas and exclusive, personalized butler service.

©2008 Cruise Talk Central. All Rights Reserved.

That method is to just wait till on board the ship and then pick something that sounds interesting and fits the budget. This is method that we always used in “old days” of cruising in the 70’s and 80’s. This even worked for my husband and I on honeymoon cruise in 1993. Some cruisers still don’t even begin to think about their destinations or excursions until they have embarked on the their cruise.

However, in the last 15 years excursions and their booking process have become much more sophisticated. Cruise lines are now offering everything from zipline rain forest canopy tours, to dog sledding, to submarine tours, to snuba, and much more. They also offer coach tours to exotic locations that can’t be reached from the immediate port area. These all day coach tours might take passengers to big cities like Paris, ancient ruins like the Yucatan’s Chichen Itza, spectacular historic cities like Granada, or National Parks like Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii. Now cruise lines have lengthy descriptions of all their excursions online and have automated the booking process so that passengers can book their excursions prior to their cruise. With so much from which to choose, destinations that one doesn’t want to miss, and an overabundance of available information, obsessive planners, like me, can find making a tour selection extremely challenging.

When we originally booked our upcoming Trans Atlantic cruise I knew nothing about the Canary Islands or Madeira. Maybe I should have embraced the philosophy that “ignorance is bliss” and left those islands as unknowns. Instead I dove headfirst into websites and guide books that have provided me with much more information about each of these locations than I could possibly use during our short port stays. I’ve learned that Madeira has scenic views, historic architecture, lovely gardens and exotic flora. The Canary Islands offers some of the most spectacular scenery in all of Spain including the tallest peak in all of Spain and the Atlantic on Tenerife and exotic moon scape looking parks on both Lanzarote and Tenerife. Both the Canary Islands and Madeira are know for their unique wines.

On top of all these island destinations I have also been researching what to do during our three day pre-cruise stay in Barcelona and our first stop on mainland Spain, Malaga.

Budgeting for all of these exotic excursions presents the most difficult challenge. A family of 4 on a 7 port trip could easily spend well over $3000 just on excursions. That is almost enough to pay for the next cruise, so budget minded families must try to limit their excursion spending. We probably want to spend about $600-800 total on all our sight seeing including our three days in Barcelona. That means carefully picking excursions that will take us to the priority sights that we couldn’t see on our own, and then finding ways to enjoy other ports with-out a formal excursion. What all this means is means my going back to the guide books, surfing the net, and creating spread sheets with prices and information. All this work makes me long for the old days when passengers would just book their excursion once they started their cruise instead of spending moths obsessing about what to do. Well, I do say that planning can be half the fun.

©2008 Cruise Talk Central. All Rights Reserved.

“Our Quyana Members (past guests) asked us to add new destinations and Cruise West listened by delivering four new distinctive itineraries and reintroducing Vietnam in 2009,” said Dick West, chairman and managing director. “I personally scouted the Galapagos itinerary and the Danube River cruise. In honor of Cruise West’s first European river cruise, I will host a Chairman’s cruise on the first departure. As with all Cruise West voyages, these new itineraries will offer guests the hallmark Cruise West adventure — an authentic experience.”

NEW & REINTRODUCED 2009 ITINERARIES

• Cruise West introduces the GALAPAGOS onboard the luxurious 40-guest Isabela II. The 10-day tour will start with two days in Quito before flying to Baltra Island to board the ship for an eight-day cruise. A post-cruise Machu Picchu Land Tour option is available. Three departures will be initially offered on Aug 23 and 30 and Sept 6, 2009.
• Cruise West ventures to Europe for the first time with its 11- or 12- day Danube River cruise VIENNA TO BUCHAREST onboard the elegant new 148-guest Amadeus Diamond. 2009 marks this vessel’s inaugural year. This cruise highlights exclusive tours in Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Croatia and cruising in the Danube Delta. Four departure dates will be offered: July 16 and 24, 2009; and Oct 13 and 21, 2009. Add on a pre- or post-cruise Prague or Transylvania Land Tour.
• VIETNAM is reintroduced by popular demand. Originally offered in 2007, this 12-day itinerary cruises Haiphong to Ho Chi Minh City via Ha Long Bay, Hue, Danang, Hoi An, Qui Nhon, Nha Trang and the Mekong River. One departure will be offered on Nov 21, 2009 onboard Cruise West’s flagship, the 120- guest Spirit of Oceanus. Add-on a pre- or post-cruise Cambodia and Angkor Wat Land Tour.
• Cruise the exotic East Indies, SINGAPORE TO SYDNEY for the holidays onboard the Spirit of Oceanus. Offered Dec 16, 2009, this new 17-day itinerary transits the waters of early European explorers and will feature mysterious cultures steeped in ancient history in Indonesia. Spend New Year’s Eve in Sydney! Port calls to be announced fall 2008.
• Extraordinary islands throughout Melanesia are featured on the new 17-day SYDNEY TO FIJI voyage departing Dec 28, 2009. Visit isolated cultures and pristine waters in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and more. Port calls to be announced fall 2008.

2009 Itinerary Updates

• COLUMBIA RIVER CRUISES: Twenty additional departures of the Columbia River itineraries have been added. Four spring and six fall departures of the delicious Taste of the Pacific Northwest epicurean cruise have been added, increasing from three initial departures in fall 2008. Ten spring and 15 fall departures of the popular and historically based River Voyage of Discovery itinerary will be offered, up from 12 total departures in 2008.
• PANAMA & COSTA RICA: An extended season, one enhanced and two new land tours are offered on the nine-night Between Two Seas itinerary, traveling from Panama City to San Jose, Costa Rica or reverse, onboard the recently upgraded 100-guest Pacific Explorer. Highlights include traversing the entire Panama Canal and visiting the remote Embera Village in the Darien Jungle. The enhanced cruise/land tour includes the 10-day cruise plus five nights of accommodations and adventures in Sarapiqui and Arenal, Costa Rica. The two new land tours include a two-night/three-day Monteverde Cloud Forest visit and a four-night/five-day stay in Tortuguero National Park.
• ALASKA: Alaska’s Inside Passage itinerary will offer an extended cruise season with value pricing and two new add-on land tour options: two nights at a Denali Backcountry Lodge in conjunction with the four- or five-day Glaciers of Prince William Sound cruises; or a four day fully escorted Denali land tour traveling roundtrip from Anchorage in conjunction with the nine-day Alaska Whales & Wilderness cruise.

For further details on Cruise West’s itineraries, visit www.CruiseWest.com or call +1-800-296-8307.

©2008 Cruise Talk Central. All Rights Reserved.

Available fares make Cunard’s legendary World Cruises more sensible than comparable five-star travel experiences on land since, at sea, meals and entertainment are included. For travelers without the luxury of time to sail a full World Cruise, both ships offer shorter segment voyages ranging from 15-30 days. Space is still available on some of the most popular segments including Queen Mary 2’s 28-day Ft. Lauderdale to Los Angeles segment; 15-day Los Angeles to Sydney segment; and 31-day Singapore to New York segment.

“More than ever, today’s luxury travelers seek experiences that bring both value and meaning to their lives,” says Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line. “Across all levels of accommodation, a Cunard voyage is a pinnacle travel experience which continues to include all gourmet meals, entertainment and enrichment programs.”

Whether guests are onboard for the full World Cruise or a shorter segment voyage, they’ll have the opportunity to experience the Line’s award-winning Cunard Insights Enrichment Program. Among the speakers scheduled to appear are oceanographer-meteorologist Joe Bishop, astronaut Walter Cunningham, ocean liner authority and color commentator William Miller and adventurer Harvey Mann.

Queen Mary 2

Departing from Ft. Lauderdale simultaneously with her sister ship Queen Victoria on January 13, 2009, Queen Mary 2’s Epic Expedition features 26 port calls on five continents. Included is a port call to Alexandria (for Cairo/Giza) affording visits to the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. Maiden calls include Lima, Peru; Osaka, Japan; Bangkok, Thailand; and Salalah, Oman.

The ship will journey in a westward direction, sailing around South America to Los Angeles, then across the Pacific Ocean to Honolulu, Hawaii. From there, stops include Pago Pago, American Samoa; Auckland, New Zealand; Sydney, Australia; and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The voyage culminates in New York on April 14, 2009.

Queen Victoria

Eighteen exciting maiden calls are highlights of Queen Victoria’s westbound circumnavigation. Her first-time visits include Apia, Western Samoa; Aqaba (for Petra), Jordan; Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Cairns (Yorkey’s for the Great Barrier Reef), Australia; Christchurch (Lyttelton), New Zealand; Nagasaki, Japan; Nha Trang, Vietnam; Nuku’alofa, Tonga; Phuket, Thailand; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; Pusan, South Korea; Rabaul, Papua New Guinea; and Willemstad, Curaçao.

The ship will transit the Panama Canal and Suez Canal and visit some of the world’s most captivating ports, including Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Shanghai, China; and Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, as well as an overnight call in Sydney, Australia. Queen Victoria will also call on the port city of Mormugao in Goa, on the west coast of India, which is known for its pristine beaches and Portuguese architecture; and the charming port city of Hobart, Tasmania, Australia’s second oldest city. Her journey concludes in Southampton on April 20, 2009, where guests may opt to continue their voyage with a legendary six-day transatlantic crossing to New York aboard Queen Mary 2.

For more information and to book 2009 World Cruise segment voyages on Queen Mary 2 or Queen Victoria, consult your Travel Professional, call toll-free 1-800-7-CUNARD or go to www.cunard.com.

©2008 Cruise Talk Central. All Rights Reserved.

“Our Grand Pacific Voyage is designed to be a truly extraordinary journey offering broad cultural exploration and intellectual adventure,” said Joseph Proto, Silversea’s director of world cruise and business development. “We searched the globe to find just the right professors and distinguished personalities to share their knowledge and insights for the benefit of our inquisitive guests. The result is an impeccable enrichment roster featuring esteemed experts from Australia, Japan, Great Britain and the United States.”

Following are the segments of the Grand Pacific Voyage and a preliminary lineup of guest lecturers:

VOYAGE 3907: “Enchanted Polynesia,” March 7-23, Los Angeles to Papeete, 16 days

• Frank McCourt: Author born in Brooklyn, New York, to Irish immigrant parents, grew up in Limerick, Ireland, and returned to America in 1949. His first book, Angela’s Ashes, a memoir of his childhood in Limerick, won the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Critics Circle Award and the L.A. Times Book Award. The bestselling autobiography was also made into a movie in 1999.
• Dr. Kathryn D. Sullivan: Astronaut and first American woman to walk in space, Dr. Sullivan is a veteran of three shuttle missions and a 2004 inductee to the Astronaut Hall of Fame. Her life-long commitment to science education earned her the National Science Board’s Public Service Award in 2003 and a presidential appointment to the NSB in 2004.
• Dr. George Losey: He received his Ph.D. at Scripps Institution of Oceanography and has studied the behavior and ecology of marine animals throughout the world. An expert in South Pacific history, culture and marine life, he is an emeritus professor of zoology and marine biology at the University of Hawaii.

VOYAGE 3908: “Escape to Dreamland,” March 23-April 11, Papeete to Sydney, 18 days

• Scott Pearson: After earning a Ph.D. in economics from Harvard University, Pearson taught economic development and international trade at Stanford University. He has spent over four decades studying economic change in developing countries, and won several awards for his research and teaching. Pearson has led university travel groups worldwide.
• David O. Frazier & Joe Garry: Actors and dramatists who created fifteen original scripts and performed in theaters from New York to Budapest to Bombay. Their award-winning television show, Odysseys and Ovations, a travel and history series, appears on PBS in the U.S. They will present original cabaret-style lectures with a regional focus.

VOYAGE 3909: “Adventures of the Imagination,” April 11-29, Sydney to Singapore, 18 days

• Bradley Trevor Greive: One of Australia’s most successful authors, his books have been published in 115 countries with more than 17 million copies sold. His international bestsellers include Priceless: The vanishing beauty of a fragile planet, The Meaning of Life, A Teaspoon of Courage and The Blue Day Book, which received the 2000 Australian Book of the Year Award.
• Dr. Geoffrey Blainey: One of Australia’s best-known historians and commentators, Dr. Blainey has authored over 30 books. For 20 years he successively held the chair of economic history and then the Ernest Scott Chair of History at the University of Melbourne. In 1975 he was made an officer of the Order of Australia and in 2000 became a companion of that Order.
• Alastair Bruce of Crionaich: A descendent of Robert the Bruce, he is the author of numerous books on British royalty and a commentator for Britain’s Sky News and the BBC. He is also a documentary filmmaker with Days of Majesty, Nicholas and Alexandra, and Victoria and Albert to his name. He is a member of the Queen’s Body Guard for Scotland and is also an officer of arms to the Queen. Lecture topics will include Captain Cook’s adventures as well as the British Empire and Australia.
• Michael O’Brien: A retired major general in the Australian Defense Force, his interest in history has led to the publication of several books. In 2008, he lead an archaeological dig in northern France, ultimately confirming the most significant British and Australian group burial discovered since World War I. He is an expert on the Pacific region and its history.

VOYAGE 3910: “Oriental Mystique,” April 29-May15, Singapore to Tokyo, 16 days

• Elizabeth Kiritani: Author, award-winning journalist and Tokyo television personality, Kiritani has twice received the “Nihon Bungei Taisho,” a Japanese cultural award for journalism. Her book Vanishing Japan: Traditions, Crafts & Culture catalogues the small traditions that are still found in Japan, but are disappearing with the modern age. Her lectures celebrate the traditions of Japan.
• John Hartley: Retired Australian Major General Hartley is a graduate of Duntroon’s Royal Military College, the University of Queensland and the U.S. Army War College. He served twice in Vietnam, as a platoon commander and advisor to the South Vietnamese Army, and was wounded three times. His lectures will focus on regional cultural issues and history, as well as military history.

VOYAGE 3911: “Bridge Across Time,” May 15-28, Tokyo to Seward, 14 days

• Jon Bowermaster: Adventurer extraordinaire, author, filmmaker, and ardent kayaker, he has spent more than 20 years exploring and documenting some of the world’s most exotic regions. His Oceans 8 project, designed to explore the world by kayak, has taken him to the Aleutian Islands, Vietnam, French Polynesia, South America’s Altiplano, the Antarctic Peninsula and the wild coasts of Gabon, Croatia and Tasmania.
• Stephen Dachi: A foreign policy specialist who served in the U.S. Foreign Service for 30 years, Dachi is currently in charge of South Asia Area Studies at the U.S. Department of State’s Foreign Service Institute. He lectures on political issues at the Elliott School of International Affairs of George Washington University. He also teaches a course on the global economy at Georgetown University.

VOYAGE 3912: “Of Mists and Majesty,” May 28-June 7, Seward to Vancouver, 10 days

• Niki Sepsas: Author and magazine writer with more than 800 articles to his credit that have appeared in over 40 U.S. magazines and newspapers. Sepsas is a contributing author to Chicken Soup for the Soul, a series of bestselling books. His 30-year travel career has taken him to more than 100 countries on six continents around the globe. His adventures include climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, hot-air ballooning across the Serengeti and trekking the Australian Outback, to mention a few.

Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the luxury segment, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard four intimate vessels, Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, and Silver Whisper, all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. With the addition of the regal expedition ship Prince Albert II, the company’s itineraries encompass all seven continents. For more information on Silversea Cruises, please contact a travel agent. For a complimentary brochure, call toll-free (877) 215-9986 or visit www.silversea.com.

©2008 Cruise Talk Central. All Rights Reserved.

First, this cruise featured 4 1/2 sea days going to Hawaii and 4 1/2 on the return. During these days, we just relaxed and enjoyed the ship. As part of the “Hawaiian Experience” of this cruise, they had a Hawaiian lady onboard teaching hula lessons and Hawaiian culture. The latest videos include some of those lessons and the class performance during the ship board deck party as we left Honolulu.

The beauty of the Hawaiian islands also made this cruise very special. The recent additions feature a few of the sail-a-way parties and some of the attractions of the islands like Volcanoes National Park and Kilauea Lava Flow at night.

Video production is one of my hobbies. I try to make these videos near professional quality. If you are interested in learning a few tips on producing your own quality home videos I have an article in my resources section with a few of the tips and trick that I use in producing these videos.

©2008 Cruise Talk Central. All Rights Reserved.

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Trista and Ryan are one of the best-known romantic duos in recent broadcast history, as they are the first and only couple from the The Bachelor and Bachelorette franchises who have actually gotten married. The Sutters also recently celebrated the first birthday of their son, Max.

“Princess Cruises has long stood for romance and reconnection, and so we’re delighted to have Trista and Ryan christen Ruby Princess as they celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary,” said Jan Swartz, senior vice president for Princess Cruises. “While slightly unconventional, their courtship and marriage was exciting to watch as it unfolded, and we think their fascinating love story epitomizes our inaugural theme of celebrating romantic moments and milestones.”

Trista and Ryan Sutter met in 2002, when she was America’s first Bachelorette. The Bachelor and The Bachelorette on ABC-TV were the first and are still the most popular reality dating shows in which one man or woman searches for their soul mate out of 25 potential suitors. Over the course of the show, the bachelorette bestows roses on those bachelors she wishes to continue dating. Trista presented Ryan with her final rose and he then proposed on the show’s finale in November 2002. The couple wed on December 6, 2003 in an elaborate television ceremony watched by 26 million viewers, making it one of the most widely viewed episodes in the history of reality TV and one of ABC’s top rated shows of the year. After their highly visible courtship, Trista and Ryan moved to Vail, CO, where they currently reside with their son, Max. In addition to frequent TV interviews and promotional appearances, he is a firefighter and she is a stay-at-home mom and designer for her new diaper bag line, Trista Baby.

“We’re incredibly honored to be invited to be the godparents of Ruby Princess,” said Trista Sutter. “It’s hard to believe that it’s been five years since we got married. This is a wonderful way to celebrate our wedding anniversary, and also to remind people about the importance of marking not only the key milestones in a relationship, but also making time to incorporate romance into our everyday lives. We are so excited to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!”

The 3,070-passenger Ruby Princess includes a dramatic piazza-style atrium featuring small-bite eateries and an ever-changing array of performing street entertainers. Passengers will also enjoy Princess’ other array of dining venues including the signature Sabatini’s Italian trattoria and the Crown Grill steak and seafood restaurant, plus a relaxing oasis just for adults called The Sanctuary.

The new cruise ship will also offer the many other innovations that define the Princess experience, including the popular Movies Under the Stars poolside movie screen, Personal Choice Dining featuring traditional or Anytime seating, multiple entertainment venues, a relaxing Asian-style Lotus Spa with fitness center, an extensive children and teen’s center, a wedding chapel and nearly 900 staterooms with private balconies — perfect for enjoying a scenic Caribbean islands cruise.

During Ruby Princess’ inaugural season she will make seven-day weekly sailings from Fort Lauderdale, FL to the Western Caribbean. Calls include Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Cozumel, Mexico and Princess Cays in the Bahamas. Next spring the ship will move to Europe for 12-day sailings in the Mediterranean and Greek Islands.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company’s website at www.princess.com

©2008 Cruise Talk Central. All Rights Reserved.

Since the program began in 2006, On Deck for the Cure has raised nearly $1.1 million in support of breast cancer research. Noting the success of the ship-based program, where ship guests make donations for walking laps around the deck, Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs, said the company has recently extended their contract with Susan G. Komen for the Cure to continue the On Deck for the Cure program in the years to come. “We’re overwhelmed with the spirit and generosity of our guests,” said Meadows. “On every cruise, our guests take time from their holiday to raise money to help fight this disease. Holland America Line is proud to be a vehicle for this most worthy cause.”

Meadows noted that in 2007 one charter group on board the ms Maasdam turned out nearly 800 participants, smashing the previous Holland America Line single walk record of 349 walkers, and the 2008 Grand World Voyage on the ms Amsterdam raised more than $50,000 in its fund-raising walks.

“We are very appreciative of the contribution goals set by Holland America Line,” said Katrina McGhee, vice president of marketing, Susan G. Komen for the Cure. “Through leveraging the support of staff and guests alike, the company has reached the million dollar mark in less than two years. This is quite unique and an accomplishment achieved by only a few companies in our Million Dollar Council.”

On Deck for the Cure Details
Holland America estimates that more than 80,000 guests have participated in more than 1,000 walks on Holland America Line cruises worldwide since the program began in 2006. Participants pledged $15 or more, then simply put their sea legs to good use and walked around the ship’s deck for a total of five kilometers. Depending on the ship, guests walk up to 12 laps to reach 5K. Each participant receives an On Deck for the Cure T-shirt and On Deck for the Cure pink wristband as well as an invitation to a pink lemonade party following the walk.

For information about sailing dates and cruise destinations, contact a travel agent or call Holland America Line at 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com. For more information about Holland America Line’s giving program email giving@hollandamerica.com

©2008 Cruise Talk Central. All Rights Reserved.

The show presents a complete guide to everything a viewer needs to know about cruising, featuring insider tips from Norwegian Gem’s officers and a first-hand look at cruising through the eyes of the Walkers, a family of four from New York with children ages six and 10, and Joey and Joy, a young, professional couple on a romantic getaway, as they explore the ship’s on-board amenities and NCL shore excursions.

“NCL’s Freestyle Cruising allows guests the freedom and flexibility to cruise on their own schedule,” said Colin Veitch, NCL’s president and CEO. “During this special cruise guide on Fine Living Network, viewers will experience Freestyle Cruising and all it has to offer on our newest ship, Norwegian Gem. We hope that after watching the special, they will want to take their own cruise vacation aboard one of our 12 Freestyle Cruising ships.”

Viewers will vacation alongside the Walkers and Joey and Joy as they set out on their European cruise on Norwegian Gem. During the cruise, Joey and Joy use the time to unwind and relax from their busy lifestyle with a romantic brunch in the ship’s French restaurant Le Bistro; a private training session with a personal trainer in the Body Waves Fitness Center; and total relaxation on the ship’s pool deck with Evian mists and cold towels from poolside attendants.

The Walkers maximize their time to the fullest with a family bowling tournament in Bliss Ultra Lounge; a relaxing couple’s spa treatment in the Yin & Yang Spa while the children are playing in the Treetops Kids Club; an entertaining family dinner in the Teppanyaki restaurant; and a performance by the famed Second City comedy troupe in the Stardust Theater.

While off the ship, they visit unforgettable ports of call including Barcelona, Spain; Valetta, Malta; Naples, Rome and Florence, Italy; and Nice, France. The Walkers opt to explore Rome via an educational experience for their children with NCL’s Ultimate Touring, allowing them to customize their own private tour of the Coliseum, the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, while Joey and Joy decide to take in Malta’s scenic beauty on their private tour of the island’s beaches.

The Ultimate Cruise Guide is scheduled to air again on Fine Living Network (FLN) August 27 at 4 p.m.; August 30 at 11 p.m.; September 12 at 4 p.m.; September 14 at 11 p.m.; and September 24 at 10 p.m. From the makers of HGTV and Food Network, FLN is available nationwide on DirecTV channel 232 and DISH Network channel 113, and on local digital cable. To sample FLN programming, visit www.fineliving.com/TV.

NCL Corporation Ltd. is the holding company for various subsidiary companies involved in owning and operating the ships of Norwegian Cruise Line. NCL is building two new Third Generation Freestyle Cruising (”F3″) ships for delivery in 2010.

NCL today has the youngest fleet in the industry, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy the flexibility of Freestyle Cruising on the newest, most contemporary ships in the market, and has recently added its latest new ship, the 2,400-passenger Norwegian Gem.

©2008 Cruise Talk Central. All Rights Reserved.

“The California Wine Country Cruises are designed for both wine novices and connoisseurs who seek a personalized wine country experience,” said President & CEO Dietmar R. Wertanzl. “There is romance of being on a small-ship;it’s like your own personal vessel with the camaraderie of like-minded individuals. A romantic couple or friends who just want a fun getaway with a designated ‘driver’ can enjoy sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge at sunset with a glass of sparkling wine in hand, viewing the dazzling evening lights of San Francisco and circumnavigating infamous Alcatraz. The three or four days spent wining and dining onboard and on land are a feast for the senses.”

The five-day/four-night Vintner’s Choice itinerary highlights Napa Valley, Sonoma and the charming town of Sausalito. Cruising up the Napa River from San Francisco Bay, guests step ashore in Napa and into the prestigious Culinary Institute of America (CIA). There, guests will be immersed in a wine blending workshop that includes the five Bordeaux grape varietals, will savor a three-course “chef’s selection” lunch paired with wine at renowned Auberge du Soleil and will taste the sparkling wines of Mumm Napa during a tour of the facilities. and gallery.

In Sonoma, guests will have the option to explore Sonoma’s historical district or participate in a choice of optional excursions including: The Cabernet Lovers Limo Tour; an Olive Press tour; or a thrilling hot air balloon ride. That afternoon oenophiles will learn “tasting techniques”at award-winning Chateau St. Jean and indulge in a cheese, charcuterie and winetasting at St Francis Winery, known for its outstanding wines and gorgeous setting. This itinerary on the138-guest Spirit of Yorktown round trip San Francisco departs September 15, 22, 29 and October 6 and 13, 2008and begins at $2,049 per person, round trip.

The four-day/three-night Culture of the Vine itinerary, also on the Spirit of Yorktown , round trip San Francisco, departs September 19, 26 and October 3 and 19, 2008 and begins at $1,349 per person. In Napa, guests will taste four wines of note at a private tasting at boutique winery Alpha Omega followed by a tasting at Merryvale Vineyards, the first winery built in the Napa Valley following the repeal of Prohibition. Revelers will capture the spirit of Bacchus at Clos Pegase Winery, enjoying a three-course lunch in the on-site cave theater, complemented by three of the winery’s favorite products

Highlights in Sonoma will include a tour and tasting of Reve Blanc de Blancs and Brut Rose at sparkling wine producer Domaine Carneros as well as a private tram tour of the vineyard and cave at Benzinger Family Winery, followed by a lesson in the company’s biodynamic farming principles.

For more information or to book a California Wine Country cruise, call 1-800-296-8307 or visit www.cruisewest.com/destinations/california_wine_country/ .

©2008 Cruise Talk Central. All Rights Reserved.

The Solstice, the first to be built, took one more major step this week towards its completion. The ship was moved out of the dry dock building area and into the ship yard where it underwent extensive engine testing. Over the next week, in addition to the more mundane work, the ship will have its two funnels installed in preparation for it sea testing scheduled for September 27th, 2008.

The debut of the the Solstice has not been without controversy. The inaugural voyage was moved up by two weeks after the initial sales had begun. In fairness, Celebrity did give passengers booked on the original date the chance to reschedule to the new earlier debut cruise with no extra charges. Many passengers, having booked the cruise for inaugural experience, moved to the new date if their schedules permitted the move. However, what is perhaps causing the most controversy, is that “Cruises Only” travel agency is selling spots on a Nov 21st charter pre-inaugural two day cruise to nowhere. Usually cruise lines have some sort of pre-inaugural cruises where only company family, travel agents, or VIP’s are invited, not the general public. I suspect that several t