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VIKING RIVER CRUISES SPONSORS TERRACOTTA WARRIORS EXHIBIT IN ATLANTA  LOS ANGELES (December 15, 2008) -Viking River Cruises, the world's leading river cruise line, is supporting the efforts of Atlanta's High Museum of Art to bring an extraordinary display of Chinese terracotta warriors and related artifacts to Atlanta. The exhibit—which recently ended a popular 7 month run at the British Museum followed by a record-breaking 5 month run at the Bowers Museum in California—opened to the public in November. It will remain at the High for more than 5 months before moving on to Houston's Museum of Natural Science, then continuing to the National Geographic Museum at Explorers Hall in Washington D.C.
"The First Emperor" was inspired by one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Featuring more than 100 works, including 15 terracotta figures, the exhibition—which was covered in detail by the December 10 Wall Street Journal and rated #4 in Time magazine's Top 10 Museum Exhibits of 2008-is one of the largest groups of works relating to the First Emperor ever loaned to the U.S. by the Museum of the Terracotta Army and the Cultural Relics Bureau of Shaanxi Province in Xian, China. With rarely seen and recently discovered objects from his mausoleum complex, the exhibition will provide insight into the legacy of China's First Emperor, Qin Shi Huang, who reigned over a united China from 221 to 210 B.C.
"We have been taking travelers to see the Terracotta Army in Xian, as well as other key attractions in China, for the past five years," said Torstein Hagen, founding chairman of Viking. "Our guests always tell us that seeing the Terracotta Warriors is one of the highlights of their China experience. We are thrilled to be helping Americans see some of China's treasures that they may not otherwise have had the opportunity to see."
"This is a fascinating look into the history of one of the world's oldest and richest cultures, as well as one of the world's greatest discoveries—the First Emperor's terracotta army," said Michael E. Shapiro, the High's Nancy and Holcombe T. Green, Jr. Director. "Visitors will see these warriors up close and appreciate their magnificence within the context of China's history."
The Terracotta Army was created for Qin Shi Huang, first Emperor of China, who unified the Chinese states into a single country, worked to standardize the Chinese language, created a national road system and began construction on China's Great Wall. During his 38-year reign, he arranged for thousands of workers to construct an elaborate mausoleum for him, complete with an army to allow him to rule in the afterlife. After his death he was interred with his clay army and a vast collection of riches; eventually his tomb was forgotten. Then, in 1974, local farmers digging a well came upon a terracotta head, thus discovering a nearly 2,200-year-old archeological treasure.
Viking River Cruises, founded in 1997, began offering "cruisetours" in China in 2004. Each of these journeys includes a trip to Xian to see the mausoleum. Travelers enter a large hangar erected over the archeological site and view the terracotta infantrymen, archers and horses from a series of catwalks, thus enjoying the large scale of the site as well as the opportunity to appreciate the craftsmanship and individualized detail applied to each of the faces.
"For those who have not yet come to China to view the Terracotta Army, the High exhibit will provide an idea of its incredible workmanship," Hagen continued. "If the exhibit inspires viewers to come to China, we hope they consider doing so with Viking."
Viking River Cruises offers three different China itineraries for 2009; each includes visits to Beijing and Shanghai and a deluxe Yangtze River Cruise through the scenic Three Gorges Area in addition to a stay in Xian to visit the Terra Cotta Army. The 12-day Imperial Jewels of China covers the highlights mentioned; the 16-day China's Cultural Delights includes extra destinations on the Yangtze River; and the 16-day Roof of the World includes three days in Lhasa, Tibet.
| Holland America Line will name its latest Signature Class ship and the 15th in its fleet, ms Nieuw Amsterdam  To be delivered in 2010, the 86,000-ton Nieuw Amsterdam will be built at Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri's Marghera shipyard and its interior design and art collection will reflect the glamour and history of New York City, formerly called Nieuw Amsterdam.
"The Signature Class marks Holland America Line's latest series of new-build vessels and with a guest capacity of 2,106 for Nieuw Amsterdam, it reaffirms our commitment to the mid-sized cruise ship market," said Stein Kruse, president and CEO, Holland America Line. "This name has a rich heritage in our company with this ship being our fourth in 135 years. We are proud to extend this illustrious ship name to our current fleet."
The first Nieuw Amsterdam was launched in 1906 and used both a full set of sails and steam engines. She was 17,149 tons and carried 2,886 passengers, 2,200 of them in third class. She sailed in regular service through World War I and then through to 1932.
The famed Nieuw Amsterdam II joined the fleet in 1938 as the company's flagship. The silhouette of this ship can still be seen today behind Henry Hudson's Half Moon in the company's logo. At 36,287 tons, "the Darling of the Dutch," as she was known, was decorated in great style and was launched by Her Majesty Queen Wilhemina of the Netherlands. Nieuw Amsterdam II served proudly in World War II completing 44 war time voyages carrying nearly 400,000 passengers (mostly troops). Following the war, she was rebuilt and, as the queen of Holland America Line's "spotless fleet," hosted countless well-known figures among her guests, including Katherine Hepburn, Rita Hayworth, Spencer Tracey and Albert Schweitzer.
Nieuw Amsterdam III was launched in 1983 as one of the most elegant ships of her time. At 33,900 tons, Nieuw Amsterdam III sailed in Alaska in the summers and in the Caribbean in the winters.
"With innovative design and guest offerings, Nieuw Amsterdam IV will continue the proud tradition of her name and continue to evolve of Holland America Line's sophisticated mid-sized ships and further our premium leadership position," said Kruse.
Previous new-build series include the four-ship Statendam Class group, four-ship Rotterdam Class and four-ship Vista Class. The line also owns and operates the 793-passenger Elegant Explorer, ms Prinsendam. The first Signature Class vessel, ms Eurodam, joined the fleet in July 2008.
Eurodam, and now Nieuw Amsterdam, further define and expand the Holland America Line premium brand with new concepts such as the innovative pan-Asian Tamarind restaurant and Silk Den lounge surrounded by panoramic views overlooking the ocean expanse and the Lido pool. Other additions are an Explorer's Lounge Bar, a premium wine-tasting lounge, an elegant luxury jewelry boutique, new atrium bar area, enhanced and reconfigured show lounge, and a new photographic and imaging center.
Nieuw Amsterdam will feature 11 guest decks and staterooms will spotlight all the Signature of Excellence premium amenities of plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream Beds, deluxe waffle/terry cloth robes, Egyptian cotton towels, flat panel TVs, dvd players, make-up mirrors with halo lighting, massage shower heads, professional grade hair dryers, fresh flowers and complimentary fruit baskets. The ship will also feature innovative spa staterooms with additional spa amenities.
The ship will continue several much-admired Holland America Line features, including outside-view, glass elevators at midship; the Explorations Cafe -- a cyber-coffee house powered by The New York Times; the Pinnacle Grill and Pinnacle Bar; the innovative Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine Magazine, where culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and intimate classes in a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchens; an expanded Greenhouse Spa and Salon with thermal suites and hydro-pool, the largest gymnasium ever built for Holland America Line; and a youth facility that includes the teens-only Loft. In addition the ship will feature the family-style Canaletto's Italian restaurant.
On the technical side, Signature Class ships will feature the latest state-of-the-art navigation and safety systems including dynamic positioning abilities to hold the ship in a precise position. The vessels will be powered by six diesel generators and propelled by the latest Azipod propulsion technology.
"This new class of ships demonstrates the strength of our brand, the loyalty of our guests and the dedication of our more than 16,000 employees worldwide," said Kruse. "The added capacity will provide greater opportunities for our guests and employees alike."
| OCEANIA CRUISES LAUNCHES ITS 5TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF SAVINGS  Miami, FL, January 5, 2009 – As previously announced on December 29th, Oceania Cruises will launch its largest promotion ever on January 7th with unprecedented price reductions on more than 40 voyages. In celebration of the completion of its fifth year of business, the line is offering exceptional savings on its most alluring voyages in Europe, Asia, Australia & New Zealand, South America, and the Caribbean. With savings of up to 72%, travelers can enjoy the Oceania Cruises Experience for as little as $1,249 per guest.
In addition, solo travelers may enjoy the Oceania Cruises Experience for a single supplement of only 25% and 3rd and 4th guests in a stateroom will receive an additional 50% reduction off of their cruise fare.
“With these significant pricing incentives and valuable amenities such as shipboard credits and pre-paid gratuities, this is the perfect opportunity for travelers to enjoy the acclaimed destination experience and unrivaled value that Oceania Cruises represents,” stated Bob Binder, President of Oceania Cruises.
2009 European Collection
On select 2009 European Collection voyages, guests will receive Free Airfare, 2 For 1 Cruise Fares and an additional Price Reduction of $2,000 per stateroom on accommodation in categories G through A.
Applicable Sailings:
April 4, 2009 – Barcelona to Istanbul, 14 Days
May 31, 2009 – Rome to Istanbul, 12 Days
June 5, 2009 – Athens to Rome, 12 Days
July 23, 2009 – Athens to Istanbul, 12 Days
July 26, 2009 – Venice to Barcelona, 14 Days
August 4, 2009 – Istanbul to Rome, 12 Days
August 16, 2009 – Rome to Athens, 12 Days
August 23, 2009 – Istanbul to Athens, 12 Days
September 4, 2009 – Athens to Rome, 12 Days
September 9, 2009 – Istanbul to Athens, 12 Days
September 28, 2009 – Venice to Barcelona, 14 Days
October 12, 2009 – Barcelona to Athens, 10 Days
October 17, 2009 – Athens to Venice, 12 Days
October 17, 2009 – Venice to Istanbul, 14 Days
October 22, 2009 – Athens to Venice, 12 Days
October 29, 2009 – Athens to Istanbul 12 Days
November 3, 2009 – Venice to Rome, 12 Days
November 15, 2009 – Rome to Barcelona, 10 Days
2009-2010 Winter Collection
For the 2009-2010 Winter Collection, guests will receive the following Price Reductions in addition to Free Airfare and 2 For 1 Cruise Fares along with amenities valued at up to $1,500 per stateroom.
- 10 Day Voyages: $500 per Stateroom Price Reduction, $500 Per Stateroom Shipboard Credit and FREE Prepaid Gratuities.
- 12-24 Day Voyages: $1,000 per Stateroom Price Reduction, $500 Per Stateroom Shipboard Credit and FREE Prepaid Gratuities.
- 25-40 Day Voyages: $1,500 per Stateroom Price Reduction, $500 Per Stateroom Shipboard Credit and FREE Prepaid Gratuities.
Applicable Sailings: All Winter 2009-2010 Collection voyages to Australia and New Zealand, Asia, South America and the Caribbean and Panama Canal.
With Free Airfare from 20 North American Gateways and Bonus Savings on top of 2 For 1 Cruise Fares, the Oceania Cruises Experience represents the greatest vacation value ever. The Celebration of Savings officially kicks off on Wednesday, January 7th and these historic savings are certain to generate extraordinary demand. Be certain to call your travel agent or Oceania Cruises to reserve your preferred voyage and accommodations.
For additional information on the Oceania Cruises Experience or to order a brochure on the 2009 European Collection or 2009-2010 Winter Collection, call your Cruise Vacation World at 1-888-828-7327 (SEAS).
Fares quoted are per guest based on double occupancy, are subject to availability and are capacity controlled. Fifth Anniversary Fares are available only on select sailings and in select grades of accommodations. Certain sailings may be excluded or withdrawn at any time without prior notice.
| Oceania Cruises celebrates its fifth anniversity with unprecedented savings Miami, FL, December 29, 2008 – On January 7th Oceania Cruises will launch its largest promotion ever with unprecedented price reductions on more than 40 voyages. To celebrate its Fifth Anniversary, exceptional savings will be offered on the lines most alluring voyages in Europe, Asia, Australia & New Zealand, South America and the Caribbean.
The Celebration of Savings begins January 7th and will offer additional Bonus Savings off existing 2 for 1 Cruise Fares, resulting in historic savings of up to 72% on select sailings.
“As we celebrate our 5th Anniversary, there is no better time to underscore the unrivaled value that the Oceania Cruises Experience represents. Moving forward into 2009, we want to offer our guests enhanced value and lower cruise fares, and for our agents partners to reap greater rewards for all of their support over the past five years,” stated Bob Binder, President of Oceania Cruises.
With Free Airfare from 20 North American Gateways and Bonus Savings on top of 2 For 1 Cruise Fares, the Oceania Cruises Experience will represent the greatest vacation value ever. Specific details on pricing, value-added amenities and departure dates will be announced on Monday, January 5th.
| Top 10 Ways To Save On Luxury With Crystal Cruises In 2009  LOS ANGELES, January 5, 2009 - While a Crystal Cruises vacation is inherently loaded with inclusive value, the luxury line is sweetening the cruise savings for 2009 and beyond. From getting there to being there, Crystal's significant savings promotions range from upgraded and complimentary air travel to family incentives, extended land programs and dollars off.
"This is the broadest scope of savings opportunities we've ever offered," says Bill Smith, senior vice president, sales and marketing. "Even the most affluent travelers are seeking strong value now. Discerning cruisers also place high importance on brand, reputation and consistency of product delivery, which is continually validated by the unprecedented number of consumer and industry awards Crystal has earned in the past year alone."
The top 10 ways to save in 2009 include:
1. Save Now, Save Later
Guests booking and sailing on any 2009 Europe, transatlantic or Crystal Symphony Asia cruise can realize significant savings on these sailings, and also save 20% on virtually any 2010 voyage, excluding the World Cruise and its segments.
2. Asia Stateroom Upgrades and Penthouse Savings
Crystal is offering complimentary two-category stateroom upgrades and up to $2,000 per person for Penthouse accommodations with Crystal Symphony's spring cruises in China & Japan and Southeast Asia. The two cruises between Hong Kong and Beijing also feature an inclusive three-night land stay in Beijing.
3. Free One-Way Air with Panama Canal Cruises
Guests originating in Los Angeles, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale or Palm Beach air gateways on the February 16 or May 7 cruises between Los Angeles and Miami can fly for free one way.
4. Europe Celebration Savings
In celebration of an unprecedented 15 years as "Best Large-Ship Cruise Line," Crystal is offering savings of $1,500, $1,000 or $750 per person off nearly all 11-day Baltic and 12-day Mediterranean cruises, and half that off most shorter European sailings, depending on accommodations selected. Savings also apply to Crystal Symphony's September 3 port-filled transatlantic sailing and Crystal Serenity's combination of two weeklong cruises in June.
5. Air Upgrades to Europe
Promotional business class air add-on fares start at just $799, one-way to the Baltic, and $899, one-way to the Mediterranean in conjunction with virtually all Baltic itineraries aboard Crystal Symphony, and Mediterranean voyages aboard Crystal Serenity, from June through August. Low premium economy upgrades are also available with Crystal Symphony's Northern European itineraries between June and September.
6. Crystal Family Memories Program
Valid with virtually all of the line's 2009 itineraries, the Crystal Family Memories Program offers one complimentary berth for every 10 full-fare berths, plus other perks like prepaid gratuities and credit toward a Crystal Private Adventure.
7. Value Collection Sailings
Save up to 50% on more than a dozen sailings of seven to 17 days through the Panama Canal, South America, the Mediterranean, Western Europe, New England and Canada, Caribbean and the Amazon, as well as Atlantic and Pacific Ocean crossings.
8. Crystal Assurance Plan
In combination with its existing price guarantee, Crystal is reducing cruise fare deposits - as low as 5% - deadlines and cancellation periods.
9. Combo Cruise Savings
Guests booking two or more cruises back-to-back, with the exception of World Cruise segments, can save up to 5% on the fare for each voyage.
10. Book 180 Days in Advance
All guests save 3.5% when they pay in full six months in advance.
Plus, Bonus Savings with Crystal Society Benefits
Not only do returning Crystal cruisers automatically save between 4% and 4.5% on their next cruise, but they can enjoy additional savings that range from shipboard credits, gifts and parties to stateroom upgrades and an 11-day free cruise in a Crystal Penthouse. All guests who book a future cruise on board save an additional 4% to 4.5% off their next cruise.
Always an Exceptional Value
Crystal Cruises continues to offer the highest level of luxury on every itinerary, adhering to the winning formula of service, space, quality and choices. Thoughtful amenities include:
- Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages
- Complimentary specialty restaurants, including the celebrated cuisine of Nobu Matsuhisa
- Complimentary enrichment classes, including computer learning, yoga and mat-based Pilates, wine tasting, language, wellness, music, art and bridge
- Complimentary transportation to the town centers from most ports
- Complimentary Ambassador Host program offering dance partners
- Complimentary lavish Broadway-style evening productions in the Galaxy Theatre
- Complimentary daily feature films in the Hollywood Theatre
- Complimentary elegant afternoon tea service in Palm Court
Restrictions apply for air arrangements. The Business Class and Premium Economy air promotions are capacity controlled and subject to space availability.
| Crystal Returns To Alaska for the First Time in Three Years LOS ANGELES, December 29, 2008 - Crystal Cruises returns to Alaska for the first time since 2005 with a single early season itinerary departing Yokohama April 16. The 22-day voyage also marks the first time Crystal Serenity has ever visited the Great Land, with calls at Dutch Harbor, Kodiak, Seward and Ketchikan. Crystal Adventures will highlight the region's magnificent scenery and wildlife - taking guests zip lining through the Tongass National Forest, flightseeing above the Misty Fjords and yachting off Kodiak to view the region's wildlife.
"Crystal has designed more than a dozen new Crystal Adventures that showcase Alaska's greatest assets - its breathtaking landscape and indigenous wildlife," said John Stoll, director, land programs.
New Alaska Crystal Adventures include:
- Ketchikan - Zip lining along a series of cables suspended between the tall spruce, hemlock and cedar tress bordering Tongass National Forest.
- Ketchikan - Flying above the spectacular Misty Fjords, spotting bears, timber wolves, seals, sea lions and whales en route.
- Kodiak - Exploring Abercrombie State Park with an expert naturalist pointing out the sounds of songbirds, eagles, puffins and gulls.
- Kodiak - Observing horned and tufted puffins, harbor seals, otter, sea lion and a variety of birds from a private yacht.
- Seward - Discovering preservation efforts of Alaska's one-of-kind ecosystem at one of the region's top research centers.
- Seward - Cruising across Resurrection Bay into the heart of Kenai Fjords National Park.
Guests will also be treated to generously expanded programming, which is totally unique to the World Cruise and its segments, including celebrity guest lecturers Richard Dreyfuss and Ed McMahon, as well as Crystal's exclusive Interactive Literary Review and language and music classes offered by Berlitz and Yamaha, respectively.
The 22-day itinerary departs from Tokyo en route to Los Angeles, calling at Otaru, Japan; Petropavolovsk, Russia; Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia; and San Francisco. The full 106-day "Pacific Circle Celebration" World Cruise departs Los Angeles on January 21 and is available in seven individual voyages ranging from 12 to 22 days. Cruise fares start at $11,160 per person, double occupancy.
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