Uniworld's 2008 European Grand River Cruises are more luxurious than ever with new onshore and offshore amenities, generous pay-in-full and early booking discounts, a new Grand River Cruise Club, and a brochure and website elegantly designed and easy to use – all reflective of creating the world's leading river cruise experience.

To add to the unique Europe's Grand River Cruise 2008 experience, Uniworld has broadened its already fabulous list of amenities. Each ship experience is comparable to staying at a five-star boutique hotel. Guests will enjoy complimentary wine with dinner, bottled water in each stateroom, 24-hour specialty coffees including cappuccinos and lattes, and a state-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio headset system to enhance guests' onshore experience.

Ships include lavishly appointed staterooms with lovely river views, sumptuous cuisine and onboard entertainment. Inclusive shore excursions are always lead by English-speaking guides. Complimentary transfers are included on day of arrival and departure.

Uniworld has added exciting new itineraries such as a 7-night Danube Discovery Grand River Cruise from Vienna to Nuremberg, a 7-night Rhine Discovery Grand River Cruise from Nuremberg to Basel, and a 12-night Ukraine, the Black Sea & Istanbul Grand River Cruise between Kiev and Nessebar, along with a 3-night hotel stay in Istanbul.

GRAND RIVER CRUISE SAVINGS ARE PLENTIFUL:

2007 Holiday Grand River Cruises - Give yourself a pre-holiday gift! Join Uniworld on a Grand River Cruise along the great rivers of Europe. Save up to $200 per couple ($100 per person) on 2007 Holiday Grand River Cruises by booking before August 31, 2007. Choose from four spectacular Holiday Grand River Cruises: European Holiday Markets- Nuremberg to Vienna; Danube Holiday Markets - Budapest to Passau; Rhine Holiday Markets - Basel to Cologne; and Rhine & Main Holiday Markets - Cologne to Nuremberg.

The Pay-in-Full discount allows couples to save up to $2,000 per couple ($1,000 per person) when booking and paying in full at time of booking. Bookings must be made on or before September 30, 2007. The Early Booking Discount saves up to a $600 per couple ($300 per person) when reserving and depositing by November 30, 2007. These discounts are available for the following 2008 Grand River Cruises: Eastern European Explorer, European Jewels, European Serenade, Grand Christmas and New Year’s Cruise, Grand European Discovery, Grand European Explorer, Grand European Serenade, Grand France, and Legendary Rhine & Moselle.

With the Pay-in-Full discount – save up to $1,000 ($500 per person) per couple on Land of the Cossacks – when booking and paying in full at time of booking. Bookings must be made on or before September 30, 2007; saving is off cruise or cruise and air rates or enjoy Early Booking Discount and save $500 per couple ($250 per person) off cruise or cruise and air rates for Land of the Cossacks.

The Pay-in-Full discount allows couples to save up to $600 ($300 per person) when booking and paying in full at time of booking. Bookings must be made on or before September 30, 2007. The Early Booking Discount saves up to a $300 per couple ($150 per person) when reserving and depositing by November 30, 2007. These discounts are available for the following 2008 Grand River Cruises: Burgundy & Provence; Castles Along the Rhine; Danube Discovery; Danube Holiday Markets; Douro Valley; Dutch Dreams; Enchanting Danube; European Holiday Markets; Grand Danube Holiday Market; Paris and Normandy; Rhine Discovery; Rhine Holiday Markets; Tulips and Windmills.

The Pay-in-Full discount allows couples to save up to $400 ($200 per person) when booking and paying in full at time of booking. Bookings must be made on or before September 30, 2007. The Early Booking Discount saves up to a $200 per couple ($100 per person) when reserving and depositing by November 30, 2007. These discounts are available for the following 2008 Grand River Cruises: Imperial Russia; Ukraine, the Black Sea and Istanbul; and Waterways of the Czars.

Uniworld recognizes their loyal past guests with the introduction of the Grand River Cruise Club with many value-added inclusions, plus a $100 per person past-guest discount on all Grand River Cruises and Tours.

Uniworld Grand River Cruises include lavishly appointed river view staterooms with the finest amenities, all meals and entertainment onboard, the services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager, expertly planned itineraries, fascinating shore excursions lead by knowledgeable, English-speaking guides, and significant savings.

Los Angeles based Uniworld offers 500 well-priced departures on more than 30 itineraries, sailing on 12 rivers in 20 countries across 4 continents – China, Europe, Russia and Egypt.

For reservations and more information, call your cruise vacation experts at Cruise Vacation World at (888) 828-7327. 

Travel + Leisure's "World's Best" Small Ship is really a yacht!

Miami - July 10, 2007 -- With a skyrocketing reputation for excellence far beyond its tiny size, SeaDream Yacht Club has done it again.

The Miami-based operator of the twin ultra-luxury, mega-yachts SeaDream I and SeaDream II has just learned it has been honored with the World's Best Award for Top Small-Ship Cruise Line in Travel + Leisure's 2007 readers' poll. The news of the magazine's 12th annual World's Best Awards survey results was reported a few hours ago on--- Today, the big NBC TV show.

Travel + Leisure's simultaneous announcement pointed out that in winning the World’s Best Award for Top Small Ship Cruise Line SeaDream Yacht Club outscored several other contenders. This information is available online at www.travelandleisure.com/worldsbest and in the August issue of Travel + Leisure, on newsstands July 24.

It was only last October that SeaDream received word it had been named World's Best Small Passenger Shipping Line for 2006, by Conde Nast Traveler.

Travel + Leisure---published by American Express Publishing Corporation---and Conde Nast Traveler are the two of the most prestigious travel magazines in the world. Each year their readers vote for the best travel destinations, cities, resorts, spas, airlines, cruise lines and other industry specialists.

Not bad for little SeaDream that began life in the fall of 2001, just a few days before 9/11---obviously just the wrong time for a new leisure travel venture. But never mind, SeaDream succeeded in spite of unfortunate timing and a chorus of nay-sayers.

Commenting on the Travel + Leisure award, SeaDream’s President and CEO Larry Pimentel said “The Travel + Leisure awards are the true mark of excellence. I am overjoyed at this news and extremely proud of our entire staff. Of course, at the very center of this honor are the shipboard personnel on both SeaDream I and SeaDream II. They work tirelessly and provide a service that is unparalleled.

“But there are many others who are responsible for this success as well. They are members of the supporting team that provides the logistics for our operation---reservations, sales, provisions, purchasing, marine and technical staff and our folks in personnel and accounting---all of them.

“Honors such as these wouldn't be possible if the entire SeaDream team didn't pull together,” he added.

SeaDream I and II carry only 50 fortunate couples in 55-staterooms and sail in Europe in summer and the Caribbean in winter. The SeaDream twins call on casual and intimate yachting ports and also on classic cities and towns served well by international air carriers.

SeaDream Yacht Club has accumulated a wide variety of awards and accolades from authoritative travel industry publications, various organizations and associations and a steady stream of terrific unsolicited comments from its guests. All add luster to its growing international reputation.

Larry Pimentel---proudly busting the buttons on his blue blazer---added “It's always great when someone says nice things about you and you don't have to blow your own horn, so to speak.

“It's even nicer when a vast audience like the Travel + Leisure readership sounds off on your behalf, and that’s what happened today,” he added.

But the SeaDream twins are also proudly blowing their own horns as we write this---in this case their ships' whistles. SeaDream I is on a voyage between Rome and Athens and today is in Taormina, a small port town on the Italian island of Sicily. SeaDream II is sailing between Monte Carlo and Nice and today and is in Viareggio, an historic Italian fishing port, now an exclusive yachting resort.

“You can almost hear them back here in Miami and in our European headquarters in Oslo,” Pimentel concluded.

Seattle, July 30, 2007 – Encountering a dazzling array of delectable food choices on every cruise, guests on Holland America Line ships chart a steady course to dine on wild Alaskan seafood  — consuming an estimated 1.3 million pounds this year alone. 

From fresh salmon to scallops and crab, Holland America Line has long had an affinity for Alaskan seafood, says Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line.

“Our commitment to our guests is to serve the best seafood available,” he said, “and that means wild Alaskan seafood. No other region delivers the abundance and quality of the seafood found in Alaskan waters.  This consistency is a distinction of which our guests are happily aware and it shows at every meal setting.”

On Alaska-bound ships, guests enjoy a completely wild Alaskan seafood dinner three times a week throughout the cruise season, and wild Alaska salmon is always available for dinner with different preparations offered each night. 

Over the course of a year, Holland America Line serves on average these quantities of wild Alaskan seafood:   

This million pound plus catch of Alaskan seafood makes Holland America Line a major contributor to the Alaskan economy – an investment that doesn’t end at the pier. Holland America Line also has invested in maintaining its chain of Westmark Hotels throughout the state as well as its fleet of upscale tour buses and rail cars used in its many land-based tours.

The leader in Alaska travel, Holland America Line's eight ships offer 156 cruises in 2007 for scenic glacier viewing in Glacier Bay National Park or Hubbard Glacier plus Tracy Arm or College Fjord, depending on ship and departure.    For more information, consult your cruise travel experts at Cruise Vacation World, call 1-888-828-SEAS (888-828-7327).

Miami, FL, August 3, 2007 — Oceania Cruises announced that on August 1st a new record for reservations was set as the line's 2008–2009 Winter Collection of sailings went on sale. Oceania Cruises opened its reservation lines at 8 am on August 1st and took more than 400 new reservations in the first hours. At the close of business the line had bested it previous reservations record by almost 30% and some departures were 50% sold.

"With limited availability for our 2008 winter sailings, Travel Agents and Oceania Club members have been eager to learn details of the 2009 winter sailings. Our Travel Partners have always provided us with tremendous support and the response today is truly incredible," stated Bob Binder, President of Oceania Cruises.

The line's new 2008-2009 Winter Collection includes 24 voyages to Asia, Australia, the Caribbean and South America, ranges from 10 to 35 days in length, calls on more than 100 ports of call, and features 46 overnight port stays.

"One of the primary drivers of our success has been our destination-rich itineraries that feature many unique ports and an abundance of overnight port stays. From our inception, our goal has been to provide our guests and travel partners with the richest and most rewarding destination experience possible. When you combine our itineraries with the onboard product which features an acclaimed dining experience and a level of personal service that can only be found on mid-size ships, the result is a winning combination that has resulted in an overwhelming demand from our past guests," added Binder.

Highlights of the 2008-2009 Winter Collection:

• An unrivaled roster of overnight port stays in Rio de Janeiro, Hong Kong, Sydney, Buenos Aires, Luxor, Dubai, Yangon, Bali, Bangkok, Hanoi, Saigon, Itajaí, São Paulo, Kyoto, and Taipei.
• Nautica returns to Australia and Asia with eight unique voyages ranging from 15 to 35 days.
• Insignia sails an enchanting array of 12- to 19-day voyages to the verdant coastal villages of Brazil and the mesmerizing Chilean fjords.Three exciting new 19-day cruises between Rio de Janeiro and Valparaiso offer a grand look at a grand continent.  

About Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises® is the world's only upper-premium cruise line and offers a unique combination of the finest cuisine at sea, luxurious accommodations, exceptional personalized service and extraordinary value. As the leader in destination cruising, Oceania Cruises sails to more than 180 ports in Europe, China and the Far East, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Central America and the Caribbean. Featuring three intimate and elegant mid-sized ships, Regatta, Insignia and Nautica, the line will introduce two new mid-size Oceania Class ships to its award-winning fleet in 2010 and 2011. For additional information, to make a reservation, or to order a brochure, please contact the cruise travel experts at Cruise Vacation World.

MIAMI, June 26, 2007 -- Seabourn Cruise Line has announced the name that will be given to its new, ultra luxury cruising vessel, presently under construction in Italy. The all-suite, 450-guest ship will be christened Seabourn Odyssey when she debuts in Venice in mid-2009.

“There were literally hundreds of names that we considered,” said Seabourn president Pamela C. Conover, “and we pursued dozens of different directions. But in the end, we wanted her name to reflect her primary purpose, which is to wander the globe, carrying our guests to the world’s most exciting and fascinating destinations, in signature Seabourn luxury and style.”

Seabourn invited its Seabourn Club, an exceptionally loyal coterie of repeat guests, to participate in the fun by guessing the name before it was announced. With the incentive of a free cruise for two during the new ship’s maiden year for the winner, the contest drew thousands of entries from around the world by mail and email. Over fifty of those entries divined the correct name, and the winners, John and Hazel Coleman of Monaco, were drawn at random from among those who answered correctly.

Beginning last May, more than 8,500 tons of steel is being cut and welded to form the sleek hull and graceful superstructure of the line’s new, $250 million flagship, which, when she is launched, will be the first addition to any fleet in the ultra luxury segment of the cruise industry in six years.

Although three times the size of her smaller 10,000-ton sister ships, Seabourn Pride, Spirit and Legend, Seabourn Odyssey will carry just over twice as many guests, and boast the same gracious ratio of hospitality staff to guests and among the highest space-per-guest ratios in the cruise industry. In addition, the new vessel will offer more dining options than her sisters, as well as more types of suites, more verandas, more entertainment venues and enhanced spa and recreational facilities.

Plans for maiden year itineraries are still being finalized, but the initial level of interest and excitement prompted Seabourn to devise a system for accepting reservations that will be at once equitable to its loyal guests and supporters, and manageable for the company’s internal staff.

Guests who wish to sail on voyages during the maiden year can secure a spot on a waitlist by making a standard Seabourn deposit of $1,000 per person, or $2,000 per person for the actual maiden voyage. These deposits are being accepted now. Seabourn expects to publish the details of Odyssey’s maiden year schedules by the end of 2007. At that time, waitlisted persons will be notified in advance and given priority booking access, which will allow them to select the specific voyage and accommodation they prefer. These reservations will be accepted according to the following criteria:

Guests who sail with Seabourn in 2007 or 2008 will have first priority. They will be notified in advance and given a two week priority booking window. This will include anyone who books and sails on a cruise departing by the end of 2008.

Past guests of Seabourn who do not sail in 2007 or 2008 will be granted the second priority notification and a second two-week booking access.

A third priority booking period will be available to first-time Seabourn guests who have deposited for the waitlist.

After that, reservations will be accepted from anyone for remaining space on maiden year voyages, based on Seabourn’s standard deposit and booking policies.

Travelers can experience Seabourn's award-winning style on cruises of seven to 28 days or more in Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Asia, India and Arabia. Cruise itineraries explore landmark ports and lesser-known gems where larger ships cannot go.

For information, contact Cruise Vacation World at 1-888-828-7327, call Seabourn or visit Seabourn's award-winning website at www.seabourn.com .

The Yachts of Seabourn provides the ultimate in ultra luxury cruise vacations to the most desirable destinations on earth and is a proud member of the World’s Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, and Costa Cruises. Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to quality and value, our member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Together we offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world’s most desirable destinations. Seabourn is a brand of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE:CUK), and supports the Ocean Conservation & Tourism Alliance, dedicated to education and promotion of best practices for protecting the marine environment.

• Photos taken on board can be sent directly from the ship to SharedBook
• Guests can choose from the best selection of onboard photography available at the photo shop for inclusion in their album
• The albums contain relevant and updated ship and itinerary content, provided by Regent
• A "White Glove Service from SharedBook, at no additional charge, will create albums on behalf of those guests who do not wish to create the book themselves.

"We originally piloted this program on select sailings and are so pleased to be able to offer this unique offering now to all of our guests," said Sophie Vlessing, Regent vice president, guest strategy and marketing. "Our partnership with SharedBook offers guests an innovative way to create a personalized commemorative album and re-live The Regent Experience^SM for years to come." Guest feedback from the pilot program has been extremely positive. "I loved the book when it arrived, and I am giving it to my husband for Christmas" said Susan O., a Regent guest from Midland, Georgia.

Books can be purchased for $98.95 for a hard cover or $68.95 for a soft cover. Seven Seas Society Gold, Platinum and Titanium members can receive a complimentary upgrade of a purchased soft cover album to hard cover by calling the Regent Commemorative Album Customer Service line at 888-212-3121. Domestic shipping and handling is included. Regent guests can purchase the album through their travel agent, by visiting www.Regent.Sharedbook.com , or by seeing the onboard photo shop during their cruise.

About Regent Seven Seas Cruises - Regent Seven Seas Cruises^SM (RSSC) is part of Carlson Companies, a global leader in the hotel, restaurant, business and leisure travel, and marketing industries. The Regent brand encompasses luxury hotels, resorts, residences and cruises throughout the world, offering discerning travelers The Regent Experience^SM with unique and personalized luxury. Regent Seven Seas (formerly Radisson Seven Seas) operates a fleet of medium-sized luxury cruise ships that visit over 300 ports on all seven continents, including Antarctica. RSSC is consistently rated among the world's top three cruise lines by readers of luxury travel magazines. Travel professionals worldwide voted RSSC the "World's Best Luxury Cruise Line" for the third consecutive year as part of the 2006 Travel Weekly Awards and readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine voted RSSC "World's Best Large-Ship Cruise Line" in 2006. 

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (August 15, 2007) - One of the seasonal cruise opportunities on Princess' worldwide calendar each year is the chance to experience the Princess product with a short West Coast sailing. Ranging from overnight to as long as a week, these "coastal" sailings offer a great way for travelers to sample Princess' amenity-filled vessels and renowned service while exploring the Pacific coastline of North America.

For the 2008-09 season, passengers can choose from one-, two-, three- and four-night escapes in the spring and fall. Two special week-long coastal sailings on Sapphire Princess include a Coastal Wine Region cruise with special wine-related tours, programs and special guests; and a British Columbia and West Coast cruise.

"Coastal voyages are a great way to sample what Princess offers from shipboard amenities, dining and entertainment, to our acclaimed service," said Jan Swartz, Princess' senior vice president of customer service and sales. "And next season our longer sampler sailings also offer the opportunity to explore the West Coast and many of the area's wonderful wine regions."

Princess Coastal Sailings for 2008-09 include:

British Columbia and West Coast Coastal - A seven-day tour of the west coast from Vancouver to Los Angeles with calls at Victoria, San Francisco, Catalina Island and San Diego. Sapphire Princess sets sail on this journey on September 20, 2008.

Wine Country Coastal - A week-long exploration featuring the California wine regions of Santa Barbara and the San Francisco area as well as the microbreweries of Astoria, Oregon. Passengers can expand their knowledge of food and wine with shore excursion options to wineries in port, as well as enjoy presentations from a guest wine expert and guest chef who will offer demonstrations, wine tastings and special meals. The cruise aboard Sapphire Princess departs from Los Angeles on May 9, 2009, sailing to Vancouver with calls at Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Astoria, Seattle and Victoria.

San Francisco/Vancouver - A two-day journey between the "City by the Bay" and British Columbia's largest city. Offered on Star Princess on May 7, 2009.

Los Angeles/Vancouver - Several ships offer a choice of three-night getaways between Los Angeles and Vancouver, including Coral Princess on September 15, 2008 and May 15, 2009, Golden Princess on September 28, 2008, and Island Princess on September 22, 2008. Island Princess also offers a four-day voyage on May 7, 2009 offering a call in Victoria.

Seattle/Vancouver - These overnight sailings between Seattle and Vancouver give passengers a taste of life aboard, with departures on Golden Princess on September 27, 2008 and Star Princess on May 9, 2009. Golden Princess also offers a four-day Alaskan Sampler cruise between Vancouver and Seattle featuring a call in Ketchikan, departing on May 5, 2009.

Early booking fares for Princess Coastal sailing starts at $99 per person for an overnight sailing, based on double occupancy. 

To help inspire passengers to put romance back into their lives on a daily basis, Princess has also debuted its "Certified Romantic" course on Crown Princess this week. Hundreds of passengers have already been certified as romantics aboard sister ship Emerald Princess, which debuted the unique course this past spring. The light-hearted presentation offers a history of romance, humorous stories and practical tips from the company's Department of Romance experts - Trish McDermott, former vice president of Romance at Match.com and a founder of Engage.com; couples therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer; and former Love Boat captain, Gavin MacLeod.

Romance expert McDermott concurs with the survey findings, saying that most couples leave romance mostly for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries or Valentine's Day. "People need to make time every day for romance," she says. "It takes a conscious effort to do this, but the results are well worth it."

Some of the suggestions McDermott offers couples are to agree upon a time of day when TV, cell phones and computers are turned off, as well as setting a date night each week. "Couples need to remember why they fell in love, to disconnect to reconnect," says McDermott. "Romance Week is a great time to remember just that. Not to think about gifts or cards, flowers or chocolate, but to remember what they love about each other and to incorporate ways to express that into their everyday lives."

"Who else but Princess is uniquely qualified to help inspire passengers to re-discover romance," says Jan Swartz, the company's senior vice president of customer service, alluding to the 30-plus years the company has been known as "The Love Boat" line. "We celebrate romance 365 days a year onboard our ships, so celebrating Romance Week is just an extension of our efforts to help passengers escape from their everyday routines and re-invigorate their relationships with loved ones."

Princess Cruises unveiled its Department of Romance this past Valentine's Day, along with several romantic initiatives including a Romance-By-Room-Service menu that includes a special presentation of champagne and chocolate, scattered fresh rose petals and candlelight, all set to a background of romantic music. A special section of the line's website, www.princess.com, which will be launched this fall, will focus solely on romance and offer tips and trends from the Department experts.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through Cruise Vacation World, by calling 1-888-828-SEAS (7327).

LOS ANGELES (Jul. 11, 2007)  -  Viking River Cruises, the world's largest river cruise company, has announced the launch of Viking Tours, a new venture that will bring discerning travelers to some of the most compelling destinations on the planet. “Many of our customers have asked us if we would consider organizing worldwide tours offering the same richly rewarding travel and high level of comfort that they have experienced with Viking River Cruises,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of both Viking River Cruises and Viking Tours. “In this, our tenth anniversary year, we felt the time was right to begin this exciting new venture.”

Journeys into the extraordinary Viking Tours enters the travel market with extraordinary programs in India, Southeast Asia, Egypt, Eastern and Southern Africa, South America, the Galapagos, the Norwegian coast, Antarctica and Australia/New Zealand. All tours offer outstanding pre- and post-tour packages to such destinations as Bhutan, Dubai, Thailand & Cambodia, Petra, Reykjavik and Ayers Rock. “We are very proud of these unique itineraries,” noted Ted Sykes, President of Viking Tours. “Based on feedback from our customers and on our own worldwide travel experience, we hand-selected an initial list of destinations that we knew would most interest and excite our market. Each tour was then carefully planned to ensure the proper pacing and the highest level of comfort and quality. We understand the high expectations our guests have of Viking and will continue to meet and exceed these standards.”

Early Booking Discount helps launch Viking Tours Viking Tours departures begin in November, 2007. Bookings are being accepted now, and an Early Booking Discount of $1,000 per couple ($500 per person) is applicable to tours booked and paid in full by August 31, 2007.

The world’s most distinguished addresses Viking Tours has partnered with some of the world’s most distinctive hotel and resort owners and operators: for example, Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces, purveyors of five-star luxury hotels in India, and Orient-Express Hotels, Trains & Cruises, which owns and manages hotels, trains, cruises and restaurants in an impressive array of exotic destinations. The Shangri-La in Bangkok, the Serengeti Serena Lodge and the legendary Kirawira Camp in Tanzania, the Victoria Falls Hotel in Zimbabwe, Sydney’s Observatory Hotel, the Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa in Australia, the Hermitage Hotel at Mt. Cook in New Zealand (all glacier-view rooms), and the Taj Lake Palace and Jai Mahal Palace, two beautifully sited and appointed former palaces in India, are just a few of the fascinating accommodations that will pamper and inspire Viking Tours guests.

Remarkable rides Depending on destination, in addition to luxury trains, deluxe ships and motor coaches, participants may travel by air, ferry, schooner, inflatable PolarCirkel boat, catamaran, Jeep, cable car, horse-drawn carriage, hot-air balloon, camel or elephant. Viking Tours is dedicated to ensuring that travelers always see the sights from the best and most interesting perspective as they progress along their journey.

An authentic taste of the world Viking Tours has also established partnerships that allow travelers to get “up close and personal” with local people and be immersed in local cultures. Many tours feature dinners hosted by local families in their homes, or with native people in their villages. Tour participants have the opportunity to enjoy incomparable experiences like taking a private tango lesson in Buenos Aires, having tea with an Indian army colonel, having their hands painted with traditional henna designs, feeding giraffes outside Nairobi, or witnessing Maori dances while being hosted by a local Maori family. Traveling in small groups and accompanied all the way by knowledgeable English-speaking guides, Viking Tours guests feel right at home in the countries they visit.

Helping to make the world a better place Viking shares its passengers’ concerns about harming physical and cultural environments. Both Viking River Cruises and Viking Tours are committed to leaving destinations intact, and to making a contribution to the people and places that host our tours and cruises. Viking Tours itineraries are designed to leave the lightest possible “footprint” and to afford participants the chance to “give back” in various ways. Viking Tours supports various local programs such as the Bishop Desmond Tutu Peace Center and the Operation Nest Egg program to save New Zealand’s native kiwi birds.

A great travel value with all-inclusive pricing Because Viking Tours pricing includes all meals, guided tours, excursions and entry fees, travelers never have to worry about finding meals on their own or paying add-on fees for activities. Viking continues to offer their long-standing Price Guarantee: once booked and paid in full, travelers are safe from any increases in cruise prices or airfares, additional fuel surcharges, or currency fluctuations. The company also offers a Travel Protection Program that protects passengers’ travel investment—including waiver of pre-existing conditions, trip interruption coverage up to trip cost, and “cancel for any reason” coverage. “A Viking Tours vacation is truly a great travel value,” declared Viking Tours president Ted Sykes. “We offer desirable destinations, unique programs and high-quality hospitality, and our prices compare very favorably with similar high-end tour products.”

Viking Tours Reservations Viking Tours Reservations agents can be reached toll-free at 1-877-845-8687 (1-877-VIK-TOURS). Hours are Monday–Friday 5:00 AM–8:00 PM, Saturday 5:00 AM–5:00 PM and Sunday 7:00 am–4:00 pm, Pacific Time. Visitors to vikingtours.com may make an online request for an agent to contact them to answer questions or make travel arrangements.

New Viking Tours website A new Viking Tours website is online and available to assist travelers as they plan their upcoming vacation trips. The site provides detailed day-by-day details about Viking Tours itineraries and pre- and post-trip extensions, shows up-to-date information about upcoming departure dates and availability, and makes it simple to request materials or get in touch with Viking Tours agents for more information or to make a reservation. The website can be accessed at vikingtours.com.

About Viking Tours Viking Tours is a newly launched company dedicated to offering seasoned travelers once-in-a-lifetime experiences in fascinating, exotic destinations. Viking River Cruises, the world’s largest river cruise company, offers quality service, gourmet cuisine and comfortable scenic cruising along the majestic rivers of Europe, Russia and China. The company has been honored multiple times as the top river cruise line on Condé Nast Traveler's “Gold List” and Travel & Leisure’s “World's Best” Awards. 

LOS ANGELES (January 3, 2007) - Travel agents nationwide cast their votes for the best in travel, and Viking River Cruises was again named the number one river cruise line this past December. Travel Weekly readers were invited to submit nominations for ‘Reader’s Choice Awards” in a variety of categories during open voting this past summer. Finalists were selected from the leading submissions, followed by a second round of voting, with winners announced in New York City this past December.

"We are delighted to receive this recognition from the industry," said Torstein Hagen, Founding Chairman, Viking River Cruises. "We continue our strong support of the travel trade, and are constantly ensuring our Viking standards exceed the expectations not only of travel agents but also their clients."

Viking River Cruises received similar recognition from the trade this past year when they were named "Best Overall Cruise Line for River Cruising" by Travel Age West, as well as being named the #1 River Cruise Line by Recommend, a key monthly trade publication. The company was also honored by consumers this past August when it received Travel + Leisure’s "World’s Best" Awards; and in November with a listing on Condé Nast Traveler’s "Reader’s Choice" Awards; CruiseReport.com named Viking "Best River Cruise Line" as well.

About Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises, the world leader in river cruising, offers quality service, gourmet cuisine and comfortable scenic cruising along Europe, Russia and China’s majestic rivers. The company has been honored multiple times on Condé Nast Traveler’s "Gold List" and Travel & Leisure’s "World’s Best" Awards. Travel agents have recognized Viking River Cruises as "Best Overall Cruise Line for River Cruising" (TravelAge West); "Best Cruise Line – River Cruise" (Recommend), and "Best River Cruise Line" by Travel Weekly. Additionally, the company was named "Best River Cruise" twice by CruiseReport.com. Since its 1997 inception, the company has grown to a fleet of 21 vessels, and provides a unique, affordable vacation to experienced travelers with an interest in geography, culture and history. 

LOS ANGELES, August 20, 2007 - Citing earlier booking patterns, Crystal Cruises has published its 2008 Europe Crystal Collection brochure several months ahead of schedule. Released earlier than ever, the 57-page, full color catalogue details the 29 European itineraries to 84 ports and 30 countries aboard Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity from late April through November 2008.

"Due to onboard booking incentives and the strong interest we're experiencing in 2008, we accelerated production of our 2008 Europe Crystal Collection," says Nitsa Lewis, Crystal's vice president of marketing. "We want to provide guests with as much information and as many tools as possible to take advantage of early promotions. Savvy travelers know that booking early is the best way to get their preferred accommodations, and booking Europe at U.S. dollar prices offers greater value."

The brochure illustrates the "Crystal Experience" with new photography and 110 bullet points highlighting the luxury line's distinctive dining, space, entertainment and enrichment. Featuring 19 cruises in the Mediterranean, eight in Northern European and two Trans-Atlantics, the 2008 Europe Crystal Collection compendium outlines each cruise with easy-to-read maps, day-by-day itineraries, cruise fares, special values, themes, Crystal Visions^® Enrichment programming and a summary of optional Crystal Adventure shore excursions. The brochure also provides deck plans and information on Crystal Cruises' expanded European pre- and post-cruise hotel options.

Cruise highlights include:

• Seven new ports of call highlighted with a special footnote, including Sarande, Albania; Valencia, Spain; and Olden, Norway

• Eleven theme cruises, each identified with a special footnote, featuring a new Arts & Antiquities and new Classical Music theme

• Former White House Press Secretary Marlin Fitzwater highlighted as the celebrity guest lecturer on Crystal Serenity's July 7 voyage from Venice to Athens

• Five cruises that provide Value Collection savings opportunities of up to 51% off

• Crystal Adventures^® shore excursions that offer, among others, a volcano and glacier flightseeing adventure in Reykjavik, Iceland; a master class for instruction on how to paint a piece of porcelain at the Imperial Porcelain Factory in St. Petersburg; or a three-island yacht cruise in Dubrovnik

Most itineraries feature shipboard overnight stays in some of Europe's most fascinating cities such as Monte Carlo, Bordeaux, Sorrento, Venice, Istanbul, Athens, Barcelona, Lisbon, St. Petersburg, Stockholm, Copenhagen and Edinburgh.

The Crystal Difference

Aboard the ultra-luxurious ships of Crystal Cruises, refined elegance meets casual simplicity. With an emphasis on innovative product differentiation, the renowned Crystal experience is distinguished by classic service, abundant space, extensive choices and quality, providing worldwide vacations that bridge the best of land and sea.

Crystal Cruises enjoys an unparalleled reputation for excellence, anchored in 12 consecutive years of "World's Best Large-Ship Cruise Line" awards by the readers of Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler magazines - the only cruise line, resort or hotel to have achieved such distinction.

MIAMI, August 16, 2007 - Vacationers usually exploring Alaska at bear-level height with Royal Caribbean International or Celebrity Cruises, now can soar over the majestic wilderness from the perspective of an eagle on North America's longest and highest zip-line - the ZipRider. Traveling a distance of 5,330 feet from a mountaintop 1,330 feet in elevation to the beach below, guests can experience the exhilarating shore excursion at Icy Strait Point during their Alaskan cruise or cruisetour adventure.

"We are thrilled to provide this extraordinary experience to our guests looking for a unique and active vacation," said Craig Milan, president, Royal Celebrity Tours. "The Icy Strait Point ZipRider is an exciting addition to the many diverse shore excursions and cruisetours we offer around the world to ensure a memorable vacation for our guests."

The ZipRider features six individual cables allowing six riders to launch simultaneously or independently while buckled in and seated in a secure harness. Guests can enjoy magnificent vistas of the awe-inspiring mountains and ocean, reaching speeds up to 60 miles per hour. Riders begin and end their ride on a launch tower and landing platform, respectively, never having to touch the ground and therefore, minimally impacting the pristine surroundings of Icy Strait Point.

For travelers seeking a more in-depth Alaska experience, Royal Caribbean International cruisetours and Celebrity Cruises cruisetours extend guests' vacations with 20 pre- or post-cruise land-based adventures into the pristine Alaskan interior. Guests are escorted by knowledgeable "Adventure Specialists" as they explore historical inland frontier-towns, like Fairbanks or Talkeetna, and venture deep into the wilderness of Denali National Park. On most cruisetours, guests also take in awe-inspiring scenery aboard the cruise lines' exclusive Wilderness Express glass-domed traincars and enjoy 360 degree views as they wind through the lush landscape of Alaska.

MIAMI, August 7, 2007 - Royal Caribbean International will expand its South America cruise offerings to four ships when Splendour of the Seas sails out of Brazil for the Winter 2008-09 season. Taking guests on spectacular cruise adventures to some of the most sizzling South American ports of call, Splendour will join three other ships to be deployed in Latin America for the season and add to the extensive range of itineraries offered by Enchantment of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas and Vision of the Seas.

"Our commitment of four ships in Central and South America reflects a growing worldwide demand for our signature style of cruising," said Adam Goldstein, president of Royal Caribbean International. "With the addition of these new itineraries in 2008, Royal Caribbean will visit more than 250 destinations in more than 75 countries on six continents, further solidifying our position as the world's largest global cruise brand."

From December 2008 through March 2009, Splendour of the Seas will offer travelers 19 roundtrip sailings from Sao Paulo (Santos), Brazil, ranging from three to eight nights. On the eight-night voyages, guests will enjoy a two-day port of call to explore Copacabana Beach or Salvador De Bahia, Brazil, or Buenos Aires, Argentina. Other ports of call include Rio De Janeiro, Porto Belo, Buzios, Ilhabela, Cabo Frio, and Parati, in Brazil, and Punta Del Este, Uruguay.

Guests also can choose a 14-night transatlantic voyage aboard Splendour to Lisbon, Portugal, sailing on March 30, 2009. Ports of call include Rio De Janeiro, Salvador De Bahia and Recife, Brazil; Casablanca and Agadir, Morocco; and Seville, Spain. Splendour's cruises from Brazil begin at $799 per person, double occupancy, and are currently open for booking.

"The new itineraries on Splendour of the Seas will bring our total guest capacity in the region to more than 113,000 for the season, bolstering Royal Caribbean's leadership position in Latin America," said Maria Sastre, vice president of International Sales and Marketing, Latin America and the Caribbean, Royal Caribbean International. "The incredible breadth of itineraries offered by all four of our ships will provide our guests with a greater variety of options to explore new destinations and cultures." 

More Royal Caribbean Vacation Choices in South America

For even more South America cruise choices, Radiance of the Seas offers travelers 12 sailings from November 2008 through April 2009. Ranging from 13 to 16 nights, guests will call at some of the continent's most exciting ports of call including Buenos Aires, Argentina; Montevideo, Uruguay; Rio De Janeiro, Brazil; and Valparaiso, Chile, among many others. Radiance will cruise to the Chilean Fjordlands; journey through the Panama Canal; make its way 'round the horn' and call at Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world.

Travelers also can enjoy cruises along South America's northern coast and the Southern Caribbean aboard Enchantment of the Seas and Vision of the Seas. The recently announced itinerary for Enchantment offers vacationers seven-night roundtrip voyages from Colon, Panama, to Colombia, Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. Vision will take guests on seven-night cruises from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on alternating itineraries to the Windward or Leeward Islands of the Southern Caribbean.

South America Cruisetours

Vacationers can enhance their cruise with a pre- or post-cruise Royal Caribbean Cruisetour. Cruisetours offer guests the best of both worlds by combining a cruise vacation with a four- or five-night hotel stay and land tours, for a complete land and sea adventure.

Guests of Splendour of the Seas can venture deep into Buenos Aires and Iguazu Falls on a four-night escorted pre-cruise land tour. The tour includes city sightseeing of Buenos Aires, the Paris of South America, a gaucho ranch tour, dinner and tango show, and exploration tours at Iguazu Falls. Depending on the itinerary, guests onboard Radiance of the Seas have the option of the Buenos Aires and Iguazu Falls cruisetour or a five-night Easter Island and Chile cruisetour, which includes hotel stays and sightseeing tours in Santiago, Chile, and the ecological preserve of Easter Island.

Cruising with Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean guests will enjoy non-stop entertainment and some of the industry's most innovative onboard amenities geared for families and active travelers as they discover the many must-see attractions and destinations of South America. Royal Caribbean's staff and crew provide the line's friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service, which help make each guest's vacation a unique and unforgettable experience.

Singapore - July 9, 2007 - Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. announces the opening in Singapore of its Asia-Pacific headquarters - Royal Caribbean Cruises (Asia) Pte. Ltd.

The regional headquarters, which is located in Singapore's central business district, will support the marketing efforts in the Asia-Pacific region for three of the company's cruise brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises. Headed by Rama Rebbapragada, managing director for Asia Pacific, the office also will provide sales and trade support in the region.

"Our expansion to the Asia-Pacific region is an integral part of our international business development and growth strategy, and it is an exciting time to be here," said Rebbapragada. "We will have Royal Caribbean International's Rhapsody of the Seas, the largest ship sailing in this region, 'homeported' here at the end of this year and we are committed to another Asia season in 2008-09, offering Asia-Pacific guests our unique and award-winning cruising experience."

With the number of cruise guests sailing in the Asia-Pacific region projected to grow by more than 40 percent, from 1.07 million in 2005 to 1.5 million by 2010*, the opening of Royal Caribbean's Asia-Pacific regional office is strategically timed. Royal Caribbean International's range of cruise offerings is perfectly placed to take advantage of rapid economic growth and a renewed interest in cruising from key source markets in the region.

Building on Royal Caribbean's success and expertise in the North American and European markets, the Asia-Pacific office will spearhead the company's expansion plans in the region and support growing demand for itineraries in the Asia Pacific.

"This region shows great growth potential in terms of providing new destinations for international cruise guests from North America and Europe given the varied and exciting cultures throughout the region, and their accessibility to the coastline," said Adam Goldstein, president of Royal Caribbean International. "This, coupled with the prospect of Asian markets being substantial source markets for new cruise guests, gives us tremendous opportunity for growth in the region."

The company's establishment of an Asia-Pacific office complements several other recent efforts that have been made to grow the cruise industry in Singapore. In 2005, the Singapore Cruise Centre underwent a $5 million facelift that aimed to strengthen its position as the nerve centre for the cruise industry in Asia. The Cruise Centre is expected to attract 1.2 million cruise passengers to Singapore by 2010. The Singapore Tourism Board also administers a $10 million fund set up jointly with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore and the Singapore Cruise Centre to boost the local cruise industry and encourage major international cruise companies to partner with Singapore in product development and marketing initiatives.

In December 2007, Royal Caribbean International's Rhapsody of the Seas will debut in Singapore. Rhapsody of the Seas will be the largest ship to cruise in Asia and will offer travelers a selection of six short cruises that will range from two to five nights and call at the tropical ports of Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang) and Penang, Malaysia, as well as the exotic sun-soaked islands of Langkawi, Malaysia; and Phuket, Thailand. Rhapsody of the Seas also will offer three spectacular 12-night voyages between Singapore and Hong Kong, each featuring two-day calls in Bangkok (Laemchabang), Thailand, and Hanoi Haiphong, Vietnam. These extended itineraries also include calls at Sihanoukville, Cambodia; and Saigon Vung Tau, Nha Trang and Hue Danang, Vietnam.  

The ship's Asia tour continues on from Hong Kong, where it will arrive in time for the Chinese New Year season, offering a series of itineraries calling at the ports of Okinawa, Japan; Taipei Keelung and Kaohsiung, Taiwan; and Sanya, China. The ship will then sail from Shanghai, China, with port calls in Japan and Korea.

Miami  -  Jun 25, 2007  -  Today, NCL America announced that off-Broadway's legendary show phenomena, Tony n' Tina's Wedding, will be featured on board its ships Pride of America, Pride of Aloha and Pride of Hawai`i. The 25-member cast of Tony n' Tina's Wedding satirizes a traditional Italian wedding with passengers as "invited guests" to the nuptials of the Vitale and Nunzio families. The wedding and reception is held in an on-board lounge, which is transformed into Vinnie's Coliseum restaurant, a classic Italian wedding hall.

"Along with great restaurants, amenities, itineraries, shore excursions and accommodations, we also want to offer our passengers the best and most creative entertainment options possible," said Colin Veitch, president and CEO for NCL Corporation. "Tony n' Tina's Wedding is the ultimate experience combining fantastic food and drinks with a fun and unique theatrical show."

At the start of the evening, passengers become part of the family, greeted by members of the wedding party and are immediately immersed into the show. Guests eat, drink, dance, as well as interact with the wedding party, eccentric friends and relatives. 

A family-style dinner is provided, along with music and dancing to a live band, aptly named Donny Dulce and Fusion. Throughout the evening, a number of unexpected twists and turns provide humor and drama.

"Initial feedback from guests has been extremely positive. They come to the 'wedding' ready to have a good time and the show delivers," Veitch continued.

Tony n' Tina's Wedding, which is sold as a ship excursion, is held on the evenings when the ships are docked in Maui and is in addition to the shows currently on board the vessels. Tickets for the show are $24.95 per person and can be purchased at the shore excursion desk on board each ship. VIP seating will be available. Tickets are limited to approximately 250 to 350 guests per show, depending on the ship.

Since its original New York opening in 1987, Tony n' Tina's Wedding has garnered rave reviews and is currently playing in venues across the country. This production was supervised by Jeff Gitlin and Larry Pellegrini, the original creators and producers of the New York/Las Vegas Tony n' Tina's Wedding. NCL Corporation has the exclusive rights to produce the show at sea. A cast of twenty-five professional actors portray the many characters involved in the show.

NCL Corporation Ltd. is an innovative cruise company headquartered in Miami, Florida, with a fleet of 14 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, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy the flexibility of Freestyle Cruising on the newest, most contemporary ships at sea.

Miami - (June 18, 2007 ) - Celebrity Cruises is beaming about the approach of summer solstice. The term for the longest day and shortest night of the year, summer solstice traditionally marks the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, but at Celebrity Cruises, it also marks the opening of bookings for Celebrity Solstice^SM, the top-rated premium cruise line's first new ship since 2002.

Bookings for Celebrity Solstice will open exclusively for members of Celebrity's loyalty program, "Captain's Club," on June 21, the date of this year's summer solstice. Beginning July 5, all other cruise enthusiasts are welcome to book a Celebrity Solstice vacation. "We are thrilled with the early interest and enthusiasm we're receiving from our guests and travel partners about Celebrity Solstice," said Celebrity's President Dan Hanrahan. "As a special gesture of appreciation to our loyal Captain's Club members, we're pleased to offer them the first opportunity to set sail in the ship's inaugural season."

Celebrity Solstice will offer the extraordinary service and dining experience the brand is known for providing, along with a variety of compelling new features that will be revealed over time.

One of those features is the line's new AquaClass^SM category of veranda accommodations expressly designed for spa enthusiasts. Guests booked in AquaClass will receive unlimited access to Celebrity Solstice's new AquaSpa relaxation room and the Persian Garden, an exotic aromatherapy and steam room, as well as exclusive, complimentary dining in Blu, an intimate, 130-seat specialty restaurant whose design is likely to be as inviting as the cuisine.

AquaClass^SM will comprise 130 of the ship's 1,425 staterooms. A full 85 percent of all staterooms onboard Celebrity Solstice will have verandas, and all staterooms will be equipped with flat-screen TVs, smarter storage and closet space, spacious bathrooms, and plush European bedding. The ship will offer wireless Internet access throughout.

Following several weeks of inaugural activities, Celebrity Solstice will make its maiden voyage December 14, 2008, on a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., visiting San Juan, Puerto Rico; Basseterre, St. Kitts; and Philipsburg, St. Maarten. The itinerary will be offered on Sundays through April 5, 2009, with an alternating itinerary calling on San Juan, Puerto Rico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Tortola, B.V.I.; and Labadee, Haiti, through April 12, 2009. Fares for veranda staterooms begin at $1,099 per person, based on double occupancy.

Celebrity Solstice^SM will be the line's first in a class of four 2,850-guest vessels with an exceptional range of guest-inspired services and amenities. German shipbuilder Meyer Werft is building the 122,000-ton vessels. Meyer Werft also built the line's Century-class fleet: Celebrity Century, Celebrity Mercury, and Celebrity Galaxy.

Celebrity Cruises offers comfortably sophisticated, upscale cruise experiences with highly personalized service, exceptional dining, and extraordinary attention to detail. Celebrity sails in Alaska, California, the Caribbean, Europe, Galapagos Islands, Hawaii, Mexican Riviera, Panama Canal and South America, and will begin sailing in Australia and New Zealand in November. The line also offers unique land-tour vacations in Alaska, Canada, Europe and Australia through its cruisetour affiliate. 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 Solstice in 2008, Celebrity Equinox in 2009, Celebrity Eclipse in 2010, and a fourth Solstice-class ship in 2011.

MIAMI (August 2, 2007) – When the new Carnival Freedom begins its winter schedule of seven-day Caribbean cruises from Miami in November, it will further bolster Carnival Cruise Lines'  industry-leading and record-breaking 2007 Caribbean cruise season during which the line will carry an unprecedented 2.9 million passengers within the region – the most in its 35-year history.

In 2007, Carnival will deploy 18 ships in the Caribbean with 14 of those offering year-round service. Overall, upwards of 1,150 three- to eight-day cruises will be operated by Carnival, which is the only cruise line to offer the option of departing from 12 convenient U.S. homeports.

According to statistics from the Cruise Lines International Association, the Caribbean is the most sought-after cruise destination by far, with the region featured on roughly half of all itineraries of North American cruise operators.

“The Caribbean offers everything that consumers want in a vacation – picture perfect weather, gracious hospitality, unique sightseeing experiences, great shopping and, of course, gorgeous beaches,” said Vicki Freed, Carnival’s senior vice president of sales and marketing.  “But there’s more to the Caribbean than great beaches – this is one of the most culturally diverse regions in the world, with a rich history dating back centuries, magnificent architecture, and historical attractions and landmarks,” she added.

According to Freed, while Caribbean demand the past year or so has been impacted by unfavorable economic factors affecting consumers’ discretionary purchasing, it was clearly part of a cyclical trend that the industry has seen many times in the past. “Bookings for the second half of 2007 and early 2008 have shown much stronger fundamental demand and the trend we were previously observing clearly was not a reflection of the Caribbean’s popularity or desirability,” said Freed. “Consumers are unquestionably responding well to the strong value appeal inherent in a cruise vacation versus other vacation options,” she added. 

“Many of our other guest metrics also point to the strength of Carnival's Caribbean cruise product, with guest satisfaction levels remaining at exceptionally high historical levels including very favorable guest feedback on Caribbean destinations,” said Freed. 

As the industry leader in Caribbean cruising, Carnival is continually updating its cruise itineraries and destination choices and over the next few months will introduce several new programs.

These include a new five-day itinerary on the Carnival Imagination featuring Grand Turk, the new port in the Turks and Caicos and the award-winning private island of Half Moon Cay; a seven-day, five-port schedule on the Carnival Destiny from San Juan offering extended day-long visits to St. Lucia, Antigua, Dominica, Barbados and St. Thomas; and seven-day cruises aboard the Carnival Triumph from Miami that feature Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands, St. Thomas, and San Juan. 

Carnival has also been working with destination partners to enhance and expand shore excursion programming to cater to today’s active lifestyles, offering more choices than ever for consumers to immerse themselves in this fascinating destination. In 2007 alone, Carnival will offer approximately 900 landside tour choices in the region.

Carnival’s Caribbean expansion will continue in 2008 when the 3,006-passenger Carnival Splendor – the largest “Fun Ship” ever constructed – launches a series of seven-day Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale Nov. 22. Featured will be visits to San Juan, St. Thomas, Nassau and Casa de Campo, one of the Caribbean’s finest resorts.

In addition to three- to eight-day cruises to the Caribbean and The Bahamas, Carnival offers three-to16-day voyages to the Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, New England, Canada, Europe, the Greek Isles, and South America.

The line currently has three new ships on order – the 113,300-ton Carnival Splendor, set to debut in Europe July 13, 2008; and the 130,000-ton Carnival Dream and Carnival Magic, scheduled for delivery in October 2009 and June 2011, respectively.

MIAMI (July 17, 2007) — The recent announcement of the selection of the new Seven Wonders of the World has generated much controversy and commentary. But there' little doubt that Carnival Cruise Lines'  "Seven Wonders of the Caribbean" capture the very best of the region's unique historical, natural and cultural offerings.

Carnival is the industry leader in Caribbean cruising carrying approximately 3 million guests annually to this spectacular region of the world. Carnival's commitment to the Caribbean includes the deployment of 18 ships, including 16 vessels that offer year-round Caribbean departures. Carnival offers the widest variety of Caribbean itineraries and features more visits to the Seven Wonders of the Caribbean than any other cruise line.

“While seeing the Seven Wonders of the World may be out of reach for many vacationers, Carnival provides fantastic and affordable journeys to the Seven Wonders of the Caribbean, which is the world’s most popular cruise destination,” said Terry Thornton, Carnival's vice president of marketing planning.

The Seven Wonders of the Caribbean featured on Carnival's shore excursions include Chichen Itza in Mexico, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, El Morro Castle in San Juan, the Mayan ruins of Tulum, Trunk Bay Beach in St. John, the Panama Canal and The Baths in Virgin Gorda.

Chichen Itza

Not only is Chichen-Itza one of Carnival’s Seven Wonders of the Caribbean, it also made the official list of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Chichen-Itza was a sacred city of the Itza, and the archaeological site is rated among the most important of the Maya culture. Chichen-Itza covers an area of approximately six square miles, and hundreds of buildings once stood on the sacred grounds. Possibly the best known structure on the site is Kukulkan's Pyramid — a square-based, stepped pyramid that is 75 feet tall. The tour to Chichen-Itza is offered on all of Carnival’s cruises that visit Progreso and Cozumel, Mexico.

Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System

The longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere and the second largest barrier reef in the world, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System stretches from the southern half of the Yucatan Peninsula to the Bay Islands of Honduras. A diver's paradise, it is known for fascinating coral formations, abundant sea life and extraordinary water clarity. Guests have the opportunity to dive and snorkel on the reef on Carnival’s cruises that call at Roatan, Honduras, and Belize.

El Morro Castle

Fort San Felipe del Morro — or El Morro Castle — is a 16th-century citadel that lies on the northwestern-most point of the islet of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Construction at El Morro started in 1539, and many additional new structures were added over the next 400 years. The fort was designed to guard the entrance to San Juan Bay and defend the city from enemies. In 1983, the fort was declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations. Guests can visit El Morro Castle on Carnival cruises that depart from or visit San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Tulum

Tulum is the site of a Pre-Columbian Maya walled city serving as a major port for Cobá, and it appears to have been an important site for the worship of the Descending God. While an inscription dated 564 has been found at the site, most of the structures now visible were built between 1200 and 1450. The city remained occupied through the early years of the Spanish conquest of Yucatan, but was abandoned by the end of the 16th century. Tulum can be visited on Carnival’s calls to Calica and Cozumel, Mexico.

Trunk Bay Beach

With powdery white sand and a border of coconut palm trees, Trunk Bay Beach on St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands is renowned as one of the most beautiful and photogenic beaches in the world. A highlight for Trunk Bay visitors is the 650 feet of underwater snorkel trails through the turquoise waters that exhibit a variety of marine life. Guests on cruises that call at St. Thomas have an opportunity to visit St. John’s Trunk Bay.

Panama Canal

Cutting through the heart of Central America, the man-made Panama Canal opened in 1914, shaving some 9,000 miles from the trip around Cape Horn. Today, the engineering marvel continues to connect the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. A series of locks raise and lower each ship, making the transit possible. On cruises that call at Colon, Panama, guests can fish in Gatun Lake, go kayaking or take a ferry transit of the canal.

The Baths

For snorkelers, sunbathers and explorers alike, The Baths in Virgin Gorda represent the perfect natural attraction. The Baths is a small beach framed by giant boulders that visitors climb through to get to a boulder-harbor. With hidden rooms filled with streams of light, coral ledges and caves, white-sand beaches and crystal-clear water, many say it’s the best reason to visit Virgin Gorda. Cruises that call at Tortola, B.V.I., offer the opportunity to see The Baths.

And while they didn’t make the short list of the Seven Wonders of the Caribbean, there are several more destinations and attractions in the region included on Carnival’s cruise itineraries that deserve honorable mentions:

El Yunque Rainforest

El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the United States. The intrigue of visiting the El Yunque Rainforest is only partly in the observation of the varieties of plants that have managed to grow and adapt to the abundant amounts of year-round rainfall. El Yunque can be visited from the port of San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The Basilica at Higuey

The Higuey Basilica located near La Romana, Dominican Republic is the center of religious activity in the area and one of the Caribbean's finest examples of modern religious architecture. The Basilica was named a national monument by the Dominican government and declared a minor basilica by Pope Paul IV. To highlight the architecture, a lighting scheme was completed in September 2002 that bathes the gray concrete in bright color from sunset to midnight.

Chacchoben Mayan Ruins

The first human inhabitants of the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins date back as far as 1000 B.C., though evidence found during excavation show that most of the ruins there now date back to around 360 A.D. The city remained continuously inhabited until its decline around 700 B.C. Eventually it was abandoned and reclaimed by the lush jungle, keeping its mysteries a secret. Guests can visit the ruins on cruises that call at Costa Maya, Mexico.