LOS ANGELES, October 15, 2007 - With one of its highest scores ever, Crystal Cruises has once again been voted the "Best Large-Ship Cruise Line" by the readers of the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler magazine ( U.S.). Crystal's overall score of 94.1, the highest for any cruise line, was more than five points ahead of its nearest competitor in both the large and small ship categories. The luxury line's 14 "wins" is unprecedented by any cruise line or hotel in the world.

"In this very competitive global travel industry, we are honored to be recognized as the best by discriminating travelers," says Gregg Michel, president, Crystal Cruises. "Receiving this recognition for so many years from the very people who purchase our vacations is a testament to the consistency and innovation of the Crystal product, as well as the dedication, creativity and enthusiasm of our exceptional staff."

Considered one of the highest honors in the travel industry, the Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards celebrate the best-of-the-best hotels, airlines, cruise lines, cities, rental car companies and islands. Thousands of travelers evaluate cruise lines on their Activities/Facilities, Cabins, Crew/Service, Design/Layout, Food/Dining and Itineraries to determine the overall score. The full list of travel awards are announced in the magazine's November 2007 issue.

Further attesting to the consistency of its luxury travel experience, within the past year, Crystal has been voted the 2007 "World's Best Large-Ship Cruise Line" by the Readers of Travel + Leisure (U.S.), the 2007 "Favourite Large-Ship Cruise Line" and "Most Environmentally Friendly" by the readers of Condé Nast Traveller (UK) and the 2007 "Best Cruise Line Spa" by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler (U.S.), as well as top honor from trusted travel agent consortiums.

Crystal Cruises' two stylish ships, the 940-guest, 50,000-ton Crystal Symphony and the 1,080-guest, 68,000-ton Crystal Serenity, have also been individually honored for their service, space, quality and choices. Besides incomparable service, the ultra-luxury line is recognized for its innovative partnerships with Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and Piero Selvaggio, Creative Learning Institute featuring Yamaha keyboard and Berlitz language classes, Computer University@Sea curriculum, Feng Shui-designed spa, and a myriad of other culinary, cultural and fitness-oriented enrichment. Itineraries of seven to 108 days are available throughout the world.

For more information, contact a cruise travel expert at Cruise Vacation World. Call toll-free at 1-888-828-7327. 

Seattle, October 10, 2007 – With sailings up to 20 days, Holland America Line’s 2008 Caribbean itineraries feature 121 varied departures that focus on longer, port-intensive options for premium cruise guests.  The line continues to lead major cruise lines with sailings of 10 days or more and will introduce the new 2,104-guest ms Eurodam to Caribbean cruising.

“Holland America Line once again offers more choice, longer itinerary options and greater port diversity in the Caribbean,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. 

Holland America Line will sail ten ships to the Caribbean in 2008 from Fort Lauderdale, Tampa and New York:  ms Noordam, ms Zuiderdam, ms Westerdam, ms Maasdam, ms Prinsendam, ms Rotterdam, ms Veendam, ms Volendam, ms Statendam, and the new ms Eurodam.

Sailing from Fort Lauderdale in October 2008, the Maasdam takes over the 14-day southern Caribbean cruise previously offered on the Veendam, which will focus on seven-day western Caribbean itineraries.  The Noordam will pick up the Maasdam’s former 10-day Wayfarer and Seafarer cruises using Fort Lauderdale as a gateway.

Southern Caribbean Cruises Include Unique 7-Day Itinerary
Ranging from seven to 14 days, southern Caribbean itineraries feature a full season of seven-day itineraries aboard the Westerdam to Aruba, Curaçao and Half Moon Cay, Bahamas.   A New Year’s departure of Dec. 27, 2008, sails on the new Eurodam. 

The Maasdam will sail a series of alternating, 10-day Seafarer and 10-day Wayfarer itineraries roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale Jan. through Apr. with the Noordam sailing the routes from Oct. through Dec., 2008.   Seafarer cruises explore popular ports such as Aruba and Curaçao, while Wayfarer sailings highlight the islands of St. Lucia and Barbados.   The itineraries can be combined to create a 20-day cruise experience that only repeats Half Moon Cay and Grand Turk, two popular ports for Holland America Line’s Caribbean. 

The Veendam will feature 14-day winter/spring cruises roundtrip from Tampa. This itinerary delves deep into Southern ports in Dominica, Barbados, Grenada, Venezuela, Bonaire and Aruba.   In fall 2008, a 14-day Southern Caribbean itinerary will depart roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale on the Maasdam and include San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Dominica, Barbados, St. Lucia, Guadaloupe, St. Maarten, Tortola and Half Moon Cay.  A 14-day Statendam itinerary departs Dec. 6, 2008 with highlights including St. Lucia, Trinidad, Venezuela, Antigua, Barbados, Curaçao, Aruba, Grand Turk, St. Thomas and Half Moon Cay.

The Noordam will sail 11-day Southern Caribbean cruises roundtrip from New YorkJan. 5 through Mar. 8. This itinerary calls at Tortola, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, San Juan, Dominica and Barbados.

10- and 14-day “Sunfarer” Cruises of Panama Canal and Caribbean
Increasing capacity with the Vista-class Zuiderdam at year’s end, Holland America Line continues its popular 10-day Sunfarer voyages that combine Panama Canal cruising with Caribbean destinations.   The Volendam sails ten winter/spring Sunfarer cruises roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale.

Guests cruise to Half Moon Cay, Bahamas; Dutch-influenced Willemstad, Curacao and Oranjestad, Aruba; the Panama Canal to Gatun Lake; Limon Bay and Manzanillo Bay, Panama; and Puerto Limon, Costa Rica.

The Rotterdam also sails a 12-day Caribbean and Sunfarer cruise on Dec. 23, adding Georgetown, Grand Cayman; and Kralendijk, Bonaire.

Eastern Caribbean Cruises
Holland America line will offer a wide variety of six- to 10-day cruises through the eastern Caribbean.   With weekend departures, the Zuiderdam and Westerdam will sail seven-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale. The new Eurodam takes over the Zuiderdam’s fall schedule.

Destinations on eastern Caribbean itineraries may include St. Maarten, Grand Turk, Tortola, St. Thomas, and Half Moon Cay.  The Noordam will feature 10-day winter/spring cruises to the Eastern Caribbean from New York City to the above ports, except for Half Moon Cay, and with additional days at sea.

Western Caribbean Cruises
The Veendam and Westerdam will explore the Western Caribbean in the coming year offering seven-day Sunday departures to such ports as Belize City, Belize; Santo Tomas de Castilla, Guatemala; Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman; and Grand Turk.  Holland America Line is the only premium line to call in Belize and Guatemala.  The Veendam will sail roundtrip from Tampa, while the Westerdam will cruise from Ft. Lauderdale.

Three-day Bahamas Getaways
For those short on time yet seeking major relaxation, Holland America Line will feature a pair of three-day, roundtrip cruises from Ft. Lauderdale to the Bahamas aboard the Westerdam on April 19 and the new Eurodam on Oct. 15, 2008. Guests can indulge in such Holland America Line amenities as the Greenhouse Spa and Salon and the innovative Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine Magazine, where culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations.

Half Moon Cay – The Quintessential Caribbean Island Experience
Most sailings also plan a day at Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line’s acclaimed private island that offers a horseback riding and swimming excursion, AquaTrax watercraft tour, and family-friendly aqua park.   Porthole cruise magazine has named Half Moon Cay the best private island for six years running.

Cruise fares begin at $599 per person for a 7-day itinerary, $1,199 for a Sunfarer Caribbean/Panama Canal cruise, and $1,799 for a 14-day southern Caribbean adventure. For more information, consult a cruise vacation experrt, call 1-888-828-.SEAS (1-888-828-SEAS).

Together Princess' worldwide lineup of Exotic cruisetours offer passengers the opportunities to visit three of the new Seven Wonders of the World as well as a number of UNESCO's World Heritage sites, including such important sites as Machu Picchu, The Great Wall of China, Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer statue, Australia's Great Barrier Reef and Angkor Wat.

The three new tours debuting next season include Galapagos Discovery, which is offered in conjunction with a South America and Panama Canal cruise; Beijing, Hangzhou and Xian, which is combined with several Asia voyages; and Tropical Highlights of Australia which is an add-on to Australia/New Zealand or Asia/Australia sailings.

"These unique cultural itineraries offer a wonderful opportunity for passengers to expand their vacation options with visits to some of the world's most memorable destinations and sites," said Jan Swartz, Princess' senior vice president of customer service. "It's a seamless way to enjoy Princess hospitality and service on an unforgettable journey beyond their cruise."

South America - Machu Picchu and Rio de Janeiro's landmark Christ the Redeemer statue both were recently voted among the new Seven Wonders of the World - and both are featured on Princess cruisetours in South America. For the first time, Princess will offer a Galapagos Discovery tour, featuring air travel from Guayaquil, Ecuador to the Galapagos where the M/V Galapagos Legend will be their home for three days of exploring the islands that inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. Passengers will have four days to view the unique indigenous wildlife on various islands, including sea lions, iguanas, the world's largest colony of waved albatross, and the famous Blue-footed Booby.

Rounding out the South America program's five itinerary options are tours to Rio and Iguacu Falls as well as Machu Picchu via the historic cities of Lima and Cusco.

Asia - Passengers on Princess Asia cruises can explore another of the new Seven Wonders of the World - China's Great Wall. Three China cruisetour options each offer the opportunity to visit Beijing and see this world-famous barrier, along with many of the country's famed attractions such as the Terra Cotta Warriors in Xian, cruise the Yangtze River, and a new destination for Princess, the historic city of Hangzhou. One of the most prosperous cities of China for much of the last 1,000 years, Hangzhou was once called "the most splendid and luxurious city in the world," by none other than Marco Polo. Today this ancient capital is ranked as one of the ten most scenic cities in China, drawing visitors from around the world particularly for the natural beauty of West Lake and the city's historic treasures.

Asia visitors can also experience the highlights of Southeast Asia with the Bangkok and Angkor Wat option, which includes a visit to Cambodia to see the celebrated temple complex - a UNESCO World Heritage site - plus Thailand's capital and the northern city of Chiang Mai.

Australia - Four different cruisetour options offer travelers the opportunity to visit the iconic sights of Sydney plus visit the Great Barrier Reef. In addition, some tour options include travel to the outback to see Ayers Rock, Kakadu National park and Kuranda, an aboriginal village surrounded by the World heritage Wet tropics of Queensland. New for the season, the Tropical Highlights of Australia tour features extra time for a longer visit in Queensland.

Early booking fares for Princess cruisetours begin at $3,499 per person based on double occupancy for a 20-day land and sea package.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a cruise travel expert at Cruise Vacation World, by calling 1-888-828-7327.

LOS ANGELES, October 10, 2007 - Hall of Fame baseball legend Hank Aaron will kick off Crystal Serenity's first cruise of 2008 to share insight into his life and times as one of Major League Baseball's greatest players. On Crystal Cruises' January 4 Panama Canal cruise from Miami to Los Angeles, Mr. Aaron will share his inspiring achievements, professional milestones and life experiences. During the cruise, guests will have the opportunity to participate in a question and answer session with the homerun champion of 33 years, as well as receive an autographed photo taken with him.

"The legend of Hank Aaron extends beyond the baseball field," says Bret Bullock, Crystal's vice president, entertainment. "Mr. Aaron is a gentleman who continues to be a role model for athletes and non-athletes of all ages. Crystal Cruises is honored to feature such an important figure in U.S. history."

The 15-day cruise aboard the award-winning Crystal Serenity begins in Miami on January 4 and features calls in Grand Cayman/George Town, British West Indies; Cartagena, Colombia; Caldera, Costa Rica; Puerto Chiapas (maiden call), Acapulco, and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; ultimately arriving in Los Angeles on January 19. Fares begin at $4,495 per person, double occupancy.

The lecture series is presented by the luxury cruise line's Crystal Visions^® Enrichment Program, which brings aboard noted lecturers for stimulating discussions on all cruises. 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.

For additional information, please contact a Cruise vacation consultant at Cruise Vacation World at 1-888-828-7327.

St. Nazaire, France  - Oct 2, 2007 -- The steel cutting for the first of NCL's third generation of new Freestyle Cruising ships, project name "F3," took place yesterday at Aker Yards S.A. in Saint Nazaire, France. Andy Stuart, NCL's executive vice president of marketing, sales and passenger services, was assisted by representatives from
America's Vacation Center and Direct Line Cruises in pushing the button that began the historic steel cutting.  In addition, nearly 50 of NCL's President's Club members, representatives from the company's top travel partners, witnessed the event.

MIAMI (October 10, 2007) – Carnival Cruise Lines’ new 113,300-ton Carnival Splendor – the largest “Fun Ship” ever constructed — will operate a special one-time eight-day European cruise in July 2008. 

The eight-day voyage, which departs Genoa July 2 and arrives in London (Dover) July 10, 2008, will visit four magnificent ports in three countries: Cannes, France; Barcelona, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; and Le Havre (Paris), France.

“Carnival Splendor’s special eight-day voyage is just the latest addition to a highly diverse European inaugural season,” said Vicki Freed, Carnival’s senior vice president of sales and guest services. “It’s the best way to see the great cities of Europe at a great value.” 

Following this voyage, the 3,006-passenger SuperLiner will launch Carnival’s first-ever 12-day northern Europe cruise schedule from London July 13 – the first of five voyages in the program, which continues through Aug. 30, 2008. Ports include Copenhagen; Warnemunde (Berlin); Helsinki; St. Petersburg; Tallin, Estonia; and Amsterdam. 

Carnival Splendor will also sail a special 12-day Mediterranean cruise from London to Rome (Civitavecchia) Sept. 11, 2008, then operate the line’s popular Grand Mediterranean and Mediterranean and Greek Isles cruises Sept. 23, and Oct. 5 and Oct. 17, 2008.

Upon completion of its European season, Carnival Splendor will sail a 16-day trans-Atlantic crossing from Rome to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., where it will sail a series of seven-day Caribbean voyages from Port Everglades. Following Carnival’s first program of South American cruises January to March 2009, Carnival Splendor will launch year-round seven-day Mexican Riviera cruises from Long Beach, Calif., March 29, 2009, continuing the line’s West Coast expansion.

Representing a new class of “Fun Ship,” Carnival Splendor will feature a host of innovations, highlighted by a two-deck-high “Cloud 9 Spa” featuring a Thalassotherapy Pool and an elaborate Thermal Suite with four rooms set at different temperatures. Adjacent to the facility will be 68 exclusive spa staterooms and suites – another first for the line – with private access to the facility, special amenities and priority spa reservations.

The vessel’s family-friendly amenities include a 5,500-square-foot children’s play area – the largest in the “Fun Ship” fleet and part of the top-rated “Camp Carnival” program — along with a water spray park and an expansive “Club O2” teen center with a DJ, dance floor and high-tech sound and lighting system.

Also featured will be four swimming pools – one covered by a retractable Sky Dome that will house the popular “Carnival Seaside Theatre,” an oversized screen displaying movies, concerts and other programming. 

Carnival will begin accepting reservations for Carnival Splendor’s eight-day European cruise Thursday, Oct. 11.

For additional information and reservations, contact Cruise Vacation World at 1.888.828.7327.