August 2013

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Costa Cruises has launched a fall promotion that makes a Mediterranean cruise an affordable option at the perfect time of year when the temperatures dip, airfares drop and the crowds dwindle. With prices starting at just $399 per person, double occupancy, guests can take advantage of these special rates on cruises departing from September through December.

Ranging in length from seven to 11 days, the fares are available on nine Costa ships.


“Fall is a beautiful time of year to visit the Mediterranean, and we hope guests will take advantage of the special rates we are offering on select ships,” said Scott Knutson, vice president of sales and marketing for Costa Cruises North America. “With ships leaving from six different homeports and routes that span the region, we have exciting itineraries that will interest everyone.”


Guests can start taking advantage of the special rates Sept. 22, 2013, when Costa Fascinosa heads from Venice, Italy, to the eastern Mediterranean and Costa Serena makes its way toward the western Mediterranean from Savona, Italy. Travelers who want a little more preparation time have until Dec. 10 when Costa Deliziosa sails from Savona to Lisbon, Portugal, and Casablanca, Morocco.


In addition to extensive itineraries that visit some of the most popular and culturally rich cities in the world, Costa’s fleet is renowned for its onboard amenities and international ambiance. Each ship offers true Italian-style cruising and the latest in entertainment and amenities, including the line’s chocolate and coffee bar, Samsara spa, Grand Prix simulator, 4D theater and designer-brand shops. Between fine dishes, wellness menus and signature recipes, passengers also enjoy culinary specialties from across the Italian peninsula.


For reservations and more information on Costa’s fall savings program,
call your travel professional.

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Up to $8,710/person in Savings Guaranteed Only Until August 30

30+ Cruises will See Fare Increases on August 31

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Holland America Line

“New Land+Sea Journeys make up one of Holland's most diverse products with several options to explore Alaska and the Yukon,” said Richard Meadows, Holland America Line’s executive vice president of sales, marketing and guest programs. it’s easier for travel sellers to assist you in picking your ideal Alaska and Yukon vacation, whether it combines a cruise with a land journey or is a cruise-only itinerary.”

By selecting “Alaska 2014” Land+Sea Journeys, as well as cruise-only itineraries, Travel sellers can refine your choices with the ability to search by journey type, days at Denali National Park, ship, departure date or port, and even specific glaciers you may want to see.

Each itinerary result contains land-first or cruise-first options and your agent can provide additional informational access to Alaska and guest-experience videos, maps, images and shore excursion information.

Cruise Travel agents have access to Holland America Line’s 2014 Alaska Yukon Land+Sea Journeys & Cruises brochure to view as a Nextbook E-brochure or PDF and to e-mail to you. The brochure has a new richer experiential feel to it with a magazine format, articles describing the guest experience as a travelogue and itinerary detail with easy graphics to explain the components of a Land+Sea Journey.

Alaska 2014 videos also are ready for viewing on the company’s YouTube channel. Featured videos include the new Alaska product video titled This is Alaska 2014 and a behind-the-scenes presentation with insider tips and traveler information called The Great Land Revealed.

ms Oosterdam Explores Gulf & ms Amsterdam Sails 14-day Cruises in 2014
In 2014, Holland America Line will have seven ships sailing seven- or 14-day itineraries that stretch from the Inside Passage up to Glacier Bay and beyond. The line is shifting the 1,916-guest ms Oosterdam to the Glacier Discovery itinerary alongside the 1,260-guest ms Statendam, which will increase verandah and guest capacity in the Gulf of Alaska. Also new for the 2014 season, ms Amsterdam will sail seven- and 14-day cruises that include both Hubbard Glacier and Tracy Arm Fjord.

Holland America Rebrands Alaska CruiseTour Program as Land+Sea Journeys
Holland America Line has rebranded its popular Alaska CruiseTour program with the new name Land+Sea Journeys. This change reflects substantial program updates with more time in the marquee destinations and less overland travel time. Perhaps the most significant program enhancement for 2014 is a convenient one-hour flight that brings Fairbanks, Alaska, and Dawson City, Yukon closer together — replacing up to two days of motorcoach travel and a hotel overnight.

Next year, Land+Sea Journeys run May through September and are simplified with just 12 options ranging in total length from 10 to 20 days in two distinct series: Yukon+Denali Land+Sea Journeys and Denali Land+Sea Journeys. All Land+Sea Journeys combine a three- to seven-night Holland America Line cruise with an overland adventure that includes a one-, two- or three-night stay at Denali National Park as a centerpiece of the Alaska experience.

Many Land+Sea Journeys go off the beaten path and showcase places such as Dawson City in the heart of gold rush country, charming Seward, the five-star Alyeska Resort, pristine Kluane and Tombstone Parks, colorful Skagway and the historic narrow-gauge White Pass and Yukon Route railroad.

For more information about Holland America Line’s 2014 Alaska Land+Sea Journeys and cruise season, contact a Travel Agent.

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CELEBRITY CRUISES AWARDED ‘BEST PREMIUM CRUISE LINE,’ ‘BEST CRUISE LINE IN EUROPE,’ ‘BEST PREMIUM SHIP,’ AND MORE IN ANNUAL TRAVEL WEEKLY READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS

Modern luxury line Celebrity Cruises received four gifts. In the prestigious annual Travel Weekly 2012 Readers’

Choice Awards, Celebrity was named:

* “Best Premium Cruise Line” for the second consecutive year;
* “Best Premium Ship” for the second consecutive year, honoring the flagship of Celebrity’s widely heralded Solstice Class fleet, Celebrity Solstice;
* “Best Rookie Ship,” Celebrity Silhouette, which entered service in 2011, expanding on the appeal of Celebrity’s signature Solstice Class Lawn Club by adding ‘The Lawn Club Grill,’ ‘The Porch,’ ‘The Art Studio,’ and ‘The Alcoves’ to the already appealing space; and,
* “Best Cruise Line in Europe” for the third consecutive year – a fitting prelude to Celebrity’s European season in 2013  

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Keel Laying and Steel Cutting Ceremonies Held for new Quantum Class

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Starting at just $249 per person per day – if booked by August 30

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Seattle, Aug. 3, 2013 — While leaving from Margerie Glacier to depart Glacier Bay, Alaska, Holland America Line’s ms Statendam assisted 103 persons on a disabled sightseeing boat Friday, Aug. 2. Statendam responded to a call for aid at approximately 1:45 p.m. local time to stand by to possibly assist the 79-foot sightseeing vessel Baranof Wind, which was experiencing mechanical troubles and had lost power in the ice near John Hopkins Glacier.

The ship lowered two tenders, which collected 102 tourists and one Glacier Bay National Park ranger and returned to Statendam. A Glacier Bay National Park ranger aboard Statendam assisted in coordinating the assistance from the ship’s bridge.

The sightseers were brought to Bartlett Cove, where the Baranof Wind’s excursion originated, at approximately 7:30 p.m. local time. The ship then sailed for Seward, Alaska, where it is expected to arrive on schedule Sunday, Aug. 4.

“Statendam's Captain Jochem Bakker and his crew responded quickly and professionally to assist the passengers of Baranof Wind,” said Richard Meadows, executive vice president marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line. “We are proud of our officers and crew.”

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Last week, guests on Azamara Quest’s current Norwegian Fjords and The North Cape voyage had the opportunity to experience how unique an Azamara Club Cruises voyage can be. Azamara Quest’s Captain Stig took advantage of the day at sea to provide guests with the opportunity to see the Arctic Circle Globe on Vikingen Island in Norway, which marks a crossing into the Arctic Ocean. On behalf of Azamara Club Cruises, Azamara Quest, and Captain Stig and his Officers and Crew, Chief Engineer Ole Pederson had the privilege to present a commemorative plaque to local officials and mark the ship’s crossing of the Arctic Circle.

Onboard this 14-night sailing, guests experience some of the most stunning scenery of Norway, take in the Land of the Midnight Sun and visit the northernmost point of Europe. Up-market travellers can choose from a similar itinerary onboard Azamara Journey’s 14 June 2014 Norwegian Fjords and The North Cape voyage.

Azamara Club Cruises offers distinct destination-immersive experiences for up-market travellers. The cruise line features sailings with longer stays and more overnights at ports to provide guests the opportunity to experience night touring at some of the most compelling destinations of Europe, Asia, South America, West Indies, as well as Central and North America.

On board the intimate Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest, guests receive exceptional and personal service and the cruise line’s authentic, exclusive and bespoke AzAmazing Evenings events that showcase the unexpected colours and flavours of a destination. Guests also enjoy fine cuisine, as well as more inclusive amenities, such as included gratuities; complimentary boutique wines, international beers and select standard spirits, complimentary bottled water, soft drinks, speciality coffee, and teas, as well as; complimentary self-service laundry; English Butler service for suite guests; and shuttle transportation to city centres in ports, where available.

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Leave the old world behind on a quest for colourful new shores

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Holland America Line hosted luncheons at the Port of Seattle Saturday, Aug. 3, 2013, aboard ms Westerdam for Seattle Men’s Chorus and Seattle Women’s Chorus and Sunday, Aug. 4 on ms Oosterdamfor the Seattle Theatre Group. The organizations are community partners of Holland America Line.

After the luncheon, guests of the Seattle Theatre Group were invited to a special musical production in Oosterdam’s main show lounge followed by a tour of the ship. Guests of the Seattle Men’s and Women’s choruses also were treated to a ship tour following lunch.

“We’re proud to support local organizations like the Seattle Theatre Group and Seattle Men’s and Women’s Choruses that do so much to enrich our community,” said Richard Meadows, Holland America Line’s executive vice president of sales, marketing and guest programs. “Our headquarters are in Seattle, and we are grateful to these organizations that work to enrich our region through arts and education.”

“We are thankful to Holland America Line for hosting us onboard for this wonderful lunch,” said Frank Stilwagner, executive director of the Choruses. "We couldn’t do what we do without the help of our donors, and this incredible setting and delicious lunch show how much we appreciate our supporters."

Seattle Men’s Chorus and Seattle Women’s Chorus are two of the largest community choruses in America. Formed in 1979, Seattle Men’s Chorus is the largest gay men’s chorus in the world with more than 300 singing members. Seattle Women’s Chorus, which debuted in 2002, has quickly grown to over 200 singers.

Full-scale choral productions combine the region’s leading professional talents with nationally known guest artists to create events that attract more than 25,000 people to a five-concert series each season. To learn more, visit www.flyinghouse.org.

“Seattle Theater Group's loyal subscribers make such a tremendous commitment to our organization, and it is an honor to have partners like Holland America who are willing and available to help us show our appreciation," said Tory Wimer-Contreras, Seattle Theatre Group’s director of patron services. "Holland America is a great supporter of arts and culture, and we're proud to collaborate with them whenever possible."

Seattle Theatre Group is a nonprofit arts organization focused on diverse performing arts, education and community engagement, and historic theatre stewardship. The organization presents more than 400 shows annually at the historic Paramount, Moore and Neptune Theaters that range from Broadway, to live music concerts, and includes local arts. For more information about the Seattle Theatre Group, visit http://stgpresents.org.

Each year, Holland America Line hosts more than 25 shipboard charity luncheons for nearly 5,000 guests in its homeport cities. In addition, Holland America Line and its corporate foundation’s charitable-giving programs provide cash sponsorships, in-kind donations, free- and reduced-fare cruise donations for nonprofit fundraising events, donations of usable shipboard items around the world, employee volunteerism and other philanthropic activities.

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Cruises in Tahiti, the South Pacific, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, and Europe

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Royal Caribbean International recognizes an important milestone in its 45-year company history as it welcomes its 50 millionth guest onboard its fleet of 21 ships. The momentous occasion kicks off a year-long celebration honoring the cruise line’s guests, business partners, employees and crew.

“For more than 45 years, Royal Caribbean’s guiding principle has been to deliver the WOW to our guests, providing them with experiences, services and amenities that can only be found on Royal Caribbean,” said Adam Goldstein, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “The men and women on our ships who deliver these WOW moments are what inspire our loyal guests to return to sail with us again and again.”

Spreading across the globe like a New Year’s Eve-style party, each of Royal Caribbean’s ships will recognize the milestone with shipboard festivities. The onboard events will mark the start of a year-long campaign where consumers are encouraged to share their favorite WOW moments with Royal Caribbean over the years by posting photos, videos and memorable stories on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with the hashtag #RoyalWOW.

“Every day on our ships, guests from around the world are creating and experiencing unforgettable WOW moments,” said Lisa Bauer, Executive Vice President, Global Sales and Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. “As we mark this incredible milestone, we are inviting guests to relive those special moments and celebrate with us by sharing their personal Royal WOWS.”

Royal Caribbean’s exceptional Gold Anchor Service is one of the factors that has helped the cruise line achieve this significant milestone and why the line was recently ranked among the top cruise lines in a recently released cruise line satisfaction report. This and other recent accolades across the globe – including awards from Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Travel Weekly and the World Travel Awards – highlight Royal Caribbean’s commitment to providing unparalleled vacation experiences.

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To bring vacation planning out of the realm of daydreaming and into the palms of consumers' hands, Celebrity Cruises is introducing a suite of easy-to-use mobile apps allowing travelers to digitally immerse themselves in the line's modern luxury vacation experiences in all seven continents.

After downloading Celebrity's free mobile vacation apps onto iPads or Android tablets, consumers will find – literally at their fingertips – the next-best thing to actually being on the cruise, with content including:

• Breathtaking videos and rich imagery of Celebrity's worldwide destinations
• Authentic depictions of the modern, upscale experiences found on every Celebrity ship
• Profiles of Celebrity's Shore Excursions, designed to make the most of every guest's time on land in every destination
• Detailed itineraries and maps of the array of Celebrity Cruisetour vacations, which offer the best of both land and sea
• Interactive ship deck plans with the capability to zoom in on specific suites, staterooms or venues to reveal the highlights of each
• Must-sees, hidden gems and other tips curated exclusively for Celebrity by the editors of Travel + Leisure
• Up-to-date pricing on Celebrity vacations            

Celebrity's new vacation apps can be downloaded from celebritycruises.com/mobile. 

To book your cruse its best to go through a local travel agent.

The new vacation apps are launching just one week after Celebrity introduced its innovative app, "Cruise Lingo," which makes it easy for vacationers to speak local languages by accessing authentic local phrases and relevant information from their smartphones or tablets.

For more information, call your travel agent.

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To mark this year’s International Youth Day, August 12, MSC Cruises has organized a series of fun activities across the fleet to celebrate young people and to raise awareness of this year’s theme of youth migration.


MSC kids’ club mascot Doremi will get the fun started with the Doremi Olympic Games, where teams will go for gold in various categories such as technology, arts and crafts and sports, including table soccer, air hockey, mini-golf, football, basketball and dodgeball.


Talent show Doremi Live “Youth Migration” will celebrate young people on board from all over the world with a series of dances dedicated to each continent, and a final number with all children and teens performing a dance of “MSC World.” Teens will also enjoy taking part in an MSC Flash Mob, while 12 to 14 year olds can compete in their own exclusive competition, MSC Young Games.


The highlight of the event will be the MSC Youth Day Parade, when children, young travellers and MSC Mini and Junior Club staff take to the stage in a special parade in each ship’s main theatre prior to the evening shows. Dedicated to young people from all over the world, the parade will mark the theme of youth migration from an MSC perspective, celebrating the melting pot of cultures that is an MSC cruise and the over 180 different nationalities who travelled with the company last year, as well as the young staff from 90 different countries welcomed and trained on board each year.

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In a move very few analysts predicted, the U.S. Justice Department has filed an antitrust lawsuit to block the planned mega-merger of U.S. Airways with American Airlines.

In its filing in the District of Columbia, on Tuesday, August 13, the Justice Department said:

 “Millions of passengers depend on the airline industry to travel quickly, efficiently, and safely between various cities in the United States and throughout the world. Since 1978, the nation has relied on competition among airlines to promote affordability, innovation, and service and quality improvements.

"In recent years, however, the major airlines have, in tandem, raised fares, imposed new and higher fees, and reduced service. Competition has diminished and consumers have paid a heavy price.

"This merger—by creating the world’s largest airline— would, in the words of US Airways’ management, “finish[ ] industry evolution.” It would reduce the number of major domestic airlines from five to four, and the number of “legacy” airlines—today, Delta, United, American, and US Airways—from four to three. In so doing, it threatens substantial harm to consumers.

"Because of the size of the airline industry, if this merger were approved, even a small increase in the price of airline tickets, checked bags, or flight change fees would cause hundreds of millions of dollars of harm to American consumers annually."

In expecting an easy approval, experts pointed to the mergers of other major carriers--Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines in 2008, United Airlines and Continental Airlines in 2010 and Southwest Airlines and AirTran Airways in 2011--as reasons for a likely OK. The EU had also just approved the merger based on the new merged airline giving up slots on the Philadelphia to Heathrow route. As would be expected, American and US Airways issued a joint statement saying that it would mount a "vigorous defense" of the merger.

“We believe that the DOJ is wrong in its assessment of our merger. Integrating the complementary networks of American and US Airways to benefit passengers is the motivation for bringing these airlines together. Blocking this procompetitive merger will deny customers access to a broader airline network that gives them more choices," the airlines said in a statement released on August 13.

“Further, this merger provides the best outcome for AMR’s restructuring. The widespread support from the employees and financial stakeholders of both airlines underscores the fact that this is the best path forward for both airlines and the customers and communities we serve," the airlines' said.

American and US Airways promised to "pursue all legal options in order to achieve this merger and deliver the benefits of the new American to our customers and communities as soon as possible.”

Some industry experts are now saying that the move might be a ploy to wrest some slot concessions from the airlines prior to approval.  On August 15, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Sean Lane is expected to hear the case for American Airline’s reorganization plan.  The merger and a $19.9 million dollar payout to departing CEO Tom Horton were major cornerstones of that plan.

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No Additional Cost for New Allergy-Friendly Staterooms

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Back by popular demand, guests can now take a Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Caribbean fly-cruise in January 2015! With the fun and excitement of the Christmas and New Year celebrations all over, guests will have the opportunity to escape the cold British winter on a Fred. Olsen 14-night sunshine cruise, taking in the stunning Caribbean Islands, aboard 929-guest cruise ship Braemar. Flying from London Gatwick or Manchester and departing from Barbados on 12th January 2015, this exotic cruise is predicted to be one of Fred. Olsen’s most popular voyages, with a general on sale date of Saturday 17th August 2013.

One unusual feature of Fred. Olsen’s most modern ship, Braemar, is the promenade deck – a complete wrap-around deck ideal for a gentle stroll in the evening sun, making it an excellent choice for warmer cruising.

Nathan Philpot, Sales and Marketing Director for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:

“We have been inundated with requests to return to the Caribbean and we are very excited to be able to offer our loyal cruise guests the opportunity to enjoy the beauty and charm of the Caribbean Islands once again, on board Braemar, the ideal ship for relaxed, sunshine cruising.

“New customers can book from Saturday 17th August 2013, but due to the high demand that we expect for this cruise, priority is being given to previous Fred. Olsen guests, who can book before this date.”

This is the first time, since 2012, that Fred. Olsen has offered a Caribbean fly-cruise option. Fred. Olsen had operated a winter fly-cruise programme, based in Barbados, from 2001 to 2012, but this was concluded to extend the wide choice of ex-UK departure ports, giving greater convenience to guests from all over the British Isles, as well as allowing those loyal Braemar fans to cruise on the ship all-year-round from the UK. However, Fred. Olsen has listened to guests’ feedback and brought back this very popular cruise itinerary on board Braemar.

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