Costa Cruises is making a splash during wave season with promotions intended to entice travelers to book their next cruise vacation with the Italian line. Costa is offering complimentary cabin upgrades and reduced deposits for select cruises beginning in April and running through 2014.

Guests who book an inside cabin receive an upgrade to an oceanview stateroom and those who book oceanview accommodations receive an upgrade to a verandah stateroom. With reduced deposits, guests now only pay 50 percent when making a booking to reserve their cabin and sailing date.

"Wave season is the perfect time to offer some great deals and fantastic promotions like complimentary upgrades," said Scott Knutson, vice president sales and marketing for Costa Cruises North America. "Travelers looking to take a Costa cruise this year can take advantage of some incredible values, and coupled with these promotions now is the time to book.”

With rates starting at just $349 per person, double occupancy, guests can depart Savona, Italy, aboard Costa Luminosa and explore the western Mediterranean for three nights in an oceanview cabin when booking an inside. Those who want a verandah pay just $449 double occupancy. Travelers who want a longer cruise can spend seven nights in the western Mediterranean, departing from Savona, Italy, on Costa Mediterranea and book an oceanview cabin for just $699 per person, double occupancy, or a verandah for $899 per person, double occupancy.

night Mediterranean cruises are included, so guests who book an inside cabin can sail in an oceanview stateroom for $799, or when booking an outside cabin get a verandah for $949 per person, double occupancy.

The free upgrades and reduced deposits also are available on select northern Europe, eastern Mediterranean and longer trans-Atlantic crossings. Wave season rates are capacity controlled and available for a limited time.

night Mediterranean cruises are included, so guests who book an inside cabin can sail in an oceanview stateroom for $799, or when booking an outside cabin get a verandah for $949 per person, double occupancy.

The free upgrades and reduced deposits also are available on select northern Europe, eastern Mediterranean and longer trans-Atlantic crossings. Wave season rates are capacity controlled and available for a limited time.

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Book by February 28, 2014 to Maximize Wave Season Value & Save Up to Nearly $2,500/person on 2014

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On Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014, at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Holland America Line hosted a fundraiser luncheon aboard ms Westerdamfor Symphony of the Americas, one of the company’s community partners.

During the annual event, Symphony of the Americas guest artists provided musical entertainment for attendees in the ship’s main show lounge. Following the luncheon, guests were invited to tour the ship before disembarking.

“We’re proud to support an organization like the Symphony of the Americas that uses music to educate youth and foster a passion for the arts,” said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, sales, marketing and guest programs for Holland America Line. “Music is an integral part of the Holland America Line cruise experience, which makes the Symphony an ideal community partner.”

Symphony of the Americas is the professional orchestra of Broward County in South Florida. Founded in 1987, the orchestra has experienced continuous growth, bringing the best of classical music to the multi-cultural population of South Florida. The Symphony has presented its International Guest Artist Series in its performance home at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts since 1991.

The Symphony is dedicated to improving the lives of children through the magic of musical investigations, both in South Florida and the Americas. The organization is proud of its partnerships to expose young at-risk students to the arts, architecture and environment, as exemplified by its continuing programs with the Bonnet House.

“Thanks to generous community partners like Holland America Line, we’re able to continue making a difference in our community and across the country,” said Renee LaBonte, Executive Director, Symphony of the Americas. “Our annual luncheon aboard one of the beautiful Holland America Line ships is a highlight of our fundraising season.”

Learning programs such as instrument workshops and open rehearsals for school age and older students, and master classes with international guest artists, offer a wide range of experiences to stretch growing minds and senses. Symphony educational and outreach programs have reached more than 35,000 people.

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The Strictly Come Dancing cruise line-up for 2014

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Royal Caribbean International, today reveals the summer 2015 itineraries for Anthem of the Seas the most entertainment and technologically developed cruise ship ever to be based in the UK. Sailing from Southampton, the itineraries - including three day sailings - invite agents to support its bold expansion plans to attract new to cruise guests and grow market share.

Anthem of the Seas is Royal Caribbean International’s second Quantum-class ship. It will offer 20 Mediterranean sailings beginning on 22 April 2015 before heading to Fort Lauderdale, Florida in the Autumn of 2015.  The new itineraries on offer range from three to 16 nights with a strong focus on ‘taster’ cruises designed attract a new breed of British holidaymaker who hasn’t previously considered a cruise holiday.

Due for delivery in Spring 2015 the ship, along with Quantum of the Seas, will be a dramatic leap forward for the cruise industry and introduce more game-changing “firsts at sea” such as a skydiving experience call RipCord by iFLY and the North Star, an engineering marvel featuring a jewel like capsule that extends 300 feet above the ocean and over the sides of the ship to deliver 360-degree views for guests. Cutting-edge transformative venues include SeaPlex, the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea with bumper cars, roller skating and more; and the cruise line’s largest and most advanced staterooms ever. These new, larger state rooms enable innovation in design, storage and comfort including the industry’s first virtual balconies.

Stuart Leven, managing director, Royal Caribbean International, UK and Ireland, commented:

“The unveiling of the Anthem of the Seas itineraries is another major milestone in our exciting year. We have significant confidence in the strength of pent-up demand for the Royal Caribbean International holiday product from UK and Ireland. We will continue to work with agents to feed the demand for more of our cruise holidays, whilst developing our training, incentives and marketing programmes to generate interest from a new-to-cruise audience.
“Royal Caribbean is proud to offer incredible quality and value, rivalling all other holiday options available today.  The facilities on-board Anthem of the Seas are simply ‘wow’ and incomparable to any other land or sea resort.  All this, coupled with itineraries which appeal to guests who are new to cruise, equips agents more than ever with all the ingredients for driving interest among people who are new to cruise.  We’re confident that our partners will capitalise on this to maximum effect.”

Holiday options from Anthem of the Seas during Spring and Summer 2015 include:
·  Four 3-night taster cruises and one 4-night taster cruise calling at Bruges and Paris (Le Havre)
·  One 7 and one 8-night France and Spain cruise calling at Bilbao and Paris (Le Havre)
·  One 16-night Mediterranean Cities of Distinction cruise including Barcelona, Nice, Rome Seville and Lisbon
·  Three 13-nights, one 10-night and one 12-night Sunshine in the Canaries cruise
·  One 7-night Norwegian Fjords sailing
·  Two 14-night Italian Mediterranean sailings
·  One 14-night Spain and Mediterranean Beaches sailing including an overnight in Palma de Mallorca and a call into Ibiza, not departing until 8pm in the evening

Peak summer holiday cruises include the 14-night Italian Mediterranean cruise and the 14-nights Spain and Mediterranean beaches sailings to appeal to family travellers.  In addition, the three-night taster cruise operating over August Bank Holiday weekend is expected to be popular.

A 14-night cruise on-board the new Anthem of the Seas sailing from Southampton starts from £1599 per person based on a July 2015 departure. The taster three-night cruises start from £449 per person based on a May 2015 departure.

Leven continues, “When Quantum of the Seas – the sister ship to Anthem of the Seas – is first launched in Autumn 2014 it will offer its first cruise from Southampton, departing on 2 November 2014. We plan to use this opportunity to showcase the facilities of a never- -before-seen Quantum class of ship to as many of our trade partners as possible. We know agents are excited about selling Anthem of the Seas and we expect a strong reaction, but the opportunity to see first-hand the incredible experiences on-board will be simply unbeatable.”

Anthem of the Seas goes on sale on 3rd March 2014. The new Royal Caribbean International sales team is gearing up to blitz agents, and continue to build the hype and excitement that really only Royal Caribbean International can deliver. Agents should also look out for dedicated Anthem of the Seas agent training.

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Costa Diadema, the new Costa Cruises flagship set for delivery by Fincantieri shipyard Oct. 30, 2014, will debut with a seven-night preview cruise from Trieste, Italy, Nov. 1. The $750-million ship then will sail three inaugural seven-night cruises in the western Mediterranean featuring extended port calls before entering regular weekly service from Savona, Italy, through the winter season.

Italy takes center stage during Costa Diadema’s first weeks in service with the “Made In Italy” liner calling at Trieste, Naples, Genoa, Savona and La Spezia.

The “vernissage,” or preview cruise, will embark at Trieste Nov. 1. Costa Diadema will overnight at Trieste before departing Nov. 2 for Dubrovnik, Croatia; Corfu, Greece; Malta; Naples; and ending at Genoa.

Beginning Nov. 8, the 132,500-ton Costa Diadema will depart on three seven-night inaugural cruises to the western Mediterranean with longer stopovers at Marseille, France; Barcelona, Spain; Savona and La Spezia. The itinerary also includes calls at Genoa (on the first cruise only); Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands; and Naples.

From Nov. 29 through the rest of the 2014-15 winter season, Costa Diadema will depart roundtrip from Savona on seven-night western Mediterranean cruises calling at Marseille, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Naples and La Spezia.

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From Ibiza to Skagen, Crystal Cruises is expanding its repertoire of ultra-luxury European cruises with nine maiden calls.  The world’s most northern city and Ireland’s most Gaelic town join a collection of favorite romantic destinations, like Barcelona and Venice, along with less-visited ports, like Korçula, Croatia; Greenock, Scotland; and Kristiansand, Norway, for a chic collection of 39 Northern Europe, Western Europe, and Mediterranean itineraries ranging from five to 16 days.  New in 2014 are:

• Oban, Scotland – The “Gateway to the Isles” boasts the quaint, romantic charm of a small, bayside city, with locally-made Celtic jewelry, single malt Scotch whisky and tartan kilts coloring the brogue experience.
• Ferrol, Spain – Boasting a rich maritime heritage and an impressive number of beckoning beaches, Ferrol is a prime location for watersports of all kinds or just strolling along the sand hand-in-hand at sunset.
• Londonderry, Northern Ireland – 400-year-old walls serve as a unique promenade around the inner, aka “maiden,” city, which was also named the UK’s City of Culture 2013.
• Santander, Spain – Long a favorite holiday spot of Spaniards themselves, word of Santander’s clear blue shoreline, lush green mountain ranges and welcoming residents is rapidly spreading to travelers worldwide.
• Alta, Norway – The northernmost city on the planet, Alta inspires snuggling with massive fjords, one of Europe’s largest gorges, and 5,000-year-old rock carvings designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Galway, Ireland – The Bohemian heart of Ireland, here, guests can enjoy the talents of the many musicians and artists who flock to the city, or join the Gaelic-speaking locals in a pub as they sing traditional Irish songs.
• Ibiza, Spain – The island splits its storied reputation between the “Undisputed Party Capital of the World” and the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, with as many fascinating historical sites as dance clubs and picturesque beaches to visit.
• Skagen, Denmark – Couples can witness the crashing waves as the Baltic and North Seas meet, and meander among the characteristic red-tiled yellow houses that dot the coastline.
• St. Helier/Jersey, Channel Islands – On a colorful island lined of flowers, St. Helier is the ideal place to dream of wedding bouquets while ambling a tranquil lane or visiting the centuries-old Elizabeth Castle.

 

“From up-and-coming hotspots to destinations that might be harder to reach on one’s own, our 2014 European season offers so many new and less-visited calls that even the most well-traveled can fall in love with Europe all over again,” says Crystal president Edie Bornstein.

All-inclusive European voyages from April to October start as low as $1,700 per person, with numerous special offers for extended back-to-back cruise vacations, groups, and kids, if booked by February 28.

Crystal’s passion for taking care of guests in an inviting environment of extraordinary space, quality and choices has earned the company more “World’s Best” awards than any other cruise line, resort, or hotel in history.

Contact a Cruise agent!

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Holland America Line announced the addition of Australian Chef Mark Best as the newest member of the line’s esteemed Culinary Council. Celebrated as one of the most innovative chefs in the world today, Best was welcomed to the group at an event on ms Amsterdam during the ship’s call in Sydney, Australia, while sailing on its 115-day Grand World Voyage.

Best will join Holland America Line’s Master Chef and Council Chairman Rudi Sodamin, and prominent international chefs Jonnie Boer, David Burke, Elizabeth Falkner and Jacques Torres on the Culinary Council. Best will add a selection of his French-inspired signature dishes to the line’s menus and work with Sodamin and other council members to shape the culinary direction aboard Holland America Line’s fleet.

“With our increased presence in Australia, it’s exciting to welcome to the Culinary Council an accomplished chef like Mark who has made headlines locally as well as internationally,” said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line. “Mark is known for his innovative Australian cuisine and we look forward to seeing his passionate influence on our menus and introducing his flair and originality to our guests.”

“The Culinary Council is a collaboration of some of the greatest international chefs, and Mark brings imaginative ideas from a part of the world that is very inventive with cuisine," said Rudi Sodamin, chairman of the Culinary Council and Holland America Line's culinary consultant. "Mark has great energy and creativity and our guests are really going to enjoy his dishes."

After an unconventional path toward a culinary career, Best found his passion for French food during an apprenticeship at the Macleay Street Bistro in Potts Point, New South Wales, Australia, in 1990. While there he was awarded the Josephine Pignolet Award for best young chef in New South Wales.

Best enjoyed stints working overseas in some of the world’s most famous French restaurants, including Alain Passard’s three-Michelin-star L’Arpége in Paris, France, and Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir Aux Quatre Saisons in Oxford, England. He leaned on these experiences with classic French culinary preparation and matched them with his own innovation and intelligent recipe development to become the face of new Australian cuisine as he returned to Australia in 1999 and opened Marque in Sydney’s Surry Hills.

Heralded by restaurant critics from the New York Times, Los Angeles Times and around the world, Marque received the U.K. Restaurant Magazine’s World's 50 Best Restaurants “Breakthrough Award” in 2010 and ranks among the San Pellegrino World Top 100 Restaurants. Marque was named 2011 restaurant of the year by the Sydney Morning Herald’s “The Good Food Guide” and won the 2012 Australian Gourmet Traveller restaurant of the year award.

For a decade, Marque has held a prestigious Three Hats — the highest of the iconic symbols awarded by “The Good Food Guide” — as well as the maximum of three stars from Australian Gourmet Traveller magazine in its annual top 100 list. Best has published a cookbook, “Marque: A Culinary Adventure,” and also has appeared on the television show “MasterChef Australia” as a guest chef and judge.

Holland America Line introduced the Culinary Council in 2010. In addition to providing expert guidance, advice and knowledge regarding onboard menus and culinary offerings, the Council works with the line’s offerings in the Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine magazine, to bring new and engaging learning experiences to guests.

For more information about Holland America Line, contact a travel professional.

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With all four Disney Cruise Line ships sailing from Florida ports in the early part of 2015, Disney’s private island Castaway Cay takes center stage. Every cruise departing from January to April includes a stop at Castaway Cay, a lush tropical island reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests.

Caribbean and Bahamas from Port Canaveral

In 2015, Disney Cruise Line will sail from Port Canaveral to the Caribbean and Bahamas on a variety of itineraries, offering families magical days at sea to explore all of the activities aboard their Disney cruise ship and days in port to lounge on warm, golden beaches, swim in azure waters or shop to their heart’s content in local marketplaces.

Three-night Bahamas. Perfect for a quick getaway, the Disney Dream will sail to Nassau and Castaway Cay. Rates start at $450 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Ports: Port Canaveral, Nassau, Castaway Cay

Four-night Bahamas. The Disney Dream will sail to Nassau and Castaway Cay, including a day at sea to enjoy the one-of-a-kind Disney Cruise Line shipboard experience. Rates start at $600 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Ports: Port Canaveral, Nassau, Castaway Cay

Seven-night Western Caribbean, including Key West, aboard the Disney Magic. Rates start at $980 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Ports: Port Canaveral, Key West, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Castaway Cay

Seven-night Western Caribbean, including Jamaica, aboard the Disney Magic. Rates start at $980 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Ports: Port Canaveral, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Falmouth, Castaway Cay

Seven-night Eastern Caribbean, including St. Maarten, aboard the Disney Fantasy.  Rates start at $1,225 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Ports: Port Canaveral, St. Maarten, San Juan, Castaway Cay

Seven-night Eastern Caribbean, including St. Thomas, aboard the Disney Fantasy.  Rates start at $1,225 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Ports: Port Canaveral, St. Thomas, San Juan, Castaway Cay

Caribbean and Bahamas from Miami

In 2015, the Disney Wonder will sail from Miami on four-night Bahamian and five-night Western Caribbean cruises. Rates start at $352 per person for four-night cruises and $440 for five-night cruises for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Four-night Bahamas

Ports: Miami, Castaway Cay, Nassau, Key West

Five-night Caribbean, including Grand Cayman

Ports: Miami, Grand Cayman, Castaway Cay

Five-night Caribbean, including Cozumel

Ports: Miami, Cozumel, Castaway Cay

All pricing reflects a category 11C standard inside stateroom. Government taxes and fees, gratuities and Port Adventures are not included.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can contact their travel agent.

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The Up-Market Cruise Line is the Exclusive Sponsor of “An Evening Aboard the S.S. Wolfsonian”

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Princess Cruises first became famous in 1977 when one of is's ships, Pacific Princess, was cast in a starring role on a new television show called “The Love Boat.”

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Celebrity Cruises has revealed its 2015 Europe itineraries, with five state-of-the-art ships sailing to 94 incredible destinations in 28 countries. With new exciting ports of call and a greater variety of itineraries to choose from, Celebrity will be sailing to Europe’s most intriguing destinations. The modern luxury brand will offer more than 65 enticing overnight stays, giving guests the chance to fully immerse themselves in each destination. Many of the overnight visits will also take place during must-see events and celebrations allowing vacationers to experience Europe as a local.

Captain’s Club loyalty members now have exclusive 'Priority Access' for booking their Europe vacations before the official on-sale date on Tuesday, March 18.

The cruise line’s newest and most luxurious ship Celebrity Reflection will sail her 2015 summer and fall season in Europe along with the award-winning Celebrity Silhouette, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Constellation and Celebrity Eclipse.

New itineraries for 2015 include:

Celebrity Constellation: The Millennium Class ship will sail the Mediterranean with a new selection of seven-night itineraries. Venice, Italy will be the new home for the modern luxury ship, joining Istanbul, Turkey and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy:

• Greek Isles and Turkey seven-night sailings: Departing from Venice and calling in Dubrovnik; Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey; Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu and Katakolon, Greece; and more

• Black Sea and Greek Isles 12- to 14-night itinerary: Visiting Burgas, Bulgaria; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Athens (Piraeus), Mykonos and Santorini, Greece; Koper, Slovenia; and the Bosphorus Strait

• A special 14-night sailing on July 19, 2015, will sail from Venice during the Redentore Festival, an exciting and atmospheric Venetian tradition that dates back to more than 400 years ago.

Celebrity Silhouette: Northern Europe will be the new destination for Celebrity Silhouette in 2015 and guests can enjoy more overnight stays in top European ports of call:

• Scandinavia and Russia: 12-night roundtrip from Amsterdam to Stockholm with three overnight stays in the exciting cities of Copenhagen, Denmark; St. Petersburg, Russia; and Stockholm

• The British Isles: Roundtrip from Amsterdam, Netherlands to Fredericia, Denmark; Cork, Dublin and Waterford, Ireland; Belfast, Northern Ireland; Holyhead, Wales; Dover and Liverpool, England; and Paris (Le Havre), France and more; plus overnight stays in Dublin Bay (Dun Laoghaire), Ireland; and Edinburgh, Scotland for guests to enjoy the British Open golf tournament.

Celebrity Equinox: Popular in 2014, Celebrity’s seven-night itineraries will feature a greater variety of Mediterranean vacations to choose from in 2015. These sailings can be combined into a destination-immersive Mediterranean Grand Tour vacation experience of up to 28 nights. Celebrity Equinox will sail from Athens as a new port in 2015, plus Barcelona, Istanbul and Rome:

• The series of seven-night itineraries include visits to Nice (Villefranche), France; Athens, Chania, Crete and Rhodes, Greece; Ephesus and Istanbul; Catania, Florence, Genoa, Rome, and Sicily, Italy; Ajaccio, Corsica; and there are new overnight stays in Ibiza, Spain and Mykonos, Greece, where guests can enjoy the vibrant nightlife.

• Guests also have the unique opportunity to experience an overnight in Cannes, France during the star-studded Cannes Film Festival. The 10-night Mediterranean itinerary sets sail on May 11, 2015 from Barcelona to Rome

Celebrity Eclipse: A series of 11- to 14-night sailings will explore Europe’s top sun and beach destinations, and the ship’s 13- to 15-night itineraries will visit popular destinations in Northern Europe:

• Sailing roundtrip from Southampton, England, Celebrity Eclipse will cruise into Ponta Delgada, Azores; Lisbon and Madeira (Funchal), Portugal; Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura, Canary Islands

• Vacationers can also enjoy 13- to 15-night Scandinavia and Russia itineraries to historic cities, including Copenhagen; Stockholm; Tallinn, Estonia; Klaipeda, Lithuania; Gdansk (Gdynia), Poland; St. Petersburg; and Berlin (Warnemunde), Germany.

Celebrity Reflection: The ship’s third successful consecutive season in Europe offers a series of 10- and 11-night Mediterranean sailings from Rome to the Greek Isles and Turkey; and the 11-night itinerary features an overnight stay in Istanbul.

In 2015-16, the premium brand will also introduce the newly announced “Suite Class” experience. Beginning April 2015, the new luxurious offerings include a dedicated suites-only restaurant, VIP lounge, complimentary premium drinks and more. For further information, visit www.celebritycruises.com/suiteclass.

Celebrating the launch of Celebrity’s World Tour, each destination will open with an incredible offer. Guests can receive up to $400 to spend onboard for every cruise or cruisetour that is four nights or longer (from the newly available itineraries) and booked by April 30, 2014, excluding Celebrity Xpedition sailings. In addition, the offer can be combined with select future promotions. For more information, guests can contact a travel agent.

Celebrity will continue to reveal its full 2015-16 lineup as each set of itineraries opens for bookings.

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Celebrity Cruises today unveiled a new vacation experience for guests, which combines the exhilaration of an African safari with the relaxation of a modern luxury cruise. Vacationers can indulge in the wonders of a wildlife safari and then set sail onboard Celebrity Constellation to discover the beauty, history and culture of the Black Sea and Turkey.

Beginning in the Republic of Kenya, Celebrity’s new 2014 escorted journey visits the three continents of Africa, Europe and Asia. Guests can enjoy the sights and sounds of Nairobi, Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara, observe the breathtaking wildlife of two game reserves by day, and indulge in luxurious hotels and game lodges by night. Following the Kenyan adventure, vacationers will continue onto Istanbul, Turkey for an exciting and awe-inspiring cruise. While at sea, guests can indulge in the luxuries that one can expect from Celebrity - fine dining, top-tier service and culture-rich destinations.

The vacation package includes:

• Air travel to and from JFK: Upon arrival in Nairobi, Kenya, guests will be greeted by Celebrity’s Destination Concierge, who will escort guests throughout their trip

• Five nights in Africa at four- and five-star hotels and game reserve lodges

• Three African safari expeditions

• Immersive 11- to 12-night cruise roundtrip from Istanbul to the Black Sea: The 12-night sailings will also visit the Greek Isles, and the 11-night itinerary sails to Sochi, Russia

• Classic Beverage Package, including wine and spirits

• All transfers during the trip in Kenya and Istanbul

“Our new 'Journey to Three Continents - African Safari, Turkey and the Black Sea' is unique and unlike anything we've offered before. We continuously strive to offer our guests one-of-a-kind immersive experiences, and with this new escorted journey we are combining the very best on land and at sea,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. “From the thrills of East Africa to the charms of the Black Sea, this trip offers the perfect mix of exhilaration and relaxation. We will be revealing more enticing land and cruise vacations this year, giving our guests more opportunities to discover all seven continents in modern luxury style.”

Kenya has some of the best game viewing in the world, with an opportunity to see Africa’s Big Five (elephant, rhino, leopard, lion and buffalo) up close and personal. This fall on the Kenyan pre-cruise stay guests will experience the Karen Blixen Museum & Giraffe Center – featured in the Academy Award-winning movie “Out of Africa” – world-class game drives in the Masai Mara, and delicious yet adventurous local cuisine.

The Journey to Three Continents - African Safari, Turkey and the Black Sea vacation will be offered with select 11- or 12-night sailings onboard Celebrity Constellation, with journey departures from JFK on September 13, September 28 and October 7, 2014. Guests can contact a travel agent to book this once-in-a-lifetime, customized African safari experience. 

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In an industry first, ever-innovative ultra-luxury cruise specialist Crystal Cruises is introducing Ambassador Hostesses on select cruises, expanding its hugely popular onboard dancing program.  Female counterparts to the line’s Ambassador Hosts – professional dance partners for ladies without one – will debut on three Ballroom at Sea Experiences of Discovery voyages in 2014 and 2015.  Along with eight male dance hosts (double the usual number), the Trans-Atlantic sailings will each feature two Ambassador Hostesses to cha cha, swing, and waltz with solo gentlemen during evening dance sets, live orchestra performances and dance classes in the ships’ posh lounges.  The three voyages set to get guests’ tapping this year and next include:

• October 5, 2014, Lisbon/Miami, Crystal Symphony (10 days)
• June 12, 2015, New York/London, Crystal Symphony (16 days)
• December 11, 2015, Lisbon/Miami, Crystal Serenity (11 days)

“Thanks to the suggestion of one of our popular dance instructors, we tested Ambassador Hostesses on a recent cruise and the response was fantastic,” says Bret Bullock, vice president of entertainment.  “Similar to tennis players who play better when they play with a pro, dance enthusiasts are inspired by partnering with experts who really know the steps and the more advanced nuances.”

Crystal Cruises has been featuring Ambassador Hosts on its cruises since the company’s inception, as there are traditionally more women than men seeking dance partners.  While every Crystal cruise boasts at least four Hosts, on select voyages with many more dance sessions, the line adds more when possible.  Hosts also serve as dance partners to guests traveling with spouses or companions who don’t dance, as well as socialize with all guests, join singles dining tables, and accompany group excursions ashore.

Crystal is known for its welcoming atmosphere for solo travelers, with some of the industry’s lowest single supplement fares, assigned seating in the Crystal Dining Room, a singles get-together, and a “Table for Eight” program that joins single cruisers together for dinner in specialty restaurants like Nobu Matsuhisa’s Silk Road and the Sushi Bar.

“A Crystal cruise is so inherently comfortable and luxurious for a single traveler,” adds Bullock. “But no matter how independent one is, one cannot ballroom dance without a partner.”

Until April 30, 2014, all-inclusive “Book Now” fares for the upcoming “Ballroom at Sea” cruises start as low as $2,595 per person.

Crystal Cruises’ award-winning entertainment offerings include a range of venues and performances, from cabaret nightclub to piano bar saloon; acclaimed productions to headline entertainers; and sophisticated enrichment activities to in-room Blu-ray-viewing, for all world travelers.

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Royal Caribbean International’s Explorer of the Seas will sail its very first Europe season in summer 2015. The cruise line’s Adventure of the Seas, which was originally announced to homeport at Southampton, U.K., is being exchanged for Explorer of the Seas, which will take over three- to 16-night, roundtrip itineraries from late-April through Sept. 2015. Vacationers can choose among three- and eight-night Northern Europe itineraries, 11- to 16-night Mediterranean itineraries, or 10- to 14-night Madeira, Azores and Canary Islands itineraries. Adventure of the Seas will remain at San Juan, Puerto Rico, to sail seven-night Southern Caribbean cruises throughout the summer season.

            Explorer of the Seas will complete an extensive, month-long drydock revitalization before starting seasonal service and boast a wide range of new innovative features to offer guests an unforgettable onboard experience. Guests can test their surfing skills on a new FlowRider surf simulator; watch a film come to life in a magical 3-D Movie theatre; and sample cuisine from around the world in a new range of onboard restaurants. There will also be all-new staterooms and luxurious suites, plus new virtual balconies that bring live ocean and destination views into interior staterooms. Additional revitalization details will be unveiled at a later date.

            Voyager-class Explorer of the Seas is still among the world’s largest and most innovative cruise ships, featuring Royal Caribbean exclusive onboard amenities not yet matched by any other cruise line. The Voyager class of ships was the first to introduce the active cruise vacation and features the cruise line’s iconic rock-climbing wall, a real ice-skating rink, a full-size basketball and sports court, and the Royal Promenade, an interior boulevard that runs nearly the length of the ship that is flanked by restaurants, lounges and boutiques and where spectacular parades and evening dance parties are held.

             Explorer of the Seas will be joined in the U.K. by the industry’s ground-breaking Quantum-class ship Anthem of the Seas at Southampton and Radiance-class Brilliance of the Seas at Harwich, England. Only just revealed last week, the Quantum Class will introduce the new Dynamic Dining experience, offering more choice and flexibility than ever before. With Dynamic Dining, guests are empowered to decide when, where, and with whom to dine – as well as how to dress every evening – among a landscape of 18 restaurants as varied as dining in the world’s most cosmopolitan cities. For more information about the new Dynamic Dining experience, please visit www.RoyalCaribbean.com/DynamicDining.

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Celebrity Cruises

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Celebrity Cruises Reveals New Exotic Vacations To Asia, Australia, New Zealand And Hawaii In 2015-16

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Complimentary Transfers to/from Montréal Expand Flight Options

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