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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The most versatile cruise ships of the world due for delivery in 2017 and 2019

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New Sailings Feature Royal Princess and Regal Princess in Northern Europe, Island Princess’ First European Season and More Capacity in British Isles

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A third expedition ship, Silver Discoverer, officially joined the Silversea Expeditions fleet during a christening ceremony held today at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre in Singapore.

A traditional Chinese lion dance performance and bhangra folk dancers provided colourful local entertainment for the quayside event. Silversea's senior executive team and company chairman Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio were on hand to welcome a guest list that included local dignitaries and members of the trade and media from around the world.

Following a blessing, honorary godmother Elda Turco Bulgherini, professor of navigation law at the University of Rome Tor Vergata, officially welcomed Silver Discoverer to the Silversea Expeditions fleet by cutting a ceremonial ribbon. 

Lefebvre d'Ovidio said: "This is an exciting and proud moment for Silversea. With itineraries encompassing some of the most fascinating and remote regions of the Pacific, Silver Discoverer will take our guests to places where few people have ever set foot -- offering incredible opportunities not just for travel and learning, but for life-enriching cultural experiences."

Fresh from a major refurbishment, the 5,218-tonne Silver Discoverer has been updated with elegant carpets, upholstery, and photography. Up to 120 guests are accommodated in 62 all ocean-view suites, each featuring an in-suite bar set-up, refrigerator, and a totally renovated bathroom, enhanced with rich marble detailing. Besides a new walk-in rainforest shower, each bathroom features a new vanity, shelving, mirrors, lighting fixtures, and wood flooring. Plus, all suites have been redecorated and outfitted with reupholstered furniture, new flat screen TVs, and new mattresses topped with luxurious Pratesi bed linens. Select suites benefit from a small private balcony.

Public areas include a restaurant, main lounge (and lecture room), The Discoverer Lounge (with seating for breakfast and lunch), The Grill (for outdoor dining), an outside bar, and a small swimming pool. An all-new sun deck area has also been added, along with a fitness, beauty and massage room. All public areas have been refitted with either new or reupholstered furniture to provide Silversea's guests an expedition cruising experience in the comfortable and intimate Silversea atmosphere.

Guests aboard the small-sized Silver Discoverer will be able to explore some of the world's most secluded regions and enjoy an enriching onboard programme of destination lectures, photo presentations and daily recaps. Zodiac excursions and interactive walks ashore will be led by experts in their field -- marine biologists, ornithologists, geologists, botanists, historians, and anthropologists.

Silver Discoverer will embark on her maiden voyage from Broome to Darwin on 2 April, exploring Australia's spectacular Kimberley Coast.

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Seasonal Sailings from Fort Lauderdale and Tampa Augment Royal Caribbean's Wide Range of Most Advanced Ships and Exciting Itineraries

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World's newest and most technologically advanced cruise ship sets an entirely new standard for world's fastest growing market

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Seasonal Sailings from Fort Lauderdale and Tampa Augment Royal Caribbean's Wide Range of Most Advanced Ships and Exciting Itineraries

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Luxury cruise innovator Crystal Cruises is expanding its roster of active, immersive experiences ashore with 16 bicycle Crystal Adventures in 2014.  Throughout Northern and Western Europe and the Mediterranean, travelers can enjoy some of the world’s most striking architecture, charming villages, spectacular seaside views and historically profound sites, often best – and sometimes only – accessed on bicycle.  Offered with May-September voyages aboard Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, the half- and full-day excursions combine fitness with new, intimate perspectives on favorite destinations such as:

• Malta – A 12.5-mile route travels through countryside only accessible by bicycle and along the western coastline toward the highest point in Malta, the Dingli Cliffs – dramatically sheering straight down to the Mediterranean Sea and providing spectacular panoramic views.
• Tallinn – Guests will seemingly cycle back in time as they ride to the Baroque palace and summer home of Peter the Great, and around the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the city’s Old Town, complete with ancient walls, cobblestone lanes and 16^th century architecture – including a pharmacy that has been in business since 1422.
• Copenhagen – In one of the world’s most bike-friendly cities, guests can truly experience the sites as the locals do, including a winding, five-mile ride through a forest en route to a 500-year-old amusement park (the world’s oldest), Bakken, where they’ll have time to play and explore.
• Bordeaux/Bassens – Along a nine-mile combination of flat and hilly roads in the quaint village of Saint-Émilion – whose entire wine “jurisdiction” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – where guests will enjoy views of beautiful chateaus and expansive vineyards of such premier estates as Château Angélus, Figeac and Cheval Blanc. 
• Barcelona – An invigorating five-mile ride through the city’s bustling streets affords the opportunity to admire the profoundly impressive architecture of the cathedrals and other icons, while also enjoying performances from street artists that liven up the La Rambla boulevard.

• Guernsey/St. Peter Port – Along a six-mile stunning coastal path, travelers can marvel equally at L’Ancresse and Pembroke beaches and the Le Dehus Dolmen, home to Neolithic-era tombs that resemble a miniature Stonehenge.

With Crystal’s 2014 European voyages, bicycle adventures are also offered in Valencia and Mallorca, Spain; Corfu, Greece; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Helsinki, Finland; Holyhead, Wales; Kotor, Montenegro; Skagen, Denmark; St. Tropez, France; and St. Petersburg, Russia.

“Many guests have become increasingly interested in more athletic pursuits that allow them to enjoy a destination in a more up close and personal way,” says John Stoll, vice president of land programs.  “The bicycle excursions not only foster personal connections with the scenery and surrounding cultures, but also with each other.  Each cycling group builds a special camaraderie as they share these experiences.”

With all the details of the bicycle Crystal Adventures arranged by Crystal’s staff and expert partners ashore, including helmets, bottled water, refreshments in most locales and terrain-appropriate bikes, prices for bicycling excursions in Europe range from $89 to $249 per person.

In 2014, the line’s luxurious ships will sail 23 European voyages of 7 to 14 days, with shorter “Crystal Getaways” and extended combination cruises also available.  Until April 30, 2014, all-inclusive “Book Now” cruise fares for the line’s European sailings start at $1,730 per person.

Crystal’s passion for creating exclusive, eye-opening luxury shore-side experiences are cornerstones of its Crystal Adventures program, earning the line top ratings for two decades.  Bicycle trips are also offered in North America this fall, from Halifax and Bar Harbor to Key West and Cabo San Lucas.

Stoll adds, “For many, it is a lifelong dream to cycle through Europe’s most beautiful landscapes – a dream one wouldn’t necessarily expect to fulfill while on a cruise.”

For more information contact a Cruise Agent.

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In honor of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu’s work to spread peace, justice and democracy around the globe, Holland America Line has made a $100,000 donation to the Desmond Tutu Peace Foundation (DTPF). The donation follows Tutu’s appearance as a special guest lecturer on a segment of ms Amsterdam’s Grand World Voyage.

The DTPF celebrates young people 17-22 who are changing the world as the next generation of peace makers in the U.S. The goal of the foundation is to teach one million young people the power of peace within, peace between, and peace among all people. Their mission is guided by the concept of Ubuntu; that we are all connected to each other and that what affects one of us affects us all.

“We are truly honored that one of the world's foremost human rights activists and spiritual leaders recently spent time onboard with our Grand World Voyage guests,” said Stein Kruse, president and CEO of Holland America Line. “We are proud to be supporting the important mission of the Desmond Tutu Peace Foundation to create a society that nurtures tolerance and understanding among all people.”

Tutu, the former archbishop of Cape Town, sailed on the Grand World Voyage March 28 to April 1, 2014, from Durban to Cape Town, South Africa.

During the segment, two very special conversations were held for guests onboard, moderated by Robert V. Taylor, president and chair of the Desmond Tutu Peace Foundation, based in New York. Archbishop Tutu spoke about his role as the first black African to serve as archbishop of Cape Town and about his work forging racial equality throughout the world. Beginning with his public stance against apartheid in South Africa, he has worked tirelessly to spread peace, justice and democracy around the globe. A question-and-answer session enabled guests to gain more insight into his remarkable life.

The Archbishop also led a Holy Eucharist on March 30, and was joined for the service by the Grammy-winning Soweto Gospel Choir who was also onboard as part of the line’s “On Location” program. This event was an exclusive and meaningful experience for guests onboard, bringing historical perspective and cultural enrichment to their time visiting the region.

About the Desmond Tutu Peace Foundation
Archbishop Tutu founded the Desmond Tutu Peace Foundation in New York, a nonprofit organization that is guided by the virtues that Archbishop Tutu identified as essential human values and the building blocks for sustainable peace: love, hope, tolerance and courage.

One of the principal ways the DTPF is undertaking their mission is through their premier program, Peace3. DTPF partners with organizations and influencers to provide curriculum, grants, and scholarships to young people committed to peace within, peace between, and peace around them. The work and wisdom of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, is the foundation for learning, along with innovative methods for “living peace.” For more information, visit www.tutufoundationusa.org.

About Holland America Line Giving
As part of its corporate giving and community outreach, Holland America Line has developed programs to support a variety of organizations with cash and in-kind donations, services and employee volunteerism. Around the world, the cruise line’s employees can be found engaged in helping others. Whether giving cash sponsorships to non-profits, donating cruises for fundraising efforts, providing disaster relief, sharing reusable shipboard goods with communities in need or raising money for six international cancer organizations through the On Deck for a Cause walk held on their 500 sailings annually, the line is committed to making a difference. Holland America Line just received the 2014 Global Giving award from the Puget Sound Business Journal in its annual Corporate Citizenship Awards program.

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With continued growing interest in its Jewish Heritage excursions, Crystal Cruises is expanding its spiritual offerings ashore for 2014 luxury European cruises. In Istanbul, a brand new Crystal Adventure ashore -- offered with Crystal Serenity’s May 7 and June 22 voyages -- explores the city’s storied Jewish history and some of the most enduring spiritual landmarks, including:

Centuries-old Jewish heritage, visiting Ahrida Synagogue – Istanbul’s oldest, dating back to the early 1400’s – boasting a refreshed splendor since its 1992 refurbishment;

• Ashkenazi heritage, with visits to Eskenazi, the last remaining active synagogue of its kind in Istanbul; and the “Tailors Synagogue,” founded by a group of Ashkenazi Austrian clothiers in 1900 and now serving their traditions as a fashion art gallery and research center;

• The city’s Jewish quarters, then and now, exploring the Balat quarter, where the Jewish culture began to thrive during the Ottoman Empire, and the Galata district, where a modern bustling Jewish community has increased since the 1950’s.

• The juxtaposition of Turkey’s Jewish and Muslim cultures, with a visit to the Quincentennial Foundation Museum of Turkish Jews, celebrating the 500^th anniversary of the Jewish odyssey from Spain to Turkey, along with exhibits of the country’s corresponding Muslim history.

“We continue to respond to the increasing popularity of spiritually-based experiences ashore with new opportunities to gain insights into the impact that faith has had on the world in which we sail,” says John Stoll, vice president of land programs.  “Istanbul has been a religious mecca for centuries, as the home to sites and stories that are not only profound for our Jewish guests, but also historically relevant for non-practitioners.”

In addition to the new excursion in Istanbul, five other thoughtfully crafted tours explore Jewish history in Europe, aboard several 2014 Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity sailings, such as:

• An intimate glimpse inside the lives and stories of a Jewish family in St. Petersburg;

• Otto Weidt’s broom factory in Berlin, where many disabled Jews were employed and protected from deportation;

• The Amsterdam house where Anne Frank hid and penned her famous memoirs;

• Stockholm’s memorial to 8,500 Swedish Holocaust victims; and

• One of the best preserved Jewish quarters in Europe, from Palamós, Spain.

Several excursions elsewhere in Europe also explore Christian heritage via exclusive experiences.

In 2014, 25 Crystal cruises of seven to 14 days will sail through the Mediterranean, Northern and Western Europe and the British Isles. Until April 30, all-inclusive “Book Now” cruise fares start at $2,640 per person.

Crystal’s passion for creating exclusive, eye-opening luxury shore-side experiences are cornerstones of its Crystal Adventures program, earning the line top ratings for two decades.

For mor information contact a cruise agent.

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The refurbishment of Seven Seas Mariner^® added a fresh, elegant and luxurious new look, while retaining the warmth and charm for which Regent Seven Seas Cruises is acclaimed. The ship's suites and lounges are resplendent with elegant new furnishings, rich upholstery, custom-milled carpeting and hand-selected accents. Seven Seas Voyager^® recently underwent a similar refurbishment and Seven Seas Navigator^® was similarly upgraded in 2012.

"Regent Seven Seas Cruises sets the benchmark for luxury in the cruise industry and after witnessing the transformation on Seven Seas Mariner^® it's clear we once again raised the bar. She is simply breathtaking," said Kunal S. Kamlani, president of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. "This investment in our fleet underscores our commitment to providing our guests with the ultimate, ultra-inclusive experience on the most luxurious and stylish ships," he added.

Highlights of the Seven Seas Mariner^® transformation include:

• The ship's Grand, Master, Mariner, Seven Seas, Horizons and Penthouse Suites received all-new furniture, upholstery, lighting and wall coverings. Each features sophisticated, timeless décor with new sofas and chairs, new dining tables, new lamps and accent lighting that exudes Park Avenue elegance. Rich, luxurious fabrics were chosen to give each category of suites their own unique look and character. Soft tones of mint green, dove grey, fawn and wheat will play off of a palette of rich, dominant hues of espresso, chocolate, gold, burgundy and silver.

• The ship's two-deck high, state-of-the-art show theatre was renovated with a new LED wall to enhance the on-stage productions, and new carpeting, upholstery, wall coverings, cocktail tables, wall sconces, banquettes and chairs to provide additional comfort for our guests. Inside the theater, Regent Seven Seas Cruises mounts its largest and most ambitious production to date. Titled "Cirque Rock 'n Roll" this stunning spectacle is filled with aerial theatrics choreographed to music from Michael Jackson, Pink, Queen and more.

• The Stars Lounge features a dramatic new décor and ambiance. A new stone-topped bar anchors the room and the décor of plum, smoky-grey, gold, black and cream creates a subdued yet elegant atmosphere. Rich woolen carpets, supple leather, dark hardwood paneling and hammered-copper accents create an air of distinction, taste and elegance.

• The Horizon Lounge received a distinctive new stone-fronted bar, chic new furnishings, tony carpeting, lustrous wall coverings, and new lighting. While the Mariner Lounge was reconfigured with a spacious "open" floor plan and features a new bar, new stone flooring, lamps and tables.

• The Observation Lounge sports a stunning new décor of rich ivory, ebony and wine tones. A dramatic new back-lit bar serves as the room's centerpiece which offers sweeping 270 degree views.

• The Canyon Ranch Spa received new steam rooms, new stone flooring in the reception area, refurbished changing rooms and the Fitness Center was equipped with brand new state-of-the-art exercise equipment.

• The exterior decks and al fresco lounges received a makeover as well. New teak was installed on the balconies of all 350 suites and the teak decking in common areas was resurfaced and refinished to brand-new condition. The Pool Deck, as well as the ship's outdoor relaxation areas were furnished with brand new resort-style sofas, chairs, and loungers. The Pool Grill and La Veranda also received eye-catching upgrades with new mosaic tiling, new wall coverings draperies, lighting and awnings.

Appearing continuously on annual "world's best" and "top" awards lists by noted media including Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Cruise Critic and more, Regent Seven Seas Cruises' fleet is comprised of three all-suite ships that carry 490 to 700 guests in luxury to ports in Australia, Europe, Asia, South America, South Pacific, Alaska, New England, Canada, Africa, and the Caribbean. In summer 2016, the line will introduce a fourth ship, the highly-anticipated Seven Seas Explorer^®.

Additionally, Regent Seven Seas Cruises recently announced an expansion to its industry-leading all-inclusive product by offering free WiFi fleet-wide as part of a multi-million dollar Internet investment upgrade. Beginning in November of this year, guests in concierge-level suites and higher will receive up to 500 minutes of free WiFi.

To receive a brochure or for more information on Regent Seven Seas Cruises contact a professional travel agent.

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Ever-innovative luxury specialist Crystal Cruises has released its comprehensive Worldwide Cruise Atlas for all of 2015 and early 2016, detailing the line’s 72 luxury cruises visiting all seven continents aboard the award-winning Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity.  The 175-page brochure, artfully designed to commemorate Crystal’s 25th Anniversary, is also filled with additional cruise planning tools, from info about onboard programming to exquisitely-appointed accommodations.  The “Destination Insider’s Guide” conveniently lists ports of call by country and is newly enhanced to include more local tips for destinations, boldly highlighting UNESCO sites in applicable locales.

Throughout 2015 and into the first quarter of 2016, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity visit 235 ports in 75 countries, with 22 maiden calls in 2015 alone.  2015 highlights include:

• -  Nine immersive voyages in Asia, each with at least two overnights to explore Myanmar, China, Japan, Vietnam, Brunei, South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Cambodia.  Optional pre- and post-cruise Extended Land Programs take guests further into the destinations.

• -  Trans-Atlantic and Asia “Captain’s Cruises” May 4 (Crystal Serenity); April 11 and June 12 (Crystal Symphony), featuring veteran Crystal captains Glenn Edvardsen, Reidulf Maalen and Helge Brudvik, respectively, for special cocktail receptions, Q&A sessions and Crystal Adventures ashore in celebration of Crystal’s Silver Anniversary.

• -  July European “Silver Anniversary” Chairman’s and President’s Cruises, respectively hosted by Crystal’s chairman Nobuyoshi Kuzuya and president Edie Rodriguez, with specially planned celebrations and receptions.

• -  New routes in Western and Northern European and the Mediterranean, including Holy Land and North Cape/White Sea itineraries; both ships sailing the British Isles and more 7-day cruises than ever.

• -  A dozen round-trip sailings from favorite destinations like New York, London’s port of Dover, Monte Carlo, Singapore, Los Angeles, Montreal, and, for the first time, Copenhagen (for a new Baltic route).

• -  Crystal Symphony’s first-ever Brazil-focused holiday cruise from San Juan, with a New Year’s Eve overnight in Rio de Janeiro.

• -  A 77-day Grand Cruise, starting with Crystal Symphony’s December 19 “Brazilian Holiday” voyage, sailing from San Juan to Miami, cruising Antarctica, exploring Chilean fjords and the bustling cities throughout South America; offered in five segments.

• -  The “Silver Celebration World Cruise,” the line’s 20th World Cruise and first-ever full global circumnavigation, sailing round-trip from Miami on a 108-day journey.

• -  A new Trans-Atlantic route from Miami to Lisbon, overnight in Bermuda.

The Atlas also boasts itinerary details for the first quarter of 2016, including:

• -  The 102-day “Grand Pacific Panorama World Cruise,” sailing round-trip from San Francisco for the first time ever, calling in the South Pacific, Asia, Australia, Indonesia, China, Japan and Alaska.

• -  Two January/February cruises through Antarctica and South America, including a new route round-trip from Buenos Aires.

• -  New Panamanian journeys, including two routes transiting the Panama Canal from Chile to Miami and Miami to San Francisco, plus two Caribbean itineraries that begin and/or end in Colon, Panama.

“The Worldwide Atlas is the most comprehensive tool for planning one’s next Crystal vacation,” says Nitsa Lewis, vice president of marketing.  “It provides extensive details of each itinerary, plus all aspects of the shipboard experience – from world class dining to highly personalized six-star service – and shore-side tips and adventures, at travelers’ fingertips in a simple, beautifully designed and colorful format.  We’re inviting all luxury travelers to begin a new story with Crystal Cruises.”

Details of Experiences of Discovery® theme cruises, including hugely popular Wine & Food Festival and Jazz and Ballroom at Sea musically focused cruises, are also included in the comprehensive cruise guide.  The line’s exclusive “Boutique Adventures” and other shore-side highlights are also featured.

Fare & Itinerary Guides are conveniently located in the Atlas’ back pocket, and shall be re-issued every 60 days as prices are subject to increase, encouraging travelers to Book Now for the best available fares and stateroom choices.  Atlases have been shipped to agents, Crystal Society members, and Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity.  Others interested in receiving their own Atlas can request one from their Crystal travel agent; view, download, or order one from Crystal’s website; or call Crystal’s toll free brochure line, 1-866-446-6625. 

Through April 30, 2014, compelling, all-inclusive Book Now cruise fares start at $2,025 per person for 2015 sailings and $3,045 for 2016 first quarter voyages.

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 professional.

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