mercedes

Princess Cruises just made it easier to reserve Alaska land excursions from its wilderness lodges this summer. Passengers can now pre-reserve land tours with a new system similar to that used to reserve shipboard shore excursions. Princess is also offering several new tour options in Alaska for 2011, both from the lodges and cruise ships, including active adventures and special family and connoisseur excursions. With the new system, cruisetour travelers can now pre-reserve land excursions through Princess' Cruise Personalizer along with their shore excursions from the ships. Previously, land excursions were pre-purchased separately or booked at the lodge, and now the new system enables travelers to pre-reserve all their tours together in one place. "This new capability makes the cruisetour experience even easier for passengers, as they can now reserve all their Alaska tours in one convenient place at the same time," said Jan Swartz, executive vice president of Princess Cruises. "So now the toughest part of planning excursions will be whether to choose between dog sledding, flight seeing, rafting, or the many other exciting options presented by the local tour operators." Introduced this year for Princess passengers are new opportunities to try glacier hiking or gold panning, meet sled dogs, or even experience life at 40 degrees below zero. Several new tours have been selected especially for families, including a treasure hunt around the Denali area. These new tours include: Land Excursions from Princess Wilderness Lodges: Worthington Glacier Hike -- Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge - This tour offers travelers an opportunity to hike on the dramatic Worthington Glacier. Hikers don crampons, metal spikes fastened to the sole of a shoe to provide better traction on ice and snow, and then they're off on a hike up the glacier to explore the crevasses and sculptured blue ice. Participants will learn the difference between blue and white ice, listen for the creaking sound of calving, and enjoy a lunch break and hot drink. Travelers will also take in the glacier's intricate ice formations and enjoy expansive views of the Chugach Mountains. Explore Cooper Landing & Gold Panning Adventure -- Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge - Passengers can fully explore the Cooper Landing area, known as "the gem of the Kenai Peninsula," with this comprehensive tour. Participants will learn about the area's history and try their own hand at gold panning. Visits include the Cooper Landing Historical Society featuring historic buildings, an actual sled dog kennel housing dogs that run the famous Iditarod race, K'beq Archaeological Site where native people share their culture and traditions, and a local homestead. If the salmon are running in the Kenai River, participants can also watch the action as fishermen ''combat fish'' trying to land a salmon. Black Diamond Treasure Hunt -- Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge (Family) This family-friendly tour offers a geo-caching adventure through rugged backcountry trails on a zippy ATV. Participants set the pace, fast and furious or leisurely and relaxing, as they follow a list of scavenger hunt-style objectives. Kids of all ages will have a blast as they locate "treasures" that epitomize the Alaskan outdoors. Using the provided GPS, participants can unearth a treasure trove of mineral samples, Athabascan Indian artifacts, gold-rush era cabins, spectacular vistas and wildlife. Eventually, everyone finds the final missing piece of the puzzle: a hearty, mouth-watering meal of salmon, chicken, ribs and potato salad along with complimentary wine and beer. Shore Excursions from the ships: Potlatch Totem Park, Hatchery, Bird Show & Meal -- Ketchikan (Connoisseur) - This enchanting overview of the sights, sounds and Native culture of Ketchikan offers passengers an intimate look at this part of Alaska. Passengers will enjoy a raptor show at the Deer Mountain Tribal Hatchery & Eagle Center and get a private, up-close showing of two birds of prey. At a visit to Potlatch Park, a recreated 19th-century Native village, travelers can examine beautifully carved totem poles, see how Natives lived in the 1800s, and even check out some antique cars. A delicious gourmet seafood meal rounds out this connoisseur experience. Gold Panning, Sled Dogs & 40 Degrees Below Zero Experience -- Skagway (Family) - A journey to the Klondike Gold Fields that offers a fun-filled time of gold panning, a sled dog demonstration and a chilly experience to delight the entire family. This kid-friendly tour offers the opportunity to meet and interact with Iditarod sled dogs and their puppies, and then feel the frosty temperatures of an Iditarod race personally in a cold chamber where temperatures drop to 40 degrees below zero. After this chilling experience, families can warm up with a little gold fever and try their luck at panning for gold.

NCL's Norwegian Sun re-entered service last week after undergoing a multi-million dollar 12-day dry dock during which the 1,936-passenger ship received extensive renovations focused on enhancing the guest experience. The Freestyle Cruising ship received enhancements to its public areas, suites and restaurants. Following on the popularity of the Brazilian steakhouse that debuted on Norwegian Epic, the Moderno Churrascaria has been added as a new on-board restaurant. Guests can sample a variety of skewered meats presented by tableside passadors, as well as a salad bar. Additional updates and enhancements were made to some of the back-of-house areas of the ship to increase efficiencies. "We have a company-wide commitment to ensuring our ships are in excellent condition. Therefore, Norwegian Sun is the first of three ships this year that will enter dry dock for enhancements, along with several that will take place in 2012," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line's chief executive officer. "We will continue to enhance and refresh Freestyle Cruising for our guests and are pleased to now offer a new restaurant choice on Norwegian Sun." Additional ships undergoing dry dock improvements this year are: Norwegian Dawn in May and Norwegian Spirit in September. Norwegian Sun's refurbishment to guest areas includes: • Updated décor in all 33 of the ship's suites; • Improvements to the Kids Crew area which offers complimentary children's programs; • The addition of Moderno Churrascaria, the line's new and popular Brazilian steakhouse (in the space previously occupied by Pacific Heights); • Overall replacement of carpets and wall coverings in public areas. In addition, back-of-house enhancements include: • An energy conservation project focused on the ship's HVAC system to save an estimated six million kilowatts per year (when complete in May 2011); • Replacement of all potable water piping (continuing over the next 12-18 months); • Propeller and rudder modifications to decrease power consumption by six percent; • Removal and replacement of all lifeboat davit hooks with new state-of-the-art hooks to further ensure guest safety. Norwegian Sun sails alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral, departing every Saturday through April 7, 2011. The ship's seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruise stops in Nassau, Bahamas; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Philipsburg, St. Maarten. On the seven-day Western Caribbean cruise, the ship will call in Cozumel, Mexico; Santo Tomás de Castilla, Guatemala; Belize City, Belize and Key West, Florida. The two itineraries can be easily combined to create a port-rich 14-day Caribbean tour for guests looking for a longer cruise escape. Beginning May 8 2011, Norwegian Sun will spend her summer in Europe sailing from Copenhagen, Denmark, for the first time in the company's history, embarking on 15 nine-day Baltic Capitals cruises. Ports of call include: Berlin (Warnemünde), Germany; Tallinn, Estonia; an overnight in St. Petersburg, Russia; Helsinki, Finland and Stockholm (Nynashamn), Sweden.

A 60-year old, female passenger, traveling on Holland America's Ryndam was killed last week after she somehow became caught in the propeller of a 65 foot catamaran hired to take passengers on a snorkeling shore excursion. The accident happened last Wednesday while the Ryndam was visiting Belize. According to local authorities, Dianna Lynn Meschling of Ohio was snorkeling with a group of three other passengers near Goff's Caye when she was struck in the leg and head by the boat's propeller. It is not clear whether she was attempting to swim under the catamaran or was somehow pulled into the propeller by the waves and current. The sea conditions at the time were reportedly very choppy. The accident was deemed highly unusual by local observers because most excursion boats turn off their engines while snorkelers are in the water, and the boats that visit Goff's Caye are usually anchored a significant distance away from where they drop off the passengers. The cause of the accident is still under investigation as local authorities are interviewing witnesses and the operators of the excursion boat.

I did the Hawaii cruise a couple of years ago, and loved the 4 sea days. They went by suprisingly fast.

A unique exhibit commemorating the National Aeronautics & Space Administration's (NASA) Mercury space program and the historic 1962 splashdown of the Friendship 7 capsule off the coast of Grand Turk is now open at the Grand Turk Cruise Center. Grand opening festivities were held this past weekend, with representatives from the Turks and Caicos Islands' government, Carnival Corporation & plc and the Grand Turk Cruise Center in attendance. Special guest speakers included Janet E. Petro, deputy director of the John F. Kennedy Space Center and former NASA astronaut Winston Scott. "Splashdown Grand Turk" is a 3,500-square-foot attraction celebrating the unique relationship of the American human spaceflight mission and its importance to Grand Turk's history. Located on the south side of the Grand Turk Cruise Center, the free exhibit features amazing replicas unique to the Mercury space program, including a scaled 20-foot-tall Atlas rocket and a full-size, three-dimensional replica of astronaut John Glenn in spacesuit, and, of course, a detailed replica of the Friendship 7 capsule, which splashed into the Atlantic in 1962, a few short miles from the island of Grand Turk. Storyboards at the exhibit depict the accomplishments of the NASA space program and detail the differences in space equipment of yesterday and today while offering an overview of the current space program and future plans. "This exhibit together with the replica of the Friendship capsule at the entrance of the Grand Turk Airport will serve to educate and inform cruise guests, the citizens of Turks & Caicos and other visitors to the islands about this fascinating connection between Grand Turk and the early days of the Mercury space program," said H.E. Governor Gordon Wetherell, governor of the Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI. P"We believe that having this great exhibit at the Grand Turk Cruise Center not only pays homage to the remarkable history of the NASA space program, but also shows the historical richness of the island," said David Candib, director of business development for Carnival Corporation & plc, which operates the Grand Turk Cruise Center. Opened by Carnival Corporation & plc in 2006, the Grand Turk Cruise Center serves as a gateway to this unique destination and encompasses a state-of-the-art pier and a 14-acre complex offering a variety of shops and restaurants.

Continuing on her inaugural Maiden World Voyage, Cunard Line's newest ship, Queen Elizabeth, made her first visit to the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, Calif. yesterday. The luxury cruise liner is coming off the heels of the historic Cunard Royal Rendezvous that occurred in New York City two weeks ago, when all three of Cunard's Queens met for only the second time in that city in the Line's 171-year history. Welcoming Queen Elizabeth to the City of Angels was Los Angeles Councilwoman Janice Hahn along with other local dignitaries, travel agents, media and loyal Cunard guests. "The City of Los Angeles is honored to welcome Queen Elizabeth for her maiden call to one of the busiest ports on the West Coast," said Councilwoman Hahn. "The cruise industry is a major economic force in our city, generating local jobs and revenue. We look forward to welcoming Queen Elizabeth's sister ship, Queen Victoria, who will make four additional calls to the Port of Los Angeles this year." "We are delighted by the warm welcome we received today by the Port of Los Angeles here in San Pedro," said Captain Julian Burgess, Master of Queen Elizabeth. "We look forward to continuing these grand celebrations as our newest Queen continues her inaugural calls on her Maiden World Voyage." Also welcoming Queen Elizabeth to the City of Angels was British Consul-General Dame Barbara Hay, Everette Hoard of the Steamship Historical Society, Dr. Scott Gray, President, San Pedro Convention & Visitors Bureau, and James Callahan, President and CEO of Metro Ports. Additionally, bidding the new ship "bon voyage" were members of the Los Angeles Scots Pipe Band, which is a competitive Grade One pipe band based in Orange County, Calif. Upon departing Los Angeles, Queen Elizabeth continues her Maiden World Voyage as she sails to Hawaii and then across the Pacific to New Zealand. Following this voyage, Queen Elizabeth will spend the remainder of the year in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean, calling on exotic and unique ports such as the Norwegian Fjords, St. Petersburg, the Holy Land and Canary Islands. The Port of Los Angeles will welcome today Queen Elizabeth's sister ship, Queen Victoria, who will call on the port four times over the next few weeks (30 January, 13 February, 17 February and 3 March), as she continues her debut Americas season. On these series of voyages, Queen Victoria will traverse between the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts via the Panama Canal, and include two roundtrip voyages from Los Angeles to Hawaii, and sail a brief Getaway voyage to Mexico.

Celebrity Silhouette, the newest addition to Celebrity Cruises Solstice class family, will make history this summer when it is officially named in Hamburg, Germany. When it comes to automobiles and cruise ships, "made in Germany" is often the mark of high quality, innovative design and precision. Celebrity Cruises' award-winning Solstice Class ships are no exception, and their German heritage is coming full circle with the German locale of Celebrity Silhouette's official naming festivities, with all their pomp and circumstance. Built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, the 2,886-guest Celebrity Silhouette will be introduced to the world on July 21, 2011, with formal naming ceremonies that will kick off a two-night preview cruise for invited travel agents, press and other dignitaries. Celebrity Silhouette is the fourth Solstice Class ship in a series of five built at the sixth-generation, family-owned German yard renowned for its commitment to excellence, and the first in its class to be officially named in Germany. "We are so honored that Germany will be the first country outside of the United States or the United Kingdom to host the naming of a Solstice Class ship," said Tom Fecke, General Manager, RCL Cruises Ltd., Germany. "This is a clear commitment not only to the German cruise market, but also to the growing interest in the Celebrity Cruises brand, which continues to evolve and attract affluent vacationers. Hamburg, with its strong cruising tradition and appeal, provides an ideal setting, and we are very much looking forward to the celebration of the launch of this stunningly beautiful new ship." Vacationers eager to experience Celebrity Silhouette can book its inaugural cruise of July 23, a seven-night cruise to Rome. Following a Rome-focused two-night preview cruise for invited members of the travel industry and the media, the ship will introduce a series of 12- and 13-night Holy Land sailings roundtrip from Rome. Beginning this November, Celebrity Silhouette will be the first Solstice Class ship to present cruises from Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey, bringing the Solstice Class's award-winning style and design to the greater New York City area. Celebrity Silhouette will offer significantly expanded onboard opportunities for vacationers to enjoy their precious vacation time. New venues that will debut on Celebrity Silhouette will highlight some of the premium brand's most compelling characteristics, offering unique experiences focused on the culinary arts, ways to relax and enjoy stylish surroundings at sea, and engaging, enriching onboard activities. These venues include: • The Lawn Club Grill, the industry's first outdoor, interactive grill restaurant • The Porch, offering quick, simple, casual and complimentary breakfasts and lunches against a backdrop of views of the lawn and sea • The Art Studio, a space within The Lawn Club where guests can participate in intimate, hands-on instruction from experts in drawing, painting and beading, as well as the art of food, with plating, tastings, mixology and other culinary-themed classes • The Alcoves, a private retreat overlooking the lawn, ocean and coastlines, featuring eight exclusive, cabana-style settings, each designed for two to four guests • The Hideaway, a high-tech, avant-garde treehouse-like spot for vacationers relaxing with their Apple iPads or perhaps reading a good book within cozy, intimate lounging "nests" In addition to the innovative new venues and experiences, Celebrity Silhouette will offer iconic Solstice Class attributes, including: • The hip "Celebrity iLounge" that made Celebrity Cruises the industry's first Authorized Apple Reseller • Uniquely unordinary "Qsine," the first seagoing restaurant to feature a menu and wine list on an iPad®, and an engaging food-as-theater dining experience • Ten unrivaled restaurants – in addition to "The Lawn Club Grill" and "The Porch" • Modern, stylish interiors designed by some of the world's best architects and designers, including Adam Tihany • Cool nightclubs and lounges, including CellarMasters, complete with the industry's first installation of the innovative Enomatic wine serving system • One of the broadest and best wine offerings in the industry, served by one of the world's largest staffs of certified sommeliers • One of the world's largest permanent collections of original contemporary art, and the industry's first self-guided art tours to be presented on an iPad® • Top-tier entertainment, including custom aerial production shows and live music

<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; ">Life and work have too many rules. A vacation – one of the most important decisions time-starved consumers make each year – should not. That philosophy has inspired Celebrity Cruises' new integrated, multi-channel advertising campaign: "X the rules." <a href="http://www.cruiseserver.net/travelpage/news/c_news.asp" ;="">

Royal Caribbean International today announced new enhancements to its Crown & Anchor Society guest loyalty program. According to the cruise company, the updated program better recognizes the cruise line's valued loyal guests and includes a migration from cruise credits to Cruise Points, creating a new way to earn membership status; two new member tiers, which include additional benefits; and a more personalized member section on the website. The enhancements to the Crown & Anchor Society take effect for sailings on or after January 21, 2011, and are the second part to the program's evolution, which first introduced additional benefits in June 2010."These latest enhancements to the Crown & Anchor Society will further help recognize our loyal guests when they sail with us," said Betsy O'Rourke, senior vice president of Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. "We continuously listen and respond to our members' feedback and have updated our loyalty program to provide a more equitable way for our members to advance to the next level. This program evolution is part of the Royal Advantage, our dedication to innovate our amazing ships and unprecedented programs to offer guests the best cruise vacation. It's important to understand that Crown & Anchor Society members will continue to enjoy all of their current program benefits and status, plus having the opportunity now to advance to the next tier even faster than before. For this one-time conversion, we have grandfathered everyone's status in the program." The program's first enhancement is the transition from 'cruise credits' to 'Cruise Points.' The new system to earn tier status when sailing with Royal Caribbean International is based on one cruise point for every night spent aboard one of the cruise line's ships. The more nights members spend onboard, the more points they can earn. Additionally, Crown & Anchor Society members can earn double points when they pay for suite accommodations. Furthermore, two new status levels are being introduced as part of the enhancements to the program: Emerald tier, between the current Platinum and Diamond status levels, and Pinnacle Club, the new top tier. The new progression of Crown & Anchor Society member status is Gold, Platinum, Emerald, Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club. The newly introduced Emerald status level will provide all the Platinum level benefits, in addition to some new benefits on their way to Diamond status, such as higher member savings for balcony and suite category staterooms and a personalized welcome gift on every cruise. Pinnacle Club members will be honored for their incredible loyalty to Royal Caribbean International and will be further recognized with all the benefits of the entire program and complimentary cruises at certain cruise-points milestones. Guests who have a minimum of 100 cruise credits before January 21, 2011 will be the first to be invited to join the new top Crown & Anchor Society member tier. Moving forward, Pinnacle Club status can be achieved with 700 Cruise Points, equivalent to 100 seven-night cruises – or less cruises if members choose to sail in suite category staterooms or on longer itineraries. Additionally, the Crown & Anchor Society website (www.RoyalCaribbean.com/CrownandAnchor) is being re-launched to engage members and offer greater personalization. Each member will now enjoy a website experience that provides information that is relevant to them as soon as they log into their account. Members can now easily keep abreast of the latest news and offers that are available to them according to their status level and messages that are exclusively for them. Additionally, members can establish custom settings for items such as automatic upgrades for when a higher category stateroom becomes available. Emerald- and higher-level members with a booked sailing also can use the new member site to select new program benefits, such as a choice of beverages as part of their new Welcome Aboard gift basket. Member guests will continue to enjoy the many Crown & Anchor Society benefits, such as the exclusive privilege to book their next Royal Caribbean cruise onboard and enjoy an Onboard Booking Bonus of up to $200 onboard credit. For further value, members can use their Onboard Booking Bonus with their Crown & Anchor Society Savings Certificate or, for Platinum members and above, their Balcony and Suite savings benefit. Members who have registered their email address also will receive priority notification of special offers, news and itinerary updates.

With a dash of Disney magic and a surprising twist, a helicopter hoisted a 16-foot "champagne bottle" across the bow of the Disney Dream during a christening ceremony last week officially welcoming the newest ship to the Disney Cruise Line family.Serving the traditional role of godmother for the Disney Dream christening was Jennifer Hudson, the Academy Award and Grammy Award winner whose own dreams of stardom began when she was a performer on the Disney Wonder ship in 2003. Hudson was joined onstage by Disney CEO Bob Iger and Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs, as the enormous "champagne bottle" filled with dreams of adventure, romance and fun was lifted into the air and broken across the bow of the 130,000-ton ship. Some 3,000 people were gathered at the Disney Dream for the christening ceremony including celebrities, media and members of the public. The spectacle befit a ship brimming with innovative "wows" – including gallery art that comes alive, the first water coaster aboard a cruise ship, Magical Portholes that provide inside staterooms with a real-time ocean view, a full-blown shipboard fireworks show, personal interaction with animated characters, play floors like gigantic video games, and original Broadway-style stage spectaculars. "For over a decade, Disney Cruise Line has been making vacation dreams come true for millions of families and we continue that tradition today with the launch of the Disney Dream," Iger said. "The mix of imagination and innovation found on the Disney Dream is unparalleled and elevates the family cruise experience to new heights." The 4,000-passenger Disney Dream sails its maiden voyage out of Port Canaveral, Fla., on Jan. 26. It joins the 2,700-passenger Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, with the Disney Fantasy scheduled to join the fleet in 2012. "The addition of the Disney Dream provides an opportunity to extend our horizons and open up Disney cruising to more families," Staggs said. "From the majestic beauty of Alaska, to the culture and history of Europe, to the fun and sun of the Caribbean, families looking to take a Disney cruise have more options than ever before." In 2011, the Disney Dream will sail three-, four- and five-night itineraries to the Bahamas and Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. The Disney Magic will sail seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries and seven-, 10- and 11-night European cruises out of Barcelona during the summer months. The Disney Wonder will sail seven-night Mexican Riviera cruises from the Port of Los Angeles beginning Jan. 23 and seven-night Alaska itineraries from Vancouver, B.C., during the summer months.

Thank you Debbie, I will check it out.

Norwegian Cruise Line announced that the next installment of Legends in Concert tribute artists will make their debut on Norwegian Epic on Saturday, January 22, 2011. The three Legends represent some of the world's most famous entertainers . Janet Jackson, Neil Diamond and Aretha Franklin. A staple on the Las Vegas' center strip for over 25 years, Legends in Concert is known as the pioneer of live tribute shows and has assembled the greatest collection of live tribute artists and celebrity look-alikes in show business. "The Legends in Concert shows in the Epic Theater and Legends Unplugged in the Manhattan Room are a favorite of our guests," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line's chief executive officer. "With the third round of legendary entertainers, we are continuing to keep the entertainment fresh and exciting. Neil Diamond also happens to be one of my personal favorites and I am looking forward to seeing Aretha and Janet perform." Karin Lawson, a native of Denver, Colorado, portrays Janet Jackson. While performing as an ensemble member of "Legends in Concert," Karin began perfecting her tribute to Janet Jackson, a performer Lawson has long respected and admired. Her perseverance paid off when, at the end of 2001, Karin was given an opportunity to debut her character for Legends in Concert at Universal Studios in Japan. Lawson has since spent the last nine years performing as Jackson around the world. As a singer, songwriter and entertainer, William Paul has always been drawn to Neil Diamond and his legacy of worldwide hits. Impersonating the seventies and eighties era of Diamond, Paul performs classic hits like "Sweet Caroline" and "Love on the Rocks," reenacting Diamond's charming personality, singing tone and dance moves perfectly. Originally from Australia, Paul also plays in his own band performing at various venues in Australia. He is also known for writing an internationally acclaimed song for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. DeNita Asberry has impersonated one of her favorite divas, Aretha Franklin, from an early age. Asberry is an internationally recognized entertainer who has performed with The Righteous Brothers, Wayne Newton, George Hamilton, and David Cassidy, among many others. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Asberry has been performing with Legends in Concert for nine years. Legends in Concert is a live musical celebration featuring the world's greatest celebrity tribute artists. Legends in Concert on Norwegian Epic features three celebrity tribute performers taking the stage in the Epic Theater for six 45-minute shows over three days during a seven-day cruise. In addition, a Legends "Unplugged" show is performed on three additional nights in the Manhattan Room, the ship's New York-inspired supper club, providing an unprecedented dining and entertainment experience. The celebrity performers change every four months, keeping the show fresh and exciting. The last round of performers included Britney Spears, Rod Stewart and Michael Jackson.

Carnival Cruise Lines has completed the fleetwide rollout of its exquisite and exclusive fine dining experience, The Chef's Table, which is now available on all 22 of the line's ships. Launched as a pilot program last year, this one-of-a-kind culinary experience includes a sumptuous multi-course dinner hosted by one of the line's master chefs along with a private cocktail reception and a personalized tour of the galley. With The Chef's Table, a select group of 12 guests enjoy cocktails and hors d'ouevres hosted by the ship's chef de cuisine. The chef then takes the group on a tour to see the galley in operation, providing participants with a unique perspective on Carnival's extensive food and beverage operations. The evening concludes with a sumptuous full-service dinner with delicious appetizers, entrees and desserts created by the line's master chefs. Depending on the vessel, the meal takes place in non-traditional dining venues throughout the ship – the galley, library, conference center, etc. The program can be booked on board through the ships' guest information desk. The cost is $75 per person.

The rules say you shouldn't play with your food. But it's quite the contrary in "Qsine," the novel restaurant introduced on Celebrity Cruises' stylish Celebrity Eclipse last year. The award-winning venue - the first at sea to present its menu and wine list on an iPad™ - has met with such phenomenal response that Celebrity plans to add it to Celebrity Infinity during the ship's revitalization, designed to complement the already award-winning Millennium Class ships' style and design with some of the most popular venues on the line's widely heralded Solstice Class ships. "Qsine is designed to bring out our guests' 'inner foodie' through a uniquely unordinary approach, elevating the dining experience to a performance art," said Celebrity's Vice President of Culinary Operations Jacques Van Staden. "We've been absolutely thrilled with the response to Qsine from our guests on Celebrity Eclipse, and look forward to offering the same engaging experience when Celebrity Infinity presents the venue later this year." Van Staden says the only serious thing in Qsine is the food, such as a vertical selection of savory tapas and mezze served individually in custom-made frames, a trio of chilled soups delivered shot-style, and spring rolls served in springs, all of which are described in detail on the iPad-housed menu and wine list, which offers a full scan of wine labels, an interactive cocktail menu, and the ability for guests to enter tasting notes and e-mail their favorite wine selections. The first in the Millennium Class series to be revitalized was Celebrity Constellation in April 2010. Rave reviews from guests sailing on the "new" vessel led the brand to expand the process further on Celebrity Infinity, which will emerge from drydock December 3, 2011, with Qsine housed in the space where Tuscan Grille delights guests on Celebrity Constellation. Joining Qsine in the expanded revitalization of Celebrity Infinity will be: • AquaClass accommodations - marking a Millennium-Class 'first' - allowing guests on Celebrity Infinity to experience the brand's popular spa-inspired accommodations and amenities • the chic, Mediterranean-themed specialty restaurant, "Blu," offered exclusively for AquaClass guests • the hip Celebrity iLounge, which debuted on Celebrity Eclipse and made Celebrity Cruises the industry's first Authorized Apple Reseller, and where guests can participate in Celebrity's "iLearn" enrichment series • more private luxury havens with entirely new verandas added to the ship's spacious, sumptuous Celebrity Suites • additional new oceanview and inside staterooms • an expanded collection of original, contemporary art As on Celebrity Constellation, the following venues also will be incorporated on Celebrity Infinity during the ship's scheduled drydock period: • a "cool" new ice-topped Martini Bar and Crush • the vibrant creperie, Bistro on Five • the inviting Cafe al Bacio and Gelateria • Cellarmasters wine bar, complete with the "Enomatic" state-of-the-art wine serving system - an industry-first when it debuted on Celebrity Solstice - allowing guests to select wines by the glass, at the touch of a button • more sumptuous suites, with all new furniture, flat-screen TVs, upholstery, bedding and carpeting • restyled staterooms, with entirely new carpeting, flat-screen TVs, upholstery and bedding • new color schemes, carpeting and upholstery reflective of the Solstice Class' stylish, modern design in every public venue "Everything we've introduced on our award-winning Solstice Class fleet, and everything we're adding to our popular Millennium Class ships, has been created to enhance that all-important feeling of getting away," said Celebrity's President & CEO Dan Hanrahan. "All of our new venues and onboard experiences - paired with the spectacular service of our dedicated crew - are designed to ensure our guests can make the most of their precious vacation time." Celebrity currently plans to similarly refurbish Celebrity Summit in January 2012, followed by Celebrity Millennium in April 2012. The already-revitalized Celebrity Constellation will be further refitted with the additional offerings in April 2013.

Crystal Cruises is removing the cloak of mystery surrounding Libya as a travel destination by adding its historic capital, Tripoli, to its fall season. Libya's doors have been closed to American tourists since the U.S. imposed sanctions on the country almost 20 years ago. With Libyan authorities lifting its ban on tourist visas, Crystal has added Tripoli to its November 16 "Italian Splendor" Mediterranean cruise. "Libya is enigmatic, exotic, and incredibly rich in history," says Bill Smith, senior vice president, sales & marketing. "Providing a rare glimpse into this Middle Eastern nation will add tremendous depth to travelers' experiences of ancient corners of the world. With over a thousand miles of Mediterranean coastline to the north, Egypt to the east, and central Africa to the south, Libya is truly a crossroads of cultures, past and present, which no world traveler should miss." Augmenting an itinerary already steeped in wonders of antiquity and cultural immersion, the addition of Tripoli enables travelers to visit what some consider the last unspoiled country in North Africa. Beginning and ending with overnights in Venice and Barcelona, the 11-day voyage also boasts visits to Dubrovnik and Sicily, Naples, Civitavecchia (for Rome), and Livorno (for Florence and Tuscany). Guests can explore Libya's largest city, Tripoli; see some of the best-preserved cities and archaeological relics in the world from Roman, Greek, Byzantine, Phoenician, and Arab-Islamic civilizations; mix with local and tribal ethnicities; feast on traditional cuisine; and sift through the sand of the Saharan desert, which covers roughly 90% of the country.

The traditional plaque and key exchange for Disney's newest ship, the Disney Dream, took place today commemorating the ship's inaugural call on the port with an official maritime ceremony onboard. Several elected and local officials participated in the event including Gov. Rick Scott and Port Canaveral Chief Executive Officer J. Stanley "Stan" Payne, along with Captain Tom Forberg of the Disney Dream and Disney Cruise Line President Karl Holz. The launch of the Disney Dream is expected to bring sizable economic benefits to Port Canaveral and the region including nearly 450 jobs and thousands of additional cruise guests. The 130,000-ton ship will call Port Canaveral home and sail three-, four- and five-night Bahamian itineraries beginning with the ship's maiden voyage on Jan. 26. "We are extremely proud of the Disney Dream and all its innovations, but we are even more excited to finally see this ship here at home in Port Canaveral," said Karl Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line. "Port Canaveral has been our home since we launched our first ship here in 1998 and continues to provide our guests with an amazing cruise terminal facility which has been recently expanded and enhanced." In order to accommodate the new and larger Disney Dream, construction enhancements have been made to extend the dock facility and expand the terminal to allow for the additional guests. Port Canaveral also constructed a brand new multi-level parking structure that connects the terminal via a sky-bridge walkway. In keeping with tradition, Karl and Captain Tom hosted port officials and community leaders onboard the 4,000-passenger ship as part of the inaugural call ceremony where plaques were exchanged amongst the leaders. The guests also had a chance to catch a sneak peek of some of the innovative features aboard the ship such as the AquaDuck – the first water coaster at sea, and the ship's immaculate and art-deco inspired lobby, featuring a dazzling chandelier and Admiral Donald statue. With the arrival of the Disney Dream in Port Canaveral, preparations are underway for its inaugural cruises and events, including the traditional christening of the vessel. Other Disney Dream inaugural events include a Benefit Preview Cruise in support of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, sailing Jan. 21-23. Designed to build upon Disney's commitment to delivering unparalleled family cruises, the Disney Dream, which was built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany, is the first of two new ships for Disney Cruise Line. A sister ship, the Disney Fantasy, which is currently under construction, will arrive in early 2012 to sail seven-night eastern and western Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral. From a water coaster at sea called AquaDuck, and inside staterooms with virtual views, to Enchanted Art that immerses guests in stories, and French-inspired fine dining at Remy, the Disney Dream will deliver family cruise experiences like no other. The shipboard experience remains focused on the legacy and heritage of The Walt Disney Company's most known assets – master storytelling, world-class entertainment and legendary guest service.

I am looking for that information too. I would love to cruise to Australia.

Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that the popular Slam Allen Band will return to Norwegian Epic as the official Fat Cats house blues band, starting January 15, 2011. Slam Allen first appeared on Norwegian Epic during the ship's inaugural launch in June, 2010 and performed on the ship through September. With Slam at the helm, the band quickly developed an incredible rapport with guests and other entertainers on board. "Slam became an instant hit during the launch of Norwegian Epic as his soulful music combined with his playful and inviting personality really resonated with our guests," said Richard Kilman, director of entertainment programming and development for Norwegian Cruise Line. "It's a coup for us to have him return to the ship and serve as the official house band of Fat Cats." For more than 20 years, Slam Allen, originally from New Jersey, has been entertaining audiences around the world with his unique blend of soul and blues. For the past eight years, he has played an important role, as the lead singer and guitarist, in the legendary James Cotton Band. Music is in Allen's blood -- he got his start from his father and uncles who were known as the Allen Brothers Band. On Norwegian Epic, Allen plays a wide range of songs from B.B. King and Otis Redding to his own original music in the intimate 170-seat Fat Cats lounge six nights a week. "When I play, people who may have never heard of me leave the show feeling like we're old friends," Allen said. "Playing on Norwegian Epic is a great way to develop relationships with people since they are there for an entire week and many come back every night."

In a major boost for the tourism industry, the world's largest cruise line – Carnival Cruise Lines – has announced that it will base one of its cruise ships fulltime in Australia. The 88,500 ton Carnival Spirit will be the largest cruise ship ever to sail year round from Australia when she arrives in Sydney in October 2012 to operate a schedule of 8-12 day voyages to the Pacific Islands. The move – announced globally in Sydney today – represents the first time Carnival Cruise Lines has ever ventured into Australian waters and reflects growing confidence in cruising in the region. Carrying 2,667 passengers, Carnival Spirit will be the first ship to be based in Sydney year round that is too tall to sail under the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Rising nearly 53 metres above the waterline, Carnival Spirit is more than three metres taller than the specified clearance height for ships passing under the Bridge. Because of its height, Carnival Spirit will be based at the only cruise facility east of the Harbour Bridge, Circular Quay's Overseas Passenger Terminal. Founded in 1972 and based in Miami, Carnival Cruise Lines is the best known cruise brand in North America and is expected to carry more than four million passengers this year – the most in the global cruise industry. As the largest cruise ship sailing from Australia year round, Carnival Spirit offers a wide range of onboard facilities and features, with approximately two-thirds of its cabins featuring private balconies – the most of any Australian-based ship. Aimed at fun-loving Australians seeking vibrant, active holidays with a broad diversity of on-board choices, Carnival Spirit offers a host of areas for outdoor fun, including a 22 metre corkscrew water slide, four swimming pools, a miniature golf course, jogging track and a sport court. Guests have their choice of 16 lounges and bars, including a 1,170-seat three-deck-high theatre. In addition to a two-level main dining room, Carnival Spirit features a reservations-only steakhouse and an expansive casual poolside restaurant. The ship also houses a two-level health spa with wrap-around ocean views and an Internet café. Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia, which represents Carnival Cruise Lines' Australian deployment locally, said the cruise line's move into Australia was testament to both the recent growth and the ongoing potential of the local cruise industry. "Cruising is booming in this country because it offers passengers a great value holiday that includes accommodation, top quality food and loads of entertainment that appeal to all age groups," Ms Sherry said. Gerry Cahill, Carnival Cruise Lines' President and CEO, said the cruise line was looking forward to introducing its unique style of cruising to the Australian market. "Carnival has become the most popular cruise choice among North Americans by offering an experience that is casual, friendly and fun with a wide variety of activities for guests of all ages, including a huge array of options on our expansive outdoor decks," Mr Cahill said. Carnival Spirit will offer a year round schedule of 8 to 12-day cruises to the Pacific Islands and a selection of 13-day sailings to New Zealand beginning October 25, 2012, with the program expected to go on sale by the middle of this year. The shipboard experience will be tailored to the Australian market with onboard spending in Australian dollars and no tipping required. Ms Sherry said while the primary market would be Australians and New Zealanders, Carnival's strong brand recognition in the United States would play a role in attracting more US tourists to Australia. Carnival Spirit's deployment meant there would be seven Carnival Corporation & plc ships cruising fulltime from Australia by the end of 2012, ensuring the industry was well on its way to reaching its target of one million passengers by 2020, if not sooner, she said. Other Carnival Corporation & plc brands operating fulltime in Australia include P&O Cruises and Princess Cruises. "It is amazing growth considering there were just two ships based in Australia year round in 2007," Ms Sherry said. "This really underscores Sydney's position on the world cruise map and our resolve to keep growing the market with multiple brands that appeal to customers."

KenRose, welcome aboard.

Jim, welcome aboard.

Deborah, welcome aboard.

Ralph, welcome aboard.