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With the recent launch of the 2,106-guest ms Nieuw Amsterdam, Holland America Line is showcasing its new approach to shipboard entertainment, opting to bring more intimacy to evening shows. Exemplifying this new direction is the singing group Cantare, a quartet of male performers with a pop music repertoire covering several eras. "With this new approach we've focused on getting top-notch performers, and you'll see more faces from Broadway, 'American Idol' and other well-known performance outlets gracing our stage," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "We're looking to share meaningful entertainment experiences with our guests through the quality of the music and performances, as well as deliver increasingly innovative and enriching options." Several production shows will debut aboard Nieuw Amsterdam, including "N.Y.C.," a musical tour of the Big Apple; "Ladies Night," a fun and fabulous all-female revue; "Live from the Avalon Ballroom," an extravaganza of ballroom dance and music; "Garage Band," a '60s and '70s musical set in an automobile service center, and "It Takes Two," a revue of famous duets and duos. Following the shows' run aboard Nieuw Amsterdam they will expand across the fleet by the end of 2010. Throughout the cruising year, Holland America Line's more than 200 entertainers perform more than 90 shows on the 15 ships in the fleet. In addition to the resident performers, guests also can enjoy a variety of entertainment including comedians, musicians and magicians. On several ships, performances take place in the new Showroom at Sea, a modern-day take on the classic nightclub that features state-of-the-art technology and a different show and themed atmosphere nightly. The Showroom at Sea is aboard Nieuw Amsterdam, as well as ms Veendam, ms Rotterdam, ms Statendam and ms Ryndam as part of the $525 million Signature of Excellence enhancement program. The Showroom at Sea features a completely redesigned main stage that introduces a new seating layout and an enlarged dance floor. A new sound system, enhanced lighting and high-tech video projections transport guests into diverse environments as scenery and decor leap off the stage and into the audience. Holland America Line's creative team has earned more Tony, Emmy, Grammy and Oscar nominations than any other in the cruise industry. Hugh Durrant -- a costume, set and theatrical designer -- has won Emmy awards for his work with Cher and others, and fashion icon Bob Mackie, who created many of Holland America Line's costumes, has a long history of award-winning designs for celebrities. Built at Fincantieri's Marghera yard near Venice, Italy, Nieuw Amsterdam was named by Her Royal Highness Princess Maxima of the Netherlands July 4, 2010. After a series of 12-day Mediterranean sailings, the ship embarks on a fall trans-Atlantic crossing to the Caribbean to sail seven-day eastern and western itineraries from November 2010 through March 2011.

President Obama last week signed the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act, which sposors hope will increase security, law enforcement, and accountability on cruise ships in international waters. The Senate unanimously passed this legislation earlier this month. The senate bill was sponsored by Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.)' and Rep. Doris Matsui (D-Calif.) sponsored the companion legislation in the House of Representatives. "We have a responsibility to ensure the safety of the millions of Americans who will board cruise ships this year," said Sen. Kerry. "This law will finally do away with the murky lines of jurisdiction that have put American cruise ship passengers at risk in the past. I applaud President Obama, Rep. Matsui and my colleagues for helping to ensure that security, safety, and accountability be strengthened to hold criminals accountable and end the cycle of serious crimes on these vessels." "Today marks the beginning of a new accountability for any crimes that are committed against passengers on cruise ships," said Kendall Carver, Chairman of International Cruise Victims (ICV), whose daughter Merrian Carver, a constituent of Senator Kerry's, disappeared on a cruise ship. "This came about because a small group of victims joined together four and one-half years ago to form ICV. From just a few families, ICV now has membership in over 20 countries. "The Cruise Lines International Association is pleased that the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act is now law," said Cruise Lines International Association President and CEO Terry Dale. "We appreciated the opportunity to work with Senator Kerry and Congress to ensure that the new law would bring greater consistency and clarity of security laws and regulations for our industry. Although millions of guests each year enjoy a safe cruise vacation, we welcome the opportunity to ensure consistency across our member line fleets." For example, while many ships in the CLIA fleet may already feature 42-inch railings, peepholes in all cabins, onboard video surveillance systems, and employ medical personnel who meet guidelines established by the American College of Emergency Physicians, the new law will make these and other new provisions consistent across the fleet. "We appreciate the work Congress and the Administration have done to bring consistency and clarity to the security and safety laws and regulations for our industry. We look forward to continuing our longstanding work with the U.S. Coast Guard, FBI, and law enforcement both here and around the world to ensure the bill's provisions are implemented appropriately," added Dale. The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act will: • improve ship safety by requiring forty-two inch guard rails, peep holes in every passenger and crew member's door, on-deck video surveillance, and an emergency sound system; • provide transparency in reporting by establishing a structure between the cruise industry, the FBI, and the Coast Guard, including requirements that each ship maintain a log book, which would record all deaths, missing individuals, alleged crimes, and passenger/crewmember complaints regarding theft, sexual harassment, and assault; • improve crime scene response by requiring rape kits, anti-retroviral medications, and a trained forensic sexual assault specialist be aboard each ship; and • establish a program designed by the Secretary of Transportation in consultation with the FBI to train appropriate crew members in crime prevention, detection, evidence preservation, and reporting of criminal activities in the international maritime environment.

Vast desert landscapes, sun-washed beaches, grand bazaars and striking shrines form the backdrop to the exotic worlds of India and Africa. Princess Cruises' 2011-12 Exotic cruise season will offer passengers a selection of voyages featuring these distinctive destinations, including a sailing along the coast of West Africa. In total, four extended cruises offer the opportunity to visit 38 intriguing ports. Home to a variety of vibrant cultures and the world's most unique array of fascinating wildlife, African ports delight adventurous passengers. India contrasts with the hustle and bustle of cosmopolitan cities and the more spiritual atmosphere surrounding architectural treasures such as the iconic Taj Majal. Voyages including Africa or India offer the opportunity for a multi-continent adventure, featuring ports in Europe and Asia as well. Ranging from 28 to 46 days, these extensive sailings feature either the intimate ambiance of Ocean Princess or the Aussie-style cruising of Sun Princess, which sails round-trip from Perth. "Africa and India are filled with the magnificent sights so many of us dream about visiting," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. "Open spaces filled with roaming wildlife, colorful civilizations and rich history never fail to capture the imagination in these exotic ports. Princess pioneered cruising in many of these locales, and we continue to offer our expertise to passengers looking for an exciting adventure in these destinations." India brings to mind the vibrant world of Bollywood movies and spicy atmosphere. Cosmopolitan Mumbai is a gateway for travel to the Taj Mahal, the famed monument of pearlescent stones that stands as a testament to eternal love. Passengers may also visit the coconut palm-lined beaches in Cochin, a historic port town where colonial architecture display the rich cultures that influenced the city. In Goa, travelers can explore the quaint village of Old Goa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Princess' unique West Africa Adventure itinerary offers passengers the opportunity to explore the continent's intriguing coastline. The Namibian ports Lüderitz and Walvis Bay boast historic German imperial style buildings and are a bird-lover's paradise, hosting thousands of flamingos, penguins, and ostriches. Mysterious voodoo presentations and grand markets pepper Lomé, Togo with rich African flair. Known for its "teranga" (hospitality), Dakar, Senegal features natural wonders such as Lake Retba, named for its rose-pink colored waters. In South Africa, Cape Town offers sand, surf, wineries, and stunning views of Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope. Port Elizabeth provides opportunities to encounter wildlife with nearby game reserves and national parks set on vast savannas. In Durban, vibrant flowers, sweet smells of spices, and cultural encounters with the fabled Zulu tribe offer a true sense of modern Africa. Northern Africa features the pyramids and other archeological treasure of Egypt, where visitors can see many of the country's iconic attraction when ships call at Safaga for Luxor and Karnak. Legendary Casablanca blends African, French, and Middle Eastern influences, particularly in dazzling bazaars filled with rich fabrics and antique ware. Africa and India cruises: Mediterranean, India & Asia -- For a three-continent adventure, passengers can sail on a 28-day voyage from Rome to Singapore aboard Ocean Princess. The small ship will take cruisers to Sorrento, Athens, and Kusadasi (for Ephesus) before transiting the Suez Canal and continuing on to Sharm El Sheik, Aqaba (for Petra) Safaga (for Luxor/Karnak), Dubai, Muscat, Mumbai, Cochin, and Kuala Lumpur. Ocean Princess departs on October 15, 2011. West Africa Adventure -- A unique opportunity to explore the African coast, this 28-day journey onboard the small ship Ocean Princess travels from Cape Town to London (Dover). Travelers can explore a variety of African destinations plus and European ports beginning with a overnight stay in Cape Town. Calls include the Namibian ports of Lüderitz and Walvis Bay, Cotonou (Benin), Lomé (Togo), Tema (Ghana), Dakar (Senegal), Cape Verde Islands, Canary Islands, Casablanca, Seville, Lisbon, and Paris/Normandy before arriving in Dover. The sailing departs on May 6, 2012. Africa, India & Southeast Asia -- The intimate Ocean Princess also offers a 30-day journey from Singapore to Cape Town. Passengers can enjoy the small ship experience on an itinerary to Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Maldives, Mumbai, Muscat, Dubai, Mauritius, Reunion Island, Durban, and East London, plus an overnight call in Cape Town. Travelers have the option to visit the Taj Mahal in India or take a safari to Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa. The sailing departs on April 6, 2012 and can be combined with the West Africa Adventure for a 58 day Grand Adventure cruise from Singapore to Dover. South Africa & Indian Ocean Odyssey -- On a 46-day roundtrip sailing from Perth, travelers cover several continents during their voyage. Sun Princess will call at Asian ports such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Phuket, then move on to India with visits to Mumbai, Goa, and the Maldives. After crossing the Equator, the ship visits the Seychelles, and the South African ports of Richard's Bay, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, and Durban. The ship calls at Reunion Island and Mauritius before returning to Perth. Sun Princess departs on May 3, 2011.

Playing off the series of high-tech "firsts" it has introduced in recent months, Celebrity Cruises is debuting the industry's first self-guided art tours on an iPad®. Earlier this year, Celebrity introduced the first "Celebrity iLounge" – a modern lounge equipped with MacBook® workstations, a retail space featuring Apple products and accessories, and an enrichment center where certified staff present a variety of courses and offer guests tips on Mac and iPod® usage. Celebrity Cruises is itself an iPad pioneer, having become the first cruise line to present a menu and wine list on an iPad when it introduced its engaging "Qsine" specialty restaurant earlier this year. "The response to the Celebrity iLounge and to the iPad menus in Qsine was so positive, we knew our guests would relish yet another opportunity to capitalize on the latest technology in an entertaining, enriching way," said Celebrity's Senior VP of Hotel Operations Lisa Lutoff-Perlo. "Celebrity's ‘Designed for you' platform is built on our commitment to listen to our guests and offer experiences inspired by them and their sophisticated travel desires." A new addition to Celebrity's extensive "Celebrity Life" series of onboard entertainment and enrichment activities, the iPads on each Solstice Class ship house floor plans of every deck on the ship, with select works of art flagged on every deck. A guest simply touches the screen to select the work of art he or she would like to learn more about, and the screen transitions to full details about the piece, including the title of the work, artist's name, medium used, description and image. In addition to the art tour application, the iPads also present guests with the opportunity to explore digital versions of each Solstice-Class vessel's in-stateroom art catalogs. With more than 14,000 works of original, contemporary art on its three Solstice Class ships alone, Celebrity Cruises is the holder of one of the world's largest corporate collections of contemporary art. Throughout the ships, a vast range of mediums is represented, including glass, acrylics, oils, photography, digital prints, video, etchings, sculptures and collages. Approximately 15 percent of the art on each Solstice Class ship is site-specific or commissioned artwork, such as the signature living trees in enormous vases suspended within the Solstice Class ships' sweeping, airy Grand Foyers. Celebrity's new iPad art tours will be available on Celebrity Solstice beginning August 15, and on Celebrity Eclipse and Celebrity Equinox beginning August 21. The tours currently are in English, and also will be offered in Spanish by the end of this year. Celebrity will add German and French versions in 2011.

Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK) has ordered a 71,300-ton cruise ship for its AIDA Cruises brand, which caters exclusively to the German-speaking market. The newbuild order is subject to financing and other customary closing conditions. It marks the seventh new ship that the German cruise operator has ordered in the past six years. The 2,192-passenger vessel, which will be built at Germany's Meyer Werft at an approximate all-in cost of euro 150,000 per lower berth, is scheduled to enter service in spring 2013. The new vessel will operate under AIDA Cruises' informal "club resort" cruise concept which is marketed exclusively to German-speaking clientele and offers a product aimed at younger, more active guests who enjoy a host of onboard innovations. "With growth that is outpacing other regions of the world, expanding our European brands continues to be a priority for us. This new AIDA ship will build upon the brand's leadership position in the fast-growing German-speaking market, while offering a unique onboard experience preferred by its clientele," said Micky Arison, Carnival Corporation & plc chairman and CEO. AIDA Cruises' President Michael Thamm added, "It has always been our strategy to achieve sustainable growth. We look forward to another innovative newbuild, tailor made for the German market." The new vessel will join the 71,300-ton AIDAsol, set to debut in April 2011, and an as-yet-unnamed sister ship in June 2012. AIDA Cruises revolutionized the German cruise market with the introduction of its first "club ships" in 1996. By 2013, a total of 10 "club ships" will be in service, operating voyages to the Mediterranean, the Canaries, the North Sea, the Baltic, the Caribbean, the Arabian Gulf, Asia and Central America.

A medical emergency on board Norwegian Cruise Line's newest ship, Norwegian Epic, forced the ship to return to Miami just hours after setting sail Saturday afternoon. According to authorities, a 21-year old male passenger died of a heart attack after suffering a severe allergic reaction to food that he had eaten that evening. The passenger, Kevin Edouard, of Spring Valley, NY, was traveling with family on the cruise. A statement released by Norwegian Cruise Lines stated: "After setting sail on a seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruise yesterday at approximately 4 pm, Norwegian Epic returned to the Port of Miami at approximately 12:45 am for a medical disembarkation. While the ship was approximately 40 nautical miles from Miami, a guest on board suffered a heart attack and passed away. All local authorities were notified and some met the ship upon arrival. The ship departed at approximately 2:45 am. Norwegian Cruise Line extends its sincerest thoughts and prayers to the guest's family during this difficult time." The dead passenger's family disembarked in Miami and local authorities were investigating the incident although at this time there is no evidence to indicate it was anything but an unfortunate allergic reaction. According to medical studies, it is estimated that between 2% to 5% of the adult population has some form of food allergy. The most common foods that trigger allergic reactions in adults include the following: fish and shellfish (such as shrimp), lobster and crab meat, peanuts, tree nuts (such as walnuts) and eggs. Sunday was scheduled to have been a day at sea and Norwegian Epic so it is expected that the cruise will be able to make up any lost time and no changes to the planned itinerary are expected.

Ever since Queen Mary entered service in 1936, Cunard's Queens have been famous for offering the best on board shopping featuring some of the finest luxury brands and gifts from around the world. The new Queen Elizabeth, which enters service in October 2010, will be no exception. Queen Elizabeth's Royal Arcade will feature iconic products from Fortnum & Mason. Since 1707, Fortnum & Mason has been the quintessential English store situated in the heart of London's Piccadilly and issued with two Royal warrants. On board, Fortnum & Mason will offer unique teas, preserves, biscuits and gifts. "Decades of experience have told us that on board shopping is important to our guests and Cunard has an unrivalled reputation for providing the finest shopping at sea," said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. "Queen Elizabeth will be no exception in this regard and I am very excited with the range that will be offered by high-quality world-famous brands that are a perfect fit for our brand and our guests." In addition to Fortnum & Mason, shoppers on board Queen Elizabeth will be able to purchase other brands that have never before been available at sea. The new Cunarder will be the only ship in the world to feature the following luxury products: • Hackett: Men's Designer Clothing by Hackett of London, producers of the finest authentic and classic menswear and "The home of the essential British kit" • Harris Tweed: World-renowned for their genuine hand-woven Scottish woollen fabrics • Anya Hindmarch: English fashion accessories designer who always had a passion for bespoke details; Queen Elizabeth will feature the latest bespoke designs on board Queen Elizabeth will also offer: • Chopard: For 150 years, Chopard has offered watches and jewellery of exceptional quality, exclusively created to the highest standards in Geneva. To celebrate the launch of Queen Elizabeth, the company has produced the Chopard Queen Elizabeth watch – a limited edition watch combining the dual branding of Chopard and Cunard and available at $18,000; both luxury and heritage brands. • Penhaligons: Fragrances and gifts for men and women including perfume, aftershave, cologne, eau de parfum, body lotion and bath oil. Issued with two Royal warrants and made in England using the finest rare ingredients from bergamot to jasmine. • Aspinal of London: Founded on the fundamental premise of offering their customers the most beautiful objects of unsurpassed quality and design for home and living, Aspinal of London is best known for their hand-made leather photo albums, leather wallets and purses, leather journals, wedding albums and guest books in both classic and contemporary designs.The signature collection on Queen Elizabeth will capture the Cunard luxury trademark. To celebrate Queen Elizabeth's introduction, three brands have launched special items: • Clogau: The jeweller to The Queen has produced a gold Queen Elizabeth limited edition pendant exclusively for Cunard. • Rotary: A specially-commissioned Queen Elizabeth watch will only be available on board the new Cunarder. • Halcyon Days: The company has commissioned a special pill box that links the heritage of the brand with luxury at sea. A new Cunard Signature Collection on board Queen Elizabeth will offer a premium logo collection ranging from travel accessories to designer clothing. Cunard was the first Line to offer suit hire facilities at sea, and Queen Elizabeth will continue this valuable service with Moss Bros Hire, providing everything needed for elegant formal events. Queen Elizabeth will be the second largest Cunarder ever built and will join her sisters, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, as part of the youngest fleet in the world. She will feature many unique Cunard traditions linking her with her sisters and their predecessors, together with all the modern day luxuries Cunard's guests have come to expect. There will also be features that will give the vessel her own style and personality. The first Queen Elizabeth was one of Cunard's greatest ships, and the new Queen Elizabeth will reflect her predecessor in interior grandeur, décor and style, but with a modern twist. From the outside, her distinctive black and red livery will hint at an experience that differentiates a Cunard liner from a modern-day cruise ship. This will be most evident in the ship's adherence to liner traditions, with elegant double and triple height public rooms on a grand scale, luxuriously endowed with rich wood panelling, intricate mosaics, hand-woven carpets, gleaming chandeliers, and cool marbles. Art Deco features will pay homage to the original Queen Elizabeth, reflecting The New Golden Age of Ocean Travel. Queen Elizabeth will depart on her sold-out Maiden Voyage on 12 October 2010. This 13-night celebration will leave from the company's home port, Southampton, and will call at Vigo, Lisbon, Cadiz, Las Palmas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife (overnight call) and Funchal.