mercedes

While passengers are relaxing and exploring the world aboard Princess Cruises' ships, little do they know that throughout their vacation the vessels are also helping the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) track global weather patterns. In 2009, Princess ships made 20,139 weather observations -- more than any other cruise line -- earning the company the distinction of NOAA's "Weather Cruise Ship Company of the Year." Coral Princess led the fleet with 5,142 observations. The voluntary reporting system helps NOAA track weather patterns in many areas of the world where the organization doesn't have direct access to local information. The ships measure air temperature, humidity, wind direction and strength, sea waves and swells. Ships send information at a minimum of every six hours when at sea to a database which is forwarded to NOAA. "As long-time participants in this important program, we're happy that our fleet was able to provide so much data this year to help with worldwide weather forecasting," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. "With Princess ships sailing around the globe to all seven continents, we're in the unique position to be able to take weather readings in a multitude of destinations where NOAA might not otherwise be able to get information." This data, which is gathered not only from cruise ships, but from all types of ships worldwide, is used to help NOAA track and forecast weather patterns around the world.

Having weathered perhaps the most challenging 18 months in its history, the cruise industry as represented by Cruise Lines International Association's (CLIA) member lines, is looking ahead with optimism and a proud sense of accomplishment. CLIA, its member lines and travel agents, have adapted quickly and effectively to the global economic downturn in order to keep ships sailing at full capacity throughout 2009 and expect continued growth in 2010. CLIA was founded in 1975 to serve the needs of a small, new venture - the transformation of increasingly obsolete maritime transatlantic travel into trend-setting leisure vacationing. The industry's story is one of impressive growth - 118 new ships since 2000, and, since 1980, average annual growth in passengers of 7.4 percent, despite numerous economic downturns and other obstacles. In 2008/2009, the cruise industry was impacted by many of the same challenges facing all businesses. Fuel prices, H1N1, the stock market crash and continued fluctuations, the housing crisis, corporate restructuring, stimulus plans and bailouts, even the uncertainty of a presidential election and, certainly, declining and fragile consumer confidence. Unlike many other industries, cruising, with an impressive history of recession-resistance, had several advantages. These include vessel mobility and redeployment, ability to quickly adapt to change, effective expense management and, above all, a product with the highest perceived value for money spent. Combined with the excitement of new ships, a proactive travel agency sales network and promotional efforts to create incredible vacation values, CLIA member lines were able to drive consumer demand and operate at full capacity throughout the most challenging months. "CLIA's member lines and travel agents responded amazingly well to the economic crisis and have put themselves in a very strong position to succeed in 2010," said Terry L. Dale, CLIA's president and CEO. "In many important ways, if you have to have these challenges, cruising is the industry to be in. We have continued high cruise vacation interest and demand and an under-penetrated market of millions who have never cruised before; approximately 80% of Americans have yet to cruise and the opportunity is even greater in Europe and abroad where cruise vacation adoption is growing at an accelerated rate. Statistically, cruising exceeds traveler expectations and first-timers and past cruisers keep coming back. The industry's history of thriving through even the hardest of times gives our guests confidence that they are making a safe and rewarding purchase. And, most important, cruise vacations are perceived by virtually all consumers as very high value when those consumers are seeking value above all else." Industry Growth and Economic Impact - Despite the economic turmoil of 2009, the cruise industry continued to grow. A total of 13.445 million guests are forecast to have sailed last year (totals through the third quarter, 2009 - 9,999,068 passengers - indicate that forecast is on track), U.S. and Canadian residents accounted for 76.5 percent of guests, with 23.5 percent sourced internationally. Volume of international guests has been growing consistently. In 2000, less than 10% of the guests sailing on CLIA member cruise lines were sourced to international markets. The CLIA fleet (collectively among all 25 member cruise lines) in 2009 sailed at an average occupancy of 104.4 percent, with an average length of cruise of 7.2 days. In short, passenger volume continues to keep pace with capacity. CLIA forecasts a total of 14.3 million passengers in 2010 - 10.7 million from North America and 3.6 million sourced internationally. This represents a total increase of passengers of 855,000 or 6.4 percent growth. The industry's growth is also reflected in its economic impact. In 2008, direct spending in goods and services by cruise lines and their passengers totaled $19.07 billion, a 2 percent increase over 2007. Factoring in indirect spending, the total economic impact of the industry on the U.S. economy was $40.2 billion, an increase of six percent. All 50 states were positively impacted. This included the generation of 357,710 jobs paying a total of $16.2 billion in wages and salaries nationwide. New Ships - After introducing 14 new ships representing a total investment of $4.7 billion in 2009, the CLIA fleet will invest an additional $6.5 billion and welcome 12 new vessels this year. Significantly, the new ships continue to reflect the diversity of ships and cruise experiences available to the traveling public, ranging in capacity from 101 passengers to 5,400 passengers and built for everything from roaming the globe in sheer luxury to sailing the waters of Europe's most famous rivers and the coastlines of North America. The newest members of the CLIA fleet will include: • Royal Caribbean International: Allure of the Seas (5,400 passengers) • Norwegian Cruise Line: Epic (4,200 passengers) • Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity Eclipse (2,850 passengers) • MSC: MSC Magnifica (2,550 passengers) • Costa Cruises: Deliziosa (2,260 passengers) • Holland America Line: Nieuw Amsterdam (2,100 passengers) • Cunard Line: Queen Elizabeth (2,092 passengers) • Seabourn Cruise Line: Seabourn Sojourn (450 passengers) • Avalon Waterways: Felicity and Luminary (138 passengers) • Pearl Seas Cruises: Pearl Mist (110 passengers) • American Cruise Line: Independence (101 passengers) Looking forward, CLIA member lines have 26 new ships on order between 2010 and 2012 - 23 ocean-going vessels and three built for river/coastal cruising. This represents a net increase in capacity of 18 percent, or 53,971 beds. Industry Trends - At the end of 2009, CLIA surveyed its member lines and member travel agents to get a better picture of their outlook and level of optimism for 2010 and to identify major industry trends. These are some of the findings: • Travel agents are optimistic about the coming year, with 75.7 percent anticipating an increase in sales and another 11 percent expecting to hold even with 2009. Most agents surveyed looked forward to sales increases of approximately 15 percent. • Although the cruise selling season spans the entire year, the traditional "Wave Season" (January-March) will continue to be important for cruise sales, according to agents, with 83 percent predicting an increase in booking volume of 10-20 percent. • Consumers, according to agents, continue to express strong interest in all types of cruising. High interest in contemporary cruising was expressed by 73 percent of clients, followed by premium cruise lines (49.7 percent) and destination/niche cruise products (47 percent). One of the most dramatic findings was the high interest in river cruising by 34 percent of clients. • Cruising continues to rank number one among consumers for perceived value, vacation interest and, for travel agents, ease in selling. • The anticipated top cruise destinations for 2010, by volume of sales, according to agents, are: The Caribbean/Bahamas, including eastern Mexico, Alaska, Mediterranean and Greek Islands/Turkey, Europe, Hawaii, Panama Canal, West Coast of Mexico, Bermuda, European rivers and Canada/New England. • The top "hot" destinations (consumers increased interest) include: The Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Alaska, European rivers, Europe, Hawaii, Panama Canal, West Coast of Mexico and the Bahamas • While remaining relatively short, the cruise booking window is lengthening. Agents report an average window of 5.04 months (compared to 4.6 months in 2009), with only 30 percent of clients booking less than four months out (compared to 39 percent in 2009). • Couples dominate cruise demographics although agents report continued growth in families, extended families, and friends traveling together as well. Seniors also continue to be an important segment. • Fifty-three percent of agents expect to book more new cruisers in 2010 while 37 percent expect their client mix of new and repeat customers to remain constant. • CLIA travel agents continue to be very optimistic about travel in the next three years, particularly cruise travel - 71.1 percent describe themselves as "very or extremely optimistic." • CLIA training remains extremely important for member agents. Eighty-eight percent have taken CLIA training; almost 70 percent are currently enrolled in some form of CLIA education, and 87.2 percent say training is important. CLIA member lines, meanwhile, identify a number of trends that will help define cruising in 2010: • Strong interest in group and affinity travel (for some lines more than 40 percent of business) • Popularity of theme cruises, notably music, food and wine cruises • Some lines are increasing their line-up of onboard speakers for enhanced enrichment programs • Cruise lines expect baby boomers and repeat cruisers to be the biggest growth markets • Historical and cultural shore excursions tend to be the most popular • Shipboard spas continue to attract cruisers, with some lines reporting use by 40-50 percent of passengers • New green, environment-friendly shipboard technologies being utilized, such as solar power, advanced water treatment systems, Alternative Maritime Power, fuel conservation, innovative hull treatments and others It is also worth noting that many CLIA member lines have plans in place to boost marketing efforts for 2010 to ensure continued demand, including taking full advantage of social media, including Facebook and Twitter. CLIA travel agents agree with member lines that consumers have much to look forward to in 2010. In addition to new ships of every size and description, these are some of the innovations that are guaranteed to generate strong interest among vacationers: • New shipboard amenities and facilities such as themed "neighborhoods," full-sized waterparks, adults-only areas, comedy clubs, more and more dining choices and a greater choice of accommodations • Expanded and diversified shore excursions, including private excursions • Incentives to book in advance, such as gratuity packages and discounts • Approximately 30 domestic ports of embarkation mean that half the residents of the United States are now within driving distance of cruises sailing to all parts of the world, eliminating the cost and inconvenience of flying "Vacations are needed now more than ever; everyone needs the time and space to relax and revitalize. Nothing makes that easier than a cruise and we are confident that with new ships and itineraries, innovative shipboard experiences and incredible value, 2010 will be a great year for cruising," Dale said.

Holland America Line's 2011 Europe season will feature the newest Signature-class ship, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, on popular Mediterranean sailings and more round-trip and seven-day itineraries than ever before. Seven ships -- Nieuw Amsterdam, ms Eurodam, ms Noordam, ms Rotterdam, ms Prinsendam, ms Maasdam and ms Ryndam -- will be based in the region with the first voyage departing April 3 on the Nieuw Amsterdam and the final trans-Atlantic sailing departing Nov. 7 on the ms Prinsendam. "In 2011, we are catering to a broader range of interests as the appeal of cruising Europe continues to grow," said Rick Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "By expanding our cruise opportunities -- both in new ports and varied itineraries -- we expect to entice both first-time and seasoned cruisers." The 2011 season has something for everyone. Featuring 15 maiden calls and offering overnight visits at 16 diverse ports, it marks the debut of several new European itineraries including two commemorative nine-day historical trans-Atlantic crossings aboard Rotterdam in July. Two Signature-class ships, Nieuw Amsterdam and Eurodam, will both sail European itineraries during the 2011 season. Eurodam, the line's first Signature-class ship, will start the Europe season with two seven-day Mediterranean sailings before continuing a series of mostly northern Europe itineraries. Nieuw Amsterdam, the newest ship, will sail the popular 12-day Mediterranean Romance, 12-day Tapestry and 12-day Empires itineraries as well as two seven-day Mediterranean cruises mid-season. Additional round-trip itineraries, which allow time to explore a departure city before or after the cruise, depart from nine European cities -- Tilbury and Dover (London), U.K.; Rome and Venice, Italy; Barcelona, Spain; Athens, Greece; Copenhagen, Denmark; and Amsterdam and Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Additionally, the line will offer a round-trip sailing to the continent from Boston, Massachusetts, aboard the Maasdam in July. For those short on time, 18 seven-day sailings provide an array of cruises exploring the Mediterranean, Norwegian Fjords or the Baltic. The season also will feature three new itineraries aboard the Ryndam. A 21-day Mediterranean Adventure offers a comprehensive tour of fascinating Mediterranean ports as well as the less-visited Sete, France, and Sardinia, Italy. The 14-day North Cape cruise features a crossing of the Arctic Circle and a sail by the North Cape and Norwegian ports. And an 11-day Canary Island Explorer sailing round-trip Rotterdam visits the Canary Islands, Morocco and Spain. More ambitious cruisers looking to expand their port collections can combine itineraries for a Collectors' Voyage, which range from 14 to 45 days and are perfect for true explorers who seek an in-depth experience at an exceptional value.

It's about time.

Carnival Cruise Lines' newest ship, the 3,690-passenger Carnival Magic, will debut with a schedule of seven-, nine- and 12-day Mediterranean cruises operating round-trip from Barcelona from May to October 2011. This marks Carnival's first full season of Mediterranean cruises in three years, as well as the first time the line has homeported a ship in Barcelona. The 130,000-ton Carnival Magic will offer a host of features popularized on its sister ship Carnival Dream, including a WaterWorks aqua park, a stunning café/live entertainment venue called Ocean Plaza; Serenity adults-only retreat; spacious, modern facilities for children and teens; and a wide range of stateroom categories. Several innovations unique to the Carnival Magic will be announced in the coming months. In making the announcement, Gerry Cahill, Carnival Cruise Lines' president and CEO said, "Making the decision to return to Europe is an indicator of our confidence in the increasing willingness of North Americans to travel internationally as we move toward 2011." Carnival Magic's 2011 Mediterranean schedule will encompass three seven-day departures, six nine-day cruises, and eight 12-day voyages round-trip from Barcelona May 10 – October 16, 2011. A special one-time nine-day voyage from Venice to Barcelona will operate May 1-10, 2011. Each of the three itineraries start and end on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, which reflects consumers' traditional vacation patterns and provides convenient opportunities for adding a pre- and post-cruise stay. Seven-day cruises will feature Monte Carlo, Monaco; and Livorno, Rome (Civitavecchia), Naples and Messina, Italy. Departure dates include July 3, 10 and 17, 2011. Nine-day cruises will call at Marseilles, France – the line's first call at this charming coastal town – followed by Monte Carlo (excluding the August 26 departure); Livorno, Rome (Civitavecchia), Naples, and Messina; and Palma de Mallorca, Spain. Voyages will operate June 3 and 24, August 5 and 26, September 16, and October 7, 2011. The special nine-day cruise departing May 1 will visit Dubrovnik, Croatia; Messina, Naples, Rome (Civitavecchia), Livorno; and Monte Carlo. The 12-day Grand Mediterranean voyages will feature Monte Carlo or Marseilles; Livorno, Rome (Civitavecchia), and Naples; Dubrovnik (excluding the May 22 departure which will visit Palma de Mallorca); Venice (overnight call) and Messina. These voyages will depart May 10 and 22, June 12, July 24, August 14, September 4 and 25, and October 16, 2011. On the Carnival Magic's Mediterranean cruises, guests can sample the region's renowned cuisine, experience unique sightseeing opportunities, view stunning architecture and visit centuries-old historical landmarks and museums. All three itineraries will operate round-trip from Barcelona, a bustling, cosmopolitan city whose modern cruise terminal is considered one of the finest in Europe. As the line's newest ship, Carnival Magic will offer a host of on-board amenities and facilities, including Ocean Plaza, an indoor/outdoor café and live entertainment venue with full bar service, a patisserie and a dance floor; Serenity, an exclusive adults-only retreat offering magnificent sea views; and The Lanai, a wrap-around promenade encircling the ship with cantilevered whirlpools that will extend over the ship's sides. Carnival Magic will also build upon the line's distinction as the family cruise leader, with dedicated facilities and programming for children in three age groups – Camp Carnival (2-11), Circle "C" (12-14) and Club O2 (15-17) – along with a miniature golf course and an expansive WaterWorks aqua park with multiple water slides and other features. Extensive formal and casual dining options, including two two-level main dining rooms, an expansive poolside Lido restaurant, an elegant steakhouse serving U.S.D.A. prime dry-aged beef, a sushi bar, and complimentary 24-hour stateroom service, will also be available. High-tech features aboard the Carnival Magic will include the Fun Hub, a comprehensive intranet portal and shipboard social network, along with ship-wide Wi-Fi access. Health-conscious guests will enjoy a 23,750-square-foot Cloud 9 Spa featuring a thalassotherapy pool, thermal suite and elaborate spa and gymnasium facilities. Carnival Magic will also feature 1,845 staterooms – the most ever on a Carnival ship – and will offer a wide range of accommodation categories. These include the affordable cove balconies, located on Deck 2 and closer to the water line, and a wide range of staterooms including deluxe ocean views with two-bathrooms, some of which feature five berths.

Holland America Line's ms Prinsendam departed January 13 on a 70-day South America Grand Voyage following a ten-day drydock in Freeport, Bahamas, with new staterooms, an expanded aft pool deck, upgraded public areas and other enhancements. "As part of our $525-million Signature of Excellence program, we've added elegant new staterooms to Prinsendam, as well as expanded the aft pool deck area," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "Prinsendam has one of our most loyal followings so the new, mostly verandah staterooms and other improvements will enrich the guest experience on this much-loved ship even further." With the addition of 21 staterooms aft, the pool deck expanded with more space and deck chairs for guests to enjoy. A new sea-view bar was created to enhance the ambiance further. Several lounges and other public areas received new carpeting and the Wajang Theatre and Culinary Arts Center were updated with furniture and carpeting in warm, light colors. Other standard maintenance and technical service also took place along with upgrades of laundry and galley equipment. Fifteen of the new staterooms are deluxe verandah ocean view categories. There are six new standard inside staterooms. As customary with all Prinsendam staterooms, appointments feature Mariner Dream Beds, 250-count linens, recently redesigned closet space, elegant bathrooms with Elemis amenities, flat panel televisions and DVD players and more. Guest capacity increased from 793 to 835. Designed to explore the remote corners of the world in elegance and style, the ms Prinsendam is Holland America Line's most intimate ship, with the feel of a classic yacht and the spaciousness, amenities and service of a premium cruise ship. Following the January 13, 70-day South America Explorer Grand Voyage cruise, Prinsendam sails a 54-day Quest of the Argonauts voyage, departing March 24 roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale to the Mediterranean and Black Sea. The ship will sail a leisurely eastbound course across the Atlantic for an extensive Mediterranean exploration with calls at ports in more than 10 countries, including Morocco, Spain, France, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Russia, Georgia, Greece and Turkey. The cruise includes overnight stays in Barcelona, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal and Istanbul, Turkey, as well as late-night departures in Athens and Santorini, Greece; and Lisbon, Portugal. Prinsendam will visit Bermuda and New York City before returning to Fort Lauderdale.

Carnival Cruise Lines’ newest and largest ship, the 130,000-ton Carnival Dream, made its first-ever call at the new Mahogany Bay Cruise Center in Roatan last week as part of its inaugural seven-day Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral, Fla., which departed on Saturday. The Carnival Dream is one of four Carnival Cruise Lines’ ships to regularly call at the modern $62 million facility, which is operated by Carnival Corporation & plc and features such amenities as a welcome center, myriad shopping and dining choices, and a transportation hub. Unique to Mahogany Bay is the “Magical Flying Beach Chair,” a new chair lift system that takes cruise ship guests from the welcome center to beautiful Mahogany Beach, a 10-acre private island featuring an 825-foot-long white-sand beach with a volleyball court and a variety of watersports opportunities. Eight exclusive cabanas are available for rent. In addition to Carnival Cruise Lines, vessels from the Yachts of Seabourn, Princess Cruises, Holland America, Costa Cruises, and P&O Cruises, as well as non-Carnival Corporation & plc brands, are expected to call at the new facility. Together, these ships are scheduled to make approximately 200 annual calls at the new Mahogany Bay Cruise Center during its first full year of operation, accounting for more than 500,000 visitors a year. On its new Port Canaveral-based program, Carnival Dream departs Port Canaveral every Saturday, alternating weekly to the eastern and western Caribbean. Mahogany Bay is featured on the western Caribbean route and Carnival Dream calls there every other Tuesday. Other ports on the western Caribbean itinerary include Cozumel, Belize City and Costa Maya. Featured ports on the eastern Caribbean program include Nassau, St. Thomas/St. John and St. Maarten.

Cunard Line's youngest ship, Queen Victoria, will be making her maiden call to San Francisco on 27 January 2010, marking her only U.S. inaugural call in the next year. Queen Victoria will stop in the City by the Bay as part of the first segment of her 2010 World Voyage, before continuing across the Pacific Ocean to Hawaii. "We were elated by the welcome our flagship Queen Mary 2 received from San Franciscans in 2007, and have been eagerly anticipating Queen Victoria's arrival to this illustrious city since the ship entered service," said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. "We look forward to a warm welcome during this historic port of call." Many well-wishers and maritime enthusiasts are expected to view Queen Victoria when she arrives at the famous Embarcadero at approximately 6:30 a.m. at pier P35 South, and upon her departure later that evening at 6:00pm. The ship's arrival can be seen from several excellent viewing locations including: the Golden Gate Bridge - vista points on both north and south sides of the bridge, Pier 45 and Pier 39, Fort Mason, Aquatic Park and Crissy Field. 2010 will mark Queen Victoria's third full year in service with a traditional 99-day westbound circumnavigation of the globe from New York to Southampton, featuring three convenient U.S. embarkation points. The ship sails from New York on 12 January, embarking guests in Ft. Lauderdale on 15 January and in San Francisco on 27 January. Highlights of Queen Victoria's third World Voyage include three overnight calls in Sydney, Hong Kong and Dubai, as well as 10 additional maiden calls. The ship will traverse the Panama and Suez Canals, visiting 41 ports including Acapulco, Melbourne, Shanghai, San Francisco, Cartagena, Phuket and Sharm El Sheikh. Guests have the option of adding a seven-day Transatlantic extension from Southampton to New York aboard Queen Mary 2 for a full 106-day circumnavigation.

The word "silhouette" conjures up images of light and shadow, and sleek profiles in the world of design and fashion, so it's fitting that Celebrity Cruises has named the fourth ship in its stylish Solstice Class fleet Celebrity Silhouette. And what better date to announce it than on winter solstice? Like its sister ships - Celebrity Solstice; Celebrity Equinox, which set sail in July 2009; and Celebrity Eclipse, which will enter service in April 2010 - the 122,000-ton Celebrity Silhouette will offer the series of brand-defining attributes that guests, travel agents and press have praised about Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Equinox, including a half-acre Lawn Club with real grass, a glassblowing show and studio developed with The Corning Museum of Glass, unrivaled dining venues offering trendsetting cuisine and design, and widely varied entertainment. Like its sisters, the 2,850-guest Celebrity Silhouette will have larger staterooms - 90 percent outside, and 85 percent with verandas - and spacious bathrooms, as well as several categories of accommodations, including Celebrity's ConciergeClass and spa-inspired AquaClass staterooms. "Countless guests and travel partners have asked us to reveal the ship's name over the past few months, which is yet another indicator of the widespread interest in these stunningly designed ships," said Celebrity Cruises President and CEO Dan Hanrahan. "The enormous response to our unique new sweepstakes is a powerful indicator, too." Cruise lovers interested in being among the very first to see Celebrity Silhouette while under construction in Germany actually have a chance. By entering Celebrity's "Eclipse of a Lifetime" sweepstakes, running through January 14, 2010, 10 winners and their guests will be the first individuals outside of the line's employees to board Celebrity Eclipse when it sets sail for the very first time; the first to have exclusive, up-close-and-personal views of the construction process of Celebrity Silhouette at Meyer Werft, one of the most modern shipyards in the world; first to be led and hosted throughout Celebrity Eclipse by Celebrity's President and CEO Dan Hanrahan; first to nestle into the ship's AquaClass staterooms; first to sample the ship's innovative cuisine created by the line's VP of Culinary Operations and Chef Jacques Van Staden, and the first to have the chance to interact with the ship's senior officers. To enter, visit the Celebrity web site, at www.celebritycruises.com and click the "Eclipse of a Lifetime" tab.

When ms Rotterdam sailed from Fort Lauderdale Wednesday, Dec. 16, guests enjoyed many new Signature of Excellence enhancements and amenities just completed in a 28-day drydock in Freeport, Bahamas. Rotterdam received the trendy Mix lounge, innovative Retreat Pool, classy Showroom at Sea and the addition of the industry's only Lanai staterooms. Every stateroom now features a fresh new cabin and bathroom design as well. "Rotterdam looks spectacular," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "The enhancements are going to impress our guests and engage them in exciting, new ways. This continued investment reaffirms our commitment to our fleet of mid-sized ships and our ongoing leadership in the premium category by continually raising the bar in terms of products and services." Signature of Excellence upgrades began with new fixtures and soft goods in staterooms and bathrooms. New Lanai accommodations were added along with several additional staterooms on the aft portion of each ship. Additional highlights feature a resort pool called The Retreat, the Showroom at Sea, Canaletto Italian restaurant and the new Mix lounge midship. Public Spaces Pulse with Latest Innovations - The most visible and engaging alteration is to the aft of Rotterdam, allowing for a new resort-style pool area on Lido deck called The Retreat. With a shallow area where guests may lounge in chairs and dip their toes in the water, the new pool invites guests to relax and enjoy a new pool bar, an upscale pizzeria called Slice, and a giant LED screen for evening movies. A new canopy and wind screens provide additional covered seating for the Lido Restaurant, too. In the Lido restaurant, Canaletto comes to life for dinner when a section is transformed each evening into the complimentary specialty restaurant with glass partitions and an Italian ambiance. Dishes range from putanesca to penne alla vodka. Although reservations are encouraged for this casual dining venue, walk-ups will be accepted. Canaletto is open for dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The latest Signature of Excellence enhancements include several other public areas. Notably, the Casino and Piano bars were reconfigured into a multi-themed area called Mix with three separate bars -- Martinis, Champagne and Spirits & Ales -- serving their namesakes. Next door, the high-energy casino was redesigned and the main show lounge was transformed into the Showroom at Sea with the ambiance of a glamorous nightclub and a new slate of shows. Carpets were replaced in most public areas and an upscale luxury jewelry shop called Merabella also was added midship. Staterooms Receive New Look and New Lanai Category - All staterooms received new decor, carpeting and soft goods and bathrooms saw an "extreme" makeover with new vanities and cabinetry. Rotterdam now has an additional 44 staterooms with additional verandah, new Lanai and inside availability. On Rotterdam, 23 staterooms near the spa (on Verandah deck) will become "spa staterooms" featuring a variety of enhanced spa amenities. On Lower Promenade Deck, 39 new Lanai staterooms will be created by replacing existing windows with lanai doors that open directly onto the walk-around promenade, and adding a few additional rooms in this category. Three Additional Ships Schedule for Enhancements - ms Maasdam, ms Ryndam and ms Statendam will receive Signature of Excellence enhancements beginning in early 2010. ms Veendam received all enhancements last April. Future enhancements will be completed in two phases. First, in a series of drydocks in 2010 and 2011, the three additional ships will receive the addition of Mix, Showroom at Sea, Canaletto and other public area enhancements, and stateroom upgrades. The second series of drydocks in 2012 and 2013 will add The Retreat and new staterooms on the aft portion of the ships, as well as forward verandah and spa staterooms. Signature of Excellence tops $525 Million - The industry-leading Signature of Excellence initiative announced nearly five years ago in November 2003 has evolved into an ongoing and comprehensive review of every aspect of the Holland America Line experience and exceeds $525 million. Signature of Excellence features and amenities are evident in every aspect of the Holland America Line cruise experience, offering guests more luxurious accommodations, more enticing destinations, enhanced dining experiences, more creative activities and even higher levels of service.

Kicking off a three-year partnership with St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Carnival Cruise Lines presented the organization with a $50,000 check following a waterslide christening ceremony on the new Carnival Dream during which nine-year-old Hailee Steberger inaugurated the vessel’s 303-foot-long Twister slide, the longest in cruising. The monies were raised through Carnival’s Big Book of Dream’s contest that asked children ages seven to 12 to share their dreams, along with a hand-drawn illustration, via a special web site. Carnival donated $1 per vote to St. Jude and Steberger garnered the most votes to earn the distinction as the cruise industry’s first waterslide godchild. Pictured here at a check presentation ceremony aboard the Carnival Dream are (from left): John Heald, Carnival’s senior cruise director; John Remington, senior vice president – corporate alliances for ALSAC, the fundraising arm of St. Jude; Hailee Steberger; and Jim Berra, Carnival’s chief marketing officer. As part of its three-year partnership with St. Jude, Carnival aims to raise $3 million to help achieve the hospital’s mission of finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic illnesses. To support the hospital, under the theme “Care to Play,” Carnival is creating fun, interactive on-board fundraising activities that will involve guest participation. Carnival Dream, the line’s newest and largest ship, launches year-round Caribbean service from Port Canaveral, Fla. Dec. 3.

Capping a year of taking viewers behind the scenes as ships go through drydock, Princess Cruises is again offering an opportunity to follow a vessel through the renovation process. In the newest installment of the Princess online drydock journal, the current Tahitian Princess will not only undergo a makeover, but also get a new name. The vessel, one of the small ships of Princess, will be transformed into Ocean Princess during the two-week process, giving her a new moniker reflecting her global range of fascinating itineraries. The fifth in this unprecedented series, the Ocean Princess Drydock Journal will run through December 2 on www.princess.com, and will be updated regularly with photos as the ship progresses through its drydock at Keppel Shipyard in Singapore. Viewers can follow along as the ship's name is removed and replaced on the bow and throughout the vessel -- including on equipment such as the lifeboats. The journal will also chronicle changes as the ship is lifted from the water and receives a new coating of energy-efficient silicone paint, plus the interior refurbishments, with new upholstery, carpet and flooring. "Response to our drydock journals has been remarkable -- passengers love to see what's done to the ship and how much work is involved in such a short time," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. "This latest journal will give cruise fans yet another insiders' peek behind the scenes, with the added interest in seeing the name change." The Ocean Princess Drydock Journal follows the enthusiastically received online journals chronicling work on Golden Princess, Dawn Princess, Sea Princess and Coral Princess. The journal can be found on the Ocean Princess page in the website's "Ships" section, and it will be updated throughout the ship's two-week drydock. The photos will also be posted to Princess' Twitter feed, Facebook page and Flicker photostream. After the drydock the newly named Ocean Princess will set sail on a 16-day Treasures of Southeast Asia cruise from Singapore to Shanghai, beginning a season of unique Asia, India and Africa sailings, followed by a summer of European voyages.