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SEATTLE, Holland America Line and Seabourn have both been recognized as one of 2012 World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute, the leading business ethics think-tank. This is the first year that the companies have been honored for promoting the highest of ethical standards. Out of a record number of nominations for the award, Holland America Line and Seabourn secured their spots on the list by implementing and maintaining upright business practices and initiatives that are instrumental to each company's success, benefit the community and raise the bar for ethical standards within the industry . The World's Most Ethical Company awards come on the heels of Holland America Line and Seabourn earning the coveted Ethics Inside® Certification from the Ethisphere Institute in December. Both cruise lines completed the certification process in 2011 and were awarded certification for 2012-2013. Holland America Line and Seabourn's leading compliance and ethics program and environmental stewardship were two of several noteworthy components of their Ethics Inside Certification. Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Ethics Officer Kelly Clark accepted the 2012 World's Most Ethical Companies awards on behalf of Holland America Line and Seabourn at an event in New York on March 15. "This is an incredible honor," Clark said, "particularly because we're the first company in our industry to be named to the World's Most Ethical Companies list." Clark explained that Holland America Line and Seabourn were nominated for the award by Corpedia, a leader in governance, risk and compliance education that's a strategic partner of the Ethisphere Institute. "We received an extremely high score for a first-time submission when we applied for Ethics Inside Certification," Clark said. "Corpedia was impressed enough to submit our name for the World's Most Ethical Companies award. To be recognized with these back-to-back honors is a reflection of our commitment to ethics." "This distinction is founded not only on the strength of Holland America Line and Seabourn's current ethics and compliance programs, but on the organization's continuing efforts to improve. Holland America Line and Seabourn are also recognized for their strong emphasis on workplace health and safety, community engagement and going beyond basic environmental compliance with active support of marine environment and biodiversity. A great example of industry leadership is a software package to prevent whale strikes by ships that Holland America Line developed and makes available to the entire shipping industry free of charge," said Robert Leffel, director of Compliance Advisory Services for Corpedia, a licensed Ethisphere Institute credentialing partner. The method for selecting World's Most Ethical Company winners includes reviewing codes of ethics, litigation and regulatory infraction histories; evaluating the investment in innovation and sustainable business practices; looking at activities designed to improve corporate citizenship; and studying nominations from senior executives, industry peers, suppliers and customers. This is the sixth year Ethisphere has published the World's Most Ethical Company rankings. Ethisphere reviewed hundreds of companies and evaluated a record number of applications utilizing its propriety methodology through in-depth research and multi-step analysis, naming the companies that surpassed their industry peers to this year's World's Most Ethical Companies list. The 2012 list features companies in more than three dozen industries, including 40 companies headquartered outside the United States. Read about the methodology and view the complete list of the 2012 World's Most Ethical Companies. Ethisphere, a provider of independent verification of corporate ethics and compliance programs, awards Ethics Inside Certification exclusively to companies that have implemented adequate standards, systems and programs to reasonably prevent compliance failures and ethical breakdowns, and can also demonstrate the existence of a superior employee and leadership culture that promoting ethical business practices. Ethisphere's licensed credentialing partners look at more than 100 separate criteria during the Ethics Inside Certification process, including corporate citizenship and responsibility; overall compliance and ethics program; organizational health and culture of ethics; corporate governance; and regulatory history. No company is expected to excel in all criteria areas — yet the aggregate score must meet or exceed a level at which ethical behavior becomes the core expectation, fundamental compliance systems are in place, tone from the top is clear and the company's actions bear unmistakable signs of good corporate citizenship. Information on Holland America's sustainability initiatives can be found at www.hollandamerica.com. For information about Holland America's cruises and cruisetours, visit the website, contact a travel professional, or call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425). For more information on Seabourn's award-winning cruise vacations, contact a travel agent, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com . About Ethisphere Institute The research-based Ethisphere Institute is a leading international think tank dedicated to the creation, advancement and sharing of best practices in business ethics, corporate social responsibility, anti-corruption and sustainability. Ethisphere Magazine, which publishes the globally-recognized World's Most Ethical Companies ranking, is the quarterly publication of the Institute. Ethisphere provides the only third-party verifications of compliance programs and ethical cultures that include: Ethics Inside Certification, Compliance Leader Verification and Anti-Corruption Program Verification. The Institute's premier membership group, the Business Ethics Leadership Alliance, is a business ethics forum that includes more than 100 leading corporations, universities and institutions that collectively leverage their experience, expertise and innovative ways to address emerging compliance challenges. About Holland America Line and Seabourn [divisions of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)] Holland America Line's fleet of 15 ships offers more than 500 cruises annually to 354 ports in 98 countries, territories or dependencies. Two- to 100-plus day itineraries visit all seven continents and highlights include Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand, South Pacific and Asia voyages; a round-the-world Grand World Voyage and Grand Voyages that circumnavigate select continents; as well as popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Bermuda, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, throughout Europe and Panama Canal. Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a commitment totaling more than $525 million, that showcase the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine — a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and classes — Explorations Cafe powered by The New York Times, Digital Workshop powered by Windows, teens-only activity areas, Club HAL kids activity area, and all new stateroom amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream Beds. Seabourn is consistently ranked among the world's top travel choices by professional critics and the discerning readers of prestigious travel publications such as Departures, Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler. Its stylish, distinctive cruising vacations are renowned for: six intimate ships with just 104 or 225 suites; unique itineraries visiting must-see cities and hidden gems where larger ships cannot follow; Intuitive, gracious service provided by a staff passionate about pleasing our guests; spacious all-suite accommodations with sweeping ocean views - many with verandas; gourmet dining experiences as fine as the best restaurants anywhere; open bars throughout the ship and fine wines poured with lunch and dinner. World's Leading Cruise Lines Holland America Line and Seabourn are proud members of World's Leading Cruise Lines which supports the Ocean Conservation & Tourism Alliance, dedicated to education and promotion of best practices for protecting the marine environment. This exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Cunard Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, World's Leading Cruise Lines inspires people to discover their best vacation experience. Together, we offer a variety of exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations. Click here to view the article

After a month-long $54 million dry dock, Royal Caribbean International's Rhapsody of the Seas has emerged from Singapore's Sembawang Shipyard (a subsidiary of Sembcorp Marine Ltd.) as a virtually new ship. The newly revitalized Rhapsody of the Seas will deliver guests a host of exciting new dining options, visually stunning entertainment and unique amenities after the ship's bow-to-stern transformation. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy all of Rhapsody of the Seas' new signature features as they sail in awe-inspiring Alaska this summer or vibrant Australia in the fall. To learn more about Rhapsody's transformation visit http://bit.ly/9m9ZTc. "Rhapsody of the Seas' dry dock is part of Royal Caribbean's multi-ship enhancement and revitalization strategy to deliver the world's most innovative cruise ships, exciting itineraries and world-renowned Gold Anchored service to our guests, also known as the Royal Advantage," said Betsy O'Rourke, senior vice president, Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. "With every inch of Rhapsody of the Seas renewed, five new dining restaurants added, the evolution of entertainment in our iconic Centrum, plus an array of new touches, guests will be wowed by what is virtually a new ship." The all-encompassing revitalization introduces a range of guest amenities and premium experiences that are sure to wow even the most experienced cruiser. From the Royal Babies and Tots Nursery designed for the cruise line's youngest guests, 6 - 36 months old, a Diamond Lounge for Crown & Anchor Society loyalty members, a Concierge Lounge for suite guests and top-tier loyalty guests and completely refreshed staterooms, the onboard revitalization was comprehensive. Guests also will find that staying connected at sea will be easier with Wi-Fi availability throughout the ship and enjoy a host of technology enhancements that include, flat-panel televisions in all staterooms, an outdoor LED movie screen on the pool deck, as well as a digital way-finding system all of which debut on Royal Caribbean's latest and world's most innovative sister ships, Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas. For guests looking to tickle their taste buds, Rhapsody of the Seas features an array of new dining options with the addition of five of the fleet's most highly acclaimed dinning concepts, including Giovanni's Table, Izumi Asian Cuisine restaurant, Park Cafe deli-style restaurant, Chop's Grille steakhouse and the exclusive 14-guest Chef's Table. Concept overviews and pricing are as follows: Giovanni's Table: An Italian trattoria featuring Italian classics served family-style (open for lunch, $15, and dinner, $20) Izumi Asian Cuisine: Featuring mouthwatering flavors and a sushi bar with hot-rock cooking, the pan Asian cuisine restaurant is a no-hassle, authentic dining experience (open for lunch and dinner, $3.00 cover charge for lunch and $5.00 for dinner plus a la carte menu pricing) Park Cafe: An indoor/outdoor gourmet market featuring salads, sandwiches, soups and pastries (open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, complimentary) Chops Grille: Royal Caribbean's signature steakhouse offering premium cuts and quality meats (open for dinner, $30 per person) Chef's Table: An exclusive and private experience co-hosted by the executive Chef and Sommelier for a wine pairing dinner of five courses (open for dinner, $95 per person). Guests looking for a jaw-dropping entertainment experience need to look no further than the reinvented Centrum, featuring enriching daytime activities, dazzling nighttime entertainment and a new high-flying entertainment experience where aerialists glide through the five-story atrium as guests enjoy a cocktail in the 60's inspired R Bar, a new bar concept first introduced onboard Splendour of the Seas. Guests also can take in the newly re-imagined Viking Crown Lounge, which features a stunning new design concept as well as a new menu featuring bite size goodies. Rhapsody of the Seas will embark on a 15-night voyage from Singapore to Sydney, Australia. From there, she will sail across the Pacific via Hawaii to her Alaska season in May 2012. In Alaska, Rhapsody of the Seas will sail every Friday on seven-night, round-trip cruises from Seattle, calling at Juneau and Skagway, Alaska, and Victoria, B.C. Guests also will transit Alaska's Inside Passage, as well as venture up Tracy Arm Fjord to see Sawyer Glacier. Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 22 innovative ships, calling on more than 270 destinations in 72 countries across six continents. The line also offers unique cruise tour land packages in Alaska, Canada, Dubai, Europe, and Australia and New Zealand. Royal Caribbean provides a world-class vacation experience with a wide range of signature onboard amenities, entertainment, and award-winning family programming. The cruise line has a 40-year history of giving guests the Royal Advantage – the most innovative cruise ships, exciting itineraries to popular destinations, and world-renowned friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service. Royal Caribbean has been voted "Best Cruise Line Overall" for nine consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers' Choice Awards. For additional information or to make reservations, call your travel agent, visit www.RoyalCaribbean.com or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN. Follow Royal Caribbean on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/RoyalCaribbean or on Twitter, @RoyalCaribbean. Travel professionals should visit www.cruisingpower.com or call (800) 327-2056. Royal Caribbean Internationalis part of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE/OSX: RCL), a global cruise vacation company that also operates Celebrity Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises, Pullmantur, CDF Croisieres de France, as well as TUI Cruises through a 50 percent joint venture with TUI AG. The company owns a combined total of 40 ships and has one under Click here to view the article

Silversea Cruises is pleased to announce the appointment of Cecilia S. Blevins to the position of corporate and incentive sales director. Blevins will officially join Silversea on April 2, reporting to Sean J. Mahoney, global vice president of corporate and incentive sales. Based at the company's Fort Lauderdale office, she will be responsible for developing the line's corporate and incentive business and strengthening relationships with meeting and incentive travel partners throughout parts of the United States and all of Latin America. "We're delighted to welcome Cecilia to our company," said Mahoney. "Her extensive corporate and incentive sales experience within the cruise industry makes her an excellent addition to the Silversea team." Prior to joining Silversea, Blevins held management positions in corporate and incentive sales at Windstar Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line. Her career of over 25 years in the travel industry encompasses 17 years specializing in the meeting and incentive market. She received a bachelor of science degree in business management from the University of Tampa. She is an active member of MPI, FICP and SITE. "I'm thrilled to be joining such a prestigious company," said Blevins. "I have long admired Silversea's commitment to excellence. I look forward to working with the corporate and incentive team and building on their achievements." Click here to view the article

St Kitts welcomed over 600,000 cruise ship passengers to its shores last year with a record 102,674 passengers visiting the Caribbean island in December alone . According to the St. Christopher Air and Sea Ports Authority, 305 cruise liners carrying 600,131 passengers sailed into St Kitts in 2011, reflecting growth of nearly 40 per cent in two years. Consequently, an estimated EC$30.1 million (US$11.1 million) was pumped into the St Kitts and Nevis economy by passengers, the Government reported. Bringing in the most passengers were Carnival Cruise Line (194,516), Royal Caribbean International (109,774) and Celebrity Cruise Lines (109,774) Click here to view the article

MEMPHIS, Tenn., March 29, 2012 – The Great American Steamboat Company’s Culinary Director, Chef Regina Charboneau, is putting the finishing touches on the American Queen menus as the crew prepares to welcome its first guests. A native of historical Natchez, Mississippi, one of the steamboat’s stops on Mississippi River voyages, Charboneau will often be onboard overseeing the multiple dining venues, sharing stories of the region’s rich culinary history and holding court with chef friends from New Orleans and other port cities. Drawing inspiration from America’s heartland, Chef Charboneau’s dishes will take advantage of the bountiful Mississippi River region, which offers an abundance of ingredients to work with including sustainable fish and seafood, farm-raised quail, free-range chicken, artisan cheeses, wild pecans, rice, honey, and stone-ground grits. “My vision is to re-create many American classics using the best seasonal ingredients and what our location on the river has to offer,” explains Culinary Director Chef Regina Charboneau. “I also want to create new dishes that become synonymous with the American Queen.” Menu highlights include: Andouille Hash; savory sausage hash topped with poached egg and sharp cheddar served with corn cake Bananas Foster Stuffed French Toast; cream cheese stuffed French toast topped with sautéed bananas, brown sugar and cinnamon Crabmeat Beignet; petite beignet topped with crabmeat in a classic Mornay sauce Salmon Salad; seared salmon on seasonal greens laced with bacon-molasses vinaigrette Grilled Catfish or Shrimp Poboy; shredded lettuce, tomato and jalapeno tartar sauce Peppered Brisket of Beef; tender brisket in savory gravy with cracked black pepper served with mash potatoes and creamed spinach Pompano En Papillote; local pompano topped with julienne of spinach, sweet red peppers and carrots, lump crab meat, caper-lemon butter encased in parchment paper Classic Bread Pudding with whiskey sauce The largest steamboat ever built will offer multiple onboard dining options with the centerpiece being the opulent J.M. White Dining Room, destined to be a favorite of culinary enthusiasts. Diners can indulge in classic favorites any time at The Front Porch of America which offers 24- hour dining or delight in grilled fare paired with spectacular views at the alfresco River Grill. Classic cocktails, enjoyed by such authors as Mark Twain and Tennessee Williams, have been painstakingly researched by Chef Charboneau’s team of mixologists to deliver authentic libations in the main Lounge and Engine Room Bar. Regina’s Jazz Brunch will be a highlight of each voyage and her elegant Southern Tea will be offered every afternoon at 4 PM. Mississippi River Water in Her Veins Great American Steamboat Company Culinary Director Chef Regina Charboneau is a seventh generation Natchezian with a passion for Southern hospitality. Her illustrious career has taken her from a “camp cook” in the bush of Alaska earning money for Paris culinary school to becoming the first woman hired by Club Corporation of America as an executive chef at the Tower Club in Anchorage. A fixture in the San Francisco culinary scene for many years her restaurants included the theater district favorite Regina’s at the Regis, Chi Chi Beignet and Biscuits & Blues nightclub along with Regina’s Sonoma in the wine country. During this time, Regina was the Chef de Cuisine for Uncommon Journeys two vintage rail cars, The Los Angeles and The Houston. In mid 2000 Regina came full-circle to her hometown of Natchez to be a part of the prestigious Monmouth Plantation. Regina and her husband then purchased and restored historic Twin Oaks, circa 1832 where they reside. She is the author of “Regina’s Table at Twin Oaks” cookbook and a contributor to The Atlantic Monthly. Authentic Steamboating Steeped in history, nostalgia and tradition, the American Queen will offer an unrivaled All-American hospitality experience from its elegant staterooms to its palatial public spaces. A variety of voyage lengths, ranging from three nights to ten nights, and fares beginning at $995 per guest, offers exceptional value and convenience, with little or no flying required. A pre- or post-cruise luxury hotel stay, all bottled water and soft drinks, wine and beer at dinner and complimentary shore adventures are included in each port of call. For additional information and reservations, kindly call your professional travel agent. Great American Steamboat Company The Memphis-based Great American Steamboat Company (GASC) is the owner and operator of the U.S.-flagged Steamboat American Queen, the largest paddlewheel steamboat ever built. She will deliver an authentic and timeless experience inspired by the palatial Mississippi steamboats of the Mark Twain era beginning April 2012. With convenient departures from some of the United States’ most iconic cities such as Memphis, New Orleans, St. Louis, Louisville, St. Paul, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh, this legendary mode of travel will be easier than ever to enjoy. Click here to view the article

The first ever Bluegrass Festival at sea will set sail on board Norwegian Sky from Miami to the Bahamas on February 1, 2013. Mountain Song Productions and Steep Canyon Rangers have partnered with Sixthman to present the inaugural voyage of Mountain Song at Sea, the only bluegrass festival experience on the ocean. Guests will experience Freestyle Cruising with more than a dozen bluegrass, folk and acoustic artists, including The David Grisman Sextet, Del McCoury Band, Steep Canyon Rangers, Tim O'Brien & Bryan Sutton, The Kruger Brothers, Peter Rowan, Larry Keel & Natural Bridge, The Travelin' McCourys, Shannon Whitworth, Della Mae, Town Mountain and more. “This floating festival is a whole new way to experience bluegrass,” said John Felty of Mountain Song Productions. “We are very excited to launch the inaugural sailing of Mountain Song at Sea and bring together great artists and like-minded fans for an unforgettable experience.” With stages around every corner, fans will enjoy intimate performances, collaborations, spontaneous jams, activities and Q&A sessions with the artists, all while cruising from Miami on the beautiful Norwegian Sky to Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island in the Bahamas reserved just for Mountain Song at Sea guests. "We have been big fans of the Mountain Song Festival and it is a privilege to be able to bring it to life in this unique way at sea" said Andy Levine, Founder and CEO of Sixthman. Click here to view the article

Paul Gauguin Cruises will offer the Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Program led by oceanographer and environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau on several voyages this summer. Cousteau, son of the legendary Jacques Cousteau, and his Ocean Futures Society created the Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Program, which introduces young travelers to the natural wonders of French Polynesia through direct, hands-on, interactive learning. The mission of the Ocean Futures Society is to explore our global oceans, inspiring and educating people throughout the world to act responsibly for their protection. Under the guidance of expert Ocean Future Society naturalists, young Ambassadors (ages 9 to 17) explore coral reefs, learn about volcanic islands and forest ecology, experience Polynesian culture, hike rainforest trails, visit marae (ancient Polynesian temples), and more. Parents have an option to join their children on eco-excursions and other activities aboard and ashore. The Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Program is available on summer voyages and on select holiday cruises for $299 per child. The program is available on seven-, 10-, 11- and 14-day summer cruises from June 2 through Aug. 18, and holiday departures on Dec. 22 and 29, 2012. Click here to view the article

Hike, drive, ride, fish, climb, sail, row, bob, fly or surf in locales from western France up to the Arctic Circle and over to Iceland with Crystal Cruises in Northern Europe from May to September. The ultra-luxe line has set more than 100 new boutique Crystal Adventures to take maximum advantage of the region's abundant outdoor opportunities and stunning natural beauty. On new outings, outdoor enthusiasts can: River Raft Iceland's glacial Hvita River (outside Reyjkavik). Rock Climb Ireland's Mourne Mountains (CS Lewis's Narnia-inspiration) outside Belfast, or rappel down a Dalkey quarry after taking in the view of Dublin. Surf in Biarritz, with Quicksilver's world-class surf school instruction (from St.-Jean-de-Luz). Tank-Drivea vintage WWII battle tank for two miles near Portland. Helicopter over Paris and Versailles (from Honfleur), Bordeaux wine country, or Iceland's recently-erupted Eyjafjallajokull volcano (from Reykjavik) Olympic Wheelbob down Lillehammer's Olympic Bob & Luge Track outside Oslo. Horseback Ride through the "Garden of Ireland"/County Wicklow outside Dublin, Finnish countryside and forest near Helsinki, or mountains outside maiden call Akureyri, the latteron the back of Icelandic horses descended from the Viking Age. Kayak past colorful Copenhagen via its harbor and canals or the natural beauty of coastal northern Norway (from Tromso). Hike the chalky Dorset coastline in Portland, England or Norway's highest mountain, Mt. Ulriken (in Bergen). Fish the Finnish Archipelago, Geirangerfjord or near Reykjavik (sea angling). ATV or 4x4 Drivethrough North Cape's gateway, Mageroya Island (Honningsvag) or past glacial Icelandic landscape to either a lobster lunch or snowmobile adventure (Reykjavik). Boatpast Helsinki's seaside villas and lighthouses by catamaran; discover caves and orkas in maiden call Heimaey, Iceland by RIB or motorboat; spot puffins on a RIB sea safari to Runde Island (near Alesund, Norway); or scout for sea eagles by Zodiacin Lofoten, Norway (maiden call). Soak weary, post-activity bones in a natural geothermic/volcanic lagoon en route to stunning Godafoss, a.k.a. "Waterfall of the Gods" (from Akureyri). Other new boutique excursions that focus on the arts and off-beat experiences (and require less adrenalin!): Blown Glassmaking near Saint-Malo: Fashion your own blown glasswork at a local studio. Venturing Off-the-Beaten-Path in Berlin: Explore living as the locals do, with shopping at the fruit and vegetable market, riding the Underground, and going inside a typical local apartment. Painting in St. Petersburg: Take a painting master class at Russia's largest private modern art gallery. Evening Walking with a Night Watchman in Copenhagen: Take a different type of walking tour, at night, with a traditional uniformed, and informed, local "night watchman." "Titanic Experience" in Belfast: Visit the new Titanic museum on the centennial anniversary of the ship's sinking. Gourmet Dining and Wine Tasting in Bordeaux:From slow food to Medoc wine, join local experts in exploring the region's legendary estates, including a gala dinner at Chateau Haut-Bailly. Many Crystal Adventures offer new Private Options for couples. For even more intimate time ashore, guests can also custom-craft a Crystal Private Adventure or take an Overland Adventure, such as a two-day trip to Moscow from St. Petersburg. Until April 30, "Book Now" fares for Crystal's Northern Europe cruises start at $2,965 per person/double occupancy for eleven days sailing from London to Hamburg. Additional savings are available for combining select voyages, groups of six or more, or sharing the experience with someone new-to-Crystal. Attractive air add-ons are also available from more than 90 North American airports. Crystal's passion for creating exclusive, eye-opening luxury shore-side experiences are cornerstones of its Crystal Adventures program, earning the line top ratings for two decades. Click here to view the article

1. Cancellation policies are stricter than you think Most cruise lines have almost draconian policies as to when you can cancel your trip without incurring a huge penalty. On Royal Caribbean, for example, for cruises six nights or longer, you must cancel 75 days in advance to get a full refund. As you get closer to the departure date, you're looking at forfeiting 50 percent, or even your full fare except for taxes and fees. Just recently, Carnival quietly tightened its cancellation policy. To get back 50 percent of your money, you must give 56 days notice on most cruises six days or longer. Holiday season cruises have even more stringent policies, requiring about 90 days notice. Booked a high-end suite on Norwegian Cruise Line? Try 120 days! That means passengers who start feeling ill before they set sail have everything to lose if they cancel. The best way around these rules is to purchase "cancel for any reason" travel insurance, but read the fine print and be ready to pay a hefty premium. 2. The brochure wording might sound nice, but ports of call are not guaranteed Cruise lines have the right to change the itinerary at any time based on the captain's discretion. What do they owe you if that happens? Not much. If the reason is within the cruise line's "exclusive control," like mechanical issues before the ship is set to sail, you may have the right to cancel or postpone without penalty. But if it's beyond the cruise line's control, which means just about anything else including inclement weather, crime, a government advisory, a closed port, a mechanical problem mid-cruise, or an emergency on board, you're out of luck. Some cruise lines might try to swap in a comparable port of call, but there's no guarantee. The good news? Most cruise lines will refund the port fees and taxes if a port of call is canceled, but don't expect cash. It will likely come in the form of shipboard credit, a discount, if you will, on your next cruise. 3. Forget watching those reruns of "The Love Boat" The notion that a cruise experience is all-inclusive, and that also includes the on board doctor, is just plain misleading. The doctor on a ship is a revenue generator for that cruise line. Even a visit seeking an aspirin is going to cost you a lot. And if you get sick on board, your medical insurance is probably not going to cover what the ship is going to charge you, especially if you need to leave the ship for treatment or hospitalization. But it can get worse: Ships that can carry more than 50 passengers are required to have hospital facilities and at least one doctor on board. But the quality and size of those facilities can vary widely. The doctors on board cruise ships are often generalists who can help with minor illnesses and short-term emergency care. But cruise ships don't have full trauma units or an intensive care unit. So if you have a heart attack or get acutely ill in some other way, the on board doctor can only stabilize you until you reach the nearest port or can be transported to a medical facility. Your best bet is to be prepared: people with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or epilepsy are usually required to notify the cruise line before departure. Pregnant women and people with serious medical problems are not advised to cruise, although expectant women up to 28 weeks are generally allowed on board. And remember, not all medications are stocked in the pharmacy, so bring your own. If you have any medical concerns, and even if you don't, you should strongly consider purchasing special medical evacuation and repatriation in addition to traditional travel insurance. And make sure the policy means you can be evacuated to a hospital/doctor/medical facility of your choice - not just the hospital at the closest port of call. 4. All-inclusive drinks packages aren't worth it. Drink up - or maybe not. At the end of a cruise, many passengers get sticker shock when they discover that all those diet cokes and funny drinks with umbrellas really add up. As a result, a number of cruise lines have begun marketing all-inclusive drink packages. But are all-you-can-drink packages on cruises worth the price? Royal Caribbean launched all-you-can-drink packages on three ships. It starts at $29 a day for all beer and house wines, and goes up to $49 a day, including gratuities. That's not that cheap. Look at the cost of a drink and be realistic about your habits. Celebrity Cruises also has programs, such as $45 a day for non-alcoholic drinks, beer that costs up to $5, and wines up to $8. So we're talking about nine beers or five glasses of wine a day to make it worthwhile. And then there's just human nature: on average, many cruise passengers drink the most for the first two days of the cruise, but after that, they taper off considerably. 5. Watch out for cell phone charges Many cruise lines offer connections to land-based mobile networks using a service called Cellular At Sea. But there's a big catch: you're still paying international roaming rates. And it may not be clear at the time, but if you use your phone out of sight from land, you are automatically using the system and will be billed via your regular phone service. And even if you can see land and it's in the U.S., your cell phone will probably switch to the ship's "repeater" and that means you're hit with roaming charges. That's hugely expensive. To cut costs, either alert your carrier that you'll be traveling, and see if there is an international plan you can switch to, and use your phone only on land, away from the dock, when you can't actually see the ship. Click here to view the article

MSC Cruises has created a unique opportunity for guests to experience the very best of the Red Sea, as a new destination for the 2012-2013 winter season. On November 2 2012 MSC Armonia will depart from Venice, Italy for an nine-day/eight-night cruise, arriving at her new homeport in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt just over one week later. MSC Armonia’s course will take her from the Mediterranean Sea through the Suez transit canal to the Red Sea, with scheduled stops in Ancona, Italy, Heraklion, Greece, and Marmaris, Turkey arriving in Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt on 10 November 2012. From November 10 2012 through to April 6 2013, MSC Armonia has a full schedule of 21 8- day/7- night cruises, departing every Saturday from Sharm El Sheikh, with scheduled stops in Safaga, Egypt, Elat, Israel, Aqaba, Jordan and Sokhna Port, Egypt. Guests will even have the opportunity to combine the positioning cruises to and from Sharm El Sheikh with the first and last cruises of the Red Sea season for the perfect mix of days at sea and calls at port in this stunning region. The Red Sea will say farewell to MSC Armonia on April 6 2013, when she starts her 10-day/9-night return cruise from Sharm El Sheikh to Venice in Italy. Scheduled stops are Sokhna Port, Egypt, Limassol, Cyprus, Antalya, Turkey, Rhodes, Greece, Heraklion, Greece and Kotor, Montenegro. During the Red Sea experience, guests on board MSC Armonia can enjoy the region's most fascinating attractions and discover not only the breathtaking beauty but also the rich history and culture of the region, with itineraries offering the perfect balance of relaxation, historical discovery and adventure through a diverse choice of shore excursions. Click here to view the article

A man was evacuated from a cruise ship by the Coast Guard on Wednesday after he developed an eye infection that could have made him blind. The was removed from the ship while it was 180 miles south of Southwest Pass, and taken to West Jefferson Medical Center for treatment. The Coast Guard was notified of the medical emergency shortly after noon on Wednesday and sent a helicopter to the Carnival Elation ship where the man was hoisted up. His condition is not known Click here to view the article

Cruise ships docked in Brooklyn continue to choke Red Hook with their fumes — despite a widely touted deal a year ago that was supposed to solve the problem. The Port Authority approved $15 million to build a system allowing ships to plug into an electric grid — but costs have shot up another $4.3 million and the agency hasn’t shelled out the extra money, according to local elected officials “It is critical that this project not fall by the wayside,” said Rep. Nydia Velasquez (D-Brooklyn). Velasquez and seven other pols sent a letter to the Port Authority, which has a board meeting Thursday, urging them to cough up the extra cash for the system, known as shore power. “Asthma rates among Red Hook youth are high, and reducing these emissions will go a long way in health benefits and cleaner air,” they wrote, saying it would cut nearly 100 tons of nitrous oxide, 100 tons of sulfur oxide, and over 6 tons of particulate matter a year. Ships have operated on diesel since the cruise terminal opened in 2006 because there’s no way for them to plug into the electric grid. State and local officials, Con Ed, and Carnival Corp. squabbled for years over how much electricity for ships would cost and how to pay for it, before finally announcing a deal last April to split the cost. Neighborhood residents thought they could breathe a sigh of relief - but then the spike in the pricetag of building the physical system threw the plan into limbo. “It seems fairly pathetic that all of these things are in place but the Port Authority are twiddling their thumbs,” said Adam Armstrong, 48, a dad of two who lives on Pioneer St. near the terminal and blogs on the issue. “I thought it was quibbling over a small amount of money considering the impact of the emissions on people’s health.” Port Authority spokesman Steve Coleman said the agency “authorized $15 million for this shore power facility for the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, which is active 28 days a year.” “We support the environmental benefits this unique project will have for those who live and work around the terminal, but the project needs an additional $4.3 million to cover costs. We are evaluating options on how this gap can be filled, especially in light of the fact that the cruise ships that call on the facility are only committed for two years beyond projected completion of the construction,” he said. Click here to view the article

SYDNEY, March 29 (UPI) -- New giant-size cruise ships may be unable to dock in Sydney because they are too large to get under the famed Harbour Bridge, Australian officials said. An alternative plan had been to allow them to dock at the naval base on Garden Island, the Sydney Morning Herald reported. But a review by Allen Hawke, a former Defense Department secretary, concluded that would interfere with naval operations. Hawke suggested other options, including providing a mooring space near the Overseas Passenger Terminal or allowing cruise ships to use the cargo port at Botany Bay. Ann Sherry, chief executive of Carnival Australia, said neither would work because passengers prefer ships to be at a dock and not moored offshore -- and because Botany Bay is unappealing. Bringing passengers in from a moored ship is also time-consuming and expensive, she said. Industry executives said one-third of the cruise ships that are likely to visit Sydney will be too big for the Harbour Bridge by 2015. Sherry said she sees no reason why the industry and the navy could not co-exist. ''It's nonsense to say you can't have the two together,'' she said. Click here to view the article