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The biggest ship for the biggest city: The largest ship ever to home port in New York City — NCL's 4000-passenger Norwegian Breakaway — will spend its first several years based in the Big Apple. It will be there year-'round, operating at least 88 cruises between its inaugural in May, 2013, and March, 2015. Nearing completion now in Germany, the ship will conduct sailings to Bermuda during summers and the Caribbean in winters. It will bring an additional 140,000 embarking passengers into New York City over the two years. Some 583,000 cruise passengers embarked in New York City in 2010. The 2018-passenger Norwegian Spirit and 2402-passenger Norwegian Jade have emerged from multi-million dollar refurbishments. The Spirit received a wireless internet installation, flat-screen television in all cabins, 64,000 square feet of new carpeting, and upgrades to the theater, spa, fitness center, and buffet. The Jade got a new Brazilian steakhouse, engine and technical enhancements, and a repainted hull... Get ready to hear a lot of NCL's new advertising slogan: "Cruise like a Norwegian."... NCL will launch a shoreside concierge desk for passengers with reservations in the line's top accommodations. It will be called The Haven by Norwegian. The desk will handle pre-cruise assistance, dining and entertainment reservations, shore excursion bookings, spa and salon appointments, pillow preference requests, and other arrangements. Click here to view the article

Silversea Cruises has released a statement of the Silver Shadow and Vietnamese cargo ship collision, that occurred in Halong Bay: "Silver Shadow was involved in a minor incident on March 16, 2012 at around 4:20 GMT as it was approaching the pilot station in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam. There was contact between Silver Shadow and a local commercial vessel. Silver Shadow incurred limited minor dents and guests' safety was never compromised. The ship is fully operational and continued on its course to Ha Long Bay where all shore tours operated normally. Silversea will carry out a full investigation into the incident." Click here to view the article

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. today announced the transfer of Monarch of the Seas from its Royal Caribbean International cruise brand to its Pullmantur brand, a cruise and tour operator based in Madrid. Monarch of the Seas will transfer to Pullmantur on April 1, 2013, following its last sailing for Royal Caribbean International, which departs on March 29, 2013. "We are very proud of Monarch of the Seas for delivering great service and outstanding destinations to vacationers since her maiden voyage," said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. "She will go on creating wonderful travel memories through her final sailings for our brand through next March and then continue doing the same for Pullmanturs guests." With the incorporation of Monarch of the Seas, Pullmantur will increase its total guest capacity by nearly 25 percent and meet a rising demand for the brands distinctive All Inclusive-style cruise holidays. "The transfer of Monarch of the Seas will reinforce Pullmantur in our Latin American growth strategy, and help us become one of the most widely recognized brands," said Pullmanturs President and CEO, Gonzalo Chico Barbier. Monarch of the Seas was built at Chantiers de LAtlantique (now STX France) in St. Nazaire, France and sailed its maiden voyage on November 17, 1991. The ship is part of the Sovereign class of cruise ships, which were the world's largest and most innovative of their time. Pullmantur is the leading Spanish Tour Operator and Cruise Company, founded in 1971, and famous for introducing the All Inclusive concept to cruising. Pullmantur is leader of the cruise market in Spain and Portugal, currently operating a modern fleet of four vessels, with a daily passenger capacity of 9,000, cruising worldwide, and calling on approximately 100 destinations. The company offers a unique door-to-door flight service, operated by its in-house air travel division with a fleet of four Boeing 747-400. Pullmantur Air provides charter flights to the European Cruise Port Embarkations and long-haul flights between Spain and the Caribbean Sea for the companys tour-operation division. Spain based Pullmantur, operates through satellite offices in Brasil, Mexico, Portugal and France. Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand currently 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 International and Pullmantur are part of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE/OSX: RCL), a global cruise vacation company that also operates Celebrity Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises, 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 construction and two under agreement. Click here to view the article

Silversea Cruise Ship Collides With Local Vessel in Vietnam (2:30 p.m. EDT) -- Luxury cruise ship Silver Shadow, which ran into a local vessel in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, on March 16, sustained only "limited minor dents," according to Silversea Cruises. The line reports that the incident is under investigation. Silversea, which acknowledges in a statement that "there was contact between Silver Shadow and a local commercial vessel," says "guests' safety was never compromised." The ship, which was on a nine-night cruise from Singapore to Hong Kong, reached the port of Ha Long Bay, where tours took place as scheduled. Line spokesman Brad Ball told x in an e-mail that the ship remains fully operational and is embarking on its next itinerary from Hong Kong today. No itineraries will be impacted. Although Ball did not address the reasons behind the incident, x member oregon50 was onboard and reports, "Today, in Gulf of Tonkin in dense fog the ship had a mild collision with a small freighter. No great damage and only a 90 minute delay reaching destination." A CNN report, including an interview with passenger Andrew Lock who is onboard, says the collision left a hole in the local vessel (here referred to as a container ship). Passengers headed to their muster stations, but the captain soon announced that the ship was not in danger. Ball had no further comment regarding the identity of the other ship.

" WELCOME TO CRUISE CRAZIES" JASONMITCHELL'S; HAPPY TO HAVE U ABOARD , PLEASE JOIN IN ON THE DAILY & POST OFTEN JOHN & JACKIE

"WELCOME TO CRUISE CRAZIES" GRANDMARAE'S; HAPPY TO HAVE U ABOARD, JOIN IN ON THE DAILY DOCK & POST OFTEN! JOHN & JACKIE

"WELCOME TO CRUISE CRAZIES" STEFAN'S; HAPPY TO HAVE U ABOARD, PLEASE JOIN IN AND POST OFTEN, JOIN US ON THE DAILY DOCK & WRITING CRUISE REVIEWS JOHN & JACKIE

"BON VOYAGE" JUL1449; WE WISH YOU THE VERY BEST ON YOUR UPCOMING CRUISE ON THE CARNIVAL VALOR ON THE 31ST OF MARCH HAPPY SAILING

"BON VOYAGE" ANDID; WE WISH THE VERY BEST ON YOUR UPCOMING CRUISE ON THE CELEBRITY INFINITY HAPPY SAILING ON THE 26TH OF MARCH

"BON VOYAGE" CHILICOURT; HAPPY SAILING ON YOU UPCOMING CRUISE ON THE CARNIVAL CONQUEST 25TH MARCH

"BON VOYAGE" MRSFECURA; HAPPY SAILING ON YOU UPCOMING CRUISE ON THE VOYAGER OF THE SEAS ON THE 24TH OF MARCH

"BON VOYAGE" CURL130; HAPPY SAILING ON YOUR UPCOMING CRUISE ON, ON THE CELEBRITY CENTURY ON THE 24TH OF MARCH

Today's Member Anniversaries: CruisingBettyboop (2), kinbenmom (2), jellybelly33594 (4), cathyh3 (4), rmclemensen (4), ANNIEB (4), TINKERIFIC (4), bmorey22 (4), westcafe (4), jl9087 (5), SakeDad (5), jtdl (5), Dale (7), gingerm (7), kitty (8), ahainsel (8), arl3 (8), papa4330 (8), traveller HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO ALL

OOPS AGAIN, COMPUTER PLAYING GAMES WITH ME.

<h4 class="statistics_head"> Today's Member Anniversaries:

KEVIN, YOU ARE VERY WELCOME, I HOPE OTHER CRAZIES FEEL THE SAME WAY

A NEW CLASS OF SHIP FOR RCCL IN 2015.

Cruise Ship Industry Meeting Addresses Medical Care aboard Cruise Ships Email Member Brett Rivkind Brett Rivkind Attorney (866) 735-1102 Ext 500 Posted by Brett RivkindMarch 16, 2012 5:30 PM 0 CommentsPrint ArticleSubscribe I have repeatedly reported about instances involving medical negligence committed by the medical staff onboard a passenger cruise ship. Many issues arise in cases involving a claim of medical negligence against a cruise line company brought by a passenger. If it is a passenger, the law has been well settled that a shipboard doctor is considered an independent contractor for which the cruise line will not be held vicariously liable for his or her negligence. Contrary to the law applicable to a claim brought by a passenger, if a crewmember receives negligent medical care and treatment from a medical provider chosen and paid for by the cruise line company to treat its crewmember, the cruise line can be held vicariously liable for the negligence of the medical care provider. Many passengers are surprised to learn that the law is that a shipboard physician is considered an independent contractor, not an employee or agent of the cruise line company for purposes of imposing liability on the cruise ship company when medical negligence has occurred. Many passengers have learned about this law after they went onboard a cruise thinking that the ship’s medical staff were employed by the cruise ship company, and that they could rely upon the cruise ship company for accountability for its medical staff. Passengers become surprised to learn they’re considered independent contractors despite the appearances of being a shipboard employee. When exploring legal liability of the cruise ship company for medical negligence, one must also explore whether the cruise ship company adequately equipped the ship for medical emergencies, as well as whether the cruise ship company was negligent in the selection or retention of the particular medical care provider accused of the medical negligence. Recently, Miami hosted the annual Cruise Shipping Miami conference. The Miami Herald ran an interesting article discussing one aspect of the conference that was devoted to technological advances regarding cruise ship medicine and health and wellness. The exhibition actually had a pavilion devoted only to cruise ship medicine and health. This is good to hear, and will be good for passengers who travel onboard cruise ships. It also suggests that the cruise line company can be, and should be, doing more to address medical concerns that happen onboard a cruise ship, including the outbreaks of different types of illnesses or viruses, including the norovirus. The use of electronic records will help flag situations that might lead to an outbreak. Dr. Arthur Diskin, who is now Royal Caribbean Cruises’ global chief medical officer, is quoted in the article. He discusses the problem in combating the outbreak of the norovirus, and how various measures have been tried but the cruise ship companies remain unsuccessful in avoiding outbreak of this virus. Diskin is quoted as saying: “It’s a constant battle and will continue to be a constant battle.” The article shows there is technology available to the cruise line that should be utilized by them. When they are on the high seas, the shipboard physicians who may not have the necessary specialty to diagnose and treat particular emergency situations, can and should be using technological advances which enables the doctor to have immediate contact with a qualified shoreside medical doctor, provide this doctor with adequate records and diagnostic testing, and then receive feedback on what steps to take. The steps may include emergency evacuation. We are currently handling a case where the ship’s doctor failed to diagnose an emergency situation, and failed to promptly order an evacuation, resulting in an unnecessary death. Had these technological advances been utilized by the cruise ship company, and immediate contact made with an appropriate specialist shoreside, it is likely that a correct diagnosis would have been made sooner, an evacuation ordered, and the death avoided. We have seen similar situations in the past. The cruise industry must be accountable for the medical care onboard the cruise ships. The law that finds that the medical care providers are independent contractors is outdated, and based on circumstances that no longer justify finding the medical staff to be independent contractors. If the cruise line companies are held accountable, and the laws change with respect to the independent contractor finding, the cruise lines are more apt to step up to the plate and implement the appropriate technology so as to ensure that passengers, as well as the crewmembers, receive better medical care and treatment. Our firm has handled many cases involving passengers and crewmembers who have suffered harm as a result of medical negligence by the shipboard medical staff. Our Miami based maritime firm handles all types of personal injury and wrongful death claims under the admiralty and maritime laws of the United States. Tags: cruise ship accidents, cruise ship medical negligence

Press Releases Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Exercises Option to Build Second "Project Sunshine" Ship MIAMI, Feb. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. (NYSE, OSE: RCL) exercised its option to build a second Sunshine-class cruise ship to be delivered in the Spring 2015. The ship will be built by German shipbuilder Meyer Werft on substantially the same terms as the first Sunshine ship. "This confirms our continued confidence in the success of this new generation of ships and our strong conviction about the Royal Caribbean International brand," said Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.. (NYSE, OSE: RCL) is a global cruise vacation company that also operates Royal Caribbean International, 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 three ships on order. It also offers unique land-tour vacations in Alaska, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Dubai, Europe and South America. Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements do not guarantee future performance and may involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied in those forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties, and other factors are described in detail in Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.'s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. SOURCE Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Michele Nadeem, +1-305-539-6012, mnadeem@rccl.com

Celebrity Cruises plans largest season ever in Europe; 'heats things up' in Alaska in summer 2013 Email February 22, 2012 Celebrity Cruises today shared a sneak preview of its itinerary plans for the summer of 2013. Speaking to an audience of travel partners and press in London, Celebrity's President & CEO Dan Hanrahan revealed that, for the first time, joining Celebrity Eclipse in offering modern luxury vacation experiences from the UK will be the newly 'Solsticized' Celebrity Infinity. "Like the reaction to every stunning Solstice Class ship, the response to Celebrity Eclipse from our guests and travel partners has been extremely rewarding, ever since it debuted in Southampton in 2010," said Celebrity's President & CEO Dan Hanrahan. "Our decision to expand our European vacation options from the UK on our newly Solsticized Celebrity Infinity is in direct response to increased demand for more of the modern luxury holidays that only Celebrity can provide, as validated by the expanding host of honors our brand continues to receive." Within the past three months alone, Celebrity has been named the world's Best Large-Ship Line in the coveted Condé Nast Traveler's annual Readers' Choice Awards (US); "Best Premium Cruise Company" in Travel Weekly's annual Globe Awards (UK); "Best Luxury Cruise Company" in the Travel Agents Association Awards (UK); and "Best Cruise Line in Europe" for the second consecutive year, in addition to "Best Premium Cruise Line," in Travel Weekly's annual Readers' Choice Awards (US). Celebrity Eclipse - which this week was named "Best from the UK" in x's Cruisers' Choice Awards - will continue to offer sailings from Southampton in the spring and summer of 2013, while Celebrity Infinity - which emerged in December 2011 from Celebrity's ambitious, four-ship, $140-million Solsticizing investment - will present enticing new British Isles and Fjords sailings from Harwich, England. Bigger and better, with the most and newest ships in Europe The summer of 2013 will mark Celebrity's biggest season ever in Europe, with Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Silhouette, and Celebrity Reflection - which debuts in October of this year - all joining Celebrity Eclipse and Celebrity Infinity in offering the broadest array of modern luxury cruises and cruisetours on the newest fleet of ships in the region. Celebrity Solstice to 'heat things up' in Alaska The sleek, 2,850-guest flagship of the Solstice Class fleet, Celebrity Solstice - named "Best Premium Ship" in Travel Weekly's annual Readers' Choice Awards (US) - will become the first of its class to offer vacations in Alaska in the summer of 2013, joining Celebrity Century and Celebrity Millennium in pairing Celebrity's chic style and design, signature cuisine, exciting activities and extraordinary service with the region's breathtaking, inspiring scenery. "Celebrity Solstice is the ideal platform for a genuine modern luxury vacation in the gorgeous state of Alaska," said Hanrahan. "The ship's sheer beauty will perfectly complement the region's incredible scenery. And with 85 percent veranda accommodations, our guests will have that many more opportunities to take in the endlessly appealing views, combined with our unparalleled onboard experience and service provided by the best group of hospitality professionals in the world." Rounding out Celebrity's 2013 summer season Celebrity Summit, which just this month became the third in Celebrity's Millennium Class fleet to complete the brand's noted Solsticizing initiative - incorporating a host of guest-favorite venues and experiences from the Solstice Class onto the Millennium Class - will once again offer Celebrity's popular Bermuda vacation experiences from the Northeast. The intimate, 96-guest Celebrity Xpedition - ranked among the top 20 small ships in the world in Conde Nast Traveler's "Best Ships in the World" readers' poll this year - will continue to offer the once-in-a-lifetime vacation experiences the brand has offered year-round since 2004 in the enchanting Galapagos Islands. Complete details of Celebrity's summer 2013 itineraries - including the full slate of featured destinations, cruisetours and dates of departure - will be announced when the first of the series opens for booking in early March. The line will continue to present special booking options exclusively for the valued members of its Captain's Club loyalty program. About Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity Cruises' iconic "X" is the mark of modern luxury, with its cool, contemporary design and warm spaces; dining experiences where the design of the venues is as important as the cuisine; and the amazing service that only Celebrity can provide, all created to provide an unmatchable experience for vacationers' precious time. In addition to offering vacations visiting all continents, Celebrity also presents immersive cruisetour experiences in Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Europe and South America. Celebrity's fleet of 10 ships represents the newest in the premium cruise category, with an additional Solstice Class ship, Celebrity Reflection, scheduled to join the fleet this fall. Celebrity Cruises is part of global vacation company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE, OSE: RCL). For more information, dial 1-800-437-3111 or call your travel agent. Follow the brand socially at www.facebook.com/celebritycruises.

MIAMI, March 6, 2012 – Oceania Cruises’ summer 2013 itineraries feature three ships – Riviera, Marina and Nautica – deployed to cultural, scenic and exotic ports throughout Europe. Including voyages from April through September, the summer 2013 European season is available for booking on March 7, 2012, and features first-time ports, new itineraries and the addition of extra sea days, allowing guests to fully indulge in the line’s onboard culinary and enrichment experiences. All summer 2013 voyages booked by June 30, 2012, feature two-for-one cruise fares and free air transportation, bonus savings of up to $3,500 per stateroom and, for added value, two-for-one deposits on bookings made by March 31, 2012. With the upper-premium line’s recently introduced beverage packages, priced from $29.95 per guest, per day, and new shore excursion options with savings up to 40 percent for an unlimited package of tours, guests can enjoy enhanced value and convenience to further customize the ideal cruise vacation. “Oceania Cruises’ 2013 Europe schedule offers extraordinary experiences in spring, summer and fall,” stated Kunal S. Kamlani, the line’s president. “With Riviera returning for a full season, we continue to provide our guests with the most exciting and unique itineraries throughout the Mediterranean, Greek Isles, Black Sea and Scandinavia.” Explore the Mediterranean & Black Sea Riviera, which makes her debut in Europe in May 2012, returns in 2013 to explore the Western and Eastern Mediterranean with new 7-, 10- and 12-day cruises, from vibrant Barcelona to exotic Istanbul. Featured itineraries include the 10-day Italian Escapade (July 3 and August 28, 2013) from Rome (Civitavecchia) to Venice with stops in Florence (Livorno), Sorrento and Amalfi along the Amalfi coast, Taormina (Sicily), Corfu, Montenegro and Dubrovnik (Croatia) and a full day at sea before reaching Venice for an overnight stay. Marina offers a new 10-day Treasures of the Ancients itinerary, that sails round-trip from Barcelona (November 10) calling at Valencia and Palma de Mallorca in Spain; Algiers, a new port for Oceania Cruises; Palermo, Rome (Civitavecchia) and Florence (Livorno), Italy; Monte Carlo and Provence (Marseille). Discover Northern Europe & Baltic Capitals Marina and Nautica venture throughout Scandinavia and the Baltic, including a visit to the Polar Ice Barrier. Marina’s Baltic Odyssey, a new 10-day itinerary from Stockholm to Copenhagen with visits to Helsinki, St. Petersburg (three full days), Tallinn, Gdansk, and Berlin, departs June 25, July 5 and September 3, with a special Oceania Club Reunion Cruise on August 24. On July 4, Nautica will offer an 18-day Voyage of the Midnight Sun from London to Copenhagen visiting 12 ports in Norway with overnight stops in Honninsvag (North Cape) and four sea days. Nautica’s July 22 Medieval Marvels, a 10-day cruise from Copenhagen to Stockhom, features the new port of Klaipeda, Lithuania, a picturesque seaside city at the mouth of the Dange River and Baltic Sea. Cruise Continental Europe in Grand Style Rounding out the European itineraries, Marina and Nautica feature 7-, 10- and 12-day itineraries that capture “the best of the best” ports of call. “Cultural Connoisseur” – which departs September 27 – on Marina is a 12-day voyage from London to Barcelona, and on June 6, European Treasures on Nautica is a 14-day cruise from Rome to London. About Oceania Cruises Oceania Cruises® offers unrivaled cuisine, luxurious accommodations, exceptional personalized service and extraordinary value. Award-winning itineraries visit more than 330 ports in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and the Americas aboard the 684-guest Regatta, Insignia and Nautica. The line’s 1,250-guest Marina debuted in January 2011 and will be followed by Riviera – a sister ship – in May 2012. About Prestige Cruise Holdings Prestige Cruise Holdings (PCH) is the parent company of Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. PCH manages select assets in Apollo Management's cruise investment portfolio and is led by Chairman & CEO Frank J. Del Rio and President & COO Kunal S. Kamlani. PCH is the market leader in the upper-premium and luxury segments of the cruise industry with nearly 5,200 berths between the Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands, a number the company expects will grow to approximately 6,400 berths by mid 2012. Mar 05, 2012 OCEANIA CRUISES RETURNS TO ALASKA FOR SUMMER 2013: 2-for-1 Shore Excursion Package Offers Substantial Savings VIEW DETAILS Mar 02, 2012 CHEF CAT CORA NAMED GODMOTHER FOR OCEANIA CRUISES’ ‘RIVIERA’ – Celebrity Chef Will Christen New Ship for Foodies VIEW DETAILS Mar 02, 2012 OCEANIA CRUISES TAKES CULINARY ENRICHMENT TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH LAUNCH OF ‘RIVIERA’ – Culinary Discovery Tours in More Than 25 Ports Worldwide VIEW DETAILS Jan 30, 2012 OCEANIA CRUISES LAUNCHES WAVE SEASON PROMOTION VIEW DETAILS Jan 30, 2012 OCEANIA CRUISES' NEW 'Riviera' TO FEATURE MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER VIEW DETAILS Jan 25, 2012 LABOR STRIKES DELAY OCEANIA CRUISES’ NEW ‘RIVIERA’ VIEW DETAILS Jan 23, 2012 OCEANIA CRUISES AND REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES TO HOLD MUSTER DRILLS ON DAY OF DEPARTURE VIEW DETAILS Jan 04, 2012 GUESTS CAN PERSONALIZE SHORE EXPERIENCE WITH NEW TOURS & PACKAGES FROM OCEANIA CRUISES VIEW DETAILS MEDIA CONTACTS For Media Professionals Only Media Professionals are kindly requested to contact Melissa Rubin or Molly Mesnard at Redpoint Marketing PR. For general consumer inquiries, please visit our Contact Us page. Oceania Cruises