November 6, 2009.

“LEGENDARY” CELEBRITY PERFORMERS TO DEBUT ON NORWEGIAN EPIC IN RENOWNED LEGENDS IN CONCERT SHOW

Howl at the Moon, world’s greatest rock n’ roll dueling piano show, also joins Norwegian Epic’s impressive roster of world-class entertainment

Norwegian Cruise Line today announced that Legends in Concert, the original and world’s greatest live tribute show, will be featured for the first time at sea in more than a decade on Norwegian Epic, the company’s largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship to date, debuting in June 2010. A staple on Las Vegas’ center strip for the past 25 years, Legends in Concert is known as the pioneer of live tribute shows and has assembled the greatest collection of live tribute artists and celebrity look-alikes in the industry. Norwegian Epic also welcomed Howl at the Moon, the world’s greatest rock ‘n roll dueling piano show that encourages audience participation.

“Norwegian Epic has already made headlines with its world-class entertainment offerings, featuring Blue Man Group, Cirque Dreams™ and Dinner and The Second City. Now, with the addition of Legends in Concert and Howl at the Moon, we have raised the bar even higher, taking cruise ship entertainment to a whole new level, on par with major entertainment hubs like Las Vegas and New York,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer.  “With their wide range of incredibly talented superstar tribute artists and celebrated entertainers, Legends in Concert will appeal to music fans of all ages, making this a must-see show for our guests. Howl at the Moon gives guests the chance to sing along to music from the ‘70s to today in a highly interactive show.”

Legends In Concert

Legends in Concert is a live musical celebration featuring the world’s greatest celebrity tribute artists such as Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Tom Jones, Tina Turner, Madonna, Garth Brooks, Rod Stewart, Cher, Barry White, Tim McGraw and Shania Twain, among many others. Legends in Concert on Norwegian Epic will feature three celebrity tribute performers taking the stage in the Epic Theater for six 45-minute shows over three days during a seven-day cruise. In addition, a cabaret-style show will be performed on three additional nights in the Manhattan Room, the ship’s New York-inspired supper club, providing an unprecedented dining and entertainment experience on Norwegian Epic. The celebrity performers will change every four months, keeping the show fresh and exciting.

Each universally-renowned Legends in Concert performer not only looks and sounds like the star they portray, they transform themselves through hours of practice at their craft. This is accomplished by using their own natural voices and every detail is taken into consideration from choreography, to hair, make-up and mannerisms.

“We are thrilled about this new long-term multi-dimensional partnership with Norwegian and are honored to be invited to perform weekly on board this exceptionally innovative ship, joining the most prolific entertainment line-up ever assembled on the high seas,” said Brian Brigner, chief operating officer for “Legends” producer On Stage Entertainment. “We will have the highest quality tribute acts in the world performing on Norwegian Epic, and they will be joined by the always electrifying Legends singers and dancers, and a rockin’ live band.”

Howl at the Moon

Performing four times per cruise in Headliners, Norwegian Epic’s comedy club, Howl at the Moon is a total entertainment experience where the talented piano players not only entertain the guests; the guests become part of the show. The fun is centered around two baby grand pianos and a full out rock show with Howl’s entertainers playing the bmusic from 70’s rock to hip-hop for four hours per show. Howl at the Moon, with multiple locations acrothe United States, encourages people to live out their inner rock star, so guests should be ready to clap, dance and howl.

“”We are very excited to bring our high-energy entertainment to the high seas,” said Jimmy Bernstein, Howl at the Moon founder and chief executive officer. “Howl’s mission is to entertain every guest with our ever-evolving rock show and to create a party atmosphere that can be enjoyed by everybody. I cannot wait for Norwegian Epic’s guests to experience what Howl at the Moon is all about!”

Norwegian Epic

In addition to world-class entertainment, the 4,200-passenger Norwegian Epic incorporates many innovations including several new types of accommodations – the curved New Wave staterooms; the largest Villas suite complex at sea, comprising 60 suites and villas on two private decks at the top of the ship; and spa and family-friendly accommodations. The ship also boasts unique nightlife options with the first Ice Bar at sea and Spice H20 with non-stop entertainment day and night; an expansive Aqua Park with the only tube slide and largest bowl slide at sea — The Epic Plunge; seven decks of Freestyle Family Fun with highlights including a 33-foot high, 64-foot wide extreme rock climbing wall and the first ever rappelling wall at sea; the most bowling lanes at sea with six in two venues; a mixed-use sports deck with the ability for guests to engage in eight different athletic activities; as well as three separate kids’ and teen activity areas. In addition, Norwegian Epic will offer the next generation of Freestyle Dining with 20 dining choices and 20 bars and lounges.

November 5, 2009.

South Carolina College Student to Report Live from Oasis of the Seas

Following a six-week long search, Joyce Allison of Simpsonville, S.C. has been named winner of Royal Caribbean International and USA TODAY’s “Reporter at Sea” contest. The budding journalist won the assignment of a lifetime: the chance to help cover the debut of Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Oasis of the Seas – the world’s largest and most revolutionary cruise ship – for USA TODAY’s Cruise Log along with cruise editor, Gene Sloan.

Voters across America selected Joyce from 10 finalists who were vying for the opportunity to represent the United States as the citizen reporter who would nab the inside scoop on one of the biggest and most buzzed about travel stories of the year. Joyce, a 22 year-old student at Clemson University, focused her entry on the ship’s innovative amenities’, specifically Central Park, the first living park at sea and the AquaTheater a spectacular entertainment venue at the the stern of the ship. Her reporting skills and personality in front of the camera truly showcase why America has chosen her as Royal Caribbean’s “Reporter At Sea.”  She will be flown with a guest to board Oasis of the Seas at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. to cover the ship’s first preview cruise from Nov. 19 to Nov. 22.   Joyce’s blog posts and video reports highlighting her experience onboard Oasis of the Seas will be featured on USA TODAY’S Cruise Log at cruises.usatoday.com during the cruise.

“It has always been my dream to be a reporter and I am very excited about my assignment onboard the world’s largest cruise ship.  I want to thank Royal Caribbean, USA TODAY, and everyone who voted for me for giving me this amazing opportunity,” said Joyce Allison.

While onboard, Joyce will be joined by aspiring journalists from Canada, Germany, Mexico, and the United Kingdom, who were selected as contest winners in their respective countries. For more information on the “Reporter at Sea” contest and to view Joyce’s reports, please visit reporteratsea.usatoday.com.
Oasis of the Seas is the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world.  An architectural marvel at sea, she spans 16 decks, encompasses 225,282 gross registered tons, carries 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and features 2,700 staterooms.  Oasis of the Seas is the first ship to tout the cruise line’s new neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which includes Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone.  The ship will sail from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.  Additional information is available at www.oasisoftheseas.com.

November 3, 2009.

Line’s Latest Service Innovation Offers Passengers Richest Array of Personalized and Timely Pre-Cruise Communication

Princess Cruises has debuted an innovative array of digital documents designed to transform the way passengers plan for and learn about their upcoming cruise.  The all-new electronic format will deliver more information about their cruise than ever before, arriving conveniently by email and right to their computer desktop from the time of booking and continuing through departure.

The timely digital documents include a brand-new email series filled with personalized pre-cruise information, a downloadable Princess Countdown ConnectionTM widget that delivers useful and entertaining information to a passenger’s computer, personalized online luggage tags, and customizable shore excursion eBooks.  The change from printed information to fully digital documents applies to all North American passengers on voyages departing on or after January 21, 2010.

“These new digital enhancements are yet another example of our commitment to service innovation,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises’ executive vice president.  “Not only will our passengers receive the most comprehensive array of pre-cruise information we’ve ever made available, the information is also fully personalized, and the content is designed to build excitement and anticipation for their cruise with a rich collection of multi-media experiences.  Digital documents are also more environmentally friendly.”

Princess’ new digital documents include:

Personalized Pre-Cruise Emails

As soon as passengers book their cruise, they will begin to receive a new series of four emails that are timed to deliver just the right information needed for each stage of the cruise planning process.  Replacing a printed Cruise Answer Book, the emails include the passenger booking details and interactive content that gives passengers a fun, engaging way to learn more about the signature amenities and activities they will experience on their ship.

The information will be customized to the itinerary and the ship the passenger is sailing, and greetings are featured from some of the senior officers who will be sailing on their cruise.  An array of links are also provided to such things as ship videos and virtual tours, bridge cams, dining options, entertainment choices, shipboard features and amenities, travel logistics, weather information, packing tips, frequently asked questions, Captain’s Circle benefits, important notices and reminders, and how to stay connected to family and friends while onboard.

Princess Countdown ConnectionTM

To help passengers anticipate and prepare for their upcoming sailing, the innovative Princess Countdown ConnectionTM widget is an eye-catching online clock that ticks down the days, hours and minutes until their cruise departs.  The new application, which can be downloaded from the pre-cruise emails, can live right on a passenger’s computer desktop, and will automatically deliver an array of personalized information to them about their upcoming sailing such as dining, onboard activities, shore excursions and notices.

Personalized Online Luggage Tags

Passengers will also be able to print their own personalized luggage tags from their home or office computer.  These new tags not only include the passenger’s name, but also feature their Captain’s Circle membership status, cabin number and embarkation information.  Passengers will be able to print as many tags as needed to ensure all their luggage is properly marked prior to boarding the ship.

The printable luggage tags debut for all voyages departing after December 1, 2009, and are accessible through the Cruise Personalizer.  They can be printed up to 75 days prior to the sailing date.  Generic luggage tags will continue to be available at the pier for passengers who may need them.

Shore Excursion eBooks

Beginning in December, passengers will be able to print their own personalized shore excursion eBook for their cruise.  Using this innovative tool, passengers will be able to select their favorite excursions from the wide array offered in each port, and create their own customized eBook of shoreside experiences.  Further details will be available next month.

November 3, 2009.

COSTA CRUISES UNVEILS NAMES OF NEWEST FLEET MEMBERS:  COSTA FAVOLOSA & COSTA FASCINOSA

Names Chosen by Travel Agents and Guests from Around the World

After more than 16,000 suggestions from more than 40,000 travel agents and fans around the world, the names of the 16th and 17th ships in the Costa fleet have been selected. The two sister ships, set to debut in 2011 and 2012, will be named the Costa Favolosa and Costa Fascinosa. The selections were chosen as a result of Costa’s “Send Us a Sea of Names” project whereby travel agents and fans sent in name suggestions for the two ships. The final selections were chosen based on their definition of the all-encompassing magic, glamour, emotion and passion reflected on all of Costa’s ships.

The Costa Favolosa and Costa Fascinosa, (114,500 gross tons with a double occupancy of 3,000 each) will be delivered in summer 2011 and spring 2012 respectively. The two new sister ships, built by Fincantieri at its Marghera shipyard, are part of a major fleet expansion plan for Costa with five new ships due for delivery between 2009 and 2012. This plan includes the launch of the Costa Luminosa the Costa Pacifica (June 2009) and the Costa Deliziosa (set to debut in January 2010) for a total investment worth 2.4 billion Euros. The Costa Favolosa will be the first of the two new vessels to enter service. The laying of the first “building block” is set to take place on Thursday, November 5 at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard.

The choice of names was guided by 40,000 travel agents in over 40 countries who submitted more than 16,000 pairs of names as part of the “Send Us a Sea of Names” project. The initiative encouraged travel agents, customers and web users all over the world to take part in the search for the names for the two new Costa flagships. The submissions were summarized in a list of 25 pairs of names posted on www.worldofcosta.com. All web site visitors were invited to choose their favorite pairing. More than 42,000 votes were received.

Magic, glamour, emotion and passion are elements that have always inspired Costa Cruises in the design of its ships and the creation of a unique and unforgettable cruise experience. The Costa Favolosa is intended to be the epitome of ship interior design, interpreting the excitement and emotion of people who see cruises as a magical voyage in a “contemporary enchanted castle.” The Costa Fascinosa is designed to express the special glamour of a cruise ship and her capacity to ignite strong emotion and passion.

Costa Cruises is Italy and Europe’s Number One Cruise Line.  For the past 60 years its ships have sailed the world, offering the best in Italian style, hospitality and cuisine and providing dream vacations with the best in fun and relaxation. In 2008, 1.2 million guests chose to cruise with Costa, a record for the European cruise industry. The company’s 14 fleet members, each with her own distinctive characteristics and unique style, all fly the Italian flag and sail each year to 250 destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, the Caribbean, South America, the United Arab Emirates, the Far East and the Indian Ocean. Three additional ships are on order through 2012.

November 2, 2009.

COSTA CRUISES OFFERS 240 ECO-EXCURSIONS ON SAILINGS AROUND THE WORLD

All Programs Minimize Impact on Ecosystems and Create Economic Opportunities for Local Communities

Travelers sailing with Costa, Europe’s Number One Cruise Line, may select from 240 special eco-excursions, created to minimize their impact on ecosystems and generate economic opportunities for local communities. Excursions are available on all Costa sailings, throughout the regions Costa sails including the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America, Dubai, Indian Ocean and Far East.

“Costa’s commitment to social accountability is deep-rooted and these excursions are a reflection of the efforts we’re making on many levels, all of which are highlighted in our voluntary and public sustainability report,” said Maurice Zarmati, president & ceo of Costa Cruises North America. “We love bringing our guests to some of the most intriguing destinations in the world while being able to leave an eco-friendly footprint behind in these special places.”

One of Costa’s most popular eco-excursions is “Lanzarote: Yesterday and Today” in Arrecife, Canary Islands. This excursion takes travelers through the scenic hidden side of Lanzarote and introduces guests to the island’s art, traditions and customs. Travelers will first be taken to the César Manrique Museum-Foundation, located on the site of Manrique’s former house and studio. Manrique, famous for his paintings, architecture and sculptures was also a renowned ecologist. The museum is built on an outcrop of lava on top of five large natural volcanic bubbles. Visitors of the museum will learn how he furnished and designed the spaces by taking advantage of all environments. Later, excursionists will cross Lanzarote’s lunar landscape and arrive at the Cactus Garden, containing over 1,000 different species of cacti. At the end of the excursion, travelers will visit “El Patio Agricultural Museum,” where they will be able to visit a farmer’s house dated from 1840 with all of its typical furniture and utensils set in the oldest and largest agriculture cultivation of the island. El Patio still grows fruit trees, tomatoes and other vegetation and breeds animals including camels, goats and chickens in an agricultural landscape showing the best example of human integration to nature. Guests will also be able to taste traditional food from the island accompanied by a glass of local wine.

In Singapore, guests may enjoy the “Night Safari Tour,” which is the world’s first wildlife park built to be viewed at night. The park covers an area of 40 acres where animals are allowed to roam freely in huge landscaped enclosures. The different areas of the park are divided into eight geographical zones, including everything from the exotic Himalayan foothills to the Nepalese River Valley, the Savanna grasslands of Equatorial Africa and the dense jungles of Indo-Malaya. A subtle lighting technique throughout the park enables excursionists to view over 1,000 nocturnal animals of over 100 species in their most active time. The featured animals on the safari include the greater one horned rhino, cape giraffes and buffalo, Malayan tigers, African bongo, blue sheep and Asian elephants.

For guests seeking an action-packed eco-excursion, the “Volcano Hiking” tour in Santorini, Greece is not to be missed. After a boat trip in a traditional “caique,” an uphill walk will take excursionists to the crater of an active volcano. While walking up the ascending path, guests will have the opportunity to observe lava fragments and volcanic rock formations. Once they have reached the crater, they will have time to relax and enjoy the view of Santorini. Guests will also see the amazing cliff of Caldera, a depression created as a result of a volcanic eruption.

Spa and wellness enthusiasts will have the opportunity to enjoy an incredibly unique spa experience when cruising with Costa in Northern Europe. Located in Lake Myvatn, the “Myvatn Nature Baths” is Iceland’s newest health-spa and part of Costa’s eco-excursion offerings. Opened in June 2004, the complex offers bathers a completely natural spa experience with a relaxing dip in clouds of steam rising up from a fissure deep in the Earth’s surface. Containing a unique blend of minerals, silicates and geothermal micro-organisms, the warm, soothing waters of Myvatn Nature Baths benefit both skin and spirit alike, creating a sense of well-being which lingers on as a lasting memory of a visit to this area at Europe’s outer limits.

These eco-excursions are part of over 1,100 different excursions Costa offers. All shore excursions may be conveniently reserved in advance online after guests purchase their cruise at www.costacruises.com.

November 2, 2009.

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE TAKES OVER MIAMI WITH EPIC WALLSCAPES AND BILLBOARDS

The “That’s Epic” advertising blitz launches throughout Florida on Nov. 2

Norwegian Cruise Line kicked off the second phase of its Norwegian Epic advertising campaign today entitled “That’s Epic,” in support of the line’s largest and most impressive ship to date, set to cruise to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Miami next summer.  The latest installment of the campaign, created by GSD&M Idea City of Austin, Texas, can be seen by residents and commuters throughout Miami with more than a dozen billboards and wallscapes depicting Norwegian Epic’s impressive array of on-board activities and entertainment including Blue Man Group; a multi-slide Aqua Park with the biggest bowl slide on water – the Epic Plunge; the first true Ice Bar at sea; and the largest and first-ever rappelling wall at sea. The billboards can be seen along Biscayne Boulevard, up and down Interstate 95 in Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, and as far as Ft. Myers and Tampa.  In addition, Norwegian Epic will take to the radio in markets throughout Florida including Miami-Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Ft. Myers, Orlando and Tampa, as well as in New York City.  Taxi tops in both New York and Miami, and bus shelters throughout Florida will announce Norwegian Epic’s arrival in summer 2010.  Both English and Spanish versions of the advertising campaign can be seen and heard in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and Tampa.

The “That’s Epic” advertising campaign launched in late September with national print and rich media online banner advertisements; full website takeovers; online Epic video advertising, as well as print advertisements in national consumer travel magazines.
For more information on Norwegian Epic, or to book a cruise to the Eastern or Western Caribbean call Norwegian at 866-234-7350, visit http://epic.ncl.com, or call a travel agent.

October 28, 2009.

World’s Largest and Most Revolutionary Cruise Ship Sets Sail for Home Port of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

After nearly six years in the making, Royal Caribbean International proudly took delivery today of its newest and most revolutionary cruise ship, Oasis of the Seas, from STX Europe in Turku, Finland.  Kicking off the 12-day countdown until her U.S. debut into Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009, Oasis of the Seas will be departing Turku on Friday, Oct. 30 with Captain William S. Wright at the helm. Her transatlantic crossing will be chronicled on OasisoftheSeas.com as new webisodes are posted daily and via Twitter by following @OasisandAllure. A new feature to OasisoftheSeas.com will allow visitors to view a Google Maps application and follow Oasis of the Seas journey. Richard Fain’s “Chairman’s Blog” on OasisoftheSeas.com and “Adam’s Blog” by President and CEO Adam Goldstein on NationofWhyNot.com also will provide personal updates.

The cruise line that revolutionized the industry with the FlowRider surf simulator, ice-skating rinks, cantilevered whirlpools, rock climbing walls and the Royal Promenade, an entertainment boulevard stretching nearly the length of the ship, is poised to unveil a range of new attractions and engineering marvels onboard Oasis of the Seas. The ultimate expression of Royal Caribbean’s legacy of imagination and innovation, Oasis of the Seas introduces unique industry “firsts” including a neighborhood concept – seven themed areas providing guests with the opportunity to seek out relevant experiences based on their personal style, preference or mood. Within these seven neighborhoods – Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone – are extraordinary elements such as the first park at sea, a thrilling zip line that races diagonally nine-decks above an open-air atrium, an original handcrafted carousel, 28 multilevel urban-style loft suites boasting floor-to-ceiling windows, an aquatic amphitheater – called the AquaTheater that serves as a pool by day and a dazzling ocean front theater by night; and an array of epicurean innovations that allow for new culinary experiences each day of a guest’s cruise vacation.

This November, just in time for the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday, Oasis of the Seas will be unveiled on ABC’s “Good Morning America” who will be there to welcome her into her home port in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. as well as give viewers an exclusive first glimpse of the ship during a special live broadcast on Friday, Nov. 20.
The official naming ceremony for Oasis of the Seas will take place on November 30 during a one night inaugural celebration-fundraiser to benefit the non-profit Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. Tickets for the once-in-a-lifetime event begin at $750 per person and guests who wish to continue their adventure onboard will receive an exclusive discount price, beginning at $650 per person, on a four-night cruise package sailing to the cruise line’s private beach destination, Labadee, departing the morning following the event on Dec. 1 (rates based on double-occupancy and stateroom package). For reservations to this exclusive event combined with the four-night sailing, contact Cynthia Paez, Royal Caribbean International, at (877) 202-1520, ext. 12751, or cpaez@rccl.com.

Bookings are also available for Oasis of the Seas’ inaugural sailing departing on December 5. The inaugural sailing will include exclusive entertainment and gifts for guests to commemorate the special occasion.

October 26, 2009.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN TO RECOGNIZE CROWN & ANCHOR SOCIETY MEMBERS WITH DECEMBER DIAMOND EVENT ON SAILINGS FLEETWIDE

Diamond and Diamond-Plus Members Enjoy Additional Benefits on Oasis of the Seas Inaugural Voyage

Royal Caribbean International is dedicating the month of December 2009 to honor the cruise line’s Crown & Anchor Society members on all ships. During the December Diamond Event, Diamond and Diamond Plus member guests on all sailings in the month will enjoy enhanced recognition benefits, as well as commemorative gifts, special events and exclusive offers on future sailings. In addition, Diamond and Diamond Plus Crown & Anchor Society member guests on the December 5, 2009, voyage of Oasis of the Seas will receive an additional cruise credit and additional benefits and gifts to commemorate the inaugural sailing of the world’s largest and most revolutionary cruise ship. Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society is the cruise line’s guest loyalty program, recognizing guests with benefits and savings when they choose a Royal Caribbean International cruise or cruise tour land package. For additional information about the Crown & Anchor Society, please visit http://www.RoyalCaribbean.com/CrownandAnchor.

“Royal Caribbean is delighted to honor our valued Crown & Anchor Society members on all December 2009 sailings for their loyalty and passion for our cruise line,” said Betsy O’Rourke, senior vice president of Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. “Our loyal Diamond and Diamond-Plus Crown & Anchor Society members can still join us on a most memorable inaugural voyage on December 5 aboard our newest and most amazing cruise ship, Oasis of the Seas. We will have additional recognition gifts and events planned for our member guests to help make a spectacular voyage even more special.”

Crown & Anchor Society members can still join more than 800 fellow Diamond and Diamond Plus members on the spectacular Oasis of the Seas inaugural cruise on December 5, 2009. In addition to the standard recognition benefits, Diamond and Diamond-plus level members will enjoy additional benefits and gifts, including one additional cruise credit, exclusive special events, other surprise gifts that recognize the cruise line’s most loyal members, and tempting exclusive offers for future sailings.

When she begins service in December 2009, Oasis of the Seas will be the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. An architectural marvel at sea, she will span 16 decks, encompass 225,282 gross registered tons, carry 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and feature 2,700 staterooms. Oasis of the Seas will be the first ship to tout the cruise line’s new neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which includes Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone. The ship will sail from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Additional information is available at www.OasisoftheSeas.com.

October 23, 2009.

Creative Marketing & Promotion Company sets the Stage
for an Exclusive Performance from the First AquaTheater at Sea

After hearing her highly anticipated new single “Russian Roulette,” music fans from coast-to-coast are no doubt eager for a sneak-peek of Rihanna’s fourth album Rated R, being released Monday, November 23, 2009. Pop2Life brought Island Def Jam Music Group, Clear Channel Radio and Royal Caribbean International together to give lucky winners (and their invited guests) access to an exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime performance by Rihanna and a private three-night sailing onboard the cruise line’s new Oasis of the Seas, the world’s largest and most revolutionary cruise ship, debuting this November. Dedicated fans can win this money-can’t-buy experience by tuning-in to Clear Channel radio stations across the country weekdays beginning Monday, October 26, 2009 through Friday, November 6, 2009. Keywords will be announced throughout the day for listeners to text in for a chance to win.

Live from the Atlantic Ocean within eyesight of the Florida coast, Rihanna will be the first performer ever to take the stage onboard Oasis of the Seas’ AquaTheater, an amphitheater-style space that serves as a pool by day and dazzling ocean front theater by night. Winners and their guests will have VIP access to the concert on Thursday, November 19, 2009. Following the adrenalin filled night, guests will be among the first to enjoy a weekend onboard the highly anticipated Oasis of the Seas.

Rated R is Rihanna’s long-awaited follow-up to Good Girl Gone Bad (May 2007), which contained the non-stop string of hit singles that began with the MTV VMA and Grammy Award-winning global #1 hit “Umbrella” (featuring Jay-Z), then “Shut Up and Drive,” “Hate That I Love You” (featur ing Ne-Yo), and “Don’t Stop the Music.”  Good Girl Gone Bad spent 98 total weeks on the Soundscan chart, earned cumulative sales of more than 36-times platinum in at least 20 territories around the world, and spun off the CD+DVD package Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded (January 2009) – which continued the string of hits with the #1 “Take A Bow,” and the #1 “Disturbia.”

About Oasis of the Seas

Boasting never before seen amenities, including the first living park at sea, an authentic handcrafted carousel, a thrilling zip line that races diagonally across a nine-deck high, open-air atrium, and multilevel loft suites boasting floor-to-ceiling windows with ocean views, Oasis of the Seas caters to any personalstyle, preference and mood.   An architectural marvel at sea, Oasis of the Seas will span 16 decks, encompass 225,282 gross registered tons, carry 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and feature 2,700 staterooms. Shewill be the first ship to tout the cruise line’s new neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which includes Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone. The ship will sail from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Additional information is available at www.oasisoftheseas.com.

October 22, 2009.

Through Cunard’s partnership with the Tribeca Film Festival, film industry veterans to be featured as Cunard Insights speakers

As part of Cunard’s partnership with the Tribeca Film Festival, the iconic ocean liner company will be pleased to welcome acclaimed filmmakers Griffin Dunne and Gary Winick on the 11 November Transatlantic Crossing from Southampton to New York aboard Queen Mary 2. This year, Cunard was recognized as the Official Cruise Line of the Tribeca Film Festival, of which both film industry insiders have been active participants for a number of years. With this upcoming sailing, they join a distinguished list of luminaries and tastemakers that have sailed a legendary voyage with Cunard, operator of The Most Famous Ocean Liners in the World.

During the Crossing, Dunne and Winick will participate in Cunard Insights, the line’s award-wining onboard enrichment program, and will screen one of each of their films: Dunne will discuss “Practical Magic,” starring Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock; Winick will screen his feature film, “13 Going on 30,” starring Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo.   In addition, they will engage in a panel conversation with the ship’s entertainment director where they will share stories about their multi-faceted careers and the many roles they play in the entertainment industry – from director and producer to writer and actor. All programs will be held in Queen Mary 2’s spectacular 450-seat, stadium-style theatre, Illuminations, which is also the only planetarium at sea.

“Cunard has a long history of hosting those on and behind the silver screen, and we are pleased to welcome these fêted filmmakers aboard Queen Mary 2 as part of this tradition,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. “We seek to entertain and educate our guests with our Insights programme, so to hear both gentlemen share stories from their longstanding and varied film careers will no doubt be a treat for our guests.”

Griffin Dunne has been involved in the film business for almost 30 years. Beginning as an actor, Dunne starred in John Landis’ cult favorite, “An American Werewolf in London” (1981). A few years later, he had the leading role in Martin Scorsese’s “After Hours” (1985), which is among the many movies that Dunne has produced with partner Amy Robinson through their company, Double Play Productions. Other Double Play productions include “Running on Empty” (1988), “White Palace” (1990) and “Once Around” (1991). Dunne has continued to appear on both sides of the camera, taking supporting roles as an actor in films such as “My Girl” (1991) and “I Like It Like That” (1994). He made his directorial debut with a short film, “Duke of Groove” (1996) (TV), which was nominated for an Academy Award®. Dunne then made the leap to feature films with “Addicted to Love” (1997), “Practical Magic” (1998), “Famous” (2000) and “Fierce People” (2005). Dunne is the son of the late notable writer and investigative journalist, Dominick Dunne, and Ellen Griffin Dunne.

Film director and producer Gary Winick has directed films such as “Tadpole” (2002), for which he won the Directing Award at the Sundance Film Festival; “13 Going on 30” (2004); and the live-action remake of “Charlotte’s Web” (2006). His most recent film, “Bride Wars,” was released in January 2009. Through InDigEnt, which he founded in 1999, he has produced such films as “Pieces of April” (2003), for which Patricia Clarkson was nominated for the Academy Award® for Best Supporting Actress; “Land of Plenty” (2004); and “Starting Out in the Evening” (2007). He won the 2003 Independent Spirit John Cassavetes Award for producing “Personal Velocity.”

Delving deeply into a variety of compelling and relevant topics, Cunard Insights introduces guests to stimulating experts and accomplished visionaries who reflect the line’s heritage of adventure and prestige. Through a series of lectures, Q&A’s, social gatherings and workshops, guests connect with authors and intellectuals who have achieved notable distinction in areas including history, world affairs, science, politics, arts and literature. The Insights programme underscores Cunard’s longstanding view that onboard entertainment should afford guests a provocative and rewarding cerebral experience.

The 11 November Transatlantic Crossing is one of more than 20 classic six-day voyages between Southampton and New York offered by Cunard this year. In 2010, Cunard will offer guests more choices of Crossings, sailing six and seven-day Transatlantic voyages between April and November.

Widely considered the definitive ocean travel experience, a Cunard Transatlantic Crossing offers guests myriad opportunities for intellectual interaction, leisurely pursuits, health and wellness activities and gourmet dining. Unique Cunard amenities found aboard Queen Mary 2 include the famed Princess and Queens Grill accommodation, the first Canyon Ranch SpaClub at sea and the first Todd English restaurant at sea.

For more information and to book a voyage aboard Queen Mary 2, consult your travel professional, call toll-free 1-800-7-CUNARD, or visit www.cunard.com