Premium Cruise Line Attracts Top Itineraries,  Best Private Island & Most Eco-Friendly Honors

Holland America is a perennial customer favorite,  with the premium cruise line always at the top of various lists of awards.

Among the nine 2009 Readers’ Choice Awards that Holland America Line has received from Porthole Cruise Magazine are five that recognize the line’s varied and port-intensive cruise itineraries.  Readers of Porthole conferred awards for Best Central America/Panama Canal, Best Northern Europe, Best Alaska, Best Australia/New Zealand Itineraries and Best Private Island for Half Moon Cay, the line’s exclusive Bahamian port call that appears on most Caribbean cruise itineraries.

In the 11th annual awards, the line also took top honors as most Eco-Friendly Cruise Line and for having the Best Spa Facilities, as well as a pair for Best Overall Facilities for Physically Challenged Passengers and Best Medical Facilities.

“Being recognized for five cruise itinerary regions is a true testament to our goal of delivering unique and in-depth cruise itineraries for our guests,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “We are also very proud to be recognized for our commitment to environmental stewardship and the three additional awards for access, medical facilities and our luxurious spas are a great acknowledgement of the services we provide to our guests. We are delighted.”

”Porthole Cruise Magazine is the top source of cruise and destination content for savvy travelers,” said Bill Panoff, publisher and editor-in-chief of the magazine. “Our readers appreciate the quality and overall cruise experience that a premium line such as Holland America Line delivers every day.”

Artful Itineraries Blend World Sights with New Discoveries

Known for its longer, port-heavy cruise itineraries, Holland America Line picked up its five cruise itinerary-themed awards for destinations spanning the globe.   In Alaska, the line operates three major cruising itineraries — Glacier Bay Inside Passage, Glacier Discovery and Alaskan Explorer cruises — that showcase the highlights of Alaska with distinctive options to suit the various wishes of Alaskan-bound travelers.  Northern Europe cruises combine the best of the Baltic with British Isles and Norwegian Fjord exploration.  Departure ports now include Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Dover or Greenwich (London) and Copenhagen.

Australia/New Zealand sailings offer a mix of 14-day Sydney roundtrip and Sydney to Auckland adventures as well as the new 34-day circumnavigation of Australia with five days in the Great Barrier Reef.   Among the line’s most popular itineraries, Panama Canal cruises sail the engineering marvel on five ships or guests can opt for a day visit to the canal on a 10-day roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale that includes several Caribbean ports.

In 2009, Half Moon Cay received its ninth Best Private Island acknowledgement from Porthole readers.   Built as a sustainable port of call, the island’s offerings provide private beach cabanas, an exclusive over-water bungalow, a full beachside water park for children, and an array of shore excursions that include horseback riding by land and sea, personal watercraft adventures and an opportunity to swim with stingrays.

Top Awards for Environment and Spa, Too

Holland America Line won the Most Eco-Friendly Cruise Line award for their commitment to responsible environmental practices through comprehensive and innovative fleet-wide programs. The program emphasizes waste reduction and recycling, use of cleaner-burning propulsion technology and cutting-edge solutions.  Holland America Line’s ships currently meet or exceed all provisions of the international regulations governing the environmental management of marine operations.

Holland America Line also has a history of embracing new environmental technologies such as shore power while ships are in port — one of two cruise lines to utilize this eco-friendly power — and being the first cruise line to install state-of-the-art, level-four water treatment systems and implement a whale strike avoidance program.

According to Meadows, the nod for Best Spa comes from the line’s focus on unique offerings in the Greenhouse Spa and Salon offered as a part of the $525 million Signature of Excellence enhancement program.  The Greenhouse Spa and Salon with fitness center offers guests relaxation and rejuvenation as well as beauty and wellness rituals ranging from tai chi to hot stone couples massages.

Completing the awards, Holland America Line received recognition for its accessibility and medical facilities.  Holland America Line ships accommodate guests with a variety of special needs including those requiring wheelchairs, scooters or service animals; those who have sight or hearing impairments; and those using oxygen.

And each Holland America Line ship has a medical center carrying much of the standard equipment found in North American hospital emergency departments.  The onboard medical center accommodates most emergencies and routine medical procedures and is staffed by two to four registered nurses, a crew physician and the ship’s doctor — all certified in advanced cardiac life support.

When Royal Caribbean International officially names its newest cruise ship, Oasis of the Seas, on Monday, Nov. 30, 2009, the global cruise line will continue its tradition of innovation by putting a new twist on one of maritime’s longest standing traditions. While normally bestowing the honor of godmother on one special person, Royal Caribbean has chosen seven extraordinary godmothers to represent the seven signature neighborhoods onboard Oasis of the Seas. Each of the seven godmothers was chosen because they personify strength of character, exemplify the spirit of giving, and are role models for men, women and children alike.

The Godmothers include:

·Gloria Estefan, world-renowned singer, songwriter, actor and author, who was godmother of Royal Caribbean’s Empress of the Seas.

·Michelle Kwan, the Olympic Games medalist is an all-time great and the most decorated figure skater in United States history, and is also an American Public Diplomacy envoy promoting education, positive health practices and respect for diversity.

·Jane Seymour, a multiple Emmy and Golden Globe winning actor, as well as an Officer of the British Empire, who remains actively involved in the J and J Foundation benefiting children in need. Based on her philosophy that keeping an open heart despite adversity can bring a wealth of love, hope and inspiration into life, she founded the website www.KeepAnOpenHeart.com, a community where people can share stories and engage in a dialogue about living with an open heart.

·Dara Torres, twelve-time Olympic medalist and oldest female swimmer to compete in a record five Olympic games (1984, 1988, 1992, 2000 and 2008).

·Keshia Knight Pulliam, film and television actress is well-known for her role as Rudy Huxtable on the classic sitcom “The Cosby Show.”  The youngest actress ever nominated for an Emmy Award when she was only 6 years old, she presently stars on the TBS television comedy “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” and was most recently seen starring in the hit motion picture “Madea Goes To Jail.”

·Shawn Johnson, four-time medalist at the 2008 Olympic games for women’s gymnastics and cancer philanthropist, who in addition to serving as a godmother for Oasis of the Seas, will be granting wishes onboard as part of her work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

·Daisy Fuentes, international television personality and producer, beauty and fitness expert, and recognized role model for Latin-American women in the United States, who is committed to improving children’s health and treatments through St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Starlight Children’s Foundation and the March of Dimes.

“It is a humbling and equally exciting privilege to have these seven exemplary women take on the responsibility of being godmothers of Oasis of the Seas,” said Richard D. Fain, chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. “We felt it only fitting that our most revolutionary ship be named by an outstanding group of women who embody the same excellence in their respective fields.”

The seven women will take their posts to officially name the ship at a ceremony during a one-night inaugural celebration-fundraiser onboard Oasis of the Seas 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 $500 per person. 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 Tuesday, 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.

Largest Italian Travel Company and Only Italian Cruise Line Ranked by Mediobanca

Costa Cruises has made its mark in a popular survey of leading Italian companies carried out by Mediobanca’s Research Unit, comprising over 3,700 Italian enterprises that recorded revenue of at least 50 million Euros last fiscal year. Costa Cruises came in 10th place in terms of profitability, with a net income of 402 million Euros and 65th in size with sales of 2.3 billion Euros in 2008.

Costa is the only cruise company included in the Mediobanca survey and ranks as the leading travel company. According to the findings of the survey, the Italian cruise company has further improved its business performance from last year, advancing from a ranking of 72 to 65 for size, and ranking 10th in terms of profitability, up from 12th in 2008.

In total, the Costa Crociere S.p.A. Group has a total of 23 ships in service (14 for Costa Cruises, 6 for AIDACruises and 3 for Iberocruceros) with another sneve due to be delivered by 2012 (three for Costa Cruises, three for AIDACruises and one for Iberocruceros). All Costa Cruises and Aida ships fly the Italian flag.

Costa will introduce its newest ship, the Costa Deliziosa, at the end of  January 2010. The ship is currently being fitted out at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard. The arrival of 92,700-ton (2,260 dbl occ) ship enables Costa to double its top-of-the-line offerings. Along with sister ship Costa Luminosa (launched in June 2009), the Costa Deliziosa is the most exclusive and innovative member of the fleet.

The Group’s growth in 2008 was driven by the performance of the Costa Cruises brand, which ended the year with 1.2 million total guests, confirming its position as Italy’s largest tourism group and Europe’s Number One Cruise Line. The economic growth recorded in 2008 was accompanied by a continued commitment to social and environmental responsibility, particularly carried by the Costa Cruises brand.

Costa Cruises was the first cruise company in the world to draft and issue a Sustainability Report. The voluntary report aims to build trust based on transparent dissemination of main results in the fields of social accountability and environmental compliance. Relevant initiatives include Costa’s three-year partnership with WWF involving active support for a project to set up a network of Marine Protected Areas in the Mediterranean.

In November, Costa Cruises will publish the fourth edition of its Sustainability Report, corresponding to 2008. The highlights include a 5% reduction in fuel consumption per mile sailed, a 5% reduction in consumption of potable water per person, 30% (273,458 kg) of special waste recycled; 2,126 m3 of glass and aluminum recycled, and an 8.5% reduction in garbage.

Costa Cruises is Italy’s largest tourism group and Europe’s Number One Cruise Line.  For more than 60 years its ships have sailed the seas of the world, offering the best in Italian style, hospitality and cuisine and providing dream vacations filled with 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 more new ships are due to enter service by 2012.

100 Percent of Stateroom Sales to Benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation From Nov. 30 Oasis of the Seas Inaugural Celebration

Support Children’s Wishes by Attending Inaugural Celebration-Fundraiser & Receive Exclusive Promotional Price for Debut Vacation Cruise (Four-Day Cruise to Labadee, Departing the Following Day)

When Royal Caribbean International officially launches the Oasis of the Seas – the world’s most revolutionary cruise ship – on November 30 from Port Everglades - the cruise line will be doing more than making wishes come true for eager vacationers. They will be making more wishes come true for Make-A-Wish children from across the country.

Royal Caribbean has donated 1,000 staterooms for this inaugural, once-in-a-lifetime event to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The proceeds from all sales will benefit the nonprofit organization, which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Wish kids – some having their wishes granted onboard that evening – and their families will participate in the onboard festivities and enjoy the ship’s entertainment amenities.

Additionally, Royal Caribbean will offer exclusive discount pricing to all guests who purchase tickets to the Make-A-Wish launch-fundraising celebration on a four-night cruise package sailing to Labadee, departing the morning following the event (Dec. 1).

Per-person rates for the Make-A-Wish event begin at $750 each (based on double-occupancy) and up, depending on cabin package. Per-person rates for the extended four-day cruise begin at $650 each and up (again based on double-occupancy and cabin package).

Anyone interested in attending the November 30 festivities (and booking the exclusively discounted four-night cruise to Labadee departing Dec. 1) should contact Cynthia Paez, Royal Caribbean International, at 877-202-1520, ext. 12751, or by e-mailing her at cpaez@rccl.com, Monday- Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. Event attendance and the discounted four-night cruise package are available only through Paez.

The Nov. 30th event symbolizes Royal Caribbean’s ongoing support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Since 2000, the cruise line has hosted more than 1,300 children who wished to go on a cruise to destinations around the world.

Additionally, Royal Caribbean has contributed more than $2.8 million in in-kind services and $372,000 in discount savings through its Wishes at Sea program. Through employee and passenger fundraising efforts, it has also raised more than $480,000 and 460,000 frequent flier miles, used to secure airline tickets for children’s wish travel and help the Foundation conserve critical financial resources.

“The generosity of sponsors like Royal Caribbean has greatly enhanced our ability to grant life-affirming, world-class wishes and is critical to the mission of the Make-A-Wish Foundation to bring hope, strength and joy into the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions,” said David Williams, Make-A-Wish Foundation of America president and chief executive officer. “We hope that people across the nation will support the Foundation by joining us for this special inaugural cruise celebration and fundraising effort, enabling us to bring smiles to the faces of even more children – children who are waiting for wishes.”

World’s Largest and Most Revolutionary Cruise Ship Sails into her Home Port of Port Everglades Flanked by Ceremonial Maritime Escort

Royal Caribbean International’s newest cruise ship – the highly anticipated Oasis of the Seas – made her global debut today, arriving into her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. following a 14-day transatlantic crossing from Turku, Finland. Hundreds of eager onlookers – ranging from Royal Caribbean top executives to local government officials, residents and media – came out to welcome Oasis of the Seas to the United States for the first time and to be among the first to catch a glimpse of the world’s most revolutionary cruise ship.

In the course of the next six days, the ship will undergo the final touches in preparation for pre-inaugural festivities kicking off with an exclusive private performance by pop music artist Rihanna, the first performer ever to take the stage on Oasis of the Seas’, Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009. Oasis of the Seas will then make her national television premiere on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” Friday, Nov. 20, from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. (EST). Until that time, eager consumers can track her progress during the pre-inaugural activities via webisodes and updates, which are available at www.oasisoftheseas.com as well as join the conversation on Twitter by following @OasisandAllure and including #Oasisishere in Tweets.

The official naming ceremony for Oasis of the Seas will take place on Monday, Nov. 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. 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 Tuesday, 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.

RCCL cements strategic partnership with Shanghai International Port Group

Cruise line gears up for increased growth in Asian market

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is pleased to announce that the company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Shanghai International Port (Group) Co., Ltd. (SIPG) at Shanghai International Passenger Terminal yesterday. The memorandum will strengthen the strategic partnership between the two parties in areas of cruise operations in port, market promotion, staff training and management experience exchange. This cooperation will open more gateways to overseas visitors to Expo 2010 Shanghai and further boost China’s cruise market.

By leveraging the opportunities brought by China’s rapid economic growth and Expo 2010 Shanghai, the strategic partnership between the two parties is dedicated to jointly promoting the healthy and fast development of the Chinese cruise market.

Activities from SIPG include the development of the international cruise terminal with the addition of cruise-relevant retail outlets, market promotion, services as a ticket agent, and operating as a one-stop boarding and clearance service for Royal Caribbean guests. As part of the new commercial partnership, Royal Caribbean will share its operational experience of managing world-leading international cruise terminals with new staff training and development, as well as key activities to improve the operations and logistics, service quality and infrastructure of Shanghai International Passenger Terminal. Together Royal Caribbean and SIPG are working to ensure that Shanghai firmly establishes itself as a world-class port of call.

Long-term steady economic growth in China has led to a surge in consumer travel demand and an increase in the attractiveness of cruising. Statistics show that between February 14, 2009 and October 11, 2009, passenger volume has grown by 258 percent year-on-year at Shanghai Port. Outbound/inbound passengers and voyage numbers both hit record highs at Shanghai Port during that period. It is forecast that the number of international cruise passengers will reach 600,000 at Chinese sea ports in 2010.

“We are committed to developing SIPG into a world-class water gateway,” said Haihu Lu, Chairman of SIPG. “With a rapidly increasing number of cruise passengers, we have strengthened our investment in both infrastructure and management, and further upgraded our facilities and service levels in order to meet the growing demands of this market. Royal Caribbean is one of the world’s leading cruise companies and through this new strategic partnership we look forward to sharing their market-leading management and service experience, which will profoundly drive forward the cruise industry in Shanghai.”

“Royal Caribbean enters China at a crucial time when the industry is undergoing a period of rapid growth, in fact developing our business in China is part of our global expansion plan,” said Michael Bayley, senior vice president of international for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Such strategic partnerships are an important and valuable element of our activity to increase penetration in the Chinese market.”

Dr. Zinan Liu, Managing Director China, Royal Caribbean, added: “We have long enjoyed a mutually beneficial close working relationship with SIPG, and this new formal agreement gives each party a distinct opportunity to enhance the experience of both our domestic and international guests arriving or departing in China.”

Royal Caribbean has enjoyed a strong reaction to its Chinese port-based 2010 itineraries, particularly in the domestic Chinese market with key cruises over peak holiday times sold out. Cruise options include a five-night sailing onboard Royal Caribbean International’s Legend of the Seas from Shanghai calling at Kagoshima (Japan), and Busan (Republic Of Korea, South Korea) available in March 2010, and similar cruises throughout May and June 2010 and with the additional port of call of Fukuoka in Japan also included.

The approaching Expo 2010 Shanghai makes the strategic partnership between SIPG and Royal Caribbean an important one; the 2010 Expo Shanghai is scheduled to attract more luxury cruises to Shanghai, along with increased numbers of international tourists. Moreover, the Expo will also generate a wave of outbound travel to nearby countries such as Japan and South Korea.

Disney Cruise Line’s Newest Ship to Sail to Bahamas, Spending More Time at Castaway Cay, Disney’s Private Island Paradise

With the Disney Dream’s inaugural voyage just 14 months away, Disney Cruises opened bookings today. The Disney Dream will sail three-, four- and five-night cruises to Nassau, Bahamas and Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island.

The 2500 passenger Disney Dream will transport guests to the vacation of a lifetime with incredible family experiences, incomparable entertainment, immersive youth areas, adult indulgences, exceptional dining and technological innovations.

On Jan. 26, 2011, the Disney Dream is scheduled to depart Port Canaveral, Fla., for a four-night maiden voyage. For the majority of 2011, the Disney Dream will alternate three- and four-night sailings. During the summer months, the ship will alternate four- and five-night itineraries. The schedule also includes special five-night holiday cruises during Christmas and New Year’s.

All five-night sailings will include two stops at Castaway Cay – rated by Disney Cruise Line guests as their favorite port of call.

Rates for three- and four-night cruises on the Disney Dream start at $389 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

In preparation for the arrival of the Disney Dream, Castaway Cay will undergo several enhancements to provide more family-fun, additional conveniences and a slice of beachside luxury – all designed to complement the idyllic island setting. An expanded family beach, a new floating water platform with slides, two land-based water play areas, new private beach cabanas and many other upgrades will further transform Castaway Cay into the ultimate private island escape for adventure, relaxation and quality time with family.

First Cruise Ship to be named in an Arabian City – Inaugural Set for February 23, 2010

Costa, Europe’s Number One Cruise Line, and the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) announced today that the new Costa Deliziosa with be named in Dubai. Costa and DTCM will team up for the event, which marks the first time a cruise ship will be named in an Arabian city. The stunning new flagship of the Costa fleet will be inaugurated in the international locale on February 23, 2010. Today’s announcement was made at World Travel Market in London.

The naming ceremony will take place during the ship’s Grand Inaugural cruise, departing from Savona, Italy on February 5, 2010 and calling in Dubai from February 23-26. Costa guests sailing on the first leg of the grand maiden cruise will be able to attend the exclusive inaugural ceremony.

The Costa Deliziosa (92,600-tons; 2,260 dbl occ) is currently being fitted out at Fincantieri’s Marghera (Venice) shipyard and will be delivered on January 29, 2010. Together with her sister ship, Costa Luminosa, christened on June 5 of this year, the Costa Deliziosa will be the most exclusive and innovative ship in the Costa fleet. Both ships will be deployed in Dubai during winter 2009/10, offering 7-night cruises from Dubai, complete with two overnights and visits to other UAE countries.

“Costa Cruises was the first and it’s still the major operator to believe in the value of this new cruise destination, confirming the pioneering spirit of our Italian company,” said Fabrizia Greppi, Costa Crociere S.p.A. Vice President of Corporate Marketing & Communication. “Thanks to the partnership and four years of activities with the DTCM, we have boosted our presence, bringing ships to Dubai which are ambassadors of the best of “made in Italy” in the world. For the coming winter season Costa will deploy in the area “top of the range” sister ships Costa Luminosa and Costa Deliziosa. The naming ceremony of our fifteenth ship, Costa Deliziosa, in Dubai confirms our strategy while strengthening the partnership between Costa Cruises and DTCM. We are working together towards the same goal of creating an unforgettable event rich with surprise and atmosphere, combining the charming tradition of an Arabian night with the unique Italian style by Costa Cruises.”

Mr. Saleh Mohammed Al Geziry, director of overseas promotions and inward missions for the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) said “the cruise industry plays a crucial role in the overall growth and development of the tourism industry in Dubai and the region. We realized its importance long ago and created the infrastructure and services that were needed to tap its potential.”  He added, “we welcome Costa’s decision and hope that it will be a boost for the regional cruise industry. We will continue to devote our efforts to further promote this most-promising sector of the tourism industry. Costa’s decision to name Costa Deliziosa in Dubai reconfirms the emirate’s potential as the regional cruise industry hub. We are delighted with their decision and guarantee our whole hearted cooperation and support to make the initiative successful. We are confident that this will help expand the cruise tourism industry in the region and stimulate other cruise operators to use the emirate as a cruise hub.”

The Costa Deliziosa naming ceremony further strengthens the ties linking Dubai and Costa Cruises. The Italian company, together with AIDA Cruises, a German brand also belonging to Costa Crociere’s group, was the first to market regular cruises in the Arabian Gulf, turning Dubai into a major cruise destination and contributing to its growth as a tourism destination.

In winter 2009/2010, Costa’s ships are expected to bring 140,000 passenger movements to Dubai thanks to the presence of three ships - the Costa Luminosa, the Costa Deliziosa and the Costa Europa, for a total of 32 calls. The estimated economic impact will be approximately  €14 million,* coming from Costa guests’ direct spending, shore excursions, transfers, cruise operation expenditures,  and general expenditures (food & beverage). In addition to Costa Cruises’ ships, one AIDA Cruises ship, AIDAdiva (69,200-tons  and 2,500 total guests), will call 20 times in Dubai during the winter 2009/10 season.

In a survey, 80 percent of cruise passengers in Dubai revealed that they would extend their visit to the emirate during their next visit and 95 percent said they would recommend others to visit Dubai to enjoy its all-appealing facilities, pristine beaches and unparalleled shopping options.

In winter 2009/10 both Costa Deliziosa and Costa Luminosa will sail 7-night itineraries with two overnights in Dubai and one day calls at the ports of Muscat (Oman), Fujairah (United Arab Emirates), Abu Dhabi (UAE) and Bahrain.  The Costa Deliziosa will depart from Dubai on Sundays from March 24, 2010 to  May 9, 2010 the Costa Luminosa will depart on Saturdays from December 12, 2009 to April 10, 2010. In addition to the two Costa flagships, the Costa Europa will offer a brand new itinerary: 18-night winter cruises from Savona to Dubai and from Dubai to Savona – a unique itinerary crossing the Mediterranean, the Suez Canal and the Red Sea.

About Costa Deliziosa

The Costa Deliziosa is “the new jewel” of the Costa fleet –  the most exclusive and innovative ship intended for Costa’s “high-end” customers.  This is readily apparent in her cutting-edge design and use of premium materials such as various types of marble and granite, stucco applied by spatula using the technique known as “spatolato veneziano” and other decorative interior finishes including “parchment scroll” lamé, refined Zebrano wood and Wenge timber, Murano glass, and stylish polished and glazed steel.  Featured in the stunning atrium (a strong focal point on all Costa ships) are fine works of art, notably “Sphere” by Arnaldo Pomodoro and a piece by Mario Donizetti.

Whether it’s fun or relaxation, there are an incredibly large number of entertaining things to do on board, all involving the use of leading-edge technology. These include  4D cinema, a roller skating track, the latest generation golf simulator with a putting green, a Grand Prix race car driving simulator and  the exclusive 23,000 square-foot “Samsara Spa” complete with spa accommodations offering direct access to the wellness center. The ship also features “PlayStation World,” an area onboard dedicated exclusively to PlayStation3, as well as “PlayStation on demand” cabin service.

“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.

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.