Resolve Maritime Academy and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. announced today that plans are underway for new simulation-based training programs to enhance safety at sea for the cruise line’s personnel and guests. In 2011, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) selected Resolve to be their exclusive provider of all simulator-based training courses, and formalized arrangements to jointly develop the new programs. Beginning the second quarter of 2012, the innovative training will be offered to personnel at three of RCL’s cruise brands – Azamara Club Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International – at Resolve’s new Simulation Training Center, currently in final stages of construction, adjacent to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. A leader in the maritime emergency response and safety training field, Resolve offers an array of simulation-based courses and live-burn firefighting, fast boat rescue and other safety training programs for cruise lines and all other sectors of the maritime industry.

Utilizing state-of-the-art simulation technology, Resolve Maritime Academy designed and developed the new Simulation Training Center, and developed a suite of training programs specifically for Royal Caribbean. The new Center features a Det Norsk Veritas (DNV) Class A Full Mission Bridge Simulator, Electronic Chart Display & Information System (ECDIS) Classroom and Navigation Lab with a suite of “mini” bridges. Courses offered will include: Ship Handling; Bridge Resource Management (BRM); Operational Use of ECDIS; and RADAR/Automatic Radar Planning Aids (ARPA). Customized programs also will be offered, including: Integrated Bridge Systems (Sperry VisionMaster and NACOS Platinum); Dynamic Positioning Systems; and Communication & Leadership Development for all ranks and employees. Future plans include an Engine Room Simulator which will be utilized for operational and Engine Resource Management (ERM) training.

“The brands of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. are regarded as leaders in innovative ship building, design and safety and strive to continually enhance the fleet’s navigation and safety systems by consistently introducing the latest in state-of-the-art technology,” said Captain William S. Wright, Senior Vice President Marine Operations, Royal Caribbean International and Azamara Club Cruises.

“Through close collaboration with Resolve Marine Academy we have been able to design one of the most advanced ship simulators in the world,” said Celebrity Cruises Vice President, Marine Operations, Greg Purdy. “In doing so, we have utilized the same state-of-the-art technologies that are found on our ships allowing us to create a world class and industry leading marine training environment that is tailored to our fleets.”

Resolve Maritime Academy Director Denise Johnston said, “Our new Simulation Training Center greatly expands the training opportunities for shipboard personnel worldwide. In addition to standard bridge and engine room simulation courses, we will also offer training programs incorporating the use of bridge and engine room simulators with our Gray Manatee shipboard fire fighting training vessel/facility as well as Fast Rescue Boat and Hazwoper courses. Our first priority at the Academy has always been to improve safety at sea, and these new programs will improve competencies and help build ‘teamwork’ attitudes and behaviors in a dynamic, ‘real time’ environment. The cruise industry has the best safety record in transportation. This new generation of highly effective training will result in even greater safety for cruise line personnel and passengers, and all other sectors of the maritime industry.“

Resolve Maritime Academy, the maritime training subsidiary of RESOLVE Marine Group, Inc., specializes in shipboard fire, safety and hazardous materials response training, and simulator-based programs, and offers maritime certification courses for cruise line, tanker and cargo vessel personnel, and private yacht crew as well as land-based firefighting personnel. RESOLVE Marine Group is a leading, multi-faceted marine services group specializing in marine salvage, firefighting, emergency response, wreck removal, naval architecture and marine engineering, as well as maritime training worldwide. RESOLVE comprises four subsidiaries: RESOLVE Salvage & Fire, RESOLVE Marine Services, RESOLVE Engineering Group and Resolve Maritime Academy as well as Shanghai Resolve Shengmin OSRO Company(SRSOC), the Shanghai-based oil spill response joint venture serving China ports. To learn more about RESOLVE Marine Group, Inc. or Resolve Maritime Academy, visit www.resolvemarine.com or www.resolveacademy.com.

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Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that it is seeking the help of parents and kids to name its new Youth and Teen programs. The company today launched the “Up2YOU” naming contest inviting cruisers to submit names for the company’s youth and teen programs, along with names for each of the new age groups.

The contest runs from today through February 13, 2012 and the winners who name the new kids or teen program will receive a seven-day Caribbean cruise for a family of four. Those who submit the winning names for the six age groups within the new programs will receive a $100 American Express gift card. Norwegian announced earlier this month that it is revitalizing its current youth program and will implement a new best in class program fleet wide beginning on Norwegian Gem in mid-February and rolling out to all of the line’s Freestyle Cruising ships subsequently.

“We want to ensure that we have the best youth programs at sea for the more than 150,000 children and teens that sail with us each year,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “In the spirit of Freestyle Cruising, we thought that the parents and kids who utilize the programs would be the best to suggest names for them. We are looking for lots of originality and creativity along with names that really speak to today’s kids and teens.”

To enter, contestants should head to Norwegian’s website, fill out the online entry form and submit name options for one, any, or all of the following: the new Kids program; the new Teen program; and the six new age groups: six months to two years old; three to five years old; six to nine years old; 10 to 12 years old; 13-14 years old; and 15-17 years old.

There is no maximum amount of entries per person. The contest is open to residents of the United States and Canada (excluding Quebec) 18 years of age and older or, for entrants who are younger than 18, their entries can be submitted by a parent or guardian on the entrant’s behalf. For more information on how to enter and for the official rules and details on the prizes, visit Norwegian’s website.

Norwegian’s New Youth Programs

The line’s current program, Norwegian’s Kid’s Crew in place since 1999, is being redefined to better address the skills and interests of children. The new fully developed and enhanced curriculum tailored to each age group is being produced in conjunction with The King’s Foundation and Camps, a United Kingdom-based organization that provides high quality sport and activity programs designed to make a positive impact on children. More focus will be placed on sporting activities, arts and crafts, theater and technology. Activities will change every 30 to 60 minutes depending on the age group and will be set within blocks of programming time in the morning, afternoon and evening.
More details of the new youth and teen program will be released in the coming months.

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Princess Cruises is looking for 1,000 passenger-submitted cruise vacation photos to permanently showcase aboard its new Royal Princess when the ship debuts in spring 2013.

The line has launched a “1,000 Memories at Sea” contest inviting passengers to submit their best cruise vacation shots, which will be displayed on the walls of hallways between staterooms and in other locations around the ship. In addition, one lucky photographer will win a cruise for two, including airfare, on Royal Princess.

Whether they captured the perfect Caribbean sunset, caught Alaska wildlife in action, found a breathtaking rainbow over Hawaii, or snapped a meaningful moment onboard, passengers can submit their favorite cruise photos on Facebook, at princess.com/royalprincesscontest or by mail.

The “1,000 Memories at Sea” contest will be judged by a panel which is looking for creativity, originality, style, and images that capture the spirit of what it means to “escape completely.” Contest judges include Rai Caluori, Princess’ executive vice president of fleet operations; Teresa Anderson, the line’s vice president of interior design, and Ian Johnson, director of photography and video for Princess.

“With the introduction of Royal Princess, we wanted to pay tribute to our passengers and their vacation memories made aboard our ships,” said Jan Swartz, executive vice president for Princess. “This contest will be a fun opportunity for 1,000 of our passengers to be permanently recognized aboard our new ship, so they should start sifting through their travel photos now, and submit a remarkable shot to be considered.”

The “1,000 Memories at Sea” contest runs through March 31, 2012 and is open to entrants 21 years of age or older, residing in the United States, Canada (excluding Quebec), the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.

Full entry details for the contest can be found at princess.com/royalprincesscontest.

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Norwegian Cruise Line is raising a glass to Norwegian Epic’s recognition as “Best Overall Individual Cruise Ship” in Travel Weekly’s 2011 Readers Choice Awards, one of the most prestigious awards in the travel industry. Norwegian Epic, the line’s newest and most innovative ship, was selected by readers for offering a product and service that excelled and stood out as the industry’s best. To celebrate, guests who book a cruise on Norwegian Epic between January 29, 2012 and February 5, 2012 will receive a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine in their stateroom upon embarkation.

Through April 7, 2012, Norwegian Epic is sailing seven-day voyages to the Eastern Caribbean from Miami with stops in Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands; and Nassau, Bahamas, along with three relaxing days at sea. On April 14, 2012, Norwegian Epic embarks on an 11-day Transatlantic cruise from Miami to Barcelona with a stop in Ponta Delgada, Azores. From April 29 through October 14, 2012, the ship sails seven-day Western Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona, Spain. Ports of call include: Naples, Rome (Civitavecchia) and Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy; Cannes and Provence (Marseille), France.

Norwegian Epic offers the ultimate in Freestyle Cruising with more than 20 dining options; the largest suite complex at sea: The Haven by Norwegian; award-winning staterooms for solo travelers; world-class entertainment featuring Blue Man Group, Legends in Concert, Nickelodeon and Cirque Dreams® and Dinner and much more.

Guests can take advantage of this special incentive in addition to the “Norwegians Take it to the Next Level” sales event, where new reservations made now through March 31, 2012, can receive same category upgrades, reduced deposits and e-coupons worth up to $400 in on-board savings for sailings taking place before December 31, 2012. With these coupons, guests can splurge on some of the most popular amenities at sea. Once booked and checked in online, guests will receive electronic coupons for spa treatments, internet minutes and a complimentary dinner in a specialty restaurant.

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Windstar Cruises, which operates a fleet of three luxury sailing yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world’s most treasured destinations, offers two Greek Isles & Turkish Delights itineraries between Athens, Greece and Istanbul, Turkey this spring, summer and fall on the 148-guest Wind Star and Wind Spirit.

Greek Isles & Turkish Delights I
Set sail from Athens on a journey through history, from Minoan ruins on Santorini to the Celsus Library at Ephesus. As you pull in to the harbor, the stunning white-washed buildings and blue domes of Santorini welcome you to this breathtaking region. Dine on fresh seafood at chic seaside cafes, or spend the afternoon browsing the local Mykonos boutiques. Sip on ink-black Turkish coffee in a Bodrum tavern. Take a journey back in time while admiring the glorious ancient ruins of the Library of Celsus and Temple of Artemis in Ephesus.

Seven-day sailings from Athens to Istanbul visit Mykonos, Greece; Santorini, Greece; Rhodes, Greece; Bodrum, Turkey; and Kusadasi, Turkey depart May 5, 19, 26; June 2, 9, 16, 30; July 14, 28; August 11, 18, 25; September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; and October 6, 20, 2012. Two-for-one savings fares plus two free hotel nights available on select sailings, starting from $2,499 per person.

Greek Isles & Turkish Delights II
Capture the mystery of exotic Istanbul before sailing on to the chic islands of Santorini and Mykonos. Discover the vestiges of Ottoman glory at the famous Blue Mosque of Istanbul. Savor the sensuous aromas of exotic spices at Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar. Toast a glorious Aegean afternoon with a glass of ouzo in Santorini. View the majestic temple to Athena – the Parthenon on the Acropolis – with its dazzling presence towering over modern Athens.

Seven-day sailings from Istanbul to Athens visit Kusadasi, Turkey; Rhodes, Greece; Bodrum, Turkey; Santorini, Greece; and Mykonos, Greece depart May 19, 26; June 2, 9, 16, 23; July 7, 21; August 4, 18, 25; September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; and October 6, 27, 2012. Two-for-one savings fares plus two free hotel nights available on select sailings, starting from, $2,499 per person. Guests sailing from Istanbul also enjoy complimentary transfer from airport to hotel via Windstar Mercedes, plus Welcome Package, bottled water and the assistance of an English-speaking escort.

All fares mentioned are per person, in US dollars, cruise only, based on double occupancy in category B and include non-discountable amounts. Government fees and taxes are additional ($35-$300 per person). Two-for-one cruise fares are based on 50 percent of published full cruise fares as shown on select sailings. Two-night complimentary hotel offer is available per booked cabin, is applicable on select sailings and includes one complimentary transfer to or from the yacht, all tips, gratuities, taxes and luggage-handling fees. Offer is valid on new bookings only for select departures and subject to availability. Offer may not be combinable with any other promotional offers or discount. Offers are capacity controlled and may be withdrawn or modified at Windstar’s discretion at any time. Cancellation penalties may apply, please see brochure details. Certain restrictions apply. Offer expires February 24, 2012.

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Windstar Cruises, which operates a fleet of three luxury sailing yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world’s most treasured destinations, introduces three new Baltic itineraries this summer on the 312-guest Wind Surf at exceptional values.

From the glittering styles and vibrant harbors of Scandinavia’s capital cities, to the hidden coves and ancient mysteries of Northern Europe’s beautiful islands and quaint villages, discover the Baltic under full sail with two-for-one savings fares plus two free hotel nights in embarkation or disembarkation port cities.

Capitals of Scandinavia
Experience the gentle beauty, intriguing culture and beguiling city life of thoroughly modern Scandinavia. Vibrant with urban energy and world-class art, Scandinavia’s capital cities sparkle with lively entertainment and fascinating shops. Explore Oslo’s lush parks and bold architecture – palaces, canals and copper spires of Copenhagen—and the contrast of minimalist design and spice-colored buildings that is Stockholm. Seven-day sailings between Oslo, Norway and Stockholm, Sweden visit Stromstad, Sweden; Copenhagen, Denmark (overnight); Rugen, Germany; and Bornholm, Denmark depart July 27 and August 19, 2012. Two-for-one savings fares plus two free hotel nights per cabin in Oslo or Stockholm, starting from $2,799 per person.

Best of the Baltic
Witness the convergence of Baltic history, traditional culture and modern architecture, capped by an overnight in St. Petersburg. Wind Surf docks close to the center of each port—just steps away from the grand capitals and secluded hamlets. Explore the treasures of St. Petersburg’s magnificent Hermitage and the delights of its charming cafes. Four magical countries and six delightful cities—on one beautiful voyage through the enchanted shores of the Baltic Sea. Seven-day sailings roundtrip from Stockholm, Sweden visit Mariehamn, Finland; St. Petersburg, Russia (overnight); Helsinki, Finland; Tallinn, Estonia; and Sandhamn, Sweden depart August 3 and 11, 2012. Two free hotel nights per cabin in Stockholm, starting from $3,699 per person.

Treasures of Northern Europe
Enjoy three luxurious sailing days, plus the best of Northern Europe and overnights in Oslo and Amsterdam. Sail along magnificent coastlines through sparkling northern waters. Explore Northern Europe’s legendary cities and stand in the presence of some of the world’s great art masterpieces. Add a sprinkle of dazzling diamonds and the world’s best beer and chocolate for an unforgettable yachting cruise to Northern Europe’s priceless treasures. Eleven-day sailings between Lisbon, Portugal and Oslo, Norway visit Le Havre, France; Dover, Great Britain; Antwerp, Belgium; and Amsterdam, Netherlands (overnight) depart July 16 and August 26, 2012. Two-for-one savings fares plus two free hotel nights per cabin in Lisbon or Oslo, starting from $2,499 per person. Seven-day sailings, LeHavre to Oslo or reverse, are also available from $2,199, with two-for-one savings fares plus two free hotel nights per cabin in Oslo.

All fares mentioned are per person, in US dollars, cruise only, based on double occupancy in category B and include non-discountable amounts. Government fees and taxes are additional ($35-$300 per person). 2-for-1 cruise fares are based on 50 percent of published full cruise fares as shown on select sailings. Two-night complimentary hotel offer is available per booked cabin, is applicable on select sailings and includes one complimentary transfer to or from the yacht, all tips, gratuities, taxes and luggage-handling fees. Offer is valid on new bookings only for select departures and subject to availability. Offer may not be combinable with any other promotional offers or discount. Offers are capacity controlled and may be withdrawn or modified at Windstar’s discretion at any time. Cancellation penalties may apply, please see brochure details. Certain restrictions apply. Offer expires February 24, 2012.

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In 2013, Disney Cruise Line will offer new itineraries, including an expanded portfolio of European cruises with new destinations such as Venice, Italy, and the Greek Isles. In addition, Disney Cruise Line will utilize a second homeport in Florida, with Caribbean sailings departing from the Port of Miami for the first time.

With the addition of the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy to the fleet of cruise ships, Disney Cruise Line is able to take more families to more destinations around the world. Disney Cruise Line has always catered to the unique vacation needs of families, and next year will be enhancing the cruise options for guests — whether it’s sun and sand in the Caribbean, outdoor adventures in Alaska or experiencing the wonders of Europe.

Highlights of the Disney Cruise Line 2013 schedule (which can be booked beginning Jan. 26, 2012) include:

Mediterranean from Barcelona

Beginning June 1, 2013, the Disney Magic returns to Europe with plenty of new twists to the Mediterranean itineraries, including a four-night option and special 12-night sailings in addition to seven-night itineraries that treat guests to the best of Europe during the three-month season.

The new 12-night sailings visit destinations such as Venice, Italy, and Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast on one itinerary and Ephesus, Turkey and the Greek Isles including Athens, on another. Each itinerary will offer a sailing departing in June and another departing in July.

All itineraries depart from Barcelona, Spain, as the Disney Magic takes guests on an exciting journey of richly diverse cities, cultures and people. With romantic boulevards, bustling bazaars, iconic locations, mild climates, sun-drenched islands and the brilliant blue Mediterranean Sea, guests will enjoy a world-class family vacation with legendary Disney guest service.

Rates start at $796 per person for four-night cruises, $1,015 per person for seven-night cruises and $2,244 for 12-night cruises departing from Barcelona for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Four-night Mediterranean Getaway

Ports: Barcelona; Nice (Villefranche), France; Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Departure dates: July 9, Aug. 6

Seven-night Mediterranean Cruise

Ports: Barcelona; Nice (Villefranche), France; Florence (La Spezia), Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Naples, Italy

Departure dates: June 1, 8, Aug. 10, 17, 24, 31

12-night Mediterranean with Greece

Ports: Barcelona; Nice (Villefranche), France; Florence (La Spezia), Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey; Mykonos, Greece; Valetta, Malta

Departure dates: June 15, July 13

12-night Mediterranean with Venice

Ports: Barcelona; Nice (Villefranche), France; Florence (La Spezia), Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Naples, Italy; Venice, Italy (overnight); Dubrovnik, Croatia; Valetta, Malta

Departure dates: June 27, July 25

Bahamas and Western Caribbean from Miami

Disney Cruise Line will sail from Miami for the first time on Dec. 23, 2012. One six- and one seven-night Caribbean sailing aboard the Disney Wonder will set the stage for a schedule of four- and five-night cruises from Miami to the Bahamas and Western Caribbean between Jan. 5, 2013, and May 2, 2013. The four- and five-night cruises have a variety of itineraries. Ports of call may include Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman; Key West; Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

The itineraries offer families magical days at sea to explore all of the fun aboard the Disney Wonder and days in port to lounge on warm, golden beaches, to swim and snorkel in azure waters or to shop to their heart’s content in exotic marketplaces.

Rates for four- and five-night cruises departing from Miami start at $440 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Five-night Caribbean

Ports: Miami, Cozumel, Castaway Cay

Departure dates: Jan. 5, 19, Feb, 2, 16, March 2, 16, 30, April 13, 27

Five-night Caribbean

Ports: Miami, Grand Cayman, Cozumel

Departure dates: Jan. 14, 28, Feb. 11, 25, March 11, 25, April 8, 22

Four-night Bahamas

Ports: Miami, Key West, Nassau, Castaway Cay

Departure dates: Jan. 10, 24, Feb. 7, 21, March 7, 21, April 4, 18, May 2

Western Caribbean from Galveston

The Disney Magic, which will begin sailing from Texas in 2012, will continue to sail from the Port of Galveston through May 2013, to the Western Caribbean.

Rates start at $750 per person for six-night cruises and $920 per person for eight-night cruises departing from Galveston for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Six-night Caribbean:

Ports: Galveston, Grand Cayman, Cozumel

Departure dates: Dec. 15 and 29, 2012, Jan. 12, 26, Feb. 9, 23, March 9, 23, April 6, 20. May 4

Eight-night Caribbean:

Ports: Galveston, Key West, Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Cozumel

Departure dates: Dec. 21, 2012, Jan. 4, 18, Feb. 1, 15, March 1, 15, 29, April 12, 26, May 10

Alaska from Vancouver

Beginning May 27, 2013, the Disney Wonder will sail seven-night cruises from Vancouver to Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska.

These cruises will combine the natural wonder and adventurous spirit of Alaska with the unparalleled, family-friendly experience found on a Disney Cruise Line ship. Disney Cruise Line worked closely with Alaskan tour operators to create exclusive-to-Disney family-friendly Port Adventures that allow guests to best experience Alaska’s natural beauty and rich history.

Rates for seven-night Alaska cruises departing from Vancouver start at $1,015 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Seven-night Alaska:

Ports: Vancouver, Tracy Arm (scenic cruising through fjord), Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan

Departure dates: May 27, June 3, 10, 17, 24, July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26, Sept. 2

Caribbean and Bahamas from Port Canaveral

The Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream will continue to sail a variety of Caribbean and Bahamian itineraries departing from Port Canaveral.

The Disney Fantasy will sail out of Port Canaveral on seven-night Caribbean itineraries – alternating eastern (St. Maarten and St. Thomas) and western (Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Cozumel). Special Eastern Caribbean sailings, January through April 2013, stop at San Juan, Puerto Rico. All Disney Fantasy itineraries include a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

Rates for seven-night Caribbean cruises on the Disney Fantasy start at $1,085 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

The Disney Dream will sail three-, four- and five-night cruises from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

Rates for three- and four-night Bahamian cruises on the Disney Dream start at $450 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Adventures By Disney

Disney Cruise Line and Adventures by Disney will offer families unique land and sea experiences in the Mediterranean. Available on select departures, guests can maximize the magic with three-night or four-night pre-cruise Adventures by Disney vacation itineraries in Barcelona and Madrid. These immersive add-ons allow families to envelop themselves in the culture of the region with VIP access in the most-sought-after tourist destinations – such as the Sagrada Familia Cathedral in Barcelona and the El Prado museum in Madrid – as well as hands-on lessons in archeology, flamenco dancing, local cuisine and stained glass crafting. Each Adventures by Disney departure is led by knowledgeable Adventure Guides who handle all the planning logistics so parents can relax and enjoy quality time with their family.

Families can also enhance seven-night and 12-night Mediterranean sailings with Adventures by Disney Onboard Experience packages. Throughout the voyage, guests will have access to exclusive Adventures by Disney activities and concierge service from dedicated Adventure Guides. These guides will also lead travelers at each port, helping them unlock the wonders of each destination through exclusive excursions and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Specific itinerary and pricing information for the 2013 Adventures by Disney experiences will be available in March 2012.

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Norwegian Cruise Line is launching an interactive Facebook contest encouraging fans to “See the World the Norwegian Way.” Through March 31, 2012, participants will have a chance to win one of five incredible seven-day cruises to one of the top cruise destinations around the world. Each weekday, Norwegian will release a new contest clue on its Facebook page. Fans will have to collect responses to all five clues and then correctly answer each in order to be entered into the contest.

The exciting contest is centered on the five different destination-focused Wave season offers, including Europe; Alaska and Hawaii; Bermuda and Bahamas; and the Caribbean. During each two-week offer, Norwegian will post a question or riddle about the line’s products, ports-of-call or destinations, which fans will have to solve. A new clue will be revealed every day from Monday through Friday on the dedicated “Destinations” tab. Once all five clues have been collected, participants will have the opportunity to submit their answers into the contest entry form. Those who submit correct answers to all five questions will be entered to win a cruise for two to one of Norwegian’s most sought after cruise destinations.

The contest kicks off today with a two-week focus on Europe and then transitions into an Alaska & Hawaii focus on February 6; Bahamas & Florida on February 20; Caribbean on March 5; and finally a fleet-wide focus on March 19. Fans may submit one entry per each two week promotional period and are encouraged to participate in all phases of the contest. The five winners will be announced on the line’s Facebook page at the beginning of April.

As part of “Norwegians Take it to the Next Level” sales event, new reservations made through March 31, 2012, can receive same category upgrades, reduced deposits
and e-coupons worth up to $400 in on-board savings (for sailings taking place before December 31, 2012) on select ships.

With these coupons, guests can take advantage of some of the most popular amenities at sea. Once booked and checked in online, guests will receive electronic coupons for spa treatments, internet minutes and a complimentary dinner in a specialty restaurant.

To enter, visit Norwegian’s Facebook page at www.ncl.com/facebook. To book a cruise on board one Norwegian Cruise Line’s Freestyle Cruising® ships, contact a travel professional, call Norwegian at 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com.

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Following the tragic Costa Concordia accident, Carnival Corporation & plc, parent company of Costa Cruises and nine leading cruise lines around the world, today announced a comprehensive audit and review of all safety and emergency response procedures across all of the company’s cruise lines.

Carnival Corporation & plc and the cruise industry as a whole have maintained an excellent safety record over the years. “However, this tragedy has called into question our company’s safety and emergency response procedures and practices,” said Micky Arison, chairman and CEO of Carnival Corporation & plc. “While I have every confidence in the safety of our vessels and the professionalism of our crews, this review will evaluate all practices and procedures to make sure that this kind of accident doesn’t happen again.”

The review is being led by Captain James Hunn, a retired U.S. Navy Captain and currently the company’s senior vice president of Maritime Policy & Compliance. Following a 32-year career in the Navy, Hunn has held senior positions at Carnival Corporation & plc for nearly a decade, focusing on corporate-wide efforts to establish maritime policy standards, while overseeing the company’s health, environmental, safety, and security practices.

Hunn and senior health and safety executives from each of the lines will review all safety and emergency response policies and procedures, officer and crew training and evaluation, bridge management and company-wide response and support efforts. Hunn will report to the Health, Environment, Safety & Security Committee of the Board, and to Howard Frank, vice chairman and chief operations officer of Carnival Corporation & plc.

In addition, the Health, Environment, Safety & Security Committee is engaging outside industry-leading experts in the fields of emergency response organization, training and implementation to conduct an audit of all of the company’s emergency response and safety procedures and to conduct a thorough review of the Costa Concordia accident.

Frank said, “This company-wide initiative will identify lessons learned and best practices to further ensure the security and safety of all of our passengers and crew.”

Carnival Corporation & plc also supports the call for a comprehensive evaluation of safety regulations by the International Maritime Organization, which was requested earlier today by the Cruise Lines International Association.

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1. Carnival Corporation & plc Chairman and CEO Statement Regarding Costa Concordia January 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — 4:45 pm EST — This...
2. CARNIVAL CORPORATION & PLC REQUIRED ANNOUNCEMENT ON FINANCIAL IMPACT OF COSTA CONCORDIA January 16, 2012. Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE:...
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Costa Cruise Lines and its parent company, Carnival Corporation & plc, today confirmed their commitment to provide full support to those passengers, crew and families of the victims of the Costa Concordia grounding.

“I give my personal assurance that we will take care of each and every one of our guests, crew and their families affected by this tragic event. Our company was founded on this principle and it will remain our focus,” said Micky Arison, chairman and CEO of Carnival Corporation & plc.

In this spirit, Costa has been arranging lodging and transportation for affected passengers and crew members to return home. Every passenger and crew member or their family is being contacted and the company has offered its assistance and counseling as needed, and will be addressing personal possessions lost on board. Costa has also begun the process of refunding all voyage costs including both passenger cruise fares and all costs incurred while on board. Our senior management teams are working together to determine additional support.

“During this time of tragedy, we are doing our very best to provide the needed support to the Costa Concordia passengers, crew and their families,” said Pier Luigi Foschi, chairman and CEO of Costa Cruises.

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1. Carnival Corporation & plc Chairman and CEO Statement Regarding Costa Concordia January 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — 4:45 pm EST — This...
2. CARNIVAL CORPORATION & PLC REQUIRED ANNOUNCEMENT ON FINANCIAL IMPACT OF COSTA CONCORDIA January 16, 2012. Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE:...
3. Carnival Corporation & plc Announces Comprehensive Audit and Review of Safety and Emergency Response Across All Its Cruise Lines January 19, 2012. Following the tragic Costa Concordia accident, Carnival...

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