Sapphire Princess set sail this weekend after an extensive three-week makeover to add a host of signature Princess Cruises’ signature features to the ship.

Currently sailing on a cruise to Hawaii, Sapphire Princess passengers can now enjoy a brand-new Piazza atrium with the International Café and Vines wine bar, plus the new Alfredo’s Pizzeria. On the top deck, the cruise ship now features a giant Movies Under the Stars screen, and passengers can also relax in the ship’s “pocket of tranquility,” the adults-only Sanctuary.

“Making these changes to Sapphire Princess was an important step to ensure that our signature shipboard features can be found wherever our passengers want to sail,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president.

An album of photos of the renovation process is now available on Princess’ Flickr page.

The many changes to Sapphire Princess include:

New Piazza Atrium – The ship’s atrium space has been redesigned to include this signature Princess feature – a European-inspired social hub of the ship combining always-changing quick bites and light meals, beverages, entertainment, shopping and guest services. The Piazza features the International Café for pastries, fresh panini sandwiches, salads, fresh-baked cookies and a variety of coffee drinks. Passengers can also enjoy a new Vines wine bar offering a selection of more than 30 wines by the glass, plus a selection of tapas and sushi, and a wine shop where they can purchase their favorite bottle.

Alfredo’s Pizzeria – Introduced last year aboard Grand Princess, Alfredo’s has now expanded to its second location on Sapphire Princess. The sit-down pizzeria serves up an enticing menu of freshly prepared, hand-stretched, individual-size pizzas. Named for the line’s master executive chef, Alfredo Marzi, the pizzeria features an open kitchen where passengers can watch chefs create their custom-made pies.

Movies Under the Stars – Sapphire Princess has become the final ship in the current Princess fleet to introduce Movies Under the Stars on board. The giant poolside movie screen now showcases feature films, concerts, awards shows and sports events, and passengers can enjoy their viewing on padded loungers under warm, fleece blankets. Complimentary popcorn and other treats enhance the al fresco entertainment experience.

The Sanctuary – Sapphire Princess was also the final ship to receive The Sanctuary, a tranquil retreat exclusively for adults. Added prior to drydock, the new Sanctuary space has already received an enthusiastic welcome from passengers enjoying the enhanced comforts of this peaceful oasis, as Serenity Stewards attend to their every need, offering refreshing beverages, light snacks, pre-loaded MP3 players, and the cooling mist of an Evian atomizer.

Also part of the ship’s renovation were several relocated and upgraded venues, including the Art Gallery, Internet Café and Library, and the Photo-Video Gallery. New carpet, upholstery and tile work was added throughout the ship, and staterooms now feature new flat-screen televisions.

Sapphire Princess set sail on February 4 on a 14-day Hawaiian Islands cruise roundtrip from Los Angeles.

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In 2012 Holland America Line’s Culinary Arts Center Program will host an all-star line-up of more than 60 celebrated chefs, cookbook authors and television personalities from the culinary world, including YouTube culinary sensation and “The Next Food Network Star” personality Serena Palumba, “Top Chef: Just Desserts” participant Zac Young and Chef Tony Maws, winner of the 2011 James Beard Award for “Best Chef: Northeast.”

The Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine magazine, enables guests aboard the line’s 15 ships to experience culinary demonstrations in a full show kitchen, tastings, question-and-answer sessions and hands-on classes conducted by top chefs, wine experts and leading cookbook authors.

“The Culinary Arts Center is at the core of Holland America Line’s enrichment program and each year we bring on board the most talented and entertaining culinary experts in their field,” said Richard Meadows, Holland America Line’s executive vice president of marketing, sales and guest programs. “We want our guests to have a special experience that makes them want to go home and tell friends and family they learned how to make a new dish from a well-known chef.”

Celebrity Chefs featured in Holland America Line’s 2012 Culinary Arts Center Program include:

Kaushik Chowdhury is executive pastry chef at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa in Phoenix, Ariz. Chowdhury has received numerous awards including first place in the Food Network’s Sugar Showdown competition and a gold medal at the 2009 U.S. National Pastry Championship. He is scheduled to sail aboard ms Amsterdam during the 18-day Grand World Voyage segment departing April 10. Chowdhury also is scheduled to sail Oct. 9 and Oct. 27 during segments of Amsterdam’s Grand Asia and Australia Voyage.

Linton Hopkins is owner and executive chef of Restaurant Eugene in Atlanta, Ga., and a multiple James Beard award nominee. He was recently nominated for a 2011 James Beard Award in the “Best Chef: Southwest” category. Hopkins is slated to sail aboard ms Eurodam’s 10-day Gems of the Baltic cruise June 14.

Tony Maws is executive chef and owner of Craigie on Main in Cambridge, Mass. The contemporary French cuisine restaurant was named one of Boston’s “10 Most Influential Restaurants of the Decade” by The Boston Globe, and Maws himself was named one of America’s “10 Best New Chefs” by Food & Wine magazine. In 2011, he won the prestigious James Beard Foundation Award for “Best Chef: Northeast.” Chef Maws is scheduled to sail aboard ms Ryndam’s Norwegian Fjords cruise May 6.

Serena Palumba is a teaching chef, television personality and recent finalist from season six of the Food Network’s hit show “The Next Food Network Star.” Palumba created an instant-hit series of instructional videos on YouTube called “Cooking in Manhattan” that teach viewers how to prepare meals with simple ingredients and limited equipment within the confines of a small urban kitchen. Palumba is scheduled to sail on ms Veendam’s seven-day Bermuda cruise April 29.

Jonathan Sawyer is executive chef of Greenhouse Tavern, recently named one of the top 10 best new restaurants in the U.S. by Bon Appetit magazine and best new restaurant by Cleveland Magazine. Sawyer has appeared on the Food Network’s “Dinner: Impossible” and “Iron Chef America,” and was recently honored by Food & Wine magazine as one of America’s best new chefs. He is scheduled to sail on ms Zuiderdam’s seven-day Alaska Inside Passage cruise Aug. 18.

Leslie Sbrocco is a wine expert, award-winning author and television personality. She is the host of the PBS series “Check, Please!” for which she won both the coveted James Beard Award and an Emmy Award. She has written two books, “Wine for Women: A Guide to Buying, Pairing and Sharing Wine” and “The Simple & Savvy Wine Guide.” Sbrocco is slated to sail on ms Maasdam‘s 10-day Eastern Caribbean cruise Nov. 30.

Denise Vivaldo is a culinary consultant, food stylist and celebrated cookbook author. Vivaldo has catered more than 10,000 parties and has cooked for notable guests such as U.S. Presidents George H.W. Bush and Ronald Reagan, Prince Charles and Bette Midler. Additionally, she has styled food for various nationally syndicated television shows including The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Inside Dish with Rachel Ray. Vivaldo is scheduled to sail on ms Westerdam’s seven-day Alaskan Explorer cruise July 21.

Zac Young is executive pastry chef of Flex Mussels Restaurant in New York City. He trained in France with renowned chefs Philippe Givre at Valrhona and Philippe Parc at Chocolate Michel Cluizel, where he developed his signature style of using French techniques and bold flavors for a creative spin on classic American desserts. Young finished in the final four of Bravo’s first season of “Top Chef: Just Desserts” and can be seen on The Cooking Channel’s new series “Unique Sweets.” Young is scheduled to sail on ms Volendam’s 23-day South Pacific cruise April 10.

Other notable Culinary Arts Center guest chefs and cuisine experts slated to sail in the 2012 season include:

Hugh Acheson, judge on “Top Chef” season nine, culinary author, executive chef and partner of Five & Ten and The National in Athens, Ga., sails on ms Veendam’s May 27 Bermuda cruise.
Timon Balloo, executive chef of Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill in Miami, Fla., sails on ms Noordam’s Riviera Romance cruise Oct. 15.
Paul Carter, executive chef of The Phoenician in Phoenix, Ariz., sails on ms Zuiderdam Aug. 18 in Alaska.
Jeffrey Elliot, director of culinary relations for Zwilling JA Henckels, Demeyere, and Staub, knife skills expert and executive chef of Zwilling JA Henckels – USA, sails on ms Eurodam Dec. 8 in the eastern Caribbean.
Jason Franey, executive chef of Canlis Restaurant in Seattle, Wash., sails aboard ms Oosterdam’s New Zealand Discovery cruise Oct. 24.
George Geary, culinary journalist, author and educator, sails on ms Rotterdam Aug. 4 in the Baltic.
Matt Gennuso, executive chef and owner of Chez Pascal, a French-American bistro in Providence, R.I., sails on ms Amsterdam June 1 in Alaska.
Paulette Mitchell, culinary instructor and author of 11 cookbooks, sails on a segment of Amsterdam’s Grand World Voyage departing March 21.
Patricio Sandoval, executive chef at Mercadito Chicago, sails aboard Rotterdam’s 14-day Spring Panama Canal cruise departing April 3.
Kevin Sbraga, executive chef and owner of Sbraga restaurant in Philadelphia, Pa., and Bravo’s “Top Chef” season seven winner, sails on Noordam July 17 in the Mediterranean.
Angelo Sosa, executive chef and co-owner of Social Eatz, an “American-Asian” restaurant and bar in New York City and Bravo’s “Top Chef” season seven finalist, sails on Prinsendam Aug. 8 in Norway and the British Isles.
Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough, authors of the “Ultimate” cookbook series, sail on Amsterdam Nov. 17 for a segment of the Grand Asia & Australia Voyage.

Holland America Line’s Culinary Arts Center

Holland America Line’s industry trend-setting Culinary Arts Centers are featured on each of the line’s 15 ships. A “world class show kitchen at sea,” the Culinary Arts Centers presented by Food & Wine magazine resembles the elaborate show kitchens used by celebrity chefs on television cooking programs. The facilities are used for cooking shows, wine tastings, hands-on cooking classes and mixology presentations. All events are taught by highly-skilled culinary and beverage staff during every Holland America Line voyage.

Each facility features a theater-style venue with two large video screens and a large cooking display counter. In partnership with Food & Wine magazine, Holland America Line has scheduled approximately 60 celebrated chefs and wine experts to sail in 2012. Holland America Line also offers a youth Culinary Arts Center activity program on select sailings to teach kids and teens how to cook. The program incorporates dishes from breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks in complimentary 45-minute-long classes.

The Culinary Arts Center is part of Holland America Line’s innovative and industry-leading culinary initiatives, which also include a partnership with Le Cirque to present “An Evening at Le Cirque in the Pinnacle Grill” and a Culinary Council comprised of renowned international chefs Jonnie Boer, David Burke, Marcus Samuelsson, Jacques Torres, Charlie Trotter and the line’s Master Chef Rudi Sodamin.

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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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