Building on previous announcements for its Florida and Gulf Of Mexico based ships, Royal Caribbean International today announced the remainder of its 2013-14 Caribbean & Panama Canal itineraries, marking the cruise line’s largest deployment ever in the region. In total, vacationers can choose from among more than 630 sailings aboard 15 ships, departing from nine homeports, and calling at 45 different ports on more than 110 distinct itineraries.

From San Juan, Puerto Rico, Royal Caribbean will once again offer year-round options aboard Jewel of the Seas with three Southern Caribbean itineraries in the summer and autumn 2013 seasons, and two itineraries in the winter and spring 2013-14 seasons. Departing every Saturday, the seven-night, round-trip itineraries include calls at a range of exciting ports throughout the Windward and Leeward Islands, including St. Lucia, St. Kitts, Antigua, and the U.S.V.I., as well as St. Maarten, Barbados, Aruba and Curacao. Additionally, Adventure of the Seas returns for the winter 2013-14 season to bolster Royal Caribbean’s offerings from San Juan, alternating two seven-night Southern Caribbean itineraries. On one itinerary, guests call at St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Aruba and Curacao, while the second calls at Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, St. Maarten and St. Croix. These sailings open for sale today.

Grandeur of the Seas returns to Baltimore, Md. on May 3, 2013 to take over for Enchantment of the Seas, currently deployed in Baltimore through early April 2013. Grandeur of the Seas was Royal Caribbean’s first ship deployed in Baltimore from 2004-09, and is currently undergoing an extensive revitalization to deliver a host of new dining venues – including six new specialty dining choices, technological upgrades and new entertainment features, as well as a refresh of all furniture, carpet, upholstery and staterooms. Families with toddlers can take advantage of the newly installed Royal Babies and Tots Nursery, which cater to the cruise line’s youngest guests, age 6 to 36 months. Guests also will enjoy an oversized LED video screen offering entertainment as guests lounge by the pool, and take in a new high-flying experience, where aerialists glide through the ship’s five-story atrium.

Throughout the year, vacationers can choose among a variety of itineraries to Bermuda, Bahamas, and the Eastern and Western Caribbean. In the summer, the itineraries will alternate between seven-night Bermuda sailings, featuring a two-night call at Kings Wharf, and seven-night sailings to the Bahamas, calling at Port Canaveral, Fla.; Nassau, Bahamas; and CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island paradise in the Bahamas. In autumn, Grandeur of the Seas will alternate between six-night Bermuda and eight-night Canada and New England sailings. The winter season will consist of rotating 10-night sailings to the Eastern and Western Caribbean as well as eight-night sailings to the Bahamas. These sailings will open for sale on Thursday, May 17, 2013.

Legend of the Seas returns to the Caribbean in Winter 2013-14, alternating an 11-night Southern Caribbean – with calls at Aruba, Bonaire, Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia, and Antigua – and a 10-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary – Tortola, St. Maarten, Dominica, Antigua and St. Kitts – roundtrip from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. A 15-night Eastbound and Westbound Panama Canal sailing between Port Everglades and San Diego bookends the season. Scheduled for its revitalization in early 2013, Legend of the Seas will offer guests a virtually new ship that features more dining options, new and exciting entertainment, upgraded technological conveniences and much more. These sailings opened for sale today.

Also in winter 2013-14, vacationers can choose four- and five-night Western Caribbean itineraries aboard Brilliance of the Seas, sailing round-trip from Tampa, Fla. and calling at Cozumel, Mexico on the four-night, and George Town, Cayman Islands and Cozumel on the five-night cruises. Aboard select five-night sailings, guests call at Key West, Fla., instead of George Town. Vacationers also can select a 13-night Southern Caribbean itinerary, departing on Oct. 27 from Boston, Mass. to Tampa. These sailing will open for sale on Thursday May 17.

Short Caribbean Getaways

Enchantment of the Seas arrives at Port Canaveral on the heels of the transfer of Monarch of the Seas to Royal Caribbean’s sister cruise line Pullmantur. Starting Apr. 13 2013, Enchantment of the Seas offers a 12-night Southern Caribbean sailing from Baltimore to Port Canaveral before inaugurating her year-round service, sailing three- and four-night Bahamas itineraries from the port starting April 25. Enchantment of the Seas also is scheduled to be revitalized in Dec. 2012, to offer guests more onboard amenities and refreshed spaces for a rejuvenating Bahamian getaway.

Majesty of the Seas will complement this program continuing her three- and four-night year-round itineraries from Miami. Departing every Monday and Friday, both ships call at Nassau and CocoCay. The four-night itinerary for Majesty of the Seas also features a call in Key West.

Liberty of the Seas will round out the short Caribbean itineraries with four- and five-night cruises sailing from Port Everglades. The four-night itinerary calls at Cozumel, while two five-night itineraries alternate Cozumel and Belize City, Belize, and Falmouth and Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private destination in Haiti. Liberty of the Seas features world-class entertainment including Saturday Night Fever, the Broadway show, and the DreamWorks Experience bringing the popular characters from Shrek, Madagascar and more into Royal Caribbean’s renowned entertainment programs including themed parades, ice shows and character breakfasts. These sailings open for sale on Wednesday, May 23.

Autumn Charms of New England

Throughout autumn 2013, Brilliance of the Seas and Grandeur of the Seas will deliver the incredible colors of autumn foliage and unmatched charm of New England and Canada. Brilliance of the Seas offers six sailings every Sunday from Boston on seven-night round-trip itineraries from Sept. 15 through Oct. 20, while Grandeur of the Seas will offer four sailings from Baltimore on eight-night round-trip itineraries departing alternate Thursdays from Sept. 5 through Oct. 17. Guests aboard both ships will call at Portland and Bar Harbor in Maine; and Saint John, New Brunswick, and Halifax, Nova Scotia, in Canada.

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Groundbreaking ceremonies for the Caribbean’s newest destination, the $65 million Amber Cove Cruise Center, were held yesterday in the Dominican Republic at the project site on the Bay of Maimon located near Puerto Plata in the country’s North Coast.

The new facility – which represents one of the largest cruise industry investments ever made in the Dominican Republic – is scheduled to open in 2014. The project is designed to re-establish the Dominican Republic’s North Coast as a popular cruise destination. The last cruise ship to call at Puerto Plata was nearly 30 years ago.

The ceremony attracted a number of dignitaries from the Dominican Republic, including President Dr. Leonel Fernandez Reyna, Minister of Tourism Francisco Javier Garcia, Minister of Public Works & Communications Victor Diaz Rua, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources Ernesto Reyna, Director of the Dominican Republic’s Center for Export and Investment (DR-CEI) Eddie Martinez, Customs Director Rafael Camilo and Dominican Port Authority (APORDOM) Director Ing. Ramon Rivas.

A joint project between Carnival Corporation & plc and the Rannik family of Grupo B&R, the new two-berth Amber Cove Cruise Center will be able to accommodate up to 8,000 cruise passengers and 2,000 crew members daily. The facility is expected to host more than 250,000 cruise passengers in its first year of operation.

Amber Cove will encompass 30 acres of waterfront property and will feature a welcome center with a variety of retail offerings, including a marketplace for locally sourced Dominican crafts and souvenirs, as well as a wide range of themed restaurants and bars and an exciting water attraction. A transportation hub allowing visitors easy access by land and sea to the surrounding destinations and attractions will be included, as well.

“This is a glorious day for the Dominican Republic. It is already being inscribed in the annals of our recent economic history as one of the most significant steps we have taken to assure the transformation and development of Puerto Plata, the northern region, and the entire country. With this cruise terminal, tourism and economic activity in Puerto Plata and the north region will rise to occupy a preeminent regional position in the entire Caribbean, showing that a combination of natural beauty, a supportive government policy, investment by a world-class company determined to put its trust in our country, and above all the quality of our people, are key factors that can secure present and future generations ample growth opportunities in the tourism sector,” said President Leonel Fernández Reyna.

Added Jeffrey Rannik from the Rannik family/Grupo B&R, “We’re very pleased to team up with cruise industry leader Carnival Corporation & plc on the exciting Amber Cove project which will serve to re-establish the North Coast as a major destination for cruise ship visitors. This magnificent facility will not only provide cruise ship guests with a positive shoreside experience but also serve as an economic catalyst for the North Coast and the surrounding region.”

“Amber Cove promises to be a spectacular facility that will serve as a gateway for cruise guests to experience the natural beauty and wonder that makes the Dominican Republic such an attractive tourist destination,” said Giora Israel, Carnival Corporation & plc’s senior vice president of global port and destination development.

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Norwegian Cruise Line executives and officials from MEYER WERFT took part in the Keel Laying Ceremony of Norwegian Breakaway at the ship yard in Papenburg, Germany on Friday, May 4. During the official ceremony, the first of 73 blocks that will comprise the 144,000 gross ton vessel was lifted into the covered building dock, marking the start of the block assembly.

In the dock, Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer, laid the traditional “lucky coin,” before the 350-ton first block was placed by the 800-ton crane. A special commemorative coin was created to celebrate the day’s activities. A virtual version of the coin will be available tonight at 9 pm ET on the line’s Facebook page for fans to see and share with their friends.

“The anticipation is building for this incredible ship,” said Sheehan. “It’s thrilling to mark the start of the block assembly and realize that in one year we will take delivery of Norwegian Breakaway. We can’t wait.”

Norwegian Breakaway is the first ship being built by MEYER WERFT utilizing a more efficient construction process which will deliver a ship of more than 140,000 gross tons in less than 12 months.

“We are so proud to begin the process of constructing the ship out of 73 blocks
that form the structure of the ship and are looking forward to seeing it take shape over
the coming months,” said Bernard Meyer, managing director of MEYER WERFT.
“Norwegian Cruise Line has a reputation in the industry for innovation and we are very
happy to continue that with this new ship.”

The 4,000 passenger Norwegian Breakaway will arrive in her year-round
homeport of New York City in early May 2013. The ship will begin weekly summer
seven-day cruises to Bermuda on Sunday, May 12, 2013. From October 2013 through
April 2014, the ship will offer voyages from the heart of Manhattan to the Bahamas &
Florida and the Southern Caribbean.

To date, the company has revealed the ship’s groundbreaking design, including
The Waterfront and 678 Ocean Place, a wide range of indoor and outdoor venues on
three dynamic decks that will create a whole new complex at sea that enhances guests’
connection with the ocean. The top decks of Norwegian Breakaway will feature the first
Aqua Park at sea with five full-size water slides, including twin Free Fall slides, the first
ever at sea, and a three-story sports complex that includes the largest ropes course at
sea, a nine-hole miniature golf course, basketball court, rock climbing wall and more.
The ship will also feature a rich mix of stateroom options including The Haven by
Norwegian, comprised of 42 Suites at the top of the ship and 18 additional Suites
located throughout the ship; the innovative Studios, designed and priced for solo
travelers; the re-introduction of Oceanview staterooms, Balcony and Mini-Suites; along
with Spa Balcony, Mini-Suites and Suites in close proximity to the spa.

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Royal Caribbean International continues to bring the cruise line’s most innovative features and popular venues first introduced on Oasis-class ships to its fleet with the revitalization of Grandeur of the Seas this month. The ship begins a five-week long, $48 million dry dock at the Navantia ship yard in Cadiz, Spain, where she will receive an array of new venues, jaw-dropping entertainment and exciting amenities for guests. Grandeur of the Seas is the third of six Vision-class ships to undergo extensive revitalization. The two previous were Rhapsody of the Seas, now sailing in Alaska waters, and Splendour of the Seas, offering itineraries in Brazil.

“This latest revitalizaton is part of our pursuit to continually raise the bar to deliver the best experience for our guests. Coupled with itineraries to exciting global destinations and friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service from every staff and crew member, these virtually new ships will continue to deliver the Royal Advantage,” said Lisa Bauer, senior vice president of Global Sales and Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. “With the completion of our fleet-wide revitalization and enhancement program, every ship will be our best ship.”

The bow-to-stern revitalization of Grandeur of the Seas includes a host of new dining venues, technological upgrades and new entertainment offerings, as well as a refresh of all furniture, carpet, upholstery and staterooms.

Guests looking for a savory dining experience onboard Grandeur of the Seas will be in for a treat with an array of new dining venues including:

·Giovanni’s Table: An Italian trattoria featuring classic dishes served family style (open for lunch, $15 per guest, and dinner, $20 per guest)

·Izumi Asian Cuisine: Featuring mouthwatering flavors with hand rolled sushi, as well as hot-rock cooking, the pan-Asian cuisine restaurant is an authentic dining experience (open for lunch, $3.00 per guest, and dinner, $5.00 per guest plus a la carte menu pricing)

·Park Café: An outdoor gourmet market featuring customized salads, sandwiches, soups and pastries (open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, complimentary)

·Chops Grille: Royal Caribbean’s signature steakhouse, offering premium cuts and quality meats (open for dinner, $30 per guest)

·Chef’s Table: An exclusive and intimate event co-hosted by the Executive Chef and Sommelier for a five-course, wine-pairing fine dining experience (open for dinner, $95 per guest).

In addition, the ship will receive a new Diamond Lounge for Crown & Anchor Society loyalty guests, a Concierge Lounge for suite guests and top-tier loyalty guests, as well as a transformed Viking Crown Lounge that will feature a stunning new design, as well as a new menu featuring bite-size delectables.

The line’s youngest guests, children ages six to 36 months old, won’t be left out as the ship will feature a Royal Babies and Tots Nursery. The nursery offers parents childcare drop-off options in the daytime and evening, carefully maintaining an optimum staff to child ratio. Daily interactive free-time play also is offered for parents and children, encouraging them to bond while playing with a variety of Fisher-Price developmental toys in specially designed programs offered exclusively for Royal Caribbean.

For those guests looking to stay connected while onboard, Grandeur of the Seas will offer ship-wide Wi-Fi service. The ship also will feature an outdoor video screen overlooking the pool deck, as well as an award-winning digital, interactive way-finding system that was first introduced on Oasis of the Seas.

Like its sister ships, Grandeur of the Seas’ Centrum will be completely transformed into a chic and lively new space that will feature an array of daytime activities, as well as unique nighttime entertainment with a new high-flying experience where aerialists glide through the five-story atrium. The transformation continues with the ship’s original Champagne Bar reinvented as the R Bar, a retro bar that will feature signature cocktails and a savvy mixologist who will create elaborate cocktail concoctions for guests. Guests in the Centrum and R Bar should also be on the look out for surprise performances that will entertain and excite the senses throughout the day and evening.

Upon completion of the refurbishments on May 31, Grandeur of the Seas will sail an 11-night Mediterranean itinerary roundtrip from Barcelona, Spain. From there she will spend the summer offering a variety of Mediterranean itineraries from Venice, Italy and Provence, France. Details on her upcoming itineraries can be found at www.RoyalCaribbean.com.

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Princess Cruises announced today that for the first time it will base a ship in San Francisco year round, beginning in May 2013. The extensively renovated Grand Princess will first offer a series of Alaska cruises during the summer months from the “City by the Bay,” followed by a schedule of Hawaiian Islands, Mexico and the California Coast sailings during the fall 2013 to spring 2014 season.

Last year the 2,600-passenger Grand Princess underwent the largest drydock in Princess Cruises history, adding a host of new features so that passengers will enjoy the same onboard experience as offered by the line’s other newer ships.

“Princess has been cruising from San Francisco nearly as long as our company has been in operation, so we have a rich history with the city, and we are the leading cruise line homeporting there,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “Our Bay Area passengers and travel agents have long been asking for more cruise options from San Francisco and our new year-round schedule with Grand Princess will now give them a great selection of itinerary choices, plus the benefit of sailing on a ship that offers our signature features and amenities.”

“Princess ships have been cruising from San Francisco for more than 40 years, and we greatly appreciate the company’s longstanding partnership with our city,” said Monique Moyer, executive director of the Port of San Francisco. “We are delighted to now have our first year-round ship based here, and it is a natural fit that the vessel is the caliber of Grand Princess. Having this ship sail under the Golden Gate Bridge and berth at the foot of Coit Tower will be spectacular, both for the passengers on board and the people of San Francisco.”

During the 2013-14 season Grand Princess will sail roundtrip from San Francisco to:

Alaska – Grand Princess’ first Alaska season features 10-day Inside Passage sailings. The ship will offer 13 voyages featuring the stunning scenery of Glacier Bay National Park or Tracy Arm, with calls at Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Victoria. Cruises depart between May 10 and September 7, 2013.

Mexico – Grand Princess will offer two sailings on a new 10-day itinerary to Mexico, featuring two new ports for Princess – Loreto and La Paz, both in Baja California. Passengers will also enjoy calls at Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta. Sailings depart on September 17, 2013 and March 5, 2014.

California Coastal – An increasingly popular Princess itinerary, Grand Princess will take passengers to Santa Barbara, Los Angeles (Long Beach), San Diego, and Ensenada. Four sailings are offered on September 27 and October 19, 2013; plus March 15 and April 6, 2014.

Hawaiian Islands – Passengers can explore each of the main Hawaiian islands on this 15-day voyage to the Big Island (Hilo), Oahu (Honolulu), Kauai (Nawiliwili), Maui (Lahaina), and Ensenada. Grand Princess will offer 12 departures between October 4, 2013 and April 28, 2014.

During last year’s drydock Grand Princess added a variety of passenger amenities, including a completely new Piazza atrium, several new eateries – including Alfredo’s Pizzeria and the Crown Grill – and the line’s first specialty tea lounge called Leaves. Also included in the renovation were a remodeled casino, boutiques and art gallery; enhancements to the Horizon Court, Lotus Spa, and wedding chapel; and the addition of Crooner’s Martini Lounge and a new nightclub, The One5.

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Dining is a highlight of the Carnival vacation experience and the 130,000-ton Carnival Breeze will feature a huge array of culinary choices when it enters service June 3. Two new offerings will include Bonsai Sushi, the line’s first full-service sushi restaurant, and an open-air barbecue venue called Fat Jimmy’s C-Side BBQ.

To celebrate Carnival Breeze’s exciting variety of dining choices, today Carnival Cruise Lines is launching a sweepstakes on its Facebook fan page (www.facebook.com/carnival) tied to another of the ship’s dining spots, the Mexican-themed BlueIguana Cantina. The sweepstakes asks fans to choose their favorite burrito or taco toppings available at the casual dining venue for a chance to win a Caribbean cruise for two on the new 130,000-ton “Fun Ship,” along with round-trip air transportation.

Here’s a look at the Carnival Breeze’s many different tantalizing dining choices:

Bonsai Sushi – Carnival’s first full-service sushi restaurant, Bonsai Sushi offers a wide variety of Asian-inspired delicacies with a contemporary decor featuring artwork by world-renowned graffiti artist Erni Vales, colorful koi kites flown during impromptu celebrations, and, of course, several Bonsai trees. Located along Promenade Deck, Bonsai Sushi includes a number of varieties of sushi, sashimi, and rolls along with bento boxes and the venue’s own interpretation of a sushi boat – in this case, a sushi “ship” – with prices ranging from $1 for appetizer-sized portions to $15 for a sushi ship for two.

Fat Jimmy’s C-Side BBQ – Reminiscent of a backyard barbecue, this complimentary open-air dining venue located on Promenade Deck offers a mouth-watering array of grilled favorites, including barbecued chicken breast, kielbasa, Italian sausage, and Fat Jimmy’s signature item, pulled pork sandwiches, along with traditional sides like baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw and mini-corn muffins.

Guy’s Burger Joint – fresh-made burgers, hand-cut fries and innovative toppings created in partnership with Food Network personality Guy Fieri.

BlueIguana Cantina – offering authentic tacos and burritos that can be personalized by diners at an extensive salsa and toppings bar.
The Punchliner Comedy Brunch presented by George Lopez – featuring hilarious comedic performances and an extensive menu of brunch-time favorites.

Fahrenheit 555 – a classic American steakhouse offering mouth-watering steaks and other gourmet fare with impeccable service (venue will carry a surcharge consistent with other steakhouses in the Carnival fleet).

Cucina del Capitano – a family-style restaurant reminiscent of a cozy Italian home with dishes such as Piatto della Nonna, inspired by the grandma of Carnival Breeze Captain Vincenzo Alcaras with penne pasta, crispy shrimp and prosciutto in a vodka cream sauce (venue will serve as a free lunch-time pasta bar during the day with a nominal charge for dinner).

Lido Marketplace – a casual poolside eatery offering an array of international favorites, from paninis and 24-hour pizza to Indian Tandoori and a Mongolian Wok station and just about everything in between.

“The Comfort Kitchen” – new venue located within Lido Marketplace offering American-style “comfort food.”

Ocean Plaza – an indoor/outdoor café serving cappuccinos, lattes, and espressos as well as pastries and other confections.

RedFrog Pub – an island-themed pub where guests can nosh on Caribbean-inspired fare while soaking up the distinct British-West-Indies-meets-Key-West ambiance.

Serenity – salads, sandwiches, wraps and other light fare available at the ship’s exclusive adults-only retreat.

The Taste Bar – complimentary bite-size offerings inspired by popular Carnival dining venues, along with a signature cocktail tied to that eatery’s particular theme available for purchase.

Sea Dogs – a hot dog-shaped cart within the SportSquare outdoor recreation area offering all-beef franks and traditional toppings (debuts on Carnival Breeze in November).

‘BlueIguana Cantina Fight for Your Appetite’ Sweepstakes

Just in time for Cinco de Mayo, the “BlueIguana Cantina Fight for Your Appetite” sweepstakes runs from today through May 10 on Carnival’s Facebook fan page (www.facebook.com/carnival). Fans are asked to choose their favorite taco and burrito toppings in a series of head-to-head competitions pitting such options as guacamole vs. sour cream or breakfast burritos vs. traditional tacos. All participants who vote are entered into a drawing for a Carnival Breeze Caribbean cruise for two, as well as round-trip air transportation, that will be awarded on May 17.

In a fun twist, the sweepstakes includes a unique feature in which fans can digitally throw images of burrito and taco toppings and other BlueIguana Cantina food items at their fellow Facebook enthusiasts’ pages.
Additional information and sweepstakes details are available at www.facebook.com/carnival. Images, information and videos specific to the Carnival Breeze are available at www.carnivalbreeze.com.

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When the ice, snow and sleet return to the Big Apple, Royal Caribbean International will offer the perfect respite from the season. The cruise line known for its innovative cruise ship designs and friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service, today announced winter 2013-14 vacations aboard Explorer of the Seas, totaling 22 sailings on 16 itineraries to eight tropical ports. Continuing its year-round service for the New York metropolitan area at Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, N.J., Explorer of the Seas offers weather-worn residents convenient and rejuvenating cruises to the ever-welcoming sun, sand and surf of the Caribbean. The new winter 2013-14 vacations aboard Explorer of the Seas are now open for booking.

Explorer of the Seas will begin with an 11-night Southern Caribbean cruise, departing Nov. 3, 2013, which calls at San Juan, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, Antigua and St. Kitts. Vacationers also can choose a range of nine- or 10-night itineraries that take guests to three paradisiacal Eastern Caribbean ports, plus Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private beach destination on the north coast of Haiti. Eastern Caribbean ports include San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, St. Kitts, and Samana in the Dominican Republic.

Vacationers also can choose seven-night Bahamas cruises, featuring calls at Nassau , Bahamas; Port Canaveral, Fla.; and Royal Caribbean’s private island CocoCay. The December 22 and 29 departure will see guests celebrating Christmas and New Year’s Day, respectively, at Nassau; while the Mar. 21, 2014 sailing will offer guests an eighth night at sea.

In Apr. 2014, Explorer of the Seas will offer a pair of five-night Bermuda and nine-night Bermuda & Caribbean itineraries. The shorter sailing features an overnight at Kings Wharf, while the longer itinerary calls at Kings Wharf, St. Maarten, San Juan and Labadee.

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Holland America Line has introduced a new alternative, vegetarian-only menu, as well as 30 new vegetarian dishes to their main dining room menu, furthering the line’s commitment to providing exceptional dining experiences for all guests.

Holland America Line’s award-winning Master Chef Rudi Sodamin has designed an exclusive 22-dish vegetarian and vegan menu that highlights vegetables and other naturally healthy ingredients in vibrant, flavorful culinary selections. The alternative menu includes a full range of appetizers, salads, soups and main entrées, and is available upon request at no extra cost for lunch and dinner in the main dining room aboard all 15 ships in the fleet.

“Many more people are choosing a vegetarian culinary experience, yet the options can be limited,” said Richard Meadows, Holland America Line’s executive vice president of marketing, sales and guest programs. “By offering a complete vegetarian-only menu and the largest vegetarian selection at sea, we are ensuring that all guests can take part in an exceptional dining experience while cruising with Holland America Line.”
The savory collection of dishes on the new vegetarian-only menu include Portobello Mushroom and Chipotle Quesadillas, Vietnamese Vegetable Spring Rolls, Curried Vegetable Empanadas, Spicy Lentil and Garbanzo Salad, Sweet and Sour Vegetable Tempura, Vegetable Jambalaya, Grilled Vegetable and Tofu Kebobs, and Baked Cheese Polenta with Mushrooms and Artichoke Hearts.

In addition to the new vegetarian-only menu, 30 new vegetarian dishes will be added to the main dining room menu. These offerings also will be featured as a second vegetarian option in the casual Lido buffet during lunch. Additionally, every dinner menu will now offer guests the option of one appetizer, one soup or salad, and at least one vegetarian entrée each evening, increasing the total number of vegetarian options on board to 52 delectable dishes.

Some of the newly expanded vegetarian selections on the main dining room menu include Corn and Zucchini Pancakes served with Southwest-style cous cous salad, Asparagus and Zucchini Torte with wild rice and sun-dried tomato coulees, Carrot and Parmesan Risotto topped with a lemony arugula salad and crispy carrot ribbons, and Grilled Eggplant and Bell Pepper Masala braised in yogurt with Indian spices and served with coconut-pistachio basmati rice.

Extraordinary culinary experiences are a hallmark of every Holland America Line vacation. Aboard each cruise, guests can choose from an array of dining options — from gourmet-quality fare served in the elegant Pinnacle Grill to casual food favorites served buffet-style in the relaxing Lido Restaurant.

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Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL Corporation Ltd., “Norwegian” or “the Company”) today reported results for the quarter ended March 31, 2012.

Operating income for the first quarter grew 23.8% to $46.4 million, with Adjusted EBITDA posting a 10.3% increase to $93.5 million, from strong revenue performance and the benefits of ongoing business improvement initiatives. Net Revenue grew 4.6% in the quarter from an increase in Net Yield and a 2.3% increase in Capacity Days. Net Yield increased 2.2%, or 2.3% on a Constant Currency basis, as a result of higher average ticket pricing across the fleet coupled with increased onboard and other revenue per Capacity Day, particularly in tour and gaming operations.

Net Cruise Cost per Capacity Day increased slightly by 0.6%, or 0.7% on a Constant Currency basis, as the timing of repairs and maintenance expenses coupled with benefits from business initiatives and improved efficiencies offset a 15% increase in the per metric ton cost of fuel to $598 from $520 in the prior year. Excluding fuel expense, Net Cruise Cost per Capacity day decreased 1.9%, or 1.8% on a Constant Currency basis. “It is always rewarding to report strong top-to-bottom results,” said Kevin Sheehan, President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Revenue growth was very positive, considering the impact of redeploying Norwegian Jade in late 2011 due to geopolitical disruptions in Egypt and the surrounding region,” continued Sheehan.

Interest expense, net decreased 3.6% mainly due to lower average debt balances in the period. During the quarter the Company took advantage of favorable market conditions and issued $100 million in senior unsecured notes which were an add-on to the existing notes due in 2018. The net proceeds were used to repay portions of certain outstanding revolving credit facilities and for general corporate purposes.
The Company posted net income of $3.3 million on revenue of $515.4 million versus a loss of $(7.9) million on revenue of $495.5 million in 2011.

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Royal Caribbean International today announced summer 2013 vacations aboard Brilliance of the Seas and Splendour of the Seas, totaling 40 sailings and calling at 41 exciting ports. Brilliance of the Seas will sail round-trip from Harwich, England to Northern Europe and the Baltic Sea on 12-night itineraries, while Splendour of the Seas will offer seven-night round-trip Adriatic and Eastern Mediterranean itineraries from Venice, Italy. Guests will enjoy virtually new ships, with Brilliance of the Seas scheduled to complete an extensive drydock revitalization in May 2013, while Splendour of the Seas is currently featuring greatly expanded dining options, new cutting-edge entertainment, and refreshed décor and staterooms from its late 2011 drydock revitalization. Brilliance of the Seas and Splendour of the Seas’ summer 2013 vacations are now open for booking.

Beginning May 15, 2013, Brilliance of the Seas’ Northern Europe season includes eight sailings that offer the best of the North and Baltic seas, calling at Copenhagen, Denmark; Stockholm, Sweden; Helsinki, Finland; Talinn, Estonia; Gothenburg, Sweden; and an overnight in St. Petersburg, Russia. An 11-night Norwegian Fjords and Iceland itinerary, sailing July 27, will call at Bergen and Geiranger, Norway; Lerwick/Shetland, Scotland; Klaksvik, Faroe Islands; and an overnight in Reykjavik, Iceland. Brilliance of the Seas departs for Boston, Mass. on August 31 on 15-night itinerary, calling at Paris/Normandy (Le Havre), France; Portland, Dorset, UK; Cork (Cobh) and Dublin, Ireland; Klaksvik; and an overnight at Reykjavik.

Splendour of the Seas begins its Europe season with a six-night sailing from Barcelona, Spain to Venice, Italy, departing May 5 and calling at Provence (Marseilles), France; Split, Croatia; and Florence/Pisa and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy. The ship will offer four itineraries, two Greek Isles, a Greek Isles & Turkey, and a Greek Isles & Croatia. On the Greek Isles itineraries, guests call at Dubrovnik, Croatia; and Corfu, Santorini, Athens (Piraeus) and Katakolon, Greece; or Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey; and Mykonos, and Argostoli, Greece. The Greek Isles & Turkey itinerary calls at Bari, Italy; Corfu, Santorini, Ephesus (Kusadasi) and Katakolon, Greece. The Greek Isles & Croatia itinerary replaces Santorini and Katakolon from the Greek Isles itinerary with Bari and Mykonos. On Nov. 23, Splendour of the Seas returns to South American on a 15-night trans-Atlantic from Barcelona to Sao Paolo (Santos), Brazil.

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