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Princess Captain?s Circle Introduces New Opportunity

SANTA CLARITA, CA, Dec 12 - The Princess Captain's Circle has introduced a new way to determine membership levels that will allow some passengers to more quickly reach the program?s higher Platinum and Elite membership levels. The loyalty program will now count "cruise credits" instead of number of sailings, and passengers who travel in full suites and those who pay a single supplement will receive double cruise credits for their sailings -- making them eligible for greater benefits with fewer cruises.

The new cruise credits program is effective for all sailings on or after Dec 7, 2008. All passengers who complete a cruise will receive one cruise credit, and in the following cases, passengers will receive double credit or more:

 - Passengers who pay for and occupy a full suite (mini-suites excluded), will receive two cruise credits. 
 - Passengers who pay the single occupancy fare and travel alone in their cabin will receive two cruise credits. 
 -Passengers who pay the single supplement to occupy a full suite on their own will receive three cruise credits.

"Many of our Circle members have suggested that it would be nice to find a way to recognize passengers who travel in suites and those who pay a single supplement," said Jan Swartz, Princess senior vice president. "We regularly look to our members for new ideas, and we think this new cruise credits program is a great way to give some extra benefits to those who do invest more in their cruises."

Widely recognized as the leading loyalty program in the cruise industry, the Princess Captain?s Circle is unique in that it recognizes both cruise credits for number of sailings as well as total cruise days-whichever is most beneficial to the passenger. Only cruise credits are multiplied for suite and solo passengers, not cruise days.

The Princess' Captain?s Circle is a unique three-tiered program with an ever-increasing roster of benefits especially for Princess' returning passengers. All members enjoy various ongoing rewards, plus special onboard benefits based on their level. Passengers automatically become Gold members after their first Princess cruise, and subsequently rise to Platinum level after just five cruise credits or 50 cruise days. Platinum members enjoy a host of additional benefits, including complimentary onboard Internet packages, a special lounge at disembarkation, and an upgrade to Princess Platinum Vacation Protection when purchasing Princess' standard travel protection plan. The highest level, Elite, for cruisers who have completed 15 cruise credits or 150 cruise days, features even more benefits, including a 10 percent discount in the onboard boutiques, complimentary dry cleaning and laundry, and special privileges such as priority tender embarkation.

Kids Sail Free on Three-Night Disney Wonder Sailings This Winter and Spring

CELEBRATION, FL, Dec. 10 -- Disney Cruise Line, a leader in the family cruise segment, is making it easier than ever for families who have dreamt of taking a Disney cruise vacation to sail the most magical ship afloat with a "Kids Free" special offer on three-night cruises this winter and spring.

Guests 12 and under can sail free on three-night voyages aboard the Disney Wonder when accompanied by two full-fare paying guests within the same stateroom. This offer is valid for most sailings from Jan. 22 to May 28, 2009, and covers a variety of stateroom categories, ranging from deluxe family staterooms with verandahs to standard inside staterooms. However, there are a limited number of staterooms available for this special offer. While the cruise fare with this special offer is free for guests 12 and under, guests who book will be responsible for Government Taxes and Fees for all stateroom occupants, including those 12 and under.

"At Disney Cruise Line, we pride ourselves on offering a vacation that caters to the individual needs of every member of the family," said Disney Cruise Line President Tom McAlpin. "This special offer is a great value--perfect for families that have never experienced the magic of Disney at sea, or those who want to come back to create new memories."

Guests who sail during this time period will enjoy a whole host of new offerings on the Disney Wonder. The ship recently launched a 3-D cinematic experience in both the Walt Disney and Buena Vista Theatres where guests can enjoy first-run, full-length 3-D films such as Walt Disney Pictures' "Bolt" and the upcoming "Jonas Brothers: The 3-D Concert Experience." This past spring the Disney Wonder premiered a lavish theatrical production, "Toy Story-The Musical." Additionally, young cruisers will delight in new activities at the Oceaneer Club and Lab featuring characters and storylines from popular Disney Channel movies, such as "High School Musical," and Disney-Pixar films.

Departing from Port Canaveral, Fla., guests sailing on the Disney Wonder will experience a cruise vacation that every member of the family feels was created for their own individual vacation wants and needs.

The Retreat, An Innovative Pool Concept to Debut on

SEATTLE, Dec. 2 -- When Holland America Line's ms Statendam, ms Maasdam, ms Ryndam, ms Veendam and ms Rotterdam emerge from nearly month-long dry docks with an additional $200 million in investments, one of the highlights will be The Retreat, a new resort-style pool area on the aft of the Lido deck. Catering to the preferences of today's upscale travelers, the indulgent retreat is a first for the industry. The main focus of the new pool experience will be a shallow area with forty-four lounge chairs where guests can relax and dip their fingers and toes in the water. Built-in benches create another place for guests to relax and dangle their legs in the refreshing water.

"The Retreat is a totally new approach for us to this area of the ship," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "We're creating an area where guests can relax outside in a sophisticated environment, and we're adding other fun and convenient features such as a whirlpool, a band and DJ stand and even a pizzeria."

The Retreat's pool will be divided into three main sections separated by low, curving walls running the length of the pool. The middle section is 16 inches deep so guests can sit on built-in benches in the water. The two side sections feature lounge chairs in eight inches of water--perfect for cooling off on a hot day. Water falls and spouts enhance the decor. At the aft end of the pool will be a hot tub for soothing relaxation.

Slice, an upscale pizzeria, will be incorporated into the area, serving signature pizzas, whole pies and slices to order. Tables and comfortable, padded chairs under a sunscreen provide an inviting place to dine al fresco. And, in order to provide live music, a stage will be added near the pool. For added entertainment, an LED screen and sound system will be integrated into the ship's superstructure, providing movies and video to The Retreat.

This $200-million phase in the Signature of Excellence commitment brings the latest innovations at sea to Holland America Line's Statendam, Maasdam, Ryndam, Veendam and Rotterdam. The first of the extensive dry dock periods begins with the Veendam in spring 2009 and the last will be completed on the Maasdam in early 2011. While in dry dock, ships will expand the aft deck to create The Retreat and a new bar concept called Mix that features separate areas--Martinis, Champagne and Spirits & Ales. Enhancements will be made to all existing staterooms and additional staterooms will be added to the ships. The ships also will introduce 38 innovative lanai staterooms (39 on Rotterdam) with direct access to the Lower Promenade Deck. New spa staterooms near the Greenhouse Spa and Salon will offer special in-room spa amenities. Overall, Holland America Line has committed $525 million to its Signature of Excellence program that redefines premium cruising.

Royal Caribbean Lays Keel of Allure of the Seas

MIAMI, Dec 2 - Royal Caribbean Intl, a cruise brand owned and operated by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd,  and STX Europe today laid the keel of Allure of the Seas, the second of the highly-anticipated Oasis-class cruise ships slated to redefine the industry. Today?s keel laying ceremony at STX Europe?s shipyard in Turku, Finland, marks the placement of the very first block of Allure of the Seas in the dry dock where the ship will begin to take shape. When she launches in 2010, Allure of the Seas will share the title of the world?s largest and most revolutionary cruise ship with sister-ship Oasis of the Seas. An architectural marvel at sea, Allure of the Seas will span 16 decks, encompass 220,000 gross registered tons (GRT), carry 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and feature 2,700 staterooms. Allure of the Seas, and Oasis of the Seas, will be homeported at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Allure of the Seas will tout the cruise line's new neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which will offer guests of every age the widest array of onboard vacation experiences that cater to their personal styles, preferences or moods. Guests will enjoy lush and tropical grounds open to the sky in Central Park, located in the center of the ship and spanning more than the length of a football field. Central Park will be lined with boutiques and specialty restaurants, ranging from casual to fine dining, and introduce balcony staterooms rising five decks above the storefronts and overlooking the park - one of a few new categories of onboard accommodations made possible by the ship?s revolutionary design.

Guests will delight in the amusements, eateries, and shops on Allure of the Seas' Boardwalk featuring the AquaTheater. Also open to the sky, Boardwalk is reminiscent of classic seaside entertainment esplanades, featuring a handcrafted carousel and two rock-climbing walls. At the stern-end of Boardwalk is the AquaTheater, an amphitheater featuring the deepest freshwater pool at sea, which will showcase amazing high-dive acrobatics and water fountain ballets synchronized to music and lights.

Royal Promenade will present guests with a spectacular new design of Royal Caribbean's signature interior boulevard of boutiques, restaurants, and bars and lounges. Natural light will cascade through two Crystal Canopy sculptured glass domes in Central Park and illuminate the widened Royal Promenade with a new overlooking mezzanine level. From the Royal Promenade, guests can enjoy a cocktail in the Rising Tide bar - the first moving bar at sea - while they gently ascend three decks into Central Park above.

The Pool and Sports Zone will feature a sloped-entry beach pool (exclusive to the Oasis-class); two larger FlowRider surf simulators; and a zip-line that soars nine decks above the Boardwalk. Building on the Royal Caribbean's popular Vitality wellness program, guests will be able to soothe mind, body and soul in the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, which also includes a dedicated spa area just for teens. Entertainment Place will include the cruise line's signature after-dark spaces in more intimate venues that offer a variety of entertainment experiences. And the Youth Zone will offer a wealth of kid- and teen-friendly adventures, featuring the cruise line's first nursery for infants and toddlers (six months or older).

New categories in onboard accommodations for guests on Allure of the Seas include bi-level, urban-style Loft Suites and two bedroom/two bathroom AquaTheater Suites, in addition to Central Park- and Boardwalk-facing balcony staterooms.

Disney Cruise Lines Eliminates Fuel Surcharge

Disney Cruise Line is eliminating fuel surcharges for all new bookings, effective immediately, as a result of dropping fuel prices. Most major cruise line announced plans to elimate fuel surcharges weeks ago. For cruises that have already been booked, the company is willing to offer a rebate in the form of an onboard credit, depending on market circumstances, such as whether oil remains below $70 a barrel.

Carnival Corp Suspending Fuel Supplement for Its North American Brands Effect...

MIAMI, Dec. 4 -- As fuel prices continue to decline, Carnival Corporation & plc has announced that it will suspend fuel supplements for its six North American brands effective for all voyages departing on or after Dec 17, 2008. The fuel supplement suspension applies to the following brands: Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn.

A refund of the fuel supplement will be made in the form of a shipboard credit for all bookings within the final payment period for departures on or after December 17, 2008. All bookings outside of the final payment period for departures on or after December 17, 2008 will be adjusted to remove the fuel supplement and guests will be provided with a revised final payment amount.

"As the price of oil has dropped to $46 per barrel, it has now reached a level where we are able to suspend the fuel supplement," said Bill Harber, director of marketing for Carnival Corporation & plc. Harber cautioned that the fuel supplement could be re-instated if oil prices increase significantly.

The company reserves the right to re-instate the fuel supplement for all guests at up to $9 per person per day (except Seabourn, which would be up to $15 per person per day) should the price of light sweet crude oil according to the NYMEX (New York Mercantile Exchange Index) increase above $70 per barrel.

"It is our hope that fuel prices have stabilized and will remain at a more rational level. The complete suspension of the fuel supplement makes the inherent value of a cruise even greater and that is increasingly important in the selection of a vacation in the current economic climate," Harber added.

The fuel supplement for five of the six Carnival Corporation & plc brands is currently $9 per person per day for the first and second guest (not to exceed $126 per person per voyage) and $4 per person per day for third, fourth and fifth guests (not to exceed $56 per person per voyage). Seabourn's fuel supplement is $15 per person per day for the first and second guest (not to exceed $210 per person per voyage) and $4 per person per day for third and fourth guests (not to exceed $56 per person per voyage).

NCL Suspends Fuel Supplement

MIAMI, Dec 4, 2008 ? In response to the current continued decline of fuel prices, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) announced today that it is suspending the company?s fuel supplement effective immediately for all voyages departing in 2009. NCL will refund the fuel supplement in the form of an on-board credit for all 2009 bookings within the final payment period. All existing 2009 bookings outside of the final payment period will be adjusted to remove the fuel supplement and NCL will revise the final payment amount.

"Global fuel prices have dropped to a level where we can now suspend the fuel supplement, making an NCL Freestyle Cruising vacation an even greater value,? said Andy Stuart, NCL?s executive vice president, global sales and passenger services.

NCL will continue to closely monitor global fuel prices to assess whether a reinstatement of the fuel supplement will be necessary in the future. The company reserves the right to re-instate the fuel supplement for all guests should the price of light sweet crude oil according to the NYMEX (New York Mercantile Exchange Index) increase above $65 per barrel.

British Airways in Merger Talks With Quantas

LONDON ? British Airways PLC said Tuesday it is in talks with Australia's Qantas Airways Ltd about a potential merger, sending its shares soaring as it confirmed expectations of consolidation in the hard-hit aviation industry.
BA, which is already pursuing a revenue-sharing deal with American Airlines and Spain's Iberia SA, said it is exploring a "potential merger" with Qantas via a dual-listed company structure.
In a brief statement released in response , BA did not provide any reasoning for the prospective deal but chief executive Willie Walsh has long advocated industry consolidation, arguing that closer cooperation will help airlines cut costs in the current difficult economic climate. BA, the third-largest airline in Europe, added that its discussions with Iberia on a potential merger are continuing."There is no guarantee that any transaction will be forthcoming and a further announcement will be made in due course, if appropriate," BA said in the statement to the London Stock Exchange It provided no further detail on the structure of the potential deal with Qantas but confirmed that talks began in August after it was approached by Australia largest airline. The London-based carrier's stock jumped after the announcement, closing 12.5 percent higher at 157.1 pence ($2.35 Virgin Atlantic Airways, which has already objected to the BA-American-Iberia tie-up, said that BA was attempting to increase its dominance to the detriment of competition. "One day it's Iberia, then it's American, and now Qantas," said Virgin Atlantic chief executive Steve Ridgway. "The only strategy BA seems to have is to lock-up some of the busiest routes in the world, against the consumer interest."
BA and Qantas are already code sharing partners in the oneworld global alliance, which brings together 10 of the world's carriers including Japan Airlines The confirmation from BA on the talks comes a day after the Australian government revealed that it plans to increase the level of foreign ownership> allowed in Qantas, but will not permit a takeover. Australian law currently limits a single foreign holding to 25 percent, while a group of foreign holdings can total 35 percent. A federal government policy paper released Monday proposes lifting the foreign ownership limit ? whether by one company or a group of companies ? to 49 percent. That would allow Qantas and BA to swap equal stakes in each other.Qantas last month slashed its full-year profit forecast to around 500 million Australian dollars ($316 million), down from an August forecast of AU$750 million. It also said it would cut flights to cope with plummeting demand, despite a recent easing in the oil priceWalsh last month warned that that the industry was still "heading into the eye of the storm," shortly after BA reported a first-half net loss of 49 million pounds ($77 million).
Analysts have been expecting greater consolidation in the airline industry after the global economic crisis combined with soaring oil prices earlier this year to severely crimp passenger demand. The International Air Transport Association has reported international passenger traffic declined 1.3 percent in October compared with 2007, following a 2.9 percent drop in September, and forecasts industrywide losses of $2.3 billion this year.
Budget airline Ryanair Holdings PLC on Monday launched a new takeover bid for Aer Lingus, seeking to capitalize on labor unrest at its Irish rival along with the country's economic difficulties.BA has already filed for worldwide antitrust immunity from U.S. authorities for a revenue-sharing deal with American and Iberia that would see the trio set prices together and share seat capacity on trans-Atlantic flights. American would be the non-merged member of the BA-Iberia linking. The agreement is the closest alliance the trio can form under strict U.S. airline ownership laws that all but rule out a full merger and follows two earlier failed attempts by BA and AMR Corp.'s American to forge closer ties.
Virgin Atlantic claims that proposed deal will seriously damage the competitiveness of the lucrative trans-Atlantic route and increase fares for passengers. But American and BA contend that the partnership will merely allow the trio to better compete with the other major airline alliances, Star and SkyTeam, which already have antitrust immunity on trans-Atlantic flights and a large presence at other European airports. BA and American have failed in the past to win an exemption from U.S. competition laws to work more closely together because of their dominance at London's Heathrow Airport, where the pair have more than half the capacity to and from the U.S. Walsh has argued that the competitive situation has changed since the "open skies" agreement between the U.S. and the European Union came into force in March, allowing airlines to fly to and from any point in the U.S. and any point in the EU.

Telemedicine to Debut Aboard Costa Concordia

MIAMI, FL, Nov 19 - Costa, Europe's Number One Cruise Line, will debut telemedicine aboard the Costa Concordia beginning in early 2009. A broadband satellite system has been installed, final touches are being made on a telemedicine suite and training is being completed for staff involved in the project. The telemedicine project is the result of a collaboration between Costa Cruises, TELESAL ? Telecomunicazioni per la salute (Telecommunication for Health), Genoa?s Galliera Hospital, the Genoese engineering company D'Appolonia and C.I.R.M. (Centro Internazionale Radio Medico, or International Radio Medical Center).

TELESAL is creating a telemedicine suite onboard the Costa Concordia, which will enable enhanced health care with advanced medical technology around the clock in the sea-going environment. Testing of the system will commence in the early months of 2009 on the Costa Concordia (114,500 tons, 3,000 double occupancy capacity) when the ship is deployed on 10- and 11-night cruises to Greece, Turkey, Egypt and Cyprus.

The assistance provided onboard by the new service will allow for diagnosis and consultation at a distance for first aid, toxicology, cardiology, radiology, dermatology and ophthalmology with the collaboration of Genoa's Galliera Hospital. This will involve coordination of the hospital's general medicine, surgery and emergency department, headed by Dr. Paolo Cremonesi, with the support of its IT and Telecommunications Services, and under the direction of the Galliera Health Authority. The innovative new service will consist of the exchange of medical data (experimentation will include dermatological, ophthalmologic and radiological images, electrocardiograms, scans), which can be shared via videoconferencing in order to enable real-time consultation between shipboard medical personnel and the Galliera health professionals.

"It is part of our mission to be at the forefront in all aspects of our activity, so we can't help feeling proud to contribute to the first experiment in telemedicine at sea in Europe," announced Costa Cruises President Gianni Onorato. "This is a highly innovative and extremely important project; the aim of this European first is to further enhance the quality of the service for our guests and crew. For this reason we've decided to launch the experimentation on our flagship Costa Concordia. We hope in the future to be able to extend the telemedicine installation project with fleetwide deployment and the involvement of hospitals around the world."

Orient Lines Delays Launch

Celebration, FL, Nov 19 - Orient Lines has announced that due to the current world economic climate, it shall delay the launch of its cruises currently scheduled to commence in April 2009.

Orient Lines' President and CEO Wayne Heller stated that, "All guests that have booked a cruise with Orient Lines shall be given a full and prompt refund and, if requested, we will endeavor to offer them assistance with making alternate cruise vacation arrangements." Heller added, "Even though the launch of Orient Lines is delayed, we are exploring possible options to re-launch our cruise program at a more favorable time in the near future."

Disney and Verizon Team Up for Mobile Magic

November 12, 2008 - Marking a first in both the travel and mobile industries, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and Verizon are teaming up for a multi-year relationship designed to enhance the guest experience - before, during and after guests arrive at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. This alignment allows guests to have a personal tour guide right in their wireless phones along with reliable new services at the parks. Early next year guests will also use Verizon Wireless' technology when experiencing Disney's Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure, an ultra-interactive attraction coming to Epcot in Walt Disney World Resort.

"With more than 90 percent of families bringing a mobile phone into our Parks, our objective was to enhance the magical Disney experience through innovative wireless technology," said Jay Rasulo, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "Imagine receiving up to the minute tips on special Park activities with just the touch of a button or receiving a call from Buzz Lightyear welcoming you to the Magic Kingdom."

Beginning next year, guests will be able to access an array of features on their Verizon Wireless phones while at the Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort to help them make the most of their Disney experiences. Planned services include an exclusive mobile application that will give guests with Verizon Wireless service the ability to easily locate shows, restaurants and the Disney characters anywhere inside the Parks; get real-time attraction availability information; access mobile games; receive messages from characters and more. Verizon Wireless is also continuing to invest in its wireless network from coast to coast, and the relationship with Disney means the wireless users will benefit from further enhancements to the Verizon Wireless network in the Parks.

John Harrobin, senior vice president of digital media and marketing for Verizon, said, "All of our efforts focus on one goal: making the Disney experience even better for our customers. There are few life experiences that are more memorable than visiting a Disney Park, and now guests with Verizon Wireless service will unlock even more magic from their visit - by navigating the Parks easier and faster with instant access to key information such as 'Where?s Mickey now?' and other special features - even when they travel home and share their experiences with family and friends."

In addition, guests visiting Epcot in Walt Disney World Resort in early 2009 will be among the first to experience Disney?s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure. An ultra-interactive attraction, Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure invites guests of all ages to team up with members of Team Possible to save the world from various comical villains and their mad inventions. Armed with an official Verizon Wireless "Kimmunicator," guests will use these handheld devices to help maneuver through the mission. The interactive wireless theme park game was inspired by Disney Channel's Emmy® Award-winning animated series, "Kim Possible."

While Verizon Wireless customers will have exclusive access to an array of enhanced features, Disney and Verizon are also working to ensure that some mobile information such as dining locations, show times and locations will be available to all Parks visitors, regardless of their wireless company.

Additional details will be available next year as the companies expect to add a suite of services and functionalities to help guests at Disney Parks have the most magical experience. Disney Parks and Resorts ? Taking Guests to New Frontiers

The agreement between Disney and Verizon is another step in a series of new initiatives that highlight the latest technologies from Disney Parks and Resorts with a continued focus on improving guest experience and providing immersive entertainment. Disney Parks and Resorts continue to exemplify how technologies can be used to build new connections and redefine how guests plan and enjoy their vacations. From the time guests begin planning their vacation using Walt Disney World Resort in 3D on Google Earth or tuning into Disney Travel on Demand, the experience is designed to make their lives easier. Guests can take their vacation experience to a new level with Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure, an interactive wireless theme park game for families, and by personalizing and sharing their Disney experiences when they return home, using DisneyLink, a desktop application.

Southwest to buy ATA landing slots at LaGuardia

DALLAS ? Southwest Airlines Co. has agreed to pay $7.5 million for bankrupt ATA Airlines' landing slots at New York's LaGuardia Airport, a move that would raise Southwest's profile in the nation's largest air market.

Southwest would get 14 slots, enough to operate seven takeoffs and seven landings per day at LaGuardia.

The deal is dependent on approval by a U.S. bankruptcy court in Indianapolis, where ATA Airlines Inc. is based, according to an ATA court filing Tuesday.

If approved, Southwest expects to begin flying to LaGuardia next year, said Southwest spokeswoman Whitney Eichinger.

Dallas-based Southwest ? the nation's largest carrier by number of domestic passengers ? serves Islip Airport on Long Island but does not fly into LaGuardia, Kennedy or Newark, N.J., airports.

"If you truly want to be in the New York market, you need to be in one of those airports," Eichinger said.

The New York airports, however, are notorious for congestion. Southwest for many years has favored less-crowded secondary airports where it can service planes and get them back in the sky quickly.

Eichinger said serving LaGuardia "is going to be a challenge, but we wouldn't be doing this if we didn't think we could make it work." She noted that skeptics raised the same questions when Southwest began flying into Philadelphia a few years ago, a service that has been a success for the low-fare carrier.

Southwest did not bid for all of ATA's assets. Eichinger said the airline would not seek ATA's two slots at Washington's Reagan National airport.

ATA filed for bankruptcy protection and grounded its planes in April. ATA and Southwest had been marketing partners, selling seats on each other's flights, an arrangement that netted Southwest about $50 million in annual revenue.

In a bankruptcy court filing Tuesday, ATA lawyers said the company received two other bids for its assets, which also included ATA's operating certificate, its license to fly. But the unidentified other bidders dropped out, and ATA and Southwest officials met Nov. 10 in Dallas to negotiate a deal.

ATA said Southwest raised its bid while ATA agreed to drop the Reagan National slots from the package.

 

Holland America Line Debuts New Winemakers & Wedding Group Advantage Programs

 Seattle, WA, Nov 19 - Holland America Line is introducing two creative new tools to help travel professionals capitalize on more cruise business and benefit their clients by booking groups. The Winemakers GAP Package and the Wedding GAP Package expand Holland America Line?s Group Advantage Program (GAP), the most comprehensive group amenities program in the cruise industry.

"These packages offer travel agents two more opportunities to book groups and ensure those groups enjoy exciting onboard experiences," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "Groups are one of the most effective ways for agents to increase revenue, and now they can sell the new Winemakers and Wedding GAP Packages in addition to Holland America Line?s Culinary Arts Center, Family Reunion and Charity Group programs."

The Winemakers GAP Package is designed for groups of wine enthusiasts and those who simply want to learn more about the complex world of wine, often in conjunction with the cruise destination. Travel professionals can organize a group around a winemaker, sommelier or local restaurant. Groups can bring their own wine on board for the tasting and Winemakers Lunch?ideal for winemakers wishing to showcase their wines-or opt to focus on the fine wines that Holland America Line serves on board with special wine tastings conducted by Holland America Line Cellar Masters.

With the Winemakers GAP Package, each group receives two one-hour wine tastings in either the main dining room or the Pinnacle Grill restaurant, a Winemakers Lunch with a pairing of three wines in the Pinnacle Grill, and a choice of either chocolate-dipped strawberries or Holland America Line commemorative bottle of wine per stateroom. The package requires a minimum of 25 guests.

The Wedding GAP Package lets couples create their own special, on-board celebration shared by their family and friends. The wedding couple enjoys a free stateroom upgrade with a minimum of eight staterooms booked and free wedding cake for up to 16 guests. The wedding group enjoys a Pinnacle Grill lunch, private wine tasting and chocolate-covered strawberries and bottle of Chase Limogere Brut in their staterooms. Groups larger than 16 guests are accommodated for the wedding cake reception with a nominal charge per additional guest.

"Holland America Line is adding these new group programs because we?re seeing a strong, increasing trend toward affinity groups and celebration travel," said Meadows. "These groups can come from service organizations, reunions, charities, etc., or people who share a common interest such as gourmet cooking, dancing or financial planning. It also includes what we call celebration group travel-or families cruising together for a wedding, anniversary or multi-generational reunion. Holland America Line is especially ideal for these family groups because we offer something for all ages - from on-board programs, including our award-winning Club HAL® for children and teens, to popular ports of call with extraordinary shore excursions."

Meadows said Holland America Line also provides incentive GAP amenities based on GAP points earned and length of cruise. Travel professionals can then select amenities that best customize and enhance the cruise for each particular group to make its cruising experience exceptional. Such amenities include private wine tastings, coffee cards and water sports equipment rentals on Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line?s award-winning private Caribbean island.

Mickey celebrates his 80th birthday

Nov 18, 2008
Mickey Mouse is celebrating his 80th birthday today. Walt Disney's iconic symbol made his debut on November 18, 1928 in "Steamboat Willie."

Disney's first character that gained recognition was Oswald the Rabbit. When Disney lost the rights to Oswald to another studio, the memorable Mouse was created.

Walt's early sketches of Mickey, which closely resembled Oswald, was first dubbed "Mortimer the Mouse." It was Lilly, his wife, who picked the name "Mickey".

Mickey's fame led to the creation of other beloved characters, including Mickey's long term girlfriend, Minnie Mouse.

More than 1 million children signed up to be a part of the original Mickey Mouse Club. Among his fans were President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Italian Dictator Benito Mussolini and King George V of England.

Over time, Mickey's appearance changed, but the friendly personality that drew a devoted following remains till today.

Mickey's silhouette, known worldwide, has come to symbolize the Disney company. Mickey's image has appeared in every type of merchandise imaginable.

 

Royal Caribbean's Newest Freedom-Class Ship Arrives in the US

Royal Caribbean International's newest Freedom-class ship, Independence of the Seas, made her US debut today at Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. Sharing the title of world's largest cruise ship with her sister-ships, Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas, Independence will be the line's first Freedom-class ship to sail from Port Everglades.

At 160,000 GRT and a capacity of 3,634 guests, Independence of the Seas features all of the industry-first amenities which are trademarks of the Freedom-class ships: a FlowRider surf simulator, the H20 Zone water park with its interactive sculpture garden for families and toddler pool, cantilevered whirlpools suspended 112 ft. above the ocean in the adults-only Solarium, a full-size boxing ring and a 14-person family suite.

Independence also features some of the other distinctive offerings the global cruise line is known for including, an ice-skating rink, a rock- climbing wall, an award-winning youth program, fine to casual dining venues, Broadway-style entertainment and the Royal Promenade - an entertainment boulevard stretching the length of the ship with shops, restaurants, bars and lounges, which provides guests with an endless variety of choices and experiences to suit their taste and preference.

Independence will sail from Ft. Lauderdale and alternate between eight- night Eastern Caribbean and six-night Western Caribbean itineraries. Independence's Eastern Caribbean itinerary will call at San Juan, Puerto Rico, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, Phillipsburg, St. Maarten and Labadee, Royal Caribbean's private beach destination in Haiti. The Western Caribbean itinerary will call at Belize City, Belize, Costa Maya, Mexico and Cozumel, Mexico.