Updated Itinerary, New Vessel for Galapagos 2010

/PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of Charles Darwin's 200th birthday, Cruise West, one of the world's leading providers of small-ship exploration cruises to the most fascinating destinations on earth, has updated its popular Galapagos itinerary. During the 2010 season, the 10-day/9-night cruises will journey throughout Darwin's inspiring islands on the elegant, 100-guest Galapagos Explorer II, sister ship to Cruise West's Spirit of Oceanus. The itinerary to this UNESCO World Heritage Site has been rearranged, ensuring that visitors receive maximum exposure to the Islands' diverse wildlife and spectacular scenery. Save up to $600 per person by booking and paying in full by May 22, 2009.

Ecuador - a remarkably varied country with mountains, jungle, coastal areas and islands - is home to one of Latin America's prize jewels, the Biosphere Reserve of the Galapagos Islands. Traveling 650 miles west of the mainland, guests will sail the waters that gave birth to revolutionary scientific theories, explore multi-colored volcanic islands, and interact with thousands of animal species including giant tortoises, pink flamingos, blue-footed boobies and Galapagos penguins.

More than 9,000 feet above sea level, the Ecuadorian adventure begins in the charming colonial town of Quito, once the northern capital of the Inca Empire. After a historical walking tour of the city viewing Baroque art, strolling cobblestone streets and enjoying a birds-eye view of the metropolis from observation point El Ventanal, visitors will savor renowned Mediterranean cuisine at the Theatrum Restaurant & Wine Bar in the National Theater.

Guests will fly from Quito to San Cristobal Island to board the Galapagos Explorer II, a 293-foot vessel that includes a Jacuzzi, marine observation deck and reading room. Experienced naturalist guides will also board the ship, poised to lead expeditions in search of wildlife and to provide invaluable local and historical insight both on-ship and off. First day highlights in the Galapagos include snorkeling, swimming and strolling along the beach near San Cristobal Island, a haven for Darwin's finches, brown pelicans and yellow warblers.

The following days at Hood, Santa Cruz, and Rabida islands will feature: indigenous wildlife viewing (tropical fish, lava lizards, Galapagos dove, white-tipped reef shark, Sally Lightfoot crabs and more); a visit to the Charles Darwin Station to learn about on-island research and to view the Galapagos tortoise breeding and rearing center; a meander through Puerto Ayora, the largest town on the islands; and climbing lava cliffs to glimpse seawater spraying high into the air through precarious fissures.

The ship will then sail to desolate yet breathtaking Bartolome Island, offering 360 degree views of the archipelago as well as an extinct volcano with a variety of red, orange, green and black volcanic formations. The next stop is James (Santiago) Island, the only location Fur Seals can be found in the Galapagos. The following morning, guests will witness marine iguanas basking on every plausible surface of Fernandina Island - snorkelers can watch them feeding underwater on clear days. On the northwestern tip of Isabela Island, approachable only by dinghy, intrepid sea-goers can snorkel at a cave renowned for its dazzling array of marine wildlife.

The Galapagos sojourn ends with a 45-minute bus ride through changing vegetation zones in the Santa Cruz Highlands, where guests can quietly approach the 40 giant tortoises native to the region. After breakfast, guests will disembark the ship and fly to Guayaquil for departure home, or head to Lima to begin a fully guided, post-cruise land excursion of Cusco and Machu Picchu.

Historians-at-heart will uncover ancient Incan mysteries for six days in Peru, first exploring the lively markets and significant monuments of Cusco, then relaxing on a comfortable train ride to the charming Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel where guests stay for two nights. Gazing up from the base of the Andes, Machu Picchu is entirely hidden from view - exactly as its 14th century artisans intended. A fully guided tour (or independent tour, if desired) whisks travelers to this hidden perch, recognized as one of the Seven New Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The post-cruise excursion ends back in Cusco with tours of the Inca Fortress, Citadel of Ollantaytambo and the circular terraces of Moray.

Galapagos cruises depart March 29 and April 5, 2010; prices begin at $4,999 per person, double occupancy. Three tiered early booking and final payment savings are available - book and pay in full by May 22, 2009 and save $600; by July 16, 2009, save $400 and by September 11, 2009, save $200 per person. The cruise plus optional six-day Peru land tour starts at $9,499 per person. To learn more about the Galapagos itinerary, or other Cruise West voyages, call 1-800-296-8307, contact a travel professional or attend one of the company's online live presentations - Visit http://www.cruisewest.com/presentations to view the schedule.

More information about Cruise West, Cruise West's 2009/2010 Galapagos itineraries or cruise locales as diverse as Panama & Costa Rica, Mexico's Sea of Cortes, Japan, Vietnam, the Galapagos, Antarctica, the Pacific Northwest or the romantic rivers of Europe can be found online at www.cruisewest.com or by calling 800-296-8307.

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Save Up to 60% on MSC Cruises' Eastbound Transatlantic Sailings

/PRNewswire/ -- MSC Cruises is offering special savings of up to 60 percent off retail prices on eastbound transatlantic sailings of MSC Lirica and MSC Orchestra this spring.

MSC Orchestra departs Fort Lauderdale on May 2 on an 18-night sailing to Copenhagen. Its first stop, after two days at sea, will be the cruise line's first call in New York City, overnighting from May 5 to 6. The ship will then resume its itinerary, calling at Ponta Delgada, Portugal; Lisbon, Portugal; Vigo, Spain; La Coruna, Spain; and Dover, England, with seven more days in the Atlantic and a day cruising the North Sea before arriving in Denmark.

Cruise-only per person, per night rates begin at $56 for an interior stateroom, $73 for an oceanview, $84 for a balcony and $144 for a balcony suite. Rates are based on double occupancy; government fees and taxes are additional.

MSC Lirica departs Fort Lauderdale on April 23 on a 16-night voyage to Dover. The ship will call at San Juan, Puerto Rico; Fort de France, Martinique; Funchal, Portugal; Lisbon, Portugal; Vigo, Spain; and Le Havre, France. Guests will be able to enjoy MSC Cruises' European-style experience, during nine days at sea.

Cruise-only per person, per night rates for MSC Lirica's transatlantic crossing begin at $44 for an inside stateroom, $60 for an oceanview, and $125 for a balcony suite. Rates are based on double occupancy; government fees and taxes are additional.

As always, children 17 and younger sail free when traveling in same stateroom with two full-fare-paying guests.

These special rates expire on March 15.

During each sailing, guests can enjoy MSC Cruises' elegant European ambiance, acclaimed international entertainment, nightly regional Italian specialties on the menus, superb spa facilities and much more.

For more information about MSC Cruises and its special eastbound transatlantic rates, visit www.MSCCruisesUSA.com or a local travel professional.

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Retire on a Cruise Ship? New Concept Creates Boutique Housing Idea for Florida's Seniors

/PRNewswire/ -- Waterfront Lifestyles International, a boutique maritime lodging company, is currently taking reservations for retirement condos on a mid-size cruise ship that will make monthly cruises to the Bahamas.

For less money than many senior independent-living facilities charge, retirees may now live on a cruise ship. Prices for individual condo cabins on the 300-foot Alegria range from $159,000 for a single room to a larger suite for $399,000 plus a nominal "Resident's Care" monthly fee which covers all the operating expenses of the ship including crew, staff, fuel, maintenance, insurance, three meals daily, port fees, the medical center, and housekeeping. A huge difference between a senior care facility and living on Alegria is that the residents actually own the ship.

With the depressed economy the company realizes some seniors may have to put off retiring for a few more years. The company has a program where purchasers may buy their unit right now and rent it until they retire, thus eliminating both the purchase payment and the monthly Resident's Care fee until they actually move aboard.

Alegria will make weekend cruises each month to regional attractions such as shuttle launches, shopping excursions to Palm Beach, and trips to the Bahamas, and once a year it will take a weeklong trip to Central America. All cruise expenses are included in the Resident's Care fee. Residents will only pay for cocktails, casino charges, spa fees, and purchases in the gift shop.

The vessel has most of the same amenities of the larger ships including a spa, workout room, gift shop, cigar bar, night club, dining room, beauty shop, library, and a residents' storage area. The ship has twelve inside cabins that will be used as guest rooms. Owners' friends and relatives can use them at no charge, including meals. Condo ownership includes permanent free membership at a nearby country club for golf and tennis. All staterooms are outside units with picture windows.

The ship will be home-ported in Port Canaveral and operated, managed, and maintained by Marine Growth Ventures, a highly respected ship management company. The port, which is also home to Carnival, Disney, and Royal Caribbean cruise ships, is conveniently located within less than an hour's drive of Orlando and right next to the Kennedy Space Center where residents can go up on deck and watch Space Shuttle launches.

The concept of cruise ship condominium ownership is not new; however, in most cases the existing condo ships offered units for well over a million dollars and remained unaffordable for most people. Alegria will be the first ship to actually allow purchasers to own a roomy stateroom on a mid-size ship for under a half-million dollars.

The developers see mass appeal for the idea from retirees looking for a viable retirement residence as opposed to living in a beachfront condo or retirement community where the scenery never changes. The thought of living aboard a cruise ship has a certain glamour that appeals to a growing number of seniors who want to be on or near water but won't pay the exorbitant prices now demanded for a view. Since each condo owner has an equity share in Alegria they each have a voice in the day-to-day operation and management of the ship.

Waterfront Lifestyles International is a Florida limited liability company formed specifically for the creation of retirement condo cruise ships. While the ship in Port Canaveral is the company's first vessel, it expects to locate additional retirement ships in Tampa, Jacksonville, Palm Beach, and Sarasota.

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Sail Away with Savings During the Orbitz Winter Cruise Event

/PRNewswire/ -- With the days getting longer and the winter cold settling in, it can only mean that "wave season" - the busiest cruise booking time of the year - is upon us. To celebrate the arrival of the 2009 wave season, Orbitz (www.orbitz.com), the only online travel site to offer Price Assurance(SM), is launching its Winter Cruise Event, featuring some of the season's top cruise deals.

With more than 15 cruise lines participating in Orbitz' Winter Cruise Event, the offers and savings this season are as vast as the high seas. The Winter Cruise Event boasts low rates and an abundance of onboard savings, making it an ideal time for travelers to pack their bags and set sail. Travelers can take advantage of the savings by booking their next cruise on Orbitz.com between now and February 7, 2009.

Orbitz Winter Cruise Event Highlights (1)

Families save when kids sail for free. What better excuse is there for a family vacation than the little ones not costing a penny? The following cruise offers will inspire travelers to schedule in some family bonding by allowing kids to sail for free.

-- Disney Cruise Line: Kids sail free when they stay with parents in
select staterooms on select 3-night sailings, starting at $299
($100/Night) per adult
-- Costa Cruises: Kids can sail free on select dates. Sailings from $369
($53/Night)
-- MSC: Kids cruise for free on every sailing. Rates from $519
($74/Night)

Why not upgrade? A little bit of extra room can go a long way, especially when the room upgrades are free. Sit back and enjoy the finer things in life by booking a vacation on the following cruise lines and receiving a complimentary cabin upgrade.

-- Princess Cruises Plus: Free Oceanview to Balcony upgrades on select
sailings. Rates start at $449 ($64/Night)
-- Holland America Line: Celebrate with the View & Verandah Sale,
featuring special free upgrade offers. Sailings start at $499
($71/Night)

Put more money in your pocket with free onboard savings. Stop playing family accountant and take advantage of the abundance of onboard savings being offered by cruise lines during the Orbitz Winter Cruise Event. Between free coupon booklets and onboard credits, travelers can save hundreds of dollars with the following offers.

-- Celebrity Cruises: Receive up to $200 free in onboard spending.
Sailings from $199 ($50/Night)
-- Royal Caribbean: Receive up to $200 free in onboard spending. Sailings
from $549 ($78/Night)
-- Oceania Cruises: Receive up to $500 free in onboard spending. Sailings
from $1,499 ($107/Night)
-- Norwegian Cruise Line: Receive up to $500 free in onboard spending.
Sailings from $169 ($56/Night)


Alternative Cruise Ports Offer Serious Savings

For travelers looking to enjoy a relaxing vacation on the water without spending a bundle, 2009 is the year to book a cruise. Many travelers are aware of the wealth of cruise deals and options available when departing from Florida ports, but these savings are hardly limited to the sunshine state. With 17 U.S. ports located outside of Florida, Orbitz invites travelers to take advantage of the many alternative ports along the country's coastline. To help expand travelers' cruise horizon without deflating their wallets, Orbitz is revealing the top 10 alternative U.S. ports offering the best values in 2009.

Alternative U.S. Ports Offering the Best Value for 2009 (2)

Rank Departure Port Average Price of 5-Night Cruise
1 Mobile, AL $264 ($53/Night)
2 Galveston, TX $319 ($64/Night)
3 New Orleans $329 ($66/Night)
4 San Diego $347 ($70/Night)
5 Los Angeles $424 ($85/Night)
6 Philadelphia $449 ($90/Night)
7 Charleston, SC $529 ($106/Night)
8 Norfolk, VA $549 ($110/Night)
9 Baltimore $564 ($113/Night)
10 Boston $599 ($120/Night)
Bayonne, NJ $599 ($120/Night)

For more information on Orbitz' Cruise Event and to access the year's top cruise deals, visit http://cruises.orbitz.com/promotion/orbitz/cru_event/default.asp

(1) Terms & Conditions
Booking dates and conditions vary by cruise line.

(2) 2009 Best Cruise Deals

Based on 5-night cruise packages sailing between 1/12/09 and 12/31/09. Rates as of 12/12/09.

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a's Cruise Getaways Sale Launches With Trips Starting at Just $169

T2F Note: A winter getaway to a warm spot sure does sound nice about now.

/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Expedia, the world's leading online travel company, has launched its Cruise Getaways sale, helping travelers to see some of the world's top destinations in style and comfort, with record-breaking deals. Whether they're craving relaxation or adventure, Expedia's Cruise Getaways Sale (http://www.expedia.com/cruisegetaways), is providing travelers with dramatic price drops and valuable perks in some of the hottest destinations around the world.

"Whether you're drawn to adventure activities like rock climbing and surfing right on the ship, or simply visiting the pools, spas and other relaxing amenities, ships have evolved tremendously in recent years," said Sean Kell, general manager of Expedia.com. "No longer simply a means of transportation between ports, cruise ships have become the destination."

With accommodations, food and many onboard activities included in the booking price, cruises are some of the most cost-efficient vacations travelers can take. Launched during the busiest cruise booking time of the year, Expedia's Cruise Getaways Sale features trips starting as low as $169 per person for four nights in the Bahamas, which includes meals, evening entertainment and many other activities.(1) In addition to discounted rates, Expedia's Cruise Getaways Sale also includes perks such as onboard credit up to $500, cabin upgrades and free sailings for kids.

"With prices this low and added bonuses like free cabin upgrades and onboard credit, now is the best time of year to take a cruise," added Kell.

Hit the high seas with some of the best cruise deals available, including:

Deals by Destination:
* Mexico: four-night cruises from $189 per person
* Alaska: seven-night cruises from $499 per person
* Europe: 12-night cruises from $799 per person

Featured Cruise Line Offerings:
* Disney Cruise Line: Kids sail for free!
* Royal Caribbean: Up to $100 to spend on the ship
* Norwegian Cruise Line: Cruises from $169 plus up to $500 onboard credit


Cruises must be booked prior to Feb. 27, 2009 and travel must take place before March 2010. For more information about Expedia's Cruise Getaways Sale and for full details, please visit http://www.expedia.com/cruisegetaways.

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Crystal Returns to Alaska for the First Time in Three Years

/PRNewswire/ -- Crystal Cruises returns to Alaska for the first time since 2005 with a single early season itinerary departing Yokohama April 16. The 22-day voyage also marks the first time Crystal Serenity has ever visited the Great Land, with calls at Dutch Harbor, Kodiak, Seward and Ketchikan. Crystal Adventures will highlight the region's magnificent scenery and wildlife - taking guests zip lining through the Tongass National Forest, flightseeing above the Misty Fjords and yachting off Kodiak to view the region's wildlife.

"Crystal has designed more than a dozen new Crystal Adventures that showcase Alaska's greatest assets - its breathtaking landscape and indigenous wildlife," said John Stoll, director, land programs.

New Alaska Crystal Adventures include:

-- Ketchikan - Zip lining along a series of cables suspended between the
tall spruce, hemlock and cedar tress bordering Tongass National
Forest.
-- Ketchikan - Flying above the spectacular Misty Fjords, spotting bears,
timber wolves, seals, sea lions and whales en route.
-- Kodiak - Exploring Abercrombie State Park with an expert naturalist
pointing out the sounds of songbirds, eagles, puffins and gulls.
-- Kodiak - Observing horned and tufted puffins, harbor seals, otter, sea
lion and a variety of birds from a private yacht.
-- Seward - Discovering preservation efforts of Alaska's one-of-kind
ecosystem at one of the region's top research centers.
-- Seward - Cruising across Resurrection Bay into the heart of Kenai
Fjords National Park.



Guests will also be treated to generously expanded programming, which is totally unique to the World Cruise and its segments, including celebrity guest lecturers Richard Dreyfuss and Ed McMahon, as well as Crystal's exclusive Interactive Literary Review and language and music classes offered by Berlitz and Yamaha, respectively.

The 22-day itinerary departs from Tokyo en route to Los Angeles, calling at Otaru, Japan; Petropavolovsk, Russia; Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia; and San Francisco. The full 106-day "Pacific Circle Celebration" World Cruise departs Los Angeles on January 21 and is available in seven individual voyages ranging from 12 to 22 days. Cruise fares start at $11,160 per person, double occupancy.

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''Yes, We Can 2009 Inauguration Cruise'' Seven Day Voyage to the Inauguration of Barack Obama

(BUSINESS WIRE)--HotelBlox announced today that it has partnered with Imperial Majesty Cruise Line and Yes We Can Cruise, Inc., to offer an exclusive sailing to the inauguration of Barack Obama, who will be sworn in as the 44th president of the United States of America on January 20, 2009.

The seven day itinerary aboard Imperial Majesty’s MV Regal Empress cruise ship will depart from Port Everglades, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on Friday, January 16th to sail round trip to Baltimore, Maryland, located only 40 minutes from Washington D.C. Dubbed “Yes, We Can 2009 Inauguration Cruise,” it is the first ever, passenger cruise to the inauguration celebration of a U.S. President.

Highlights include:

* All the inclusive, features that you’d expect on a cruise vacation including meals, entertainment, and recreation
* A stop in Freeport Bahamas
* Onboard spa
* Casino gaming at sea
* Two days port in Baltimore for the Inauguration
* Ground transfers to Inauguration events
* “Yes We Can 2009 Cruise Ball” at the historic, Frances-Merrick Performing Arts Center, Baltimore

“Originally labeled ‘Charter 44 – The Cruise to History,’ our cruise product was conceived as a unique, yet pragmatic solution for individuals wanting to attend inaugural events against a backdrop of limited hotel and air availability,” said Lephate Cunningham, Jr., Managing Partner of HotelBlox. “Nearing the end of the ship procurement process, we discovered Yes We Can 2009 Cruise, Inc., a volunteer group based in Broward County, Florida that was organized solely to put together a cruise as a less expensive way to attend to the Inauguration. The group was faced with a major fundraising goal without a lot of time to get there. We invited them to join our project.”

“We were thrilled when HotelBlox contacted us,” said Karen Phillips, Yes We Can Cruise, Inc. “After one meeting, we knew that our grass roots efforts combined with the industry knowledge, marketing and distribution capabilities of HotelBlox could help make our dream a reality.”

To fully appreciate the efforts of Yes We Can Cruise, Inc., HotelBlox decided to adopt the group’s branding for the Inauguration cruise.

This once-in-a-lifetime voyage would not be possible without a committed and creative cruise line partner. HotelBlox could not have found a better partner than in Imperial Majesty. “This is such a historic event in our country’s history,” said Glenn Ryerson, Vice President of Marketing Imperial Majesty Cruise Line. “We’re very pleased to provide fun alternative transportation and accommodations to people who wouldn’t be able to get a hotel room in the area.”

The MV Regal Empress is a vintage cruise liner offering 500, oversized state rooms (double, triple or quad occupancy) and passenger capacity of 1100. According to Peter Knego of Maritime Matters, “the MV Regal Empress is an absolute must do for anyone with an interest in classic passenger ships. The Caribbean Restaurant, to this vintage ship lover, is the most beautiful room of any ship sailing.”

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Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Announces End to Fuel Supplement

PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. today announced that the company's fuel supplement will no longer apply to new Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises bookings made on or after November 10, 2008, anywhere in the world, for sailings that depart on or after January 1, 2010.

This decision takes into consideration the recent reductions in global fuel prices. The company has also established specific guidelines that will determine whether fuel supplement refunds will be provided for sailings that begin in 2009 and later, which were booked prior to November 10, 2008, if fuel prices remain below a specific price threshold.

For 2009 sailings and 2010 sailings booked before November 10, 2008, the company will determine on a quarterly basis whether fuel supplements will be refunded. Refunds, in the form of an onboard credit, will be provided if the closing price of West Texas Intermediate fuel is $65 or less, at the closing time of the New York Mercantile Exchange, two weeks prior to the beginning of the upcoming calendar quarter. When those conditions are met, an onboard credit will be provided to all guests on sailings that begin during the upcoming calendar quarter.

The dates on which the price of West Texas Intermediate fuel will be measured, and the quarters during which refunds could apply are:

Fuel Price Determination Date Quarter of Possible Fuel Supplement Refunds

December 18, 2008 First quarter 2009
March 18, 2009 Second quarter 2009
June 17, 2009 Third quarter 2009
September 17, 2009 Fourth quarter 2009
December 18, 2009 First quarter 2010
March 18, 2010 Second quarter 2010
June 17, 2010 Third quarter 2010
September 17, 2010 Fourth quarter 2010

The company will continue to closely monitor the movement of global fuel prices and recognize that an upturn in those prices could necessitate the reinstatement of a fuel supplement.

Georgia Residents Can Save Up to 60% on a Caribbean Cruise With MSC Cruises

For a limited time only, MSC Cruises is offering residents of Georgia special savings of up to 60 percent on select 7- and 10-night Caribbean sailings of MSC Orchestra and MSC Lirica for the 2008-09 winter season.

Cruise only rates on 7-night sailings begin at $399 per person, double occupancy for an interior stateroom, $499 for an oceanview, $699 for a balcony and $749 for a suite; 10-night cruise only rates begin at $599 for interior and $699 oceanview. Government fees and taxes are additional, as is a fuel surcharge. Offer expires on Oct. 20.

As with all MSC Cruises sailings, kids under the age of 17 sail free when sharing a stateroom with two full-fare-paying adults (government fees and taxes are additional).

Resident Special rates are available on the following sailings:
-- MSC Lirica: Dec. 13 7-night Western Caribbean (a Baseball Greats theme
cruise);
-- MSC Lirica: Jan. 13 10-night Caribbean Featuring Panama; Jan. 23 and
Feb. 12 10-night Deep Caribbean
-- MSC Orchestra: Jan. 10, 24 (also a Baseball Greats theme cruise) and
Feb. 21 7-night Western Caribbean


For more information about MSC Cruises, visit www.msccruisesusa.com. To book these special Georgia Resident rates, visit a local travel professional.

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