It's Wave Season! FULL List of Special Offers!

Once again, cruise wave season is upon us, the time when most bookings for the year are made, and the cruise lines roll out attractive specials to entice you. Below is a FULL list of wave season offers by cruise line! Most of these offers are available through February 4, 2010, though other booking dates may be listed in the specific offers:

Azamara Club Cruises: Receive up to $400 in Onboard Credit (per stateroom) when you book an Ocean View stateroom or higher on select Azamara Club departures. Booking Window: January 7 - February 4, 2010

Applicable Sailings:
Azamara Journey, 5/2/10
Azamara Journey, 5/23/10
Azamara Journey, 6/18/10
Azamara Journey, 8/29/10
Azamara Quest, 7/12/10
Azamara Quest, 11/27/10

Carnival: Up to 2 Category Upgrade on select dates.

Celebrity: Up to $100/cabin onboard credit! Celebrity January Sale

Interested in an Alaska or Europe cruisetour? Up to $200/cabin onboard
credit on Alaska cruisetours if booked by January 31, or $300/cabin onboard
credit for Europe cruisetours if booked by March 31!

Crystal: In addition to the absolutely wonderful As You Wish onboard credits up to $2,000/cabin, 2-for-1 fares and free air on select sailings, an additional $200/cabin onboard credit and pre-paid gratuities.

Solo Travelers: Remember that Crystal has some of the
lowest single supplements in the industry, standard starting at only 25%.
Crystal can be a fabulous value for solo travelers.

Cunard: Up to $300/cabin onboard credit for all 2010/2011 sailings (except 2011 World Cruise) on QM2, Queen Victoria and the new Queen Elizabeth.

Solo traveler alert: I have found ZERO single supplement on some fall 2010 Transatlantic sailings on the Queen Mary 2! Most notably the 11/10/10 sailing. Zero. Nada. Zip! Current inside fares are less than $1,000 SINGLE OCCUPANCY! If you've dreamed of a classic Cunard Transatlantic and sail solo... DO NOT WAIT! These sailings are also eligible for the onboard credit and reduced deposit offers!

Disney: Onboard credit for selected 3- and 4-night spring sailings!

Holland America: Reduced deposit and coupon book for all bookings! Don't forget the ongoing View and Verandah sale with lowered fares for oceanview cabins and above, 50% reduced deposit, savings for 3rd and 4th passengers, and even savings on pre- and post-cruise hotels!

In addition, in an EXCLUSIVE for my clients, I have some Limited Edition The Art
of Cruising books from Holland America! This lovely coffee table book
highlights the fine art and antiques aboard Holland America ships. Book
with me on Holland America by February 5, and I'll enter you into a drawing for
these collectible books!

NCL: Year of Freestyle Vacation offers. Up to 6 category upgrades, certificate books, plus rotating offers every two weeks. Currently on sale: Norwegian Epic with upgrades and reduced deposits!

In addition, for solo travelers, Norwegian Epic is offering
150% single supplements for most 2010 and 2011 sailings! This is huge, as
NCL rarely reduces single supplements. A great opportunity to try not only
NCL, but their brand new Epic!

Princess: Through January 21, reduced deposits of $100/person and coupon books on all sailings 7 days or longer.

In addition, for select 2010 European, Caribbean and Alaska sailings, book a balcony at the price of an Oceanview!

Alaska Cruisetours including Denali are on sale! Up to 25% off Alaska
Cruisetour packages! Book by February 28. Prices start as low as
$1,274/person.

Royal Caribbean: Up to $200/cabin savings for select sailings throughout 2010! Book an oceanview cabin or above by February 28 on select sailings and receive up to $200/cabin savings!

River Cruising: River cruise lines continue to offer tremendous savings, with 2-for-1 pricing, free or reduced air and other special offers. These specials are frequently changing, but if you're considering a river cruise for 2010, don't wait. Unlike 2009, many special dates are already extremely limited.

This is the time to book your 2010 (or even 2011) cruise!

If you're thinking of Alaska this year, I can't emphasize enough to BOOK NOW! Because of the reduction in the number of ships and sailings, I expect Alaska cruises and cruisetours to be going up in price throughout the year. Booking now locks in your preferred cabin and pricing.

Remember that several lines will allow me to adjust your fare if they lower prices, EVEN AFTER FINAL PAYMENT! If you're concerned with getting the best fare, and who isn't, ask for information on these policies. I never charge a fee for changes to your booking, unless the cruise line imposes one directly. So you're protected when booking with me!

Call me at 303-690-8937, or toll-free at 888-SAIL-123 (888-724-5123), or email at amber@cruiseresource.com for more information on any sailing, offer, or to book your cruise! You deserve a great vacation in 2010!

Luggage Tags - The Next E-Frontier

Princess and Royal Caribbean this week announced changes to their luggage tag programs in an attempt to streamline the processes. One is likely to be welcomed (or at least be neutral) by cruisers, while the other is definitely a change likely bemoaned as not as passenger friendly.

Of course, these are both being touted as "enrichments" and moves toward streamlining the process. Uh huh.

First up to announce changes was Royal Caribbean. Under the current system with e-documents, if you have booked with an agent, the agent could access and print your custom luggage tags on sticker stock provided by Royal Caribbean (and Celebrity and Azamara - they are interchangeable in the process). I'm sure the blank stock is somewhat expensive to send out to agents, then agents had to pay again to send to their clients after printing. As an agent, I never minded doing this, as most objections to electronic documentation had to do with luggage tags, so this small process still provided my clients with what they wanted - good quality luggage tags customized with their name and cabin.

The new process is entirely in the hands of the passenger. Up to 14 days prior to sailing, as part of the online check-in process, the passenger may request the personalized luggage tags be sent to their home address. This is a new step in the online check-in process, and has an earlier deadline than the rest of the documentation completion so the tags can be printed and sent. There is an enhancement to the tags in that they're better coded to assist in luggage delivery than the generic blue and white tag stock agents have been using, especially helpful for ships like the Oasis Class, but it is one more step in the process. For those passengers without a computer, their agent may request them on their behalf, though in that case, they won't be sent until 13 days prior to sailing, which is a bit nerve wracking for some passengers.

Of course, tags will still be available from the porters at the pier should someone fail to request in time or forget them at home.

As an agent, I don't mind in the least not having to print and pay postage to send these, and I'll be reminding my clients of the necessity of the step when I deliver their electronic documents, but it's still one more thing for clients to do, with entirely different deadlines than the regular online check-in process. I liked the higher touch of sending these to my clients along with other pre-cruise materials, especially for new cruisers, but guess I will just have to find other mechanisms to provide that extra touch. I do applaud the fact that the tags will assist with efficient luggage delivery. All in all, this is probably a good thing, but it is a change cruisers will have to get used to.

On the other side of the service line is Princess. They announced today that they will no longer be providing the luggage labels with the pre-cruise documentation package sent out shortly after final payment. My guess is this is the first step in elimination of that pre-cruise package entirely, as the luggage tags were a tiny portion of that package, and can't have cost them much to produce and send as part of the larger package.

Also touted as an "advancement", Princess' announcement read:

Reflecting Princess Cruises' commitment to innovation, we are pleased to announce the introduction of personalized online luggage tags. This new feature will provide our passengers and travel agent partners the opportunity to conveniently print personalized luggage tags on their home or office computer.

The new online luggage tags are personalized with the passenger's name, Captain's Circle membership status, cabin number and embarkation information. The luggage tags are accessible in the Cruise Personalizer® and can be printed up to 75 days prior to the sailing date.

This new feature will be effective with voyages departing after December 1, 2009 and will replace the standard luggage tags that are currently provided within the pre-cruise documentation package. Generic luggage tags will continue to be available at the pier for passengers
who may need them.

We are excited about this new advancement in providing more personalized pre-cruise information to our passengers, and we thank you for your continuing support of Princess Cruises!

While I'm sure these tags contain more information than the previous tags did, I'm not a huge fan of the tags you print out on regular paper, fold and either tape or staple. While some report no problems with that type of tag, for those of us who fly to ports, it means finding or bringing tape or staplers with us to affix the tags in our hotel room the day of sailing or at the airport prior to arriving at the port. Neither of which is ideal. I also just am not as confident about the durability of this kind of tag, but time will tell. They have been used on NCL for awhile now, and I've not experienced difficulty, they're just not my favorite, and I'd consider this a bit of a downgrade overall.

All the lines are moving toward more and more electronic documentation, and luggage tags are a sticking issue for them. It's difficult to figure out a good solution combining convenience, durability and cost savings. It will be interesting to see how this progresses. Just make sure your bags are well marked with durable ID tags with your name, so eventually they will make their way to your cabin.

Just As Promised...Mega Secret Hot Summer Sales!

I hinted that there were some upcoming specials for 2009 sailings... and here they are! It's our Mega Secret (as in both Mega Large and Mega Top-Secret) Hot Summer Sale! Book between July 9 and August 9 for these offers!

First up is from Royal Caribbean. Book a balcony or above statement for any 2009 sailing on the Enchantment of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas or Adventure of the Seas between July 9 and August 9, 2009, and receive complimentary dinner for two in any of the specialty restaurants!

Better yet - the offer IS combinable with lowest available fare, restricted rates (EZN, Reduced Air, Seniors, Residents, Military, and Police and Fireman), Crown and Anchor, Shareholder Benefits, and Future or NextCruise offers. (Additional restrictions may apply. )

Prefer Celebrity? No problem! I have a "Beat the Heat" sale just for you (and I have to say, since my A/C keeps freezing over, anything to beat the heat right now is sounding really good to me!)

Book a specified 2009 sailing in an Oceanview cabin or above between July 9 and August 9, and receive up to $100 onboard credit! The applicable sailings and corresponding onboard credit amounts can be found here: Celebrity Beat the Heat Sale.

Still not satisfied? Then I have offers from NCL as well. Once again, book a 2009 sailing between July 9 and August 9 on any ship and the savings are yours! Book any 2009 sailing during the sale period and receive a 50% reduced deposit. Want to sail to Bermuda, Canada/New England, Western Caribbean or Mexican Riviera on NCL before the end of 2009? Then the deal is even better for you with onboard credits up to $250/cabin!

Want to take your family on Disney? I've got you covered with onboard credits! Book a 3-night cruise for 11/5/09 through 12/27/09, and receive a $50/cabin onboard credit. 4 night cruises between November 1 and December 23 net you a $50/cabin onboard credit. If you want to sail a 7-night cruise on Disney between 10/31 and 12/19/09, well, that'll get you a $100/cabin onboard credit!

Holland America your style? We've not forgotten you! We have a super coupon book for you for any cabins booked on 2009 sailings between July 9 and August 9!

You're a Princess lover? Their special is applicable for sailings in 2009 AND 2010! Book during our mega secret summer sale July 9-August 9, receive reduced deposits AND an onboard coupon book valued at $325!

Okay, my fingers are tired and my calculator is smoking at these hot summer savings. Any of these sales sound good to you? Then call or email me to book your cruise!

Don't forget about the Crystal's End of Summer 3-day Sale going on through Friday as well.

Northeast Motorcoach Service for Princess Cruisers

Over the past few years, cruisers in the Northeast have seen decreasing levels of bus transfers to their cruises departing from New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia and Baltimore. Time was that each line offered convenient service for those living in surrounding areas. The lines had slowly been decreasing that service (some lines eliminating it entirely), but it appears that it is making a re-appearance, at least for Princess passengers.

For passengers sailing on the Caribbean Princess' summer and fall 2009 sailings from Brooklyn between 5/24 and 10/17/09, getting to and from the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in New York this year will now be as easy as making a reservation and getting to one of the convenient Northeast pick-up locations.

Up to 35 passengers will board an air-conditioned motorcoach and travel in comfort, with their luggage,to the pier. After disembarkation, passengers will be returned to the same location. All roundtrip rates are only $79 USD per person, which is far less than parking for the pier, not to mention the fuel savings.

There are 4 distinct routes as follows:

• Route 1: Washington, D.C./Baltimore. Departing from Washington, D.C. and traveling to Baltimore, MD;Wilmington, DE;Philadelphia, PA and Burlington, NJ.
• Route 2: Eastern Pennsylvania. Departing from Harrisburg and traveling to Lancaster, Reading, Allentown and Easton.
• Route 3: Massachusetts. Departing from Boston, with subsequent stops in Worcester and Springfield, MA. and Hartford, CT.†
• Route 4: Connecticut/Rhode Island. Departing from Providence, RI and travels through Connecticut with stops in New London, New Haven and Bridgeport.†

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS. The motorcoach service is available to non-ambulatory passengers, though the request must be made in writing to request this service. There is no additional charge for this service beyond the regular transfer fee.

I'm glad to see the cruise lines returning to providing this service, making "home port" cruising from ports closer to your home even more attractive. The expanding of the various home ports makes for more options and varied itineraries, and this is yet another step to expand that theme. I hope more lines follow.

Carnival Brands Eliminate Fuel Supplement!

In the best news yet in the ongoing saga of fuel supplements, Carnival Corporation announced today that they will be suspending (eliminating) fuel supplements for all of their North American brands (Carnival, Costa, Cunard, Holland America, Princess and Seabourn) starting with sailings departing on or after December 17, 2008. No complicated formula of watching the West Texas Intermediate Crude for 20 consecutive days beginning 25 days prior to sailing, not even the quarterly formula of the other major brands. It's just gone, vamoosed, outta here!

For those who have already paid their final payment and are sailing on or after December 17, the fuel supplement will be refunded in the form of onboard credit on your cruise (do be sure to check your account to verify it shows up). For those who have not yet paid final payment, the amount will be removed from your booking.

From the Carnival press release:

“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 next logical question is if other brands will follow suit Of course, Disney has already suspended their fuel supplements, which may have precipitated this announcement by Carnival. I think it's possible other brands will make similar announcements, though their quarterly assessment of fuel prices is a much more sensible formula than what the Carnival brands had set up, and I'm not sure that the Royal Caribbean International brands, at least, will do so.

At least we have this for now, and it's great news!

Making Alaska Cruise Tours Easier

When speaking with clients about Alaska Cruisetours (cruise plus land portion in Alaska), most people do want to do the combination, but what stops a lot of people from considering it is not the time frame and duration, but rather the concerns over the cost of flying into Alaska and returning from Vancouver or the reverse (called open-jaw air).

Princess must be getting the same resistance, as they've created the first round-trip Cruisetour from Seattle! While you still sail one-way between Vancouver and Alaska, Princess had created a package so that they'll transport you round-trip from Seattle. Smart move!

The itinerary is:

• Motorcoach trip Seattle to Vancouver
• 7 day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise
• Direct to the Wilderness rail service
• 2 nights Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge
• Natural History Tour into Denali National Park
• 2 Nights Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge
• Air flight Anchorage to Seattle
• 1 night Seattle

This is a 12-day Cruisetour with prices starting at $1,499/person for an Inside cabin and $2,049/person for a Balcony (May 16 departure for these prices). This is an excellent value to have the convenience and savings of a round-trip Seattle airfare, with the benefit of being able to experience more of Alaska, by land and sea, on a Cruisetour.

Ruby Princess Debuts New Features

When the Ruby Princess launches on November 8, guests onboard will be treated to new amenities, activities and entertainment onboard. Many of these will be rolled out to other ships in the Princess fleet as well. Among the highlights:

Wheelhouse Bar Pub Lunch - On sea days, Ruby Princess' Wheelhouse Bar will be transformed into an authentic English-style pub, serving a selection of traditional fare. A menu of British favorites, including bangers & mash, fish & chips, ploughman's lunch and cottage pie, will complement a selection of traditional pub brews such as Stella Artois, Bass Ale or Guinness. Pub lunch meal service is free of charge and will run from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Sabatini's Breakfast for Suite Passengers - Suite passengers aboard Ruby Princess will have the opportunity to enjoy an exclusive breakfast in Sabatini's. Beginning with a "Good Morning Mimosa," the menu features a variety of breakfast favorites, plus specialty items such as brioche French toast with apple & cinnamon compote, yogurt and super granola parfait with raspberry swirl, soft-poached egg over potato & vegetables with hollandaise sauce, and freshly made Belgian waffles. Suite passengers can enjoy this new amenity, along with the restaurant's dramatic top-of-ship views, from approximately 7:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Artisan Cheeses at Vines - In addition to serving more than 30 wines by the glass and seafood appetizers that have made Vines a passenger favorite, the atrium-area bar on Ruby Princess will now feature a selection of domestic and imported artisan cheeses. Twelve varieties - including unique choices such as boschetto al tartufo bianchetto, reblochon, and cambozola - will be featured each day for a nominal fee. Vines will also host a series of lively events where passengers can meet members of the ship's staff, and will continue to offer wine flights and parings.

New Enrichment Programs - A number of new ScholarShip@Sea enrichment programs debut aboard Ruby Princess to expand passengers' horizons, whether they aspire to host the perfect party or increase their maritime knowledge. The Art of Entertaining offers passengers the opportunity to learn party-planning tips from lifestyle expert Susie Coelho via a multimedia presentation hosted by the cruise director. Navigation@Sea focuses on the history of navigation as well as the complexities of plotting the route of a modern cruise ship, with a presentation by the ship's navigator. Mixology@Sea lets passengers channel their inner bartender with a hands-on course taught by the ship's bar manager. For star gazers, the new Astronomy@Sea program provides passengers with the opportunity to explore the night sky through a telescope on the top deck, with the expert guidance of a ship's bridge officer. Developed in conjunction with Dr. Thomai Serdari, Professor of Art History and Director of Research Collections for New York University, Art History@Sea: Botticelli to Warhol, The Evolution of Art makes 500 years of art come to life with a special hour-long presentation.

Two New Production Shows - Ruby Princess audiences will be able to enjoy two new Princess-produced shows in the ship's theater. "Broadway Ballroom" presents the music of the 'Great White Way' with a ballroom flair, pairing the songs of hit musicals with dance numbers ranging from foxtrot to rumba. The show also features the talents of a costume designer and choreographer from the TV hit "Dancing with the Stars." Meanwhile, "Once Upon a Dream" uses unique multidimensional cinematic projection to follow a dreamscape unlike anything seen a sea. The audience will accompany a young woman's journey as she dreams of everything from a tea party in an English garden to singing camels in the desert, and even a trip through a waterfall and brief nightmare before waking to a new day.

The Audience Gets in the Act - A variety of new audience-participation events will also debut on the ship, giving passengers a number of ways to seek their 15 minutes of fame. Karaoke fans can go a bit farther with Love Boat Legends, where they are actually transformed into a famous artist of the past. So You Wanna Be A Rock Star? moves beyond pre-recorded Karaoke tunes to give audience members the opportunity to rock out with a live band on stage. Oceans of Talent puts passenger talent center stage - whether they play a musical instrument or want to try out their comedic timing. The Wake Up Show takes Princess' popular morning show with the cruise director to a new level with an irreverent talk show format, live band, special guests and an opportunity for passengers to join the "studio" audience, as the show is taped in the evening before its broadcast the next morning.

A Few Fine Touches - A number of new service touches will be introduced to delight passengers. In the Horizon Court buffet, new waffle stations will offer fresh cooked-to-order waffles at breakfast and throughout lunchtime, and the buffet will also begin serving complimentary lemonade as a beverage choice. In the evening, passengers will find a selection of canapés in several of the ship's public lounges. Passengers arriving back from shore will be greeted with chilled face cloths, and by the pool, "misting stewards" will offer a quick refreshing spritz with Evian to cool off.

Kid Stuff - Young passengers can enjoy a new Wizards Academy, an exclusive presentation from the award-winning California Science Center. This enriching new program lets children explore the connection between science and magic in a fun and participative environment. Kids will also enjoy activities and projects from popular arts and crafts company Klutz, or participate in Yoga for Kids, a healthy and fun course designed specifically for children.

Wireless Internet and Cell Phones - Expanding on Princess' Internet and phone connectivity, Ruby Princess will offer laptop users additional wireless hotspots around the vessel, including staterooms. The ship will also be equipped so that passengers can use their personal cellular phones, if they have international roaming plans, while onboard.

Carnival Reveals Fuel Supplement Reduction/Removal Plan

Carnival has revealed their plans for removing and/or incorporating fuel supplements in the future, setting out specific guidelines for refunding of existing supplements, and incorporating future supplements into fares. Because the plan is pretty complicated, I'm going to put the release to the industry here in its entirety for your reading pleasure:

Over the past few months as fuel prices have declined, we have had many questions about our fuel supplement. While fuel prices today remain very volatile, we have given this careful consideration and I am pleased to update you on some new and important information regarding the fuel supplement for Carnival Corporation & plc brands.

Six of our brands, Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn have announced that effective October 31, 2008, the existing fuel supplement will be eliminated for all new bookings on 2010 departures. At the same time, a price increase on 2010 sailings will become effective.

Additionally, the company has established specific guidelines under which the current fuel supplement may be reimbursed to consumers for 2008 and 2009 voyages. For 2008 and 2009 departures, if the price of light sweet crude oil according to the NYMEX (New York Mercantile Exchange Index) is $70 per barrel or less at the 2:30 p.m. close of business as reported by Reuters on each of the 25 consecutive trading days ending five trading days prior to the guest’s
cruise departure date, the fuel supplement will be refunded in the form of a shipboard credit.
Guests who book a 2010 cruise prior to Oct. 31, 2008, will still be charged the current fuel supplement but will also be eligible for a refund of the fuel supplement in accordance with the same fuel price conditions that are being implemented for current 2008 and 2009 departures.

We are implementing these initiatives due to recent trends in declining fuel prices in an effort to migrate away from charging a separate fuel supplement. If fuel prices stabilize below $70 a barrel, we will be able to effectively eliminate the fuel supplement. However, there is still a risk that fuel prices could move higher which would require us to maintain or reinstate a fuel supplement but we are hopeful that the goal of eliminating the fuel supplement can be achieved.

What does this really mean? Don't even think of looking for a rebate on cruises already booked unless, just before your sailing, crude pricing is below $70/barrel for the month prior to your cruise. And if that happens, be pro-active on your cruise to ensure you get the promised onboard credit. So if fuel drops to $70 a barrel or less for 25 days in December, 2008, but your cruise isn't until May, 2009, your fuel supplement will remain on your booking. However, if the fuel supplement is $70 or less for 25 consecutive days in April, start paying close attention for your May sailing - you may be eligible for an onboard credit refund.

Second, for new 2010 bookings starting October 31, fuel supplements will be incorporated into the price of your booking not a separate line item. This means likely they will not be taken out, even if fuel price is reduced in the future.

Thinking about booking one of the Carnival brands for a 2010 sailing? Do it prior to October 31! Otherwise, no chance of getting any type of fuel supplement refund, and you will see a price increase across the board on November 1.

Finally, watch for other lines to come out with plans of their own to incorporate fuel supplements into their pricing and/or how they would remove or refund them in the future.

Confusing? You bet. If you have questions, let me know. I'll be keeping on top of these to be sure

Royal Caribbean Expands "My Time Dining"

Following the trend in the industry (one of the few times Royal Caribbean can be accused of following a trend rather than setting one), they've announced that they're expanding the "My Time Dining" program on selected ships through 2009. In fact, the Oasis of the Seas will debut with My Time Dining as an option when she sets sail in December, 2009, and through the November 27, 2010 sailing.

My Time Dining is similar to Princess' Personal Choice or Holland America's As You Wish dining, where you can arrive to a particular dining room any time between 6:00PM and 9:30PM each night. You may make reservations once onboard if you'd like to lock in a particular time. In order to participate, you must pre-pay gratuities.

The ships participating in the program are:

• Brilliance of the Seas® - Now through December 23, 2009
• Freedom of the Seas® - Now through December 27, 2009
• Independence of the SeasSM - Now through December 26, 2009
• Jewel of the Seas® - Now through December 21, 2009
• Radiance of the Seas® - Now through December 20, 2009
• Serenade of the Seas® - Now through December 26, 2009

Flexible dining options are definitely getting to be more popular. Next up, expect Carnival to dip their toes in this water as well. That would leave Celebrity as the only all-traditional dining in their main dining rooms.

That Was Quick! Turks & Caicos Cruise Port Scheduled Reopening

Carnival Corporation today announced the expected date to reopen the Turks & Caicos Cruise Port, with the first cruise ship call scheduled for October 8 with the Carnival Destiny.

This quick a reopening isn't unprecidented, as Cozumel re-opened in approximately the same amount of time after Category 5 Wilma slammed over the island 3 years ago. And I expect the reason for the quick reopening is for the same reason - the island desperately needs the income cruisers bring.

"We believe we can complete repairs to the cruise center within a 30-day period and bring cruise ships back to Grand Turk," said Giora Israel, Carnival's vice president of strategic planning and port development. In addition to its existing staff on the island, Carnival Corp. & plc will bring in a number of additional skilled workers who will not only repair the cruise center complex, but also assist in the repair of some of the island's key attractions.

"We will be investing millions of dollars in the coming months to help Grand Turk quickly rebuild its cruise-focused tourism. Bringing tourists back to the island as quickly as possible will play a major role in driving the island's overall recovery," said Israel.

The Grand Turk Cruise Center is the largest private employer on the island and the cruise center staff, combined with shore excursion operators, comprises approximately 80% of non-government jobs in Grand Turk.

Carnival Corporation & plc will also be providing financial and logistical assistance to shore excursion operators to enable them to resume their businesses. Cruise passengers and crew members will be provided the opportunity to participate in volunteer-oriented excursions for those who wish to assist in the island's recovery effort.

Turks & Caicos Off The Itineraries... For Now

In the wake of Hurricane Ike, which crossed over Grand Turk as a Category 4 hurricane, Grand Turk is being moved off the cruise line itineraries, at least for the near term. While the pier itself sustained little damage, having been built to withstand a Category 5 hurricane, as was the cruise center itself, most of the residents and other businesses on the island have suffered significant damage, and are in no position to be accepting cruise passengers at this time.

Carnival Corp lines (Carnival, Princess, Holland America, etc.) make up the bulk of the passengers to Grand Turk, and they are investigating other options. However, they have made a commitment to return as quickly as possible, as they understand the importance of tourism to the economy, and thus to the recovery of this island. Many residents are employed, directly or indirectly, in the cruise industry, so a return to work to them is doubly important.

In addition, passengers will miss this highly-rated port. However, I think most will understand that the decision to remove this port from sailings in the next few weeks is done for their benefit, but also for that of the residents who need to repair their homes and island before they can welcome visitors.

Hopefully this wonderful port will return soon to full capacity!

Princess Launches Ultimate Ship Tour

Have you been on every ship tour already offered? Seen the galley a few too many times, but still go back because you're fascinated by the inner workings of a ship? Have you begged in vain in the past to see the engine room? Then Princess has the perfect tour for you!

Debuting on the Ruby Princess, and soon to be rolled out to the entire fleet, the "Ultimate Ship Tour" will be quite the behind-the-scenes adventure... with a price tag to match. Pricing is $150/person, but covers everything during the 3-hour tour.

The tour includes visits to the ship’s engine control room, medical center, print shop, laundry, photo lab, bridge and other spaces for a rare insider’s view of many areas typically seen only by the ship’s crew. Participants will also receive a variety of themed mementos at many of the stops along the route.

The innovative tour will feature:

Back Stage Area – Passengers start the tour with a glimpse behind the glitz in the Princess Theater, home to Princess’ sparkling stage productions. They’ll meet the cast and production staff, who will show them all that goes into making sure the show goes on night after night – including costumes and dressing areas, scenery and technical operations such as lighting and sound.

Galley and Food Production Areas – In the galley, guests will meet the executive chef, learn about the process of providing thousands of passengers meals each day, and see the inner workings of the ship’s kitchen areas while enjoying a glass of French champagne, caviar and canapés. In addition, passengers will get a peek into some of Ruby Princess’ vast food storage and production areas, each specially equipped and temperature-controlled for a specific type of food. Each guest will also be presented with an official chef’s jacket.

Engine Control Room – At the center of the vessel’s mechanical and electrical systems, the engine control room is where the ship’s technical team monitors everything from the operation of the ship’s propellers to the water supply in each stateroom. Participants will meet the chief technical offer and his staff who will explain the numerous functions overseen by the control room, including the vast amount of power generated to operate Ruby Princess.

Print Shop – Passengers will see where their daily Princess Patter, among other things, is produced. The ship’s printer will meet the group and demonstrate the printing equipment and explain which materials passengers see each day are printed right onboard Ruby Princess. To mark their visit, each passenger will receive their own set of personalized stationery printed on board.

Photo Laboratory – Princess was the first cruise line to go completely digital, and each ship operates a full photo lab with the latest in digital printing equipment. The group will meet the Ruby Princess photo staff and learn how they manage the thousands of pictures taken and printed each day. Participants might even see their own smiling faces print out during their visit.

Medical Center – The ship’s doctor will meet the group to show them the state-of-the-art medical facilities, including treatment rooms, laboratory facilities, intensive care unit, and digital x-ray system. Participants will learn how the ship’s doctors and nurses – all full-time maritime medicine specialists – keep both passengers and crew healthy and handle medical emergencies. They’ll also learn about the most common reasons passengers visit the medical center.

Main Laundry – Ruby Princess’ onboard laundries operate 24 hours a day to wash tons of passenger and crew linens, towels, and clothing – including more than 20,000 towels a day alone. Here visitors will meet the laundry master and will see this impressive operation in action. Participants will also receive a luxurious bath robe usually reserved for suite passengers.

Funnel – The group will then travel to the upper most deck of the ship to join the staff captain for the opportunity to peek inside the ship’s funnel area high atop Ruby Princess, where they will be treated to spectacular views of the ship and the surrounding ocean.

Bridge – The tour concludes at the ship’s command center, where passengers will meet the captain and his bridge team and learn about the state-of-the-art navigational equipment and safety systems aboard Ruby Princess. Passengers will also take in the dramatic front-of-ship views from the bridge’s wraparound windows, while they enjoy special refreshments and pose with the captain at the ship’s wheel for a complimentary photo. The framed photo and a tour completion certificate signed by the captain will later be delivered to each participant’s stateroom.

The tour will have a very limited number of participants, and will only be offered once or twice per cruise, on a sea day.

Princess Wants to Pump... You Up

Notice I didn't say "plump." I honestly couldn't think of a better title for this, and while I rarely post press releases almost verbatim, because of the amount of information in this program, I'm about to.

With one small editorial.

With the possible exception of certain suites (and I'm not even talking mini-suites here), the thought of an aerobic workout in my own cabin, anything beyond perhaps stretching exercises, has me fearing for the safety of myself and the cabin. But the rest sounds interesting!

Princess is debuting a new suite of fitness options onboard all their ships.

Designed for cruisers of all ages and activity levels, these innovative fitness choices will help passengers get moving in the privacy of their own staterooms with Fitness@Sea hosted by celebrity trainer Gillian Clark; strike a pose in an interactive yoga class for junior cruisers; or test their mettle with a “Tour de France” spin class as part of the line’s new Core.Balance.Strength. program.

“We know that many of our passengers are interested in maintaining their exercise programs while on their cruise, and still others like to try new things to stay in shape,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises senior vice president. “Our new fitness programs are a great way to do both.”

Fitness@Sea

Led by celebrity fitness trainer and bestselling fitness DVD host Gillian Clark, passengers can participate in a series of Fitness@Sea classes in the comfort of their own staterooms to challenge their minds and bodies. Produced as an industry first for Princess, the classes are designed as a way for passengers to comfortably start off their day with beneficial exercise. Clark leads nine different classes shown exclusively on the line’s Wellness Channel, including:

• Core strengthening
• Flexibility
• Arm and leg strengthening
• Big muscle groups and an overall body workout
• Cardio training
• Stretching
• The mind/body connection
• Breathing to enhance your workout
• Back strengthening

Fitness@Sea debuts fleetwide this month. On ships with Movies Under the Stars, morning sessions are offered on the signature 300-square-foot-screens for those passengers who want to enjoy the open air on deck and work out in a group setting.

Yoga for Kids and Teens
In another industry first, Princess will introduce yoga to kids and teens in a fun and imaginative way, while promoting exercise in a positive environment. With the worldwide popularity and widely known benefits of yoga, Princess brings this mind and body exercise to kids and teens ages 3-17.
The program promotes building coordination, breathing, balance and emotional strength with an element of play incorporating music, chants and singing. With yoga mats provided, kids can participate in a variety of yoga animal poses from Downward Dog to Cat and Mouse. Classes are complimentary and are currently rolling out fleetwide in the onboard youth and teen centers. Classes range from 30 minutes to one hour and parents are welcome to participate.

Core.Balance.Strength.
This exclusive new onboard fitness program focuses on three vital components of balanced health called Core.Balance.Strength. Using a variety of energetic new options for health-conscious passengers, these classes are offered in Princess’ Lotus Spa.

Core.Balance.Strength. is designed to help guests maximize their wellness potential by focusing on three fitness components, each with a series of corresponding classes. The Core component is designed to create a strong foundation on which to build, and is based primarily on the principles of Pilates and correct postural alignment. Balance focuses on centering both mind and body, and features fusion yoga classes. Strength includes a high-energy mixture of both strength and cardio classes designed to get the heart racing and the endorphins flowing.

As part of the new program, passengers who’ve dreamed of bicycling in the famed Tour de France can now get a taste of the action with a new Tour de Spin program, offered as part of the strength course options, which will benefit LIVESTRONG, the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

The new Core.Balance.Strength. program is currently being rolled out fleetwide and is expected to be in place aboard all Princess ships by the end of the year. A nominal fee is charged for each class, which includes the following:

Core
• AbSession: A 20-minute abdominal blaster
• Core Strength and Stretch: Pilates based, concentrating on creating a strong foundation
• Pilates Basics: An introduction to classic Pilates moves
• Fitball Pilates: Innovative core class utilizing the Pilates ring to develop a strong center

Balance
• Meditation Series: A guide to a clearer more enriched life
• Yoga Basics: Suitable for all fitness levels, this yoga series introduces the ancient concepts of yoga
• Strong Centered and Stretched: Fusion class incorporating yoga and Pilates, focusing on posture, strength and the individual’s chi

Strength
• Body Challenge Conditioning: The ultimate all over body workout set to chart topping hits
• Tour de Spin: Offered in association with LIVESTRONG, the Lance Armstrong Foundation, the Tour de Spin program will consist of three different 45-minute classes, each featuring a ride named after various stages of the Tour de France. Each spin class offers a different profile based on the class theme: Les Alps features multi-level resistances, Time Trial offers a fast interval workout and Alp D’Huez consists of a mind/body climb. One dollar from each class series will be donated to LIVESTRONG to fight cancer, and at the conclusion of the three-ride program each participant will receive one of the foundation’s famous yellow wrist bands.
• Step to My Groove: Beginners step aerobics, simple, easy and fun

In addition, the new program will continue to offer a selection of complimentary classes, including:
• Long and Lean Stretch class: An introductory stretching class with an emphasis on postural imbalances and tight muscle groups
• Ab Workshop: An in-depth look at the perfect sit-up with an informative and results-driven workout
• Circuit City: Using resistance machines, guests will experience the ultimate full body workout and learn the best way to use exercise machines
• Aerobically Challenged: A low impact aerobics class for beginners – easy and simple
• Chillax: Chill out and relax on the ultimate wind down
• Lotus Tai Chi: A meditative workout to promote inner peace and calm using slow rhythmic movement

Wii Fit
All Princess ships, which have long featured Nintendo’s popular Wii™ systems onboard, also offer the revolutionary Wii Fit™ balance games, challenging passengers of all ages to put their athletic skills to the test with active video game tournaments such as the ski jump, Hula Hoop® or heading soccer balls. Exciting family competitions are held onboard – including on the dramatic Movies Under the Stars poolside screens. Youth and teen centers are also offering younger cruisers the opportunity to participate in Wii Fit activities on their vacation.

I think I need a spa treatment after just reading all this!

Tristan and Ryan to Christen Ruby Princess

Joining the Love Boat and the Bachelor/Bachelorette would seem to be a natural, especially with the popular couple Tristan and Ryan, and Princess is going to do just that. When the Ruby Princess is christened in Ft. Lauderdale on November 6, the Sutters will be right there to both celebrate their 5th wedding anniversary and, oh by the way, also serve as the Ruby Princess' godparents.

Trista and Ryan are one of the best-known romantic duos in recent broadcast history, as they are the first and only couple from the The Bachelor and Bachelorette franchises who have actually gotten married. They are also the most successful at turning their celebrity into ongoing celebrity and accompanying perks. The Sutters currently live in Vail with their young son.

“Princess Cruises has long stood for romance and reconnection, and so we’re delighted to have Trista and Ryan christen Ruby Princess as they celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary,” said Jan Swartz, senior vice president for Princess Cruises. “While slightly unconventional, their courtship and marriage was exciting to watch as it unfolded, and we think their fascinating love story epitomizes our inaugural theme of celebrating romantic moments and milestones.”

Princess Free Alaska Tour with Mini-Suite!

Princess just announced a new sale of a type I've never seen before. Purchase a mini-suite on a selected sailing to Alaska this summer, and receive the tour portion FREE!

The applicable sailings are:

• Jul 25, 2008, Coral Princess, from $2,448/person
• August 1, 2008, Island Princess, from $2,448/person
• August 8, 2008, Coral Princess, from $2,448/person
• Aug 15, 2008, Island Princess, from $2,173/person
• August 29, 2008, Island Princess, from $1,898/person

The tour is the Heart of Alaska, tour 8S, which is a total of an 11-night cruise/tour package.

There are also free upgrades on certain cruisetours from obstructed oceanview to balcony:

• Jul 25, 2008, Coral Princess, CT 6S, from $2,648/person
• Jul 30, 2008, Sapphire Princess, CT 6S, from $2,648/person
• August 8, 2008, Coral Princess, CT 6s, from $2,648/person
• Jul 22, 2008, Diamond Princess, CT 1S, from $2,748/person
• July 31, 2008, Island Princess, CT1S, from $2,748/person

These prices represent a phenomenal value. If you're interested, call immediately.

Princess Expands Past Passenger Early Booking Bonus

Expanding on the program they began with the announcement of the European and Alaska 2009 season, Princess announced that they will continue to offer early booking bonuses of up to a $300/cabin discount. Debuting with summer 2009 itineraries, the savings vary by destination and apply to all cabin categories.

The program is offered to Captain's Circle Members at all membership levels - Gold, Platinum and Elite. For 2009-2010 departures, Europe and Alaska cruises must be booked by September 30, 2008 and all other destinations must be booked by December 31, 2008.

What's especially nice about these discounts is that, even if you later qualify for a different price promotion, such as special savings offers or group discounts, the discount will remain in effect. Once booked, Launch Savings remain in effect, and can be applied to most other subsequent promotions, allowing past passengers to always have the best fares for which they qualify. The savings can be combined with Escape Fares, group rates, regional promotions, and other past passenger discounts.

I've said all along that the best time to book is when the sailings are first released. Princess is helping to reinforce that with a very generous offer!

Royal Caribbean Releases Mexican Riviera Schedules/Princess Announces Panama Canal Itineraries

Mexican Riviera fans rejoice! Royal Caribbean has finally announced their 2009/2010 schedules for the region!

The biggest news from Royal Caribbean is their Mariner of the Seas 7-night itinerary out of Los Angeles, marking the first time a Voyager-class ship has sailed from the west coast, and the Radiance of the Seas offering 4- and 5-night sailings from San Diego.

Expect to see Princess release their itineraries Mexican Riviera itineraries soon, as today they announced their Panama Canal sailings with some unique offerings, including a shorter 10-night full transit, along with itineraries which include a "Canal Experience" of 2 full days in the canal zone, featuring the full Canal transit plus a day with the ship at anchor at Fuerte Amador, on the Canal's Pacific side.

Carnival Corporation Lines Raise Fuel Supplement

In a series of press releases today, Carnival Corporation brands have announced they will be increasing their fuel supplements. The increases will impact Carnival, Princess, Holland America, Costa, Cunard and Seabourn.

Carnival Corporation has stated that, starting with new bookings on or after April 21, 2008, they will increase the fuel supplement to $7/person per day for the first and second passengers, up to a maximum of $98/person per voyage, and for the first time implement a supplement of $2/person per day up to a maximum of $28/person per voyage for the third and fourth passengers as well.

Of course, for bookings made between November 7 and April 20, the originally-announced supplements of $5/person per day will apply.

What does this mean to you?

First off, if you're looking to book any of these lines, try to do so before April 21 for a bit of a savings. Secondly, expect to see the other lines (meaning Royal Caribbean, Azamara and Celebrity) following very soon.

Princess Announces 2009/2010 Exotic Itineraries

Available for booking on April 23, Princess has announced their roster of exotic itineraries for 2009/2010 sailings, with offerings to all 7 continents!

The new lineup of global cruises includes more than 110 sailings on 10 ships to all seven continents with six new itineraries and calls at more than 180 destinations including 11 new ports. Destinations include Africa, Asia, Australia & New Zealand, Hawaii, Tahiti, India, South America, Canada & New England, and a world cruise.

New for this season, the line has increased capacity in Asia with two ships and three new 14- to 16-day itineraries offered on the newly named Ocean Princess (formerly Tahitian Princess), which will also venture into India and Africa. Other new itineraries include a 31-day West Africa Adventure and a special 13-day holiday sailing in Australia/New Zealand on Diamond Princess. In addition, Pacific Princess will set off on an extensive 107-day world cruise visiting 40 destinations. The 2010 worldwide sailing will feature maiden calls to a number of fascinating new ports, including Topolobampo for Mexico's Copper Canyon, Vietnam's "City of Peace" Halong Bay, and Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt.

The program's 10 ships offer a full range in size from the line's three intimate, 680-passenger small ships to the largest 3,100-passenger amenity-filled vessels. Ocean Princess will sail on a variety of new sailings in Asia, India and Africa. Pacific Princess will take over the line's popular Tahiti & Polynesia sailings before setting out on a new world cruise itinerary. Golden Princess will return to the lush Hawaiian Islands, now with Sunday departures from Los Angeles. Royal Princess will once again venture up the world's largest river - the mighty Amazon, while Star Princess returns to cruising around South America's Cape Horn and Antarctica, plus offering two South Pacific crossings between the West Coast and Sydney. Diamond Princess will again cruise through Asia and "Down Under" to Australia & New Zealand. The line will also continue to offer year-round cruising from Australia aboard Sun Princess, which is joined by Dawn Princess for Aussie-style voyages to New Zealand, Asia and the South Pacific, departing from Sydney or Melbourne. And in fall, Crown Princess joins Caribbean Princess to sail the Eastern seaboard to Canada & New England.

Eleven new ports debut - Muscat, the capital of Oman; Yangon in Myanmar; Qingdao, a beautiful seaside city in China; Fukuoka, western Japan's major cultural center; Phillip Island in southern Australia, where visitors can watch the local penguins on their daily parade; Newcastle, Australia; the Caribbean island of Nevis; and on the world cruise Topolobampo, the gateway to the majestic Copper Canyon in Mexico; Picton, New Zealand at the head of the South Island's lovely Queen Charlotte Sound; Halong Bay/Hanoi (Cai Lan) in Vietnam; and Sharm el-Sheik, a resort city on Egypt's Sinai Peninsula.

"We know our passengers are explorers who revel in the opportunity to see some of the world's exotic locales," said Jan Swartz, Princess senior vice president. "So we've designed a full slate of itineraries to take them to all seven continents in the comfort of our wonderful ships."

New Tahitian/Ocean Princess Sailings to Asia, India and Africa - Tahitian Princess will sail on one last Africa, India and Southeast Asia itinerary from Cape Town to Singapore before being transformed into the new Ocean Princess. The newly renamed ship will then set off on a series of cruises through Asia, including new itineraries such as the Treasures of Southeast Asia between Singapore and Shanghai, South China Sea Explorer between Shanghai and Bangkok, and China & Japan Explorer between Shanghai and Tokyo. The ship will end the season with an Africa, India and Southeast Asia voyage from Singapore to Cape Town and a West Africa Adventure from Cape Town to London (Dover). Sailings depart between September 17, 2009 and May 7, 2010.

Golden Princess to Hawaii - Golden Princess returns to Princess' popular Hawaii route, offering convenient 14-day roundtrip sailings from the port of Los Angeles. The itinerary features visits to the Big Island (Hilo), Honolulu, Kauai (Nawiliwili), and Maui (Lahaina). Golden Princess will sail on 16 Sunday departures between September 27, 2009 and April 25, 2010.

Diamond Princess in Asia and Australia/New Zealand - Diamond Princess returns to the Far East with a series of voyages throughout Southeast Asia and China as well as Australia & New Zealand sailings. Choices include six cruises on a 16-day Beijing/Bangkok itinerary, five sailings on the favorite 12-day run between Sydney and Auckland, plus a new 13-day Australia/New Zealand holiday sailing that adds the new port of Phillip Island. Other itinerary options are an 18-day Eastern Australia and Asia cruise from Bangkok to Sydney, and a 20-day Western Australia and Asia sailing from Sydney back to Bangkok. Two Alaska & the Far East cruises begin and end the season, which runs from September 12, 2009 through April 30, 2010.

Royal Princess through the Amazon - Royal Princess will sail on nine sailings of an enhanced 14-day Amazon River adventure between Ft. Lauderdale and Manaus, Brazil. The 710-passenger ship will visit St. Barthelemy (or the new port of Nevis on two sailings), St. Lucia, Trinidad, Devil's Island, and the Amazon ports of Santarém, Boca da Valéria, and Parintins plus an overnight visit to Manaus. Royal Princess sails between December 19, 2009 and April 10, 2010.

Star Princess - South Pacific, South America and Antarctica - Star Princess will start the season with two South Pacific crossings, sailing between San Francisco or Los Angeles and Sydney. The ship then heads down to South America for sailings around Cape Horn (between Santiago and Rio de Janeiro or Buenos Aires) and two Antarctic adventures. The ship also will begin and end the South America season with an Andes & South America route between Santiago and Los Angeles or San Francisco. Star Princess' season runs from September 23, 2009 through March 30, 2010.

Pacific Princess to Tahiti and Hawaii - Pacific Princess takes over the popular 10-day Tahiti & Polynesia cruises, sailing roundtrip from Papeete and calling at Huahine, Rangiroa, Raiatea (overnight), Tahaa Scenic Cruising, Bora Bora (overnight), and Moorea. The ship offers seven departures between October 9 and December 8, 2009. In addition, the ship will sail on one Hawaiian Islands cruise from Vancouver to Honolulu, a Hawaii & Tahiti sailing, and a 26-day South Pacific & Andes Explorer adventure from Tahiti (Papeete) to Ft. Lauderdale which features an optional overland tour to Machu Picchu as well as a full transit of the Panama Canal.

Sun Princess and Dawn Princess Australia Departures - Both Sun Princess and Dawn Princess will offer a selection of sailings departing from Sydney and Melbourne, featuring Australian-style cruising. Itineraries include voyages to New Zealand, Tasmania, New Caledonia & Vanuatu, and Round Australia sailings that circumnavigate the continent. Sun Princess will also sail on a journey to China & Japan roundtrip from Sydney and Dawn Princess offers a Hawaii, Tahiti and South Pacific voyage. The season's sailings depart between October 17, 2009 and April 3, 2010.

World Cruise - Pacific Princess - Pacific Princess spans the globe with a 107-day journey of a lifetime from Ft. Lauderdale to Rome, visiting some of the most dramatic locations on the globe, including Aruba, San Blas Islands, Panama Canal transit, Costa Rica (Puntarenas), Guatemala (Puerto Quetzal), Acapulco, Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo, Topolobampo (for Copper Canyon), Los Angeles, Honolulu, Fiji (Suva), Vanuatu (Vila), New Caledonia (Nouméa), Bay of Islands, Auckland, Picton (for Marlborough Sounds), Sydney (overnight), Cairns (for the Great Barrier Reef), Rabaul (Papau New Guniea), Micronesia (Chuuk), Guam (Northern Mariana Islands), Nagasaki, Pusan (South Korea), Beijing (Xingang - overnight), Hong Kong, Halong Bay/Hanoi (Cai Lam), Kota Kinabalu, Brunei (Muara), Singapore, Phuket, Maldives Islands (Male), Mumbai, Dubai, Muscat (Mina Qaboos), Safaga (for Luxor/Karnak), Sharm el-Sheik, Aqaba (for Petra), Suez Canal transit, Athens (Piraeus), and Sorrento/Capri. This world cruise departs on January 27, 2010 with segments ranging from 18 to 89 days available for explorers who'd like a shorter voyage.

Caribbean Princess and Crown Princess to Canada & New England - Along with the previously announced 7-day Caribbean Princess Canada & New England program, Crown Princess will sail on Princess' classic 10-day route between New York and Québec City. Ports of call include Newport, Boston, Bar Harbor, Saint John (New Brunswick), Halifax, Sydney (Nova Scotia) and Ville Saguenay (Québec), plus an overnight stay in charming Québec City. The ship will offer three departures on this route between September 23 and October 13, 2009. In addition, Crown Princess will sail on a 15-day Canada & Colonial America itinerary from Québec City to Ft. Lauderdale on October 23, with an overnight in Québec City and calls at Corner Brook (Newfoundland), Sydney (Nova Scotia), Halifax, Saint John (New Brunswick), Bar Harbor, Boston, Newport, New York City, Norfolk, and Charleston. Caribbean Princess seven-day itineraries sail roundtrip from New York from August 22 to October 17, 2009 visiting Newport, Boston, Bar Harbor, Saint John (New Brunswick) and Halifax.

As with the other 2009/2010 itineraries recently released, past Princess passengers are eligible for up to $100 in Captain's Circle Launch Savings on bookings made by December 31, 2008 (excluding the world cruise). Past passengers booking the full world cruise by this date are also eligible for special offers, including air-inclusive travel or a $300 Captain's Circle Launch Savings discount (depending on cabin category booked). Bookings are also subject to an approximately 30% deposit requirement.

Get a Little Love (Boat) at Home

31 years after the debut of the iconic series The Love Boat, which many attribute to helping grow the US cruise industry in the 70s and 80s, CBS has finally released Season One on DVD!

THE LOVE BOAT™ Season One, Volume One includes the first 12 episodes from the inaugural season on three discs for the suggested retail price of $39.99. To celebrate the release of THE LOVE BOAT™ on DVD, Princess Cruises® has teamed with CBS Home Entertainment to give away a 7-day Mexican Riviera cruise for two. Consumers will be able to enter at www.loveboatdvd.com.

So, if you're missing some time onboard, wish to go back to the whimsical and light-hearted escape of the series, or simply want to see the old Pacific Princess, you can now have it all... right in your home!