Windstar Cruises nears completion of fleet renovation

Windstar Cruises has unveiled the latest plans for the $18 million fleet-wide renovation project to be completed in December of this year. Wind Surf, the company’s flagship, will enter into dry dock on November 12th at Lisnave, a Portuguese shipyard.

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Carnival orders two new ships from Fincantieri

Carnival Corporation has announced it has reached an agreement for the construction of two new cruise ships - a 99,000-ton ship for its Holland America Line brand and a 135,000-ton vessel for its Carnival Cruise Lines brand. A memorandum of agreement has been signed with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for the construction of a 2,660-passenger ship for Holland America Line scheduled for delivery in fall 2015 and a 4,000-passenger ship for Carnival Cruise Lines scheduled for delivery in winter 2016.

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CLIA MEMBER CRUISE LINES OFFER OUTSTANDING VALUE ON AUTUMN AND WINTER CRUISES IN EUROPE

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Lauren Phillips
Travel /Industry
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lphillips

CLIA RECOGNIZES MEMBERS FOR GIVING BACK

As the cruise industry celebrates its annual National Cruise Vacation Week (NCVW), Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is proud to highlight the significant contributions its member cruise lines are doing to support communities around the world.

Norwegian Cruise Line orders new cruise ship

Norwegian Cruise Line has reached an agreement with German MEYER WERFT GMBH to build a new cruise vessel, for delivery in October 2015, with the option for a second ship for delivery in spring 2017. With the project name “Breakaway Plus,” at 163,000 gross tons and approximately 4,200 passenger berths, this new vessel will be the largest in Norwegian’s fleet.

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Cruise to a short break with DFDS Seaways

Taking your vehicle on holiday with you provides freedom, flexibility and convenience that other forms of transport do not. You can take as much luggage as you like, you can travel around at ease while you are away and you will arrive into Europe rested and relaxed.

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SMALL SHIP CRUISING: SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE, WITH INTIMACY, COMFORT AND LUXURY

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Fort Lauderdale, FL — March 16, 2010 —

Adventure, luxury, fine dining, worldwide itineraries of every length, exceptional value: the extraordinarily diverse menu of small ship cruises offered by members of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) features virtually all the choices and experiences found on larger vessels. But, vacationing on a small ship, whether on the grand rivers of Europe, along the coast of the Mediterranean, New England or Canada, through the islands of the South Pacific or the Caribbean, or even sailing around the world, offers two distinguishing features: the unique intimacy of sharing an experience with a relative handful of new-found friends, and the opportunity to go where larger vessels cannot, including some of the most picturesque and otherwise exclusive ports in the world inaccessible to larger ships.

More than a half dozen member lines of CLIA offer voyages in all parts of the world on ships carrying less than 500 passengers. Guests should not expect the quantity of onboard facilities found on today's larger passenger vessels carrying guests but they will discover the same attention to quality, comfort, convenience, choice and providing outstanding value that have helped cruising earn the highest of marks from millions of vacationers. Whether they are in the market for supreme luxury or rugged adventure, "up-close" cultural discoveries or a natural tropical paradise, today's travelers will find a small ship to fit their desires.

River Cruising
One of the fastest growing segments of cruising is voyages by custom-designed luxury cruise ships on the rivers of Europe and other parts of the world, including Asia and the Galapagos. Three of CLIA's newest members - AMAWATERWAYS, Avalon Waterways, and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises - are undisputed experts.

With the ability to dock in the center of major cities, river cruising offers a total immersion into the historical and cultural life of the destination. Passengers often can walk or cycle from the ship to the major landmarks, World Heritage sites, museums, restaurants and cathedrals, without any of the delay of tendering from anchorages farther away. Throughout history, rivers have shaped not only the landscapes but the civilizations they pass through and river cruises bring everything, from fairy tale castles to the artistic masterpieces into immediate perspective. In Europe, CLIA member lines offer itineraries on all the grand rivers from the Danube and the Volga to the Rhone, Saone, Seine and Douro. During the winter holidays, many itineraries take on an added level of excitement as guests visit the famous Christmas markets along the way. In 2011, it will even be possible to cruise essentially across the continent of Europe, on an itinerary offered between Amsterdam and Istanbul. And, for those travelers seeking river journeys elsewhere, the rivers of Asia, including the Mekong in Vietnam, offer another appetizing option.

Coastal Cruising
Many CLIA member lines offer coastal voyages during the autumn in Canada and New England or repositioning cruises on the West Coast between Alaska and California, but American Cruise Lines is an example of small ship cruising that features many of the towns and villages tucked away along the East Coast that are inaccessible to larger ships. American's fleet, including the 2010 arrival of the 104-passenger Independence, sail the inland waterways, rivers, and bays from Penobscot Bay and the islands of New England to the rivers of Florida. Each itinerary offers an in-depth sampling of American history, regional culture and local traditions against an ever-changing backdrop of natural beauty.

For a completely different coast cruising experience there is Hurtigruten, one of most venerable cruise companies in Europe. Eleven ships in Hurtigruten fleet offer the Norwegian Coastal Voyage year-round calling on no less than 34 ports of call from one end of the country to the other, some only accessible by sea. Historically, this was the mail and passenger route, a necessity for Norwegian life. Today, an extra, luxurious dimension - a cruise vacation experience - has been added for travelers from around the world.

Luxury Small Ship Cruising
Some of CLIA's most luxurious cruise lines offer sailings on small ships, in many parts of the world. The intimate, all-suite "Yachts of Seabourn" offer cruises to many of the Mediterranean's more out-of-the-way ports (as well as some of the most famous). These include Zadar, Croatia; Koper, Slovenia; Le Lavandou on the French Riviera and Bandol, also in France. Seabourn's small ships sail throughout the world, navigating many of the rivers, canals and ports that larger ships cannot visit.

Among the smallest ships in the CLIA fleet are the luxurious SeaDream I and SeaDream II, SeaDream Yacht Club's 112-passenger mega-yachts. Offering European itineraries in the summer and Caribbean sailings in the winter season, these vessels also feature visits to both well-known destinations on the French Riviera, for example, and exclusive seaside towns and villages where the bigger ships cannot travel. These include cozy harbors in the British Virgin Islands and the Windward and Leeward Islands in the Caribbean and some of the lesser traveled islands in Greece, such as Naousa, on Paros, and the unspoiled island of Sifnos.

Silversea Cruises also offers top-of-the-line small ship cruising throughout the world, including world cruises of more than 100 days. The company's newest and largest ship - Silver Spirit - just tops the 500-passenger mark but other - Silver Wind, Silver Cloud, Silver Whisper, and Silver Shadow - carry between 382 and 296 guests. And, embarking in April, 2010, the 132-passenger Prince Albert II will travel from Europe and Scandinavia to Central and South America, Antarctica and South Africa before returning to Europe at the end of 2011.

Exotic/Adventure
One of the world's legendary tropical paradises - French Polynesia - is the focal point of small ship cruising on Paul Gauguin Cruises' 332-passenger m/s Paul Gauguin. Built specifically for cruising in the South Pacific, the newly renovated and refurbished ship will make 38 voyages in 2010 ranging in length from seven to 15 nights featuring such destinations as Tahiti, the Society Islands, Tuamotus, the Cook Islands, Marquesas, Tonga, Fiji and New Zealand. In its career, the Paul Gauguin has carried 140,000 guests, including 12,000 honeymooners.

Hurtigruten also offers small ship adventures, on one of the most modern luxury vessels in service today. The 301-passenger Fram, named after the Norwegian explorer Fridjof Nansen' polar exploration ship, offers a variety of cruises to destinations as diverse as Antarctica, Greenland, and Spitsbergen, in the Arctic.

Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Xpedition is a 92-passenger mega-yacht that sails year-round in the Galapagos Islands. The all-inclusive nature of the voyage includes daily naturalist-led expeditions in the water and on land to explore the unique flora and fauna, including the famous and ancient giant tortoises, that so motivated and excited Charles Darwin and that have continued to inspire scientists and world travelers ever since.

Finally, Windstar Cruises offers exotic cruises of a different type - small ship cruising under sail. Luxurious, modern and decidedly high-tech, Windstar's sailing ships, which carry 148 or 312 passengers, are small and agile enough to visit some of the most exotic and out-of-the-way destinations in the Caribbean (Iles des Saintes, Bequia, Virgin Gorda), Costa Rica (Quepos, Playas del Coco, Bahia Drake, Tortuga Island), and the Mediterranean (Portovenere, Sanary Sur Mer, Port Vendres).

# # # About CLIA

The nonprofit Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is North America's largest global cruise industry organization. CLIA represents the interests of 26 member lines, 15,000 travel agents, and 120 executive partners before regulatory and legislative policy makers, supporting measures that foster a safe, secure and healthy cruise ship environment. CLIA is also engaged in travel agent training, research and marketing communications to promote the value and desirability of cruise vacations with thousands of travel agency and travel agent members across North America. For more information on CLIA, the cruise industry, and CLIA-member cruise lines and travel agencies, visit www.cruising.org. CLIA can also be followed on the Cruise Lines International Association's Facebook and Twitter fan pages, and CEO Christine Duffy can be followed

CLIA UNVEILS NEWLY ENHANCED ONLINE CLIA ACADEMY

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Tel: 754-201-2131
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Lauren Phillips
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lphillips

CLIA TAPS CARNIVAL CORP.’S HOWARD FRANK TO BE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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Fort Lauderdale, FL — April 5, 2010 —

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) announced today that Howard S. Frank, vice chairman of the board and chief operating officer of Carnival Corporation & plc, has been named chairman of the association’s board of directors. He has served on the committee for a number of years and, in a normal rotation of responsibilities, succeeds Gregg Michel of Crystal Cruises who has served as chairman since 2008.

CLIA NAMES NEW MEMBERS TO TRAVEL AGENT ADVISORY BOARD

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Fort Lauderdale, FL — April 7, 2010 —

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has announced a new Travel Agent Advisory Board (TAAB) to serve the association from 2010 to 2012. Created in 2004 to provide a strategic travel agent perspective on cruise industry issues and trends, TAAB members represent the entire spectrum of cruise selling operations, from independent home-based retailers to online agencies to major

CLIA’S CRUISE3SIXTY IN VANCOUVER A SELLOUT

cruising.org
Tel: 754-201-2131
Cell: 301-706-9996

Lauren Phillips
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lphillips

CRUISING AND CONSERVATION: CRUISE LINES COMMEMORATE EARTH DAY

cruising.org
Tel: 754-201-2131
Cell: 301-706-9996

Lauren Phillips
Travel /Industry
Marketing Issues
lphillips

CLIA OPENS REGISTRATION FOR TRAININGFEST 2010

cruising.org
Tel: 754-201-2131
Cell: 301-706-9996

Lauren Phillips
Travel /Industry
Marketing Issues
lphillips

CLIA ANNOUNCES 2010 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

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Tel: 754-201-2131
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Lauren Phillips
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lphillips

CLIA Statement on Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, Gulf of Mexico

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Fort Lauderdale, FL — May 10, 2010 —

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and its individual cruise line members continue to monitor the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. While the situation continues to evolve and change, at the current time no cruise operations are being negatively impacted.

CLIA joins with VISIT Florida and other tourism organizations in the region to urge consumers and, in particular, our 16,000 travel agent members to make no changes in travel and vacation plans in Florida and the Gulf of Mexico region. Florida Coastal destinations are in full operation, Florida’s 2,276 miles of tidal shoreline, 1,197 miles of coastline and 663 miles of beaches have not been impacted in any way, and Florida is welcoming families and friends, conference attendees, water sports enthusiasts and all other types of visitors to its shores. All CLIA member cruises sailing from Gulf of Mexico and Florida ports are also operating normally.

CLIA and its members will continue to provide updates on the situation in order to keep travel planners and consumers fully informed. Several web sites are providing information as it develops. These include www.cruising.org and the VISIT FLORIDA Travel Update page. In addition, the latest information can be obtained at www.twitter.com/FloridaTourism and VISIT Florida’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/FloridaTourism.

# # # About CLIA

The nonprofit Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is North America's largest global cruise industry organization. CLIA represents the interests of 26 member lines, 15,000 travel agents, and 120 executive partners before regulatory and legislative policy makers, supporting measures that foster a safe, secure and healthy cruise ship environment. CLIA is also engaged in travel agent training, research and marketing communications to promote the value and desirability of cruise vacations with thousands of travel agency and travel agent members across North America. For more information on CLIA, the cruise industry, and CLIA-member cruise lines and travel agencies, visit www.cruising.org. CLIA can also be followed on the Cruise Lines International Association's Facebook and Twitter fan pages, and CEO Christine Duffy can be followed

'SMART' DELEGATES AT CLIA’S CRUISE3SIXTY TO HAVE ALL INFORMATION THEY NEED WITH SPECIAL APP FROM QUICKMOBILE

Press Releases 'SMART' DELEGATES AT CLIA’S CRUISE3SIXTY TO HAVE ALL INFORMATION THEY NEED WITH SPECIAL APP FROM QUICKMOBILE Press Contacts

David Peikin
Industry Policies/Regulatory
& Legislative Issues
dpeikin

Celebrity Cruises takes delivery of Celebrity Reflection

The sleek Celebrity Reflection has officially become part of Celebrity Cruises’ modern fleet. Celebrity Cruises’ president Michael Bayley and Richard Fain, chairman of parent company Royal Caribbean Cruises, joined Bernard Meyer of shipbuilder Meyer Werft in a celebratory handover ceremony onboard the ship.

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DFDS Seaways takes World Travel Awards title

DFDS Seaways has been named Europe’s Leading Ferry Operator at the European leg of the 2012 World Travel Awards in the Algarve, Portugal. It is the sixth year running the ferry company has won a World Travel Award, last year winning both Europe’s and the World’s Leading Ferry Operator. 

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Norwegian Cruise Line defends title at World Travel Awards

Norwegian Cruise Line has been named Europe’s Leading Cruise Line by the World Travel Awards for the fifth consecutive year. The 19th annual awards recognised travel companies for delivering an outstanding customer experience and are voted by travel agents and consumers worldwide. 

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RECORD NUMBER OF TRAVEL AGENTS REGISTER FOR CRUISE LINES INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION’S 2012 NATIONAL CRUISE VACATION WEEK, OCTOBER 21-27

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Fort Lauderdale, FL — October 9, 2012 — With two weeks to go before Cruise Lines International Association’s “World’s Largest Cruise Sale” during the second annual National Cruise Vacation Week (NCVW), almost 6,800 travel agents and agencies throughout the U.S. and Canada have registered to host more than 5,360 live and online events, topping last year’s total by almost 500 registrants. The 25 participating CLIA-member cruise lines continue to provide new special offers to help agents take full advantage of the cruise industry’s single-largest consumer promotion.
 
NCVW, from October 21-27, last year generated $55 million in cruise sales and more than $7 million in commissions. In addition to bonus commissions, CLIA member lines are helping to drive sales to NCVW-participating agents with consumer offers that include: savings up to $6,000 per couple, plus free air, or two-for-one pricing on luxury cruises; complimentary upgrades or shore excursions; $1,500 savings per stateroom for river cruises in Europe; and more.
 
CLIA-member agencies or those agencies that join CLIA this month may continue to register to host in-person or online NCVW events at ncvw.cruising.org.  Online participants may register for their own customized, agency-specific, NCVW mini-websites, complete with a selection of cruise line promotional videos, special offers and other consumer incentives to cruise, which will be live all October.
 
CLIA’s NCVW site offers complete information about setting up the NCVW sites, as well as advice on hosting events, tips for agencies on how to promote their participation, and a broad selection of marketing and promotional tools and materials, including logos, press release templates,taglines, andpostcard and flyer templates. CLIA also will provide additional support to agencies through industry-wide publicity; national, regional and local media coverage; and other promotions. 
 
For further information about National Cruise Vacation Week, visit ncvw.cruising.org# # # About CLIA

The nonprofit Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is North America's largest global cruise industry organization. CLIA represents the interests of 26 member lines, 15,000 travel agents, and 120 executive partners before regulatory and legislative policy makers, supporting measures that foster a safe, secure and healthy cruise ship environment. CLIA is also engaged in travel agent training, research and marketing communications to promote the value and desirability of cruise vacations with thousands of travel agency and travel agent members across North America. For more information on CLIA, the cruise industry, and CLIA-member cruise lines and travel agencies, visit www.cruising.org. CLIA can also be followed on the Cruise Lines International Association's Facebook and Twitter fan pages, and CEO Christine Duffy can be followed

Norwegian Cruise Line retains title at World Travel Awards

Norwegian Cruise Line has won the title of Europe’s Leading Cruise Line for the fifth consecutive year at the World Travel Awards. The annual awards ceremony, which was this year hosted by the Conrad Algarve, recognise travel companies for delivering an outstanding customer experience and are voted by travel agents and consumers worldwide.

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Brittany Ferries services resumed as strike ends

Brittany Ferries has announced the end of industrial action at the line, with staff having agreed to a new pay deal. Services are now set to resume on Tuesday afternoon.

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Windjammer sailing adventures restores cherished cruising experience

Once again, passengers can enjoy the adventure and romance of cruising onboard a true sailing vessel

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Norwegian Cruise Line kicks off National Cruise Vacation Month today

Norwegian Cruise Line kicks off National Cruise Vacation Month today, by launching its “Let’s Cruise” limited time sales event. Guests have the opportunity to receive up to $250 in on-board credit (based on cruise length and stateroom category), reduced deposits and an e-coupon booklet worth more than $300 in on board savings when they book any Norwegian cruise vacation by Saturday, October 13, 2012.

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Azamara Club Cruises includes more amenities for up-market travellers

When it comes to compelling enhancements for discerning up-market travellers, boutique cruise line Azamara Club Cruises is clearly a winner – and now it has scored again. The cruise line has announced that the guest experience will soon include the new AzAmazing Evening, an immersive complimentary destination event ashore featured on every sailing.

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Silversea’s silver cloud to undergo extensive refurbishment

Leading cruise operator Silversea, renowned for its ultra-luxurious ships and exotic destinations, has announced that starting this November, Silver Cloud will welcome guests to a stylishly renovated shipboard environment with a host of new enhancements.

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New chief for Seven Seas Cruises as Conroy steps down

Long-serving Seven Seas Cruises chief executive Mark Conroy will step down at the end of January 2013, parent company Prestige Cruise Holdings has confirmed. Conroy has led Regent Seven Seas Cruises for two decades.

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Norwegian Getaway to be delivered ahead of schedule

Norwegian Cruise Line announced earlier that Norwegian Getaway will be delivered in late January 2014, earlier than originally scheduled, and will sail a seven-day Eastern Caribbean itinerary from PortMiami year-round. Carrying 4,000 passengers, Norwegian Getaway will be the largest ship to home port year-round in Miami and will embody a unique Miami vibe.

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Norwegian Getaway to sail to the Eastern Caribbean from Miami

Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that Norwegian Getaway will be delivered in late January 2014, earlier than originally scheduled, and will sail a seven-day Eastern Caribbean itinerary from PortMiami year-round.  Carrying 4,000 passengers, Norwegian Getaway will be the largest ship to home port year-round in Miami and will embody a unique Miami vibe.

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3rd Seatrade All Asia Cruise Convention - A resounding success in Shanghai

The 3rd Seatrade All Asia Cruise Convention came to a close last week, following a three day conference, two day showcase exhibition and travel agent training programme, each focussing on Asia’s on-going development within the cruise industry.

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