Royal Caribbean Offers up to $400 Onboard Credit for Bookings thru May 31, double for Holiday Cruises

Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas © 2014 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Royal Caribbean International is offering up to $400 in onboard credit to vacationers booking a cruise vacation through May 31. Cruisegoers can choose from any six-night or longer sailing departing to the Caribbean and Bahamas between July 1 and December 31, 2014. For those vacationers looking ahead and booking a holiday season cruise the cruise line is doubling their onboard spending credit. (For more details, visit http://www.RoyalCaribbean.com/MayWow.)

Guests will sail aboard some of the most innovative ships afloat that offer an expansive array of exciting itineraries. Guests can use their bonus spending credit to book an adventurous family shore excursion, a specialty dining experience to celebrate a family milestone, or commemorate the occasion with the perfect family portrait.

The offer applies for all new U.S. and Canadian bookings made from May 7 – 31, 2014, for sailings departing from July 1 through Dec. 31, 2014. Vacationers will receive $50 onboard credit per interior or oceanview stateroom; $100 onboard credit per Jr. suite or stateroom with balcony; and $200 onboard credit per Grand Suite or higher category stateroom.  As an added incentive, the cruise line is also doubling onboard credits up to $400 for all eligible sailings between Dec. 15 and Dec. 31, 2014. The offer is valid fleetwide, excluding Quantum of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean International is an award-winning global cruise brand with a 45-year legacy of innovation and introducing industry “firsts” never before seen at sea. The cruise line features an expansive and unmatched array of features and amenities only found on Royal Caribbean including, jaw-dropping, Broadway-style entertainment and industry-acclaimed programming that appeals to families and adventurous vacationers alike.

Owned by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE/OSE: RCL), the cruise line sails 21 of the world’s most innovative cruise ships to the most popular destinations in the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, South America, the Far East, and Australia and New Zealand. World renowned for its friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service, delivered by every staff and crew member, Royal Caribbean has been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 11 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards.

For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers should call your travel agent; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN. Follow on Facebook at Facebook.com/RoyalCaribbean or on Twitter @RoyalCaribbean.

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CLIA Cruise Lines Offer Last-Minute Availability on Easter, Spring Break Sailings

Enjoy the thrilling zipline on Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private island on Haiti’s north coast © 2014 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

The Easter Bunny, parades, special Easter menus and egg decorating are just part of the festivities and family fun aboard select cruise ships exploring the world this April.

Here are cruises that are still available from the North American fleet of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) for Easter and Spring Break departures:

Follow the Easter Bunny

MSC Cruises’ MSC Divina has a 7-night departure leaving from Miami on April 19 visiting Phillipsburg, St. Maarten; Road Town, Tortola; and Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas, with a variety of “Easter themed” activities. Kids “Easter hunt”, costume parades, Easter chef classes, chocolate Easter eggs and special Easter menus in the main restaurants make the week particularly festive. Seven-night departures from Miami on April 12 and April 26 visit Falmouth, Jamaica; Georgetown, Cayman Islands; Cozumel, Mexico, and the private island of Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas for other spring break options. An added plus, is that kids sail free year-round on MSC Cruises.

The Easter Bunny will pass out chocolates and will be available for photo ops on select Holland America Line’s April sailings. There will also be an Easter bonnet competition, egg decorating, a Jelly bean count and Easter mass. The Maasdam will sail roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale for an 11-day Southern Caribbean itinerary on April 11 with port stops in Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Basseterre, St. Kitts; Kingstown, St. Vincent; Bridgetown, Barbados; Fort-De-France, Martinique; Frederiksted; and the private island of Half Moon Cay, Bahamas. A 14-day Panama Canal sailing on Westerdam departing on April 15 travels from Fort Lauderdale, FL to San Diego, and will include Cartagena, Colombia; through the Panama Canal; with ports of call in Costa Rica and Mexico, ending in Cabo San Lucas. Also departing on April 15, the 11-day Adriatic Dream itinerary on Noordam departs from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, and includes the Strait of Messina, Italy; Greece and Croatia with an overnight and disembarkation in Venice, Italy.

Celebrate the Sun

Those who have suffered through the cold winter will be especially ready to celebrate spring in the sun. Disney Cruise Lines’ four ships will all be in the Caribbean this April. Disney sails from Port Canaveral with three options: a 3-night Bahamian cruise on April 18 on Disney Magic with stops in Nassau and Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island; a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise on April 19 on Disney Fantasy with stops in St. Maarten, St. Thomas/St. John and Castaway Cay; and a 4-night Bahamian cruise with stops in Nassau and Castaway Cay on Disney Dream on April 20. Disney Wonder sails from Miami on April 18 on a 5 -night Western Caribbean itinerary with stops in Grand Cayman and Cozumel.

Norwegian Cruise Line is currently offering free Balcony upgrades, reduced deposits and e-coupons worth $300 on these Easter sailings: 7-night Mexican Rivera from Los Angeles on Norwegian Star on April 13; 7-night Western Caribbean from New Orleans on Norwegian Jewel on April 13; 3-night Bahamas from Miami on Norwegian Sky on April 18; 7-night Eastern Caribbean from Miami on Norwegian Getaway on April 19; 7-night Inter-Island Hawaii on Pride of America on April 19; 7-night Western Caribbean from Tampa on Norwegian Dawn on April 20; and 7-night Western Caribbean from Miami on Norwegian Epic on April 20.

Royal Caribbean International‘s Navigator of the Seas sails April 20 from Galveston, Texas, on a 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary, calling at Roatan, Honduras; Belize City, Belize; and Cozumel, Mexico. Allure of the Seas sails April 20 from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, FL, on a 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary, calling at Falmouth, Jamaica; Cozumel, Mexico; and Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private island on Haiti’s north coast. Enchantment of the Seas sails April 18 from Port Canaveral on a 3-night Bahamas cruise, calling at Nassau and CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private Bahamian-island. Guests also can combine a cruise aboard Enchantment of the Seas with a 3- to 4-day stay at Universal Orlando Resorts, enjoying savings and inclusive Universal Express Unlimited ride access among many more theme park privileges.

Cultural Odyssey

Guests of Paul Gauguin Cruises’ m/s Paul Gauguin can combine sun with culture when they travel to Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands on a 14-day cruise departing April 12 from Papeete, Tahiti. They’ll experience a true glimpse of the Polynesia of the old including Bora Bora, Moorea, Taha’a (Motu Mahana), and Huahine.

Tauck River Cruising has limited space on its 10-day April 18 departure of “Belgium & Holland in Spring” aboard the ms Treasures. The itinerary begins with an included overnight in Brussels before embarkation in Maastricht and sailing to Amsterdam. Special experiences along the way include Keukenhof Gardens and the Rijksmuseum, a scenic Amsterdam canal boat cruise, the Netherlands American Cemetery, a culinary experience at Chateau Neercanne, chocolate and beer tastings, and a private dinner at and tour of the In Flanders Fields Museum to observe the WWI Centennial.

Silversea Cruises’ Silver Spirit departs April 19 on a 16-day repositioning cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona. Ports of call include Bermuda, the Azores, Malaga, Cartagena and Valencia. There is still availability on Cunard Line’s Queen Victoria during the 12-day Transatlantic Crossing from Fort Lauderdale to Southampton, England on April 16.

Guests dine on Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s cuisine while sailing through Japan with Crystal Cruises during the 15-day “Skyscrapers & Shoguns” itinerary. Starting April 16, Crystal Symphony sails from Beijing to Tokyo, with a 3-day overnight land program in Beijing included, followed by visits to Shanghai (two nights docked locally), Nagasaki, Osaka (local overnight), Shimizu, and, finally, Tokyo (local overnight—a rare call for the cruise line.) The cruise is also available without the Beijing land program, and as a shorter 7- or 8-day “Getaway.”

For expert advice, travelers can turn to a CLIA Cruise Agent, who stays current on the latest offerings and trends and is an expert in helping clients selects a cruise of their dreams. To find a CLIA Cruise Agent or Agency in your area, visit www.cruising.org and click on Vacations and use our Cruise Expert Finder.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the world’s largest cruise industry trade association with representation in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. CLIA represents the interests of cruise lines and travel agents before regulatory and legislative policy makers. CLIA is also engaged in travel agent training, research and marketing communications to promote the value and desirability of cruise holiday vacations with thousands of travel agency and travel agent members. CLIA’s Associate Member and Executive Partner program includes the industry’s leading providers of supplies and services that help cruise lines provide a safe, environmentally-friendly and enjoyable holiday vacation experience for millions of passengers every year. For more information on CLIA, the cruise industry, and CLIA-member cruise lines and travel agencies, visit http://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 @CLIACEO and cruising.org/ceoblog.

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Royal Caribbean International’s New Navigator of the Seas Shows Texas Pride at Galveston Homeport

Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas at the Cruise Ship Terminal II at the Port of Galveston.

Royal Caribbean International’s new Navigator of the Seas on February 5 saluted the great state of Texas with massive Lone Star State flags draping the front and stern of the ship.

Navigator of the Seas is the largest and most advanced ship to homeport year-round at Galveston and boasts the cruise industry’s very first Virtual Balconies, which provide guests in select interior staterooms the sights and sounds of the sea with real-time views of the ocean through an 80-inch, high definition screen framed to look like a real balcony.

The Voyager-class ship also features the cruise line’s signature FlowRider surf simulator – debuting in Texas for the first time – and 220-square foot outdoor movie screen, as well as a wide array of delectable dining options, including Royal Caribbean’s new modern Mexican concept Sabor, a fully revamped and enhanced Chop’s Grille steakhouse and Oasis-class favorites, such as Izumi Japanese Cuisine and Giovanni’s Table Italian trattoria.

Guests also will enjoy some of the more popular concepts that were introduced aboard Royal Caribbean’s groundbreaking Oasis-class ships, such as new digital signage, bow-to-stern Wi-Fi service, new flat-panel televisions in every stateroom, a new Diamond Lounge for Crown & Anchor Society loyalty member guests and the Royal Babies and Tots Nursery for the youngest guests ages six to 36 months. Additionally, the ship’s Champagne Bar has been re-conceptualized into Royal Caribbean’s retro-chic R Bar, featuring a sophisticated 1960s vibe, complete with iconic furnishings and signature cocktails created by a savvy and personable mixologist.

Navigator of the Seas will sail seven-night Western Caribbean itineraries every Sunday from Galveston, visiting exciting warm-weather getaways in the Caribbean, including Cozumel, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; Belize City, Belize; Falmouth, Jamaica; and George Town, Grand Cayman.

For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers should call their travel agent; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN. Follow Facebook at Facebook.com/RoyalCaribbean or Twitter @RoyalCaribbean.

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CruisesOnly® Adds Free Hotel Stay Option to its Loyalty Club Offerings

CruisesOnly^®, one of the largest cruise agencies and the flagship brand in the World Travel Holdings portfolio, has announced that it is adding a “free hotel stay” option to its already robust Loyalty Club, the exclusive benefits program that rewards customers who have booked with CruisesOnly in the past.

Membership in CruisesOnly’s Loyalty Club is free of charge and free of bother. Customers who have booked with the agency at least once are automatically enrolled and there are no membership cards, numbers or renewals to keep track of.

“It’s important to us as an agency that we recognize and reward our loyal customers,” said Jeff Sherota, senior vice president of CruisesOnly. “Offering a choice between a free hotel stay or an opportunity to earn back unlimited onboard spending provides our customers with options to suit their travel needs.”

Here are the benefits of membership in CruisesOnly’s Loyalty Club:

Book Now, Pay Later: No Deposit Required at Time of Booking
CruisesOnly will defer the deposit, up to $500 (or up to $1,500 on select luxury bookings), when eligible sailings of three nights or longer are reserved at least 110 days prior to departure.

A Free Hotel Stay OR the Chance to Earn Back an Unlimited Amount of Cruise Cash
Past customers can decide which benefit best suits their travel needs: a free hotel stay (up to a $500 value, based on total price of cruise booking before taxes and port charges) or the chance to earn back an unlimited amount of onboard spending after they’ve cruised to recoup expenses not included in their fare such as spa treatments and specialty dining.

A 10 Percent Discount on All Shore Excursions
Valid on any shore excursion booked on CruisesOnly’s website at least four days prior to departure. Travelers can choose from a wide array of adventures in ports of call located throughout Alaska, the Caribbean and other destinations.

A Discount of Up To 25 Percent, Plus Bonus Offers, On Car Rentals
Club members enjoy discounts of up to 25 percent, plus special extras like free days or free upgrades, on top-brand car rentals reserved on CheapRentalCar.com.

Advance Notice of All CruisesOnly Sales
Club members are always among the first to be contacted (via email) whenever CruisesOnly is about to launch an exclusive/special sale.

Combinability with Existing CruisesOnly/Cruise-Line Offers
Loyalty Club benefits are often combinable with other deals on the CruisesOnly website and in its emails, as well as any perks the customer may be receiving as part of a specific cruise line’s loyalty/rewards program.

Benefits Extended to First-Time Guests Traveling with a Club Member
CruisesOnly rewards loyal customers by rewarding the people that they’re traveling with too – even if they’ve never booked with CruisesOnly before. All of the Loyalty Club benefits are available to first-time guests, just as long as they’re traveling on the same sailing as a Club member and staying in an additional stateroom.

Learn more about CruisesOnly’s Loyalty Club and visit CruisesOnly.com or call 1-800-CRUISES to make a reservation.

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Royal Caribbean Offers Up to $100 in Onboard Credit for Bookings During National Cruise Vacation Week, Oct 20-25

During National Cruise Vacation Week, Oct. 20-25, 2013, Royal Caribbean International cruiseline is offering vacationers up to $100 onboard credit on any seven-night Caribbean cruise during summer 2014 © 2013 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

During National Cruise Vacation Week, Oct. 20-25, 2013, Royal Caribbean International cruiseline is offering vacationers up to $100 onboard credit on any seven-night Caribbean cruise during summer 2014.

From October 20 through 25, 2013, you can receive $50 onboard spending credit per interior or ocean view stateroom (Option Code SPO1) or $100 onboard credit per balcony or suite-category stateroom (Option Code SPO2) when you make a new individual booking on a seven-night Caribbean itinerary, sailing from June 1 through August 31, 2014.

The National Cruise Vacation Week offer is applicable only on new individual bookings and the option code must be registered at the time of booking. Details about Royal Caribbean’s National Cruise Vacation Week offer are available during the week of October 14 at http://www.RoyalCaribbean.com/VacationWeek.

Cruisegoers have a choice of five acclaimed cruise ships, including Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas – sister-ships that share the title of the world’s largest and most innovative cruise ships – Freedom of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas and Jewel of the Seas. Each ship delivers a collection of exclusive Royal Caribbean onboard amenities to make for an unforgettable vacation.

Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas feature seven themed neighborhoods that offer the industry’s widest array of innovative onboard amenities. Guests can relax in Central Park, a lush outdoor space with more than 12,000 living plants and trees; the Boardwalk, a festive space featuring the only handcrafted carousels at sea and the first-and-only AquaTheaters for high-diving performances and fountain shows synchronized to music and lights; the Pool and Sports Zone, with twin FlowRider surf simulators, five different pools, and the only zip lines at sea; professional ice-skating productions and Tony Award-winning Broadway musicals ‘Hairspray’ and ‘Chicago: The Musical’ in Entertainment Place; the levitating Rising Tide Bar in the Royal Promenade; the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center for rejuvenating treatments and classes; and the cruise line’s award-winning Adventure Ocean kids and teen program in the Youth Zone. Guests also enjoy up to 26 dining options and have an expansive selection of boutiques, lounges and bars to explore.

Freedom of the Seas first introduced an onboard FlowRider surf simulator and also now features some of the most popular amenities that debuted on the Oasis class of ships, such as a 3-D movie theater, an oversized LCD movie screen poolside, the Cupcake Cupboard, as well as bow-to-stern Wi-Fi service and interactive digital signage. The ship’s Adventure Ocean program has been expanded with the Royal Babies and Tots Nursery for six- to 36-month olds, and the ImagineOcean! glow-in-the-dark puppet show for kids.

Navigator of the Seas will undergo extensive revitalization in spring 2014, and will re-emerge from drydock to feature a new FlowRider surf simulator, as well as debut the Quantum-class Virtual Balcony in select interior staterooms – a new amenity that also will be aboard the highly anticipated Quantum of the Seas, which will launch in late 2014. Jewel of the Seas’ guests can sharpen their billiards skills on the ship’s self-leveling pool tables as they visit charming ports in the Southern Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean International is an award-winning global cruise brand with a 40-year legacy of innovation and introducing industry “firsts” never before seen at sea.  The cruise line features an expansive array of amenities including, jaw-dropping, Broadway-style entertainment and industry-acclaimed programming that appeals to families and adventurous vacationers alike.

Owned by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE/OSE: RCL), the cruise line sails 21 of the world’s most innovative cruise ships to the most popular destinations in the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, South America, the Far East, and Australia and New Zealand. World renowned for its friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service, delivered by every staff and crew member, Royal Caribbean has been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 10 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Reader’s Choice Awards.

For additional information or to make reservations, call your travel agent; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN. Follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/RoyalCaribbean or on Twitter @RoyalCaribbean.

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Azamara Club Cruises Offers Double Stateroom Upgrade for Booking by Sept. 30

Azamara Journey

Cruisegoers can immerse themselves in vibrant histories, heralded traditions and colorful cultures – and receive a double-category upgrade – when booking  a 2014 Azamara Club Cruises voyage to intriguing destinations around the world. Through September 30, 2013, travelers making a new booking will enjoy a Club Veranda Stateroom for the price of a Club Interior Stateroom aboard select Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest Europe and Central America voyages in 2014.

Azamara’s Double Upgrade Offer adds two more reasons for a destination immersive-voyage to the rich history of Europe, and the stunning natural landscapes of Central America. Additionally, guests will enjoy up to 50 percent savings on brochure rates, 25 percent savings on most Land Discoveries shore excursions when booked online prior to the voyage, and $1,000 ChoiceAir credit per couple for air travel booked by September 30, 2013. More information about Azamara’s Double Upgrade offer can be found at www.AzamaraClubCruises.com/AugSepDoubleUpgrade.

Azamara Club Cruises offers distinct destination-immersive experiences for up-market travelers. The cruise line uniquely features voyages with longer stays and more overnights at ports to provide guests the opportunity to experience night touring at some of the most compelling destinations of Europe, Asia, South America, West Indies, as well as Central and North America.  On board the intimate Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest, guests receive exceptional and personal service and the cruise line’s authentic, exclusive and bespoke AzAmazing Evenings events that showcase the unexpected colors and flavors of a destination.   Onboard, guests also enjoy fine cuisine and boutique wines from around the world, as well as more inclusive amenities, such as included gratuities; complimentary bottled water, sodas, specialty coffee, and teas, as well as complimentary boutique wines, international beers and select standard spirits in the ships’ bars, lounges and restaurants when open; complimentary self-service laundry; English Butler service for suite guests; and shuttle transportation to city centers in ports, where available.   

For more information, travelers can call their travel professional, dial 1-877-999-9553, or visit http://www.AzamaraClubCruises.com. Connect with Azamara Club Cruises on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AzamaraClubCruises, on Twitter @AzamaraVoyages or follow President and CEO @LarryPimentel.

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Variety Cruises Offers 9 Sailings of “Treasures of Costa Rica and the Panama Canal’

Variety Cruises is offering nine sailings of The Treasures of Costa Rica and the Panama Canal, a seven-night cruise from Los Suenos, Costa Rica to Cartagena, Columbia, from December 2013 – March 2014. Sailing on the Mega Yacht Variety Voyager, travelers will cross the celebrated Panama Canal while enjoying a harmonious balance between conventional cruising and private yachting. The cruise travels the Pacific Ocean coast line of Costa Rica with stops at the Corcovado National Park in Drake Bay, Manuel Antonio National Park in Quepos, the protected area of Golfo Dulce, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Isla Coiba and the San Blas Archipelago.

Cruise-goers will have the opportunity to explore a new port of call each day. In Quepos, white sand beaches are backed by a jungle sheltering hundreds of fascinating plant, mammal and bird species. Golfo Dulce offers sensational botanical gardens and orchid viewing, while Granito de Oro is a swimmer and snorkeler’s paradise. Fans of engineering will marvel at the Panama Canal as the Voyager sails through the Canal’s three sets of locks, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. On Panama’s San Blas Islands, travelers will meet the indigenous Kuna community and learn about their customs, dances and way of life.

The 36 cabin Variety Voyager, launched in May 2012, complies with the most stringent SOLAS safety regulations. All cabins are equipped with individually controlled air conditioning, mini bars, flat screen TV’s, DVD players and all the amenities of a luxury ship.

The Treasures of Costa Rica and the Panama Canal sails from December 2013 through mid-March 2014, with rates ranging from $2,590 – $5,990 per person, depending on cabin category. Travelers who book their cruise by August 31, 2013 will receive a 25% reduction on cruise fares when they mention “Special Offer 2013 B.” (The offer does not apply to existing bookings and cannot be combined with other special offers).

Variety Cruises 2013 brochures and flyers are now available by calling 1-800-319-7776.  For more information, visit http://www.varietycruises.com/ .

Variety Cruises, one of the world’s largest small ships cruise companies, has been offering passengers worldwide a total yachting experience since 1949. Their fleet of 11 fully-owned vessels varies in size from 4 to 36 cabins. Their yachts and staff provide an intimate and relaxed environment; a comfort filled starting point for the discerning travelers as they visit well known and unique ports of call. Fine locally-flavored cuisine, exciting itineraries and personalized service are just a few of the things that have made Variety Cruises the choice for the ever growing number of travelers looking for distinctive small ship cruise experiences.

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Crystal Unveils Itineraries for Entire 2015 Thru Early 2016

Crystal Symphony in Sydney Australia

From Ambodifotatra to Aomori and Belawan to Burgas, Crystal Sets New Sights Including 22 Maiden Calls

Sailing to all seven continents, ultra-luxe global cruise specialist Crystal Cruises has revealed its complete and comprehensive collection of cruises for 2015 through Winter/Spring 2016.  In 2015, Crystal will celebrate its 25^th anniversary with 64 voyages calling in 248 ports in 79 countries — with its most ever maiden calls.  Crystal Symphony begins 2016 immersed in South America and Antarctica, while Crystal Serenity kicks off the year with a grand Panama Canal cruise that precedes a new World Cruise.

Until now Crystal had only released itineraries through spring 2015, which include a dazzling Asia series and a 108-day “Silver Celebration” World Cruise circumnavigating the globe round-trip from Miami.

Among the new and distinctive highlights for 2015 are:

• · 22 maiden calls to lesser-known locales like Albany, Australia; Ambodifotatra and Taolanaro, Madagascar; Burgas, Bulgaria; Chania/Souda, Greece; Macapa, Brazil; Richards Bay, South Africa; Rijeka, Croatia; Sanary-sur-Mer, France; Santo Domingo, Dominician Republic; Aomori, Japan; Archangel, Korsakov and Solovetsky Islands, Russian Federation; Belawan, Indonesia; Bodo, Narvi and Øye/Hjørundfjord, Norway; Helgoland, Germany; Kochi, Japan; Sanya, China and Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago.
• · Overnight stays with most itineraries – often conveniently scheduled in the port of embarkation or disembarkation – and several feature double overnight calls (three days!) in Shanghai, Bordeaux’s port of Bassens, Hong Kong, Monte Carlo, St. Petersburg, and Yangon, Myanmar.
• · A dozen voyages are conveniently round-trip from the world’s most coveted destinations like New York, London’s port of Dover, Monte Carlo, Singapore, Los Angeles, Montreal, and, for the first time, Copenhagen (for a new Baltic route) and Istanbul (for a new Black Sea cruise).
• Brand new 18-day North Cape & White Sea cruise from Reykjavik features five maiden calls.
• New Holy Land & Mediterranean cruise visits Ashdod and Haifa, Israel.
• New European cruises to and from Amsterdam and Marseille.
• New TransAtlantic cruise calling overnight in Bermuda.
• Both ships will cruise the British Isles with a new combination of ports.
• Mexico is back on the roster, along with an expanded convenient Caribbean collection.
• Approximately a third of the cruises are 10 days or less.
• A new Christmas/New Year cruise from San Juan to Rio de Janeiro joins Crystal’s popular holiday roster.

In keeping with its recent practice to release its full year schedule with the first quarter of the following year, Crystal is also revealing the first quarter of 2016, which includes:

• Two January/February cruises cruising Antarctica and South America, including a new route round-trip from Buenos Aires.
• New Panama Canal cruises: from Chile to Miami and Miami to San Francisco.
• New Caribbean cruises that begin and/or end in Colon, Panama.

102-day World Cruise that, for the first time, follows a route round-trip from San Francisco, with segments beginning in Sydney, Bali, Singapore, Shanghai and Tokyo.

Crystal’s 2015/early 2016 cruise schedule is available for savoring – and planning – at www.crystalcruises.com.  Pricing details, with compelling, limited-time Book Now fares, will be released on August 31, 2013, when the 2015/16 cruises will be available for booking.

Crystal’s passion for taking care of guests in an inviting environment of extraordinary space, quality and choices has earned the company more “World’s Best” awards than any other cruise line, resort, or hotel in history.

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit www.crystalcruises.com.

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American Cruise Lines Fall Offerings feature Columbia & Snake, Mississippi, Hudson, Puget Sound & San Juan Islands

American River Cruises is offering fall cruises up New York’s Hudson River

American Cruise Lines (www.americancruiselines.com), operator of the newest riverboats and small cruise ships in the United States, just launched its Fall Cruise Collection, a selection of cruises handpicked to showcase the beautiful 2013 fall season. Cruise itineraries include the Columbia & Snake Rivers, the Upper Mississippi River, Hudson River, and American Cruise Lines’ newly launched itinerary, Puget Sound & San Juan Islands.

Columbia & Snake Rivers: In October of 1805, Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery paddled down the Columbia River on the famous expedition into the West. Today, the autumn colors and migratory wildlife that Meriwether Lewis described in his famous journal are much the same aboard Queen of the West, as it follows their exact route. Autumn is the perfect time to relive the historic expedition and experience the Northwest’s rich tapestry of landscapes and fascinating human endeavors. Featured Dates: October 12, 26

Upper Mississippi River: Autumn time cruising on the Mississippi River is a spectacular time to experience the American Heartland. The upper portion of the river features stunning scenery and quaint historic rivertowns. Guests will take a relaxing journey aboard the elegant Queen of the Mississippi, their minds wandering back in time on this authentic riverboat, as they glide by the colorful display of changing foliage and take in the breathtaking views around every bend of the river. Featured Dates: October 19, 26

Hudson River Fall Foliage: Surrounded by the Catskill Mountains on the western shore and the Taconic and Berkshire Hills to the east, the Hudson is rich in both history and beauty. This popular cruise showcases the bright changing colors and towering mountains for which the Hudson River Valley is so well known. The cities and towns along the way feature some of the most magnificent architecture in America. Featured Dates: October 19, 25

Puget Sound & San Juan Islands: Guests will leave relaxed and rejuvenated after eight days enjoying the delicious crisp autumn air of Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands. In autumn, clear skies and sparkling water offer a powerful contrast with the colorful coast where nestled between Canada’s Vancouver Island and the U.S. mainland are hundreds of islands that are home to a diverse natural wonderland filled with wildlife. Featured Dates: October 12, 19

“The fall season is one of the best times to experience small ship cruising with American Cruise Lines,” said Timothy Beebe, Vice President of American Cruise Lines. “This cruise collection showcases one of the most beautiful and anticipated seasons in America with various sailings offered during peak foliage. Each cruise offers an experience unlike any other.”

American Cruise Lines operates the newest fleet of riverboats and small cruise ships in the industry and offers more than 35 itineraries along the rivers and inland waterways of the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, the Mississippi River and the U.S. East Coast, from Maine to Florida. To learn more about American Cruise Lines, visit www.americancruiselines.com or call 800-814-6880, www.facebook.com/americancruiselines or follow at twitter.com/american_cruise.

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Royal Caribbean One Day Sale: $100 Onboard Credit for Bookings Made on Saturday May 18

Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas anchored at its private island. RCL is offering $100 onboard credit for bookings made on May 18, 2013 © 2013 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Book a cruise with Royal Caribbean International on Saturday, May 18, 2013 and receive up to $100 onboard credit on summer 2013 sailings. Guests can apply their onboard credit toward a Royal Caribbean signature cocktail at the Sail-away Party, a specialty dining experience to celebrate a family milestone, or a shore excursion for a once-in-a-lifetime experience in some of the world’s most exciting destinations, among others. The offer applies for all new U.S. and Canadian individual bookings for any Royal Caribbean International ship departing June 1 through Aug. 31, 2013. For more information, visit www.RoyalCaribbean.com/SuperSaturday.

Vacationers have a world of summer cruise options with Royal Caribbean’s fleet of 21 of the industry’s most innovative cruise ships sailing to Bermuda and the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe and the Far East. For sailings departing from June through August 2013, vacationers will receive $25 onboard credit per inside or oceanview stateroom and $50 onboard credit per suite or stateroom with balcony. Vacationers who act quickly and sail in June will receive double onboard credit of $50 per inside or oceanview stateroom and $100 per suite or stateroom with balcony. The offer is subject to availability and additional restrictions may apply.

Royal Caribbean International is an award-winning global cruise brand with a 40-year legacy of innovation and introducing industry firsts never-before-seen at sea. The cruise line features an expansive and unmatched array of features and amenities only found on Royal Caribbean including, jaw-dropping, Broadway-style entertainment and industry-acclaimed programming that appeals to families and adventurous vacationers alike. Owned by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE/OSE: RCL), the cruise line sails 21 of the world’s most innovative cruise ships to the most popular destinations in the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, South America, the Far East, and Australia and New Zealand. World renowned for its friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service, delivered by every staff and crew member, Royal Caribbean has been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 10 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Reader’s Choice Awards.

For more information, contact your travel agent or visit www.royalcaribbean.com

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