Celebrity's new "Starring You Magazine"

Each month, Celebirty will offer a fresh insight into all things new at Celebrity Cruises.

This month: keys to relaxation. And next month? Our world of fine wines. Read on and enjoy.

Relax - You're in Alaska: Connect with nature. Connect with yourself. The Great White North will take your breath away, from close encounters with humpback whales to broad spans of the Alaskan wilderness. Change your view, no matter where you look.

Unwind in Icy Straight - Alaska: Immerse yourself in the customs of the local
Huna Tlingits in Hoonah, a tiny Alaskan town of just 860 people. Their calm souls will bring you closer to the sea and your own peace of mind. Fifty miles west of Juneau and at the mouth of Glacier Bay, lies historic Icy Strait Point. Travelers have the unique opportunity to experience Tlingit culture, superior wildlife viewing opportunities and years of Alaskan history.

I've been to Alaska 10 times with another cruise in August. I too feel this is one of the best destinations for truly feeling the relaxation affect. Whether it be because of the natives relaxed atmosphere or the select tours which are available, Alaska is definately known for helping you "Escape from reality".

If you have cruise Alaska, share your relaxation experience.

New Ruby Princess Production Shows

Two new production shows have debuted onboard Ruby Princess, enchanting audiences during their Western Caribbean cruises. The first, "Broadway Ballroom," presents the music of the Great White Way, a name for the area near Times Square that houses many of Broadway's famous theatres, 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 the costume designer along with the choreographer from the popular television show, "Dancing with the Stars", maintaining the integrity of the art of Ballroom Dance.

The second new Princess-produced production show, "Once Upon a Dream," uses unique multidimensional cinematic projection to follow a dreamscape unlike anything seen at sea. The audience will accompany a young woman's journey as she dreams of everything from an Alice in Wonderland inspired tea party to Las Vegas and all points in between. The costume computer-generated scenic graphics make this a very unique experience.

If you have seen one of these productions, please share.

Princess staying in Australia in 2010

2010 Summer Sun & Dawn Princess Australia Program: Will continue their year round Australia based cruising with an enhanced 2010 Summer Program. The sister ships feature a series of summer voyages ranging from 2 to 30 days offering a collection of cruises to Southeast Asia and the South Pacific sailing from the Australian ports of Sydney, Perth or Brisbane. Sun Princess offers three 17-day cruises roundtrip from Perth (Fremantle) visiting exotic ports in Thailand and the Malaysian Peninsula including Phuket, Penang, and Kuala Lumpur (Port Kelang). For a more in depth exploration of Southeast Asia, two 21-day cruises are available which include Cambodia, Ho Chi Minh and Bali. A new 30-day sailing features an overnight call to the vibrant city of Hong Kong and also calls on the great cities and destinations of Bangkok, Singapore, Halong Bay, Brunei and Kota Kinabalu. Two Northern Explorer cruises visit an array of interesting ports along the Northern Australian coast and have been enhanced to include a call to Bali. Prior to her recently announced 2010 104-day World Cruise, Dawn Princess offers a 13-day voyage sailing roundtrip from Sydney to Vanuatu, New Caledonia and Fiji with calls in Noumea, Suva, Dravuni Island and Lifou.

I've been to Australia and New Zealand, and loved it ! A once in a life time opportunity. I cruised for 2 weeks, and spent 2 nights prior to cruise in Auckland and 2 days after in Sydney. As far as tours, while on the cruise, I chose many of the train trips, which were fantastic ! Had an opportunity to see all the different variety of animals that you will see there, and thankfully only seeing their snakes in a cage.
If you have been to Australia and New Zealand, please share your expriences.

Princess - New Itineraries & Ports for 2010 Europe Season - Book by Sept 30

Most comprehensive Europe program yet, with new and exciting 7-day cruises in both the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. For 2010, we will offer more variety than ever before with 96 spectacular departures including 39 unique itineraries. Princess offers the opportunity to see the many sides of Europe with itineraries that visit the most iconic destinations that are rich in history, architecture, cuisine and majestic beauty. This season, we have returning favorites and have added nine new exceptional itineraries, more 7-day voyages, and 11 new ports! Princess offers an array of distinct itinerary choices with six spectacular and intimate ships sailing the waters of Europe from April through December, covering the destination in its entirety. Ruby Princess continues to sail the signature Grand Mediterranean and Greek Isles program. Star Princess returns to Europe and sails the ever-popular 10-day Scandinavia & Russia itinerary in the summer followed by Greek Isles, Egypt, and a new Mediterranean Odyssey itinerary in the fall. Crown Princess starts the season with several Greek Isles and Mediterranean cruises before sailing to the British Isles as well as Norway & the Fjords. Grand Princess offers convenient 7-day & 14-day Mediterranean cruises from London. Pacific Princess sails the Mediterranean including the extraordinary Holy Land itinerary which offers a 2-day Egypt and 2-day Israel experience on every sailing. Ocean Princess offers seven new itineraries featuring a selection of Mediterranean & Northern Europe voyages ranging from 7 to 25 days. Grand Adventure sailings offer passengers the opportunity to extend their adventure by combining two voyages and receiving a $200 per person savings. Bookings for the season opened April 9th.

Princess Launch Fares are the new name for Princess FIT cruise fares. The Europe Captain’s Circle Launch Savings is $100 per person – a great message for Princess loyalists as it’s applicable in all categories and combinable with Launch Fares, Group Fares, Regional Fares and Past Passenger Promotions. This discount is available through September 30, 2009. Our Group Fares this year offer larger Group discounts and lower Group Fares - up to $500 per person!

Though I have been on several Princess cruises (see my review below), I've yet to sail on her in Europe. If you have sailed on Princess in Europe, please share your experiences

Plan your Crystal All Inclusive cruise today !

Great news for passengers who like "all inclusive."

Crystal has something better: $2000 to spend as they wish. Receive up to $2000 in shipboard credits per couple to spend any way they wish on most 2009 and all 2010 voyages. From relaxing spa treatments to the finest bottles of wine and exciting Crystal Adventures® shore excursions, the choice is truly theirs, as they wish.

Reduced Fares: Up to $3000 per couple savings on most 2009 European and South American voyages and ALL 2010 Mediterranean and Northern Europe cruises.

From the President of Crystal Cruises: At Crystal Cruises, we are motivated by a single goal: to provide you with the finest experience not only in cruising, but in all of luxury travel. It is my personal pleasure to welcome you into the fascinating world of Crystal Cruises. At sea and ashore, we share your passion for discovery and have created itineraries that showcase the world and all its glory, from favorite must-see destinations to undiscovered gems of rare beauty. A careful balance of onboard enrichment and shoreside adventure is combined to create the most magnificent experiences, ones you are sure to treasure for a lifetime.

Travel connects us. To our world, our loved ones and ourselves. It bridges differences and cultivates understanding and acceptance. It tantalizes our curiosities and quenches our desire for adventure and discovery. Everything we do at Crystal Cruises is designed to evoke a sense of astonishing wonder, from the surprising thoughtful touches your stewardess attends to in your stateroom to the authentic experiences you enjoy ashore.

Aboard the two highest-rated ships in the world, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, you will discover the hallmarks of Crystal... extraordinary service, abundant space, exceptional quality and incredible choices. This is the very essence of our company; this is the Crystal Difference. A steadfast commitment to excellence has earned us unprecedented recognition as the World’s Best for an incredible 15 years – an accomplishment unmatched by any other cruise line, hotel or resort anywhere in the world.

Gregg L. Michel, President, Crystal Cruises


If you have been on a Crystal Cruise, please share your experiences.

January 6, 2010 - Holland America's Amsterdam - Grand World Voyages just reduced !!

19 - 114 day portions can be purchase aboard the World Cruise of the Amsterdam, from $ 3099 pp. New rates - Great savings !

I've been on several Holland America cruises. HA use to be totally "white glove" service, however, now the staff has been allowed to lighten up a little, and talk with you, even at the dining table. I have another HA book for Aug 23, for 14 night in Alaska, r/t Seattle. You should plan to join me !

If you have been on a Holland America cruise, please share your experiences.

Baltimore: The Gateway to Royal Caribbean's Granduer

BALTIMORE: THE GATEWAY TO GRANDEURExperience an unforgettable vacation from Baltimore onboard Grandeur of the Seas®. With multiple itineraries offering diverse destinations – Royal Caribbean certainly puts "more" in Baltimore. On one trip, you can bask in Bermuda, lounge in Labadee® or picture yourself in Puerto Rico. These ports and so many more are just the beginning of your Baltimore cruise, and just think – they're all in your backyard.

Baltimore
With a world-class aquarium, major sporting events and fantastic food, Baltimore is filled with things to do and see. The prime spot for activity is the Inner Harbor, where you'll find the Harborside Shopping Pavilion, Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the National Aquarium, Port Discovery and much, much more. Plus, there are a number of historical sites nearby, including Mount Vernon and Federal Hill.

The One Thing You Don't Want to Miss
For a real family adventure, check out the National Aquarium in the Inner Harbor, with an amazing collection of more than 10,000 specimens and 560 species. You'll encounter everything from the gigantic pacific octopus to a blue poison dart frog, and don't forget humpback whales, monkeys, sharks, puffins and more. There's even a simulated rain forest with piranha and sloths, and a coral reef with vividly colored tropical fish.

Other Fun Things to Do
* Let the kids go wild at Port Discovery, the Kid-Powered Museum. With three floors of interactive exhibits, there's something for everyone.
* Learn the history of baseball and tour Babe Ruth's Birthplace and Museum, listed as a national historic site.
* Enjoy a great Italian meal in Baltimore's own Little Italy and then take a stroll through the quaint streets.
* Catch an IMAX movie or planetarium show at the Maryland Science Center.
* Visit the Baltimore Zoo, home to more than 2,000 exotic animals in a wooded, 180-acre setting.
* Walk through Federal Hill, a neighborhood on the historic register, and the Cross Street Market.
* Our nation's anthem will unfold before you when you visit the star shaped Fort McHenry. Tour the historical site that defended the Baltimore Harbor in the War of 1812 and inspired Francis Scott Key to pen The Star-Spangled Banner.

Sporting Adventures
If there's one thing that the people of Baltimore are crazy about, it's baseball, played right in the Inner Harbor in Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Another exciting sporting event in the area is the Preakness Stakes, part of the prestigious Triple Crown of horse racing. It's held every May at the oldest racetrack in Maryland, the Pimlico Racecourse.

Taste of Local Flavor
Given its seaside location, it's not surprising that Baltimore has its fair share of great seafood restaurants. But for a true culinary experience, you'll want to stop by one of the many crabhouses you'll come across to try the popular local dish, the Crab Cake. What's so special about it? It's made with Maryland Blue Crabs, which are found predominantly in the brackish waters of the Chesapeake Bay.

I've been to Baltimore several times and love it ! It's quaint and it clearly gives you the atmospher of being close to the sea !
Have you been ? Please share your experiences.

Bridge cruise aboard Carnival Miracle, November 12 - From $ 635 pp

A Cruises Inc associate has put together a Bridge Cruise on the Carival Miracle for November 12. 2009. It's 8 days, and visits Colon, Panama and Limon, Costa Rica and Belize.

You can take advantage of this special rate and not join the Bridge group. And if want to join in on Bridge, cost for lessons and to play, on Sea days, on $ 50 pp.

Space is limited. Call me today, so I get you get you included on this cruise.

Do you play bridge ? Take your own friends and plan to cruise free !

Carnival Early Saver Rates for close to home ports - Book by June 30

Just booked myself another great deal on Carnival, out of Baltimore. They have sales running till end of June, on close to home ports for 7 night cruises ('09 & '10), from $ 449 pp (in January). Holidays on sale too, like Valentines, Easter, Christmas, etc. If I can help anyone with this, give me a call (434/800) 237 3832.

Hurry ! Deadline June 30

Click title for sample dates. Rates subject to change or sell out

Did you know ? It's decieving to believe the best price on a cruise is found directly through the cruise line or with any internet companies

That's right, it is deceiving to believe !

The cruise lines offer many deals to the general public, such as Past Passenger, senior, military, resident rates, and more, in which anyone can buy these rates, to include the cruise specialist or travel agency. However, the cruise line offers "additional" special rates, from time to time, to "select larger agencies", to be exclusive by buying through this agency only. Also many of these larger agencies, buy space, so that when rates go up, their clients recieve the lower rates and/or amenities on these special dates. So though an agent can give you ever rate you find at the cruise line, the cruise line can "not" offer you any special rates found at these larger agencies ! Travel writers suggest to the consumer: To find your best rates and to receive the servicing you deserve, call a cruise specialist or travel agency ... And the biggest reason ? The cruise line won't pay you commission for servicing your own cruise, they will only pay the agent. So your #1 priority needs to be ... Find the best agency who can service your cruise ... One who is known by travel writers, such as Frommer's, for their attention to details, their high technology connection with the cruise lines, and their top relationships with all the major cruise lines, such as the cruise specialist of Cruises Inc. Let them do all the work for you, when you don't have to ... To help make this your best vacation ever !

As far as internet companies, beware ! Not all internet companies are equal. Being on the internet does "not" automatically qualify an agency for the best rates or best recongnition by travel writers. Matter of fact, to compete, some internet agenies will offer you c.l. specials that the consumer does not qualify for, such as senior rate. And then when the consumer gets to the pier, they will have to pay the higher rate. Surprise, surprise ! Other internet companies, lower their commission to be competitive with the larger companies. All this does is "raise the odds" that this agency might not be in business when it comes times for your cruise. And did you also know, select internet agencies, such as Hotwire, Priceline, American Airlines, Continental, and others, are not travel agents ? Currently these interent companies are buying the cruises for thier clients through Cruises Inc's holding company (WTH). However, it's not to your advantage to have these internet companies, such as Hotwire, in between you and working directly with the cruise agency yourself. Reason(s) ? You're still not guaranteed the cruise you think you're buying, nor will you receive the needed first hand experience to make this your best vacation ever, when you don't buy directly through the cruise agency ! Again, travel writers suggest, if you can't find a cruise - only specialist, such as Cruises Inc, turn to a local agency. Trust travel writers: Your vacation is not worth a $ 25+ savings, when you could be buying into a possible scam or you're not working directly with the agency who has bought this cruise for you or your rate could be raised when you get to the pier or all you have is a computer to talk to ! Do your homework, and find an agency with experience to your destination, who has won awards, by travel writers, for their attention to detail, and who actually qualify for the special rates they may have for you.

FYI - Cruises Inc is the Nations largest online (internet agency) and offline (Personable service by phone) agency !

Did you know the best rates are not necessarily through the cruise line or through any internet company ?

Carnival Summer 2009 Photo Contest

Send Carnival your favorite photo from a "Fun Ship" Getaway. Share that great pictures from your Carnival cruise. Entries must be received by July 3, 2009.

Click title for link to details or Visit: carnival.com/promo/photocontest.

Trivia - Did you know ?

Which cities go with with nicknames ?

1. Big Apple ?
2. The Big Easy ?
3. La-la Land ?
4. Magic City (for its rapid growth) ?
5. Charm City (nicer than the former Mobtown) ?
6. Iowa by the Sea (Local boosters perfer International City) ?
7. Azalea City (for obivious reasons)
8. Palmetto City (or Holy City for all it's churches) ?

Cities:
A. New York City
B. Los Angeles
C. New Orleans
D. Baltimore
E. Charleston
F. Mobile
G. Miami
H. Long Beach

Answers: 1A; 2C; 3B; 4G; 5D; 6H; 7F; 8E

Know any other nicknames for cities ? Please share.

Carnival Towel Creations

Have you ever tried to make the Carnival towel creations, like your room steward, once home ? Now you can - Click on title.

How many of you enjoy the towel creations made in your room each night ? Please share your experiences.

Carnival continues to win awards in the cruis industry

From Carnival Currents.
Total Readers' Choice awards - Carnival has been winning these awards since 1999; More than any other c.l.
* Carnival earned top honors in 2008, including Best Value for the money, Best Main dining room cuisine, Best Entertainment, Best Chrildren's Program and Best Web site.
* The Mexican Riviera cruises earned Carnival the first ever award in this category.
* Has won Best Shore Excursion category.
* Carnival Freedom won the Best Magaship award.

Have you sailed on Carnival ? Please share your experiences and the awards you might give ?

2008 Latest Edition (Video) - Did You Know ?? From You Tube

Click title to view video. I thought this video was interesting with it's facts.
What do you think of this video ?

Are your sail dates flexible ? Holland America sale

Call to find out where to find list: Samples dates below:

Alaska from $ 349 in June (Vancouver to Seward or vice versa). Select sailings June - Aug on sale. Call

Alaska Cruise Tours from $ 1169 - Aug 9 (CruiseTour 11 - 12-Day Discovery Cruise & Denali Adventure). Select dates June - Aug 23 on sale. Call

Australia & New Zealand from $ 1399 (Jan 6, 2010) Other dates in Jan & Feb on sale. Call

Asia Pacific from $ 999 (16N Sept 23)

Bermuda from $ 699. Select dates May through October. Call

Canada/New England from $ 749 (June 20 & 27). Other dates, June to Oct on sale. Call

Caribbean from $ 549. Select dates October to Dec 12 on sale. Call

Europe from $ 849 (July 2 for 8N Baltic). Other sailings on sale. Call

Hawaii from $ 1399, Select 15N sailings Oct 8 - Dec 7 on sale. Call

Holiday cruises from $ 899 (Dec 19 Eurodam) Dec 26 also on sale. Call

Mexican Riviera from $ 499. Select sailings Nov 21 - Dec 12 on sale. Call

Panama Canal from $ 899. Select sailings Oct 14 - Dec 13 on sale. Call

South America from $ 1199. (Dec 15). Nov 19 & Feb 23, 2010 on sale. Call


Flexible dates ... This is not available for everyone. My schedule for cruising is flexible to a point. What about you ... Are your dates flexible to cruise when you find that great deal ?

Ships coming to Port Canaveral

Freedom of the Seas 2009
Carnival Dream 2009
Norwegian Sun 2010
Disney Dream 2011
Disney Fantasy 2012

Since I am only 12 hours from Port Canaveral, this would be an easy place for me to cruise out of. What about for you ? Is Port Canaveral within your desired driving time

New Ships for Family Travel In 2009

Reported by Family Getaway Agent Magazine:

Ocean-Going:

Carnival Cruise Lines’ 3,646-passenger Carnival Dream
Celebrity Cruises’ 2,850-passenger Celebrity Equinox
Costa Cruises’ 2,260-passenger Costa Luminosa and 3,004-passenger Costa Pacifica
MSC Cruises’ 3,300-passenger MSC Splendida
Royal Caribbean International’s 5,400-passenger Oasis of the Seas
Yachts of Seabourn’s 450-passenger Seabourn Odyssey

River Cruising:

Amawaterways’ 148-passenger
ms Amadolce and ms Amalyra
Avalon Waterways’ 138-passenger
Affinity and 140-passenger Creativity
Tauck’s 118-passenger Swiss Jewel
Uniworld’s 160-passenger River Beatrice and 84-passenger River Tosca
Victoria Cruises’ 378-passenger Victoria Jenna
Viking River Cruises’ 189-passenger Viking Legend

Since I am ready for more river cruising, the river cruise choises would appeal to me most. Which will your first choice ? Will your choices be of cruise line choices, size, or new adventure ?

Poll - When do you pack before vacation ? How long does it take you to pack ?

Family Getaay Agent magazine took an online poll. Responses were:
* 47% say they are last-minute packers when packing for a family vacation.
* 36% say they are packed in advance.
* 17% say that they take their time when packing.

Due to many "last minute" needs of others, I try not to wait till the last minute when doing anything ! So I compile what I will be taking on my cruise, 2 weeks prior. And then I place these things in my suite case, the day prior. When do you pack prior to your vacation ? Why this choice ?

Did you know ? Global cruise with Cruise West, is the longest of it's kind in the cruise industry

Cruise West is planning a 335 day circumnavigation of the world, described as the longest of its kind in the cruise industry. This small ship will visit 59 countries over 14 oceans and seas. More details will be available by the end of May.

I've been on 2 Cruise West cruises (Columbia Snake Rivers and to Alaska). If I had the time and the money, I would definately take a 335 day cruise What about you ? I would !

Last minute balcony deals this Summer - Many itineraries - Many C.L's - Hurry !

Click title for info.

Alaska, Bermuda, Canada/New England, Caribbean, Hawaii, Mediterranean, Mexican Riviera and Tahiti ... On Carnival, Celebrity, Crystal, Disney, Holland America, Norwegian, Princess, Regent and Royal Caribbean ! Capacity controlled. Can be withdrawn at any time.

I found there to be many great balcony rates left for this summer. I know if I weren't already obligated for the summer, I would definately choose one of these cruise ! Are you maxed out for the summer or can you take advantage of one of these savings opportunities ?

Tauck World Discovery Tours - FREE airfare - Expires July 15

Act quickly to take advantage of FREE AIRFARE in conjunction with selected itineraries and departure dates of Tauck’s 2009 European river cruises as well as selected departures of Istanbul & the Black Sea and Cruising the Galapagos Islands!

Wow ! Great opportunity for savings !
Did you know that cruise specialist companies can also service your land packages through tour operators ?
Have you taken a Tauck European River cruise package before ? Please share your experiences.