“More than ever, today’s luxury travelers seek experiences that bring both value and meaning to their lives,” says Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line. “Across all levels of accommodation, a Cunard voyage is a pinnacle travel experience which continues to include all gourmet meals, entertainment and enrichment programs.”

Available fares make Cunard’s legendary World Cruises more sensible than comparable five-star travel experiences on land since, at sea, meals and entertainment are included. For travelers without the luxury of time to sail a full World Cruise, both ships offer shorter segment voyages ranging from 15-30 days. Space is still available on some of the most popular segments including Queen Mary 2’s 28-day Ft. Lauderdale to Los Angeles segment; 15-day Los Angeles to Sydney segment; and 31-day Singapore to New York segment.

Whether guests are onboard for the full World Cruise or a shorter segment voyage, they’ll have the opportunity to experience the Line’s award-winning Cunard Insights Enrichment Program. Among the speakers scheduled to appear are oceanographer-meteorologist Joe Bishop, astronaut Walter Cunningham, ocean liner authority and color commentator William Miller and adventurer Harvey Mann.

Queen Mary 2

Departing from Ft. Lauderdale simultaneously with her sister ship Queen Victoria on January 13, 2009, Queen Mary 2’s Epic Expedition features 26 port calls on five continents. Included is a port call to Alexandria (for Cairo/Giza) affording visits to the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. Maiden calls include Lima, Peru; Osaka, Japan; Bangkok, Thailand; and Salalah, Oman.

The ship will journey in a westward direction, sailing around South America to Los Angeles, then across the Pacific Ocean to Honolulu, Hawaii. From there, stops include Pago Pago, American Samoa; Auckland, New Zealand; Sydney, Australia; and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The voyage culminates in New York on April 14, 2009.

Queen Victoria

Eighteen exciting maiden calls are highlights of Queen Victoria’s westbound circumnavigation. Her first-time visits include Apia, Western Samoa; Aqaba (for Petra), Jordan; Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Cairns (Yorkey’s for the Great Barrier Reef), Australia; Christchurch (Lyttelton), New Zealand; Nagasaki, Japan; Nha Trang, Vietnam; Nuku’alofa, Tonga; Phuket, Thailand; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; Pusan, South Korea; Rabaul, Papua New Guinea; and Willemstad, Curaçao.

The ship will transit the Panama Canal and Suez Canal and visit some of the world’s most captivating ports, including Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Shanghai, China; and Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, as well as an overnight call in Sydney, Australia. Queen Victoria will also call on the port city of Mormugao in Goa, on the west coast of India, which is known for its pristine beaches and Portuguese architecture; and the charming port city of Hobart, Tasmania, Australia’s second oldest city. Her journey concludes in Southampton on April 20, 2009, where guests may opt to continue their voyage with a legendary six-day transatlantic crossing to New York aboard Queen Mary 2.

For more information and to book 2009 World Cruise segment voyages on Queen Mary 2 or Queen Victoria, consult your Travel Professional, call toll-free 1-800-7-CUNARD or go to www.cunard.com.

“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.”

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. The Sutters also recently celebrated the first birthday of their son, Max.

Trista and Ryan Sutter met in 2002, when she was America’s first Bachelorette. The Bachelor and The Bachelorette on ABC-TV were the first and are still the most popular reality dating shows in which one man or woman searches for their soul mate out of 25 potential suitors. Over the course of the show, the bachelorette bestows roses on those bachelors she wishes to continue dating. Trista presented Ryan with her final rose and he then proposed on the show’s finale in November 2002. The couple wed on December 6, 2003 in an elaborate television ceremony watched by 26 million viewers, making it one of the most widely viewed episodes in the history of reality TV and one of ABC’s top rated shows of the year. After their highly visible courtship, Trista and Ryan moved to Vail, CO, where they currently reside with their son, Max. In addition to frequent TV interviews and promotional appearances, he is a firefighter and she is a stay-at-home mom and designer for her new diaper bag line, Trista Baby.

The 3,070-passenger Ruby Princess includes a dramatic piazza-style atrium featuring small-bite eateries and an ever-changing array of performing street entertainers. Passengers will also enjoy Princess’ other array of dining venues including the signature Sabatini’s Italian trattoria and the Crown Grill steak and seafood restaurant, plus a relaxing oasis just for adults called The Sanctuary.

“We’re incredibly honored to be invited to be the godparents of Ruby Princess,” said Trista Sutter. “It’s hard to believe that it’s been five years since we got married. This is a wonderful way to celebrate our wedding anniversary, and also to remind people about the importance of marking not only the key milestones in a relationship, but also making time to incorporate romance into our everyday lives. We are so excited to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!”

The new cruise ship will also offer the many other innovations that define the Princess experience, including the popular Movies Under the Stars poolside movie screen, Personal Choice Dining featuring traditional or Anytime seating, multiple entertainment venues, a relaxing Asian-style Lotus Spa with fitness center, an extensive children and teen’s center, a wedding chapel and nearly 900 staterooms with private balconies — perfect for enjoying a scenic Caribbean islands cruise.

During Ruby Princess’ inaugural season she will make seven-day weekly sailings from Fort Lauderdale, FL to the Western Caribbean. Calls include Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Cozumel, Mexico and Princess Cays in the Bahamas. Next spring the ship will move to Europe for 12-day sailings in the Mediterranean and Greek Islands.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company’s website at www.princess.com

Since the program began in 2006, On Deck for the Cure has raised nearly $1.1 million in support of breast cancer research. Noting the success of the ship-based program, where ship guests make donations for walking laps around the deck, Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs, said the company has recently extended their contract with Susan G. Komen for the Cure to continue the On Deck for the Cure program in the years to come. “We’re overwhelmed with the spirit and generosity of our guests,” said Meadows. “On every cruise, our guests take time from their holiday to raise money to help fight this disease. Holland America Line is proud to be a vehicle for this most worthy cause.”

“We are very appreciative of the contribution goals set by Holland America Line,” said Katrina McGhee, vice president of marketing, Susan G. Komen for the Cure. “Through leveraging the support of staff and guests alike, the company has reached the million dollar mark in less than two years. This is quite unique and an accomplishment achieved by only a few companies in our Million Dollar Council.”

Meadows noted that in 2007 one charter group on board the ms Maasdam turned out nearly 800 participants, smashing the previous Holland America Line single walk record of 349 walkers, and the 2008 Grand World Voyage on the ms Amsterdam raised more than $50,000 in its fund-raising walks.

On Deck for the Cure Details
Holland America estimates that more than 80,000 guests have participated in more than 1,000 walks on Holland America Line cruises worldwide since the program began in 2006. Participants pledged $15 or more, then simply put their sea legs to good use and walked around the ship’s deck for a total of five kilometers. Depending on the ship, guests walk up to 12 laps to reach 5K. Each participant receives an On Deck for the Cure T-shirt and On Deck for the Cure pink wristband as well as an invitation to a pink lemonade party following the walk.

For information about sailing dates and cruise destinations, contact a travel agent or call Holland America Line at 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com. For more information about Holland America Line’s giving program email giving@hollandamerica.com

“China’s cruise market has good growth potential – Shanghai together with Tianjin (the port of Beijing) will play an important part in this sector due to their role as main ports and economic centers for China,” said Gianni Onorato, President of Costa Cruises. “Costa was the first to offer cruises in China and chose Shanghai as its home port. This is the city where we began to develop our activities in China and the results of those decisions have gone beyond our greatest expectations.” He continued, “Since 2006, the Costa Allegra has completed 121 cruises in China and the Far East. Overall, nearly 75,000 guests have taken a vacation on board the Costa Allegra, including nearly 50,000 Chinese guests. These figures are real proof of just how much China and Asia appreciate the quality of the service and the style of our cruises,” he added. It is also a concrete example of the worldwide success of our ‘Made in Italy’ product – 98.28% of our Chinese guests are satisfied or very satisfied with their Costa cruise vacation.”

In 2008, the Costa Allegra will operate 19 cruises, 14 of these from the Shanghai port and four during the Beijing Olympic Games, which will be broadcast on board the ship on large screens in public areas and in cabins. For 2009, 34 cruises representing an 80% increase are planned for the Costa Allegra and 31 cruises for the Costa Classica.
The Tourism and Cruise Market in China

Tourism is one of the most rapidly growing sectors in the Chinese economy. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, in 2007 the economic impact of tourism in China amounted to 440 billion USD, or nearly 6% of the world’s total, generated by tourism. Between 2008 and 2018, this figure should increase at an annual rate of 9.6%. More than 35 million Chinese tourists traveled abroad in 2007. These Chinese tourists represent nearly 6.2% of the world’s tourism demand. Forecasts indicate that by 2010 there will be more than 50 million Chinese tourists abroad and 100 million by 2020.

According to data from the Ocean Shipping Consultants, an independent research company based in Great Britain, the Northeast Asia cruise market (China, South Korea and Taiwan) will continue to grow at a constant rate. In 2005, it had an estimated 440,000 cruise passengers, a figure which is expected to increase to 720,000 in 2010.

Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal

The new terminal, which will become operational with the arrival of the Costa Allegra, was specially designed to dock international cruise ships. Located along the Huangpu River, it covers a total area of 350,000 m², extends over four floors and can dock up to four cruise vessels at the same time. An ultramodern terminal in terms of efficiency and safety, it will be able to complete immigration procedures at the rate of just 48 seconds per person. The area will also include business centers, hotels, offices and art galleries.

Costa Cruises in Asia

In the Summer of 2008, the Costa Allegra will offer short 4- to 6-night cruises with departures not only from Shanghai but also from Hong Kong and Tianjin. The itineraries include the new destination of Fukuoka (Japan), in addition to Cheju (South Korea), Sanya (China), Da Nang and Cai Lan (Vietnam), Nagasaki and Kagoshima (Japan). These short voyages will be supported by longer 14- and 15-night cruises to the Far East, with calls to ports in Japan, South Korea, China, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Vietnam. These cruises are designed for Chinese and international guests.

Beginning on March 27, 2009, the Costa Classica will offer 31 cruises ranging from 4- to 14-night cruises, with departures from Singapore, Shanghai, Tianjin, and Hong Kong. The various itineraries will include visits to some of the best destinations in Asian countries.

“Cruising Italian Style” in Asia

The Costa Allegra offers its Chinese guests the best of “Cruising Italian Style.” Dining options range from the Italian-flavored Amalfi Restaurant, located in one of the ship’s most panoramic vantage points, as well as in two other restaurants and buffets. All include authentic Italian cuisine including fresh, home made pastas and pizzas. Guests may even enjoy Italian cooking lessons with topics including how to prepare the perfect “pasta al pesto” and more from Costa’s renowned Italian chefs.

Entertainment options feature Italian touches, including an “Italian Night,” complete with the election of a “Mr. Spaghetto” and a song competition during an “Italian Festival.” A special theater show called “Made in Italy” features entertainment inspired by Italian history and traditions. The Costa Allegra shopping area provides guests with the opportunity to purchase major Italian name brands including Armani, Bulgari, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci and Antica Murrina.

Costa Cruises is Italy and Europe’s number one cruise line. For the past 60 years its ships have sailed the world, offering the best in Italian style, hospitality and cuisine and providing dream vacations with the best in fun and relaxation. In 2007 over 1.1 million guests chose to cruise with Costa, a record for the European cruise industry. The company’s 12 fleet members, each with her own distinctive characteristics and unique style, all fly the Italian flag and sail each year to 250 destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, the Caribbean, South America, the United Arab Emirates, the Far East and the Indian Ocean. Five more vessels have been commissioned and will enter service by 2012. For reservations or more information, contact a travel agent, call (800) GO-COSTA or visit www.costacruises.com.

Benefits to guests include:

* Sommelier suggestions on pairings with meals and wines, and insights on what blends thrive in certain regions of the world;
* Varying selections of cheeses, depending on season and regional delicacies;
* In all, 50 cheese vintages from 20 countries — from the internationally renowned to more obscure artisan choices made by hand, and
* Complimentary sommelier services, part and parcel to the overall Crystal Experience, illustrating that true luxury is illustrated in the finest details

“Cheese continues to play an increasingly important role in the worldwide dining experience,” says Toni Neumeister, vice president, food & beverage. “The certification of sommeliers is the kind of subtle luxury amenity that guests won’t think about or truly appreciate until they’ve encountered it – and then they’ll be quite impressed. It also demonstrates the commitment in training Crystal’s culinary staff to be the best at what they do.”

Certification participants included the head sommelier; assistant maître d’ (senior head waiter) chef de cuisine; Prego restaurant sommelier; two head waiters; and food and beverage manager. A rigorous daily training schedule included courses covering the history of cheese; its production – including regional differences and how cows’ diets impact the flavor of the cheese – slicing techniques; tastings; presentation; creating cheese menus; and cooking with cheese. Participants also visited a restaurant specializing in cheese menus and toured a regional cheese market.

The Crystal Difference

As of the beginning of 2008, all Crystal wine sommeliers have been certified through the Court of Master Sommeliers. The renowned Crystal experience continues to be distinguished by classic service, abundant space, extensive choices and superior quality, providing worldwide vacations of seven to 100+ days that bridge the best of land and sea.

For additional information and Crystal reservations, please contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625. Visit the luxury line’s website at crystalcruises.com.

The five-day/four-night Vintner’s Choice itinerary highlights Napa Valley, Sonoma and the charming town of Sausalito. Cruising up the Napa River from San Francisco Bay, guests step ashore in Napa and into the prestigious Culinary Institute of America (CIA). There, guests will be immersed in a wine blending workshop that includes the five Bordeaux grape varietals, will savor a three-course “chef’s selection” lunch paired with wine at renowned Auberge du Soleil and will taste the sparkling wines of Mumm Napa during a tour of the facilities. and gallery.

“The California Wine Country Cruises are designed for both wine novices and connoisseurs who seek a personalized wine country experience,” said President & CEO Dietmar R. Wertanzl. “There is romance of being on a small-ship;it’s like your own personal vessel with the camaraderie of like-minded individuals. A romantic couple or friends who just want a fun getaway with a designated ‘driver’ can enjoy sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge at sunset with a glass of sparkling wine in hand, viewing the dazzling evening lights of San Francisco and circumnavigating infamous Alcatraz. The three or four days spent wining and dining onboard and on land are a feast for the senses.”

In Sonoma, guests will have the option to explore Sonoma’s historical district or participate in a choice of optional excursions including: The Cabernet Lovers Limo Tour; an Olive Press tour; or a thrilling hot air balloon ride. That afternoon oenophiles will learn “tasting techniques”at award-winning Chateau St. Jean and indulge in a cheese, charcuterie and winetasting at St Francis Winery, known for its outstanding wines and gorgeous setting. This itinerary on the138-guest Spirit of Yorktown round trip San Francisco departs September 15, 22, 29 and October 6 and 13, 2008and begins at $2,049 per person, round trip.

The four-day/three-night Culture of the Vine itinerary, also on the Spirit of Yorktown , round trip San Francisco, departs September 19, 26 and October 3 and 19, 2008 and begins at $1,349 per person. In Napa, guests will taste four wines of note at a private tasting at boutique winery Alpha Omega followed by a tasting at Merryvale Vineyards, the first winery built in the Napa Valley following the repeal of Prohibition. Revelers will capture the spirit of Bacchus at Clos Pegase Winery, enjoying a three-course lunch in the on-site cave theater, complemented by three of the winery’s favorite products

Highlights in Sonoma will include a tour and tasting of Reve Blanc de Blancs and Brut Rose at sparkling wine producer Domaine Carneros as well as a private tram tour of the vineyard and cave at Benzinger Family Winery, followed by a lesson in the company’s biodynamic farming principles.

For more information or to book a California Wine Country cruise, call 1-800-296-8307 or visit www.cruisewest.com/destinations/california_wine_country/ .

Shipboard Features
Both MSC Magnifica and MSC Poesia feature 1,275 staterooms, of which 80% are outside staterooms and 65% have a balcony. There will be 236,000 square feet of public spaces, 2 pools and 4 hot tubs, plus a 13,000-square-foot spa. On each ship, guests can select from four restaurants, including a Sushi Bar alternative dining restaurant. In addition, MSC Magnifica features a Magrodome that allows guests to enjoy the pool area no matter what the elements.

Like their sister ships (MSC Musica and MSC Orchestra), both MSC Magnifica and MSC Poesia feature sophisticated and elegant decor and the finest in international entertainment and Italian hospitality that ensures guests enjoy a ‘Beautiful. Passionate. Italian.’ experience.

MSC Magnifica’s Itineraries
MSC Magnifica will be christened on Dec. 5, 2009 in Hamburg, Germany. She will depart two days later on a 19-night “Grand Passage to the New World” to Port Everglades that calls in Amsterdam, Dover, Lisbon, Funchal, Fort de France, St. John’s, Charlotte Amalie and San Juan.

Once in Fort Lauderdale, MSC Magnifica will sail roundtrip 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries through April 7, 2010. “Eastern Caribbean Enchantment” itineraries call at San Juan, Phillipsburg, Roadtown and Nassau; Western Caribbean “Island Treasures & Ancient Temples” itineraries call at Key West, Playa Del Carmen, Georgetown, Montego Bay and Nassau.

On April 17, 2010 she will sail a 7-night “Bermuda – Paradise in Pink” itinerary that calls at King’s Wharf, Bermuda and Nassau, Bahamas.

MSC Magnifica will depart April 24, 2010 on a 19-night “Bluewater Adventure Across the Atlantic” that stops in New York City, King’s Wharf, Ponta Delgada, Lisbon, La Coruna and Dover before arriving in Copenhagen.

MSC Poesia’s Itineraries
MSC Poesia arrives in Fort Lauderdale Nov. 10, 2009 for her inaugural Caribbean season following a 17-night “Grand Transatlantic Adventure.” Her itineraries will feature some of the most popular destinations, such as Curacao, Bonaire, Aruba and Panama.

MSC Poesia’s itineraries include:

* “Happy Holidays, Caribbean Style” — 7-night Eastern Caribbean departing Dec. 20, 2009, calling in San Juan, St. John’s, Philipsburg, Nassau;
* “Caribbean and Confetti New Year’s” — 7-night Western Caribbean departing Dec. 27, 2009, calling at Playa del Carmen, Georgetown, Montego Bay, Nassau;
* “Southern Sunswept Caribbean” — 10-night Southern Caribbean departing Nov. 10, 2009 and Feb. 17, 2010, calling in Curacao, Bonaire, Grenada, St. Lucia, Antigua, Bahamas;
* “Remarkable Rainforests and the Panama Canal” — 10-night Deep Western departing Dec. 10, 2009, Jan. 18, 2010 and Feb. 27, 2010, calling in Grand Cayman, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico;
*
* “Dazzling Dutch Caribbean and the Panama Canal” — 10-night Southwest Caribbean departing Nov. 20, 2009 and Feb. 7, 2010, calling in Curacao, Aruba, Colombia, Panama, Mexico; and
* “Tropical Splendors, European Charm” — 10-night Southeast Caribbean departing Nov. 30, 2009, Jan. 8 and 28, 2010, calling in Puerto Rico, St. Kitts, Barbados, Martinique, St. Maarten and the Bahamas.

The ship departs North American waters March 9, 2010 on a 17-night “Island-Hopping Across the Atlantic” sailing, calling in San Juan, Phillipsburg, Funchal, Malaga, Palma, La Valletta and Dubrovnik, before arriving in Venice.

For more information about MSC Cruises and its exciting line-up of ships and itineraries, visit www.msccruisesusa.com or a local travel professional.

“We are aggressively targeting new-to-Silversea and first-time cruisers by going after a larger share of the lucrative baby boomer market,” said David Morris, Silversea’s executive vice president of worldwide sales and marketing. “We’re encouraging our travel agency partners to check their preconceptions at the door. Younger people have the money and time to travel, and can appreciate the exceptional value a luxury cruise offers when compared to land-based vacations. Our sales force has made great strides in showing our retail travel partners how to tap the client base of upscale hotels like Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons, and the hard work has paid off.”

Marilyn Conroy, Silversea’s senior vice president of sales and marketing for the Americas, noted, “A lot of our sales efforts have been directed toward Canada and emerging luxury markets like Mexico and Brazil. Though we do have concerns about the weak stock market and the downturn in the U.S. economy, we are far ahead of where we were in 2007 both in terms of sales and yields. Since our customer base is quite diverse internationally, we’re less affected by any single country’s soft economy.”

Added Morris, “We’ve also been successful in attracting guests who are new to cruising by encouraging agents to scour their communities and social networks for luxury travel prospects. Our agency partners are working closely with businesses in their communities that cater to an upscale clientele and launching joint promotions and sales campaigns that benefit both parties. And of course we’re dedicating the necessary financial resources, with about twenty percent of our sales budget going to cooperative marketing initiatives that support our agents in their efforts to target this new business.”

Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the luxury segment, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard four intimate vessels, Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, and Silver Whisper, all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. With the addition of the regal expedition ship Prince Albert II, the company’s itineraries encompass all seven continents.

Due to strong business from new customers and sales increases in emerging markets, Silversea is fully committed and investing aggressively in its future. In June, the company launched its first expedition ship, the Prince Albert II. Extensive multimillion dollar refurbishments are planned for Silver Wind and Silver Cloud in November 2008 and May 2009, respectively. And Silversea’s newest all-suite ship, Silver Spirit, is currently under construction at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard and scheduled to join the fleet in late 2009.

In the U.S., Silversea has been voted “World’s Best” by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler (nine times) and Travel + Leisure (seven times), and rated Number-One luxury cruise line by high-net-worth consumers in the 2008 Luxury Brand Status Index (LBSI). International awards include “World’s Leading Luxury Cruise Line” from World Travel Awards (2007); “Five Star Diamond Award” from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences (2007); “Number One” small-ship line in the Readers’ Choice” survey conducted by Britain’s Condé Nast Traveller magazine (2007); “Best Luxury Cruise Line” by Spain’s Cruceros & Destinos magazine (2008); “Best Small Cruise Line” by Australia’s Luxury Travel Magazine (2007); and “Best Luxury Cruise Operator” according to Asia’s Travel Weekly (2007).

Costa—The First to Offer Exclusive Spa Cabins at Sea
Costa pioneered this innovative spa concept just two years ago when the Costa Concordia became the first cruise ship in the world to boast the exclusive spa accommodation and restaurant concept. The Italian cruise line followed suit in 2007 with the introduction of the Costa Serena, which as a sister ship to the Costa Concordia, also boasts the Samsara Spa. Guests who choose spa accommodations receive a host of luxurious amenities including flat screen televisions, a special set of Elemis bath accessories and a “Welcome Ritual,” all included in the cruise price.

The “Welcome Ritual” features unlimited access to the spa and its European-style amenities including a thalassotherapy pool, rock sauna, steam baths, hot and cold thermal baths, ocean-view solariums, relaxation lounges, and a tepidarium. Guests who reserve these accommodations will also receive two complimentary spa treatments, two complimentary fitness and wellness classes, a personalized wellness consultation with a spa expert, two sun-lamp sessions in the solarium and an invitation to a special Japanese spa tea ceremony. In addition, guests who reserve exclusive Samsara Spa accommodations will have access to wellness cuisine in the Ristorante Samsara. This specialty restaurant features spa-friendly cuisine in an intimate atmosphere.

“The Samsara Spa experience is not only unique because of the direct-access accommodations and innovative features it offers, but also in the fact that it’s a veritable ‘tarvel within a travel’ for guests, the likes of which many spa aficionados haven’t experienced before,” said Maurice M. Zarmati, President and CEO of Costa Cruise Lines—North America. “Samsara spa guests can slip in and out of their realm when they please and either enjoy the sanctuary of their surroundings or revel in the excitement of the authentic Italian warmth and sophisticated European style of sailing with Costa, all while hopping from port to port in the Mediterranean.”

The 23,000 square-foot Samsara Spa, one of the largest at sea, also features an ocean-view fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment, an expansive fitness studio for wellness and meditation classes, and a full service beauty salon. The Costa Serena features a Samsara Spa with 99 accommodations (87 cabins and 12 suites) while the Costa Concordia boasts 67 (55 cabins and 12 suites.) Both provide a veritable extension of the experience at all times with direct access to the spa via elevator and stairs.

Ayurvedic Treatments Inspired by Ancient Eastern Philosophies
Elements of the spa’s invigorating treatments and stunning design are inspired by the meaning of “Samsara,” which is associated with the path to spiritual enlightenment, bliss and balancing of life energies. The Samsara Spa features numerous treatments composed of aromatic herbs, essential oils, exotic plants and Ayurvedic essences. Ayurvedic-inspired treatments include Shirodhara, a treatment where a flow of warm oil is directed onto the third eye (forehead) to induce the alpha state of deep relaxation, integrate brain function and create brain wave coherence. This is followed by luxurious Eastern massage techniques on the scalp, which focus on meridian lines and the crown chakra, bringing harmony and well-being to the body. The popular Shiorobhyanga Massage focuses on releasing tension through the Marma points on the hands, back and feet. Beginning with Shirodhara, a warm stream of oil soothes the third eye, calms the mind and enhances awareness. Warm oil is then slowly drizzled on hands, forearms, feet and back which are then treated to an invigorating massage, releasing blocked energy, stress and tension through Marma points.

The Costa Serena was inaugurated in May 2007 while her sister ship, the Costa Concordia, was inaugurated in July 2006. The 114,500-ton ships feature a double occupancy of 3,000 each. Both ships were built for year-round Mediterranean cruising with features including a retractable cover extending over two pool decks and the expansive Samsara Spa. They also each feature a Grand Prix race car driving simulator, the most accurate representation of Formula One racing available. Two new ships will offer the Samsara Spa product when they come into service in June 2009 – the 92,700-ton Costa Luminosa and the 114,500-ton Costa Pacifica.

Costa Cruises is Italy and Europe’s number one cruise line. For reservations or more information, contact a travel agent, call (800) GO-COSTA or visit www.costacruises.com

Now available in print and online at www.silversea.com, the comprehensive guide contains over 130 imaginative itineraries offered aboard the line’s classic fleet as well as 26 exciting expeditions set for the Prince Albert II. The 2009 schedule features all seven continents, over 80 countries, and more than 300 distinct destinations.

“Our new Voyage Atlas provides a window into an exclusive world where easygoing luxury, exploration and discovery blend together to create the most enriching travel experience,” said David Morris, Silversea’s executive vice president of worldwide sales and marketing. “For our guests, luxury travel is a lifestyle of countless indulgences — from the serenity of breakfast on a private veranda or a soothing body wrap and massage, to an exciting adventure by Zodiac craft to discover an isolated culture. With Silversea, the possibilities are endless.”

The new Atlas opens with an easy-to-read, voyage-by-voyage summary followed by a section revealing the hallmarks of Silversea’s unique luxury lifestyle. The balance of the brochure provides detailed worldwide cruise itineraries by region, including highlights of shore excursions, descriptions of land programs, deck plans, savings programs and general information.

GRAND PACIFIC VOYAGE

A highlight of Silversea’s 2009 season is the company’s first-ever Grand Pacific Voyage, a 92-day extended odyssey timed to coincide with prime regional seasons of the Pacific Ocean. Departing Los Angeles on March 7, 2009, Silver Shadow will follow the mild trade winds of spring as they dry the skies south of the equator, find northern Japan’s cherry blossoms in full bloom, and arrive in Alaska as the region awakens from its winter slumber with warmer, longer days. On this epic journey, guests will visit 45 ports, 15 countries and two hemispheres, enjoying overnight stays in Bora Bora, Sydney, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong and Tokyo.

In addition to the $2,000 per suite onboard spending credit, other special amenities available to guests sailing the full voyage include complimentary hotel accommodations in Los Angeles on the eve of departure, plus transfer and baggage handling between airport, hotel and ship. Fares start at $53,453 per person, based on double occupancy.

FRENCH POLYNESIA

Also on next year’s schedule is an enticing collection of expedition cruises to French Polynesia aboard Prince Albert II, which will be deployed in Papeete from mid-March to late October 2009. These new itineraries will feature the less-traveled regions of Polynesia ranging from the southernmost Austral Islands to the sprawling Tuamotu Archipelago and the northernmost Marquesas Islands. Other South Pacific voyages of Prince Albert II will include such off-the-beaten-path destinations as the Cook Islands, Tonga, Fiji, Pitcairn Islands and mysterious Easter Island.

For a complimentary copy of the 2009 Voyage Atlas, visit www.silversea.com or call toll-free (877) 215-9986.

In keeping with the company’s commitment to promote the use of environmentally responsible products, the Atlas is printed on paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The brochure displays the FSC’s “Mixed Sources” label, certifying the paper comes from well-managed forests, controlled sources and/or recycled material.

Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the luxury segment, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard four intimate vessels, Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, and Silver Whisper, all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. With the addition of the regal expedition ship Prince Albert II, the company’s itineraries encompass all seven continents.

In the U.S., Silversea has been voted “World’s Best” by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler (nine times) and Travel + Leisure (seven times), and rated Number-One luxury cruise line by high-net-worth consumers in the 2008 Luxury Brand Status Index (LBSI). International awards include “World’s Leading Luxury Cruise Line” from World Travel Awards (2007); “Five Star Diamond Award” from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences (2007); “Number One” small-ship line in the Readers’ Choice” survey conducted by Britain’s Condé Nast Traveller magazine (2007); “Best Luxury Cruise Line” by Spain’s Cruceros & Destinos magazine (2008); “Best Small Cruise Line” by Australia’s Luxury Travel Magazine (2007); and “Best Luxury Cruise Operator” according to Asia’s Travel Weekly (2008).