Norwegian Epic To Offer 11 Complimentary Dining Options

Miami - Mar 17, 2010 - Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that its largest, most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship to date, Norwegian Epic, will feature an extensive number of complimentary Freestyle dining options - 11 out of 21 total - that are included in the cruise fare. The additional 10 dining options will have a nominal cover charge.

Guests on board Norwegian Epic can select from a variety of cuisines, dining styles and atmospheres on board with a total of 21 dining options. Those that will be free of charge are:

-Taste, the atrium restaurant serving traditional and contemporary cuisine;
-Manhattan Room, reminiscent of an elegant supper club complete with music, dancing and entertainment;
-O'Sheehan's Neighborhood Bar & Grill, serving American favorites and comfort food, 24 hours;
-Garden Café, Norwegian's signature action station casual restaurant;
-Great Outdoors, the pool-side grill;
-Spice H20, serving Latin and Asian-influenced cuisine in the adults-only complex;
-Atrium Cafe and Wine Bar;
-Studio Lounge, serving snacks and light fare;
-Epic Club, the elegant, exclusive eatery available to Norwegian Epic's Suite and Villa guests;
-Courtyard Grill, the more casual, outdoor area of the Epic Grill, open for breakfast and lunch; and
-24-hour room service.

"It's important for our guests to know that Freestyle Cruising on Norwegian Epic will offer the ultimate in freedom and flexibility, especially when it comes to dining," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line's chief executive officer. "With that flexibility comes a wide-range of complimentary dining venues and options."

In addition, Norwegian also announced the cover charges for Norwegian Epic's specialty dining/entertainment venues:

-La Cucina, Tuscan-style eatery serving regional Italian specialties, $10 per person;
-Cirque Dreams & Dinner, two shows nightly including a three-course meal, $15 for general seating/$20 per person for preferred seating;
-Shanghai's, Norwegian Epic's new Chinese restaurant serving a delicious mix of Chinese dishes and noodle bar specialties, $15 per person;
-Shanghai's Noodle Bar, a la carte pricing;
-Wasabi, expansive sushi and sake bar, a la carte pricing;
-Le Bistro, Norwegian's elegant bistro serving classic French cuisine with an American flair, $20 per person;
-Moderno Churrascaria, expansive salad bar and choice of a variety of meats served by tableside passadors, $18 per person;
-Cagney's Steakhouse, the line's signature American steakhouse, $25 per person;
-Teppanyaki, the largest signature Japanese experiential restaurant at sea, $25 per person; and
-Pizza delivery, $5, available 24 hours around the ship.

"With our specialty restaurants, some guests may choose to dine in one of these venues just once or twice during their cruise to celebrate a special occasion," added Kevin Sheehan. "At the same time, others may want to sample a different specialty restaurant each evening to experience a new type of cuisine. That's the great thing about Freestyle Cruising  the choice is up to our guests to decide how they want to customize their trip."

Norwegian Epic
World-class entertainment is Norwegian Epic's hallmark. For the first time at sea, Blue Man Group will perform their exhilarating fusion of comedy, theatrics and paint, exclusively on Norwegian Epic. In the only "big top" at sea, Cirque Dreams and Dinner will present a one-of-a-kind interactive theatrical dining experience with music, mayhem and acrobatic imagination. Legends in Concert, the original and world's greatest live tribute show, will be featured for the first time at sea in more than a decade on Norwegian Epic, along with The Second City improvisational comedy and Howl at the Moon, the world's greatest rock 'n roll dueling piano show that encourages audience participation.

In addition to world-class entertainment, the 4,200-passenger Norwegian Epic incorporates many innovations including several new types of accommodations  the curved New Wave staterooms; the largest Villas suite complex at sea, comprising 60 suites and villas on two private decks at the top of the ship; and spa and family-friendly accommodations. Kids will have a blast with Nickelodeon at Sea" offering Nickelodeon-themed family entertainment and programming including: character meet and greets; interactive game shows; and more.

The ship also boasts unique nightlife options with the first Ice Bar at sea and Spice H20 with non-stop entertainment day and night; an expansive Aqua Park with the only tube slide and largest bowl slide at sea -- The Epic Plunge; seven decks of Freestyle Family Fun with highlights including a 33-foot high, 64-foot wide extreme rock climbing wall and the first ever rappelling wall at sea; the most bowling lanes at sea with six in two venues; a mixed-use sports deck with the ability for guests to engage in eight different athletic activities; as well as three separate kids' and teen activity areas. In addition, Norwegian Epic will offer the next generation of Freestyle Dining with 20 dining choices and 20 bars and lounges.

For more information on Norwegian Epic as well as to book a cruise on the ship call Cruising2Paradise.com at #1-800-738-8837.

About Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line(Norwegian)is the innovator in cruise travel with a 43-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising, most notably with the introduction of Freestyle Cruising which has revolutionized the industry by allowing guests more freedom and flexibility.

Today, Norwegian has the youngest fleet in the industry with 10 purpose-built Freestyle Cruising ships, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed cruise vacation on the newest, most contemporary ships at sea.

Norwegian is presently building Norwegian Epic, the company's largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship to date, for delivery in June 2010. Norwegian Cruise Line is the official cruise line of Blue Man Group, debuting for the first time at sea on Norwegian Epic.

Norwegian Cruise Line To Signficantly Enhance Its Private Island Great Stirrup Cay

Company plans in excess of $20 million in improvements with completion by late 2011

Miami - Mar 17, 2010 - Norwegian Cruise Line announced today at Cruise Shipping Miami that it will make major enhancements to its private island, Great Stirrup Cay, located 120 miles east of Ft. Lauderdale in the Berry Island chain of the Bahamas. The 250-acre island will undergo a two-phase renovation, totaling in excess of $20 million, spanning 22 months and scheduled to be completed by the end of 2011.

"We have one of the best private islands, particularly for swimming and snorkeling. With these improvements, we can provide an even more enjoyable island experience for the more than 9,000 guests who visit Great Stirrup Cay weekly during the height of the season," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line's chief executive officer. "Highlights of the enhancements include an expanded beach front, exciting island excursions, additional dining facilities, private beachside cabanas and a new kid's area."

The first phase of improvements to Great Stirrup Cay is already underway. This includes the excavation and formation of a new entrance channel for tenders, marina basin and arrival area with welcome pavilion that will be the site for new tender landings and docks. Once this is complete, the island's current beach front will be expanded significantly to accommodate more guests.

New infrastructure and landscaping to enhance the guest experience is planned in the second phase including new dining and bar facilities; several comfort stations; a band stand; cruise program activity area; private beachfront cabanas; a kid's play area; straw market; and beach volleyball courts. Several new island activities and shore excursions will be added including wave runners, a floating Aqua Park with a variety of water toys, kayak tours through man-made rivers within the island, an eco-cruise, and a stingray encounter experience. These are in addition to the existing snorkeling; floats; inflatable hippo slide; and parasailing that are currently offered.

Norwegian has owned the island since 1977 when it became the first cruise line to offer an uninhabited tropical island experience exclusively for its guests. Great Stirrup Cay offers magnificent white sand beaches, majestic palms and calm, pristine waters where an abundance of colorful marine life inhabits the surrounding coral reefs.

Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Pearl regularly call on Great Stirrup Cay throughout the year.

For more information on Norwegian or to book a cruise call a Norwegian Cruise Line Specialist at Cruising2Paradise.com #1-800-738-8837.

About Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line(Norwegian)is the innovator in cruise travel with a 43-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising, most notably with the introduction of Freestyle Cruising which has revolutionized the industry by allowing guests more freedom and flexibility.

Today, Norwegian has the youngest fleet in the industry with 10 purpose-built Freestyle Cruising ships, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed cruise vacation on the newest, most contemporary ships at sea.

Norwegian is presently building Norwegian Epic, the company's largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship to date, for delivery in June 2010. Norwegian Cruise Line is the official cruise line of Blue Man Group, debuting for the first time at sea on Norwegian Epic.

Princess Cruises Honors Copenhagen as 2009 "Port of the Year"

Scandinavian Port Receives Highest Satisfaction Marks from Passengers

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (March 16, 2010) – Princess Cruises has named Copenhagen as its “Port of the Year” for 2009 – a distinction awarded as the result of passenger satisfaction surveys. Copenhagen is the first port outside of North America to earn this honor.

The annual award is given to one of Princess’ 33 worldwide turnaround ports that earn the highest scores for the year, as rated by passengers on each cruise. A turnaround port is where a cruise ends and the next one begins.

The honor recognizes that a port has provided the service, facilities and personnel that have enhanced the passenger experience while boarding or disembarking the ship. In total, the voting measured passenger satisfaction scores from 14 calls in Copenhagen during the summer 2009 season.

“A turnaround port offers passengers their first or last impression of their cruise with us, so it’s very important that they have a good experience as they travel through the local facilities,” said Dean Brown, Princess executive vice president of corporate services. “Copenhagen has been recognized as the highest ranked port for 2009, but they’ve also been one of the highest ranked ports in years past. It’s clear that our passengers appreciate the level of service and efficiency that the port and their staff provide.”

This is the fifth year for the award, and previous Port of the Year designations have gone to Los Angeles, Whittier, Vancouver and Brooklyn.

Copenhagen serves as home port for Princess Scandinavia & Russia itineraries. Star Princess will begin the 2010 cruise season on these popular itineraries on May 12.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a Princess Cruise Expert at Cruisign2Europe.com #1-800-738-8837.

MSC Magnifica Joins MSC Cruises as 11th Ship in Fleet

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (March 8, 2010)- MSC Magnifica - the fourth Panamax cruise ship in the MSC Cruises Musica class - joins MSC Cruises as the 11th ship in the fleet after being christened in Hamburg, Germany on March 6.

Renowned Italian singer Eros Ramazzotti, adult contemporary/soft rock/pop artist, performed on stage during the christening while Italian screen legend and icon Sophia Loren, participated in the ribbon cutting as the godmother of her eighth MSC ship.

MSC Magnifica combines the intimacy of her three Musica Class sister vessels—MSC Musica, MSC Orchestra, and MSC Poesia - with the state-of-the-art facilities and comfort of the company's larger flagships, MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia.

A magrodome or retractable roof covers the pool, La Grotta Azzurra, making it possible to enjoy one of the four pools throughout the year regardless of the weather. The Il Bar del Sole area on the top deck boasts its own whirlpools and solarium.

The ship's 16 bars and lounges, four restaurants, and a large new buffet area—Sahara - will serve Italian and international cuisine; an a la carte restaurant, L'Oasi, will provide fine dining in an exotic Moroccan atmosphere.

Culinary masterpieces by Mauro Uliassi, the Michelin Star Chef, recipient of three prized Gambero Rosso forks, and winner of the prestigious Kungsfenan Award for the best seafood, are available in the L’Oasi restaurant; soon, they'll be offered in all of MSC Cruises' Musica Class à la carte restaurants.

There's even a Tiger bar, themed after the striped feline, serving up cocktails and musical acts. Other entertainment features on board include a high-tech 4D cinema, mini-bowling alley and a billiard table in the L'Olimpiade sports bar. L'Olimpiade is the first sports bar featured in the Musica class of ships, and its theme is inspired by the Olympics.

Relaxation opportunities await guests in the MSC Aurea Spa wellness center for massages, facials, and other specialty spa treatments in a resort-standard setting. Two treatments created just for MSC and are being offered on the MSC Magnifica - Aurea Papaveris, a 60-minute slimming and cellulite treatment, and a Himalayan massage.

MSC Magnifica sails 7-night Eastern Mediterranean itineraries departing Venice, Italy and calling at Bari, Italy; Katakolon (Olympia) Greece; Izmir, Turkey; Istanbul, Turkey; and Dubrovnik, Croatia.

For more information about MSC Cruises call a Cruise Expert at Cruising2Europe.com #1-800-738-8837.

About MSC Cruises:
MSC Cruises has the most modern fleet in the world with eleven ships:MSC Magnifica, MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia, MSC Poesia, MSC Orchestra, MSC Musica, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Armonia, MSC Opera, MSC Lirica and MSC Melody. The fleet cruises year round in the Mediterraneanand seasonally in Northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean,US and Canada, (Fall 2010), South America, the Indian Ocean, and South and West Africa. MSC Cruises recently forged a three-year, million-dollar partnership with UNICEF to fund a community project in Brazil while increasing awareness of this cause onboard its ships.

Celebrity Cruises Presents an 'Eclipse' That's Easy on the Eyes

Miami - (March 11, 2010 ) - Conventional wisdom advises the use of special eye protection when viewing an eclipse. But none of that was necessary for the thousands of individuals who lined the banks of Germany's River Ems today to see Celebrity Eclipse embark on a fascinating adventure in cruising.

The third of five in Celebrity Cruises' stylish, $3.7-billion Solstice Class fleet, Celebrity Eclipse today made her first departure from the innovative Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, to embark on what is very likely to be the most challenging ride of her life: an event known as the "conveyance."

At the tightest points along the way, there are as few as two feet between each side of the 1,040-foot-long, 121-foot-wide Celebrity Eclipse and the locks. The depth of the river and the draft of the ship allow for mere inches - or less - beneath the ship. These factors and others led Celebrity Cruises and Meyer Werft to essentially create a science all their own, carefully monitoring the position of the moon and tidal conditions to identify the precise moment when the depth of the river is ideal for the ship to set sail from the shipyard.

"Cruise ship captains generally do not expect to encounter the challenges the conveyance presents," said Celebrity Eclipse Captain Panagiotis Skylogiannis. "Although I am accustomed to docking in tight ports, I prefer to be chasing sunshine in the open sea. Celebrity Eclipse is only a few feet slimmer than the narrowest lock we have to navigate, which isn't much room, particularly when the president of the company is onboard, keeping a close watch! But we've done this twice before, and I am entirely confident of another smooth and successful passage."

Celebrity's President & CEO Dan Hanrahan and the Captain are far from alone on the ship. This year, among those experiencing the once-in-a-lifetime conveyance are a host of winners of the line's global "Eclipse of a Lifetime" sweepstakes. "This event is a vivid example of our 'Designed for you' brand platform, as it's an experience ideally suited for discerning cruisers like those who entered our sweepstakes," said Hanrahan. "Our sweeps in North America alone generated more than 200,000 entries, which attests to the appeal of this very unique experience."

Before setting sail, the lucky winners - as well as a select group of travel agents and elite members of the press - had the exclusive opportunity to press the button activating the very first cuts of steel that will become a permanent part of the next ship in Celebrity's Solstice Class fleet, Celebrity Silhouette, during a customized, private tour at Meyer Werft shipyard. After arriving in Emshaven, Netherlands, where those fortunate first few individuals to experience Celebrity Eclipse will depart, the ship will embark on sea trials, followed by a series of promotional events in Hamburg, Germany, and Southampton, England, where the vessel will be the first in the Celebrity fleet to be dedicated to the UK market. During her inaugural season, Celebrity Eclipse will offer cruises in the Mediterranean, Canary Islands, Scandinavia and Russia, as well as short cruise options to Le Havre (for Paris), France, and Cork, Ireland, all roundtrip from Southampton. The ship will present Caribbean cruises roundtrip from Miami, Fla., after crossing the Atlantic in November.

Celebrity Eclipse will be the industry's first to offer the "Celebrity iLounge," complete with a retail area offering the latest products through Celebrity's Authorized Apple Reseller status, and the first to present "Qsine," a "uniquely unordinary," interactive dining venue complete with wine menus on a personal touchscreen.

Like her sister ships - Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Equinox - Celebrity Eclipse will present The Lawn Club, with real, growing grass; The Hot Glass Show, a glassblowing show and studio developed with The Corning Museum of Glass; 10 unrivaled dining venues, including Qsine; and widely varied entertainment, including shows with breathtaking aerial acts.

Celebrity Cruises is designed for discerning cruisers, with modern, sophisticated environments, impeccable service, enriching and inspiring onboard programs, and world-class cuisine. The ultimate in premium cruising, Celebrity sails in Alaska, California, Canada/New England, Europe, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal, South America, and year-round in the Caribbean and the Galapagos Islands. Celebrity also offers immersive cruisetour experiences in Alaska, Canada, Europe and South America. Celebrity's mega-series of honors include being named the top mega-ship line in Condé Nast Traveler's annual Readers' Choice Awards (November 2009). Celebrity's fleet currently consists of nine ships. Its $3.75-billion investment in building five stylish Solstice Class ships between 2008-2012 represents the largest five-year investment in premium cruising. For more information, call a Celebrity Cruises Specialist at Cruising2Europe.com #1-800-738-8837.

Fares will increase 04/02/2010, Book Now.

Miami - Mar 8, 2010 - Norwegian Experiences Exceptional Booking Volumes During Wave Season

Norwegian Cruise Line experienced an unprecedented year-to-date increase in booking volume during its "Year of the Freestyle Vacation" wave season promotion in January and February. In addition, group business was up close to twofold. The company also saw a strong interest in its new ship debuting in June, Norwegian Epic, and for its Hawaii-based ship, Pride of America. Because of this demand, prices are set to increase fleet wide up to seven percent as of Thursday, April 2, 2010.

"Our first quarter wave season promotion definitely persuaded consumers to book a Norwegian cruise vacation as we saw heavy call volumes translating to exceptional bookings," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line chief executive officer. "As we move out of wave season, consumers and travel partners can expect to see our prices rise across the fleet, especially for our new, highly anticipated ship Norwegian Epic."

Travel partners should take advantage of the current pricing environment for their individual bookings and to block group space up to four months prior to sailing without paying a deposit.

For more information on Norwegian or to book a cruise, call 1-800-738-8837.

NORWEGIAN EXPERIENCES EXCEPTIONAL BOOKING VOLUMES DURING WAVE SEASON

Cruise fares set to increase on April 2

MIAMI - March 4, 2010 - Norwegian Cruise Line experienced an unprecedented year-to-date increase in booking volume during its "Year of the Freestyle Vacation" wave season promotion in January and February. In addition, group business was up close to twofold. The company also saw a strong interest in its new ship debuting in June, Norwegian Epic, and for its Hawaii-based ship, Pride of America. Because of this demand, prices are set to increase fleet wide up to seven percent as of Thursday, April 2, 2010.

"Our first quarter wave season promotion definitely persuaded consumers to book a Norwegian cruise vacation as we saw heavy call volumes translating to exceptional bookings," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line chief executive officer. "As we move out of wave season, consumers and travel partners can expect to see our prices rise across the fleet, especially for our new, highly anticipated ship Norwegian Epic."

Travel partners should take advantage of the current pricing environment for their individual bookings and to block group space up to four months prior to sailing without paying a deposit.

For more information on Norwegian or to book a cruise call a Cruise Specialist #1-800-738-8837.

About Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line is the innovator in cruise travel with a 43-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising, most notably with the introduction of Freestyle Cruising which has revolutionized the industry by allowing guests more freedom and flexibility.

Today, Norwegian has the youngest fleet in the industry with 10 purpose-built Freestyle Cruising ships, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed cruise vacation on the newest, most contemporary ships at sea.

Norwegian is presently building Norwegian Epic, the company's largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship to date, for delivery in June 2010. Norwegian Cruise Line is the official cruise line of Blue Man Group, debuting for the first time at sea on Norwegian Epic.

Celebrity Eclipse Makes First Public Appearance

Miami - (March 02, 2010 ) - To witness the next solar eclipse, you have to wait until July 11, 2010. But if you're in the area of Papenburg, Germany, you can see Celebrity Eclipse right now.

The third in Celebrity Cruises' stylish, $3.7-billion Solstice Class fleet, Celebrity Eclipse showed off her sleek profile Sunday as she emerged for the first time from the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. Celebrity Eclipse will enter service April 26 and, following two "short break" cruises, will offer a series of Canary Islands, Scandinavia/Russia and Spanish Mediterranean sailings roundtrip from Southampton, England. The new vessel will present Caribbean cruises roundtrip from Miami beginning in November.

Celebrity Cruises is designed for discerning cruisers, with modern, sophisticated environments, impeccable service, enriching and inspiring onboard programs, and world-class cuisine. The ultimate in premium cruising, Celebrity sails in Alaska, California, Canada/New England, Europe, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal, South America, and year-round in the Caribbean and the Galapagos Islands. Celebrity also offers immersive cruisetour experiences in Alaska, Canada, Europe and South America. Celebrity's mega-series of honors include being named the top mega-ship line in Condé Nast Traveler's annual Readers' Choice Awards (November 2009). Celebrity's fleet currently consists of nine ships. Its $3.7-billion investment in building five stylish Solstice Class ships between 2008-2012 represents the largest five-year investment in premium cruising. For more information, call your travel agent, dial 1-800-437-3111.

WORLD TRAVEL HOLDINGS AND EXPEDIA CRUISESHIPCENTERS NAMED CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES' 'TRAVEL AGENCIES OF THE YEAR'

MIAMI (March 1, 2010) - Boston-based World Travel Holdings and Vancouver-based Expedia CruiseShipCenters have been named Carnival Cruise Lines' "Travel Agencies of the Year" for 2009.

World Travel Holdings and Expedia CruiseShipCenters were selected from more than 30,000 cruise-selling travel agencies throughout the U.S. and Canada. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to grow as a business partner, as well as exhibit exceptional professionalism, enthusiasm and innovation in sales and marketing techniques.

Joni Rein, Carnival's vice president of worldwide sales, noted that the two winners, while equally deserving candidates, follow distinctly different business models.

World Travel Holdings, co-founded by Brad and Jeff Tolkin in 2005, takes a multi-faceted approach, owning and/or operating some of the top cruise Web sites, including Cruise411.com, CruisesOnly.com, and Cruises.com, as well as two of the most successful home-based agencies in Cruise One and Cruises Inc.

Established in 1987, Expedia CruiseShipCenters leverages one of the most recognizable names in travel and is highly regarded for its wide-ranging technology expertise. In addition to its top-rated booking engine, Expedia CruiseShipCenters operates 116 retail locations in Canada as well as a franchise model in the U.S. and a successful home-based agency network with more than 2,600 highly trained cruise consultants.

Rein noted that while World Travel Holdings and Expedia CruiseShipCenters take varying business approaches, one constant is their commitment to innovation and superior service provided to their clients. Because of this, both companies reported record Carnival bookings for the past year.

"Despite a challenging economy, these two agencies continue to thrive, investing in the latest technology and training and employing knowledgeable cruise professionals who go the extra mile to offer personalized, hands-on service to their clients," she said. "The entrepreneurial spirit, keen understanding of consumer trends, and strong support of the cruise industry have enabled World Travel Holdings and Expedia CruiseShipCenters both to become leaders in our industry," she added.

David S. Crooks, World Travel Holdings' senior vice president, product and operations, said, "Carnival Cruise Lines has always had a strong partnership with WTH but most importantly has consistently delivered a terrific product at extraordinary value for our customers. In spite of a difficult economic climate, Carnival continued to deliver on their winning formula. CruiseOne and Cruises Inc., as well as all the WTH brands, value our partnership with Carnival. We sell the product with great confidence that our customers will have an experience that exceeds their expectations."

Commented Michael Drever, CEO and founder of Expedia CruiseShipCenters, "Carnival is an important part of our Customers For Life strategy and receiving this award is a result of the strong partnership we have enjoyed for over 22 years. In 2009, Expedia CruiseShipCenters significantly increased our investment in marketing, training and technology, which is why we continue to experience record sales growth and recognition as industry leaders."

Carnival Cruise Lines is the largest and most popular cruise line in the world, with 22 "Fun Ships" operating voyages ranging from three to 15 days in length to The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, Panama Canal, Canada, New England and Europe. Carnival also has two new ships on order -- the 130,000-ton Carnival Magic, which is scheduled for delivery in 2011, and a sister ship set to debut in 2012.

Mexico Travel Alert Revision

February 23rd, 2010 - Travel Alert Revision Overview

The US Department of State has extended a travel alert to Mexico. The text of the alert has remained virtually unchanged, with a few additional border areas being added to the list of those where extra caution is recommended.

The travel alert expresses no concern whatsoever regarding Mexican beach resorts and key tourist and business destinations. Tourist areas are safe to travel to, which means that the vast majority of U.S. citizens visiting Mexico should not have any hesitation in doing so.

Mexico's tourist destinations and resort properties remain fun, safe, affordable and popular vacation destinations. Indeed, Mexico remains the number one international destination for U.S. tourists.

Regarding the alert renewal, here are a few points that we consider is important to know, in case your costumers or partners ask about it:

This is not a new alert. It is an extension of an alert already in place.

What has been extended is a travel alert, not a warning. Travel warnings are issued to describe long-term, protracted conditions that make a country dangerous or unstable, and/or when the U.S. Government's ability to assist American citizens is constrained due to the closure of an embassy or consulate or because of a drawdown of its staff.

A travel alert, on the other hand, disseminates information about short-term conditions of which U.S. citizens abroad should be aware to maximize their safety.

The alert for Mexico does not discourage U.S. citizens from traveling to the country's tourist destinations.

The main tourist destinations for U.S. citizens are geographically far from the very specific areas included in the alert. For example, Cancun and Acapulco are at least a two-hour flight away from the main areas identified in the alert. The distance from Cancun to Ciudad Juarez is 1,312 miles – approximately the same distance between New York and Miami (1,290 miles), Chicago and Laredo, Texas (1,395 miles), or Los Angeles to Oklahoma City (1,328 miles).

More than 21.5 million international tourists visited Mexico in 2009. Air arrivals from the U.S. in December 2009 were up approximately 6.2% from December 2008, demonstrating that U.S. travelers view Mexico's unique vacation destinations and attractions as safe and violence in northern Mexico as unrelated to Mexico's principal tourist destinations.

More than one million Americans reside in Mexico.

Please feel free to contact the Mexico Tourism Board if you have any questions or doubts.