Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) announced today that the company’s current fuel supplement will no longer apply to bookings made on or after November 10, 2008 for sailings that depart on or after January 1, 2010.

For guests booked prior to November 10, 2008 for sailings that depart on or after January 1, 2010, the company has established the following guidelines for the refund of fuel supplements paid:

* The criteria for refund will be determined on a quarterly basis. Should the closing price on the NYMEX (New York Mercantile Exchange) of West Texas Intermediate fuel be below $65 per barrel two weeks prior to the beginning of the calendar quarter , the company will refund fuel supplements paid in the form of an on-board credit.

For guests booked on sailings that depart in 2009 (on or after January 1, 2009 and that depart on or before December 31, 2009), regardless of booking date, the company has established the following guidelines for the refund of fuel supplements paid:

* The criteria for refund will be determined on a quarterly basis. Should the closing price on the NYMEX (New York Mercantile Exchange) of West Texas Intermediate fuel be below $65 per barrel two weeks prior to the beginning of the calendar quarter (dates specified below), the company will refund fuel supplements paid in the form of an on-board credit.

Determination of what quarter a sailing is in will be based solely on the sailing date. The entire cruise will be considered to be part of the quarter that the sailing date originates in.

These new fuel supplement policies apply to guests booked through all NCL offices around the world.

The company is implementing these changes in response to the recent decrease in global fuel prices. NCL will continue to closely monitor global fuel prices to assess whether a reinstatement of the fuel supplement will be necessary.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is the innovator in cruise travel with a 42-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, NCL has the youngest fleet in the industry with 12 purpose-built Freestyle Cruising ships, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed cruise vacation on the newest, most contemporary ships at sea.

NCL is presently building a new third generation Freestyle Cruising project known as F3, for delivery in 2010.

Here’s something I’ve always wondered. Why do people wait until the last day of a cruise to check out their bill? Haven’t they noticed the line at the Purser’s Desk? We do it two days before the end of the cruise and invariably, there’s no line at all. Then, we can reconcile any charges from the last day only if it’s necessary.

–Michael P. New York, NY

Carnival Cruise Lines cancelled the 2009 Europe and Transatlantic cruises on the Carnival Liberty. This decision was based on the current market conditions, continued economic uncertainty and high air costs to Europe. Carnival will be focusing on their core close-to-home cruise options as they believe that is the preference of the vast majority of the mainstream vacation market.

For those that would like to sail Europe with Carnival in 2009, you will still be able to do so, but on the brand new Carnival Dream.

Carnival will provide you the following:

1. A $50 per stateroom onboard credit to rebook on the 2009 Carnival Dream Europe (9/21, 10/3, 10/15) and Transatlantic (10/27) cruises.  The Carnival Dream is Carnivals’ newest, largest and most innovative floating resort.
2. A $50 per stateroom onboard credit to rebook on any other 2009 Carnival cruise.
3. If you purchased non-refundable air transportation, you will be reimbursed by Carnival (with supporting documentation) the applicable change fees or up to the full airfare cost depending on the situation.  Reimbursement requests should be sent to Carnival’s Guest Service - Research for individual bookings and Groups - Research for group bookings.
4. If you elect to cancel, refunds will be processed in less than three weeks.

If you booked your Carnival Liberty cruise through Top Cruise Club, please contact your Member Concierge at 888-392-5643 or myconcierge@topcruiseclub.com with any questions you may have.

Extending the same care for the environment as it does for guests on its luxury cruises, Crystal Cruises has partnered with the Hanger Network - the creator of EcoHangers - to green the guest staterooms on its ships.

EcoHangers are the environmentally sound alternative to the 3.5 billion wire hangers and the 5 billion plastic hangers that fill America’s landfills each year. EcoHangers are 100% recyclable, manufactured in EPA-regulated factories in the U.S. from 100% recycled materials, and have proven to be stronger than wire hangers in laboratory strength tests.

Under this new partnership, the Crystal fleet will use company-branded EcoHangers for its guest laundering services. In conjunction with the new hangers, Crystal will also utilize washable garment bags for laundry distribution, eliminating the use of more than 100,000 plastic bags on Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity per year.

Crystal Cruises’ partnership with the Hanger Network reaffirms the luxury line’s commitment to the environment. “Crystal Clean” is the company’s program of environmentally-friendly initiatives, which includes educating its staff on an ongoing basis about conservation methods on board, ashore and at home. In addition, the “Crystal Clean” message is reiterated to guests through its onboard publication, Reflections, and signage posted in every stateroom and suite.

“Crystal Cruises recognizes we are stewards of our oceans and we continually seek ways to minimize our impact on the environment,” said Gregg L. Michel, Crystal Cruises’ president. “The washable garment bags and EcoHangers are both aesthetic enhancements, as well as being more ecologically beneficial.”

“We are proud to add the EcoHanger to the suite of environmentally friendly programs that Crystal Cruises has already embraced,” said Bob Kantor, CEO of the Hanger Network. “While Crystal Cruises guests are treated to the world’s natural wonders as they travel, they return the favor to the environment by using EcoHangers. And, travelers have the opportunity to take the EcoHangers home after their trip to remind them both of the importance of conservationism and Crystal Cruises’ stewardship of the environment. It’s a win-win for all parties.”

In 2006 and 2007, Crystal Cruises audited its ships’ lighting and energy consumption. Since then, light replacement measures have included automated light programming that eliminates or reduces electricity use in public areas when they are not in use or there is ample natural light, and the installation of Infra-Red coated light bulbs, which use 30% less energy than standard bulbs. These measures have saved more than 960,000 kWh – the equivalent to eliminating more than 5,000 light bulbs per year, or nearly 200 tons of fuel per year.

About Crystal Cruises

Aboard the ultra-luxurious Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, refined elegance meets casual simplicity. With an emphasis on innovative product differentiation, the renowned Crystal experience is 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. Grounded in more than a decade of accolades, Crystal has been voted “World’s Best” by the readers of Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler more than any other cruise line, hotel or resort in history.

USA TODAY’s Cruise Editor Gene Sloan is onboard Norwegian Pearl this week and gives a first-hand account of all the Freestyle 2.0 enhancements and the positive impact it is having on our guests experience onboard.

ABOARD THE NORWEGIAN PEARL — Soon after Apollo Management took a controlling stake in Norwegian Cruise Line last year, executives at the famed private equity firm swooped in to examine every aspect of the mass-market line’s business.

Their conclusion: the road to greater profits lay in spending more — not less — on the customer experience. By December the line was unveiling Freestyle 2.0, an across-the-fleet upgrade of everything from bed linens to the steaks in the dining rooms.

Ten months later is the difference noticeable?

In a word, yes — and in a big way.

A year ago, when passengers stepped on board a Norwegian ship they were swarmed by waiters pushing high-priced umbrella drinks — the beginning of a hard sell that never let up. Today the arrival process is much more refined, with waiters handing passengers complimentary champagne even as stewards move in to help carry their bags.

In cabins, more comfortable beds boast crisp, white-on-white duvets, and the bathrooms have notably fancier Elemis soap and shampoo in dispensers. In the restaurants, meanwhile, the food is significantly improved (NCL has said it is spending $50 million more on food over two years).

After the press conference announcing the changes last December, Apollo Management executive Adam Aron told several cruise writers he was shocked to learn NCL wasn’t even using Grade A beef in some restaurants. Those days definitely are gone. The filet mignon in the Norwegian Pearl’s Cagney’s Steakhouse now is top notch.

Lots of other things, big and small, have changed to give the ship a more sophisticated feel. The endless shipwide announcements touting art sales and poolside events have been scaled back (though one could argue there still are too many). Some of the blaring music has been toned down. And at night, the casual Garden Cafe buffet is being transformed into a surprisingly elegant space with white tablecloths and candles on tables.

But the changes to the NCL product go beyond better amenities, policies and food. Perhaps the biggest difference is with the crew, who seem genuinely friendlier and more energetic than on Norwegian ships of old (even as they sport more casual, stylish outfits that change with each day’s theme).

At the time Norwegian announced the upgrades, Apollo’s Aron told USA TODAY the firm was confident the extra money the line planned to spend would pay off in higher ticket revenue. With this year’s economic downturn causing softness in cruise bookings, it’s unclear whether that is, indeed, the case. But, for now at least, the changes are resulting in a new and improved Norwegian Cruise Line.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD. ANNOUNCES
END TO FUEL SUPPLEMENT

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. today announced that the company’s fuel supplement will no longer apply to new Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises bookings made on or after November 10, 2008, anywhere in the world, for sailings that depart on or after January 1, 2010.
This decision takes into consideration the recent reductions in global fuel prices. The company has also established specific guidelines that will determine whether fuel supplement refunds will be provided for sailings that begin in 2009 and later, which were booked prior to November 10, 2008, if fuel prices remain below a specific price threshold.

For 2009 sailings and 2010 sailings booked before November 10, 2008, the company will determine on a quarterly basis whether fuel supplements will be refunded. Refunds, in the form of an onboard credit, will be provided if the closing price of West Texas Intermediate fuel is $65 or less, at the closing time of the New York Mercantile Exchange, two weeks prior to the beginning of the upcoming calendar quarter. When those conditions are met, an onboard credit will be provided to all guests on sailings that begin during the upcoming calendar quarter.

The dates on which the price of West Texas Intermediate fuel will be measured, and the quarters during which refunds could apply are:

Fuel Price Determination Date / Quarter of Possible Fuel Supplement Refunds
December 18, 2008 / First quarter 2009
March 18, 2009 / Second quarter 2009
June 17, 2009 / Third quarter 2009
September 17, 2009 / Fourth quarter 2009
December 18, 2009 / First quarter 2010
March 18, 2010 / Second quarter 2010
June 17, 2010 / Third quarter 2010
September 17, 2010 / Fourth quarter 2010

The company will continue to closely monitor the movement of global fuel prices and recognize that an upturn in those prices could necessitate the reinstatement of a fuel supplement.

Newest Addition to Princess Fleet En Route to Fort Lauderdale for

November 6 Naming Ceremony

The newest addition to the Princess fleet, Ruby Princess, was delivered to Princess Cruises today in Monfalcone, Italy by the ship’s builder, Fincantieri Cantieri Navali Italiani. The 3,070-passenger vessel has set sail for Fort Lauderdale where she is scheduled to arrive on November 4.

The ship will be christened on November 6 by celebrity couple Trista and Ryan Sutter from ABC’s hit reality series, The Bachelorette. In keeping with the launch’s “romantic milestones” theme, Princess will help the duo celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary.

Ruby Princess will debut a number of new services and amenities on board, including new dining options such as a pub lunch in the Wheelhouse Bar, unique enrichment programs and the new Ultimate Ship Tour. The vessel also includes a dramatic piazza-style atrium featuring small-bite eateries and an ever-changing array of performing street entertainers, Princess’ signature adults-only oasis called The Sanctuary, Sabatini’s Italian restaurant, Crown Grill seafood and steak house, “Movies Under the Stars” giant outdoor movie screen, and Hearts & Minds wedding chapel.

Ruby Princess will then set sail on her maiden voyage from Fort Lauderdale on November 8, beginning a program of Western Caribbean sailings taking passengers to Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Princess Cays. Following her inaugural Caribbean season, the ship will offer a program of Mediterranean voyages in summer 2009.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through your Member Concierge, by calling 1-888-392-5643, or by visiting the Top Cruise Club.

Carnival Cruise Lines, the Port of Galveston’s only year-round cruise operator, announced today that it will resume service from the Texas port on November 1, 2008 following a temporary seize in cruise operations due to Hurricane Ike last month.

The 2,052-passenger Carnival Ecstasy will resume year-round four and five day cruises from Galveston with a five-day voyage departing on Saturday, Nov. 1. The 2,974-passenger Carnival Conquest will begin year-round seven-day service from Galveston Sunday, Nov. 2.
Up until that time, the ships will continue to operate round-trip from the Port of Houston’s Bayport Cruise Terminal where they were shifted temporarily following Hurricane Ike. The Carnival Ecstasy cruises on October 23 and October 27; and the Carnival Conquest cruise on October 26 will operate round-trip from Houston.

“We are extremely pleased to be resuming service from the Port of Galveston and extend our congratulations and appreciation to the port and the Galveston community as a whole for enabling us to return so quickly,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival’s president and CEO.

“We would also like to express our gratitude to the Port of Houston for their tremendous efforts in accommodating our ships and being such exceptional partners. Their support enabled these ships to remain Texas based while Galveston worked through its recovery process,” Cahill noted.
Carnival launched the first year-round cruise program from Galveston in 2000 and has expanded its presence dramatically over the past eight years. With the return of its two year-round ships, Carnival Ecstasy and Carnival Conquest, the line expects to carry an estimated 350,000 guests annually from Galveston.

According to Steve Cernak, director of the Port of Galveston, “We took a hit however we rapidly rebounded. We had our first cargo ship in nine days after the storm. Now, six weeks after Hurricane Ike, we are fully operational. The Port, as well as all of Galveston Island, is excited to welcome home both Carnival Ecstasy and Carnival Conquest.

Carnival Ecstasy’s four and five day cruise schedule encompasses four-day voyages departing Thursdays to Cozumel, Mexico, and five-day cruises departing Mondays and Saturdays to Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico. Carnival Conquest’s seven-day western Caribbean cruise program includes week-long voyages departing every Sunday to Montego Bay, Jamaica; Cozumel; and George Town, Grand Cayman as well as a new 2009 itinerary option that visits Key West, Freeport and Nassau.

Carnival Ecstasy and Carnival Conquest are part of Carnival Cruise Lines’ 22-vessel fleet which operates three- to 18-day voyages to The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, the Panama Canal, Canada, New England, Bermuda, Europe and South America. The line currently has two new ships scheduled for delivery between now and 2011.

Carnival Ecstasy to Resume Four- and Five-Day Service Nov. 1
Carnival Conquest to Begin Seven-Day Cruises Nov. 2

For additional information and reservations, contact your Member Concierge at 1-888-392-5643 or visit topcruiseclub.com.

When Ruby Princess launches on November 8, the ship will introduce a host of new shipboard services and special features, underscoring Princess’ tradition of continually evolving the onboard experience for its passengers. Among the new options is a pub lunch, an exclusive breakfast for suite passengers, unique enrichment programs from astronomy to mixology, two new stage shows, plus expanded wireless Internet and cell phone connectivity.

The 3,070-passenger vessel will feature the familiar favorites that have become passenger pleasers aboard its sister ships Crown Princess and Emerald Princess but, in addition, other special touches and innovations will be found throughout the service, dining and entertainment areas.

“The new features aboard Ruby Princess are a perfect example of our commitment to provide passengers with the widest array of intriguing options to customize their cruise vacation,” said Jan Swartz, Princess senior vice president.

Many of the ship’s enhancements are slated to become staples across the Princess fleet following their debut on Princess’ newest ship. Among the new features being introduced on Ruby Princess:

Wheelhouse Bar Pub Lunch - On sea days, Ruby Princess’ Wheelhouse Bar will be transformed into an authentic English-style pub, serving a selection of traditional fare. A menu of British favorites, including bangers & mash, fish & chips, ploughman’s lunch and cottage pie, will complement a selection of traditional pub brews such as Stella Artois, Bass Ale or Guinness. Pub lunch meal service is free of charge and will run from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Sabatini’s Breakfast for Suite Passengers - Suite passengers aboard Ruby Princess will have the opportunity to enjoy an exclusive breakfast in Sabatini’s. Beginning with a “Good Morning Mimosa,” the menu features a variety of breakfast favorites, plus specialty items such as brioche French toast with apple & cinnamon compote, yogurt and super granola parfait with raspberry swirl, soft-poached egg over potato & vegetables with hollandaise sauce, and freshly made Belgian waffles. Suite passengers can enjoy this new amenity, along with the restaurant’s dramatic top-of-ship views, from approximately 7:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Artisan Cheeses at Vines - In addition to serving more than 30 wines by the glass and seafood appetizers that have made Vines a passenger favorite, the atrium-area bar on Ruby Princess will now feature a selection of domestic and imported artisan cheeses. Twelve varieties - including unique choices such as boschetto al tartufo bianchetto, reblochon, and cambozola - will be featured each day for a nominal fee. Vines will also host a series of lively events where passengers can meet members of the ship’s staff, and will continue to offer wine flights and parings.

New Enrichment Programs - A number of new ScholarShip@Sea enrichment programs debut aboard Ruby Princess to expand passengers’ horizons, whether they aspire to host the perfect party or increase their maritime knowledge. The Art of Entertaining offers passengers the opportunity to learn party-planning tips from lifestyle expert Susie Coelho via a multimedia presentation hosted by the cruise director. Navigation@Sea focuses on the history of navigation as well as the complexities of plotting the route of a modern cruise ship, with a presentation by the ship’s navigator. Mixology@Sea lets passengers channel their inner bartender with a hands-on course taught by the ship’s bar manager. For star gazers, the new Astronomy@Sea program provides passengers with the opportunity to explore the night sky through a telescope on the top deck, with the expert guidance of a ship’s bridge officer. Developed in conjunction with Dr. Thomai Serdari, Professor of Art History and Director of Research Collections for New York University, Art History@Sea: Botticelli to Warhol, The Evolution of Art makes 500 years of art come to life with a special hour-long presentation.

Two New Production Shows - Ruby Princess audiences will be able to enjoy two new Princess-produced shows in the ship’s theater. “Broadway Ballroom” presents the music of the ‘Great White Way’ 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 a costume designer and choreographer from the TV hit “Dancing with the Stars.” Meanwhile, “Once Upon a Dream” uses unique multidimensional cinematic projection to follow a dreamscape unlike anything seen a sea. The audience will accompany a young woman’s journey as she dreams of everything from a tea party in an English garden to singing camels in the desert, and even a trip through a waterfall and brief nightmare before waking to a new day.

The Audience Gets in the Act - A variety of new audience-participation events will also debut on the ship, giving passengers a number of ways to seek their 15 minutes of fame. Karaoke fans can go a bit farther with Love Boat Legends, where they are actually transformed into a famous artist of the past. So You Wanna Be A Rock Star? moves beyond pre-recorded Karaoke tunes to give audience members the opportunity to rock out with a live band on stage. Oceans of Talent puts passenger talent center stage - whether they play a musical instrument or want to try out their comedic timing. The Wake Up Show takes Princess’ popular morning show with the cruise director to a new level with an irreverent talk show format, live band, special guests and an opportunity for passengers to join the “studio” audience, as the show is taped in the evening before its broadcast the next morning.

A Few Fine Touches - A number of new service touches will be introduced to delight passengers. In the Horizon Court buffet, new waffle stations will offer fresh cooked-to-order waffles at breakfast and throughout lunchtime, and the buffet will also begin serving complimentary lemonade as a beverage choice. In the evening, passengers will find a selection of canapés in several of the ship’s public lounges. Passengers arriving back from shore will be greeted with chilled face cloths, and by the pool, “misting stewards” will offer a quick refreshing spritz with Evian to cool off.

Kid Stuff - Young passengers can enjoy a new Wizards Academy, an exclusive presentation from the award-winning California Science Center. This enriching new program lets children explore the connection between science and magic in a fun and participative environment. Kids will also enjoy activities and projects from popular arts and crafts company Klutz, or participate in Yoga for Kids, a healthy and fun course designed specifically for children.

Wireless Internet and Cell Phones - Expanding on Princess’ Internet and phone connectivity, Ruby Princess will offer laptop users additional wireless hotspots around the vessel, including staterooms. The ship will also be equipped so that passengers can use their personal cellular phones, if they have international roaming plans, while onboard.

Ultimate Ship Tour - A new exclusive opportunity to experience an array of “back of house” areas that are key to a ship’s daily operations, the Ultimate Ship Tour will give passengers the unique opportunity to explore beyond the public areas with visits to the ship’s engine control room, medical center, print shop, laundry, photo lab, funnel, bridge and other spaces. In addition to getting a rare insider’s view of many areas typically seen only by the ship’s crew, participants will receive a variety of themed mementos at many of the stops along the route.

Ruby Princess also includes a dramatic piazza-style atrium featuring small-bite eateries and an ever-changing array of performing street entertainers, Princess’ signature adults-only oasis called The Sanctuary, Sabatini’s Italian restaurant, Crown Grill seafood and steak house, “Movies Under the Stars” giant outdoor movie screen, and Hearts and Minds wedding chapel. The ship will feature an inaugural season of Western Caribbean cruises roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, followed by a program of Mediterranean voyages in summer 2009.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a Member Concierge, by calling 1-888-392-5643, or by visiting Top Cruise Club at www.topcruiseclub.com.

Great news, MSC Cruises is now offering online express check-in, expediting embarkation for its guests, while helping the environment.

In order to utilize MSC Express, Top Cruise Club members can log onto the online check-in page up to 48 hours prior to departure, click the MSC logo and enter their booking information. The completed printed form, cruise ticket and required identification information can then be presented at the MSC Express priority check-in desk at the port. This will save lots of time and aggravation.

“MSC Express serves to fast-track guests through the check-in process, saving them valuable time and letting them start their MSC Cruises experience as soon as possible,” says Richard E. Sasso, president and CEO of MSC Cruises, USA.

For more information about MSC Cruises and MSC Express check-in, visit www.topcruiseclub.com or contact your Member Concierge at 1-888-392-5643.