CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES TO INCREASE CAPACITY
ON 2010 NEW YORK DEPARTURES

110,000-ton Carnival Glory to Operate Atlantic Canada and Fall Foliage Cruises

Carnival Cruise Lines will increase capacity on its seasonal cruise program from New York in 2010 with the 2,978-passenger Carnival Glory scheduled to operate a variety of four and five-day Atlantic Canada voyages from June to September, followed by a series of five week-long fall foliage cruises.

It marks the first time that Carnival has deployed one of its largest ships on the highly popular program. The 110,000-ton Carnival Glory features a wide variety of exceptional facilities, amenities and stateroom accommodation categories. Additionally, departing from New York makes these cruises extremely convenient and attractive for the huge population base within driving distance of Manhattan, as well as for those in the larger eastern U.S. region who can take a short-haul flight to one of the area’s three major airports.

Four-day cruises departing Thursdays feature a call at Saint John, New Brunswick and scenic cruising in the Bay of Fundy, while five-day cruises departing on Mondays and Saturdays include stops at Saint John and Halifax, Nova Scotia. The program commences with a four-day voyage departing June 6, 2010 (a one-time Sunday departure).

Week-long fall foliage itineraries beginning Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010, feature four different ports of call, including Boston, Mass., Portland, Maine, Saint John and Halifax, offering a variety of opportunities to view stunning fall colors and explore these charming coastal cities.

“These itineraries have proven exceptionally popular among consumers seeking a summer or fall getaway that combines the history and beauty of these scenic ports with the excitement, value and spirited fun of a Carnival vacation,” said Lynn Torrent, Carnival’s senior vice president of sales and guest services. “By operating this program in 2010 on one of our newest and largest ships, we anticipate that both past guests and new cruisers alike will be enticed by these refreshing itineraries coupled with the huge array of facilities and amenities offered on the Carnival Glory.”

The $500 million Carnival Glory features 22 lounges and bars, four swimming pools, a 214-foot-long water slide, a 14,500-square-foot health club, an Internet café, jogging track and extensive duty free shopping options. A comprehensive golf program offering instruction both aboard ship and during golf excursions is also featured.

In addition to a 1,400-seat poolside eatery with a 24-hour pizzeria, the ship includes twin two-level formal restaurants and a reservations-only supper club offering U.S.D.A. prime dry-aged beef and other gourmet cuisine.

Sixty percent of Carnival Glory’s 1,489 spacious staterooms offer either an ocean view or private balcony. All staterooms feature the “Carnival Comfort Bed” sleep system with plush mattresses, luxurious duvets and high quality pillows and linens.

Carnival Glory also offers expansive facilities and complimentary activities for children and teens, with its “Camp Carnival,” “Circle C” and “Club O2” programs catering to different age groups.

The cruise line is currently accepting reservations for both its 2009 and 2010 departures from New York (2009 voyages will operate on the Carnival Triumph). For additional information or reservations, contact a Member Concierge, call 1-888-392-5643, email myconcierge@topcruiseclub.com or visit topcruiseclub.com.

Hurtigruten Announces New

Layaway Getaway Program!

Yearning for the vacation of a lifetime but hesitate in these uncertain economic times?  Don’t stress.  Hurtigruten makes it easy with their new Layaway Getaway flexible payment plan.

Sail through the majestic Norwegian fjords and discover why we’re known as “The World’s Most Beautiful Voyage.”  Unearth the mysteries of the world’s most far-off regions on one of our expedition voyages to Antarctica, the Arctic, and Greenland and experience astonishing scenery, untamed wildlife and exotic native cultures.

Why should you use Layaway Getaway?

• Easy monthly payments
• No large upfront deposit
• No interest
• No credit check
• Hassle free
• Final payment due 45 days prior to sailing
• Fully refundable payments until 70 days prior to sailing

With Hurtigruten’s Layaway Getaway, you can easily pay off your spectacular vacation with no penalties and no accrued interest!  Don’t let your well deserved cruise vacation get away, contact your Member Concierge today by calling 1-888-392-5643 or email myconcierge@topcruiseclub.com.

A letter from the President, Rick Sasso.

When MSC Cruises announced a year ago that we were compelled by rising fuel prices to implement a fuel surcharge on our cruise fares, I said that we looked forward to the day when fuel prices would stabilize at a level that would allow us to eliminate this supplement.

I am delighted to tell you that day has arrived.

At MSC Cruises, we believe our guests shouldn’t have to wait another year to benefit from the recent drop in oil prices. So effective immediately, MSC Cruises has dropped the fuel surcharge for all our cruise vacations sailing on or after April 1 of next year (2009).

Starting today, the fuel surcharge will not be levied on any new bookings for cruises sailing on or after April 1, 2009. The accounts for all guests who are already booked for these cruises also will be adjusted to remove the fuel surcharge from their balances.

And that’s not all. If fuel prices continue to remain stable going into 2009 - as reflected by the price of West Texas Intermediate fuel on the New York Mercantile Exchange holding at or below $65 per barrel on December 18, 2008 - MSC Cruises also will refund the fuel surcharge in the form of an onboard credit to guests sailing on our ships sailing from January 1 through March 31, 2009.

Of course, none of us can predict the future, and a substantial increase in oil prices may make it necessary for MSC Cruises to re-implement the fuel surcharge at a later date. However, in keeping with the MSC Cruises philosophy of always “going the extra mile” to treat consumers and travel agents fairly, you and your clients can be assured that should this occur all reservations booked with a deposit prior to our taking that action will be exempt from this additional charge.

That’s one more good reason to encourage your clients to book their Caribbean and European vacations with MSC Cruises now so that they can be certain that they will be protected from any sudden increase in oil prices.

I am confident that you will agree that this new policy makes sailing with MSC Cruises an even greater value for consumers and the best choice for your clients considering a cruise vacation in 2009!

Regards,

Richard E. Sasso
President & CEO
MSC Cruises (USA) Inc.

CARNIVAL WINS BIG IN PORTHOLE CRUISE MAGAZINE’S ANNUAL ‘READERS CHOICE AWARDS,’

TAKING HOME HONORS IN NINE CATEGORIES

Line Earned an Unprecedented 101 Awards Over the Past Nine Years

Carnival Cruise Lines led the way once again in Porthole Cruise Magazine’s “Reader Choice Awards,” winning in nine different categories, including two new categories – Best Web Site and Best Mexican Itineraries.
Porthole Cruise Magazine’s “Readers Choice Awards” are determined by thousands of the publication’s readers who vote on their favorite cruise line in a wide variety of categories. Since the awards were established in 1999, Carnival has taken home an unprecedented 101 “Readers Choice Awards” – the most of any cruise line.
Carnival’s 2008 “Readers Choice Awards” include:
• Best Megaship (Carnival Freedom)
• Best Children’s Programs
• Best Value-for-the-Money
• Best Short-Duration Cruise
• Best Shore Excursions
• Best Web Site
• Best Main Dining Room Cuisine
• Best Entertainment
• Best Mexican Itineraries

“Carnival is truly honored by the consistent recognition over the past nine years by the readers of Porthole Cruise Magazine,” said Lynn Torrent, Carnival’s senior vice president of sales and guest services. “Winning so many awards – in so many different categories – is a wonderful validation of our efforts to provide guests with fun and memorable vacations at affordable prices.”
“Carnival Cruise Lines continues to shine in categories that run the gamut,” said Bill Panoff, publisher and editor-in-chief of Porthole Cruise Magazine. “Whether on board or on shore, Carnival is a leader in the cruise industry, and our readers clearly recognize that. I congratulate them on all of their much-deserved wins.”
Established in 1993, Porthole Cruise Magazine is a consumer publication offering readers a variety of information about cruising including ship reviews, news, details on popular ports of call and travel tips.
Carnival is the world’s largest and most popular cruise line, with 22 “Fun Ships” operating voyages of three to 18 days in length to The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, the Panama Canal, Canada, New England, Bermuda, Europe and South America. The line currently has two 130,000-ton ships on order — Carnival Dream, set to debut Sept. 21, 2009, and Carnival Magic, scheduled to enter service in June 2011.
For additional information on Carnival’s “Fun Ship” vacations, contact a member concierge by calling 1-888-392-5643 or visit topcruiseclub.com.

MSC Cruises announced new theme cruises for it’s 2009/10 Caribbean season, including the line’s first Polka cruise. The season marks the first time the brand new MSC Magnifica and MSC Poesia will sail the Caribbean.

A new addition to the Caribbean season theme cruise lineup is a Polka cruise. Guests will be able to dance the polka to the sounds of two polka bands on MSC Poesia’s Jan. 8 10-night Southeast Caribbean sailing.

Among the themed cruises will also be five baseball theme cruises, during which guests can mingle with and learn from some of the greats of the game.

The baseball theme cruises will be on the Magnifica’s Jan. 2, Feb. 6, March 6 and April 3, 2010 sailings, as well as Poesia’s Nov. 10 10-night sailing.

Another popular theme cruise returning for 2009/10 is the line’s Big Band cruise. MSC Poesia’s 10-night deep Western Caribbean itinerary, departing Dec. 10, 2009 and Feb. 27, 2010, will feature the 15-piece Les DeMerle Big Band with vocalist Bonnie Eisele. The band will perform a Big Band Jazz concert and conduct a lecture on the Big Band era.

All itineraries are roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale.  For more information or to book your MSC Cruise, contact a Member Concierge by calling 888-392-5643 or email myconcierge@topcruiseclub.com

In keeping with the traditions of a region steeped in spirituality and ancient wellness practices, Crystal Cruises is announcing a “Mind, Body & Spirit” focus on its March 27 Asia cruise. Complementing the destination’s heritage, the Experience of Discovery sailing will feature guest experts for yoga, Pilates, stress management and general physical and mental health classes. Departing from Hong Kong, the 15-day itinerary to Japan and China offers a 12-day cruise and includes a three-night post-cruise land program in Beijing.

Noted wellness and health magazine writers, yoga and Pilates specialists, and hiking and adventure author Rick Deutsch will provide nourishing insights on board Crystal Symphony, while inspirational Crystal Adventures ashore take guests to sacred monasteries, monuments and temples.

“Asia is a natural setting for a wellness-related theme, since the connection between mind, body and spirit is so integral to the history and culture,” says John Stoll, director land programs. “Additionally, the onboard programming offers guests the chance to learn about physical health and general wellness from top experts.”

Guests can also take advantage of Crystal Symphony’s Feng Shui-inspired Spa & Fitness Center, 360-degree Promenade deck ideal for walking or jogging, and newly introduced Tour de Spin indoor cycling classes, Kinesis equipment and acupuncture treatments.

With an abundance of fresh fruit and fish, creative and healthful salads, low-calorie and low-carb meals and trans fat-free dining experiences, Crystal offers a host of culinary options. Even the cocktail menus include only the freshest fruit purees and juices.

Crystal Symphony’s “Far East Focus” cruise calls at Hiroshima, Japan; Dailan, China; as well as overnight stays in Kobe, Japan; Shanghai and Hong Kong, China. Fares for the land/sea package start at $5,995 per person, double occupancy. Cruise only fares begin at $3,995 per person, double occupancy, plus a complimentary two-category stateroom upgrade for all deluxe staterooms. Guests can also save $2,000 per person on Penthouse accommodations. Cruise fares without the Beijing land program start at $3,995.

The March 27 itinerary is one of several 2009 cruises Crystal is offering to China, Japan, Southeast Asia and India. Crystal is also offering a Mind, Body & Spirit Experience of Discovery with its May 7 Panama Canal cruise.

About Crystal Cruises

In 2008, Crystal Cruises was recognized with an unprecedented number of top awards by discerning travelers, respected industry critics and professional travel agents. Among the top honors, the line was voted “World’s Best Large-Ship Cruise Line” by the readers of Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler magazines for an unprecedented 13 and 15 years, respectively.

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a Member Concierge 888-392-5643 or visit our website, Topcruiseclub.com.

Cunard’s legendary Queen Elizabeth 2 ran aground near Southampton, England this morning on its way to ceremonies marking her final cruise after four decades of service.

Southampton’s Daily Echo, a sister paper to USA TODAY, reported that the historic ocean liner was caught by the wind and blown onto a sandbar near the port town, though it was not stuck for long.

Tug boats pulled the QE2 off the bank quickly, and the ship only was a half hour late for planned farewell celebrations. She doesn’t appear to be damaged, and no one was injured in the mishap. The UK’s Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, presided over the ceremonies, which included a fly-over by a Royal Air Force Harrier jet that dropped her nose as a mark of respect.

The QE2 also was showered by a million poppy petals to acknowledge her time as a troopship during the Falkland Islands war in 1982 and also to mark her departure on Veterans Day.

The aging vessel is scheduled to set sail for her final voyage this evening at 7:15 PM GMT. After gliding away from her traditional berth in Southampton’s Eastern Docks, she’ll hover just off the port town’s Mayflower Park to serve as a backdrop for a fireworks display. From there, the QE2 is heading to Dubai, where she’ll be turned into a floating hotel and museum.

Launched in 1967 by Queen Elizabeth II, the QE2 has carried more than 2.5 million passengers and is the longest-serving ship in Cunard history.

If you are sad to see the QE2 retire? Leave your thoughts and memories of this magnificent ship in the comment area below.

Sailings Depart from Savona in Summer 2009 with Calls in Greece, Israel and Egypt

Costa, Europe’s Number One Cruise Line, is offering an extraordinary glimpse into Israel at exceptional values during its Summer 2009 European cruise season aboard the intimate Costa Marina. Fares for 11-night sailings begin at just $2,499 and include stops in Italy, Greece, Crete, Israel and Egypt.

These select sailings aboard the Costa Marina (25,600-tons, 776 double occupancy capacity) depart from Savona, Italy on June 29; July 10, 21; and August 1, 12 and 23. Ports of call featured include Argostoli, Greece; Heraklion, Crete; Ashdod, Israel; Port Said, Egypt; Nauplia, Greece and Naples, Italy. This is the first time Costa is offering routes with a port of call in Israel since 2001.

“We all know very well that travelers these days want to embark on vacations that are more meaningful and more valuable than ever before,” said Maurice Zarmati, President and CEO of Costa Cruise Lines—North America. “Our guests have long told us how much they would like for us to return to Israel on our Eastern Mediterranean voyages and we’re thrilled to do just that on this outstanding 11-night sailing at an unbeatable price.”

Guests will begin and end their journey with Italy’s charms before venturing deep into the natural beauty of Greece’s landscapes and cultures. From there, they’ll reach Ashdod, Israel, a modern city from which they may visit centuries-old historical destinations including Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Also included in this incredible itinerary is a stop in Port Said, Egypt, where travelers may visit Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza.

The Costa Marina is one of the most intimate ships in the Costa fleet. Design features include wide windows, skylights and glass atriums that combine to create a stunning contemporary design and infuse the ambience of the ship with an unexplainable energetic character. Interiors are nautically inspired, creating a crisp, continental feel.

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. Costa Cruises has been certified by RINA (Italian Shipping Register) with the BEST4, an integrated system of voluntary certification of corporate compliance with the highest standards governing social accountability (SA 8000, issued in 2001), environment (UNI EN ISO 14001, 1996), safety (OHSAS 18001, 1999) and quality (UNI EN ISO 9001, 2000). All Costa’s ships have been awarded RINA’s voluntary “Green Star” notation based on the highest environmental protection standards. Costa Cruises is also an official partner of the WWF for the protection of the marine ecoregions of the Mediterranean, the Greater Antilles and Brazil.

For reservations or more information, contact a Member Concierge, call (888) 392-5643 or visit www.topcruiseclub.com.

Some of our members got to tour the Ruby Princess before she set sail for her 2 day inaugural. Here’s what one had to say:

The Ruby Princess Is Not So Ruby

With great anticipation, a few hundred of us were invited to tour the smacking brand new Ruby Princess in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. We all knew it is a sister ship of the Crown Princess and the Emerald Princess but still, we all had thisintuitive feeling it was going to be the grandest of all. After all, compared to Royal Caribbean Cruise line, the Princess Cruise line is rated as a step above hands down.

Let me preface this by saying up front, if it were only myself that silently thought the following , I would not have taken the time to write this review. But as I went through the decks, passing through hoards of strangers viewing this ship, almost all were saying the same thing. Whereas most reviews give detailed information on each lounge, the spa, the pool deck, dining rooms, specialty restaurants, activities and all else down to the towels and napkins, I am not about to do this. What I want to get across is not a blow by blow description of all we were allowed to view. I want to get across the immediate reaction to the overall feeling once onboard.

The ship itself it typical Princess understated elegance in the common areas. The carpeting, fabrics and almost all of the furnishings are notable quality and carefully chosen to be pleasing to the eye as well as practical for the high traffic they each will be exposed to. What was lacking was a feeling of “welcome into your most magnificent new home for the week”. True, it is all expensively done. True the color coordination is all blended to perfection and theme yet, there was a definite void in feeling inviting. Perhaps if the personal touches of flowers or plants, artwork or antiques, something that would have brought a feeling of warmth were abundant, the gut feeling of “nothing out of the ordinary” would have not prevailed. While standing at the top of the atrium gazing down at the spiral staircase, the piano and gathering area, even that became disappointing. The chairs scattered around to sit and relax in looked like fine wrought iron patio furniture with bland upholstered cushions.

The peace d’ resistance came when we were invited to begin the tour of the stateroom decks to view the few select staterooms we were being allowed to see. We started with a balcony stateroom (only 1 open and allowed to view for hundreds of us to wait. We felt like cattle being herded not having the choice to at least be able to have 2 staterooms to divide us up). Now I know the square footage is in the range of standard BUT, intense claustrophobia set in instantly. The corridors are SOOOOOOOOOO NARROW for the new era of cruise chips that it was hard to believe. EVERYONE was complaining and thinking the same thing. How could a handicapped person with a wheelchair or even a walker manage these corridors if another person was coming in the opposite direction? The time passed waiting to enter the cabin. Alas, I arrived along with my cohorts and…………the moment we entered… we all wanted to do an about face. Narrow, unimpressive, ordinary, plain are just a few of the adjectives that comes to mind. Absolutely nothing stood out. Upon entering the bathrooms we all could not believe that shower curtains ( you know, the kind that cling to your body no matter how hard you try to get out of the way when in so small a shower stall) were still being used on this brand new state of the art ship instead of the updated and kinder to the body accordion shower doors that are such an improvement for example, on Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and others. Next we were escorted to the 14th deck (Riviera) to see the “Penthouse Suite”. Again we stood in a football huddle waiting our turn in these NARROW CORRIDORS to get into the stateroom. We noted that this was to be…. in just a few hours, the stateroom of Krista and Ryan for the inaugural 2 night sailing. We felt sure this was going to be a knockout. Well, much to all of our dismay, it was a knock down. The square footage may have been there ( somehow secretly concealed to make one feel as if they were in the narrowest of mazes with no chance of escape) but if I were having to pay for this Penthouse………I would have asked for my money back. It was impossible to feel one was in supposedly an elite class of luxury with superior amenities to boot. Because there were none to the eye or in the cabin! Poor Krista and Ryan we all thought. They would, as would whoever else will be having this stateroom, be bumping into one another no matter which direction they went. Need I go on? Do you really want to hear about the most non-luxurious penthouse bathroom on any premium ship? Narrow, plain, small, boring, no desire to even think romantically if one chose to……….a total 1000% disappointment.

I won’t bother taking your time up with the mini-suite, interior and ocean view without a balcony review. Suffice is to say, I think you get the gist here right? All of this of course has nothing to do with the staff, the activities,, the food ( we were only given the typical cruise line pastries that leave much to be desired on mostly all cruise lines), the ports of call, the Movies Under The Stars and all else that assures most times more then not, everyone has a wonderful time on a cruise vacation. You cannot, no matter how hard you try, not enjoy a cruise vacation. There is no other vacation that gives you more for your money, takes care of your luggage, your transfers, your airlines, cleans your cabin, your bathroom, offers included 24/7 food, room service, theater and entertainment that is top notch, a casino, library, camp for your children , a gym with the most top rated equipment, all included for the price you pay. Very few extra costs such a alcohol, gratuities, spas treatments, specialty dining and shore excursions but that is a choice and not mandatory.

So to sum this review up, although I and many others were disappointed in the overall visual comforts we would expect on a quality cruise ship, knowing this, I would still take a cruise with Princess Cruise Line (well, maybe on the Golden……….somehow the cabins seem laid out more spaciously) because of all of the attention from staff members, the vast array of activities offered on board, itineraries, ports and excursions to see. As I said, hands down, there is no other vacation worth its money to see the world then a cruise vacation.

“Movies Under the Stars” to Make A Splash Across Princess Fleet

Popular Poolside Theater to Be Added to Additional Ships
Princess’ signature “Movies Under the Stars” poolside screens have become such a popular feature since debuting in 2004, that the line will add the dramatic 300-square-foot movie screens feature to most of the fleet over the next several years. Princess was the first cruise line to introduce this unique entertainment experience aboard its ships and Movies Under the Stars has subsequently revolutionized movie-watching at sea.

In addition, this month select ships featuring Movies Under the Stars screens will be broadcasting a cruise industry exclusive concert from number-one-selling recording artist Josh Groban. The “Awake Live” performance will join other popular concerts shown on the ships, and will also offer the unique opportunity for those who enjoy the presentation to purchase a DVD/CD of the concert at the ship’s boutiques.

Movies Under the Stars, which shows movies, concerts, sporting events and other special programming throughout the day and evening, will be installed aboard Golden Princess (May 2009), Dawn Princess (June 2009), Coral Princess (October 2009), Sun Princess (April 2010), Island Princess (October 2010), Diamond Princess (November 2010), and Sapphire Princess (2011).

“Movies Under the Stars has become such a popular part of the Princess entertainment experience on those ships that have it, that we were inspired to expand it across the fleet,” said Jan Swartz, Princess senior vice president. “It’s something the whole family can enjoy.”

The movie screens have been a focal point on Princess ships since first debuting on Caribbean Princess in 2004. They are now featured on Crown Princess, Emerald Princess, Ruby Princess, Grand Princess, Star Princess and Sea Princess. The giant LED (Light Emitting Diode) screen is more than 300 square feet in size with a 69,000-watt sound system and has sufficient lighting power to be seen clearly at mid-day and heard even while the ship is moving at full speed – offering passengers a movie experience comparable to the best shoreside movie theater.

In addition to movies, passengers can enjoy a variety of special program on the giant screen, including sporting events such as the Super Bowl and the college football Bowl Championship Series, Academy Awards, video game contests with Nintendo’s Wii, a variety of event concerts with artists such as Tina Turner and Elton John, and even midnight showings of cult films such as “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”

In the evening, the state-of-the-art screen offers a unique way to relax and enjoy current hit films outside on a comfortable poolside lounger with special padded cushions and warm blankets. Princess enhances the viewing experience with signature touches such as complimentary popcorn and a variety of movie-themed cocktail specials and theater-style candy. Nearby eateries also offer a range of casual dining options to round out the ultimate poolside experience.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through our Member Concierge, by calling 1-888-392-5643 or by visiting our website www.TopCruiseClub.com.