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We have built a brand-new software platform to operate ResortCompete. As with any new effort, we don’t expect to be perfect from day one, so any feedback you can provide to us would be greatly appreciated. We hope you will give ResortCompete a try!

Beauty at Sea – NCL’s latest spa innovation: BOTOX at sea

Tooth whitening, microdermabrasion and cellulite removal have been available at sea for some time, now, select Norwegian Cruise Line medi-spas operated by Mandara now offer a variety of BOTOX Cosmetic and Restylane and Perlane facial aesthetic treatments for cruise guests. They are currently available on the Norwegian Dawn, Gem and Spirit, with plans to launch the program fleet-wide this fall. All of the procedures are under the supervision of Steiner Transocean medical director Dr. Brad Herman, a Miami-based, board-certified plastic surgeon and his team of medically licensed doctors who have been trained specifically in these treatments. Guests interested in safely and effectively soften facial lines and wrinkles while on vacation can schedule a 30-minute consultation with the medi-spa physician on board, who will create an individualized treatment plan.

West coast cruisers entranced by Disney Magic’s return to Los Angeles

Summer will be magical at the Port of Los Angeles, with the return of the Disney Magic cruise ship for a limited engagement of seven-night cruises to the Mexican Riviera. The ship is in the midst of 12 consecutive seven-night cruise vacations from Los Angeles to the Mexican Riviera ports of Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta, running through August 10. Cabo San Lucas treats guests to a white sand beaches, crystal-blue waters and picturesque mountain vistas. Mazatlan provides a glimpse into Mexico’s rich history and culture, while Puerto Vallarta features 100 miles of scenic coastline and the chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the country. Shore excursion opportunities include, among others, a waterfall and hot springs tour in Cabo San Lucas and a private villa at Caletas in Puerto Vallarta. Disney’s onboard entertainment includes Minnie’s Fiesta Grande, Pinta parties and plenty more fun for all ages.

Silversea welcomes addition of Prince Albert II to expedition ship roster

Earlier this month, the expedition ship Prince Albert II officially joined the luxury Silversea fleet and welcomes its first guests this week as part of its inaugural season of voyages focusing on polar adventures. The Prince Albert II sets sail to the Arctic Circle; Svalbard, Iceland and Greenland for the summer, and then repositions to South America and Antarctica for fall and winter voyages. The ship features the largest average-size accommodations of any expedition ship at sea, with 20 premium suites of 350-675 square feet of living space. In addition, all 66 ocean-view cabins are well appointed and have private marble bathrooms and bathtubs. Silversea is a provisional member of the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators, dedicated to managing respectable, environmentally friendly and safe expedition cruising in the Arctic. It also is a member of the Association of Antarctic Tour Operators.

Onboard, savor a convivial cosmopolitan ambience and many special amenities usually found only on larger ships, including a spacious Library with an Internet Cafe, boutique shopping, a full-service spa, beauty salon, fitness centre, sauna and two top-deck whirlpools. Prince Albert II even features live evening entertainment and The Humidor, where connoisseurs can enjoy the finest cigars and cognacs – diversions offered by no other expedition ship.

Celebrity Solstice setting sail earlier than planned; three cruises added

Celebrity Solstice is now scheduled to enter service with a Thanksgiving holiday Caribbean cruise embarking November 23, three weeks prior to its previously announced launch of December 14. The trip departs roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, with stops at San Juan, Puerto Rico, Philipsburg, St Maarten, and Basseterre, St. Kitts. This is followed by two additional seven-night Caribbean cruises, November 30 and December 7. Guests who booked cabins on the Solstice’s originally scheduled maiden voyage on December 14 can switch to the November 23 sailing without penalty through June 12.

This summer’s highlight for many kids will no doubt be the first-ever nickelodeon Family Cruise with Royal Caribbean, which sets sail August 10-17 on the Freedom of the Seas. Non-stop fun and activities are promised on the Western Caribbean cruise, including a special kick-off sail away party; evening shows; Nick character breakfasts, featuring SpongeBob SquarePants; Dora the Explorer; Diego; The Backyardigans and Jimmy Neutron; a Nick Live Poolside “Slime Time” interactive game show; special screenings of The Naked Brothers Band and SpongeBob SquarePants; Nick Karaoke and many other opportunities to meet favorite Nick characters. Autograph signings with iCarly stars Jennette McCurdy and Nathan Kress also are scheduled. In addition, families can disembark on the cruise line’s private island of Labadee for Nick’s Let’s Just Play Family Beach Day, featuring beach games and fun with a special Nickelodeon twist.

Teen guests now use prepaid cash cards on MSC Cruises

There is no need for teenagers to continually pester their parents for cash aboard MSC cruises. The cruise line is now selling the prepaid My Teen Card to use for purchases and as room keys. The program is targeting kids ages 12-17 and can be used to buy sodas and gift shop items. On Caribbean sailings, passengers can buy a $30 card with $5 bonus or a $50 card with $10 bonus. In Europe, the prepaid cards cost 30 Euros with a five euro bonus or 50 Euros with a 10 euro bonus. The next question is how many of these prepaid cards can a typical teenager go through in a single cruise?

Celebrity offers first-ever Antarctica cruises

To celebrate its tenth year cruising South America, Celebrity Cruises will be will be heading even further south during it’s first-ever Antarctica sailings in 2010. The Celebrity Infinity will be leaving Buenos Aires, Argentina for two 14-night Antarctica sailings, departing January 31 and February 14, 2010. While there, guests will gaze upon glaciers, rare wildlife and other natural wonders as they cruise past Elephant Island, Paradise Bay and Gerlache Strait. The Antarctica voyages also will include traveling through Cape Horn, with visits to Port Stanley, the Falkland Islands, Ushuaia and Puerto Madryn, Argentina and Montevideo, Uruguay.

Luxury cabanas treat guests extra special on Eurodam

Holland America’s first Signature-class ship, Eurodam, will feature private tented cabanas on two decks when it debuts in July. Guests will be charged $30-$75 per day for the luxury cabanas, which will be located on the Observation Deck in an area called the Retreat and by the midship pool on the Lido Deck. Each cabana will feature chaise lounges, ottomans and settees, plus bathrobes, towels, handheld fans, an Evian spray mister and iPods with preloaded music. If that is not enough, chilled water and iced fruit skewers will be served in the cabanas during the morning. Afternoon delights will include frozen grapes, chocolate-covered strawberries and champagne.

Holland America’s 2008 roster of guest chefs will delight

One of the most popular attractions aboard Holland America cruises is the line’s Culinary Arts Center, co-sponsored by Food & Wine magazine, which attracts renowned chefs from around the country. The program was started four years ago and 2008 is slated to be its best ever. Guest chefs and experts slated this summer and fall include:

· Eric Villegas, host of the Emmy Award-winning PBS series, Fork in the Road, ms Veendam, June 13-20;

· Sally Bernstein, San Francisco restaurant critic and culinary educator, ms Zaandam, June 8-15;

· Chef Gustav Mauler of Amsterdam-Dover, ms Prinsenda, July 3-17;

· Pichet Ongvasit of Copenhagen, ms Rotterdam, July 16-28;

· Johnny Iuzzini, executive pastry chef, Jean Georges (N.Y.), ms Noordam, July 26-Aug. 5;

· Max McCalman of Artisanal Cheese (N.Y.), ms Noordam, August 5-15;

· Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough, authors of the “Ultimate” cookbook series, ms Eurodam, Aug.14-29;

· Mark Frasier and Clark Gaier from Mediterranean (Venice), ms Zuiderdam, Sept. 17-29;

· James Mazzio, executive chef of Via (Denver) and Food & Wine’s Best New Chef 1999, ms Amsterdam, Sept. 19 – Oct. 22; and,

· Harold Dieterie, Perilla (N.Y.) and Top Chef Season 1 Winner, ms Amsterdam, Oct. 22-Nov. 4.

Travelers aboard cruise ships visiting Alaska this year can experience more than just glacier tours, whale watching, dog sledding and other traditional port excursions. The cruise lines are offering a variety of unique ways to explore the magnificent landscape of the 49th state, including underwater snorkeling and high in the air via zip lines. Holland America and Royal Caribbean, for example, invites guests in Sitka, Ketchikan and other locales to don wetsuits and explore the usually unseen underwater wilderness with snorkeling gear. Princess, Regent Seven Seas and Celebrity offer special Alpine zip line and Alaskan rainforest eco-tours high above the ground. Other excursion highlights include Regent’s “Advanced Volcano Hike” on the remote Kruzof Island, Princess’ Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s tour and Norwegian Cruise Line’s gold mining excursion.

Disney takes “Toy Story” from big screen to high seas

Buzz Lightyear, Woody and friends from the beloved Disney Toy Story movie are taking their adventures to the seas in a new musical production aboard the Disney Wonder cruise ship. This is the first time the popular Disney-Pixar big screen classic has been adapted for the stage. Preserving the humor and heart of the original film, Toy Story-The Musical explores the true meaning of friendship as Buzz Lightyear and Woody transform from jealous adversaries to best friends with an unbreakable bond. The show’s elaborate costumes capture the vibrant colors and playfulness of the animated characters. Guests of all ages will delight in an original collection of show tunes that retell the story in a fun and energizing way during their cruise vacation.

Smoke out on Celebrity ships starts this fall

Starting October 1 2008, Celebrity Cruises will begin enforcing a new policy that promised to provide a breath of fresh air on its voyages. In addition to banning smoking in staterooms and verandas, the new rules will reduce the number of public areas available for guests to smoke onboard. Celebrity expects the new policy to be welcomed, considering surveys indicate 90 percent of its guests are non-smokers. Designated indoor areas where guests can smoke cigarettes under the new policy include portions of one lounge per ship and a slot machine area in each boat’s casino. Outdoor smoking is allowed in select areas on pool decks and sundecks, as well as one outdoor bar on each vessel. Violations to Celebrity’s new smoking policy may result in a $250 cleaning fee charged to the guest’s onboard account and may also be addressed through the line’s guest conduct policy.

New Carnival Splendor built to entertain kids of all ages

Oh, what we would all give to be young again. Living up to its reputation, Carnival has taken the idea of having fun to a new level for kids of all ages on the new 113,000-ton, 3,000-passenger Carnival Splendor, set to debut this summer. The cruise ship features supervised youth programs and activities for specific age groups – Camp Carnival (ages 2-11), Circle C (ages 12-14) and Club O2 (ages 15-17), plus a massive 5,500 square-foot children’s play area divided into separate sections and featuring toys, games, computers, gaming consoles, plasma televisions and a dance floor. If that is not enough, one deck above will be a children’s water park with various water toys and attractions. The water park complements the Fun Ship’s four swimming pools and Carnival’s signature 214-foot long Twister waterslide. At mealtime, kids can order off of special children’s menus in the main dining rooms, enjoy 24-hour pizza and ice cream at the poolside restaurant and eat with the youth staff each day. The children’s turn-down service features fresh baked cookies at bedtime. In addition, Carnival’s popular Fountain Fun Card provided unlimited soft drinks for a special one-time fee.

Parents taking a cruise with tween or teenage children know these kids enjoy their space as much at sea as they do at home. The world’s most popular cruise lines have long recognized this and now offer more special hangouts and activities exclusively for them than ever before.

Combine this space with plenty of activities for the whole family and it is easy to see why cruises make for memorable family vacations, no matter what one’s age. Special pricing for children up to 17 years-old generally applies on many cruises which makes a cruise a true travel value.

For example, a family of four (2 adults, 2 children) can enjoy an early December seven-night cruise with cabin credits, complimentary photos and a special gift to the Western Caribbean in a verandah cabin, with Holland America for $2,380.00, including taxes, fees and fuel surcharges . That is less than $85. Per person, per day for the family’s onboard verandah cabin accommodations, 24/7 room service for those hungry teenagers, all dining options and most entertainment – including plenty for tweens and teens to do.

The following is a sample of the coolest places for older youth to hang out at sea in safe and secure settings:

Holland America Line

For the past two years, teens traveling on HAL cruise ships have enjoyed the Loft, a special lounge area designed to resemble a New York artist’s studio. The setting includes music and videos, comfortable furniture, Internet access stations, video games and karaoke, big screen TVs and more. A secluded passageway leads upstairs to the Oasis, a teens-only sundeck featuring a nine-foot waterfall and cooling cave. Teens can sunbathe during the day and dance under the stars at night to the beat of a state-of-the-art sound system and laser show.

Royal Caribbean International

The cruise line’s Voyager Class ships are a floating paradise for teenagers. The Living Room invites kids to hangout during the day, stocked with computers, books and games. The Back Deck provides teens with a place to sunbathe together and enjoy a buffet dinner. Fuel, the teens-only disco, is open until 2 a.m. and also provides a great place to mingle and meet new friends.

Norwegian Cruise Line

The Norwegian Dawn and Jewel feature the line’s most elaborate and largest teen clubs. The Underground lounge features computers, big-screen TVs and dance floor. Youth 17-and-under have their own cinema for nightly movies or an afternoon matinee.

Disney Cruise Line

A little Disney magic makes cruising memorable for teens too. They are invited to spend time with their peers in the Aloft lounge on the Disney Wonder and The Stack on the Disney Magic. Both of these teen-only hangouts feature music, movies, video games, plasma TVs, dance floor, Internet cafe and other activities. In addition, Disney hosts the H2O Splashdown and Party in Paradise farewell bash exclusively for teens.

Carnival Cruise Lines

Carnival’s youth-oriented programming was recently expanded to include exclusive new Circle C clubs for 12-14 year-olds. Each features a dance floor, high-tech sound and lighting, monster plasma TVs with movies and music videos, touch screen jukeboxes and gaming centers with 20-inch plasma game screens. A number of ships have already been retrofitted with Circle C facilities, with several more are scheduled for this year and the entire fleet by 2010. Carnival’s Club 02 facilities continue to be very popular with teen’s ages 15-17 year-olds. In addition to a pulsating dance floor and the latest music and lighting systems, Club O2 features a teen-oriented library and lounge with non-alcoholic specialty drinks.

Princess Cruises

The cruise line’s Grand Class ships have the largest facilities for teens. The Off Limits teen center includes plenty of games, movies, big-screen TVs and jukeboxes. On the Grand, Golden and Star Princess, teens can use their own Jacuzzi and sun deck.

Celebrity Cruises

This cruise line’s Celebrity X-Club Youth Program does offer teens plenty to do, especially during the summer and holiday family travel seasons. This includes supervised theme parties, pool games, movies, sports tournaments, karaoke, talent shows, fitness activities and play stations.

Regent Seven Seas

Ultra-luxury cruise line Regent Seven Seas also offers teen programs. Regent’s Club Mariner operates during the summer and select holiday sailings and gives tween and teen travelers the opportunity to enjoy a variety of exciting, interactive activities, including whale watching in Alaska and artist classes on tropical cruises, plus other unique adventure and cultural opportunities.

Crystal Cruises

Select Crystal sailings during the summer and holidays also offer older youth things to do without their parents on ultra-luxury cruises. These include games, arts and crafts, video games and other activities under the supervision of experienced activities directors. The Crystal Symphony and Serenity also feature Waves, a teen video arcade.

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The grass really will be greener on a cruise vacation aboard the Celebrity Solstice, scheduled for launch this December. Something is sprouting on the luxury cruise ship’s top deck: real, growing grass! The turf is the highlight of the ship’s breakthrough “Lawn Club” – an industry-first carefully developed by the cruise line in conjunction with University of Florida landscape architects and irrigation specialists. Guests visiting the half-acre Club will be invited to enjoy bocce ball and croquet, practice their putting and picnic, among other leisures. In addition, The Patio on the Lawn will offer sitting areas with casual country club charm and a special coffee car service – plus the new Hot Glass Show, presented in collaboration with The Corning Museum of Glass. The area also features the Sunset Bar, enhanced by the natural grass of The Lawn Club and featuring stunning breathtaking views as the Solstice crisscrosses the Caribbean Sea.

Princess Alaska cruises expands land excursions

Recognizing an Alaska cruise is an once-in-a-lifetime adventure for so many travelers; Princess Cruises continually expands its Adventures Ashore program with new and exhilarating excursions each year. 2008 is no exception, with 37 new tour options available to cruisers. Some of the most intriguing include:

· An exclusive, private whale-watching encounter in Juneau in groups of 10 people or less;

· A five-course Alaskan feast served in a private club dining room overlooking the Ketchikan harbor;

· A family-oriented Bear Creek zipline eco-adventure through the Alaskan rainforest;

· Bering Sea crab fisherman’s tour including the chance to sail aboard a modified commercial fishing vessel featured on the Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch show.

· A walking tour of Skagway, guided by one of the madams of the Red Onion Saloon who takes guests back to the gold-rush era and once-infamous red-light district.

· A cruise through ice-berg laced waters to visit the Columbia glacier, the state’s largest tidewater ice field at 435 square miles – plus wildlife viewing, including whales, harbor seals, sea otters, sea lions and a variety of birds.

· A sea kayaking adventure on Resurrection Bay, one of the area’s premiere destinations, featuring Kenai Fjords National Park and up-close visits with sea otters, eagles, porpoises, leaping salmon and sea birds.

A total of eight Princess ships will be cruising the scenic waters of Alaska this year, with a combined 136 departures. All of the 2008 Gulf of Alaska cruises include a visit to Glacier Bay. Princess will take more people to visit this ice and sea spectacle than any other cruise line this year.