Hurtigruten goes all-inclusive

New York, NY, April 2009 – Hurtigruten, an industry leader in expedition cruising, has announced an all-inclusive option that makes booking a vacation on their most popular voyage route even easier. The company is now offering a value package for peak season departures of its Norwegian Coastal Voyage – combining the six-, seven- and 12-day cruises with airfare, hotel and transfers – for select cabins on an itinerary described by Lonely Planet as "the world's most beautiful voyage." These packages add one night in Bergen and Oslo or one in either, extending the trips to nine and 14 days, and are valid for new bookings made by June 30 on most departures between May 1 and September 30. Prices based on double occupancy run from $2,359 to $4,129, depending on departure date and cabin choice. Airfare is from New York/New Jersey with add-ons from dozens of North American gateways priced from $100 to $360. Air fuel surcharges, air and cruise taxes and ticketing fees are included.

The six-, seven- and 12-day voyages, aboard a modern Hurtigruten ship, take in Norway’s spectacular fjord-filled, 1,250-mile west coast between the charming Hanseatic port of Bergen and Kirkenes, close to the Russian border. The scenery changes from moment to moment as the ships make 34 port calls on the route, ranging from fishing villages in the rugged Lofoten Islands to Art Nouveau Alesund and bustling cities like Tromso and Trondheim. Optional shore excursions range from a get acquainted tour of Tromso and taking in the scenery of the North Cape in Honningsvag to a riverboat safari in Kirkenes, a taste of Lapland, and a Lofotr Viking Feast; excursions can be booked before departure. The day in Bergen can be spent amongst an array of attractions and entertainment, from the Bergen Art Museum, with more than 9,000 works of art, and St. Mary’s Church – the oldest building in Bergen and one of the greatest examples of Romanesque architecture – to fine dining at leading gourmet restaurant Finnegaardstuene. While in Oslo, sights include a dozen quirky museums, one of the most popular being the Viking Ship Museum, plays at the National Theatre – many of which are presented in English – and many small shops selling unique Norwegian jewelry and other treasures.

Offer is capacity controlled and cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion except the Lay-Away Plan. Passengers wishing to extend their stay may do so with 2009 Coastal Cruises land add-ons.

Hurtigruten is a world leader in expedition cruising, sailing to the most remote of destinations including Antarctica, Greenland and the Arctic’s Spitsbergen. For more information about the cruise, pre- and post-cruise explorations and optional excursions, brochures and reservations can be obtained from

Princess Increases Caribbean

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (April 29, 2009) – Two Princess ships will sail to the Caribbean during summer 2010, more than doubling the line’s capacity for the season. Passengers will have the option of five itinerary choices, as well as sailing from New York and Florida.

Caribbean Princess returns to offer the popular nine-day itinerary from New York to Bermuda and the Caribbean, while Emerald Princess will sail on seven-day roundtrip cruises from Fort Lauderdale to the Western and Eastern Caribbean. Together, the two ships will offer 30 departures to the sun-filled islands of the Caribbean.

“We’ve seen increased interest from passengers in sailing to the Caribbean during the summer,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “So in response, we’ve significantly expanded our program to offer cruisers a choice of sailings and the option of two departure ports.”

Caribbean Princess from New York – Caribbean Princess’ summer season from New York will feature 10 departures between May 2 and July 29, 2010. Eight of the nine-day voyages sail roundtrip on an itinerary that includes Bermuda (West End), St. Thomas, Grand Turk and San Juan. Caribbean Princess will also offer two sailings to St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Grand Turk and San Juan. In addition, the ship sails on a special seven-day Eastern Caribbean & Bermuda sailing from San Juan to New York featuring calls in Bermuda, St. Thomas and Antigua.

Emerald Princess from Fort Lauderdale – Emerald Princess will sail on week-long Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale, departing from May 9 to September 12, 2010. The ship will offer nine Eastern Caribbean departures calling at Princess Cays, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Grand Turk, alternating with 10 Western Caribbean sailings to Princess Cays, Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman and Cozumel.

Caribbean Princess and Emerald Princess both offer a variety of passenger-favorite features perfect for cruising the balmy waters of the Caribbean, such as the dramatic poolside “Movies Under the Stars” outdoor theater and the line’s signature Sanctuary, an adults-only pocket of tranquility featuring plush lounge chairs and massage cabanas. Passengers will also enjoy hallmark Princess features such as the piazza-style atrium with its International Café and Vines wine and seafood bar.

Launch Fares for nine-day Caribbean Princess summer Bermuda & Eastern Caribbean cruises begin at $1,099 per person, and seven-day sailings on Emerald Princess begin at $699, based on double occupancy. A $50 per person Captain’s Circle Launch Savings discount is available to Princess past passengers on bookings made by December 31, 2009. Sailings open for booking on May 14, 2009.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a Cruise Planners 410 761 3554

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. today announced it is temporarily suspending its port calls in Mexico

MIAMI -- April 28, 2009 -- Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. today announced it is temporarily suspending its port calls in Mexico. The decision was made in an abundance of caution, and allows additional time to better understand the full impact of the Swine Flu.

The suspension involves the company’s Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises brands. Royal Caribbean International has four ships currently making regularly scheduled port call in Mexico – Enchantment of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas. Two additional Royal Caribbean International ships were scheduled to make upcoming Mexican port calls as they repositioned – Serenade of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas. Celebrity Cruises had one ship scheduled to make upcoming Mexico port calls as it repositions – Celebrity Infinity.
All but one of the affected ships will either make alternative port calls or spend additional time at sea. Royal Caribbean International’s Mariner of the Seas will sail a fully revised itinerary, visiting Canada and the U.S. West Coast. The temporary suspension takes effect immediately and will be in effect for the immediate future. It will be regularly reviewed in light of any Swine Flu developments.

“Like our guests, we take all health matters seriously,” said Dr. Art Diskin, chief medical officer for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “Although authorities have not raised specific concerns regarding the ports we visit in Mexico, we want to err on the side of caution. We’re taking proactive steps onboard our ships to help ensure the health and well-being of our guests and crew members, and this is just one more step in that process. We apologize for the disruption these changes will cause our guests, and we appreciate their understanding.”
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Carnival Cruise Lines has decided to cancel

Carnival Cruise Lines has decided to cancel all calls at Mexican ports for all current sailings and all voyages departing on Thursday, April 30th through Monday, May 4th. In many cases, we will be able to substitute the cancelled call with an alternative port. Additionally, we are working on alternatives for those itineraries impacted by this decision. Full details will be available by 5pm Wednesday, April 29th. Once final details are confirmed for these itinerary changes, we will send you an automated message listing your impacted bookings for each affected voyage.

Carnival Pride arrives in Baltimore

Spent the afternoon touring the Carnival Pride ship - that's the one offering the new year-round cruises from Baltimore to the Bahamas, Florida and the Caribbean. There was a reception in the Butterflies Lounge where a welcoming committee made up of travel agents, city officials, media, tourism folks and state leaders flitted about, including U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin, Baltimore County executive Jim Smith and state transportation Secretary John D. Porcari (of recent Obama fame).

Officials say Carnival's arrival will mean 1,500 jobs and $152 million added to Maryland's economy. We'll take it. As Rep. Elijah Cummings said: "Those jobs were goin to go somewhere. Those cruises were going to take off from somewhere. I'm glad it's Baltimore."

The ship is decorated with an artsy Renaissance theme - it's all dark and woody with coffered ceilings, elaborate paintings, glass staircases and an 11-deck-high atrium that made me dizzy. There's one deck of the ship that's totally dedicated to lounges and bars - a total of 16 of them. There's a spa, fitness center, huge two-tiered dining room and more. The 88,500-ton ship, while massive, is not the largest Carnival vessel, but it is among the fastest.


I talked to a few passengers - the first cruise sails out today at 5:30 p.m. - and they were nearly all giddy with excitement. I was there at lunch hour and the food and drinks were flowing like crazy - so maybe that explains it. Carnival says they serve some 5,000 pounds of chicken, 18,000 shrimp and 13,700 potatoes during a typical one-week cruise. Not to mention the more than 5,000 bottles of wine and champagne.

I met Sunil Kumar, general manager of a local Quality Inn, as he tested the appetizers. "Very good," he said between bites of shrimp and little vegetable purses. His hotel, which provides overnight stays and parking for some cruise passengers, is weathering the economic storm pretty well but he's looking forward to the travel boost from Carnival.
I also met a city school counselor and her retired husband who were celebrating their 48th wedding anniversary with the cruise. Joyce and Samuel McNeill already have plans for another cruise in 2011 to celebrate their 50th. Now, that's the kind of union Baltimore and Carnival are hoping for. One that lasts a long time.


By: the baltimore sun

MSC Cruises Extends 'Balcony Blowout' Savings on Mediterranean & Northern Europe Sailings - Book by May 31 to Save Up to 60% - Plus Kids 17 and Younge

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., April 20 /PRNewswire/ -- MSC Cruises is extending the deadline to book its popular "Balcony Blowout" rates savings on Mediterranean and Northern Europe sailings until May 31, 2009, giving guests more time to save up to 60 percent on their European cruise vacation.

"Balcony Blowout" rates begin at $999 per person for a balcony stateroom on a 7-night cruise to some of Europe's most exotic ports on some of the line's elegant ships -- including two of the newest in the cruise industry.

The special rates are for new bookings made by May 31, 2009, while space is available, on select 7-night sailings of:

* MSC Poesia: Eastern Mediterranean roundtrip from Venice or Bari
* MSC Orchestra: Baltic or Norwegian Fjords roundtrip from Copenhagen; Western Mediterranean roundtrip from Barcelona or Genoa
* MSC Splendida (which debuts in July 2009): Western Mediterranean roundtrip from Barcelona, Genoa, Civitavecchia, or Marseille
* MSC Fantasia (which debuted in December 2008): Western Mediterranean roundtrip from Genoa, Barcelona, Naples or Marseille
* MSC Musica: Eastern Mediterranean roundtrip from Venice or Bari

Cruise-only rates are per person for a balcony, based on double occupancy (government fees and taxes for all guests are additional) and cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. As on all sailings, children ages 17 and younger sail free when sharing a stateroom with two full-fare-paying adults.

Are Silversea Cruises Kid-Friendly?

When Silversea Cruises unleashed a deal offering $199 kids' fares on cruises to Alaska and Europe last week, the line had no idea what a furor it would cause. Silversea, considered one of the last bastions of relatively kid-free cruising, has long held a policy that well-behaved children are welcome -- but it has never actively marketed the line to family-oriented travelers. Even now, it provides little programming to entertain them.

So, the move incensed a whole lot of Cruise Critic members, who feared that the encroachment of kids and the hullaballoo they bring with them would change the basic Silversea experience. Wellseasoned pretty much summed up the problem with the kids-cruise-for-$199 deal in a post: "If Silversea is actually encouraging children as passengers and providing programs for them, the fundamental nature of these cruises will change, and not for the better. I'm sure that most of us love the children in our lives but not on our Silversea cruises!"

But there's good news. The deal-spurred drama, which played out on Cruise Critic's Silversea forum over the past weekend and attracted more than 4,700 views, inspired cruise line executives to rethink the offer. Silversea Vice President Steve Tucker says the deal was created because "Alaska is not the busiest market this year. But, we heard our guests loud and clear and took a step back. Ultimately, we took the deal off the table."

Children are, of course, still welcome onboard Silversea cruises. Tucker says that one counselor per ship and a limited array of kids' activities will be offered on voyages that attract some families, but they'll pay the normal third-passenger-in-a-cabin rate, which should squelch interest.

A luxury travel agent applauds that move telling us that, in this tepid luxury-cruise-buying market, she's open to any cruise line deals that help her agency sell trips. But she didn't agree with this one. "Silversea is not a cruise line that would be appropriate for kids in Alaska. Alaska, kids and Silversea do not click." She says that, deal or no deal, she wouldn't have sold her clients family cruises to Alaska on Silversea. (Regent's Seven Seas Mariner has an innovative Ambassadors of the Environment youth program and is, she says, a far smarter choice for families).

What's interesting about this brief tempest in a teapot over kids on Silversea -- and the role that members of Cruise Critic played in encouraging the line to discontinue the promotion -- is that the cruise line, which is under new management, was unusually proactive in handling the situation.

"We like to test things," Tucker says, "and when they work, we continue on. When they don't, we evolve."

The family idea may have backfired, but Silversea, like every other luxury line, is definitely evolving as it reaches out to younger travelers. In the past couple of years, Wi-Fi and cell towers have been added to all ships in response to passenger requests. "We are seeing a younger clientele," Tucker says. "People want to run their businesses while they're gone."

And -- contrary to rumors running rampant on Cruise Critic's boards -- while Silversea's new ship (Silver Spirit, which debuts later this year) will offer some new-to-Silversea features (like an enlarged spa that includes a Kinesis wall, more balconies and a new supper club), it's holding firm on its current family-friendly policies. Says Tucker, "We've always had some degree of children on Silversea, obviously during holiday seasons like Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving and in the summer. And we've always had a certain degree of activities for them. But there will be no separate facility for them -- even on Spirit."

--by Carolyn Spencer Brown, Editor in Chief

Cruise Ship Tours: Would You Pay To Go Behind the Scenes?

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced a new "behind the scenes" ship tour that is offered once per cruise and gives passengers access to normally restricted areas. The cruise line is following in the footsteps of Princess Cruises, which introduced a similar program last fall. Together, the lines may be heralding the start of a new trend in onboard activities.

But, like many currently emerging trends, this one is going to impact your wallet. And we started to wonder: Are cruise travelers willing to pay for yet another cruise-ship activity?

First, the basics: NCL's tour -- which is offered just once per cruise – costs $55 per person. The tour starts with a meet and greet with the ship's officers and a visit to the galley for a glimpse of NCL's chefs at work. Then, following a trip through the food storage areas, the tour stops at the theater's backstage area. Next stop is the laundry area to see where the clothes are all washed. The tour concludes with a visit to the bridge, where guests have the chance to meet the Captain and learn how he controls the ship.

Or, for $150 per person, you can take the extended tour, which includes sushi making and sake tasting, a group photo on the bridge, a specialty coffee, pre-dinner cocktails in one of the ship's lounges and dinner with a glass of wine in Cagney's Steakhouse. Princess' tour also costs $150, and it goes backstage; through the galley, engine control room, bridge, print shop, photo laboratory, medical center and laundry room; and inside the funnel.

We asked Cruise Critic readers to share their opinions about the new behind-the-scenes tours, and at press time, 33 percent of over 100 respondents to a poll on our message boards said a ship tour would be a great add-on experience. An equal number of respondents said they might consider it at a lower price, while 24 percent said the concept didn't interest them at all. Not one voter chose our "I have done this and loved it!" option, though four people -- 3 percent -- took a paid tour and didn't think it was worth it.

But more interesting than the mixed bag of numbers is that, in the resulting commentary, respondents did not express the kind of infuriation we have seen in the past with other new for-fee offerings (remember the backlash when Royal Caribbean announced its $14.95 main-dining-room steak?). The key difference: An extensive ship tour is a new experience that's never been offered -- rather than something that's previously been enjoyed for free but now suddenly carries a price tag, like a dinnertime filet. In a way, it's almost like a new shore excursion option -- some folks will think it's worth their while and will want to try it, and others simply don't and won't.

So what did our readers have to say on the subject? Caribbean Sunsets posts, "When Princess first announced their tour, which began with the Ruby Princess, it didn't appeal to me -- mainly due to the cost. After reading the reviews, I would love to take this tour. Princess does give gifts that [include] a robe, photo, stationery, and other items. It's only done on sea days and [that] makes it that much more difficult to take the tour, since you can't sign up until you are onboard."

"I would pay the lower price NCL is offering," writes DanJ. "I like that you can choose to opt out of certain things, and pay less for it.... I have done bridge, galley and backstage tours before and really liked them."

On the other hand, says geoherb, "I've been on enough free back-stage tours of the theater and galley tours that they probably would not be showing anything new to me." Still others said that they'd be willing to pay for more unusual tours -- for example, a visit to the engine room or a walk-through of another ship in port.

Have an opinion? There's still time to vote in our poll!

--by Melissa Baldwin Paloti, Managing Editor, and Kelly Ranson, U.K. Editor

Costa Cruise Hosts Soccer Star Pele

GOAL! Soccer fans in the U.S. (and football fans the world over) now have a cruise tailor-made for them. This June, Costa Cruises' Costa Serena will host the “Pele Cruise – Sabor Brazil” – a cruise dedicated to soccer star Pele and the culture of his home country of Brazil.

During this late June cruise, Edson Arantes Do Nascimento (aka Pele), other famous soccer stars and the presidents of top soccer clubs will be onboard to host conferences and interact with guests. An onboard exhibition will display collectors' items affiliated with Pele and never-before-seen video clips of his life and career.

The ship itself will be transformed into a miniature version of Brazil with culinary events inspired by Brazilian cuisine; theme parties, such as “Brasil en Alta Mar” (Brazil on the High Seas); and musical performances by Brazilian artists Alexandre Pires, Toquinho and the Grupo Sereno. Passengers will have the opportunity to sip caipirinas as they samba the night away.

But if it's the real Brazil you're yearning to see, you're out of luck on this cruise. Costa Serena will depart Venice on June 28 and call in Bari, Katakolon (for Olympia), Izmir (for Ephesus), Istanbul and Dubrovnik. The Eastern Mediterranean may be far from South America, but at least it's no stranger to soccer. Perhaps you'll be able to join a pick-up game onshore.

Fares for the seven-night theme cruise start at $1,199 per person for North American residents; a Costa representative was not able to provide U.K. pricing at press time. For reservations or more information, contact a travel agent,

--by Erica Silverstein, Senior Editor

Royal Caribbean International Opens 2010-11 Caribbean Bookings

Thu Apr 16 2009, by Travel Trade Staff

Royal Caribbean International unveiled its 2010-11 year-round Caribbean season, comprised of 243 sailings aboard five cruise ships. Bookings are now open. Twenty-four distinct itineraries will be offered, ranging from five to nine nights, including visits to 25 ports of call. Serenade of the Seas will expand from seasonal to year-round service at San Juan, while Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas will continue regular sailings from Port Canaveral and Miami, respectively. Together, Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas will offer vacationers a choice of a Saturday or Sunday departure from Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale. General bookings for Royal Caribbean's 2010-11 year-round Caribbean cruises are now open. Additional seasonal Caribbean deployments will be announced in the near future.

Having sailed seasonally from San Juan since 2003, Serenade of the Seas will begin year-round service in April 2010 from the port with two alternating seven-night Southern Caribbean itineraries through December 2010. No port of call is repeated on the two itineraries, so clients can combine two consecutive cruises into a 14-night Southern Caribbean voyage. One itinerary will call at Curacao, Aruba, Dominica and St. Thomas, while the other at Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, St. Maarten and St. Croix.

From May 2010, Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas will continue alternating seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries departing, respectively, on Saturdays and Sundays. On Jan. 30, 2011, Liberty of the Seas will begin alternating a six-night Western Caribbean, departing every other Sunday, and an eight-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary, departing every other Saturday.

From Port Everglades, vacationers can choose a Saturday or Sunday departure aboard Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas. In 2010, Allure of the Seas will cruise its inaugural season, mirroring Oasis of the Seas' alternating seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean roundtrip itineraries. Oasis of the Seas also will sail two special holiday cruises, a five-night voyage departing Dec. 18, 2010 calling at Labadee and Falmouth, Jamaica; and a nine-night voyage departing Dec. 30, 2010 calling at Labadee, Falmouth, St. Maarten and St. Thomas.

Collette Launches Door-to-Door Airport Service

Published on: April 2, 2009

Collette Vacations launched free door-to-door sedan service beginning May 1, 2009, so vacations begin right from the travelers’ home. This complimentary service, including all gratuities, is fully commissionable and is included on all new air-inclusive tour bookings to the South Pacific, Canada and Europe, as well as the company’s small-group tour division, Explorations by Collette; and educational line, Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures. The service is available in many U.S. cities within a 50-mile radius of more than 75 U.S. gateways. “Collette is the first major tour operator going to market with complimentary door-to-door sedan service and it adds so much value to your travelers’ entire vacation package when you consider, on average, the cost of going to and from the airport is around $300,” said Dan Sullivan, president and CEO of Collette Vacations. “We’re launching it this year during a time when value is a key differentiating factor for hesitant travelers and innovation and personalization are paramount to a tour operators’ success. We’re executing it first in our top destinations -- Europe, South Pacific and Canada -- and our fastest growing brands, Explorations and Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures,” Sullivan said. “But beginning in May 2010, this service will be included on every air-inclusive tour within each of our brands.”


This latest personalized service further reflects Collette’s continued effort to provide “one-stop shopping” and ensures your clients experience a hassle-free vacation, from beginning to end. Together with Collette’s trip cancellation waiver which allows consumers to reserve a dream vacation now, risk-free, Collette’s door-to-door sedan service takes the worry out of getting to and from the airport. The waiver allows for cancellation for any reason right up to the day prior to departure with a full cash refund.


“While other companies are reducing some client services in an effort to contain costs, Collette remains debt-free, allowing us to offer more ways to make touring a hassle-free experience from the very beginning,” said Sullivan. “With door-to-door especially, their Collette touring experience begins at their doorstep, and ends there, too. No other major tour operator can deliver that extent of personal involvement with their customer.” Collette Vacations is a family-owned business headquartered in Pawtucket, R.I., and enjoys the distinction of being the oldest tour operator in the United States. For 91 years, our team of travel enthusiasts has fulfilled millions of vacation dreams. We offer over 150 programs to desired destinations on all seven continents. Travelers can choose from small-group tours, educational travel, train journeys, river cruises and vacations that feature a Collette Foundation site visit. For more information, call 410-761-3554 www.bellecruises.com

Deilmann Offers Two Fall Cruises from Baltimore

Published on: April 1, 2009

Peter Deilmann Cruises is coming to Baltimore with two fall itineraries by the Deutschland. The company is offering fare savings of up to 32 percent with $99 air and complimentary excursions. The 520-guest ship departs Nov. 5 on a 12-night Southeast Coast cruise and Nov. 17 on a 16-night cruise to the Gulf and Caribbean. Savings opportunities include $1,500-per-person discounts on all staterooms and suite; $99 economy roundtrip air fare or an additional $750 fare reduction for those booking their own air; and a complimentary excursions package worth $600. The 12-night cruise visits Norfolk, Savannah, Charleston, Jacksonville, Key West, Miami, Port Canaveral and Freeport. The 16-night sailing ends in Montego Bay after calling at Philadelphia, New York, Miami, New Orleans, Progreso and Cozumel. Group bookings are eligible for the same savings, as well as one free tour conductor berth for every nine paid guests. The reduced fares are $3,943 to $14,034 per person, double, for the 12-night sailing and $4,820 to $17,510 for 16 nights. Original fares ranged from $5,740 to $19,010. For more information, call 410-761-3554 www.bellecruises.com

by: www.travelpulse.com

Carnival Launches "Your Choice Dining" Program

Published on: April 2, 2009

Carnival Cruise Lines has launched Your Choice Dining, which provides a selection of three dinner seating options for guests aboard the line’s 22-ship fleet. In addition to early or late assigned seating, the cruise line is rolling out Your Time open seating to accommodate individual guest preferences. Also, under the new Your Choice Dining program, dining assignments will be confirmed at the time of booking. Your Time open seating, currently available on five ships, will be implemented one vessel at a time over the next several months as modifications in dining room table configurations are completed on each ship. An additional eight ships are scheduled to be converted by the end of year, and the balance of the fleet will be converted by summer 2010. The program is now available on the Carnival Legend, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Sensation, Carnival Paradise and Carnival Miracle. By the end of this month, it will be available on the Carnival Conquest, Carnival Elation and Carnival Pride. It will be available on the Carnival Fantasy and Carnival Spirit by mid-June; the Carnival Dream by late September; the Carnival Ecstasy by mid-October; the Carnival Glory by mid-December; the Carnival Fascination by February 2010; and the Carnival Imagination, Carnival Inspiration, Carnival Destiny, Carnival Triumph, Carnival Valor, Carnival Splendor, Carnival Freedom and Carnival Victory by summer 2010.


Confirmed dining assignments are now available fleet-wide. At the time of booking, guests are asked to choose from among early dining at 6 p.m., late dining at 8:15 p.m. or Your Time dining, which allows guests to dine at any time between 5:45 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., if applicable, depending on the ship and sailing date. Dining assignments will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis, according to when guests made their reservations. If the preferred dining choice is not available, guests may confirm an alternate choice and be placed on a waitlist for their first preferences. Waitlists will be cleared prior to the sailing, and guests will be notified via email of their confirmed seating assignments. Your Time guests also can request any table size or waiter and are typically seated immediately when arriving at the dining room. If a modest wait time is required, guests are given a pager so they are free to relax elsewhere on the ship until their table is ready. Additional options available under Your Choice Dining include poolside eateries and, on a number of ships, reservations-only, fine-dining restaurants.