News & Notes Innovation and Imagination are the Cornerstones of the Neighbourhoods Onboard Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the SeasSM
 Steeped in a philosophy that innovation and imagination contribute to a remarkable cruise vacation, Royal Caribbean International has once again raised the bar with the announcement of the latest amenities on its newest ship, Oasis of the SeasSM. Launching in late 2009, Oasis of the SeasSM will be the world's largest and most revolutionary ship, introducing the cruise line's new neighborhood concept, which will provide vacationers with the opportunity to seek out relevant experiences based on their personal styles, preferences or moods.
Boardwalk, will be a breathtaking space for families inspired by the nostalgic seaside piers of yesteryear; the first amphitheater at sea, AquaTheater, will celebrate water with the largest freshwater pool found on a ship offering a full spectrum of activities and performances for guests; and the urban living concept will take to the high seas with the introduction of industry-first loft suites offering expansive ocean views and luxury amenities. Enhancements to the cruise line's signature Royal Promenade will include a new design allowing guests to have a physical connection with the neighborhood above, Central Park, as natural light cascades down from the sky through the Crystal Canopy sculptured glass domes. Other surprises include two rock-climbing walls and the first zip-line at sea suspended nine decks above Boardwalk.
The announcement of the new neighborhoods adds to the previously revealed neighborhood, Central Park, which was introduced in April. Reminiscent of the piers that dot the coast of England and amusements parks such as Coney Island, the elements of Boardwalk will dynamically engage the entire family in classic fun – whether young or just young at heart – with eateries, retail outlets and carnival games. An original, handcrafted carousel – the first at sea – will be the centerpiece of this vibrant neighborhood. AquaTheater, created to offer two unique experiences, will allow guests to swim in the theater's magnificent kidney-shaped pool, relax on sun loungers located on tiered platforms surrounding the pool, and even take SCUBA lessons in the afternoon. At night, it will deliver a complete sensory experience playing on the element of surprise as audience members witness the venue come alive with heart-pounding theatrical performances featuring dramatic acrobatics, synchronized swimming, water ballet, and professional high-diving, as well as elaborate fountain shows synchronized to music and lights.
The introduction of 28 contemporary two-level loft suites will redefine cruise ship accommodations with vibrant, ocean-inspired colors in a sophisticated and spacious setting. Never before seen at sea, the lofts will feature spectacular views of the ocean with floor-to-ceiling, double-height windows to ensure the view will be enjoyed from each and every vantage point. The signature lofts will round out a new portfolio of 37 categories of accommodation options, many with views unique to Oasis of the SeasSM.
Additions to Royal Promenade, the heart of the ship, will include a mezzanine level that overlooks the main promenade below. The Royal Promenade will be home to a vast array of shopping, dining and entertainment options including, the Rising Tide bar, the first moving bar at sea, which will traverse three decks and allow cruisers to enjoy a cocktail as they slowly ascend into Central Park. A focal point will be a giant copper globe sculpture built into the facade above the Globe and Atlas Pub, which will "crack open" to create a spectacular, surprise element for guests, as it unfurls on hinged hydraulics and becomes a bridge platform for performances. Other options include the cruise line's popular Schooner Bar and Champagne Bar; the new Mondo Coffee Bar; Focus, a photo shop and gallery; and the ever-popular Boleros Latin dance club.
When she launches in late 2009, Oasis of the SeasSM will be the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. Oasis of the SeasSM will be the first ship to tout the cruise line's new neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, including Central Park, Boardwalk, and the Royal Promenade.
Princess Cruises’ Next "Gem" of a Ship, Ruby Princess, Debuts in Novemeber
 Princess Cruises will add another 'gem' to its fleet in November 2008, with the debut of Ruby Princess. The line has unveiled the ship's name along with its inaugural deployment - a season of seven-day Western Caribbean sailings from Fort Lauderdale.
Ruby Princess is a sister ship to the enthusiastically received Emerald Princess and Crown Princess, and will make its maiden sailing on November 15th, 2008. Its Caribbean program will feature calls at Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, Cozumel and the line's private beach call at Princess Cays in the Bahamas. The ship's first season will run through April 2009. The new vessel includes a dramatic piazza-style atrium featuring small-bite eateries and an ever-changing array of performing street entertainers. Passengers will also enjoy Princess' other array of dining venues including the signature Sabatini's Italian trattoria and the Crown Grill steak and seafood restaurant, plus a relaxing oasis just for adults called The Sanctuary. Ruby Princess will also offer the many other innovations that define the Princess experience, including the popular Movies Under the Stars poolside movie screen, multiple entertainment options, Personal Choice Dining featuring traditional or Anytime seating, a relaxing Asian-style Lotus Spa with fitness center, an extensive children and teen's center, a wedding chapel and nearly 900 staterooms with private balconies – perfect for enjoying the scenic Caribbean islands.
MSC Cruises Offers Free Upgrades, the Best Fares & Best Rooms 
Enjoy a European Summer in 2009 with MSC Cruises and receive free category upgrades for all staterooms booked.
PLUS, Kids Sail for FREE with MSC! Why leave the bambini at home when MSC Cruises make it such a fun and exciting experience for kids of all ages? What's more, kids 17 years and younger always sail free* on every cruise. Take advantage of the complimentary kids program filled with entertainment, fun and games. The Mini Club is for children 3-9 years old and the Juniors Club is for kids 9-13. And your teens can never claim to be bored when they can participate in the Teen Club for ages 14-17, or visit the virtual reality games arcade.
*Kids 17 and under sail free when traveling with two adults in the same stateroom (some restrictions may apply.)
Norwegian Cruise Line Selected by Condé Nast Traveller
as a Leader in Social Responsibility
 Norwegian Cruise Line has been named a finalist in Condé Nast Traveler magazine's 2008 World Savers Awards. The awards honor 38 travel companies from around the world for their leadership in social responsibility in five key areas: poverty alleviation, cultural and/or environmental preservation, education, wildlife conservation and health.
The 2008 World Savers Awards are featured in the September issue of Condé Nast Traveler, which hit newsstands on Tuesday, August 19th. The World Savers Awards finalists will be recognized during an award ceremony on September 23rd, 2008, at the 2nd Annual Condé Nast Traveler World Savers Congress in New York City.
Last year, the company recycled 96 tons of cardboard, 206 tons of wood pallets, 275 cubic meters of cooking oil, 364 tons of plastics, 909 tons of scrap metal, and 1,813 tons of glass. This recycling effort avoided manufacturing from virgin materials, which further conserved precious natural resources. Norwegian Cruise Line also managed 253 tons of trash and food waste at a Waste-to-Energy (WTE) facility which generated enough electricity to fulfill the monthly needs of more than 575 homes. In 2007 alone, the recycling program saved 2,200 mature trees, 2,300 gallons of gas and 672,000 gallons of water. This translates to enough saved timber resources to produce more than 27.28 million sheets of newspaper; enough gasoline to drive more than 64,500 miles; and enough fresh water to meet the daily fresh water needs of more than 8,960 people. Norwegian Cruise Line began recycling used cooking oil from its ships at the Port of Miami in early 2007. More than 15,000 gallons of used cooking oil have been offloaded and donated to an organic farmer in Vero Beach, Fla., who converted the oil to 870 gallons of usable bio-diesel for his farming equipment. Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered the recycling of used lube oil, and routinely recycles plastics, aluminum, steel, batteries, oil sludge, and a wide variety of consumer products. Their ships recycle whenever and wherever it is feasible.
The company has invested heavily, not just on new environmental protection technology, but also on a shore-side environmental department and has placed trained environmental officers on board every ship. The company has also undertaken environmental training for all of its crew members, who make it a priority to separate recyclable materials from regular waste on board. Each of Norwegian Cruise Line's ships has state-of-the-art solid and liquid waste processing equipment on-board. The Advanced Wastewater Treatment System has been described as better than most land-based systems and the effluent from the system meets even the most stringent discharge standards of the U.S. Coast Guard and the State of Alaska. Norwegian Cruise Line tries to instill positive environmental habits amongst its young cruisers. Children who participate in Kid's Crew can learn about the importance of clean water, and the effects and prevention of marine pollution through Officer Snook's Water Pollution Program. Elements of the program are incorporated into the NCL Kid's Crew and include activities for kids of all ages. For kids ages 2-5, there are story-telling, coloring books and games. For pre-teens, there are crafts, a simulated "Beach Clean Up" activity, a "Catch or Release" game identifying endangered species, and an environmental poster contest. The program's teen component allows high school students to earn between one and five community service hours depending on their level of involvement in the program. These hours may be used at the teen's school as part of their community service allotment.
In 2008, Norwegian Pearl received the Port of San Francisco's Cruise Ship Environmental Award, and in 2007, Norwegian Sun was honored with the same award. The Port's program recognizes annually those cruise ships whose on-board environmental systems help decrease air and water pollution.
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