MBN: The Monte Bubbles Network

July 27

New Wilhelm Tell Express Tour Package From Rail Europe

A getaway to the breathtaking lake and mountain scenery of Switzerland is just the antidote to the summer doldrums.

Named after the legendary hero of Swiss independence, the new Wilhelm Tell Express Tour hotel and rail package from Rail Europe takes you from the jagged peaks and pine forests of the German-speaking Alpine heart of Switzerland (Lucerne) to the palm-fringed lakeshores and charming villages of the Italian-speaking south (Lugano or Locarno).

Offered May through October, the tour includes 1st class tickets on the fabled Wilhelm Tell Express scenic route connecting Lucerne and Lugano/Locarno, two nights in 3-star hotels (one each in Lucerne and Lugano/Locarno; upgrade to 4-star hotels available), and 1st class transfers by rail from any Swiss airport or border point to the starting and ending points of the tour. The tour package is priced at $395 US/$492 CAN per person (based on double occupancy), including mandatory seat reservations and a light meal on the boat. The journey may be booked in either direction.

Children under 16 travel for free with a paying adult. As a bonus, purchasers of the Wilhelm Tell Tour receive a 50% discount on any additional rail, boat, bus or cable car ticket if they wish to extend their stay in Lucerne or Lugano/Locarno.

Two cultures, two styles of travel

The 6-hour Wilhelm Tell Express is a study in contrasts: not only between German and Italian regions of Switzerland, but also in the pace and style of travel.

First you glide leisurely between Lucerne and Flüelen on star-shaped Lake Lucerne aboard an elegant old-fashioned paddle steamer -- with a light meal prepared in the beautifully restored boat restaurant.

Then you ride a train in wall-to-ceiling panoramic cars along the amazing Gotthard rail line, an engineering marvel with 32 tunnels and 13 viaducts through mountains, steep ravines and precipitous cliffs. Over the short course of 17.4 miles, the Gotthard line -- celebrating its 125th anniversary this year -- climbs 694 yards through spiral and horseshoe-shaped tunnels.

Pan Gottardo rotating seats -- a multimedia experience

To celebrate 125 years of the Gotthard line, a special Pan Gottardo panoramic observation car with 26 rotating seats is available on two departures daily in both directions. The seats allow an infinitely adjustable range of viewing angles. Headphones with a choice of languages provide information on sights, landscape and how the railroad was built. Flat screen panels show entertaining films throughout the journey.

For more information or to book the Wilhelm Tell Express Tour package, or any other Swiss or other European rail product or railpass for individual or group travel in more than 30 countries across Europe and the UK, consult a travel agent or log on to Rail Europe's web site, www.raileurope.com (in the U.S.) or www.raileurope.ca (Canada) or call Rail Europe at 1-888-382-7245 (U.S.) or 1-800-361-7245 (Canada).

Cruise America RV Celebrates Its 35th Anniversary With Milestones and Memories

Founded in 1972, Cruise America Is the largest RV Rental Company in the United States MESA, AZ In a time when travel trends come and go, at least one company has staying power: Cruise America RV. Celebrating its 35th anniversary this month, the organization is one of the oldest RV rental and sales companies in the world.

Cruise America has grown dramatically over the past three-and-a-half decades. From its roots in Florida, where Robert Smalley, Sr. -- a former president of car rental giant Hertz -- first opened up shop in 1972, the company has expanded from a small family operation to the largest RV rental company in the U.S., as well as one of the top sellers of used Class C motorhomes.

In 1993 Cruise America shifted operations to Mesa, Ariz., where it is still located today. Now operating 136 RV rental locations and 16 motorhome sales centers throughout the U.S. and Canada, the company has served nearly 1 million rental customers and sold more than 25,000 used RVs over its 35-year history.

Despite its rapid growth and national success, Cruise America still maintains its family-oriented focus. Top executives at the company include Robert Smalley, Jr. and Randall Smalley, both sons of founder Robert Smalley, Sr., with other family members holding key positions as well.

"Family ties have been integral to Cruise America's success since the start," says Robert Smalley, president of Cruise America. "We're a close-knit company, and we believe that this focus makes us better able to serve our customers, many of whom are families as well."

In fact, Cruise America is more than just a family business -- it's a legacy that dates back to the 1920s, Smalley adds.

"My great-grandfather, Frank Couture, was a pioneer in the car rental industry more than 80 years ago," Smalley says. "My brother and I represent the fourth generation of our family to dedicate ourselves to the vehicle rental business, and we couldn't be prouder about reaching this important milestone."

As the company celebrates its 35th anniversary, it plans to hold sales, promotions and specials throughout the year -- including giving a free GPS to RV buyers at any of the company's 13 U.S. sales locations between now and August 31. For details and restrictions on the GPS promotion, customers should visit www.cruiseamerica.com/35.

Cruise America RVs are available in compact, standard and large sizes, sleeping from four to seven people and offering a kitchen, bathroom and living area. For vacationers who'd rather drive their own vehicle, Cruise America also offers camping trailers for rent, as well as one-way RV rentals at locations across the U.S. and Canada.

Founded in Florida in 1972 and now based in Mesa, Ariz., Cruise America is the largest RV rental and sales company in the U.S., employing around 300 full-time employees in the U.S. and Canada during peak seasons. Family-owned and operated, Cruise America was founded by Robert Smalley, Sr., and is now led by his sons, CEO Randall Smalley and President Robert Smalley, Jr. Visit Cruise America online for more information or to find hot deals on used RVs for sale and read more about planning your RV vacation. France's New High Speed Rail Line, TGV East, Just Launched; Boosts Ticket Sales 65% Over Last Year

Build a high-speed rail line and they will come -- this has proven true time and again in Europe since the first high-speed line (Paris-Lyon) was launched.

History is repeating itself with the new TGV* East line, which opened today, slashing previous train travel times by one-third to one-half between Paris and eastern France (Reims, Metz, Nancy, Colmar, Strasbourg, etc), Germany, Luxembourg and Switzerland.

Since Rail Europe announced the availability of TGV East tickets (on April 10, 60 days before service started), the number of North American passengers buying tickets for these routes has increased an average of 65% over the same period last year (when journey times were longer). Some routes have seen ticket sales increase as much as 400% (Nancy-Strasbourg) or 368% (Paris-Stuttgart). On other routes, ticket sales are nearly double what they were during April-June 2006: Mulhouse-Paris (94%), Metz-Paris (92%), Paris-Strasbourg (84%).

Besides cutting travel times nearly in half, the launch of TGV East has also increased the frequency along routes to and within eastern France 15-20%, plus now there are many direct trains, where previously passengers had to transfer at intermediate stations.

High-speed rail has traditionally captured the major share of combined air/rail traffic along routes where train journeys are under 3 hours. The new TGV line is expected to garner 75% of the Paris-Strasbourg market within one year and eventually 90%. Air France previously announced plans to discontinue flights Paris-Metz in July.

Faster travel times

Between with TGV East Previous travel time

Paris-Reims 45 min. 1 hr. 35 min.

Paris-Nancy 1 hr. 30 min. 2 hr. 40 min.

Paris-Strasbourg 2 hr. 20 min. 4 hr.

Paris-Luxembourg 2 hr. 5 min. 3 hr. 35 min.

Paris-Zurich 4 hr. 32 min. 5 hr. 50 min.

Paris-Frankfurt 3 hr. 50 min. 6 hr. 15 min.

Paris-Stuttgart 3 hr. 40 min. 6 hr.

Ticket prices**

The following prices are for one-way, full-fare (fully exchangeable/refundable) tickets. Special offers will appear at www.raileurope.com (U.S.) or www.raileurope.ca (Canada).

Paris-Reims: $43 US/$51 CAD (2nd cl.) or $75 US/$88 CAD (1st)

Paris-Nancy: $76 US/$ 89 CAD (2nd) or $135 US/$ 158 CAD (1st)

Paris-Strasbourg: $ $96 US/$113 CAD (2nd) or $170 US/$199 CAD (1st)

Paris-Basel: $128 US / $150 CAD (2nd) or $193US / $226 CAD (1ST)

Paris-Stuttgart: $144 US/$169 CAD (2nd) or $250 US/ $293 CAD (1st)

A France Railpass -- which covers 3 days of unlimited rail travel throughout France within a one-month period -- starts at $227 US/$ 266 CAD. (Seat reservations, which are required on all TGVs, must be purchased separately). Holders of France Railpass receive special low Passholder fares on international routes (France-Germany, France-Switzerland or on Eurostar or Thalys high-speed trains) that can save 70-80% over regular fares. In addition, the pass provides discounts on Bateaux Parisiens cruises, city passes for Nancy and Strasbourg, museums, scenic rail journeys in other parts of France and more.

For more information or to book railpasses or tickets for individual or group travel on TGV East or high-speed, scenic, and overnight trains throughout Europe and the UK, consult a travel agent or log on to www.raileurope.com (U.S.) or www.raileurope.ca (Canada) or call Rail Europe at 1-888-382-7245 (U.S.) or 1-800-361-7245 (Canada).

Notes:

*TGV = Train a Grande Vitesse (French high-speed train)

**Prices subject to change. For the latest prices, log on to

June 7

Cruise Industry's Most Popular Blog Continues to Set Records, Offers Lighthearted Look at Shipboard Life

Carnival Freedom Senior Cruise Director John Heald's Postings Earn Top 25 Ranking Among WordPress.com's One Million Blogs, Attracting 300,000 Visitors

The on-line blog by Carnival Freedom Senior Cruise Director John Heald continues to grow in popularity and, last week for the first time, achieved a top 25 ranking among the more than one million blogs of WordPress.com, a leading blog-hosting service.

Heald's blog has been on a steady climb since it was introduced some 12 weeks ago. It first broke into the top 100 in mid-May and by early June it had moved up to number 23. During this time, the blog has attracted more than 300,000 visitors.

The blog, which is located at carnival.com/freedom, was launched in conjunction with the entry into service of the new Carnival Freedom in early March. "We thought the blog's popularity would probably peak during the first month from the curiosity over the new ship and then gradually start to decrease over time," said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO. "In fact, the exact opposite has happened, which is a testament not only to John's unique personality but also the work he puts forth in keeping his blog fresh and exciting for his readers," he added.

Heald, too, is surprised that the popularity keeps climbing. "I envisioned the blog as a simple recap of the day's events. However, it really has turned into more of a sounding board - not only serving as my own personal diary but also an open forum for readers to convey their own cruise experiences. To me, it's the perfect illustration on why cruising attracts such a diverse group of people. I consider the blog an extension of my cruise director duties and really cherish the opportunity to interact with readers on a regular basis."

Readers from all over the world have been attracted to Heald's blog and, according to posts, some are even booking cruises because of the blog. "That's been the most surprising thing," noted Heald. "This includes bookings on Carnival Freedom, other Carnival ships and even on some of our sister companies' ships. Among these are many first timers."

The blog has proven so popular that it has even inspired the "John Heald Bloggers Cruise" hosted by the popular cruise director aboard Carnival Freedom round-trip from Miami Jan. 19-26, 2008.

Through his blog, Heald provides a lighthearted account of life aboard the Carnival Freedom, with fascinating, humorous and sometime poignant tales of the guests and crewmembers he comes in contact with each day, all with his trademark wit and self-deprecating manner.

In keeping with Heald's vision of the blog as a forum for an open discussion on a wide-range of areas, a popular feature on the blog is a question-and-answer section in which he personally answers readers' queries about working aboard a cruise ship, the Carnival vacation experience, and various other cruise-related topics.

Heald's blog also shares stories about life aboard the Carnival Freedom with his wife, Heidi, the ship's assistant cruise director and occasional blog contributor. He also offers his own travel tips and recommendations, along with personal photos from Carnival Freedom's European cruises and even a recent trip to visit his parents in the UK.

One of the most popular cruise directors in the industry, Heald joined Carnival in 1986 as a bartender and, after transferring to the entertainment department, was named a social host three years later. He was promoted to cruise director in 1990 and in 2004 was named senior cruise director - currently the only individual to hold that position within the Carnival fleet.

Carnival is currently accepting reservations for the "John Heald Bloggers Cruise" aboard the Carnival Freedom, which will operate round-trip from Miami Jan. 19-26, 2008, and will visit three of Heald's favorite ports: Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman and Cozumel.

For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.

Carnival Cruise Lines, a unit of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), is a proud member of the exclusive World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises, and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to quality and value, our member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Together, we offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.

Source: Carnival Cruise Lines

Web site: http://www.carnivalcorp.com/
http://carnival.com/freedom

May 25

With all the different European railpasses available, how do you choose the right one? If you pick a pass that gives you more than you need, you've spent too much money, but buying "too small" a pass means you won't be covered for all the train travel you're planning.

To help guide you to the right choice, Rail Europe has just introduced an easy-to-use Pass Finder function on its website, www.raileurope.com [US] or www.raileurope.ca [Canada].

The Pass Finder is located on the homepage. Simply enter the country or countries you're planning on visiting, specifying the number of days you want to use the train and the number of days you'll be in each country -- and voilà, you will be presented with both first and second class options.

In addition to railpasses, Rail Europe also offers a wide range of point-to-point tickets for high-speed (such as Eurostar and Thalys), scenic and other trains. Passholders receive discounts on these special trains as well as other money-saving bonuses.

"With the Pass Finder, you don't have to be a rail expert, or wait to speak to one of our reservation agents to get advice on which pass or combination of passes to buy," says Fabrice Morel, President and CEO of Rail Europe. "Several thousand travelers to Europe have already tried the Pass Finder, and they appreciate its simplicity, accuracy and ease of use."

Rail Europe is the largest North American distributor of European rail travel products, with the broadest selection of railpasses, rail tickets on high-speed, scenic, and regional trains operating in more than 30 countries.

For more information or to book travel for individual or groups (10 or more) , contact a travel agent or Rail Europe at www.raileurope.com or by calling an experienced Rail Europe reservation agent at 1-888-382-7245 (U.S.) or 1-800-361-7245 (Canada).

May 22

the TV on the Internet Company, is changing the way the travel industry delivers information to its audience. Cutting-edge travel companies such as Britain's Best Breaks are using Narrowstep's industry-leading technology system, TelvOS(TM), to promote their destinations and services via broadband TV.

Internet TV allows travel companies to reach global audiences more economically than by other, more traditional, advertising and marketing tactics. Furthermore, Narrowstep's industry-leading technology allows for revenue streams from local and international travel merchants wishing to advertise directly to a highly targeted audience.

Britain's Best Breaks broadcasts half-hour, linear shows on Sky and http://www.britainsbestbreaks.tv/. These programs highlight the best of British travel to viewers worldwide who are looking to travel anywhere in the UK - from Land's End to John O'Groats.

"The travel sector has consistently led the way in adopting new technology and has always had a strong online presence," said David C. McCourt, Chairman and interim CEO of Narrowstep, Inc. "It isn't surprising that internet television is proving so popular. We're really excited to be working with Britain's Best Breaks and their partnership with us further proves that we really are the leaders in monetising high-quality, online content."

"Internet TV was the next vital step for us," said Stewart Rickersey, Managing Director of Richland Media Holdings, which owns Britain's Best Breaks. "We turned to Narrowstep because we needed partners who really knew the business and could advise us on how best to proceed. We know that travellers primarily look to the internet when researching destinations and by offering our program on broadband, we are making this an even more comprehensive experience."

About Narrowstep

Narrowstep(TM) Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: NRWS) , the TV on the Internet company, is a leading global provider of broadband television services. Narrowstep's proprietary technologies and customer-focused services enable TV channels to be delivered over the Internet. 100+ companies worldwide have chosen Narrowstep because it offers the most television-like and true community building broadband experience. The company's telvOS(TM) (Television Operating System(TM)) and nBed(TM) technologies enable the most comprehensive delivery of video to mobile, wireless, Internet, broadband, VOIP and entirely new IP-delivered broadcast services. For more information, visit www.narrowstep.com.

About Britainsbestbreaks.tv

Britain's Best Breaks is a dedicated half-hour travel programme that puts the spotlight on destinations in the UK. About to start its 5th series, the show continues to develop and showcase the very best that Britain has to offer. Helping people discover short break ideas, explore exciting new destinations, or rediscover old favourites is what Britain's Best Breaks is all about. For more information about Britain's Best Breaks, please visit www.britainsbestbreaks.tv.

CONTACT: Franklin Rae Communications - +44

Source: Narrowstep Inc.

May 9

-- The continued growth in the use of travel goods in everyday life led to record travel goods sales during 2006, according to a new report from the Travel Goods Association (TGA). Travel goods are defined as luggage, backpacks, travel/sports bags, business cases/computer bags, handbags, personal leather goods and luggage locks. TGA estimates that U.S. consumers spent a record $20.7 billion on travel goods in 2006, fueled by burgeoning consumer demand in virtually all travel goods categories.

"There are two factors driving the growth in sales," explains Michele Marini Pittenger, TGA's president. "First, more people are traveling today, and second, travel goods are becoming a part of our everyday life. Totes and backpacks were previously used mainly in schools and airports; today they are more and more common in the workplace. Handbags and business cases traditionally held personal items and important papers; but now they must also accommodate cell phones, iPods, PDAs and laptops. And consumers want all of these products to be smaller, stylish and lightweight."

With more and more demands being placed on the travel goods they use, consumers are demanding new and better products -- and the U.S. travel goods industry is delivering. "These changing demands mean consumers will no longer wait until their tote or briefcase wears out, but will instead buy the new backpack or briefcase to go with their new laptop or cell phone -- translating into a surge in demand for these items," commented Pittenger.

This growth, however, has curbed sales of more traditional travel goods such as luggage and handbags as people find alternatives that better suit their changing lifestyles.

Stated Pittenger, "Because consumers now buy travel goods because they 'need' them, they are focusing on new, functional, innovative and stylish products rather than simply comparing costs. This should lead to stabilizing prices after years of deflation, and since it looks like the consumers' appetite for well-designed, original and fashionable travel goods shows no signs of abating, 2007 should be another great year for the industry."

Here's a quick look at how TGA estimates each of the major travel goods categories performed in 2006:

Luggage

The key phrase for U.S. luggage sales in 2006 is "quality over quantity." Luggage sales faced new pressures as consumers continued to utilize less traditional travel goods -- like business cases/computer bags, travel/sports bags and backpacks -- for their travels. While TGA estimates that the unit volume of luggage sold in the United States slipped from the record sales set in 2005, the average price of each piece of luggage sold in 2006 jumped 22.1% over the 2005 average price -- showing that while consumers became more particular, they were willing to pay to get the exact piece of luggage they were looking for.

Backpacks

Backpacks are no longer restricted to school campuses and campgrounds, but are now ubiquitous, being seen everywhere from airports to board rooms. Why? Because U.S. travel goods firms have successfully transformed backpacks from something that just carries your books or your camping gear into cutting-edge, versatile and multi-functional products that can cross over to every aspect of consumers' lives and meet their varying lifestyles. And, consumers have responded. TGA estimates that unit volume sales surged 13.0% in 2006. Just as important, the average price of a backpack grew for the first time in years -- registering a small, but significant, 2.3% increase.

Travel/Sports Bags

While this category remains dominated by "freebies," or promotional bags used by companies to give away to customers and at conferences and events, the growth in the use of multi-functional totes, duffels and other travel/sports bags for both travel and everyday use led to a TGA-estimated 5.7% growth in sales in 2006. The average price paid by consumers for those bags also grew, increasing 8.6% in 2006.

Business Cases/Computer Bags

With U.S. travel goods firms producing innovative products to match the changing lifestyles of consumers -- providing versatile and fashionable business cases/computer bags for travel as well as for everyday use -- TGA estimates that consumers pushed unit volume sales in this category up 9.9% in 2006. Consumers also were willing to pay more for these inventive and increasingly stylish products, pushing up the price for the average business case/computer bag by 12.4%.

Handbags

If you only looked at the TGA-estimated 9.7% fall in unit volume sales of handbags in 2006, you might think women's fascination with owning multiple handbags was waning. And although some handbag purchases may have migrated to the business cases/computer bags or travel/sports bags category, a quick look at the estimated average price women paid for handbags, which surged 15.8% in 2006, should make you think twice. It seems that women just don't want any handbag anymore, they want "the" handbag -- and they are willing to pay for it.

Personal Leather Goods

In this category, it appears that U.S. travel goods firms are the victims of their own success. Having successfully incorporated pockets and/or holders for consumers' glasses, PDAs, cell phones, iPods and the many other goodies consumers use today into multi-functional business cases, computer bags, totes, backpacks, and handbags, U.S. travel goods firms have essentially eliminated the need for the personal leather goods that used to hold and protect these items. Further, the continued growth of MP3 players and PDAs have also slowed the need for CD cases and day planners, two traditional personal leather goods categories. As a result of these changes, TGA estimates that sales of personal leather goods have started to decline from their record highs of a few years ago, with 2006 down 4.1% from 2005.

Luggage Locks

With the rule changes implemented in 2006 restricting what you could carry onto airplanes -- from personal hygiene items to wrapped presents -- consumers were forced to carry many of these items in their checked luggage. Growing concerns about the safety of that checked luggage (and the new items they contained) led consumers to buy 3.3% more luggage locks in 2006.

May 7

In conjunction with its recently announced $250 million "Evolutions of Fun" ship refurbishment program, Carnival will re-brand its eight Fantasy-class ships by introducing an updated version of each ship's name as it appears on the vessel's hull, as well as in various marketing and collateral materials. As each ship goes into drydock for refurbishment, the name 'Carnival' and the company's logo will be combined with the vessel's name to provide an updated look and feel.

"The names of the majority of Carnival's ships which entered service starting in the latter 1990's begin with 'Carnival,' and those ships have become synonymous with expansive, high quality amenities and features," said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO. "As each of our Fantasy-class ships undergoes transformation to incorporate the wide-ranging enhancements under the 'Evolutions of Fun' initiative, it is only fitting that those vessels be re-branded to better align them with our other ships."

All marketing materials going forward will feature the new ship names Carnival Fantasy, Carnival Ecstasy, Carnival Sensation, Carnival Fascination, Carnival Imagination, Carnival Inspiration, Carnival Paradise and Carnival Elation.

As each ship goes into drydock to receive the "Evolutions of Fun" upgrades, signage on the ships' bow, stern and upper deck areas will be modified. Among the planned "Evolutions of Fun" enhancements are expansive children's water parks, a new design style and features for the pool areas, and the creation of the Serenity adults-only deck area.

Also being phased in and already in place on some ships are fully remodeled staterooms and suites, including new bathrooms, along with flat- screen televisions in staterooms and select public areas, atrium lobby bars, updated sound and lighting systems in various lounges and clubs, coffee bars, nine-hole miniature golf courses, new art and photo galleries, New York-style delis in the Lido restaurants, and purpose-built conference facilities. By 2009, upgrades to the entire Fantasy-class will be completed.

For additional information on the "Evolutions of Fun" initiative, visit www.carnival.com/evolutions. For cruise information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.

Carnival Cruise Lines, a unit of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL) (NYSE:CUK) , is a proud member of the exclusive World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises, and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to quality and value, our member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Together, we offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.

Source: Carnival Cruise Lines

Web site: http://www.carnivalcorp.com/
http://www.carnival.com/evolutions

May 4

North to Alaska: Holland America Line Launches 2007 Seattle - Alaska Cruise Season

-- Underscoring the popularity of Alaska as a favorite vacation destination, Holland America Line kicks off its Seattle to Alaska cruise season tomorrow with versatile programs offering expanded optional excursions and destinations.

"No other cruise offers such a sweeping and majestic view of Alaska than what guests experience onboard a premium Holland America Line cruise," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales, and guest programs for Holland America Line. "From the Inside Passage to Glacier Bay, we've crafted a wonderful choice of itineraries and optional excursions that showcase the this beautiful cruising destination, providing our guests with an exceptional experience."

With roundtrip sailings from Seattle, Holland America boasts 58 Alaskan Explorer departures with port calls to Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and Victoria, BC. Two new Vista ships -- the ms Noordam (Sunday departures) and the ms Oosterdam (Saturdays) -- join the flagship ms Amsterdam (Fridays). The Noordam visits Glacier Bay on all departures while the Amsterdam visits either Tracy Arm and Sawyer Glaciers, or Glacier Bay. The Oosterdam continues cruising to the immense Hubbard Glacier or Wrangell-St.Elias National Park.

Drawing from numerous Washington-based vendors and suppliers, Holland America Line's cruise operations have a significant economic impact locally and statewide. Based on five ships scheduled for 64 cruises with a combined total of nearly 115,000 passengers, Holland America Line estimates the total statewide benefit to be approximately $469 million. Direct spending in Seattle is estimated to be $170 million and $199 million statewide.

For the 2007 cruises to Alaska brochure, contact a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

- www.hollandamerica.com -

About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE:CCL) (NYSE:and) (NYSE:CUK) ]

Holland America Line's fleet of 13 ships offers nearly 500 cruises to more than 320 ports. Two- to 108-day itineraries visit all seven continents, including Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia and Grand World Voyages; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal.

In the 2006 Portrait of Affluent Travelers survey by Yesawich, Pepperdine, Brown and Russell, Holland America Line topped the list of cruise lines sought after by affluent leisure travelers. Its recently completed $225 million fleetwide Signature of Excellence enhancements added features such as the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine -- a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and classes -- Explorations Cafe powered by The New York Times, teens-only activity areas and all new stateroom amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream Beds. For more information, consult a travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877- 724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

World's Leading Cruise Lines

Among the highest-rated cruise lines in the world, Holland America Line is a member of the exclusive World's Leading Cruise Lines alliance, which also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Seabourn Cruise Line, and Costa Cruises. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, these lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. The World's Leading Cruise Lines offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.

  AKCruises 07  

April 27

Hundreds Gather for 'School Assembly' Event to Honor Pilots, Teachers, and Students Who Have Contributed to the School-to-Career Mentorship Program

What if you could inspire struggling students to believe in themselves -- and in their future careers?

What if you could ignite a students' desire to pursue a degree in science,

math, writing, or other fields? What if you could look back on the past ten

years and see that you made a difference?

Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) today celebrated the contribution of

hundreds of Pilots who have helped make a difference in their local

communities by volunteering in the Southwest Airlines Adopt-A-Pilot community

education program that is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year. The

"school assembly" style event included hundreds of Employees, Southwest

leadership, and special VIP guests who cheered amid sky-high confetti as

Southwest Airlines unveiled a Boeing 737-700 plane dedicated to the Adopt-A-

Pilot program.

The plane unveiling marked the finale of the event that included comments

from Southwest CEO Gary Kelly, President Colleen Barrett, and former NASA

Astronaut turned Southwest Pilot, Captain Robert "Hoot" Gibson. Also featured

was a "class reunion" with "original" Pilots who have volunteered in the

program continuously since 1997, including Phoenix-based Captain Jesus Melian,

who was reunited with former Adopt-A-Pilot student Chun Mei Yu. Melian

mentored Yu's class several years ago at a small Connecticut school. She is

now pursuing a nursing degree at the University of Connecticut and credits

Adopt-A-Pilot with helping inspire her when she was a young immigrant,

acclimating to her new life in the United States.

"Ten years ago, Southwest Airlines launched a fledgling education and

community relations program called Adopt-A-Pilot with the hope that we could

unite at least 50 Pilots with 50 classrooms," says Colleen Barrett, Southwest

Airlines President. "Today, more than 650 Pilots are volunteering in

classrooms coast-to-coast, reaching more than 30,000 students. We couldn't be

more proud to work with the exemplary teachers and students who have made this

program possible. And our hats are off to the Pilots for their personal

investment of time and energy, as they exemplify the Southwest Spirit that our

Employees share in every community, every day."

Other event highlights included a presentation to two Adopt-A-Pilot

students who created winning designs for the official Adopt-A-Pilot 2007 Tie.

The Adopt-A-Pilot ties are worn year round by Pilot program participants as a

uniform piece. The winning students from Tucson, Arizona, and Glencoe,

Illinois, attended today's event along with their parents and teachers.

Each year from February through May, fifth-grade students across the

country "adopt" Southwest Airlines Pilots in this award-winning educational

mentorship program that leads students through a variety of core subjects with

an aviation twist. Students learn to research careers, develop life values,

and realize the importance of achieving and staying in school. During the

four-week long mentorship program, Pilots volunteer their time in adoptive

classrooms and correspond from the "road" via e-mail, postcards, and the

program blog at http://www.adoptapilot.blogs.com . Classrooms chart the

Pilot's course on an official United States map and complete lessons covering

a broad range of subjects - all related to the Pilot's monthly flying

schedule. Program curriculum and other program details can be viewed at

Southwest Airlines, the nation's largest carrier in terms of domestic

passengers enplaned, currently serves 63 cities in 32 states. Based in Dallas,

Southwest currently operates more than 3,200 flights a day and has 32,000+

Employees systemwide.

 April 18

The rumble will be loud and the chrome brightly polished when more than 70,000 motorcycle enthusiasts roar into Laughlin April 25-29 for the 25th annual Laughlin River Run. Started in 1983 with only 426 people, this annual event has grown to become the largest ride-in motorcycle rally in the West, with hundreds of vendors, exhibits and top-name entertainment.

In addition to the giant trade show exhibit areas in casino parking lots along the length of Casino Drive, annual special events include Poker Runs, Custom Bike Show, Miss Laughlin River Run Pageant and test rides on new Harley-Davidson motorcycles, the official motorcycle of the 25th Annual Laughlin River Run available at the Harley-Davidson factory display.

"The Laughlin River Run has everything one would desire from a resort destination coupled with all the manufacturers, distributors, exhibits and entertainment a biker would want," said Joe O'Day, Laughlin River Run organizer. "That's what makes the River Run so unique among bike rallies. There is so much, you can park your motorcycle when you first arrive in Laughlin and never get back on it until you leave."

Top-name entertainment runs throughout the weekend with performances scheduled by classic rock band ZZ Top at the Aquarius Amphitheater, The Fabulous Thunderbirds in Don's Celebrity Theatre, Warrant & LA Guns at the Pioneer Hotel & Gambling Hall and Grammy Award winning blues Guitarist Jonny Lang in the Rio Vista Amphitheater at Harrah's Laughlin.

Among the exhibits set up all along Casino Drive will be a Rolling Art Custom Motorcycle display at the Golden Nugget featuring the creations of Arlen Ness, Corey Ness, Russell Mitchell, and Gard Hollinger -- all veterans of the Discovery Channel's Great Biker Build-Off series and American Thunder TV. The Speed Channel will again be on the scene to produce an episode of the American Thunder TV show.

Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep is an official presenting sponsor of the Laughlin River Run and will have the newest Daimler Chrysler concept vehicles and new 2007 Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep models on display. The Jack Daniels traveling museum also will be part of this year's Laughlin River Run.

The Laughlin River Run raises money for charity each year through the Laughlin River Run Foundation. Last years benefactors included Easter Seals, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Colorado River, Colorado River Food Bank, Silver Rider Christmas Fund and American Heroes Foundation, which benefits veterans in the region.

Official River Run event registration starts Wednesday, April 25, in the Starview Showroom located on the second floor at Don Laughlin's Riverside Resort. The $45 fee includes an official event bandana, commemorative ride pin, souvenir program and a chance to win a new 2007 Harley-Davidson FXST Deuce and Harley-Davidson merchandise certificates. For information, visit www.laughlinriverrun.com

River Run History

Dal-Con Promotions, Inc., is the originator and official promoter of the Laughlin River Run. Founder Dale Marschke was a franchised Harley-Davidson dealer in Southern California seeking a destination to ride with his customers for a weekend of fun. Dale was a frequent visitor to the area once known as South Point, and became acquainted with Don Laughlin, who had re-opened a bankrupt casino. The town was soon renamed after him. Dale's frequent visits forged a relationship that set the stage for the first River Run in 1983, with just 426 participants. Since then, motorcycle enthusiasts have made the annual trek each April to Laughlin for what has become the largest motorcycle event on the West Coast, with over 70,000 participants meeting at the Colorado River to enjoy four days of fun in the sun.

About Laughlin

Located 90 miles south of Las Vegas, Laughlin offers visitors a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. This city by the river has grown to include nine resorts with affordable first-class accommodations, 24-hour casino gaming, gourmet dining and outlet shopping. Laughlin, a unique resort destination that welcomes nearly 5 million visitors annually, has also become one of the leading special event destinations in the Southwest. From world-class rodeo action to daring desert racing to an amateur long-drive golf competition, Laughlin has plenty to offer the adventurous spectator.

Source: Dal-Con Promotions, Inc.

.

Web site: http://www.laughlinriverrun.com/

April 16

From luaus to loons, Celebrity Cruises' most recent slate of itinerary openings offers unforgettable experiences sure to please nature lovers, wine enthusiasts, and cruise aficionados. Yesterday, the top-rated line opened 2008 bookings for its Alaska, Hawaii, Pacific Northwest and Panama Canal seasons as well as for some of its 2009 sailings.

Alaska

-- Celebrity Infinity will bookend her Alaska season with "Ultimate

Alaska" itineraries. The first is an 11-night itinerary northbound from

San Francisco, California, on April 28, 2008, arriving in Vancouver,

British Columbia on May 9. The second is southbound out of Vancouver on

September 19, 2008, with a 14-night itinerary that arrives in San

Francisco on October 3. Both sailings feature ports of call in Alaska

and British Columbia; the southbound trip includes stops in Washington

and Oregon.

-- Celebrity Millennium will kick off her 2008 Alaska season with a 14-

night "Ultimate Alaska" itinerary, sailing roundtrip from San Francisco

on May 5. On May 19, Celebrity Millennium will sail an 11-night West

Coast and Alaska cruise from San Francisco to Vancouver. The end of

Celebrity Millennium's Alaska season features another 14-night

"Ultimate Alaska" sailing on September 22 from Vancouver to San Diego,

California.

-- Celebrity Mercury will sail a 14-night "Golden Gate to Alaska" cruise

from San Francisco to Vancouver on April 27.

-- Between May and September, Celebrity Infinity will sail a series of

seven-night Hubbard Glacier itineraries roundtrip from Seattle,

Washington. Celebrity Millennium will alternate between seven-night

northbound and southbound sailings between Seward, Alaska and

Vancouver. During the same months, Celebrity Mercury will sail a series

of seven-night Hubbard Glacier itineraries roundtrip from Vancouver

before an eight-night trip from Vancouver to Seattle on September 14.

-- Celebrity Millennium's May 30 northbound sailing will be the vessel's

first sailing of the season that offers the line's Alaska cruisetour

packages.

-- Beginning May 11, cruisetour packages are available for all of

Celebrity Mercury's 2008 sailings roundtrip from Vancouver, including

the opportunity to explore the Canadian Rockies or Whistler either

before or after an Alaska Hubbard Glacier cruise. With the 2008 season,

the line is introducing a Frasier Discovery tour offered exclusively in

conjunction with Celebrity Mercury's sailings. During this tour, guests

will travel through the unique northern interior of British Columbia,

and includes stops at Calgary, Banff, Jasper, Quesnell, Whistler, and

Vancouver.

California/Pacific Northwest

-- Before the Alaska season, Celebrity Mercury will sail three seven-night

and one eight-night Pacific Coastal cruises roundtrip from San

Francisco beginning March 29, 2008, with stops in Oregon, Washington

and British Columbia. The eight-night itinerary also visits Monterey,

California.

-- At the end of the 2008 Alaska season, Celebrity Mercury will offer a

series of three- and four-night Pacific Northwest sailings roundtrip

out of Seattle.

-- On October 13, Celebrity Mercury will sail a nine-night wine cruise

from Vancouver to San Diego, featuring stops in British Columbia,

Washington, Oregon, and California, including an overnight stay in San

Francisco.

-- On September 19, Celebrity Millennium will present a three-night

British Columbia cruise roundtrip from Vancouver.

Hawaii

-- On March 16, 2008, Celebrity Mercury will sail a 12-night Hawaii

northbound cruise from Honolulu, Hawaii to Ensenada, Mexico, featuring

overnight stays in both Honolulu and Kailua Kona, Hawaii.

-- On October 6, 2008, Celebrity Millennium will sail an 11-night Hawaii

southbound cruise from Ensenada to Honolulu, featuring overnight stays

in Lahaina and Honolulu.

-- On October 22, November 6, and December 19, 2008, and on February 28

and March 15, 2009, Celebrity Mercury will sail 15-night Hawaii

itineraries roundtrip out of San Diego. The November sailing features

an evening sail around Mount Kilauea, and the October and December

sailings include an overnight stay in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii.

Panama Canal

-- On April 13, 2008, Celebrity Infinity will sail a 15-night Panama Canal

cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to San Francisco, with stops in

Jamaica, Colombia, Costa Rica and Mexico.

-- On April 20, 2008, Celebrity Millennium will sail a 15-night Panama

Canal cruise from Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco.

-- Celebrity Infinity will sail a 16-night Panama Canal cruise from San

Francisco to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on October 3, 2008. Celebrity

Infinity will also sail two 14-night Panama Canal cruises from Fort

Lauderdale to San Diego on October 19, 2008, and March 29, 2009, and a

13-night Panama Canal cruise from San Diego to Fort Lauderdale on

November 2.

-- Celebrity Mercury will sail a 14-night eastbound Panama Canal itinerary

from San Diego to Fort Lauderdale on November 21, 2008, and return west

on another 14-night sailing between the same cities on December 5. In

2009, Celebrity Mercury will sail transcanal sailings between Fort

Lauderdale and San Diego on January 3, January 17, January 31, February

14 and March 30.

Celebrity Cruises offers comfortably sophisticated, upscale cruise experiences with highly personalized service, exceptional dining, and extraordinary attention to detail. Celebrity sails in Alaska, Antarctica, Bermuda, California, Caribbean, Europe, Galapagos Islands, Hawaii, Mexican Riviera, Panama Canal and South America, and will begin sailing in Australia and New Zealand this year. The line also offers unique land-tour vacations in Alaska, Canada, Europe and Australia through its cruisetour affiliate. Noted for "The World's Best Large Ships," as voted by the readers of Conde' Nast Traveler (February 2007 Cruise Poll), Celebrity's current fleet will be joined by Celebrity Journey and Celebrity Quest this year, Celebrity Solstice in 2008, Celebrity Equinox in 2009, and Celebrity Eclipse in 2010. For more information, call your travel agent, dial 1-800-437-3111 or visit www.celebritycruises.com.

Source: Celebrity Cruises

Web site: http://www.royalcaribbean.com/

April 10

One week after the French broke the new world speed record for steel-wheel-on-steel-rails (357 mph) and 60 days before the start of commercial service, tickets and schedules for the newest high-speed TGV* rail line, TGV East, are available from Rail Europe. Rail Europe is a subsidiary of the French National Railroads (SNCF) and the largest North American supplier of European rail travel.

TGV East will cut current train travel times by one-third to one-half between 20 destinations in France, as well as between Paris and 10 destinations in Germany, Switzerland and Luxembourg. The frequency of service will increase by 15-20% along the new line, which runs from Paris east through the Champagne, Lorraine and Alsace regions of France, serving cities such as Reims, Nancy, Metz and Strasbourg. The new line also provides faster rail connections from eastern France to other regions, including Ile-de-France, northern, western and southeastern France -- to cities such as Lille, Bordeaux, and Nantes. [See table comparing current and new travel times below.]

65% increase in rail travel expected -- half of this at expense of air

The French National Railroads (SNCF) expects TGV East to increase the number of rail passengers traveling along the route by 65% in the first year. Half of that growth will come from those who currently fly, the other half from either those who now drive or entirely new passengers who will decide to travel because of the convenience of the new rail service. "These predictions are in line with what has historically happened whenever a high-speed rail line is launched," explains Fabrice Morel, President and CEO of Rail Europe.

Faster, more comfortable trains

The world record run on April 5 took place on a section of the new TGV East track using a specially-modified train. Standard operating speed for TGV East service, starting June 10, will be 199 mph (320 km/hr) -- faster than any other train in Europe. Top speed of current TGV (and other European high-speed) trains is 186 mph (300 km/hr).

With interiors designed by Christian Lacroix, the new TGV East trains will not only be faster, but more comfortable: more spacious reclining seats, adjustable lighting and special "family" areas with game board tables, as well as electrical outlets at each 1st class seat and more legroom in 2nd class. Passengers in 1st class can also reserve (onboard the train) a taxi for their arrival in Paris or Strasbourg Monday-Friday. "Meeting spaces" for 2-3 people and 4 electrical outlets make it easy for business travelers to work along the way.

Five stations on the TGV East route have Wi-Fi access, 21 stations (including Paris East and Strasbourg) have been thoroughly modernized and renovated, and three new TGV stations have been built, which offer connections to nearby towns by frequent regional trains or shuttle buses.

Emphasis on Service

Onboard each train and each platform served by TGV East, there will be train managers who can help passengers with information about connecting trains/tracks at each stop.

In preparation for the launch of TGV East, SNCF created a Service University to educate station and train personnel on customer-oriented service.

Faster travel times

Between with TGV East (from June 10) Current time

Paris-Reims 45 min. 1 hr. 35 min.

Paris-Nancy 1 hr. 30 min. 2 hr. 40 min.

Paris-Strasbourg 4 hr. 2 hr. 20 min.

Paris-Luxembourg 2 hr. 5 min. 3 hr. 35 min.

Paris-Zurich 4 hr. 32 min. 5 hr. 50 min.

Paris-Frankfurt 3 hr. 50 min. 6 hr. 15 min.

Ticket prices**

The following prices are for one-way, full-fare (fully exchangeable/refundable) tickets. Special offers will appear at www.raileurope.com.

Paris-Reims: $43 US/$51 CAD (2nd cl.) or $75 US/$88 CAD (1st)

Paris-Nancy: $76 US/$89 CAD (2nd) or $135 US/$158 CAD (1st)

Paris-Strasbourg: $96 US/$113 CAD (2nd) or $170 US/$199 CAD (1st)

Paris-Basel: $128 US /$150 CAD (2nd) or $193 US /$226 CAD (1st)

Paris-Stuttgart: $144 US/$169 CAD (2nd) or $250 US/$293 CAD (1st)

A France Railpass -- which covers 3 days of unlimited rail travel throughout France within a one-month period -- starts at $227 US/$ 266 CAD. (Seat reservations, which are required on all TGVs, must be purchased separately).

For more information or to book railpasses or tickets for individual or group travel on TGV East or trains throughout Europe and the UK, consult a travel agent or log on to www.raileurope.com (U.S.) or www.raileurope.ca (Canada) or call Rail Europe at 1-888-382-7245 (U.S.) or 1-800-361-7245 (Canada).

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