Jan 16

MGM Grand Dazzles the Travel Industry With the Most 2007 AAA Diamond Awards

MGM Grand Earns 14 Diamond Designations for Exceptional Level of Hospitality and Service

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 15 AAA has awarded MGM Grand more 2007 AAA Diamonds under one roof than any other hotel in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico. These highly prestigious honors follow a multi-year evolution that has redefined MGM Grand as the ultimate Las Vegas experience.

  MGM Grand's coveted AAA Diamond accolades include:    * Five Diamond Award Winners:      - SKYLOFTS at MGM Grand       ** Sleek and elegant two-story accommodations atop MGM Grand      - Joel Robuchon       ** Sumptuous French cuisine by legendary Chef Joel Robuchon with two          distinct tasting menus and an a la carte menu    * Four Diamond Award Winners:      - MGM Grand Hotel & Casino       ** World's largest hotel to hold the AAA Four Diamond distinction      - L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon       ** The chef's celebrated cuisine in an accessible, informal style      - Fiamma Trattoria and Bar       ** A stylish outpost of the highly successful Manhattan restaurant          featuring regional Italian specialties      - NOBHILL       ** A Michael Mina restaurant inspired by the traditional neighborhood          restaurants throughout San Francisco and offers fresh products from          the Bay Area      - SEABLUE       ** Adam Tihany-designed restaurant with Michael Mina's fun and          innovative menu built around "jet fresh" seafood dishes and fresh          seasonal produce      - Craftsteak       ** Five-time James Beard award-winning Chef Tom Colicchio elevates the          definition of a steakhouse      - Shibuya       ** A Japanese dining experience using traditional ingredients with          modern techniques and an unrivaled sake cellar      - Pearl       ** Authentic Chinese specialties, live seafood and a product-driven          menu along with a tea trolley -- unique to Chinese restaurants in          the U.S.    * Three Diamond Award Winners:      - Diego       ** Bold vibrancy of traditional Mexican cuisine combined with          sophisticated sensibility for a thoroughly modern dining experience      - Grand Wok and Sushi Bar       ** A wide array of Asian cuisine created by chefs who specialize in          authentic Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Korean and Vietnamese dishes      - Emeril Lagasse's New Orleans Fish House       ** A welcoming atmosphere and 'new' New Orleans Seafood that Emeril          Lagasse has become synonymous with      - Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill       ** Celebrity Chef Wolfgang Puck's restaurant that modernizes the          traditional "bar and grill" concept with fun and approachable          dining  

Today's MGM Grand provides the best of everything visitors come to Las Vegas to find. Featuring star chefs and restaurants, exhilarating nightlife, top-name entertainment and luxurious accommodations, MGM Grand truly embodies "Maximum Vegas." With 5,044 guest rooms and suites, MGM Grand is the world's largest hotel to hold the AAA Four Diamond designation.

"To be recognized as the U.S. property with the most AAA Diamond designations is a testament to the resort's quality of service and amenities and our commitment to delivering an unforgettable Las Vegas experience," said MGM Grand President & COO Gamal Aziz.

MGM Grand has been transformed in recent years. The evolution of MGM Grand began in 2001 with the opening of Michael Mina's NOBHILL. In 2002, MGM Grand continued on the path to delivering exceptional culinary offerings with the introduction of Pearl, a contemporary Chinese dining experience, and Tom Colicchio's Craftsteak. MGM Grand set the Las Vegas nightlife scene on fire in 2003 with the February introduction of Tabu -- a chic, cosmopolitan ultra lounge designed by the renowned Jeffrey Beers.

The outstanding restaurant introductions continued in 2003 with the opening of Stephen Hanson's Fiamma Trattoria and Michael Mina's SEABLUE. Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill and Emeril Lagasse's New Orleans Fish House were redesigned offering fun and approachable dining. Diego -- Las Vegas' only AAA Three Diamond Mexican restaurant -- combines the bold vibrancy of traditional Mexican cuisine with sophisticated sensibility for a thoroughly modern dining experience. With the opening of Shibuya, MGM Grand brought together the finest culinary, beverage and design talent available to deliver the most creative Japanese dining experience in Las Vegas.

In January 2005, MGM Grand unveiled SKYLOFTS -- a rare and private sanctuary of 51 two-story accommodations with expansive views of the Las Vegas skyline. SKYLOFTS provides the quintessential Loft environment and the height of personalized attention including Dream, Spa and Music Butlers, 24-hour concierge service, luggage packing and unpacking services, pre-engraved stationery and much more.

In 2005 MGM Grand premiered Cirque du Soleil's KA, an awe-inspiring theatrical production that combines acrobatic performances, martial arts, puppetry, multimedia and pyrotechnics to illustrate the nature of duality.

In March 2005, MGM Grand brought new gusto to the gaming world with the openings of its Race & Sports Book, a smoke-free poker room and Centrifuge, a 77-seat bar on the casino floor featuring live entertainment and an innovative drink menu. In the same month, West Wing, a 700-room, boutique-style wing of the resort, opened offering both style and comfort. The West Wing lobby features separate elevator access and a boutique as well as the West Wing Bar, a great place to hang out before or after a night out.

Culinary history was made in Las Vegas with the opening of Joel Robuchon and L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon at MGM Grand in September 2005. These exceptional restaurants are the legendary chef's first dining ventures in the United States.

Michael Geeser, AAA Nevada spokesperson, said, "MGM Grand is truly setting new marks in Las Vegas for style and service. The Strip property is absolutely raising the bar in its attention to detail while providing its customers with a fabulous experience."

MGM Grand continues to evolve and meet the needs of the world's most discerning travelers. In June 2006, The Signature at MGM Grand opened as a luxurious all-suite hotel offering guests a serene retreat in a smoke-free, non-gaming environment where the focus is on personalized service. The Signature's Tower 2 debuted last month and Tower 3's anticipated opening is May 2007.

Award-winning restaurants, world-class entertainment and a celebrated spa and salon combined with superior service, luxurious accommodations and a grand pool complex provide MGM Grand's "Maximum Vegas" experience and is the reason why the resort has received more AAA Diamonds than any other hotel in the U.S.

AAA Diamond Awards

AAA evaluates more than 57,000 hotels and restaurants across the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean each year. To receive a AAA Diamond award, hotels and restaurants must meet a list of strict criteria as determined by AAA tourism editors and trained professionals.

MGM Grand

For room availability and additional information on MGM Grand, call (800) 929-1111 or (702) 891-7777 or log onto www.mgmgrand.com.

Source: MGM MIRAGE

Record Year for Eurostar as More Travelers Switch From Airlines

£518 Million in Sales -- up 11% Over 2005; 7.85 Million Travelers Carried -- up More Than 5%; 17% Increase in Passengers Buying Flexible Fares; Punctuality Reaches 91.5% -- up From 86.3% in 2005; Rail Europe North American Sales up 30% Each Month August-December January 12, 2007 -- Eurostar, the high-speed passenger train service linking the UK with France and Belgium, saw record sales and traveler numbers in 2006, as it attracted thousands of passengers from the airlines.

Sales topped half a billion pounds for the first time, rising 11.7% from £463.8 million to £518.3 million. North American sales of Eurostar tickets by Rail Europe, Eurostar's official North American representative, increased 6% for the year, with exceptionally strong sales August-December, with an average monthly increase of 30%.

A total of 7.86 million travelers chose Eurostar in 2006, up 5.4% over 2005. Of those, more than 200,000 bought tickets in North America from Rail Europe. Globally, the largest increase (17%) was in the number of passengers buying fully flexible Business Premier tickets. Rail Europe reports similarly a growth in the number of higher-priced flexible tickets sold in North America. More than 43% of Rail Europe's Eurostar tickets were sold in 2006 via the company's recently revamped Web sites.

91.5% punctuality and new fare range help growth

Punctuality in 2006 was a record 91.5%, far outstripping airline competitors on the London-Paris and London-Brussels routes. Latest figures from the UK's Civil Aviation Authority show that punctuality at London's airports remains around 70%, as in previous years.

Increased security at airports since the summer and foggy weather in the UK before Christmas meant thousands of passengers switched from airlines to Eurostar. Many of these travelers were using Eurostar for the first time, and it is estimated that 1,000 business travelers per week have now permanently transferred from flying to taking the high-speed train.

Another contributing factor to ticket sales growth was the introduction in August 2006 of a new fare range for Eurostar tickets in North America. The new range offers more options for low fares and fewer restrictions on lower-priced fares.

"We believe that the combination of the new fare range, fast travel times, excellent punctuality, frequent service between city-centers and the lower hassle factor compared to air travel explains the very strong North American sales we saw in the last part of 2006," said Fabrice Morel, President and CEO of Rail Europe.

Richard Brown, CEO of Eurostar, said: "Travelers are discovering that international connections are easier than they imagined. I am delighted at the strong growth in the number of business travelers, who are discovering the punctuality and productivity advantages that Eurostar offers compared with the experience of flying. Many more travelers are being attracted by the environmental benefits of using high-speed rail instead of short-haul air. We expect 2007 to be another good year."

Traveling at speeds up to 186 mph, Eurostar currently makes the London-Paris journey in 2 hrs 35 min, London-Brussels in 2 hrs 15 minutes on the fastest schedules. Fares start at just $94 US/$110 CAD one-way between London-Paris (or London-Brussels). Travel times will shrink even more this November 14 when the last segment of UK high-speed track is completed. On November 14, 2007 Eurostar's London terminal moves overnight from Waterloo International and services will launch from the new central London station, St. Pancras International. More than 70 million travelers have ridden Eurostar since the launch of service in 1994.

For more information visit www.eurostar.com or contact Rail Europe, Eurostar's official North American representative at www.raileurope.com (U.S.) or www.raileurope.ca (Canada) or call 1-800-EUROSTAR (1-800-387-6782) in the U.S. or Canada.

Dec 22

RailPass.com Announces Last Chance 10-Day Eurail Special and Free Cell Phone

December 22, 2006 -- Railpass.com, the one-stop-shop for rail tickets and passes covering Europe, Australasia, Asia and the Americas, is encouraging customers to take advantage of 2006 Eurail pass prices before prices rise in 2007. In addition to offering a wide selection of Eurail passes for travel within the first 6 months of 2007 at 2006 prices, which can offer savings of up to $150, Railpass.com will be offering free shipping on all purchases, as well as a free pre-loaded international cell phone on purchases over $500. Customers should act now -- the giveaways and specials start at 5 AM on December 22th and end December 31st at noon (eastern standard time).

"Anyone planning to travel to Europe before June 30th should most definitely take action and buy their Eurail passes now," says Mike Fuller, President of Railpass.com. "We're happy to reward these wise customers with extras like free shipping and international cell phones to help them save money and have a great trip."

Eurail News for 2007

The Eurail network, which already covers Austria (including Lichtenstein), Belgium, Denmark, France (including Monaco), Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, the Netherlands, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Romania, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland, is due to further expand in 2007 with the Eurail National Pass, which is ideal for covering one country in depth, and will be available for the Benelux countries (including the Netherlands), Croatia, Ireland, Italy and Portugal. The Eurail Regional Passes, which allow unlimited travel within 2 bordering countries, will expand to include Austria, Hungary, Italy and Spain in addition to the 16 countries already available.

About Railpass.com

Railpass.com is the largest single rail pass and ticket outlet in the U.S., and over 100,000 rail travelers have purchased train travel products from Railpass.com. Recommended by the best-selling guidebooks, "Europe by Eurail" and "Britain by Britrail," Railpass.com's experienced agents have been helping fellow travellers for over 20 years. The Railpass.com call center (1-877-RAILPASS) and exclusive online help tools cut through the confusion of over 5,000 pass combinations, and passes can be shipped out the same day. In addition to unmatched experience and service, Railpass.com offers the choice of free guidebooks, discount coupons, accommodations or free shipping for all online orders over $349 US. Railpass.com is a division of Wandrian, Inc.

For more information or to book rail tickets, go to: http://www.railpass.com

About Wandrian, Inc.

Wandrian is a leading global travel distributor and technology developer for rail products and services. Wandrian provides travel agents with a cost-effective, easy-to-use site for selling rail at RailAgent.com. The company provides technology, marketing, and fulfillment services to help lower distribution costs for railways and travel companies, and also powers specific international rail travel sites, including Italiarail.com. Wandrian, based in White Plains, NY, and with offices in Newton, MA, was founded in 2000, and is funded by Brook Venture Partners and Boston Capital Ventures. The company's customers and partners include many of the top international travel companies and railroads. For more information visit www.wandrian.com or call 617-630-0250 ext. 297.

Wandrian, RailPass.com, RailAgent.com and RailAgent are trademarks of Wandrian, Inc. All other products and services are trademarks of their respective companies.

LAX Officials Offer "Smart Traveler" Tips for Hassle-Free Holiday Travel

 December 22, 2006 -- More than 1.75 million travelers are expected to pass through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) during the year-end holiday season between Friday, Dec. 22 through Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2007. Airport officials offer the following "Smart Traveler" tips for a hassle-free trip:

Before arriving at LAX, passengers should remember:

--  Do not pack or bring prohibited items to LAX, especially those that     resemble any type of weapon.  Replicas of guns, lighters shaped like guns,     belt buckles shaped like grenades, and other similar items delay passenger     or checked-luggage screening while officials determine whether or not these     items are real. --  Leave gifts or large boxes unwrapped for inspection. --  Wear footwear that can be easily removed for passenger security     screening. --  If packing liquids, gels and/or aerosols in carry-on bags, these items     must be in three-ounce-size or smaller containers, fit easily in a one-     quart-size plastic, zip-top bag, and one bag is permitted per passenger. --  Save time at check-in by obtaining boarding passes electronically from     airlines' Internet websites, especially if traveling with carry-on bags     only. --  Eliminate the hassles of driving and parking at the airport.  Take     shared-ride alternative transportation including taxis, door-to-door     shuttle vans, Van Nuys and Union Station FlyAway buses, public buses and     the Metro Rail Green Line. --  Because of varying winter weather conditions across the country, check     with your airline before leaving for the airport to ensure your flight is     on time. --  Tune to LAX AiRadio at 530 AM on the dial to listen to the latest     information on airport and freeway/roadway conditions near and in the     airport, airline terminal locations, current security conditions and     parking availability.     

While at the airport, travelers should remember:

--  Drop-off and pick-up is allowed at terminal curbside only, not in the     middle of traffic or along prohibited curbs.  Motorists cannot park or wait     for passengers at curbside.  Ask to be met or picked up in baggage claim     areas or terminal curbside on the Lower/Arrivals Level after claiming     checked luggage. --  Advise motorists meeting arriving passengers to take advantage of the     two hours free parking available in Economy Lots B and C and take the free     LAX shuttle buses to the terminals.  They can also wait at no cost at the     LAX Cellphone Waiting Lot at 9011 Airport Blvd. --  Place metallic items inside carry-on bags or the clear, plastic zip-     top bags provided by LAX at passenger screening checkpoints.  Metal items     include large watches, coins, keys, mobile phones, pens, pagers and     personal digital assistants. --  Remove outerwear, including suit jackets, sweaters and sweatshirts, at     passenger screening checkpoints. --  Do not agree to watch strangers' luggage or personal belongings. --  Watch personal belongings at all times. --  Report suspicious behavior to law enforcement or Transportation     Security Administration personnel.     

LAX is one of four airports of Los Angeles World Airports, a City of Los Angeles department that also owns and operates LA/Ontario International, LA/Palmdale Regional and Van Nuys Airports 

Dec 20

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today urged travelers to plan ahead for air travel security procedures this holiday season.

The agency has created a Holiday Checklist to assist passengers as they prepare for the screening process. By following a few simple guidelines travelers can help make passenger screening as efficient as possible.

"The traveling public quickly incorporated new security procedures on liquids, gels and aerosols, which went a long way in ensuring Thanksgiving went very smoothly," said TSA Administrator Kip Hawley. "The end of the year holidays present a new set of challenges and we're asking the traveling public again to help us and use our Holiday Checklist when planning their next trip."

TSA continues to encourage passengers to pack liquids, gels and aerosols in their checked luggage. If travelers need to travel with small amounts of liquids in their carry-on then they should remember the 3-1-1. That is all liquids, gels and aerosols in 3 ounce or smaller containers, those containers placed in a 1 quart, clear plastic, zip-top bag and 1 bag per passenger placed in a bin for screening.

  Additional tips on include:    * Do not over pack bags.  If security officers have to open them, closing     overstuffed bags can be difficult and may result in that checked bag     being delayed until a later flight.    * Travel with unwrapped gifts.  If a wrapped gift sets off an alarm, TSA     security officers will need to unwrap the gift to resolve the alarm.    * To minimize the risk of damage or loss, don't pack fragile or valuable     items in checked baggage. Take them with you in carry-on baggage, or     ship them to your destination instead.    * Keep in mind that many holiday foods like cake and pie have     characteristics similar to liquids, gels and aerosols.  These items are     permitted but may require further inspection.  If you are not sure if an     item is a liquid, gel or aerosol it is best to pack the item in your     checked bag or ship it to your destination in advance.    * When traveling with children, a discussion in advance of airport     security may be helpful.  At the checkpoint, children will need to     temporarily part with such things as blankets and stuffed animals, and     older children need to know that any comment suggesting a threat to an     aircraft or its passengers is taken seriously by TSA security officers.    * Passengers are required to remove their outer coats and jackets for X-     ray before proceeding through the metal detectors.  That includes suit     and sport coats, athletic warm-up jackets and blazers.    * All footwear must be removed and placed in the security bin for     screening.  

These tips and others are available at http://www.tsa.gov/. The Web site has a prohibited items list, advice for packing and information on what types of jewelry, shoes or clothing may set off a metal detector. TSA has also partnered with airlines and airports to make the Holiday Checklist available at airport ticket counters and on airline Web sites.

 DALLAS, Dec 19, 2006 In the Spirit of making air transportation this Holiday Season as easy as possible, Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) has prepared some Holiday Travel Tips for the many travelers who will take to the skies. Check out these helpful tips and much more on our media web site, http://www.swamedia.com , where we have also outlined the 'Top Ten Reasons To Fly This Holiday Season.'

     *  Give yourself plenty of time to get to and through the airport.

  Just         like your favorite shopping center, the lines at designated airport 

        parking areas, ticket counters, and security checkpoints get longer,  

       especially on peak travel days.  Though all airport personnel will be  

       diligently working to help you have a pleasant airport experience, we

         expect Thursday, December 21, 2006 through Wednesday, January 3, 2007  

       to be busier than usual.  We recommend arriving at the ticket counter   

      60 to 120 minutes before your flight's scheduled departure.  Click 

        suggested Airport Arrival Times to review each airport we serve.  

     *  Tools to help you breeze through the airport:  Getting to the airport   

      is one thing; moving through it is another.  That's why we recommend   

      that you check in online to help you get from the main entrance to the  

       designated departure gate more quickly.  (Even if you plan to check   

      luggage, you can still retrieve your Boarding Pass via southwest.com.)  

       We encourage our Ticketless Travel Customers to visit the Travel 

        Center to cancel, change, and/or rebook their flight reservations.  

       All ticketed Customers may contact Reservations (1-800-435-9792) for 

        additional assistance.  Please visit Flight Status Online for the   

      latest information regarding your flight.  You may also sign up for  

       our convenient Flight Status Messaging to receive the latest  

       information about your flight via e-mail, cell phone, or pager

.       *  Carryon and Checked Baggage:  The Transportation Security   

      Administration (TSA) is currently limiting liquids, gels, and/or   

      aerosols in carryon baggage.  Customers are presently allowed to bring 

        with them one clear, transparent, resealable, 1 quart (1 liter) size, 

        plastic bag containing liquids, gels, and/or aerosols in containers of

         3 oz. (90ml) capacity or less per container.  (Most "travel size"  

       items found in grocery and convenience stores are 3 oz. or less.)  The 

        contents of the plastic bag must fit comfortably within and be   

      completely closed/sealed.  These items will be subjected to x-ray   

      inspection separate from the Customer's carryon bag.  Click to review 

        our Carryon Baggage Travel Tips.  All luggage is subject to    

     inspection, and regardless of the way it is packed or sealed, it may 

        have to be opened.  

In addition to our normal baggage policies and procedures, please ensure that your name and contact information are displayed on your checked luggage (both inside and outside of the item). We recommend that you place a nametag (that includes a convenient phone number) on your carryon items. That way, we can attempt to return them should any get left behind. And, if possible, we encourage you to pack clothing for each person in each bag so that everyone has a change of clothes if a bag is misplaced. We also ask that you carry your keys and medicines on you (or in your carryon items) and not place them in your checked luggage.

     *  When In Doubt, Leave It Out.  If you're not sure whether an item will         be accepted past the security checkpoint, it's probably best to either         travel without it or pack it in your checked luggage.  For a list of         items that can and cannot be carried onboard the aircraft, we         encourage you to visit the TSA's web site to help reduce the amount of         time spent at the security checkpoint.       *  What to do if you misplace a copy of your Itinerary.  If you like         doing things yourself and have a Ticketless Travel Itinerary, then you         can utilize any of our RAPID CHECK-IN Kiosks to receive your Boarding         Pass.  Any of our Customer Service Agents will be able to assist in         printing the appropriate reservation documents and help you check in.       *  Proper Identification:  The Transportation Security Administration now         requires that all ticketed and traveling Customers (who appear to be         18 years and older) carry a government-issued photo ID.  Customers         will be asked to show identification at the security checkpoint.  In         addition to your photo ID, all Customers will be required to present a         Security Document or Boarding Pass at the security checkpoint in order         to proceed to the gate.       *  Traveling with children:  To ensure a pleasant travel experience for         parents traveling with small children, as well as for Unaccompanied         Minors, we ask you to take a few minutes and visit our Taking the         Kids(TM) travel link.       *  Meeting loved ones:  If you are meeting an Unaccompanied Minor or         Customers with disabilities, you must obtain a Gate Pass from the         ticket counter to get through the security checkpoint.  In order to         get a Gate Pass, you need to have a copy of your child's reservation         and your government-issued photo ID.  Please allow yourself plenty of         time to arrive at the gate early.  Those who are near and dear to you,         but are not Unaccompanied Minors, can be met only outside of the         security checkpoint.  We suggest that you discuss (before the trip) a         designated meeting point in the terminal building-such as the baggage         claim area.       *  Make a list, and check it twice.  It's a good idea to prepare a list         of all the things you plan to take with you.  This will reduce the         time it takes to pack and help you keep track of the items you take on         your trip.  Have a spare set of car and house keys made and leave them         with a trusted friend or neighbor.  Use a timer in your home so         designated lights and electronics will turn on and off while you're         away.  And before you leave the house, be sure you take the following         items with you:          -- Credit cards, ATM card, and cash, including one-dollar bills for            tips.         -- Drivers license and/or passport.         -- Ticketless confirmation number and/or Southwest Ticket.         -- Glasses, contacts, and sunglasses.         -- Temporary supply of needed medication.                             http://www.southwest.com 

Dec 18 2006

Holiday Travel Safety Tips Demonstration by Los Angeles Airport Police

-- December 18, 2006 -- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is considered one of the safest airports in the world. In addition to quickly responding to incidents, Los Angeles Airport Police conducts programs visible to the public, as well as behind the scenes, which ensure the public's safety. With the holiday travel season here, Los Angeles Airport Police are educating the traveling public on what they can do to prevent themselves from becoming victims of crime.

WHAT:          Los Angeles Airport Police will demonstrate "Travelers                Safety Tips" to educate the traveling public on how to                safely secure their belongings while at LAX.  WHY:           With the holiday travel season here, safety tips for                travelers who pass through LAX are important to prevent                them from becoming victims of thefts that may occur if                they do not watch their belongings at all times.  WHEN:     Tuesday, December 19, 2006, at 10:00 a.m.  WHO:       Los Angeles Airport Police Officers (uniformed and in                plain clothes). Officers will be available for                television/radio interviews in English and Spanish.  WHERE:    Bust of former Tom Bradley in front of the center door                on Upper/Departure Level LAX Tom Bradley International                Terminal   VISUALS:  Demonstrations of: (1) how to properly watch your bags                while waiting at an airline ticket counter; (2) how to                avoid being a victim of a distraction theft; (3) how to                secure your bags while waiting at boarding gates. 

Norwegian Cruise Line Christens Norwegian Pearl - Its Newest Freestyle Cruising Vessel

Emmy(R) Award-Winner Rosie O'Donnell Names the Ship on the Kick Off of the Company's 40th Anniversary Celebration

 Dec. 16  At an official ceremony at the Port of Miami today, popular talk show host and Emmy(R) Award-winner Rosie O'Donnell served as Godmother and christened Norwegian Cruise Line's (NCL) newest ship, Norwegian Pearl. The new 93,530-ton Freestyle Cruising vessel boasts an industry first -- a four-lane ten-pin bowling alley; and two NCL firsts -- a rock-climbing wall and two top-of-the-ship Deluxe Owner's Suites.

The 5 p.m. christening ceremony took place alongside the striking Norwegian Pearl and included remarks from Star Cruises Chairman Tan Sri KT Lim, NCL Corporation President and CEO Colin Veitch and O'Donnell. Approximately 2,400 guests were in attendance for the ceremony that also commemorated the company's 40th birthday and kicked off a year-long birthday celebration.

"We are pleased to have such a talented performer as Rosie O'Donnell serve as the ship's Godmother and help us welcome our newest Freestyle Cruising vessel, Norwegian Pearl, to the rapidly expanding NCL fleet," said Star Cruises Chairman Tan Sri KT Lim. "With all of her striking features, Norwegian Pearl illustrates how far NCL has come over the last 40 years as the industry's most innovative cruise line."

"The first on-board bowling alley, coupled with the rest of the ship's irresistible amenities, make Norwegian Pearl one of the most exciting ships at sea," NCL Corporation's President and CEO Colin Veitch said. "Since initiating the first Caribbean cruise 40 years ago, NCL has blazed a trail of innovation in the cruise industry. Today, we continue that tradition by introducing our latest treasure, Norwegian Pearl."

"I am proud to christen Norwegian Pearl and help NCL celebrate 40 successful years," O'Donnell said. "With their family-friendly accommodations and endless on-board activities and amenities, NCL has been an excellent partner for our R Family Vacations chartered cruises. I look forward to introducing my own family to Norwegian Pearl!"

Norwegian Pearl accommodates 2,394 guests and includes a world of innovative features and amenities, including 10 restaurants, 13 bars and lounges, two swimming pools and a casino, among others. The ship is the seventh vessel purpose-built for NCL's signature Freestyle Cruising -- an approach to cruising unlike any other offered in the industry. Freestyle Cruising leaves regimented schedules behind, and is characterized by having no fixed dining times, no formal dress codes, relaxed disembarkation, up to 10 different restaurants and even more lounges, bars, theatres and other entertainment and activity options.

NCL's industry first -- a four-lane, ten-pin bowling alley at sea -- is part of an all-new, all-day entertainment, sports bar and nightclub complex called Bliss Ultra Lounge and Night Club. During the day, Bliss is a sports bar with a bowling alley, multiple flat-screen televisions and arcade games. In the evening, Bliss transforms into a hip, high-energy ultra-lounge, with plasma screens playing video tracks to the non-stop music spun by Norwegian Pearl's own DJ. A spacious dance floor, full bar and mood-lit bowling all add to the atmosphere of a completely unique seagoing experience.

Norwegian Pearl also features a rock climbing wall, another first for NCL. Constructed at the back of the ship's funnel on deck 14, the wall stands at an impressive 30 feet in height and 19 feet in width and has been designed with five different climbing routes, each with varying degrees of difficulty.

Beginning in January, Norwegian Pearl will sail a five- and nine-day Western and Southern Caribbean schedule. Ports of call on the five-day Western Caribbean itinerary include stops in Cozumel, Mexico and Belize City, Belize. The nine-day Southern Caribbean route includes calls in Roseau, Dominica; Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia; St. John's, Antigua; and Tortola, British Virgin Islands.

The ship will then spend summer 2007 in Seattle, where she will sail a seven-day Alaska Inside Passage itinerary with calls in Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, Alaska; Glacier Bay; and Victoria, British Columbia. In fall 2007 through spring 2008, Norwegian Pearl returns to Miami and resumes her alternating five- and nine-day Western and

Southern Caribbean sailings with a change in itineraries: on the five-day, Georgetown, Grand Cayman replaces Belize City, Belize; and on the nine-day, Samana, Dominican Republic replaces Roseau, Dominica.

NCL Corporation Ltd. is an innovative cruise company headquartered in Miami, Florida, with a fleet of 15 ships in service and under construction. The corporation oversees the operations of Norwegian Cruise Line, NCL America, and Orient Lines. The company is currently building Norwegian Gem for delivery in October of 2007.

In addition, NCL plans to build up to three new third generation Freestyle Cruising ships for delivery between 2009 and 2011. NCL is on target to have the youngest fleet in the industry by 2010, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy the flexibility of Freestyle Cruising on the newest, most contemporary ships at sea.

For high resolution, downloadable images, please log onto NCL's website at www.ncl.com/pressroom. For further information on NCL Corporation, contact a travel agent or NCL in the U.S. and Canada at (800) 327-7030.

Give the Gift of Hawaii With Aloha Airlines Gift Tickets

Now you can treat special people on your holiday list to the gift of travel to Hawaii and around the Islands with pre-purchased Aloha Airlines Gift Tickets valid for use on round-trips throughout next year.

Three great gift-ticket options are available only online at www.AlohaAirlines.com:

$500 Transpacific Gift Ticket (Coach Class)

Round-trip Coach travel between any Aloha Airlines destination on the Mainland and Hawaii. Travel is valid for most days of the year. An additional fare increment will be collected from the passenger for travel on Prime or Peak travel days. For further information, go to www.AlohaAirlines.com and look for Aloha Gift Ticket details.

$1,600 Transpacific Gift Ticket (First Class)

Round-trip First Class travel between any Aloha Airlines destination on the Mainland and Hawaii. Travel is valid on any day. There are no black-out dates.

$120 Inter-island Gift Ticket (Coach Class)

Round-trip Coach travel between any two destinations in Hawaii on flights operated by Aloha Airlines. Travel is valid on any day. There are no black-out dates.

The Aloha Airlines Gift Ticket is an actual airline ticket and not a gift certificate. It's a new concept in online shopping for holiday gifts where you actually purchase e-tickets online for the people on your holiday gift list, and notify them that gift tickets have been created in their names. The recipients of your gift can then decide when they want to fly between December 1, 2006 and December 31, 2007, and make their own booking by calling Aloha Reservations at 484-1111 on Oahu, or toll free at 1-800-367-5250.

"Surprise someone this holiday season by going online and purchasing a round trip to Hawaii or the Mainland, or an inter-island round trip," said Thom Nulty, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales. "The Gift Ticket is a hassle free way for you to shop and a convenient way for your loved ones to travel to any of Aloha's destinations on the West Coast or in Hawaii."

When you purchase a Gift Ticket online, Aloha Airlines will send you an e-ticket confirming your Gift Ticket purchase and naming the passenger on his or her own travel record. You can forward that e-mail with the attached e-ticket, or we can mail you a printed Gift Ticket to give to that special person. The individual named on the Aloha Airlines Gift Ticket can call Aloha Reservations directly to book travel through December 31, 2007.

For more information and the best fares available, go to www.AlohaAirlines.com

December 12

Airlines Alert Passengers to New 2007 Passport Requirements

Air Transport Association Says Renew Now and Avoid Unnecessary and Costly Delays

, Dec. 13 / -- The Air Transport Association (ATA), the industry trade organization representing leading U.S. airlines, today reminded passengers of new and more restrictive travel document policies set to take effect in early 2007 for all travelers entering or re-entering the United States by air from any part of the Western Hemisphere.

Beginning Jan. 23, 2007, all travelers will be required to present a passport to enter or re-enter the United States, including U.S. citizens returning to the U.S. by air from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda.

These new travel document requirements were issued by the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Department of State as part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). They are a result of recommendations made by the 9/11 Commission, which Congress subsequently passed into law in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, in an effort to enhance security and efficiency at U.S. borders.

"These changes, while requiring slightly more advance planning, are vitally important to the security and safety of air travelers," said ATA President and CEO James C. May. "This holiday travel season is the last time that passengers will be ably to fly throughout the Western Hemisphere and return to the U.S. without a passport, so we urge all travelers without a passport to act now to ensure a seamless journey."

ATA suggests that travelers without a passport take immediate action to begin the application or renewal processes, which can take as much as eight weeks. For information about passports and applications, U.S. citizens can use the following links:

  * How to apply for a new passport     (http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_830.html)    * How to renew your passport     (http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/get/renew/renew_833.html)    * Where to get a passport     (http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/)    * How to get your passport quickly     (http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_831.html)  

For more information on travel documentation requirements, or to view the final WHTI rule, visit http://www.dhs.gov/ or http://travel.state.gov/. The final rule is published in the Federal Register, where it can be viewed at http://www.regulations.gov/.

ATA airline members transport more than 90 percent of all U.S. airline passenger and cargo traffic.

Source: Air Transport Association

All I Want For Christmas Is A Carnival Comfort Bed

The new "Carnival Comfort Bed" sleep system not only provides the most restful night at sea, it is also the most sought-after cruise-oriented holiday gift, according to a recent poll by CruiseCritic.com, the most popular cruise community on the Internet.

In the on-line survey, Cruise Critic editors asked its members to name the gift they hoped to receive most this holiday season. And the "Carnival Comfort Bed" was cited more often than any other item by far, with nearly half of all respondents selecting the popular new bedding the system as their gift of choice.

The "Carnival Comfort Bed" was introduced in November 2005 and rolled out fleetwide on all 21 "Fun Ships" earlier this year. The system includes plush mattresses, luxurious duvets, and high quality linens and pillows.

"Because a good night’s sleep can make the difference between a good vacation and a great one, consumers are becoming increasingly discerning about their bedding options. The results of the Cruise Critic survey only confirm what our guests are telling us time and time again – that the ‘Carnival Comfort Bed’ offers exceptional quality and makes their ‘Fun Ship’ cruise even more enjoyable and relaxing," said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO.

Commented Cruise Critic Editor Carolyn Spencer Brown, "The ‘Carnival Comfort Bed’ got a number of kudos, not just from staffers who’ve sailed on Carnival ships lately but also from readers. Carnival may specialize in one of the most socially-oriented cruise experiences around – but people still want to get a good quality shut-eye."

The "Carnival Comfort Bed" system has proven so popular with "Fun Ship" guests that the line has established an exclusive Web site, carnivalcomfortbed.com, where consumers can purchase the various bedding components for their homes. Since the Web site was established late last year, on-line orders have increased dramatically with sales more than doubling over the past year.

The "Carnival Comfort Bed" is one of several product enhancement initiatives undertaken by the line as part of its ongoing efforts to upgrade the "Fun Ship" vacation experience.

Guests sailing aboard the "Fun Ships" now enjoy such amenities as the new "Georges Blanc Signature Selections" menu items created by the world-renowned French master chef, as well as expanded children and teen programming and facilities, updated health and fitness centers, and fleetwide wireless Internet access and cell phone service.

The "Carnival Comfort Bed" sleep system is available on all 21 "Fun Ships" which operate voyages ranging from three to 16 days in length to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, New England, Bermuda, Europe and the Greek Isles. Carnival also has three new ships slated for delivery between now and 2009.

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