News & Notes Sail the Nile River in a Style Once Reserved for Pharaohs and Their Queens — Uniworld Delivers Royal Treatment on 2009 Nile River Cruises  A cruise along the Nile River is like watching 5,000 years of culture unfold before your eyes. Marvel at the contrasts of landscapes as you sail past old-world villages surrounded by beautiful palm groves. Explore the mysterious city of Cairo where the ancient and the modern coexist in harmony. Come face to face with the towering Sphinx. Take in the extraordinary sight of the sole survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the 4,500-year-old Great Pyramid of Giza. Let yourself be whisked away to the magnificent monuments of Luxor, the spectacular Karnak Temple complex, and awe-inspiring Abu Simbel, one of the world’s most magnificent temples.
Discover this fascinating country steeped in world history and antiquities as Uniworld deliversthe royal treatment on three exciting cruise itineraries aboard their newestship, the ultra-luxurious River Tosca which will take her maiden voyagedown the Nile in April of 2009. According to the president of Uniworld,many guests say visiting Egypt is something they have always dreamed of experiencing.Therefore, Uniworld aims to make their adventure in Egypt andalong the Nile a truly unforgettable experience with their newly-appointed luxuryboutique hotel-style cruise ship and three magnificent itineraries that highlightthis country’s greatest wonders. Uniworld’s 2009 Egypt Programs include:
Ancient Wonders of Egypt and the Nile
A new 11-day Cairo to Cairo itinerary featuring a four-night Nile River Cruise on the River Tosca, four nights in Cairo, and one night in Alexandria.
Jewels of the Nile
A 13- day Cairo to Cairo itinerary featuring a three-night Nile River Cruise onboard the River Tosca, four nights on Lake Nasser, home to world-famous Abu Simbel, and four nights in Cairo.
Splendors of Egypt
A 13-day Cairo to Cairo itinerary featuring a seven-night Nile River Cruise, and four nights in Cairo.
All Egypt River Cruises include deluxe hotel accommodations with breakfast in Cairo, a luxury suite with a French balcony, all meals and entertainment onboard the River Tosca, exclusive sightseeing tours hosted by local English-speaking guides, and all transfers and domestic flights while in Egypt.
New Stateroom Décor, Verandahs, Lanai Staterooms and More
on Five Holland America Line Ships  Five Holland America Line ships will soon undergo individual month-long dry docks at a total cost of approximately $200 million. The most dramatic alterations during the latest Signature of Excellence enhancements will result in an additional 32 verandah staterooms added to the aft portion of each ship. In addition, 46 new innovative lanai staterooms will allow guests direct access to the Lower Promenade Deck and on four ships verandahs will be installed on 12 staterooms on Deck 9 forward.
On the five ships, ms Statendam, ms Maasdam, ms Ryndam, ms Veendam and ms Rotterdam, forty-six staterooms on the Lower Promenade deck will become a new lanai category stateroom with lanai doors that open directly onto the walk-around promenade. Décor in the lanai staterooms will reflect elements of nature with soothing earth-tones.
 Fifteen new Spa Staterooms will be created from existing staterooms, except on the Rotterdam where 23 staterooms on Verandah deck will be transformed into spa staterooms. The rooms, so named because of their proximity to the Greenhouse Spa and Salon and special in-room spa amenities, offer their own ambiance, providing unmatched relaxation, privacy and serenity. Décor reflects the natural elements of the earth with soft earth-tone hues and light, fresh accent colors echoing nature's own. Soothing patterns adorn the bed runner and pillows and graphite-colored carpeting tie together all the elements. A counter-top water feature in each stateroom provides a natural, ambient background sound and artwork reflects serene images in nature. Exclusive spa treatments are offered only in these staterooms. Ship capacities will change as a result of the additional staterooms. All five ships also will add a varying number of inside staterooms. Guest capacity on Rotterdam will be 1,404 and capacity on Statendam, Maasdam, Ryndam and Veendam will be 1,350. As part of this next phase of Signature of Excellence, all staterooms and their bathrooms will be enhanced. All staterooms will receive new soft goods including carpet, and desks and vanities will be resurfaced. Decorative wall sconces, drapery and accent pillows will add a touch of modern elegance to the new décor. Outside and inside staterooms will be redecorated in rich earth hues complimented by accents of sienna and gold. New soft goods include a rich, olive-colored sofa with decorative pillows, chairs reupholstered in gold chenille, and a bed runner with a design inspired by nature. Suites will have a contemporary color scheme with a traditional twist. A rich, dark carpet and chocolate-colored leather sofa contrast with light golden tones of soft goods and maple casework. Accent colors of reddish-orange punctuate sofa pillows, chairs and the bed runner. Sheer cream-colored draperies are light and airy with imprints of gold leaves.
This $200-million phase in the Signature of Excellence commitment brings the latest innovations at sea to Holland America Line’s Statendam, Maasdam, Ryndam, Veendam and Rotterdam. The first of the extensive dry dock periods begins with the Veendam in spring 2009 and the last will be completed on Maasdam in late 2010. While in dry dock, ships will expand the aft deck to create a new resort pool concept, The Retreat, and create a new bar concept called Mix that features separate areas - Martinis, Champagne and Spirits & Ales. Overall, Holland America Line has committed $525 million to its Signature of Excellence program that redefines premium cruising.
Crystal Cruises Announces Founding Partnership With
Conde Nast Traveller Five & Alive Fund  Crystal Cruises announces that it has become a founding partner of the Condé Nast Traveler Five & Alive Fund. The announcement came during the magazine's 2008 World Savers Congress in New York City on September 23. Five & Alive, a program of Population Services International (PSI), supports children five and under in more than 30 countries around the world by preventing and treating malaria, water-borne illness, pneumonia and malnutrition. Nearly 10 million children in impoverished countries die every year of preventable illnesses before they reach the age of five because they lack the simplest of things - clean drinking water, basic medicines, mosquito netting, and nutrition.
The company has supported numerous philanthropic projects, and has been close to creating its own global program. In one year, Five & Alive has raised nearly $1 million from readers and the travel industry, including efforts from Crystal Cruises. In April 2008, Michel, along with Crystal Serenity Cruise Director Gary Hunter, joined Condé Nast Traveler editor-in-chief Klara Glowczewska, Kate Roberts, and actress Ashley Judd on a trip to Rwanda where the Crystal Cruises team was further enlightened and inspired by the challenges and opportunities facing Five & Alive.  With its new commitment to the cause, Crystal Cruises will introduce initiatives to raise money and engage its guests and employees. Slated for later this year is the on-board sales of specially designed polo shirts for adults and Webkinz "pets" for children with proceeds benefiting Five & Alive. As part of its ongoing effort, in its high end jewelry shops, the luxury line is also planning to introduce a "fundraising" bracelet. Condé Nast Traveler Editor-in-Chief Klara Glowczewska is delighted that Crystal Cruises has joined as a founding partner of the Condé Nast Traveler Five & Alive Fund. She hopes this generous act will inspire others to join us as the Five & Alive Fund seeks to raise money to save the lives of children under five around the globe. Five & Alive Director Kate Roberts says Five & Alive is thrilled to be partnering with Crystal Cruises on this important program and that the Condé Nast Traveler Five & Alive Fund was created to engage hospitality leaders such as Crystal Cruises in the fight to prevent childhood disease and applauds Crystal Cruises for their leadership and commitment.
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