Cruise enthusiasts who enjoy the intrigue, drama and romance of daytime TV’s most popular soap operas – and the actors who star in them – are likely to find the vacation of their dreams in “Soap Cruise,” which will be held on Celebrity Century in 2009.

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In the days of Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart, and James Dean, smoking was a symbol that signified that a person was cool and sophisticated. Nowadays, smoking is seen as a health hazard not only to those who smoke but also to those who don’t smoke. Because of major health risks that are related to smoking, many policies have been developed. The restaurants where smokers were once able to enjoy a meal while puffing their cigarette have banned smoking in most states. Some public areas, such as beaches, have also developed smoking policies. For a lot of smokers, it seems like the only safe place to smoke now is in the comfort of their own homes.

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Viking River Cruises has once again been recognized by readers of the leading travel magazine Travel + Leisure as one of the “Top 10 Small-Ship Cruise Lines” in the periodical’s 13th annual “World’s Best” awards. “This is the fourth time Viking River Cruises has appeared on this list-and we are delighted to be the highest-ranked dedicated river cruising company in the Small-Ship category,” said Torstein Hagen, founder and chairman of Viking River Cruises.

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Silversea Cruises, known for its exotic worldwide itineraries, luxurious all-suite accommodations and gracious service, has been named the winner of Travel + Leisure magazine’s “World’s Best Award” for 2008. This is the seventh time the ultra-luxury cruise operator has been honored with the highly coveted award. Achieving an overall score of 88, Silversea topped the “Small-Ship Cruise Line” category, standing out on a list of companies operating the most elite and intimate ships — those accommodating no more than 400 guests.

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Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Corporation announced today that Dennis Nau has joined the company in the role of Senior Vice President, Hotel Operations. Nau is an accomplished and highly seasoned hotel and resort executive, having worked with Marriott Hotels & Resorts since 1985.

During his tenure at Marriott, Nau held a number of very senior roles including General Manager, Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and Spa and Hotel Manager and General Manager of the New York Marriott Marquis and the New York Marriott Eastside. He has also held a number of senior regional positions overseas with operational responsibility for as many as 55 individual properties.

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For many, the Caribbean evokes visions of sunbathing, shopping and sightseeing. Those looking for a more experiential Caribbean vacation, however, need look no further than an MSC Cruises sailing.

MSC Cruises offers guests the opportunity for some exciting – even adventurous – experiences on its 2008-09 Caribbean itineraries. Several shore excursion options enable guests to explore the Caribbean over land (by motorcycle, bicycle, ATV or horseback), under the sea (snorkeling, SCUBA diving and glass-bottomed kayak) and through the air (attached to a cable between 100-foot-high trees). There is also the chance for unique ecological experiences and, of course, plenty of fun and sun.

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Lovers of the Caribbean will be happy to hear that there has been a discovery of renewable energy on the island of Nevis. Geo thermal energy found within the volcanic mountain range of Nevis will help to produce clean energy instead of other types of energy that can cause pollution. The new head of the Nevis Tourist board, Garcia Thompson-Hendrickson, said one of his priorities was to use the island’s natural resources to maintain a natural and clean environment on the island.

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If you have not heard of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas , then you are missing out. Oasis of the Seas is one of the most exciting ships to grace the cruising world’s presence. With amenities and activities that no one would have ever thought imaginable, this ship is sure to blow past expectations.

To watch the video tour of “what is” Oasis of the Seas, keep reading

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Regent Seven Seas Cruises will offer a series of Grand Explorations aboard the world’s only all-suite, all-balcony ships Seven Seas Voyager® and Seven Seas Mariner® as they sail around the globe on exciting voyages of exploration and discovery this winter. From January through May 2009, these two 700-guest sister ships will visit a total of 110 ports of call in 50 countries on six continents, offering the discerning luxury traveler with an exciting array of fourteen winter voyages ranging in length from 12 to 24 nights, highlighting the very best destinations in the Caribbean, South America, the South Pacific, New Zealand and Australia, South East Asia, Japan, India, the Middle East, North Africa and the Mediterranean.

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Orient Cruise Lines, the destination cruise specialist founded by British cruise and tour entrepreneur Gerry Herrod in 1992, has now been acquired by another cruise industry visionary, Wayne Heller. Heller’s Origin Cruise Group LLC purchased the award-winning brand from Star Cruises Limited. His great love for cruising fueled his desire to preserve Orient Lines and its unique destination-oriented worldwide itineraries.

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