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SAMPLE EUROPE BY CRUISE SHIP AND SAVE THIS SUMMER

05-21-2008



Multiple Destinations, Comfort and Convenience, Inclusive Pricing and
Payment in Dollars All Add Up to Exceptional Value
 
FORT LAUDERDALE (May 20, 2008) --- There are as many ways to see Europe
as there are reasons to visit. There's backpacking from country to
country, staying in youth hostels and eating standing-up. There's going
to one city and staying in one hotel for the entire trip. And, there are
villas and other accommodations available, which are as varied and
different depending on country location and preferences for self
catering or full-service.  But, for travelers, including families, who
want to sample one of the world's greatest travel destinations,
including visiting multiple cities, often in different countries, it
would be hard to find a better way to do it, or a better value, than on
a cruise.

The reasons are numerous. To begin with, there is the inclusive nature
of cruise pricing: for one price the traveler receives accommodations,
all meals, entertainment, shipboard recreation and enrichment
activities, and travel from city to city, port to port, country to
country. There is the convenience of packing and unpacking only once, no
matter how many places are visited, and of having a "home away from
home" for the duration of the trip. There are no plane or train
schedules to meet or hotel reservations to make. There is an English
speaking staff to assist in making all sightseeing arrangements. And,
there is the reassurance of traveling in a secure environment. All of
these factors add up to exceptional value. But there is more.

Typically, North Americans pay for their cruise vacations in advance, in
US dollars. Given the current foreign exchange rate - roughly one Euro
for every $1.50 - Europe has become more expensive and payment in
dollars provides a buffer for travelers against further fluctuations. In
addition, 2008 cruise prices were calculated when the dollar was
stronger; this means the cruise passenger already has a price advantage
compared to current prices in Europe.

While it is difficult to make exact comparisons between cruises and
land-based vacations in Europe because of the many variables possible,
the value of a cruise vacation is far greater than a simple price tag,
and a few examples of average costs are instructive. 

In July 2008, CLIA member lines will offer cruises all over Europe.
There is an eight-day voyage from Genoa to London calling on Monaco,
Barcelona, Lisbon and Le Havre, the port of Paris, with a starting price
of $949 per person.* Another seven-day cruise of Scandinavia, roundtrip
from London, and featuring Amsterdam, Oslo, Copenhagen and Helsingborg,
Sweden, is priced starting at $1034. A 12-day itinerary from Venice to
Rome featuring 11 destinations, including Ravenna, Split, Kotor, Corfu,
Valleta, Messina, Sorrento, Corsica, Monte Carlo and Portofino, starts
at $1,799.

Of course, there are cruises at higher price points as well. At the
luxury end of the market, there is a seven-day voyage between Rome and
Venice calling at Sorrento, Taormina, Corfu, Kotor and Dubrovnik, priced
at $4995 per person. Typically, luxury cruise lines include
complimentary wines and spirits as well as suite accommodations in the
cruise price.

How do these cruises compare to land-based vacations in Europe? In
Venice, a popular cruise destination and, in price, comparable to many
major European tourist destinations, a typical three-star hotel in July
is approximately $200 per night, double occupancy**. A typical four-star
property is $450. One of the best known luxury hotels is $750 midweek,
almost $2000 on weekends. According to Frommer's Travel Guide of Italy,
the minimum price for a prix fixe dinner in Venice is approximately $30
per person, without wine. For travelers who want to visit cities other
than Venice, the Eurail Select Pass Saver, allowing unlimited travel by
train for eight days to three bordering countries, costs $618 per person
or $1320 for a family of three. And, throughout Europe, a VAT, or Value
Added Tax, on most purchases can be as high as 20 percent.

Using these average prices, an eight-day land-based vacation visiting
three countries, including seven nights' accommodations double occupancy
in a three-star hotel, transportation and two meals per person per day
could total $3116 per couple. As described above, an eight-day cruise on
a premium cruise line visiting five countries can be found at
approximately $2000 per couple.

"Europe is a fabulous vacation destination that, unfortunately for
Americans right now, is increasingly expensive," said Terry L. Dale,
president and CEO of CLIA. "For anyone who wants to see a lot, visit
multiple cities and even countries, and enjoy it all in remarkable
comfort and convenience, there is no better value than visiting Europe
onboard a cruise."

For more information on European cruises, visit CLIA's Web site at
www.cruising.org.

# # #

*Prices for cruises, hotels, restaurants and transportation, generally
do not include taxes or energy surcharges
** Hotel prices based on Euro/dollar exchange of 1 Euro to $1.50.

About CLIA
The nonprofit Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is North
America's largest cruise industry organization. CLIA represents the
interests of 23 member lines and participates in the regulatory and
policy development process while supporting measures that foster a safe,
secure and healthy cruise ship environment. CLIA is also engaged in
travel agent training, research and marketing communications to promote
the value and desirability of cruise vacations and counts as members
16,000 travel agencies. For more information on CLIA, the cruise
industry, and CLIA-member cruise lines and travel agencies, visit
www.cruising.org.

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