The most widely heralded cruise ship to enter the market this year, Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Solstice, was delivered today at a ceremony in Emshaven, Netherlands, marking the formal transfer of the ship — the first in a class of five — from shipbuilder Meyer Werft to Celebrity Cruises. The ship will begin its transatlantic voyage October 25, with arrival in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., anticipated November 3.

“With its innovative, half-acre Lawn Club with real, growing grass; the Hot Glass Show offered through our alliance with The Corning Museum of Glass; 10 widely varied restaurants, including four in the specialty category; stylish, spacious staterooms whose design was influenced by a panel of five women with unique travel and hospitality insights; and, of course, the intangible attribute found on every Celebrity ship.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. today announced that the company’s fuel supplement will no longer apply to new Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises bookings made on or after November 10, 2008, anywhere in the world, for sailings that depart on or after January 1, 2010.

This decision takes into consideration the recent reductions in global fuel prices. The company has also established specific guidelines that will determine whether fuel supplement refunds will be provided for sailings that begin in 2009 and later, which were booked prior to November 10, 2008, if fuel prices remain below a specific price threshold.

The final neighborhood to be added into the deck plans of Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis of the Seas was announced last night during an online unveiling sponsored by American Express Travel. The Youth Zone, a haven for children and teens, joins the ranks of six other previously-announced, diverse neighborhoods that will be aboard the world’s largest and most revolutionary cruise ship due to launch in November 2009. Oasis of the Seas features a unique concept that will provide guests with the opportunity to seek out relevant experiences based on their personal style, preference or mood in seven neighborhoods, including Central Park, Boardwalk with the AquaTheater, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place, and the Youth Zone.

Holland America Line guests now have the option of purchasing an enhanced version of its Cancellation Protection Plan (CPP), which covers the cost of a cruise fare in the event of cancellation by the guest. While the former plan required an approved covered medical reason to cancel within 24 hours of departure, the new CPP Platinum will feature a 90% refund upon cancellation for any reason up to departure, as well as increased baggage protection and relaxed rules related to recovering expenses for a trip delay. The new plan is effective for cruises departing September 1, 2009, and beyond.

Extension of Cancellation Period

Eliminating a previous one-day notice clause, the updated CPP Platinum offers a “cancel-for-any-reason” refund at 90% of the of the eligible amounts paid (excluding the protection plan cost) up to the point of departure.