A false rumor is spreading that Princess Cruises has intentionally omitted Israel on our port guide maps which are used to provide information to our passengers going ashore on tours. We want to clarify this issue and set the record straight.

It has been drawn to our attention that our port guide map for Alexandria, Egypt, while labeling other neighboring countries in the region, had neglected to label the country of Israel. After looking into the matter, our conclusion is this was a mistake on the part of the company that provides our port guide maps. It was certainly not our intention to omit Israel from the map.

In fall of 2011 and winter of 2012 two Holland America Line ships –– ms Westerdam and ms Rotterdam –– will sail three 30-day “Circle Hawaii, Tahiti and Marquesas Islands” explorations, visiting beautiful and picturesque islands throughout French Polynesia and the Aloha state.

Westerdam’s voyage sails round trip from San Diego, Calif., and departs Sept. 29, 2011. Rotterdam also sails round trip from San Diego and departs Jan. 4 and March 4, 2012

Alaska’s celebrated sights and wild wilderness will provide the backdrop for four brand-new Oceania Cruises’ summer 2011 itineraries. The line known for exploring off-the-beaten-path ports of call is engaging guests with an “Alaskan Immersion” collection of interactive shore excursions that truly reveal the character and culture of the people of this great land.

“We are delighted to bring the 49th state to our guests in an up-close and personal way,” states Bob Binder, president of Oceania Cruises. “These sightseeing tours and excursions were designed to provide guests an immersive, insightful Alaskan cultural experience.”