10 new cruises for Hebridean Princess in 2009

Delta Queen attracting bidders on sale block

Ambassadors Declares Loss

Ambassadors International, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMIE) has reported a net loss of $2.4 million on revenues of $80.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008, compared to net income of $5.8 million on revenues of $80.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007.

Marine revenues in the second quarter of 2008 increased $2.7 million over the second quarter of 2007 as a result of an increase in sales in Bellingham Marine, the Company's marina construction business. Travel, incentive and event related revenue in the second quarter of 2008 increased $0.1 million over the same period in 2007 primarily due to an increase in program volume. Cruise revenues decreased $2.4 million in the second quarter of 2008 over the same period in 2007 due to $1.6 million decline in revenue from Windstar Cruises which was acquired in April 2007 and $0.8 million decline in revenue from Majestic America Line. Additionally, a decrease of $0.2 million in insurance premiums earned on existing insurance programs as a result of not entering into any new programs in 2008 also offset the increase in revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2008.

Costs and operating expenses were $81.5 million in the second quarter of 2008, a decrease of $0.1 million from the second quarter of 2007. Costs and operating expenses in the second quarter of 2008 included a $5.9 million decrease in Majestic America Line operating costs. This decrease was offset by a $2.4 million increase in operating costs for Windstar Cruises and a $3.4 million increase in costs in the marine division, primarily due to the increase in cost of marine revenue resulting from increased revenues generated during the period.

Avalon Waterways Invests in More River Cruise Growth

Avalon Waterways is investing millions of dollars in the fast-growing river cruise segment. The company inked a five-ship deal with the Den Breejen Shipyard in Holland. The Avalon Scenery, launched in April, was the first ship delivered as part of this deal, with four sister vessels scheduled for christenings in the next two years: The Avalon Affinity and Avalon Creativity in 2009 and two more ships in 2010. With these deliveries, Avalon will boast 10 luxury vessels in Europe, averaging two years in age. "In five short years Avalon has established itself as a major European river cruise operator," said Patrick Clark, managing director of Avalon Waterways. "Our ships are more modern in design, showcasing contemporary appointments and state-of-the art technology. They also house the largest staterooms available. Except for our junior suites, all staterooms measure 172 square feet, and 90 percent boast floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic sliding glass doors."

Other amenities and features on Avalon's new ships include flat-screen televisions, large closets, beds that can be configured as two twins or one queen, Egyptian cotton linens, mini-bars, safes, laundry and ironing services, a fully equipped fitness room, library, hair salon and gift shop, as well as a club lounge and large Jacuzzi pool on the Sky Deck. "Avalon serves passengers unlimited complimentary local wine with all onboard dinners and features regional entertainment, as well as provides the most impressive land programs available, coupled with a ‘best-in-class' English-speaking staff that caters to our clients' desires," said Steve Born, vice president of marketing and customer care for the Globus family of brands. "It's no wonder nearly 100 percent of our cruisers say that we've met or exceeded their expectations on trip."

Avalon also has focused its efforts on a wide range of cruise itineraries in Europe, Egypt, China and the Galápagos, including themed offerings such as music-inspired getaways, holiday vacations and a Food & Wine cruise series, created with Burt Wolf. "The investments we've made in Avalon -- from ships and itineraries to staff support -- are delivering great returns, not only in customer satisfaction but also in sales," Clark said. "Our 2008 bookings are up 20 percent over 2007 and 2009 numbers are looking even better, already up 30 percent, year over year." Earlier this month, Avalon unveiled website enhancements, including a virtual tour of the Avalon Scenery to showcase the "Avalon Difference," as well as new print advertising. Those booking a cruise between now and Aug. 31 can receive $400 off the air-inclusive price or $225 off the cruise-only price of a 2009 Globus or Avalon Waterways cruise. For more information, call RiverDiscounts.com 800-640-4899

Uniworld Increases Company-Owned Fleet To Ten With Launch Of The Majestic River Beatrice

AMA Waterways Christens Amacello, Amadante in Germany

AMA Waterways christened it two newest river ships, the Amacello and the Amadante, in the medieval town of Regensburg, Germany. More than 80 percent of the ships' staterooms feature French balconies. All of them feature plush bedding with down duvets; flat-screen TVs; in-room "infotainment systems" with complimentary Internet access; marble-appointed bathrooms, spa-quality bath amenities; terry robes; and slippers. Each vessel also offers complimentary Wi-Fi, as well as a complimentary specialty coffee and tea station. Gourmet meals in the restaurant are accompanied by complimentary local wines. Each ship also features a fitness center, a beauty salon, a whirlpool, a walking track on the Sun Deck and a fleet of bicycles for passenger use. Next year, AMA will debut the Amadolce and the Amalyra; and two additional ships will join the fleet in 2010. More Information RiverDiscounts 800-640-4899

Scenic Tours’ Sapphire to Make July 4 Debut

Scenic Tours' new riverboat Scenic Sapphire is set to welcome passengers onboard on July 4. The sold-out 2008 itineraries sail on the Rhine and Danube rivers, between Amsterdam and Budapest on the initial 15-day "Jewels of Europe" cruise. More than 80 percent of cabins have private balconies measuring over 25 square feet. The superior Danube Deck also features services of a butler, who can be summoned at the touch of a button. Scenic's fares are all-inclusive with guided shore tours, gourmet meals, wine with dinner, airport transfers and all gratuities. Each day of the two-week trip offers Scenic FreeChoice, which allows passengers to select their sightseeing option. Since launching in 1987, Australia-based Scenic Tours entered the European river cruising market in 2005 and has invested $100 million to introduce a fleet of new ships in 2008. For more information, RiverDiscounts.com 800-640-4899

Azamara modifies itineraries to take guests closer to Thai, Vietnamese cities

Taking advantage of its ships' smaller size, Azamara Cruises has modified its 2008-09 itineraries to take guests closerto several cities in Thailand and Vietnam. The smaller size of the deluxe, 694-guest Azamara Quest, which will begin sailing in the region in December of this year, allows the vessel to access ports inaccessible to larger cruise ships. Azamara recently announced these changes would begin with its 2009-10 Asia season, but has worked hard to implement them sooner in order to create the ideal guest experience. Azamara Quest will sail to new dock locations in Bangkok (Klong Toey), Thailand, and Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi (Ha Long Bay), Vietnam. In Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, the port time will be shortened to allow for the additional transit time up the rivers into the cities; however, the amount of time guests have in each city will be the same, since their ground-transportation time into each city will be reduced.

Lenghtened Braemar rejoins Fred. Olsen fleet

Lenghtened Braemar rejoins Fred. Olsen fleet



Braemar, the second cruise liner Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has lenghtened and modernised, has re-entered service after work being carried out at the Blom & Voss shipyard in Germany. A 31.2 metre midsection increased the ship's length to 195 metres and gross tonnage to about 23,500 from 19,089. Earlier this year, the company lengthened Balmoral, which at 43,000 grss tons is the largest ship in its fleet, before introducing the vessel on the UK market. Fred. Olsen has increased its capacity by 60% this year thanks to these two moves.

European Barging Introduces Premicon Queen

Tour operator European Barging and River Cruises has announced that its new 100-passenger, all-suite Premicon Queen is offering two- to six-night cruises on the Rhine and Danube Rivers. For all 2008 departures, European Barging is offering a 25 percent discount off published fares.

The Premicon’s suites are 193-322 square feet, with Queen suites featuring 32-square-foot balconies. Queen Suite guests have personal butler service available at all times; snacks and drinks can be delivered to all guests at any time. The in-room minibar is stocked daily and the Premicon’s concierge can provide services that include theater tickets in Vienna or limousine service to the nearest golf course. The ship has an elevator, Wi-Fi accessibility and laptops are available for guests. German and English are the onboard languages.

Rhine cruises sail between Cologne and Basel through the Middle Rhine Valley — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Throughout the course of the cruise are 40 castles that stretch over 40 miles; Sayn Castle — one of the last fairy-tale fortresses — is a shore excursion destination. Another stop is the wine capital of Rudesheim, where special culinary selections will be served by chef Johann Lafer’s team at the nearby Stromburg castle. In addition, guests will learn trade secrets from gourmet chefs of the Table d’Or and enjoy Black Forest cake and coffee aboard a classic train as well as a wine and chocolate tasting at the Graflich Wolff Metternich’schen winery.

After circling the legendary Lorelei, the Premicon Queen will move on to the Main river and Frankfurt. Further downstream, the Main flows through the Franconian wine country and destinations that include Bamberg, where the entire Old City is made up of narrow canals; it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another stop includes Nuremberg, birthplace of Albrecht Durer and the idyllic Altmuhltal (Valley of Old Mills) before the cruise disembarks in Regensburg.

The Danube cruise starts in Regensburg with an opportunity to visit the Spanish Riding School where haute ecole (equestrianship) has been taught for 430 years. The finale is a ride on a vintage steam train to the Godollo Palace and a festive dinner in Budapest’s famous Gundel restaurant.

Premicon Queen also offers roundtrip Frankfurt Christmas Market itineraries, a Christmas Cruise and New Year’s cruises.

More information

Riverdiscounts.com 800-640-4899