October 7, 2004

TIMES TRAVELS

Katie Couric to serve as godmother of new Carnival cruise ship Valor

Katie Couric, the longtime co-host of NBC News’ “Today,” will serve as godmother to Carnival Cruise Lines’ newest ship, the Carnival Valor. Couric will officially name the new 110,000-ton SuperLiner at an evening ceremony in Miami Dec. 17 by breaking the traditional bottle of champagne across the ship’s hull.

“In addition to being one of the most popular and respected television personalities in America, Katie Couric has distinguished herself through her public service both as a reporter and an advocate,” said Carnival President and CEO Bob Dickinson. “In recognition of her many professional achievements and her efforts in support of colon cancer research and education, it is our honor to have her serve as godmother of Carnival Valor,” he added.

Carnival Valor, the third in Carnival’s 110,000-ton Conquest class, is among the largest passenger vessels at sea and will feature 22 lounges and bars with dramatic interiors celebrating themes of heroes and heroism, along with four swimming pools, a 214-foot-long water slide, a 13,300-square-foot spa, expansive children’s and teen facilities, and four restaurants, including a reservations-only supper club. Following an inaugural two-day cruise to Nassau, Bahamas, departing Miami Wednesday, Dec. 15, Carnival Valor returns to Miami on Friday, Dec. 17, for its official naming and champagne-smashing ceremony. The ship is scheduled to launch year-round seven-day Caribbean service from Miami Dec. 19, becoming the largest Carnival ship ever based at that port. For more information and reservations, call the Travel Desk in Almaden at (408) 723-0283, or visit their Web site at www.traveldeskonline.com.

Lake Las Vegas Resort presents “Stars On The Lake” with The Beach Boys

For those traveling to Las Vegas next month, don’t forget to visit Lake Las Vegas Resort for the perfect ending to the “endless summer.” The featured band scheduled in a tropical setting complete with a white-sand beach is The Beach Boys, on Friday, Oct. 15 at 8 p.m. 

Lake Las Vegas Resort will anchor its incredible 52-foot by 76-foot floating stage near the Reflection Bay shore, where concert guests will be able to relax on beach towels as The Beach Boys fill the air with their well-known and loved American youth anthems.

The Beach Boys have sold over 100 million records worldwide and have received 32 RIAA Platinum and Gold record awards. The Beach Boys have performed more concerts than any major rock band in history.

Tickets may be purchased through Ticketmaster. Show gates open at 5 p.m.

Royal Caribbean to build second Ultra Voyager

Royal Caribbean Cruises is exercising its option to build a second Ultra Voyager ship at the Kvaerner Masa-Yards in Finland. Scheduled for delivery in the spring of 2007, the ship will be operated by Royal Caribbean International. Like its prototype, which is due for delivery in the spring of 2006, the second Ultra Voyager will be roughly 15 percent larger than its Voyager-class counterpart. The new ship can carry 3,600 guests and 1,400 crew.

“With state-of-the art technology and imaginative onboard programming, the Ultra Voyager is another major milestone in Royal Caribbean’s history of innovation,” said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Richard Fain.

“We are excited to add this second ship to the series.” For more information and reservations, call the Travel Desk in Almaden at (408) 723-0283, or visit their Web site at www.traveldeskonline.com.

—By Sean Eastwood