Carlson Wagonlit Travel Associates Poll: Fall Offers Best Deals For Caribbean And Mexico

Cabin Category Upgrades Top "Complimentary Cruise Amenity" Customers Enjoy Carlson Wagonlit Travel Associates Announce New Holland America Line Offering

(Tuesday, August 01, 2006) - Looking for the best time of year to get the most value on cruise vacations to the Caribbean and Mexico? According to a recent poll of Carlson Wagonlit Travel Associates experts released today, 66% rate fall as the season offering the best deals. The release of the poll coincides with the introduction of an exclusive Carlson Wagonlit Travel Associates offering on select fall sailings on Holland America Line in the Caribbean and Mexico—as well as savings on select 2006 and 2007 Hawaiian, Alaskan and Australia/New Zealand sailings—in which customers will receive $150 in spending money. The offer is available through participating Carlson Wagonlit Travel Associate locations from August 1-31, 2006.



When 150 Carlson Wagonlit Travel Associates were asked (April 17-20) "Based on your experience, which season offers your customers the best deals on pricing for the Caribbean and Mexico?" nearly two-thirds (66%) named "Fall." Subsequently, 150 Carlson Wagonlit Travel Associates were asked (July 11-13), "Which complimentary cruise amenity do customers enjoy the most?" Nearly half (47%) responded that "Cabin category upgrades" rate highest among customers, followed by "$25 ship board credit" (29%), "Bottle of champagne or wine" and "Special dining for two" (both at 11%), and "Cruise photo" (2%).



"These poll findings have proven beneficial as we've worked to provide our customers with outstanding cruise values for fall and beyond," noted Roger E. Block, CTC, executive vice president of the Carlson Wagonlit Travel Associate Division. "Our strong relationship with Holland America Line enables us to offer our customers exclusive amenities on all the sailings available in our August promotion. Additionally, on select departures you can receive a one-category upgrade on outside or verandah staterooms or up to $100 ship board credit!"



In addition to the $150 spending money included in the August Holland America Line offer, Block noted that each of the top five amenities cited figure prominently into the offer.



Among the many sailings and destinations being offered (prices are per person, based on double occupancy; air is not included):



7-Day Mexican Riviera (2006 and 2007 roundtrips from San Diego, ms Oosterdam)

Inside staterooms from $629 (outside staterooms from $779) – Includes complimentary Pinnacle Grill for two, cruise photo and up to 4 bottles of wine. (2007 sailings may include one or more of the following amenities: $25 ship board credit, cruise photo and champagne.)


7-Day Southbound Glacier Discovery (2007 Seward to Vancouver, ms Volendam)

Inside staterooms from $899 (outside staterooms from $1179) – Includes $25 ship board credit, cruise photo and champagne.



10-Day Southern Caribbean and Panama Canal Sunfarer® (November 9, 2006 roundtrip Fort Lauderdale, ms Amsterdam)

Outside staterooms from $1399 – Includes complimentary Pinnacle Grill for two, cruise photo and 4 bottles of wine.



15-Day Circle Hawaii (2006 and 2007 roundtrips from San Diego, ms Zaandam)

Inside staterooms from $1999 (outside staterooms from $2399) – Includes $25 ship board credit, cruise photo and Pinnacle Grill for two.



"To ensure that our customers' excellent cruise experiences begin with ours, we're delighted to partner with Holland America, which is equally committed to creating memories to last a lifetime," noted Block. "Their Signature of Excellence experience includes spacious, elegantly-appointed staterooms, luxurious Euro-Top™ beds and premium linens, a groundbreaking culinary arts center program that integrates guests' love for food and wine with a unique and entertaining hands-on experience, and Holland America's renowned Greenhouse Spa and Salon."

For details of the exclusive August offering with Holland America Line, contact the Carlson Wagonlit Travel Associate nearest you by calling 1.800.CARLSON or visiting www.carlsontravel.com.

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Note to Editors: Sample fares are per person, cruise and cruisetours only, based on double occupancy in the minimum categories. Fares are in US dollars and include non-discountable amounts. Taxes are additional. Promo UP1. Sailings based on ms Oosterdam (12/9/06), ms Volendam (9/7/07), ms Amsterdam (11/9/06) and ms Zaandam (11/20/07). *One-category upgrade (applicable to outside categories) OR a shipboard credit for 7-11 day cruises at $50 per person , or 12+ day cruises at $100 per person to the purchase of verandah suites. To be used for One-Day Sales, One Week Sales, DM Promotions and Cruise Nights. Offer is combinable with the following promotions: Early Savings. Additional sailings and rates available. Amenities may vary by sailing. Offers are subject to availability and may be altered or withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Ships' Registry: The Netherlands & Bahamas. $150 Spending Money offer will be distributed in the form of Travelers Checks, is per booking, and is provided exclusively by Carlson Wagonlit Travel Associates.



Carlson Travel Group, Inc. is a subsidiary of Minneapolis-based Carlson Companies, Inc. Brands include: Carlson Wagonlit Travel, Cruise Holidays, Results Travel, SeaMaster Cruises, Carlson Leisure Travel Services and Carlson Destination Marketing Services. In 2006, for the tenth consecutive year, a Carlson Travel Franchise Group brand was named the top travel business franchise by Entrepreneur's Franchise 500®; Franchise Times ranked the Carlson Wagonlit Travel Associate Program as the 3rd top franchise overall in 2005 for the fifth year in a row.

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