The new Transat Holidays 2004-2006 Cruise brochure will be available in travel agencies this week. This latest edition contains 132 pages of cruise products from the world’s leading cruise lines. Consumers will find one of the largest selections of cruise ships with varied itineraries, in addition to complete packages including air, cruise and transfers.

Cruise packages are available when booking the Costa Classica, offered exclusively by Transat Holidays in Canada. Sailing from the white-sand beaches of La Romana, the Classica proposes a 7-night Southern Caribbean cruise, stopping at exotic ports of call such as Catalina Island, Tortola and Barbados. Passengers can experience the Italian hospitality and refined ambiance, which have made Costa Cruises the #1 cruise company in Europe.

Again this year, Transat Holidays also offers non-stop weekly flights from Toronto to San Juan, Puerto Rico via its partner, WestJet. Flights are available for booking in conjunction with 7-day Southern Caribbean cruises onboard the Carnival Destiny or Adventure of the Seas, both sailing from San Juan. Immediate confirmation of the cabin number is available at time of booking both the Carnival Destiny and Adventure of the Seas cruises. WestJet’s in-flight service consists of a cold meal (European sandwiches, salads and light desserts), complimentary snacks, non-alcoholic beverages and 24 channels of live Bell ExpressVu satellite programming (soon to come). WestJet connector fares are offered from major Canadian gateways.

Those who wish to extend their holiday can combine their cruise package with a land vacation package in the South. Clients can stay at an all inclusive resort in Florida and La Romana or choose from a selection of hotels offered in San Juan, for a one or two-week stay at the start or end of the cruise. These hotels and destinations are featured in the Transat Holidays Winter Sun 2004-2005 brochure.

Several new ships enhance the season’s line-up with an impressive choice of Caribbean and Mediterranean cruises. Starting in July 2005, Carnival Cruise Lines will be offering 12-day Grand Mediterranean cruises aboard the Carnival Liberty, the newest and largest cruise ship ever to sail to Europe. A 16-day TransAtlantic voyage from Rome to Fort Lauderdale will also take place on October 24. Delectable dining, endless entertainment and friendly casinos are just a small part of the “Fun Ship” onboard experience.

Part of Royal Caribbean International’s Radiance family, the new Jewel of the Seas offers the ultimate "at sea" experience by combining speed, added comfort, greater space and sweeping ocean vistas. Its striking features include a ten-storey Centrum, glass elevators facing the sea and the highest percentage of outside cabins in the Royal Caribbean fleet. Departing from Fort Lauderdale, it sails 6 nights in Western Caribbean and 8 nights in Eastern Caribbean. Once again, this year, Transat Holidays offers the entire fleet of Royal Caribbean International.

Norwegian Cruise Line also returns this year with the inauguration of its newest ships: Pride of Aloha, offering 7-day inter-island cruises in Hawaii, and the Norwegian Jewel, purpose-built for Freestyle Cruising. Set to sail in July 2005, the Norwegian Jewel will offer a series of alternating Eastern and Exotic Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami.

Vacationers seeking the ultimate in comfort and refinement can choose from the entire fleet of the Holland America Line. Classic in design, these cruise ships offer many luxurious details including teak deck chairs, top-quality bedding and other deluxe amenities. The highest rated premium cruise line, Celebrity Cruises also offers passengers a taste of luxurious living at sea. This year, guests can look forward to cruise innovations including exclusive entertainment by Cirque du Soleil aboard select Celebrity ships. The complete selection of Celebrity cruise ships is available for booking with Transat Holidays.

This year, Transat Holidays offers vacationers who book a cruise before November 13, 2004 the chance to win their cruise. Names will be automatically entered in the contest once clients confirm their reservation. Transat Holidays also has direct access to various promotions offered by the cruise lines.