Cruise Critic Relaunches Hurricane Zone

Site to Help Travelers Track Storms, Itinerary Changes and Port Closures

PENNINGTON, N.J., May 28 /PRNewswire/ -- During hurricane season -- June 1
through November 30 in the Atlantic -- it is important for travelers taking a
cruise to be aware of the chance their itinerary could be affected by a storm.
In order to help cruisers monitor storms and itinerary changes, as well as
find the best bargains on hurricane season sailings, Cruise Critic(R)
(www.cruisecritic.com), the world's leading online resource for
consumer-oriented cruise reviews and news, has redesigned and relaunched its
Hurricane Zone.
Throughout the 2008 storm season, Cruise Critic's Hurricane Zone
(www.cruisecritic.com/news/hurricane.cfm) -- an area where travelers can find
news, information, tips and deals during hurricane season -- will be updated
24/7 in order to provide the latest storm data to travelers taking or planning
a cruise to high-risk regions. The Hurricane Zone has four key areas to help
cruisers monitor storms and learn about hurricane season cruising.
Port Closures & Itinerary Changes
Listing the latest port closures and cruise itinerary changes, this
section of the Hurricane Zone allows travelers to quickly see if their cruise
vacation will be, or has been, impacted by a storm. Ships or ports listed as
being affected by a storm will link to Cruise Critic news and feature stories
with more information.
Hurricane Season Deals
For many travelers, hurricane season offers an opportunity to take a
cruise on a budget. Cruise Critic editors handpick great deals available
during hurricane season and list them on the Hurricane Zone site. Great rates
this time of year apply to cruises in the Caribbean, Bermuda, the Bahamas and
even the Mexican Riviera (the Pacific hurricane season runs May 15 through
November 30.)
Storm Watch
Storms travelers should be aware of will be listed in this section of the
Hurricane Zone. Travelers can access the latest news about each storm by
clicking on the storm's name. On this part of the site, travelers will also
have access to an interactive map showing where storms have hit or are headed.
Hurricane Cruise Tips
From information about purchasing travel insurance to general hurricane
season cruise tips, this section of the Hurricane Zone not only provides links
to Cruise Critic feature stories, but also links to forum discussions and
polls related to hurricanes.
"The Hurricane Zone provides a quick snap-shot of the current storm
situation and how cruises are being impacted," said Melissa Baldwin, managing
editor, Cruise Critic. "However, for travelers wanting to dig deeper, be they
meteorology enthusiasts, people looking for tips about storm season cruising
or travelers seeking seasonal bargains, the Cruise Critic Hurricane Zone has
this information as well."
About Cruise Critic
Launched in October 1995, by The Independent Traveler, Inc., Cruise Critic
was the first consumer cruise site on the Internet. It is both an interactive
online cruise guide providing ship reviews and editorially driven
cruise-related features and an active community, where travelers can share
opinions and experiences. Cruise Critic is ranked the number one cruise
information Web site by Hitwise. In the last five years, traffic on
CruiseCritic.com has grown 350 percent and it currently attracts more than
five million visitors per year. In response to this burgeoning demand and
worldwide growth, Cruise Critic launched its U.K.-based sister site
CruiseCritic.co.uk, in January 2008. Cruise Critic and The Independent
Traveler were acquired by TripAdvisor(R), LLC, the world's largest travel
community and an operating company of Expedia, Inc. in May 2007.
Cruise Critic and The Independent Traveler are either trademarks or
registered trademarks of The Independent Traveler, Inc. in the U.S. and/or
other countries. Other logos or product and company names mentioned herein
may be the property of their respective owners.
CONTACT: Bryan Olender, +1-617-795-7560, bolender@tripadvisor.com

CONTACT: Melissa Baldwin, +1-609-730-9155 x26, melissa@cruisecritic.com

Web site: www.cruisecritic.com

SOURCE Cruise Critic

Bryan Olender, +1-617-795-7560, bolender@tripadvisor.com; or Melissa Baldwin,
+1-609-730-9155, ext. 26, melissa@cruisecritic.com