New relationship provides AARP's nearly 40 million members access to exclusive discount pricing plus other benefits on Caribbean, European and transatlantic Cruises

WASHINGTON, Dec. 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AARP and MSC Cruises today announced a new relationship giving AARP's nearly 40 million members access to a discount and other great benefits on Caribbean, Mediterranean, Northern European and transatlantic cruises. Exclusive pricing reflects a $50 per person/$100 per stateroom discount off the price of MSC Cruises' Early Booking rates and up to a two-category upgrade.

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AARP member rates and upgrades can be combined with MSC's Kids Sail Free promotion (kids traveling with two adults in same stateroom pay only government fees and taxes, as applicable). Member benefits also include a reduced deposit rate of $100 per person and special pricing for members traveling solo.

"Family travel is on the rise, as is the popularity of multi-generational cruises like grandparents cruising with their children and grandchildren," said Tim Fitzgerald, senior director of the AARP Travel Program, a member benefit program managed by AARP Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of AARP. "We are pleased to make available to our members a discount that not only fits older Americans' active lifestyles, but also offers the flexibility to bring younger family members along."

MSC Cruises is a privately-held, family owned and operated cruise line offering more than 125 itineraries including exotic destinations worldwide.

"We're in the business of creating memories, and MSC Cruises has provided more than a million guests with the experience of a lifetime on board our ships," said Richard E. Sasso, President and Chief Executive Officer of MSC Cruises (USA), Inc. "We look forward to the opportunity to reach even more guests through this relationship with AARP."

To celebrate the new relationship, MSC Cruises is making a special offer available to AARP members. The offer is valid for new bookings made through January 31, 2010 and includes additional savings on balcony staterooms with up to a five-category upgrade on select sailings to various ports in the Eastern and Western Caribbean, Mediterranean and Northern Europe. Certain restrictions apply. To take advantage of these offers, AARP members can call their preferred travel agent or MSC Cruises at 1.800.666.9333.

ABOUT AARP

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 34.5 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's nearly 40 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

ABOUT AARP SERVICES, INC.

AARP Services, Inc., founded in 1999, is a wholly-owned taxable subsidiary of AARP. AARP Services manages the provider relationships for and performs quality control oversight of the wide range of products and services that carry the AARP name and are made available by independent providers as benefits to AARP's almost 40 million members. The provider offers currently span health products, travel and leisure products, and life event services. Specific products include Medicare supplemental insurance; member discounts on rental cars, cruises, vacation packages and lodging; special offers on technology and gifts; pharmacy services; legal services; and long-term care insurance. AARP Services also engages in new product development activities for AARP and provides certain consulting services to outside companies. In 2005, AARP Services founded AARP Financial Inc., a wholly-owned taxable subsidiary that manages the provider relationships for and performs quality control oversight for the financial products that carry the AARP name, including credit cards, auto and home, mobile home and motorcycle insurance, and life insurance and annuities. AARP Financial also provides access to proprietary investment products and services, including mutual funds and financial guidance, designed to meet the needs of investors at any life stage.

ABOUT MSC CRUISES

MSC Cruises has the most modern fleet in the world with ten ships: MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia (the largest ships built for a European ship owner), MSC Poesia, MSC Orchestra, MSC Musica, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Armonia, MSC Opera, MSC Lirica and MSC Melody. The fleet cruises year round in the Mediterranean and seasonally in Northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, North America and Canada, South America, the Indian Ocean, South and West Africa. MSC Magnifica launches in 2010. MSC Cruises recently forged a three-year, million-dollar partnership with UNICEF to fund a community project in Brazil while increasing awareness of this cause onboard its ships.

SOURCE AARP

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