Catalina Express Says Happy 100th Birthday to City of Avalon!

Who doesn't want their cake and eat it too? Catalina Express, the leading boat transportation to and from Catalina Island, sings Happy Birthday to the City of Avalon on its 100^th birthday. Throughout 2013, Catalina Express not only continues its Free Round Trip on Your Birthday promotion, but has launched the Avalon Centennial Planner filled with hundreds of dollars in savings that travelers can partake in any day of the year, regardless if it's their birthday.

The Avalon Centennial Planner features themed quarterly offers, giving travelers more reasons to visit the Island of Romance year round. Each quarter, history, trivia, events, island secrets, specials and promotions will be shared via Catalina Express' website and social media channels: www.catalinaexpress.com and on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and TripAdvisor. Below is a sampling of what's offered:

Through-June 30, 2013

Lights Camera Action: 100 Years of Hollywood, Island Style

• Fun facts: There have been more than 500 filmings in Avalon over the past century, from movies, TV shows, photo shoots, music videos and commercials. Clark Gable's favorite hotel was The Glenmore, the island's oldest hotel; Marilyn Monroe lived on the island for one year with her first husband and pulled taffy at Lloyd's Confectionary; Catalina Express' Doug Bombard transported Ronald Reagan, who was doing sports radio broadcasting during the Chicago Cubs spring training, to the Mainland for a screen test
• Events: 9th Annual Taste Around of Avalon (5/30). Summer concert series (5/26-9/1); Annual Flying Fish Festival (5/30-6/2); Kid's Fishing Derby (every Wed. 6/26-8/21); check event listings for more information

Go to www.catalinaexpress.com to download and bring the Centennial Certificate to the island; a sampling of offers:

1. CATALINA ISLAND VACATION RENTALS Join countless stars who have stayed with CIVR and receive your complimentary Hollywood Swag Bag. As an added bonus and for a limited time only, the Swag Bag will include CIVR's Loyalty Card with great offers to use throughout the stay. Value $250. (855) 890-3436 • www.catalinavacations.com
2. RELIVE THE 1920S MOVIE EXPERIENCE IN THE AVALON THEATRE 50% discount on admission to the annual Catalina Island Museum Silent Film Benefit - Make 'em Laugh - on Saturday, May 11, 2013. Must arrive in your best 1920's dress to receive the discount. (310) 510-2414 • www.CatalinaMuseum.org
3. CATALINA ADVENTURE TOURS - Tour the City Buy one get one FREE*. Tour begins along the Island's only coastline road, climbs to an elevation of 400 feet, and continues through Avalon Canyon. See the Catalina Golf Course and the site where the Chicago Cubs held spring training for 30 years. *Taxes and fees not included (877) 510-2888 • www.CatalinaAdventureTours.com
4. CITY CELEBRATIONS - The week of June 20, the City of Avalon will host a series of events, from a community fish fry, Xceptional Music Concert to Catalina movie night on the beach of movies filmed on Catalina and more. www.catalinachamber.com/Avalon100

July 1 - September 30, 2013

Let Catalina Island Move You: Avalon invites you to get moving with sports, adventure and eco tour deals

• Notable people: Tiger Woods played golf at Catalina Island Golf Course, the oldest golf course west of the Mississippi; the Chicago Cubs conducted their spring training on the island from 1921-1951; Canadian George Young was the first person to swim the Catalina Channel in 1927 at age 17
• Events: Annual July 4^th parade and fireworks display; 23^rd Annual Church Mouse Marlin Invitational (8/26-27); Catalina Island Conservancy Half Marathon (9/28); 9/18-9/22 Catalina Film Festival (9/18-22); check event listings for more information

Go to www.catalinaexpress.com to download and bring the Centennial Certificate to the island; a sampling of offers:

1. CASA MARIQUITA "CENTENNIAL PACKAGE" COME TO WHERE THE BUFFALO ROAM includes one night stay Sunday - Thursday, round-trip boat transportation, continental breakfast, Skyline Drive Tour to see "where the Buffalo Roam." Starts at $450.68 for two-people/one night, represents a 15% savings. (800) 545-1192 • www.casamariquitahotel.com
2. ISLAND WATER CHARTERS PARASAIL Buy a tandem flight and get a FREE upgrade from the 600' flight to the 800' flight. (310) 510-9280 • www.islandwatercharters.com
3. CATALINA ADVENTURE TOURS GLASS BOTTOM BOAT TOUR Buy one, get one FREE*! Aboard the Sea View glass bottom boat; feed the fish through specially designed food drop tubes, while guides help identify ocean inhabitants. (877) 510-2888 • www.CatalinaAdventureTours.com *Taxes and fees not included
4. BOTANIC GARDEN Take the Garden to "Sky Hike" starting at the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden for a view of both sides of the Island. Buy one regular admission to the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden and get the second admission free. (310) 510-2897 • www.CatalinaConservancy.org

October 1 - December 31, 2013

Salute the Arts Across the Sea;
22 Miles to Island Style Music, Art, Parties and Festivals

• Fun Facts: "26 miles across the sea" was recorded by The Four Preps in 1957, and earlier in 1919, "Avalon," was sung by Al Jolson. "I found my love in Avalon beside the bay..."
• Events: Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival (10/3-6, 10/10-13, 10/17-20); 29^th Annual Catalina Island Triathlon (11/8-10); Catalina Island Eco Marathon (11/9); check event listings for more information

Go to www.catalinaexpress.com to download and bring the Centennial Certificate to the island; a sampling of offers:

1. VILLA PORTOFINO FALL JAZZ ROMANCE PACKAGE - 20% discount, rates starting at $169 per person; includes round-trip boat transportation, taxi transfers, continental breakfast, romantic CD, champagne; 15% discount shopping coupon for Island Threadz & Island Style. (888) 510-0555 • www.hotelvillaportofino.com
2. A TOUCH OF HEAVEN SPA Couples "Sweet Thai" Massage, this combination of Swedish and Thai massage uses ancient techniques of stretching and modern Swedish elements, set in a relaxing, candlelit environment. Get $40 OFF this massage (regularly $220 per couple, $180 w/ Centennial certificate). (310) 510-1633 • www.ATouchOfHeavenDaySpa.com
3. JAZZTRAX FESTIVAL Buy a Sunday Night Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival ticket and use the certificate to get one FREE Sunday Afternoon Session Ticket for Weekend 1. *Come to the JazzTrax Festival and the certificate will get you a Free Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival Poster. 866 872-9849 • www.jazztrax.com
4. ZIP LINE ECO TOUR: Complimentary Zip Line with the purchase of three Zip Line tickets. Good for all four to Zip Line together. Propel down five separate zips, dropping from 500' to 60' above sea level at heart pounding speeds. www.visitcatalinaisland.com

Free Round Trip on Your Birthday to Catalina on passengers' birthdays program is effective to April 30, 2014 for travel from all of Catalina Express' mainland ports, saving adult passengers up to $74.50 round trip. Travel must begin on the passenger's actual birthday, subject to availability, and return must be completed within 30 days. Passengers pre-register online at www.CatalinaExpress.com, make a reservation and then present their printed Free Pass at time of check-in, with valid ID. Visit www.CatalinaExpress.com.

About Catalina Island/Catalina Express

Located 22 miles off the coast of Southern California, Catalina Island's clear blue waters and Mediterranean climate and ambiance are a Shangri-La. This laid-back island town is full of places to eat, drink, shop. Catalina has a wealth of natural and cultural resources, unique animals and plants found nowhere else on earth. Sightseeing opportunities are varied from escorted tours around town, adventure rides into the interior, jeep eco tours, hummer rides, to zip lines, rock climbing and undersea adventures. Independent activities are plentiful, camping, hiking, snuba, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, spa treatments, beach lounging, golf, motor boating, parasailing, fishing, boat rides down the coastline.

Catalina Island is accessible by boat from three ports via Catalina Express: San Pedro, Long Beach and Dana Point. Catalina Express is an unparalleled resource in Southern California, and one of the world's most respected ferry fleets. For information and reservations, call 800-429-4601, or visit Catalina Express.