In the next two years, Holland America Line plans its most diverse offering of Caribbean cruise options with new ports, back-to-back itineraries, and the introduction of its newest ship, ms Eurodam, in late 2008. Holland America Line has increased its presence in the region due primarily to the addition of the new 2,104-passenger Eurodam and has planned more 10-day and longer journeys along with some gateway changes to introduce in-depth itineraries. Beginning in 2008, Holland America Line also will embark on a full season of a southern Caribbean itinerary that proved to be a popular ch...

NCL America announced that off-Broadway's legendary show phenomena, Tony n' Tina's Wedding, will be featured on board its ships Pride of America, Pride of Aloha and Pride of Hawai`i. The 25-member cast of Tony n' Tina's Wedding satirizes a traditional Italian wedding with passengers as "invited guests" to the nuptials of the Vitale and Nunzio families. The wedding and reception is held in an on-board lounge, which is transformed into Vinnie's Coliseum restaurant, a classic Italian wedding hall. "Along with great restaurants, amenities, itineraries, shore excursions and ac...

In time to help guests set their New Year's resolutions for a healthier lifestyle, Royal Caribbean International announces a new smoking policy onboard its ships, effective January 2008. To bolster the cruise line's new Vitality wellness program, recently debuted on Liberty of the Seas - the newest vessel to share the title of the world's largest cruise ship with sister-ship, Freedom of the Seas - Royal Caribbean is increasing smoke-free zones by designating all staterooms and one lounge on each ship in its fleet as non-smoking areas. The new policy will go into effect aboard 18 of the l...

The colorful ports of the Caribbean highlight Princess' 2008-09 cruise season as the line's amenity-filled ships offer up fresh itineraries for escapes to these tropical waters, and a new vessel, Ruby Princess, makes her debut. In total, seven Princess ships will sail on 11 itineraries to all corners of the Caribbean, featuring the youngest fleet of any major cruise line in the region. This array of modern vessels, ranging from 710 to 3,100 passengers, offers the highest percentage of balcony staterooms in the Caribbean - perfect for enjoying the idyllic island scenery and crystal blue wat...

Celebrity Cruises' guests now can enjoy museum-quality audio equipment and commentary while viewing the fleet's permanent onboard art collection. Seven of the line's ships now offer complimentary use of handheld audio devices featuring self-guided art tours that provide education and insight into the works. "We're thrilled to be the only cruise line to offer equipment of such high quality to guests interested in art," Celebrity Vice President of Entertainment Lisa Lutoff-Perlo said. "Whether someone is new to the world of art or an art historian, our self-guided art tour w...

Holland America Line, the world's leading premium cruise line, sails to all seven continents, and also offers passage to the new seven wonders of the world on its more than 500 worldwide cruise itineraries. The line also visits the cruise port gateway to honorary wonder of the world -- the Pyramids of Giza -- the only remaining wonder of the ancient world. "Cruising opens up new horizons to travelers," said Richard D. Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest services. "As the world's leading premium cruise line, we explore destinations off the beaten p...

Carnival Cruise Lines said it will operate its first voyages to South America in January 2009. The Miami-based cruise line said it plans 14- to 18-day departures with extended visits to destinations in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Ecuador, Chile and Peru. The cruises are to be aboard the new 113,300-ton Carnival Splendor. The 3,006-passenger ship is to operate three special South America departures: * a 17-day, six-port cruise from Fort Lauderdale, to Buenos Aires, Argentina, Jan. 31-Feb. 17. The voyage is to include visits to Dominica and Barbados, as well as day-long calls at the ...

Seabourn Cruise Line has announced the name that will be given to its new, ultra luxury cruising vessel, presently under construction in Italy. The all-suite, 450-guest ship will be christened Seabourn Odyssey when she debuts in Venice in mid-2009. "There were literally hundreds of names that we considered," said Seabourn president Pamela C. Conover, "and we pursued dozens of different directions. But in the end, we wanted her name to reflect her primary purpose, which is to wander the globe, carrying our guests to the world's most exciting and fascinating destinations, in...

Azamara Cruises has joined the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), making it the association`s 24th cruise line member. The new, "deluxe" cruise brand was announced by Celebrity Cruises in May with the launch of Azamara`s first vessel. Azamara Cruises is designed to offer exotic, destination-driven travel experiences on two 710-guest vessels. Azamara Journey set sail May 5, and sister ship, Azamara Quest, will enter service in October. The cruises present a more intimate onboard experience, while allowing access to the less-traveled ports of call experienced travele...

Holland America Line launches “As You Wish” dining, an innovative program that allows guests to choose from the best of both worlds – either traditional pre-set seating and dining times, or a completely flexible dining schedule. One level of the two-tiered restaurant will offer a flexible/open dining service from 5:15 to 9 p.m. daily, and the other will host two seatings, an early and main seating. “Providing more options for our guests has been a hallmark of our Signature of Excellence initiative,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, mar...