Carnival Splendor Set's Sail Again

The Carnival Splendor successfully completed repairs, U.S. Coast Guard inspection, sea trials, and has set sail from Long Beach, California the home port.

The 3006 passenger cruise ship will continue its year round 7 day Mexico Riviera cruise schedule starting February 20, 2011.

On the initial voyage from Long Beach, Splendor will visit the Pacific coast with stops in Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas.

Visit www.carnival.com

7 Major Cruise Trends for 2011

Cruise ships are sailing at full capacity with the expectation of 16-million passengers - an increase of 6% compared to last year.

With many new ships on the horizon for this year, CLIA (Cruise Line International Association) reports new cruise trends for 2011 . . . 

1. Cruise passengers are looking for more choices in their cruise dining experience. These choices include local food sources, guest celebrity/top chefs - and even more onboard speciality restaurants.

2. Private or exclusive shore excursions - and onboard experiences targeting families, children, sports, and active vacationers.

3. Shorter cruise durations. Many travelers are opting for several shorter cruises rather than the longer cruises - especially transatlantic

4. Top brand onboard spas, and unique spa treatments

5. Theme cruises focused on food/wine, culture, music and art

6. Passengers are booking cruises farther in advance - average 5- 6 months

7. Biggest growth expected from familes/multigenerational groups, baby boomers, first time cruisers, along with corporate groups and organizations

12 New Ships For 2011

CLIA (Cruise Line International Association) predicts the most popular destinations this year are Europe, the Caribbean, the Pacific, South America, Asia - and also an interest in River Cruises.

Great ready cruise fans - 12 new ships will premier this year:

MAJOR CRUISE LINES

Carnival Cruise Lines' Carnival Magic - 3,652 passengers
Costa Cruises' Favalosa - 3,502 passengers
Celebrity Cruises' Silhouette - 2,850 passengers

Disney Dream - 2,500 passengers
Oceania Cruises' Marina (shown above) - 1,260 passengers

SMALLER CRUISE VESSELS
Seabourn Cruise Line's Quest - 450 - passengers
Pearl Seas Cruises' Pearl Mist (shown above) - 210 passengers

RIVER CRUISES:

Avalon Waterways' Panorama - 166 passengers
AMA Waterways' Amalotus - 124 passengers
Amaverde - 162 passengers
Amakaterina - 212 passengers
Uniworld Grand River Cruises' Douro Spirit - 128 passengers
SS Antoinette - 164 passengers
River Victoria - 206 passengers

Jamaica's Newest Cruise Port Welcomes RCI

Finally! Jamaica's Falmouth cruise port has welcomed it's first cruise ship - Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas.

The new cruise port city is located on the north coast of Jamaica - and is a prime gateway for popular tourist attractions Dunn's River Falls, and adventure rafting on Martha Brae River.
 
The new cruise port will eventurally offering more than 60 tours, which will be the most offered by any Caribbean cruise destination. And there are future plans for shops, restaurants and historic attractions.
 
Falmouth was constructed to handle RCI's Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas - the world's largest cruise ships. Oasis of the Seas will actually launch the grand opening on March 22, 2011.
 
Meanwhile other RCI ships plan to visit Falmouth ahead of the grand launch. Freedom of the Seas sails into the port on Feb. 23  - and Navigator of the Seas arrives on Feb. 24.
 
Allure of the Seas - the world's other largest cruise ship - will arrive on March 30 - a week after sister ship arrives for the grand opening.
 
Jamaica's newest cruise port has the distinction of being the island's largest construction project to date. After many delays, Falmouth is off to a great start!