Caribbean Update!

While sailing the Caribbean’s 7,000+ islands remains an ever-popular choice for first-time cruisers, seasoned travelers may also want to give it a second look for a winter escape. New ships, exciting excursions and cruise lines just starting to sail these waters will give everyone a new perspective.

MSC Cruises

Watch for MSC Cruises to have an ever-increasing presence in the Caribbean during the next couple of seasons. This year, the MSC Orchestra sails her inaugural Caribbean season starting with a New Year's weekend cruise which will leave Ft. Lauderdale on January 2, 2009. This new 'Italian gem' has 18 decks, an authentic Chinese restaurant at sea (in addition to the authentic Italian cuisine) and a pool where passengers can relax and watch movies on an enormous screen. Next year, two more new ships, the MSC Poesia and MSC Magnifica will sail the Caribbean for the first time in the 2009-2010 season with a selection of 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises and some 10-night cruises as well. The majority of cabins on both ships are outside with balconies and offer unique restaurants and dining choices.

Holland America Eurodam

The highly anticipated Eurodam from Holland America starts sailing the Caribbean in October 2008. The Eurodam is Holland America's first ‘Signature Class’ ship and just began sailing in July 2008. The ship features a Pan Asian restaurant and lounge, private cabanas which can be rented for the day, spa staterooms and an extensive art collection with works from Dutch masters and contemporary artists. You can keep up with the latest from the ship on the Eurodam blog!

Oceania Cruises

Cruisers from both coasts will appreciate Oceania’s unique itineraries on the Regatta – departing from Miami or Los Angeles. Oceania features mid-size ships with personalized service and suites as large as 1,000 feet. A 12-day cruise departing from Miami features stops in Turks and Caicos, St. Barts and Virgin Gorda – where you can take an excursion to see the Baths at Virgin Gorda – an amazing rock formation and geological wonder. From Los Angeles passengers can cruise to Miami on a 16-day cruise which docks at several stops in Mexico before passing through the Panama Canal.

P&O Cruises

Also launching new sailings in the Caribbean is UK-based P&O Cruises, providing British cruisers a way to escape to warm weather without having to fly to the US.

The five-week cruises on the Oriana will begin in winter 2010 and depart from Southampton.