The new ships - which each will have an all-in cost of approximately €155,000 per lower berth - are scheduled to enter service in spring 2013 and spring 2014.  At an estimated 141,000 tons, the as-yet-unnamed ships will be the largest in the Princess Cruises fleet.
The ships' design will be evolutionary, in keeping with the themes of the line's newest vessels, but with some new features and innovations.  For example, all outside cabins will feature balconies, bringing the percentage of balconies on the ships to 80 percent of all staterooms.  
            The company's signature Piazza - the ship's central atrium featuring dining, entertainment and retail - will be expanded, as will the popular Sanctuary, spa, and restaurants. [More]

Royal Caribbean International has announced that Mariner of the Seas will begin short Brazil sailings from February 15th 2011. She will sail on four roundtrip sailings from Sao Paulo (Santos) on a six-night itinerary – the March 5, 2011 voyage coinciding with Brazil’s Carnaval celebrations – featuring a call at Rio De Janeiro and an overnight at Salvador De Bahia. [More]

Allure of the Seas will share the title of the world’s largest and most revolutionary cruise ship with sister-ship Oasis of the Seas. An architectural marvel at sea, she will span 16 decks, encompass 225,282 gross registered tons, carry 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and feature 2,700 staterooms. Allure of the Seas will tout Royal Caribbean’s exclusive neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which will include Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Centre, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone. [More]

Cunard ships, while among the most modern afloat, are known for their traditional luxury, accentuated by extensive use of brass, classic fabrics, marble and highly polished woods.One challenge for Queen Elizabeth’s designers was how to treat the significant central space on the sweeping staircase in the ship’s soaring Grand Lobby. [More]

There is such a huge selection of itineraries and destinations available in the Caribbean, on a range of cruiselines, you are spoilt for choice [More]