Cruise Lines Unveil Innovative Itineraries for 2006

As seagoing vacations continue to grow in popularity, cruise lines have introduced new ports of call around the world and next year will be no different.

In 2006, travelers will find a portfolio of new cruises to the far reaches of the globe. The 19 cruise line members of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) take travelers to 1,800 ports of call on more than 150 ships of varying styles, from yacht-like luxury ships carrying 150 passengers to mega vessels carrying more than 3,000 guests.

In 2006, travelers will find new and enhanced Caribbean itineraries –including more sailings to the deep Caribbean from New York City. CLIA-member lines are also positioning more ships then ever before on the other side of the pond in anticipation of a sizzling hot season in Europe.

Some of the industry´s largest ships will cruise the Continent, and itineraries will be available in all shapes and sizes, from seven days to 28 days and longer. Other cruise lines will take guests to remote, lesser-known ports as far north as the Arctic Circle and exclusive, intimate resorts in the Eastern and Western Mediterranean.

New sailings will also include voyages to the world´s southernmost destination, Antarctica. Cruising around Cape Horn via the Drake Passage, the Beagle Channel and the Straits of Magellan, vacationers experience South America´s vibrant ports, from the cosmopolitan flair of Buenos Aires to the trendy beaches and sizzling nightspots and Carnival flavor of Rio de Janeiro.