Costa Cruises is replacing the Costa Allegra with the Costa Voyager, starting March 18. Following the generator room fire aboard Costa Allegra Feb. 27, the company has not determined how long it will take to repair and bring the ship back into service.

Jamaica now ranks as the fastest growing cruise destination in the Caribbean based on the pull of the Falmouth Pier, launched a year ago, and one key official estimates visitor-spend to surpass US$100 million (J$8.7 billion) or 25 per cent more than earlier year's levels.

Underscoring the growth in travel by the disabled, The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) reports that it will recognize and accept the Special Needs Group Certified Accessible Travel Advocate achievement for CLIA Certification credit.