Helsinki-based Kristina Cruises for the first time is deploying one of its ships to the Caribbean. Operating as chartered fly-cruise packages with Finnair, the line’s 400-passenger Kristina Katarina will sail a series of Eastern Caribbean cruises roundtrip from Barbados and from the Dominican Republic through February.

Royal Caribbean International is returning the Freedom-class Independence of the Seas to Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. for the winter 2012-13 season. Vacationers will have a choice of three Freedom-class ships offering a variety of exciting Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, sailing from Port Canaveral aboard Freedom of the Seas and Port Everglades aboard Independence of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas. Independence of the Seas’ winter 2012-13 Caribbean season is now open for booking.

Visits by cruise ships to St. Kitts’ Port Zante pick up momentum from November 1 and will continue for the next few months for the 2011/2012 Cruise Ship Season. An estimated 625,000 passengers are expected between October 2011 and September 2012.

The FBI says a mother whose newborn baby was found dead on the Carnival Dream cruise ship has returned to the United States. An FBI spokesman said Monday that the 20-year-old woman returned to the United States late Sunday after being detained by Dutch authorities in St. Maarten.

MSC Cruises' acclaimed spa and wellbeing offering is to be further enhanced by the launch of its stunning new Aurea Suites. This deluxe accommodation will be available on board MSC Fantasia from November 5 and on MSC Splendida from November 13. Aurea Suites will also be found on MSC Divina, the company's newest flagship that will join the fleet from next May.

For National Cruise Vacation Week, Princess Cruises is offering a sale on 2012 European vacations. The promotion, which runs Oct. 17 to 23, includes free balcony upgrades plus up to $100 in onboard credit per stateroom.