Emerging from a challenging year that left cruise executives with furrowed brows, cruise lines have already taken steps to shore up and protect their 2012 business. However, they can only take action based on what's obvious at the moment.

Windstar Cruises, which operates a fleet of three luxury sailing yachts, announced two-for-one fares starting from $1,399 per person, based on double occupancy, on select 2012 Caribbean voyages when booked by Feb. 24, 2012. Three Caribbean itineraries are available and each one features intimate and exclusive island-hopping experiences.

Budget savvy solo travelers can take advantage of no single supplement on eight Galapagos adventures offered by nature travel expert and ecotourism pioneer International Expeditions

Star Cruises, the leading cruise line in Asia-Pacific, is pleased to announce that it has earmarked $25 million to refurbish SuperStar Virgo, further strengthening its cruise holiday products for regional and international passengers.

Cunard Line’s flagship Queen Mary 2, renowned for her signature trans-Atlantic Cruise, has been named "Best Luxury Cruise Ship” for the eighth consecutive year by the readers of Travel Weekly, the national publication of the travel industry. 

The Around-the-World cruise, which already sold out months prior to departure, will host about 2,300 passengers from around the world: more than half the guests will be Italian and German, along with numerous French and Spanish.