Carnival Cruise Lines’ 2,052-passenger Carnival Paradise departed on its inaugural cruise from Tampa, Fla., on Dec. 12. The Paradise, which replaces the Carnival Inspiration, will operate four- and five-day Western Caribbean cruises year-round from the Port of Tampa.

Royal Caribbean International is launching a playful new global brand and advertising campaign with the tagline “The Sea is Calling. Answer It Royally” under the line’s iconic crown-and-anchor logo. The campaign replaces the “Nation of Why Not” campaign. The campaign will feature TV ads, some of which are now visible on Royal Caribbean’s website and social media outlets.

Tourism Association members say something must be done to boost cruise tourism on Island. That after staggering statistics show cruise passenger arrivals in October were down almost half from the same month in 2010.

The 2011/12 cruise season was officially inaugurated this week in Buenos Aires with the arrival from Venice of ‘Opera’ with 1.900 passengers. The cruise vessel belongs to the Italian company MSC and most tourists are Argentines, as well as French, Italian, German and Brazilians.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is offering two-for-one fares, bonus savings and free air on 10- and 11-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises.