MSC Cruises is offering winter cruises to the temperate Mediterranean with rates starting from $499 per person. The cruises are eight, nine, 10 and 11 nights long.

The addition of a fourth ship in Europe in 2012 has prompted Norwegian Cruise Line to reposition ships that sail Caribbean cruises. The moves include a departure from Port Canaveral. NCL will take the Norwegian Sun out of Port Canaveral for the 2012-13 season and move it to Miami.

Cuba has given a warm welcome to a British cruise liner in an effort to boost tourism. Havana residents waved, a salsa band played and showgirls shimmied as the nine-deck Thomson Dream became one of the biggest ships to dock in Cuba for years.

Austin-Lehman Adventures (ALA) is offering choices by land or sea for Galapagos trips, using Red Mangrove Galapagos and Ecuador Lodges for its land-based, island-hopping programs and Ecoventura for small ship expedition cruising. “We’re thrilled that we can offer a choice of upscale, active vacation programs in this astonishing environment,” said Dan Austin. “Bottom line for each option is that our travel partners practice the highest standards of sustainability on behalf of this region -- without sacrificing the level of service and activity that our clients count on.”

American Safari Cruises’ 22-guest Safari Quest is hosting photography-themed cruises in Mexico’s Sea of Cortés departing Feb. 26 or March 19. The February date is targeted at families with children. The cruise will host a professional photographer for complimentary hands-on photo sessions and excursions. The photographer accompanies guests on excursions, answers questions, suggests new techniques and offers one-on-one assistance throughout the cruise.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line’s (RCCL’s) Navigator of the Seas has been rescheduled to arrive at the Historic Falmouth Port next month, the Observer has learnt. The new date was decided to ensure that both the port and the town were ready to offer a positive experience.