With so many back-to-back cruises -- whether in the Caribbean, along the Mexican Riviera or what has become more standard in Europe -- it’s good to see when cruise lines offer a one-of-a-kind option.

Almaco was awarded a multi-million euro contract to modernize accommodation and food handling areas onboard Mein Schiff 2, the ship that TUI Cruises is adding to its fleet in the spring 2011. TUI Cruises is a joint venture cruise line comprised of TUI AG and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

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.”