MSC Cruises is courting the family market. Kids age 17 and under sail free on all itineraries when sharing a stateroom with two full-fare-paying adults. On each MSC Cruises sailing, staff members cater to the needs of all ages, including the youngest guests. Each ship has cheerful, colorful, safe play areas.

Crystal Cruises announced its 2010 “Experiences of Discovery” theme cruises. Classes, events and, in most cases, shoreside options will augment voyages throughout the Middle East, Australia/New Zealand, Europe and beyond.

Crystal Cruises announced its 2010 “Experiences of Discovery” theme cruises. Classes, events and, in most cases, shoreside options will augment voyages throughout the Middle East, Australia/New Zealand, Europe and beyond.

Australia-based Orion Expedition Cruises is offering a 20 percent discount on all voyages now through March 27, including expeditions to the Great Barrier Reef and the sub-Antarctic Island, along with new itineraries showcasing Antarctica’s Ross Sea coast, New Zealand’s fjords and waterfalls, and the culture of Papua New Guinea.

MSC Cruises’ has named the baseball players that who sail on its five “Baseball Greats” theme cruises on the MSC Poesia during the 2009-2010 Caribbean cruise season. Each “Baseball Greats” sailing includes free interactive guest/player activities, such as a player-hosted trivia game in on baseball knowledge, question-and-answer sessions with the players, a guest pitching contest and a story-telling session.

The cruise industry has touched bottom and is now stabilizing, but questions linger about when a rebound will occur, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd’s CEO said in an interview.