The founder of Orient Lines and Discovery World Cruises will launch a new cruise line centered around Mediterranean history and culture, called Voyages to Antiquity.

MSC Cruises is offering savings on the MSC Poesia’s Dec. 20 seven-night holiday cruise to the Eastern Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale. “The More the Merrier” offer allows guests to pay the regular early-booking rate on the first stateroom and 50 percent off the early-booking rate on a second stateroom. The promotion is valid when four guests are booked in two staterooms.

The Caribbean’s popularity as a cruise destination appears to be never ending. Even this summer the Caribbean was one of the most popular destinations for cruise lines. The Caribbean is popular for several reasons: warm weather, lots of ports, and is a perfect introduction for first-time cruisers.

When it emerges from a $25 million makeover this fall, the 922-passenger Crystal Symphony will have redesigned penthouses, pool areas and restaurants. The Symphony’s drydock is scheduled for Sept. 17 to Oct. 1 in Boston.

Cruise West announced that in 2010 it will operate 38 worldwide itineraries, of which 29 are new, with stops in 75 countries and more than 300 ports worldwide. The voyages will include 175 departures throughout all seven continents with visits to 92 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Cruise West operates small ships with capacities of 78 to 148 guests. Cruises range from four to 19 nights, and are priced from $1,199 per person.

SeaDream Yacht Club has published its 2010 Caribbean and European schedules and itineraries. “While we still have limited space on some 2009 voyages, which we fully expect to sell, we are already experiencing solid demand for 2010,” said SeaDream President Bob Lepisto.