Royal Caribbean Cruises has exercised its option to build a second ship in its “Genesis Project”. Destined to become the 24th ship in the Royal Caribbean International fleet, the 5,400-guest, 220,000-gross-registered-ton ship would be built in Finland, with delivery projected for August, 2010.

Carnival Cruise Lines has announced casino tournaments taking place on a score of sailings that can send winners home pocketing as much as $2,500 each and a free cruise for two.

From the sun-soaked beaches of Mykonos to the Mauresque medinas of Morocco, Costa, Europe’s number one cruise line, offers the best of the Mediterranean in year-round cruises spanning from seven to twelve nights.

Royal Caribbean International will send the Empress of the Seas to its Pullmantur, its Madrid-based sister brand, in spring 2008.

Costa Maya, the fastest growing port in Mexico, continues to expand itsunique excursion program offerings with the addition of the Dolphin Dream Experience and various cultural tours in partnership with some of the region’s leading tourist attractions.

Silversea Cruises is changing its spa provider from Steiner Leisure’s Mandara Spas, opting to create its own spa brand managed by Steiner, the luxury line said last week.