Discovery World Cruises brokered a deal to offer two sailings that include the Galapagos Islands, a tightly-controlled cruising region that is restricted to small ships that fly the Ecuadorian flag. Typically, ships must apply for a small handful of permits in order to cruise the region. The Discovery, which flies the Bahamian flag, will be an exception.

A cruise trip was the top vacation choice for the "perfect summer trip" in a National Geographic Kids survey that polled 401 children ages eight to 14, a point that illustrates the fast-growing trend of family cruising. The survey results come as no surprise to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), whose 19 member lines are carrying unprecedented numbers of children sailings with parents from year to year.

New shore excursions will have Royal Caribbean International guests zipping between treetops in a Jamaican jungle, taking a dip in the shadow of an active volcano and exploring ancient, remote Mayan ruins in Guatemala. With exciting new excursions bringing the total number of offerings to more than 600, Royal Caribbean´s Explorations program gives guests the chance to explore the Caribbean in unique and unexpected ways.

Engineers in Europe´s largest port have just finished adding 151 cabins, swimming pools, water fountain, restaurants, two suspension bridges and a bungee-trampoline to a giant cruise ship. The "Enchantment of the Seas", a giant 916-foot cruise liner in the past, is now a 989-footer. Project director Harold Linssen said the two-month job actually wasn´t exactly a cakewalk.

Hefty consumer demand for seagoing vacations drove robust passenger growth in the first three months of 2005 as the member fleets of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) carried 2.63 million worldwide guests in the first quarter of 2005, an 8.9 percent increase over the same period in 2004. The 2005 first-quarter passenger figures are new statistics released this week by CLIA, an organization that comprises 19 member cruise lines. In addition to the growing passenger totals, CLIA cruise lines also posted impressive occupancy figures, with a 104.3 percent occupancy factor in the first quarter of 2005, compared with 103.3 percent for the year prior.

Underscoring its leadership position in the Asia market, Princess Cruises offers its largest deployment there ever with two ships and a vast array of unique itineraries. The line will increase its Asia capacity by more than 25 percent for the 2006-2007 season. Whether exploring the secrets of Angkor Wat in new port-of-call Cambodia, or soaking up the lively traditions of Beijing, Princess passengers have more options than ever before to delve into the fascinating cultures of exotic Asia.