Caribbean cruise lines are rebutting criticism that their industry makes little contribution to the sustainable economic development of the Caribbean region. Responding to a barrage of charges at the recent Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) conference in Basseterre –which ranged from not sourcing Caribbean agricultural products to employing only a token number of Caribbean nationals- FCCA President Michelle Paige says the accusations are groundless. She said some Caribbean destinations, like Aruba, Barbados and St. Kitts, have not voiced any major concerns about employment, and added that governments ought to share their wish lists with the cruise industry.

From music and culture to adventure and wildlife, Crystal Cruises´ 2006 South America season aboard Crystal Symphony explores the continent´s rich diversity with authentic and unique experiences ashore. With 153 Crystal Adventures, guests can find themselves dancing the tango in Buenos Aires, sipping wines in Montevideo, trekking the ice fields of Antarctica, or soaring high above Tierra del Fuego. “South America is a fascinating continent of contrasts –from rugged nature to cosmopolitan cities- and our Crystal Adventures are designed to put guests in the middle of the experience, whether it´s swaying to the samba, trekking Patagonia, or marching with penguins,” says John Stoll, Crystal´s director of land programs.

Since its founding in 1982, Clipper Cruise Line has stood for a high level of quality, hospitality, service, and a cruise experience that is well beyond the norm. This commitment to a more meaningful travel experience is quite apparent in Clipper´s 2006 schedule, where the company has arranged more than 40 cruise itineraries that encompass every continent aboard its fleet of four small ships. "With our emphasis on visiting interesting destinations –places of great natural beauty, exotic wildlife, and historical or cultural significance- a Clipper voyage offers lasting travel memories," Clipper Cruise Line Chief Executive Officer David Drier said.

Carnival Cruise Lines partnered with renowned chef and restaurateur Georges Blanc to create a series of dishes to be served aboard the line´s ships. The Georges Blanc Signature Selections will include appetizers, entrees and desserts that will be served in the main dining rooms and Lido restaurants fleet-wide, as well as in the reservations-required Supper Clubs on select vessels. A special notation on each menu will indicate Georges Blanc Signature Selections.

For the first time in its history, the American Queen, one of the three authentic steamboats of Delta Queen Steamboat Company, embarked through the Gulf of Mexico on a journey to Texas on a 30-day charter. Based on confidentiality, the company did not issue the name of the chartering entity. The steamboat traveled down the Mississippi River and out into the Gulf of Mexico for a two-day journey to Texas.

Silversea Cruises is taking steps to “discourage” agency rebating by disallowing agents to charge a client´s credit card less than the full amount of the cruise purchase, the line said. “Silversea believes rebating continues to hurt the distribution systems and the company is fully committed to providing a level playing field to agents,” the company said in a statement.