When the Mariner of the Seas made history as the largest ocean liner to arrive in Shanghai with a home port in China it was seen as a symbol of intent. The magnificent 138,000-ton mega-ship has an impressive luxury spec sheet which includes a mini golf course, 10 pools, a rock climbing wall and an ice rink.

Close-to-home river voyages that sail East Coast waterways, the Mississippi and other heartland rivers, or the Columbia and Snake Rivers in the Pacific Northwest, are growing in popularity.

Construction on Costa Diadema is well underway in Italy with the passenger cruise ship’s fore-end block having been installed. The fore-end section that has been placed weighs a total of 392 tons, is eight meters high and has a maximum breadth of 36.11 meters.

Let’s say you have the opportunity to fulfill one of your dream vacations – a trip to the beautiful Galapagos Islands. What is the best way to travel once you are there – on a cruise between the islands or on an island-hopping tour? Here you are presented with both options, through the story of two travelers who decided on different trips. The first takes a private yacht cruise while the other decides on a hotel-based vacation.