The North American cruise industry’s economic impact in the United States grew by more than 6 percent in 2007, creating more than 350,000 jobs while generating $38 billion in total economic output, according to a national study released by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
Royal Caribbean’s 3,114-passenger Voyager of the Seas, the largest cruise ship ever based in Texas, returns to the Lone Star State in December for its second winter season. Prices have been sharply reduced for the Nov. 29-Dec. 14 trans-Atlantic crossing from Barcelona.
Azamara Cruises has enhanced its offerings for travel agents who use various electronic systems for booking cruises. Azamara bookings were originally made via Celebrity Cruises’ systems, but Azamara has completed a project to separate Azamara Cruises from Celebrity, simplifying and streamlining its cruise-booking process.
Carnival’s pier at Puerta Maya in Cozumel, Mexico, reopened when the Carnival Ecstasy and Carnival Fantasy docked at the facility on Oct. 16. The remained closed since Hurricane Wilma damaged it in October 2005.
Disney Cruise Line, a unit of Walt Disney Co., said Monday that it will move one of its ships to Europe in 2010 and lengthen some of its Caribbean trips.
Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world’s most treasured destinations invites travelers to the sun-drenched beaches and tropical waters of the Caribbean aboard the 312-guest Wind Surf and the 148-guest Wind Spirit.