Aruba reported that it welcomed a record 267,765 cruise passengers in the first three months of 2008, an increase of 27 percent compared to the same period last year.

Silversea Cruises detailed the multi-million dollar refurbishment that its two smallest ships, the Silver Wind and Silver Cloud, will undergo in the next year in order to keep its oldest ships up to the standards of its upcoming newbuilds.

Oceania Cruises announced the introduction of the 2009-2010 Winter Collection of sailings to destinations including South America and Mexico. The program of excursions and overland tours affords clients the opportunity to experience such historical sites as the Iguaçu Falls, Copper Canyon and the Galapagos Islands.

Carnival Cruise Lines will deploy the “Fun Ship” Carnival Elation on a new three- and four-day cruise schedule from San Diego beginning February 12, 2009. The new routes will visit Ensenada, Mexico and Catalina Island, CA. The ship currently operates four- and five-day cruises from San Diego and will continue that program through the departure of February 7, 2009.

Holland America Line has a mobile-friendly version of its website for all devices able to connect to the Internet. “More and more people are using mobile devices to get things done when traveling, while waiting in line, and at other so-called down times,” said Richard D. Meadows, executive vice president-marketing, sales and guest programs.

The Maxim Gorkiy will be transformed into the Marco Polo II to launch the rebirth of Orient Lines in April 2009.