Holland America Line has decided on a name for its first Signature-class vessel: the Eurodam. The 2,044-passenger ship, the largest to be constructed by the line, is to be delivered in summer 2008. The 86,000-ton Eurodam will be built at Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard with an estimated all-in cost of $450 million. HAL has a second Signature-class ship on option with Fincantieri, with delivery scheduled for spring 2010.

Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said Thursday he will meet with evangelicals in Dominica seeking restrictions on gay cruises, which have drawn some protests elsewhere in the Caribbean. Dominica has no restrictions on the tours, but Skerrit told The Associated Press that he will meet soon with the Evangelical Association to outline the government’s position on gay cruises stopping in the island.

There’s probably no better time than Christmas to enjoy the gifts of the earth. On the Galapagos Islands, where the idea of evolution dawned on Charles Darwin, travelers will find a veritable Santa’s bag of diverse terrain, pristine waters and brightly colored wildlife. Getting up close and personal with these fearless and remarkable creatures is a priceless experience, and aboard International Expeditions’ M/V Evolution, passengers will enjoy a voyage such as Darwin himself could envy.

Carnival Cruise Lines will launch San Diego’s first year-round cruise schedule with four- and five-day Baja Mexico voyages aboard the 2,052-passenger “Fun Ship” Elation beginning in June 2007. On this program the Elation will depart Thursdays on four-day cruises to Cabo San Lucas and on Mondays and Saturdays on five-day cruises to Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada, on a rotating schedule.

Victoria Cruises has introduced its new 2007 brochure showcasing series of itineraries that will present the Yangtze River waters in China. The new brochures feature detailed descriptions of all itineraries, sailing dates, pricing, deck plans and ship specifications for all vessels in the fleet, Yangtze River destinations, comments from passengers and journalists, color photos and more.

Celebrity Cruises and Pullmantur will engage in a ship swap that will expand Celebrity’s Expeditions brand, Royal Caribbean Cruises said. RCCL said that it received antitrust approval from Spain and Portugal for its purchase of Madrid-based cruise and tour operator Pullmantur.