MSC Cruises' acclaimed spa and wellbeing offering is to be further enhanced by the launch of its stunning new Aurea Suites. This deluxe accommodation will be available on board MSC Fantasia from November 5 and on MSC Splendida from November 13. Aurea Suites will also be found on MSC Divina, the company's newest flagship that will join the fleet from next May.

For National Cruise Vacation Week, Princess Cruises is offering a sale on 2012 European vacations. The promotion, which runs Oct. 17 to 23, includes free balcony upgrades plus up to $100 in onboard credit per stateroom.

Royal Caribbean International will extend the DreamWorks Experience to a fifth ship in 2012, the 137,000-ton Voyager of the Seas. Po and Shrek will be among the characters that will attend events and parades, character breakfasts in the main dining room, and photo opportunities. The DreamWorks Experience will be in place at the start of the summer 2012 Asia season.

Authorities are proposing to team up with the private sector to boost investment in the tourism industry to reverse a significant fall off in cruise visitors - estimated at more than 20 per cent between this and last season.

Royal Caribbean International has announced several offers to help agents sell during CLIA’s National Cruise Vacation Week, Oct. 17 to 21. The line is offering onboard credit for select 2012 Alaska cruise-tours and Royal Incentive Rewards to help drive business even after the week has concluded.

Azamara Club Cruises has announced its 2013 line-up of voyages, featuring a total of 69 cruises aboard the Azamara Journey and the Azamara Quest. Select Azamara voyages also coincide with cultural celebrations, such as Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro, the Monaco Grand Prix, the Andalusian Festival and the British Open.