The Carnival Dream, scheduled to debut on Sept. 21, will offer new dining options. The Chef’s Art Steakhouse, located on Spa Deck 12, will seat 139 and specialize in dry-aged beef. Carnival will charge $30 per person for this alternative restaurant. Reservations are recommended.

The sixth restaurant on Oceania Cruises’ newest ship will be the first named for the line’s master chef, Jacques Pepin. Oceania executives and Pepin made the announcement at an event here on Wednesday.

Taking a cue from sister line Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines introduced a tour of the inner workings of a Carnival ship, called Behind the Fun.

As part of the continuing Signature of Excellence enhancement program, Holland America Line will add 22 staterooms to Prinsendam in early 2010. The dry-dock will occur in Freeport, Bahamas, Jan. 4 to 13.

SeaDream Yacht Club is promoting holiday sailings. “We’ve some great 2009-10 Caribbean holiday voyages. For example, fares on the Dec. 13, five-night Hanukkah voyage starting at $1,799 per person for those who are planning ahead,” said SeaDream President Bob Lepisto.

The MSC Poesia will feature Carlos Oliva and Los Sobrinos del Juez during its Jan. 23, seven-night Latin Music Cruise. Oliva is credited as being the founder of the musical movement developed by the fusion of rock, jazz, samba, son, guaracha and other Cuban rhythms, known today as the “Miami Sound.”