Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), in its annual report on the status of the cruise industry, predicted a record year for 2008, with member lines projected to carry 12.8 million passengers. Of the total, 10.5 million passengers will originate from North America and 2.3 million from international markets.

The 700-passenger Azamara Journey, operated by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.’s Azamara Cruises line, will make two port calls in St. Croix in 2009, adding to the seven port calls announced a month ago by Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Magic.

American Safari Cruises, an adventure-oriented yacht line, will offer a diverse array of 2009 itineraries in such destinations as Mexico, Alaska and Hawaii.

Azamara Cruises will send the Azamara Journey to the Caribbean next winter, replacing its originally scheduled itineraries in South America, the deluxe line said.

Carnival Cruise Lines will launch a new multi-million-dollar branding campaign that injects a fresh new look and feel into the company’s advertising, marketing and collateral materials. The centerpiece of the wide-ranging initiative is a series of new 30-second television spots which debuted Monday, Jan. 7.

Royal Caribbean International guests can Rumba, Samba, Cha-Cha, Waltz or Swing into the spotlight in “Invitation to Dance,” the cruise line’s newest production show featuring guests as stars aboard Explorer of the Seas.