Mexico will charge a $5 (U.S. dollars) per capita landing fee to all foreign visitors calling in Mexican ports as of next year if President Felipe Calderon signs the bill into law which was approved Thursday by Congress.

Major cruise lines are rejecting Grand Bahama as a port of call because it has little to offer tourists, according to Minister of Tourism Neko Grant, who met recently with officials of major cruise lines.

Carnival Cruise Lines is now operating from the newest passenger facilities at the Port of Miami, Terminal D and Terminal E, the cruise line said.

Costa Cruises contracted for its 16th and 17th vessels, placing a two-ship order with Fincantieri’s shipyard in Marghera, Italy.

With sailings up to 20 days, Holland America Line’s 2008 Caribbean itineraries feature 121 varied departures that focus on longer, port-intensive options for premium cruise guests. The line continues to lead major cruise lines with sailings of 10 days or more and will introduce the new 2,104-guest ms Eurodam to Caribbean cruising.

Princess Cruises has created four segments of 22 to 35 days for its two 2009 World Cruises along with “Liner Voyages” of 45 to 80 days. The segments and “Liner Voyages” offer 25 ways to take part in Princess’ 107-day world cruises aboard Tahitian Princess and Royal Princess.