The keel was laid on July 11 for the new Seabourn Cruises ship, the Odyssey, at a ceremony in Friuli, in northeast Italy between Venice and Trieste. The 32,000-ton, 225-suite Seabourn Odyssey is due to enter service in June 2009.

Princess Cruises has introduced a new POLAR Online feature to help travel agents plan a sale, cruise night or other promotions. In addition, the company’s online training program, Princess Academy, has just added a new course called “Successful Cruise Nights” to help agents maximize sales from these events.

Costa Cruises’ Costa Magica will sail from Barcelona, Spain, from March through November 2008. The Italian cruise line said the Magica will offer seven-day trips departing Barcelona from the cruise line’s new Palacrociere terminal, which opened in April.

AdventureSmith Explorations, a small-ship adventure and eco-tourism specialist, is offering savings of $800 per person or $1,600 per cabin on its eight-day Sea of Cortez yacht cruise on select dates from December through March.

Crystal Cruises has announced its 2008 lineup of theme cruises, headlined by a new art and antiquities program, a classical music voyage, and an expanded series of golf cruises. Crystal’s 12 theme programs are offered on both the Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony.

Silversea Cruises has planned several exclusive events and complimentary tours for the Silver Shadow’s second World Cruise, departing Fort Lauderdale on January 16, 2008. Titled “The Rhythms of the World,” the 110-day cruise will visit more than 25 countries and 50 ports on a journey through the Panama Canal, to the Mexican Riviera, Hawaii, the Far East, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Silversea will host three complimentary events for guests sailing the full 110-day itinerary.