Carnival Cruise Lines will launch San Diego’s first year-round cruise schedule with four- and five-day Baja Mexico voyages aboard the 2,052-passenger “Fun Ship” Elation beginning in June 2007. On this program the Elation will depart Thursdays on four-day cruises to Cabo San Lucas and on Mondays and Saturdays on five-day cruises to Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada, on a rotating schedule.

Victoria Cruises has introduced its new 2007 brochure showcasing series of itineraries that will present the Yangtze River waters in China. The new brochures feature detailed descriptions of all itineraries, sailing dates, pricing, deck plans and ship specifications for all vessels in the fleet, Yangtze River destinations, comments from passengers and journalists, color photos and more.

Celebrity Cruises and Pullmantur will engage in a ship swap that will expand Celebrity’s Expeditions brand, Royal Caribbean Cruises said. RCCL said that it received antitrust approval from Spain and Portugal for its purchase of Madrid-based cruise and tour operator Pullmantur.

Silversea Cruises has announced plans to offer a groundbreaking vacation experience called “Privileged Passage,” an exclusive new style of ultra-luxury cruise travel set to debut on a select test voyage in 2007. The company is planning to take things to the next level by offering guests even greater personal freedom and flexibility in customizing their own cruise experience to suit their personal lifestyle, while incorporating an expanded and enhanced array of complimentary amenities and benefits.

The 2006 cruise season in Canada’s British Columbia contributed more than $1.25 billion to the BC economy and almost $90 million in direct and indirect taxes. Almost 1.3 million passengers visited BC ports as 2006 continued the trend of growth for ports along the West Coast while the overall strength of the industry remained consistent with 2005.

Celebrities ranging from pop star Celine Dion and husband Rene Angelil to actor Robert DeNiro and wife Grace are among the increasing number of couples choosing to renew their wedding vows in recent years. Celebrity Cruises is keeping pace with the trend by introducing a new vow renewals program, which the line launched in a particularly meaningful way.