This Week in Cruise: Carnival Cruise Lines to Offer Year-Round Service From New York

Carnival Cruise Lines is beginning year-round service from New York City, starting with an itinerary from the Carnival Miracle. The ship will sail three different eight-day itineraries, which call at tropical destinations throughout the Caribbean, Florida and the Bahamas. In addition, the ship will debut the line's new complimentary appetizer program as well as the Punchliner Comedy Club presented by George Lopez and a related comedy brunch.

Beginning in April, Discover the World Marketing will represent Alaskan Dream Cruises in Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Japan, Luxembourg, Middle East (Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Syria and UAE), the Netherlands, Peru, Philippines, Scandinavia (Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden), Singapore, Uruguay, United Kingdom and Venezuela.

Jenny Adams, CEO, Discover the World Marketing, said her firm looks forward to promoting the benefits of  cruising with Alaskan Dream Cruises. She cited such features as the line's small-ship experience, wildlife viewing opportunities, complimentary shore excursions and use of environmental protection and sustainable tourism practices.

Avalon Waterways is introducing Avalon Choice, a new concept that allows its river cruise guests to personalize their voyage from start to finish. Avalon travelers can choose from four types of tours ashore - Essential Sightseeing, which includes an hour long tour overview followed by guides assisting individual guests; Traditional Sightseeing, the current standard that guests enjoy now; Leisure Sightseeing, which offers a slower pace and Alternative Sightseeing, which focuses on a special interest.