Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas. (handout)

For anyone wanting to cruise on one of the smallest or largest ships or thinking of visiting places as diverse as Komodo (Indonesia), Puerto Rico's "Virgin Islands" or Bonne Bay (Newfoundland), this could be the year to do it.

Fourteen new cruise ships will be launched and along with existing vessels will drop anchor or tie up at many "new" ports around the world.

The cruise travel industry feels well positioned to sail through the current choppy economic waters while launching these new ships along with numerous creative shipboard innovations -- with prices that are right for the times.

Cruise vacationers are also well positioned to snap up many of the bargains on the high seas as these ships come into service with thousands of cabins needing to be filled.

"The remarkable diversity and variety of cruises give consumers a unique opportunity to find a vacation that fits their budget even during these economic downturns," said Terry Dale, head of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

The agency, which represents 23 of the largest cruise lines, notes a "deep-rooted popularity" for cruising with 13.5 million people planning to set sail on CLIA ships this year. That's up from 13.2 million last year and 7.2 million in 2000.

Cruisers can expect a continuing evolution of shipboard amenities, including full-scale seagoing aqua parks; luxury spas with exclusive spa suites; increased choice and flexibility in dining; and facilities, including pools and recreation areas, dedicated to adults, teens and children.

Some lines have enhanced or expanded golf programs featuring courses in many parts of the world and most keep guests well connected while at sea with Wi-Fi capabilities and advanced technology.

While the Caribbean, Alaska and Europe remain the dominant markets, many lines are increasing their presence in other parts of the world, including Asia, Canada/New England, the Indian Ocean and Africa, the Amazon and Brazil, the Middle East, the Arctic regions and Greenland.

Within Europe there will be new cruise opportunities in the United Kingdom, Scandinavia, Northern Europe and Eastern Europe along with greater choices in world cruises and transatlantic itineraries.

Some of the "newer" or emerging ports along with those mentioned earlier include Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain (Arabian Gulf); Mumbai (India); Hvar, Korcula and Sarande (Adriatic); Sihanoukville (Cambodia); Iles Des Saintes (Guadeloupe); Sylt (Northern Europe); and Cooper Island, Coconut Grove and Turks and Caicos (Caribbean).

As well, there will be visits to Rovinj (Croatia); L'Ile-Rousse (France); Ischia, Cinque Terre and Puglia (Italy); Itajai, (Brazil); Batumi (Georgia); Maputo (Mozambique); Ashdod and Haifa (Israel); Koper (Slovenia); and ports on Europe's Dalmatian Coast (called the new Riviera); Japan; Korea; and Indonesia.

New ships coming on stream include:

- American Cruise Lines (www.americancruiselines.com): Independence, 104 passengers (August).

- AMA Waterways (www.amawaterways.com) in Europe: Amalrya, 148 passengers (March) and Amadolce, 148 passengers (May).

- Carnival Cruise Line (www.carnival.com): Carnival Dream, 3,646 passengers (September)

- Celebrity Cruises (www.celebritycruises.com): Celebrity Equinox, 2,850 passengers (August)

- Costa Cruises (www.costacruises.com): Costa Luminosa, 2,260 passengers and Costa Pacifica, 3,000 passengers (both in June)

- MSC Cruises (www.msccruisesusa.com): MSC Splendida, 3,300 passengers (July)

- Pearl Seas Cruises (www.pearlseacruises.com): Pearl Mist, 210 passengers (July)

- Royal Caribbean International (www.royalcaribbean.com): Oasis of the Seas, 5,400 passengers (December)

- Seabourn Cruise Line (www.seabourn.com): Seabourn Odyssey, 450 passengers (June)

- Silversea Cruises (www.silversea.com): Silver Spirit, 540 passengers (December)

- Uniworld Boutique River Cruises (www.uniworld.com) in Europe: River Beatrice, 160 passengers (March) and River Tosca, 82 passengers (April)

Three ships leaving the CLIA fleet to be transferred to other companies are Celebrity Galaxy, MSC Rhapsody and NCL's Norwegian Majesty.

Some cruise trends to watch for include the elimination by most lines of earlier imposed fuel surcharges and travellers booking closer to the sailing date instead of five to seven months ahead due to the "current economic climate."

Incentives are being offered to encourage the investment in a cruise.

These include kids-sail-free plans, special deals on selected itineraries, enhanced shipboard credits, layaway and flexible payment plans, free airfare and shore excursions, adjusted deposit requirements, small group booking offers and relaxed cancellation policies.

A continuing trend is an increased focus on family and multi-generational travel with the number of children cruising last year estimated at 1.6 million.

_____

If you sail:

To find out more about cruising, ships, itineraries and web links, go to the Cruise Lines International Association website at www.cruising.org