CARNIVAL TO RAISE EUROPEAN CAPACITY BY 22%

Carnival Corporation is to raise capacity in Europe by 22% next year on the back of record 2007 profits of $2.4 billion.

The US cruise giant's annual net profits were up from $2.3 billion in 2006 as earnings in the fourth quarter ending November 30 were held back by increased fuel costs and higher dry dock outlay.

Net profits for the final three months of the company's financial year dropped by almost 14% or $58 million to $358 million, blamed on "significantly higher" costs of fuel.

Chairman and CEO Mickey Arison said the group's European brands – which incorporate the Carnival UK business of P&O Cruises, Cunard Line and Ocean Village – enjoyed another record year "absorbing substantial new capacity and driving significant improvement in unit operating profit".

Overall capacity will grow by nine per cent in 2008, mainly driven by the introduction of five new ships across five brands.

Advance bookings for the first half of next year are "well ahead" with those for the second half "shaping up in a similar fashion".

"While our North American brands will grow capacity at a moderate rate of three per cent, our European brands will increase capacity by 22% next year, including the full year operation of our new Spanish cruise line, Ibero Cruises," said Arison.

"As we grow our European brands, we will be able to achieve economies of scale which will have a favourable impact on our unit costs and profitability."

Fuel expenses are expected to rise by $409 million in 2008.

by Phil Davies

FOUR COSTA SHIPS UNDERGO €15 MILLION REFURBISHMENT

Costa Cruises has spent €15 million refurbishing four of its 12-strong fleet of ships in dry dock.

In addition to technical maintenance, the Italian line carried out on board improvements to the vessels 2,394-passenger Costa Victoria, 1,000-passenger Costa Marina, 3,780-passenger Costa Concordia and 1,680-passenger Costa Classica.

The layout of the public areas and cabins has been restyled, replacing furnishings, carpeting, curtains, fabrics and wall linings.

Old television sets have been replaced with new LCD screens.

On the outer decks, the flooring was replaced with teak.

by Phil Davies

COSTA CRUISES TO SEND THREE SHIPS TO SOUTH AMERICA IN 2008/2009 SEASON

South America is a great place to cruise, and Costa Cruises will increase its presence in South America in the 2008/2009 cruise season by sailing three ships in the area. First, Costa Cruises will send the 86,000-ton Costa Mediterranea to South America with 44 new, exclusive spa accommodations.


The Costa Mediterranea will sail routes to Argentina and will feature a new spa program.


Passengers who book one of 44 exclusive accommodations on the Costa Mediterranea will enjoy privileges including a personalized wellness consultation, three complimentary treatments, two fitness or meditation classes and complimentary access to the Wellness Restaurant, offering a wide array of spa-friendly cuisine. Spa cabins, available in ocean view, veranda and suite categories, will feature aromatherapy diffusers, special shower and air filters, and a mini bar stocked with healthy food and beverage selections. In addition, passengers with these accommodations will be offered priority spa reservation times. The Costa Mediterranea, which has been operating since 2003, features decor inspired by 17th and 18th century Italian noble palazzos. It has a double occupancy capacity of 2,114.


In addition, the Costa Magica and Costa Marina will also sail the region on routes throughout Brazil and Argentina. The 105,000-ton Costa Magica will return to the region on itineraries out of Brazil with weekly routes to Bahia and cruises throughout the Southeastern coast while the intimate, 25,600-ton Costa Marina will sail routes out of Buenos Aires. The Costa Magica entered into service in 2004 and features an interior design that pays homage to the most beautiful Italian places as well as the largest dance floor at sea. It has a double occupancy capacity of 2,720.


The Costa Marina entered service in 1990 and was refurbished in 2002. It features wide windows, skylights and flawless glass atriums that reflect her contemporary design and has a double occupancy capacity of 776.

CARNIVAL TO EXPAND GERMAN CRUISE FLEET

Carnival Corporation has responded to rival Royal Caribbean's joint cruise venture with TUI AG by ordering two more ships for its German brand AIDA Cruises.

The two 2,174 passenger ships will cost 380 million euros and 385 million euros respectively and are due to enter service for summer 2011 and 2012.

Another ship pencilled in for AIDA is to be enlarged to match the size of the two 71,000-ton new orders and is to be delivered in 2010 at a cost of 350 million euros.

The two newbuilds means that Carnival cruise lines has ordered six new ships dedicated to the German market in the past three years.

The vessels will operate an informal 'club resort' concept marketed exclusively to German-speaking passengers and will be aimed at younger, more active passengers.

The new ships will join the 68,500-ton ADIAbella due to enter service next April and a sister ship due to be delivered in April 2009. The first in this series, AIDAdiva, was introduced earlier this year.

Carnival chairman and CEO Micky Arison said: "With the interest in cruise vacations among Europeans continuing to grow significantly, we are committed to investing in our European brands."

by Phil Davies

CARNIVAL UK SIGNS FOR NEW SOUTHAMPTON CRUISE TERMINAL

A purpose-built cruise terminal is to be built in Southampton for almost £20 million to open in 2009.

The new terminal comes as part of a 20-year deal between Carnival UK and Associated British Ports for the multi-brand cruise giant to continue sailing from Southampton.

The £19 million terminal will be built at Ocean Dock, opposite the site of the old Ocean Terminal.

The agreement also gives Carnival UK priority use of the port's QEII and Mayflower Terminals. The cruise company's brands include P&O Cruises, Cunard, Ocean Village and Princess Cruises.
Carnival UK CEO David Dingle said: "Our brands are inextricably linked with Southampton and the port's maritime history.

"The signing of this agreement and the construction of our new headquarters building in the city together underpin our commitment to retaining Southampton as our long-term home.

"The new terminal agreement comes as we prepare to base further new ships in Southampton including Cunard Line's Queen Victoria, which was named in the city on Monday, and P&O Cruises' Ventura which will be home-ported here from next April.
"Our new ships are testament to the growth of the cruise industry, the strength of its links with Southampton and its massive economic contribution to the region, and it is fitting that they will sail from a new state-of-the-art terminal in the city."

by Phil Davies

P&O CRUISES AND NICK MUNRO COMPLETE BIGGEST DESIGN EXERCISE EVER UNDERTAKEN IN CONTEMPORARY BRITISH CRUISING

Leading designer Nick Munro has been commissioned exclusively by P&O Cruises to complete more than 200,000 items to be on board Ventura – the largest superliner designed for Britain - when she launches in April 2008.


Covering all aspects of the passenger experience, Nick's influence and bold new designs will be found right across the ship: in the cutlery, glassware, ceramics and in cabin amenities.


His commitment to the project has seen him make frequent visits to the Italian shipyard where Ventura is under construction, and get involved with many different aspects of the on board design.


“Wherever there was an opportunity for change and progress, we have encouraged Nick to get involved and apply his renowned creative flair and ability to work across many different materials all at once,” commented P&O Cruises head of brand marketing, Philip Price.


“As a result, not only will Ventura’s passengers experience the allure of Nick's uniquely designed 'Anemone' sculpture in Ventura’s stunning atrium, but they will also appreciate the quality and simplicity of Nick's more utilitarian designs, right down to the cabin waste bins."


“We know that it’s the tiny noticeable things that really make the difference on a project of this scale, and so we are paying great attention to detail with bespoke designs of cutlery, glassware and cabin amenities to name a few. All of these added extras will combine to make a spectacular passenger experience.”


Speaking of the partnership, Nick Munro said; P&O Cruises has a lot of experience of catering for British tastes and creating a depth of experience for holidaymakers. But, it also recognises the need to adapt and innovate to meet and exceed the ever-changing needs of the British holidaymaker, so being involved with them was a natural fit for me. Being a part of this contemporisation of cruising has been an exciting challenge and I can’t wait to see the finished product in just under 21 weeks time.”

Nick Munro himself explains the design elements of the ship on the dedicated and interactive website, www.virtualventura.co.uk. Ventura will be based in Southampton from April 2008.

VENTURA COMPLETES SEA TRIALS

P&O's Ventura, the largest cruise ship dedicated to the British market, has successfully completed its official sea trials.

The two weeks of trials included testing of the £300 million ship's navigation system and propulsion motors.

Completion of the sea trials signify that 3,100-passenger Ventura is close to completion, and will soon be sailing for the UK from its Italian shipyard prior to its launch in Southampton in April.

P&O Cruises' managing director, Nigel Esdale said: "We are delighted that Ventura passed her sea trials with flying colours.

"The next few months will be a busy time at the shipyard, as the innovative concepts and designs for Ventura come to life in the final stages of her development.

"We are very much looking forward to Ventura joining our fleet and embarking on her maiden season as the most family friendly superliner built for the British market."

The build of Ventura started with the laying of the keel in August 2006.

Since then more than 3,000 workers at the Fincantieri shipyard have worked to complete the project, and the final few months will be dedicated to creating and outfitting her contemporary, innovative and family friendly public spaces and cabins.

A sister ship is due to be delivered to the cruise line in 2010.

Meanwhile, sister brand Cunard's new ship Queen Victoria is due in Southampton today for a weekend of trade events prior to be named by The Duchess of Cornwall on Monday.

by Phil Davies

CUNARD ACCEPTS DELIVERY OF QUEEN VICTORIA; DUCHESS OF CORNWALL TO NAME NEW SHIP

Cunard took delivery of the Queen Victoria on November 27, and the new ship left the shipyard in Venice on November 30.

She is scheduled to arrive in Southampton on December 7, where she will berth at the City Cruise Terminal at 9:30 am. If you are in the UK, here is the schedule of December 7 viewing points as the ship makes her way up Southampton Water.

Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall will christen new ocean liner with a magnum of Veuve Clicquot's Yellow Label. Like her sister ship the Queen Mary 2, the Queen Victoria will feature a Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar. Located on Deck 2 of the triple-height Grand Lobby, the1920's Art Deco-style champagne bar will serve Veuve Clicquot Champagne exclusively. Appropriately, the Champagnes are paired with fresh delicacies during the pre-dinner and post-dinner hours.


The Following her Naming Ceremony on December 10, the Queen Victoria will depart on her Maiden Voyage, to a splendid firework display, at 5:00 pm on Tuesday December 11.


Courtesy of About.com


Read the Official Press Release

INDEPENDENCE OF THE SEAS WILL ARRIVE TWO WEEKS EARLY

Royal Caribbean International's newest ship, Independence of the Seas, will be coming into service two weeks earlier than scheduled.

Work has been completed earlier than expected so the cruise line will be able to offer an additional two sailings on board the new ship from the beginning of May 2008.

Managing director Jo Rzymowska said: "The extra couple of weeks provide our trade partners with further opportunities to earn commission, particularly over the peak booking period during the festive season and in the New Year.

"This complements our Turn Of Year campaign which has launched earlier than ever before."

The two additional sailings include a four-night Cork cruise that departs on May 2 and an 11-night Canary Island cruise on May 6.

Guests who have already booked onto the inaugural sailing on May 17 will be offered the first chance to move at no additional cost to the new maiden voyage on May 2, incorporating exactly the same itinerary from Southampton – Cork – Southampton.

Guests wanting to change to the new date should contact the cruise line by December 12 in order for their booked stateroom to be re-protected on the new sailing date.

Royal Caribbean International is writing to all its trade partners to fully explain the changes.

The new sailings are live for re-booking from December 7.

After a Nordic inaugural celebration in April 2008, Independence of the Seas will arrive in the UK on April 25 with UK celebrations taking place from April 26-30 in Southampton.

MSC CRUISES PUTS 2008 BROCHURE ONLINE

MSC Cruises has issued its 2008 brochure online in PDF format (file size: 59.2Mb) on its website.

The Italian line will have nine ships operating next summer with the addition of MSC Poesia in April.

MSC Fantasia will then increase the fleet size to 10 ships with its debut in winter 2008-09.

MSC Poesia will be unveiled in Dover on April 5 before setting sail on a pre-inaugural voyage the next day to Venice. The flagship will then cruise in the Mediterranean for summer 2008.

MSC Armonia will offer 13 sailings from Dover between May and August with itineraries ranging from the Baltic, North Cape and the Norwegian Fjords.

Themed cruises in the brochure include Food & Wine, Art at Sea and Classical Music and Dance.

Children under the age of 18 sharing a cabin with their parents sail free, excluding flights and port dues.

UK and Ireland managing director Claudia Baino said: "2008 is an important year for MSC Cruises as we launch two new ships and will be able to offer more itineraries to a broader clientele than ever before.

"The 2008 online brochure gives agents and consumers maximum convenience as well as great choice and we are confident that this will help to drive sales." by Phil Davies

CUNARD QUEEN MARY 2 CARIBBEAN SUPER BARGAIN

Your chance to enjoy two fabulous holidays in one at a special promotional price.

Spend 2 nights in Manhattan – shop till you drop on 5^th Ave, stop for lunch in the food court at Macys, watch the sunset at the top of the Empire State building, take in a Broadway show, marvel at the Statue of Liberty , check out Central Park , the museums and the art galleries.

Or Spend 2 nights in Fort Lauderdale relaxing on the seemingly endless stretch White sand beach or exploring the inland waterways and millionaires mansions. Perhaps visit the huge Sawgrass Mills designer outlet shopping mall , visit the Everglades , take the Mississippi Steamboat Queen evening BBQ cruise or even a fishing charter.

After all that take a well deserved rest in the Caribbean sunshine among the Art Deco grandeur of the Queen Mary 2. Be sure to try out the Canyon Ranch Spa , the Planetarium, fish & chips in the Golden Lion Pub and book a romantic dinner in the Todd English restaurant. We also recommend dinner reservations for one of the fabulous Kings Court restaurants for speciality waiter service dinning with an oceanview .

Itin 1: Fly UK to New York. 2 Night hotel stay . Cruise 10 nights to Tortola - St Kitts - Barbados - St Lucia - St Thomas - New York. Fly Home overnight.

Itin 2: Fly UK to New York. 2 Night hotel stay. Cruise 13 nights to Limon (Costa Rica), Cristobal (Panama Canal), Curacao, Bonaire, St Lucia , St Thomas, New York. Fly Home.

Itin 3: Fly UK to Miami. 2 Night Fort Lauderdale hotel stay. Cruise 10 nights to Curacao – Grenada – Barbados – St Lucia – St Kitts – St Thomas – Fort Lauderdale. Fly Home overnight.

Itin 4: Fly UK to Miami. 2 Night Fort Lauderdale hotel stay. Cruise 14 nights to Cristobal (Panama canal) , Bonaire , Grenada , Barbados , St Lucia , Dominica , St Kitts , Tortola , St Thomas , Fort Lauderdale. Fly Home Overnight

Flights from Manchester , Glasgow and Belfast direct to New York and Indirect to Fort Lauderdale are available at a supplement.

Dep Date	Itinerary	Nights	Inside	Balcony	Queens Grill Suite
31-Jan-08	2	16	£1,359	£1,599	Sold Out
17-Feb-08	1	13	£949	Sold Out	£2,099
27-Feb-08	1	13	£899	Sold Out	£1999
08-Mar-08	1	13	£999	£1,299	£2,399
22-Mar-08	2	16	£1,399	£1,699	£2,899
27-Nov-08	3	13	£1,249	£1,449	£2,559
07-Dec-08	3	13	£1,099	£1,299	£2,899
17-Dec-08	4	17	£2,399	£2,599	£6,899

Manchester Supplement	Glasgow Supplement	Belfast Supplement
£100	£100	£100
£70	£135	£130
£100	£120	£120
£20	£135	£80
£90	£150	£200
£50	£50	£100
£50	£50	£100
£100	£100	£150

Add extra nights in New York from only £69pp.

Add extra nights In Fort Lauderdale from only £59pp

CRUISE BOOM PREDICTED FOR 2008

The Passenger Shipping Association is predicting that 2007 will see a 11% growth in people taking cruises.

It says the overall number of people will hit 1.35 million - a figure higher than recent predictions.

Bill Gibbons, director of the PSA, has also predicted 2008 will be a boom year with 1.55 million people taking a cruise - up 14% on 2007.

He said: "The cruise industry has been growing impressively for years and the predictions for 2007 show that this growth is continuing.

"There is truly a cruise for everyone."

The PSA has also revealed it has 43 cruise brands as members with many new niche operators joining over the last year.

Courtesy of TravelWeekly

CARNIVAL DESTINY TO OPERATE NEW SIX-PORT CARIBBEAN CRUISE PROGRAM FROM SAN JUAN IN MARCH 2008

Carnival Cruise Lines’ 2,642-passenger Carnival Destiny will launch a seven-day cruise program from San Juan to the southern Caribbean featuring extended calls at six tropical destinations – St. Kitts, Antigua, St. Lucia, Barbados, Dominica, and St. Thomas/St. John.

The new schedule begins March 2, 2008. St. Thomas is one of the most popular islands in the Caribbean and is included on many Caribbean itineraries. The other islands are less visited and feature interesting architecture and Caribbean customs, as well as spectacular scenery.

NCL WINTER WAVE CAMPAIGN

NCL (Norwegian Cruise Lines) have just announced their Winter sales campaign which has resulted in some great cruise itineraries at giveaway prices. The campaign runs from 1st December until 29th February featuring their summer departures from April through to November in 2008. Their brochure prices have been discounted by £100 per person. On certain special packages available through Jetline Cruise (such as Alaska) up to $125 per cabin on board credit is available. These offers are capacity controlled and can be withdrawn at any time once capacity has been reached and so the advice is to book early.

Norwegian Cruise Lines (or NCL as it is better known) is American owned and operates one of the most modern fleets of cruise ships afloat. These ships are big and impressive floating resorts with lots of facilities, on the face of it they have nothing to do with Norway! NCL are known for their Freestyle approach to cruising where you can do what you want - when you want. When it comes to dining they have thrown the rule book away - there are no set dining times and set tables to sit at. All ships in the NCL fleet have a multitude of restaurants on board. Some are buffet style and the rest are full waiter service restaurants where you make reservations to dine in - as you would at home. For some of these restaurants there is a service charge - well worth it when you are dining in Gourmet French Bistros and fascinating Asian Fusion venues such as Teppenyaki - sheer entertainment in itself.

Unlike many cruise lines where lead in prices are based on far off October and November 2008 dates we have found some great prices from May through to August. This is the most sought after period for early bookings. Here is just a sample of what is on offer:

• NCL Gem (Brand New Ship) 7 nights Med Fly cruise from only £599pp on 4th May. This is one of the best 7 nights cruise itineraries we have found. It sails from Barcelona visiting Malta, Naples for Pompeii, Rome, Livorno, Villefranche. This price is based on a Gatwick departure, for Customers living in Belfast we you can fly direct the day before the cruise and stay in a hotel with breakfast before your cruise with prices starting from £649pp. On the 1st of December we will have a special promotion for departures from Liverpool where prices start from just £499pp.

• NCL Sun 10 Night Caribbean fly cruise package January - March from only £699pp. Perfect to beat the Post Christmas blues - plus there is a free upgrade to ocean view cabins on selected dates. The price includes return flights from London, 2 nights hotel stay in Miami South beach and a 7 night West Caribbean cruise.

• NCL Sun 11 Night Alaska Fly cruise package from only £899 pp. This package includes direct return flights from London to Vancouver, 3 nights Vancouver hotel stay and 7 nights cruising the scenic wonders and wildlife of the Alaskan coastline. Plus there is up to $125 per cabin on board credit depending on the grade of cabin booked.

• NCL Jewel 12 Night Scandinavia and Russia cruise from Dover - prices start from just £849pp based on 5th and 17th May departures. Ideal for people who do not want to fly.

• NCL Jade 13 Night Southampton to Barcelona Fly cruise package 23rd Aug from only £969pp. An incredible low price during the school holidays and also an ideal cruise to take advantage of August Bank Holiday Monday. Child prices start from just £299pp.

• NCL Jade 14 nights Mediterranean No Flying cruise special from Southampton. Prices start from just £949pp based on 30th may and an incredible low price on 9th Aug of just £1199pp. Child prices start from £479pp.

P&O CRUISES SEEKS VOLUNTEERS TO 'TEST' CRUISES

First time cruisers are being given the chance to test out the six ships run by P&O Cruises.

Free holidays are being made available next year to 12 families, couples, or friends who have never been on a cruise with the company before in the 'Inspector Cruiso' consumer initiative.

Participants chosen by the line will receive a credit of £300 per family or £150 per couple to spend on board to ensure they get the chance to try out everything each ship has to offer.

In exchange, they will be asked for their thoughts and opinions about the cruise, from check-in to disembarkation.

The line's managing director Nigel Esdale said: "Despite the explosion in the popularity of cruise holidays and people becoming more aware of what is on offer in the market, there are still people that think cruising is not for them."

He added: "We are prepared to put our money where our mouth is and offer free holidays to people who haven't cruised with us before.

"Winners will have the chance to tell it how it is and their views will be posted on the P&O Cruises website. We want to ensure that we get the real views of new comers and transparency in the information received."

Entrants must fill in an online questionnaire; choose the ship they want to travel on and why.

The closing date for entries is February 1, 2008 with winners notified by February 28.

Volunteers who think they fit the bill can go to http://www.inspectorcruiso.co.uk/ to find out more about the requirements of being an Inspector Cruiso.

by Phil Davies

WONDERING HOW TO PACK FOR YOUR CRUISE?

Because you might need everything from tennis shorts to a tuxedo and night dresses to evening dresses, packing light for a cruise has always been a challenge. And since most cruise lines now offer a greater mix of formal, informal and casual evenings at sea, it has become even more difficult to decide what to pack.

On most cruises during a standard 7 night cruise 2 out of 7 nights would be formal attire in the main restaurant for dinner. Most cruises ships give you the option of choosing to participate - if you do not wish to then simply eat in one of the other restaurants on board. In all cases shorts and t-shirts are not permitted in the main restaurant for dinner.

During the day however in all cases it is the norm to dress as you would in a regular hotel beach resort. For excursions sensible shoes, a hat and sunglasses are advisable to get the most out of your adventures. There is no need to worry about taking towels for the beach as these are usually available from the poolside areas.

Here is a rundown on evening dress codes for some of the most popular cruise lines:

ISLAND CRUISES

This cruise line is strictly informal and brings the freedom of a regular beach holiday on board for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are no set dining times and tables to sit at. The main restaurants are self service style buffet restaurants and there are some speciality restaurants where one pays a small cover charge and makes a reservation. In this case you would dress as you would for a smart restaurant at home. Look out for the 24 hour dining restaurant. This cruise line does not hold any formal evening s on board.

OCEAN VILLAGE

Their motto is “The cruise for People who don't do cruises". That says it all and the approach to attire on board is the same as Island cruises. Although bare feet, bare chests and swimwear in the restaurants are frowned upon. This cruise line does not hold any formal evenings on board.

PULLMANTUR

This cruise lines takes the traditional approach to attire on board. In the evenings it is preferred that gentlemen wear a jacket although open necked shirt would suffice. Smart jeans, trousers and shoes are acceptable. For the formal or gala evenings a dinner suit or regular business suit would be required for the gentlemen and a cocktail dress or trouser / skirt suit would be suitable for the ladies.

MSC

"Truly Italian" is the motto of this cruise line with the traditional approach to formal, smart casual and casual attire. However the average Italian is known for designer labels, the latest in smart casual wear and glitzy glamorous evening wear. Dinner suits are not the norm on formal nights but sharp business suits and coordinates up to the eyeballs are. Cuisine on board is typically Mediterranean style and there is a choice to opt out and dine in the buffet restaurant if you wish.

NCL

Freestyle cruising – their tag line says it all. Do as you please you can take or leave the formality during the formal nights on board. There are no set dining times and tables to sit at – but there is a magnificent choice of restaurants to choose from. On board you find that restaurants are either self service buffet style or dine by reservation and so the dress code approach would be that of either dressing to go to a Pizza hut or dressing to go to a smart restaurant. For some (not all) of the dine by reservation restaurants on board there is a cover charge. Look out for the Teppenyaki oriental restaurants on board.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL

The approach to attire is that of many cruise lines with a couple of formal evenings per week in the main restaurant - where Dinner suits or regular business suits are suitable for the men. Cocktail dresses or skirt / trouser suits are suitable for the ladies. Alternatively opt out of formality an eat in the varied Windjammer buffet restaurants. Look out for the Chops Grill speciality restaurants on board for mouth watering melt in your mouth steaks.

P&O

On formal evenings, for ladies this is the opportunity to wear something dressy and glamorous such as a cocktail dress. For gentlemen dinner suit or regular suit and tie is fine. For informal evening’s men choose to wear any thing from jackets, open necked shirts, polo shirts and jeans. For smart casual evenings open necked shirt and trousers for the men (jackets not required) and for the ladies casual separates or dresses. P&O request that sportswear (eg: track suits / trainers) are not worn in the evening.

P&O offers 3 dining options on board: Freedom dining which is any time dining without a set table and dining time. Club dining is for the traditional set dining table and time. Finally select dining which is dining in speciality restaurants where one pays a small charge and makes a reservation.

CUNARD

Cunard is usually considered as extremely formal although you can get away with not having to wear a suit at all on board. However a Cunard cruise is an occasion and the chance to step out and dress up. The advice would be to go with the flow and wear dinner suits and cocktail dresses on formal nights, perhaps take a regular business suit for semi formal nights and some trendy casual jackets, shoes and trousers for the med and skirt / trouser suits for the ladies on smart casual nights. On the Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria there are main restaurants, buffet restaurants and dine by reservation restaurants to give you lots of choice and freedom.

CARNIVAL CRUISES

Formal dress or resort wear is required in the dining room. Proper formal attire includes a tuxedo, suit and tie, or jacket, tie and trousers. For women, evening gowns, cocktail dresses and trouser suits are appropriate. Casual resort wear includes sport shirts and slacks, skirts and trouser suits. Shorts, T-shirts and bathing attire are not permitted in the dining room during dinner. For those guests who do not want to dress up, the Lido restaurants have a more casual dress code. Look out for the 24 hour pizzeria.

PRINCESS CRUISES

During 'smart casual' dining evenings, guests should dress as they would for a fine restaurant at home. This includes pants and open-neck shirts for men, and skirts or dresses, slacks and sweaters for ladies. T-shirts, shorts, halter tops and jeans are not permitted in the dining room and shoes must be worn at all times. Formal evenings in the dining room require a tuxedo, slacks with dinner jacket, or suit for men. Women should wear evening gowns and cocktail dresses.

HOLLAND AMERICA

Comfortable, relaxed clothing is appropriate for designated 'casual' evenings. This includes jackets and optional ties for men, and dresses or trouser suits for women. T-shirts, swimsuits, tank tops and shorts are not allowed in the dining room, Pinnacle Grill, Lido Restaurant or public areas during evening hours. Swimwear is suitable for dining at the Terrance Grill near the pool. On formal evenings, suits and tuxedos are suggested for men; women wear cocktail dresses and gowns.

CRYSTAL CRUISES

The Crystal dress code applies to all public areas of the ship after 6 p.m. Proper attire for formal evenings includes dresses and gowns of fashionable length for ladies, and a tuxedo, dinner jacket or dark suit and tie for gentlemen. Informal attire is appropriate for most nights on board the ship. For ladies, evening dresses, cocktail dresses or pantsuits are fine. Men should wear sport coats and slacks, with ties optional. Casual nights are based on days in port and the time of departure. On casual evenings, more relaxed attire is appropriate, including casual dresses and pantsuits for women, sport shirts and trousers for men. Jackets and ties are not required.

CELEBRITY CRUISES

Formal night attire includes a tuxedo, dinner or dark suit for men and evening gown or fancy dress for ladies. Informal nights feature a jacket and tie with trousers for men and informal dress or trousers and blouse for ladies. Gentlemen are welcome to wear a polo shirt and trousers, while ladies can wear a trouser suit or sporty outfit, on casual nights. Specialty restaurant dining requires a jacket and tie for men and dress or trouser and blouse for women every night. Jeans, shorts and casual daywear are allowed in all dining venues before 6 p.m.

REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES

Country club casual (resort-style attire) is fine for daytime on board the ship and ashore, but shorts are not appropriate after 6 p.m. in any of the public rooms or lounges. Depending on the itinerary, evening attire also can be country club casual, informal (sport coat and tie recommended for men), or formal (black tie optional). The dress code for Alaska, Bermuda and Tahiti sailings is always country club casual. Bathing suits and beachwear is not allowed in the restaurants at any time.

THE YACHTS OF SEABOURN

Guests aboard the luxury ships of Seabourn experience the special atmosphere of formal evenings and the more informal ambience of other nights. On formal nights, tuxedos and dark suits are appropriate for men; evening gowns or other formal attire are recommended for women. Elegant casual evenings feature slacks with a jacket over a sweater or shirt for men; sundresses, skirts or pants with a sweater or blouse for women. Casual wear is welcomed in the Veranda Cafe on evenings when dinner is served there. This includes slacks and a sweater or shirt for gentlemen; skirts or slacks with a sweater or blouse for women.