Just a week ago, Cunard's three queens -- the Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth 2 and Queen Victoria -- rendezvoused in New York Harbor amid fireworks and fanfare. The meeting was surely something to see, but it also symbolized excitement in the industry. There are new ships, onboard attractions, destinations and excursions.
Passengers on Princess Cruises' Alaska trips can learn to blow glass, experience the life of a commercial fisherman, or dine at an Alaskan chef's table, as the line debuts 37 shore excursions for 2008. During the season, eight ships sail in Alaskan waters on a total of 136 departures. One of those ships, the Tahitian Princess, has a 14-day itinerary featuring several calls not usually included, among them Kodiak, Valdez and Seward. Through Feb. 29, Princess is having an Alaska Wilderness Sale, with seven-night cruises beginning under $600 (princess.com; 1-800-774-6377).
The new 2,000-passenger Queen Victoria has such features as the Royal Court Theatre and the first two-story library at sea. But it also has an arcade that lets you stroll (almost) along London's shopping streets, with Harrods and H. Stern among the retailers. Recreational fencing is also available. Fares range from $2,445 for an inside cabin on a 12-day Mediterranean voyage to $203,004 for the master suites on a 105-day world cruise (www.cunard.com; 1-800-728-6273).
Crystal Cruises, which always appears at or near the top in surveys of cruisegoer satisfaction, plans a wine and food-themed cruise aboard the Crystal Serenity, departing May 7. The 12-day voyage from London to Rome offers 18 excursions in the French wine country, Portugal, Spain and the French Riviera. Travelers can choose a six-day segment. Fares for the full Epicurean Adventure begin at $4,595, for the six-day segments at $2,530 (www.crystalcruises.com; 1-888-799-4625).
Just as there are many more healthful dining options these days, cruise lines are taking other steps to safeguard health. Peter Deilmann Cruises, following the U.S. lead, has virtually banned smoking aboard its flagship MS Deutschland as it had earlier on the company's nine European River ships. Guests will be allowed to smoke only on outside decks. Among this year's special-interest voyages on the Deutschland are concerts by classical musicians, golf at top overseas courses, and hiking or cycling along scenic paths. Rates begin at $4,297 per person (www.deilmann-cruises.com; 1-800-348-8287).
Spa treatments at sea are becoming increasingly popular. In July, Carnival will inaugurate the 3,000-passenger Carnival Splendor, which has "spa staterooms" that provide exclusive spa access, priority appointments, unlimited use of the thermal suite and thalassotherapy (therapeutic seawater) pool. The ship will have 12 itineraries, visiting ports in the Caribbean, Europe, Mexico and South America. Cruise prices begin at $529; spa suites cost about $100 to $150 per person more than other suites (www.carnival.com; 1-888-227-64825).
