Carnival Cruise Lines to expand in Europe in 2013

By Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

Industry giant Carnival today announced it would offer its widest array of European itineraries ever in 2013.

The line says it will send the 2,124-passenger Carnival Legend to the Continent next year from April to October for an extended season of sailings that will include the line's first Norwegian fjords itinerary and its first extended program from the U.K.

Among the voyages on the newly announced schedule are a single 12-night sailing to Norway and Western Europe; a single 12-night sailing around the British Isles with stops in Norway and France; and multiple 12-night sailings around the Baltic -- all departing from Dover, England.

Also planned are 12-night Mediterranean sailings departing from Venice, Barcelona and Dover.

Read more: http://travel.usatoday.com/cruises/post/2012/02/carnival-cruise-lines-ship-europe/627467/1

Cruise industry adopts new safety rules after Concordia disaster

By Mary ForgioneLos Angeles Times Daily Travel & Deal blogger
February 13, 2012, 2:51 p.m

Relatives and loved ones of victims of the Costa Concordia disaster sail to the damaged cruise ship to mark the one-month anniversary. (Enzo Russo / EPA)

 It's been a month since the Costa Concordia struck a reef and tipped over near Italy's Giglio Island, causing the deadliest cruise ship tragedy in modern times and prompting the industry to enact new safety rules.

The cruise industry last week announced a key change in how ships conduct safety drills. Passengers now will be informed of safety protocols and emergency evacuation procedures, known as "mandatory musters," before ships leave port. (Here's the Passenger Muster Policy.)

Read more: http://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/la-trb-new-cruise-ship-rules-20120213,1,6488138.story

Norwegian Cruise Line profits improve in 2011

Norwegian Cruise Line said Monday that revenues and profits had increased in 2011, though the shipwreck involving another company’s ship earlier this year had a negative impact on bookings.

BY HANNAH SAMPSON

HSAMPSON@MIAMIHERALD.COM

Higher ticket prices and bigger onboard spenders helped Miami-based Norwegian Cruise Line post improved profits in 2011, the company said Monday.

Norwegian, the world’s third largest cruise operator, reported that revenue increased more than 10 percent to $2.2 billion. Adjusted EBITDA, or earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, increased to $506 million from $405 million a year earlier.

Net income increased from $23 million in 2010 to $127 million in 2011.

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Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/02/13/2640349/norwegian-cruise-line-profits.html#storylink=cpy

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/02/13/2640349/norwegian-cruise-line-profits.html