Carnival and MSC Cruises introduce new Caribbean itineraries

In the ongoing struggle to increase consumer interest in the Caribbean, two cruise lines have announced changes to their 2008-2009 lineup. Carnival will introduce a new seven-night, five-port itinerary for the Carnival Destiny, and MSC Cruises will bring one of its newest Panamax ships to the Caribbean.

Beginning January 8, 2008, the Carnival Destiny will sail a new southern Caribbean itinerary out of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Its schedule will include day-long visits to St. Kitts, Dominica, Barbados, and St. Thomas/St. John, plus a new overnight stop at La Romana/Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic. The new itinerary is already on sale, with prices starting at $479 per person based on double occupancy. Discounts for third and fourth passengers in a stateroom, as well as airfare add-ons from select cities, are also available.

MSC Cruises will bring one of its 2,500-passenger Musica-class ships to the Caribbean for the winter 2008-2009 season. Although the particular ship has not been decided, MSC Cruises announced that the ship will sail seven-night itineraries out of Ft. Lauderdale, beginning on January 3, 2009. The MSC Lirica, currently the only MSC Cruises ship focused on the Caribbean, will sail 10-night Caribbean itineraries during the same season.