October cruise news update

While I’ve been blogging from Carnival’s Fantasy, much has been going on in the cruising world. Here’s the recap of last week’s news so you can catch up.

• Crystal announced that it will introduce cell phone service aboard the Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity by the end of October. Guests will be able to make calls, send text messages, and use their PDAs and BlackBerry devices. Certain areas of the ships will be designated cell-phone free.
• Regent Seven Seas unveiled its “Circles of Interest” options for its 2007 South America cruises. Guests can participate in special activities related to food and wine or art, design, and culture.
• Celebrity’s newest ship, the Solstice, stepped from the planning pages and into reality when the cruise line’s president helped to create the ship’s first steel plate. The 2,850-guest ship will debut in fall 2008.
• Holland America finally completed all of its “Signature of Excellence” enhancements after spending nearly three years on the project. Upgrades included more luxurious stateroom amenities, onboard culinary arts centers and Explorations Cafes, specialty restaurants, refurbished observation lounges, improved children’s facilities, and updated spas and salons.