New cruise liners on the horizon

Germany and is due to arrive in the UK on October 5th for a series of celebratory events.

Meanwhile, work on Cunard Cruises' latest addition to the regal fleet, Queen Victoria, is almost finished and the illustrious vessel begins her maiden voyage on December 11th, following her official naming by The Duchess of Cornwall on December 10th.

However, making the biggest splash in the new cruise year will be the P&O cruise ship Ventura.

Ventura will be the largest cruise ship to be docked in the UK and is due to commence her maiden voyage in April 2008 from Southampton.

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Diverse excursions available for cruisers

Cruise companies are really going to town with their onshore excursion programmes this season, with diverse activities being included to cater to a mix of cruisers.

Ocean Village recently announced a series of excursions for passengers travelling on its cruises to the Caribbean, Mexico and Latin America, which it claims will appeal to both "thrill-seekers and chill-seekers".

Activities range from zip-wire rides in the rainforest for the more adventurous to swimming with dolphins for a more peaceful experience with nature.

Meanwhile Princess Cruises has pulled out all the stops with the introduction of 126 new onshore programmes, many of which are based in the Caribbean.

Animals play their part in several excursions with options including dog sledding in Jamaica, camel trekking in Ocho Rios and even a show starring a "tame" crocodile in Limon.

Kids are also catered for, with a series of themed Halloween excursions onboard Princess cruise ships this October.
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