valentines-day.gif*** Carnival Cruise Lines has a innovative contest.  As part of a Valentine’s Day promotion, the line is awarding a free cruise to a couple who submits the most romantic story to the web site, Carnival.  Simply submit your story of how you met, a special Valentine’s Day or other memorable experience from Jan. 14 to Feb. 14, 2008 and you’ll be eligible to win a four-day western Caribbean cruise for two in the owner’s suite aboard Carnival Imagination from Miami or Carnival Inspiration from Tampa.  The top five entries will be selected by a team of judges from Carnival and then posted on Carnival where visitors to the site can vote for their number one choice. 

*** Crystal Cruises leads the pack when it comes to on-board programs and lecturers.  The cruise line has scheduled six “Wellness” cruises when passengers can learn learn the latest health trends and treatments from Cleveland Clinic physicians.  Experts in their respective fields will provide insights on women’s health issues; cardiovascular treatments; ophthalmology; orthopedics; joint, knee and hip replacements and body/mind wellness.   Departures are Jan. 4 and 19; Feb. 1; Nov. 1, Dec. 7 and 12.  For additional information, visit Crystal Cruises’ web site.   In other news, Crystal has announced that smoking is now banned from staterooms.

alaskacruise.jpg*** Cruise West, which operates a fleet of small cruise ships is offerings savings from $100 to $550 for passengers who book one of five Alaska Inside Passenger itineraries before Feb. 29, 2008.   For example, the eight-night Alaska’s Whales & Wilderness Inside Passage cruise, round-trip from Juneau from May through August, focus on sea and wildlife viewing and includes Icy Straight, Glacier Bay, Frederick Sound and port calls at Sitka and a Wilderness community aboard the 78-passenger Spirit of Alaska and the 84-passenger Spirit of Discovery; per person, double occupancy fares start at $3,599.  For further information, visit Cruise West’s web site.