The cruise ship capital of the world.
Newly built cruise ships sailing from Port Everglades this season include:
• Holland America Line’s ms Eurodam
• Princess Cruises’ Ruby Princess
• Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Solstice
• Carnival Cruise Lines’ Carnival Splendor
• Royal Caribbean International’s Independence of the Seas

In addition, several cruise ships will be sailing for the first time from Port Everglades, including:
• Princess’ Tahitian Princess
• MSC Cruises’ Orchestra
• Carnival’s Carnival Freedom (which will sail year-round from Port Everglades)

Port Everglades calls itself the “cruise ship capital of the world” with more than 3 million passengers expected during 2009 and more home-ported cruise ships than any cruise port worldwide.

Southwest Airlines new service for cruise passengers.
Through a partnership with a company called Bags To Go Enterprises, and in cooperation with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Southwest Airlines customers can now check their bags and obtain their boarding pass right at the port where their cruise ship docks. The new service will allow customers to explore and enjoy the city upon disembarkation—without having to lug their bags around. Once at the airport, customers can head straight to their departure gate, allowing them to bypass lines at the skycap and main ticket counter. Cruise-going customers can arrange for the baggage service upon their arrival at the airport or when they disembark from their cruise ship. Bags must be presented three hours prior to departure and are only accepted on flights departing after 12 noon. The service costs $20 per person and allows up to three checked bags. Southwest Airlines is launching the new service at the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport for customers disembarking at Port Everglades and the Port of Miami. For info, visit www.southwest.com.

The Plane Facts: FLL News
The GFLCVB makes traveling a breeze at Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport, with new destination-branded, clear plastic bags for liquids such as shampoo, toothpaste, shaving cream or makeup. Now available free at all security checkpoints throughout the airport.

Space Coast: Cape Canaveral's Port Canaveral.

New space shuttle ride.
Your cruise clients can now experience the thrill and excitement of being launched into space aboard the shuttle in NASA’s new simulator at Kennedy Space Center, just a few miles from Port Canaveral.

Space and beyond.
Whether you have an hour to spare before your check-in or a few extra days before or after your cruise, there are many ways to enjoy yourself within easy reach. You may be surprised at the options at Port Canaveral. Their three public parks provide more recreational facilities than Florida’s other 13 deepwater seaports combined. Beaches, bike paths, campgrounds, fishing piers, public boating access and marinas offer an abundance of options. Their restaurants and lounges serve everything from light snacks to full-course dinners, with seafood being a specialty.

Port-of-calls boom.
Carnival Cruise Lines will be sailing out of Port Canaveral with a record 84 cruise ship calls now scheduled through 2011. The Carnival Pride, which was inaugurated in Canaveral in January 2002 and homeported here until fall 2003 then replaced with the larger Carnival Glory, will begin its weekly itinerary from Baltimore to the Bahamas starting in September 2009.

The Carnival announcement closely follows Norwegian Cruise Lines' (NCL) decision to nearly double its port of call visits to Canaveral with 39 stops in 2009. For 2010, Norwegian already has scheduled 16 calls. The NCL ships—Spirit and Gem—are homeported in New York and stop at Canaveral on their Florida and Bahamas itineraries. The Norwegian Majesty will arrive from its new homeport in Charleston, S.C. starting this November.

Rounding out the ships to come to Canaveral will be a Costa ship for the first time since 1996 when Costa Atlantica visits in November 2009.

The America Riviera: Miami's Port of Miami.

Quick facts:
The Port of Miami is among America’s busiest ports and recognized throughout the world with the dual distinction of being the Cruise Capital of the World and the Cargo Gateway of the Americas.

New port entrance.
The Port of Miami in partnership with the Florida Foreign Trade Association and the Florida Department of Transportation recently unveiled a new state-of-the-art entrance featuring a memorial of some 200 men and women from the air, maritime, trucking and rail industries.

Things to do in Miami:
There’s always South Beach to take in. The Miami Seaquarium is an old favorite. Vizcaya to visit. Go to Lincoln Road to people watch. Or you can check out this handy list of 101 Fun Attractions in Miami.

Cruising is affordable and a great vacation value. But don’t take it from me. Here are the top 10 reasons why you should chose to cruise from CLIA, Cruise Line International Association.

1. Value.
One price buys your cabin, dining, entertainment and more.
2. Romance.
Secluded beaches, en suite dining on a balcony overlooking the ocean and spa services for two are just some of the romantic pursuits available.
3. Cuisine.
Tantalize your taste buds with gourmet fare that showcases exotic ingredients, old standbys like pizza and ice cream or spa cuisine for a healthy alternative. Depending on your mood, dine in a traditional ballroom setting, a small bistro or a casual eatery.
4. Variety.
With over 150 distinctive ships, 1800 ports-of-call and an unbelievable array of places to see and things to do, there is a perfect cruise for you. For even more choice, consider a pre- or post-land tour.
5. Activities.
Fill your days with sightseeing, sports activities, cultural lectures, educational tours led by naturalists and historians or simply lounge by the pool and relax. At night, enjoy dance extravaganzas, musical revues, gaming or a quiet evening gazing at the stars.
6. Simplicity.
Don't come back from your vacation needing a vacation. Planning a cruise is simple; Your Cruise Planners Specialists can handle all of the details. Once you're on board, nearly all expenses are pre-paid... talk about hassle-free.
7. New horizons.
Fall asleep in one destination and awake to a new horizon... and you only have to pack and unpack once!
8. Family.
Families love cruising. Children's programs, kid-friendly menus and tours of the ship will keep your children happy, while affording you some time alone.
9. Pampering.
Regardless of your budget, all cruise lines pamper their guests with first-class service around the clock.
10. Satisfaction.
It's a fact that cruises have a higher percentage of satisfied customers than any other vacation experience.

Cruising is your vacation. Do what you want, when you want.