ExpertCruiser.com

Take two Italian cruise ships, Italian food, Italian wine, Italian luxury and over-the-top Italian pomp and circumstance in the Italian city of Genoa and what do you get? A ‘fantastico’ experience. Such is the life when “Cruising Italian Style” aboard the brand-new Costa Luminosa and Costa Pacifica.

When you cruise abroad, you might be surprised to discover immunization requirements that are confusing and little-known. Read about one cruising couple’s odyssey in dealing with the myriad of requirements for yellow fever immunizations.

It’s that time of year again: time to see what’s on tap for the high seas in the new year. Here’s what’s to come in 2008: fuel surcharges, more tonnage, more adventure, healthier cruising, improved “fantasies,” and a sad November farewell to two great queens.

In celebration of its 60th year of cruising in 2008, Costa is giving one lucky guest a beautiful six-stone diamond necklace from Diamonds International on every sailing departing from Ft. Lauderdale during its 2007-2008 Caribbean season.

Costa Cruises has ordered two more ships from Fincantieri shipyards that will be delivered in 2011 and 2012. The two new ships will be sisters ships the Costa Concordia, Costa Serena and Costa Pacifica, the latter of which is still under construction.

Debuting in May 2007, the Costa Serena is one of the largest of the new Costa ships, with the total capacity of 3,780 passengers. A sister-ship to the Concordia, the Serena features elegant, spacious interiors and a wide range of facilities.