Thursday March 6

It is the season for 2015 itinerary announcements of course - with many of them covered in last week's blog.  There are many more to come of course, and this week was the news from Norwegian Cruise Line on the winter 2015 sailings for Epic, which is even more important this year as based in Europe: read here

And at a glittering evening in London Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines announced a whole host of new itineraries and destinations - including river cruises, and an African Grand Voyage: read here

Meanwhile, in a story that was broken by Sky News, we heard this week of serious plans by none other than Richard Branson to break into the cruise industry with his own fleet.  It may still be in the planning, and it may be some years off - but could we see Virgin Cruises launch? Read here

Cunard have been busy announcing plans for their 175th anniversary, which will include for the first time a sailing from Liverpool: read here

The news from the US is that Royal Caribbean could be about to send one of their big ships from Port Canaveral as they continue working with the port: read here

Europe remains one of the biggest sources of cruise guests in the world - and to make the point Christine Duffy, our President and CEO spoke at ITB in Berlin: read here

And over in river cruise this week is the story of some great themed cruising around the Sound of Music - presumably without Julie Andrews! Read here

And do not think for a minute that you very own CLIA has been shy of being in the news either this week with the announcement of a new and pretty ground-breaking destination series coming soon - read here and watch the video introduction here.  Whilst online at cruiseexperts.org we have released a new series called 'Selling Cruise' with exclusive content provided by top cruise journalists and Cruiseworthy News; and we have a new Webinar library too!

Until next week!