Luxury cruise operator Yachts of Seabourn, now less than 1 year away from the launch of it’s new ship the Seabourn Odyssey, has already appointed it’s master.  Captain Karlo Buer is their man at the helm and he brings with him almost 20 years of Seabourn experience. The Seabourn Odyssey has 225 ocean-view suites from decks 4 to 10 of which 9 out of 10 have their own private balcony. Her passenger capacity is 450 with a crew of 330 and has a gross tonnage of 32,000. In keeping with Seabourn’s tradition, the Seabourn Odyssey offers the best in luxury cruising with gourmet dining, a water-sports marina, 2-deck health spa and Wi-Fi throughout the ship being just a few of what’s on offer to those discerning travellers lucky enough to sail on her. Her maiden voyage will take place on 24^th June 2009 where she will depart Venice, Italy on a 14 day luxury cruise to Istanbul, Turkey.

Costa Cruises has recorded a new record in yearly bookings by reaching one million passengers in 2008,five weeks sooner than in 2007.

Owned by Carnival, the Italian cruise line passed the one million mark for the first time in its 60 year history only last year.

With five new ships on order for delivery between 2009 and 2012, Costa Cruises can be expected to go from strength to strength with its cruise bookings.