Travel registration is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. Registration allows you to record information about your upcoming trip abroad that the Department of State can use to assist you in case of an emergency. Americans residing abroad can also get routine information from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate: https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/

Carnival Cruise Lines will introduce new seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruise itineraries from Tampa and Jacksonville, Fla., in 2011. The cruises will be offered on the Carnival Legend from Tampa and Carnival Fascination from Jacksonville -- both of which are currently based at those ports but have never before offered these itineraries.

From Jacksonville, the recently renovated 2,052-passenger Carnival Fascination will offer a series of six week-long “Exotic Eastern Caribbean” cruises to Grand Turk, the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay and Nassau, complementing the ship’s four- and five-day Bahamas/Key West departures. Departure dates include April 30, May 7, July 23, July 30, Sept. 17 and Sept. 24, 2011.

From Tampa, the 2,124-passenger Carnival Legend will add five new seven-day “Exotic Eastern Caribbean” cruises featuring Half Moon Cay, Nassau and Key West to its existing week-long Western Caribbean cruise schedule. The new cruises will depart May 1, June 26, July 24, Aug. 7 and Oct. 16, 2011.

“Guest feedback indicates a strong desire for more Eastern Caribbean ports -- particularly more intimate destinations such as Half Moon Cay and Grand Turk -- and these new itineraries provide guests cruising from Tampa and Jacksonville with an exciting new vacation option,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO. Reservations are currently being accepted for the new programs on both ships. For more information, call 336-497-3179 or email Bruce@TheMindfulTraveler.com

Collette Vacations unveiled five land-cruise programs

for 2011 available for sale now.

Manny Paulo, product manager, said cruising is the fastest growing segment of the travel industry. “Cruising has experienced 10-15 percent growth year over year, and a cruise that also combines a land tour is a great opportunity for new business and additional revenue for our agent partners,” he said.

Land-cruise tours allow clients to make their own choices of destinations (including exotic), duration, ships utilized, cabin categories and prices that cater to all market segments. The programs allow clients to unpack for three, four, seven or nine nights. “With all meals included on board, as well as nightly entertainment and amenities like casinos and wellness centers, these tours offer the service and value that travelers are looking for,” said Paulo.

The land-cruise programs available from Collette along with ship information, include: Russian River Cruise, featuring a nine-night cruise aboard M.S. Maxim Litvinov starting at $1,849 land only; Splendors of the Nile, featuring a four-night cruise aboard Mirage 1, starting at $1,699 land only; Journey through Jordan & Egypt, featuring a three-night cruise aboard Mirage 1, starting at $3,399 land only; Cruising Greece & Turkey, featuring a seven-night cruise aboard Cristal Ship, starting at $,2299 land only; Cruising the Best of Scandinavia, featuring a seven-night Norwegian Fjords cruise aboard the Costa Atlantica.

Collette Vacations is a family-owned business headquartered in Pawtucket, R.I., offering 125 programs to destinations on all seven continents, including small group tours, educational travel, train journeys, river cruises and vacations that feature a Collette Foundation site visit. For information contact: Bruce@TheMindfulTraveler.com or call 336-497-3179