Cruise lines are releasing details about their 2012 itineraries, and many feature long cruises with more overnights.
Citing higher demand for longer cruises, Holland America Line will offer 30-day South Pacific cruises in late 2011 and 2012, calling in Hawaii, Kiribati, the Cook Islands, and French Polynesia. The Westerdam and Rotterdam will sail roundtrip from San Diego; the Westerdam in September 2011 and the Rotterdam on Jan. 4 and March 4, 2012.
The Westerdam itineraries will feature three overnights, in Honolulu, Bora Bora and Papeete.
Silversea's Silver Whisper will embark on a 115-day world cruise on Jan. 6 from Fort Lauderdale. The ship will visit 45 ports in 27 countries and spend 13 overnights along the way. The sailing ends in Monte Carlo.
Crystal's 2012 world cruise sails the Pacific Rim and includes a three-day inclusive overland adventure in Beijing. The Crystal Serenity departs Jan. 18, 2012, on a 94-day trip roundtrip from Los Angeles, visiting 35 ports and including overnight stays. The line will return to South Korea for the first time since 1994.
During winter 2011-12, Princess will offer 10- and 14-day Caribbean cruises.
Jan Swartz, Princess' executive vice president, said Princess offers more 10- and 14-day Caribbean voyages than most cruise lines. "These are the perfect way to visit further-flung ports and truly have the time to relax and unwind," she said.
The Emerald Princess is offering 10-day eastern and southern Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale, and the Grand Princess is offering 14-day cruises from Fort Lauderdale.