ULTIMATE GUIDE TO CRUISING 2009

Special section is first of three

Today marks the first of three Ultimate Guides in The Times’ Travel section, in-depth how-to manuals on topics our readers want to know more about. Today’s Ultimate Guide to Cruising focuses on an industry that is poised for growth, remarkable in this economy and yet not surprising, given the values and variety it promises. Next week we will bring you the Ultimate Guide to California, chockablock with ideas and information on the Golden State. And on Feb. 8, we bring you the Ultimate Guide to the World, which will help take the mystery out of international travel but enhance the intrigue of foreign destinations. And all will be supplemented by the nuts-and-bolts information that readers need for planning, including cruise lists, foreign government tourist offices and more, online at latimes.com/ultimateguide2009.

-- Times staff

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Booking time?

Book your cruise months ahead and save, or book later and maybe save more? That’s the question as fares fall and the financial future looks as misty as a Lido Deck in foul weather. Trying to get wannabe cruisers to take the plunge, Carnival Cruise Lines is offering “rate protection” for booking early. Under its Early Saver program, the line says, you may be entitled to onboard credit if fares drop after you book. The catches? Among others, your deposit is nonrefundable, and you’ll need to submit paperwork. For details, visit Carnival’s website, www.carnival.com.

-- Jane Engle

Web check-in

Do you wonder if you’ll ever have to talk to another human being again? Norwegian Cruise Line is taking a step in that direction with a new online check-in procedure. Booked guests can log onto www.ncl.com, from the time a reservation is made until a day before departure. The service would allow passengers to speed up the boarding process and keep track of any pre-trip information or changes. To create a username and password, passengers will be asked to enter their trip information, including the reservation number.

-- Chris Erskine

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Ship face-lifts

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has finished an ambitious refurbishment of two 700-guest all-suite, all-balcony luxury vessels, the Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Mariner. The luxury cruise line spent $40 million on new furnishings, carpeting and accents in public areas. The update also included a new lounge and dining areas. The second phase, a similar makeover for the third ship in the fleet, Seven Seas Navigator, is scheduled for April of next year.

-- C.E.

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For more Travel news, go to latimes.com/travelblog.