New cruise itineraries are coming in the foreground as many cruise liners are expanding their network in 2007. Middle East, Egypt and Europe, Greenland, the French Riviera and Australia and New Zealand will be the highlight of the new 2007 itineraries by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) members.

In Europe, new offerings include an itinerary that enables travelers to experience the excitement and glamour of the America’s Cup race in Valencia, Spain, on a cruise aboard a diminutive ship carrying less than 400 guests. Conversely, a brand-new mega ship, carrying upwards of 3,000 passengers, debuts a series of itineraries from Rome that spend 12 awe-inspiring days in the Mediterranean, visiting some of the most exciting ports in Greece and Turkey.

Another departs from Rome and sails to some of the Middle East’s most intriguing destinations, including the United Arab Emirates’ Dubai, Egypt’s Safaga and Luxor, Alexandria and Safaga, Oman’s Salalah.

Still farther a field, a new two-month voyage visits Russia, South Korea, Indonesia, Australia, New Caledonia, Fiji, Somoa, Kirabati and Hawaii – with the convenient option of departing or returning from a U.S. port.

Closer to home, new itineraries also bring renewed verve to the world’s most popular cruising grounds, the Caribbean, with new sailings that operate roundtrip from a wide variety of North American homeports. For instance, a new Southern Caribbean itinerary includes calls at St. Thomas, Antigua, Barbados, St. Maarten and Tortola – with the convenience of sailing roundtrip from New York.

This year, new itineraries include a first: Year-round departures from San Diego, which offer travelers the option of convenient getaways that highlight the Mexican ports of Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada.

“CLIA member lines ensure that passengers’ intellectual curiosity is perpetually peaked by forging new itineraries around the world – complete with wide-ranging shore excursions that bring each and every destination to life,” said Terry L. Dale, president and CEO of CLIA. “No matter what travelers yearn for in terms of destinations, CLIA members are guaranteed to feature itineraries that perfectly fit the bill – and on ships that do the same.”