What's New in Cruising
* Northern European cruises have gained in popularity this year, with some already more than 80 percent booked. Don’t delay in reserving your space if you plan to cruise the Baltic or North Sea. Conversely, hesitancy to book Mediterranean cruises could bring last-minute bargains this season.

* Look for more embarkations from smaller regional ports as compared to major cities, new information from Cruise Lines International Association indicates. The trend bodes well for opening up some less-cruised destinations.

* Travelers with flexible schedules, who can travel on four to eight weeks’ notice, can find special offers at www.ExpeditionTrips.com by clicking on “Just-Released Offers.” After a free sign-up, the company will notify you when reduced-price spaces are available in the areas you choose.

* Windjammer Race Week, one of the continent’s largest gatherings of traditional sailing vessels, will be July 1 to July 6, when these sailing ships will race across Maine’s Penobscot Bay, then raft up for food and music and visiting at the finish. The Maine fleet will rendezvous again from Sept. 9 to Sept. 14 in Eggemoggin Reach.

* Readers wondering about the fate of Delta Queen’s Mississippi cruises in the wake of the Renaissance bankruptcy will be pleased to learn that the steamboats are back in safe hands. But as an urgent message from Purser W. Jeremiah Boone points out, they need help – in the form of passengers – to survive. Reduced rates (three nights for as low as $375) entice travelers back, along with the assurance that all payments will be held in escrow until sailing time. Call 1-800-543-1949 or visit www.deltaqueen.com.

* Le Phenicien, a new 18-passenger canal boat, will debut in France’s Camargue this spring. The 127-foot hotel boat offers nine staterooms, twin or double, and can be reserved by the cabin or for groups through Le Boat at 1-800-992-0291 or visit www.leboat.com.