In the wake of bad economic news and increasing fuel surcharges by cruise lines, Cruise Critic editor Carolyn Spencer Brown finds some good news for cruisers, including impressive new ships about to debut.

Glimpses of Celebrity’s new Solstice

CruiseCritic.com offers a good look at the Celebrity Solstice, certain to be one of the hot ships of 2008 when it begins cruising in November. The Solstice, first of a new class of ships from Celebrity, will sport a glass blowing show, right, and cruising’s first Lawn Club, with real grass and a bocce ball court.

Designs on the Carnival Splendor

Stairs and lobbies on the new Carnival Splendor, due to begin cruises in July in Europe, are pink, copper, silver and black, says interior designer Joe Farcus.

Why a good cruise goes bad

Paul Motter, editor of the website CruiseMates.com, says there are two reasons why people make simple mistakes that can ruin their vacations: The questions we never think to ask; and the things we know we should do, but neglect due to over-confidence. Motter offers a practical checklist of things that cause a good cruise vacation to go bad.