This summer, the world's most popular cruise ships will be sailing itineraries spanning the globe. Close to home or far away, travelers can take advantage of one of cruising's best benefits: the opportunity to explore the world, including some of the most exotic and inaccessible destinations, in comfort, ease and security aboard any of the 21 member lines of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

In Europe, CLIA member lines have designed summer cruise itineraries that range from three nights and up, to such favored destinations as Paris, Rome and London - as well as to emerging ports in Croatia, Greece, Spain and Turkey, exclusive yachting ports along the French Riviera and Italy's Ligurian Coast.

Further east, travelers this year can also visit ports in Russia, South Korea, Indonesia, Australia, New Caledonia, Fiji, Samoa and Kiribati - all in one 64-day itinerary, and with an option to leave or return from a U.S. port. This year's roster of new itineraries also include ports to the Middle East's most intriguing destinations, such as United Arab Emirates' Dubai, Egypt's Luxor, Alexandria and Safaga and Oman's Salalah.

Closer to home, CLIA member lines have announced exciting summer itineraries to a host of destinations that include visits to some of the most exciting ports in New England, Canada and the Caribbean - and many of these itineraries begin from convenient North American homeports.

In order to have the most flexibility when planning a cruise vacation, CLIA encourages all travelers without passports to apply today. The U.S. government has modified its passport requirements for travel within the Western Hemisphere - including the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America, Bermuda and Canada - over the last few years and it could require sea and land travelers to obtain passports as early as January 1, 2008.

With passport requirements already in place for air travel, there is no time like the present for prospective cruisers to obtain their passports and ensure they're in a position to enjoy the portfolio of sail vacations that blanket the globe this summer and beyond.

"The variety and diversity of summer cruise itineraries this year is exceptional. Quite literally, vacationers can sail anywhere in the world, with the option of short trips or long, to truly wonderful places," said Terry L. Dale, president and CEO of CLIA, whose members include 21 premier cruise lines and 16,500 North American travel agencies.

"In order to have a relaxing, worry-free trip, we recommend that travelers obtain their passports as quickly as possible. Many CLIA cruise lines are debuting new itineraries to an array of exotic international destinations that require passengers to have valid passports and processing facilities are experiencing delays. Overall, getting a passport is a wise investment in fulfilling your vacation dreams."

To apply, all travelers have to do is visit one of 8,000 passport facilities across the United States. Passports are valid for a full 10 years and cost $97 and $67 for renewals. If travelers take two vacations per year, the cost of the passport, per vacation, is less than a poolside frozen drink.

Following is a sampling of the summer offerings from CLIA's member lines, including sailings in North America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia:

AMERICAN CRUISE LINES

Travelers can enjoy week-long American Cruise Lines' "Lobsterfest" cruises featuring culinary delicacies highlighting lobster - as well as a firsthand look at the lobsterman's trade and its impact on New England's culture and economy. Port highlights include Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, Newport, Block Island and New Bedford.

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES

The tropical destinations of Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk and Nassau will be featured on an exciting new three-port, five-day itinerary operated by Carnival Cruise Lines' Imagination. The new itinerary, which begins August 13, is the latest enhancement to the ship's popular year-round four- and five-day Caribbean cruise program from Miami.

CELEBRITY CRUISES

From April through October, Celebrity Journey offers guests seven-night Bermuda itineraries from Cape Liberty, N.J. - including one overnight in St. George's and two nights in Hamilton. The ship offers two specialty restaurants, 15 accommodation classes, butler service and concierge amenities in every stateroom and suite, and expanded spa services.

COSTA CRUISES

In June, Costa Cruises' new flagship, Costa Serena, inaugurates seven-night cruises roundtrip from Venice that call at some of Europe's most ancient and historic ports in Italy, Greece, Turkey and Croatia. Highlights include Bari, Italy; Katakolon, Greece; Izmir and Istanbul, Turkey; and Dubrovnik, Croatia. The itineraries are available from June through November.

CRYSTAL CRUISES

On August 31, Crystal Cruises features a unique 14-day transatlantic voyage aboard Crystal Symphony from London to New York, calling at Belfast, Ireland; Reykjavik, Iceland; Nuuk, Greenland; and Halifax, Nova Scotia. Ken Rees, a journalist at Britain's ITN's News at Ten, who has reported extensively on the areas visited, serves as guest lecturer. The voyage also features a "Tribute to Character Actors" as part of its Film & Theatre Festival theme.

CUNARD LINE

Queen Mary 2's signature Transatlantic Crossing is considered to be a pinnacle travel experience - a must-do for discerning travelers. In August, the grand ocean liner sails four six-day transatlantic crossings between New York and Southampton, England and two eight-day crossings between New York and Hamburg, Germany.

DISNEY CRUISE LINE

This summer, Disney Cruise Line's Disney Wonder continues to offer its highly popular three- and four-night sailings to the Bahamas with stops at Nassau and its private island, Castaway Cay. A recent renovation includes enhancements to spa, pool and deck areas, including a giant LED screen featuring Disney movies and sporting events.

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE

Holland America Line's seven-day Canada/New England itineraries sailing between Boston and Montreal aboard Maasdam this spring, summer and fall explore the nature and history of the Northeast and Canada. The itinerary cruises Canada's Saguenay Fjord and calls at Maine's Bar Harbor; Nova Scotia's Halifax and Sydney; Prince Edward Island's Charlottetown; and Quebec City.

MSC CRUISES

MSC Musica sets sail on a summer itinerary that takes in the culture, history and beauty of an eclectic array of ports in Italy, Tunisia, Spain and France. The seven-day itinerary, which sails roundtrip from Genoa, includes calls at the popular ports of Naples, Palermo, Tunis, Palma de Majorca, Barcelona and Marseilles.

NORWEGIAN COASTAL VOYAGE

Norwegian Coastal Voyage vessels ply the fjord-filled west coast of Norway, from the charming Hanseatic port of Bergen to the North Cape Plateau above the Arctic Circle. Cruises of six days southbound, seven days northbound and 12 days roundtrip depart Bergen and Kirkenes, making 34 port calls in each direction.

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE

Norwegian Jewel sails a 12-day Egypt and Greek Isles itinerary from May through September. This port-packed Norwegian Cruise Line itinerary includes two full days and an overnight in Alexandria, Egypt; calls to six Greek ports; a visit to Ephesus from Izmir, Turkey; and an overnight stay in exotic Istanbul.

PRINCESS CRUISES

Princess Cruises boasts a record five ships offering its signature "Voyage of the Glaciers" Gulf of Alaska cruise this summer - which include daylight cruising of famed Glacier Bay and the 16 spectacular glaciers of College Fjord. The itinerary route runs between Vancouver and Whittier with calls at Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway.

REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES

Regent Seven Seas Cruises features an August "Arts & Culture Circles of Interest" voyage out of Monte Carlo aboard Seven Seas Navigator hosted by Diane Camber, executive director and chief curator for Miami Beach's Bass Museum of Art. The ship calls at Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, St. Tropez, Portofino, Livorno and Civitavecchia.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL

From Civitavecchia, Royal Caribbean International's Legend of the Seas offers 12-night Greece and Eastern Mediterranean itineraries. The cruises call at Greece's Alexandria, Mykonos, Rhodes, Kusadasi and Piraeus; Cyprus' Limassol; and Italy's Naples. The itinerary alternates with 13-night Italy and Croatia itineraries that spend two full days in Livorno (Florence/Pisa) and Venice.

SEABOURN CRUISE LINE

From Civitavecchia to Monte Carlo, Seabourn Legend calls at some of the most beautiful and fascinating ports in the region. Highlights of the itinerary include a glittering overnight stay among the mega-yachts of Monte Carlo, and calls at Italy's Sorrento and Taormina; Tunisia's Sousse; Malta's Valletta; and France's Nice.

SEADREAM YACHT CLUB

Travelers sailing with SeaDream Yacht Club have the chance to explore the classical yachting ports of Italy and France on a seven-day itinerary roundtrip from Civitavecchia. The itinerary, which includes late night and overnight stays in some ports, features Italy's Ponza, Amalfi, Positano, Capri and Sorrento, as well as the French island of Corsica.

SILVERSEA CRUISES

A June itinerary aboard Silversea Cruises' Silver Whisper from Barcelona transports guests to the 32nd America's Cup regatta in Valencia, Spain. The ship will be moored in Valencia Bay directly alongside the race course, providing guests with front-row seats to experience all the drama and excitement of this global event.

WINDSTAR CRUISES

Windstar Cruises' Wind Surf features a unique six-day voyage from Nice to Barcelona - the only one of its kind on the line's 2007 schedule - that explores the coast of Spain and France for a taste of the Mediterranean. Ports of call include Monte Carlo, Marseille, Valencia and Palma de Mallorca.