FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., March 31, 2008 -- MSC is extending its free oceanview upgrade from an interior cabin to all of MSC Lirica's 2008-09 Caribbean itineraries, which they describe as a savings of up to 52 percent off retail prices.

Cruise-only prices for a 7-night Caribbean roundtrip itinerary from Fort Lauderdale begin at $629 per person, while rates for a 10-night Caribbean itinerary begin at $879 per person. In addition, children ages 17 and younger sail free when sharing a stateroom with two full-fare-paying adults. All prices are cruise only, per person, double occupancy. Government fees and taxes for all guests are additional, as well as a fuel surcharge for the first and second guests in a stateroom. Prices are subject to availability; certain restrictions apply.

Reservations must be made by June 30.

Guests who book the Free Oceanview Upgrade promotion need only to place a deposit of $100 per person.

MSC Lirica will be hosting two special theme cruises during the 2008-09 winter Caribbean season:

Baseball Theme Cruise: Guests will have the opportunity to mingle and learn from some of the greats of the game -- as well as get free autographs -- on the 7-night Dec. 13 Western Caribbean sailing. Special players on this itinerary will be Hall-of-Famer Bob Feller, Dave Campbell, Tommy Davis, Jeff Torborg and Stan Bahnsen.

Big Band Cruise: The 10-night Dec. 3 Deep Caribbean itinerary presents the 15-piece Les DeMerle Big Band with vocalist Bonnie Eisele. The band features the sounds of Ellington, Basie, James and Miller, plus Broadway hits, rock 'n' roll classics, hot Latin grooves and show-stoppers from the '40s through today. The band will also perform a Big Band Jazz Concert and conduct a lecture on the Big Band era.