The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) officially began its 2008 cruise season Saturday with the arrival of the Amadea. This year's season will run through Nov. 7. Some 116 ships carrying an estimated 280,000 travelers will pass through Cruiseport Boston. Fifteen cruise lines will offer an assortment of Canada/New England, Bermuda, Caribbean, and transatlantic itineraries. This year's season will include some new ships while also a farewell to Cunard's Queen Elizabeth 2. "This cruise season promises to be a busy one with a 20 percent increase over last year," said Mike Leone, Massport's port director. "This is good news for Boston's local restaurants, shops, and attractions."

Beginning in May, Cruiseport Boston will be the homeport for Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Dream. It replaces Norwegian Majesty, a 1,500-passenger vessel that began calling at the Port of Boston in 1994. Norwegian Dream, a 1,750-passenger ship, will cruise weekly to Bermuda and also offer a series of seven-day Canada/New England cruises. The arrival of Norwegian Dream, which is 20 percent larger than Majesty, coincides with a new 10-year agreement between NCL and the government of Bermuda which continues NCL's run as the exclusive line to sail from Boston to Bermuda. In 2008, Cruiseport Boston also welcomes back Royal Caribbean International's Jewel of the Seas for Canada/New England and Caribbean cruises. Boston has been the homeport for the 2,501-passenger Jewel of the Seas since its launch in 2004. Also new this season will be an inaugural visit by Holland America Line's newest ship, the 2,104-passenger Eurodam. The QE2 will make a final visit to Boston on its "Autumn Colors" cruise before becoming a tourist destination in Dubai. For more information, visit www.massport.com.