Cruise fans are excited about 25 new ships coming online this year. Many are offering low introductory fares, but there are some other changes.

Many cruises are going for longer periods — not just seven-day turnaround trips but voyages of more than 21 days at a time.

And on a growing number of cruise ships, the day by day schedules have changed. Many ships are now sailing in the Mediterranean in April, May, September and October, not just the high season months.

They are also offering longer, more immersive shore excursions.

And on some itineraries, the ships no longer arrive at a port at 7 a.m. and leave at 5 p.m. Many are now doing overnights at these destinations.