Hard Rock, hard times

In April, South Carolina's big new attraction, the 55-acre Hard Rock Park, opened in Myrtle Beach. Just five months later, it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, closing for the year. The $400 million theme park boasted more than 40 rides, shows and dining spots, including roller coasters with such names as Led Zeppelin -- The Ride and a children's attraction called Magic Mushroom Garden. It is hoping to reopen in spring 2009 after "restructuring efforts," according to its Web site. Hard Rock officials said the volatility of financial markets and the credit crunch had made 2008 a bad year to open an amusement park.

Sailing out of Baltimore

Next fall, the Baltimore Cruise Terminal, which serves Royal Caribbean International and Norwegian Cruise Line, will welcome Carnival Cruise Lines. Carnival Pride will offer weeklong itineraries to the eastern Caribbean and to Florida and the Bahamas.

Joining Carnival in sailing out of Baltimore, from November 2009 to February 2010, will be Celebrity Cruises' Mercury. The ship will be making two 12-night eastern Caribbean trips, plus four nine-night cruises to Charleston, S.C., Key West, Fla., and CocoCay and Nassau in the Bahamas. www.cruisemaryland.com.

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