Now that we've left 2011 in the dust, it's time to look ahead to what's going to be hot in 2012—and darned if two blasts from the past aren't among the more interesting developments expected in the coming months.

All eyes will be on the Mississippi, where two companies are looking to breathe new life into cruising on the Big Muddy—one refurbishing an American icon, the other introducing its take on a classic sternwheeler. And, in April, the world will remember the 100th anniversary of the Titanic disaster with special cruises, a new museum, and other events.

That's not to say there's nothing else going on: Several massive ships will debut, a river cruise line will launch a half-dozen vessels in a mere six-month period, a continent and a U.S. city will become even more important in the cruising world, and smokers will come closer to meeting their match (though not in the way they'd like).

Intrigued? Read on.