As Royal Caribbean International embarks on developing its new series of cruise ships, named the Discovery class, there is much anticipation and speculation surrounding what these ships will offer. While the CEO, Michael Bayley, hinted at the project during a preview sailing of the Utopia of the Seas, it is in its very early stages
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Alaska Airlines recently made a strategic investment in JetZero, an aircraft engineering startup with a groundbreaking blended-wing aircraft design. This innovative design has the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions and fuel consumption by up to 50%. By integrating the wings with the fuselage, JetZero’s aircraft boasts a sleeker shape that minimizes aerodynamic drag and
Southern Connecticut is set to witness a fierce competition between two discount airlines, Breeze Airways and Avelo. Both airlines have announced plans to expand their operations in the region, with Breeze introducing 10 new routes from Tweed Airport in New Haven. This move will put them in direct competition with Avelo, the only commercial airline
One year after being devastated by catastrophic wildfires, Maui’s road to recovery has been slow and arduous. The impact of the wildfires has weighed heavily on Hawaii’s overall tourism performance, with tourist arrivals and spending taking a hit in the first half of 2024. The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) reported a 3.7% decrease in visitor
The Walt Disney World Resort has recently filed permits for construction work at the Magic Kingdom in order to make way for the expansion of Frontierland, featuring attractions from Pixar’s popular „Cars“ franchise. This expansion is said to be the largest in the history of the Magic Kingdom, according to Disney. The new area will
New York City is known for its vibrant art scene, boasting some of the most popular art museums in the world. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met) and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) are among the top contenders, attracting millions of visitors each year. However, when it comes to exploring the art galleries
Implementing New Distribution Capability (NDC) technology has been a challenge for many airlines in the industry, including Finnair. Despite being a strong advocate for NDC, Finnair recently faced difficulties in transitioning away from legacy Edifact GDS technology. In a conversation with Finnair’s officials, they shed light on the struggles and successes of their NDC strategy.
American Airlines CEO, Robert Isom, made headlines during the airline’s Q2 earnings call when he publicly acknowledged the need to rebuild „positive relationships“ with travel advisors. This statement marked a significant shift from American’s previous strategy of aggressively pushing direct distribution and NDC channels, a move that ultimately cost the airline up to $1.5 billion
Oracle software billionaire Larry Ellison recently added the 309-room Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa in Manalapan, Florida to his extensive hotel portfolio. This acquisition, from the London-based Lewis Trust Group, marks another strategic investment for Ellison who already owns several luxury properties across the United States. Some of the other notable properties in Ellison’s
The tragic implosion of the Titan submersible during a voyage to the Titanic wreck site in June 2023 has left a family devastated and has now led to a lawsuit seeking more than $50 million in damages. The lawsuit, filed in King County, Washington, accuses OceanGate, the operator of the sub, of gross negligence. The
Disney recently unveiled a series of exciting new developments at its D23 fan event in Anaheim, Calif., including expansions and enhancements across its various parks. One of the major highlights is the introduction of a villains-themed land at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World Resort, along with several other exciting projects. Let’s delve into
The Royal Railway experience aboard the Utopia of the Seas promises a journey unlike any other, blending fantasy, history, and technology seamlessly. The immersive train concept, Utopia Station, transports passengers not just across the ocean but back in time to the Wild West, creating an atmosphere that sparks the imagination and engages the senses in
Curfew Bar, located in the center of Copenhagen, boasts a collection of three living pieces of bar history that are truly one-of-a-kind in Europe. Owner Humberto Marques takes pride in showcasing these vintage machines, which have been lovingly restored by Brandon Neal, a renowned expert in the field. These machines include two hand-cranked Coles shakers,
Gravity Haus, a relatively new player in the hospitality industry, has been expanding its footprint in various Western destinations with a unique concept that blends work, play, and outdoor adventures. The brand’s approach of offering both membership perks and open access to non-members sets it apart from traditional hotel models. One of the key features
As we delve into the world of Olympic-themed wines, we come across the Vireton Archery Summit from the Willamette Valley. This medium-bodied Pinot Gris showcases notes of yellow apples, juicy peach, and a delightful melon duo comprising honeydew and cantaloupe. The wine perfectly reflects the precision and elegance of archery, making it a fitting choice
The food industry’s financial markets are currently experiencing significant developments and shifts in trends. Major stock indexes may have been struggling, but certain companies like Tyson and Pilgrim’s Pride are seeing a rise in their shares due to strong earnings news. Additionally, rumors are circulating about Mars, the world’s largest candy company, potentially acquiring Kellanova,
Expedia Group, holding the number 2 spot on Travel Weekly’s Power List, has recently faced challenges with softening demand in the travel industry. CEO Ariane Gorin highlighted the decrease in demand during the third quarter, aligning with reports from various sectors of the travel industry. While the company did meet the high end of its
Over the years, cruise lines have attempted to merge their sales teams to leverage assets and build stronger relationships. However, these unions have often been short-lived and faced numerous challenges. For example, Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises tied the knot in the late 1990s, but the sales union only lasted a few years. Similarly,
Lindblad Expeditions has announced a major rebranding initiative that will see the famous National Geographic name take center stage. The company will now be known as National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, showcasing the trusted and well-known National Geographic brand in the lead position. This strategic move is aimed at leveraging the power and name recognition of National
Expedia Group, ranked No. 2 on Travel Weekly’s Power List, faced challenges in the third quarter due to a softening in demand according to CEO Ariane Gorin. This decline in demand was evident across various sectors of the travel industry, mirroring reports from other industry players. Despite this, the company managed to achieve second-quarter results
Archer Aviation is making waves in the aviation industry with its groundbreaking four-passenger electric aircraft named Midnight. This innovative vertical takeoff and landing craft is set to revolutionize urban air mobility, promising swift and convenient transportation solutions. The company recently unveiled its ambitious plans for a Los Angeles-area flight network, slated to commence as early
Bali is a tropical paradise that offers a wide range of attractions for travelers seeking a luxurious and culturally rich holiday experience. From warm Balinese hospitality to stunning resorts, adventurous activities, delicious cuisine, and beautiful beaches, this island has something for everyone. One of the highlights of Bali is its rich cultural heritage, which can
The recent CrowdStrike outage and subsequent flight cancellations have proven to be costly for Delta Air Lines, with the total financial impact estimated to be around $550 million. This includes a $380 million revenue hit in the current quarter due to refunding customers for cancelled flights and providing compensation in the form of cash and
The culinary world is abuzz with excitement as Bravo’s hit TV series, Top Chef, announces its 2025 season destination: Canada. This news has created a buzz among food enthusiasts and fans of the show as they anticipate exploring the diverse and rich food scene across the Great White North. The announcement was made in an
A new chapter begins for Boeing as aerospace veteran Robert „Kelly“ Ortberg assumes the role of CEO with the daunting task of restoring the reputation of this iconic U.S. manufacturing company. The journey ahead involves making critical decisions daily to regain the trust of regulators, airlines, and the public, rectifying production defects, ensuring timely delivery
In the world of bourbon, the landscape is now flooded with limited-edition releases, making it challenging to find a release that truly stands out. Gone are the days when premium juice was guarded like Willie Wonka’s Everlasting Gobstoppers. Distillers, both established and new, now eagerly release one-off batches that often blend into each other. However,
In July, Delta faced significant challenges in terms of flight cancellations, marking a stark contrast to its usual track record of reliability. The airline, known for its efficiency in limiting cancellations, saw a drastic increase in its cancellation rate, jumping to 5.28% from 0.8% in June. This surge was primarily attributed to the slow recovery
Tour operator Avanti Destinations has taken a step forward in simplifying the travel booking process by introducing a user-friendly microsite. This innovative platform is specifically tailored for travel advisors who are more inclined towards booking cruises rather than land packages for independent travelers. Avanti Destinations boasts an extensive array of choices in 63 port cities,
Recently, Tauck has resumed sales of American Airlines and its Oneworld alliance partners after a policy change that temporarily hindered tour operators from offering refundable fares. The decision to extend the refundability of fares booked through Tauck until December 31, 2024, is seen as a temporary measure, indicating a shift in policy by American Airlines
The summer season in the Hamptons is a time of luxury, relaxation, and indulgence for many. Thanks to DoorDash, we now have a glimpse into the most ordered items and trendiest purchases in this exclusive enclave. From rosé to computer accessories, the choices made by Hampton-goers are both fascinating and telling. One interesting trend that
Breeze Airways, a discount carrier, is set to make its way into Newark, one of the primary airports in the New York metro area. The airline plans to kick off its operations with twice-weekly flights from Newark to Charleston, W.V. starting from November 14. This route will then extend to Orlando, providing passengers with more
Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas is set to undergo a $100 million renovation in 2025, after being postponed due to the pandemic. The cruise line is planning to introduce new features and enhancements to the Oasis-class ship, making it a luxurious and modern vacation destination. One of the highlights of the refurbishment is the
In March, Avanti Destinations launched a website aimed at assisting travel advisors in creating and finding custom group trips. This initiative offers a unique opportunity for advisors to target specific groups and craft tailored itineraries. Ricarda Haeger, Avanti’s director of group sales and operations, emphasizes the importance of focusing on niche groups that advisors are
Marriott International’s acquisition of the Hoteles City Express brand marked a significant milestone in the company’s expansion strategy. With a portfolio of 152 hotels across Mexico and other Latin American countries, the $100 million deal included all the Hoteles City brand portfolio, as well as their loyalty programs. Each sub-brand of hotels is tailored to
Disney’s theme parks experienced a moderation in demand in the company’s fiscal Q3, a trend that is anticipated to persist for the next several quarters. Despite this, revenue in the Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products division displayed growth. The company noted that park attendance remained consistent year over year, and guest spending saw a slight
Tripadvisor recently announced a small increase in second-quarter revenue, but it was not the only news coming from the company. The introduction of a new service that allows members to book hotel stays directly within the app was revealed on the same day. This addition to the platform comes as a result of a partnership
Boeing has faced yet another safety concern with the near catastrophic blowout of a door plug from a 737 Max 9. The National Transportation Safety Board released documents revealing that bolts meant to hold the door in place were not attached, highlighting a significant manufacturing flaw. This incident has raised questions about Boeing’s safety procedures
Iceland is a land of incredible vistas and unique experiences waiting to be explored. One of the best ways to truly immerse yourself in the beauty of Iceland is through a circumnavigational cruise, such as the one offered by National Geographic Explore/Lindblad. This exclusive circular itinerary on a smaller ship provides a privileged insight into
Rye whiskey, a spirit with a long and rich history in the United States, dates back to the 18th century when it was the dominant spirit before the rise of bourbon. It was George Washington himself who owned a rye distillery, producing a significant amount annually. However, the popularity of rye whiskey began to decline,
Microsoft has fired back at Delta Air Lines in response to the accusations made by Delta CEO Ed Bastian regarding the recent massive IT outage. The software giant accuses Delta of failing to modernize its technology prior to the cancelation of thousands of flights following the incident. According to Mark Cheffo, a Dechert partner representing