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
Cruise
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,
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
The cruise industry is experiencing a shift towards attracting younger customers, particularly millennials and Gen Z, as revealed by recent data from Royal Caribbean Group. With a focus on providing unique experiences and shorter cruise options, cruise lines are adapting to cater to the changing preferences of younger travelers. Royal Caribbean Group’s CEO, Jason Liberty,
Cruise lines have been actively seeking ways to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, with several solutions being implemented onboard. These solutions include using energy-efficient light bulbs, turning off cabin electricity when guests remove their keycard from the room, and reconfiguring how ships recirculate heat. These small adjustments can make a significant impact in reducing emissions
The recent landfall of Hurricane Debby on Florida’s Gulf Coast has caused significant disruptions to cruise itineraries in the region. Carnival Cruise Line ships departing from Tampa and Jacksonville, Florida, have been particularly impacted by the storm. The Carnival Paradise, for example, was forced to delay its return to the Port of Tampa and adjust
Regent Seven Seas Cruises and the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team are teaming up to offer a one-of-a-kind themed cruise experience in the summer of 2025. This exclusive voyage will feature a replica car on the ship, along with specialty shore excursions that cater to racing enthusiasts of all kinds. Embarking on the Seven
Princess Cruises recently announced that three attractions intended for young cruisers on the Sun Princess will not be available as planned. These attractions, which were meant to enhance the onboard experience for children and teenagers, have been scrapped due to unforeseen circumstances. One of the canceled attractions is the RollGlider, a zipline-like ride that was
Frank Belzer, the senior vice president of sales and partner relations at Margaritaville at Sea, has extensive experience working with travel advisors in the industry. Throughout his 20-year career, he has recognized the added value that travel advisors bring, especially in enhancing the guest experience. Belzer advocates for doing more business with travel advisors due
One key piece of advice from David Locke, owner of Avoya Travel’s top agency, Seize the Seas, is the importance of specialization. According to David, it’s essential to focus on a niche and become an expert in that area. By specializing, advisors can set themselves apart in a competitive market and better meet the specific
Celebration Key, Carnival Cruise Line’s newest private destination set to open in 2025, promises to offer an unparalleled luxury experience for its guests. One of the main highlights of this exclusive retreat is the Pearl Cove Beach Club. This adults-only oasis boasts a large infinity pool, a full-service restaurant, and a private beach for guests
Disney Cruise Line has announced the addition of a new ship, the Disney Destiny, slated to set sail in December 2025. One of the most exciting features on this ship is the enchanting De Vil’s piano lounge, inspired by the infamous Cruella de Vil from „One Hundred and One Dalmatians.“ The lounge promises a lavish
Stepping into a luxurious suite on a cruise ship can be a transformative experience, with opulent amenities and personalized service that epitomize extravagance. The size of the room, the quality of the butler service, and the overall ambiance play crucial roles in determining the level of luxury. However, luxury is a subjective concept, with different
The Avoya Travel’s Million Dollar Showcase held at the Waldorf Astoria in Orlando showcased the elite group of 81 travel advisors known as Independent Agencies (IAs) who are on track to make at least $1 million in gross sales this year. The event aims to raise the bar for luxury travel and connect travel advisors
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is looking ahead to 2025 with confidence, as CEO Harry Sommer reveals that the company is experiencing strong pricing power and unexpected demand for Europe and Alaska summer itineraries. This pivot towards the future has proven to be successful, with the company exceeding several expectations this quarter and finding itself in
Royal Caribbean International, the leading cruise line within the Royal Caribbean Group, made strategic decisions regarding the deployment of its ships in various markets around the world. One of the key shifts in strategy was observed when the company decided to shift its focus from China to California. This move has significant implications for the
The recent announcement of the merger of sales forces between Holland America Line (HAL) and Seabourn Cruises has brought about a significant change in leadership. Rob Coleman, who has been with HAL for twenty-five years, will now lead the combined sales team as HAL’s senior vice president of North America and Australia sales. This move
In late 2025, Disney Cruise Line will welcome a new ship, the Disney Destiny, which promises to take guests on an unforgettable journey through the world of Disney, Pixar, and Marvel. This exciting new addition will offer a variety of unique venues and experiences that will transport passengers to their favorite stories and characters. One
Royal Caribbean Group recently announced their very strong second quarter performance, with the new Icon of the Seas leading the way. The ship, touted as the largest in the world, is currently sailing with a remarkable load factor of 132%. This means that during the summer months, the Icon departs from Miami with an incredible
MSC Cruises has recently announced the introduction of The Harbour, an innovative outdoor play area located on the top deck of the MSC World America ship. This new addition is part of the Family Aventura district and is set to debut in April 2025. One of the main features of The Harbour is the AquaPark,
The cruise industry is facing multiple challenges in the form of an impending intense hurricane season, the unpredictability of the upcoming election, and the implementation of new price disclosure regulations. Despite these obstacles, recent surveys conducted by market research firm Cleveland Research indicate that cruise bookings are surpassing expectations. Travel advisors and cruise executives have
Carnival Corp. has big plans for the future with the unveiling of three massive ships starting in 2029. These new ships are set to be part of a brand new ship class at Carnival Cruise Line. At full capacity, each ship is expected to carry nearly 8,000 guests, measuring a whopping 230,000 gross tons, and
Residents in Barcelona recently took to the streets to protest against mass tourism, highlighting issues such as rising housing costs and the negative impacts of tourism on their daily lives. The use of squirt guns on tourists during these protests sparked controversy and drew international attention to the situation. While protests can be powerful tools
Alaska, with its breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, and charming towns, is a dream destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. However, the rugged terrain and lack of connectivity between towns can make it a challenging destination for luxury travelers. One of the best ways to experience the beauty of this region is by embarking on
Royal Caribbean International’s Utopia of the Seas is the line’s sixth Oasis-class ship, showcasing an energetic atmosphere, short getaways, and unique attractions. Marketed as „the world’s biggest weekend,“ this ship is designed to cater to new cruisers and those seeking a quick escape. The ship’s homeport in Port Canaveral, Florida, makes it ideal for travelers
Royal Caribbean International is stepping into new territory with the launch of the Utopia of the Seas, the largest ship in the Oasis class. With a focus on high energy and non-stop entertainment, this ship aims to provide a unique experience for passengers embarking on short three- and four-day cruises out of Port Canaveral in
The competition among cruise lines to build the biggest and most luxurious ships is heating up. With Carnival Corp. ordering a fourth ship in its Excel class and Royal Caribbean International announcing its seventh Oasis class vessel, it’s clear that the industry is focused on supersizing its fleet. This trend is further reinforced by MSC
As the travel industry experiences a post-pandemic surge, a new trend has emerged in the form of destination „dupes.“ Named for destinations that offer similar experiences to popular but overcrowded or expensive locations, dupes have become a hot topic among travelers and suppliers alike. This trend has gained momentum over the past year, with more
During a recent media briefing aboard the Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International’s CEO, Michael Bayley, hinted at an exciting new ship class in the works. Referred to as the Discovery class, details about this new venture are scarce, but it promises to bring something unique to the cruising industry. Bayley suggested that the
Stepping onto Royal Caribbean International’s new Utopia of the Seas is like entering a pulsating party zone. From the moment you arrive at the terminal, the energetic beats of the DJs set the tone for a high-energy experience. The ship’s playlist includes a mix of popular hits from artists like Bruno Mars, Justin Timberlake, and
Alaska has seen a significant increase in cruise passengers over the years, reaching new records. However, this growth has not come without its challenges. Some communities, like Juneau, have felt the strain on their infrastructure and residents due to the influx of tourists. As a response to this issue, Juneau officials decided to strike a
Embarking on an expedition sailing trip to the Arctic Circle, one quickly realizes the significance of experience and size when it comes to choosing the right vessel. Last summer, I had the opportunity to sail for two weeks on the Sylvia Earle, one of Aurora Expeditions‘ new ships with a capacity of 132 passengers. The
The Nassau Cruise Port is taking a significant step forward in evolving its offerings by planning to build a $35 million waterpark complex. This new addition aims to provide more family-friendly amenities, catering to the needs of travelers, especially those with children. Port CEO Mike Maura highlighted that the downtown waterpark is part of a
As Amazon Prime Day quickly approaches, it has become evident that Amazon is expanding its reach into the travel industry. This move is significant, as historically, Amazon has not been a major player in the travel sector. However, with the introduction of a dedicated page for „Prime Day Travel Deals,“ featuring well-known brands like Carnival
The recent departure of several members of the Four Seasons Yachts leadership team, including president and CEO Larry Pimentel, has raised questions about the direction of the luxury cruise brand. Nils Lindstad, the vice president of business development and sales excellence, provided insights into the future of the product and what to expect for travel
Oceania Cruises‘ Marina has recently completed a refurbishment and is back in service with some exciting changes. From a new wellness-focused dining venue to a poolside ice cream parlor, guests can expect a fresh experience on board. One of the highlights of the refurbished Marina is the addition of Aquamar Kitchen, a wellness-focused dining venue
MSC Cruises is setting a new standard in luxury travel by introducing exclusive shore excursions for its top-paying guests. Unlike other passengers, MSC Yacht Club guests now have the opportunity to participate in small-group tours that are not available to the general public. This innovative approach aims to enhance the overall cruise experience and cater
Disney recently revealed its plan to introduce cruises from Japan in 2029, marking a significant expansion of its operations. The newbuild sister ship to the Disney Wish will be the centerpiece of this venture, operated by the Oriental Land Co., the entity behind Tokyo Disney Resort. The upcoming ship will be a product of collaboration
Pop star Meghan Trainor has been selected to be the godmother of Royal Caribbean International’s newest ship, Utopia of the Seas. The ship is set to debut this month with a three-day cruise and concert hosted by Trainor herself. The event will take place before the ship’s July 19 debut in Florida’s Port Canaveral. Trainor
Celebrity Cruises made a strategic decision to sell its two small Galapagos vessels to Lindblad Expeditions, marking a significant change in its footprint in the region. This move, set to be finalized in January, will leave Celebrity with only one ship, the 100-passenger Celebrity Flora, in the Galapagos. While the loss of the two small