Cruise

The landscape of the travel industry is rapidly evolving, shaped by the explosive growth of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. According to the latest findings from Travel Weekly’s 2024 Travel Industry Survey, nearly half of travel advisors—41% to be precise—have embraced AI solutions in less than two years following the launch of ChatGPT. This statistic is

The allure of cruising has become an ever-expanding industry, drawing families and adventurers alike to explore the world’s oceans. At the forefront of this transformation in the cruise landscape is Disney Cruise Line, which has successfully blended storytelling and sea adventures. Historically, the cruise line operated just four ships, each showcasing a rich tapestry of

In an ambitious move to elevate the cruise experience, Royal Caribbean International is set to unveil its first Royal Beach Club in Nassau by December 2025. Nestled at the western tip of Paradise Island, this 17-acre destination promises to deliver a unique blend of relaxation and entertainment infused with Bahamian culture. With exciting amenities such

The world of travel is as vast as it is varied, encompassing numerous sectors where numerous players vie for recognition and appreciation. The Travel Weekly Readers‘ Choice Awards, celebrated for the 22nd time, serve as a compelling benchmark for quality in this competitive landscape. The annual gala, held on December 11 at the prestigious American

As the holiday season approaches, travel enthusiasts and families alike are preparing for an increase in travel volumes, with AAA estimating that this year will see more travelers than even the pre-pandemic peak of 2019. The period from December 21 to January 1 is anticipated to witness approximately 119.3 million individuals journeying 50 miles or

In a world increasingly defined by a commitment to social justice and equality, the travel and tourism sector is not immune to scrutiny. Incidents highlighting racial injustices within the industry can serve as crucial flashpoints for broader systemic change. An article penned by Arnie Weissmann in February 2023 shed light on the unfortunate experiences of

Disney has long been synonymous with family-friendly adventures and enchanting experiences. The latest gem in this crown is the Disney Treasure, a cruise ship that invites travelers of all ages to embark on a journey characterized by exploration rather than mere escapism. With its innovative design and thematic richness, this vessel takes after its predecessor,

Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line (HAL) are joining forces to elevate and reimagine their shared Bahamian paradise, previously known as Half Moon Cay, which will now be called „Relaxaway, Half Moon Cay.“ This strategic collaboration reflects a commitment to enhancing guest experiences while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability. With expectations to launch

The recent leadership reshuffle at Carnival Corp. has sent ripples through the cruise industry, igniting both optimism and concern among industry stakeholders. By appointing new presidents to three of its North American brands—Princess Cruises, Holland America Line (HAL), and Seabourn Cruises—Carnival Corp. is signaling a potential shift in strategy. This article dissects the implications of

In a move that has many cruise enthusiasts raising their eyebrows, Carnival Cruise Line has implemented a subtle but significant price increase for its Cheers! beverage package. Initially set at $70.74 per day for cruises of six nights or longer, the cost has now soared to $82.54—an increase that now applies uniformly to all cruise

In a move that could reshape the cruise tourism landscape, Mexican lawmakers have approved the imposition of a $42 head tax on cruise passengers beginning on January 1. The decision has sent shockwaves throughout the cruise industry, prompting concerns about its potential impact on demand for Mexican ports. As cruise lines face rising operational costs

The launch of Explora Journeys‘ third vessel, the Explora III, marks an exciting development in the realm of luxury cruising. Set to make its debut in the summer of 2026, this vessel is poised to navigate through some of the most picturesque regions of western and northern Europe, including notable destinations like Iceland and Greenland.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has embarked on an ambitious rebranding initiative titled „Nobody Does It Better,“ encapsulated by the tagline „Unrivaled at Sea.“ This campaign is strategically designed to elevate the brand’s image and reinforce its position as a leader in the ultra-luxury cruise market. The new marketing endeavor will reach customers across various platforms,

In a recent decision that has sent ripples through the tourism sector, Mexico’s Senate approved a $42 immigration fee for cruise ship passengers. Designed to take effect in 2025, this measure has sparked outrage among various stakeholders within the industry, raising concerns about its potential to adversely affect Mexico’s position as a premier cruise destination.

The cruise industry has always embraced trends instilled by customer preferences and external economic factors. However, the case of Viking Cruise Lines showcases a pattern that stands apart from traditional practices employed by its competitors. Recently, Viking made headlines by announcing that it had sold 70% of its available cabins for 2025—an extraordinary achievement considering

In an ambitious move that redefines cruising, Virgin Voyages has introduced an innovative annual pass initiative, marking a significant milestone in the travel industry. This pass allows adventurous guests to embark on unlimited voyages aboard any of Virgin’s ships for a full year, a concept that has never been offered in the cruising sector before.

Cruises might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for Eric Stonestreet, the prospect was entirely foreign until Norwegian Cruise Line offered him a remarkable opportunity. Enclosed within a vibrant world of opulent amenities and stunning seascapes, Stonestreet’s initiation into cruising has not only shaped his perception of leisure travel but also allowed him to

In a recent legislative move, Mexico’s Congress approved a new $42 passenger tax aimed at cruise tourists, a decision that has raised eyebrows within the cruise industry. The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) has voiced strong opposition, suggesting that this tax could deter tourists and have long-lasting detrimental effects on Mexico’s tourism economy. Notably, executives from

The landscape of cruise vacations has shifted dramatically over the past few years, not only in terms of luxury offerings and destinations but also in how gratuities are structured. Recently, several cruise lines including Royal Caribbean International, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line have raised their daily gratuity rates, reflecting broader trends in the service

The recent decision by Mexico’s Congress to impose a $42 immigration levy on cruise ship passengers has sent shockwaves through the maritime tourism sector. The legislation, passed by the lower house, has drawn fierce criticism from industry stakeholders who fear the repercussions could destabilize Mexico’s attractiveness as a cruise destination. This new fee, unprecedented for

In today’s highly competitive travel market, brand recognition plays a pivotal role in influencing consumer decisions. A recent exploration of a burgeoning trend in the expedition cruise segment reveals how the partnership between Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic has dynamically shifted consumer perception and engagement. Upon embarking on a voyage with Lindblad, enthusiastic reactions from

In a bold decision to redefine the landscape of at-sea entertainment, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has made significant changes to its programming since the launch of the Norwegian Prima in August 2022. Fronting the entertainment lineup was „The Donna Summer Musical,“ a quintessential Broadway-style show aimed at providing guests with a taste of theatrical grandeur

Carnival Corporation is undergoing significant leadership changes as it seeks to reinvigorate its brands in the competitive cruise market. Effective December 2, 2023, Gus Antorcha will take over as the president of Princess Cruises, transitioning from his previous position as president of Holland America Line. This move comes as the cruise giant prepares to usher

Celestyal Cruises, a cruise line firmly rooted in the enchanting waters of the Greek islands and the broader eastern Mediterranean, is undertaking significant transformations. The company is not only refining its pricing structure but is also enhancing certain ships to align with the evolving demands of the contemporary cruise market. Brandon Townsley, Vice President and

The Black Friday phenomenon has redefined itself in recent years, transitioning from a single-day shopping extravaganza into an expansive booking season that significantly influences travel and vacation spending. Traditionally known as the gateway to the holiday shopping period, this event has morphed into a complex tapestry of discounts, promotions, and competitive strategies that extends well

The global cruise industry stands at a pivotal juncture as it grapples with increasing scrutiny regarding its environmental impact. With over 60 new vessels scheduled to launch in the coming years, cruise lines are under significant pressure to improve their sustainability efforts. In recent years, many operators have turned to liquefied natural gas (LNG) as

Year after year, a loyal cadre of travelers returns to SeaDream Yacht Club, a smaller entity within the luxury cruising world that focuses on the elegance of yachting rather than traditional cruise offerings. I had the privilege of sailing aboard SeaDream I, formerly known as the Seabourn Sea Goddess I, in September. This experience piqued

In an age where information is abundant but often diluted with advertising motives and sponsorships, the credibility of travel reviews, particularly those concerning cruise lines, is increasingly under scrutiny. The challenge for travel advisers lies not only in presenting their clients with a plethora of options but also in ensuring that the advice given is

Disney continues to carve a niche in the cruise industry with its latest vessel, the Disney Treasure. Unveiled amid much anticipation, this ship embodies a thrilling intersection of nautical adventure and beloved park attractions. As the ship casts a magical shadow over the Hudson River during a media preview event, it’s clear that Disney has

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has recently made headlines by announcing the cancellation of 38 cruises scheduled between November 2025 and April 2026, a decision that affects several itineraries on popular ships including the Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Jewel, and Norwegian Star. This unexpected move has left many potential travelers in limbo, questioning their plans and looking

Viking Holdings has once again demonstrated its financial strength, reporting a substantial 11% increase in revenue, totaling $1.68 billion for the third quarter of the fiscal year. This growth in revenue is a strong indicator of the company’s resilience amidst fluctuating market conditions. Despite external challenges and uncertainties, such as geopolitical tensions and shifts in

Eric Stonestreet, renowned for his role as the lovable Cameron Tucker in ABC’s widely acclaimed sitcom „Modern Family,“ is set to embark on a new adventure—this time, as the godfather of the Norwegian Aqua. The official christening ceremony for the Norwegian Cruise Line’s latest ship will take place in Miami on April 13, marking a

On a sparkling evening in New York City, the iconic Disney brand added another layer to its legacy with the christening of the Disney Treasure. This event, held at Chelsea Piers, was accentuated by a spectacular drone show that formed the shape of a Polynesian outrigger canoe, evoking memories of the beloved film „Moana.“ Against

In the intricate landscape of the travel industry, especially in the cruise sector, the crux of success often hinges upon robust relationships. As highlighted during Travel Weekly’s CruiseWorld conference, business development managers (BDMs) play a pivotal role in the success of travel advisors. Eric Schmit, director of business development at Regent Seven Seas Cruises, underscored

As the holiday shopping season rapidly approaches, travelers are presented with an unexpected gift: substantial cruise deals emerging far ahead of traditional retail events like Black Friday. This early push in promotions highlights a shift not only in consumer habits but also in marketing strategies within the travel industry. Cruise lines have adapted by launching

As Thanksgiving approaches, anticipation builds for the influx of travelers across the United States. According to projections from the American Automobile Association (AAA), an astonishing 79.9 million Americans are expected to hit the road, board flights, and embark on cruises between November 26 and December 2. This marks a notable increase of 1.7 million compared

In an effort to enhance late-night dining options, Carnival Cruise Line has restructured its pizza service, a popular offering among guests. The traditional pizza counters, which previously offered made-to-order options until the wee hours of the morning, have now adopted a revised schedule that might reshape the nighttime culinary experience for cruise-goers. This change aims

In an increasingly pet-centric society, the bond between humans and their canine companions is evolving into a lifestyle choice that transcends traditional boundaries. As pet owners seek to include their dogs in various aspects of their lives, the travel industry has started to adapt to these changing preferences. One groundbreaking development in this sector is

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has made an exciting announcement, unveiling its cruise itineraries for the fall and winter season of 2026-27 alongside a can’t-miss Black Friday sale. This promotion allows travelers to secure substantial discounts, with an incredible 50% off the published rates for cruises scheduled from September 2026 to April 2027. Such offers not

In a bold move to simplify its offerings and enhance guest experience, Celestyal Cruises, a leading Greek cruise line, has announced significant alterations to its fare structure. Effective from December 11 for cruises departing on March 21 and after, the company will abolish its previously popular Experience and Experience Plus packages, replacing them with a