Cruise

Crystal Cruises is charting a bold new course in the luxury travel sector with the announcement of a firm order for a third ship, set to be built by the renowned shipyard Fincantieri and slated for delivery in 2032. This development marks a pivotal moment for the cruise line, especially following the recent firm orders

In 2022, Margaritaville at Sea made a splash in the cruise industry with its inaugural offering—a budget-friendly, two-night getaway aboard an aging vessel. Originally tethered to a modest vision, the brand has undergone significant changes since being acquired by Sycamore Partners, a private equity firm that operates luxury cruises through Azamara. This transition not only

Celebrity Cruises is gearing up for a significant transformation with the upcoming launch of its fifth and final Edge-class ship, set to debut in November. Brand President Laura Hodges Bethge unveiled an ambitious vision at CruiseWorld, revealing that the cruise line is entering what she describes as the „dreaming stage“ for its next series of

In recent years, the landscape of travel has evolved significantly, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community. Once confined to conventional cruise itineraries often designed for mass tourism, LGBTQ+ travelers now seek experiences that resonate with their identities and lifestyles. Traditional cruises, with their generalized approach, often failed to cater to the unique needs and desires of

Small-ship cruises have quietly emerged as a transformative force within the cruise industry. Unlike their larger counterparts, which are often focused solely on high-capacity travel and standardized itineraries, small-ship lines offer unique opportunities to connect with both destinations and the vessels themselves. This duality is essential to understand, as it reflects a newer trend in

Princess Cruises has recently found itself in a challenging predicament as the Regal Princess faces substantial technical difficulties, leading to the cancellation of multiple sailings. Initially scheduled to embark on a Western Caribbean itinerary from Galveston, Texas, the ship’s operations have been halted not once, but three times now due to persistent issues with its

In the rapidly changing environment of the travel industry, travel advisors are increasingly encouraged to enhance their visibility and engagement with cruise line partners. During a recent panel at Travel Weekly’s CruiseWorld event, several key executives emphasized the importance of proactive communication and relationship-building, which are vital for distinguishing oneself in an overcrowded marketplace. John

MSC Cruises has introduced a transformative addition to its loyalty program, the Voyagers Club, with the launch of the Blue Diamond tier. Designed to augment the cruising experience for loyal guests, this tier comes into effect once members accumulate 25,000 points, significantly higher than the previous elite level, Diamond, which only required 10,000 points. This

In recent years, the cruise industry has faced a dual challenge: maintaining robust customer engagement and addressing escalating environmental concerns. As companies like the Royal Caribbean Group navigate this intricate landscape, they are compelled to innovate continually while adhering to stricter environmental regulations. The dual goals of creating memorable customer experiences and achieving sustainability are

In an ever-evolving travel industry, complacency can be a significant barrier to success. Ken Muskat, managing director of Scenic Group USA, recently emphasized the importance of stepping outside conventional boundaries during a session at the CruiseWorld conference. Addressing around 200 travel advisors, Muskat shared his own transformative experiences, underscoring that taking risks can lead to

In the realm of cruise vacations, few ships have generated as much excitement and anticipation as Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas. As it nears its first anniversary of operation, the ship has not only met expectations but has also redefined industry benchmarks through impressive customer satisfaction scores and high ticket sales. This ambitious vessel

In the ever-evolving landscape of travel and tourism, the cruise industry stands out as a beacon of innovation and growth. During this year’s CruiseWorld conference in Fort Lauderdale, attended by around 1,200 travel agents and industry stakeholders, Carnival Cruise Line’s CEO Josh Weinstein delivered a rousing address highlighting the current trends in cruising and the

In the fast-evolving landscape of the travel industry, transformation often means consolidation and restructuring to achieve operational ease and improved client engagement. J.D. O’Hara, the CEO of Internova Travel Group, has embraced this paradigm during his tenure on the executive leadership team. O’Hara’s philosophy has been clear from the outset: simplify the business model to

When one thinks of cruise vacations, the imagery often conjured is that of luxury yachts or massive ocean liners dotted with amenities. Yet, as I boarded the Margaritaville at Sea Islander for a four-day escapade from Tampa, Florida, to Cozumel, my expectations were playfully set to intersect with the laid-back, beachy ethos popularized by the

The cruise industry, renowned for its ability to provide travelers with unforgettable experiences at sea, is currently navigating through a complex array of challenges. As new ships are continually launched, the saturation of the market becomes a pertinent concern. Industry analysts suggest that while growth is promising, an oversupply of vessels and private destinations could

Royal Caribbean Group is embarking on an ambitious journey to redefine cruising with an expansion of its exclusive private island destinations, striving for a level of perfection that is rare in the tourism industry. The announcement of “Perfect Day Mexico,” scheduled to open in 2027 adjacent to the Costa Maya cruise port, is set to

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) has witnessed a remarkable surge in performance during the third quarter of 2023, establishing itself as a frontrunner in the cruise industry. This significant growth enabled the company to not only shatter its previous quarterly records but also elevate its financial projections, marking the fourth upward adjustment of the year.

In a notable shift within the cruise industry, Royal Caribbean Group has identified a growing trend of first-time cruisers among its guests, as highlighted by CEO Jason Liberty during the company’s recent Q3 earnings call. This demographic shift is particularly exemplified by the introduction of the Utopia of the Seas, the latest addition to Royal

In an ever-evolving travel market, innovation is essential for success. Enter Cruisen, an exciting new cruise-planning platform designed specifically for travel advisors, which is poised to make waves at the upcoming CruiseWorld event in Fort Lauderdale. This platform aims to transform the cruise booking landscape, providing travel professionals with a seamless avenue for real-time communication

The recent “In My Cruise Era” event on Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas offered fans of Taylor Swift a unique way to come together, echoing the artist’s themes of love, friendship, and personal connection. For many Swifties, including myself, Taylor Swift’s music serves as a time capsule of life experiences and shared moments that

As the cruise industry faces increasing scrutiny over overtourism, Juneau has taken a significant step to manage its maritime traffic. By implementing a limitation on the number of cruise ships—capping it at five—and a daily passenger cap of approximately 16,000, Juneau aims to not only protect its local environment but also preserve the quality of

Royal Caribbean Group has unveiled ambitious plans to establish a Royal Beach Club in Vanuatu, signaling a strategic move to broaden its portfolio of unique destinations. During the recent Q3 earnings call, CEO Jason Liberty highlighted this exciting development, which builds upon previous intentions announced in 2019 to develop a Perfect Day location on Lelepa,

As dawn broke over the horizon, I found solace on my balcony while the MSC Seascape gracefully approached Ocean Cay, MSC Cruises‘ private island nestled in the heart of the Bahamas. The transformation of this island from an industrial site to a serene marine reserve is nothing short of remarkable. The once-barren landscape, marked by

The luxury cruise industry has long recognized the importance of exceptional dining experiences in enhancing guest satisfaction and setting itself apart in an increasingly crowded market. With many cruise lines forming partnerships with celebrity chefs and premier culinary brands, the emphasis on gourmet food has become a cornerstone of vacationing at sea. Crystal Cruises, a

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is gearing up to expand its offerings with the introduction of the Prima Plus class of ships, specifically the Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, which are set to launch in 2025 and 2026, respectively. This latest venture signifies a significant evolution in the cruise industry, as NCL incorporates innovative features tailor-made

As the tourism landscape increasingly embraces sustainability, G Adventures is making waves by launching a fleet of five eco-conscious sailing yachts for its 2025 Greek islands itineraries. Scheduled to embark on voyages from April to October, these 57-foot vessels are designed to accommodate up to ten passengers in a comfortable and intimate setting. Each yacht

The picturesque town of Bar Harbor, Maine, faces a critical turning point as the local electorate prepares for a vote in November regarding the future of cruise ship passenger limits. The issue at hand revolves around a controversial 1,000-passenger cap on cruise visitors which was enacted by the community in a referendum two years ago.

In recent years, the travel industry has found itself facing a unique challenge: how to entice cruise passengers to extend their vacations beyond the time spent aboard their vessels. While the allure of a cruise often lies in the sea and the destinations involved, major players in the tourism sector are moving towards creating an

In the darker depths of our oceans lie remnants of maritime history, patiently waiting to tell their stories. One such treasure, the World War I-era supply ship known as the Titania, had eluded treasure hunters and casual fishermen alike for over a century. However, recent efforts have unearthed its resting place off the coast of

The Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has been known for its dedication to innovation and passenger experience, and its latest vessel, the Norwegian Aqua, is no exception. Slated to debut in March, this ship marks a significant evolution in the cruise brand’s offerings. Measuring 156,300 gross tons and extending 1,056 feet in length, the Aqua is

Avoya Travel, positioned impressively at No. 36 on Travel Weekly’s Power List, is making significant strides in the travel industry with the incorporation of its latest technology, the Avoya Live Bookings engine. This new tool represents a pivotal shift from traditional booking methods, empowering consumers to take control of their cruising experience while maintaining support

Viking Cruises, often synonymous with river cruising since its inception in 1979, has been undergoing a notable transformation. The company first captured the market with its fleet of river ships, establishing itself as the leader with a staggering 51% share of the sector. However, the narrative began to change when Viking ventured into ocean cruising

Margaritaville at Sea is making headlines as it broadens its cruise offerings with exciting new itineraries to Nassau. This new venture emphasizes a unique ship-to-resort experience, a partnership that combines the innovative spirit of Margaritaville with the idyllic setting of the Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau. Starting in January, the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise will embark

Windstar Cruises has announced an exciting transformation for its Wind Surf sailing ship, scheduled to commence this November in Cadiz, Spain. Set to re-emerge on December 21, the ship will feature an array of enhanced suites and public spaces designed to elevate the onboard experience for guests. This renovation not only reflects Windstar’s commitment to

CruiseWorld is set to make waves again, returning to the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center from November 6 to 8, 2023. This event, organized by Northstar Travel Group and supported by Visit Lauderdale as the official destination sponsor, promises to be a dynamic platform for travel advisors eager to enhance their business operations and

The world of luxury travel is rapidly evolving, and with it, the landscape of cruise lines is undergoing significant transformation. As the sector grows and attracts a diverse clientele, the recent appointment of Anna Nash as president of Explora Journeys illuminates both the potential and challenges within the luxury cruise arena. With a wealth of

In the wake of significant disruptions wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic, the travel industry is witnessing a notable transformation characterized by the adoption of the term „normalization.“ This concept encapsulates the industry’s transition from the explosive growth seen as restrictions lifted to a more moderate yet stable trajectory. Industry experts gathered at the World Travel

The rise of customer loyalty programs has revolutionized various industries in recent years, with companies keenly striving to extend the lifetime value of each customer. In the realm of travel, particularly within the expedition cruise segment, these initiatives hold significant promise. As cruise lines endeavor to cultivate a devoted customer base, innovative loyalty programs are

The travel industry, which experienced unprecedented highs following the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions, is now navigating a paradoxical phase where the term „normalization“ has been frequently referenced among industry leaders. This dynamic discussion arose during the World Travel & Tourism Council’s Global Summit in Perth, Australia, where various stakeholders shared insights on the current state

The SS United States, often lauded as America’s maritime marvel, is facing a pivotal moment that could determine its fate as a cultural symbol. Known for its astonishing speed and elegance, the ocean liner made waves from 1952 to 1969, capturing the spirit of post-war transatlantic travel. Today, discussions are underway that might lead to