Cruise

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

As Hurricane Milton disrupts normal operations along Florida’s coast, the fallout has been particularly pronounced for the cruise industry. With several cruise ships at sea unable to return to their homeports due to port closures, it is shaping up to be a significant challenge for cruise lines, crews, and passengers alike. The storm has not

Royal Caribbean International continues to innovate and enhance the cruising experience with its latest project: a private destination titled Perfect Day Mexico, set to debut in 2027. Situated in Mahahual, south of Cozumel in Quintana Roo, this ambitious project signals the company’s intent to capture the essence of Mexican culture and natural beauty, much like

After a protracted absence of nearly seven months, Royal Caribbean International is set to resume its cruises to Labadee, a private resort destination in Haiti. The Adventure of the Seas is expected to lead this return, followed closely by Symphony of the Seas, the latter of which adjusted its itinerary due to Hurricane Milton. This

In a significant decision, Juneau voters have shown overwhelming opposition to a proposed measure aimed at restricting cruise ship operations in their port. Preliminary results indicate that nearly 60% of residents rejected Proposition #2, which aimed to ban cruise ships carrying more than 250 passengers from docking in Juneau on Saturdays and July 4. The

Cruising, often hailed as a luxurious escape into serene waters, has witnessed significant changes in recent years. Among these innovations, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has taken a prominent step by transforming its service offerings through the introduction of its revamped program: More at Sea. This new initiative not only represents a shift from the previous

The Caribbean, long hailed as a paradise for cruisers, is currently facing unpredictable challenges due to Hurricane Milton. As meteorological conditions intensify, cruise lines have demonstrated their agility and concern for passenger safety by altering itineraries. This proactive response to impending storms underlines the unpredictable nature of sea travel, especially during hurricane season, and raises

The cruise industry, which once faced tumultuous waters due to global disruptions, has experienced a remarkable resurgence, with Carnival Corporation at the helm of this upswing. Under the leadership of CEO Josh Weinstein, Carnival Corp. has not only weathered the storms of recent years but emerged as a beacon of financial success. With an impressive

The cruise industry is experiencing a significant transformation, particularly in the niche market of expedition cruising. A notable shift occurred with the recent appointment of Steve Smotrys as managing director and senior vice president of commercial operations for HX, the newly rebranded form of Hurtigruten Expeditions. This strategic move suggests a dynamic approach to enhancing

Dominica, often referred to as the „Nature Island of the Caribbean,“ is undergoing a significant transformation as it bolsters its tourism sector through a variety of innovative infrastructure projects. The island recorded over 339,000 tourist arrivals in 2023, showcasing a notable 37% increase from the previous year. Such growth not only highlights the island’s natural

On October 1, 2023, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) initiated a strike that has since disrupted port operations along the vast stretch of the U.S. coastline, from Maine all the way to Texas. This collective action by port workers is aimed at negotiating better wages and addressing growing concerns over the impact of automation within

As the cruise industry continues to evolve, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is making significant strides in enhancing the guest experience. In a bold move to redefine its offerings, NCL has announced the discontinuation of its Free at Sea and Free at Sea Plus pricing options, replacing them with a comprehensive new package known as More

Traveling across time zones is often romanticized: the excitement of new cultures, foods, and landscapes. However, burying the underlying challenges, particularly jet lag, lays a harsh reality that affects travelers profoundly. Time changes can disorient the body’s natural rhythms, leading to fatigue, irritability, and a myriad of physical ailments. As I explored the American Southwest