Cruise

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

For travel advisors aspiring to penetrate the luxury cruise market, the process can seem overwhelming. Dondra Ritzenthaler, CEO of Azamara, provides valuable guidance on strategically approaching this niche during a recent episode of the „Trade Secrets“ podcast. In discerning the right clientele for high-end cruises, advisors must begin by identifying existing customers who have previously

Carnival Corporation is witnessing an impressive resurgence in the cruise industry, as highlighted in their recent Q3 earnings call led by CEO Josh Weinstein. With nearly 50% of their inventory for 2025 already sold, the company is poised for significant growth, boasting extraordinary early bookings for 2026. This feat indicates a shift in consumer sentiment

As the expedition cruise industry continues to evolve, HX (formerly known as Hurtigruten Expeditions) is embarking on a significant transformation, primarily under the leadership of its new CEO, Gebhard Rainer. This transition represents not just a change in name, but a strategic move to establish HX as a standalone entity within the Hurtigruten Group. With

Just a few months ago, Gebhard Rainer was synonymous with luxurious Caribbean getaways as the CEO of Sandals Resorts International. Transitioning from a well-established brand known for its sun-soaked vacations to leading HX, an expedition cruise line that focuses on exploring some of the planet’s coldest corners, is monumental. This shift isn’t merely a career

As the travel industry continues to rebound, Pleasant Holidays has stepped into the spotlight by announcing its acceptance of bookings for the 2024 season with Victory Cruise Lines. This marks a significant revival in the cruise experience offered on the Great Lakes, and a chance for travelers to explore this unique natural wonder through a

As Hurricane Helene intensified into a formidable storm earlier this week, it quickly became a significant threat to both life and travel in the Gulf of Mexico. This event serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable power of nature, especially during hurricane season. Helene’s trajectory, moving northward and anticipated to make landfall in the

In recent years, cruising in Alaska has seen a remarkable surge in popularity, particularly post-pandemic, as travelers flock to the state’s stunning natural beauty and unique cultural experiences. The industry’s growth has been fueled by substantial investments in newer and larger vessels, extending the cruising season to accommodate a burgeoning demand. However, this flourishing business

Carnival Cruise Line is ready to take its guests on a culinary journey at its upcoming private destination, Celebration Key, set to open in Grand Bahama next July. This vibrant locale is not just a beach getaway but promises to be a gastronomic haven with over 30 distinct food and beverage outlets. From casual snack

As the cruise industry gears up for the Q3 earnings season, anticipation grows among analysts and investors alike. Carnival Corp., one of the leading players in this sector, is set to unveil its quarterly performance soon. This early release will not only shed light on its specific financial status but may also serve as a

In the competitive landscape of the hospitality and tourism industries, leadership changes often signal a pivotal moment for organizations. Such is the case for Hornblower Group, where Mike Flaskey recently assumed the role of CEO. With a robust background in hospitality and a wealth of experience, Flaskey’s appointment comes during a crucial time as the

Virgin Voyages’ inaugural ship, the Scarlet Lady, is poised to evolve with a comprehensive upgrade during a drydock scheduled from November 13 to 28. Originally launched in 2021, this endeavor represents not just a facelift, but a strategic move to enhance the overall cruising experience for guests. The upgrades are set to introduce a plethora

This November, the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center will host CruiseWorld, a premier event organized by Northstar Travel Group. Running from November 6 to 8, this annual gathering is crucial for travel advisors looking to enhance their business acumen and industry knowledge. With Visit Lauderdale as the official destination sponsor, attendees can expect a

As the luxury travel scene evolves, few experiences offer as enticing a combination of high-end comfort and adventure as the Four Seasons Explorer yacht. While the anticipation grows for the upcoming launch of Four Seasons Yachts in the Mediterranean in 2026, an established gem already sails under the prestigious brand’s flag. This catamaran has been

In September 2023, Viking embarked on its first ocean cruise for English-speaking travelers in China, marking a significant milestone in the cruise industry. After a hiatus due to the pandemic, the Viking Sun, newly named the Yi Dun, set sail on an inaugural 10-day journey from Shanghai to Shenzhen (Hong Kong), alongside various other coastal

When someone mentions Croatia, our minds often conjure images of sun-soaked coastlines, historic architecture, and tantalizing cuisine. Recently, upon my return from this stunning country, a friend inquired whether the allure of Croatia remained intact, especially given the increasing crowds. Reflecting on my prior visit over a decade ago, when I could meander through the

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours is set to bring a taste of culinary excellence back to the high seas with the much-anticipated return of Chef Bryan Voltaggio. This collaboration, part of the brand’s esteemed „Tastes of Discovery“ series, promises an unforgettable 11-day voyage from July 15, 2025, featuring a spectacular route that circumnavigates Iceland and

After nearly six years of dedicated service, Kelly Craighead, the president and CEO of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), will be stepping down at the end of the year. Craighead’s leadership has been pivotal, particularly during one of the most challenging periods in the cruise industry’s history—an unprecedented pandemic that brought travel and tourism

The landscape of cruise tourism in Alaska is undergoing a significant transformation, with various ports expressing contrasting opinions on the industry’s future. While some regions are placing restrictions on cruise ships to meet community concerns, others are actively seeking to expand their tourism infrastructure. The situation encapsulates a growing tension between economic benefits and community

Royal Caribbean International has carved its niche in the cruise industry through innovation and adventurous itineraries. However, with the industry grappling with the challenges posed by the pandemic, the cruise line has ventured into uncharted territories with an ambitious project known as the Ultimate World Cruise, featuring a staggering duration of 274 days aboard the

The Norwegian Luna, set to embark from Miami starting April 2026, marks an exciting chapter in Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) illustrious journey. This new addition to the Prima Plus fleet aligns with the company’s strategy of progressively enhancing its offerings by increasing the size and capacity of its vessels. Approximately 10% larger than its predecessor,

Alaska’s cruise industry, once a thriving sector, has been significantly reshaped in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. As cruise demand rebounds drastically, local governments like that of Juneau are taking measures to manage this surge. This article delves into the capacity restrictions now in place, the implications for cruise companies, and the future of

The cruise industry, with its combination of leisure, hospitality, and entertainment sectors, has showcased remarkable vigor amid fluctuating economic conditions and evolving consumer preferences. Notably, the three largest cruise companies have consistently revised their year-end financial forecasts upwards, a testament to their robust demand and positioning. This article delves into recent findings regarding the price

In a move that promises to invigorate the cruise industry and bring excitement to maritime enthusiasts, Carnival Cruise Line has announced that its ship, the Carnival Luminosa, will be homeporting in San Francisco starting in summer 2026. This strategic decision not only marks a significant advancement for the company but also heralds a new chapter

Azamara Cruises is launching a new training and incentive program for travel advisors. This program offers advisors the opportunity to earn bonus commissions on 2025 bookings if certain requirements are met. To qualify for the bonus, advisors must complete the Azamara World Academy training and earn an Azamara Cruises Expert certificate by October 31. Once

The world has lost a vibrant voice in the travel journalism community with the passing of Valarie D’Elia, who died at the age of 64 after a courageous battle with ALS. D’Elia was not just a travel journalist; she was an institution who inspired countless others through her passion for exploration and her commitment to

The recent appointment of Lisa Lutoff-Perlo as the chairwoman of Hornblower Group has garnered attention in the industry. With a background that includes being the former CEO and president of Celebrity Cruises, Lutoff-Perlo brings a wealth of experience to her new role. During her time at Celebrity Cruises, she oversaw the introduction of the innovative

Embarking on my first cruise in Asia with Viking’s inaugural oceangoing China voyage for Western travelers, I found myself in a state of anticipation and familiarity. The 10-day sail from Shanghai to Hong Kong aboard the Viking Yi Dun, formerly known as the Viking Sun, marked a significant milestone for both Viking and myself. The