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
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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
The world of luxury cruise travel is evolving rapidly, with new competitors entering the market and travelers demanding more exclusive and unique experiences. Regent Seven Seas Cruises recently convened a summit of top consortia and travel advisors to gain valuable insights on how to stay ahead in this increasingly competitive landscape. One of the key
It is well-known that it is easier for travel advisors to sell a product they truly love. This concept was leveraged by Embark Beyond and Silversea Cruises when they decided to host a group of top-selling Embark advisors on the Silver Nova’s maiden voyage to Alaska. The aim was to introduce luxury cruises to advisors
Embarking on an expedition cruise to Australia’s remote Kimberley region is not for the faint of heart. Jason Flesher, director of discovery operations for Scenic Group, humorously points out that „everything in Australia wants to kill you.“ Despite the potential threats, such as crocodiles, the allure of the ancient Montgomery Reef, horizontal waterfalls, and rich
Royal Caribbean Group is making a strategic move to retain loyal customers within their family of brands by introducing a status matching program. This program allows customers to carry over their highest loyalty status earned from sailing with Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, or Silversea Cruises to any of the three brands. This initiative aims