Cruise

Signature Travel Network has recently announced a significant partnership with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada to launch exclusive Indigenous Tourism Education Modules. This collaboration aims to provide valuable resources for Indigenous tourism in Canada and educate travel professionals about the importance of Indigenous communities in the country. The three-part series, developed in conjunction with

Deciding on the perfect excursion during a cruise in Alaska can be a challenging task, especially when traveling with family members of various interests and preferences. It’s essential to consider factors such as age, dietary restrictions, and activity levels when selecting an excursion that will be enjoyable for everyone. Located at the southern tip of

Sitka, Alaska, has a long history with cruise tourism dating back to 1882. The industry has played a significant role in the local economy, but it has also been a source of contention and volatility. The documentary film „Cruise Boom,“ set to premiere on PBS, provides insights into the complex dynamics of cruise tourism in

Alaska’s cruise industry has been booming, with record-breaking cruise seasons and increasing popularity among tourists. However, the rapid growth has posed challenges for local officials and residents, particularly in Juneau. To address the surge in cruise ship visits, a deal was struck with cruise lines to cap the number of ships in the city and

Port Tampa Bay, known for its modern cruise ships, is set to welcome the prestigious Oceania Cruises in 2026. The luxury cruise line will bring its Insignia ship to Tampa, marking a significant departure from its usual port of Miami. This move is not only exciting for Oceania Cruises but also for Port Tampa Bay,

The Marquesas Islands stand out as a unique destination amidst the growing concern of overtourism. With the Aranui 5 being the primary ship that visits all six inhabited islands, passengers have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture. From the love of music to the expression of art, the islands showcase a diverse

Royal Caribbean Group recently announced the ordering of a fourth Icon-class ship, with potential options for a fifth and sixth ship in the future. This endeavor solidifies the company’s commitment to growth and innovation within the cruise industry. The Icon-class ships represent a significant milestone for Royal Caribbean International, with the first vessel being hailed

The demand for cruise tourism in Africa is on the rise, with countries across the continent recognizing the economic potential and making strategic investments in infrastructure and policy. For example, Kenya has established a dedicated „blue economy“ sector to focus on cruise tourism and other maritime activities. This initiative showcases the country’s commitment to sustainable

In the wake of the pandemic, cruise lines across the board are experiencing a surge in demand for oceangoing voyages. While big-ship cruise lines are busy adding water slides and roller coasters to attract more passengers, even smaller operators with ships as small as 100-passenger capacities are feeling the pressure to expand their fleets. This

Carnival Corp. is making waves in the cruise industry with its investment in Celebration Key, a new private beach destination in Grand Bahama. This strategic move will not only enhance the existing private destination of Half Moon Cay but also open up opportunities for its sister lines to explore this beautiful Bahamian island. The expansion

The tropical vibes were in full swing at The Carlyle in Atlanta, with a lively Junkanoo band, sandcastle replicas, and colorful outfits setting the scene. However, despite the beach-like ambiance, the event was hosted indoors on a scorching hot day. Travel advisors were invited to get a sneak peek of Carnival Cruise Line’s latest venture,

The dazzling aqua waters and sandy shores of Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, formerly known as Lighthouse Beach, offer a unique private destination developed by Disney Cruise Line that celebrates Bahamian culture. This exclusive spot located on the southern tip of Eleuthera boasts stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, embodying a

The cruise industry has been experiencing an unprecedented surge in demand, with Viking CEO Tor Hagen revealing that the company’s highest-grossing sales week and best individual day occurred at the end of July. Furthermore, Viking reported a 9.1% year-over-year increase in revenue for the second quarter, reaching $1.59 billion. The company’s net income also saw

Norwegian Cruise Line is making waves with its 2026 spring and summer season by introducing three new ports of call in Europe. Travelers can now look forward to exploring the picturesque landscapes of Portree, Scotland; the charming town of Leirvik (Stord), Norway; and the vibrant city of Palamos, Spain. These new additions offer passengers a

Princess Cruises has announced a significant expansion of its summer presence in the Caribbean for the year 2026. This expansion will see the cruise line doubling its operations by homeporting one ship in Port Canaveral and another in Fort Lauderdale. This move marks the first time Princess Cruises will offer summer sailings from Port Canaveral,

Florida’s state government has recently applied pressure to the Canaveral Port Authority, resulting in the cancellation of plans for a new cruise terminal. The CEO of the port, Capt. John Murray, revealed that alternative solutions are now being considered in order to accommodate the anticipated growth in port traffic. The initial proposal for the new

Windstar Cruises has recently revealed exciting details about the upcoming Star Seeker ship, one of two new vessels currently in production. Among the innovative features of the Star Seeker are the two Horizon Owners Suites located at the aft of the ship on deck 7. These suites boast a wraparound balcony and can be combined

The Disney Adventure, set to be the largest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, will embark on three- and four-day cruises to nowhere from Singapore starting in 2025. This 208,000-gross-ton vessel promises a unique and magical experience for passengers of all ages. One of the standout features of the Disney Adventure is the Disney

As we approach the end of summer, it is essential to reflect on the challenges and opportunities that have shaped the travel industry in recent months. The month of July, in particular, proved to be a tumultuous period for Cruise.com, as recounted by its president, Anthony Hamawy. Despite facing multiple obstacles, Hamawy remains optimistic about

In the post-pandemic world where cruise bookings are skyrocketing and the cruise industry is thriving once again, cruise lines are embarking on a shopping spree like never before. This year alone, contemporary and family-oriented cruise lines have collectively ordered a whopping 14 ships, many of them larger and more luxurious than their predecessors. This surge

As I embarked on a Regent Seven Seas cruise, Malaga wasn’t initially on my list of must-visit destinations. However, as we docked in this charming city on Spain’s southern coast, I was taken aback by its sophistication and beauty. The sleek pier and modern roadway over the water provided a stunning introduction to what Malaga

Lindblad Expeditions‘ newest ships, the National Geographic Resolution and the National Geographic Endurance, boast an array of luxurious amenities that one would expect to find on upscale cruise ships. From spas to lounges, bars to tasting-menu dinners, these ships have it all. However, what truly sets them apart are the igloos perched on their decks.

Eight months after rebranding to HX from Hurtigruten Expeditions, the company has taken a significant step forward by launching a new travel advisor portal and online education platform. The primary goal behind this initiative is to simplify the name and distinguish it from Hurtigruten’s Coastal Express cruises in Norway. The revamped portal provides access to

Princess Cruises has recently made significant enhancements to its highest-tier cruise package, the Princess Premier package. The major upgrade includes unlimited drinks and unlimited specialty dining for passengers. Previously, the package only allowed for 15 drinks per day, limited to beverages priced at $15 each. However, with the new and improved Premier package, passengers can

One crucial consideration for travel advisors is the size of the groups they can effectively manage. It is essential to strike a balance between accommodating a large group while still providing a personalized experience. For example, one travel advisor capped a group cruise at 41 people to ensure that they could dine together every night

As Hurricane Ernesto makes its way through the Caribbean, cruise lines have been forced to alter their itineraries to ensure the safety and comfort of their passengers. One of the affected cruise lines is the Norwegian Cruise Line, which has had to make significant changes to several of its sailings. In addition to Norwegian Cruise

As Royal Caribbean International embarks on developing its new series of cruise ships, named the Discovery class, there is much anticipation and speculation surrounding what these ships will offer. While the CEO, Michael Bayley, hinted at the project during a preview sailing of the Utopia of the Seas, it is in its very early stages

The tragic implosion of the Titan submersible during a voyage to the Titanic wreck site in June 2023 has left a family devastated and has now led to a lawsuit seeking more than $50 million in damages. The lawsuit, filed in King County, Washington, accuses OceanGate, the operator of the sub, of gross negligence. The

The Royal Railway experience aboard the Utopia of the Seas promises a journey unlike any other, blending fantasy, history, and technology seamlessly. The immersive train concept, Utopia Station, transports passengers not just across the ocean but back in time to the Wild West, creating an atmosphere that sparks the imagination and engages the senses in

Over the years, cruise lines have attempted to merge their sales teams to leverage assets and build stronger relationships. However, these unions have often been short-lived and faced numerous challenges. For example, Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises tied the knot in the late 1990s, but the sales union only lasted a few years. Similarly,

Lindblad Expeditions has announced a major rebranding initiative that will see the famous National Geographic name take center stage. The company will now be known as National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, showcasing the trusted and well-known National Geographic brand in the lead position. This strategic move is aimed at leveraging the power and name recognition of National

Tour operator Avanti Destinations has taken a step forward in simplifying the travel booking process by introducing a user-friendly microsite. This innovative platform is specifically tailored for travel advisors who are more inclined towards booking cruises rather than land packages for independent travelers. Avanti Destinations boasts an extensive array of choices in 63 port cities,

Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas is set to undergo a $100 million renovation in 2025, after being postponed due to the pandemic. The cruise line is planning to introduce new features and enhancements to the Oasis-class ship, making it a luxurious and modern vacation destination. One of the highlights of the refurbishment is the

The cruise industry is experiencing a shift towards attracting younger customers, particularly millennials and Gen Z, as revealed by recent data from Royal Caribbean Group. With a focus on providing unique experiences and shorter cruise options, cruise lines are adapting to cater to the changing preferences of younger travelers. Royal Caribbean Group’s CEO, Jason Liberty,

Cruise lines have been actively seeking ways to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, with several solutions being implemented onboard. These solutions include using energy-efficient light bulbs, turning off cabin electricity when guests remove their keycard from the room, and reconfiguring how ships recirculate heat. These small adjustments can make a significant impact in reducing emissions

The recent landfall of Hurricane Debby on Florida’s Gulf Coast has caused significant disruptions to cruise itineraries in the region. Carnival Cruise Line ships departing from Tampa and Jacksonville, Florida, have been particularly impacted by the storm. The Carnival Paradise, for example, was forced to delay its return to the Port of Tampa and adjust

Regent Seven Seas Cruises and the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team are teaming up to offer a one-of-a-kind themed cruise experience in the summer of 2025. This exclusive voyage will feature a replica car on the ship, along with specialty shore excursions that cater to racing enthusiasts of all kinds. Embarking on the Seven

Princess Cruises recently announced that three attractions intended for young cruisers on the Sun Princess will not be available as planned. These attractions, which were meant to enhance the onboard experience for children and teenagers, have been scrapped due to unforeseen circumstances. One of the canceled attractions is the RollGlider, a zipline-like ride that was

Frank Belzer, the senior vice president of sales and partner relations at Margaritaville at Sea, has extensive experience working with travel advisors in the industry. Throughout his 20-year career, he has recognized the added value that travel advisors bring, especially in enhancing the guest experience. Belzer advocates for doing more business with travel advisors due

One key piece of advice from David Locke, owner of Avoya Travel’s top agency, Seize the Seas, is the importance of specialization. According to David, it’s essential to focus on a niche and become an expert in that area. By specializing, advisors can set themselves apart in a competitive market and better meet the specific