The recent Hurricane Debby, which hit Florida’s Gulf Coast and is now headed up the East Coast, has caused significant disruptions in cruise itineraries. Carnival Cruise Line ships operating out of Tampa and Jacksonville, Florida, have been particularly affected by the storm. The Carnival Paradise, for example, had to delay its return to the Port
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It is disappointing news for young cruisers looking forward to the Sun Princess’ debut, as three attractions geared toward them will not be coming to fruition. Princess Cruises announced that the RollGlider, Coastal Climb, and ropes course will not be available on the ship as initially planned. Absence of Adventure Activities Among the attractions that
Frank Belzer, the senior vice president of sales and partner relations at Margaritaville at Sea, recently shared his reflections on the significance of travel advisors in the travel industry. Having been actively involved in working with travel advisors for the past two decades, Belzer recognizes the unique value proposition that these professionals bring to the
Carnival Cruise Line is set to introduce a new private destination called Celebration Key in 2025. This exclusive destination will include an adults-only retreat named Pearl Cove Beach Club. The club will feature a large infinity pool, a full-service restaurant, and a private beach for guests to enjoy. For guests looking to experience the luxury
One key piece of advice given by David Locke, owner of Avoya Travel’s top agency Seize the Seas, is to specialize in a specific niche within the travel industry. According to Locke, it is impossible to be everything to everyone, so focusing on a particular area allows advisors to become experts and provide better service
The Disney Destiny ship, set to launch in December 2025, will feature a unique heroes-and-villains theme that promises to excite and entertain guests. One of the standout spaces on the ship is De Vil’s piano lounge, inspired by the infamous Disney villain Cruella de Vil. Described as a lavish affair emblematic of the character, the
As I walked into my suite aboard the Crystal Serenity, I couldn’t help but utter a word of amazement – “wow.” The room exceeded my expectations with its spaciousness, featuring a small table and a deep-blue couch in one room, and a king bed in the other. The bathroom was so vast that I could
The attendees of Avoya Travel’s Million Dollar Showcase at the Waldorf Astoria in Orlando are a prestigious group of travel advisors on track to achieve at least $1 million in gross sales this year. Described as “elite” by Avoya’s vice president of partnerships, Mickey McBride, these 81 Independent Agencies (IAs) are the cream of the
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is making strategic moves towards 2025, with a focus on cruise bookings and pricing power according to CEO Harry Sommer. The company has experienced unexpected demand for summer itineraries in Europe and Alaska, resulting in exceeding expectations for the quarter. Sommer highlighted that the company has achieved a strong pricing position,
In a surprising move, Holland America Line (HAL) and Seabourn Cruises have announced that they will be combining their sales forces under the leadership of Rob Coleman. Coleman, who has been with HAL for a quarter of a century, will now serve as HAL’s senior vice president of North America and Australia sales. This promotion
Royal Caribbean International, a prominent cruise line under the Royal Caribbean Group, made a strategic decision to shift its focus from China to California. This shift came after successfully restarting cruise operations in China with the Spectrum of the Seas in April. Despite the initial success in China, the company chose to redirect its resources
The highly anticipated Disney Destiny cruise ship, set to debut in late 2025, promises to take guests on a culinary journey like never before. One of the highlights of the ship will be a restaurant paying homage to the beloved movie “The Lion King.” The Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King dining experience will
Royal Caribbean Group’s recent earnings call showcased the remarkable success of the Icon of the Seas, the largest ship in the world. The ship is sailing with an extraordinary load factor of 132%, translating to 7,400 passengers departing from Miami during the summer months. While the ship can officially accommodate 5,610 guests at double occupancy,
MSC Cruises recently announced details about The Harbour, an innovative outdoor play area located on the top deck in the Family Aventura district of the upcoming MSC World America ship. This new addition is set to offer a variety of thrilling experiences for guests of all ages. The Harbour will boast the AquaPark, complete with
Carnival Corp. has exciting plans in store for the future, with the announcement of three massive ships set to debut starting in 2029. These new ships will mark a new ship class at Carnival Cruise Line, with each vessel expected to carry almost 8,000 guests at full capacity. These ships will be the largest ever
The cruise industry, despite facing the looming threat of an intense hurricane season, has displayed remarkable resilience in the face of potential challenges. According to a recent survey conducted by Cleveland Research, travel advisors and cruise lines have reported that bookings are exceeding expectations, with pricing growth outpacing initial forecasts. Even with the National Oceanic
The recent protests in Barcelona, targeting the issue of overtourism, have sparked a global conversation in the tourism industry. Residents in Barcelona have expressed their frustration with rising housing costs and the negative impacts of mass tourism in the city. The use of water pistols by some residents to spray tourists as they dined outdoors
The pristine wilderness of Alaska offers a paradise for adventure seekers and wildlife enthusiasts, with its spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife, and picturesque towns. However, navigating through this rugged terrain can be a challenge, especially for luxury travelers. For those looking to experience the beauty of Alaska in comfort and style, a cruise ship is the
