The concept of a train station on a cruise ship sounds intriguing and unique. The idea of Utopia Station with a Royal Railway theme on the Utopia of the Seas is definitely a fresh and innovative approach to onboard dining experiences. The train concept takes passengers on a virtual journey through different time periods and
Cruise
The cruise industry has seen its fair share of challenges when it comes to combining sales teams from different brands. The collaborations that have been formed in the past have often proven to be short-lived. For instance, Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises joined forces in the late 1990s, only to part ways after a
Lindblad Expeditions, a well-known cruise line, has recently announced its decision to rebrand itself to National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions. This change is scheduled to take effect in September, accompanied by a comprehensive marketing campaign. The move comes as the company aims to strengthen its presence in Europe and leverage the widely recognized National Geographic brand. The
Tour operator Avanti Destinations is shaking up the way travel advisors book pre- and post-cruise experiences with the introduction of a user-friendly microsite. This innovative platform aims to simplify the process of arranging hotel stays, sightseeing tours, and activities for independent travelers. Avanti’s microsite is specifically catered towards travel advisors who are more experienced in
In an effort to revitalize one of its most popular ships, Royal Caribbean has announced plans for a $100 million renovation of the Allure of the Seas, originally scheduled for completion in 2020 but now set for 2025. This refurbishment will bring a plethora of new features and enhancements to the Oasis-class vessel, promising an
Cruise lines have been actively seeking ways to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, and the efforts have encompassed a variety of innovative solutions. Some onboard strategies include the use of energy-efficient light bulbs, the implementation of automatic cabin electricity shutdown when guests remove their keycards, and the reconfiguration of heat recirculation systems. These small changes
Royal Caribbean International, one of the leading cruise line companies, has recently set its sights on attracting a younger demographic of travelers to their cruises. With the launch of their newest ship, the Utopia of the Seas, the company is targeting millennials and Gen Z individuals, who are showing a strong interest in exploring the
Regent Seven Seas Cruises is set to shake up the cruise industry with an innovative and exciting collaboration with the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team. The themed cruise, scheduled for summer 2025, will offer guests a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of Formula One racing while enjoying all the luxuries of
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
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
