Cruise

The month of May brings with it a variety of holidays, from Mother’s Day to Memorial Day. However, there is another holiday that may not be as well-known to the general public but is highly celebrated within the travel industry: Travel Advisor Appreciation Day. This day serves as a reminder to stop and reflect on

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s latest addition, the Ilma, draws its design inspiration from a unique blend of Maltese mythology, coastlines, history, and native fauna. The name “Ilma,” which means “water” in Maltese, perfectly encapsulates the essence of this grand vessel. Unlike its predecessor, the Evrima, the Ilma boasts larger dimensions, measuring an impressive 790 feet

Dondra Ritzenthaler, stepping back into the cruise industry as the CEO of Azamara, is set on transforming the way travel advisors engage with the brand. Recognizing the pivotal role that travel advisors play in driving bookings, Ritzenthaler plans to revamp the commission structure, bonus incentives, and other perks to energize advisors and boost sales. With

Regent Seven Seas Cruises recently announced the addition of a Tuscany itinerary to its Immersive Overnight collection. This new itinerary will feature overnight stays in every port of call, allowing passengers to truly immerse themselves in the culture and beauty of each destination. The 12-night Sunset Over Tuscany itinerary aboard the Seven Seas Mariner will

Seabourn, a luxury cruise line, has recently made a significant decision to name the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners as godparents of their expedition ship, Seabourn Pursuit. This bold move not only acknowledges the rich indigenous culture of Australia but also serves as a symbol of respect and stewardship towards the environment and the communities that

The cruise industry is experiencing a shift in booking trends that is reshaping the landscape of summer sailings. With cruisers facing limited availability and record-high inventory levels, the usual last-minute bookings are becoming a thing of the past. Industry insiders, such as cruise line executives and travel advisors, are witnessing a surge in demand that

In the wake of the Covid era, consumers have become increasingly comfortable with online shopping, a trend that has extended to the cruise industry. The ease and convenience of online sales and DIY bookings have contributed to a significant surge in direct sales during this pandemic era. As someone who has personally seen the influx

Disney Cruise Line has been recognized as a significant contributor to revenue and operating income growth within Disney’s Parks and Experiences business. CFO Hugh Johnston emphasized the “enormous” potential that the cruise business holds for the company in the long term. He highlighted the high guest satisfaction scores that Disney cruises consistently receive, pointing towards

The ambiance was nothing short of magical as the keys of the piano played in perfect harmony at Spellbound, an extraordinary venue tucked away behind an unassuming black door on the Sun Princess. The experience was like stepping into a bygone era, with an air of mystery and charm that set the stage for an

Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, the newest Disney Cruise Line private destination set to open in the Bahamas in June, will be infused with the vibrant spirit of Junkanoo, a traditional Bahamian festival. The colorful costumes, lively music featuring cowbells and drums, and the rich cultural heritage of Junkanoo will be seamlessly integrated into the

Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, the former president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises, has embarked on a new journey by taking the helm of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Miami Host Committee. This unexpected move has left many industry experts intrigued by her transition from the cruise industry to the world of sports. Lutoff-Perlo officially assumed her role

Virgin Voyages’ fourth ship, Brilliant Lady, is set to make its debut in New York City in September 2025. This marks the beginning of its inaugural season, offering an experience unlike anything the cruise line has provided before. The ship will sail from multiple U.S. homeports, adding to the convenience and accessibility for travelers looking

Princess Cruises has recently announced that due to the ongoing conflict in the Red Sea, the itineraries for the Island Princess and the Crown Princess in 2025 have been revised. Both ships were initially planned to sail through the Middle East and Asia, but now they will be making new port calls in Africa and

Explora Journeys, MSC Group’s upscale cruise line, has made waves in the industry with its ultraluxury, lifestyle ocean experiences tailored for discerning travelers. According to the newly appointed president of North America, Chris Austin, the brand aims to attract individuals who are curious, seeking immersion in destinations, and appreciate elegance and luxury in an all-inclusive

Carnival Cruise Line recently introduced the Carnival Firenze, further solidifying its leading position as a cruise line in California. This 5,000-guest ship joined the Carnival Panorama and Carnival Radiance to offer year-round sailings from Long Beach. The addition of the Firenze is set to increase the number of guests embarking from Long Beach by over

After a hiatus of almost four years, Royal Caribbean International has decided to resume cruises for the Chinese market. This move comes after the cruise line left the market in early 2020 due to the pandemic. During the Royal Caribbean Group’s Q1 earnings call, executives expressed their excitement for the return to China, citing booking

Hard Rock International has joined forces with Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises to offer exclusive benefits to members of their loyalty programs. Unity by Hard Rock members will now enjoy discounts on cruises with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, along with opportunities to win invitation-only cruise giveaways. Similarly, top-tier members of Royal Caribbean’s Club Royale

Venice, a city known for its picturesque canals and historic charm, has recently implemented a trial run of a tax on tourists who make day trips to the city. The aim of this entry tax is to combat overtourism and discourage one-day visits on peak days. The new entry tax, which debuted on April 25,