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
Cruise
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,
Princess Cruises has introduced a new ship-within-a-ship suite category called The Sanctuary Collection on their Sun Princess and Star Princess ships. This collection promises an exclusive and luxurious experience for guests, with access to top-deck retreat areas, private dining options, and upscale stateroom accommodations. The Sanctuary Collection is set to debut in October, starting with
The cruise industry has been rapidly evolving with the rise of direct bookings by customers rather than through travel agents. This shift in consumer behavior has sparked a debate within the industry about the impact of direct bookings on distribution costs and overall profit margins. As more cruise lines invest in marketing to attract customers
Cruise ship excursions have long been a staple for travelers looking to explore new destinations while ensuring a timely return to the ship. However, recent incidents like the one involving a group of passengers missing the last tender to the Norwegian Dawn have raised concerns about the reliability of independent tour operators. Despite the media
Embarking on the Seven Seas Grandeur, the newest addition to Regent Seven Seas Cruises, offers a culinary experience unlike any other. The Culinary Arts Kitchen, a standout feature of the Explorer class ships, allows guests to indulge in hands-on cooking classes while sailing the high seas. Whether you are a novice in the kitchen or
Princess Cruises and shipbuilder Fincantieri have made the difficult decision to delay the delivery of the much-anticipated Star Princess, resulting in the cancellation of nine cruises during the ship’s inaugural season. Originally scheduled for delivery on July 29, 2025, the 4,300-passenger vessel will now be completed and delivered on September 26, 2025. This delay has
The luxury cruise industry has been expressing optimism about its business despite potential challenges ahead, notably the upcoming U.S. presidential election. While cruise lines have been highlighting strong bookings this year, concerns have been raised regarding historical slowdowns in the industry during election periods due to increased political advertising and consumer distraction. Outgoing Silversea president,
Starting this September, Princess Cruises will be offering guests more dining options than ever before. In addition to the traditional early or late dinner seatings, guests can now choose to dine at any time they prefer in the main dining rooms. This new flexibility ensures that guests can enjoy their meals in a way that
Upon embarking on Hurtigruten’s North Cape Express cruise, the promise of witnessing the mesmerizing aurora borealis beckons travelers from around the world. The company’s Northern Lights Guarantee ensures that guests will have a chance to witness this natural phenomenon or receive a seven-day free cruise. However, the experience of seeing the northern lights can often
The recent airport expansion in Nuuk, the capital city of Greenland, is expected to have a significant impact on expedition itineraries for Viking Cruises in 2025. With a longer runway and a new terminal set to open later this year, Nuuk will become a strategic starting point for roundtrip and open-jaw expeditions. Viking is taking
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) is gearing up for a major transformation at Great Stirrup Cay, their private island in the Bahamas. The company expects that the construction of a new two-ship pier on the island will lead to a significant increase in guest counts, projecting a growth of more than 50% within the first
