Travelers are embracing the concept of destination “dupes” in what has been deemed the summer of travel swaps. This trend has gained momentum as individuals seek out alternatives to overcrowded and expensive tourist hotspots. With the surge in post-pandemic travel exacerbating the issue of popular destinations becoming even more crowded and costly, travelers are looking
Cruise
As I stepped onboard the Utopia of the Seas, the energy of the music immediately grabbed my attention. The beats of the DJs had me swaying my hips and singing along to familiar tunes like “That’s What I Like” and “Like a G6.” It was evident from the very beginning that this ship was all
During a media briefing aboard the Utopia of the Seas, CEO Michael Bayley hinted at an exciting new ship class in the works, known as the Discovery class. He emphasized that it will offer something innovative and unique, without revealing specific details. This new class is expected to cater to ports that are currently inaccessible
The cruise industry in Alaska has seen exponential growth over the years, with record numbers of cruise passengers visiting the state in recent years. While this growth is beneficial for the economy, it has also posed challenges for local communities and infrastructure. One such example is Juneau, where officials have implemented a cap on lower
Embarking on an expedition sailing trip to the Arctic Circle is an experience like no other. The thrill of exploring the icy landscapes, observing wildlife in their natural habitat, and navigating through dramatic coastlines is truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. My recent two-week voyage on the Sylvia Earle, one of Aurora Expeditions’ new ships, opened my
Amazon Prime Day is just around the corner, and this year it seems like there is a new player in the travel industry – Amazon. The online retail giant has dedicated a page to “Prime Day Travel Deals” featuring big-name brands such as Carnival Cruise Line, Southwest Airlines, and Tripadvisor experiences by Viator. Not only
The Nassau Cruise Port is set to undergo a major transformation with the development of a new $35 million waterpark complex. The aim is to enhance the overall experience for families visiting the port, as well as to set it apart from other destinations in the Caribbean. This initiative is part of a bigger push
Oceania Cruises’ Marina has recently completed a refurbishment, introducing exciting new enhancements for its guests. One of the highlights is the addition of Aquamar Kitchen, a wellness-focused dining venue that first debuted on the Vista. This venue is now open for breakfast and lunch, offering a complimentary dining experience for all guests. The menu at
In recent news, several key members of the Four Seasons Yachts leadership team have decided to part ways with the start-up cruise brand, including president and CEO Larry Pimentel. This departure has inevitably raised concerns and questions about the future of the company. Nils Lindstad, the current vice president of business development and sales excellence
MSC Cruises has recently introduced over 90 shore excursions exclusively for its MSC Yacht Club guests. These exclusive options are available for guests sailing in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Northern Europe. Among the new excursions are unique experiences such as personalized cologne-making in Southern France, dining on Greek cuisine aboard a private catamaran in Santorini,
Meghan Trainor, the talented singer-songwriter, has been chosen as the godmother of Royal Caribbean International’s newest ship, the Utopia of the Seas. This exciting announcement comes just in time for the ship’s debut this month in Florida’s Port Canaveral. Trainor will be hosting a three-day cruise and concert on board the Utopia of the Seas,
Disney has recently announced its plans to launch new cruises from Japan starting in 2029. This new venture will see the introduction of a sister ship to the Disney Wish, with operations being managed by the Oriental Land Co., the same company that operates Tokyo Disney Resort. The ship is set to be based in
In a strategic move last month, Celebrity Cruises decided to sell its two small Galapagos vessels to Lindblad Expeditions. This decision was seen as a win for both brands as it will reduce Celebrity’s Galapagos footprint to one ship when the transaction is finalized in January. However, the sale also means the loss of two
Luxury cruise line Regent Seven Seas Cruises recently held the Regent Elevate Council Elite Summit, bringing together top consortia and travel advisors to discuss the brand’s offerings. One of the key topics during the meeting was the line’s shore excursions. While Regent currently offers included shore excursions, advisors expressed a desire for more exclusive options.
As the travel industry continues to evolve, there is a growing need to rethink how luxury cruises are promoted to a younger audience. Many newer travel advisors often overlook cruises in favor of promoting more bespoke experiences, but a recent sailing aboard the Silver Nova sought to challenge these perceptions. By inviting a select group
Australia’s Kimberley region is becoming a popular destination for expedition cruise ships, despite the risks involved with the wildlife, particularly crocodiles. Jason Flesher, the director of discovery operations for Scenic Group, emphasizes that the Kimberley offers a unique and adventurous experience for travelers seeking something off the beaten path. The region’s ancient Montgomery Reef, horizontal
Royal Caribbean Group is prioritizing the retention of its loyal cruisers by introducing a new status matching program across its brands. This program allows customers to carry over their highest loyalty status earned from sailing with Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, or Silversea Cruises to any of the three brands. The CEO of the group,
Recently, tour operator Tauck made a bold decision to stop booking American Airlines and other Oneworld alliance carriers due to a new policy that makes it challenging for them to offer refundable airfares. This decision has significant implications not only for Tauck but also for travelers who rely on these airlines for their trips. Travel