In the dynamic world of cruise sales, fostering strong relationships with Business Development Managers (BDMs) emerges as a fundamental strategy for success. At the recent Travel Weekly’s CruiseWorld conference attended by over 1,400 travel advisors, industry leaders shared their insights on how engaging with BDMs can significantly enhance sales opportunities for cruise travel agents. BDMs
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Carnival Cruise Line has introduced significant adjustments to its late-night dining options, aiming to enhance guest satisfaction. Previously, guests seeking a late-night pizza fix had to contend with long lines, particularly at the dedicated pizza counters, which traditionally operated until the early hours. These counters, now shuttered at midnight, have directed hungry cruisers towards the
As Thanksgiving approaches, AAA has released forecasts indicating that a staggering 79.9 million Americans are set to embark on journeys of at least 50 miles from home between November 26 and December 2, 2023. This projection reflects a notable increase of 1.7 million individuals, suggesting that more Americans are keen to celebrate the holiday with
As the calendar inches closer to Black Friday, the travel sector, particularly the cruise industry, is rolling out an impressive array of promotions. Unlike traditional retail that peaks on the actual day, cruise lines have shifted their strategies, introducing significant discounts well in advance. This proactive approach not only aims to capture early holiday shoppers
In an exciting turn for pet lovers and travel enthusiasts alike, a unique opportunity is on the horizon: the first-ever dog-friendly cruise set to embark in November 2025 aboard the Margaritaville at Sea Islander. This innovative vacation concept is proudly presented by Cruise Tails and Expedia Cruises of West Orlando. With the capacity to welcome
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has made a significant announcement that resonates with cruise enthusiasts and potential travelers alike. The company has unveiled its exciting offerings for the fall and winter season of 2026-27, while simultaneously rolling out a lucrative Black Friday sale. Notably, NCL is promoting deep discounts of up to 50% off published cruise
In a strategic move designed to streamline its offerings and enhance the customer experience, Celestyal, the Greek cruise line known for its immersive itineraries, is set to simplify its fare structure while introducing an innovative digital payment option. The changes come into effect with bookings starting December 11 for cruises that will commence on March
In a groundbreaking development for the cruise industry, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) has introduced a new metric called ROEx, which stands for Return on Experience. This innovative approach, revealed during the company’s Investor Day, represents a shift from traditional indicators of profitability to a more nuanced understanding of customer satisfaction and engagement. As NCLH
The cruise industry has weathered immense challenges in recent years, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which drastically altered travel dynamics. As travel advisors witnessed their booking share plummet during this crisis, they were faced with an existential threat to their business model. However, recent remarks from Frank A. Del Rio, the president of Oceania
The cruise industry is evolving, and Margaritaville at Sea is charting a new course following its launch in 2022. Initially characterized by its modest two-night budget cruises on a vintage vessel, the line has undergone significant transformations under new ownership, promising an expansive range of offerings that redefine the cruising experience. Margaritaville at Sea has
Crystal Cruises is embarking on a bold new chapter by expanding its fleet with the firm order of a third luxurious vessel, set for delivery in 2032. This move comes on the heels of a memorandum of understanding signed with Fincantieri in June, which has transitioned into a firm order for two additional ships. The
The world of travel has undergone significant changes in recent years, particularly within niche markets that cater to specific communities and lifestyles. Among these, the segment for LGBTQ+ travelers has seen a rise in the popularity of luxury cruises tailored specifically for this demographic. This article explores the burgeoning phenomenon of LGBTQ+ luxury cruising, highlighting
As Celebrity Cruises gears up for the launch of its latest Edge-class ship, the brand is also setting its sights on the future. At a recent CruiseWorld conference, Laura Hodges Bethge, the brand’s president, revealed plans for an ambitious new initiative aptly named Project Nirvana. This development reflects how critical continuous innovation is in the
The cruise industry is no stranger to challenges, but the recent fate of the Regal Princess, a vessel belonging to Princess Cruises, has drawn attention for its unexpected technical troubles. Originally set to embark on a Western Caribbean cruise from Galveston this Sunday, the Regal Princess has now faced the cancellation of three consecutive sailings—a
In the vast ocean of cruise options, small-ship cruise lines have carved a niche that promises intimacy and unique explorations, often venturing into ports too small for their larger counterparts. This aspect alone can pique the interest of potential travelers, but what if we viewed these small vessels not just as vessels for exploration, but
In the bustling environment of the travel industry, particularly within cruise sales, the competition among travel advisors can be quite fierce. At the recent CruiseWorld event in Fort Lauderdale, sales executives from leading cruise lines discussed strategies for travel advisors to enhance their visibility and effectiveness. In a panel moderated by Travel Weekly’s editor-in-chief, prominent
The cruise industry stands at a crossroads where unprecedented growth and environmental challenges collide, revealing a complex landscape for major players such as the Royal Caribbean Group. Jason Liberty, CEO of Royal Caribbean and chairman of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), acknowledged this duality during his address at CruiseWorld. While the cruise sector has
MSC Cruises has unveiled an exciting new tier in its Voyagers Club loyalty program: the Blue Diamond tier. This development aims to provide more rewards and recognition to frequent cruisers while differentiating the benefits more distinctly across the various levels. Previously, the highest tier was the Diamond tier, achievable after amassing 10,000 points. With the
