Cruise line stocks took a significant hit last week after remarks from U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick indicated potential changes to the tax structure pertaining to cruise ships. In an interview, Lutnick condemned the cruise industry for not paying taxes, positioning the potential changes under the lens of the Trump administration’s fiscal reforms. Industry
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The luxury travel sector is witnessing a transformative shift as Crystal, a prominent player in upscale ocean cruising, aligns itself with Abercrombie & Kent (A&K), a renowned leader in personalized and immersive travel experiences. This merger, which has been building momentum since A&K acquired Crystal nearly three years ago, reflects a calculated effort to elevate
When it comes to high-end travel bookings, the journey to success is often as intricate as the trips themselves. For travel advisors specializing in six-figure itineraries, there’s no cookie-cutter approach. As professionals like Julie Shifrin from Embark Beyond in Chicago illustrate, understanding the unique motivations and desires of affluent clients is crucial to crafting memorable
The cruise industry is witnessing a promising resurgence during this year’s Wave season, a period historically characterized by heightened interest and bookings. According to Patrick Scholes, an insightful analyst from Truist Securities, pricing has shown a remarkable increase, suggesting a healthy rebound from the setbacks of the pandemic era. With prices reported to be in
The cruise industry is a buoyant sector that rides the waves of seasonal trends, with the most significant of these being Wave Season. Typically occurring in January and stretching into early spring, this period is crucial for cruise lines as they roll out enticing promotional deals and campaigns. With industry insiders reporting from Cruise Planners
The cruise industry is no stranger to iconic figures, but few have left as profound a mark as Captain Kate McCue. Recently, she announced her departure from Celebrity Cruises, leaving an indelible legacy as the first American woman to command a large cruise vessel. McCue’s announcement, shared with her 1 million Instagram followers, is not
The travel industry has faced unprecedented challenges over the past few years, yet the luxury sector demonstrates resilience through strategic partnerships. Among the notable collaborations is that of Crystal Cruises and Abercrombie & Kent (A&K), which promises to redefine luxury cruising by interweaving immersive travel experiences with top-notch service. This article investigates this innovative partnership
The cruise industry appears poised for significant scrutiny under the Trump administration, particularly regarding taxation policies. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick recently made waves during an interview where he indicated that cruise operators, traditionally registered under flags of convenience, will face increased tax obligations. This statement has sparked intense discussions about the tax structure
Oceania Cruises, known for its upscale experience in the cruise industry, recently witnessed a pivotal change in its leadership. Frank A. Del Rio, who has been an integral part of Oceania’s growth and success, is leaving the company—a move that could potentially impact the organization’s trajectory. This announcement came on February 18, shortly after Jason
Royal Caribbean International has established itself as a pioneer in the cruise industry, continually pushing the envelope when it comes to onboard experiences. The forthcoming Star of the Seas, the second ship in the groundbreaking Icon class, aims to carry on this tradition of innovation, building upon the insights gained from the Icon of the
The tourism landscape is increasingly defined by a complex interplay of economic growth and environmental considerations. In the picturesque Nice-Côte d’Azur region of France, a looming conflict has emerged as the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) grapples with a new legislative effort to limit the access of large cruise ships. The new decree, signed by
For over two decades, my mornings have been marked by the ritual of sipping green tea—a comforting routine that I had never fully appreciated until a recent adventure in China. While traveling on the Viking Yi Dun, I found myself exploring the rich traditions and processes behind one of my favorite beverages in its very
Quark Expeditions is set to embark on a thrilling chapter in Arctic and Antarctic exploration by partnering with Atlas Ocean Voyages to charter the luxurious vessel, World Voyager. Beginning in November 2026, this collaboration marks a significant step forward in eco-conscious tourism. The vessel will operate in Antarctic waters during a three-season tenure, culminating with
The travel industry, particularly for travel advisors, is witnessing a remarkable comeback, as evidenced by the recent figures released by Travel Leaders Network (TLN). In 2024, TLN reported an impressive 17% increase in sales compared to the previous year, setting a new benchmark for the consortium. President John Lovell expressed unwavering confidence that this upward
The recent split of HX Expeditions Holdings from Hurtigruten Group signifies a pivotal moment in the world of cruise lines. This transformation not only alters the corporate landscape of maritime travel but also sets ambitious future goals for HX, a company that was previously embedded within the larger Hurtigruten framework. The transition, which began in
Oceania Cruises, a prominent player in the upper-premium cruise market, recently announced the appointment of Brennan Quesnele as its new senior vice president of sales, effective February 24. This strategic move comes in the wake of Nikki Upshaw’s departure, who left the company earlier in January. Quesnele’s extensive experience, notably in his previous roles at
As the world continues to evolve, so too do the preferences of travelers. The 2025 Virtuoso Luxe Report highlights adventure cruising as a standout trend, moving away from the traditional cruising experience that often prioritizes luxurious amenities to one that seeks immersive and experiential engagement with nature. This shift is particularly compelling as adventure cruising
In a alarming development for the picturesque island of Santorini, Greece, scientists have recorded an extraordinary swarm of seismic activity. Since late January, approximately 12,000 earthquakes have been detected in the region, most of which are minor in magnitude. This phenomenon has triggered a state of emergency declaration by local authorities, adding a layer of