The departure of Kelly Craighead from her position as president and CEO of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) marks the end of a transformative era for the organization and the cruise industry at large. Over the nearly six years she spent at CLIA, Craighead’s leadership was defined by resilience and innovation, primarily evidenced during
Cruise
The landscape of cruise tourism in Alaska is undergoing significant transformation. While some ports are navigating the complexities of community resistance, others are embracing opportunities to expand their facilities and services. This dichotomy illustrates the broader struggle within the industry to balance economic benefits against the need for community alignment. Leaders in the region, such
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is set to unveil its second Prima Plus ship, the highly anticipated Norwegian Luna. Scheduled to commence its journey from Miami in April 2026, the Luna represents NCL’s ongoing initiative to enhance and expand its fleet. Alongside its sister ship, the Norwegian Aqua, debuting just a year earlier, the Luna will
In a remarkable twist of strategy, Royal Caribbean International embarked on an audacious venture in the realm of cruise vacations, launching what they labeled the “Ultimate World Cruise.” This extensive journey was set aboard the Serenade of the Seas, spanning over 274 days, and is regarded as one of the most ambitious undertakings by a
Alaska has always been a beacon for cruise enthusiasts, but the post-pandemic surge in demand has led to significant developments in how cruise operations will be managed in the state. Juneau, Alaska’s prominent cruise port, has moved to implement restrictions aimed at managing the influx of vessels and passengers. This new paradigm will challenge cruise
The cruise industry has experienced notable resilience in recent times, particularly as major cruise lines—Carnival Corp, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, and Royal Caribbean Group—have consistently upgraded their financial forecasts for the year. In stark contrast, the larger hotel sector has faced hurdles, with many companies reporting a cooling trend in growth and subsequently adjusting their
In the realm of cruise travel, Carnival Cruise Line is a prominent player, continually adapting to market demands and passenger preferences. Their decision to base the Carnival Luminosa in San Francisco during the summer of 2026 marks a significant shift, as the company aims to enhance its offerings for Alaskan cruises. Following an extensive 22-day
Azamara Cruises has recently introduced a training and incentive program for travel advisors, aiming to reward those who successfully complete it with bonus commissions on 2025 bookings. To qualify for the bonus commission, advisors must graduate from the Azamara World Academy and obtain an Azamara Cruises Expert certificate by October 31st. Upon meeting these requirements,
The world of travel journalism has lost a luminary with the passing of Valarie D’Elia. Aged 64, D’Elia succumbed to complications relating to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), leaving behind a legacy that celebrates adventure and a profound love for exploration. Known for her engaging “Travel with Val” segments broadcast on NY1 from 1998 to 2017,
Embarking on a new adventure can be both thrilling and nerve-wracking, especially when traveling to an exotic destination like China. Andrea Zelinski’s experience preparing for her first cruise in Asia with Viking’s oceangoing China cruise for Western travelers paints a vivid picture of the challenges and excitement that come with such a journey. As she
In a recent move, Hornblower Group, a provider of ferry services and day tours on land and water, announced the appointment of Lisa Lutoff-Perlo as chairwoman of the board. Lutoff-Perlo will be responsible for guiding the company’s strategic direction as it emerges from a period of financial restructuring and bankruptcy. This decision comes on the
In late 2021, Jenny Hunnicutt and her husband stumbled upon an opportunity that would change their lives – Royal Caribbean International’s first world cruise. The idea of spending 274 days circumnavigating the globe was too enticing for the nomadic couple to resist, so they quickly booked a cabin for $54,000 per person. Little did they
Signature Travel Network has recently announced its exclusive partnership with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada to host the Indigenous Tourism Education Modules. These modules, developed in collaboration with Destination Canada, aim to serve as a valuable resource for Indigenous tourism in Canada. During the Owners’ Meeting in Montreal, Chris Alestra, Signature’s vice president of
Oceania Cruises has established itself as a frontrunner in the realm of small-ship cruising, boasting of offering the “finest cuisine at sea.” This claim is bold, yet upon closer examination, it becomes evident that Oceania Cruises is indeed a culinary paradise without the added costs that have become customary for dining in specialty restaurants on
When planning a family vacation, especially when traveling with children, choosing the right excursion can be crucial. It’s important to consider the interests and needs of every family member to ensure an enjoyable and memorable experience. In the case of visiting Ketchikan, Alaska, a city rich in culture and natural beauty, selecting the perfect activity
Cruise tourism in Sitka, Alaska dates back to 1882 and has become a significant part of the local economy. Tonia Puletau-Lang, a resident with nine years of experience in the tourism industry, describes it as both important and fraught with conflict. This sentiment is echoed in the documentary “Cruise Boom,” airing on PBS, which chronicles
Alaska’s cruise industry has seen rapid growth in recent years, with cities like Juneau struggling to keep up with the increasing demand. This year, Juneau announced a deal with cruise lines to cap the number of ships visiting the city to five, in order to slow down the growth. By 2026, there will also be
In a world where overtourism is a growing concern, the Marquesas Islands stand out as a refreshing antidote to the crowded tourist hotspots. While some cruise lines like Paul Gauguin Cruises and Windstar Cruises include the Marquesas in their itineraries, the Aranui 5 is the primary vessel that allows visitors to explore all six inhabited