According to the luxury travel agency consortium Virtuoso, the travel landscape has seen a remarkable rebound, with sales for 2024 surging by 25% compared to the previous year. Coalescing around a sector often viewed as a barometer for high-end consumer sentiment, these figures suggest that affluent travelers are prioritizing unique experiences over budget constraints. Notably,
Cruise
In a significant move towards addressing the challenges of overtourism, the city of Nice, along with Villefranche-sur-Mer, has officially set limits on cruise ship visitors. On January 24, Mayor Christian Estrosi decreed that cruise ships carrying more than 900 passengers will be banned from disembarking in these picturesque destinations, with the new regulation taking effect
Royal Caribbean Group is taking a bold step into the river cruise market, a move that has piqued the interest of travel advisors and industry experts. The company has ordered ten 180-passenger river ships for its Celebrity Cruises brand, with plans to launch operations in Europe by 2027. This unexpected foray from a leading ocean
The MSC World America is setting the stage for a vibrant and captivating entertainment experience when it launches in Miami this April. The jewel of MSC Cruises introduces an array of theatrical productions, headlined by the much-anticipated “Dirty Dancing in Concert.” This live show promises to bring the beloved classic 1987 film to life, complete
Located just an hour’s drive east of Orlando, Port Canaveral has emerged as a significant player in the cruise industry. Historically characterized by its role as a homeport for older vessels embarking on short excursions to the Bahamas, the port has recently transformed into the second-busiest cruise terminal globally, rivaling only PortMiami. This evolution reflects
The call of the wild has never been more captivating than when you set your sights on Antarctica, a region defined by its breathtaking landscapes and thriving wildlife. My recent voyage aboard the Quark Ultramarine was a dream manifesting into reality, as I anticipated an adventure brimming with stunning sights, majestic creatures, and an unbreakable
Royal Caribbean Group, known for transforming the cruise industry, is making a significant transition by entering the premium river cruise segment. This ambitious initiative will kick off in 2027 under the newly branded Celebrity River Cruises. The company has already placed an order for 10 cutting-edge river vessels that will draw stylistic cues from its
In a remarkable performance, Royal Caribbean Group experienced its most significant booking week on record during this year’s Wave season, as reported by CEO Jason Liberty during the company’s Q4 2024 earnings call. This development follows a series of unprecedented booking weeks in late 2023, indicating a consistent upward trajectory in demand for cruise vacations.
TikTok has become a significant player in the marketing strategies of many travel advisors and agencies, providing a unique platform for authentic storytelling and client engagement. However, recent regulatory challenges and political controversies surrounding the app have raised concerns and uncertainties about its longevity. The Supreme Court’s recent decision to uphold a ban on TikTok
Carnival Cruise Line, one of the leading names in the cruise industry, has announced significant updates to its booking policies concerning minor guests. Starting from February 1, these changes aim to enhance the safety and oversight of younger travelers on board. While some may argue that parental control is paramount in such settings, others might
The cruise industry is undergoing significant transformation, with companies aiming to diversify their offerings and reach new markets. In this context, the recent acquisition of Aqua Expeditions by Ponant Explorations Group can be interpreted as a pivotal step towards enhancing their global footprint, particularly in the growing sector of river cruising. This strategic acquisition not
In an exciting development for cruise enthusiasts, MSC Cruises is set to make a splash during the upcoming Super Bowl on February 9, 2024. The company will air its inaugural Super Bowl advertisement, featuring Hollywood stars Drew Barrymore and Orlando Bloom. This strategic marketing endeavor is not just a commercial; it’s the launch of a
The Walt Disney Company has undergone significant leadership transitions as it prepares for future challenges and opportunities within the realms of entertainment and tourism. The reassignment of executives Ken Potrock, Thomas Mazloum, Joe Schott, and Andrew Bolstein illustrates Disney’s strategy to bolster its management team in a rapidly evolving landscape. Each of these leaders brings
Jacques Pepin’s influence on the culinary scene for Oceania Cruises is unparalleled, positioning him as a pivotal figure in shaping the cruise line’s gastronomic identity. As Oceania’s inaugural executive culinary director since 2003, Pepin has brought his extensive background in French cuisine, which includes a prolific career as a chef, restaurateur, author, and television personality.
As Celebrity Cruises prepares to unveil its newest vessel, the Celebrity Xcel, it is taking an innovative approach that invites potential guests to co-create their cruise experiences. Scheduled for debut in November, the Xcel stands out as the fifth and final member of the Edge-class ships, which are known for their modern design and luxurious
As Harry Sommer embarks on his second year at the helm of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), his strategic vision is beginning to take shape. With a substantial commitment of $5 billion toward new ships and upgrades for the company’s luxury lines, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas, Sommer is redefining what it means to lead
On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered a ruling that may have far-reaching implications for travel advisors and their businesses, voting to uphold a federal law poised to impose a ban on TikTok starting Sunday unless the app’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, sells it. This ruling arrives at a time when many travel professionals have
On a recent journey aboard the Holland America Line’s charming ship, the Zuiderdam, travelers experienced an exceptional blend of unplugged leisure and vibrant social interaction. Cruising from Quebec City to Boston, this Canada and New England Discovery voyage attracted an audience primarily composed of older adults, many of whom seemed eager to step away from