As the holiday season approaches, travel forecasts indicate an unprecedented wave of travelers, surpassing the pre-pandemic levels seen in 2019. According to AAA, a staggering 119.3 million individuals are expected to travel 50 miles or more from their homes between December 21 and January 1. Remarkably, this represents an increase of 64,000 travelers compared to
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As the year draws to a close, the travel community gathers to celebrate excellence in the industry. The 22nd Annual Readers’ Choice Awards, hosted by Travel Weekly, took place on December 11 at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. This prestigious event honors companies and individuals who have excelled across 91
The travel industry has long struggled with issues of diversity and inclusion, often reflecting broader societal concerns. In recent years, increasing awareness and advocacy have pressured companies to confront these issues more transparently. Following reports of racist incidents on a cruise organized by MSC Cruises, the spotlight turned toward how the industry addresses these critical
Disney Cruise Line continues to expand its enchanting fleet, and their latest addition, the Treasure, takes a bold step toward an adventurous theme that resonates with both children and adults alike. Distinct in its approach from its predecessor, the Disney Wish, the Treasure is meticulously crafted to weave a narrative around exploration rather than simply
In a significant development for the cruise industry, Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line are joining forces to rebrand their famed Bahamian private destination, Half Moon Cay, now dubbed “Relaxaway, Half Moon Cay.” This ambitious initiative aims to elevate the experience for cruise-goers by enhancing the amenities and infrastructure, particularly with the construction of
The recent restructuring at Carnival Corporation signals notable changes within the leadership of its North American brands. With the appointment of new presidents for Princess Cruises, Holland America Line (HAL), and Seabourn, the cruise giant is stirring a mix of optimism and concern among industry insiders. This article delves into the implications of these changes,
The recent legislation passed by the Mexican government to impose a $42 head tax on cruise ship passengers, effective January 1, could have significant implications for the cruise industry and the country’s economy. While proponents view this measure as a means of generating additional revenue, various stakeholders question its potential impact on Mexico’s attractiveness as
This week, Carnival Cruise Line took a surprising step that has left many guests questioning their policies regarding beverage packages. With the winter Caribbean cruise season on the horizon, the cruise operator has stealthily raised the cost of its popular Cheers! drink package, affecting passengers on longer sailings. The new price tag of $82.54 per
Regent Seven Seas Cruises has embarked on an ambitious brand relaunch featuring the campaign titled “Nobody Does It Better,” which comes with the catchy tagline, “Unrivaled at Sea.” This strategic shift is not only changing how the luxury cruise line presents itself, but it also seeks to engage potential travelers through various marketing platforms, including
Mexico has recently taken a controversial step by imposing a $42 fee on cruise ship passengers visiting its ports, a decision that has sparked a wave of criticism from various stakeholders within the tourism industry. Scheduled to take effect in 2025, this legislation has implications that could reverberate through the nation’s crucial cruise tourism sector,
Before becoming the face of Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Eric Stonestreet was a stranger to the cruising experience. The talented actor, renowned for his role as Cameron Tucker in the massively popular sitcom “Modern Family,” had never sailed the oceans or truly comprehended the cruise ship culture, which is deeply rooted in traditions such as
In a groundbreaking development for maritime travel, Virgin Voyages has announced the introduction of an annual pass, a forward-thinking initiative that empowers guests to cruise on any of the line’s ships for an entire year. This innovative offering stands as a first in the cruise industry, reflecting Virgin’s commitment to modernizing the travel experience. The
In a surprising turn of events, Viking Holdings has captured attention in the cruise industry by reporting an impressive 70% of its cabins already booked for 2025, even before the close of 2023. This early surge in bookings sets Viking apart from larger competitors like Carnival Corp., Royal Caribbean Group, and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings,
The recent decision made by Mexico’s Congress to impose a $42 cruise passenger tax has sent waves of concern throughout the cruise industry, especially concerning the repercussions it could have on Mexico’s tourism economy. This development has the potential to significantly alter the dynamics of cruise shipping in the region, making it imperative to analyze
The recent decision by Mexico’s lower house of Congress to impose a $42 immigration levy on each cruise passenger has sent shockwaves through the cruise industry. This newly proposed tax, which aims to funnel two-thirds of its proceeds directly to the Mexican military, deviates significantly from the historical treatment of cruise passengers in the country.
In recent months, the cruise industry has witnessed noticeable shifts in the way gratuities are handled, particularly with major companies like Royal Caribbean International leading the charge. The increment in gratuity rates for guests, though seemingly minor, reflects broader trends not only in the cruise sector but also in consumer behavior towards tipping. This article
As the travel industry continues to evolve, so too do the strategies employed by companies seeking to enhance their market presence. A fascinating case study of this phenomenon can be seen in the recent rebranding efforts of Lindblad Expeditions. Following an expedition cruise along the picturesque coast of Greenland, it became evident that the company
Cruise lines have long been heralded for their extravagant entertainment offerings, often featuring grand Broadway-style shows as a central part of the guest experience. However, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) recently made headlines with a strategic departure from this norm. The company opted to drop several major productions, most notably “The Donna Summer Musical,” shortly after