Just a month into his role as CEO of Hornblower Group, Mike Flaskey has embarked on a whirlwind journey filled with challenges and opportunities. His appointment comes at a pivotal moment as the company emerges from Chapter 11 bankruptcy after a tumultuous year that included the closure of American Queen Voyages. With fresh ownership under
Cruise
As the anticipation builds for the Four Seasons Yachts debuting in the Mediterranean in 2026, it’s easy to overlook an extraordinary floating gem that has been operating in exotic waters for over two decades. The Four Seasons Explorer, a luxurious catamaran, has been transporting guests through breathtaking landscapes and underwater wonderlands, first in the Maldives
The recent launch of Viking’s English-speaking ocean cruise service aboard the Yi Dun marks a significant moment in the cruise industry, particularly as it ventures into the nuanced and complex market of China. This inaugural sailing in mid-September traversed the scenic landscapes from Shanghai to Shenzhen, making notable stops at enchanting ports such as Zhoushan,
As travel continues to evolve in the post-pandemic world, popular destinations often find themselves grappling with the dual-edged sword of increased tourism. One such location that has drawn significant attention is Croatia. A friend recently inquired about whether Croatia is still a worthwhile destination despite the rising number of visitors. My answer was a resolute
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours is set to reignite the passion for culinary travel with an exclusive voyage featuring acclaimed Chef Bryan Voltaggio. Scheduled to depart on July 15, 2025, this unique journey promises to engage and delight food lovers as they explore the enchanting landscapes of Iceland and the Arctic Circle. As part of
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
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
