Princess Cruises recently announced upgrades to its existing Premier package, offering guests unlimited drinks and unlimited specialty dining options. The Premier package previously included a limit of 15 drinks per day, valued at up to $15 each. However, with the new enhancements, guests can now enjoy all alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, smoothies, and bottled water
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When it comes to organizing group bookings in the travel industry, the size of the group plays a crucial role in the overall experience. Travel advisor Freed, for example, decided to cap her group at 41 people for a cruise with Royal’s sister brand Silversea. Despite being able to sell up to 100 spaces, there
Cruise lines operating in the Caribbean have been forced to make significant alterations to their itineraries due to the looming threat of Hurricane Ernesto. The Norwegian Breakaway, which initially set sail from Miami on an Eastern Caribbean route, has since rerouted to the Western Caribbean. This unexpected change now includes stops at Roatan, Honduras; Costa
Royal Caribbean International is known for pushing the boundaries when it comes to cruise ship innovation. The upcoming Discovery class ships are no exception to this trend. CEO Michael Bayley and his creative team are currently in the brainstorming phase, asking themselves questions like “what if” and “what’s missing?” This stage of development is crucial
The family of a French explorer, Paul-Henri Nargeolet, who lost his life in a submersible implosion during a voyage to the Titanic wreck site, has filed a lawsuit seeking over $50 million in damages. This incident, which took place in June 2023, resulted in the death of Nargeolet and four other individuals. The lawsuit alleges
The concept of a train station on a cruise ship sounds intriguing and unique. The idea of Utopia Station with a Royal Railway theme on the Utopia of the Seas is definitely a fresh and innovative approach to onboard dining experiences. The train concept takes passengers on a virtual journey through different time periods and
The cruise industry has seen its fair share of challenges when it comes to combining sales teams from different brands. The collaborations that have been formed in the past have often proven to be short-lived. For instance, Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises joined forces in the late 1990s, only to part ways after a
Lindblad Expeditions, a well-known cruise line, has recently announced its decision to rebrand itself to National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions. This change is scheduled to take effect in September, accompanied by a comprehensive marketing campaign. The move comes as the company aims to strengthen its presence in Europe and leverage the widely recognized National Geographic brand. The
Tour operator Avanti Destinations is shaking up the way travel advisors book pre- and post-cruise experiences with the introduction of a user-friendly microsite. This innovative platform aims to simplify the process of arranging hotel stays, sightseeing tours, and activities for independent travelers. Avanti’s microsite is specifically catered towards travel advisors who are more experienced in
In an effort to revitalize one of its most popular ships, Royal Caribbean has announced plans for a $100 million renovation of the Allure of the Seas, originally scheduled for completion in 2020 but now set for 2025. This refurbishment will bring a plethora of new features and enhancements to the Oasis-class vessel, promising an
Cruise lines have been actively seeking ways to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, and the efforts have encompassed a variety of innovative solutions. Some onboard strategies include the use of energy-efficient light bulbs, the implementation of automatic cabin electricity shutdown when guests remove their keycards, and the reconfiguration of heat recirculation systems. These small changes
Royal Caribbean International, one of the leading cruise line companies, has recently set its sights on attracting a younger demographic of travelers to their cruises. With the launch of their newest ship, the Utopia of the Seas, the company is targeting millennials and Gen Z individuals, who are showing a strong interest in exploring the
Regent Seven Seas Cruises is set to shake up the cruise industry with an innovative and exciting collaboration with the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team. The themed cruise, scheduled for summer 2025, will offer guests a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of Formula One racing while enjoying all the luxuries of
The recent Hurricane Debby, which hit Florida’s Gulf Coast and is now headed up the East Coast, has caused significant disruptions in cruise itineraries. Carnival Cruise Line ships operating out of Tampa and Jacksonville, Florida, have been particularly affected by the storm. The Carnival Paradise, for example, had to delay its return to the Port
It is disappointing news for young cruisers looking forward to the Sun Princess’ debut, as three attractions geared toward them will not be coming to fruition. Princess Cruises announced that the RollGlider, Coastal Climb, and ropes course will not be available on the ship as initially planned. Absence of Adventure Activities Among the attractions that
Frank Belzer, the senior vice president of sales and partner relations at Margaritaville at Sea, recently shared his reflections on the significance of travel advisors in the travel industry. Having been actively involved in working with travel advisors for the past two decades, Belzer recognizes the unique value proposition that these professionals bring to the
Carnival Cruise Line is set to introduce a new private destination called Celebration Key in 2025. This exclusive destination will include an adults-only retreat named Pearl Cove Beach Club. The club will feature a large infinity pool, a full-service restaurant, and a private beach for guests to enjoy. For guests looking to experience the luxury
One key piece of advice given by David Locke, owner of Avoya Travel’s top agency Seize the Seas, is to specialize in a specific niche within the travel industry. According to Locke, it is impossible to be everything to everyone, so focusing on a particular area allows advisors to become experts and provide better service
