As the world of travel continues to evolve, luxury hotels and cruise lines find themselves in an intricate dance of inspiration, competition, and collaboration. The recent ascension of Anna Nash as the president of Explora Journeys exemplifies this relationship. With a rich background in the luxury hospitality sector, specifically with the high-end hotel chain Aman,
Cruise
The travel industry has undergone a significant transformation in the aftermath of the pandemic, prompting industry leaders to assess the current trends and their implications for the future. What was once an explosive growth rate has tapered off into a period of “normalization,” a term that reflects a more sustainable pace of expansion. This article
In today’s competitive travel industry, loyalty programs have surged in popularity as companies recognize the significance of retaining existing customers over acquiring new ones. Whether it’s accumulating points for free flights or rewards for exclusive hotel stays, businesses are strategizing to enhance customer lifetime value. The cruise industry, known for its potential to cultivate deep
The travel industry is experiencing a significant transformation as it redefines what growth means in a post-pandemic world. While many industry leaders gathered at the World Travel & Tourism Council’s Global Summit in Perth, Australia, there was a marked discrepancy in how they interpreted current trends. The term “normalization” has emerged as a key descriptor
The SS United States, once a paramount of transatlantic travel and a symbol of American maritime engineering, is facing a poignant future. This iconic vessel, which once navigated the tumultuous waters of the Atlantic at remarkable speeds, is on the brink of being transformed into the world’s largest artificial reef. Recent announcements from the Destin-Fort
The arrival of several cruise ships to Florida ports has been severely impacted by Hurricane Milton, forcing these vessels to remain at sea while assessments and repairs are undertaken. Due to the storm’s impact, Port Tampa Bay was closed on October 10, leading to a flurry of scheduling adjustments and cancellations that affect multiple cruise
Royal Caribbean International is preparing to expand its portfolio of exclusive travel experiences with the announcement of its new private destination, Perfect Day Mexico. Slated to open in 2027 in the coastal town of Mahahual, located south of Cozumel in Quintana Roo, this venture aims to cater to the growing demand for unique and immersive
Royal Caribbean International is navigating a complex landscape as it resumes operations at its private destination in Labadee, Haiti, after a seven-month suspension. The Adventure of the Seas is leading the charge, set to dock today, with the Symphony of the Seas following closely due to a last-minute alteration influenced by Hurricane Milton. This development
In a significant development for the tourism industry, Juneau residents have seemingly rejected a proposed ballot measure aimed at regulating cruise ship operations within the city. Preliminary voting results indicate that close to 60% of participants have opposed Proposition #2, a proposal that sought to prohibit vessels carrying over 250 passengers from docking on Saturdays
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), a significant player in the cruise industry, has recently unveiled a transformative package aimed at enhancing the cruising experience for its guests. The initiative, dubbed “More at Sea,” is a substantial rebranding of its previous offering, “Free at Sea.” This strategic shift aims not just to tweak existing offerings but to
The Caribbean and Bermuda cruise industry is currently facing significant challenges as severe weather looms in the form of Hurricane Milton. With expectations that Milton could escalate to a Category 5 hurricane and have a devastating impact on Florida’s west coast, cruise lines are making swift adjustments to their itineraries to ensure passenger safety while
Carnival Corporation, often regarded as the largest cruise operator globally, has recently experienced a remarkable financial resurgence under the leadership of CEO Josh Weinstein. In a series of strong earnings reports, Weinstein has provided investors with a narrative filled with metaphors and optimism about the company’s trajectory. His evocative language, such as claiming the company
In a significant move within the cruise industry, Steve Smotrys has been appointed as the managing director and senior vice president of commercial operations for HX, previously known as Hurtigruten Expeditions. This role represents a strategic initiative as the company looks to solidify its brand identity and expand its commercial influence across North America. With
On October 1, 2023, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) initiated a strike that sent ripples through the operations of ports across the United States, from Maine all the way to Texas. This pivotal action stems from several grievances, primarily focusing on demands for higher wages and protests against increasing automation in port operations. Strikes in
Dominica, often referred to as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean,” is embarking on an ambitious journey to significantly enhance its tourism sector. The island has outlined an impressive array of revitalization projects, including substantial upgrades to transportation infrastructure and an ambitious increase in accommodation offerings. By the end of 2025, it aims to boost
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is branded for its commitment to provide an exceptional cruising experience, and now it’s taking a bold step by unveiling the ‘More at Sea’ package. Set to launch on January 1, this initiative replaces the previous ‘Free at Sea’ and ‘Free at Sea Plus’ pricing models, focusing on an integrated experience
Breaking into the luxury cruise market can be an intimidating endeavor for any travel advisor. However, insights from seasoned experts can illuminate effective strategies and techniques to attract clientele eager for high-end experiences. Dondra Ritzenthaler, the CEO of Azamara, recently shared her expertise on the “Trade Secrets” podcast, providing valuable advice for those looking to
Carnival Corp. has recently experienced a remarkable upward trend in its bookings, with nearly half of its inventory for the year 2025 already sold. This surge in demand is attributed to a combination of factors, including the company’s proactive marketing strategies and a growing consumer interest in travel post-pandemic. CEO Josh Weinstein emphasized during the