Viking Holdings has demonstrated notable resilience and growth in a challenging economic landscape, as reflected in its third-quarter revenue report. With a robust 11% increase, the company managed to amass $1.68 billion in revenue, which signals not only a rebound from previous downturns but also a strategic foresight in its capacity management and booking processes.
Cruise
Carnival Cruise Line has embarked on a significant shift in its late-night dining strategy by closing its dedicated pizza counters by midnight. Traditionally a staple for late-night revelers, these pizza stations are now replaced by an expanded offering at the Lido Marketplace. This modification not only addresses the issue of long lines that passengers often
In the dynamic world of cruise sales, travel advisors serve as the pivotal bridge between consumers and cruise lines. However, the path to successful bookings is not solely reliant on relationships with clients; advisors must also cultivate effective connections with their local business development managers (BDMs). The recent CruiseWorld conference highlighted this necessity for engagement,
As Americans prepare for the annual Thanksgiving holiday, travel forecasts are predicting an exceptional surge in numbers. AAA estimates that from November 26 to December 2, approximately 79.9 million Americans will embark on journeys lasting at least 50 miles from their residences. This figure signifies a rise of 1.7 million travelers compared to last year—a
Black Friday is traditionally synonymous with retail deals on electronics, clothing, and household items but this year, travel—especially cruise offers—has joined the fray earlier than ever. As the holiday season approaches, cruise lines are presenting a range of promotions enticing travelers to book their next adventure well before the shopping frenzy officially begins. From my
In the burgeoning world of travel, where consumer preferences continuously reshape offerings, one significant trend has emerged: the growing demand for pet-friendly accommodations. Recognizing this change, Margaritaville at Sea is set to break new ground with an innovative concept—the inaugural dog-friendly cruise scheduled for November 2025. Jointly organized by Cruise Tails and Expedia Cruises of
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is making waves in the cruise industry with the announcement of its Fall/Winter 2026-27 itinerary. This foresight showcases NCL’s commitment to providing diverse travel experiences and catering to the evolving preferences of cruise enthusiasts. With the simultaneous launch of its Black Friday sale, NCL is inviting travelers to take advantage of
The Greek cruise line Celestyal is introducing a series of changes aimed at simplifying its fare structure and enhancing the passenger experience. With significant adjustments set to take effect on December 11 for cruises departing from March 21, this article analyzes the implications of these changes for both travelers and travel agents. One of the
In May, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) unveiled a groundbreaking term at its Investor Day: Return on Experience (ROEx). This concept redefines how cruise lines evaluate success by emphasizing the quality of customer experiences over traditional metrics like financial returns. During a recent session at CruiseWorld, CEO Harry Sommer articulated his vision for ROEx, contrasting
In recent years, the cruise industry has witnessed seismic shifts, particularly driven by the pandemic’s impacts on travel. As the world cautiously emerges from the shadow of COVID-19, it’s crucial to analyze how travel advisors have adapted and evolved in this precarious landscape. Oceania Cruises has emerged as a key player, reclaiming a substantial portion
In a significant move to enhance its offerings, Crystal Cruises has officially secured an order for a third luxury cruise ship, set to be built by the renowned shipbuilder Fincantieri and slated for delivery in 2032. This announcement comes on the heels of a previously established memorandum of understanding that outlined the construction of two
Launched in 2022, Margaritaville at Sea commenced with a humble vision of serving budget-friendly cruises aboard a retro vessel, aimed primarily at casual vacationers. However, marked by an array of operational difficulties during its initial rollout—including equipment malfunctions and supply chain setbacks—Margaritaville at Sea needed a strategic overhaul to thrive in the competitive cruise industry.
In recent years, the landscape of travel has undergone dramatic transformations, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. Beyond conventional cruise options, which often left queer travelers with limited choices, innovative companies like Brand g Vacations have stepped up to provide tailored experiences that embrace the essence of LGBTQ+ culture. My personal journey aboard the World Traveller—an
In the world of cruising, advancement is a constant, and Celebrity Cruises is making waves with its ambitious plans for the future. As it prepares to unveil its final Edge-class ship, the Celebrity Xcel, in November, the company is not just resting on its laurels. Instead, it is delving into the “dreaming stage” for an
Small-ship cruise lines are rapidly gaining popularity due to their unique selling proposition: offering travelers the chance to visit destinations inaccessible to larger vessels. However, an aspect of the experience that often gets overshadowed is the ship itself, which is not merely a means of transportation but a luxurious destination in its own right. This
The travel advisory industry, particularly in the realm of cruise sales, is experiencing significant shifts in both competition and opportunity. Recently, during the Travel Weekly’s CruiseWorld event in Fort Lauderdale, several high-ranking sales executives from various cruise lines shared insights on how travel advisors can enhance their business prospects amidst a “crowded space.” The panel
The cruise industry has faced several challenges in recent years, and Princess Cruises is currently grappling with significant setbacks stemming from technical difficulties aboard its Regal Princess. Most recently, the cruise line has been forced to cancel three consecutive sailings from Galveston due to a malfunctioning power generator. This situation not only raises serious concerns
The travel industry is a dynamic landscape where the ability to adapt and take risks can spell the difference between stagnation and thriving growth. At the recent CruiseWorld conference, Ken Muskat, the managing director of Scenic Group USA, challenged travel advisors to push the boundaries of their comfort zones. The essence of his message was