Traveling to Australia’s remote Kimberley region may seem like a daunting task, especially with Jason Flesher’s lighthearted warning that “everything in Australia wants to kill you.” Despite the potential threats from crocodiles and other wildlife, expedition cruise ships are increasingly drawn to the warm waters of the Kimberley. This region boasts attractions such as the
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Royal Caribbean Group has recently introduced a new status matching program, aimed at recognizing and rewarding customers’ loyalty across its three brands – Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises. The program is designed to keep customers within the family of brands, offering them a seamless vacation experience regardless of which brand they choose
The recent changes in the policies of major airlines, particularly those in the Oneworld alliance, have had a significant impact on tour operators such as Tauck. These changes have made it increasingly difficult for tour and cruise companies to provide the same level of service, flexibility, and value to their customers. Tour operator Tauck recently
Greece is a popular tourist destination that has been struggling with the negative impacts of mass tourism, particularly on the islands of Santorini and Mykonos. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced plans to implement restrictions on cruise ships visiting these islands in an effort to alleviate the stress caused by overwhelming tourist numbers. The decision
Crystal, a renowned cruise line, has recently announced a memorandum of agreement with shipbuilder Fincantieri to construct two luxurious vessels. The first ship is set to be delivered in spring 2028, with details about the second ship’s timeline yet to be revealed. In addition to these two ships, Crystal has also secured an option to
The Disney Adventure cruise ship is set to embark on short cruises from Singapore in 2025, offering an enchanting and magical experience for passengers of all ages. One of the highlights of the ship is the Disney Imagination Garden, described as the emotional heart of the vessel. Inspired by iconic Disney adventures such as Moana
Greece, known for its beautiful islands and rich history, is contemplating restrictions on cruise traffic to its most popular destinations. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has suggested that the government may limit the number of berths available to cruise ships or introduce a bidding process for them to call at Greece’s top islands. This proposal comes
Carnival Corp. recently celebrated a strong second quarter, achieving record revenue, operating income, and booking levels. The company reported a net income of $92 million, marking a substantial improvement from the corresponding period last year. Despite the positive financial results, Carnival Corp. fell short of its 2019 performance due to increased interest expenses resulting from
When it comes to cruise passengers, loyalty to a particular cruise line is a common trend. For example, Kelly Brewer, owner of a Cruise Planners franchise, has noticed that her clients are hesitant to switch cruise lines once they have achieved a certain status with one brand. This sense of loyalty often prevents them from
Holland America Line has recently announced a delicious partnership with Lindt, bringing sweet treats to guests during their cruise experience. This collaboration aims to enhance the guest experience by offering Lindt Lindor milk chocolate truffles or sea salt milk chocolate truffles in the stateroom after the Gala Night activities. Additionally, guests will have the opportunity
Stepping into the luxurious world of Silversea Cruises, one cannot help but notice the winds of change blowing in the form of Bert Hernandez, the new President of the company. On the recent shakedown cruise of the Silver Ray, Arnie Weissmann had the opportunity to delve deep into the mind of this 20-year Royal Caribbean
Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, Disney Cruise Line’s newest private destination, offers a unique blend of Disney magic and authentic Bahamian culture. Unlike the fantasy-driven Castaway Cay, Lookout Cay embraces the culture of the Bahamian people by showcasing their music, art, and designs. The iconic Junkanoo festival is prominently featured, with colorful costumes and traditional
MSC Cruises is taking its family programming to the next level with the introduction of new and exciting activities on its upcoming ship, the MSC World America. These enhancements are designed to provide families with unforgettable experiences and create lasting memories for both parents and children. One of the key highlights of the MSC World
Royal Caribbean Group is looking to expand its presence in the Galapagos Islands despite selling two older ships, the Celebrity Xpedition and Celebrity Xploration. CEO Jason Liberty made this announcement while attending the christening of Silversea Cruises’ new luxury ship, the Silver Ray. The company currently operates two newer ships in the Galapagos: the Silver
In an exciting development, American Cruise Lines has announced plans to add three more ships to its fleet by the end of 2026. This expansion will include two vessels as part of the Project Blue series of coastal ships and one modern American riverboat. The Project Blue series, which debuted last summer with the American
HX, the cruise line formerly known as Hurtigruten Expeditions, has made a significant leadership change by appointing Gebhard Rainer as its new CEO. Rainer, who currently holds the CEO position at Sandals Resorts International, will be transitioning to his new role at HX after completing his responsibilities at Sandals by June 30. As HX moves
The rapid growth of cruise ship tourism in Juneau, Alaska, has presented challenges for both residents and local officials. With a record-breaking 1.7 million cruisers visiting the state last year, there has been a significant increase in the number of visitors to the city, leading to overcrowding on busy days. Alexandra Pierce, the visitor industry
The anticipation of visiting Disney Cruise Line’s new private destination, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point in the Bahamas, was overshadowed by the unexpectedly long and arduous journey to reach this pristine paradise. The promise of water play areas for kids, beautiful beaches, and an immersive Bahamian cultural experience seemed like a dream come true, but