As a travel consultant, I often find myself entangled in challenging situations, especially when it comes to dealing with airline-related issues. Just recently, I was faced with a complex problem involving a client who was scheduled to embark on a cruise from Athens. Their flight got canceled, and to make matters worse, their luggage went
Cruise
Viking, a cruise line that recently went public, has revealed some impressive booking numbers during its first earnings call. The company announced that 91% of its ocean and river product is already sold out for 2024, with an additional 39% capacity booked for 2025. These numbers put Viking on par with the world’s three largest
Carnival Corp. recently announced the retirement of the P&O Cruises Australia brand in March. This decision comes as a surprise to many in the industry, as the brand has been a staple in the region for years. Carnival Cruise Line will be absorbing the assets of P&O Cruises Australia, including the Pacific Encounter and Pacific
As the issue of overtourism continues to frustrate locals in Juneau, cruise lines have reached an agreement to implement capacity limits starting in 2026. This move comes after years of residents raising concerns about the impact of cruise tourism on their quality of life and the environment. The new restrictions aim to address these issues
As Alaska prepares for another summer cruise season, industry experts are noting that the number of cruisers is expected to remain relatively flat compared to the record-breaking year of 2023. While some may see this as a cause for concern, others believe that stable numbers will actually lead to a more positive experience for both
Princess Cruises has recently unveiled its Love Line Premium Liquors collection, which showcases a unique collaboration with celebrities such as Pitbull, Jason Aldean, and Romero Britto. One of the highlights of this collection is the Voli 305 Vodka, created in partnership with the renowned Miami musician and entrepreneur, Pitbull. This exclusive vodka will be available
The Royal Caribbean Group, which includes Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises, is set to launch a new loyalty status match program. This program is designed to incentivize cruisers to stay loyal to all three brands within the Royal Caribbean Group. This initiative aims to keep customers within the family of brands, ensuring
Regent Seven Seas Cruises is introducing a new fare structure this summer that will provide guests with more flexibility when it comes to booking their cruises. This new pricing model, effective July 1, will allow passengers to choose between a cruise-only fare or an all-inclusive fare that includes air travel and transfers. According to Regent
Viking recently held its first earnings call as a public company, revealing a strong first quarter and a promising booking curve for the upcoming years. The cruise company reported a 14% increase in revenue year over year, growing from $629 million to $718 million in Q1. Chairman and CEO Tor Hagen emphasized the importance of
Over the weekend, Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International resumed sailing out of Baltimore after crews cleared debris from the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge, which had blocked access to the port. Royal Caribbean was the first to return and sailed the Vision of the Seas from the port on Saturday, offering cruises roundtrip
When the reborn Crystal cruise line first reopened its bookings, it faced significant challenges. Travel advisors like Diego Riveron struggled to convince guests, especially those who had lost money due to the collapse of the line’s predecessor, Crystal Cruises. The negative sentiment towards the old brand made it difficult to attract new clients as well,
As temperatures rise and summer approaches, a unique opportunity awaits at the Port of Quebec. While typically known for its bustling spring and fall seasons, the port is gearing up to host its first winter cruise in early 2025. This exciting development showcases a shift in the traditional cruising calendar, with Ponant set to embark
In today’s fast-paced world, efficiency is key for many travel agencies. MAST Travel Network has recognized this need for efficiency and is introducing a new cruise booking engine called Agent Connect. This Traveltek-powered engine aims to streamline the cruise booking process for members, ultimately saving time and effort. According to John Werner, the president of
Disney Cruise Line faced significant environmental challenges in building Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point on the southern tip of Eleuthera. Before constructing the pier for the new private Caribbean destination, the cruise line needed to relocate hundreds of coral pieces, find new homes for barrel sponges, and track the changing behaviors of birds and crabs
In recent years, the relationship between cruise companies and local communities has come under scrutiny due to the environmental and social impacts caused by the influx of tourists. Key West residents, for example, voted to limit cruise ships from docking in their port, citing concerns over water turbidity and coral reef damage. Although the ban
Celebration Key, the upcoming $500 million private beach destination by Carnival Cruise Line on Grand Bahama, is set to offer an array of engaging experiences for families. Among the attractions at Celebration Key is the family area known as Starfish Lagoon. This area will feature a freshwater pool, beach access, sports and gaming areas, and
Oceania Cruises recently announced that its newest ship, the Allura, will set sail on its inaugural cruise from Trieste, Italy, on July 18, 2025. This is one week earlier than the originally planned departure date. The Allura, which is the second ship in Oceania’s Allura class, will embark on a six-day journey to Athens, with
Four Seasons Yachts is paving the way in the luxury cruise industry by introducing a unique business model that challenges the status quo. While most luxury cruise lines offer all-inclusive packages that include meals and drinks, Four Seasons Yachts plans to charge guests a la carte for lunch, dinner, and alcoholic beverages. This innovative approach