Venice has recently implemented a trial run of a tax on tourists who visit the city for only one day. This entry tax, which debuted on April 25 and will last until July 14, aims to address the issue of overtourism and discourage short day trips on peak days. Day-trippers to Venice will be required
Cruise
The recent IPO registration form filed by Viking with the SEC has shed light on the company’s extensive narrative about its plans in the cruise industry. One particular passage in the 179-page document emphasized the significance of direct bookings in reducing commissions paid to travel agents, thereby enhancing margins. With a marketing database of over
Princess Cruises has taken luxury cruising to a whole new level with the introduction of the Sanctuary Collection on the Sun Princess and the upcoming Star Princess. This ship-within-a-ship suite category offers guests exclusive access to top-deck retreat areas, private dining and relaxation spaces, and a truly luxurious stateroom experience. The Sanctuary Collection will debut
In an industry as vast and complex as the world of cruise travel, the importance of shore excursions cannot be overstated. These off-ship adventures give passengers a chance to explore new destinations, experience local cultures, and create lasting memories. However, recent incidents have highlighted the potential risks associated with independent tour operators failing to return
The Seven Seas Grandeur set sail for Regent Seven Seas Cruises as the newest addition to the fleet, boasting the Culinary Arts Kitchen, a hallmark feature of the Explorer class. Unlike the previous ships, the Grandeur offers an 18-station version of the Culinary Arts Kitchen, providing guests with an immersive culinary experience. During a two-night
The Star Princess, the highly anticipated 4,300-passenger cruise ship, has experienced a setback in its inaugural season. Princess Cruises, in conjunction with shipbuilder Fincantieri, has decided to delay the delivery of the vessel. As a result, nine cruises have been canceled much to the disappointment of passengers who were eagerly awaiting their voyages. John Padgett,
As the annual Seatrade Cruise Global conference concluded in Miami, heads of luxury cruise lines shared their optimism about the industry’s business outlook. However, the looming U.S. presidential election has raised concerns within the industry. Historically, the travel sector experiences slowdowns during election periods as political campaigns dominate media attention and advertising space, diverting focus
Princess Cruises is set to revolutionize the dining experience for guests starting this September. The cruise line will now offer guests the flexibility to dine at any time they choose in the main dining rooms. This new option is in addition to the traditional dining experience where guests can select either early or late dinner
The allure of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, often draws travelers to embark on cruises in hopes of witnessing this natural phenomenon. However, a journey with Hurtigruten’s North Cape Express cruise offers far more than just a glimpse of the mesmerizing lights. From the promise of the auroras to the unique activities
The airport expansion in Nuuk, Greenland, set to be completed this year, is expected to drive new expedition itineraries in 2025 for Viking. With the longer runway and new terminal at the airport opening in late November, more options for airlift into Greenland will be available. Along with Icelandair and Air Greenland offering services to
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is set to revolutionize the guest experience at Great Stirrup Cay, its private island in the Bahamas. With the construction of a two-ship pier expected to commence this summer and be completed by late 2025, NCLH anticipates a significant increase in guest counts. Currently, the island can only be accessed via
After 27 years of being a privately owned company, Viking has made the decision to go public. This move has been met with mixed reactions, especially among travel advisors. The company’s founder and chairman, Torstein Hagen, made it clear in the IPO registration form that the core business of the cruise line will remain the
In a bold move, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) made headlines with the announcement of an order for eight new cruise ships across its three brands. This marks the largest ship order in the company’s history, signaling a significant investment in the future of the cruise industry. The decision behind this substantial order was attributed
In today’s competitive cruise industry, attracting new customers has become a crucial focus for cruise line executives. While traditional marketing strategies may not always resonate with audiences, the use of social media influencers has proven to be a successful approach. By showcasing the cruise experience through the eyes of influencers, cruise lines can establish authenticity
The cruise industry has seen a surge in new-to-cruise customers, with Carnival Corp. leading the way in attracting vacationers who have never cruised before. The company’s CEO, Josh Weinstein, highlighted the success of their efforts to cast a “wide net” and appeal to a broader audience. With record first-quarter revenues and a 30% increase in
The concept of organizing megaships into distinct themed areas is a growing trend in the cruise industry. Cruise lines such as MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, and Carnival Cruise Line have embraced this trend, offering passengers a variety of themed districts to explore. These themed districts range from relaxing Zen areas to family-friendly zones with
American Cruise Lines recently announced the arrival of their fifth and sixth Project Blue coastal ships in 2025, marking the introduction of the Patriot class. These 125-passenger sister ships will be named American Patriot and American Pioneer, with American Patriot set to arrive in June 2025, followed by American Pioneer in November 2025. The “hallmark”
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has recently announced plans to order eight new ships for delivery between 2026 and 2036. This expansion includes ships across all three of its brands, with Fincantieri set to build all of them. In addition to the new ships, the company is also planning to build a two-ship pier at Great