On December 11, 2023, the prestigious Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards recognized the exemplary achievements within the travel industry during a dazzling black-tie gala held at the iconic American Museum of Natural History in New York City. This celebrated event marks the 22nd annual incarnation of the awards, which continues to shine a spotlight on
Cruise
The travel industry, particularly cruise lines, has come under increasing scrutiny regarding their treatment of diverse clientele. The unsettling incidents reported by travel advisor Margie Jordan involving racial discrimination during an MSC cruise highlighted the pressing need for a paradigm shift in how companies address issues of diversity and inclusivity. In a world where consumers
Disney has a unique ability to weave nostalgia and innovation into its products, and its latest cruise ship, the Disney Treasure, is no exception. Just like its predecessor, the Disney Wish, the Treasure has a lot to offer, but it distinctly carves its niche in the realm of adventure-themed experiences. With exciting references to classic
In an exciting development for cruise enthusiasts and vacationers alike, Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line are joining forces to revamp their cherished private paradise, previously known as Half Moon Cay. The innovative collaboration aims to rebrand the destination as “Relaxaway, Half Moon Cay,” a name that evokes tranquility and leisure amidst the stunning
Carnival Corporation recently announced significant leadership changes across three of its prominent North American cruise brands—Princess Cruises, Holland America Line (HAL), and Seabourn Cruises. While the initial responses from industry insiders have been largely optimistic, there are underlying concerns that these shifts may signal a strategic pivot aimed at cost reduction amidst ongoing financial pressures.
In a controversial move, Mexico’s legislative body has sanctioned a $42 head tax on cruise passengers, a decision anticipated to come into effect on January 1. This new tax raises several questions regarding its potential implications for the cruise industry and the nation’s economy as a whole. With cruise lines expressing anxiety over the change,
Explora Journeys is set to unveil its third luxury cruise ship, the Explora III, in the summer of 2026. This innovative vessel will embark on an enchanting journey through some of the most picturesque regions of western and northern Europe, including the captivating landscapes of Iceland and Greenland. The company is prioritizing sustainability in this
Recently, Carnival Cruise Line surprised many patrons by increasing the cost of its Cheers! beverage package without prior notification. This price adjustment, which elevates the daily cost to $82.54 regardless of cruise length, has sparked a wave of discontent among guests and industry analysts alike. The previous rate of $70.74 applied to cruises lasting six
Regent Seven Seas Cruises has embarked on a transformative journey with the launch of its latest brand campaign, “Nobody Does It Better.” This initiative is encapsulated by its tagline “Unrivaled at Sea,” positioning Regent as a leader in the ultra-luxury cruise sector. The campaign will permeate various marketing channels, ranging from print and digital media
In a recent and contentious decision, Mexico’s Senate approved a $42 immigration fee for cruise ship passengers, a move that has raised alarm bells within the tourism sector. This fee, slated to take effect in 2025, marks a significant departure from the previous exemption provided to cruise passengers. The tourism industry, particularly those reliant on
When you think of high seas adventure, Hollywood actors might not immediately come to mind. However, for Eric Stonestreet, known predominantly for his Emmy-winning portrayal of Cameron Tucker on the beloved TV series “Modern Family,” a new maritime adventure has defines his recent life chapter. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) approached Stonestreet with an unusual honor:
In mid-November, Viking Holdings unveiled an astonishing financial update that shook the cruise industry. With a significant portion of its 2025 cabin inventory already sold, Viking has carved a unique niche within the cruise market, showcasing how its business model stands apart from traditional cruise line practices. This compelling development begs an in-depth analysis of
Virgin Voyages has made headlines by launching an innovative annual pass that invites seafarers to embrace an extraordinary concept: the freedom to sail for an entire year on any ship within their fleet. This pioneering initiative redefines traditional cruise experiences, setting a precedent in an industry that has often adhered to more conventional offerings. The
Last week, a significant decision was made by Mexico’s Congress that could potentially disrupt the thriving tourism sector within the country. This decision, to introduce a $42 cruise passenger tax, has raised alarms among industry experts and executives within the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA). The tax not only marks the end of a long-standing exemption
The recent decision by Mexico’s lower house of Congress to impose a $42 immigration levy on cruise passengers has sent shockwaves through the maritime tourism sector. Stakeholders, particularly the Mexican Association of Shipping Agents, have voiced their concerns regarding this legislative move, claiming it may render Mexico’s ports significantly less attractive compared to other Caribbean
Cruising has long been a popular vacation choice for many travelers around the globe. Among the multitude of factors that make a cruise memorable, the quality of service provided by the staff is paramount. Therefore, the practice of tipping—specifically, automatic gratuities—has come to play a crucial role in the economics of cruising. As various cruise
This year marked a notable transformation in the world of expedition cruising, particularly with the rebranding of Lindblad Expeditions to National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions. This strategic maneuver highlights how branding can significantly influence consumer perception and engagement in the travel industry. After returning from a breathtaking expedition cruise along Greenland’s coast, the reactions I received from
Cruise lines have long grappled with the challenge of balancing elaborate on-board entertainment with the practicality and preferences of their guests. As evidenced by Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) recent shifts in entertainment offerings, there’s a seismic shift happening in how cruise companies approach live performances. In 2022, when the Norwegian Prima launched, it introduced “The