Carnival Corp. has recently experienced a remarkable upward trend in its bookings, with nearly half of its inventory for the year 2025 already sold. This surge in demand is attributed to a combination of factors, including the company’s proactive marketing strategies and a growing consumer interest in travel post-pandemic. CEO Josh Weinstein emphasized during the
Cruise
Gebhard Rainer’s transition from CEO of Sandals Resorts International—a company synonymous with idyllic Caribbean getaways—to leading HX, an expedition cruise line that braves the Arctic and other frigid locales, exemplifies a significant pivot in the travel industry. With its focus on immersive, educational experiences rather than traditional cruise vacations, HX aims to redefine what it
As the world of cruising evolves, companies are repositioning themselves to capture emerging markets and redefine their narratives. At the helm of this transformation is Gebhard Rainer, the newly appointed CEO of HX, previously known as Hurtigruten Expeditions. With a fresh name and a bold vision, Rainer stands at a crossroads of significant change and
In a noteworthy development, Pleasant Holidays has reopened the doors to bookings for Victory Cruise Lines, signaling a fresh chapter for one of America’s cherished cruising experiences. As the cruise industry steadily rebounds from recent challenges, the return of the Victory ships to the Great Lakes offers travelers an exciting opportunity to explore the region’s
Hurricane Helene made its presence felt in the Gulf of Mexico with its intensification into a hurricane on Wednesday. As it journeyed northward, the storm not only threatened land-based communities but also adversely affected maritime activities. With landfall anticipated in the Florida Panhandle on Thursday, both vacationers and local residents braced for the impending impact.
The Alaskan cruising industry has seen an extraordinary resurgence following the pandemic, with enthusiasm returning to levels that surpass pre-COVID times. The cruise lines are not just dipping their toes back into these waters—they are diving in with ambitious investments in larger and more luxurious vessels. This strategy is aimed at attracting a diverse range
Carnival Cruise Line is gearing up to unveil Celebration Key, a private tropical destination on Grand Bahama, slated to open in July. This innovative food and beverage experience boasts over 30 distinctive outlets, ranging from full-service restaurants to casual snack shacks and vibrant food trucks. The lineup promises an eclectic blend of culinary options designed
As the third quarter draws to a close, excitement is building in the cruise industry, particularly surrounding Carnival Corp.’s impending earnings report. With Carnival set to unveil its financial performance for Q3, analysts are ramping up their discourse on expected outcomes, and all eyes are on the company as it takes the lead among its
CruiseWorld is making a much-anticipated return to the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center from November 6 to 8, 2023, with the enthusiastic backing of Visit Lauderdale as its destination sponsor. This premier event offers travel advisors a unique opportunity to expand their knowledge and network within the industry. Early registration, available until September 27,
Virgin Voyages is set to elevate its flagship vessel, the Scarlet Lady, with an ambitious refurbishment during a scheduled drydock from November 13 to 28, 2023. This enhancement marks a major milestone since the ship’s launch in 2021, reflecting the cruise line’s commitment to continuous improvement and guest satisfaction. The planned changes are comprehensive, encompassing
Mike Flaskey, the freshly appointed CEO of Hornblower Group, finds himself in the eye of the storm just weeks into his new role. The company is navigating the treacherous waters of post-bankruptcy recovery after its dramatic emergence from Chapter 11 last July. This transition period was compounded by the previous shutdown of American Queen Voyages.
The world of luxury travel continues to evolve, and few experiences capture this intersection of opulence and adventure as dramatically as the Four Seasons Explorer. This remarkable catamaran has been providing unparalleled live-aboard experiences for over two decades. Originally serving the pristine waters of the Maldives, this floating gem is now gracing the stunning landscapes
In a groundbreaking move for the cruise industry, Viking has set sail on a new chapter by launching ocean cruises specifically designed for English-speaking travelers in China. After a lengthy hiatus marked by the pandemic, Viking’s return with their ship Zhao Shang Yi Dun marks not just a resumption of services but also an experiment
Croatia, with its stunning Adriatic coast and rich cultural heritage, has become a travel hotspot over the past decade. Following my recent voyage through its azure waters, I found myself reflecting on the evolution of this enchanting destination. A friend recently inquired whether Croatia is “still worth visiting,” given the increased foot traffic in its
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours is set to elevate the cruising experience with the announcement of renowned chef Bryan Voltaggio returning to host a culinary-themed voyage. This event is part of their prestigious “Tastes of Discovery” series and is destined to be a haven for food enthusiasts and travelers alike. Scheduled to depart on July
After nearly six impactful years as the president and CEO of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), Kelly Craighead is stepping down at the close of this year. Her tenure has been marked by extraordinary challenges and accomplishments, reflecting her unwavering dedication to the cruise industry—a sector that has faced unprecedented turmoil, especially during the
Cruise tourism in Alaska presents a complex landscape, marked by a growing divide between communities that welcome the industry and those advocating for its reduction. While some localities are eagerly enhancing their port facilities and beckoning for more cruise traffic, others stare warily at the potential overreach of the cruise industry, emphasizing community sentiments and
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is undeniably setting the bar higher in the cruise industry with its upcoming second ship in the Prima Plus class, aptly named the Norwegian Luna. Scheduled to embark on its inaugural voyage from Miami in April 2026, the Luna promises an exceptional onboard experience, catering to a growing demographic of cruise