Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), a significant player in the cruise industry, has recently unveiled a transformative package aimed at enhancing the cruising experience for its guests. The initiative, dubbed “More at Sea,” is a substantial rebranding of its previous offering, “Free at Sea.” This strategic shift aims not just to tweak existing offerings but to
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The Caribbean and Bermuda cruise industry is currently facing significant challenges as severe weather looms in the form of Hurricane Milton. With expectations that Milton could escalate to a Category 5 hurricane and have a devastating impact on Florida’s west coast, cruise lines are making swift adjustments to their itineraries to ensure passenger safety while
Carnival Corporation, often regarded as the largest cruise operator globally, has recently experienced a remarkable financial resurgence under the leadership of CEO Josh Weinstein. In a series of strong earnings reports, Weinstein has provided investors with a narrative filled with metaphors and optimism about the company’s trajectory. His evocative language, such as claiming the company
In a significant move within the cruise industry, Steve Smotrys has been appointed as the managing director and senior vice president of commercial operations for HX, previously known as Hurtigruten Expeditions. This role represents a strategic initiative as the company looks to solidify its brand identity and expand its commercial influence across North America. With
On October 1, 2023, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) initiated a strike that sent ripples through the operations of ports across the United States, from Maine all the way to Texas. This pivotal action stems from several grievances, primarily focusing on demands for higher wages and protests against increasing automation in port operations. Strikes in
Dominica, often referred to as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean,” is embarking on an ambitious journey to significantly enhance its tourism sector. The island has outlined an impressive array of revitalization projects, including substantial upgrades to transportation infrastructure and an ambitious increase in accommodation offerings. By the end of 2025, it aims to boost
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is branded for its commitment to provide an exceptional cruising experience, and now it’s taking a bold step by unveiling the ‘More at Sea’ package. Set to launch on January 1, this initiative replaces the previous ‘Free at Sea’ and ‘Free at Sea Plus’ pricing models, focusing on an integrated experience
Breaking into the luxury cruise market can be an intimidating endeavor for any travel advisor. However, insights from seasoned experts can illuminate effective strategies and techniques to attract clientele eager for high-end experiences. Dondra Ritzenthaler, the CEO of Azamara, recently shared her expertise on the “Trade Secrets” podcast, providing valuable advice for those looking to
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
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