The Greek cruise line Celestyal is introducing a series of changes aimed at simplifying its fare structure and enhancing the passenger experience. With significant adjustments set to take effect on December 11 for cruises departing from March 21, this article analyzes the implications of these changes for both travelers and travel agents. One of the
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In May, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) unveiled a groundbreaking term at its Investor Day: Return on Experience (ROEx). This concept redefines how cruise lines evaluate success by emphasizing the quality of customer experiences over traditional metrics like financial returns. During a recent session at CruiseWorld, CEO Harry Sommer articulated his vision for ROEx, contrasting
In recent years, the cruise industry has witnessed seismic shifts, particularly driven by the pandemic’s impacts on travel. As the world cautiously emerges from the shadow of COVID-19, it’s crucial to analyze how travel advisors have adapted and evolved in this precarious landscape. Oceania Cruises has emerged as a key player, reclaiming a substantial portion
In a significant move to enhance its offerings, Crystal Cruises has officially secured an order for a third luxury cruise ship, set to be built by the renowned shipbuilder Fincantieri and slated for delivery in 2032. This announcement comes on the heels of a previously established memorandum of understanding that outlined the construction of two
Launched in 2022, Margaritaville at Sea commenced with a humble vision of serving budget-friendly cruises aboard a retro vessel, aimed primarily at casual vacationers. However, marked by an array of operational difficulties during its initial rollout—including equipment malfunctions and supply chain setbacks—Margaritaville at Sea needed a strategic overhaul to thrive in the competitive cruise industry.
In recent years, the landscape of travel has undergone dramatic transformations, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. Beyond conventional cruise options, which often left queer travelers with limited choices, innovative companies like Brand g Vacations have stepped up to provide tailored experiences that embrace the essence of LGBTQ+ culture. My personal journey aboard the World Traveller—an
In the world of cruising, advancement is a constant, and Celebrity Cruises is making waves with its ambitious plans for the future. As it prepares to unveil its final Edge-class ship, the Celebrity Xcel, in November, the company is not just resting on its laurels. Instead, it is delving into the “dreaming stage” for an
Small-ship cruise lines are rapidly gaining popularity due to their unique selling proposition: offering travelers the chance to visit destinations inaccessible to larger vessels. However, an aspect of the experience that often gets overshadowed is the ship itself, which is not merely a means of transportation but a luxurious destination in its own right. This
The travel advisory industry, particularly in the realm of cruise sales, is experiencing significant shifts in both competition and opportunity. Recently, during the Travel Weekly’s CruiseWorld event in Fort Lauderdale, several high-ranking sales executives from various cruise lines shared insights on how travel advisors can enhance their business prospects amidst a “crowded space.” The panel
The cruise industry has faced several challenges in recent years, and Princess Cruises is currently grappling with significant setbacks stemming from technical difficulties aboard its Regal Princess. Most recently, the cruise line has been forced to cancel three consecutive sailings from Galveston due to a malfunctioning power generator. This situation not only raises serious concerns
The travel industry is a dynamic landscape where the ability to adapt and take risks can spell the difference between stagnation and thriving growth. At the recent CruiseWorld conference, Ken Muskat, the managing director of Scenic Group USA, challenged travel advisors to push the boundaries of their comfort zones. The essence of his message was
The cruise industry is currently experiencing unprecedented growth, with major players such as the Royal Caribbean Group witnessing record-breaking financial performance. However, this surge comes with significant responsibility, as environmental concerns loom large. At a recent CruiseWorld event in Fort Lauderdale, Jason Liberty, the CEO of Royal Caribbean Group and chair of the Cruise Lines
MSC Cruises has recently unveiled an exciting enhancement to its Voyagers Club loyalty program by introducing a new tier called Blue Diamond. This move represents a strategic effort to reward loyal cruisers who engage extensively with the MSC brand. The introduction of Blue Diamond, which guests can achieve after accumulating 25,000 points, significantly raises the
Nearly a year after its maiden voyage, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas has solidified its position as a premier vessel in the cruise industry, achieving remarkable customer satisfaction and commanding high ticket prices. Michael Bayley, CEO of Royal Caribbean International, shared insights during the Royal Caribbean Group Presidents Panel at CruiseWorld concerning the ship’s
The cruise industry stands at an intriguing crossroads as it gathers momentum in the wake of previous challenges. At a recent convention in Fort Lauderdale, Carnival’s CEO, Josh Weinstein, delivered a compelling keynote address that not only celebrated the successes of the cruise line but also set an optimistic tone for the future. The backdrop
In the ever-changing landscape of the travel industry, J.D. O’Hara’s leadership at Internova Travel Group has been marked by a commitment to simplification and strategic consolidation. Taking the helm as CEO in January 2020, O’Hara has faced the challenge of restructuring a company that has long grappled with complexity due to its diverse array of
Embarking on a cruise is often about unwinding and letting go, and that’s precisely what the Margaritaville at Sea brand captures. This unique cruise line, inspired by the legendary Jimmy Buffett, who is synonymous with relaxation and escapism, invites guests to engage intimately with a laid-back atmosphere onboard. On a recent voyage aboard the Margaritaville
The cruise industry has long been celebrated for its capacity to create memorable experiences on the high seas. As vacationers increasingly seek unique and luxurious travel options, cruise lines have expanded their fleets and private destinations to meet demand. However, industry experts are sounding alarm bells about the potential pitfalls arising from rapid growth and