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
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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
Black Friday, historically recognized as the herald of the holiday shopping season, has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. It has evolved from a single chaotic shopping day into a sprawling “booking season” catering particularly to travel enthusiasts. With brands angling to carve out a larger share of consumer spending ahead of the holidays,
Carnival Corp. is set to undergo significant leadership changes within its cruise line divisions, revealing a strategic shift that seeks to bolster its operational effectiveness and adapt to evolving market dynamics. With these new appointments, Carnival is poised to recalibrate its cruise offerings, leveraging the depth of experience that the new leaders bring to the
Celestyal Cruises, a niche cruise line primarily recognized for its enchanting journeys through the Greek islands and the broader Eastern Mediterranean, has announced substantial enhancements to both its pricing structure and its fleet. In a conversation with cruise editor Andrea Zelinski, Brandon Townsley, the brand’s vice president and managing director for North America, opened the
With the cruise industry poised for significant growth, marked by the introduction of over 60 new vessels in the coming years, the spotlight is firmly on sustainability practices. As cruise lines scramble to meet increasing demands from environmental regulators, particularly in Europe, they are embarking on a journey to transform their operational frameworks. This evolution
The travel industry is an intricate web of experiences, economics, and expectations. It is a sector that not only seeks to transport individuals from one place to another but also impacts the economies and cultures of the destinations it touches. This complex framework raises serious questions about the authenticity of the information that travelers rely
In a world bustling with modern cruising options, the SeaDream Yacht Club stands out as a unique alternative that often remains under the radar. Crafting an experience akin to a private yacht adventure, this cruise line has cultivated a cult following among its devoted clientele. My recent voyage aboard the SeaDream I, formerly known as
In a significant move that has sent ripples through the travel industry, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has announced the cancellation of 38 cruises that were slated to occur between November 2025 and April 2026. This announcement affects several of its prominent ships, including the Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Jewel, and Norwegian Star. As the cruise line
The Disney Treasure has officially set sail, making waves not only in the Hudson River but also in the hearts of Disney enthusiasts. Recently christened amidst a media preview, the ship boasts captivating spaces inspired by beloved Disney park attractions. With innovative features and immersive experiences, the Disney Treasure aims to merge the magic of
Viking Holdings has demonstrated notable resilience and growth in a challenging economic landscape, as reflected in its third-quarter revenue report. With a robust 11% increase, the company managed to amass $1.68 billion in revenue, which signals not only a rebound from previous downturns but also a strategic foresight in its capacity management and booking processes.
Eric Stonestreet, widely recognized for his endearing portrayal of Cameron Tucker in the acclaimed television series “Modern Family,” has been appointed as the godfather of the Norwegian Aqua, a cutting-edge cruise ship under the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). This prestigious event will culminate in a star-studded christening ceremony scheduled to take place in Miami on
On a magical evening in New York City, excitement hung in the air as Disney officially christened its newest cruise ship, the Disney Treasure. The event took place against the stunning backdrop of the Hudson River, where a mesmerizing display of hundreds of drones transformed the night sky into a whimsical wonderland. These drones formed
Carnival Cruise Line has embarked on a significant shift in its late-night dining strategy by closing its dedicated pizza counters by midnight. Traditionally a staple for late-night revelers, these pizza stations are now replaced by an expanded offering at the Lido Marketplace. This modification not only addresses the issue of long lines that passengers often
In the dynamic world of cruise sales, travel advisors serve as the pivotal bridge between consumers and cruise lines. However, the path to successful bookings is not solely reliant on relationships with clients; advisors must also cultivate effective connections with their local business development managers (BDMs). The recent CruiseWorld conference highlighted this necessity for engagement,
As Americans prepare for the annual Thanksgiving holiday, travel forecasts are predicting an exceptional surge in numbers. AAA estimates that from November 26 to December 2, approximately 79.9 million Americans will embark on journeys lasting at least 50 miles from their residences. This figure signifies a rise of 1.7 million travelers compared to last year—a
Black Friday is traditionally synonymous with retail deals on electronics, clothing, and household items but this year, travel—especially cruise offers—has joined the fray earlier than ever. As the holiday season approaches, cruise lines are presenting a range of promotions enticing travelers to book their next adventure well before the shopping frenzy officially begins. From my