Royal Caribbean International’s CEO, Michael Bayley, hinted at a new series of cruise ships called the Discovery class during a preview sailing of the Utopia of the Seas. The brand’s chief marketing officer, Kara Wallace, revealed that the project is currently in the brainstorming stage. The team is asking open-ended questions like “what if” and
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The tragic incident involving the implosion of the Titan submersible during a voyage to the Titanic wreck site in the North Atlantic in June 2023 has left a trail of devastation. The family of French explorer Paul-Henri Nargeolet, one of the five individuals who lost their lives in the disaster, has filed a lawsuit seeking
Upon boarding the Utopia of the Seas, the newest addition to Royal Caribbean International’s fleet, guests are greeted with a unique experience at Utopia Station. The concept of a Royal Railway, complete with a train departure board and underground train station aesthetic, sets the stage for an immersive journey unlike any other on a cruise
The history of cruise lines combining their sales teams has been marred with short-lived unions. From Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises to Princess Cruises and Cunard Line, these partnerships have often ended in separation. Now, it’s Holland America Line and Seabourn Cruises that are attempting to give a union a try by combining their
Lindblad Expeditions, a renowned cruise line, has made a strategic decision to rebrand itself by giving prominence to the well-known National Geographic name. This move is aimed at leveraging the power and recognition associated with the National Geographic brand as the company looks to expand its presence in Europe. The decision to change the company’s
Avanti Destinations, a well-known tour operator, has recently introduced a new microsite specifically tailored for travel advisors. This platform allows travel advisors to book pre- and post-cruise hotel stays, sightseeing tours, and various activities. The primary focus of this microsite is to cater to advisors who primarily handle cruise bookings but fewer land packages for
Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas, which was originally scheduled for a renovation in 2020 but was postponed due to the pandemic, is set to undergo a $100 million refurbishment in 2025. The cruise line has big plans for the Oasis-class ship, with new features and experiences being introduced to enhance the guest experience. The
Cruise lines are making strides to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions through various methods, both onboard and off. Some onboard solutions that have been implemented include using energy-efficient light bulbs, turning off cabin electricity when guests remove their keycard, and reconfiguring how ships recirculate heat. These small changes can add up to significant reductions in
Royal Caribbean International’s recent launch of the Utopia of the Seas from Port Canaveral is no coincidence. The cruise line is strategically targeting a younger demographic as one in every two customers across its brands is a millennial or younger. Jason Liberty, CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, emphasized the company’s intentionality with the Utopia, citing
The recent landfall of Hurricane Debby on Florida’s Gulf Coast has caused significant disruptions to cruise itineraries. Carnival Cruise Line ships departing from Tampa and Jacksonville, Florida, have been directly affected by the storm. The Carnival Paradise, originally scheduled to depart on a six-day Caribbean cruise from the Port of Tampa, had to delay its
Regent Seven Seas Cruises and the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team are teaming up to offer a unique and exciting themed cruise experience in the summer of 2025. This exclusive voyage will feature a replica car on the ship, special shore excursions, and unforgettable interactions with former F1 driver Pedro de la Rosa and
The Sun Princess, Princess Cruises’ first Sphere-class ship, was expected to offer several attractions geared toward young cruisers in its Park19 activity zone. However, the cruise line announced that three of these attractions – RollGlider, Coastal Climb, and the ropes course – will not be installed on the ship. This cancellation comes as a disappointment
The role of travel advisors in the hospitality industry cannot be understated. They play a crucial part in enhancing the guest experience and driving business growth. Frank Belzer, senior vice president of sales and partner relations at Margaritaville at Sea, highlights the significance of travel advisors in his recent experiences. Having worked closely with travel
Carnival Cruise Line’s highly anticipated private destination, Celebration Key, is set to debut in 2025. One of the most exciting features of this new destination is the Pearl Cove Beach Club, an exclusive adults-only retreat that promises a luxurious and relaxing experience for guests. Complete with a large infinity pool, restaurant, and private beach, Pearl
Disney Cruise Line recently revealed details about the Disney Destiny, a ship set to debut in December 2025, featuring a heroes-and-villains theme inspired by Disney villains. One of the standout spaces on the ship is De Vil’s piano lounge, named after the infamous Cruella de Vil from “One Hundred and One Dalmatians.” This adult-exclusive lounge
Specialization is a key component to success in the travel industry. According to David Locke, the owner of Seize the Seas, one of Avoya Travel’s top agencies, specializing in a specific niche allows advisors to stand out and cater to the unique needs of clients. This means focusing on a particular type of travel, such
Luxury travel has become increasingly prevalent in the travel industry, with Avoya Travel’s Million Dollar Showcase attracting 81 elite travel advisors known as Independent Agencies (IAs). These advisors are on track to achieve at least $1 million in gross sales this year, reflecting a growing demand for premium travel experiences. The event, now in its
Upon entering my suite on the Crystal Serenity, I was taken aback by the sheer size and elegance of the room. The deep-blue couch, king bed, and spacious bathroom all screamed luxury. Having a butler surprise me with healthy snacks and take care of my every need truly made me feel pampered. However, in a