Viking recently held its first earnings call as a public company, revealing a strong first quarter and a promising booking curve for the upcoming years. The cruise company reported a 14% increase in revenue year over year, growing from $629 million to $718 million in Q1. Chairman and CEO Tor Hagen emphasized the importance of
Cruise
Over the weekend, Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International resumed sailing out of Baltimore after crews cleared debris from the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge, which had blocked access to the port. Royal Caribbean was the first to return and sailed the Vision of the Seas from the port on Saturday, offering cruises roundtrip
When the reborn Crystal cruise line first reopened its bookings, it faced significant challenges. Travel advisors like Diego Riveron struggled to convince guests, especially those who had lost money due to the collapse of the line’s predecessor, Crystal Cruises. The negative sentiment towards the old brand made it difficult to attract new clients as well,
As temperatures rise and summer approaches, a unique opportunity awaits at the Port of Quebec. While typically known for its bustling spring and fall seasons, the port is gearing up to host its first winter cruise in early 2025. This exciting development showcases a shift in the traditional cruising calendar, with Ponant set to embark
In today’s fast-paced world, efficiency is key for many travel agencies. MAST Travel Network has recognized this need for efficiency and is introducing a new cruise booking engine called Agent Connect. This Traveltek-powered engine aims to streamline the cruise booking process for members, ultimately saving time and effort. According to John Werner, the president of
Disney Cruise Line faced significant environmental challenges in building Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point on the southern tip of Eleuthera. Before constructing the pier for the new private Caribbean destination, the cruise line needed to relocate hundreds of coral pieces, find new homes for barrel sponges, and track the changing behaviors of birds and crabs
In recent years, the relationship between cruise companies and local communities has come under scrutiny due to the environmental and social impacts caused by the influx of tourists. Key West residents, for example, voted to limit cruise ships from docking in their port, citing concerns over water turbidity and coral reef damage. Although the ban
Celebration Key, the upcoming $500 million private beach destination by Carnival Cruise Line on Grand Bahama, is set to offer an array of engaging experiences for families. Among the attractions at Celebration Key is the family area known as Starfish Lagoon. This area will feature a freshwater pool, beach access, sports and gaming areas, and
Oceania Cruises recently announced that its newest ship, the Allura, will set sail on its inaugural cruise from Trieste, Italy, on July 18, 2025. This is one week earlier than the originally planned departure date. The Allura, which is the second ship in Oceania’s Allura class, will embark on a six-day journey to Athens, with
Four Seasons Yachts is paving the way in the luxury cruise industry by introducing a unique business model that challenges the status quo. While most luxury cruise lines offer all-inclusive packages that include meals and drinks, Four Seasons Yachts plans to charge guests a la carte for lunch, dinner, and alcoholic beverages. This innovative approach
Savannah Buffett, the daughter of the late singer and songwriter Jimmy Buffett, has been named the godmother of the Margaritaville at Sea Islander. This announcement comes as the former Costa Atlantica undergoes a refurbishment in preparation for its inaugural Margaritaville voyage from Tampa on June 14. The Islander will be the second ship in the
The month of May is filled with various holidays, but one that may not be as widely recognized outside of the industry is Travel Advisor Appreciation Day. This day serves as a reminder of the essential role that travel advisors play in supporting the success of cruise lines. According to projections by Phocuswright, travel advisors
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has unveiled its second ship, the Ilma, drawing design inspiration from Maltese mythology, coastlines, history, and native fauna. Named after the Maltese word for “water,” the Ilma promises a unique and luxurious experience for its passengers. Ship Features The Ilma will be a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the Evrima, boasting
As Dondra Ritzenthaler steps into her role as CEO of Azamara, she is determined to make significant changes to the way the cruise line interacts with travel advisors. Recognizing the pivotal role that advisors play in the booking process, Ritzenthaler is focusing on adjusting financials to increase commissions, bonus commissions, and other incentives for these
Regent Seven Seas Cruises is known for its luxurious voyages and impeccable service. With the addition of a new Tuscany itinerary to its Immersive Overnight collection, guests can now experience even more of Europe’s charm and beauty. The 12-night Sunset Over Tuscany itinerary aboard the Seven Seas Mariner promises an unforgettable journey through Italy and
Seabourn has taken a unique and commendable approach in naming the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners as the godparents of the Seabourn Pursuit expedition ship. This decision, although unconventional, symbolizes a deep commitment to stewardship and responsibility towards the environment and the communities that Seabourn visits. The Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners hold a significant connection to
When it comes to last-minute summer sailings, cruisers might find themselves out of luck this year. Cruise line executives and travel advisors are reporting record inventory that has been snapped up quickly, leaving limited space available for those looking to book. This surge in demand is pushing booking curves well into 2025, signaling a shift
In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift towards direct sales in the cruise industry. With consumers becoming more comfortable with online shopping, especially in the wake of the Covid era, the trend towards booking cruises online has seen a surge. This shift towards direct sales has raised concern and sensitivity among travel advisors