Alaska’s cruise tourism sector is navigating a complex terrain, characterized by diverging sentiments among different communities. On one end of the spectrum, certain ports exhibit hesitance towards the influx of cruise ships, citing concerns from local populations and environmental sustainability. Conversely, others embrace this economic opportunity fervently, showcasing a fundamental divide in how various regions
Cruise
As Kelly Craighead prepares to conclude her tenure as president and CEO of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) at the end of this year, the cruise industry faces a pivotal moment. Over the past six years, Craighead has been more than just a leader; she has been a visionary figure steering the community through
The Norwegian Luna, the second ship in Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) Prima Plus series, is poised to enhance the cruising experience significantly upon its debut. Scheduled to set sail from Miami starting April 2026, this vessel will follow its sister ship, the Norwegian Aqua, which is set to grace the seas a year earlier. Notably,
Alaska has long captivated travelers with its breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife, making it a prime destination for cruise tourism. However, the surge in demand for Alaskan cruises in the aftermath of the pandemic has prompted a reevaluation of how the state manages this influx. In particular, Juneau, the state’s key harbor, has established restrictions
The cruise industry, often regarded as a vibrant segment within the broader travel market, has shown remarkable resilience despite various economic fluctuations. Major players in the sector—Carnival Corp., Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, and Royal Caribbean Group—have not only sustained their operations through turbulent times but have also consistently revised their full-year performance forecasts upward in
The cruise industry is poised for an exciting evolution in 2026 with the introduction of the Carnival Luminosa as it makes San Francisco its homeport. This move marks a significant expansion of Carnival Cruise Line’s offerings in the Pacific region. Departing from Brisbane, Australia, the ship will embark on a lengthy 22-day repositioning voyage, a
Azamara Cruises is stepping up its game in the competitive world of cruise travel by launching an enticing training and incentive program aimed at travel advisors. Designed to motivate and reward advisors, the program allows them to earn substantial bonus commissions on 2025 bookings, adding both value and excitement to their sales efforts. Advisors who
The travel journalism landscape has lost a vibrant and dedicated figure with the passing of Valarie D’Elia, who died at the age of 64 after a courageous battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Her contributions to travel media began in 1998 at NY1, where she became a beloved on-air personality through her engaging “Travel with
Hornblower Group, renowned for its ferry services and diverse day tours, recently announced the appointment of Lisa Lutoff-Perlo as chairwoman of the board. This development marks a significant pivot for the company, which has just navigated the choppy waters of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy and a subsequent financial overhaul. The restructuring transitioned Hornblower under the
Traveling has always been an inspiring subset of human experience, bridging together cultures, traditions, and narratives. As global tourism slowly revives from the grip of the pandemic, the arrival of Viking’s first oceangoing cruise for Western travelers in China signifies not just a revival of travel opportunities, but also a unique cultural exchange ripe for
In late 2021, as the world began to recover from the turbulence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the allure of travel once again captured the imagination of many. It was during this time that Jenny Hunnicutt and her husband, seasoned nomads embracing a life of adventure, stumbled upon a remarkable opportunity: Royal Caribbean International’s first-ever Ultimate
The landscape of tourism is evolving, with a growing emphasis on inclusivity and cultural awareness. Signature Travel Network is taking notable steps towards enriching travel experiences by integrating Indigenous perspectives. At the end of this month, they will be the sole distributor of the Indigenous Tourism Education Modules, a new initiative born from collaboration with
When envisioning a luxurious cruise experience, one would typically imagine tranquil seas, stunning landscapes, and, importantly, exquisite dining. Oceania Cruises distinguishes itself not merely through its breathtaking itineraries, but by positioning itself at the forefront of culinary excellence in the cruise industry. As its tagline suggests, they boldly declare to offer the “finest cuisine at
Nestled at the southern edge of Alaska’s Inside Passage, Ketchikan presents a delightful blend of history and natural beauty. Originally inhabited by the Tlingit people, this picturesque city has undergone a remarkable transformation from a fishing camp to a bustling hub that experienced a booming Gold Rush, followed by robust timber and fishing industries. Recently,