Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) continues to redefine the cruise experience with the upcoming launch of its Prima Plus class ships, Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, set to sail in 2025 and 2026 respectively. Building on the foundation laid by the Prima class that debuted in 2022, these new vessels promise an enhanced blend of fun
Cruise
Cruising has become a popular vacation choice for many travelers seeking adventure on the open seas. However, the potential for enhancing these journeys through pre- and post-cruise experiences often goes untapped. This article examines the current challenges presented by time constraints and how destination marketing organizations (DMOs) are working to shift mindsets around cruise vacations.
In the annals of maritime lore, few tales are as captivating as that of the Titania, a World War I-era supply ship that met its untimely fate 110 years ago. Fisherman Gino Perez, who has spent years fishing off the coast of Alejandro Selkirk Island in Chile’s Juan Fernandez Archipelago, had long been enchanted by
The Norwegian Aqua, set to make its debut in March 2024, signals a significant advancement in cruise design and guest experience within the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) fleet. Unlike its predecessors, the Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, the Aqua introduces a new vision for the Prima-class category, boasting an impressive size of 156,300 gross tons
In an age of technological advancements where consumer convenience reigns supreme, Avoya Travel stands out as a pioneer in the travel industry. Recently, the company introduced the Avoya Live Bookings engine, a groundbreaking booking tool that allows consumers to self-book their cruises while still benefitting from the expertise of professional travel advisors. This innovation not
Viking, a name synonymous with river cruising, embarked on its voyage in 1979 as a humble river cruise company. What began as an exploration of serene waterways has since expanded into a formidable player in the ocean cruise industry, significantly altering perceptions both within the travel sector and among consumers. As the company approaches the
Margaritaville at Sea is set to enhance its travel offerings by launching new itineraries to Nassau, Bahamas, starting in January. This initiative marks a significant development in the company’s strategy to meld leisure cruising with resort experiences, signifying an innovative approach to vacationing. Through a collaborative effort with the Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau, the cruise
Windstar Cruises is set to breathe new life into its beloved sailing ship, the Wind Surf, with an extensive renovation program starting this November in Cadiz, Spain. Scheduled to unveil its refreshed design on December 21, the ship’s upgrade is characterized by a commitment to luxury and sophistication that aligns with the expectations of discerning
As the travel industry continues to rebound from recent challenges, events like CruiseWorld offer the perfect opportunity for professionals to gather and refine their strategies. Set against the scenic backdrop of Greater Fort Lauderdale, the CruiseWorld conference is poised to take place at the Broward County Convention Center from November 6 to 8. With Visit
In an era where travelers thirst for unique experiences, the line dividing luxury hotels and upscale cruise lines is becoming increasingly blurred. In particular, the appointment of Anna Nash as president of Explora Journeys underscores this trend, illuminating the potential that the cruise industry holds for creating transformative travel experiences. After a successful career as
The travel industry is currently undergoing a significant transformation in the wake of the pandemic. As travel begins to stabilize after a period of unprecedented growth, industry leaders are grappling with terms like “normalization” to describe the new reality. The World Travel & Tourism Council’s recent Global Summit in Perth provided a platform for experts
As the world has cautiously emerged from the shadows of the COVID-19 pandemic, the travel industry has seen significant shifts that require careful consideration and adaptation. The term “normalization” encapsulates the phenomenon of a gradual decline in travel growth rates, which had initially surged as restrictions loosened. Notably, industry leaders gathered at the World Travel
The travel industry has witnessed a significant surge in loyalty programs recently as companies endeavor to cultivate lasting relationships with their customers. While restaurants, airlines, and hotels have long utilized reward systems to entice consumer loyalty, cruise lines are now catching up, especially in the context of expedition cruising. This article delves into the latest
The SS United States, once a flagship of the American passenger fleet, stands as a symbol of mid-20th century maritime engineering. Launched in the early 1950s, this ocean liner was not only a marvel of speed—holding the record for the fastest transatlantic crossing—but also a representation of the post-war optimism and technology. With a top
The cruise industry in Florida has faced significant disruptions owing to Hurricane Milton’s recent passage. As the storm wreaked havoc across the state, major ports were compelled to suspend operations, leaving numerous cruise ships adrift at sea. These delays not only affected the schedules of thousands of eager passengers but also illustrated the vulnerability of
Royal Caribbean International has unveiled an exciting initiative aimed at enhancing the cruising experience in the Western Caribbean. Titled “Perfect Day Mexico,” this innovative venture is set to debut in 2027 at Mahahual, a picturesque destination located south of Cozumel in Quintana Roo. Following the success of its Bahamian counterpart, Perfect Day at CocoCay, this
After a lengthy pause attributed to severe political turmoil, Royal Caribbean International is poised to resume its operations in Labadee, Haiti, a private destination for cruise passengers. The move marks a significant event for the cruise line, with the Adventure of the Seas set to be the inaugural vessel returning to Labadee today. The highly
Juneau, Alaska, a city renowned for its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, has become a pivotal point for cruise tourism. Following the global slowdown caused by the pandemic, the cruise industry has rebounded dramatically, with 2023 witnessing a record influx of approximately 1.7 million visitors – a staggering 30% increase over pre-pandemic levels in 2019.