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
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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.
In a rapidly evolving travel landscape, where consumer preferences frequently shift, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has decided to pivot in a significant way. According to David Herrera, the president of NCL, the introduction of the “More at Sea” initiative is not merely a rebranding effort. Rather, it represents a fundamental overhaul of the cruise experience,
As Hurricane Milton intensifies, with predictions placing it at a potentially devastating Category 5 level, cruise lines are taking proactive measures to safeguard their passengers and vessels. The Caribbean and Bermuda cruise itineraries are being updated to circumvent the storm’s expected path. Given the storm’s potential to create hazardous conditions, the decisions made by cruise
In the realm of travel and tourism, few sectors have experienced the tumultuous swings of fortune like the cruise industry. Carnival Corporation, the largest cruise operator globally, is emerging from a challenging pandemic period with impressive financial metrics that capture the industry’s rebirth. Under the leadership of CEO Josh Weinstein, Carnival Corp. has witnessed a
In a significant development for the North American cruise sector, Steve Smotrys is stepping into the newly established role of managing director and senior vice president of commercial operations for HX, previously known as Hurtigruten Expeditions. This rebranding reflects a strategic shift aimed at carving out a distinct identity in the competitive cruise marketplace. With
On October 1, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) initiated a strike that significantly affected port operations across the United States, stretching from Maine down to Texas. This action has emerged as an essential strategy for the union to negotiate better wages and express concerns regarding the increasing automation within the industry. While their strike has
Traveling across multiple time zones can often feel like stepping into a dimension where time behaves erratically. This sentiment rang true for me during my adventures in the American Southwest, where the loose grip on my temporal awareness revealed the chaotic nature of travel. Fast-forward to the present, where I find myself regularly traversing skies
Dominica, known as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean,” is actively redefining its tourism landscape through a series of ambitious infrastructure projects and strategic initiatives aimed at attracting increased visitor numbers. As the island gears up for a significant influx of tourists, several developments are set to bolster the local economy while enhancing the travel
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has taken a significant step in evolving its onboard offerings by transitioning from the Free at Sea and Free at Sea Plus pricing structures to a comprehensive package named More at Sea. This new initiative reflects a strategic shift toward enhancing guest experiences through a more inclusive and luxurious approach, set
Breaking into the luxury cruise industry can be a daunting task for many travel advisors. However, as noted by Dondra Ritzenthaler, CEO of Azamara, the right strategy can pave the way for success. The first step in capturing luxury clientele is to tap into an existing database of customers. It is essential to identify clients
In the ever-evolving landscape of the cruise industry, Carnival Corp. has recently demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth, a trend that seems to echo optimism among both investors and consumers alike. During the company’s Q3 earnings call, Josh Weinstein, the CEO, disclosed that nearly 50% of Carnival’s inventory for 2025 has already been booked, revealing an
In a transformative moment for the expedition cruise sector, Gebhard Rainer, the newly appointed CEO of HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions), expressed the brand’s bold aspirations from the deck of their flagship vessel, the Fridtjof Nansen. The significant transition marks the company’s commitment to independence, distancing itself from its sister brand Hurtigruten, which specializes in coastal
In an intriguing twist of fate, Gebhard Rainer transitioned from leading the sunny realms of Sandals Resorts International to the bracing environments of HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions), a company specializing in expedition cruises to some of Earth’s most remote, icy locales. Rainer’s recent appointment marks a significant structural and philosophical shift for HX, as he
Pleasant Holidays has announced a fresh wave of bookings for Victory Cruise Lines, setting the stage for its eagerly awaited return to the Great Lakes. The operator is rolling out promotional terms that are available until December 4, creating an appealing opportunity for travelers eager to explore this picturesque region. This pivotal moment marks not
Carnival Cruise Line is set to elevate the cruise experience with the upcoming launch of Celebration Key, a private destination located on the picturesque Grand Bahama Island, scheduled to open in July. This remarkable venture offers travelers more than just stunning beach landscapes; it will feature an impressive array of culinary options that are sure