In a significant shift aimed at enhancing customer experience, Carnival Cruise Line has decided to close its pizza counters at midnight, redirecting late-night hunger pangs to the Lido Marketplace. This decision marks a considerable change in how late-night dining is approached aboard their ships, with the Lido Buffet now operating from 11:30 p.m. until 2
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In the competitive world of cruise sales, the significance of maintaining a good rapport with Business Development Managers (BDMs) cannot be overstated. BDMs serve as a bridge between travel advisors and cruise lines, providing essential support and resources that can help advisors grow their businesses. Despite the inherent challenges of navigating such relationships, experts at
As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, a significant increase in travel is set to take place, with forecasts indicating that a record-breaking 79.9 million Americans will embark on journeys of at least 50 miles from their homes. This estimate marks a rise of 1.7 million travelers compared to the previous year. The American Automobile Association (AAA)
As the holiday season rapidly approaches, the cruise industry is making waves with its early sales initiatives. Traditionally intertwined with retail sales around Black Friday, travel deals now appear well in advance, signaling an industry aware of changing consumer behaviors. With many cruise lines launching attractive promotions as early as mid-November, the question arises: what
As pet ownership continues to flourish, the quest for pet-friendly experiences expands beyond local parks and pet boutiques. A notable trend emerging for 2025 is the first dog-friendly cruise organized by Margaritaville at Sea Islander. Intended for dog lovers yearning to share their vacation with their furry companions, this unique sailing experience will depart from
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has kicked off an enticing promotional campaign as they unveil their cruise offerings for the upcoming fall and winter seasons of 2026-27. At the core of this announcement is a Black Friday sale that allows customers to secure substantial discounts of up to 50% off on sailings scheduled from September 2026
Celestyal, the Greek cruise line known for its diverse travel itineraries through the Mediterranean, is poised for significant transformation. Starting from December 11, the cruise line will enhance and simplify its fare structure, signaling a fresh approach that seeks not only to modernize their offerings but also to streamline guest experiences. This change is set
The landscape of travel has undergone significant changes in recent years, most notably due to the pandemic’s disruptive effects. While the travel industry initially braced for a complete upheaval, a remarkable resurgence of travel advisors has emerged as one of the defining stories of recovery. In 2019, travel advisors played a role in booking 70%
In an era where customer satisfaction reigns supreme, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) has introduced a groundbreaking concept known as “return on experience” (ROEx). Revealed at the company’s recent Investor Day, ROEx aims to elevate the cruise experience by focusing on guest-centered engagement rather than the traditional measure of return on investment (ROI). CEO Harry
In 2022, Margaritaville at Sea made its debut as a budget cruise option, offering quick, two-night getaways aboard an aging vessel. Now, under new management from Sycamore Partners, the brand is set to undergo a pronounced transformation, with ambitions to amplify its service offerings and enhance the sailing experience for guests. The cruise line is
Crystal Cruises is poised to usher in a new chapter with the firm establishment of an order for a third ship, set to enter service in 2032. This announcement not only signifies the cruise line’s growth ambitions but also highlights a strategic collaboration with renowned shipbuilder Fincantieri. Previously informal agreements have now crystallized into a
Celebrity Cruises is poised to explore new horizons as it prepares for the upcoming launch of its final Edge-class ship, the Celebrity Xcel, set to debut in November. Brand president Laura Hodges Bethge unveiled her vision at CruiseWorld, sharing insights into the company’s aspirations as they transition from current projects to future endeavors. The ambitious
The world of travel has evolved dramatically, especially for the LGBTQ+ community. What once required elaborate planning or the creation of add-on “mini queer cruises” within larger cruise itineraries has given way to a burgeoning market of LGBTQ+ tailored luxury cruises. By catering specifically to this vibrant and diverse community, companies have begun to offer
Princess Cruises recently announced the cancellation of its Regal Princess’s third successive voyage, originally slated to embark from Galveston for a Western Caribbean itinerary. This unfortunate decision comes on the heels of previous cancellations due to significant issues with the ship’s power generators. The situation escalated further when a second generator malfunctioned just as preparations
As the travel industry continues to recover and evolve, the role of travel advisors has become increasingly paramount. Within this context, it is crucial for advisors to carve out their niche and make themselves visible to cruise line representatives eager to partner for mutual growth. At a recent event, Travel Weekly’s CruiseWorld, leading voices from
Small-ship cruising has gained remarkable traction among travelers thanks to its ability to access places unreachable by larger vessels. Those who have ventured into this world often find more than just unique ports of call; they experience a sense of intimacy and belonging that larger cruise lines cannot mimic. The recent Conversation with Cruise Leadership
MSC Cruises is enhancing its customer loyalty program with a new membership tier known as Blue Diamond. Positioned proudly above the previous top tier, Diamond, Blue Diamond offers a broader range of exclusive benefits and an elevated cruising experience for dedicated passengers. Achieving this prestigious status requires hitting 25,000 points, a significant step up from
Royal Caribbean’s latest vessel, the Icon of the Seas, is shifting paradigms in the cruise industry as it nears its first anniversary. The ship has garnered enthusiastic reception from travelers and critics alike, boasting impressive customer satisfaction scores that highlight its success. The enthusiastic feedback reflects a well-executed vision, underscoring Royal Caribbean’s commitment to providing