The annual Readers’ Choice Awards organized by Travel Weekly is a prestigious event that recognizes the outstanding contributions of various entities within the travel industry. This year’s gala was held on December 11 at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, bringing together industry professionals in a splendid black-tie ceremony to celebrate leadership,
Cruise
In the world of travel, experiences are often shaped by the interactions encountered along the way. The tourism industry, being inherently diverse, faces the ongoing challenge of ensuring that all individuals—regardless of race, ethnicity, or background—feel safe and welcome. A significant moment arose in February 2023, when travel advisor Margie Jordan shared troubling incidents of
Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line are reimagining their private Bahamian paradise, aiming to enhance the visitor experience significantly. Dubbed “Relaxaway, Half Moon Cay,” this revitalization seeks not only to elevate the current offerings but also to introduce more sophisticated features tailored to the expectations of modern travelers. By mid-2026, significant upgrades will be
Disney, a name synonymous with magic and adventure, has once again expanded its horizons with the launch of the Disney Treasure, the latest jewel in its cruise line collection. Having embarked on a preview voyage, I discovered not just a ship, but an extraordinary experience tailored for adventure seekers and nostalgia lovers alike. While the
Carnival Corp., a giant in the cruise industry, has recently undertaken a significant leadership reorganization with the appointment of new presidents for three of its North American brands: Princess Cruises, Holland America Line (HAL), and Seabourn Cruises. These moves have sparked mixed reactions within the trade, raising both hopes and concerns about the company’s strategic
This week, Carnival Cruise Line made headlines—not for a new destination or enhanced experience, but for a decision that has drawn criticism from many within the cruising community. Unbeknownst to its guests, the cruise line raised the price of its Cheers! beverage package for those sailing on longer journeys. Starting now, the daily cost stands
The recent decision by Mexico’s legislative chambers to impose a $42 head tax on cruise passengers has stirred significant debate within the travel industry. As this new measure is set to take effect on January 1, questions are being raised about its potential impact on the country’s cruise sector, with cruise line representatives sounding alarms
Explora Journeys is set to redefine luxury cruising with the introduction of its third ship, the Explora III, scheduled to make waves in summer 2026. Unlike its predecessors, this vessel marks a significant milestone as Explora’s first ship to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). This choice not only embodies the company’s commitment to
In an effort to redefine its luxury cruising experience, Regent Seven Seas Cruises has introduced an ambitious marketing campaign titled “Nobody Does It Better,” accompanied by the tagline “Unrivaled at Sea.” This initiative signifies not just a shift in branding but represents a strategic approach to consolidating its position within the overwhelmingly competitive ultra-luxury cruise
In a controversial move, Mexico’s Senate has recently approved a significant immigration charge aimed at cruise ship passengers, setting the fee at $42 per person for port visits. This policy shift has sparked intense criticism from various stakeholders within the tourism sector who worry that this new financial burden could seriously undermine Mexico’s appeal as
The landscape of cruise bookings is witnessing a notable shift, as highlighted by Viking Holdings’ recent financial disclosures. In an industry where advance bookings are standard practice, Viking is leading the charge in a way that is both impressive and noteworthy. The company’s strategy, which sees a staggering 70% of cabins booked for 2025 a
Virgin Voyages has made a splash in the cruise sector by introducing an innovative annual pass, allowing guests to experience unlimited sailing on any of its vessels for one year. This announcement marks a significant development in the cruise industry, as it is the first of its kind to offer such an expansive opportunity for
Eric Stonestreet, celebrated for his humorous portrayal of Cameron Tucker on ABC’s cherished sitcom “Modern Family,” is embarking on an entirely new adventure—cruising. Little did he know that a high-profile cruise line would soon reach out to him with a proposition that not only introduces him to a world of luxury sea travel but also
The recent approval of a $42 cruise passenger tax by Mexico’s Congress has raised significant concerns within the cruise industry. This move follows a long-standing tax exemption, now removed, which had supported the growth of cruise tourism in the nation. Industry leaders, represented by the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), argue that this new financial burden
In a striking move that has raised eyebrows across the cruise industry, Mexico’s lower house of Congress has sanctioned a new $42 immigration fee for every cruise passenger that steps onto Mexican shores. The decision has unleashed a wave of concern among cruise operators and stakeholders, who argue that this levy could drastically impact the
In a world where service excellence is increasingly prioritized, the cruise industry has responded through the adjustment of its gratuity policies. Royal Caribbean International’s recent decision to raise its gratuity rates for the second time in a single year illustrates this trend of “tipflation.” This adjustment, a modest increase of 50 cents per person per
This year, a noticeable trend unfolded upon my return from an adventure-filled expedition cruise along Greenland’s breathtaking coastline. Conversations with friends and family about my experience typically garnered a polite response. Initial mentions of the cruise line, Lindblad Expeditions, sparked polite nods, followed by a fleeting interest. However, the narrative changed dramatically the moment I
The cruise industry has long been synonymous with lavish entertainment options, ranging from theatrical productions to glamorous performances. However, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has recently made significant shifts in its entertainment offerings that reflect changing guest preferences and operational strategies. The discontinuation of high-profile Broadway-style shows, such as “The Donna Summer Musical,” marks a pivotal