Smithsonian Journeys continues to strengthen its reputation as a leading provider of immersive, culturally rich travel experiences by unveiling a diverse slate of itineraries for 2026 and 2027. What stands out about this collection is the strategic expansion into less-traveled regions, such as the Balkans, alongside well-loved classics like Greece and Switzerland. The brand is
Cruise
Carnival Cruise Line’s recent overhaul of its rewards program marks a significant transition that has stirred a pot of emotional responses among its loyal customers. The impending change from the longstanding Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) program to the newly minted Carnival Rewards illustrates a strategic pivot that attempts to modernize how loyalty is measured
In a significant shift in its customer loyalty strategy, Carnival Cruise Line has announced an overhaul of its rewards program set to launch on June 1, 2026. The new program, aptly named Carnival Rewards, aims to engage customers through a more dynamic structure that prioritizes their spending habits over mere cruise nights. This change comes
The cruise industry has enjoyed a renaissance over the last few decades, evolving from a niche travel market into a major component of global tourism. Rod McLeod, who passed away on June 3, just before his 85th birthday, was one of the architects behind this transformation. His formidable career spanned over 40 years and included
Growing up in the heart of Illinois, my childhood excursions to both Oak Park and Hyde Park left a lasting impression, though I never fully immersed myself in the architectural wonders of Frank Lloyd Wright until I embarked on a cruise highlighting these masterpieces. It wasn’t until I boarded the Victory I that I genuinely
When John Chernesky stepped into his role as senior vice president of sales for North America at Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) in April 2023, it marked a pivotal moment for the company. With an industry that thrives on positive relationships, Chernesky’s commitment to enhancing the line’s connections with travel advisors stands as a testament to
The travel industry experienced an extraordinary rebound in 2024, but as the first quarter of 2025 unfolded, some entities faced challenges that threatened to dampen their newfound momentum. The American Marketing Group, a pivotal player in this landscape, felt a brief slowdown—a period described by Chief Marketing Officer Nicole Mazza as unsettling yet transient. However,
The Orient Express, an epitome of opulence in the world of travel, is taking a bold step into the realm of seafaring with its inaugural yacht, the Orient Express Corinthian. Set to debut in June of next year, this 54-suite sailing vessel promises to blend luxurious amenities with breathtaking Mediterranean views and cultural experiences. With
In an era where experiential travel is at the forefront of consumer preferences, Royal Caribbean International is taking strides to revolutionize the cruise experience by introducing furry companions to their sea-faring adventures. The impending launch of their new ship, Star of the Seas, heralds the arrival of Sailor, a charming three-month-old golden retriever who will
The concept of residing at sea year-round is more than a whimsical fantasy; it’s slowly manifesting into a burgeoning reality, thanks to the emergence of residential cruise lines. Within the vast landscape of the cruise industry, this niche market is captivating the imaginations of affluent individuals who desire an unconventional lifestyle. With products promising cabin
In a significant shift, the Skagway borough has revised its taxation structure in a way that is causing the cruise industry to roar back with legal challenges. This change is concerning not only for cruise lines but also for the local economy that heavily relies on tourism revenue. Previously, Skagway applied taxes only on the
The cruise industry stands on the brink of a remarkable transformation, with projections indicating that an astonishing 42 million travelers may embark on cruise vacations by 2028, according to the recent State of the Industry report by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). This optimistic forecast highlights a buoyant resurgence in cruising, a sector that
The cruise industry’s most anticipated event, CruiseWorld, is set to take place from November 5 to 7 in the vibrant city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This gathering at the Broward County Convention Center represents an unparalleled opportunity for travel advisors to immerse themselves in a world of knowledge, networking, and innovation. By attending CruiseWorld, industry
Viking Cruises is navigating through an impressive phase of growth, with pre-bookings for 2025 reaching a staggering 92% as of May 11, according to their latest Q1 earnings report. This remarkable achievement highlights Viking’s ability to captivate and maintain consumer interest in a competitive travel landscape. The company’s Chief Financial Officer, Leah Talactac, underscored this
As the cruise industry continues to expand, the question of sustainability looms large over its future. Despite the awareness surrounding environmental issues, traditionally, cruise lines have struggled to convince travelers to pay a premium for sustainable choices. Insights from industry executives reveal a disconnect: passengers prioritize destinations and pricing over eco-friendly initiatives. If a cruise
Royal Caribbean has set audacious goals for its upcoming venture, Perfect Day Mexico, slated to welcome visitors in the fall of 2027. Following the trend of immersive vacation experiences, this luxurious 200-acre haven in the stunning Mexican Caribbean aims to redefine leisure and adventure. With an array of attractions designed to cater to families, thrill-seekers,
Virgin Voyages is stepping into a new era with the debut of its latest ship, the Brilliant Lady, marking a significant milestone as the cruise line’s first vessel to call the Northeastern U.S. home. As the company approaches its fourth anniversary, the launch aims to solidify Virgin Voyages’ presence and appeal in a marketplace that
The cruise industry stands on the brink of significant transformation as the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) prepares to forge stronger alliances with travel advisors and industry associations. This dynamic approach is spearheaded by CEO Charles “Bud” Darr, who recently delivered an address at the Cruise360 conference in Fort Lauderdale. Darr’s message revolved around recognizing