The Norwegian Aqua, set to debut in March, represents a significant evolution within the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) fleet. Distinct from its predecessors, the Norwegian Prima and Viva, Aqua has been designed with a focus on enhancing passenger experience while incorporating valuable feedback from guests and travel partners. At 156,300 gross tons and 1,056 feet
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Avoya Travel, a prominent player in the travel industry and ranked No. 36 on Travel Weekly’s Power List, has recently unveiled a groundbreaking booking engine designed to transform the way consumers book cruises. Dubbed the “Avoya Live Bookings” engine, this platform empowers travelers to make their own cruise reservations through the AvoyaTravel.com website. Once a
Margaritaville at Sea is charting an exciting course by introducing new itineraries to Nassau, enhancing the overall cruising experience for travelers. Starting January, the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise will embark on voyages from Palm Beach, Florida, allowing cruise enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the laid-back lifestyle synonymous with the Margaritaville brand. This move reflects not
Windstar Cruises is poised to elevate the experience aboard its sailing ship, Wind Surf, with renovations that promise to redefine its luxurious ambiance. Scheduled for completion in December 2023, the first phase of these renovations will take place in Cadiz, Spain. By infusing modern design elements that draw inspiration from some of the most opulent
Viking’s journey began in 1979, carving out a niche in the river cruise market, and it quickly became synonymous with this leisure travel segment. At present, Viking commands a staggering 51% market share amongst river cruise companies, a significant lead ahead of AmaWaterways, which holds only 18%. This substantial control has led to the perception
CruiseWorld, a significant annual gathering for travel professionals, returns to the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center from November 6 to 8, 2024. This year, the event is brought to life by Northstar Travel Group in collaboration with Visit Lauderdale, which serves as the official destination sponsor. The conference promises to be a rich environment
In a landscape where luxury hotels and cruise lines vie for the attention of affluent travelers, the transition of industry leaders between these domains often brings fresh insights and innovative approaches. Anna Nash, the newly appointed president of Explora Journeys, previously served as the chief commercial officer at Aman—a brand synonymous with exclusive, immersive experiences.
In recent years, businesses across various sectors have turned to loyalty programs to enhance customer retention and increase customer lifetime value. While this trend is prominent in fast-food chains and airlines, the cruise industry has historically faced challenges in cultivating lasting loyalty. However, as consumer expectations evolve, expedition cruise lines are beginning to adapt their
The travel industry is currently grappling with a phenomenon known as “normalization,” a term that encapsulates the shift from explosive post-pandemic recovery to a steadier state of growth. This concept was a focal point at the recent Global Summit hosted by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) in Perth, Australia. Industry experts convened to
As the travel sector continues to rebound from the devastation wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic, the term “normalization” emerges prominently in discussions concerning the industry’s trajectory. This concept hints at the gradual return to pre-pandemic growth rates, albeit against a backdrop where those rates appear to be leveling off. During the recent World Travel &
The SS United States, once a crown jewel of maritime transport, now faces a poignant conclusion to its storied life. This monumental vessel, celebrated for its speed and grandeur during the mid-20th century, is potentially set to become an artificial reef off the coast of Florida—raising questions about its legacy and the future of historical
Hurricane Milton has forced the temporary closure of several major ports in Florida, causing significant disruptions to cruise operations. As cruise ships sit stranded at sea, the implications of these port closures are being felt across multiple cruise lines and their passengers, highlighting the challenges posed by natural disasters on the cruise industry. Florida’s bustling
Royal Caribbean International is set to expand its portfolio of exclusive travel destinations with the upcoming launch of Perfect Day Mexico. Slated for a 2027 debut, this new private destination will be located in Mahahual, a picturesque locale south of Cozumel, in the beautiful Quintana Roo region of Mexico. This endeavor follows the successful model
After a protracted absence due to escalating political turmoil in Haiti, Royal Caribbean International is on the cusp of reinstating its services to Labadee, its exclusive port of call. The Adventure of the Seas is set to be the inaugural ship back, with the Symphony of the Seas following shortly after, prompted by modifications to
In a decisive turn of events, residents of Juneau, Alaska, have largely voted against a proposed limitation on cruise ship operations in their port. Preliminary voting results indicate that approximately 60% of participants rejected Proposition #2, which sought to ban large cruise ships—those carrying 250 or more passengers—from docking on Saturdays and July 4th starting
The Caribbean and Bermuda regions are often heralded as the epitome of tropical vacations, alluring travelers with promises of pristine beaches and vibrant cultures. However, as Hurricane Milton approaches these idyllic locales, cruise lines have been forced to quickly adapt their itineraries to ensure passenger safety. The impending storm, projected to reach Category 5 strength,
The cruise industry is undergoing a significant transformation as lines adapt to the evolving desires of travelers. At the forefront of this change is Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), which is transitioning from its previous offerings under the ‘Free at Sea’ program to a revamped package called ‘More at Sea,’ set to launch on January 1.
The cruise industry, once on the ropes due to the global pandemic, is now riding an impressive wave of recovery, with Carnival Corporation leading the charge. Under the guidance of its CEO, Josh Weinstein, the company’s return to profitability is not merely anecdotal but substantiated by robust financial metrics that reflect a renaissance in the