The luxury cruise segment is witnessing a seismic shift as Jason Montague, the newly appointed Chief Luxury Officer for Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, takes decisive steps to redefine its leadership dynamics. This significant reshuffle, initiated shortly after his appointment in February, aims to inject fresh energy and strategy into these upscale brands,
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Last week marked a notable downward trend in cruise line stocks, triggered by comments from U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick regarding the taxation of cruise ships. In an interview, Lutnick pointedly criticized the cruise industry, declaring that “none of them pay taxes,” and suggested that the Trump administration would put an end to this
The cruise industry is often perceived as a bellwether for both leisure travel and broader economic trends. Within this context, the comments made by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) CEO Harry Sommer during the company’s recent earnings calls are particularly telling. While the threat of new taxation levied by the Trump administration against cruise lines
The world of luxury travel is ever-evolving, and alliances between high-end service providers are vital to enhancing travelers’ experiences. Recently, the partnership between Crystal Cruises and Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) has marked a significant shift in this space. This collaboration aims to enrich the cruising experience not just on board but also in the pre-
The travel industry is an intricate web of experiences tailored to meet diverse client needs. Among these, luxury travel stands out, particularly regarding high-budget trips often reaching six figures. This niche market reveals unique client demographics, booking behaviors, and successful strategies employed by travel advisors. In this article, we delve into the practices of seasoned
Wave season, traditionally seen as the peak time for cruise bookings, is key for the industry, often marked by significant discounts and enticing offers. It usually spans from early January through March, but recent discussions suggest it may be evolving. Industry leaders, including Cruise Planners’ CEO Michelle Fee and Norwegian Cruise Line’s sales executive John
As the cruise industry navigates through the 2024 Wave Season, signs of resilience and robust pricing are evident. Analysts and sector experts are reporting a surge in bookings marked by a notable two-month extension in the booking curve compared to pre-pandemic levels. Patrick Scholes, a well-respected analyst at Truist Securities, underscores this momentum by pointing
The cruise industry has always been steeped in tradition, often characterized by iconic figures who shape the experiences of countless passengers. One such figure is Captain Kate McCue, who has recently announced her departure from Celebrity Cruises, sending ripples of surprise throughout the maritime community. McCue’s significance in the industry extends beyond her role as
In a strategic move that promises to redefine the luxury cruising landscape, Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) is set to enhance the offerings on Crystal Cruises. Nearly three years after A&K Travel Group acquired Crystal, passengers can look forward to an array of curated experiences designed to elevate their journeys. Starting this month, select 2025 sailing
In recent discussions surrounding U.S. tax policy under the Trump administration, cruise lines have emerged as key players facing potential scrutiny. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick’s remarks on Fox News highlighted concerns about the tax contributions of cruise operators, primarily focusing on their tendency to register under foreign flags. This choice has significant tax
The cruise industry is no stranger to leadership transitions, but the recent announcement of Frank A. Del Rio’s departure from Oceania Cruises on February 18 has sparked interest among industry stakeholders. This change comes on the heels of Jason Montague’s return to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) as the chief luxury officer, tasked with overseeing
Royal Caribbean International is on the brink of unveiling its newest vessel, the Star of the Seas, following the success of its predecessor, the Icon of the Seas. As the cruise line continues to roll out innovative experiences for its guests, it’s evident that they are attentive to the feedback gathered from families and teenagers,
In recent years, the tug-of-war between the cruise industry and urban destinations has intensified. Specifically, Nice and Villefranche-sur-Mer in the picturesque Cote d’Azur have become focal points for this debate. Officials, led by Nice’s mayor Christian Estrosi, have taken significant steps to mitigate overtourism and environmental degradation by enacting a ban on cruise ships carrying
After two decades of cherishing mornings with a warm cup of green tea, I found myself pondering the deeper narrative behind this beloved beverage. My epiphany came during a recent cruise aboard the Viking Yi Dun, which focused on exploring China’s exotic coastal landscapes while immersing in its rich traditions. It was an enticing opportunity
Quark Expeditions has recently made headlines with its announcement to charter the Atlas Ocean Voyages’ luxury vessel, the World Voyager, for a remarkable three seasons in Antarctica, starting from November 2026. This partnership underlines an innovative approach in adventure tourism, where Quark aims to provide not only premium travel experiences but also meaningful scientific contributions
The Travel Leaders Network (TLN) has concluded the fiscal year 2024 with impressive sales growth, marking a notable 17% increase compared to 2023. This remarkable performance not only establishes a new benchmark for the consortium but also paints an optimistic picture of the ongoing recovery and expansion of the travel industry. TLN’s president, John Lovell,
In a significant move emblematic of the evolving landscape of the cruise industry, HX Expeditions Holdings has officially severed ties with Hurtigruten Group, paving the way for an independent trajectory. With a substantial investment commitment of €140 million from its new investors, HX Expeditions aims to reinvigorate its fleet, enhancing the onboard experience for its
Oceania Cruises, known for its upper-premium offerings in the cruise industry, has made a significant leadership change by appointing Brennan Quesnele as the new senior vice president of sales. This decision, effective from February 24, marks not only a new chapter for Quesnele but also a strategic pivot for the cruise line as it seeks