The picturesque island of Santorini, known for its stunning sunsets and whitewashed buildings, is presently under a cloud of uncertainty as seismic activity escalates. Over the course of just two weeks, the University of Athens reported thousands of minor earthquakes, a phenomenon that has sparked concern among residents, government officials, and the scientific community. This
Cruise
Forbes Travel Guide, a name synonymous with luxury hospitality ratings, has begun a significant exploration of the cruise industry. Traditionally focused on assessing hotels, restaurants, and spas, this esteemed guide took its first step into the world of cruises in 2023 by reviewing five different vessels. Fast forward to the present year, and the initiative
The cruise industry has long been a beacon of leisure travel, promising adventure beyond the horizon. As we navigate through the early Wave season of 2025, industry professionals are sharing insights on emerging trends, pricing, and shifting consumer demand. Despite strong performance indicators and historical booking levels, this season is presenting complexities that merit examination.
Disney’s Lightning Lane Premier Pass has emerged as a focal point for discussion among theme park enthusiasts and financial analysts alike. This product, which offers guests the chance to skip the lines for attractions, has been built with an eye towards exclusivity and premium guest experiences. However, its rollout strategy reflects a cautious and calculated
Cruise ships offer a plethora of experiences, ranging from sun-drenched decks to lavish dining options. Yet hidden within their expansive frameworks often lie secret compartments and exclusive venues that remain shrouded in mystery. One such captivating space can be found aboard Margaritaville at Sea’s newest ship, the Islander. This peculiar venue, known as the ‘Quietly
The announcement of Jan Swartz’s departure from Carnival Corporation this spring marks a pivotal moment for the company. As the executive vice president of strategic operations and a key figure in the cruise industry, Swartz’s two decades with the corporation symbolize both growth and profound influence. Her dedication to companies such as Princess Cruises and
Celebrity Cruises is on the brink of a revolutionary change with the introduction of its new ship, the Celebrity Xcel. A standout feature is a unique space called The Bazaar, designed to transport the essence of various port destinations directly onto the ship. This innovative concept promises to seamlessly blend local culture through festivals, entertainment,
The luxury travel sector is undergoing a significant transformation, with hotel brands traditionally anchored on land making ambitious forays into the maritime world. This innovative trend reflects a growing desire among affluent travelers for seamless, high-end experiences that can traverse both land and sea. High-profile names such as The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection have already made
Margaritaville at Sea Paradise is set to elevate its guest experience with an exciting array of new dining and beverage options aimed at enriching the culinary landscape onboard. Beginning in late March, this beloved cruise line will introduce Hemisphere Dancer Craft Spirits, a lively piano bar and lounge concept previously established on the Margaritaville at
Oceania Cruises has carved a niche within the competitive cruise industry thanks to its unwavering focus on culinary excellence. Known for combining luxury travel with gourmet dining, the cruise line has enlisted the expertise of some of the culinary world’s most celebrated chefs. This article delves into how these partnerships enrich the guest experience and
In an ambitious move that highlights its commitment to premium dining experiences, Oceania Cruises is set to unveil a redesigned menu for its flagship Grand Dining Room, beginning with the newly launched Allura in July. This innovative overhaul promises to introduce an impressive 270 new recipes, revolutionizing breakfast, lunch, and dinner for guests on all
The luxury travel sector continues to thrive, yet recent insights from industry experts suggest a potential shift in pricing dynamics. According to Clayton Reid, the executive chairman of travel marketing agency MMGY, the high-end accommodations and cruise market may soon see price reductions. This viewpoint was presented at the SmartFlyer Core conference in Lake Louise,
The luxury travel market has shown remarkable resilience and growth as reported by the prestigious agency consortium, Virtuoso. With a staggering 25% increase in sales from the previous year, expectations for 2025 and 2026 remain equally optimistic. This robust trend highlights not only a recovery from previous downturns but also an evolution in consumer behavior
Royal Caribbean Group’s recent entry into the river cruising market showcases a strategic shift by a long-established player in the ocean cruise industry. Not only does this move signal confidence in the river cruise sector, but it also provides significant implications for travel advisors, consumers, and the broader market. The introduction of Celebrity River Cruises,
The picturesque Nice-Côte d’Azur region in France has taken a significant step towards managing its tourism landscape by implementing a ban on large cruise ships—those carrying more than 900 passengers. This measure, signed into effect by Mayor Christian Estrosi on January 24, aims to tackle the looming issue of overtourism that threatens the character and
As MSC Cruises prepares to welcome the MSC World America to its fleet this April, a spotlight shines upon its ambitious lineup of entertainment offerings that aim to capture the imaginations of both American and international travelers. This new ship, which will set sail from Miami, promises a revolutionary experience on the water, featuring a
Port Canaveral, located just east of Orlando, has rapidly transformed into a significant player in the cruise industry. With its strategic location, it has ascended to become the second-busiest cruise port globally, trailing only behind PortMiami. Historically a launch point for older vessels offering short voyages to the Bahamas, Port Canaveral has evolved markedly in
Royal Caribbean Group has achieved extraordinary milestones in its booking rates during Wave season, revealing unprecedented growth trends that signal a robust recovery for the cruise industry. During the recent Q4 earnings call, CEO Jason Liberty announced that the company registered its highest booking week to date, capitalizing on consumer enthusiasm that has persisted since