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
Cruise
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
The Royal Caribbean Group is poised to make a significant splash in the travel industry by venturing into the river cruise market with its new brand, Celebrity River Cruises, set to debut in 2027. This innovative move marks an expansion of the company’s offerings, leveraging the modern design aesthetics and customer-focused philosophy that have become
There are few places on Earth that elicit a sense of wonder akin to what one experiences while cruising the pristine waters surrounding Antarctica. As I settled into my cabin aboard the Quark Ultramarine, I was met with the exhilarating prospect of witnessing nature in its most genuine form. The openness of the Antarctic Peninsula,
In the fast-evolving landscape of social media marketing, TikTok has emerged as an influential platform, particularly for travel advisors seeking to engage younger, tech-savvy audiences. However, recent regulatory challenges and the potential risks associated with depending on a single platform have raised significant concerns among industry professionals. The whirlwind of TikTok’s uncertain future has proven
Carnival Cruise Line has recently implemented stricter policies regarding the accommodation of underage guests on their ships, effective February 1. This decision appears to be aimed at enhancing safety and ensuring responsible supervision of minors during cruises. The changes specifically address the arrangements for young travelers, establishing clearer guidelines for both families and guardians who
In a significant strategic move, Ponant Explorations Group has expanded its portfolio by acquiring a majority share of Aqua Expeditions, marking its entry into the burgeoning river cruise sector. This acquisition not only enhances Ponant’s global presence but also complements its established brands, which include Ponant and Paul Gauguin. The addition of Aqua Expeditions brings