In the intricate tapestry of the hospitality and travel industry, few transitions carry the weight of resurrection. This is precisely where Mike Flaskey finds himself, just one month into his role as CEO of Hornblower Group. His appointment comes on the heels of a tumultuous period for the company, which navigated the treacherous waters of
Cruise
Virgin Voyages, the trailblazer in providing innovative adult-only cruise experiences, continues to elevate its offerings with the imminent enhancement of its flagship vessel, the Scarlet Lady. Scheduled for a detailed drydock from November 13 to 28, 2023, this upgrade signifies a commitment to refining guest experiences. By introducing additional luxurious suites, enhanced dining options, and
In an era where the desire for adventure often collides with the need for luxury, the Four Seasons Explorer distinguishes itself as a premier vessel catering to both thrill-seekers and those who appreciate opulence. For over two decades, this floating paradise has been charred into the consciousness of high-end travelers, and its recent shift from
In an unprecedented move bridging Western travelers with Asia’s vast tourist potential, Viking’s recent launch of its ocean cruises aboard the Yi Dun marks a significant evolution in the cruise industry’s approach to the Chinese market. This venture, born out of a partnership with the state-owned China Merchants Group, signifies not just the return of
In recent years, Croatia has emerged as a magnet for tourists, drawing millions who are eager to explore its picturesque coastlines and historic towns. However, this surge in popularity has raised questions about the feasibility of enjoying its stunning beauty amidst the throngs of visitors. When contemplating a return to this Balkan paradise, I found
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours is once again raising the bar for culinary tourism by reintroducing Chef Bryan Voltaggio for an enchanting voyage as part of their esteemed “Tastes of Discovery” series. This anticipated sailing, scheduled for July 15, 2025, will embark on an extraordinary 11-day journey through Iceland, allowing guests to immerse themselves in
As the world emerges from a pandemic that decimated travel, the cruise tourism industry stands at a crossroads. While some ports are scaling back their cruise operations due to environmental and community concerns, others, particularly in Alaska, actively seek to bolster their cruise tourism infrastructure. Russell Dick, CEO of Huna Totem Corp., emphasizes that the
As the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) prepares for a significant leadership change, the departure of President and CEO Kelly Craighead marks the end of a pivotal chapter in the association’s history. Under her guidance over the last six years, Craighead navigated the cruise industry through some of its most challenging times, particularly during the
As the world began to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, Alaska’s cruise industry experienced a remarkable resurgence. However, this booming demand has prompted some local governments, particularly in Juneau, to consider restrictions on future growth. To navigate this new landscape, the cruise industry is exploring new ports and experiences, while also addressing capacity constraints. Here,
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is set to expand its fleet with the introduction of the Norwegian Luna, the second ship in the Prima Plus series. Scheduled to commence sailing from Miami from April to November 2026, the Luna is designed to fulfill the growing demand for larger, more luxurious cruise offerings. It will join its
Royal Caribbean International has taken a bold step forward in the realm of cruising with its Ultimate World Cruise aboard the Serenade of the Seas. Following the disruptions caused by the pandemic, this ambitious initiative signifies a yearning for adventure and a desire to restructure travel experiences. Spanning an extraordinary 274 days, this journey redefines
The cruise industry, led by major players such as Carnival Corp., Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, and Royal Caribbean Group, is experiencing a remarkable resurgence despite an overall slowdown in growth within the broader hospitality sector. Analysts like Robin Farley from UBS have pointed out that while hotels are struggling with lowered revenue per available room
In a bold move that highlights Carnival Cruise Line’s commitment to expanding its offerings, the Carnival Luminosa is set to make San Francisco its homeport starting in summer 2026. This new operational base signals a significant shift in the cruise landscape, particularly for Alaskan voyages departing from the iconic city on the West Coast. The
Azamara Cruises is stepping up its game in 2023 with an innovative training and incentive initiative aimed at empowering travel advisors. This program is not just a fleeting promotional gimmick; it embodies Azamara’s commitment to fostering strong relationships with the advisors who play a pivotal role in the cruise industry’s success. By participating in this
Valarie D’Elia, a distinguished figure in travel journalism, passed away at the age of 64 after a courageous fight against ALS. Her contributions to the world of travel storytelling stretched over decades, leaving a mark on both print and broadcast media. D’Elia is perhaps best remembered for her engaging “Travel with Val” segments aired on
Hornblower Group, a well-known player in the ferry and excursion service industry, is making significant leadership changes as it navigates through a post-bankruptcy landscape. The recent appointment of Lisa Lutoff-Perlo as chairwoman of the board marks a turning point for the company, which emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy just two months prior. This restructuring aligns
As the world gradually emerges from the constraints imposed by the pandemic, travel enthusiasts are looking for fresh opportunities to explore untouched landscapes and vibrant cultures. In a groundbreaking move, Viking has launched its first oceangoing cruise dedicated to Western travelers, signaling a significant shift in the tourism landscape in China. The 10-day voyage aboard
In late 2021, a burgeoning travel trend caught the attention of adventurous souls around the globe. Partners in both life and work, Jenny Hunnicutt and her husband were on the cusp of an exhilarating lifestyle known as “van life.” However, their trajectory altered unexpectedly when Royal Caribbean International announced its first-ever world cruise— a grand