On December 11, the glimmering halls of the American Museum of Natural History in New York City served as the grand backdrop for Travel Weekly’s 22nd annual Readers’ Choice Awards. This prestigious event brought together key stakeholders from the travel sector, celebrating the pinnacle of excellence and innovation among industry leaders. The gala dinner not
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As the holiday season approaches, AAA has released optimistic projections indicating that more people will embark on journeys than ever before. Over the span of December 21 to January 1, an anticipated 119.3 million individuals will travel at least 50 miles from their homes. This figure represents a noteworthy increase from the previous record set
In recent years, the spotlight on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has intensified across various sectors, including the travel and cruise industry. A pivotal moment emerged from a column penned by Arnie Weissmann in February 2023, which illuminated troubling incidents of racism faced by Black travelers aboard an MSC cruise. The need for an industry-wide
Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line are undertaking a significant rebranding and enhancement of their popular Bahamian destination, officially named “Relaxaway, Half Moon Cay.” This initiative is not merely a cosmetic upgrade but a comprehensive development plan aimed at enriching the guest experience while maintaining the natural beauty of the island. Scheduled for completion
Disney Cruise Line’s latest offering, the Disney Treasure, is a cruise ship that embodies the spirit of adventure both for families and adult travelers alike. Set to sail its inaugural revenue cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida, this magnificent vessel brings together classic Disney themes with a modern twist, allowing guests to explore a whimsical world
The recent leadership shakeup at Carnival Corp. signals significant changes for its North American brands, including Princess Cruises, Holland America Line (HAL), and Seabourn Cruises. While the news has generally been met with cautious optimism, it also raises questions about the company’s strategic direction and financial health. In this article, we’ll delve into the implications
The recent decision by Mexico to introduce a $42 head tax on cruise passengers has raised eyebrows across the tourism and maritime sectors. Set to take effect on January 1, the measure aims to level the playing field between land and sea arrivals. However, it poses significant questions regarding its potential impact on the cruise
In a surprising move this week, Carnival Cruise Line has implemented a price hike for its Cheers! beverage package, particularly affecting guests on longer voyages. As cruise enthusiasts anticipate the upcoming winter Caribbean season, the daily cost for this popular package has escalated to $82.54, a noticeable jump from the previous rate of $70.74 for
Explora Journeys is set to debut its third vessel, the Explora III, in the summer of 2026, marking a significant advancement in luxury cruising. Designed to traverse the scenic waters of western and northern Europe—from the rugged landscapes of Iceland and Greenland to the culturally rich coasts of Canada and the U.S.—this ship promises an
Mexico’s Senate has recently approved a contentious law that imposes a $42 immigration fee on cruise ship passengers, prompting significant backlash from the tourism sector. This decision came after the measure was passed in the lower house and is set to take effect in 2025. While the rationale behind the fee may seem to align
In the world of luxury cruising, differentiation is crucial, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises is taking bold steps to set itself apart. The brand’s recently unveiled campaign, titled “Nobody Does It Better,” encapsulates its commitment to exceptional service and unparalleled experiences. With the tagline “Unrivaled at Sea,” Regent aims to elevate not just its brand
Eric Stonestreet, the beloved actor best known for his portrayal of Cameron Tucker on ABC’s hit sitcom “Modern Family,” has embraced a surprising new role – that of godfather to the Norwegian Aqua, a ship presented by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). Prior to this opportunity, Stonestreet had never experienced life on the open ocean, a
In a bold move that aims to redefine the cruising landscape, Virgin Voyages has introduced a groundbreaking annual pass. This innovative offering allows travelers the freedom to set sail on any of the cruise line’s ships for an entire year. Touted as an industry first, the pass permits access to all voyages with a remarkable
In a standout financial report released in mid-November, Viking Holdings set itself apart from the crowd of cruise lines by announcing that it had already secured bookings for 70% of its available cabins for 2025. This figure is not only remarkable for the cruise industry—a sector accustomed to securing future reservations—but also considerably outsized for
Recently, Mexico’s Congress approved a controversial $42 passenger tax aimed at cruise travelers, raising concerns among industry stakeholders about the potential ramifications on the tourism economy. The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), representing major cruise lines, has warned that this new levy could deter tourists from choosing Mexico for their cruise itineraries, marking a possible shift
Cruise lines have long relied on gratuities as a significant component of their service model. Recent increases in automatic tipping rates raise questions about consumer reactions and the evolving landscape of hospitality service expectations. Not only do these changes reflect the cruise industry’s efforts to adapt to economic pressures, but they also provide insights into
The recent decision by Mexico’s lower house of Congress to impose a $42 immigration levy on each cruise passenger has sent shockwaves through the cruise ship industry. This unforeseen tax not only raises questions about the financial implications for the cruise market in Mexico but also sparks a broader discussion about the nation’s approach to
The travel industry is undergoing significant changes in how it markets experiences to consumers. A clear example of this evolution is Lindblad Expeditions, a company that has made strategic moves to align itself more closely with the renowned National Geographic brand. As the travel landscape shifts and competition intensifies, the company’s recent rebranding to National