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,
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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
MSC Cruises is making a bold move by entering the Super Bowl advertising arena with its first-ever commercial, set to air during the highly watched game on February 9. This strategic decision is designed to heighten the company’s visibility in the American market, an ambitious initiative that signals the company’s determination to evolve its brand
The Walt Disney Company has embarked on a significant organizational restructuring, marking a notable shift in leadership dynamics that echoes the entertainment giant’s commitment to innovation and comprehensive experience management. This reshuffle involves key executives—Ken Potrock, Thomas Mazloum, Joe Schott, and Andrew Bolstein—who have been reassigned to positions that potentially position Disney to leverage its
Jacques Pepin is not just a name in the culinary world; he is an institution. Renowned for his exquisite skill and innovative approach, Pepin has been a pivotal figure in shaping the culinary landscape for Oceania Cruises since he took on the role of executive culinary director in 2003. His influence in this five-star cruise
In an unprecedented move within the cruise industry, Celebrity Cruises is actively inviting public participation to shape the experiences aboard its latest vessel, the Celebrity Xcel. Scheduled for a grand debut this November, the Xcel marks the fifth and final ship in the Edge-class lineup. This initiative, referred to as “Dream Makers,” empowers potential guests
The cruise industry, long celebrated for its ability to provide unparalleled experiences on the open seas, has weathered numerous challenges over the past few years. One of the key figures steering Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) through these turbulent waters is its CEO, Harry Sommer. As he embarks on his second year at the helm,
Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court reached a decision that could reshape the landscape of social media and its connection to small businesses. The ruling upholds a federal law designed to ban TikTok unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, divests ownership. This potential ban sends ripples across multiple sectors, notably impacting travel advisors who have leveraged