Azamara Cruises has introduced a new training and incentive program for travel advisors, providing them with the opportunity to earn bonus commissions on 2025 bookings. In order to qualify for this incentive, advisors must successfully graduate from the Azamara World Academy and obtain an Azamara Cruises Expert certificate by October 31. Upon completion, advisors will
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Valarie D’Elia, a revered figure in the realm of travel journalism, left an indelible mark on the industry with her engaging storytelling and captivating travel anecdotes. At the age of 64, she succumbed to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) after a courageous fight, as reported by NY1. Her remarkable journey spanned nearly two decades at the
Hornblower Group, known for its ferry services and day tours, has recently announced the appointment of Lisa Lutoff-Perlo as the new chairwoman of the board. Lutoff-Perlo, the former CEO of Celebrity Cruises, will now take on the responsibility of guiding Hornblower’s strategic direction. This move comes in the wake of Hornblower’s emergence from bankruptcy and
Embarking on a journey to experience Viking’s first oceangoing China cruise for Western travelers felt like a new chapter in my travel adventures. The prospect of cruising from Shanghai to Hong Kong on the Viking Yi Dun, a 930-passenger ship repurposed to cater to the Chinese market, sparked both excitement and curiosity. This voyage represented
The world of cruising underwent a significant shift in late 2021 when Jenny Hunnicutt and her husband decided to embark on Royal Caribbean International’s first world cruise. This unprecedented 274-day journey around the globe quickly captured the attention of social media users, leading to a surge in popularity both online and offline. The impact of
In a groundbreaking move, Signature Travel Network has partnered with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada to launch exclusive Indigenous Tourism Education Modules at the end of this month. This three-part series, developed in collaboration with Destination Canada, aims to provide valuable resources for Indigenous tourism in Canada. During Signature’s Owners’ Meeting in Montreal, Chris
In the realm of small-ship cruising, Oceania Cruises stands out as a culinary trailblazer, boasting itself as the purveyor of the “finest cuisine at sea.” The claim is bold, especially in an industry saturated with luxury competitors. However, Oceania Cruises distinguishes itself by offering top-notch culinary experiences without the additional charges that have become common
Nestled at the southern tip of Alaska’s Inside Passage, Ketchikan boasts a rich history as a Tlingit fishing camp that later flourished with the Gold Rush, timber, and fishing industries. My recent visit to this picturesque port city with my daughter during a cruise onboard the Discovery Princess left a lasting impression. Princess Cruises, known
Sitka, Alaska, has a long history with cruise tourism dating back to 1882, making it a significant part of the local economy. However, according to resident Tonia Puletau-Lang, the industry has been a source of contention and volatility in the community. The upcoming film “Cruise Boom” sheds light on the intense preparations made for the
Alaska has been making waves in the cruise industry, especially with its record-breaking cruise season in 2023. The demand for cruises in Alaska has shown no signs of slowing down, attracting tourists from all over the world. However, with the surge in popularity comes challenges for local officials and residents to cope with the influx
Port Tampa Bay, known for hosting contemporary cruise ships, is set to make history by welcoming the premium line Oceania Cruises in 2026. The luxury cruise line’s ship, Insignia, will be sailing through the Caribbean and Panama Canal from Tampa during the month of March 2026. This move marks a departure from its usual departures
In a world overrun by overtourism, the Marquesas Islands stand as a breath of fresh air. While some cruise lines like Paul Gauguin Cruises and Windstar Cruises make occasional stops, the Aranui 5 remains the primary vessel visiting these remote islands. The islands also make appearances on select National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions and Holland America Line
The cruise industry is experiencing a period of rapid expansion, with both big-ship cruise lines and smaller operators looking to increase their capacity. While big ship cruise lines are adding water slides, roller coasters, and new ships to their fleets, smaller lines featuring 100-passenger vessels are also feeling the urgency to build new ships. This
Carnival Corp. is making bold moves with its recent investment in Celebration Key, a new private beach destination in Grand Bahama. This expansion project will bring significant enhancements to an existing private destination, Half Moon Cay. This Bahamian island, primarily utilized by Holland America Line, is set to undergo changes that will benefit not only
Royal Caribbean Group is continuing to expand its fleet with the recent order of a fourth Icon-class ship from Finnish shipbuilder Meyer Turku. In addition to this, options are open for a potential fifth and sixth ship to be added to the lineup. This agreement solidifies Royal Caribbean International’s commitment to introducing innovative and exciting
As Africa aims to expand its tourism offerings beyond traditional safari vacations, the cruise industry on the continent is experiencing a significant surge in demand. According to Patrizia Iantorno, chief commercial officer at Swan Hellenic Cruises, the demand for cruises in Africa has nearly doubled compared to the previous year and continues to grow steadily.
The tropical atmosphere was in full swing at The Carlyle in Atlanta, where travel advisors gathered for a sneak peek of Carnival Cruise Line’s new Caribbean private destination, Celebration Key. The event, hosted by Adolfo Perez, Carnival’s senior vice president of global sales and trade marketing, showcased the $600 million investment in the project. With
The aqua waters glistening on the soft, sandy beach of Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point offer an idyllic setting that almost seems too perfect to be real. Situated at the southern tip of Eleuthera, this private destination developed by Disney Cruise Line is a true gem that showcases the vibrant heritage and culture of the