The month of May brings various holidays like Mother’s Day and Memorial Day, but one lesser-known holiday, Travel Advisor Appreciation Day, also holds significance within the travel industry. Travel advisors play a crucial role in supporting the success of cruise lines, with projections indicating they will make up a significant portion of cruise gross booking
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Upon her return to the cruise industry as the CEO of Azamara, Dondra Ritzenthaler is determined to revamp the company’s approach to working with travel advisors. Recognizing the pivotal role that advisors play in booking Azamara cruises, Ritzenthaler plans to introduce a range of new financial incentives, including increased commissions, bonus commissions, and other perks
Regent Seven Seas Cruises has announced its latest addition to the Immersive Overnight collection, featuring a Tuscany itinerary with overnight stays in every port of call. The 12-night Sunset Over Tuscany voyage aboard the Seven Seas Mariner will kick off in Trieste, Italy, on October 22, 2025, and wrap up in Barcelona. This unique cruise
Seabourn, renowned for its luxury cruises, has made a unique decision to name the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners as the godparents of its expedition ship, Seabourn Pursuit. This unconventional move represents a significant gesture of stewardship and responsibility towards the environment and the communities that Seabourn visits. The Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners are deeply connected
In recent years, the landscape of consumer behavior has shifted dramatically, especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. The ease and convenience of online shopping have become ingrained in our daily routines, with platforms like Amazon redefining the way we make purchases. This shift has also affected the cruise industry, as consumers have increasingly
Disney CFO, Hugh Johnston, recently highlighted the “enormous” opportunities that lie ahead for Disney Cruise Line. He emphasized that the cruise business has the potential to significantly contribute to revenue and operating income growth in Disney’s Parks and Experiences division. With high guest satisfaction scores, Disney Cruise Line is poised for success. The upcoming launch
Cruisers hoping for last-minute summer sailings may face disappointment due to record-high inventory being quickly snatched up by eager travelers. Cruise line executives and travel advisors alike are witnessing a unprecedented trend in which space is rapidly diminishing and booking curves are extending as far out as 2025. Major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival
As the keys of the piano danced to a magical tune, I found myself entranced within the extraordinary realm of Princess Cruises’ newest specialty venue, Spellbound. Tucked away behind an inconspicuous black door on the Sun Princess, this hidden gem beckons travelers to embark on a whimsical journey filled with enchantment and wonder. Beyond the
Junkanoo, a vibrant Bahamian national festival, will take center stage at Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, the latest Disney Cruise Line private destination set to open in the Bahamas this June. The festival’s colorful costumes, lively music featuring cowbells and drums, and rich cultural heritage will be interwoven into the entire experience at the destination,
Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, former president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises, has recently transitioned into a new role as the head of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Miami Host Committee. After leaving her position at Royal Caribbean Group on April 25, she officially started as the CEO and president of the host committee on April 29. This
Virgin Voyages has announced the debut of its fourth ship, Brilliant Lady, set to take place in New York City in September 2025. This ship aims to bring a new level of innovation and excitement to the cruise industry, offering a variety of itineraries from multiple U.S. homeports during its inaugural season. The Brilliant Lady
The ongoing conflict in the Red Sea has forced Princess Cruises to make significant revisions to the world cruise itineraries for both the Island Princess and the Crown Princess. Originally scheduled to sail through the Middle East and Asia in 2025, the cruise lines have decided to reroute the ships to make new port calls
Carnival Cruise Line recently unveiled its latest addition, the Carnival Firenze, in Long Beach, California. This debut marked a significant milestone for the cruise line, further solidifying its status as the leading cruise line in California. With an impressive guest capacity of 5,000, the Firenze joins other Carnival ships like the Panorama and Radiance in
Explora Journeys, the luxury cruise brand under MSC Group, aims to cater to discerning travelers seeking an ultraluxury lifestyle ocean experience. The brand prides itself on offering an elegant, all-inclusive environment for those who are curious and desire to immerse themselves in destinations. With a boutique cosmopolitan hotel vibe onboard, Explora I and Explora II
After a long break of almost four years, Royal Caribbean International is all set to resume cruises for the Chinese market this weekend. The plan includes adding a second ship in 2025, marking a significant return to a key market that the cruise line left in early 2020 due to the pandemic. Executives revealed during
Hard Rock International has recently established a strategic partnership with Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises to provide reciprocal benefits to members of their loyalty programs. Unity by Hard Rock loyalty members can now enjoy discounts on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity sailings, along with the opportunity to qualify for invitation-only cruise giveaways. Additionally, top-tier loyalty
Venice has recently launched a trial run of a tax aimed at day-trippers in an effort to tackle the issue of overtourism in the city. The entry tax, which came into effect on April 25 and will be enforced on select dates until July 14, targets tourists who visit Venice for just one day. This
When Viking filed for an IPO registration with the SEC, it sparked a discussion about the role of direct bookings versus travel advisors in the cruise industry. In their filing, Viking highlighted the benefits of direct bookings in reducing distribution costs and improving margins, citing their extensive marketing database as a key driver of growth.