Royal Caribbean Group recently announced a remarkable second quarter performance, with the Icon of the Seas breaking records in terms of passenger capacity. The ship, currently the largest in the world, is sailing with a load factor of 132%, indicating a staggering 7,400 passengers on board during summer departures from Miami. This high occupancy rate
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MSC Cruises has recently unveiled The Harbour, a dynamic outdoor play area situated on the top deck within the Family Aventura district of the upcoming MSC World America ship, scheduled to debut in April 2025. This innovative addition promises an array of exhilarating attractions that are sure to captivate both children and adults alike. One
Carnival Corp. has recently announced plans to introduce three enormous ships as part of a new ship class in Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet, beginning in 2029. These ships are set to redefine the industry’s standards in terms of size and capacity. Each of the three ships is projected to accommodate nearly 8,000 guests at full
Despite facing the looming threat of an intense hurricane season and uncertainties surrounding the upcoming election, the cruise industry is defying expectations. A recent survey conducted by Cleveland Research, a market research firm specializing in the cruise industry, revealed that cruise bookings are surpassing projections. This positive trend comes even as the National Oceanic and
In Barcelona, a city known for its vibrant culture and stunning architecture, recent protests against overtourism have sparked international attention. Thousands of locals took to the streets, armed with water guns, to express their frustration with rising housing costs, overcrowding, and the negative impacts of mass tourism on their community. While these protests highlighted important
Alaska is a dream destination for adventure seekers and wildlife enthusiasts, with its breathtaking landscapes and incredible wildlife encounters. However, navigating this vast state can be challenging, especially for luxury travelers. The best way to experience Alaska in style is by embarking on a luxury cruise ship, where you can enjoy the comfort and luxury
Royal Caribbean International has made waves in the cruise industry with the introduction of the Utopia of the Seas, the largest ship in the Oasis class. One unique aspect of this ship is its focus on high-energy entertainment and activities. Vicki Freed, Royal’s senior vice president of sales, trade support, and service, describes the vibe
Royal Caribbean International has set sail on a new venture with the Utopia of the Seas, their sixth Oasis-class ship, departing from Port Canaveral, Florida. This ship is not just a vessel; it’s an experience tailored around high-energy music, short getaways, and a parrot with an attitude. Marketed as “the world’s biggest weekend,” the Utopia
In recent years, the cruise industry has witnessed a surge in the construction of mega cruise ships. Companies like Carnival Corp. and Royal Caribbean International have been competing to build the biggest and most extravagant vessels to cater to the increasing demand from passengers. Carnival Corp. recently ordered its fourth Excel class ship, while Royal
Travelers are increasingly turning to alternative destinations, known as “dupes,” in search of unique and less crowded experiences. The trend of opting for destinations that offer similar experiences to overcrowded and expensive locations has gained momentum, particularly in the wake of the post-pandemic travel surge. Intrepid Travel reported that 74% of its guests have opted
Royal Caribbean International’s CEO, Michael Bayley, recently disclosed exciting updates about the new Discovery class ship, which is currently in the works. While onboard the Utopia of the Seas, Bayley hinted at potential features and benefits of the upcoming ship class. This revelation has sparked curiosity and anticipation among both passengers and travel advisors as
Upon boarding Royal Caribbean International’s new Utopia of the Seas, one is immediately immersed in a world of high-energy beats and party vibes. The music sets the tone, with popular hits from artists like Bruno Mars, Justin Timberlake, and Far East Movement reverberating through the ship. It’s clear that Utopia is not your typical cruise
Alaska saw a record number of cruise passengers last year, indicating a significant growth in the industry. While this is good news for the state’s economy, it has also raised concerns among locals and strained the infrastructure in certain communities, such as Juneau. In response to this, the officials in Juneau have made a deal
When embarking on an expedition sailing journey, the significance of experience and vessel size cannot be overstated. This reality was made abundantly clear during a two-week adventure to the Arctic Circle aboard the 132-passenger Sylvia Earle, a new ship operated by Aurora Expeditions. While navigating the picturesque islands, glaciers, and icebergs of the Svalbard archipelago,
The Nassau Cruise Port is embarking on an exciting new venture to enhance its offerings and cater to a wider range of travelers. The proposed $35 million waterpark complex is set to transform the downtown area, providing families with a fun and interactive experience. This development reflects a strategic shift towards creating more recreational and
Amazon Prime Day is approaching, and this year, the e-commerce giant is making waves in the travel industry. Traditionally, Prime Day has not been associated with travel deals, but this year, Amazon has created a dedicated page for “Prime Day Travel Deals.” The page features well-known brands such as Carnival Cruise Line, Southwest Airlines, and
Four Seasons Yachts has been making waves in the cruise industry with its upcoming inaugural voyage in January 2026. The departure of key leadership team members, including president and CEO Larry Pimentel, has raised questions about the direction of the brand. However, vice president of business development and sales excellence, Nils Lindstad, remains optimistic about
Oceania Cruises’ Marina has recently re-entered service after a comprehensive refurbishment. One of the notable additions to the ship is Aquamar Kitchen, a wellness-focused dining venue that was first introduced on the Vista last year. This new establishment is open for breakfast and lunch, offering a complimentary dining experience to all guests. In addition to