The luxury travel industry is witnessing a significant transformation as Crystal Cruises, a key player in high-end cruising, joins forces with Abercrombie & Kent (A&K), a renowned luxury tour operator. This strategic alliance promises to enhance the travel experience for discerning cruisers by offering exclusive pre- and post-cruise tours, as well as mid-cruise overland adventures.
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In a striking development, cruise lines are coming under scrutiny from the Trump administration, particularly as discussions around taxation heat up. During a recent Fox News interview, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick asserted that cruise operators would face increased taxation, pointing to a lack of American flags displayed on cruise ships and claiming that
The cruise industry is continuously evolving, striving to enhance the vacation experience for families and individuals alike. In this landscape, Royal Caribbean International is leading the charge with its ambitious Icon class ships. Following the successful launch of the Icon of the Seas, which has welcomed over half a million guests in its inaugural year,
The recent announcement of Frank A. Del Rio’s departure from Oceania Cruises marks a pivotal moment for the cruise line, particularly in the context of its leadership dynamics. On February 18, just 24 hours after Jason Montague reclaimed his position as chief luxury officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), the news broke. One cannot
The cruise industry is facing significant challenges as local governments across Europe impose restrictions on large cruise ships, primarily in response to concerns over overtourism and environmental degradation. One prominent case currently unfolding is in the picturesque Nice-Côte d’Azur region of France, where local officials are taking a definitive stand against the influx of oversized
Drinking tea has long been a cherished ritual for many, but few are privy to the intricate journey this beloved beverage undertakes before it graces our cups. My tea-drinking habit, spanning over 20 years, was transformed during a recent excursion off the Viking Yi Dun, a cruise line’s inaugural voyage along the scenic coasts of
As the final chapter of 2024 unfolded, Travel Leaders Network (TLN) celebrated an impressive 17% surge in sales compared to the previous year—a remarkable achievement that marks a new milestone for the consortium. The resounding message from TLN President John Lovell during a recent media briefing reinforced the notion that the landscape for travel advisors
Quark Expeditions is set to redefine the Antarctic exploration experience by chartering the luxurious World Voyager from Atlas Ocean Voyages for three consecutive seasons starting in November 2026. This partnership marks a significant development in ecological expeditions, as the ship will not only be utilized for polar voyages but will return to Atlas at the
In a significant restructuring of the cruise industry landscape, HX Expeditions Holdings has emerged as an independent entity from the Hurtigruten Group. This change marks a notable pivot in the operational dynamics of both companies, setting the stage for HX to carve out its niche in expedition cruising. The formal separation was concluded following a
Adventure cruising is redefining the landscape of modern travel as we move into 2025, marking a shift from conventional cruising experiences to more engaging and immersive journeys. The 2025 Virtuoso Luxe Report highlights this trend, signaling a burgeoning demand for cruises that do not merely offer relaxation amidst luxury but instead immerse travelers in the
Oceania Cruises has recently announced the appointment of Brennan Quesnele as its senior vice president of sales, a strategic move that is set to reshape the cruise line’s commercial approach. With effect from February 24, 2023, Quesnele will fill the position left vacant by Nikki Upshaw following her departure in January. This transition marks an
In late January 2023, Santorini, a jewel of the Aegean Sea and one of Greece’s most frequented tourist destinations, became the epicenter of a remarkable seismic event. The University of Athens reported a series of thousands of earthquakes, primarily small in magnitude, overwhelming local authorities and sparking widespread concern among the island’s residents and visitors.
In a significant move that reflects the evolving landscape of travel experiences, Forbes Travel Guide has set its sights on the cruise industry. Traditionally recognized for its meticulous evaluations of hotels, restaurants, and spas, the guide has begun venturing into the realm of cruise vacations. In 2023, Forbes debuted its cruise ship ratings with five
The Wave season, often regarded as the most significant time for cruise bookings, has entered 2025 with a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Travel advisors have noted a curious phenomenon: while the pricing structures across various cruise lines remain robust, the overall consumer demand seems to be experiencing a slight dip. This paradox can
Disney has made a strategic move in the realm of theme park admissions with the introduction of the Lightning Lane Premier Pass, aimed at enhancing the guest experience by offering expedited access to attractions. Initially launched in October of last year, the Lightning Lane Premier Pass targets a premium audience looking for a seamless park
Cruise ships are often synonymous with leisure and exploration, yet they often have hidden nooks and crannies that go unnoticed by most guests—spaces typically reserved for the crew or for essential operations behind the scenes. However, Margaritaville at Sea has ingeniously transformed this concept into an immersive experience for passengers aboard their newest vessel, the
In a significant transition for Carnival Corp., Jan Swartz, the esteemed executive vice president of strategic operations, is set to leave her position this spring. Her departure comes after an impressive tenure spanning 24 years, during which she has notably led Princess Cruises and the Holland America Group. This internal movement marks not only a
Celebrity Cruises has unveiled an innovative approach to cruise entertainment and engagement with its new ship, the Celebrity Xcel. Central to this experience is a dedicated venue named “The Bazaar,” designed to encapsulate the cultural essence of the regions the ship visits. This concept aims to transform the cruise experience into a vibrant tapestry of