Celebrity Cruises is poised to embark on an exciting journey as it prepares for the upcoming launch of its fifth and final Edge-class ship, aptly named the Celebrity Xcel, set to debut next November. In a recent address to attendees at CruiseWorld, Laura Hodges Bethge, the company’s brand president, expressed a sense of anticipation and
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Princess Cruises has found itself navigating turbulent waters with the recent cancellation of another sailing aboard the Regal Princess. Originally scheduled to depart from Galveston for a Western Caribbean route, this cancellation marks the third disruption in the ship’s schedule. The unfolding situation highlights significant operational challenges that have unfortunately become a recurring theme for
The cruise industry is a complex and competitive landscape, with numerous players vying for attention from a limited pool of travel advisors. At the recent CruiseWorld event, key sales executives from major cruise lines gathered to discuss strategies for strengthening their relationships with travel advisors. This article explores the insights shared during a panel discussion
Small-ship cruise lines have taken the spotlight in the travel industry, particularly for their distinctive ability to reach destinations unreachable by larger vessels. However, what often remains overlooked is the cruise ship itself. The charm and experience offered by these smaller vessels can be as captivating as the ports they visit. During a recent session
At the heart of the resurgence of the cruise industry lies an undeniable momentum fueled by ever-increasing consumer enthusiasm for travel. Recently, Carnival CEO Josh Weinstein took the stage at the CruiseWorld conference in Fort Lauderdale, where his words echoed the sentiments of an industry thriving against the backdrop of record-breaking bookings. As he unveiled
The cruising industry has reached unparalleled heights in its financial achievements, yet it finds itself at a critical crossroad marked by increasing environmental scrutiny. Jason Liberty, CEO of Royal Caribbean Group and chairman of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), emphasized this point at CruiseWorld. As governments, particularly in Europe, intensify their directives aimed at
In an ever-evolving travel landscape, industry leaders are urging travel advisors to embrace change and step beyond their familiar boundaries. Ken Muskat, the managing director of Scenic Group USA, made a compelling case for this transformation at the recent CruiseWorld conference. His lively presentation resonated with a crowd of approximately 200 travel advisors, encouraging them
Royal Caribbean’s latest flagship, the Icon of the Seas, represents a monumental leap in the cruise experience, garnering strong customer satisfaction and delivering impressive financial returns. Celebrated as a hallmark of innovation, this ship stands in a “beautiful sweet spot,” as aptly described by CEO Michael Bayley during his recent appearance at CruiseWorld. With premium
MSC Cruises has taken a significant leap in enhancing its Voyagers Club loyalty program by introducing the new Blue Diamond tier. This addition is set to enrich the cruising experience for dedicated passengers. Achieving the Blue Diamond status requires accumulating 25,000 points, which notably exceeds the previous top tier, Diamond, that commenced at just 10,000
In recent years, the travel industry has experienced an extraordinary transformation, with companies adapting to market demands and challenges thrown their way. J.D. O’Hara, CEO of Internova Travel Group, stands at the helm of this evolving landscape. With six years of leadership experience under his belt and a straightforward goal to simplify a historically complex
Aboard the Margaritaville at Sea Islander, one realizes that this cruise is less about structured schedules and more about embracing a carefree lifestyle reminiscent of its namesake, Jimmy Buffett. The ship, which sails from Tampa, Florida to the vibrant shores of Cozumel, offers passengers a unique experience that marries the essence of island living with
The cruise industry is in a transformative phase, with an increasing number of ships entering the market and a growing fleet vying for traveler attention. While new ships often bring excitement and attract guests, industry experts caution that an influx can lead to an oversaturated market. The emergence of too many vessels and private island
Royal Caribbean Group is making a strategic move that could redefine cruise travel in the Caribbean and beyond. The introduction of a new private destination, dubbed Perfect Day Mexico, adjacent to the Costa Maya port, signals the cruise line’s relentless pursuit of creating unparalleled guest experiences. Set to open in 2027, this venture is not
In an impressive display of financial strength, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) has achieved remarkable results in its third-quarter report, setting a new standard for the cruise industry. NCLH, which operates multiple prestigious brands including Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, reported a stellar revenue of $2.8 billion for the quarter.
In the recent Q3 earnings call, Jason Liberty, the CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, highlighted a noticeable shift in the cruising demographic. Contrary to traditional patterns, a substantial portion of this year’s cruise guests are first-time cruisers or new to the brand. This shift raises intriguing questions about how Royal Caribbean is effectively appealing to
In the ever-evolving landscape of travel, technology continues to pave the way for more efficient and personalized experiences. Emerging at the forefront of this revolution is Cruisen, a groundbreaking cruise-planning platform designed specifically for travel advisors. Set to launch at CruiseWorld in Fort Lauderdale next month, this innovative tool promises to enhance communication and collaboration
For fans of Taylor Swift, affectionately known as Swifties, music transcends mere entertainment; it serves as an emotional anchor and a rallying point for friendship and community. My own journey as a devoted Swiftie began long ago, with countless afternoons spent singing along to “Fifteen,” a song that struck a chord as I navigated my
Royal Caribbean Group is expanding its footprint in the cruise industry with exciting developments in the South Pacific, specifically the construction of a Royal Beach Club in the picturesque archipelago of Vanuatu. During a recent Q3 earnings call, CEO Jason Liberty hinted at this initiative, reaffirming the company’s commitment to creating unique vacation destinations. This