In a heartfelt announcement made to her million-plus followers on Instagram, Captain Kate McCue revealed her decision to depart Celebrity Cruises, concluding an impressive and groundbreaking 22-year career with Royal Caribbean Group. As the first American woman to captain a large cruise ship, McCue has not only set a precedent in a traditionally male-dominated industry
Cruise
The cruise industry is often characterized by its seasonal ebb and flow, but one critical time of year stands out: Wave Season. Traditionally spanning from January through March, this period is marked by a surge in cruise bookings, buoyed by enticing promotions and discounts. Industry experts suggest that this season may be more crucial than
In the realm of luxury travel, the clientele is as diverse as the journeys they undertake. High-net-worth individuals are not confined to a particular demographic; rather, they are seasoned travelers ready to invest significantly in experiences that amplify their lives. Among these are advisors like Julie Shifrin from Embark Beyond, whose clients often belong to
As the cruise industry faces an uncertain future, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) stands at a pivotal crossroads. Recent discussions from U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick regarding potential taxation on cruise lines have raised eyebrows and questions within the industry. Although it remains too early to assess the full impact of these governmental threats, NCLH
The cruise industry finds itself at a crossroads in the wake of recent political statements regarding taxation reform. Following comments made by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, cruise line stocks saw a notable decline, raising concerns among investors and analysts alike. Lutnick’s assertion that the cruise industry does not contribute to American tax revenues
The cruise industry is navigating through a robust Wave season, showing encouraging signs of recovery and strength after the pandemic’s disruptive impact. According to analysts, including Patrick Scholes from Truist Securities, this year’s season is marked by increased pricing and an extended booking horizon. Notably, cruise fare prices have risen in the mid-to-high single digits
The luxury travel scene is abuzz with excitement as Crystal, now under the stewardship of A&K Travel Group, rolls out a new collaboration with Abercrombie & Kent (A&K). This partnership, which merges the finesse of luxury cruising with authentic travel experiences, is set to redefine how affluent travelers explore the world. With the introduction of
As discussions surrounding tax reforms gain momentum under the Trump administration, the cruise industry finds itself facing significant scrutiny. The remarks made by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick during a recent Fox News interview indicated a potential shift in the taxation landscape for cruise lines. Lutnick’s comments have raised alarms within the industry about
Virgin Voyages is set to transform the cruising experience with the launch of the Brilliant Lady, the newest ship in its fleet, which arrives in New York City this September. This vessel is not merely a ship; it’s a floating festival of entertainment. Unlike traditional cruise lines that often rely on predictable production shows and
Viking Holdings has set a new benchmark for success in the cruise industry, as highlighted during its latest earnings call. The company astounded investors with a remarkable 13% increase in total revenue, reaching $5.33 billion for the year, a strong indicator of its growing market presence. This impressive financial outcome not only demonstrates Viking’s resilience
In August 2021, the serene wilderness of Denali National Park and Preserve was dramatically transformed by a fast-moving landslide at Polychrome Pass, effectively severing the only road that connects visitors to the heart of this iconic Alaskan landscape. This event exposed vulnerabilities in the park’s infrastructure stemming from permafrost thawing and the effects of climate
The town of Skagway, a picturesque destination in Alaska, has recently reformed its taxation strategy for tours affiliated with cruise lines, igniting a legal firestorm. The new legislation, passed in December, represents a significant shift that now entitles the borough to tax the entire price of shore excursions, including commissions earned by cruise lines, rather
Imagine waking up every day to the sound of waves gently lapping against the hull of your floating home, with changing vistas outside your window and the endless opportunities for exploration at your doorstep. This is the seductive promise of the emerging residential cruise market. A growing number of companies are now offering consumers the
The world of luxury travel is evolving, and on the horizon emerges the Orient Express Corinthian, an exquisite yacht that promises not just a journey, but an experience of opulence and elegance. Set to navigate the Mediterranean starting next June, this remarkable vessel is poised to redefine yacht travel with its upscale amenities, lavish dimensions,
As the world readjusts its focus on travel in 2025, the American Marketing Group emerges from a challenging first quarter to report a powerful resurgence. CMO Nicole Mazza’s assertion at the Travel Market conference in Orlando speaks volumes about the broader industry sentiment: “Business is back, and business is soaring.” This sentiment captures a prevailing
As we navigate through the changing landscape of leisure travel, one thing is clear: the cruise industry is adapting in innovative and delightful ways. Royal Caribbean International is pushing boundaries with its upcoming ship, Star of the Seas. Unlike any other cruise offering, this vessel will feature a resident puppy, Sailor, who is poised to
In recent years, the human inclination for adventure and exploration has propelled the cruise industry to unprecedented heights. However, this growth has not come without its pitfalls. As various popular tourist destinations face the ramifications of overtourism, regulatory bodies are beginning to respond with stringent measures designed to protect their locales and residents. The Nice-Côte
As Royal Caribbean International prepares for the launch of its newest cruise ship, the Star of the Seas, expectations run high following the tremendous success of its predecessor, the Icon of the Seas. With the introduction of the Icon class earlier this year, Royal Caribbean carried over half a million guests, setting a remarkable benchmark