All articles tagged with #cruises
Buffets and crowded spaces on cruise ships can amplify virus transmission, with hantavirus and norovirus outbreaks noted, but U.S. cruise bookings remain at record highs as travelers continue to flock to sea-bound getaways despite health concerns.
The Bahamas will suspend alcohol sales onshore during the election on May 12 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., affecting all islands including CocoCay. Alcohol will still be sold aboard ships, but shore visits for cruise passengers will be dry. Royal Caribbean says it will comply with local laws, while some travelers vent on social media about the timing and impact on itineraries as ships visit Bahamian ports like CocoCay.
Barron’s reports travel stocks tumbled early, led by Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Line down about 6%–7% and Royal Caribbean around 5.5%, with United Airlines down roughly 4.2% and Delta Air Lines about 2.9%, as oil prices jumped on Middle East tensions and jet/marine fuel costs are expected to rise. The writers say the fuel-price surge poses a bigger profit risk for airlines and cruise operators than passenger disruptions, even as some routes face disruptions or cancellations.
Travel Tuesday offers significant discounts on travel-related purchases, including flights, hotels, and cruises, for 2024. Deals include up to 50% off accommodations on Booking.com, $49 flights from JetBlue, and up to 40% off MSC Cruises. Airlines, hotels, and travel agencies provide these savings to encourage early bookings, making it an ideal time to plan vacations at reduced costs.
Travel Tuesday offers significant savings on travel bookings, with discounts up to 75% on cruises, flights, hotels, and vacation packages. Notable deals include Celebrity Cruises' 75% off second guest bookings, JetBlue's $750 off vacation packages, and Hilton's 50% off select stays. These deals are available for a limited time, with various travel windows extending into 2025. Travelers are encouraged to read the fine print and book soon to take advantage of these offers.
The cruise industry is experiencing a significant surge in popularity, driven by first-time passengers, younger travelers, and new, larger ships with attractive amenities. Post-pandemic bookings have soared, with 27% of recent cruise passengers being newcomers. Millennials and Gen Z are the fastest-growing segments, drawn by all-inclusive packages and diverse destinations. Despite high costs, affluent travelers are willing to spend on premium cruise experiences, contributing to the industry's growth.
The best time to go on a Northern Lights cruise is from late August to late April when the nights are long and dark. While the Northern Lights can be seen at lower latitudes, the true glory of the aurora is best experienced in the Arctic Circle. Taking a cruise offers a convenient solution, with opportunities for photography, lectures, and other astronomical activities. Three recommended cruises are the Hurtigruten Astronomy Voyage, the Aurora Expeditions Northern Lights Explorer Voyage, and the Elding Reykjavík Northern Lights Cruise.
Carnival Spirit celebrates its first departure from the Port of Mobile, offering unique itineraries to various destinations. The ship features 600 balcony staterooms and can accommodate up to 2,100 cruisers.
Disney plans to invest $60 billion over the next decade in its theme parks and cruises, aiming to expand and enhance its offerings. The investment will be used to develop new attractions, upgrade existing ones, and improve guest experiences. This move comes as Disney seeks to capitalize on the growing demand for immersive entertainment experiences and maintain its position as a leader in the industry.
Disney plans to nearly double its investment in its parks and cruises business, with a planned investment of approximately $60 billion over the next 10 years. While the company faces challenges in its streaming business and traditional TV networks, its theme parks, experiences, and products division has been a bright spot, particularly with its international parks. The company will provide more details about the investment at its investor day.