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Friday July 19, 2024

Editor’s Note — TRO wants to remind its Cruise News readers the articles presented here are meant to assist you in remaining informed and prepared to discuss travel news of the day with clients.

Ocean Cruising

Has Royal Caribbean Finally Hit Its Limit for Giant Ships? The Cruise Line’s CEO Sparks Speculation
Is the era of ever-larger ships at Royal Caribbean coming to an end? Comments that the line's CEO, Michael Bayley, made this week are sparking renewed speculation on the topic. Speaking during a preview event for the line's new Utopia of the Seas, Bayley suggested Royal…

The 5 Best Large-ship Ocean Cruise Lines, According to Travel + Leisure Readers
Think of the spacious ships in our large-ship category — those with 800 to 1,499 cabins — as the sea-going equivalent of seeing a superstar concert in a Broadway-style theater, as opposed to an arena. Like larger mega-ships, these vessels serve up a broad range of choices in…

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River Cruising

River Cruise Line Tempts Guests With Festive Voyages in Europe
TUI River Cruises unveiled a series of winter season voyages on the Danube and Rhine rivers, where guests can celebrate the holidays with visits to traditional Christmas markets in several European cities. Four-, five-, and seven-night sailings are offered on three river ships starting…

Apollo Funds Acquire Uniworld Parent the Travel Corporation
Apollo Funds reached a definitive agreement to acquire The Travel Corporation, whose 18 brands include Uniworld Boutique River Cruises. Among the other TTC brands are Trafalgar, a leading escorted tour operator; Contiki, a youth travel specialist tour company; and Insight…

River Cruising: Explore Wonders Along the World’s Greatest Waterways
River cruising is booming as holidaymakers discover how easy it is to move from country to country and travel the world’s greatest waterways without the worry of catching a plane or repacking a suitcase. When you add up just how much it costs to stay at five-star accommodation…

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Luxury Cruising

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Takes Delivery of Ilma
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection took delivery of its second yacht, the Ilma, at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire on July 12, 2024, according to a press release. The ceremony was attended by The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s executive chairman and CEO Jim…

Top Lawyer Falls From Cabin Balcony Into Sea on Luxury Cruise
A corporate lawyer who vanished on a Mediterranean cruise ship fell feet first from a cabin balcony into the sea, a court heard. Nigel Blythe-Tinker, 72, former head of legal at gaming giant William Hill, went missing while on board the luxury cruise ship Seven Seas Mariner, the…

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Small Ship Cruising

Sea Cloud Welcomes New Manager of Sales Services and Reservations
Sea Cloud Cruises is welcoming Austin Wright as Manager of Sales Services and Reservations, the company announced in a press release. In his role, Austin will support business growth by working closely with Sea Cloud Cruises North America President Mirell Reyes, who continues to…

Variety Cruises Launches First-Ever Uncharted Cruise
Variety Cruises, a family-run small-ship cruise line, has announced its first-ever Unchartered Cruise, taking adventurous travelers on a mystery journey through Greece. The Uncharted Cruise promises immersive experiences, delving into local history and culture at mystery destinations…

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Adventure Cruising

Calling All Birders—These Cruises Were Made Just for You
In recent years, HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) has won raves for the sustainability focus it has brought to expedition cruising. To wit, HX was the first cruise line to ban heavy fuel and single-use plastics; it recently launched the industry’s first battery-hybrid-powered vessels…

PONANT and PASPALEY Introduce PASPALEY PEARL
PONANT and PASPALEY have launched a 30-guest boutique expedition motor yacht, PASPALEY PEARL! The ship will operate year-round in the Kimberley, Australia’s Far North, East Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. With a crew of 21, including four expert naturalist guides, PASPALEY…

Odds and Ends

Passenger Gets Paid After Cruise Line Drops Luggage in the Water and Sails Away
Last week, a young woman garnered widespread attention after she shared that Celebrity Cruises accidentally dropped her luggage into the ocean. She stated that Celebrity failed to inform her about the incident, initially denying responsibility, and did not offer sufficient…

Are Cruise Ship Thermal Suites Worth the Splurge?
Cruise ships offer a range of luxurious amenities, and among them are thermal suites, often touted as a must-try experience. But are they truly worth the splurge? In this article, we will weigh the pros and cons to help you decide if they’re a worthwhile indulgence for your next…

Nassau Cruise Port Plans $330-Million Water Park
Until recently, the sleepy and tired port of Nassau in the Bahamas was the stop many cruisers chose to skip. Some ponied up for a pricey excursion to Atlantis or a day pass to Margaritaville, while many repeat visitors just spent the day onboard their ship, saying there was nothing…

Deck Plans

Charming Rüdesheim: Your Guide To AmaWaterways Excursions

Picture this, cruising through the Rhine Gorge, taking in the scenic views of historic castles and the Lorelei Rock. As you reach the end of the gorge, you arrive in the picturesque town of Rüdesheim, which we love for its cozy atmosphere and stunning views of the river.

— Travel Research Online
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The Rosen Report

Selling Up: Moving Alaska Clients to Expedition Cruises
by Cheryl Rosen
Friday July 19, 2024

If you're still among the travel advisors who say “I don’t sell cruise,” you might want to reconsider. The growing cadre of luxury cruise ships sailing to exotic and adventure-filled destinations offers new options for existing customers and lures for a new generation of young travelers—and above all, it can serve as a gateway to the lucrative expedition travel market.

— Travel Research Online
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Upcoming Training Opportunities


CroisiEurope – The best kept secret in river cruising

CroisiEurope – The best kept secret in river cruising

Thursday, August 8, 2024 at 2 pm EDT/11 am PDT

Learn everything you need to know to sell Europe’s largest river cruise line. Based in France and independently family owned and operated since 1976, CroisiEurope has pioneered river cruising on some of the most beautiful waterways in Europe and beyond. Their fleet of 50 ships includes everything from hotel canal barges to classic styled ocean liners, paddlewheel river boats and luxury small ship safari cruising. CroisiEurope welcomes nearly 200,000 passengers annually on 170 itineraries in 37 countries. Offering unique and exclusive ships and itineraries, refined French cuisine and a relaxed onboard atmosphere, CroisiEurope is the ideal option for those looking for a more immersive European vacation experience.

Register Now → 


Avoid Catastrophe: The Dangers of DIY Legal for Your Travel Business

Avoid Catastrophe: The Dangers of DIY Legal for Your Travel Business

Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at 3 pm EDT/12 pm PDT

Are you a travel entrepreneur navigating the complexities of running your own agency? Join Sheila Folk, CEO and Founder of Travel Industry Solutions, for a vital webinar that could save your business from costly legal pitfalls.

Register Now → 







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