Mexico, US, and Caribbean See 88% Drop in Cruise Ship Illness Outbreaks in 2026 Compared to Last Year
Mexico, US, and Caribbean See 88% Drop in Cruise Ship Illness Outbreaks in 2026 Compared to Last Year In a significant turnaround, cruise ship illness outbreaks have plummeted by an impressive 88% during the first two months of 2026 compared to the same period last year. This drastic drop, largely attributed to the cruise industry’s intensified health protocols and increased passenger awareness, has garnered attention across global travel and health sectors. According to the latest data, there has been only one illness outbreak reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention...
Aquila Center Advocates for Sustainable Shore Excursions to Shape New Future of Cruise Tourism
Aquila Center Advocates for Sustainable Shore Excursions to Shape New Future of Cruise Tourism New Brunswick, Canada (February 28, 2026) – As the cruise tourism industry continues to grow globally, the Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence is calling for a more intentional approach to shore excursions. The goal is to create a balanced, sustainable model that promotes economic growth while prioritizing environmental responsibility and generating real, lasting benefits for local communities. Shifting Focus to Sustainable Shore Experiences In a recent webinar hosted for members of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), Aquila explored...
HX Expeditions Launches New 2026 Alaska Itineraries, Fueling Cruise Tourism Growth with their Cultural and Eco-Tourism Excursions for Deeper Experiences
HX Expeditions Launches New 2026 Alaska Itineraries, Fueling Cruise Tourism Growth with their Cultural and Eco-Tourism Excursions for Deeper Experiences With HX Expeditions poised to propel cruise tourism growth in Alaska, two new immersive itineraries have been announced by the company for the 2026 season. The two new cruise itineraries, titled “Alaska’s Inside Passage: Fjords of the Great Land” and “Alaska’s Inside Passage: Where the Mountains Meet the Sea,” are 9 and 12-night voyages, respectively. These cruise itineraries are aimed at providing tourists with a deeper and immersive experience of Alaska’s...
Aqua Expeditions Partners With Ensemble Travel Network To Drive Unprecedented Growth Across North America
Aqua Expeditions Partners With Ensemble Travel Network To Drive Unprecedented Growth Across North America As a transparent step considering crossing the border, Aqua Expeditions has joined Ensemble Travel Network. Ensemble Travel Network will help Aqua Expeditions provide growing value for independent agents, thereby strengthening travel agencies and providing support for independent travel agents with Aqua Expeditions. The value proposition as a supplier member of Ensemble Travel Network provides a greater North America value for Aqua Expeditions due to the rising demand for river cruise travel. Increased travel consultancy for agents partnered...
Norwegian Cruise Line 2026 Shake-Up: Why Global Travellers Are Rethinking Caribbean and Mediterranean Cruise Plans
Norwegian Cruise Line 2026 Shake-Up: Why Global Travellers Are Rethinking Caribbean and Mediterranean Cruise Plans Cruise holidays are one of the world’s most loved travel experiences. They promise sunshine, sea views and visits to multiple countries in one smooth journey. But recent schedule changes announced by Norwegian Cruise Line have caught many travellers by surprise. Several sailings planned for 2026 and early 2027 have been cancelled or adjusted as part of a wider fleet reshuffle. For holidaymakers dreaming of Caribbean beaches or Mediterranean ports, this news may feel unsettling. Yet it also...
Discover How Azamara Cruises Is Transforming The Travel Landscape With Its New Travel Advisor Council
Discover How Azamara Cruises Is Transforming The Travel Landscape With Its New Travel Advisor Council To solidify its partnerships with travel advisors across North America, Azamara Cruises recently launched its Travel Advisor Council. This initiative enables further collaboration between members of Azamara’s executive team and top travel advisors in the U.S. and Canada. Council members will help determine the future of Azamara’s sales, marketing, and customer experience initiatives. Azamara’s Pledge to Provide Stronger Partnership Opportunities to Travel Advisors For many years, Azamara Cruises has offered its customers outstanding travel experiences. In addition to...
Alaska Cruise Season Elevates with MSC Poesia Refurbishment for Premier Tourism: What You Need to Know
Alaska Cruise Season Elevates with MSC Poesia Refurbishment for Premier Tourism: What You Need to Know MSC Poesia undergoes a comprehensive refurbishment to spearhead Alaska tourism in the 2026 season, targeting iconic destinations like Juneau and Ketchikan. The MSC Cruises vessel receives modern upgrades to its public areas, staterooms, and onboard amenities, ensuring elevated experiences amid Alaska‘s glaciers and wildlife. This preparation aligns with surging demand for coastal tourism, positioning the ship as a key driver for visitor influx to remote ports. The enhancements directly amplify Alaska tourism by attracting premium travelers...
Carnival Dream Embarks on Transatlantic Journey from Bermuda to Barcelona Offering Adult-Focused Gaming, Parties and Luxury Experiences
Carnival Dream Embarks on Transatlantic Journey from Bermuda to Barcelona Offering Adult-Focused Gaming, Parties and Luxury Experiences The Carnival Dream has arrived in Europe, signaling the start of a pivotal stage in its 2026 schedule as it prepares for scheduled maintenance and extensive drydock upgrades. Departing Galveston, Texas, in mid-February, the ship’s 15-night repositioning voyage was designed under Carnival Cruise Line’s SEA adults-only initiative, offering a tailored experience for adult passengers combining culture, leisure, and immersive onboard entertainment. The journey commenced with a visit to King’s Wharf in Bermuda, giving travelers the...
Norwegian Cruise Line Confronts Shareholder Demands and Governance Questions as Executive Leadership Changes Set the Tone for 2026 Performance
Norwegian Cruise Line Confronts Shareholder Demands and Governance Questions as Executive Leadership Changes Set the Tone for 2026 Performance Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) is approaching a decisive moment in its corporate journey as it prepares to release its fourth-quarter and year-end financial results. The upcoming earnings call will mark the first public briefing by the company’s newly appointed President and CEO, who assumed the role just over two weeks ago. The session takes place amid intensified scrutiny from a major shareholder that has recently acquired a significant stake and is...
Elliott Management vs. Norwegian Cruise Line: Key Questions for Monday’s Earnings Call
Elliott Management vs. Norwegian Cruise Line: Key Questions for Monday’s Earnings Call Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings faces a high-stakes earnings call on March 2, 2026, amidst major internal and external turmoil. Newly appointed President and CEO John Chidsey, who took the helm just two weeks prior following the abrupt departure of Harry Sommer, must address investors while facing intense pressure from activist hedge fund Elliott Management. Elliott, holding over a 10 percent stake, is demanding major strategic changes, including potential board restructuring to include industry veteran Adam Goldstein. Analysts are divided...