Cruise Industry Wire

Confidence In Tourism Sector Gradually Picking Up

The decline in international tourism may have started to bottom out, according to the latest edition of the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. Worldwide, international tourist arrivals declined by 7% between January and August 2009, but the rate of decline has eased in the past few months. These results, as well as the most recent economic data, confirm UNWTO's initial forecast of a 5% decline in international tourist arrivals for the full year 2009. For 2010, UNWTO expects a moderate growth.

Holland America Line's 2011 Grand Voyages Set to Explore Seven Continents, 65 Countries

Holland America Line's ms Amsterdam and the line's Elegant Explorer, ms Prinsendam, will each sail two spectacular Grand Voyages in 2011. When combined, the four extensive itineraries feature a total of 308 cruising days, 121 ports of call and 65 countries.

Royal Caribbean International and USA TODAY Announce Winner of 'Reporter at Sea' Contest

South Carolina College Student to Report Live from Oasis of the Seas

Guatemala - Cruise Passengers Exonerated from Maritime Tax

Guatemalan Congress Passed a Bill That Benefits Tourism Industry, Micro and Small Businesses; Country Would Increase Foreign-Currency Income Thanks to Exoneration

Destination 2010: Top Travel Trends to Watch

Scene Advisor takes a look at the progression and salient characteristics of the hospitality industry

Costa Cruises Unveils Names of Newest Fleet Members: Costa Favolosa & Costa Fascinosa

Names Chosen by Travel Agents and Guests from Around the World

Windstar Cruises Announces the Next Phase of Its Degrees of Difference Initiative

Windstar Adds Amenities and Enhancements to Fleet

Royal Caribbean Reports Third Quarter Results

Third quarter 2009 net income was $230.4 million, or $1.07 per share, compared to net income of $411.9 million, or $1.92 per share in 2008.

Corporate Lay-Offs: Did They Get Rid Of The Wrong People? - By Alan E. Young, Apical Resource Group

It has been more than a year since companies began the react to the downturn in the economy. The unfortunate aspect of the economic downturn was that is has affected people and people are what makes an economy or a country great. People build our cars, people build houses, people serve breakfasts lunches and dinners in restaurants and hotels all over North America, people sell products and services, basically, people, try their best to get the job done.

Largest cruise ship squeezes under Danish bridge

The world's largest cruise ship cleared a crucial obstacle Sunday, lowering its smokestacks to squeeze under a bridge in Denmark.

64% Of Canadians Plan to Vacation Within 12 Months

While tough economic times are causing Canadians to search for bigger travel bargains, a new Ipsos Reid poll conducted for Tripharbour.ca shows that most (64%) are still planning a vacation within the next year. And according to statistics from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), a growing number of these Canadians are choosing vacations at sea.

What in the world is 'World Class'? - By Don Farrell

I like to read mission, vision and value statements because I like to see how out of touch senior management is with the employees who actually have to do the heavy lifting in delivering these commitments. Take for example the dry cabernet I had in the lobby of a 4 star Memphis landmark hotel last night...did the cocktail waitress know the statements and could she at least make an attempt at telling me what they were?

Royal Caribbean International Takes Delivery of Much Anticipated Oasis Of The Seas

World's Largest and Most Revolutionary Cruise Ship Sets Sail for Home Port of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

ms Rotterdam's 2010 Alaskan Explorer Cruises Highlight Hubbard Glacier

Ship sails roundtrip from Seattle and features the latest Signature of Excellence Enhancements

Regional Cruise Tourism Up in a Down Economy

New Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association Study Cites Higher Destination Spending

Windstar Announces Its '80 Degrees of Sunshine; 180 Degrees From Ordinary' Two-Week Sale

Savings on Select 2010 Caribbean Sailings

2009 Cruise Critic Editors Award Uniworld as the Best River Cruise Line and with the Best New River Cruise Ship, River Beatrice

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises was honored by Cruise Critic, the popular independent cruise reviews and news site, with their 2009 Cruise Critic Editors' Picks Awards. Uniworld was awarded as the "Best River Cruise Company" and with the "Best New River Cruise Ship, River Beatrice." The awards honor the world's top cruise lines and highlight the best of the best in cruising.

Will Travel Industry Catch the Flu?

The October 2009 travelhorizons survey, co-authored by Ypartnership and the U.S. Travel Association, included several questions on this subject in order to gauge the potential impact of an extensive outbreak on the travel intentions of Americans.

House Passes Essential Cruise Vessel Safety Legislation

The International Cruise Victims Association (ICV) applauds House passage today of critical language authored by Congresswoman Doris O. Matsui (D-CA) ensuring the safety of cruise ship passengers on the high seas.

Norwegian Cruise Line Announces Proposed $450 Million Senior Secured Notes Offering and $750 Million New Revolving Credit Facility

Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that it is proposing to issue $450 million aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes due 2016 in a private offering that is exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.