Author: Shawon Hannan

As part of a renewed initiative, Cunard has re-invited 300 travel agents for an exclusive visit aboard the new Queen Anne ship. This comes after a previously scheduled overnight test voyage was cancelled to finalise preparations.The visit, slated for June 7, aims to offer agents an immersive experience, despite the initial event’s cancellation due to necessary finishing touches. Agents will enjoy a comprehensive ship tour and a special lunch, ensuring a memorable day with Cunard.The original overnight test voyage for the Queen Anne was expected to take place on April 29 but was postponed. Cunard cites the need for additional…

Virgin Voyages is preparing to unveil a remarkable addition to its fleet. The Brilliant Lady, scheduled to launch from New York, signals another leap in luxury cruising.With itineraries stretching up to 14 nights, passengers will enjoy voyages to compelling destinations including Bermuda, Canada, and Mexico. The ship’s debut promises to enrich the travel experience with state-of-the-art amenities and diverse itineraries.Brilliant Lady’s Anticipated LaunchVirgin Voyages is set to unveil its fourth ship, the Brilliant Lady, from New York in September 2025. The upcoming vessel will feature a series of extended itineraries lasting up to 14 nights. It marks the launch of…

Hays Travel has taken a significant step forward by acquiring Miles Morgan Travel. This move is poised to enhance their business prowess.With this acquisition, Hays Travel aims to harness the rich expertise and brand loyalty Miles Morgan Travel is known for.Hays Travel’s recent acquisition of Miles Morgan Travel promises to be a strategic boost for both entities. This acquisition enables Hays Travel to tap into the robust market presence and brand loyalty that Miles Morgan Travel has cultivated. Both companies stand to gain through shared expertise and best practices.Despite the acquisition, Hays Travel plans to retain the Miles Morgan Travel…

Newmarket Holidays is setting a new standard in luxury travel with its Premier Collection, comprising seven exquisite escorted tours. Designed to cater to the discerning traveller, these tours emphasize a leisurely pace and exclusivity.The collection includes three newly curated tours for 2025-2026, appealing to those seeking unique experiences at renowned destinations. This initiative reflects Newmarket’s commitment to evolving customer preferences by offering intimate group sizes and high-end accommodations.A Tailored Travel ExperienceThe Premier Collection from Newmarket Holidays targets luxury travellers with a focus on personalised service and comfort. Each tour accommodates a maximum of 24 guests, ensuring an intimate and engaging…

First Class Holidays has recently taken a significant step by appointing Vicky Hart-Edwards as the new director of operations.This decision aligns with the company’s strategic vision to enhance operational efficiency and service quality.First Class Holidays has announced the recruitment of Vicky Hart-Edwards as the new director of operations. This strategic move comes in the wake of co-founder Sharon Mason’s impending retirement in August, after nearly 30 years with the company. Vicky Hart-Edwards, a veteran with over 20 years in the travel industry, is expected to bring her extensive experience in streamlining operations to the firm.Vicky Hart-Edwards has been tasked with…

April was a challenging month for Wizz Air as it faced operational disruptions due to engine recalls and a challenging seasonal travel environment.The necessity to ground a substantial number of aircraft and the impact of an early Easter holiday led to a slight dip in the airline’s performance metrics, reflecting the complexities of airline operations.Operational ChallengesApril proved challenging for Wizz Air as engine issues significantly affected its operational performance. The airline was forced to ground 45 Airbus aircraft due to recalled Pratt & Whitney GTF engines. This grounding led to a slight reduction of 0.3% in year-on-year passenger numbers, reaching…

Carnival Cruise Line has revealed its largest ship visit programme in the UK, targeting engagement with travel agents nationwide.The initiative seeks to strengthen partnerships and provide agents with a deeper understanding of the Carnival Legend’s offerings.Carnival’s Ambitious Ship Visit ProgrammeCarnival Cruise Line has launched its most extensive UK ship visit programme to date, involving seven key port locations. Nearly 350 travel agents will have the opportunity to explore the Carnival Legend, with the objective of enhancing industry partnerships. These visits are part of Carnival’s strategy to bolster support from travel agents, whom they consider vital to the cruise industry’s success.Exclusive…

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings reports record first quarter bookings, setting a promising trajectory for the future.NCL saw an impressive year-on-year growth in revenue by 20%, driven by increased consumer demand.NCLH experienced a significant increase in adjusted earnings, highlighting its efficient strategies and cost reductions.The company confirmed a groundbreaking newbuild program, emphasising its commitment to fleet expansion.NCLH’s strong performance led to an upward revision of its full-year profit guidance, indicating continued optimism.In a remarkable achievement, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) has reported record bookings for the first quarter of the year. The company attributes this success to rising consumer demand and…

Viking Cruises recently marked a significant milestone with its successful initial public offering (IPO) on the New York Stock Exchange.The company’s shares rose 9% on debut, positioning Viking with a market valuation of $11.2 billion, reinforcing its stature in the cruise industry.Viking Cruises’ IPO on the New York Stock Exchange raised a substantial $1.54 billion. The company, known for its river and ocean cruises, saw shares closing at $26.10, up from the initial pricing of $24. This increase reflects strong market confidence, giving Viking a robust market capitalisation of $11.2 billion. The proceeds from the IPO are set to cover…

Virgin Voyages is set to launch its fourth ship, Brilliant Lady, from New York in September 2025.This state-of-the-art vessel signifies an expansion in Virgin Voyages’ North American itineraries, offering passengers new and unforgettable travel experiences.The Brilliant Lady will commence its maiden voyage on 5th September 2025 from New York. The ship, with a capacity to comfortably accommodate 2,770 passengers, was initially scheduled for launch from Puerto Rico. However, due to supply chain challenges, this has been postponed.The inaugural season for the Brilliant Lady includes five sailings from New York during September and October 2025. These voyages range from five to…