HX: ‘Going Deeper, Not Just Further’
HX Expeditions continues to build on its Antarctica program, where it claims to carry more travelers than any other operator. “Last season was our most successful to date,” said Gebhard Rainer, CEO, “and with record guest satisfaction and significant enhancements across the entire journey. That includes launching the largest kayaking and camping program in the…
Polar Latitudes: Expansion Strategy
Polar Latitudes Expeditions is emerging from a significant transformation, having assembled a bigger fleet and absorbed two companies. John McKeon, founder and chair, described it as a deliberate, multi-year strategy to become the most comprehensive expedition travel company in the industry. The first move was the acquisition of Chimu Adventures, which added a wholesale and…
Royal Caribbean Group: Availability First, Fresh Ideas Always
“The biggest challenge we face today is on import restrictions,” said Vina Jumpp, associate vice president for food, beverage, hotel, galley and private destination procurement at Royal Caribbean Group. “What can we import into the various countries? That’s number one. We know animal products are the biggest challenge in regards to Europe, and now I…
Marella Marks 30 Year Anniversary with Momentum
Marella Cruises is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, carrying record-high forward bookings and pressing ahead on new homeports and an expanded entertainment and dining program. “Coming back on the back of 2025, which was our most successful year for Marella Cruises, we’ve come into 2026 with record bookings,” said Chris Hackney, CEO. “It’s our…
Cruise Beverage Trends: Zero Proof, Sustainable Cocktails and THC
Beverages trends range from non-alcoholic to sustainable cocktails, even THC (cannabis) drinks, according to a panel of cruise line beverage executives at the recent Marine Hotel Association’s annual conference and trade show in Naples. “For us, one trend is sustainable cocktails with repurposed ingredients, and there is also a focus on clarifying cocktails we are…
MSC Cruises Sets Global Growth Course
“We believe there is strong growth potential for cruise globally,” said Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises. “So, we will continue to invest in new ships and infrastructure to support our growth as well as sustainability initiatives.” MSC Cruises sails 23 ships today, with another ship slated for delivery at the end of the year,…
AIDA: Celebrating 30 Years
Celebrating its 30th anniversary, AIDA Cruises has a very clear identity in the German-speaking market, according to Alexander Ewig, senior vice president of marketing and sales. “We are more than a product. AIDA is a feeling,” Ewig explained to Cruise Industry News, “and many people recognize it the moment they see the smiling lips on…