Author: Nova Ray

Norovirus continues to pose significant challenges in the cruise industry, exhibiting its typical resilience and highly contagious nature. This year, outbreaks of gastrointestinal illnesses linked to norovirus have surged, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been 16 recorded outbreaks as of April 28, 2025, with 10 of these attributed specifically to norovirus. A new dominant strain is suspected to be behind the uptick in infections, as highlighted by Open Jaw. In recent weeks, cruise lines such as Holland America Line have reported multiple incidents of gastrointestinal illness aboard their ships, notably…

Atlantic City, NJ – June 13, 2025 – The New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) has officially revealed its exciting 2025 summer entertainment lineup, promising free live concerts at prime venues such as Kennedy Plaza, Chicken Bone Beach, and Gardner’s Basin from June through September. Summer Concert Series: A Celebration of Music This year’s diverse programming includes three unique concert series designed to draw both residents and visitors to Atlantic City’s vibrant entertainment scene. Mardi Gras AC Series at Kennedy Plaza The Mardi Gras AC series, curated by Tony Mart Presents, will feature 11 free concerts every Wednesday at…

Vancouver’s cruise industry is witnessing a significant transition as it prepares for the 2024 season, which is anticipated to break records with 327 ship calls and an impressive 1.32 million passengers. This marks a notable highlight for the city’s tourism and economy, reinforcing Vancouver’s position as a premier cruise destination on the West Coast. Vancouver’s Cruise Season: Record-Breaking Numbers During the 2024 cruise season, Vancouver’s port will experience a remarkable influx of visitors. Each ship visit generates an estimated $3 million in direct spending, contributing significantly to the local economy. The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA) has highlighted this impact,…

VIA Rail and Unifor Reach Tentative Agreements After Prolonged Negotiations “We are pleased to have reached these tentative agreements with Unifor. From the outset, VIA Rail’s management engaged in this round of negotiations in good faith, with the clear objective of reaching a fair and equitable solution that would safeguard the continued delivery of excellent service to all Canadians,” stated Mario Péloquin, President and CEO of VIA Rail. Ensuring Quality Service for Canadians These tentative agreements mark a crucial development in ongoing negotiations that have involved extensive discussions between VIA Rail and the Unifor union. “This important step reflects the…

In exciting news for river cruising enthusiasts, Trafalgar Tours is set to launch its own river cruise offerings in Europe next year. This move underscores the booming popularity of river cruising, particularly in sought-after regions like the Rhine and Danube. Overview of Trafalgar’s New River Cruise Initiative Trafalgar, a member of The Travel Corporation, recently underwent a significant transition after being acquired by Apollo Funds from the Tollman family. The company also owns Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, renowned for its upscale offerings. However, Trafalgar’s new initiative aims to carve out a unique niche by introducing its own river cruises. Details…

TORONTO — Air Transat has proudly inaugurated a new non-stop service linking Toronto to Berlin, marking a significant expansion of its offerings. The inaugural flight, designated TS418, took off from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) on the evening of June 19 and successfully arrived at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) the next morning. This new route is set to operate twice weekly until October, providing travelers with a convenient and direct travel option. As the only airline offering non-stop flights from Canada to Berlin, Air Transat is thrilled to present a direct travel solution to one of Europe’s most dynamic cities.…

A new wave of startups is reimagining air travel by investing in zeppelins, breathing fresh life into an age-old mode of transport. Companies such as Flying Whales from France, Hybrid Air Vehicles from the UK, and LTA Research, backed by Google co-founder Sergey Brin, are pioneering the development of modern airships. These innovative firms are not only seeking to modernize air travel but also aiming to provide sustainable tourism solutions through low-emission and cost-efficient technologies. The Rise of Airships in Sustainable Travel As the demand for greener alternatives in travel intensifies, airships are emerging as a viable option. Equipped with…

Barbados’ Bridgetown Port: A Rising Star in Caribbean Cruise Tourism Barbados has swiftly emerged as a notable player in the cruise industry, particularly with its Bridgetown port. According to recent statistics from the Caribbean Tourism Organization, cruise passenger arrivals at this location have surged by an impressive 40.8%. This remarkable growth highlights Barbados’ potential as a vibrant cruise destination in the Caribbean. Why Barbados? Located in the Lesser Antilles, Barbados is not the easiest island to access via cruise ships, yet its allure lies in its unique offerings. From stunning beaches to rich cultural experiences, visitors are drawn to the…

During a recent executive retreat, ACV celebrated the strength of their long-term partnership with Sandals Resorts, emphasizing collaboration built on shared values like excellence, innovation, and community. “This retreat was a powerful reminder of what we can achieve through strong, long-term partnerships,” stated ACV’s VP, Nino Montagnese. The gathering provided an essential opportunity for ACV to deepen relationships with major partners while exploring future growth prospects that benefit the communities welcoming travelers. The event featured a strategic presentation led by ACV’s Director of Sales, Erminia Gallina, alongside National Accounts Manager, Elish Tait. This presentation highlighted ACV’s latest initiatives and reaffirmed…

T’way Air, South Korea’s budget-friendly airline, is set to make its North American debut with a new route connecting Incheon International Airport (ICN) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR). This exciting service will commence on July 12, 2025, and will offer travelers the opportunity to enjoy four weekly flights aboard Airbus A330-300 aircraft. T’way Air’s Expansion Into North America This new route marks a significant milestone for T’way Air as it expands its long-haul offerings. The carrier has already established connections to several major cities in Europe, including Barcelona, Frankfurt, Paris, and Rome, making this launch part of its broader strategy…