Author: Nova Ray

The global cruise industry is experiencing a significant surge in growth, as evident from the latest updates in the May cruise ship orderbook. Currently, there are a total of 73 new vessels poised to enter the market, collectively valued at an impressive $63.5 billion. This development showcases the industry’s robust recovery and expansion plans following recent global challenges. Among the noteworthy entries in this month’s orderbook are newbuilds by renowned cruise lines including AIDA, Viking, Marella, and Emerald. Each of these companies is committed to enhancing their fleet and offering unique cruising experiences. Additionally, the anticipation surrounding the upcoming Aman…

MONTREAL — Air Transat is set to enhance its international offerings with the introduction of a new year-round, non-stop route connecting Toronto and Istanbul. This new service is expected to commence on December 6, 2025, operating twice a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The airline has also established a new interline partnership with Turkish Airlines to bolster connectivity between Canada and Türkiye. This collaboration is designed to provide travelers with more seamless options for onward journeys across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. The newly launched direct flights will significantly enhance passenger services through this cooperation. This new route is…

Southwest Airlines has implemented a new policy that requires passengers to keep portable chargers visible while in use. This directive comes in response to growing concerns regarding fires caused by lithium-ion batteries. As the first airline in the United States to enforce such a restriction, Southwest is leading the charge in safety measures aimed at mitigating potential risks associated with these devices. Previously, several airlines in Asia imposed similar regulations following a serious incident earlier this year. In January, an Air Busan aircraft experienced a devastating fire while on the runway at a South Korean airport. This alarming event prompted…

“A foreign carrier is not going to service our smallest towns.” This statement encapsulates the concerns raised by industry leaders regarding increased foreign ownership of domestic Canadian airlines. The Canadian Airports Council (CAC) believes that permitting up to 100% foreign-ownership should not be considered, arguing that cabotage will fail to address competition issues in Canada’s vast landscape. Monette Pasher, CAC President, emphasized that foreign carriers would not address the needs of remote towns and thin volume routes, underscoring the unique travel landscape of Canada. Supporting this perspective, an opinion article in The Globe and Mail by Cargojet founder Ajay Virmani…

The summer travel season, historically the pinnacle of profitability for North American airlines, is facing significant challenges this year. According to FlightGlobal’s Q1 2025 performance report, North American carriers recorded a net loss of $166 million in the first quarter of 2025, up from a $132 million loss in the same period of 2024. This trend raises concerns, especially as the industry entered 2025 with optimistic growth forecasts. Ongoing Challenges Impacting Airline Performance The airline sector is not expected to fare better in the coming months. Air traffic control disruptions, alongside safety concerns stemming from a fatal crash in Washington,…

The cruise industry is demonstrating remarkable resilience amid economic fluctuations, with Q1 earnings painting a predominantly positive picture. This optimism stands in contrast to the more cautious outlooks seen within the airline and hotel sectors. Executives in the cruise sector attribute this stability to the perceived value and experience offered by cruises over traditional land-based vacations. Royal Caribbean CEO Jason Liberty noted that consumer behavior remains largely unchanged, although there is a noticeable shift towards more short-term planning. This trend signals that while travelers are still eager to embark on cruise vacations, they may be making decisions closer to their…

Visiting Ireland during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn can provide a remarkable experience for travelers seeking both scenic beauty and cultural connections. With milder weather, these periods are perfect for outdoor activities like hiking along the stunning coastline while avoiding the throngs of summer tourists. This tranquil atmosphere allows for a more contemplative journey, often complemented by attractive rates on accommodations and flights. Unique Cultural Experiences The shoulder seasons showcase a variety of unique cultural events. For instance, the Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival takes place in the last weekend of September, highlighting Ireland’s rich culinary heritage.…

Recent reports indicate a troubling spike in cruise ship outbreaks of a new norovirus strain, which health experts are attributing to recent cutbacks within the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program. This year alone, cruise ships have witnessed 16 norovirus outbreaks, a significant increase when compared to 18 outbreaks recorded throughout 2024 and 14 in 2023. Health experts like Donald Schaffner, a noted food science specialist, emphasize the implications of these outbreaks. "Certainly it’s something that would be on my mind if I was getting ready to get on that cruise ship,” he noted, reflecting widespread concern about the potential health risks…

BermudAir is enhancing its commitment to the retail distribution channel by announcing the appointment of Nicole Conrad and Ryan Lettow as Business Development Directors. This strategic move aligns with the airline’s recent partnership with Sabre and emphasizes its dedication to building robust relationships with travel advisors, host agencies, travel management companies (TMCs), and tour operators. In an effort to celebrate Travel Advisor Appreciation Month, BermudAir has launched exclusive travel advisor rates for personal journeys, offering fares for just $50 roundtrip, plus applicable taxes and fees. These attractive rates are available for bookings and travel until June 30, 2025, covering any…

TORONTO — A recent survey indicates that many Canadians are still reluctant to travel to the United States, despite potential improvements in diplomatic relations between the two nations. This survey, commissioned by FlightHub and conducted by Earnscliffe Omni, was carried out from June 13-15 and included responses from 1,529 Canadian adults regarding their travel sentiments during ongoing political tensions. The findings reveal that 4 in 10 Canadians (40%) are opting out of U.S. travel because of concerns about the current political climate and overall public safety. Additionally, 36% of participants stated they are avoiding travel to the U.S. as a…