Author: Nova Ray

“FREE SPIRIT” MINDSET “Despite changes over the years, our commitment to hassle-free vacations remains intact, rooted in our ‘free spirit’ mindset from the brand’s inception,” states Carolyne Doyon, President and CEO of Club Med North America and the Caribbean. This unique philosophy is ingrained in the company’s DNA, contributing to its distinctive identity in the travel industry. Club Med has continually been a trailblazer in the tourism sector, being the pioneer of the all-inclusive concept. The brand actively seeks untapped destinations, including mountain retreats, setting it apart from competitors. “Since launching our first mountain resort in Switzerland more than six…

Warning signs of staffing shortages are surfacing in Canada’s airline industry, resulting in significant delays and raising concerns across the travel sector. A recent incident involving a flight from Vancouver to Montreal went viral when the pilot openly discussed the delays over the intercom, blaming a shortage of air traffic controllers due to unexpected sick calls. “It’s very annoying,” the pilot expressed. “It’s cost the company a lot of money, and it would be great to have this addressed.” In response to the disruptions, a spokesperson from NAV CANADA confirmed that resource constraints led to temporary traffic management measures, causing…

WestJet Group CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech WestJet Group has successfully finalized the integration of Sunwing Airlines, completing a significant transformation within the company. This merger, spanning two years, effectively consolidates WestJet’s narrowbody fleet under the WestJet Airlines brand. Unification of Operations As a result of this integration, all WestJet flights—including those previously operated by Sunwing, Swoop, and Lynx Air—now function under a single Air Operator Certificate. This strategic decision aims to enhance consistency in passenger experiences across a fleet of 150 Boeing 737 aircraft. Travelers will now benefit from a variety of seating choices, which include Premium, Economy, Extended Comfort,…

Viking Holdings has announced that an impressive **92% of its 2025 capacity** is already sold, with strong bookings for April and May surpassing last year’s performance, illustrating a robust recovery in the travel industry. ### Strong Quarterly Performance The momentum is evident in Viking’s **first-quarter results** for 2025. The cruise line reported **total revenues of $897.1 million**, representing a **24.9% increase** compared to the same period in 2024. This significant growth can be attributed to higher passenger volumes and an increase in revenue per passenger, particularly in the ocean cruise sector, where capacity continues to see expansion. **Passenger numbers** rose…

In a move catering to the increasing Canadian interest in the vibrant Antigua and Barbuda experience, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority has announced the launch of two special non-stop flights with Caribbean Airlines this summer. These flights aim to facilitate travel for attendees of the upcoming Antigua Carnival and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 cricket matches. New Flights to Antigua and Barbuda “More Canadians than ever are choosing Antigua and Barbuda as their go-to summer destination, and this expanded service by Caribbean Airlines directly reflects that momentum,” said Tameka Wharton, Director of Tourism at the Antigua and Barbuda…

Royal Caribbean has unveiled the first images of its highly anticipated vessel, the Star of the Seas, which claims the title of the world’s largest cruise ship. As the second ship in the LNG-powered Icon class, this impressive cruise liner is currently undergoing a two-week sea trial at Meyer Turku in Finland. With its debut set for August 2025, excitement is building among cruise enthusiasts and potential travelers alike. A New Era in Cruising The Star of the Seas represents a significant advancement in the cruise industry. As a member of the Icon class, this ship promises not only size…

A Delta Airlines flight recently experienced an unexpected interruption due to a curious pigeon. The incident occurred when a pilot identified a "wildlife situation" onboard after passengers noticed the bird wandering freely beneath their seats. This prompted an urgent search effort akin to a playful “bird hunt,” underscoring the unpredictable nature of air travel. As soon as the first pigeon was apprehended, another one made a surprise appearance, leading to some light-hearted commentary about implementing a "no-fly list" for these uninvited guests. While such a scenario was clearly presented in jest, it highlights the unusual mascots sometimes encountered at airports…

A recent effort to impose strict regulations on the cruise industry in Juneau has come to an unsuccessful conclusion. A petition aimed at establishing a citizen-mandated ordinance sought to limit the number of cruise ship passengers disembarking in the city to 12,000 per day. Exceptions were to be made for smaller vessels accommodating fewer than 200 passengers. This proposed regulation also sought to shorten the cruise season, confining it to the five-month window between May 1 and September 30. Consequently, cruise ships would be prohibited from visiting during the remainder of the year, effectively eliminating visits for seven months. Currently,…

Airline passengers traveling in Turkey must adhere to newly implemented regulations or risk facing fines. The Turkish civil aviation authority has introduced rules that penalize passengers for actions deemed unsafe during the flight’s final moments. New Regulations for Safety and Orderly Disembarkation As part of efforts to enhance passenger safety, the updated regulations mandate that airline passengers must remain buckled in their seats until the aircraft has come to a complete stop. This measure aims to prevent unnecessary incidents that could compromise the safety and comfort of all passengers on board. Key Prohibitions Under the New Rules Passengers are specifically…

Carnival Cruise Line Launches Adults-Only Sailings Carnival Cruise Line is set to introduce a unique range of adults-only sailings this summer, aimed specifically at targeted customers. This initiative marks a significant shift in the company’s offering, focusing exclusively on an adult clientele looking for a casino-themed experience. Targeted Offerings and Booking Process According to reports from Cruise Critic, these sailings are not available to the general public. Only guests who are members of the line’s Carnival Players Club, the cruise line’s loyalty program, will receive invitations to reserve cabins. As some sailings have already reached capacity, it’s clear that interest…