Author: Torry K.

Southwest Airlines to Launch Service to St. Thomas in Early 2026 In an exciting development for travelers, Southwest Airlines has announced plans to begin operations to St. Thomas in early 2026. While the airline has not disclosed specific routes or the number of flights to this beautiful destination in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the announcement has certainly generated buzz among vacationers and travel enthusiasts alike. Awaiting Regulatory Approvals While eager travelers await this new opportunity, it’s important to note that no launch date has been officially set yet. The airline is currently in the process of obtaining regulatory approvals, which…

Following the stock market downturn in April and the outbreak of conflict in June with attacks on Iran, many cruise enthusiasts paused their travel bookings. However, as the news cycle shifted, many returned to planning their next vacations almost immediately. According to cruise industry analyst Patrick Scholes of Truist Securities, while cruise customers can be "notoriously panicky," overall booking trends have remained steady despite recent economic and geopolitical turmoil. Cruise lines and travel agencies report that while some agents experience fluctuations during such crises, major cruise companies like MSC Group and Carnival Corp. have not reported significant changes in their…

On September 26, Air Canada Vacations (ACV) hosted its fifth and final **Dream Makers** event in Vaughan, Ontario, attracting a large audience of travel advisors, suppliers, and industry leaders. Notable attendees included Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts, who highlighted the collaboration with travel agents that has been crucial for ACV’s growth. The event featured engaging presentations by ACV executives, unveiling new destinations and options for the upcoming fall and winter season. The lineup includes a range of fresh tours and travel tools aimed at empowering Canadian travel advisors. Attendees also had the chance to win prizes, including $500…

In a significant move, Delta Air Lines is entering the highly contested Los Angeles to Chicago route next June, while also expanding its international presence with new flights to Hong Kong from LAX. Beginning on June 7, Delta will operate the LAX-O’Hare route three times daily using Boeing 737-800 aircraft. This route is currently dominated by major players including United Airlines, American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Spirit Airlines. Both United and American have substantial hubs at O’Hare and LAX, making the market fiercely competitive. This month, United is set to operate as many as 11 daily flights between Los Angeles…

Margaritaville at Sea Unveils Its Third Ship: The Beachcomber Margaritaville at Sea has announced the official name of its upcoming third ship: the Beachcomber. This new vessel will be transitioning from its current role as the Costa Fortuna under Costa Cruises. As revealed earlier this year, Margaritaville at Sea plans for the Beachcomber to be its largest ship to date, capable of accommodating 2,702 passengers at double occupancy and up to 3,470 at full capacity. CEO Christopher Ivy has indicated that the ship is expected to set sail for its inaugural voyage in late 2026 or early 2027. Unique Features…

Following the recent fluctuations in the stock market and geopolitical tensions, particularly the conflict in Iran, the cruise industry has experienced notable shifts in consumer behavior. Initially, many travelers hesitated to book their next cruise, reflecting a temporary stir of uncertainty. However, as the news cycle progressed, booking activity resumed, indicating a resilience among cruise enthusiasts. Cruise industry analyst Patrick Scholes from Truist Securities noted that while cruise customers can be "notoriously panicky," trends indicate that their booking patterns are generally stable, notwithstanding brief interruptions tied to major news events. According to cruise lines and agencies, disruptions commonly caused by…

The iconic Waldorf Astoria New York has officially reopened its doors after a comprehensive renovation, having remained closed since 2017. This renowned Manhattan hotel, once described by Hilton founder Conrad Hilton as “the greatest of them all,” has undergone significant changes to enhance guest experience. Redesigned Spacious Accommodations The rejuvenated Waldorf Astoria now boasts 375 luxurious hotel rooms and 372 condominiums, a notable reduction from its previous offering of 1,400 guest rooms. Most accommodations have been expanded to exceed 570 square feet, positioning them among the largest hotel rooms and suites in the heart of Manhattan. Culinary Delights at Three…

Air Canada Foundation Releases 2024 Impact Report The Air Canada Foundation has unveiled its 2024 Impact Report, which details various programs and partnerships that aim to improve the lives of children across Canada. This comprehensive report showcases the Foundation’s initiatives, charitable collaborations, and the volunteer efforts of Air Canada’s dedicated personnel. Core Pillars of Support The Foundation focuses on three essential areas: Health Through partnerships with pediatric hospitals and community organizations, the Foundation aims to enhance health outcomes for children and youth. Protection Ensuring that children’s fundamental needs are met and safeguarding the essence of childhood is paramount. Dreams Collaborations…

Heather Gerrard has officially joined the Sunwing Vacations Sales team as the new Business Development Manager (BDM) for Alberta and the Prairie provinces. Starting from October 1, 2024, Gerrard will report to Graeme Franklin, who is the Director of Sales for Western Canada at Sunwing Vacations. "We are incredibly excited to welcome Heather to the Sales Team for Sunwing Vacations,” expressed Franklin. “With her two decades of dedicated service to the Sunwing family, she brings invaluable knowledge of our product, brand, and core values. We are confident that she will play a pivotal role in enhancing our partnerships with the…

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions has officially named its two latest expedition ships, the National Geographic Delfina and the National Geographic Gemini, in a ceremony that took place on Thursday. These vessels were formerly known as the Celebrity Xploration and Celebrity Xpedition, which National Geographic-Lindblad acquired from Celebrity Cruises last summer. Both ships began service for National Geographic-Lindblad in February and March, enhancing the company’s Galapagos fleet, which already includes the 98-passenger National Geographic Endeavour II and the 48-passenger National Geographic Islander II. Details of the Naming Ceremony The naming event was attended by the leadership team of National Geographic-Lindblad, along with…