The Latest Trends in Cruise Travel This Spring

I am at the back of an inflatable kayak on Portugal's famously scenic Douro River, paddling wildly against the current, when it hits me: River cruising sure has changed.

With a total solar eclipse on the horizon in April, travelers are eager to find the best spot from which to view the phenomenon. Airlines are offering special spotting flights, and hotels are setting up the ideal suites. But, one hospitality brand is taking things a step further by helping travelers find the ideal hotel for their astrological sign.

IHG Hotels & Resorts on Thursday announced the signing of 24 new hotel projects in Greater China during its inaugural owner roadshow of the year in Beijing.

Spring has officially sprung and the arrival of longer days and warmer temperatures means more opportunities to get out and see the world.

A rep shows off tech device accessories. (Photo Credit: Lark Gould)

It might be surprising but Nova Scotia is one of the only destinations in Canada with its own wine appellation. Tidal Bay—a briny and refreshing white wine blend—has become one of the distinct flavors of the East Coast of Canada, not unlike lobster rolls or donairs, and although it’s easy to find a bottle of the stuff in most liquor stores in the province, tasting Tidal Bay straight from the source is way more fun.

Civil unrest in Haiti has forced the Royal Caribbean Group to cancel all plans to visit its private destination in Labadee.

The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) announced that its 2025 River Cruise Expo in Vienna, Austria next March has sold out.The news comes just two days after ASTA announced Vienna as the host city for the fourth annual event on March 12-15, 2025. A total of 1,500 attendees registered for next year's River Cruise Expo.ASTA is currently working to secure additional ships to participate in next year's expo to meet the demand. If successful and inventory is expanded, the organization plans to open spaces to individuals registered for the wait list in the order their name was added.Advisors can add their names to the list here."We are thrilled by the response to this unique event. We are even more excited to see advisors experiencing immediate ROI from attending," said Sarah Little, VP of Business Development at ASTA."Many of them have secured client bookings because of their social media posts while onsite. We are committed to creating more events that boost knowledge, relationships, and profitability."

The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) continues to push back against American Airlines' controversial New Distribution Capability (NDC) rollout.On Monday, the Alexandria, Virginia-based organization launched a weeklong ad campaign in POLITICO magazine in hopes of influencing lawmakers in Washington, D.C.Beginning May 1, American will stop awarding AAdvantage miles and loyalty accrual points through agencies unless they are deemed "preferred," a status achieved by having a 2024 incentive agreement with the airline or by booking through American NDC channels and reaching progressive sales thresholds of 30 percent by April 21, 50 percent by October 31 and 70 percent by April 30, 2025."This latest development doubles down on American Airlines' clear agenda since last year to force the travel agency industry to adopt immature technology, monopolize distribution channels, and squeeze channel partners and customers for cost-cutting and profit," ASTA stated.Additionally, ASTA is offering a toolkit for travel advisors to reach out to their congressional representatives. The organization is also encouraging members to send their clients to SaveMyMiles.com to take action."Tell them to stop AA from disenfranchising customers who book through travel agencies by telling Congress—don’t let American Airlines eliminate consumer choice," says ASTA.

Starting this fall, HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) will begin offering all-inclusive expedition cruises, the company announced today.

After several recent incidents, Boeing is taking corrective action to review its fleet to bolster strength and security. This process began after a travel mishap on February 5, 2024. Other in-air emergencies have occurred since then that are shaking the confidence of commercial airlines and passengers.

Forget concerts — Live Nation wants music fans to start going on yacht vacations.