UK Conglomerate Saga Struggles Despite Cruise Demand

Japan's iconic Mount Fuji is struggling with overtourism.

The key to seeing any celestial phenomenon is pretty obvious: You must be in the right place at the right time. While the exact location and time changes with every astronomical event, the right place is undeniably somewhere far away from any light pollution. These days, unless you make your way to a dark sky park, finding a spot on land that’s far away enough from civilization isn’t easy, so why not take to the seas? In the middle of the ocean, chances of street lights ruining your stargazing experience are very thin, that’s why cruise lines are ramping up their astronomy at sea offerings, including northern lights cruises, solar eclipse cruises, and more.

Despite having embarked on more than 50 cruises on several major cruise lines, sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) wasn't on my radar until recently.

Norwegian Cruise Line has docked two ships in Baltimore, calling the Maryland city a long term home for the first time ever.

Whether you’re a wine novice or you can tell your Syrah from a Shiraz, join Sail Croatia’s new Wines of Croatia cruise and you can learn all about the ancient grape varieties of the Dalmatia coast region of Croatia, while sailing in luxury on a small ship!

TUI is expanding the season in Turkey. Turkey is one of the most popular holiday destinations for TUI guests from all markets. 1.9 million guests travelled to Turkey with TUI in 2022. The country is not only a sought-after destination in the summer season. TUI Deutschland customers can book holidays in Antalya all year round. The region on the Turkish Riviera is TUI’s fifth largest destination in the winter season. Now the offer is also being expanded for British guests: for the winter season 2023/24, capacities for Antalya will be increased by 30 per cent.

WHY IT RATES: Pleasant Holidays and its luxury brand, Journese, has added new Egypt, Jordan and Nile river cruise itineraries that can be customized to include such iconic destinations as Cairo, Luxor, Amman, Petra and the Dead Sea. — Laurie Baratti, TravelPulse Associate Writer

Euromonitor’s report: 80% of travelers ready to pay 10% more for sustainable features despite living costs. 41% willing to pay 30% extra for adventure, eco-tourism. Europe leads Sustainable Travel Index 2023, Sweden tops, Uruguay enters top 20.

Options range from ultra-luxury expedition vessels and luxury yachts to European and Asian river cruises.

Holland America Line’s 2025 European season is open for booking, offering diverse, destination-focused itineraries. With extended cruises, more Iceland sailings, and 62 overnight calls or late departures in leading European cities, travelers are encouraged to immerse in culture and landscapes. Rotterdam reemerges as a homeport, including voyages to Northern Europe and the Baltic.

Cricket is the most popular sport in India and has a huge fan base. Beyond just being a sport, it is deeply embedded in the nation’s culture, evoking intense emotions from the masses over the victories and losses of their favorite teams: 90% of the global cricket fandom consists of Indians, highlighting the cricket craze in the country. 

Despite assurances from Carnival Cruise Line that the repairs for persistent air conditioning problems on board the Sunrise were nearly completed, passengers who disembarked August 12, following a recent voyage, say the ongoing extreme temperatures on the ship — both in staterooms and common areas like the restaurants, lobbies, and hallways — are causing more than just an inconvenience.