AmaWaterways is expanding its Soulful sailings program celebrating Black heritage and culture to include Kwanza, Juneteenth and New Years sailings in Europe for 2026.

New sailings are Best of Holland & Belgium, round-trip from Amsterdam on December 27, 2025; Riches of the Mekong on October 11, 2026; and the Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles Christmas on Dec. 15, 2026.

The seven-night Best of Holland & Belgium, on AmaStella, will feature daily themes honoring Kwanzaa’s seven principles, nightly Kinara candle-lighting ceremonies, and cultural programming including an Amsterdam cultural tour. Fares start at USA $3,039 and CAD $4,117 per person, double, with Ama’s current Holiday Triple Savings offer (available through March 31, 2025). An optional two-night pre-cruise in Amsterdam is available.

Riches of the Mekong, from October 11 to 25, 2026, will focus on Vietnam and Cambodia’s connections to Black history, on board the AmaDara. It includes a four-night Central Vietnam Land Extension, a pre-cruise night in Siem Reap and two post-cruise nights in Ho Chi Minh. Fares start at USA $5,032 and CAD $6,744.

Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles Christmas, departing December 15, will combine Christmas markets and Kwanzaa celebrations on a seven-night Basel to Amsterdam cruise, with two nights post cruise in Amsterdam. Prices begin at USA $4,299 and CAD $6,071 during the Triple Holiday Savings event (through March 31).

Also returning in 2026 is Enticing Douro, June 13 to June 23, which will celebrate Juneteenth (June 19) with themed events and programming. The trip begins with three nights in Lisbon, the site of Europe’s first African neighborhood, and then sails the Douro River for seven nights on the AmaDouro. Two shoreside dinners will feature Brazilian and African food tastings and authentic Portuguese food and wines at local wine estates. Fares start at USA $4,949 and CAD $6,522.

Every Soulful Experience sailing includes select excursions and experiences that highlight the Black experience. A dedicated Soulful webinar for travel advisors, hosted by AmaWaterways senior director Jazzmine Douse, is available on the AmaWaterways Travel Advisor Portal.

Royal Caribbean this week offered up details about its newest Icon-class ship—including its name, Legend of the Seas—and itineraries, which will include Europe and the Western Caribbean for the first time when it launches in 2026.

Legend will make a splashy debut with 7-night Western Mediterranean itineraries from Barcelona, with interporting from Rome, to France, Italy and Spain for the summer of 2026. Then it will shift to year-round 6-night Western Caribbean and 8-night Southern Caribbean sailings out of Fort Lauderdale, including Oranjestad, Aruba;  Falmouth, Jamaica; and Willemstad, Curacao, beginning in November 2026. Every sailing will stop at “Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas,” the newly elongated name that distinguishes it from its new counterpart in Mexico.

Crown & Anchor Society loyalty members have special access to book today, ahead of the official opening on Thursday, Feb. 20.

Onboard Legend will be the Crown’s Edge, “part skywalk, part ropes course and part thrill ride,” and Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea. There will be seven pools, including the largest pool at sea, Royal Bay and a “one-of-a-kind adults-only infinity pool suspended above the ocean.” Also onboard will be family favorites including the Surfside neighborhood and the Ultimate Family Townhouse.

Further details will be forthcoming soon, Royal Caribbean promised. But its sister ship Icon of the Sea is the largest cruise ship in the world, 1,198 feet long and weighing 250,80 tons, with 2,805 staterooms and a maximum capacity of 7,600 passengers and a crew of 2,350 on 20 decks.

Legend vacations start at $895 per person for a three-night getaway cruise and $1,346 per person for a five-night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day cruise, according to the website.

Legend’s debut will follow its Icon sister, Star of the Seas in Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, in August 2025.

Planet Earth seems to be having a Wave Season of its own, jolting the surface with a series of earthquakes from LA to the west, across the Caribbean and on to Italy.

California has reported nine earthquakes since Thursday, including one of 3.7 magnitude that struck the Malibu area on Friday and was felt 50 miles away in Los Angeles.

(The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, the experts say. Wherever you are, drop down to your hands and knees and hold onto something sturdy. If you’re using a wheelchair or walker with a seat, make sure your wheels are locked and remain seated until the shaking stops.)

In Alaska, meanwhile, a swarm of more than 100 shallow earthquakes at Mount Spurr this weekend suggests the volcano could be moving closer to an eruption, experts said, potentially threatening air travel to Asia. The 11,070-foot mountain is 75 miles west of Anchorage, and in previous eruptions has ejected huge plumes of volcanic ash up to 45,000 feet.

In Italy, meanwhile, Mount Etna’s eruptions, which began on February 12, continue to intensify. And now a powerful earthquake swarm has brought Campi Flegrei near Naples 500 tremors—and two earthquakes of 3.9 magnitude—since Saturday. Experts are calling it the most significant seismic events in the area in the past four decades.

While the eruption is beautiful to see, the clouds of ash have forced several flights around Sicily to divert their paths, and the Italian authorities are urging visitors not to approach the area too closely.

The largest recent earthquake—a magnitude 8, the world’s strongest since 2023—last Saturday in the Caribbean Sea, southwest of George Town in the Cayman Islands, brought tsunami warnings in Colombia, Haiti, Belize, Saba, Aruba, Curacao, Costa Rica, the Bahamas, Cuba, the Cayman Islands, Panama, the Dominican Republic, Turks and Caicos, Honduras, Mexico, Bonaire, Guatemala, and Jamaica.

In the Aegean, the Greek islands of Santorini and its neighbors have been quieter following a series of earthquakes that sent many locals and tourists fleeing, but an undersea earthquake of magnitude 5.1 was recorded on Monday.

This week’s announcement of Catherine Powell as Ama’s new president was all about the G word. In the press release announcing the appointment, AmaWaterways said it is gearing up to “position itself for a new phase of growth” by welcoming Catherine Powell as its new president, freeing up co-owner and co-founder Kristin Karst to move to a new role as Chief Brand Ambassador.

Ama cited Powell’s “impressive track record of driving growth and strategic transformation across the entertainment, hospitality, and travel industries,” including “delivering double-digit growth focused on new revenue and cost opportunities” over more than 15 years at Walt Disney Company. At Disney, her roles included president of the Euro Disney group and president of Disney Parks’ Western Region, overseeing Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resort, and Disneyland Paris. Most recently, she was Global Head of Hosting at Airbnb.

Powell will report directly to Ama co-founder and CEO Rudi Schreiner, who said her “vision aligns perfectly with our ethos of exceptional guest experiences and innovation. Her leadership will be instrumental in propelling AmaWaterways to new heights. As we move into this new chapter of growth, we are confident that Catherine’s expertise and vision will be instrumental in exploring new opportunities within the luxury river cruise market, while staying true to our core values.”

Powell said she is “excited to bring my passion for creating unforgettable moments to the world of luxury river cruising.”

While some have been expressing concern about overtourism on the rivers, it’s likely to be a very good time for travel advisors, whom both Royal Caribbean and Ama see as close allies.

Ama’s co-owner and co-founder Kristin Karst, the face of the company in the travel advisor community, now will serve as Chief Brand Ambassador. “I very much look forward to not only creating more awareness and forging relationships internationally, but to maintaining and strengthening our very important relationships with our travel trade (partners) who have always been at the heart of AmaWaterways,” Karst said. “Together we will continue building on the foundation of trust and excellence for which AmaWaterways is known, ensuring we deliver unforgettable experiences to our guests around the world.”

For more on AmaWaterwars, Kristin Karst and Mara Hargarther Talk Building Partnerships and Friendships.

Sacramento – February 12, 2025 – The California Coalition of Travel Organizations (CCTO) is pleased to announce the election of its 2025 Board of Directors, reaffirming its commitment to advocating for and protecting the interests of travel advisors and agencies across California.

CCTO is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to legislative advocacy and industry representation, ensuring that California’s travel professionals have a strong voice in government affairs. By working closely with policymakers, industry partners, and national organizations, CCTO plays a vital role in shaping policies that impact California travel advisors and the broader travel industry. Read the rest of this entry »

If a $5 fee is a good way to slow overtourism and protect the fragile ecosystem, then shouldn’t $10 work even better?

That’s the question in Venice, which has announced it will bring back last summer’s tourist tax—and double it to boot—for 2025.

Venice in 2024 introduced a €5 charge for visitors on 29 high-traffic peak-season dates, in an attempt to curb the crowds that sometimes overran its famous, but delicate, canals. The tourism office reports that the fee generated revenues of €2.4 million, about $2.5 million, last year.

Now it’s back for 2025, at double the rate and almost double the number of dates, which are now set at 54 days from April through July.

The charge applies to daytrippers entering Venice’s historic center between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Overnight guests, residents, students and those visiting relatives are exempt, while those booking four days or more in advance will get a 50% discount.

Venice reports that several cities have contacted its officials for information on how the program is working, as major cities around the world struggle with traffic issues.

Across the Atlantic, New York on January 5 started its own Urban American version, trying to stem the flow of cars and encourage the use of public transportation with a $9 Congestion Pricing fee on vehicles driving into downtown Manhattan between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. on weekdays, and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends. Six weeks in, the Metropolitan Transit Association reported 1 million fewer cars entered the affected zone, cutting the time of inbound trips to Manhattan by 10% to 30%, and travel times during afternoon rush hour by 59%.

Nerves are frazzling in the Mediterranean after days of constant undersea earthquakes continue to rock the Grecian Island of Santorini.

As the Greek Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Ministry declared a month-long state of emergency, Viking Star began skipping Santorini as a cruise port, replacing the stop at the popular blue-hued Aegean town with Olympia (Katakolon). And travel advisor Sue Hooper reports that Globus has canceled the Santorini portion of her clients’ tour and replaced it with Crete, as they will do for all tours for the rest of the month.

Israel is carefully monitoring its tsunami warning systems, on high alert for a giant wave caused by the Greek earthquake along its 125-mile Mediterranean coastline—especially in cities like the cruise port of Haifa.

And officials in Turkey cautioned that more earthquakes are possible there.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Friday announced a $3 million funding package to construct an emergency evacuation route in the southern part of Santorini.

Experts say they cannot predict when the “seismic crisis” on Santorini will end, or whether a major volcanic eruption or tsunami will occur. But everyone wants to be prepared. Santorini itself was formed by a volcano that erupted in 1600 BC, sending a 165-foot tsunami (about the height of Niagara Falls) barreling across the Mediterranean to Turkey, Syria, Egypt and Israel.

The swells keep coming this Wave Season, as Celebrity Cruises this week followed up its entry into river cruising by releasing details of the new Celebrity Xcel, which will debut in November. The focus, it seems, is not only on bringing the outdoors in, but on bringing the destination onboard during sea days as well.

So forget about Eden; Celebrity Xcel will replace that ephemeral concept on Decks 4-6 with a modern-day Paradise that is much more down-to-earth—and right outside those floor-to-ceiling windows: the Caribbean in the winter season and Europe in the summer.

The Eden space now will become The Bazaar—a “multilevel, multisensory space” that changes every day of each voyage to represent “the sights, sounds, flavors and traditions of the current destination. For the inaugural 2025 Caribbean itineraries, the area will rotate four festivals paying homage to the cultures of the Bahamas, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean in general.

The point is partly to change days at sea into days that feel like you are already in the destination, trying rum and chocolate, basket weaving, and browsing offerings of Mexican hats and leather from local vendors onboard as you sail the Caribbean, for example.

Guests will find themed snacks and drinks in the Bazaar, along with cooking and dance classes and entertainment. Dishes “inspired by the destination” will be the focus of the tasting menu at the Mosaic open-kitchen restaurant and its specialty Chef’s Table and Chef’s Studio cooking school, as well as the casual Spice under those gorgeous windows overlooking the sea.

Members of Celebrity’s “Dream Makers” community will help choose festival entertainment, market activities and menu items. (To join, you can register at https://www.celebritycruises.com/xceldreammakers.)

In port, new shore excursions will include food-oriented Chef’s Market Discoveries, Small Group Journeys led by local guides, and personalized, exclusive visits on Private Journeys. And in Nassau, Celebrity guests will be able to enjoy the brand-new Royal Beach Club, which will open in late 2025.

For its inaugural season (already on sale) the 3,248-passenger Celebrity Xcel will sail seven-night itineraries from Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas, Mexico, Cayman Islands, Puerto Plata, St. Thomas and St. Maarten. In Summer 2026, it will sail its inaugural European season in the Mediterranean, with 7- to 11-night itineraries from Barcelona or Athens, including all new overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal.

A series of earthquakes on the Greek island of Santorini over the weekend continues into Monday, rattling visitors and residents every 10 or 20 minutes. Experts say they are likely to continue for weeks, causing hundreds of locals and visitors to flee on ferryboats or head to the airport. Aegean Airlines has added three flights a day on Monday and Tuesday in response to a request from Greece’s Civil Protection Ministry.

A prime destination for sun worshippers and newlyweds, Santorini itself sits on a volcano causing concerns that it will experience more seismic activity and landslides.

Precautions were ordered here and on nearby islands after more than 200 earthquakes, many with magnitudes over 4.5, were recorded under the Aegean Sea over the past three days. People were warned to avoid indoor gatherings, check escape routes, stay away from cliffs where rock slides might occur, and drain swimming pools to reduce potential structural damage to buildings in the event of a large earthquake.

Authorities in Santorini’s main town, Fira, designated gathering points in case of potential evacuation.

The Greek ministry also advised people to avoid the surrounding ports of Amoudi, Armeni, Korfos and Old Port (Paleos Limenas) and to immediately leave coastal areas if they feel a strong tremor.

Greece lies in a part of the world known for frequent seismic activity. The vast majority cause little or no damage, but some have been deadly. Santorini itself was formed by one the largest volcanic eruptions in history, in about 1600 BC. The last eruption was in 1950.

With tensions easing a bit in the Middle East, Delta Airlines will become the first US carrier to resume direct service from New York JFK to Tel Aviv, Israel, on April 1, in time for the busy Passover/Easter holidays that bring millions of faith-based tourists to the Holy Land.

Israel-based airline Arkia, meanwhile, will begin three weekly flights from JFK next week, on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, with tickets priced from $1,199. It joins Israeli flag carrier El Al, the only airline to fly continuously throughout the hostage crisis.

Other international airlines resuming flights are: Air India, starting March 2; Air France, starting January 25; British Airways, starting April 24; and The Lufthansa Group (including Swiss, Austrian, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa, and Eurowings) starting February 2025.

Travel to Israel fell 68% in 2024, after the hostages were taken on Oct. 7, 2023, the Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT) said, but rebounded 44% in December. Still, almost a million tourists visited the tiny country last year.

“While 2024 brought historic challenges for Israel’s tourism industry, we thank those who came to visit loved ones, participate in solidarity and volunteer missions, as well as those who supported us from near and far,” said Yael Golan, Interim Tourism Commissioner to North America at the Israel Ministry of Tourism. “Our community is incredibly resilient, and the news of a ceasefire and the ongoing return of hostages continues to bring us hope for a peaceful future. Israel’s tourism infrastructure continued to move forward during these challenging times with the introduction of new hotels, restaurants and museum exhibits. Whether you are planning a visit in 2025 or in the hopeful future, Israel looks forward to welcoming you.”

In preparation for what it hopes will be an influx of travelers in 2025, the Jerusalem Convention Bureau has launched a website for meeting planners that offers about suppliers, shares attractions in Jerusalem suitable for groups, and allows planners to submit RFPs.

Notable high-end hotel openings include the David’s Harp Galilee Resort, on the Sea of Galilee, which reopens with 18 new luxury suites and two presidential suites, plus a new spa, and the extensively renovated Galilion Hotel in the Upper Galilee, as well as the brand new adults-only Roxon Red Sea Eilat. There’s also a new national park, Yam Caesarea, Israel’s first marine national park, where guests can swim or snorkel in King Herod the Great’s Caesarea Harbor, openned in 10 BCE.

Jewish young adults are invited to visit their homeland at no cost through Birthright Israel, which will host 6,500 young Jewish adults from all over the world on internships and volunteer opportunities.

There’s a race to the rivers in the offing, as both Royal Caribbean Group (RCG) and Viking greet a rising tide of European cruisers by ordering lots of new ships.

Certainly the biggest news this week was Royal Caribbean’s announcement that it has ordered 10 new-build river cruise ships, which it will design along the lines of Celebrity edge and sail under the Celebrity flag. They will “bring the quality and sophistication of our Edge-series ocean ships to the most iconic rivers, starting with Europe,” said Celebrity Cruises president Laura Hodges Bethge.

“We see river cruising as an exciting growth opportunity that aligns with our strategy of turning the vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations, expanding our ecosystem of vacation offerings, and broadening our reach into adjacent lines of businesses,” said RCG president and CEO Jason Liberty said on the company’s earnings call this week.

And by leveraging its loyalty programs with RCG’s other brands, Royal Caribbean International and Silversea, will deepen customer engagement and keep guests within the company portfolio.

“This is not a hobby for us,” he said, stressing that there likely will be more orders before the first two set sail in 2027. The other eight on order, meanwhile, will launch in 2028 and 2029.

Indeed, he suggested this is just the start, hinting at Silversea river cruises (“We will provide opportunities for ultra-luxury guests. We’ll start with Celebrity and then we will look if there are other opportunities to expand with our other brands.”) and other continents (“There are rivers around the world that we want our guests to experience.”)

It’s a fair turnaround, one might argue, for RCG to take on Viking Cruises, the market leader, which built its business selling small-ship river cruising to the US market—and then challenged the established ocean players with its own fleet on the seas. In 2025 and 2026 it will introduce the Viking Vesta, Viking Libra and Viking Mira, and sail 10 new ocean itineraries in the Mediterranean, UK, Ireland, and Northern Europe.

But “this is not about chasing Viking customers,” Liberty said. “This is about leveraging our customers and keeping them in our eco-system.”

(For industry reaction to RCG’s entry into river cruising, see The Rosen Report next week.)

If your travel plans include venturing across state borders or collecting passport stamps, it’s essential to know what your health insurance will cover while you’re far from home. Facing an illness or injury abroad can be more than just unpleasant—it could lead to hefty out-of-pocket costs, even if you’re enrolled in Medicare. Many standard health insurance policies also do not cover international travel. Read the rest of this entry »

New York City — Since the pandemic, says Hilton Hotels SVP of architecture and design Larry Traxler, “luxury and lifestyle are off the charts. It’s all about giving people a sense of place so when they wake up they know where they are.”

From the international space station, where they are partnering to design the perfect small space, to the backwoods, where they are rolling out glamping experiences, Hilton wants to be there for your luxury guests, combining comfort and service with unforgettable experiences.

For 2025, the focus clearly is in experiences in the luxury market, said Dan Reynolds, SVP of global content, media and partnerships. Hilton’s new partnerships with Small Luxury Hotels of the World has brought more than 400 boutique properties, bringing guests close to communities around the world. Teaming with McLaren gives Formula One fans private access to race weekends; its expanding roster of “Stay Like” pop-up overnights, such as “Stay Like” Wicked, lets them imagine themselves on the Broadway stage. “We’re thinking about how to bring that fandom and make it bookable,” SVP Content, Media and Partnerships Dan Reynolds told me.

And at the end of a busy day, a new partnership with Calm offers tranquility and restfulness.

Among the new properties rolling out this year, arguably the most exciting for this Manhattan crowd is the reopening of the Waldorf Astoria New York, “a flagship for our entire company, the crown of our portfolio,” said Dino Michael, Hilton’s global head of luxury.  A city block long, it will boast “all the areas you know and love, restored beyond their former glory.” Also in the lineup are new Conrads in Hamburg and Athens; Waldorf Astorias in Costa Rica, Osaka, Shanghai and Rabat; and a new Signia by Hilton in Amman, the brand’s first venture outside the United States.

But also in the lineup are great new properties including Conrads in Hamburg and Athens; Waldorf Astorias in Costa Rica, Osaka, Shanghai and Rabat; Conrads in Athens and Hamburg; and a new Signia by Hilton in Amman, the brand’s first venture outside the United States. In the Dominican Republic, the Zemi Miches All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton, will offer a new-build high-end totally immersive experience, from the design to the architecture. (30% of new Curios will be resorts, SVP Jenna Hackett, Hilton’s Global Brand Leader, Lifestyle, told me.) For skiers, there’s the new ski-in, ski-out Hotel Ascent Park City, Tapestry Collection by Hilton in Utah, an all-condo property, and the Hotel Alpenrock Breckenridge, Curio Collection by Hilton in Colorado.

“I’m excited about the growth in the lifestyle space, and our goals are very ambitious. We are building teams to build out multiple experiences focused on food and beverage, design and experiences. And we’re looking to grow resort destinations with an F&B focus in the all-inclusive space,” Hackett said.

A new partnership with Autocamp, meanwhile, offers 300-foot luxury Airstream campers in eight domestic locations—perfect for families or outdoor enthusiasts who might want to add a couple of nights in a national park or hiking in the Bay Area with a stay at a more traditional Hilton luxury hotel.

For Traxler, though, “luxury” begins with a comfortable room—and that starts with smart zoning. In Amman or in the woods, across all 24 Hilton brands, it’s about an efficient triangle comprising the vanity, shower and wardrobe. “Whether it’s 1,000 square feet or 200, it’s about giving people as much space as possible to do what they want to do.”

Since the pandemic, Traxler says, guests are demanding—and property owners are willing to pay for—touches that add that unique sense of place, from indigenous plants and art or meeting rooms filled with natural light. “Everyone wants a ballroom that opens and a rooftop bar,” he said.

In short, said Hilton chief marketing officer Mark Weinstein, “it matters where you stay. And your stay will be different if it’s at a Hilton.”

Having your luggage misplaced or lost is one of the ongoing perils of airline travel. Fortunately, Apple AirTags offer a reliable solution to track your luggage in real-time, providing a bit more peace of mind during your travels. This guide will walk you through the steps of effectively using Apple AirTags and offer insightful tips to maximize their utility.

Getting Started: How to Use AirTags to Track Your Luggage

Integrating Apple AirTags into your travel routine is straightforward and can significantly improve your luggage management. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get started:

1. Pair Your AirTag with Your Device:
– Use your iPhone or iPad to set up your AirTag. Navigate to the “Find My” app, and follow the on-screen instructions to pair it with your device. This easy step ensures your AirTag is linked to your Apple ID, providing secure and private location tracking.

2. Name Your AirTag:
– Upon setup, name your AirTag according to the specific luggage it will track. This can be “Suitcase,” “Carry-On,” or any identifier that helps you recognize which AirTag belongs to which bag.

3. Place the AirTag in Your Luggage:
– For optimal safety, place the AirTag inside your luggage. This discreet placement keeps it secure and less prone to damage or theft.

4. Connect to Wi-Fi at the Airport:
– Ensure you connect your device to airport Wi-Fi for more accurate location readings. This connection enhances the performance of the “Find My” app, especially in large, bustling terminals.

5. Use the Find My App to See the Location of Your AirTag:
– With your AirTag set up, you can now track its location using the “Find My” app. This real-time update helps reassure you about the whereabouts of your luggage.

6. Share the Location with Airline Customer Service:
– If your luggage goes off-radar, sharing your AirTag’s location with airline customer service can expedite the retrieval process. Provide them with the necessary details for prompt assistance.

7. What happens when your bag is out of range for your Bluetooth connection?

It is true that your phone’s Bluetooth connection has a limited range. However, this limitation is solved by the Find My network program inherent in Apple’s system which connects millions of Apple devices worldwide, all of which can reveal its location information to the Find My app and relay the information back to you.

Tips for Effective Use of AirTags

To make the most of your Apple AirTags, consider the following tips:

– Use One AirTag Per Bag:
– Each piece of luggage should have its own AirTag for precise tracking.

– Security First:
– Always place the AirTag inside the bag to prevent loss or theft while traveling.

– Check the Battery:
– AirTags have a long battery life, but it’s wise to check the battery status periodically, especially before embarking on long trips.

– Enable “Notify When Left Behind” for Carry-Ons:
– To ensure you don’t leave anything behind, activate the “Notify When Left Behind” feature for carry-on bags.

– Rename for Clarity:
– Clear, descriptive names for each AirTag will help you easily manage and identify each bag.

Benefits of Using AirTags to Track Luggage

Apple AirTags offer multiple advantages for travelers who wish to keep their luggage secure:

– Real-Time Tracking:
– Having access to real-time updates means you can monitor the location of your luggage as you move through different transit points.

– Time-Efficiency:
– Quick location updates minimize the time spent waiting and wondering about misplaced luggage, enabling faster reconciliation with your belongings.

– Enhanced Communication:
– Sharing your AirTag’s location with airline staff can speed up the tracking process, resulting in quicker resolutions.

By incorporating Apple AirTags into your travel toolkit, you can relax and focus on enjoying your journey without worrying about your luggage.

For more details, visit Apple’s official guide on using AirTags with the “Find My” app.

The US Department of State has begun freezing all passport applications that have “X” as a sex marker, or request a change in gender identity, following a new executive order, “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government,” signed by Pres. Trump.

Multiple news media cited an internal memo from Secretary of State Marco Rubio to his staff instructing them to immediately implement the new guidelines, which state that government-issued identification documents—including passports, visas and Global Entry cards—must use “an individual’s immutable biological classification as either male or female.” No allowances will be made for individuals who have had gender affirming surgery, since “the policy of the United States is that an individual’s sex is not changeable,” and “sex, and not gender, shall be used” in official documents.

The State Department in 2022 introduced an “X” marker for nonbinary, intersex, and gender-nonconforming people.

Passports with the “X” identification are still valid, though the Rubio memo notes that “guidance on existing passports containing an X sex marker will come via other channels,” and issues likely will arise when travelers try to renew them.

Lovers of Celebrity Edge and its sisters soon will have a new option to try out, as Royal Caribbean this week ordered a sixth Edge Series ship, scheduled for delivery in 2018.

Dubbed “Xcel 2” for now, the ship will join Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Apex, and Celebrity Edge, as well as the newest member of the Edge Series fleet, Celebrity Xcel, which will debut in November.

While the ship will include popular elements of the Edge Series, such as the floating Magic Carpet platform and Infinite Veranda staterooms that bring the balcony inside, the company promises, “other yet-to-be-announced innovations.” To that end, Celebrity has launched a “Dream Makers” program, inviting its fans—and their travel advisors—to help design their perfect voyage. Everyone is invited to join the “Dream Makers” community (Opt In thank you page Opt In Form), where you can vote on and test new experiences, from F&B to entertainment to textiles and interior design, the company said.

“Celebrity Xcel will be the happy place of vacationers globally when she launches in November and we’re thrilled to be making this commitment to bring her a sister ship in Edge 6,” Celebrity Cruises president Laura Hodges Bethge said In a press release announcing the new ship.

Celebrity Xcel’s inaugural season will depart Fort Lauderdale on seven-night itineraries to the Caribbean and Mexico, and then move to the Mediterranean for 7- to 11-night sailings from Barcelona and Athens, with overnights in Madeira, Portugal.

Royal Caribbean Group currently has six more ships on order, including the Royal Caribbean Star of the Seas, which also is scheduled to launch this year.

In a devastating incident at the Grand Kartal Hotel, part of Turkey’s Kartalkaya Ski Resort in the Bolu mountains, a fire broke out on Tuesday night, claiming the lives of at least 66 individuals and injuring more than 51 others.

Reports indicate that the fire erupted at the Grand Kartal Hotel, prompting some guests to leap from windows in a panicked effort to escape the flames. The fire rapidly spread, engulfing the hotel in smoke and chaos. The inferno caught residents off-guard in the quiet hours of the night, leaving little time for organized evacuation routes.

Local fire brigade and rescue teams responded swiftly, battling the flames and working to bring the situation under control. The details of exactly what triggered the blaze remain under investigation, with preliminary suggestions indicating the fire originated at the hotel’s restaurant.

As the travel industry looks forward to a new year of adventure and innovation, Host Agency Reviews is set to kick off Host Week 2025, its fifth annual celebration dedicated to hosted travel agents. This much-anticipated event, slated to run each January, is a vibrant homage to the contributions of hosted advisors and an acknowledgment of the industry’s dynamic support system that propels them.

Travel agents are invited to join this week-long festivity, which promises an array of enriching experiences tailored specifically for industry professionals. Host Week’s agenda features:

• Networking Opportunities: Engage with prominent host agencies and consortia through exclusive meet-and-greet sessions. Forge lasting relationships that can catalyze your business growth.
• Exclusive Deals: Attendees will have access to specialized promotions, meticulously curated for Host Week participants, enabling agents to enhance their offerings and deliver exceptional value to their clients.
• Inspiring Keynotes: Be inspired by uplifting speeches from industry leaders. These thought-provoking sessions are designed to motivate travel agents, equipping them with fresh insights and strategies to thrive in the ever-evolving travel landscape.
• Educational Sessions: Dive into EduSpots led by some of the most passionate educators in the field. These sessions will not only broaden your knowledge base but also provide practical skills to implement in your agency.

The event boasts an exceptional lineup of presenters determined to prepare you for a successful 2025, helping you refine your agency’s operations and maximize its potential. Best of all, this premier industry event is completely free of charge, ensuring that all travel agents have the opportunity to partake in its manifold benefits.

Secure your spot at Host Week 2025 and get ready to elevate your agency’s game like never before.

For more information and to register, visit Host Agency Reviews’ official website.

Fear not, travel advisors with solo travelers in 2025. But act fast.

Celebrating its 100^th anniversary with a nod to the $500 billion global solo travel market—whose members make up 11% of the industry and travel an average three times a year—luxury tour operator Tauck is waiving single supplements on many of its river and land cruises for Wave Season. And so too is Aurora Expeditions, on polar expeditions.

Tauck is offering single travelers supplement-free sailings in Category 1 cabins on European river cruise. The smallest cabins on Tauck ships, these measure 150 square feet and have no balcony. Looking for something larger? The Wave Season special offers $1,000 off the single supplement on many other cabins (mostly categories 4 and 5) on 52 departures.

On land, meanwhile, Tauck has reduced the single supplement by up to $600 on 84 departures on five continents—including up to $300 off trips to the US National Parks, Hawaii and the Canadian Rockies; $400 off its iconic 14-day Classic Italy itinerary; or $600 off trips in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

More adventurous souls might appreciate the Wave Season offer from Aurora Expeditions, which is targeting the solo market on high-end cruises to the Arctic and Antarctica. Through March 31, it is offering a number of supplement-free rooms on polar sailings in 2025 and 2026, including 10 single rooms with no supplement on every 2026 sailing on three ships—among them the new Douglas Mawson, scheduled to debut in December 2025. (The supplement usually is 50%, or as much as $6,500 per person.) Aurora also will pair guests with a roommate of the same sex, or honor the double rate if they cannot find you one.

Cruise lines typically charge as much as 100% extra for singles occupying a stateroom built for two, as they lose out not only on the extra fare but also on incidentals and upcharges. Cruzely.com notes that on Royal Caribbean, for example, 31.2% of the $1,818 average spend per passenger per trip comes from onboard spending.

Even as smoke fills the skies above Los Angeles and residents flee the flames, the City of Angels always believes that the show must go on. So while many public spaces are closed, area airports and hotels remain open to travelers, with few cancellations.

FlightAware reported 13 canceled and 41 delayed flights on Thursday, though videos of the fire as seen from the windows fill social media. American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest and United all are offering travel waivers for those who are interested. The Hotel Association of Los Angeles reports that “hotels are taking in thousands of Angelenos” and their pets, often at reduced rates.

The danger is not yet over, however. “We are far from out of the woods,” meteorologist Ariel Cohen, who oversees the National Weather Service’s Los Angeles office, told CNN on Thursday, though the gusts will be less powerful and destructive in terms of structural damage.

Here’s a roundup of other news we found:

Internova’s Family Bonds Foundation offers financial support to travel advisors in need, and may be able to help. The deadline for their next scheduled grant distribution is January 15 (www.familybondsfoundation.com) so apply quickly. (Or donate if you can!)

Red flag warnings are in effect until 6 pm Friday for the Malibu coast, Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, San Gabriel Valley and Mountains, San Fernando Valley, Calabasas, and the 5 and 14 Freeways.

Many major roads around Los Angeles are closed, including the Pacific Coast Highway between the McClure Tunnel and the Topanga Canyon.

Universal Studios Hollywood is closed Thursday but Disneyland is open.

Burbank Airport posted on X: “Weather conditions are impacting various flight operations today. Check with your airline on the status of your flight before heading to LUR.”

The NBA has postponed Thursday night’s game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Charlotte Hornets.

The Apple Farm Inn is offering $79/night rates through Friday. Include the word “evacuee” in the notes when you book. (Thanks for sharing Delia DuPlessis.)

Along with the traditional Wave Season specials, Holland America Line this week announced a plan to spend $70 million over the next three years enhancing the guest experience at the sprawling, 60-acre Holland America Denali Lodge. The drawing board includes a remodel of existing rooms and the addition of a new building, restaurant, coffee bar and bar.

With tourism to the 49^th state soaring—and competition for this top-selling cruise destination heated among both cruise and land suppliers— HAL president Beth Bodensteiner noted the convenience of staying at a lodge “at the doorstep of Denali National Park,” near the base of the 20,000-foot Mount Denali. Bodensteiner called the plan “a win for Alaska, our guests, and Holland America Line. Enhancing and expanding the Holland America Denali Lodge will help meet the growing interest in combined land and sea Cruisetours for our 49th state and further support the Alaska tourism industry.”

This year, HAL will add scenic viewpoints to its riverside interpretive trail, improve on-site wayfinding, refine the menu offerings in the restaurants, and improve the public spaces in the Lodge’s Cottonwood and Canyon Lodge buildings.

In 2026, the plan calls for remodeling 48 rooms in Denali Lodge, adding a new coffee shop, and remodeling Karstens Public House with expanded indoor and outdoor seating “to provide a more immersive experience.”

A new building with 120 suites and rooms will open in 2027, with a new restaurant, a new lobby bar, and an enhanced coffee experience.

HAL’s popular Cruisetours program offers 17 itineraries that combine an Alaska cruise with a ride on the glass-domed McKinley Explorer train to Denali National Park and/or Canada’s Yukon Territory, utilizing company-owned motorcoaches, railcars, and hotels, including Denali Lodge.

For Wave Season, meanwhile, Hal’s Start Your Journey offer promises balcony upgrades, bonus amenities, reduced deposits, and other savings. Bookings made by February 28 will be eligible for an onboard spending credit of up to $400 per cabin ($US100 per person) on six- to nine-day cruises, or more for longer voyages.

Have It All premium packages on select cruises between April 2025 to April 2026 get a cabin upgrade in select categories, reduced fares for children, and a 50% deposit. And if they are booked during the offer period, by March 31, 2025, they include shore excursions, the signature beverage package, specialty dining and wi-fi.