From TRAVELSAVERS to Ensemble, from Virtuoso to MAST, insiders see a growing market

CLIA’s kick-off to the 2016 season boosts business and highlights what’s hot, agents say.

Knowing when and how to communicate with clients is key to building relationships that keep them coming back.

New destinations and options grow the market for women, alone and in groups

As Norwegian Cruise Line prepares to end its affiliation with Nickelodeon, the children’s network it has partnered with for the past six years, cruise specialists predict minimal impact to the line’s multigenerational business.

Travel agents are excited about the new opportunities presented by Crystal Cruises’ recently-announced expansion plan. Some, though, say it’s too early to tell how the line’s new ships will match up against those of Crystal’s competitors.

Like any vacation, hitting the high seas—or maybe a rushing river—is loaded with the potential for fun, adventure and lasting memories. Skilled travel agents should take measures to help match their clients with the right cruise experience.

Norwegian Cruise Line has joined a growing list of cruise lines to offer weddings at sea. Agents are getting on board with the niche which has a lot in common with arranging group travel.

From the boom of craft beers to the farm-to-table focus of the world’s most renowned chefs, today’s consumers seek more authentic local influences as part of their travel experiences. Hotels are finally taking note of the trend, says an Occidental Hotels & Resorts exec.

With record-breaking brutal weather pounding the East Coast this winter and the second month of Wave Season 2015 coming to a close, cruise bookings show no signs of slowing down. Bookings are even up from a strong sales season last year, according to travel agents.