Silversea Cruises said it has begun a two-month project to lengthen the Silver Spirit by cutting it down the middle to insert a 49-foot section.The new section will increase the length of the 36,009-g…
North America
Virgin Atlantic targets second half of 2019 for expanded joint venture
LONDON — A transatlantic joint venture between Virgin Atlantic, Delta, Air France-KLM and Italia is expected to launch in the second half of 2019, and a step toward that goal will be done soon.N…
Crystal Cruises unveils redesign plans for Crystal Serenity
Crystal Cruises has announced details and revealed images of the most extensive redesign in Crystal Serenity’s history during a press briefing at Seatrade Cruise Global in Fort Lauderdale.This O…
W Panama takes brand into Central America
W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott International, has announced the opening of W Panama, the first W in Central America.Located in one of the most cosmopolitan capitals in the region, Panama City, t…
Radisson introduces premium brand, overhauls loyalty program
Radisson Hotel Group, the hotel company formerly known as Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, has launched a new premium brand and overhauled its loyalty program.Radisson said Monday that it will do away wit…
ASTA forming technology task force
NEW YORK — ASTA is creating a task force to examine existing and upcoming technologies that might affect travel agents.Jay Ellenby, ASTA’s chair and the president of Safe Harbors Business …
First Boeing 737 MAX lands at Icelandair
Boeing and Icelandair have celebrated the delivery of the airline’s first 737 MAX as the Icelandic carrier seeks to grow and renew its fleet and enhance its trans-Atlantic operations.The MAX, a …
Playa buying five Jamaica resorts for $300 million
Playa Hotels & Resorts has agreed to buy five Jamaica resorts from Sagicor Group Jamaica for about $300 million in cash and stock.Playa is buying four Jewel-branded resorts and the 489-room Hilton…
Avalon gives active river cruisers more options
For 2019, Avalon Waterways is introducing more active components to all its cruises.For one, the company is expanding its Active Discovery itineraries, which launched in 2016, to France’s Rhone …
Caribbean hotel update: About half of properties on hurricane-affected islands have reopened
Caribbean hotel reopenings are signs of recovery progress in hurricane-impacted destinations.According to the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, of the 129 CHTA member hotels in Anguilla, the Br…