Mainsail Lodging & Development’s Post

It's always fascinating to see how the cruise industry constantly evolves, creating benchmarks that capture the imagination of traveller’s worldwide. While mega ships showcase remarkable engineering achievements and a wide variety of dining options and entertainment, it's essential to recognize that size isn't the only measure of excellence. Bigger isn’t always better. As major hotel chains at the higher end move into the market, Smaller vessels often provide more intimate experiences, personalized service, and access to destinations that large ships can't reach. Quality over quantity remains a guiding principle in crafting unforgettable cruise experiences. https://lnkd.in/e9D2H25b

Cruise season is here, and if you're booking a sailing soon you're going to want to read my latest for Business Insider all about the best and worst itineraries. Of course, every route has its pros and cons, which I share in the story! #cruisetravel #cruiseexpert #cruiseindustry

Current mainstream cruise line water policies are as follows: Royal Caribbean Cruise Line allows up to 12 bottles, cans or cartons, not exceeding 17 ounces each, per stateroom. Carnival Cruises allows only beverages in cans or cartons, no bottles. Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises do not allow beverages to be brought onboard. Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and Disney Cruise Line have no specific restrictions on bottled water brought on embarkation day as carry-on luggage https://lnkd.in/givmd-SU @eaualtitudewater #premiumwater

With Sun Princess, Princess Cruises is playing catch up to the rest of the cruise industry, adding elements that can already be found on other cruise lines: – an outside promenade with al fresco dining – suites-only restaurant, lounge, and pool deck – food and dining options which are de rigueur across the industry including a Teppanyaki venue and a pub None of the changes are revolutionary for either Princess Cruises or the cruise industry. For Princess, specifically, the changes are more evolutionary. In order to accommodate the changes, Princess did have to go bigger with Sun Princess, which will be the largest ship in the fleet. However, while it's 20% larger in terms of gross tonnage, it is only 17% larger in terms of passenger capacity (4,300 at double occupancy). Many of the changes onboard are small details that makes a big difference: – smart elevators that cut down on the time spent waiting for an elevator – much higher ceilings in the casino and front lobby that give these parts of the ship an airier feeling. – the transition to all-glass shower doors – three banks of USB (and USC) chargers in each cabin Of course, many of the changes are massive. Like the forward Dome, an all-new ship feature that would have been a first for the industry if not for Royal Caribbean announcing a similar feature for Icon of the Seas around the same time as Princess. For more of what I got to see at the shipyard -- and photos -- check out the full story. #cruise #cruisenews #princesscruises

🛳️ What ship is the best? 🛳️ What’s the best time of year to sail? 🛳️ What time can I get onboard the ship? 🛳️ Is there enough activities for my teenager and 2 year old to do? 🛳️ Should I fly or drive to port? 🛳️ What excursions do you recommend for my itinerary? 🛳️ Can we have a private table at dining? The questions you can ask when planning a Disney Cruise are endless and can make the booking/planning process very overwhelming! That’s where we can HELP! Even if you know exactly what you want in a Disney Cruise, there is SO MUCH value that we can bring to the table. When you book a Disney Cruise through Pirates and Princesses Travel, we are with you every step of the way prior to, during, and even after your cruise! #ppt #dcl #disneycruiseline #disneywish #disneydream #disneymagic #disneywonder #disneyfantasy #castawaycay #disneycruise #traveladvisor #travelagent #hartsvillesc #florencesc #lighthousepoint

How many of these things do you do during the cruise? https://lnkd.in/eikEJusQ #cruise #cruises #cruiseindustry #cruiseships #cruiselines #cruisehive

Diving into the impact and history of channel managers in the hospitality industry. Check out this quick 10-minute read for insights: https://lnkd.in/diFCSK8N #HospitalityTech #ChannelManagers #HotelSpider

The reality of modern cruising is far from this misconception. Ships come in all sizes and passenger capacities - from intimate vessels carrying fewer than 100 guests to larger cruise liners with close to 5,000 cruisers onboard. 🌊 Smaller ships offer an intimate experience onboard as well as at ports while larger ships are designed to include more deck space, bars, restaurants and entertainment venues to accommodate larger number of passengers so no particular venue feels congested. 🌊 Choosing a cabin with private balcony additionally proves to be beneficial for enjoying quiet sea views to yourself. Finally, many ships also feature premier decks limited to selected few. By and large, all ships are spacious enough to make you feel like you are on your own private getaway. Let this myth not deter you from choosing cruising as your next vacation !

“𝘞𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘤𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨.” Per Bjornsen, CEO of V.Ships Leisure, speaking to Cruise Industry News about the operational and digital support that V. provides to customers to help them run their cruise vessels effectively. Read the article in full ⬇ https://lnkd.in/eTiK9P86

Chartering new horizons is the name of the game this April, as #cruiseindustry professionals from across the world unite to discuss the "evolution of cruise" at Seatrade Cruise Global.   If you're heading to the world's largest cruise event, join us at stand 1223, where we will be showcasing our comprehensive portfolio of shoreside and port services, talking all things innovation in turnarounds, port operations, hotel programs and shoreside excursions.    Have a question? Pop it in the comments below.    We look forward to seeing you there! #STCGlobal #Intercruises #ThisisIntercruises #shorex #portoperations #sustainability