Latest news with #itinerary
Forbes
2 days ago
- Forbes
Why Do Cruise Lines Make Changes To Itineraries Before Sailing?
With some cruise ports tightening rules on port calls in part due to protests, some cruise lines are dorced to change itineraries. Many cruise lines make alterations to their itineraries before sailing. In late 2024, Carnival guests were notified of itinerary adjustments for five cruise ships in early 2025 and 2026, impacting various ports in the Bahamas. These changes include port replacements, modified times, and shifts to 11 itineraries, giving guests at least four months to modify their plans if necessary. While Carnival's adjustments were minor, cruise lines can make significant changes before or even during sailings. For example, many world cruises planned for 2025 and 2026 have seen major changes due to the need to avoid certain parts of the world. Let's explore why these changes happen, and how you can minimize the risk of booking a cruise that ends up being changed. Cruise lines may adjust itineraries well in advance for several reasons, often tied to global events or local regulations. For instance, political instability or conflict can make certain destinations inaccessible or undesirable. A prominent example is the suspension of cruises to Saint Petersburg following travel restrictions and security concerns following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Baltic cruises now typically feature additional stops in Scandinavian cities like Stockholm, Helsinki, and Copenhagen to compensate for the change. Regulatory changes in specific regions also play a significant role. Norway's World Heritage fjords ruling, which aims to ban polluting ships from several iconic fjords, has influenced itinerary planning. While the regulation's implementation has been postponed to 2032, some cruise lines preemptively altered their routes to comply with expected environmental standards. With anti-cruise protests gathering pace, some destinations are cracking down on the type, size and number of ships that can visit. As itineraries are planned years in advance, this can force lines to change their plans. Economic factors can also drive changes. If a particular cruise isn't selling well, lines might rework itineraries to include more desirable or profitable ports. Similarly, underperforming destinations may be swapped out for trending hotspots that attract more bookings. These adjustments allow cruise lines to optimize revenue while meeting passenger demand. Finally, operational considerations such as port infrastructure upgrades, berth availability, or seasonal weather patterns might necessitate changes. Booking a trip on a cruise ship's maiden voyage has great appeal, being among the first people in the world to set sail on a brand new ship. However, the risk of delays or cancelations to maiden voyages are high. New cruise ships are incredibly complex, and construction delays are common. Also, before a new cruise ship can carry paying guests, it must undergo extensive sea trials and receive certifications from regulatory bodies. Sometimes, unexpected issues are found that must be addressed before the ship is cleared. Such issues don't just impact new builds. In the worst case, entire cruises can be canceled shortly before sailing due to overrunning maintenance. For this reason, booking a cruise immediately following a period of maintenance (known as 'dry dock') carries a higher risk of disruption. The most likely reason for a change in itinerary is the weather and/or sea conditions. Safety always comes first on a cruise, and it is the captain's decision that will ultimately decide. However, local maritime pilots and port authorities will also provide influence. Local pilots have extensive knowledge of the specific conditions and challenges in their waters, including currents, tides, and harbor limitations. Some ports are more difficult to enter than others. For example, Libson often proves challenging due to its exposure to the Atlantic Ocean and tidal influence along the navigation through the Tagus River. In Northern Norway, the narrow channels entering Bodø can be difficult to navigate during high winds. Medical emergencies can also lead to sudden itinerary changes. If a passenger or crew member requires urgent medical attention that cannot be managed onboard, the captain may divert the ship to the nearest port with adequate facilities. In some cases, this might mean bypassing or delaying scheduled stops, particularly if the medical need is critical and the ship is far from land. Mechanical issues are another possible reason for itinerary adjustments. While modern cruise ships undergo rigorous maintenance and safety checks, unforeseen mechanical problems can arise, sometimes affecting propulsion or essential systems. In these cases, the captain and operations team may decide to shorten or skip a port to ensure repairs are completed safely and efficiently, minimizing disruption to the overall cruise experience. Potential itinerary changes are just one reason why obtaining adequate cruise-specific travel insurance is essential. Many policies cover expenses related to canceled excursions and may even offer compensation if a port is missed.
The Guardian
11-06-2025
- The Guardian
Free spirit or meticulous planner? Meet three holiday personality types – and read their top tips
The type of holidaymaker you (and your travel companions) are can have a big impact on the kind of getaways you'll enjoy. If you're the type to pore over endless reviews, book everything in advance and use a spreadsheet to tick off every detail, you'll have a very different experience to the fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants type of traveller, who prefers to just grab their passport and see where it takes them, carry-on in hand. Or perhaps you're more the flexible type, who likes to plan a few things in advance, but leaves space for spontaneous fun? Or maybe you're the one who breathes a sigh of relief as your super organised friend hands out colour-coded itineraries at the airport? We gathered together some of the holiday heroes that bring getaways to life to find out how they do it – and to discover some of the clever ways Barclays can help your holiday go even further, whichever group you belong to. 'I create a visual itinerary for every trip,' says Sian Downes, 36 Click here to continue the story … Over the years, I've organised girls' trips, multigenerational family holidays and surprise getaways. As the founder of an events company, I'm a natural organiser. I enjoy finding bargains, and I don't mind taking on the planning. In fact, I love it. I wasn't always like this, but after a few holidays where nothing was planned and we had a terrible time, I realised it's better to know exactly what you'll be doing in advance. There's nothing worse than traipsing around looking for a restaurant when you're hungry, and when you're busy with work and family, you want to maximise your holiday time. Being organised is the best way to do that. My holiday organisation can get a bit extreme, but it's always worth it – I love looking things up on maps and working out the most affordable way to get around. I generally pay for as much as possible in advance, from accommodation to drinks packages, and put everything on my Barclaycard Rewards card* so I can take advantage of rewards such as cashback, then ask people to pay me back. I'll also draw up an illustrated itinerary, so everyone can see our plans at a glance. The first time I presented my husband with one, he didn't know what to make of it. He'd never seen a holiday itinerary before, but I think it makes a trip special, and it's a great souvenir, too. I certainly won't be hanging up my chief holiday officer mantle any time soon! *Representative 28.9% APR variable. The approval of your application depends on your financial circumstances and borrowing history, so do the terms you may be offered. The interest rates may differ from those shown. T&Cs apply. 'I use word of mouth to guide our getaways,' says Jessica Shaw, 49 Click here to continue the story … When I was growing up, my mum liked to choose a country, book a place to stay, then see where it would take us. We once went on a package holiday to Egypt, but she still chose to take public transport to the pyramids! That approach has definitely rubbed off on me. When I go on holiday, I like to let things unfold naturally – I don't pre-book excursions or restaurants. Luckily, my partner is incredibly laid-back, and all the friends I've travelled with have the same spontaneous outlook. Perhaps that's because my travel style reflects my approach to life in general – my creative training business is all about embracing the power of play, and that naturally seeps into other areas of my life. It's certainly led to some memorable moments. During a recent holiday to Greece, we were asked if we wanted to join a snorkelling trip. If we'd had plans, we would have had to say no – but instead, we had the most incredible day swimming in clear blue waters. The secret to keeping holidays adventurous is to be prepared for any eventuality. I have annual multi-trip insurance, and make sure I take enough money to cover any emergencies. You should also be ready to chat to locals and fellow travellers and ask for their recommendations. I've discovered some beautiful places that way, from hidden waterfalls to beaches surrounded by snow-capped mountains. When you exchange stories of your adventures, you never know what you might discover. 'I take a 50-50 approach to holiday planning,' says Furrah Syed, 57 Click here to continue the story … I love travelling – with my friends, my husband, or alone – but as time is limited during each trip, I want the best of both worlds, planning some things but also embracing unexpected adventures. I'll do my research beforehand, and will book tickets in advance if an attraction is very popular. I learned that the hard way, after a visit to Rome – as an artist and educator with a focus on colour, I was desperate to see the Sistine Chapel, but it was impossible as I hadn't booked. One of the things I always book is a walking tour. Getting a local's perspective uncovers places you won't find online. It also helps you to spot the restaurants filled with locals, which is always a good sign. Another tip is to travel by road wherever possible, as it takes you through so many different landscapes and allows you to see people's day-to-day lives. You don't get that on a plane. When I'm budgeting for my holiday, I always keep some money aside for spontaneous adventures – the last thing I want is to come home regretting not being able to do something unexpected. I'd say my approach overall is 50% planned and 50% go-with-the-flow, and that works really well for me. Find out more about Barclays Travel Packs and the Barclaycard Rewards card
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Travel + Leisure
08-06-2025
- Travel + Leisure
I Just Went to Japan With 10 Friends—These 13 Essentials Are Game-changers for Group Trips, From $19
When I told people I was planning a trip to Japan with 10 of my friends, I got many wide-eyed responses. That's understandable: Group travel is anything but easy. It requires a lot of patience, planning, and compromise. However, when a friend and I proposed this trip to our group chat last year, it was met with resounding interest, which is how we ended up planning a vacation across the world with nearly a dozen people. For the most part, we kept our itinerary flexible, which provided space for everyone to choose whatever activities would bring them joy. However, despite our casualness with the schedule, one thing we were stringent about before the trip was luggage efficiency. When I surveyed my friends post-trip, one of the tips we all agreed on was to pack as light as possible and leave room in your suitcase—because, let's face it, you will likely do some shopping when you get to your destination. I'd also suggest sticking to a specific color scheme with your clothes—earthy neutrals are always a good choice—so you can mix and match all the items in your streamlined wardrobe. From comfy sneakers to packing cubes, these are all the essentials I'd recommend bringing with you on a multi-destination trip to make your journeys even more enjoyable. Many people will likely tell you to buy extra luggage on overseas trips so you can bring all your souvenirs home. I don't like having an additional item on my to-do list while on vacation, so I opted for a carry-on suitcase that expands. I swear by the Away Carry-on Flex, which is available in two sizes. I've taken this suitcase all over the world, and it has been so reliable. Even in its compact form, this petite suitcase holds so much—and I love that I can expand it at the end of a trip and even (gasp!) check the bag on my way home if needed. To keep your luggage organized and streamlined, packing cubes are a must. I personally love these from Bagsmart because they're super lightweight, impressively compress your clothes into neat, little packages, and make organizing all your clothes a breeze. I also use these for keeping shoes separated from my clothes, and simply place the perforated side facing down to keep them extra secure. Travel pouches can help keep your essentials (like cords, cosmetics, or documents) organized and easy to grab, whether you're keeping them in your personal item or carry-on. Two of my friends used this particular Amazon trio of pouches on our trip to Japan and gave them rave reviews. I don't know about you, but I find my phone battery drains even faster when I'm on vacation—the combination of using map apps, plus taking ample photos and videos, leaves my phone fighting for its life before the day is through. That's where a portable charger comes in handy, especially if you're out and about all day. A friend of mine and my husband both packed these, and it was a total lifesaver when any of our phone batteries were dipping. I love a good matching set, and I think they come in handy when you're packing for a long trip. On this trip to Japan, I packed the Aritzia Limitless Pant and the matching Regal Vest—and I can't recommend this duo enough. These items are super versatile: I loved pairing the pants with a T-shirt or a white button-down and the vest with jeans or a skirt. More perks of the pants: They are wildly comfortable while still looking polished, and they don't wrinkle easily in your bag. It might seem simple, but well-tailored tees are a packing must for any warm-weather trip. I'm incredibly picky about my T-shirts: They have to be well-made, soft, comfortable, not too tight, and perfectly structured. My current favorite T-shirts, which of course made their way to Japan with me, are the Madewell Cotton Relaxed Oversized Tee and the Aritizia Soft Feels All-time T-shirt. One of my guy friends on the trip also raved about these Relaxed Premium Cotton T-shirts, which he owns in every color. What I love about long skirts is that you can dress them up or down, and they're so lightweight and breezy. This high-waisted option from Amazon has over 1,200 five-star ratings and comes in a whopping 42 different colors and patterns. During this trip, my friends and I walked an average of 25,000 steps a day, so solid walking shoes made all the difference. I packed my Alo Runners, which are quickly becoming some of my favorite travel shoes. These minimalist sneakers look nice enough to wear with jeans or tailored slacks—and since they're designed for running, they're supportive and well-suited for copious daily mileage. On the first day of the trip, I didn't slip my insoles into my sneakers—and it was a huge mistake. My hips were achy, my shins felt sore, and my feet just generally felt like they'd been beaten up. When I wore my insoles the next day, however, I felt like I could have walked all day (and honestly, I did). My favorite insoles are from the brand Superfeet: I prefer the high arch support style, but they're also available in various other options to fit your needs. I truly can't recommend these enough, especially if you plan to do some serious walking on your trip. On the days the temperatures spiked in Japan, it was nice to give my feet a breather by wearing sandals. I packed the Nisola Flatform Sandals, which have a small platform, solid tread on the sole, and awesome arch support, so I felt like I was wearing something sturdy while walking for miles. I also love that these leather sandals appear a bit more polished than a simple slide, so they're versatile and work with virtually any outfit. As an alternative to a backpack, I'm a big fan of nylon sling bags. These tiny packs are incredibly lightweight, surprisingly spacious, and also easy to shove into your carry-on luggage. I brought the FP Movement Bulls Eye Sling Bag, and I was shocked by how well it fit all my essentials, including my digital camera. My husband was such a fan of the bag that he ended up buying a similar style from Uniqlo. It's always smart to have a lightweight rain jacket on hand if the weather takes a turn. I packed this FP Movement Colorblock Jacket, and it worked like a charm (plus, it aligned with my neutral color scheme). While it's not technically a rain jacket, I found this ultra-lightweight windbreaker to be a great barrier to the wet weather, and it barely took up any space in my luggage. Again, people will tell you to buy new luggage or even bring an additional suitcase with you—instead, I'm partial to a backup duffel. I love this one from Mystery Ranch, but this Amazon Basics duffel could also be a more budget-friendly pick at just $18. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
Travel Weekly
04-06-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
Classic Vacations adds flights and car rentals to advisor booking platform
Classic Vacations said travel advisors can now build itineraries online that include flights and car rentals, in addition to hotels, transfers, tours and travel insurance. Advisors can book first, business, premium economy and economy fares on the upgraded platform, many at negotiated rates. The new car rental feature enables advisors to book in destinations worldwide. Courtesy holds are available for both flights and car rentals. "This is what our advisors have been asking for," said Melissa Krueger, CEO of Classic Vacations. "Advisors want the option to conveniently design and build full itineraries online, supported by the outstanding service and experience Classic is known for in the industry." Adding flights and car rentals to its online platform enables Classic to "take another leap forward in the value we provide to our advisors, who are at the center of all we do," Krueger added.
Condé Nast Traveler
13-05-2025
- Condé Nast Traveler
This New AI Tool Turns Instagram Reels Into Trip Itineraries—We Tried It Out
The excitement of booking a vacation can dissipate all too quickly when faced with the arduous task of actually planning the trip. Trying to squeeze in all the must-visit sights, figure out which restaurants or bars to prioritize, and plan any excursions you'd like to do takes some serious organization—so anything that can help take the pressure off is always welcome. Over the past year, various tech companies have experimented with different ways generative AI can be used to plan travel. Now, Expedia has released a new AI-powered tool that can create a travel itinerary from Instagram Reels. In theory, it sounds pretty great; according to Statista, 75% of travelers use social media platforms as a source of travel inspiration, and an American Express study found that 75% of those surveyed were inspired to travel to a specific destination because of social media. So, a tool that will help turn that inspiration into serviceable information would surely be valuable.
