Top Cruise Travel Stories From March

The first quarter of 2023 has been a success for the travel industry thanks in part to the resilient demand for leisure travel, higher ticket prices and strong onboard spending. As a result, cruise lines have announced new island destinations, major leadership changes, record-breaking voyages and new entertainment options, all designed to capitalize on the industry's resurgence.The cruise industry made major waves over the last month, and here are the top cruise stories from March.

Disney Cruise Line announced it would introduce a new island destination, dubbed Lighthouse Point, on the island of Eleuthera in The Bahamas in the summer of 2024. The eco-friendly destination, which is being designed with input from local artists and advisors, will include a Bahamian art and culture pavilion; a gaming pavilion, a volleyball court and gaga ball pit; watercraft and bicycle rentals; nature trails for hiking and biking; and a family water play area with two slides, water drums, fountains and a dedicated space for toddlers. The cruise line also revealed the inaugural 2024 dates and select itineraries for Lighthouse Point. Disney Magic will sail from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to the cruise line's newest beach retreat, starting next June. Bookings for the new destination are slated to open on March 30.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings announced chief executive officer Frank J. Del Rio would retire and relinquish his position on the board of directors, effective June 30. To replace Del Rio, Norwegian named Harry J. Sommer-the chief executive of Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) since 2020-as CEO, starting on July 1. Del Rio is expected to remain in a consultant capacity as senior adviser to the board through 2025. As for who will take over the helm for NCL, company officials revealed David J. Herrera would assume the role after serving as chief consumer sales and marketing officer for the cruise line since 2021.

Carnival Cruise Line achieved a major industry milestone in March, becoming the first cruise line to embark 100 million guests since its first sailing more than five decades ago. President Christine Duffy visited Carnival Sunrise as guests boarded the ship at PortMiami, where the milestone was commemorated with the cruise line's 100th million guests in Debi and David Clifford of Ohio, along with their family.

Following approval from the government of The Bahamas, Royal Caribbean International is proceeding with plans for its first Royal Beach Club, which is scheduled to open in 2025 on the western section of Nassau's Paradise Island.The Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island is being created in conjunction with the Bahamian government with a "public-private partnership in which Bahamians can own up to 49 percent equity in the beach club," Royal Caribbean said.

American Cruise Lines announced its longest-ever domestic cruise itinerary, a 60-day adventure dubbed The Great United States. The sailing explores 20 states and spans all four time zones in the continental U.S., honoring America's living history along the way. Passengers will begin on the Pacific Coast and travel east to the Atlantic, cruising four major rivers and the country's most picturesque coastlines. The cruise also revealed construction has begun on the 100-guest American Legend, the fourth new Coastal Cat in the company's Project Blue series, and it is scheduled to enter service on U.S. waters in late 2024.

Raising the bar on the bells and whistles of a world cruise, Silversea Cruises rented out an entire island in the Philippines for 300 guests on Silver Shadow's South Side Story World Cruise 2023. Guests visiting pristine Kalanggaman Island were greeted with performances by 500 residents of the Philippines' Eastern Visayas region, cocktails created by mixologists and marienda with Filipino dishes.

MSC Cruises announced it would bring the award-winning kids and family offerings on the cruise line's latest flagship, MSC Euribia. Set to sail in June, the vessel's new kids' area will feature 700 square meters of interior space dedicated to kids and teenagers with seven rooms, each catered to different age groups from babies to 17 years. In addition, the cruise line unveiled a new series of entertainment offerings as part of a deal with Guinness World Records. The new program is a chance for guests to test their mettle and possibly get their name in the record books. Activities include live shows inviting guests to attempt to break Guinness World Records and create unforgettable memories.

Celebrity Cruises is jumping on the growing pickleball trend by adding new courts to nine of the ships in its fleet. The popular sport will be available for free to guests of all skill levels. Passengers can play at their leisure, pending court availability, but the ship's activities team will also lead organized events and tournaments. Separate times will be scheduled for adult play (age 18 and over) and or family play (six years and older).

Virgin Voyages' third ship, the Resilient Lady, will debut in Athens this May offering five new shows as part of its onboard entertainment. The five new productions include theatrical performances to cabaret and game show-style games. In addition, all of Virgin Voyages' ships offer rotating Festival Stage Acts that change every two to four weeks. Acts range from comedy sketches to a capella groups and more.

Disney Cruise Line (DCL) and Singapore Tourism Board (STB) announced a new partnership that would help launch cruise vacations and a new ship in Southeast Asia for the first time. DCL and Singapore agreed to homeport a brand-new Disney cruise ship exclusively in Singapore for at least five years beginning in 2025. Officials are expected to reveal details about the maiden voyage, itineraries and onboard experiences at a later date.

Norwegian Cruise Line announced "Beetlejuice" The Musical as the headline production aboard its newest cruise ship, Norwegian Viva. The company also revealed the full lineup of onboard entertainment offerings debuting in August, when the second of six vessels in Norwegian's Prima Class sets sail.