Disney Cruise Line introduced its new private destination, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, on Friday. Located on the island of Eleuthera, Bahamas, Lookout Cay offers a unique experience infused with Bahamian culture.

The design and entertainment at Lookout Cay are inspired by the vibrant Junkanoo festival, a traditional Bahamian parade featuring colorful costumes and rhythmic music. Disney characters at the destination will be adorned in Junkanoo-style attire, adding to the cultural immersion.

Following a record-breaking year, the number of cruise visitors to Alaska is expected to remain stable this summer. Industry members believe this could enhance the experience for both tourists and locals.

According to Renee Limoge Reeve, vice president of government and community relations for CLIA Alaska, the steady numbers are beneficial. "It gives communities time to decide how to manage cruise traffic and tour operators the ability to refine their operations," Reeve said. She added that flat growth will help businesses expand their tour operations or excursion availability.

National Geographic Expeditions has announced the addition of three new land tour itineraries to its 2025 travel lineup. These new Signature Land tours will take place in Australia, Sri Lanka, and Portugal with the Azores, each offering a blend of rich history, culture, and natural beauty.

Dubai — Fiji Airways is set to become a full member of the Oneworld alliance, expanding its reach and enhancing benefits for travelers. The South Pacific airline, which services 26 destinations across 15 countries and territories, has been part of the Oneworld Connect affiliate program since 2018. The transition to full membership is expected to be completed within a year.

After a five-year hiatus, Incline Village and Crystal Bay are poised to dazzle residents and visitors this Fourth of July with a spectacular fireworks display. Red, White & Tahoe Blue II, a volunteer-driven nonprofit, is spearheading the revival of this cherished tradition, aiming to recapture the community spirit and visual splendor that once ranked the event as the sixth best fireworks show in the country.

Community Funding Drives the Spectacle

Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu's North Shore is set for a rebranding and relaunch under Marriott International's prestigious Ritz-Carlton brand. Host Hotels & Resorts has announced its agreement to acquire the 1,180-acre property from Blackstone Real Estate for approximately $680 million.

The acquisition includes the existing resort and an additional 49-acre parcel of land earmarked for future development. Marriott will take over management of Turtle Bay Resort, which spans 450 rooms and recently underwent a comprehensive renovation during the pandemic.

Cruisers with loyalty status on Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, or Silversea Cruises can now apply that status level across all three lines, thanks to a new initiative by Royal Caribbean Group. The company, which owns the three brands, is introducing a Loyal Status Match program to encourage travelers to stay within its family of brands.

"We want to make sure that if you're going to go on a vacation experience, that it stays within our family of brands, and that you don't need to go outside of our family," stated Jason Liberty, CEO of Royal Caribbean Group.

MSC Cruises is set to significantly expand its North American operations for the winter 2025-26 season, adding two new ships and a fourth homeport to its lineup. The cruise line will increase its presence to seven ships sailing from U.S. ports, up from five ships in the upcoming winter season.

The Uffizi Galleries, one of Italy's most iconic cultural institutions, is taking a significant step into the digital era with the introduction of mobile tickets. As of May 6, 2024, visitors who purchase admission tickets for the Uffizi, Pitti Palace, and the Boboli Gardens through the official website or call center will receive a convenient QR code via email, which can be presented directly from their smartphones upon arrival.