U.S. airlines expect strong travel demand that drove record fourth-quarter revenues to continue into 2023, but economic uncertainty and burgeoning labor and operations costs could cloud their rosy outlooks, Reuters reports.
JetBlue Airways, American Airlines and Alaska Airlines last week all forecasted full-year earnings that were better than expected, the agency said, adding that “airlines are cashing in as consumers snap up tickets following a pandemic-induced slump.”
Holland America Line’s Koningsdam will be the first ship to call in Canada in more than two years. The ship will call in Victoria, British Columbia, on April 9, and Vancouver on April 10.
HOLLAND AMERICA SETS WAVE SEASON RECORD
In an early sign of a successful Wave season, Holland America Line bookings in the third week of January were the highest on record for any January week for the premium cruise line. The week ending January 20 also exceeded bookings during the same week in 2019 by more than 20%.
The rise was especially notable for summer cruises and Cruisetours to Alaska, where Holland America Line offers more cruises to Glacier Bay than any other line and is the only cruise line with owned land operations in both Denali and Yukon. For the week ending Jan. 20, Alaska bookings were 25% higher than in the strongest week in January 2019.
On Jan. 17 alone, Holland America Line reached its highest single-day bookings for any January day on record. Guests are also booking cruises further into the future. More than 25% of the bookings for the high-volume day on Jan. 17 were for voyages embarking in 2024.
“Seeing this level of booking is a great sign for Holland America Line and for the industry,” said Gus Antorcha, president, Holland America Line. “Travelers are clearly excited to get back to cruising and they appreciate the service and experiences unique to Holland America Line including our Alaska Up Close onboard programming. It’s especially encouraging that so many guests are already looking ahead to 2024 and planning their next vacation.”
Anne Madison of Cruise Lines International Association told the TravMedia Summit in New York City that cruise lines have rebounded strongly from the pandemic, and that Millennials and Gen X’ers were leading the way.
Holland America Line’s “Time of Your Life” Wave offer runs through Feb. 28, 2023, with limited-time kickers such as $1 deposits added throughout. “Time of Your Life” is available on select summer 2023 to spring 2024 cruises and includes a free stateroom upgrade, fare discounts, free fares for kids and reduced deposits — plus tours, beverages, specialty dining and Wi-Fi with the “Have It All” premium package.
For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.
Istanbul, Turkey. Adli Wahid/Unsplash Photo
TURKISH TOURISM ALSO ON THE RISE
Turkey’s tourism industry is expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels this year, experts in the sector told The Media Line, as the industry is set to get a major boost from Turkey’s weakened lira and improved ties with neighbors.
“It is full of tourists everywhere,” said Sebnem Altin, a tour guide in Turkey who reports bookings are up 20%.
