Liam P. Cusack – Cruise & Travel Report

Why MSC World America Isn’t Just a Contender, It’s a Game Changer in the Cruise World

For years, Royal Caribbean’s “biggest, boldest, best” mantra has dominated the headlines, culminating in the much-hyped Icon of the Seas.

Why You Should Start Checking Your Bag: A Travel Writer’s Case for Less Stress and a Better Trip

Check your luggage! I know — it goes against the grain of every TikTok travel hack, YouTube minimalist packing video, and points-blog packing cube manifesto. But after two decades of global reporting, I’ve come to a simple truth: checking your luggage isn’t a surrender — it’s a strategy. A smart, sanity-saving one.

AT&T and WMS Expand International Day Pass™ to Cruise Ships, Offering Seamless Cellular Connectivity at Sea

WMS, a leading provider of wireless connectivity at sea, has partnered with AT&T to expand the reach of AT&T’s International Day Pass™ to more than 200 cruise ships across 25 cruise lines.

The enhanced service, launched April 16, allows travelers to stay connected with voice, text and data service while at sea, mirroring the same convenience and predictability as on land. The offering provides 500 megabytes of high-speed data daily, along with unlimited talk and text, for $20 a day.

Canyon Spirit Expands Scenic Train Route to Salt Lake City, Unveils New Branding

Canyon Spirit, the luxury rail line formerly known as Rocky Mountaineer’s Southwest service, will expand its popular Rockies to the Red Rocks route to include Salt Lake City in 2026, the company announced on Tuesday.

American Airlines Named Official North American Airline of FIFA World Cup 2026

American Airlines has been named the official North American airline supplier for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, in a new partnership with Qatar Airways, FIFA’s global airline partner through 2030.

The agreement grants American Airlines air travel rights throughout the three host countries — the United States, Canada and Mexico — and aims to help deliver a seamless transportation experience for players, officials and fans attending the largest FIFA World Cup in history.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Adds Domestic Flights to 2025 Mediterranean Program

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has introduced new domestic flight options to support its 2025 Mediterranean fly-cruise itineraries, offering guests across the United Kingdom a more seamless journey to the sun-soaked ports of Southern Europe.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale 17th Street Completes Multimillion-Dollar Makeover

I was very excited to hear the news that one of my favorite hotels in south Florida has just completed a huge transformational refurbishment Just in time for summer travel. The Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale 17th Street has unveiled a sweeping, multimillion-dollar renovation designed to reimagine the guest experience from check-in to check-out.

Windstar Cruises Unveils Star Seeker’s Redesigned Social and Dining Spaces

Windstar Cruises has offered a first look at the interior design of its upcoming yacht, Star Seeker, revealing newly imagined dining and lounge venues that aim to reimagine onboard social life. Slated to embark on its inaugural voyage in December 2025, the 224-passenger vessel is the cruise line’s first new-build in its Star Class and is scheduled for a christening in Miami on Jan. 15, 2026.

Chicago’s Summer Festival Season Brings Music, Culture, and Community to the Streets

As temperatures rise, so does the energy in Chicago, a city that transforms each summer into a patchwork of festivals celebrating everything from house music and jazz to drag shows, barbecue, and cultural heritage.

AmaWaterways Launches First Luxury Cruise on Colombia’s Magdalena River

AmaWaterways has launched AmaMagdalena, the first luxury river cruise vessel to sail Colombia’s storied Magdalena River, marking a significant expansion for the company and a milestone for tourism in the region.