Rebecca Gibson

Small-ship operator Windstar Cruises and expedition cruise brand HX Expeditions and have implemented d-flo’s TravelComms platform to better manage guest communications. The platform enables cruise operators to deliver consistent, on-brand and personalised information to guests before, during and after their cruises via any online or offline channel. Examples of communications include booking confirmations, updates on itineraries, in-destination alerts and post-trip follow-ups. “We want...

Windstar Cruises’ original sailing yacht, Wind Star, has returned to service following an extensive onboard renovation. The 148-guest Wind Star began operating 40 years ago and is the first of the brand’s three Wind-class ships to be fully upgraded as part of the multi-year ‘Setting Sails’ initiative. The brand aims to create a “more refined, modern feel” to the onboard experience and “enhance how guests dine, relax and connect.” Each vessel is being refurbished in two phases, and Wind...

Global certificate authority GMO GlobalSign has debuted TLS Connect, which is designed to help small and medium businesses (SMBs) automate public trust Transport Layer Security (TLS) certificate deployment and renewal. Designed to run on-premises, TLS Connect enables SMBs to automatically manage and configure TLS certificates across multiple endpoints from a single interface. The tool has a built-in certificate scanner, an intuitive dashboard and reporting capabilities. It also integrates...

Hong Kong, Korea, the Philippines, and Shanghai and Xiamen in China are investing to improve port infrastructure, terminal facilities and shore experience programmes for cruise guests. Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has developed premium experiences for cruise guests, including horseracing parties in private boxes, VIP helicopter rides and private docent tours at Hong Kong Palace Museum and contemporary art museum M+. Cruise travellers can also participate in events and festivals...

Cruise calls continue to rise in Wales. The country welcomed 84 ships in 2025, a 104 per cent increase from the 41 vessels that visited in 2021. Holyhead Port in Anglesey handled 55 of these ships, with the remaining vessels calling at the ports of Cardiff, Fishguard, Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock or Swansea. “Wales is becoming increasingly popular with international cruise guests because it offers a unique blend of natural beauty, ancient history and modern cities,” says Suzanne Thomas,...

UK theme park Drayton Manor Resort has improved both internal planning and international collaboration by implementing a Microsoft Teams Rooms solution from Shure. The attraction, which opened in 1950 and is now owned by pan-European leisure park operator Looping Group, previously used a complex audiovisual (AV) consisting of disparate technologies from multiple vendors. Users “didn’t understand or trust” the technology and every meeting room was set up differently. “People just...

When the uncle of Dr. David Rhew’s co-worker visited the emergency department with severe abdominal pain, he received a scan which picked up a stomach aneurysm. However, he died untreated in the emergency room not long after arrival. Why? His scan was one of many in a large pile waiting to be read by the radiologist. This tragedy sparked a question for Rhew: could the outcome have been different if the hospital was using AI? “If we were to replace the radiologist with AI it likely would...

Riviera Travel is to add Riviera Rhapsody to its Europe-based river cruise ship fleet in April 2028. Designed specifically for North American guests, Riviera Rhapsody will join the Radiance-class fleet alongside Riviera Radiance, Riviera Resplendence and Riviera Reflection. The ship will feature a split-level architectural layout, high ceilings and expansive open spaces to create “an airy, residential feel”. Public spaces will include a two-storey lounge and three onboard restaurants –...

Holland America Line has embarked on the “most ambitious guest experience update” in its 153-year history, investing more than $500 million to complete extensive bow-to-stern revitalisations on six of its 11 ships. The multi-year renovation project, carried out in collaboration with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, will cover the brand’s four Vista-class ships – Oosterdam, Zuiderdam, Westerdam and Noordam – and two Signature-class vessels, Nieuw Amsterdam and Eurodam. The brand aims to...

MedCruise opened its 68th General Assembly in Palermo, Italy, on 9 June 2026, welcoming more than 240 delegates to discuss topics including the impact of geopolitical developments on Mediterranean itineraries, the growing use of AI, and the role ports can play in balancing tourism growth and sustainability. MedCruise president Theodora Riga officially opened the event during a press conference for local and international media, which featured brief speeches from Annalisa Tardino,...