Monthly Archives: March 2026

MSC Poesia Begins Major Refurbishment Ahead of Alaska Debut

MSC Cruises announced that MSC Poesia has entered dry dock at Palumbo Malta Shipyard, marking the next phase of its fleetwide guest experience enhancements. The enhancements will introduce new premium spaces and experiences ahead of MSC Poesia’s debut season in Alaska in May 2026. MSC Poesia is the second ship from the line’s MSC Musica Class […]

Commtrak Partners With ASTA to Expand Advisor Resources

Commtrak, a commission recovery firm serving North American travel agencies for nearly 40 years, has announced a partnership with the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) to ensure travel advisors are fully compensated for the work they perform. Hotel commissions represent earned income for travel advisors. Yet unpaid or unresolved commissions continue to impact agencies […]

Middle East Conflict: Six Cruise Ships Stranded, Flights Cancelled and Hotels Impacted Across the Gulf

The military conflict that has grounded flights and emptied hotel lobbies across the Gulf now has cruise ships in its grip too.  At least six vessels from four cruise lines — TUI Cruises, MSC Cruises, Celestyal Cruises and Aroya Cruises — are stranded at ports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha with thousands of passengers […]

Mexico Remains Top Spring Break Destination Despite Unrest: Here’s What Travel Insurance Experts Want You to Know

Mexico has retained its position as the number-one international spring break destination for U.S. travelers for more than five consecutive years — but this season, the bookings are coming with a lot more questions attached. Following a recent period of civil unrest and a temporary shelter-in-place order that has since been lifted, travel insurance marketplace […]

Dubai and Abu Dhabi Resume Limited Flights as Middle East Aviation Crisis Tops 9,500 Cancellations

Four days after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran sent shockwaves through Gulf aviation, the first cautious signs of recovery emerged Monday evening as both Dubai and Abu Dhabi began allowing a limited number of flights to resume. For the tens of thousands of travelers caught in the middle, it’s welcome news — though the […]

One Dead, Seven Injured After Drone Targets Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport as Iranian Strikes Continue Into the Night

Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport (AUH) became the latest UAE aviation hub struck by the escalating regional conflict Saturday night, as authorities confirmed one fatality and seven injuries following the interception of a drone that targeted the airport. “The authorities in Abu Dhabi are dealing with an incident resulting from the interception of a drone […]