February 2026 ... continued from pg 1


Page 23: 20 PAGE CRUISE PULL OUT SPECIAL!


Page 30: Erin English takes us to the big lights of the star- studded Cannes...


Page 52: Paul Clements draws us back to the days spent at Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch...


Page 39: NI Travel News’ Editorial


Team help debunk the myths of cruising...


companies to adapt to the changing times, but where does this leave cruise where ‘everything’ has already been seen? Or has it? 2025 brought newness once again to this cruise industry, with smaller ships sailing to destinations never once explored by sea before, starlink wifi shot across the scene, boosting connectivity for all sailors aboard. In years gone by we have even witnessed the introduction of tablets sending your food order directly to the kitchen. These seemingly small details have helped enhance the overall cruise experience for so many, whilst holding onto the fundamental part of cruising: human interaction.


Cruising sits within a pivoted position whereby the introduction of artificial intelligence and digitalisation can only shape so much. After totally shutting down through the global pandemic, cruising companies have invested heavily within these departments to give a fresh-faced approach to both new and returning customers - the new tide for cruising. Therefore, what can we expect from cruising going forward that moves with this ever-enhancing digital


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age, yet keeps hold of the personal detail that so many cruisers love? Much of the AI element has already begun to be embedded within the selling and management of ships; afterall, this is mainly what AI systems are used for currently within most businesses. With sustainability a huge talking-point for cruise companies, the introduction of AI has already helped to enhance the food waste management systems onboard and helping to collate data and cruiser habits to create an efficient way of managing waste without limiting customers choice and wants. A win- win!


ABOUT US Publisher


Jonathan Adair


Jonathan@nitravelnews.com Editorial


Sarah Pickering


Sarah@nitravelnews.com Erin English


Erin@nitravelnews.com Cara Thompson


Cara@nitravelnews.com


Business Development Abbie Stothers


Abbie@nitravelnews.com Advertising


Christine McCleery


Christine@nitravelnews.com Danielle Anderson


Danielle@nitravelnews.com Nadine Lawrence


Nadine@nitravelnews.com Events


Emma McAllister


Emma@nitravelnews.com Nicole Wilson


Nicole@nitravelnews.com


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CONGRATULATIONS to our January winner Anna Mcelhinney who has WON two return flights to anywhere on EasyJet’s network from Belfast City Airport.


Competitions just like this can be entered via the newpaper and online at www.nitravelnews. com every month.


NI Travel News Welcomes New Editorial Team APPOINTMENTS


NI Travel News has announced a number of new appointments as the business strengthens its editorial department.


Cara Thompson will join the editorial team as multimedia Journalist.


Cara joins the ten-strong team


Chatbots have risen in the world of cruising with guests having their AI buddy at the touch of a button. Virgin Voyages introduced Vivi back in 2023, and passengers on MSC Cruises said hello to Zoe back in 2019. Dining bookings, shore excursions and off-shore itineraries can all be accessed easily from your new AI friend. I expect to see a rise in this across the industry within companies app’s which are newly used to hold all your necessary information for your cruise - goodbye tv manuals! With bio-metric screening already used onboard ships, along with the introduction of the EU entry-exist system, be prepared to enjoy a smoother check in and boarding experience as, I believe, facial recognition will be enhanced in coming years to a level where check-in time is cut drastically. It may even replace your keycard to your room- who knows! Let’s call it digital convenience. I think, as we move through this decade, cruise will continue to add to its value through its destinations, shore excursions, onboard experiences and continue to improve on those key elements they do well. I look at the likes of AE expeditions with the introduction of moving platforms, giving its passengers a close-up viewing of what they have ultimately joined the cruise to see, or Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas boasting the largest waterpark at sea; a nod to its highest cruise passenger group -families.


as a multi-media journalist, bringing a wealth of experience in social media and digital presence. Having completed a placement period with NI Travel News back in 2021, the team is delighted to welcome her back.


Within the editorial department, Cara will help to maintain daily, weekly and monthly news across channels including nitravelnews. com and 8 printed newspapers across the year.


Cara brings three years of social media excellence having helped grow audience and interaction by 300% in previous roles, whilst specialising in video content and marketing.


CONTENTS | 3


This is where I see the cruising industry pivot towards and, through the help of digital ways, these new elements for physical interaction and enjoyment are made with the help of artificial intelligence, not the takeover of it.


For many, the ever-evolving world of digitalisation can seem like an entirely new universe, and in some ways it is. With that being said, cruising is an industry you can rely on to always have a helping hand nearby. Your waiter,


butler,


cruise coordinator,


travel agent: the friendly face of cruising will not fade with the inclusion of digital enhancements, but will develop cruising to a new level of ingenuity that can only grow and better the industry from what it is now, whilst holding onto its fundamentals we travellers now love. One size never fits all in this industry, much like travel itself.


She will work alongside Sarah Pickering and Erin English, who have been promoted to Senior Editors. The team will continue to grow digital presence across social channels for both NI Travel News and Bookit by NITN, create new opportunities for public and trade interaction via print, digital and audio avenues, along with press duties and events.


The team is excited to begin a new chapter within NI Travel News and look forward to working with new and existing contacts.


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