Donna Tunney

Cruise News Writer

Donna Tunney is a travel news/feature writer and editor with 20-plus years covering cruise news, luxury travel, and Europe and UK destinations. A former staffer at Travel Weekly and at the USAToday Network, she also was a luxury travel columnist at Travel Market Report, and a cruise columnist at Sherman's Travel.

How did you get started in cruises?

My first job in the travel industry was copyeditor at the trade publication Travel Weekly in 1990. In 1992 my editors sent me on a cruise assignment to Eastern Canada/New England, and I’ve been hooked on cruising ever since. I eventually became Travel Weekly’s senior cruise editor, in 2011, and continue to be a cruise contributor at the publication.

What makes you a cruise expert?

Covering cruising from a business perspective gave me insights into the market as well as historical knowledge of the industry. I have sailed on about 30 cruises with 14 cruise lines, on both ocean and river ships.

I was a travel and cruise content producer for Travel Market Report, Sherman’s Travel, and TheTravel.com, and held senior editorial positions at regional newspapers in the USA Today Network. I’ve also received three reporting and editing awards from the New England Newspaper & Press Association (2005, 2015, and 2018).

You can check my Muck Rack profile here.

What’s your favorite cruise line?

It’s hard to choose just one, but I’d have to say Cunard, the UK-based luxury line. As a lifelong Anglophile, I enjoy the British atmosphere onboard — the Golden Lion Pub, formal afternoon tea, white glove service in the dining rooms, and more. This is the line that operates the iconic Queen Mary 2, which has, believe it or not, a planetarium onboard.

What’s your top tip for new cruisers?

Start by booking a short itinerary of just two or three nights to see if cruising generally agrees with you before committing to a full week or longer voyage.

You find out more about the Cruise Hive team right here.

2022
Started at Cruise Hive
631
Articles
Expertise
Cruises, Luxury Travel, Journalism
31
Cruises
32
Countries Visited
Massachusetts
Location Based

Articles By Donna

Cruise News Update: Anger Over Compensation, No-Shows, Overboard, and More

Cruise Hive has another weekly news update for you, including NCL dining no-shows, an overboard, anger over compensation, and more.

MSC Cancels Grand Voyage Due to Red Sea Security Issues

MSC Cruises has cancelled a 2026 Grand Voyage aboard MSC Euribia due to safety of guests while transiting the Red Sea region.

Holland America Details 2027 Itineraries to Canada and New England

Holland America brings back Canada & New England cruises in 2027 with fall foliage, French culture, and a new lighthouse voyage.

Millennials and Gen Z Push Cruise Demand to New Levels

A new study reveals Millennials and Gen Z are embracing cruises like never before, reshaping trends, loyalty, and the future of cruising.

Cruise News Update: Guest Angry, Royal Caribbean Cracks Down

Another busy week of cruise news from Cruise Hive, including Carnival's new drink package, Royal Caribbean crackdown, angry guest, and more.

Altered Route Will Add 12 Days to MSC Cruises’ World Voyage

MSC Cruises informs booked guests regarding the revised World Cruise for the MSC Magnifica in 2026.

New Celebrity River Ships to Feature Magic Edge Dining and Expanded Decks

Celebrity Cruises reveals a first-look at it's two upcoming river cruise ships, with Magic Edge Dining, expanded decks, and more!

Port Worker Dies After Loading Cruise Ship Luggage in Greece

A dockworker has sadly died after loading luggage onto a cruise ship at the Port of Piraeus, in Athens, Greece.

Cruise News Update: Ship Loses Power, Panel Shatters, Protests, and More

Cruise Hive has another seven cruise news stories to get you caught up with including coverage on Carnival, MSC, Royal Caribbean, and more.