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

Carnival Issues Travel Warning for Guests Sailing From Miami August 1–4

Carnival Cruise Line has issues a travel warning for guests departing PortMiami from August 1 through 4 due to roadworks.

Mid-Year Stats Show Healthy Jump in Mexico Cruise Arrivals

Despite new fees on cruises, Mexico sees a healthy jump in cruise arrivals, including popular ports such as Cozumel.

Cruise Bookings Accelerate Across Royal Caribbean Brands

Royal Caribbean Group reports second quarter earnings, along with an update on books and its accelerated growth.

Cruise News Update: Propulsion Issues, Updated Cruise Packages, Itineraries

Cruise Hive has another weekly cruise update with seven stories, including Carnival's new destination, new MSC ship, Princess Cruises, and more!

Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas Earns Perfect Score From CDC Inspection

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas aces its latest CDC inspections with a full 100 score.

Fashion Trunk Shows, Chanel Shop to Debut on Star Princess

Princess Cruises and Starboard announce new retail offerings for the upcoming Star Princess, including fashion trunk shows and a Chanel store.

Holland America Rolls Out Major Entertainment Overhaul

Holland America Line announces a massive entertainment overhaul, with more live music, activity staff, enhanced productions and more!

Three Carnival Cruise Ships Will Sail Over 50 Alaska Itineraries in 2027

Carnival Cruise Line reveals its line-up for the 2027 Alaska season with Carnival Legend, Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Spirit.

Norwegian Goes Big for 2027 With More Ships, Ports, and Overnight Stays

Norwegian Cruise Line unveils over 500 cruises around the world from April 2027 through October, with more ships, ports and overnights!