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 Roundup: Princess Cruises Hikes, Fast Dining, Carnival Cancellations, and More

Get the latest cruise news: Virgin Voyages moves to Brooklyn, P&O tightens payment rules, Carnival launches Express Dining, and more top stories.

UK Report Slams Spirit of Discovery’s Storm Response After Deadly Incident

An inquiry finds Spirit of Discovery guests were put at risk during a violent storm, with one fatality and dozens injured as investigators highlight failures in the ship’s response.

Cruise Line Halts Sailings as Both Ships Remain Immobilized by Iran Conflict

Celestyal Cruises has cancelled two Celestyal Discovery sailings as the ship remains stuck in Dubai, with all guests being repatriated amid rising regional tensions.

Cruise News Roundup: New Cruise Ships, Passengers Get Sick, and More

Catch up on the biggest cruise news: Norwegian Luna delivered, Disney Adventure christened, NCL's drink package reversal, and more.

Princess Cruises Adds New Caribbean Homeport for Winter 2027–28

Princess Cruises will base a ship in Barbados for the 2027–28 winter season, offering new Caribbean itineraries aimed at UK travelers and expanding the line’s regional presence.

Disney Adventure Christened in Singapore as Line’s Largest Ship Makes Historic Asia Debut

Disney Cruise Line christens its largest ship, Disney Adventure, in Singapore with Robert Downey Jr. as godfather ahead of its Asia debut.

Regent’s Oldest Ship to Exit Fleet in 2028 Under New Residential Cruise Agreement

Regent’s oldest ship, Seven Seas Navigator, will leave the fleet in 2028 under a new charter‑to‑sale deal with Avora Residences.

Cruise News Roundup: Disney’s Iron Man Godfather, Carnival Safety Cancellations, and More

This week's cruise news roundup covers Robert Downey Jr. named godfather of Disney Adventure, Carnival cancelling Mexico excursions over safety concerns, Celebrity Infinity back at sea, and more.

Carnival Faces New Lawsuit After Guests Injured on Rough Tender Ride

Three Carnival Sunrise guests are suing Carnival Corp after a rough tender ride to Princess Cays allegedly caused injuries when a bench came loose.