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

It Just Got Cheaper to Plan a Cruise With Disney

Disney Cruise Line just made it easier to book that cruise by reducing the booking deposit fee from 20% down to 10%.

MSC Cruises Reveals New Amenities for Upcoming MSC World Asia

MSC Cruises gets in gear for the new MSC World Asia, arriving in 18 months in the Mediterranean.

Norwegian Launches ‘Last-Minute’ Summer Sale, Discount Offers

Norwegian Cruise Line is setting sale through the summer with enticing offers and deals, including Alaska and Europe.

Residential World Cruise Postponed Due to Canadian Booking Fallout

Residential cruise line Victoria Cruises is forced to postpone its world cruise that was schedule to depart from Fort Lauderdale due to Canadian booking fallout.

Cruise News Update: Carnival Testing, Hero Crew Member, Guests Banned

Cruise Hive is here with another weekly cruise news round-up, including a her crew member, guests banned after brawl, Carnival test, and more!

Mickey and Minnie Hoisted Onto Stern of New-Build Disney Adventure

Mickey and Minnie have been installed on the stern of Disney Cruise Line's massive new ship, Disney Adventure.

Princess Cruises to Boost Seasonal Capacity in Singapore

Sapphire Princess will join Diamond Princess sailing out of Singapore for the 2026-27 season, increasing capacity and options.

Costa Ships Will Slow Down or Stop for Scenic Guest Experiences

Costa Cruises is offering a new experience as part of its "Land & Sea Destinations" program, including ships slowing and stopping to take in the views.

New Cruise Ship Suite Is Bigger Than Most Homes and Costs $25,000 a Night

Regent Seven Seas reveals it's largest ever suite for the new Seven Seas Prestige and it will cost $25,000 per night.