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 Ship Reports Outbreak Mostly Affecting Crew Members

Yet another gastrointestinal illness outbreak has been reported and it isn't just major cruise lines being impacted.

Carnival Cruise Line Cancels Sailing in Favor of a Charter

A Carnival Liberty sailing in 2026 has been cancelled in favor of a full charter, with booked guests being offered alternative options.

MSC Cruises Expands ‘Dirty Dancing’ Concert to Another Ship

MSC Cruises is adding "Dirty Dancing: In Concert" to its entertainment lineup on MSC Virtuosa, starting on July 10, 2025.

Maine Port Places 50-Guest Limit on Visiting Cruise Ships

Another port in Maine places limits on cruise ships and doesn't allow more than 50 cruise passengers to visit.

Cruise Giant Adds Solar Energy Projects at Two Caribbean Ports

Carnival adds solar energy projects at the two popular cruise destinations of Puerta Maya in Cozumel and Mahogany Bay in Roatan.

Disney Cruise Line Enters 5-Year Pact With Catalina Island

Disney Cruise Line and Catalina Island's Avalon City Council agree on a 5-year pact giving the cruise line preferred access to anchorage areas.

Trade War Rift Could Impact Alaska Cruises: Here’s How

The cruise industry could get dragged into the trade war between the US and Canada, including Alaska cruises.

Cruise Ship Hit With Another Outbreak, Over 80 People Catch the Bug

Princess Cruises ship hit with its second outbreak of 2025, with over 80 people onboard catching the bug, including passengers and crew.

German Cruise Line to Sail its First Adults-Only Voyage

German-based TUI Cruises details its first adults-only voyage that will set sail on Mein Schiff 6 in November 2025.