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
705
Articles
Expertise
Cruises, Luxury Travel, Journalism
31
Cruises
32
Countries Visited
Massachusetts
Location Based

Articles By Donna

Cruise Line Has 9,500 Wildlife Sightings in 2024

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines announces its ships had 9,500 wildlife sightings the the ORCA charity in 2024.

Azamara Unveils Its 188-Night World Cruise, Its Longest-Ever!

Azamara Cruises unveils its 188-night journey that spans five continents, 37 countries, and 103 destinations.

Two Cruise Lines Merge to Create New European Brand

The UK's Ambassador Cruise Line and France's Compagnie Française de Croisières (“CFC”) have merged into Ambassador Group.

Here’s Holland America’s Plan for Asia and Australia in 2026-27

Holland America Line details its 2026-2027 seasons in Australia, New Zealand, and across Asia with longer sailings.

MSC Cruises to Showcase Its Upcoming New Flagship During Super Bowl

MSC Cruises to features its first ever Super Bowl ad and it will showcase the upcoming giant new MSC World America flagship!

Holland America to Invest $70 Million on Alaska Hotel Upgrades

Holland America Line is spending $70 million in upgrading its lodge and Cruisetours program in Alaska.

New Zero Alcohol Collection to Roll Out on Princess Cruises’ Ships

Princess Cruises launches a new era of drink options with the Amore Princess Zero Alcohol Collection.

Here’s the Deal Virgin Voyages Unwrapped for Wave Season

Virgin Voyages launches its huge Waves Season promotion to entice guests for 2025, with buy one Sailor, get the second 80% off + up to $300 in free drinks.

UK Port Expects Record-Breaking Cruise Ship Calls in 2025

Portsmouth in the UK is expecting a record-breaking 2025, with a total of 94 cruise ship visits, including maiden calls.