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

Virgin Voyages Unveils Details of Line’s First Alaska Season

Virgin Voyages gives a first-hand look and its first-ever Alaska itineraries for Brilliant Lady.

Virgin Voyages is Planning a First-of-Its-Kind Mystery Cruise

Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady will set sail on a first-of-its-kind mystery cruise in the Mediterranean.

Seattle Closes Alaska Season, Looks Ahead to Busy 2025

The Port of Seattle saw 275 sailings and over 800,000 cruise passengers from April to October 2024, as the season comes to a close.

New Orleans on Course to Welcome Record Cruise Arrivals

The Port of New Orleans is on course to welcome a record number of cruise passenger arrivals, with even more expected for 2025!

“After the Overwhelming Response,” Star Princess Will Have Expanded Venues

When Star Princess debuts in 2025 it will feature expanded areas and enhanced offerings following sister ship Sun Princess.

Two Ports Welcome Inaugural Cruise Ship Visits in the Canary Islands

Two cruise ships make inaugural calls in the Canary Islands, including at Las Palmas and Lanzarote cruise ports.

Bar Harbor to Consider Repeal of Cruise Arrivals Cap

Bar Harbor in Maine to consider repealing the arrivals cap for cruise ships.

Juneau Voters Soundly Reject ‘Ship-Free Saturday’ Rule

The popular destination of Juneau in Alaska votes to reject cruise ship free Saturday's rule.

P&O Cruises Unveils New Ports and Itineraries for Winter

P&O Cruises has opened up new ports and itineraries across the fleet for the winter 2026/27 season.