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

How the Port of Galveston Plans to Use More Than $8 Million in New Funding

The Port of Galveston has secured over $8 million in grants to upgrade infrastructure and support major cruise and cargo projects.

Royal Caribbean’s 4th Icon Class Ship Just Entered a Huge New Phase

The fourth Icon Class ship moves into a new construction phase with widespread cabin installation now underway in Finland.

Cruise News Update: Caribbean Delays, Advisories, and More

Cruise Hive is here with another busy week of cruise news updates, including Caribbean delays, travel agent scam, Carnival advisories, and more!

Why Holland America’s 2026 Europe Cruises Are Selling Out Faster Than Ever

Holland America sees a major spike in 2026 Europe bookings, with demand up 30%—and 50% for Northern Europe. Wave Season deals run through January 12, 2026.

Norwegian’s Private Island Just Got a Huge Makeover and It’s Only the Beginning

Norwegian unveils a massive new lagoon, Vibe Beach Club, and major upgrades at Great Stirrup Cay, transforming the private island experience for future guests.

Antigua Packs in 12,000 Cruise Passengers as Six Ships Arrive at Once

Antigua welcomed more than 12,000 cruise guests in a single day as six ships arrived, boosting local tourism and setting the stage for a record 2026 season.

Cruise News Update: Mom and Child Rescued, Outbreak, New Pier, and More

Cruise Hive has you covered with more news from the past week including on Carnival, Celebrity Cruises, MSC, NCL, and more!

First Look at Royal Caribbean’s New Points Choice Loyalty Plan

Royal Caribbean is launching its new Points Choice rewards program in 2026, letting guests earn and apply loyalty points across Royal, Celebrity, and Silversea.

Cruisers Pick Legend of the Seas as 2026’s Most Anticipated New Ship

The 2025 Cruise Hive Awards name Legend of the Seas the Most Anticipated Cruise Ship of 2026, continuing Royal Caribbean’s dominance.