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

Additional Ship Joins the Carnival Cruise Line Fleet

Costa Venezia is officially handed over to sister brand Carnival Cruise Line. The ship will begin sailing following a dry dock.

Celebrity Cruises Adds Two Additional Sailings for New Ship

Celebrity Cruises announces two new preview sailings for its new Celebrity Ascent cruise ship departing in November 2023.

Carnival Cruise Line Receives Recognition for Team Members

Carnival Cruise Line is recognized and selected as one of the best companies to work at for Latinos.

Norwegian Cruise Line Touted For Beverage Programs

Norwegian Cruise Line is recognized for its award-winning beverage program and its culinary talent at the 2023 Vibe Vista Awards.

Royal Caribbean Launches New Program for Icon of the Seas

Royal Caribbean launches a new art discovery program for up-and-coming artists that will debut on Icon of the Seas

New MSC Cruise Ship to Feature Expanded Options For Young Guests

MSC Cruises reveals entertainment offerings for younger passengers on the new MSC Euribia, including an expanded kids club.

New Princess Cruises Mega-Ship Reaches Construction Milestone

The new Sun Princess cruise ship for Princess Cruises floats out at the Fincantieri shipyard, a major construction milestone.

Holland America Line Creates Longer Cruises From 25-59 Days

Holland America Line announces a new cruise category of longer extended 25- to 59-day voyages to enrich the destination experience.

Norwegian Expands Cruises and Details Inaugural Visits

Norwegian Cruise Line announces expanded Asia itineraries and inaugural calls as part of its 2024/25 season.