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 News Update: Modified Plan, Overboard, Service Fees, and More

Cruise Here is here to get you caught up on the biggest cruise news stories of thew week, including on Carnival, Marella Cruises, ports, and more.

Massive Dragon Revealed as MSC World Asia Is Just One Year Away

MSC World Asia marks its one‑year countdown with a massive dragon sculpture, record‑breaking slide, and Asian‑inspired design highlights.

Holland America Smashes Record During Black Friday Promotion (Again!)

Holland America Line breaks its Black Friday booking record with a 19% surge, offering big cruise savings, perks, and high demand for Alaska in 2026.

Meat Loaf Tribute Cruise to Return on MSC Virtuosa

Join the 7‑night Meat Loaf tribute cruise aboard MSC Virtuosa in 2026, featuring live performances, themed events, and premium drinks included.

New Traffic Alert as Texas Port Enters Busy Holiday Season

Port of Galveston issues holiday traffic alert: roadwork impacts cruise terminals Dec 5–25, 2025. Key entry, exit, and parking details for Carnival, Disney & Princess guests.

Virgin Voyages Invites Guests on 30-Day Journey to Alaska, Kid-Free

Virgin Voyages debuts a 30-day, adults-only Alaska season pass aboard Brilliant Lady, with perks, excursions, and kid-free adventure at sea.

Cruise News Update: Preview Cancelled, Disney Overboard, Maintenance

Another busy week of cruise news from Cruise Hive, with passengers arrested, overboard, ship maintenance, and more!

Cruise Port Operator Expands Reach With 2025 Successes

Cruise port operator Global Ports Services celebrates 2025 successes, including Barcelona operations and new headquarters.

Cruise Passenger Wanted in US Captured at Philippine Port

A Taiwanese fugitive wanted in the US was arrested aboard Star Navigator after docking in the Philippines, sparking dramatic scenes at Currimao Port.