Latest news with #HornblowerGroup
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Travel + Leisure Co. and Hornblower Group Make Waves with New Partnership
New strategic alliance delivers curated vacation packages for Hornblower's 22 million annual guests and VIP experiences for Travel + Leisure Co.'s vacation ownership members and guests ORLANDO, Fla., June 24, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Travel + Leisure Co. (NYSE:TNL), the world's leading membership and leisure travel company, and Hornblower Group, a global leader in maritime hospitality and transportation, today announced a long-term marketing partnership focused on delivering unforgettable travel experiences. Both multi-brand companies share a commitment to innovation and exceptional hospitality. Through this integrated collaboration, Travel + Leisure Co. and its family of brands will be prominently featured at Hornblower's ports and vessels. Dedicated teams will invite Hornblower guests to explore vacation packages to Travel + Leisure Co. resorts and sales centers through exclusive previews offered at high-traffic port locations and aboard Hornblower ferries and City Cruises ships, a Hornblower brand known for dining, sightseeing, and live entertainment cruises. These branded presences will span Hornblower's key markets, including Boston; New York City; Weehawken, New Jersey; Philadelphia; Washington, D.C.; Alexandria and Norfolk, Virginia; Baltimore; Chicago; Los Angeles and Orange County, California; San Francisco; San Diego; Sacramento; and ports throughout Puerto Rico. As the exclusive vacation ownership partner of Hornblower Group, Travel + Leisure Co. will host thousands of owners annually aboard various City Cruises Live events—an experiential event series owned and operated by Hornblower Group featuring live music, culinary showcases, sports-themed sailings, and entertainment-driven experiences. City Cruises Live events include performances by acclaimed artists such as Lee Brice, Mac McAnally, and Randy Houser; appearances by sports legends from the 2004 Boston Red Sox and 2005 Chicago White Sox championship teams; and culinary voyages led by award-winning Chef Adrianne Calvo. Special appearances include celebrity personalities like Captain Sandy Yawn of Below Deck Mediterranean and fan favorites from The Bachelor franchise. Themed cruises mark major celebrations including Fourth of July fireworks, New Year's Eve festivities, and the Cherry Blossom Festival, offering unique, immersive experiences on the water. "This partnership is all about creating unforgettable moments for our owners," said Jeff Myers, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer of Travel + Leisure Co. "We're excited to bring our owners unique, VIP experiences through access to some of today's most talented artists and chefs. Whether you're a foodie, a music lover, or seeking your next adventure, we have an opportunity to create memories of a lifetime." Beyond City Cruises, Travel + Leisure Co.'s owners and guests will enjoy VIP access across Hornblower's extensive maritime portfolio, as well as many of the company's land-based experiences through Walks and Devour Tours, renowned for exclusive guided walking and food tours in over 20 cities across Europe and North America. Guests across Hornblower's experiences will have access to exclusive discounted vacation packages across Travel + Leisure Co.'s portfolio of resorts. Additionally, Travel + Leisure Co. vacation packages serve as compelling incentives for City Cruises' group sales and private charter customers, enhancing Hornblower's event and charter offerings. "By combining Hornblower's immersive experiences with the world's leader in vacations, we're transforming the way people discover the world," said Mike Flaskey, CEO of Hornblower Group. "This affinity marketing partnership with Travel + Leisure marks a great step forward, positioning us as a first mover and innovator in the maritime hospitality space. Together, we're unlocking new value for both companies and creating one-of-a-kind experiences for our guests—from curated Travel + Leisure vacation packages to unforgettable nights with City Cruises Live." To learn more about Hornblower Group, visit For more information about Travel + Leisure Co., visit About Hornblower GroupHornblower Group is a global transportation and experience-based tourism leader, with its City Experiences division representing an expansive portfolio of water- and land-based brands including City Cruises, Walks, Devour Tours, and City Ferry. City Cruises companies operate dining, sightseeing and private events across 22 destinations in the U.S., Canada, and the UK, as well as service on behalf of the National Park Service and the Niagara Parks Commission. City Cruises currently holds service contracts to provide ferry service to the Statue of Liberty National Monument and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, Alcatraz Island, and Niagara Falls. Through Walks and Devour Tours, City Experiences offers world-class travel experiences, including immersive walking tours, food tours, and VIP experiences at iconic landmarks. City Ferry companies offer specialized knowledge and expertise required to transport passengers, vehicles, and other cargo safely across inland and coastal waterways, serving as operator of NYC Ferry and the Puerto Rico Ferry system, among others. For more information visit About Travel + Leisure + Leisure Co. (NYSE:TNL) is a leading leisure travel company, providing more than six million vacations to travelers around the world every year. The company operates a portfolio of vacation ownership, travel club, and lifestyle travel brands designed to meet the needs of the modern leisure traveler, whether they're traversing the globe or staying a little closer to home. The company's extensive Vacation Ownership portfolio includes trusted and iconic vacation club brands, including Club Wyndham, WorldMark, Margaritaville Vacation Club, Sports Illustrated Resorts and Accor Vacation Club, with a combined 270+ resorts worldwide, offering quality, flexibility, and value to more than 800,000 timeshare owners. With hospitality and responsible tourism at its heart, the company's 19,000 dedicated associates around the globe help the company achieve its mission to put the world on vacation. Learn more at View source version on Contacts Media: Public RelationsMedia@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Wire
Travel + Leisure Co. and Hornblower Group Make Waves with New Partnership
ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Travel + Leisure Co. (NYSE:TNL), the world's leading membership and leisure travel company, and Hornblower Group, a global leader in maritime hospitality and transportation, today announced a long-term marketing partnership focused on delivering unforgettable travel experiences. Both multi-brand companies share a commitment to innovation and exceptional hospitality. Through this integrated collaboration, Travel + Leisure Co. and its family of brands will be prominently featured at Hornblower's ports and vessels. Dedicated teams will invite Hornblower guests to explore vacation packages to Travel + Leisure Co. resorts and sales centers through exclusive previews offered at high-traffic port locations and aboard Hornblower ferries and City Cruises ships, a Hornblower brand known for dining, sightseeing, and live entertainment cruises. These branded presences will span Hornblower's key markets, including Boston; New York City; Weehawken, New Jersey; Philadelphia; Washington, D.C.; Alexandria and Norfolk, Virginia; Baltimore; Chicago; Los Angeles and Orange County, California; San Francisco; San Diego; Sacramento; and ports throughout Puerto Rico. As the exclusive vacation ownership partner of Hornblower Group, Travel + Leisure Co. will host thousands of owners annually aboard various City Cruises Live events—an experiential event series owned and operated by Hornblower Group featuring live music, culinary showcases, sports-themed sailings, and entertainment-driven experiences. City Cruises Live events include performances by acclaimed artists such as Lee Brice, Mac McAnally, and Randy Houser; appearances by sports legends from the 2004 Boston Red Sox and 2005 Chicago White Sox championship teams; and culinary voyages led by award-winning Chef Adrianne Calvo. Special appearances include celebrity personalities like Captain Sandy Yawn of Below Deck Mediterranean and fan favorites from The Bachelor franchise. Themed cruises mark major celebrations including Fourth of July fireworks, New Year's Eve festivities, and the Cherry Blossom Festival, offering unique, immersive experiences on the water. 'This partnership is all about creating unforgettable moments for our owners,' said Jeff Myers, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer of Travel + Leisure Co. 'We're excited to bring our owners unique, VIP experiences through access to some of today's most talented artists and chefs. Whether you're a foodie, a music lover, or seeking your next adventure, we have an opportunity to create memories of a lifetime.' Beyond City Cruises, Travel + Leisure Co.'s owners and guests will enjoy VIP access across Hornblower's extensive maritime portfolio, as well as many of the company's land-based experiences through Walks and Devour Tours, renowned for exclusive guided walking and food tours in over 20 cities across Europe and North America. Guests across Hornblower's experiences will have access to exclusive discounted vacation packages across Travel + Leisure Co.'s portfolio of resorts. Additionally, Travel + Leisure Co. vacation packages serve as compelling incentives for City Cruises' group sales and private charter customers, enhancing Hornblower's event and charter offerings. 'By combining Hornblower's immersive experiences with the world's leader in vacations, we're transforming the way people discover the world,' said Mike Flaskey, CEO of Hornblower Group. 'This affinity marketing partnership with Travel + Leisure marks a great step forward, positioning us as a first mover and innovator in the maritime hospitality space. Together, we're unlocking new value for both companies and creating one-of-a-kind experiences for our guests—from curated Travel + Leisure vacation packages to unforgettable nights with City Cruises Live.' To learn more about Hornblower Group, visit For more information about Travel + Leisure Co., visit About Hornblower Group Hornblower Group is a global transportation and experience-based tourism leader, with its City Experiences division representing an expansive portfolio of water- and land-based brands including City Cruises, Walks, Devour Tours, and City Ferry. City Cruises companies operate dining, sightseeing and private events across 22 destinations in the U.S., Canada, and the UK, as well as service on behalf of the National Park Service and the Niagara Parks Commission. City Cruises currently holds service contracts to provide ferry service to the Statue of Liberty National Monument and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, Alcatraz Island, and Niagara Falls. Through Walks and Devour Tours, City Experiences offers world-class travel experiences, including immersive walking tours, food tours, and VIP experiences at iconic landmarks. City Ferry companies offer specialized knowledge and expertise required to transport passengers, vehicles, and other cargo safely across inland and coastal waterways, serving as operator of NYC Ferry and the Puerto Rico Ferry system, among others. For more information visit About Travel + Leisure Co. Travel + Leisure Co. (NYSE:TNL) is a leading leisure travel company, providing more than six million vacations to travelers around the world every year. The company operates a portfolio of vacation ownership, travel club, and lifestyle travel brands designed to meet the needs of the modern leisure traveler, whether they're traversing the globe or staying a little closer to home. The company's extensive Vacation Ownership portfolio includes trusted and iconic vacation club brands, including Club Wyndham, WorldMark, Margaritaville Vacation Club, Sports Illustrated Resorts and Accor Vacation Club, with a combined 270+ resorts worldwide, offering quality, flexibility, and value to more than 800,000 timeshare owners. With hospitality and responsible tourism at its heart, the company's 19,000 dedicated associates around the globe help the company achieve its mission to put the world on vacation. Learn more at
Travel Weekly
10-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
Sweet Victory: Two coastal ships with a long history get new lease on life
ONBOARD THE VICTORY I -- Freshly painted, with new carpet, curtains, furniture, glassware and cutlery, the Victory I may not be in its ninth life, but it sure is close. Under new ownership, the 190-passenger coastal ship is back on the Great Lakes, to be joined in May by sister ship the Victory II. And "Victory" is a fitting name, since this is one of cruising's great comebacks. Entrepreneur John Waggoner came out of retirement to revive the line, which he once owned, following the 2024 bankruptcy of parent company Hornblower Group. Waggoner and his wife, Claudette, paid $1.9 million in cash at auction for the ships. Shaded lounge seating on Victory I's sundeck. Photo Credit: Anne Kalosh During Victory I's naming festivities in Toronto on April 27, Waggoner recounted how, in a "very short 380 days," he was able to arrange financing to resume operations, "put the band back together," set up reservations and accounting systems, repair both ships (including a new engine for the Victory II) and enhance the interiors, open bank accounts for credit card payments, launch sales and marketing, develop a website, set up a call center and "a thousand other tasks" to restart service. The Victory I's christening in Toronto was an emotional event for the Waggoners. Their youngest daughter, Emily Coleman, served as the godmother, smashing a bottle of Crown Royal Canadian Whisky on the bow. The event was sentimental for me, too. Recalling the Cape May Light's debut In April 2001, I was present to report on the ship's first naming, as the Cape May Light, for Delta Queen Coastal Voyages, then a new brand. It was a rare U.S.-built cruise ship, constructed at Atlantic Marine in Jacksonville, Fla., as part of a strategy to revive commercial shipbuilding and create American jobs by financing U.S.-built ships with government loan guarantees through the U.S. Maritime Administration. A deluxe outside stateroom with a veranda that is shared with other staterooms on Deck 4. Photo Credit: Anne Kalosh The Cape May Light had national, patriotic significance far beyond its small size. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao served as the godmother, and the naming took place near Washington, in Alexandria, Va. Maritime union brass turned out, and a thick cloud of cigar smoke swirled around their intense discussions in the bar. Delta Queen Coastal Voyages belonged to Chicago business mogul Sam Zell's American Classic Voyages, which also operated Delta Queen Steamboat Co., American Hawaii Cruises and United States Lines. The Cape May Light and its sister, the Cape Cod Light, were designed to expand Delta Queen's river focus into coastal operations, including the Great Lakes. But the Cape May Light sailed for just a few months: The 9/11 terrorist attacks and the ensuing travel downturn led to American Classic Voyages' bankruptcy. The U.S. Maritime Administration took possession of the two Cape ships -- the Cape Cod Light had never even sailed -- which languished for years. In 2006, Waggoner put in an offer for the ships but was outbid. Eventually Denmark's Clipper Group, a bulk cargo operator with an office in Nassau, acquired the vessels, reflagged them to the Bahamas and put them out for charter. The Cape May Light, renamed the Sea Voyager, housed relief workers for Haiti's 2010 earthquake recovery and did a stint as a floating dormitory for St. Mary's College in Maryland. In 2015, it would go back to what it was built to do. Chartered to Haimark Line, it was renamed the Saint Laurent and launched Great Lakes itineraries. But early on, the ship struck a lock in the St. Lawrence Seaway and an insurance dispute led to Haimark's demise. Victory Cruise Lines is born Haimark had also been planning to launch Cuba cruises under a partnership with Bruce Nierenberg, an entrepreneur who had snagged a license to sail between the U.S. and Cuba when relations between the countries thawed during the Obama administration. A "LakeLorian" lecture in the Compass Lounge. Photo Credit: Anne Kalosh When Haimark went under, Nierenberg became CEO of the newly formed Victory Cruise Lines, designed to pick up Haimark's Great Lakes business and launch Cuba cruises on the ship that was now named Victory I. In 2019, Waggoner's American Queen Steamboat Co. (AQSC), part of Hornblower, acquired Victory: At last the ships were his. The first Trump administration abruptly halted Cuba cruises in June of that year, and the company focused on the Great Lakes itineraries. Then the Covid-19 pandemic struck. With Canadian ports closed, AQSC canceled Victory's 2020 season. As cruising resumed in 2021, AQSC rebranded as American Queen Voyages, combining its river and coastal fleets. Victory I became the Ocean Voyager and Victory II the Ocean Navigator. Around that time, Waggoner sold his stake to private equity and left Hornblower, which had brought in new management. In early 2024, American Queen Voyages filed for bankruptcy. Waggoner was saddened to see the company he'd built evaporate so quickly. But he also missed the cruise business, and when the ships were put up for auction, he decided to get back in. Once he and his wife had won the Victory pair, they got financing to spruce up the ships, and in a "very short 380 days," he said, the line was relaunched. The Victory I now The Victory I looks fresh but retains it original elements and historic charm. New technology includes LED screens with destination information in the stair landings and the Compass Lounge, the main entertainment and lecture venue. The Compass Lounge is where the "LakeLorian," a storyteller/destination expert trained by the National Museum of the Great Lakes, gives briefings. Diners at the Tuscan Stone Grill cook their steaks on individual hot stones. Photo Credit: Anne Kalosh A compass rose-inspired floor on the Saloon Deck, stained-glass accents in the cozy Tavern, and the tin ceiling and chandelier in the main Compass Lounge are all original and give the ship historical flavor. In the Coastal Dining Room, one dinner menu's entrees included rack of lamb, Boston scrod, spaghetti aglio e olio, Punjabi eggplant, New York sirloin steak, grilled chicken breast and Atlantic salmon -- all elegantly plated. I found the grilled haloumi appetizer and Valrhona chocolate dessert scrumptious. The Grill, a casual buffet spot during the day, converts into the Tuscan Stone Grill by night. Each diner gets a preheated stone to cook their own filet mignon, sirloin or salmon. Staterooms start at 146 square feet, and most have windows, not balconies. My Category AA deluxe outside stateroom with veranda was 161 square feet, with a compact shower, Aveda toiletries, a desk and stocked minifridge. The AA rooms open to a shared veranda. A grilled haloumi appetizer served in the Coastal Dining Room. Photo Credit: Anne Kalosh This is a quaint but well maintained ship, comfortable and perfectly sized for the Great Lakes. I'm happy that after 24 years and many incarnations, it's back where it belongs.
