Anne Kalosh is the editor of Seatrade Cruise News and she has decades of experience covering the cruise industry—so much experience, in fact, that she recently appeared on Netflix’s Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney. 

On this episode of View From Afar, she joins host Aislyn Greene at Seatrade Cruise Global for a deep dive into the ways cruising is evolving to attract new travelers. From groundbreaking sustainability efforts to the growing influence of local communities—this is the future of cruising. 

On this episode you’ll discover: 

How Gen Z and millennials are impacting the cruising industry

Which new cruise destinations to sail to in 2025, from Japan to Greenland

Why Viking’s new ship marks a major milestone in the race to zero-emission cruising.  

Don’t miss these moments: 

[02:53] How local communities are transforming the cruise experience. 

[07:03] Don’t miss these emerging cruise destinations in 2025. 

[11:11] Viking announces a major leap in the race to net-zero cruising. 

[14:11] Cruise recommendations for Anne’s celebrity costars, including John Mulaney and Quinta Brunson. 

Featured cruise lines: 

Viking 

Carnival Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line

Ponant 

Explora Journeys

Mitsui Ocean Cruises

Four Seasons Yachts 

Resources: 

Read the transcript of this episode.

Read Anne’s work at Seatrade Cruise News or connect with her on LinkedIn. 

Explore 8 of the Most Exciting Cruise Destinations in 2025

Subscribe to the newsletter, Afar Advisor to get a smart summary of need-to-know information for travel professionals. 

Dive into cruise news and resources on afar.com.

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Cruising is evolving—and appealing to more people than ever. Live from Seatrade Cruise Global, this episode of View from Afar, unpacks the cruise news and innovations that surprised and inspired host Aislyn Greene and Afar co-founder Joe Diaz, during the world’s largest cruise industry conference. 

From hydrogen-powered ships to hotel brands getting in on the action, these are the cruising trends to watch in 2025. 

On this episode you’ll learn: 

Why the value proposition for cruising has never been better. 

How hotel brands and destinations are banking on cruising. 

The unique access cruise lines can offer travelers in 2025. 

Don’t miss these moments: 

[05:43] This little-known secret is the most inspiring thing about modern cruising. 

[10:15] Why the value proposition for cruising has never been better. 

[11:55] The off-the-beaten-path cruise we can’t wait to book. 

Featured in this episode: 

Resources: 

Read the transcript of this episode.

Explore more Seatrade content on Unpacked by Afar, like this episode about sustainable cruising or this episode covering innovations. 

Dive into cruise news and resources on afar.com.

Sign up for the Afar Advisor newsletter.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to View From Afar, a podcast by the travel industry, for the travel industry.

In our inaugural episode, we hear from Barbara Muckermann, the first female CEO of Kempinski Hotels, a 128-year old global brand. 

On this episode, Barbara chats with Afar senior deputy editor, Jennifer Flowers, about her plans to restore Kempinski’s luxury legacy, why places like Munich’s Nymphenburg Palace are key to the brand’s future, and what it takes to succeed as a woman—and elevate others— in the male-dominated hospitality industry. 

Inside the Hotels Where History Happens

On this episode you’ll learn: 

How Kempinski hotels serve as cultural hubs in major cities like Bangkok, Istanbul, and Munich. 

How a 128-year old, global brand plans to pivot in 2025. 

Candid advice for women in hospitality and how Kempinski’s new CEO elevates future leaders. 

How Kempinski Hotels Plans to Reclaim Luxury

Don’t miss these moments: 

[01:24] Liza Minelli and Einstein: Harnessing the past to build the future. 

[04:46] What is the future of Kempinski Hotels? Think: the luxury of porcelain parrots. 

[16:42] Kempinski palaces are cultural staples for travelers and locals alike. 

[21:17] Advice on how women can continue to break the glass ceiling in hospitality. 

Resources: 

Read the transcript of the episode.

Read Jenn’s ⁠feature ⁠about six women who are changing the future of hotels. 

Explore Kempinski hotels on their ⁠website⁠ or ⁠Instagram⁠. 

Connect with Barbara Muckermann on ⁠LinkedIn ⁠or ⁠Instagram⁠.

Be sure to subscribe to the show and to sign up for our podcast newsletter, ⁠⁠Behind the Mic⁠⁠, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode. And explore our second podcast, ⁠⁠Travel Tales⁠⁠, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us.

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