Chris Owen

Altamonte Springs

Travel Writer and Photojounalist at Freelance

Chris Owen is an award-winning photojournalist who sees travel as a way to experience, understand, and change our world.

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Articles

Safe Travels? America First Policy Kills Global Arrivals

5 days ago | chriscruises.com | Chris Owen

Unique U.S. Tourism Revenue Decline: The U.S. is the only major global economy projected to see a significant drop in tourism revenue in 2025, with an expected loss exceeding $12.5 billion. Impact of “America First” Policies: Stricter immigration controls and a perceived unwelcoming stance linked to “America First” policies are cited as primary drivers for this decline, deterring international visitors.
USA Struggles With Tourism, Others Rise And Excel

5 days ago | chriscruises.com | Chris Owen

Shifting Destination Preferences: Tourists are increasingly choosing destinations in Asia, the Caribbean, Africa, and parts of the Middle East and Oceania over traditionally dominant Western destinations like the U.S., driven by a search for better value, authenticity, and unique experiences. European Market Volatility: Europe’s summer 2025 season is marked by last-minute bookings and price sensitivity.
U.S. Virgin Islands Honor Veterans, Calls for End To Injustices

6 days ago | chriscruises.com | Chris Owen

Call for End to Insular Cases: Teri Helenese, representing the U.S. Virgin Islands, is urging U.S. federal lawmakers to dismantle the legal framework of the Insular Cases, which deny full democratic rights to citizens in U.S. territories.
Economic Quake: Travel Spending Dreams Crushed

6 days ago | chriscruises.com | Chris Owen

Important To Know:Economic Pressures Mounting: Soaring tariffs, high inflation, and recession fears are creating significant economic anxiety among U.S. consumers in 2025. Plummeting Consumer Confidence and Spending: Consumer confidence has dropped to near historic lows, leading to a sharp pullback in discretionary spending, with travel and vacations being among the first items cut from household budgets.
Multiple Nations Issue Travel Crime Warnings

6 days ago | chriscruises.com | Chris Owen

Important To Know:Multi-Nation Safety Warnings: Jamaica and seven other countries (Paraguay, El Salvador, Saudi Arabia, Chile, India, Colombia, Mexico) have issued urgent travel safety warnings due to severe security threats. Key Threats Identified: The primary reasons for the warnings include escalating violent crime (gang-related, armed robberies, assaults), political instability and unrest, and terrorism risks in these specific nations.
Viking Fleet Expands, Revenue Skyrockets

6 days ago | chriscruises.com | Chris Owen

Strong Q1 Financial Performance: Viking reported a nearly 25% revenue increase to $897.1 million in Q1 2025, with significantly improved gross margins, a reduced net loss ($105.5 million), and a substantial rise in Adjusted EBITDA ($72.8 million). Robust Booking Momentum: Demand remains high with 92% of 2025 capacity already booked (as of May 11, 2025), totaling $5.5 billion in advance bookings for the year, and strong early bookings for 2026.
Grand Cayman Votes: No Dock, Yes Weed & Lotto

1 week ago | chriscruises.com | Chris Owen

Important to Know:Cruise Berths Rejected: Cayman Islands voters overwhelmingly rejected the proposal to develop new cruise ship berthing infrastructure in a referendum. Cannabis Decriminalization Approved: A significant majority voted in favor of decriminalizing the consumption and possession of small amounts of cannabis, meaning penalties would likely involve fines rather than criminal records.
AAA Tips: Prepare For Holiday Road Trip

1 week ago | chriscruises.com | Chris Owen

As nearly 39.4 million Americans gear up for Memorial Day road trips, AAA is ready to assist thousands of stranded motorists. Last year, AAA responded to more than 356,000 roadside emergencies. The most common calls were flat tires, dead batteries, and lockouts. “As you finalize your travel plans, don’t forget to check your vehicle’s condition,” said Mark Jenkins, Public Relations Manager for AAA – The Auto Club Group.
Border Woes: Tariffs Cut Canadian Travel

1 week ago | chriscruises.com | Chris Owen

Collapse of Canadian Tourism: A sharp and significant decline in Canadian travelers (air, road, and future bookings) to the U.S. in early 2025 is causing a major tourism crisis. Key Drivers of Decline: The downturn is fueled by new U.S. tariffs, strained political relations, heightened and unpredictable border scrutiny (including device searches and fears of detainment), and broader Canadian disapproval of U.S. policies and political climate.
New: Culinary Cruises With Exciting Chefs

1 week ago | chriscruises.com | Chris Owen

Holland America Line is blending world-class travel and exceptional culinary experiences with new “” cruises in 2025 and 2026. These special sailings on segments of Grand Voyages and other select cruises will feature exclusive experiences hosted by one of Holland America Line’s Culinary Ambassadors — a collection of world-renowned chefs, beverage experts and culinary visionaries who enrich the onboard dining and beverage offerings fleetwide through signature dishes and cocktail recipes.