It’s not often that the phrase “investigative journalism” is used in the context of the cruise industry, which usually plies calmer waters (if you’ll pardon the pun), but in this issue deputy editor Gary Peters takes a look at allegations from homeworkers that they are overlooked when it comes to being offered places on fam trips by cruise lines.

He spoke to a number of home-based agents who are unhappy at their treatment at the hands of the operators; some claim, for instance, that on educational trips they are asked to pair up with a random agent because no single occupancy is allowed. Another complained that competitions offering places on board a ship as a prize often revolve around large-volume bookings, which is simply not possible for individual independent workers to achieve, meaning they are often deprived of the chance to do show-arounds at sea. In the interests of fairness, we asked a number of cruise lines to comment on these accusations; read our compelling report on page 36.

Elsewhere inside we take a break from all things cruise to explore an intriguing pre or post-sail option: the rail experience. In addition to showcasing amazing destinations, the mode of transport actually becomes part of the experience: passengers can, for instance, combine an Alaskan cruise with a journey from Chicago on the Empire Builder train, or take rail tours across Australia on the Indian Pacific, or opt for an exotic Asian sail-rail itinerary featuring the journey from Singapore to Bangkok aboard the legendary Eastern & Oriental Express.

More far-flung hot spots are profiled in this month’s Destinations Special section: the Zanzibar archipelago offers majestic ruins, rare marine life, ancient architecture and stunning beaches; Central America, meanwhile – sometimes referred to as “the secret Caribbean” by those in the know because of the tropical surroundings – unites no fewer than seven nations, namely Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama.

We hope you find lots to inspire you inside the May issue of Cruise Trade News.