There’s strength in numbers, so they say, and our in-depth, eight-page report on travel consortia (see pages 36-43) most certainly proves the point. CTN deputy editor
Gary Peters has rounded up all the facts, figures and statistics from the country’s leading consortia to discover what makes them tick.

We analyse their efforts in no fewer than 10 key areas, including the number of agents they reach, how they plan to stay ahead of the competition and their measures to educate members about cruise, to allow agents to weigh up accurately the benefits of membership.

Another bumper feature is our nine-page section on the wonders of the natural wilderness that is Alaska (pages 57-65). We explore the fascinating scenery and wildlife to be found in this vast, wild region, touching on places such as the gold- rush town of Skagway, capital city Juneau, the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier and the stunning Denali National Park.

Elsewhere in this issue we focus on technology, with a look at the various gadgets and gizmos being used on board by a number of cruise lines. These include virtual personal cruise assistants, mobile apps, hi-tech entertainment options and interactive gaming, which are all transforming the ship-side experience for guests.

We also get on board Azamara’s Journey as it travels to Norway, the land of the Midnight Sun; cruise the Douro, taking in the delights of Porto and Spanish cities such as Salamanca along the way; and chat to Aurora Expeditions about the latest developments in the sector ahead of the much-anticipated launch of Greg Mortimer.

There’s just space enough left to mention our two awards ceremonies, each unmissable in its own way. Voting is still open for the über-popular Wave Awards, with new categories including Best Specialist Travel Agent (thewaveawards.com), and there’s still time to book your place at this year’s Cruise Stars Awards, taking place on 22 November, when we’ll be celebrating the very best of the travel trade (cruisestarsawards.com).