ROYAL CARIBBEAN GROUP ONE STEP CLOSER TO NET-ZERO CRUISING
HAWAII WELCOMES VISITORS BACK TO WEST MAUI
TRUE NORTH
PHOTO COURTESY OF ROYAL CARIBBEAN GROUP
ROYAL CARIBBEAN GROUP ONE STEP CLOSER TO NET-ZERO CRUISING
Royal Caribbean Group ' s biofuel testing took place on Symphony of the Seas .
After recently completing a 12-week alternative biofuel testing program in Europe , Royal Caribbean Group found a biofuel blend that met operational standards without quality or safety concerns . “ This is a pivotal moment for Royal Caribbean Group ’ s alternative fuel journey ,” said Jason Liberty , president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group . “ Following our successful trial of biofuels this summer , we are one step closer to bringing our vision for net-zero cruising to life .” Royal Caribbean Group plans to continue testing different types of biofuels across its various vessels .
SILENT O / SHUTTERSTOCKCOM
JULIE BEATSON / SHUTTERSTOCKCOM
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne Country Airport was ranked J . D . Power ’ s number one mega-airport in 2023 .
Passengers Rate North American Airports
Devastating fires destroyed Lahaina in August 2023 .
HAWAII WELCOMES VISITORS BACK TO WEST MAUI
In early September 2023 , Hawaii Governor Josh Green signed an emergency proclamation lifting the travel ban to West Maui after devastating wildfires swept through the area earlier that summer . The proclamation went into effect on October 8 and encouraged tourism ’ s return to the region including areas like Honokōwai , Nāpili , Kā ' anapali and Kapalua . A major driving force behind the governor ’ s call to action was the economic hit the popular destination endured in the wake of the fires , something the state depends on to thrive . “ The passenger count to Kahului Airport decreased by more than 70 percent after the tragedy from 7,000 a day to 2,000 a day ,” said the State of Hawaii in a September 2023 press release . “ The loss from business closures and visitor expenditures is estimated to be $ 11 million a day on Maui since August 9 , 2023 .” As travelers return to the tropical oasis , Hawaiians ask that they do so respectfully and responsibly .
Passenger ’ s satisfaction with North American airports is on the rise . At least , that ’ s the major takeaway from the J . D . Power 2023 North American Airport Satisfaction Study . Released in mid-September 2023 , the consumer insights and analytics firm surveyed over 27,000 travelers from August 2022 through July 2023 to evaluate North American airports based on six factors : terminal facilities ; airport arrival and departure ; baggage claim ; security check ; check-in and baggage check ; and food , beverage and retail . So , what ’ s the verdict ? The study found Detroit Metropolitan Wayne Country Airport , Minneapolis- Saint Paul International Airport and Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas to be the top three “ mega-airports ” of 2023 .
16 / THE COMPASS / WINTER 2023 vaxvacationaccess . com / thecompass