HALLMARK’S HOLIDAY CRUISE CRASHES CHRISTMAS!
Hallmark Media’s latest initiative, the launch of its first-ever “Hallmark Christmas Cruise,” illustrates the growing consumer demand for days-long themed vacations. The rapid sell-out of its 2025 Christmas cruise left a waitlist of 70,000 people, underscoring the high demand for America’s new-found love of all-inclusive event holidays and opening the doors to many more just like it.
Themed cruises, destination events and multi-day music festivals are a dramatic bright spot in hospitality, driving longer stays, higher occupancy and new fees for food and beverage products that come with the guest experience. Florida-based company, The Experience Resorts is launching a large beach resort in the Bahamas, which is being updated as a permanent destination event resort with week-long guest stays and capabilities to offer music across several event stages. The transformation is aimed at providing a superior venue that goes beyond the constraints of cruise ships and the structural limitations of most beach resorts.
“Today’s limitless social reach has made it possible to connect with people who share a common appreciation for music and lifestyle products big and small”, said Jak Severson, CEO of The Experience Resorts. “Our resort features state-of-the-art production equipment, including multiple permanent stages complete with several large pools as well as festival dining appealing to large groups who will eat and drink all week long.”
Initially re-opening with 1048 4-star rooms in 2026, the company is strategically positioned to tap into the growing market for all-inclusive week-long events, aimed at customers who routinely attend multi-day festivals. “We are a venue company. Our partners are proven event producers, programmers and promoters who have long track records for bringing people together for their favorite music and lifestyle moments”, said Severson.
The Experience Resorts is set to deliver 36 weeks per year of events and has already selected roughly half of its event partners for 2026.
