Although the primary goal of Mariner is to generate buzz for Holland America Line cruises, the magazine also aims to provide material on par with other consumer travel publications. ”Mariner engages Holland America Line’s premium and returning passengers with a mix of cruise line service information, alongside literate travel narrative, world-class photography and high-level design and production,” said editor-in-chief Chuck Thompson.

A lot of the magazine’s success, evidenced by several awards including the Custom Content Council’s Pearl Award for Best Overall Editorial in 2011, can be attributed to the the editors’ strong relationships with freelancers, who supply the vast majority of the magazine’s material. Thompson said that his team is looking for any material that inspires wanderlust. “Travel pieces need not be cruise-based; in fact, most are not. Rather, we publish destination-based travel stories with strong angles,” he explained.

For the whole story, including which sections are ripe for pitches, read How To Pitch: Mariner.

– Nicholas Braun

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