Nine new Nile river cruises available for 2025

September 11, 2023 No Comments

Voyages on Viking Cruises’ newest Nile River ship, the Viking Sobek, are now available for booking. Set to debut in 2025, the Viking Sobek will join the company’s growing fleet as its sixth ship sailing the popular 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary.

With Viking’s 2024 Egypt season nearly sold out and 2025 selling well, strong demand has led to an early opening of the Viking Sobek’s inaugural season and 2026 departure dates across the entire Nile River fleet.

Hosting 82 guests in 41 staterooms, the new, state-of-the-art Viking Sobek is inspired by Viking’s river and ocean ships with the elegant Scandinavian design for which Viking is known. The Viking Sobek is the identical sister ship to the Viking Osiris, which debuted in 2022, the Viking Aton, which debuted in 2023, and the Viking Hathor, which will debut in 2024.

Other ships in Viking’s Egypt fleet include the Viking Ra and the MS Antares; with the addition of the Viking Sobek, Viking will have six ships sailing the Nile River by 2025.

Viking’s Pharaohs & Pyramids Itinerary

During the 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids  itinerary, guests begin with a three-night stay at a first-class hotel in Cairo, where they can visit iconic sites such as the Great Pyramids of Giza, the necropolis of Saqqara (also known as “Sakkara”) and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali.

Guests then fly to Luxor, where they visit the Temples of Luxor and Karnak before boarding a Viking river ship for an eight-day roundtrip cruise on the Nile River, featuring privileged access to the tomb of Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens and the tomb of Tutankhamen in the Valley of the Kings, and excursions to the Temple of Khnum in Esna, the Dendera Temple complex in Qena, the High Dam in Aswan, and a visit to a colourful Nubian village, where guests can experience a traditional elementary school.

Finally, the journey concludes with a flight back to Cairo for a final night in the ancient city.

For guests looking to extend their journey, Viking also offers pre and post extensions that provide privileged access to archives and exhibits.

Additional offerings include a new three-night Pre-Extension in Istanbul, where guests can visit the timeless city and important religious sites including the “Blue Mosque” and the legendary Hagia Sophia.

Before their voyage, guests can also choose to extend their journey in Jerusalem, exploring the ancient history and vibrant culture of Israel’s fascinating capital. After concluding the river voyage, guests can also extend the journey with a 4-night Post-Extension to Jordan – Petra, Dead Sea & Amman to view Roman antiquities at Jerash, Crusader-era castles at Kerak or Shobak and experience the lost city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Despite rising costs, safari tourism continues to dominate

September 8, 2023 No Comments

New data indicates that travel to famous safari destinations continues to grow, despite rising trip costs. 

U.S. travel insurance marketplace, Squaremouth.com, reveals that policy sales for destinations known for safari tourism more than tripled from 2020 to 2022, and breaks down how that trend is continuing through 2023. 

Safari tourism trends

In addition to an increase in popularity, the price of safari tourism has also steadily increased year over year.

A handful of popular safari destinations are among the  most expensive destinations, with trip costs surpassing $20,000. 

  • Botswana averages the highest trip cost this year at $23,577 among safari destinations

  • The cost of travel to popular safari destinations has increased 12% since last year

  • At more than $1,000, safari travellers are paying more for their insurance policies in 2023 compared to the previous four years

 

There’s an epic helicopter tour proposal in Los Cabos that costs $67,000

September 6, 2023 No Comments

Grand Velas Los Cabos introduces a new helicopter engagement, complete with a Michelin Dinner Under the Stars and expert-led stargazing session. Considered one of NASA’s top 20 places for night-sky research, the night sky of the Baja Peninsula is a region renowned for its celestial views.

The helicopter proposal begins with a pickup directly at the hotel on its rooftop, Terraza Del Mar, where couples are treated to canapés and drinks before embarking on a 75-minute helicopter tour.

Starting just before sunset, the golden-hour tour takes passengers  to the arch of Cabo San Lucas. As the helicopter tour concludes, couples are surprised with the view of a floral display on the beach that spells out “Will You Marry Me?”

Alternatively, the hotel can create an oversized  whale outline in candles, an ode to the destination’s annual whale migration. Then it’s on to an open-air beach dining experience with two Michelin star chef Sidney Schutte. The couple will be in full view of the stars, planets and constellations stretching over the Los Cabos Baja Peninsula where the open-air beach location is matched only by Chef Sidney’s open-flame dinner preparation.

A Michelin-worthy proposal

Influenced by the natural beauty of Baja Sur, Chef Sidney transforms traditional dishes with a contemporary vision. Signature cocktails and premium wines complement the meal inspired by nature. Following dinner, couples are invited to partake in an immersive stargazing session. Guided by NASA-certified astronomer, guests explore astronomy through a high-quality 127 mm Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope.

In summer, approximately 75 per cent of constellations are visible and planets like Jupiter, Mars and Saturn rise earlier. In addition to scoping the Milky Way, Zodiac Signs, and many nebulae (star clusters), couples will play games together and learn about the Mayan Calendar and Native American moons.

A three-night stay in Grand Velas Los Cabos’ Presidential Suite is also included with the engagement experience. The 5,451 sq. ft. Presidential Suite provides an unobstructed ocean front view and boasts amenities like a private terrace, immersion pool, separate living and dining room, in-suite bar, and more. Additional inclusions are two 50-minute Therapeutic Massages per stay, VIP transportation, a private in-suite dinner, private tequila tasting in-suite, and unlimited Water Ceremonies at the award-winning SE Spa.

Grand Velas Los Cabos offers two distinct tiers for this experience, each catering to different preferences and budgets. Starting rates for the Helicopter Engagement Experience with Presidential Suite accommodations, Michelin Star dining and the astronomy session are $67,255. Alternatively, the proposal with accommodations in a Grand Class Suite,  helicopter tour, and private beach dinner with a solo musician begins at $11,700. B

oth tiers offer customizable elements such as photography or extra stargazing participants, allowing couples to personalize the experience to their preferences and budget. Gourmet meals, premium branded beverages, 24-hour in-suite service, nightly entertainment, taxes, gratuity, and more are also included in the resort’s nightly rate.

In 2025, this cruise line is sailing to 112 countries

September 4, 2023 No Comments

Crystal Cruises recently announced its lineup of 2025 itineraries aboard Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony.

Both ships will visit an extraordinary selection of guests’ favorites and approximately 144 new handpicked destinations such as the Faroe Islands, Haifa and Shanghai, for a combined total of 720 days over the course of 73 sailings visiting a total of 112 countries and 281 ports.

Crystal Serenity 2025 Itinerary Highlights

  • After completing the World Cruise in May 2025, Crystal Serenity will depart from Marseille and sail the Mediterranean and Baltic Seas, visiting destinations like Pablo Picasso’s hometown of Málaga, the charming, half-timbered town of Ronne, Latvia’s capital, Riga, known for its pedestrian-only medieval Old Town and more.
  • Guests will have the rare opportunity to visit Longyearbyen, the largest inhabited area of Svalbard, Norway – famous for its incomparable views of the Northern Lights.
  • With calls to the Faroe Islands, and Iceland, passengers will discover dramatic landscapes and breathtaking views in the world’s most stunning Nordic destinations including Tórshavn, Djupivogur, and Reykjavik among others.
  • For a perfect leaf-peeping getaway, guests onboard from September to November 2025, will visit iconic North American ports of call such as Québec City, Gaspé, Newport, Boston, Portland, New York City and more.
  • For those who wish to partake in the holiday season at sea, sun-filled voyages include Caribbean and South American destinations like Montego Bay, Aruba, Cayman Islands, Cartagena, the Panama Canal and more.

Crystal Symphony 2025 Itinerary Highlights

  • Kicking off 2025 in Southeast Asia, the newly refurbished ship will explore remote destinations including Sihanoukville, known for having the best beaches in Cambodia, along with Sabang and Weh Island, the small active volcanic island to the northwest ofSumatra.
  • With multi-day port calls to the region’s top urban centers including Ho Chi Minh City, Halong Bay, Laem Chabang and Shanghai,passengers will have even more time for in-depth cultural immersion. Guests can also visit Palawan, the Philippines’ ecological jewel with pristine beaches, and Brunei, known for its verdant rainforests.
  • Timed with the Grand Prix, the ship will visit Monaco and Villefranche-sur-Mer, allowing guests the chance to embrace their inner Formula 1 driver, as they watch the iconic race in two of Europe’s leading destinations.
  • Mediterranean highlights include calls to Haifa, Dubrovnik and Cyprus, in addition to Greece’s increasingly popular destinations ofZakynthos, Corfu and Santorini, among others.
  • The latter half of 2025 will be spent in the Middle East visiting a variety of destinations ranging from the small Egyptian port of Safaga (Luxor), to Dubai, known for luxury shopping and ultramodern architecture, to the more remote Salalah, the third-largest city in the Sultanate of Oman, known for its marine life.

These just announced 2025 voyages will be available to book on Sept. 27 at crystalcruises.com.

A new Hyatt hotel is opening in Panama next year

September 1, 2023 No Comments

Hyatt Regency Panama City will be the first Hyatt Regency hotel in Panama City and the third Hyatt hotel in Panama.

Perfectly situated for business and leisure travellers, the hotel will be in the heart of Panama City’s business district, less than 10 miles from Tocumen International Airport, near the Multiplaza shopping mall and the new Amador Convention Center.

About the hotel

Hyatt Regency Panama City will offer 382 guestrooms and suites spread across two towers, as well as a pool, state-of-the-art gym, variety of restaurants including a wine bar and coffee shop and 20,000 sq ft. of meeting and event space including two ballrooms, an outdoor terrace for events and a Hyatt Regency Broadcast Lounge, allowing guests the option to attend a live conference in a hybrid manner.

The hotel’s convenient location in the Panamanian capital will provide easy access to public transportation and area attractions like cinemas, restaurants, retailers, recreational activities and more.

Additionally, the hotel is located a short drive from downtown Panama City, both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, and local attractions such as the Panama Canal, the Casco Viejo neighborhood and the new Fuerte Amador cruise terminal.

Expected to open just in time for the 2024 summer season following an extensive renovation, Hyatt Regency Panama City will mark another milestone in Hyatt’s sustained brand growth strategy in the Latin America and Caribbean region.

Get on board this 15-night luxury rail trip through the Arctic Circle

August 30, 2023 No Comments

For 2024, Up Norway, the leading curator of sustainable luxury travel experiences in Norway, will be offering a northern extension to its Arctic Circle Express Train Journey with stops in Lofoten and then on to Narvik. 

The 15-night rail centric experience begins in Oslo, the vibrant heart of Norway where a bustling metropolitan atmosphere meets pioneering art, architecture, and design. The itinerary continues on from Oslo by train, stopping in Bergen, Ålesund, Trondheim, Bodø, and, with the new extension, Lofoten and Narvik.

About the journey

With Bodø poised to shine as the European Capital of Culture in 2024, an extra layer of cultural enrichment adds to the allure. Along the entire journey, travellers will enjoy personal encounters with locals that offer unique perspectives, a diversity of local sea and farm to table cuisine, and impactful activities from cruising the fjord and kayaking along narrow waterways to the UNESCO protected Bryggen Wharf, hiking the Alnes lighthouse on Godøya island, exploration of both large cities and small town, and more.

In Lofoten, with the added trip extension, travellers can enjoy remote villages, a dramatic Scenic Route, adrenaline-pumping arctic surfing, and international art collections.

Then, they’ll progress on to Narvik where a private guided tour of the War Museum offers insight into the World War II events that shaped the area. Additionally, the Narvikfjellet Cable Car provides panoramic views of the city and its surrounding fjords and mountains. 

Itinerary highlights

But perhaps the standout highlight of this itinerary is the journey itself on a trio of Norway’s most spectacular railways: Flåm, Rauma, and Ofotbanen. The Flåm Railway, an engineering marvel and Europe’s steepest rail line, treats travelers to a descent of 2,828 feet to the fjord below.

Meanwhile, the Rauma Railway offers an unrivaled passage through the dramatic Romsdalen valley, and the Ofotbanen Arctic Train is a unique marvel fully above the Arctic Circle presenting panoramic views of towering peaks and cascading waterfalls. 

Luxurious and authentic accommodations range from boutique hotels that overlook the commanding Hardangerjøkulen glacier to the cozy embrace of a traditional fisherman’s cabin. In 2024, guests can also opt to stay at the brand new Basecamp Narvik in the Narvikfjellet Mountains. 

This enhanced 15-night itinerary invites discerning travelers to embark on an immersive adventure through Norway’s captivating Northern landscapes, unveiling hidden gems and rich cultural experiences along the way. Up Norway provides effortless travel experiences every step of the journey over dates of one’s choosing. Guests are provided with a comprehensive pre-trip digital guide filled with insider tips and recommendations, all travel details, and a 24-hour direct chat to access the Up Norway team with any questions. 

The 15-night Arctic Circle Express with Lofoten and Narvik starts at $6,587 USD per person for a couple. Without the extension, the 11-night Arctic Circle Express Journey starts at $4,639 USD per person. For more details about the new extension of the Arctic Circle Express Itinerary, visit https://upnorway.com/journeys/hop-on-the-arctic-circle-express-train. 

Exciting new updates unveiled at Atlantis Paradise Island

August 28, 2023 No Comments

Throughout 2023, Atlantis Paradise Island continues to roll out bold multimillion-dollar renovations and exciting new offerings throughout the resort – from new dining experiences to a reimagined Atlantis Casino and much more.

The resort’s 25th anniversary launches a new chapter for the celebrated destination, ensuring that travelers will continue to experience the best at Atlantis Paradise Island, with stunning accommodations, innovative cuisine, and extraordinary experiences.

New dining experiences

Shake Shack, the elevated fine casual brand is known best for its delicious, made-to-order Angus beef burgers, crispy chicken, hot dogs, hand-spun milkshakes, house-made lemonades and more recently opened its first resort location at Atlantis Paradise Island and The Bahamas’ first Shake Shack.

The Bahamas location features exclusive new menu items only available at Shake Shack Atlantis, a full 360-degree hexagon-shaped bar, and stunning floor-to-ceiling glass walls that offer up-close views of Atlantis’ The Dig aquarium – making Shake Shack Atlantis one of the must-visit destinations in the Bahamas.

Paranza, an exciting new restaurant that debuted this summer at The Cove, offers Italian regional cuisine with a  focus on seafood. From delicate crudos to opulent pasta dishes, from exquisitely grilled whole fish to caviar, Paranza promises artistry on every plate and with every bite.

Silan is a new Mediterranean-inspired restaurant by James Beard Foundation Award-winning Chef Alon Shaya that opens this fall and will be located on the casino floor. Dishes will incorporate ingredients local to The Bahamas.

Scavenger hunt

The Atlantis Scavenger Hunt invites guests on an engaging journey, introducing them to some of the most exciting, adventure-filled spots around paradise.

Guests can unravel mysteries, create cherished memories, and unlock an experience that provides a sense of awe and accomplishment while exploring Atlantis. Scavenger Hunt locations include The Dig, Dolphin Cay, Leap of Faith, Marina Village, The Rope Swing, and more. Guests are encouraged to download the official Atlantis App to participate in the fun-filled hunt through the resort.

Casino renovation

The Atlantis Casino is currently undergoing a refresh. Upon entering the Atlantis Casino, guests will notice the enhancement of the Atlantis Casino’s two on-site lounges, an exciting high-limit slots lounge and an expansion of the exclusive gaming salon.

The Atlantis Casino also introduces the lively bar and lounge Bar Sol, offering a perfect perch to take in the excitement on the casino floor, enjoy a pre-or post-dinner drink with live music nightly, or celebrate a big win at the slots.

Complementing Bar Sol is the Atlantis Casino’s Moon Bar – well known for its sleek marine habitat centrepiece behind the bar with moon jellyfish – offers a sophisticated beverage program with classic cocktails, an extensive wine list, draft beer, and a selection of cigars.

Things to do

For 25 years, Atlantis Paradise Island has offered the best in entertainment and immersive experiences for guests and our community. Last year, Atlantis’ tennis centre expanded and now offers three pickleball courts in addition to three tennis courts. Guests can choose to travel with their own paddles or borrow from the Atlantis Pro Shop. Atlantis provides guests both tennis and pickleball lessons with tennis pros and staff.

Luxury expedition ship takes its first voyage

August 25, 2023 No Comments

Seabourn Pursuit, the second ultra-luxury expedition ship for Seabourn, embarked on its first voyage and welcomed its first guests on board on Saturday, August 12, 2023. The ship kicked off its maiden year with an eight-day voyage from Valletta, Malta, to Rome. 

Seabourn Pursuit is the second of two new expedition vessels from Seabourn, the leader in ultra luxury and expedition travel, launched in the past two years. The ship is purpose-built and designed to provide guests who are looking for out of the ordinary experiences combined with life-expanding moments in exquisite, ultra-luxury comfort.

The ship will also offer the many Seabourn amenities and services guests know and cherish, such as the line’s renown fine dining options, entertainment, luxurious suites and personalized, intuitive service by the onboard team. 

 About Seabourn Pursuit

Seabourn Pursuit offers the same luxurious “yacht like” small ship experience that travelers have come to expect from Seabourn, enhanced by world-class equipment that allows the line to offer its widest range of expedition activities led by an expert 24-person expedition team of scientists, scholars, naturalists, and more.

Designed and built for remote, diverse environments to PC6 Polar Class standards, the ship includes a plethora of modern hardware and technology that extends the ship’s global deployment and capabilities. There is close to 30,000 square feet of deck space and special touches at every turn, as well as indoor and outdoor guest areas with nearly 270-degree views.

In addition, a 4K GSS Cineflex Camera is mounted on the mast of the Constellation Lounge and capable of broadcasting imagery from miles ahead on monitors located throughout the ship and in guest suites. 

 Enhanced connectivity

The ship is also equipped with enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity with SpaceX’s Starlink, providing its expedition guests with faster service, greater connectivity and more reliable Wi-Fi wherever Starlink’s services are available.  

Seabourn Pursuit, like the rest of the ships in the Seabourn fleet, offers an abundance of space and elegance, eight dining facilities serving gourmet cuisine, and luxurious all-suite accommodations, including a pair of two-level Wintergarden suites. 

Between August and October, Seabourn Pursuit will sail five voyages in the Mediterranean and on two voyages across the Atlantic and through the Caribbean. On October 10, 2023, the ship will arrive in Barbados to begin its expedition journeys, taking guests to remote corners of the globe. Seabourn Pursuit will head south for expeditions exploring coastal South America, the Amazon, and Antarctica into late March 2024. 

Following its inaugural Antarctic season, the ship will head across the islands of the South Pacific and eventually to Australia, which will be the start of the line’s first exploration of the Kimberley region in the Northern Territory and Western Australia between June and August 2024.

In addition to the Kimberley, Seabourn Pursuit will visit Papua New Guinea, West Papua, Indonesia, and sail across the South Pacific between Chile and Melanesia between March and October 2024. 

Adults only hotel with 18 bars opens in Costa Mujeres

August 23, 2023 No Comments

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has added the TRS Coral Hotel in Costa Mujeres to the Registry Collection Hotels brand portfolio.

The hotel, which is operated by Palladium Hotel Group, is located in Quintana Roo, north of the Yucatan peninsula, one of the most recognized areas of the Mexican Caribbean known for its white sand beaches and turquoise water, along with its proximity to natural reserves and cultural attractions.

About TRS Coral Hotel

TRS Coral Hotel, a Registry Collection Hotel, is an all-inclusive, adults-only destination with each building equipped with an energy saving system built with sustainability in mind.

The hotel features 469 luxury suites with a furnished balcony or terrace, and offers guests direct access to the beach, an exclusive pool, gym and a private beach club. Guests can also enjoy the Zentropia Palladium Wellness & Spa, a space dedicated to relaxation and wellness. The spa is equipped with service booths, a magnificent thermal area, and therapists specializing in all types of beauty treatments. 

TRS Coral Hotel also offers spectacular cuisine across its 18 bars, five exclusive à la carte restaurants with five-star service, two international buffet restaurants, an Italian Mediterranean restaurant, a steakhouse, and three Asian restaurants, as well as a 24-hour sports bar and the “Chic Cabaret & Restaurant”, a space where gastronomy and entertainment share the stage. 

For sports-lovers, the hotel boasts the first “Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre” in the world, with a museum which holds official replicas of 4 Grand Slam trophies, Masters 1000 Trophies and the Davis Cup that was won in 2008.

The sports complex, listed by fans as “The New Paradise of Tennis”, has 8 tennis courts (4 outdoor and 4 indoor), a football field, a paddle court, a shop with sports products and a bar-cafeteria.

Family-friendly safari company adds exciting new trips

August 21, 2023 No Comments

Extraordinary Journeys, a tour operator and safari specialist, has unveiled a diverse array of new family-forward safari experiences tailored for all age groups across its African destinations.

While Extraordinary Journeys recommends South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Zambia, and Botswana as wonderful family safari destinations, as of recently, Kenya and Tanzania have become more accessible to families thanks to new and improved accommodations and experiences by top safari camps and lodges that are tailored to little ones.

Extraordinary Journeys has the insider intelligence and expertise to know precisely which camps are best for the type of family adventure travellers want to experience.

Explore Tanzania & Kenya

In Tanzania and Kenya specifically, Extraordinary Journeys’ family itineraries feature new safari sites that have moved on from the old standard of tents with extra beds and now give families exclusive use of their own “camp within the camp.”

The private sites sport amenities such as private guides, dining spaces, fire pits, and a private or additional shared pool, giving families a larger area to spread out, breathe, and connect. Whether roasting marshmallows and stargazing with the kids or enjoying a drink on the deck while the kids are safely asleep nearby, these new luxury suites offer families increased options and ease.

In addition to game drives, family safaris offer many other experiences for children to enjoy including bush walks to look for tracks, horseback or camel riding, local village visits, cooking with the camp’s Chef, hanging out near a waterhole (where the wildlife comes to you!), helicopter safaris, young explorers programs, and more.

For more information and to book your own safari, visit extraordinaryjourneys.com.