Celebrity River Cruises is launching in Europe for a truly boutique experience

Celebrity Cruises will usher in a new era in river cruising with Celebrity River Cruises, a premium river cruise vacation that will begin taking bookings this year.

The brand has signed an initial order for 10 transformative ships that will take guests to historic cities on the world’s most iconic rivers, launching in Europe. Celebrity Cruises will bring the elevated design and sophistication of the Edge Series ocean ships to the river.

Celebrity River Cruises is a natural extension of Celebrity’s premium offering that will bring its unique service-first approach to the river. Guests will get the keys to sail through the heart of culturally and historically significant cities, experience locally inspired cuisine and unique shore experiences.

With ships that will give guests 360 degrees of breathtaking views, every moment will be designed to immerse guests in the beauty of the journey.

More information about Celebrity River Cruises, including booking opportunities, destinations, fleet size and ship details, excursions and more, will be announced in the coming months.

St. Regis Aruba Resort opens on Palm Beach Coast

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts has opened The St. Regis Aruba Resort, a seafront oasis designed by Hirsch Bender Associates.

As part of Marriott International’s distinguished luxury portfolio, the resort epitomizes the brand’s rich heritage and signature rituals, offering an exclusive escape on Aruba’s most coveted coastline. This resort elevates the island’s hospitality scene with its refined elegance, featuring the first-ever St. Regis casino and a rooftop dining destination helmed by acclaimed Chef Akira Back.

Taking inspiration from the island’s powdery white beaches, cultural richness, and Casibari Rock Formations, guests are invited to experience the colonial architecture and colorful areas inspired by the island’s streets, guiding visitors to the best address on-island. The newly built resort presents 252 exquisite guestrooms, including 52 suites personalized to guest’s needs.

About St. Regis Aruba Resort

The resort offers guests six distinctive culinary experiences, celebrating the exotic flavors of Aruba’s multicultural heritage. Showcasing the island’s vibrant culinary fusion, these venues introduce innovative signature dishes to the gastronomic scene.

At the heart of the dining offerings is the rooftop restaurant, Akira Back, by Michelin-starred Chef Akira Back, where guests can savor his acclaimed Japanese and Korean-inspired creations while enjoying breathtaking views—a harmonious blend of exceptional flavors and stunning vistas. The St. Regis Aruba Resort’s additional dining experiences include Eskama, an immersive Caribbean restaurant, and Nuba, an Aruban-inspired pool and beachside restaurant. In addition to the property’s restaurants, The St. Regis Aruba Resort will feature two bars, The St. Regis Bar and Ventura, and a coffee shop, Grano Café.

The resort offers an array of world-class amenities designed for relaxation and indulgence. Guests can unwind at two exquisite pools with private cabanas, stay active in the state-of-the-art fitness center, or rejuvenate at The St. Regis Spa, which features curated treatments inspired by the island’s natural beauty. Younger guests are welcomed at The Children’s Club, where cultural and educational experiences bring Aruba’s rich heritage to life.

With the opening of The St. Regis Aruba Resort, the brand introduces its renowned luxury and signature service to the stunning shores of Palm Beach.

For more information, visit stregisarubaresort.com.

A list of all the new Four Seasons hotels opening soon

Four Seasons continues to execute its strategic growth across key global markets, expanding its iconic portfolio of hotels, resorts and residences while redefining experiential travel on land, at sea, and in the air.

This growth is anchored in an approach that blends heritage with innovation as the company thoughtfully expands its offerings to meet the evolving needs of today’s luxury travellers.

Four Seasons growth trajectory includes strategic expansion into key destinations, highlighted by landmark openings, exceptional restorations, and a robust development pipeline of over 60 projects worldwide. By 2033, Four Seasons plans to operate 180 properties globally, solidifying its position as the world’s largest operator of luxury properties under a single brand.

Four Seasons hotels opening soon

Recent and upcoming opening highlights for the years ahead include:

Americas

The recent reopening of the beloved Four Seasons Hotel New York took place at the end of 2024, with the highly anticipated return of Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara taking place in 2025. Also this year, the legendary Naples Beach Club will reopen as a Four Seasons experience; the thoughtful restoration of iconic 16th century landmarks in Cartagena will unveil a new property; and the company will also mark its debut in Puerto Rico, taking over management of an exquisite beachside property in Bahia Beach.

Looking ahead, guests can escape to overwater bungalows on a private island in Belize; retreat to the 95-key resort within a 24 hectare (60-acre) private estate in the Dominican Republic, the company’s first in the country; hit the slopes in Park City’s Deer Valley East Village in Utah; or enjoy the best of sports, entertainment and leisure in Jacksonville, Florida.

Europe

In Europe, Four Seasons will welcome new additions in Italy including the transformation of Venice’s historic Hotel Danieli and a new resort in Puglia; two new locations in Greece with resorts in Mykonos and Porto Heli; and the reopening of the renowned Park Gstaad into a Four Seasons experience.

Middle East and Africa

In the coming years, guests will be able to experience the luxury of Four Seasons at several dynamic properties in Saudi Arabia: in the heart of the ancient city of Madinah; with new resort offerings on Shura Island at The Red Sea, on Sindalah Island at NEOM, and at the relaxing AMAALA Triple Bay wellness resort; in Jeddah’s Corniche district; and in historic Diriyah. Four Seasons growth also continues across Egypt at two exceptional new properties in Luxor and Madinaty, New Cairo Capital; in Muscat, Oman; and in Tanzania with a new resort in Zanzibar.

Asia Pacific

Asia’s growth pipeline features exciting new projects for the years ahead, including on Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi, Vietnam; a glistening new skyscraper in Taiwan; a new resort in Okinawa, Japan; expansion in Australia with a resort in Melbourne; and new openings in China including in Xi’an and the company’s highly anticipated return to Shanghai.

A new premier luxury private jet service just took off

FlyJetr has launched its premier luxury jet charter service, redefining the essence of private aviation designed to make luxury air travel more accessible than ever.

Committed to providing unmatched flexibility and convenience for its clients, the company introduces an innovative one-touch Set and Jet access feature, allowing customers to seamlessly arrange flights on over 15,000 jets to 12,000 airports worldwide, catering to both business trips and leisure family getaways.

The private jet charter market is experiencing remarkable growth, projected to reach $17.40 billion into 2025, with an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.92%, potentially scaling to $33.38 billion by 2030. This significant growth reflects a robust demand for private aviation services and indicates a transformative shift in the industry, allowing more individuals to enjoy luxurious travel experiences without needing aircraft ownership.

In addition to its extensive network and advanced technology, FlyJetr is committed to ensuring that every aspect of the flying experience exceeds client expectations. The company’s approach combines its sophisticated Set and Jet booking systems with a highly trained team dedicated to delivering exceptional service.

About FlyJetr

FlyJetr is at the forefront of luxury private aviation, dedicated to providing exceptional service and unparalleled access for discerning travellers around the globe. FlyJetr redefines luxury travel, offering unparalleled comfort and sophistication in the air for those who demand the best. 

From business trips to family leisure getaways, each flight is a bespoke experience, transforming every journey into an extraordinary experience. Why fly private when you can FlyJetr, with one click Set and Jet access to 15,000 Jets and 12,000 Airports, FlyJetr is a class above.

For more information about FlyJetr and its services, please visit flyjetr.com

Orlando is finally opening its first new theme park for the first time in 25 years

Orlando is set to welcome more than 25 experiences for 2025, including its first new theme park in over 25 years. 

“For the first time in 25 years, Orlando is on the brink of welcoming an entirely new theme park — a milestone that underscores our position as a top destination this year for travelers worldwide,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. “If it’s your first time or you haven’t visited in over a year, consider this your invitation to plan an unforgettable Orlando vacation, creating memories with our world-class theme parks, award-winning dining and new experiences slated to open in 2025.”

New theme parks and attractions

Universal Orlando Resort

  • Universal Orlando Resort‘s Universal Epic Universe will open May 22, featuring over 50 attractions across five immersive worlds
  • Celestial Park immerses guests in living gardens and architecture inspired by astronomy and mythology.
  • The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic blends 1920s wizarding Paris from Fantastic Beasts with the British Ministry of Magic.
  • SUPER NINTENDO WORLD features the iconic green pipes alongside beloved characters Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Donkey Kong.
  • How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk offers a vibrant Viking realm inspired by the hit film franchise.
  • Dark Universe reveals Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s experiments and a shadowy realm where monsters roam amid myth and mystery.

Walt Disney World Resort

  • This summer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests can enjoy two brand-new stage shows: “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” inspired by the classic film, and “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After,” with appearances by infamous evildoers.
  • Debuting at EPCOTTest Track presented by Chevrolet will feature new scenes that highlight technological advances.
  • Two new Walt Disney World lounges will make their debut:
  • A Pirates of the Caribbean-themed lounge at Magic Kingdom Park.
  • A Spaceship Earth-inspired lounge at EPCOT overlooking the World Showcase.
  • Magic Kingdom Park will debut the “Disney Starlight” nighttime parade this summer.

Other attractions

  • SEA LIFE Florida at LEGOLAND Florida Resort offers guests an oceanic adventure with diverse marine life and interactive exhibits.
  • Fun Spot Orlando introduces new rides this year at both its locations. On I-Drive, kids can whirl around on Tea Cups or experience high-flying twists on MACH FUN, while Kissimmee visitors can enjoy Swing Around in the Kids Spot area and the Up and Overboard inverted pendulum ride.
  • Gatorland debuted Sweet Tooth’s Candy Shop, a specialty candy store with over 60 varieties of handcrafted chocolates, confections and ice cream.
  • Blue Man Group returns April 3 with a new home at ICON Park featuring the show’s signature mix of art, live music, comedy and audience participation.

Go beyond the theme parks

New dining experiences 

  • East End Market welcomes a two-in-one concept: Rion’s Ocean Room, which opened in fall 2024, and Gyukatsu Rose, set to open in early 2025.
  • The Cake Bake Shop Bakery by Gwendolyn Rogers opened in October at Disney’s BoardWalk and features savory and sweet options, along with afternoon tea service.
  • Epilogue, a new adults-only speakeasy, opened at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort in October. The intimate lounge features library-inspired decor and a variety of themed cocktails.
  • Moso Nori, a Japanese hand-roll bar concept by James Beard Award finalist and Michelin-recognized chef Henry Moso, opened in November in Winter Park.
  • Alien Treats, an alien-themed dessert shop in downtown Orlando, specializes in out-of-this-world space-themed and freeze-dried candies, milkshakes, and ice cream.
  • The Lake Nona Wave Hotel introduced Garni Café – an all-day French bistro – and The Nectar Room – a cocktail lounge – to the hotel’s award-winning dining scene.
  • Oza Izakaya is now open near SeaWorld Orlando, highlighting a blend of the Japanese izakaya setting and omakase style of dining.
  • Lorelai Wine Bar opens in February in downtown Orlando, offering European wines and shareable plates.
  • The Glass Knife opens its second location on Park Avenue in Winter Park this spring, serving elegant pastries and desserts, plus breakfast, lunch and brunch.

New and reimagined places to stay

  • Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, a Disney Vacation Club addition, opened in December offering villas with kitchens and patios, plus two-bedroom penthouses featuring lagoon and Magic Kingdom views.
  • Universal Stella Nova Resort, opening Jan. 21, and Universal Terra Luna Resort, opening Feb. 25, will add 1,500 guest rooms to Universal Orlando, featuring 750 double-queen rooms, diverse dining, resort-style pools, game rooms and more.
  • Universal Helios Grand Hotel by Loews, opening in May, will have a dedicated entrance into the new Universal Epic Universe. The 500-room, 35-suite property features in-room tablets for digital controls, plus a rooftop bar, three-meal restaurant, pool bar and grab-and-go station.
  • Upon completion in early 2025, Villatel Orlando Resort will have 526 units with apartment-style suites and single-family homes, plus an adventure waterpark with multi-story slides and lazy river, fitness center, full-service restaurant and playgrounds.
  • Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground at Walt Disney World Resort unveils 365 newly renovated cabins this spring.
  • The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin completes its remodel of Swan guest rooms and debuts refreshed meeting spaces boasting a modern design and upgraded event technology.

Are these the top luxury travel trends of 2025?

Leading luxury tour operator Artisans of Leisure has compiled its latest Luxury Travel Trends List based on the company’s intimate knowledge of the luxury travel market.

“Private, luxurious, highly personalized travel continues to be a priority for affluent consumers,” said Ashley Ganz, founder and CEO of Artisans of Leisure. “They feel that travel brings joy and inspiration to their lives and that it is one of the best uses of their time and money.”

Artisans of Leisure arranges private, customized international tours for high-net-worth travellers. The company’s unique position in the travel industry—catering exclusively to affluent travellers—allows them unrivaled firsthand insight into luxury travel in the world today.

Luxury travel trends list for 2025

  • Mother-daughter trips
  • Trips inspired by social media
  • Big, multi-country trips of regions such as Central Europe, Scandinavia, the Baltic States, the UK, Southeast Asia and the Mediterranean
  • Interest in unique collaborations among hotels, fashion houses, top chefs and illustrators and related activities and merchandise
  • Trips that create one-of-a-kind memories through special experiences such as exclusive access and VIP and behind-the-scenes tours
  • Wine tours in countries such as Argentina, Chile, Georgia, New Zealand, France, Spain and Italy
  • Safaris
  • Multi-generational trips with grandparents, parents and grandchildren
  • Design-inspired travel
  • Active and adventure experiences
  • Cultural interaction
  • Iconic experiences such as hot-air balloon rides over the Valley of the Kings in Egypt or the Serengeti in Tanzania
  • Genealogical travel to explore family history
  • Extending time in a destination to vacation before or after a work trip or a wedding
  • Bucket-list trips
  • Incorporating yacht charters and luxury train journeys into longer tours
  • Avoiding extreme heat
  • Avoiding crowds
  • Over-the-top luxury. High-end travelers continue to splurge on travel. They want to do it right—with exclusive, over-the-top tours that include ultra-luxury services.
  • Private travel at all times
  • Last-minute travel is popular, with many travellers wanting to travel frequently and thinking nothing of booking only a few weeks in advance.
  • Travel with friends
  • Travel inspired by films and TV shows
  • Returning to favourite destinations that feel relaxing

Artisans of Leisure arranges private cultural tours in more than 70 countries worldwide. For more information, visit www.artisansofleisure.com.

Virgin’s $199,000 Annual Pass lets you sail unlimited for a year

Virgin Voyages has debuted its 2026 iteration early, giving travellers ample time to plan.

Back by popular demand and more legendary than its predecessor, Virgin Voyages’ Annual Pass 2026 gives Sailors a taste of the high life with:

  • A complimentary, one-week stay on Necker Island, Richard’s stunning 74-acre retreat in the British Virgin Islands surrounded by coral reefs and fringed with beautiful white sandy beaches (Valid during an Individual Stay week)
  • Round-trip, business-class flights and ferry transfers from anywhere in the continental US to Necker Island
  • Daily opportunities to Shake for Champagne with Moët delivered anywhere on-demand
  • Virgin Voyages’ signature red, Yellow Leaf Hammock to take home a little R&R and remind Sailors of the incredible #balconylife
  • Special birthday upgrade to a RockStar Quarters suite (i.e. Seriously Suite, Brilliant Suite, Sweet Aft Suite or Cheeky Corner Suite)
  • A $10,000 shopping spree in the High Street shops featuring renowned brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, MAC and more
  • One curated and privately hosted Shore Thing every quarter (or four per year)
  • A beach, grove or poolside cabana at Virgin Voyages’ exclusive Beach Club in Bimini (limited to 10x per year)
  • Personalized RockStar robes

About the 2026 Annual Pass

With the price tag of $199,000 USD, the ultra-luxurious Annual Pass 2026 redefines the meaning of bucket list travel.

Annual Pass 2026 includes options to sail aboard the brand’s newest ship, Brilliant Lady, which is set to make her Alaskan debut in May 2026 from Seattle. It’s available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Pass holders can select a start date of Jan. 1, Feb. 1, March 1 or April 1, and the pass will be valid for one year from the desired start date. Sailors must book between now and March 31, 2026. Annual Pass is not combinable with other offers or Bar Tab. Sailors will also earn Deep Blue Extras upon booking.

To book the Annual Pass, inquire via the “Contact Us” page. To learn more about Annual Pass, or to view the terms and conditions, visit our webpage here.

French Country Waterways changes routes on three luxury barges

In 2025, new and loyal guests of French Luxury Waterways will be met with a fresh take on France as three of the line’s four barges are being repositioned.

Princess will call on wineries and towns in Champagne, Nenuphar will visit the Upper Loire, and Horizon II visits Alsace-Lorraine, while Adrienne remains in Burgundy. A 2025 digital brochure is available at 2025 French Country Waterways Brochure.

French Country Waterways’ luxury barges accommodate eight to 12 guests, making for a highly personalized experience and lasting friendships with fellow guests and crew.

The six-night sailings in each region are offered from late-March through October.

Sailing with French Country Waterways is fully inclusive, with private tours and wine tastings; exceptional cuisine from the on-board chef and dinner ashore at a Michelin-starred restaurant; a fully stocked open bar and all wines, many of which are from Grand and Premier Cru vineyards; dozens of tantalizing French cheeses; a private motorcoach, and more.

Fares begin at $8,195 per person, double occupancy.

For more information, visit www.fcwl.com.

British Airways shows off new First Class seats with a luxury hotel feel

British Airways has unveiled its brand-new First seat, combining elegant design with expert British craftsmanship, reflective of modern British luxury travel. The new cabin forms part of the airline’s A380 retrofit plans, expected to take to the skies in mid-2026.

The airline’s new First has been carefully designed to provide the feel of a modern luxury hotel, alongside home comforts and thoughtful British touches at 35,000ft. The seat has been beautifully curated by expert designers and world-class manufacturers from all corners of Great Britain and Ireland, including LondonGlasgowWest Yorkshire, Kilkeel and Dublin.

About the new First seats

The new seat is ultra-wide (36.5inches), with a bed length of 79inches, and features a multi-purpose ottoman and elegant stowable table, a 32-inch 4K TV screen, adjustable mood lighting including scenes such as ‘relax’, ‘dine’ and ‘cinema’. The seat can be adjusted with the touch of a button to find the perfect level of comfort and is located within a cocooned 60-inch curved wall for ultimate privacy, whilst still providing a spacious environment.

For customers travelling together in the centre of the cabin, the divider slides open to create a shared lounge space, and the stowable tables mean customers can enjoy ‘buddy dining’ in the seat with their travel companion.

The elegant curves throughout the cabin take inspiration from British Airways’ Concorde wings, giving a natural flow to the space and creating a welcoming environment. Customers can now simply wheel their luggage into their personal luggage space, making it even easier to settle in before their flight.

Other suite perks

Elsewhere, the suite features an ambient light with an eye-catching design that subtly references the airline’s speedmarque and further nods to Concorde. The suite features window blinds, activated by buttons on the internal control panel for all three windows per seat.

The soft panelling inside the seat also helps with acoustics and absorbing sound, which adds to the sense of being in a cocooned, private space. Customers can also use the seat’s brand-new ‘do not disturb’ functionality on its wireless control tablet, which notifies crew if they wish to maximize their rest on board.

The airline is continuing to invest in its overall customer experience and has already rolled out over 120 initiatives as part of its $9billion transformation focus, from brand-new short-haul seats, free Wi-Fi messaging on board to refreshing its lounges across its global network.

 

The U.K. is enforcing ETAs for Canadian travellers as of this January

The U.K. government is introducing a new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for visitors, including Canadians, who don’t currently need a visa for short stays.

This new system is part of efforts to improve border security and prevent misuse of the U.K. immigration system. Canadians can apply for an ETA starting Nov. 27, 2024 and will need it to travel to the UK from Jan. 8, 2025.

The ETA costs £10 and allows multiple visits to the U.K. for up to six months at a time. It will be valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.

Everyone, including babies and children, will need an ETA and you can apply for others as well. The ETA will be required for visits such as tourism, business, visiting family and friends, short-term study or even just transiting through the UK. Other visits include stays of up to three months under the Creative Worker visa concession or for a permitted paid engagement.

How to apply

The easiest way to apply is through the UK ETA app. Most applications will be processed within three working days, but sometimes it may take a little longer. The new system will help make travel easier while ensuring stronger security at the UK border.

To find out more about the ETA and how to apply, visit GOV.UK. The website also has helpful videos to explain the process. GOV.UK is the official site for UK government services and information.