Windstar shows off newest ship with floor-to-ceiling windows

Small ship cruise line Windstar Cruises is unveiling a first look at its Star Seeker – a 224-guest, brand-new ship that will debut in January of 2026.  

Star Seeker will have 112 spacious suites, all but ten featuring a full private veranda or floor-to-ceiling infinity window.

The ship also boasts five dining options (all are included in Windstar’s cruise fare), a full-service spa with a grand entrance from the deck above, a fitness facility, and a fresh take on the line’s iconic Watersports Platform, which turns the ocean into an infinity pool by letting guests access the sea directly from the ship. 

“Guests aboard Star Seeker will experience a sense of tranquility in their suites; they are designed to be an oasis for relaxation,” says Stijn Creupelandt, vice president of hotel operations at Windstar Cruises. “We used light wood and a soothing color palette of light blues, greens, and natural browns – elements that reflect our Star Class style. Inspired by the sea, sky, and landscapes, these colours and textures create a serene atmosphere perfect for a relaxing getaway. In the ship’s public spaces and restaurants, you’ll find more vibrant hues inspired by sunrises and sunsets, including warm yellows, golds, and oranges, ensuring a harmonious blend of elegance and comfort throughout the ship.”

Three suite categories

Star Seeker features two Horizon Owner’s Suites, a new suite category for the line, at the aft of the ship on deck 7, which can be combined with adjacent suites for more space and multi-generational families.

Each comes with a wrap-around balcony offering spectacular vistas — perfect for evening cocktails or a private dinner. The two suites are Star Seeker’s most luxurious and spacious offerings; however, the ship has a full menu of suite offerings with 12 different accommodation types to choose from, many allowing triple occupancy. Star Seeker has 72 suites with large verandas where guests may sit outside and enjoy the view and fresh air.  New for Windstar, 30 infinity suites feature a large floor-to-ceiling infinity window that slides down half-way from the top to open the suite to refreshing sea breezes.

As on all Windstar ships, there are no interior cabins. Star Seeker’s 10 Oceanview suites have plenty of natural light and a view of the sea, a walk-in mosaic glass shower, and an inviting queen bed which can be converted into two twins if desired. All suites include a fully stocked mini-bar and refrigerator, interactive TV, safe, fresh fruit, and waffle weave robe and slippers. The four highest suite categories – Horizon, Star, Classic, Deluxe – add other amenities such as an Illy espresso machine, Canapes service, and fresh flowers.

Star Seeker is under construction in Portugal. The maiden voyage will be a Transatlantic sailing in early January from Malaga to Miami. After a christening event in Miami where the cruise line is headquartered, Star Seeker will sail its first voyage in the Caribbean and offer more cruises in the Caribbean before heading up the West Coast of the United States to Alaska for a full season of summer cruises.

From there, the ship will sail to Japan and bring back the line’s popular Japan itineraries before heading to Southeast Asia.

Details on Star Seeker’s Caribbean, Alaska, and Japan cruises will be announced first to Yacht Club members (loyalty members) and travel advisors – giving them priority access to book. In early September, Star Seeker’s itineraries will be announced publicly and available for all to book.  

Windstar will debut an additional new sister ship, Star Explorer, in December of 2026. 

More at www.windstarcruises.com/

These private jet itineraries could cost you almost $200,000

Remote Lands, the ultra-luxe tour operator offering bespoke travel to 38 countries in Asia, unveils its 2025’s Private Jet Expedition itineraries with long-term partner, the preeminent luxury hospitality and lifestyle brand Aman.

These small-group adventures for up to 18 guests showcase diverse destinations from Morocco to Bhutan, highlighting the regions’ culture, history, cuisine and spirituality with an emphasis on experiences that can only be obtained through Remote Lands’ exclusive access.

Since 2013, Remote Lands and Aman have partnered to provide deep, meaningful jet expeditions unlike any other. Each trip includes accommodations in extraordinary Aman properties, private transport in an Airbus ACJ 319, and immersive, globe-spanning experiences such as a helicopter ride around Mount Everest followed by a Champagne breakfast at 14,000 feet, a hike to Bhutan’s resplendent cliffside Tiger’s Nest monastery, a private yacht excursion through the geological wonder of Phang Nga Bay, and a fashion show at the home of Cambodia’s top fashion designer.

About the itineraries

The highly customized itineraries offer the flexibility for guests to enjoy personalized touring with a private car, driver and guide for each couple or solo traveler, delving deeper into special interests and needs.

Remote Lands’ expert team of travel specialists ensure the once-in-a-lifetime experience is perfectly tailored to the individual, offering thoughtfully curated experiences with extraordinary people in special locations throughout the journey.

The Grandest Tour – April 19 – May 9, 2025 (21 Nights)

Rates start at $188,888 per person, based on double occupancy.

The Grandest Tour returns in 2025 offering guests lodging in six Aman sanctuaries across seven different countries, in just one three-week journey by private jet. Commencing at Aman Tokyo, guests will journey from the ultra-modern city to the ruins of the Classical Era in Greece where there will stay at modern day acropolis, Amanzoe. With stops in between to explore Vietnam’s stunning Vinh Hy Bay, to cruise through Thailand’s UNESCO-protected Phang Nga Bay aboard a yacht and experience a long-life blessing ceremony in Paro, Bhutan, this experience is a global journey of discovery. Guests will also enjoy a special touch down at the iconic Taj Mahal, and, new in 2025, have the chance to spend two nights in the ancient silk road city of Samarkand in Uzbekistan.

Around the World in Three Continents  September 7-27, 2025 (20 nights)

Rates start at $198,888 per person, based on double occupancy.

Spanning three continents, from Asia to Europe and concluding in northern Africa, Around the World in Three Continents is Remote Lands’ most diverse Aman Jet Expedition to date. Travelers will experience dramatic contrast, traveling through cities, deserts, tropical islands and ancient centers of civilization to see the palaces and temples of imperial Kyoto, the souks and medinas of imperial Marrakech, and more. The 20-night journey begins in Kyoto, with stops for relaxation on a private island in the Philippines; exploration of the world’s largest Buddhist temple in Borobudur, Indonesia; a private yacht excursion and dolphin quest in the Maldives; a visit to Al Alam Palace, the official residence of Sultan Qaboos in Oman; a tour of Venice with a private boat, captain and guide; and a sunrise hot air balloon flight at the conclusion in Marrakech, Morocco.

A Mindful and Cultural Journey – October 19 – November 2, 2025 (14 nights)

Rates start at $118,888 per person, based on double occupancy.

Travellers will learn about wellness and mindfulness on a journey through the spiritual heart of Asia to four Buddhist and Hindu influenced countries: Nepal, Bhutan, India and Sri Lanka. Hosted by an ordained Zen Master (Dharmacharya), the trip begins in the Himalayas and concludes on the tropical beaches of Sri Lanka. Highlights include a helicopter ride around Mt. Everest followed a Champagne breakfast at 14,000 feet, mindfulness sessions with a spiritual leader, and tiger safaris in Ranthambore National Park in India.

Discover Southeast Asia  November 2-15, 2025 (13 nights)

Rates start at $74,888 per person, based on double occupancy.

Discover Southeast Asia is an in-depth two-week cultural journey through the heart of a compelling and diverse region, taking in ancient civilizations, UNESCO-listed old towns, dramatic coastlines and metropolitan areas. Breaking new ground on Aman Jet Expeditions, guests will stay at the highly-anticipated Aman Nai Lert Bangkok, which is set to open in late 2024, in the exuberant Thailand capital of Bangkok. Guests will see an ethical elephant sanctuary in Laos, a fashion show at the home of Cambodia’s top fashion designer, a Baci ceremony with a Lao Prince, and the ancient Khmer temples of Angkor from a private helicopter tour above Siem Reap, Cambodia, while staying at Amansara, just a stone’s throw away from the UNESCO-listed temples.

For more information, including itineraries and pricing, visit remotelands.com

Some of Seabourn’s new ultra-luxe immersive itineraries are up to 48 days long

Seabourn has announced a new program of immersive itineraries available on Seabourn Quest as the ship explores Australia and New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii and the Panama Canal from December 2025 to April 2026.

Seabourn Quest will sail a total of 22 itineraries with 46 destinations in 13 countries, including a new series of 10-day voyages sailing roundtrip from Papeete (Tahiti) that provide a full immersion in French Polynesia.

With itineraries ranging from 10 to 48 days, Seabourn Quest will offer abundant opportunities for guests to take in new sights and scenes and experience authentic cultures through a combination of iconic destinations and smaller, less-explored ports.

In addition to the new 10-day roundtrip voyages from Papeete, the season includes a 19-day Panama Canal Passage from Long Beach, Calif., to Miami; 15-day voyages in Australia and New Zealand; overnight calls on select voyages at coastal Cairns and Melbourne in Australia, and Bora Bora and Tahiti in French Polynesia; and extended stays in Napier in New Zealand, Honolulu and Kona in HawaiiPuerto Vallarta in Mexico, and Cartagena on the Caribbean coast of Colombia.

The Seabourn difference

Guests will experience the unparalleled Seabourn all-inclusive difference on board the intimate, yacht-like Seabourn Quest.

The ship’s dedicated onboard team provides intuitive and authentic service, ensuring that every guest enjoys a personalized and extraordinary experience. From the moment of embarkation, guests will have endless opportunities to create lasting Seabourn Moments.

In addition, the ship is equipped with SpaceX’s Starlink, the leader in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology, to provide guests with greater connectivity to share their experiences with friends and family. These new voyages will also include bespoke, curated onboard entertainment and Seabourn Conversations programs, featuring renowned performers and guest speakers.

For more details about Seabourn, including itineraries, pricing and departure dates, visit www.seabourn.com.

Explora Journeys offers a series of tropical Caribbean escapes

Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand of the MSC Group unveils a series of exclusive Caribbean destination experiences.

Guests can discover these meticulously crafted experiences during their Caribbean journeys, blending celebrated destinations with off-the-beaten-path ports.

With EXPLORA II arriving in the Caribbean in November 2024 and EXPLORA I in December 2024, guests will have unparalleled opportunities to immerse themselves in the Caribbean’s breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures, all while indulging in exceptional luxury.

EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II will visit a varied array of destinations in the Caribbean until March 2025.

These include Gustavia in St. Barts, Oranjestad in Aruba, and St. John’s in Antigua. Itineraries also feature ports such as Belize City, Bequia in the Grenadines, and Cozumel and Progreso in Mexico. Each destination is selected to provide a unique and enriching exploration experience.

Willemstad, Curaçao 

Guests can snorkel on the vivid reefs of Director’s Bay, encountering abundant marine life. They will learn from a marine biologist about his foundation’s work to restore endangered coral reefs. The journey continues aboard the Pura Vida yacht to discover Curaçao’s rich natural environment and includes a visit to a tranquil mangrove reservoir, accessible only by boat, for hiking, swimming, and immersion in nature.

 

Saint-Pierre, Martinique, Lesser Antilles, French West Indies

In a small group, guests will discover Martinican rum culture at Rhum Clément, the birthplace of ‘rhum agricole.’ This includes a guided exploration of the large estate and its lush gardens, a tour of three rum cellars, and tastings of barrel-aged rum paired with delicious chef-crafted foods.

 

Gustavia, Saint Barthélemy

Guests can spend the day at the five-star Rosewood Le Guanahani resort, savouring a three-course meal on a golden sandy beach. This experience includes lounging in luxury and snorkelling in the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea, providing the ultimate in beachside relaxation and culinary delight.

Progreso (Merida), Mexico

Guests will explore the ancient Mayan city of Uxmal, known for its stunning Puuc-style architecture and celestial alignments. They will see the Pyramid of the Soothsayer and the Palace of the Governor, enjoy an exclusive lunch of regional specialties in the open air of the former hacienda church, and partake in an authentic Mayan purification ceremony within the natural beauty of Xocnaceh.

Cozumel, Mexico

Highlights of this experience include a scenic 45-minute flight over the Caribbean Sea and Yucatán Jungle, landing minutes from the ruins. Arriving before the daily influx of visitors allows for a more intimate and immersive experience. A knowledgeable guide will lead guests through the history and architecture of this ancient city.

 

Guests can book these exclusive destination experiences via the Explora Experience Centre, their preferred travel advisor, or directly on the Explora Journeys website.

This small ship cruise company takes just 200 guests to the remote Arctic

Atlas Ocean Voyages‘ 2026 Arctic season will feature six and seven-night expeditions and include pre-cruise hotel stays for the first time.

Onboard World Voyager and World Navigator, the season will also discover new ports exploring the remote Skjoldungen Island in Greenland, the heart of Icelandic culture in Stykkishólmur, and “miniature Norway” from Senja, the island of adventure.

Reaching restricted areas for larger ships from Svalbard, Atlas’ small intimate yachts provide fewer than 200 guests with the opportunity to explore the remote region. All expeditions departing from Longyearbyen and Kangerluusuaq include the pre-cruise hotel.

 

Arctic season highlights

Shorter Svalbard expeditions

Guests embark on a seven-night expedition from Tromsø to Longyearbyen featuring ports along the stunning Norwegian coast, including Hammerfest and Skarsvåg (North Cape), Norway, before culminating in the breathtaking landscapes of Svalbard departing May 22, 2026, A six or seven -night expedition Longyearbyen roundtrip is available for departures May 29June 5 and June 11, 2026.

Iceland and Greenland

Expeditions will continue visiting Greenland in 2026, a favourite offering allowing travellers to explore Svalbard, Iceland, and Greenland in one extraordinary journey. Whether it’s the towering icebergs, vibrant coastal villages, or the mesmerizing Northern Lights, each day promises a new and awe-inspiring experience. Choose from expeditions of 10 to 15 nights for an unforgettable experience: July 29,  July 31,  Aug 11 (solar eclipse) Aug 15Aug 20 Aug 30August 31 and Sept 10, 2026.

Norway

Two departures featuring the Norwegian fjords and Svalbard depart June 18, and July 19, 2026.

Included private jet service from Oslo or New York JFK

On expeditions embarking or concluding in Longyearbyen or Kangerlussuaq, guests will enjoy an inclusive charter flight inclusionExpeditions departing or ending in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, include charter air flights from Oslo, Norway to Longyearbyen, making it easier for guests to begin or end their expedition. Expeditions departing or ending in Kangerlusssuaq will include charter air flights from New York JFK.

New included pre-cruise hotel in Oslo or New York

For 2026 Arctic polar expeditions, a complimentary pre-cruise hotel night is included for all departures from Longyearbyen, with accommodations provided in Oslo, Norway, the night before the charter flight. Additionally, for the Aug. 31, 2026 departure from Kangerlussuaq, a pre-cruise hotel night will be offered in New York the night before the charter flight.

Exclusive cultural immersions

Every 2026 Polar Expedition by Atlas includes a free cultural immersion experience, offering guests unique insights into local communities. Examples include visits to Indigenous villages like Ittoqqortoormiit, Paimutt, or Ilulisat in Greenland, where guests can engage with local traditions, taste regional treats, and explore cultural nuances. In Longyearbyen, guests will enjoy a panoramic drive and a welcome aboard event featuring an insightful talk on local life, complemented by delicacies such as reindeer canapés, coal mine beer, and regional chocolate.

Adventure activities include free Zodiac sightseeing safaris, allowing for up-close-and-personal experiences with stunning landscapes and wildlife. Plus, landings ashore, where our world-class expedition team guides you, and for the daring, take the plunge with our exhilarating polar plunge opportunity, creating memories that last a lifetime. Each guest also receives a complimentary parka to take home with them.

For more information, visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com.

Swan Hellenic reveals 10 Maris gourmet cruises with Michelin chefs

Cultural expedition cruise pioneer Swan Hellenic has just unveiled its 2025 Maris gourmet cruises aboard the elegant designer ships SH Diana and SH Vega.

Each of these exclusive Maris voyages showcases the outstanding creativity of one of the world-famous chefs in the gourmet organization JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs – all rising stars under 40 who have already won international accolades, including from Michelin.

 

10 curated culinary cruises

For 2025, Maris offers a choice of ten expertly curated cruises from the Arctic to Europe and the Mediterranean, nine on SH Diana and one on SH Vega, each a unique experience of exceptional fine dining and discovery.

Serving a different signature dish every night, the Maris chef surprises and delights throughout the voyage, leading up to an extraordinary Gala Dinner that displays their full creativity and skills, inspired by a passion for tradition, sustainability and quality local ingredients. Sharing their expertise, the Maris chef also puts on a cooking show that reveals secrets of their art, and leads gastronomic excursions ashore to explore the local hunting, fishing, farming, foraging and culinary traditions and specialties.

And of course, every Maris chef also mixes and socializes with guests throughout their voyage in the Swan Hellenic tradition.

It is this extraordinary combination that makes Maris an irresistible experience in high-end cruise gastronomy.

Star chefs for 2025

The JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs star chefs lined up for the 2025 Maris sailings include (in order of sailing):

  • Heribert Dietrich from Switzerland (Michelin Star – 9 nights on SH Diana exploring Europe’s Atlantic coast, departing Lisbon for Portsmouth on 12 May 2025)
  • Kevin Lejeune from Belgium (Michelin Star – 11 nights on SH Diana, leaving Portsmouth for Dublin on 21 May 2025),
  • Philippe Deslarzes from Switzerland (Michelin star – 8 nights on SH Diana, departing Reykjavik for an Iceland Circumnavigation on 02 June 2025
  • Herman Cooijmans from the Netherlands (10 nights on SH Diana, departing Tromsø for the fjords and on to Amsterdam on 21 July 2025)
  • Franco Körperich from Switzerland (8 nights on SH Vega, sailing from Reykjavik for an Iceland circumnavigation on 31 July)
  • David Goerne from France (Michelin Green Star – 11 nights on SH Diana, departing Amsterdam for Lisbon on 31 July 2025 to experience the historic ports of Europe’s Atlantic seaboard)
  • Federico Pettenuzzo from Italy (Michelin Star – 11 nights on SH Diana, sailing from Lisbon on 11 August to follow Africa’s north coast to Palermo)
  • Alberto Basso from Italy (10 nights on SH Diana, departing Palermo for Venice on 22 August)
  • Lukas Nagl from Austria (8 nights on SH Diana to explore the Classical World, leaving Venice for Piraeus on 1 September)
  • Steffen Disch from Germany (Michelin Star – 9 nights on SH Diana, departing Istanbul for Limassol on 17 September)

Two series of cruises in the 2025 Maris selection – all aboard SH Diana – can be daisy-chained to create unforgettable voyages of gastronomic exploration: a double voyage from Lisbon in May and a choice of double or triple culinary discovery from Amsterdam in August.

For more information about Swan Hellenic, visit www.swanhellenic.com.

This overnight train in Southeast Asia is home to a Dior spa

Following its much-anticipated return to the rails in February 2024, the Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, Southeast Asia is proud to announce a long-term partnership with the House of Dior to create the Dior Spa Eastern & Oriental Express.

Available starting from July 22, 2024, this will be Dior’s first ever spa in the region. The train invites travellers on seasonal journeys departing from Singapore and traveling through Malaysia’s ever-changing landscapes and vibrant cities: The Essence of Malaysia (November to February) and Wild Malaysia (March to October).

The addition of a Dior Spa will offer guests a wellness space to unwind and rejuvenate from days of adventure in the lush mountainscapes and verdant jungles of Southeast Asia. 

Belmond's third Dior spa on the rails

Following a temporary residency on the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Belmond’s first permanent Dior Spa launched on the legendary Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train, Scotland in April 2023, making the new Dior Spa Eastern & Oriental Express, Belmond’s third Dior Spa on the rails. 

Offering a sanctuary of tranquility for guests, the new Dior Spa Eastern & Oriental Express will be housed in one of the train’s 16 plush Art Deco-inspired carriages. Completely dedicated to wellness, the carriage will boast the House of Dior’s iconic canework whilst taking inspiration from the beauty of Southeast Asia. Using hand-crafted tropical wood materials, the interior is designed to blend with the natural surroundings in which the train winds through – bringing the essence of the region to life through its carefully curated ambience. In homage to Christian Dior’s love for flowers, the new Dior Spa Eastern & Oriental will use rose emblems on the carriage carpets, in shades of green and beige. 

Guests will be taken into a dedicated reception area to discover the spa and its premium range of products before or after their treatment. The calming space expands into two luxurious rooms, each designed with furniture which merges Dior’s elegance with inspiration from the location. Furniture adorned in the iconic Toile de Jouy print showcases tigers, a nod to the Malaysian Sacred Tigers known to the region. 

Tailormade treatments

Bringing the savoir-faire of two leading luxury brands together, the Dior Spa Eastern & Oriental Express provides guests with the ultimate beauty experience to complement the serene and natural landscapes of Southeast Asia. The new wellbeing menu will feature five tailor-made treatments devised by the French Maison’s Wellness Experts. The bespoke approach caters to the specific needs of the train’s guests, ensuring a truly immersive experience that leaves them feeling refreshed and invigorated. 

Signature treatment D-Jungle, an exclusive face and body treatment of Asian inspiration, will offer guests the opportunity to enjoy a perfectly rhythmic, deep muscle massage from head to toe, performed using stretching techniques and targeting specific energy points. Signature treatments also include a relaxing Constellation massage designed to use a mix of massage techniques to relieve tension from the body. For the ultimate muscle relief, the D-Tissue massage uses deep, slow and soothing movements for those with a focus to release muscular pain.   

Drawing inspiration from the exquisite art of Asian beauty rituals, the luxurious facial treatments at the spa seamlessly blend traditional Asian techniques with the opulence of the Dior Prestige skincare line. Guests can indulge in the Kobi-Dior Facial Treatment, a massage rooted in the ancient Japanese Kobido massage tradition that rejuvenates the skin. This treatment expertly sculpts the face, leaving guests with a radiant and youthful appearance. 

For those seeking evening relaxation, Le Soin de Minuit treatment offers guests an unparalleled experience. This indulgent session incorporates meditative exercises designed to promote profound sleep and optimize skin regeneration, ensuring a luminous and revitalized complexion by the morning. To complement the experience, guests are invited to savor the moment with a selection of fine teas and nourishing delicacies. 

A look inside the luxury rail car that connects South Central Vietnam

The Vietage by Anantara recently added a second railway carriage, which will operate a daily return journey between Nha Trang and Quy Nhon.

Building on the resounding success of the existing carriage, which runs every day between Da Nang and Quy Nhon, the new custom-designed addition will connect the renowned coastal city of Nha Trang (served by Cam Ranh International Airport), offering timeless luxury travel experiences through South-Central Vietnam.

Heralding a new age of slow and sustainable travel, the five-hour journeys meander through the picturesque Vietnamese countryside, transporting guests into a world of glamour and nostalgia with all the comforts of modern luxury. Twelve reservation-only seats in private booths of two blend sleek modern interiors with inspiration from Indochina, along with expansive picture windows offering stunning views. A sit-up bar gives guests the chance to watch expert mixology in action as the on-board hosts create railway-inspired cocktails and mocktails, while relaxation time beckons in the dedicated spa area for 15-minute head and shoulder treatments on the go.

An exclusively curated and sumptuous afternoon tea experience takes guests on a culinary adventure, including poached Bai Dai Lobster and Da Lat Caviar to whet the appetite, a tea tower with a selection of home-made finger sandwiches, pastries, cakes and traditional scones with all the trimmings. An artisanal cheese and charcuterie platter rounds off the occasion. A dedicated vegan menu is also available.

Slow down for the scenery

While not visible from the railway itself, the train passes near Vietnam’s oldest lighthouse, Mui Dien, which sits at the easternmost point of the country making it the first place to witness the sunrise. Continuing its northerly track through the province’s capital city of Tuy Hòa, Vietnam’s longest wooden bridge at half a mile in length, Bình Thạnh Bridge, is a gateway to some other local notable landmarks.

Guests traveling from Nha Trang to Quy Nhon can enjoy accommodations at the luxurious Anantara Quy Nhon Villas beachside retreat. For the ultimate Vietnam itinerary, jump on board The Vietage by Anantara running from Quy Nhon to Da Nang and to visit the charming Hoi An Ancient Town with a stay at Anantara Hoi An Resort.

Guests traveling from Nha Trang to Quy Nhon can enjoy accommodations at the luxurious Anantara Quy Nhon Villas beachside retreat. For the ultimate Vietnam itinerary, jump on board The Vietage by Anantara running from Quy Nhon to Da Nang and to visit the charming Hoi An Ancient Town with a stay at Anantara Hoi An Resort.

A one-way ticket aboard The Vietage by Anantara between Nha Trang and Quy Nhon costs US $420 per person, including luxury afternoon tea, a 15-minute head and shoulder treatment, free-flowing wines, cocktails, beers, mocktails, soft drinks and a selection of local tea and coffee. 

The Vietage by Anantara departs from Nha Trang every afternoon arriving at Dieu Tri station in. It then continues up to Da Nang arriving after midnight. Running in the opposite direction, The Vietage by Anantara’s additional carriage departs from Da Nang every morning, arriving at Dieu Tri station in Quy Nhon in the early afternoon and then onto Nha Trang for a mid-evening arrival.

Intrepid Travel just added 40 new rail journeys

Intrepid Travel is launching a new trip range dedicated to rail travel which includes 40 trips and three brand new itineraries; Trans-Mongolian Railway Adventure, Express to the Orient: Paris to Istanbul, and Paris to Rome by Rail.

The range will cater to the rising trend of train travel, with new data showing 75 per cent of travellers are hoping to take a train on their next trip. The launch reflects Intrepid’s long-term product development plans, replacing internal flights with less carbon-intensive options, where viable, as part of its global decarbonization strategy.  

Each rail trip will be accompanied by one of Intrepid’s local leaders, who will not only help travellers navigate complex routes and stations, but also maximize the experiences during rest stops and overnight stays. With an average group size of 10-12 travellers, Intrepid rail trips offer customers community, conversation, and a sense of connection.  

As part of this newly dedicated trip category, Intrepid will offer iconic routes like Bangkok to Southern Thailand, and lesser-known routes like Varanasi to Agra, India, as well as rail family adventures from Tokyo to Kyoto and Rome to Pompeii. The launch is also highlighted by three brand-new itineraries:  

New rail itineraries

1.     Trans-Mongolian Railway Adventure (11 Days from $4035, CAD) 

  • While the popular Trans-Siberian route is currently closed to travellers, this new tour makes use of the Trans-Mongolian Railway, constructed in the late 1940s following the route of ancient tea caravans from Beijing, China through Mongolia.   
  • The trip begins in Beijing, traveling through hilly landscapes in China, exploring Inner Mongolia and visiting Khustai National Park, the dunes of the Gobi Desert and Sainshand, before disembarking in Ulaanbaatar, the capitol city of Mongolia.  

2.     Express to the Orient: Paris to Istanbul (15 Days from $5435, CAD) 

  • This new trip travels from Paris to Budapest by train, following the same route as the historic Orient Express, a long-distance passenger train that ran between 1883 and 1977, and lent itself to many popular films and books. Travellers will stop to explore iconic spots and lesser-known sites in Strasbourg, Munich and Salzburg. 
  • Travellers will then journey on local trains along the Simplon-Orient Express route from Belgrade to Istanbul, stopping for local delicacies, like a traditional Serbian lunch in a Salaš home. 

3.     Paris to Rome by Rail (10 Days from $5030 cad) 

  • On Intrepid’s new Paris to Rome itinerary, travellers will hop on the Gotthard Panorama Express through Switzerland.  
  • This train takes the original historic route on the Gotthard railway, constructed in 1872. The journey spirals through the alps, with panoramic views of the countryside, and Wassen Church, as well as stops for scenic hikes, medieval castles and a fresh farm-to-table Italian cooking demonstration.  

To learn more about Intrepid’s train trips and discover the 40+ rail itineraries, visit www.intrepidtravel.com/rail.

New river ship cruising the Nile has just 41 rooms

As North American travellers continue looking to Egypt as a bucket-list destination, the award-winning river cruise line AmaWaterways has launched its latest addition to the fleet, AmaLilia, on the enchanting waters of the Nile River.

Specially curated with upscale regionally inspired décor and 41 staterooms, including 13 suites, the luxurious new ship embarked on its inaugural journey in April 2024. The 11-night Secrets of Egypt & the Nile cruise and land experience includes a seven-night round trip river cruise from Luxor and is paired with three nights pre- and one-night post-cruise stays in historic Cairo at the prestigious St. Regis Cairo, overlooking the Nile River.

 

About the AmaLilia

Newly designed to accommodate only 82 guests, AmaLilia features 41 luxurious staterooms offering panoramic views, including 13 suites measuring up to 522 sq. ft.

Onboard amenities include a sun deck bar and swimming pool, fitness room, hair and nail salon, a massage room and two restaurants serving locally inspired cuisine – The Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table. Guests will be treated to authentic nightly entertainment and be accompanied by knowledgeable Egyptologists who will stay on the ship and join them on enriching excursions.

 

The immersive Secrets of Egypt & the Nile provides travellers with a unique opportunity to experience the ancient wonders of Egypt, guided by experts through UNESCO World Heritage Sites and legendary locations such as the Great Hypostyle Hall of Karnak, the mesmerizing Temple of Luxor, and the mystifying Valley of the Kings and Queens.

While in Cairo, guests will visit the Egyptian Museum and come face-to-face with Egyptian treasures at the UNESCO-designated ancient capital of Memphis.

They will have the opportunity to marvel at the colossal statue of Ramses II, the Alabaster Sphinx, and the necropolis of Sakkara, home to the famous step pyramid of King Zoser, the oldest pyramid on earth; and enjoy a private tour and gourmet lunch at the Abdeen Presidential Palace, the principal workplace of the President of Egypt and one of the most luxurious palaces in the world.

AmaLilia will cruise this itinerary, sailing round trip from Luxor and offering a Cairo program with intra-Egypt flights between Cairo and Luxor, seasonally from September through June each year.

For more information, visit AmaWaterways.com