A new massive cruise terminal is opening in Florida

May 6, 2024 No Comments

Port Canaveral is building a new cruise terminal to meet the growing demands of the cruise industry.

The strategic decision to build a new multi-user cruise terminal at the Port’s existing North 8 berth provides significant cost savings, operational flexibility, and an expedited construction timeline of approximately two years to accommodate the largest ships in the world across a spectrum of brands.

Port Canaveral’s existing North 8 berth shares its basin with the Port’s Cruise Terminal 5 on the northside of Port Canaveral. Designed and built in 2018 for multi-purpose flexibility, North 8 berth will require minimal modifications to extend the current 1,020 linear feet bulkhead to 1,344 feet to accommodate large cruise vessels. Additionally, waterside improvements to the northside of the shared basin will also extend and improve the berthing capacity of Cruise Terminal 5.

Timeline for design, engineering, and construction are in development with target completion for the new facility by summer 2026. The new terminal campus will include a multi-story parking facility to accommodate up to 3,000 vehicles and roadway improvements in and out of the new facility, including turning lanes and a “flyover” ramp directly connecting the site with State Road 401.

Air Canada just added extra summer flights to Asia and Europe

April 24, 2024 No Comments

Air Canada customers have a wide range of exciting options across Europe and Asia this summer, along with a choice of 120 destinations in North America, to fulfill their summer travel plans.

Alongside new and enhanced international routes to Singapore, Madrid, Stockholm, Osaka and Seoul, the carrier’s Summer 2024 international capacity is growing by 30 per cent into Asia-Pacific and 25 per cent to key leisure destinations in Southern Europe compared to last summer.

Air Canada’s Atlantic schedule will provide the most non-stop service between Canada and Europe of any carrier. From Montreal and Toronto, Air Canada is launching new non-stop routes to Stockholm, and will increase frequencies to Rome and Athens. From Montreal, the carrier will also launch year-round service to Madrid, increase flights to Paris to up to three-times daily during the summer peak, and restore service to Lyon.

From Toronto, service will increase to Copenhagen and will commence Edinburgh and Brussels earlier in the season.

A gateway to the Pacific

Across the Pacific, Air Canada continues to build its Vancouver hub as the gateway to the Pacific.  

The carrier recently started year-round service to Singapore from Vancouver, and will increase capacity to Hong Kong, Osaka and Seoul. On the East Coast, the airline is excited to start seasonal service from Toronto to Osaka and increase capacity to Tokyo, while from Montreal, Air Canada will begin seasonal service to Seoul, complementing enhanced capacity to Tokyo.

In North America, new routes will be offered from Toronto and Montreal to Tulum, from Toronto to Charleston, and from Montreal to St. Louis, Austin and New Orleans. Within Canada, Ottawa–Calgary and Halifax–Vancouver flights will resume, and there will be frequency or capacity increases, including between Toronto and Saskatoon, Regina, Victoria, Sydney and Gander, as well as between Montreal and Regina, Saskatoon, Victoria, Edmonton, Moncton, Fredericton and Deer Lake.  

Air Canada is increasing its international network capacity by 8 per cent for summer 2024 compared to summer 2023. The airline is also boosting service to North America, with an increase of four per cent in available daily seats in 2024, with 518 flights to 120 destinations.

 

Oceania is visiting these exciting Mediterranean islands in 2025

April 22, 2024 No Comments

Oceania Cruises has debuted an array of new 2025 Mediterranean sailings, ranging from nine to 56 days through Europe.

The line’s Marina and Nautica will set sail on enticing voyages taking in iconic islands in the Mediterranean, Aegean and Adriatic; well-loved European resort towns and bustling cities, and lesser-known ports of call.

Cities including Athens, Barcelona, Istanbul, Rome and Lisbon frame the 16 voyages, allowing the ships to meander from lively jet-set resort towns such as Monte Carlo, Cannes, Positano and Sorrento, to hidden gems including Tirana and Sarande in Albania; Trapani in Sicily; Calvi and Propriano in Corsica, and Sibenik in Croatia.

New 2025 Mediterranean itineraries

Marina

The 1,250-guest ship, Marina, will undergo an expansive refurbishment in May 2024. The refurbishment will include the addition of two new dining options: Aquamar Kitchen, the new wellness-inspired dining venue which debuted on Vista this year; and the al fresco evening Pizzeria, serving spectacular Italian dishes including pizzas and burrata with stunning seascape views; plus an expanded poolside ice cream parlor serving milkshakes and smoothies. All Penthouse Suites and bathrooms will be completely reinspired, and the ship’s public areas will be refreshed.

Nautica

Elegantly charming, Nautica carries just 670 guests, served by 400 crew members. Boasting luxurious, residential furnishings and decks of the finest teak, custom stone and tile work, Nautica features four restaurants, the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center, plus eight lounges and bars, and a casino.

Grand Voyages

Oceania Cruises’ simply MORE value promise means virtually everything is included in the voyage fare: free roundtrip airfare and airport transfers; complimentary vintage Champagnes, premium wines and international beers during lunch and dinner; and a shore excursion credit of up to $1,400 per stateroom (credit varies by voyage length).

Created to elevate the guest experience, simply MORE means travelers receive the greatest value in luxury cruising.

For more information, visit OceaniaCruises.com.

 

Two new luxury yachts join Windstar Cruises’ fleet

April 8, 2024 No Comments

Windstar Cruises is expanding its fleet with the addition of two all-suite motor yachts, Star Seeker and Star Explorer.

The first of the two ships, new-build Star Seeker which is currently being constructed in the WestSEA shipyard, is expected to be delivered in December of 2025, followed by Star Explorer in December, 2026. 

About the ships

Each ship has 112 suites, featuring full private verandas and infinity windows, ensuring unparalleled views for every guest onboard.

Additionally, two new Owner’s Suites with wrap-around balconies have been added to the aft of the ship, perfect for evening cocktails or a private dinner. With a capacity for 224 guests and a staff to guest ratio of 1:2, the ships maintain an intimate atmosphere, ensuring personalized service at every turn. 

Guests will also enjoy access to several newly added Windstar guest favourites, including the brand’s iconic Watersports Platform with all-new staircase access, the cozy Yacht Club café and lounge, a two-story spa and fitness facility, an intimate forward whirlpool on the bow, and a spacious open deck perfect for sunbathing and Windstar’s famous deck barbeques. 

Exceptional cuisine

As the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation® (JBF), Windstar’s commitment to exceptional cuisine will continue to be a priority for the guest experience.

The re-imagined main dining room, Amphora, will serve a variety of upscale and inventive dishes, including rotating items from James Beard Foundation–affiliated guest chefs. Al fresco dining will now be available at both Amphora and the Star Grill. A no-charge specialty restaurant and 24-hr room service rounds out the four dining options.

Full itineraries and booking details for Star Seeker will be announced in late June 2024. 

For more information or to sign up for the latest updates, including when both ships open for sale, visit https://www.windstarcruises.com/newships/

Four Seasons private jet is offering exclusive bookings

April 5, 2024 No Comments

Four Seasons has announced that its Four Seasons Private Jet Experience is available for private bookings, for a limited time, for your desired trip length between Aug. 4 to 26 and Dec. 20 to 27, 2024 only.

Complete booking of the Four Seasons Private Jet for up to 48 guests staffed by 10 crew members is priced at approximately USD 115,000 per day, inclusive of all Four Seasons Private Jet flights and onboard services, including all meals, as well as airport services where applicable.

 

What's included

Ground transfers, overnight accommodations, on-location meals, tours, and tickets can be arranged at an additional cost through the Four Seasons Guest Experience Team, or at the party’s own discretion.

The Four Seasons Private Jet is a custom-designed Airbus A321neoLR that hosts the Four Seasons Private Jet Experience – an ongoing series of regional and round-the-world itineraries featuring flexible options for on-the-ground activities and tours, with accommodations at Four Seasons hotels and resorts, as well as carefully chosen boutique accommodations in remote destinations where there is no Four Seasons.

  • Features 48 custom-designed, spacious leather flatbed seats; each guest is provided with a personal iPad loaded with the latest entertainment as well as Bose headphones

  • Includes the Lounge in the Sky social gathering space, extra-large lavatories with full-length mirrors, and global Wi-Fi availability

  • An in-flight executive chef brings the culinary world of Four Seasons to the jet, inspired by destinations on the journey and customized to guest preferences

  • Serviced by ten in-flight crew members including three pilots, one engineer, and six cabin crew, with options to add an onboard physician, tour manager, or more cabin crew at additional cost

  • Incorporates the most up-to-date, hospital-grade air filtration system that renews the cabin air every two to three minutes and removes 99.9 percent of particles, viruses and bacteria

For inquiries, contact [email protected]

 

Cayman Islands answers Canadian demand with more flights

March 4, 2024 No Comments

As travel continues to rebound following the pandemic, the Cayman Islands continues to steadily climb back to 2019’s arrival levels and market share.

Last year the destination saw record-breaking arrivals including the destination’s best Q1 and best ever March on record for Canadian visitation.

The steady increase in Canadian visitation has also led to an increase in airlift to five non-stop flights a week to Grand Cayman thanks to augmented summer schedules.

More flights from Air Canada & WestJet

The heightened demand for Canadian travel to The Cayman Islands has resulted in boosted flight frequency by both Air Canada and WestJet.

Both airlines will increase the number of non-stop flights from Toronto to Grand Cayman to a combined seven a week from March to April 2024 and up to five a week through the summer.

Combined, Air Canada and WestJet will offer up to seven non-stop flights per week from Toronto to Grand Cayman in March and April.

An increased summer schedule will see up to five non-stop flights per week from Toronto to Grand Cayman on Air Canada and WestJet.

Last year, visits from Canada were 44 per cent higher than those from January to December 2022 and for the first time in a year, more than 4,000 Canadian visitors were welcomed in three months (February, March and December). Three of the best 10 performing months for Canadian visitation in recorded history were in 2023.

Canadian arrivals in December 2023 totalled 4,125, up 7.8 per cent from December 2019. Canada represented an 8.3 per cent share of total stayover arrivals in December 2023, compared to 7.1 per cent in December 2019.

In 2023, the destination welcomed a total of 429,284 stay-over visitors.

There’s a mystery cruise happening in April 2025

February 21, 2024 No Comments

Windstar Cruises just announced its first-ever “President’s Mystery Cruise” set to depart on April 19, 2025. 

The eight-day voyage is aimed at Windstar Yacht Club members (the line’s valued repeat guests) and their friends and will depart from and return to Athens. The rest of the port calls on the itinerary will remain a mystery to guests onboard Windstar’s 312-passenger, all-suite Star Legend.

The unannounced destinations will be kept a secret from guests until 24 hours ahead of arrival at each port. Once the exact locations are revealed, Windstar guests will be able to choose from a variety of different shore excursions at the destination. 

So where will the Star Legend be docking? Windstar says travellers can expect lots of new, thrilling, and exciting experiences during this voyage. 

“It’s going to be a lot of places—the majority of them, if not all of them—we haven’t been before,” said Windstar’s president Christopher Prelog.

For more details, visit www.windstarcruises.com.

 

An expedition yacht with 6 suites arrives in the Galapagos

February 14, 2024 No Comments

Conservation-led luxury travel company &Beyond has announced the extension of its South America portfolio with the launch of an expedition yacht in the Galapagos Islands.

Named the &Beyond Galapagos Explorer, the 38 m (124 ft) yacht will operate on two 7-night routes in the east and west of the famed Galapagos Islands.

Boasting just six suites and cabins, the yacht will cater for a maximum of 12 guests, with two expert guides present on each departure.

With only 12 guests on board, the elevated guest-to-staff ratio makes the Galapagos Explorer the most exclusive yacht operating in the islands. In addition to the highest level of guiding, the vessel will also offer beautifully appointed spacious indoor and outdoor guest areas, as well as four exquisite cabins and two luxury suites. Currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment of its interiors, the &Beyond Galapagos Explorer will set sail on its first departure on June 17,  2024.

About the Galapagos voyage

Operating on two different seven-night itineraries, the &Beyond Galapagos Explorer will offer the choice of discovering the east or the west of the main cluster of islands, while including the highlights of the destination in both.

Highlights of the eastern itinerary include the magnificent formation of Kicker Rock, located just off San Cristóbal Island, as well as sightings of the critically endangered waved albatross in Gardner Bay on Española Island. The western Itinerary features highlights that include exploring the geographical centre of the Galapagos Islands, Sombrero Chino Island as well as close encounters with the rare Santa Fe land iguana on Santa Fe Island.

Both itineraries present plenty of opportunities for land and sea adventures such as snorkelling, hiking and birdwatching, as well as a plethora of unique and interesting land, air and marine species. Rates for both itineraries begin from USD $10,950 per person sharing per seven-night cruise.

 

Cruise giant is expanding its fleet for 2028

February 12, 2024 No Comments

Royal Caribbean Group has entered into an agreement with French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique to order a seventh Oasis Class ship for delivery to its Royal Caribbean International fleet in 2028.

“While we eagerly anticipate the debut of Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas this summer, we’re already dreaming up her sister ship and the next installation in the brand’s extremely popular Oasis Class,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “Across our three brands, we are focused on continuously challenging ourselves to deliver the ultimate vacation experience.”

The recent announcement follows Royal Caribbean Group’s recent introduction of three new ships including Silver Nova, Celebrity Ascent and Icon of the Seas.

“These are exciting times for Royal Caribbean, and we have an incredible partner in Chantiers de l’Atlantique to bring to life the lucky seventh Oasis Class vessel of what is a remarkable class of ships,” added Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International.

Cruising innovation

Since the 2009 introduction of the original gamechanger, Oasis of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class has delivered memorable vacations to millions of families and adventurers of all ages. The renowned ships revolutionized cruising with innovations, from the debut of the neighborhood concept to the first-ever split superstructure design and entertainment across air, ice, water and stage, and the next in the lineup will continue that legacy with the latest combination of bold revolutionary, evolutionary and signature experiences.

“This order signals Royal Caribbean Group’s continued confidence in our partnership that has delivered some of the most innovative ships at sea,” said Laurent Castaing, general manager, Chantiers de l’Atlantique. “We look forward to building upon this relationship as we help bring this ship to life.”

This order is contingent upon financing, which is expected to be completed later this year.

For more information on Royal Caribbean Group and its brands, visit www.royalcaribbeangroup.com.

You can now fly directly to Osaka, Japan from Toronto

February 7, 2024 No Comments

Air Canada has unveiled a new seasonal, direct service between Toronto and Osaka.

Flights between Pearson International Airport and Kansai International Airport will run three times a week from June 17 to Oct. 25, 2024, onboard the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. Paired with increased frequency on their popular Vancouver-Osaka flight, this will more than double Air Canada’s capacity to Osaka, compared to the previous summer.

Direct service to Japan

Japan continues to be an expanding market for the airline, which has steadily increased both their capacity and number of direct routes to accommodate the demand.

During peak summer season this year, Air Canada will offer more than 12,000 seats a week between Canada and Japan, resulting in an overall capacity increase of approximately 20 per cent compared with last summer.

Air Canada currently runs direct flights between:

  • Toronto-Osaka (KIX) *Seasonal
  • Toronto-Tokyo (HND)
  • Toronto-Tokyo (NRT)
  • Montreal-Tokyo (NRT)
  • Vancouver-Osaka (KIX) *Seasonal
  • Vancouver-Tokyo (NRT)

A vibrant city

Thanks to its continual growth and development, Japan is now more accessible than ever for Canadian tourists, opening a direct gateway for visitors to experience the land of the rising sun for themselves.

Osaka is a vibrant city best known for its food, fun and nightlife.  A convenient 30-minute train ride from Kansai International Airport, it is a gateway not only to the Kansai region but to the rest of Western Japan, with convenient access to the many attractions in Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Nagasaki and beyond.