Colleen Shepherd Travel Group Feed

Celebrating the Night: Seabourn’s ‘Noctourism’ Experiences

Thu, 27 Nov 25 22:00:48 +0000

During the shortest days and longest nights of the year, ultra-luxury cruise line Seabourn is shining a spotlight on ways it gives guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the primal allure of the night, as part of the growing ‘noctourism’ trend of exploring destinations after dark and connecting with destinations in new and meaningful ways.

Select sailings feature experiences from stargazing and late-night wildlife encounters to cultural and indigenous performances and private evening events under the stars. Whether ashore or on deck, guests are invited to embrace the wonder, stillness, and energy that emerge when the sun goes down.

SHORE

Evening at Ephesus

One of Seabourn’s most treasured signature events in the Eastern Mediterranean, An Evening at Ephesus (pictured, below) transports guests into history. As twilight falls, the ancient Odeon theater is illuminated for an exclusive concert under the stars. Guests sip wine, enjoy canapés, and listen as classical music fills the ruins of one of the world’s great archaeological treasures — a private night available only to Seabourn guests.

Expedition Experience: Baining Fire Dance (pictured, top)

In the shadow of the Baining Mountains in Papua New Guinea, guests experience this extraordinary sacred dance usually reserved for precious life’s milestones. Adorned in ornate, outsized masks, dancers leap across flames to the sound of chanting and drumbeats that reverberate across the island and through you.

Evening at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary – Hobart, Tasmania

As dusk descends in Tasmania, Bonorong Sanctuary awakens. Guests will encounter the island’s remarkable nocturnal life, including Tasmanian devils, quolls, wombats, and friendly, free-roaming kangaroos and wallabies. With the setting sun, the sanctuary comes alive with energy and sound, offering an intimate, after-dark experience found only in this extraordinary corner of the world.

Manta Ray Magic: A Nighttime Snorkeling Adventure – Kona, Hawaii

Under a canopy of stars, sail along Hawaii’s glowing coastline before slipping into the waters of Kona’s famous Manta Ray Village. Illuminated by soft light, graceful manta rays glide effortlessly around guests, creating a breathtaking nocturnal encounter found nowhere else on earth.

Hong Kong Nightlife by Tram

Guests can embark on a scenic evening adventure through Hong Kong, beginning with a ride to Victoria Peak aboard the historic Peak Tram for sweeping nighttime views of the illuminated city and harbor. Then, hop on a classic double-decker tram for a leisurely tour of Hong Kong Island’s vibrant nightlife before returning to the pier.

SHIPBOARD

Stargazing at Sea: Kimberley, Australia, South Pacific & Beyond

Clear skies and minimal light pollution in the Kimberley region and South Pacific and beyond make nightly stargazing a can’t-miss experience for guests bound for remote destinations with Seabourn. Stretch out on deck, relax on your private veranda or take part in guided stargazing sessions with Seabourn’s Expedition Team, who share insights into the constellations and celestial navigation, enhanced by the complimentary Swarovski Optik binoculars available on every suite on the expedition ships.

Northern Lights: Alaska, Greenland & Arctic

Explorations of Alaska, Greenland and the Arctic may provide the opportunity to see the natural phenomenon of Northern Lights, with itineraries offering wake-up calls to maximize viewing opportunities if the lights make an appearance.

Guests can bundle up and head out on deck or enjoy panoramic views indoors at the Constellation Lounge, the highest vantage point on Seabourn’s expedition ships, or at the Observation Bar on the rest of the fleet. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls wrap around the space, offering stunning 270-degree, outward-facing views as far as eyes can see.

DINING UNDER THE STARS ONBOARD

Across the fleet, Seabourn’s signature open-air venues transform at night, offering globally inspired menus, atmospheric settings, and warm ocean breezes to allow you to savor the night:

Select itineraries offer “Dinner Under the Stars” at The Retreat on Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation, featuring an intimate, private setting with cabana seating, live music, and elegant table service under the night sky.
Earth & Ocean, the beloved poolside eatery, becomes a refined al fresco destination where guests dine beneath the stars, savoring inventive dishes infused with international flair.
Solis: Seabourn’s new fine dining restaurant invites guests to indulge in Mediterranean cuisine while enjoying ocean views in an elegant open-air setting.
In-Suite Dining: As the sun sets, Seabourn’s culinary experience extends to the suite, where guests may enjoy a full dinner from The Restaurant, served course by course in the comfort of your suite or private veranda for an intimate evening under the stars.

More About Seabourn:

Seabourn’s six modern ships represent the pinnacle of ultra-luxury ocean and expedition travel. The all-inclusive, boutique ships offer all-suite accommodations with oceanfront views; award-winning dining; complimentary premium spirits and fine wines available at all times; renowned service provided by an industry-leading crew; a relaxed, sociable atmosphere that makes guests feel at home; a pedigree in expedition travel through the Ventures by Seabourn program and two new ultra-luxury, purpose-built expedition ships. Complimentary Signature Events include Marina Day, Caviar in the Surf, Evening at Ephesus, Shopping with the Chef, Caviar on the Ice, Polar Plunge, and more

Seabourn takes travelers to every continent on the globe, visiting more than 400 ports, including marquee cities and lesser-known ports and hideaways. Guests of Seabourn experience extraordinary offerings and programs, including partnerships with leading entertainers, dining, personal health and wellbeing, and engaging speakers.

START YOUR TRIP!

Images courtesy of Seabourn.

This Year’s European Christmas Capital is…

Thu, 27 Nov 25 22:00:01 +0000

Rekindle your love of Christmas traveling to the official – yes, official! - European Christmas capital. Each year, the Christmas Cities Network, with support from the European Parliament, designates a different European Christmas capital, recognizing how that destination brings the local essence of the celebration to life for residents and visitors.

In 2025, the European Christmas Capital is Vilnius, the capital city of Lithuania, one of the Baltic countries in north-eastern Europe.

You may think of some of the more famous Christmas destinations – often associated with their Christmas markets, like Nuremberg, Germany, with its mother of all Christmas markets, Strasbourg, France, the largest and oldest in that country, or grand, imperial Vienna, which are all visited by Danube and Rhine River cruises and land travelers alike. Cities like London and Paris are known for their epic lights, shopping and holiday displays. And of course, the religious pilgrimage destinations - like Rome for a Mass or the Pope’s Christmas message – are perennial favorites.

A visit to one of the European Christmas Capitals can not only connect you to favorite and new local traditions, but it can also give you a quieter celebration than the marquee destinations. At Vilius’ celebrations, locals outnumber tourists, and visitors can discover living local traditions that date back to the country’s pagan times.

“I invite everyone to rediscover that sense of wonder and curiosity, as if you were five years old again. It will also be a wonderful opportunity to learn about Lithuanian holiday traditions and sample some seasonal delicacies, including curd doughnuts, sea buckthorn tea, and hot beer,” said Audrius Vainonis, the Lithuanian Santa Claus at the gathering of Santas in Vilnius (pictured, top.)

The official holiday season in Vilnius begins on November 29 with the lighting of the city’s main Christmas Tree in Cathedral Square. Christmas markets, a sparkling Old Town, and even more festive events will keep the Christmas spirit going strong for over a month.

Christmas Day itself is coming early to Vilnius, which is establishing a new tradition of celebrating Christmas Day twice – with the first “Vilnius Christmas Before Christmas” on December 13, 2 weeks before the big day itself.

Highlights of the special day and the entire season include

a special Christmas currency that can be spent on tasty treats across the city,
a free Christmas card postal service to anywhere in the world (simply write your message, add the recipient’s address, and drop the postcard into one of the special Christmas mailboxes scattered around the Old Town. Vilnius’ Christmas elves will take care of the rest),
a 200-strong choir singing Christmas carols in a singalong atmosphere on an outdoor ice rink,
a square featuring 144 uniquely theme-decorated fir trees,
free guided tours with a festive theme, including the legends and secrets of Vilnius, how the nobility celebrated Christmas, and unique holiday traditions, and
Christmas-themed trains running through the holiday period (pictured below).

City organizers hope these experiences help visitors reconnect with their magical childhood holiday memories – and establish some new ones.

You’ll have plenty of time to soak up the magic in the European Christmas capital. The holiday season will close on January 6 with the Three Kings procession from the Gates of Dawn to Cathedral Square.

START YOUR FESTIVE TRIP!

Images courtesy of Go Vilnius.

Swap Stress for Serenity this Season with Locally-Inspired Wellness Escapes in Latin America

Thu, 27 Nov 25 21:59:19 +0000

Marriott hotels and resorts are inviting you to escape and unwind in the Caribbean and Latin America through personalized treatments, healing rituals, therapies using natural ingredients, immersive sensory experiences, and holistic lifestyle activities that help you balance body, mind, and spirit.

Reset, rejuvenate, and relax in coveted destinations, relying on modern wellness experts who also tap into local, regional and sometimes ancient practices you can’t experience anywhere else.

COSTA RICA

At W Costa Rica in Guanacaste, nature-lovers can practice shinrin-yoku, the Japanese art of "forest bathing." This mindful walk through a natural setting invites participants to breathe deeply and connect with the surrounding landscape. According to ancient traditions, embracing trees—believed to hold vibrational energy- can help balance emotions and revitalize the body, thanks to the trees' phytoncides and deep-rooted connection to Mother Earth. Studies have shown that the practice reduces stress and reawakens the senses.

At The Mangroove, Autograph Collection, a beachfront hotel in Guanacaste, enjoy a wide range of holistic treatments suited to every traveler—from multi-instrument sound journeys to detoxifying coffee massages—all surrounded by the country's stunning mangroves. For a revitalizing experience, the property offers a sound therapy session featuring Tibetan singing bowls, whose powerful vibrations are known to restore emotional and spiritual balance, a deeply healing experience for both body and mind.

A perfect complement is the Juanilama Flower Massage, featuring a sacred plant in Chorotega cosmology long valued for its calming properties and exquisite aroma. Traditionally used to soothe pain, inflammation, and digestive ailments, the essence of Juanilama envelops the body in tranquility while the ocean views invite the soul to drift peacefully.

Experience a seashell massage inspired by the ocean's natural abundance at The Westin Reserva Conchal on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. This exclusive Heavenly Spa treatment is designed to balance the body and revitalize the spirit. The ritual combines the soothing warmth of sand-filled seashells with the nourishing benefits of organic coconut oil. As the gentle heat relaxes deep muscles, the oil hydrates the skin and awakens the senses, creating an exquisite experience that restores both body and mind.

At the Spa at Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, on the Papagayo Peninsula, you are invited to reconnect with Costa Rica's natural rhythms through the ancestral wisdom of the Nicoya people, known for their longevity and holistic approach to life. Perched atop a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Spa offers an elevated experience in every sense. Inspired by ancient healing traditions and the power of local botanicals, the exclusive Ritual Sagrado treatment invites guests to transcend the physical realm, awaken their inner light, and return to the roots of simple yet colorful living, creating space to be fully present and self-aware. This deep massage harmonizes body and mind, revitalizing every system through the skilled touch of expert therapists.

COLOMBIA

Surrounded by nature, The Brown, Autograph Collection in Guatapé, around an hour and a half's drive from Medellín, offers a range of wellness experiences, including outdoor yoga sessions, energy awakening classes, sound bathing, and relaxing massages that leave you feeling completely renewed. It is the ideal destination to reconnect with your body, mind, and the serenity of Guatapé's natural landscape.

Coffee lovers will find their bliss at W Bogota, where the AWAY Spa offers a coffee-inspired ritual featuring San Alberto coffee. The treatment is a coffee experience from start to finish, where guests are first delighted with a welcoming coffee syrup, followed by ground coffee for a body exfoliation, and finally, experience the flavor of San Alberto coffee.

PERU

At JW Marriott El Convento Cusco, experience an ancestral ritual inspired by the Inca era. This exclusive treatment uses traditional medicinal plants such as muña, eucalyptus, and other Andean herbs renowned for their healing properties. Combined with natural oxygen therapy, the massage helps alleviate the effects of high altitude, promotes acclimatization, and restores balance between body and mind. Miskychayamuy is the perfect way to welcome Cusco—a soothing experience that harmonizes, revitalizes, and prepares the body to fully embrace the energy of the Andes.

Hidden among Inca stone walls and colonial balconies in Cusco, Andes Spirit Spa, located at the Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection hotel, is a sanctuary of ancient wisdom. Its Andean therapies—such as Samay Inka, Fango del Inka, and Renewal in the Andes—draw from ancestral ingredients like quinoa, coca, muña, and sacred clays from the highlands, combined with energetic rituals and the mystical traditions of the Peruvian Andes. Its signature session, the Andes Spirit Spa Experience, is a three-hour ritual blending exfoliations, body wraps, and massages inspired by Inca practices, offering deep renewal that honors the sacred elements of Pachamama. Combined with a water circuit and thermal loungers, the journey creates a perfect alchemy of earth, water, fire, and air—a way to connect with the Apus and the healing vibrations of this energetic center of the earth. Among its Luxury Therapies, standout treatment Destellos de Oro is inspired by Inca treasures and features a 24k gold body wrap.

Meanwhile, in Urubamba, Peru, nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort, is home to Kallpa Spa, considered one of the country's finest. Enjoy a thermal circuit, underwater beds, a couple's suite witha jacuzzi, and relaxation rooms under a starlit ceiling, all designed to ease muscle tension and activate the body. It is also the only hotel in the region boasting an authentic Andean forest within its grounds.

START YOUR WELLNESS TRIP!

Images courtesy of Marriott International

Top image: Westin Reserva Conchal

VIDEO: A New Kind of Expedition Cruising by Atlas Ocean Voyages: Epicurean Expeditions

Thu, 27 Nov 25 21:55:43 +0000

Expedition cruises are a fast-growing, life-changing way to see the world in a different way. Atlas Ocean Voyages, with its fleet of small, yacht-like ships that also have polar capabilities, has expanded the definition of expedition cruising in new directions with ‘Epicurean Expeditions.’

The ‘classic’ expedition cruise is polar: Antarctica or increasingly, the Arctic. Other remote maritime destinations that have natural or even cultural treasures to discover are also being added to the list of global expedition cruise itineraries for ships equipped with zodiacs for landings off the beaten track of cruising infrastructure.

Epicurean Expeditions combine that spirit of adventure with culinary curiosity. We sailed aboard an Atlas Ocean Voyages Epicurean Expedition cruise from Lisbon, Portugal, to the north coasts of Spain and France – all rich in food, wine and spirits traditions, stories, and flavors.

On this voyage, the expedition team isn’t composed of geologists, naturalists or ornithologists. Instead, the expedition team leader is a ‘Master Foodie,’ who works in tandem with a celebrity guest chef to provide expert insights and context to culinary experiences on shore and lead gastronomic adventures on board.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE as ‘Master Foodie” Mara Papatheodorou shares the magic, signature events and features of Atlas Ocean Voyages’ Epicurean Expedition Cruises

Here are some of the culinary activities from our itinerary:

Lisbon: making Portugal’s famous dessert: custard tarts
Porto, Portugal: shopping in the local market with guest celebrity Chef Ippy Aiona;
Onboard: cooking a dish from market ingredients as a live demonstration during dinner
Onboard: a presentation and tasting by Master Foodie Mara Papatheodorou – the world’s oldest and most widespread sweetener: honey
Vilagarcia de Arousa, Spain: discovering the region's famous, shellfish with destination designations: farmed mussels, and we even joined local women digging in the shallows at low tide for clams
Onboard: Chef Ippy Aiona’s seafood bouillabaisse
Nantes, France: a private tour and tasting of Muscadet wine at Chateau de Goulaine, the oldest commercial winery in the world!
Nantes, France: “Queen of the Salt Marshes:” a tour of the Iron Age seaside salt marshes, learning how to extract salt using millennia-old techniques
Onboard: demonstration by Chef Ippy Aiona about salt as a global culinary tool, not seasoning!
“Beer and Breton Bites” in Brest, France: an exclusive, evening shore excursion just for guests of Atlas World Voyager in the restored, rejuvenated historic docks
Sweet and savory crepes, the signature dish of Brittany and one of the most famous French dishes worldwide
Honfleur, Normandy: The signature spirit of Normandy, apple brandy or Calvados
Onboard: An Atlas Ocean Voyages’ Epicurean Expeditions feature event onboard: the ‘Yachtsman’s Cookoff’, where teams of guests volunteer to compete against each other cooking an unknown, new dish inspired by their voyage.

START YOUR TRIP!

By: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist and expert

The Best Way to Avoid Crowds on a Cruise to Santorini

Sun, 16 Nov 25 18:18:42 +0000

Royal Caribbean and Celebrity cruise guests are getting a private beach escape on one of Greece’s most famous – and famously busy - islands. The new Royal Beach Club Santorini is set to open in summer 2026. It’s the first Royal Beach Club in Europe, and one part of the Ultimate Santorini Day that also includes tours of the island’s hot spots.

Royal Beach Club Santorini will combine the breathtaking volcanic beaches and Mediterranean beach club culture of this bucket list island with signature experiences featuring villages, Greek spirit and culture to create the ultimate Santorini experience.

Ultimate Santorini Day will include a tour of must-see landmark gems of the island, from the white-washed buildings and blue-domed churches in Oia, to a stroll through the shops, cafes and art galleries in Fira.

Your day includes a scenic ferry ride along Santorini’s breathtaking coastline as you make your way to Royal Beach Club Santorini. Stretch out on the island’s black sand beach, enjoy gourmet dining overlooking the Aegean Sea, and unwind beneath a swaying umbrella on a private lounger. Each pass provides entrance to Royal Beach Club Santorini, which includes access to a volcanic black sand beach along the Aegean Sea, complimentary gourmet beachfront dining, umbrellas, loungers, Wi-Fi, and so much more.

Your day also includes visits to the charming village of Oia and the vibrant capital of Fira, each offering incredible views of the caldera framed by iconic blue-domed rooftops.

The Ultimate Santorini Day and Royal Beach Club Santorini are innovative ways to alleviate congestion throughout the island by better distributing cruise guests arriving in Santorini. Arriving by Celebrity or Royal Caribbean cruise ship to Santorini, you can start your journey in one of three locations, minimizing crowding while maximizing time spent enjoying sights and sounds.

That makes it a better experience for guests and a more responsible and sustainable tourism plan in one of the most popular Greek islands.

Ultimate Santorini Day is featured on a number of Mediterranean itineraries on both sister cruise lines: Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International.

As the first Royal Beach Club experience launches in The Bahamas in December 2025, Royal Beach Club Santorini is the latest in the company’s growing lineup of exclusive land-based destinations, which includes the renowned and award-winning Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Alongside Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas and Labadee in Haiti, Royal Caribbean Group’s pipeline of land-based vacation offerings include Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in The Bahamas (2025), the Southernmost Hotel on Earth The Cormorant at 55 South in Chile (2026), Royal Beach Club Santorini (2026), Royal Beach Club Cozumel in Mexico (2026), Perfect Day Mexico (2027), and Royal Beach Club Lelepa (2027).

START YOUR TRIP!

Rendering courtesy of Royal Caribbean Group.

Top Image: Getty.

Cracking Down on Bad Jet-iquette

Sun, 16 Nov 25 18:18:17 +0000

It feels like air travel is more turbulent than ever! From “gate-lice” crowding the boarding zone, to out-of-control kids, to disturbing incidents of “air rage,” inconsiderate and bad-tempered people seem to be even more numerous in the unfriendly skies.

Airlines and destinations are fining, banning, redesigning, and reminding travelers that bad behavior at 30,000 feet will have consequences. In 2025 alone, Canada’s WestJet, Ireland’s Ryanair, and the country of Turkey have all implemented new initiatives to restore civilized jet-iquette.

Are you “on board” with these new moves designed to make your next flight less stressful?

Ryanair — Fines, Lawsuits & Last Calls

The giant, low-fare, Irish airline is the mainstay for groups of ‘high spirited’ bachelor and bachelorette parties heading to cheap Mediterranean destinations and fans heading for pints and the party atmosphere at soccer tournaments in Europe. In 2025, it announced it would be fining unruly passengers about USD $675. Furthermore, it would sue offenders for costs if a flight ended up diverted. And it’s urging airports to limit pre-flight alcohol sales.

Turkey — Charging Aisle-Rushers

There’s always that person at the back who thinks they deserve to the first off the plane. But if you’re flying to Turkey, don’t even think about standing up before the aircraft comes to a complete standstill. Let alone opening your overhead bin. Turkey’s aviation regulator will slap you with a fine of about USD 70.

WestJet — Declining Reclining

Conflict-avoiding Canadian airline WestJet is addressing issues over seat recliners by simply taking the option away. New “fixed-recline” seats in economy aim to stop seat-back squabbles and preserve peace. Less tilt, fewer temper tantrums.

Those new initiatives are just the latest crackdowns on bad behavior:

Ireland — #NotOnMyFlight Campaign

Ireland isn’t joking when it comes to bad behavior before, during, or after your flight. In addition to Ryanair’s new hardline policy hitting unruly passengers in their pocketbooks, Irish airlines, airports, and police joined forces with a bold message: “Disruptive behavior won’t fly.” Posters, videos, and staff briefings reinforce zero tolerance.

American Airlines — Eradicating Gate-Lice

Digital boarding systems now flag passengers who try to board out of turn, cutting chaos before take-off and sparing gate staff the stress of crowd control.

India — Stow it! Preventing Flaring Tempers with a Shared No-Fly List

With one of the world’s toughest deterrents against unruly passengers, India has defined three offense levels, instituted bans up to a lifetime, and developed a national registry of flight hooligans shared and accessed by all Indian air carriers.

U.S. FAA — Zero-Tolerance Enforcement

When air rage soared during the pandemic, America's Federal Aviation Agency stepped up, pursuing thousands of cases and issuing record fines and criminal referrals to the FBI. Although things have calmed down a bit more recently, the FAA remains vigilant in reminding travelers: misbehaving or disobeying crew is a federal offense.

European Airports — Sober in the Skies

Across the EU and U.K., airports are tightening alcohol access and posting warnings at gates—‘cutting off’ passengers and problems associated with too much pre-flight tippling.

Avoid Being ‘That’ Passenger: the New Rules of Jet-iquette

We understand. Airport lineups, extra security measures, and crowding take a toll on all our tempers. You still don't want to be the one wrecking someone else's - or your own! holiday. Here are some tips:

Board with your zone and don’t jump the lines.
Stow your carry-on luggage above your own seat.
Just don't recline your seat.
Stay seated until the crew says otherwise.
Check your temper as well as your bags.
Parents, come prepared! Keep kids entertained and in their seats.
Dry in the sky: You don’t have to avoid all alcohol, although it’s especially dehydrating in the air. But keep the big celebrations for your destination.
And of course: Follow crew instructions, always.

How to Deal with ‘That’ Passenger?

Sigh. When others forget to be considerate of those around them, the best thing the rest of us can do is: never engage. Try to find your own little pocket of serenity and focus on anticipating your enjoyment of your upcoming destination.

START YOUR TRIP!

Image: Getty

VIDEO SHIP TOUR: Antarctic Expeditions and Luxury Yachting all the in the Same Scenic Ship

Sun, 16 Nov 25 18:15:09 +0000

You might say it’s a tale of two ships – all wrapped into one! Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours made waves recently with its announcement of its new class of Discovery Yacht.

We’ve sailed aboard the existing Scenic Eclipse in both Antarctica and in the Med – literally ‘polar extremes’ in cruising! Here’s a tour of the ship from both cruising points of view – and a taste of what’s to come with Scenic Ikon in 2028!

Did you miss the Scenic Ikon news?

Three years in development, Scenic Ikon is slightly larger than the Eclipse-class ships, accommodating up to 270 guests, and features new amenities while maintaining its ultra-luxury, all-inclusive approach.

Polar and Warm-Water Sailing

The new class of ship remains purpose-built for both warm-water and polar sailing, engineered to be rated Polar Code 6 with an Ice Class 1A Super-strengthened hull.

The Ultimate Expedition ‘Toys’ – with New, Elevated Experiences

Like Scenic Eclipse, Scenic Ikon will be among the best-equipped expedition ships at sea. With two Airbus helicopters, a custom-designed Triton AVA submersible, guests will be able to explore above and below the waves, not simply upon them.

New for Scenic Ikon, its helicopter program will take ultra-luxury exploration to extraordinary new heights. Guests taking advantage of the Pay in Full offers will enjoy a complimentary flight.

In addition, depending on the destination, Scenic Ikon will offer top suite guests exclusive helicopter landings at renowned golf courses, celebrated local restaurants, and historic landmarks, together with access to some of the world's most remote and breathtaking wilderness.

Scenic Ikon will also be equipped with a full complement of watersports equipment, Zodiacs, and luxurious superyacht Fassmer tenders.

Onboard Experience

Guests will enjoy dining in 15 distinctive venues, stay in luxuriously appointed suites, socialize in vibrant lounges and relaxation spaces, each reflecting Scenic's truly all-inclusive philosophy.

The spa on the new class of ship has grown to over 18,000 square feet over two levels, and includes hydrotherapy and thermal experiences, as well as signature treatments and world-class fitness offerings.

Each voyage will include all immersive excursions, exclusive events, and entertainment.

Inaugural Season

Scenic Ikon will embark on its inaugural voyage from Venice in April 2028, which has already sold out.

The new ship’s maiden season through March 2029 will span 110 ports, 21 countries, and 26 new destinations. Including the Mediterranean, Aegean and Egypt, the Cape Verde Islands, Dakar, Antarctica, the Falkland Islands, and the Chilean Fjords.

START YOUR TRIP!

By: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist and expert.

Scenic Ikon renderings courtesy of Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Bali Beyond Beaches

Sun, 16 Nov 25 18:14:20 +0000

Indonesia’s most storied island, Bali, has been a symbol of uniquely tropical Asian exotic culture, romance and adventure for centuries. A generation of backpackers and surfers brought Bali’s beaches to ever greater fame, but today, Bali’s being reborn as a bucket list travel destination that’s so much more than beach culture.

Beaches: Surf, Serenity, and Sea Temples

Even Bali’s beaches are more than sand and sun.

Uluwatu is the surfer’s mecca, where pros chase glassy barrels below a cliff-top temple where Kecak dancers chant at sunset.
Nusa Dua whispers of calm and barefoot luxury, perfect for paddleboarding or doing nothing at all.
Amed and Tulamben hide another world beneath the waves: dive to see coral gardens and the hauntingly beautiful USAT Liberty shipwreck, now an underwater reef.
You can see colorful, outrigger jukung boats with fishermen coming and going at dawn on the beaches of Sanur and Amed.

Ken Seet/ Four Seasons (Traditional Balinese Temple Dance at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay)

Culture: Where Everyday Life is a Ceremony

Bali is a Hindu island in a country that is mostly Muslim, with a spirituality that still encompasses the daily rhythm of life. Offerings of flowers and rice (canang sari) decorate every doorway, and daily routines—like sweeping courtyards or lighting incense—are acts of devotion, creating an atmosphere of quiet magic.

Balinese temples are open-air, walled designs and feature ornately carved gateways, designed to be in harmony with nature, leading to locations on cliffs, lakes, and mountains.
The evening Kecak dance at Uluwatu Temple, with dozens of bare-chested men performing rhythmic chanting in the open air on a cliff overlooking the ocean during sunset.
In Ubud, wander through temple courtyards where gamelan orchestras rehearse beside rice terraces. Observe the traditional trance dance called the Sanghyang Jaran, where a dancer in a trance-like state walks through burning coals.
Time your visit for Galungan or Nyepi Balinese Hindu festivals; Galungan is a vibrant, 10-day celebration of good over evil with ancestor spirits visiting, while Nyepi is a solemn, island-wide "Day of Silence" that marks the Balinese New Year, with decorations including towering penjor bamboo poles swaying over village lanes.

Nature: Rice Terraces, Waterfalls, and Sacred Peaks

Bali’s heart beats in green, and its soul is profoundly connected to its lush natural wonders. Local guides often bless the trail before hikes, a gentle reminder that every mountain is considered a god’s abode.

The Tegalalang rice terraces near Ubud are a living artwork of irrigation engineering, part of the ancient subak system recognized by UNESCO.
Hike up Mount Batur for sunrise views over volcanic lakes.
Chase waterfalls in Sekumpul or Gitgit, where jungle vines and mist blur the edges between myth and reality.

Cuisine: Island Flavors with Ritual Roots

Balinese cuisine tells a story of strong spices and spiritual rituals. Dishes, such as Babi Guling, were, and food offerings are a daily tradition.

Savor babi guling (roast suckling pig) - historically prepared for special ceremonies and religious feasts - or bebek betutu (slow-cooked duck), even in the authentic environments of a village casual restaurant or even a roadside stall.
Try lawar, a minced mix of coconut, herbs, and meat, traditionally prepared by hand during temple festivals.
In the resort village of Canggu on Bali’s south coast, a new culinary wave fuses Balinese ingredients with modern flair—think jackfruit tacos with sambal matah.

Crafts: The Art of Everyday Beauty

Art here isn’t decoration, it’s devotion. Balinese craftsmanship deeply integrates spirituality, natural motifs, and meticulous traditional techniques passed down through generations.

Visit Celuk for silversmiths, Mas for woodcarving, and Batubulan for stone sculpture.
Watch artisans carve temple guardians, or paint mythological scenes in Batuan, where every brushstroke is a story.

Pete Seaward/ Four Seasons (Overview of Four Seasons Sayan)

PRACTICAL TIPS:

Where to Stay — From renowned luxury to homey authenticity

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan (Ubud) – A world-famous sanctuary of floating lily ponds and jungle serenity, where each villa feels cradled by the Ayung River valley.
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay is known for traditional Balinese-style villas, many with private pools and options for both relaxation and cultural activities
Amandari (Ubud) – Modeled after a traditional village, it blends thatched rooftops, stone shrines, and quiet paths scented with jasmine.
The Bvlgari Resort (Uluwatu) – Sleek Italian design meets Balinese soul on dramatic ocean cliffs, perfect for sunset meditations or moonlit cocktails.
COMO Shambhala Estate (Payangan) – A wellness retreat where the forest itself feels like therapy.
Authentic Balinese-style accommodations include eco-lodges, boutique hotels, and resorts that use local materials and traditional architecture

Best Time to Go

April to October is the island at its brightest: blue skies, calm seas, and golden light perfect for photography and ceremonies.
June to August offers the clearest weather for surfing and diving.
The rainy season (November to March) is lush and less crowded.

START YOUR TRIP!

Images 1 and 3: Getty

Globus Unveils New North America Vacations for 2026

Fri, 31 Oct 25 21:19:48 +0000

Explore the extraordinary close to home with Globus’ 3 new North America vacations for 2026 – including an immersive Small Group Discovery tour through California, an Undiscovered itinerary across Colorado and a winter wonderland vacation to Québec. Each itinerary promises VIP access, local encounters and perfectly planned details that take travelers well beyond the ordinary.

From California’s lavender fields to Colorado’s crimson canyons and Quebec’s magical winter markets, get a front-row seat to unforgettable experiences you won’t find in the guidebooks – and the freedom to enjoy it all, without the stress of planning.

CONTACT US TODAY FOR DATES AND PRICING OF THESE 3 NEW TOURS

AND TO BOOK YOUR 2026 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR NOW

NEW Coastal California, Napa & the Central Valley (Small Group Discovery tour)

From the Channel Islands to charming Carmel, and lavender fields to local olive oil estates, this new Small Group Discovery tour brings guests face-to-face with the sights, stories and flavors of California’s coastal corridor and wine country – all with an average group size of just 18. Guests will enjoy honey and mead tastings, a slow-food movement lunch, a lavender farm tour, a visit to Sonoma and private winery visits in the Napa Valley area – plus stays in boutique accommodations along the way. Those opting for a longer, 12-day version will cap their trip with extra time and a hop-on-hop-off pass in San Francisco.

Why it Wows: Pebble Beach panoramas, art- and sustainability workshops with the Junk Girls and the scent of lavender in the air – all designed to give travelers a deeper, more meaningful connection to California.

NEW Colorful Colorado: Peaks, Parks and Panoramas (Undiscovered tour)

This Undiscovered tour takes guests off-the-beaten-path to showcase the raw beauty of the Rockies, with visits to all four of Colorado’s national parks, including Mesa Verde’s ancient cliff dwellings and the shifting sands of the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Guests will ride the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad, choose their own adventure in Colorado Springs (cog railway or Olympic-Paralympic Museum) and sip small-batch spirits in Palisade. For those seeking even more awe, the 14-day version continues aboard the Canyon Spirit train – a luxe rail journey that winds through Glenwood Springs, Moab and the canyons of Utah before ending in Salt Lake City.

Why it Wows: Peak experiences on overload. Think 11,000-foot views, UNESCO World Heritage sites and riding vintage rails into America’s Wild West.

NEW Winter in Montréal and Québec (Special Event tour)

It’s the most magical time of year in Canada’s most charming cities. This new winter tour wraps travellers in European-style holiday markets, historic landmarks and cozy culinary traditions. From Notre-Dame Basilica to Montmorency Falls, festive sugar shack feasts to twinkling Christmas markets, this getaway is equal parts heartwarming and snow-dusted.

Why it Wows: Guests stay in legendary Fairmont hotels, celebrate French-Canadian culture and enjoy the sights (and sweets) of an old-world Noël.

In addition to these new itineraries, Globus previously released a new getaway honoring America’s semiquincentennial with its Celebrating America: 250 Years Strong tour – a milestone journey through the country’s most historic cities, from Boston to Washington, D.C. This special itinerary invites travelers to walk in the footsteps of history and experience the nation’s story like never before.

Globus tours feature handpicked hotels, expert Tour Directors and local guides, included sightseeing and customizable experiences, and moments that matter – without the hassles of planning.

MORE ABOUT GLOBUS

From classic journeys to small-group discoveries and independent adventures to undiscovered surprises, Globus ensures every trip delivers “wow” at every turn, including front-row access to legendary landmarks. No planning. No hassles. Just hand-picked hotels, seamless transportation and insider expertise with the world’s most awarded tour operator, which translates to ease. Touring with Globus turns sightseeing into storytelling and moments into lifelong memories.

*** Image courtesy of Globus

*** Terms & Conditions apply; ask us for full itinerary, date and pricing details.

5 Best Places in the World to Celebrate Diwali

Fri, 31 Oct 25 21:19:16 +0000

Every autumn, Diwali, the Festival of Lights rooted in Hindu tradition and also celebrated by Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists, illuminates cities and villages in India and beyond. The festival symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Homes glow with oil lamps (diyas), fireworks light the sky, and sweet treats are shared among friends and neighbors.

Diwali celebrations usually last most of a week. The exact dates vary year to year, but fall around mid-September to mid-November. For travelers, it’s one of the most joyful cultural immersions into a community you can experience.

Here are five unforgettable destinations to experience Diwali yourself:

INDIA

Varanasi, India – The Spiritual Heart

On the banks of India’s Ganges River, Varanasi glows with thousands of flickering lamps placed along the ghats. During Dev Deepawali (a few weeks after Diwali proper), the entire riverfront is illuminated with thousands of floating candles. Travelers can take a boat ride to witness the surreal sight of floating candles drifting downstream while fireworks burst overhead.

Jaipur, India – The ‘Pink City’ Illuminated

Known for its architectural splendor and its color calling card, India’s ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur transforms into a wonderland of light for Diwali. Markets and palaces are draped in dazzling decorations, and contests for the “best-lit shop” keep the city buzzing. Visitors can join in local feasts, enjoy Rajasthani sweets, shop for festive handicrafts in the bazars, and wander through streets that feel like an open-air art installation.

Pro Tip: Late October through March (when Diwali usually falls) is one of the best times of year to visit India, even beyond the festival itself. By late October, much of India enjoys dry, sunny days and pleasant evenings. That also makes it India’s busiest tourist season, so book well in advance.

GLOBAL CELEBRATIONS

Because of the Indian diaspora, Diwali is celebrated not just in India but in Singapore, Malaysia, Fiji, the UK, Canada, and beyond. That gives travelers a number of very different travel destinations to celebrate what’s become a worldwide cultural phenomenon.

London, UK – Trafalgar Square Festivities

Home to one of the largest Indian diasporas in Europe, London is said to have the best Indian cuisine outside of India, and it hosts a vibrant annual Diwali celebration in the heart of London in Trafalgar Square. Free concerts, Bollywood dance, food stalls, and family activities turn the heart of the city into a joyful gathering place. It’s an accessible way for first-time visitors to experience Diwali traditions outside India.

Singapore – Little India in Bloom

Singapore’s Little India district becomes the city’s cultural hub each Diwali. Serangoon Road dazzles with colorful arches and light displays, while bazaars sell garlands, saris, and sweets. Travelers can join community prayers at historic temples like Sri Veeramakaliamman or simply savor Diwali snacks at hawker stalls.

Fiji – An Island Fusion Festival

With its vibrant Indo-Fijian community, Fiji’s Diwali is a joyful island-meets-India fusion. Nearly 40% of Fiji’s population is of Indian heritage, so the South Pacific island nation embraces Diwali. In Suva and Nadi, homes and temples are illuminated, and multicultural street fairs mix Indo-Fijian traditions with island hospitality. Join in the street fairs, temple visits and tasting Indian sweets alongside tropical delicacies—an unforgettable blend of cultures.

Participating in Diwali worldwide

The essence of Diwali is the spirit of light and togetherness, and guests to communities are welcomed into the celebrations.

Join public events: light displays, concerts, and temple gatherings are open to visitors.
Taste the sweets: From laddoos in Jaipur to fusion desserts in Fiji, Diwali indulges your sweet tooth!
Dress the part: Guests wearing a kurta or sari are welcome, and make for tremendous photos!
Light a diya: Travelers are often invited to light a small oil lamp, a symbolic and moving gesture of inclusion.

Being part of Diwali celebrations anywhere in the world makes your trip sparkle with cultural immersion and sheer joy.

START YOUR TRIP!

Image: Getty

Return to Halloween’s Haunted Roots on a Trip to Ireland

Fri, 31 Oct 25 21:18:41 +0000

The Emerald Isle has always been a land where ancient practices are interwoven with the supernatural – and many of the fun and spooky Halloween practices we love today can be traced back to the pre-Christian Celtic festival of Samhain and Irish folklore. No wonder Ireland is considered the ‘Home of Halloween’ and the cradle of some of our scariest – even haunting! – traditions and stories!

The pagan festival of Samhain

Celebrated from sunset on October 31 to sunset on November 1, the over-2000-year-old festival of Samhain marked the ancient Celtic New Year, when harvest season ended and winter began. For ancient Celts, it was a time when the barrier between the living and the dead was at its thinnest, allowing spirits to pass through and roam among the living – sound like a Halloween horror movie script yet?

The spirits roaming the earth during Samhain were a mixed bag. While families would honor their ancestors and invite them home, early Irish felt they had to also to protect themselves against other, free-roaming, malicious spirits and demons. They lit bonfires to ward them off and donned costumes to disguise themselves. Special food for the living and the dead was prepared and shared, often with the less fortunate.

Does any of that ring a bell? Modern Halloween and supernatural storytelling evolved from Samhain traditions and morphed in the move to the New World.

Jack-o’-lanterns: Carved turnips (and other root vegetables like potatoes and beets) were illuminated with candles and placed on windows and doorsteps to ward off unwanted spirits. In North America, where pumpkins were more accessible and abundant, they replaced turnips in maintaining the practice. While bigger and with the benefit of being hollow, we think carved turnips were much scarier than cute, orange North American pumpkins!
Costumes: Samhain costumes and masks to confuse the evil spirits easily transformed in modern times to fun, make-believe roleplaying costumes of suburban children.
Trick-or-treating: In an attempt to appease wandering spirits set loose for those 24 hours, Celts offered rich, edible gifts of fruit and nuts. That tradition, combined with a practice in the Middle Ages, when children in Britain went “souling”—going door to door for “soul cakes” in exchange for prayers, and the slightly later practice of Irish and Scottish children going “guising,” performing tricks for small treats, all traveled with immigrants to North America, becoming the sugar-driven ritual we know today.

For those who visit the Home of Halloween during the spooky season, Ireland’s festivals surprise, delight and even celebrate the terror of Ireland’s supernatural storytelling heritage.

Derry Halloween (Northern Ireland, pictured above) is Europe’s largest Halloween celebration. The Walled City comes alive each October with the spirit of Samhain during this long-running festival that includes otherworldly circus performances, a spirited Halloween parade, fireworks, baking demonstrations, folklore-inspired storytelling sessions and more.

Púca Festival(County Meath, pictured top) reimagines Samhain traditions with four nights of ceremonial bonfires, live music, feasting, folklore and fun. The otherworldly festival takes place in Ireland’s Ancient East across the towns of Trim and Athboy, and pays homage to the púca – a mysterious creature from Irish folklore who can change the fortunes of anyone who meets it.

Bram Stoker Festival(Dublin) is a Gothic-inspired celebration honoring Irishman Bram Stoker, the legendary author of Dracula. On the last weekend in October, Ireland’s capital welcomes a host of international musicians and literary figures for ghoulish performances, ghost tours and costumed revelry.

START YOUR TRIP!

Images courtesy of Ireland.com

The World’s Biggest Cruise Line Marks a 100-ship Milestone

Fri, 31 Oct 25 21:17:50 +0000

It sails 21 rivers, 5 oceans, and all 7 continents with more ships than any other single cruise line in the world. And now, with the naming of nine new ships in one fell swoop, Viking has marked another milestone: the inauguration of its 100th ship!

During a simultaneous ceremony that spanned six countries, the river, ocean and expedition cruise line launched nine new river ships. The main celebration took place in Basel, Switzerland, on the Rhine River on board the Viking Honir, and was connected virtually to the eight other new ships located across five additional countries.

Of the nine just-inaugurated river ships that put Viking over the 100-ship mark:

the Viking Annar, the Viking Dagur, the Viking Eldir and the Viking Honir will sail Viking’s most popular itineraries along the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers;
the Viking Nerthus will sail France’s Seine River;
the Viking Gyda, Portugal’s Douro River;
the Viking Tonle will sail the Mekong River in Asia, while
the two other new ships named in the simultaneous ceremony —the Viking Thoth and the Viking Amun—sail the Nile River.

Laura Perlman, godmother of the Viking Tonle in Basel, Switzerland, as a monk offers a blessing for the ship via remote video from Mỹ Tho, Vietnam. Viking’s Chairman and CEO, Torstein Hagen, is seated on the far left of the image.

The nine ships were docked in their respective cruising destinations around the world, and connected virtually for the event. At the ceremony, Viking’s Chairman and CEO, Torstein Hagen, said, “We have always been quite a bit different from others in the travel industry—we like to be contrarian. Over the last 28 years, we have grown from four ships to more than 100—a fleet size that no other line has achieved—and we have done so because of our innovative approach. First, we modernized river voyages; then we reinvented ocean voyages and perfected the expedition experience.”

Renowned for its mantra of ‘no children and no casinos’, Viking says all of its river, ocean and expedition cruises are designed for ‘curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine.’ Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences ‘For The Thinking Person.’ In its over quarter of a century in business, travelers have come to agree: Viking has more than 450 awards to its name, including being simultaneously rated top cruise line for rivers and oceans five years in a row by one publication, and “World’s Best” by another – the only cruise line to be the recipient of those awards at the same time.

Watch this space! Viking’s founder says the company has more plans to lead a wave of yet more innovations in cruising the world’s seas, oceans and waterways.

START YOUR CRUISE TRIP!

Images courtesy of Viking.

Top image: The Viking Honir, one of the nine Viking river ships named as part of the company’s 100th ship milestone celebration, pictured on the Rhine River in Basel, Switzerland, during the naming ceremony.

Royal Caribbean Expands Alaska Cruisetours in 2027

Fri, 31 Oct 25 21:16:03 +0000

Royal Caribbean has revealed its lineup of summer 2027 getaways for travelers to experience the wonders of Alaska. Fans of family fun on some of the largest ships at sea are in for an action-packed lineup from Anthem of the Seas with its first-ever Cruisetour experiences to more ways to explore on Quantum, Serenade and Voyager of the Seas.

Get your front-row seats to The Last Frontier on week-long voyages on Anthem, Quantum, Serenade and Voyager of the Seas. The boldest adventures on land and at sea are on deck with

7-night adventures from

Seattle;
Seward, Alaska; and
Vancouver, British Columbia, along with ways to take exploration to the next level with multi-night Cruisetour experiences on land.

From incredible landscapes to breathtaking wildlife, opportunities for exploration include

whale watching in Sitka, Alaska,
meeting professional dog sledders and their dog teams at Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau, Alaska,
sky-high views of Alaska's wilderness on helicopter tours and more.

The memorable experiences continue on board with a variety of ways to thrill, chill, dine and be entertained for all ages. With the all-glass North Star observation capsule, rock-climbing walls, SeaPlex – featuring bumper cars, a sports court and roller-skating – and more, vacationers of all ages have ways to adventure at every corner.

Alaska Summer 2027 Highlights

Anthem of the Seas – From Vancouver and Seward
Vacationers on Anthem can explore the state's beauty on 7-night vacations from Seward and Vancouver to picturesque spots like Skagway and Ketchikan, and through Hubbard Glacier. Plus, for the first time on Anthem, travelers can dial up the action before or after their adventure with a lineup of immersive overnight Cruisetour experiences on land. The expertly guided multi-night land expeditions span from exploring the must-see Denali National Park to journeys in luxury glass dome rail cars that put the sights of Alaska on full display. The memory-making continues on Anthem with activities like the North Star all-glass observation capsule and the largest indoor activity space at sea with SeaPlex, along with flavors for every palate like Mediterranean-inspired dishes at Solarium Bistro, American classics at Johnny Rockets and more.

Quantum of the Seas – From Seattle
After a summer Down Under in Australia, Quantum of the Seas will sail 7-night vacations from Seattle to incredible landscapes across Sitka, Juneau and Skagway, where travelers can kayak in pristine waters and spot sea otters and other wildlife along the shore. More adventures await with the fan-favorite FlowRider surf simulator, an outdoor movie screen and laser tag. When it's time to refuel, there's a variety of ways to dine, including family-style Tuscan favorites at Jamie's Italian, premium steaks at Chops Grille and fresh sashimi at Izumi.

Serenade of the Seas – From Vancouver
Vacationers can embark on weeklong explorations through Alaska's Inside Passage with majestic sights at Sitka, Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan. More activities for the whole family are in store onboard with a rock-climbing wall, poolside movie nights under the stars, live music at Schooner Bar, and flavors from restaurants such as Giovanni's Table, Chops Grille and Izumi.

Voyager of the Seas – From Seattle
Travelers can marvel at the natural beauty of Alaska for seven nights with visits to Juneau, Skagway, and take in the breathtaking views of Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. Every kind of vacationer can make memories while on Voyager with an adults-only, indoor-outdoor Solarium for some relaxation time and ice skating, a mini golf course, laser tag and more.

About Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean has delivered memorable vacations for more than 50 years. The cruise line's award-winning and game-changing mega-ships and exclusive destinations revolutionize vacations with innovations and an all-encompassing combination of experiences, from thrills to dining and entertainment, for every type of family and vacationer. Royal Caribbean makes memories with adventurers across more than 300 destinations in 80 countries on all seven continents, including the line's top-rated exclusive destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.  

*** Image courtesy of Royal Caribbean

*** Terms & Conditions apply; ask us for full itinerary, date, and pricing details.

Scenic Announces New Class of Luxury Expedition Ship with Pre-Release Pricing

Fri, 31 Oct 25 21:11:15 +0000

Scenic Group has announced the launch of Scenic Ikon, a new class of ‘Discovery Yachts’- and the opening of bookings at special pre-release pricing. Scenic Ikon joins the luxury cruise line’s ocean fleet – currently Scenic Eclipse I and II - in polar waters and its primary base of the Mediterranean, beginning in spring of 2028.

Three years in development, Scenic Ikon is slightly bigger than the Eclipse class of ships, accommodating up to 270 guests, with new features and amenities, while maintaining its ultra-luxury, all-inclusive

Polar and Warm-Water Sailing

The new class of ship remains purpose-built for both warm-water and polar sailing, engineered to be rated Polar Code 6 with an Ice Class 1A, Super-strongened hull.

The Ultimate Expedition ‘Toys’ – with New, Elevated Experiences

Like Scenic Eclipse, Scenic Ikon will be among the best-equipped expedition ships at sea. With two Airbus helicopters and a custom-designed Triton AVA submersible, guests will be able to explore above and below the waves, not just upon them.

New for Scenic Ikon, its helicopter program will take ultra-luxury exploration to extraordinary new heights. Guests taking advantage of the Pay in Full offers will enjoy a complimentary flight.

In addition, depending on the destination, Scenic Ikon will offer Chairman’s Club members and Penthouse and Owner’s Suite guests exclusive helicopter landings at renowned golf courses, celebrated local restaurants, and historic landmarks, together with access to some of the world's most remote and breathtaking wilderness.

Scenic Ikon will also be equipped with a full complement of watersports equipment, Zodiacs, and luxurious superyacht Fassmer tenders.

Onboard Experience

Guests will enjoy dining in 15 distinctive venues, stay in luxuriously appointed suites, socialize in vibrant lounges and relaxation spaces, each reflecting Scenic's truly all-inclusive philosophy.

Each voyage will include all immersive excursions, exclusive events, and entertainment.

Part of the Growing Scenic Group

Scenic Ikon is the latest development in nearly 4 decades of the Scenic Group, which includes ocean, river and land travel opportunities via Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Emerald Cruises & Tours, and Mayflower Cruises & Tours to the world's most breathtaking destinations across all seven continents.

Inaugural Season

Scenic Ikon will embark on its inaugural voyage from Venice in April 2028, which has already sold out.

START YOUR TRIP!

Images/renderings courtesy of Scenic

Mexico City’s Day of the Dead Grand Parade Returns

Tue, 14 Oct 25 13:39:26 +0000

On November 2, Mexico City will transform into a river of color, culture, and remembrance as the Day of the Dead Grand Parade returns for 2025, featuring giant skeleton puppets, floats, music, dancers, and costumes. This extraordinary four-hour procession honors ancestors who have passed while celebrating the joy of life. At the same time, it offers travelers from around the globe an unforgettable immersion into one of Mexico’s most cherished cultural traditions.

It’s a case of life imitating art! Or even art creating new reality! That’s because Mexico City’s larger-than-life Day of the Dead Grande Parade is not – unlike other Day of the Dead traditions – a centuries-old practice.

In fact, it didn’t exist at all until 2016. That’s the year after the James Bond film Spectre famously opened with a spectacular Day of the Dead parade scene located in Mexico City. It was entirely a figment of the filmmakers’ imaginations! But the scene in the film created such a vivid impression of the capital, and so many film-goers around the world assumed it was real, that Mexico City’s government decided to establish an official Dia de los Muertos parade; and so a new tradition was born, putting Mexico’s cultural heritage on the world stage.

The parade incorporates traditional Day of the Dead imagery, including La Catrina, (the elegantly-garbed female skeleton), marigolds (the flower of the dead) and skulls, but presents it in a modern, theatrical format that appeals to the large crowds that now throng to Mexico City for this new cultural spectacle, usually held on the last weekend before Day of the Dead.

Traditional Day of the Dead in Mexico

Recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) is a holiday rooted in and blending pre-Hispanic, ancient indigenous rituals and Catholic traditions. Celebrated on November 1 and 2, it honors the souls of children and adults who have passed away.

Through altars, offerings, flowers, food, and gatherings, families welcome spirits back for a brief reunion. It is at once deeply spiritual and joyously festive, reflecting Mexico’s unique approach to life and death.

A Living Tradition

Mexico City’s relatively newborn Grand Parade begins at the Puerta de los Leones in Chapultepec Park, winds its way down the iconic Paseo de la Reforma, passes Avenida Juárez and 5 de Mayo, and concludes in the heart of the capital at the Zócalo, Mexico City’s grand central square.

It complements, rather than replaces, the more intimate commemorations in small communities across the country.

Beyond Mexico City: Celebrations Across the Country

These celebrations are deeply rooted in local traditions — with each region adding its own distinct flavors and rituals.

Oaxaca: Perhaps the most famous destination outside the capital, Oaxaca comes alive with processions in its cobblestone streets. Locals dress as skeletons, brass bands play through the night, and markets overflow with pan de muerto and sugar skulls. Cemeteries become places of gathering as families decorate graves with candles, flowers, and offerings.
Pátzcuaro, Michoacán: Families light thousands of candles in this lakeside community to guide spirits back to the world of the living, while the island of Janitzio becomes a glowing beacon seen across the lake. This atmospheric celebration is deeply tied to Indigenous tradition and is one of the most poignant experiences in Mexico.
San Andrés Mixquic, Mexico State: Just outside Mexico City, this small town is renowned for its “Alumbrada” on November 2. As night falls, cemeteries blaze with candlelight, transforming the grounds into a shimmering tribute to departed souls. Families maintain vigil, often sharing food, music, and stories late into the night.
Mérida, Yucatán: Here, the holiday takes the form of Hanal Pixán, or “food for the souls.” Rooted in Maya tradition, this celebration features altars laden with regional specialties like mucbipollo, a large tamale baked underground. The streets of Mérida host processions, while families gather in cemeteries to honor their ancestors.

Each of these destinations shares the same essence: honoring the departed through joy, remembrance, and community. For travelers, experiencing Day of the Dead traditions anywhere in Mexico at the beginning of November is a way to see the country’s cultural richness up close.

START YOUR TRIP!

Images courtesy of Visit Mexico

Holland America Line Debuts First Lipstick Blending Bar at Sea

Tue, 14 Oct 25 13:38:51 +0000

You’ll have a bright lip for your stylish ship! Holland America Line’s new ‘Blend Bar’ onboard experience allows guests to design their own customized lipstick or gloss – the first aboard any cruise ship. So you’ll have the perfect shade to reflect your cruise vacation mood.

The exclusive, hands-on lipstick lab is guided by an expert beauty consultant and offers a palette of premium pigments, luxurious finishes, and signature flavors to craft a custom lipstick or gloss. So if you didn’t find the exact lip shade for a new cruise outfit – or your tan – you’ll be able to design one yourself. Bring along the remnants of your favorite discontinued color and formulate the lipstick you’ve always dreamed of.

Plus, do some holiday bonding over beauty - and a useful souvenir of your cruise.

All ages are welcome, and the Blend Bar is bookable for individual or group experiences in the beauty section of the shipboard shops. It is already available on Nieuw Statendam, Eurodam, Westerdam, Oosterdam, Zuiderdam, Volendam, and Zaandam, and will roll out to HAL’s remaining four ships before the end of 2025.

Blend Bar participants embark on a beauty journey to curate a signature shade from over 30 blendable pigments. Working together with the consultant, you choose your colors to create your one-of-a-kind hue. Each tailored blend can be made into one of four finishes: butter, crème, matte or gloss. You can even choose from more than 20 flavors and essences, and dimension can be added with frost, shimmer or iridescent effects.

Once blended, the custom formula is melted and poured into a lipstick mould or gloss tube. Invent a custom name for your lipstick, which will be applied to the tube upon completion. Along with your personalized lipstick or gloss, you’ll get a formula card as the ‘recipe’ to recreate your design in the future.

The cruise line notes that Blend Bar uses ingredients with the highest quality/integrity, free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates and GMOs, as well as cruelty-free, gluten-free and vegan. The pigments for the lipsticks and gloss are packed with antioxidants and SPF for everyday sun protection.

Whether enjoying a special moment with friends or family members, what a great parent-child bonding experience! - or simply indulging in a touch of personal luxury, this one-of-a-kind beauty experience lets you take home a unique memento from an unforgettable cruise.

START YOUR TRIP!

Images courtesy of Holland America Line

Stargazing Experiences by Australia and New Zealand’s Premiere Guided Tour Operator

Tue, 14 Oct 25 13:38:02 +0000

Look up Down Under! AAT Kings, the leading Australia and New Zealand guided holiday tour operator, has revealed its top stargazing experiences, highlighting destinations designated by the International Dark Sky program. These on-trend ‘noctourism’ tours take advantage of the remote regions both countries still enjoy, with minimal light pollution to interrupt the spectacle of the night skies over the Southern Hemisphere.

Discover the celestial wonders of the dark skies in places like these:

Mackenzie Region, South Island, New Zealand - Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve

On the 7-day Contrasts of New Zealand guided vacation, majestic mountains are the backdrop en route to Lake Tekapo with its turquoise waters. This stunning destination is breathtaking and remote. The lack of light pollution showcases dazzling stargazing at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed, Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, and it is the largest reserve in the Southern Hemisphere.

Marvel at the ‘nocturnal’ experience at a purpose-built observation crater with expert astronomy guides. The Crater Experience, located in Lake Tekapo, provides one of the darkest and clearest stargazing locations in the world, with the assistance of high-powered telescopes revealing incredible views of distant galaxies and star clusters.

The guides will also provide both Māori and Western perspectives. The reserve has received global recognition as a center for astrotourism with its vistas and preserves the dark skies of the Mackenzie region for future generations. This excursion to Aoraki Dark Sky Reserve is also available on the 18-day Contrasts of Australia and New Zealand and the 22-day Highlights of Australia & New Zealand journeys.

Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, Australia – An accredited International Dark Sky Sanctuary

On the 8-day South Australian Outback Adventure, participate in some of the world’s best stargazing in the Southern Hemisphere at the Ningana Imaging Observatory with its state-of-the-art Digital Astro Experience. Its International Dark Sky accreditation means that its nighttime skies are free from light and atmospheric pollution. You’ll enjoy the relaxing space to view the splendors of the solar system that are light-years away. These Observatory tours have also garnered Advanced ecotourism accreditation.

Alice Springs, Australia- Galaxy Gazing at the Earth Sanctuary Space Observatory

On the 15-day Outback Adventure exploring Alice Springs, visit the Earth Sanctuary Space Observatory and deep sky telescope to stargaze at some of the best views of the galaxy, surrounded by the Outback’s dark sky nights. The sanctuary is one of only three places in the country that offer celestial viewing without light pollution or moonlight interference with star visibility. The observatory’s local astronomer shares the magic of the constellations and zodiacs with a laser-guided journey through the southern night sky.

Noctourism is one of the hottest travel trends for the ultimate off-the-beaten-track, immersive, nature-focused and even spiritual experiences, and some of the most stunning stargazing experiences are located in Australia and New Zealand. Whether you’re a lover of nature and the outdoors or a dedicated astrophile, look to the Southern Hemisphere for magical nighttime travel experiences, and let us help you design the dark sky vacation of a lifetime.

More About AAT Kings

A century ago, the Australian outback was but a twinkle in most travelers’ eyes. But thanks to visionaries like the Pyke family and Bill King, the way we explore the Land Down Under was about to change in unimaginable ways. Over the coming decades, maps were unfolded, desert cruisers and coaches were customized, and guides were trained. From humble beginnings, the company now known as AAT Kings was going places few had gone before, pioneering new paths across Australia and New Zealand and taking intrepid travelers on a wild and wonderful ride. Times have changed, but the company retains a spirit for adventure, oh-so-knowledgeable Directors, First Nations guides, and an offering of life-changing experiences that only 100 years of exploring affords. AAT Kings is a member of The Travel Corporation family of travel companies that includes Insight Vacations and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises.

*** Images courtesy of AAT Kings/ The Travel Corporation

*** Terms & Conditions apply; ask us for full pricing, date and itinerary details

All Aboard a Tasting Train!

Tue, 14 Oct 25 13:36:17 +0000

A new ‘olive oil’ train celebrating the fall harvest in Italy is the latest addition to a growing travel trend: combining a resurgence in the love of rail journeys with exclusive access to authentic, highest-quality, at-the-source, wine, spirits and culinary tastings with experts in famous designated regions.

It’s the travel trend your taste buds will thank you for! Here’s more information about the world’s latest tasting train, plus some other favorites, from a few hours to days, where the route is as memorable as the flavors in your mouth.

Espresso Assisi – Frantoi Aperti (Italy: Rome → Arezzo / via Assisi)

In fall 2025, Italy is launching the “Espresso Assisi – Frantoi Aperti,” designed to celebrate the olive oil harvest in Umbria. The daytrip train departs Rome Termini in the morning and heads through Terni, Spoleto, Foligno, Spello, Perugia, and Assisi, arriving in Arezzo midday and returning late evening to Rome. Onboard, you can taste a selection of Umbrian extra virgin olive oils, guided by experts who explain each different olive oil’s unique characteristics. At stops, the itinerary includes visits to local olive mills where travelers observe olive pressing and milling processes firsthand.

Royal Scotsman – Scotland (Edinburgh → Highlands round-trip)

The ultra-luxury hotel and train company Belmond operates the iconic Royal Scotsman train that carries just a few dozen passengers from Edinburgh deep into the Scottish Highlands before looping back to the capital. Whisky-themed journeys feature tastings of single malts from Speyside and Highland distilleries, hosted by expert ambassadors. Alongside the drams, guests savor Scottish specialties like smoked salmon and venison in the dining car. As the train glides past lochs, glens, and castles, it feels like a private whisky house on rails.

Rovos Rail – South Africa (Pretoria → Cape Town)

One of the most luxurious trains in the world, Rovos Rail begins in Pretoria, crossing savannas, mountains, and legendary South African wine country to end in the shadow of Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain. Onboard, observation lounges evoke Edwardian-era luxury rail journeys, with meals in wood-paneled dining cars. Curated tastings spotlight South Africa’s best vintages from Stellenbosch and Paarl. Meals emphasize South African cuisine, with game meat like ostrich, springbok and kudu, as well as Cape Malay-inspired dishes with mild spices, fruits and curries, reflecting Cape Town’s heritage, paired with bold reds and crisp whites.

Jose Cuervo Express – Mexico (Guadalajara → Tequila)

The famed “Tequila Train” is a day-long immersion into Mexico’s beloved agave spirit. It departs Guadalajara and winds through Jalisco’s UNESCO-listed blue agave fields en route to the town of Tequila. Onboard, passengers enjoy tastings of blanco, reposado, and añejo tequila, paired with regional snacks. Mariachi music, expert commentary, and cultural storytelling bring Mexico’s national spirit to life. At journey’s end, a tour of La Rojeña, Latin America’s oldest active distillery, reveals the craft behind the drink from harvest to barrel.

Napa Valley Wine Train – USA (Napa → St. Helena, California)

Departing from the city of Napa, this lovingly restored vintage train travels 36 miles through vineyard-draped hills to the town of St. Helena. Guests dine in elegant Pullman cars on multi-course menus showcasing local produce, while sipping world-class cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay. Options include lunch and dinner journeys, as well as full-day excursions with winery stops along the way. The polished wood interiors and panoramic windows create an atmosphere of timeless indulgence.

Twilight Express Mizukaze – Japan (Kyoto ↔ Shimonoseki)

This ten-car hybrid train carries just 34 passengers in exquisite style across the western part of the main Japanese island of Honshu. 2-3-day itineraries take you along the Seto Inland Sea or the rugged Sea of Japan coast, or both, and connect historic cities with dramatic landscapes seen from private suites and luxurious observation lounges. Meals are designed by renowned chefs who curate menus around the regional specialties of each route—fresh seafood, mountain vegetables, and artisanal sake—served in a dedicated dining car. Booking is competitive, often through application or lottery! For those lucky enough to get a reservation, Mizukaze offers one of the most refined culinary travel experiences in the world: a blend of Japanese terroir, hospitality, and timeless rail romance.

START YOUR TRIP!

Image: Getty

One Thing NOT to do on Your Next Trip to the Great Outdoors

Tue, 14 Oct 25 13:35:56 +0000

Remember the saying for those of us who love to experience nature when we travel: “Take only pictures and leave only footprints.” Well, we have another piece of advice for responsible travelers – one you may find surprising. Social media has fueled a boom in “rock-stack art.” But now a crescendo of voices – from park rangers to indigenous communities – is asking everyone to leave the stones alone.

The rock-stacking trend, and its downside

They look harmless, peaceful, even. A few hand-sized rocks, stacked into a tidy little tower beside a trail or on a windswept beach. Photos of gravity-defying towers on coastlines, riverbeds, and national parks inspire imitation. You may have already built a stone stack yourself.

But that tiny “I was here” marker can ripple into real harm.

Around the world, a growing group of concerned experts stress that building stone stacks (also called cairns) damages fragile environments, erodes soils, disturbs habitats, jeopardizes trail safety and makes light of ancient cultural traditions.

Communities, conservationists, rangers and indigenous groups are responding: on Scotland’s Isle of Skye, locals dismantled hundreds of tourist stacks at the Fairy Glen to restore the natural landscape. In North America, volunteers in national and provincial parks regularly remove unauthorized piles.

Here’s why:

Erosion & soil loss. Stones help anchor fragile alpine and coastal soils. Removing them accelerates erosion.
Habitat disruption. Small animals and insects rely on rocks for cover and moisture.
Navigation risks. In landscapes where cairns are still in use as way-markers, fake piles can send travelers off course.
“Natural Graffiti.” Any human change to the landscape takes away from its natural integrity for the people coming behind you. Some compare the urge to mark where you’ve been with a stone stack, like people vandalizing buildings with graffiti.
Cultural disrespect. Faux inuksuit in Canada or casual piles near Hawaiian ahu can overshadow authentic heritage.

What stone piles mean in different lands.

Across cultures and countries, stacked stones carry deep, sometimes sacred meanings:

Canada’s Arctic – Inuksuit. Inuit communities have built inuksuit (singular: inuksuk), human-shaped stone markers, for millennia across the Arctic. These were used for navigation, to mark hunting grounds, or as spiritual and communal symbols. The inuksuk has even been adopted as a broader emblem of Canadian identity—famously featured in the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics logo. Building casual stone figures risks diluting or trivializing their meaning and can be seen as cultural appropriation.

Scotland & Iceland – Cairns and Varoa. Traditional cairns historically marked safe routes across moors and lava fields. In Iceland, official cairns still guide hikers; creating new ones is illegal and potentially dangerous because they can mislead travelers. They became part of Iceland’s folk heritage, and many historic cairns are now protected as cultural monuments; it’s illegal to build new ones, risking misdirection and damage to fragile moss and lichen.

Hawai‘i – Ahu and Heiau. Indigenous Hawaiian stone structures, such as ahu (altars or shrines) and heiau (temple platforms), are sacred. Tourists stacking stones nearby can confuse authentic heritage features or cause unintentional disrespect.

Global echoes. From Buddhist stupas in Asia to wayfinding markers in the Alps, stone structures are part of long traditions.

Casual tourist stone stacks jeopardize the environment, vital wayfaring in remote areas and cultural artifacts with “vacation art projects…” or even “natural graffiti.”

Is there a better way?

If you’re drawn to the meditative ritual of stacking or interacting with nature, choose low-impact alternatives: arrange fallen leaves, trace shapes in sand, or photograph stones as they naturally rest.

START YOUR NATURE TRIP!

Image: Getty

Embark on Oceania’s Festive Voyages for the Holidays

Tue, 30 Sep 25 17:17:47 +0000

From the Caribbean to the South Pacific, more than 40 Oceania voyages blend the magic of the holidays with the joy of discovery. Voyages come complete with gourmet feasts, dazzling entertainment, and visits to enticing ports of call across the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 seasons.

Spending the holiday season aboard Oceania Cruises’ small, luxurious ships offers the perfect escape – where festive traditions are re-imagined with elegance and flair at sea. Christmas carolers welcome guests during embarkation, while evening entertainment performances on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day add a touch of sparkle to the celebrations and New Year’s Eve is marked with Champagne toasts and a lively countdown. Throughout Hanukkah, a striking and elegant menorah is lit each evening, honoring tradition with grace and sophistication.

With a selection of itineraries ranging from seven to 197 days across the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 holiday seasons, these festive voyages promise exceptional value and unforgettable celebrations aboard Oceania Cruises.

Let us help you find a holiday sailing to suit every schedule and sense of adventure, from sunny island escapes to epic journeys across continents. Choose from a week-long New Year’s voyage through the Caribbean, or set out on a grand 77-day exploration spanning the Americas. Celebrate the holidays cruising the dramatic coast of South Africa, uncovering the cultural riches of Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean, or basking in the turquoise lagoons of French Polynesia.

FEATURED 2025-2026 HOLIDAY VOYAGES

Indian Ocean Opus: 24 days from Cape Town to Singapore aboard Oceania Sirena™, departing December 2, 2025. From the dramatic coastline of Cape Town to the bustling streets of Singapore, this sweeping sojourn transports travelers across the Indian Ocean’s most alluring ports. Discover the cultural richness of Malaysia and Thailand, soak in the serenity of the Maldives and Mauritius, and explore the diverse landscapes of Sri Lanka, Réunion Island, and Mozambique.

South Pacific Archipelagos: 19 days from Sydney to Papeete aboard Oceania Riviera™, departing December 10, 2025. A highlight of Oceania Riviera’s much-anticipated first Australia and New Zealand season, this voyage sails from Sydney into the heart of the South Pacific. Explore the vibrant cultures of New Caledonia, Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa before enjoying the festivities in the turquoise lagoons of Bora Bora and Moorea, with a final call into sun-drenched Tahiti.

Outrigger’s Route to Bali: 24 days from Papeete to Bali aboard Oceania Regatta™, departing December 17, 2025. This tropical escape winds through the lush isles of French Polynesia, Fiji and the Solomon Islands before exploring Australia’s exotic Top End and the Indonesian archipelago. With sun-soaked beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and rich island cultures, this voyage delivers the ultimate in warm-weather festive season bliss.

Yachting Treasures: 10 days from Miami to Miami aboard Oceania Insignia™, departing December 19, 2025. This sun-drenched Caribbean escape sails to the heart of the tropics, visiting San Juan, Basseterre, St. John’s, Philipsburg, and Charlotte Amalie. Travelers can soak up the vibrant island culture, golden beaches, and crystal-clear waters of the Eastern Caribbean, bookended with leisurely sea days, allowing guests to enjoy the luxurious comforts and festive experiences on board.

Antarctic Triumph: 20 days from Santiago de Chile to Buenos Aires aboard Oceania Marina™, departing December 21, 2025. From the colorful charm of Puerto Montt to the icy serenity of Laguna San Rafael, sail the majestic Chilean fjords and explore the vibrant cultures of Punta Arenas and Ushuaia. Conclude the journey in Buenos Aires, the birthplace of tango.

Holiday Havens: 14 days from Miami to Miami aboard Oceania Allura, departing December 21, 2025. The newest ship in the fleet, Oceania Allura, embarks on her inaugural holiday voyage, offering travelers an unforgettable Caribbean escape. This round-trip journey from Miami visits vibrant ports and sun-drenched islands of the Caribbean, including Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, Grenada, Barbados, St. Vincent, Dominica, Antigua, and St. Maarten.

2025-2026 GRAND VOYAGES

Iberian & Island Dreams: 25 days from Barcelona to Miami aboard Oceania Nautica™, departing December 2, 2025. This transatlantic voyage sails through Spain, Gibraltar, and the Azores before crossing to the Caribbean. The itinerary combines European charm, island beauty, and relaxing sea days.

Spanning the Americas: 77 days from Los Angeles to San Diego aboard Oceania Vista®, departing December 20, 2025. This extensive voyage begins in Los Angeles and traverses the Pacific coasts of Mexico and Central America, including ports such as Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Acapulco. The journey continues through the Panama Canal before exploring the Caribbean islands of St. Barts, Dominica, and Barbados. Further highlights include visits to Devil's Island and multiple Brazilian ports, including two overnights in Rio de Janeiro.

FEATURED 2026-2027 HOLIDAY VOYAGES

Australasian Allure: 23 days from Sydney to Perth aboard Oceania Riviera, departing December 15, 2026. Offering a blend of Australia’s coastal beauty and the rich cultures of the Indonesian archipelago, this voyage will explore multiple stunning ports, including Whitsunday Island, Cairns, Komodo, Bali, and Waingapu.

Antilles to Andes: 15 days from Miami to Lima aboard Oceania Insignia, departing December 19, 2026. This voyage blends laidback island charm with South American intrigue, featuring stops in Curaçao, Aruba, and Colombia, followed by a daylight passage through the Panama Canal and calls in Ecuador and northern Peru. It’s a relaxed yet culturally rich journey along some of the region’s most storied coastlines.

Legends of Jade: 15 days from Hong Kong to Singapore aboard Oceania Nautica, departing December 21, 2026. For travelers wanting an immersive exploration of Southeast Asia, this voyage includes enriching experiences among the dramatic limestone landscapes of Ha Long Bay, the golden beaches of the Philippines, and the cultural treasures of Hue, Nha Trang, and Kota Kinabalu. With a mix of vibrant cities, tranquil coastlines, and time at sea to unwind, this sailing is a balanced blend of discovery and relaxation.

2026-2027 GRAND VOYAGES

Ramblas to Renaissance: 26 days from Barcelona to Rome aboard Oceania Sirena, departing December 9, 2026. Exploring a diverse array of ports across Spain, Morocco, the Canary Islands, and the French and Italian Rivieras, this cruise invites travelers to experience a rich tapestry of cultures, cuisines, and landscapes. Highlights include visits to Casablanca, Agadir, Arrecife, Lisbon, Seville, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Toulon, and Cinque Terre, culminating in Rome.

Corals & Kiwi Coasts: 40 days from Sydney to Auckland aboard Oceania Riviera, departing December 15, 2026. Travelers are welcome to experience a diverse path through Australia’s east and west coasts, Indonesia’s storied isles, and New Zealand’s scenic shores. With stops in Bali, Komodo, Perth, Busselton, Napier, and Picton, this itinerary offers a unique journey combining cultural discovery, natural beauty, and ample time to enjoy life on board.

ASK US ABOUT MORE HOLIDAY CRUISES ON OCEANIA!

Oceania Cruises feature thoughtfully selected amenities, from gourmet specialty restaurants and in-room dining to juices, smoothies and gourmet ice-creams, plus unlimited WiFi, laundry services and group fitness classes.

More About Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises is the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line. The line’s eight small, luxurious ships carry a maximum of 1,250 guests and feature “The Finest Cuisine at Sea” and destination-rich itineraries that span the globe. Expertly curated travel experiences are available aboard the designer-inspired, small ships, which call on more than 600 marquee and boutique ports in more than 100 countries on seven continents, on voyages that range from seven to more than 200 days. Oceania Cruises has two additional ships on order scheduled for delivery in the next couple of years.

*** Images courtesy of Oceania Cruises.

*** Terms & Conditions apply; ask us for full itinerary, date and pricing details.

10 Global Harvest Festivals Beyond Oktoberfest

Tue, 30 Sep 25 17:16:36 +0000

While Munich’s Oktoberfest gets all the press as the world’s most famous fall festival, autumn is a season of celebration around the world. Ancient cultures thanked the gods for abundance and prayed for their families to survive the leaner months ahead. The harvest traditions that have been passed through the ages and centuries still today give us a wealth of unique flavors, rituals, and cultural insights.

Here are ten festivals worth timing your autumn travels around.

Festa della Vendemmia

“Grape Harvest Festival:” Tuscany, Italy (September)

Tuscany’s vineyards come alive as locals celebrate the grape harvest with parades, music, and grape-stomping contests. The air smells of fresh must and roasted chestnuts, while Chianti flows freely.
Travel tip: Visit villages like Impruneta for authentic street parades and take part in a wine harvest tour.

Erntedankfest

“Harvest Thanksgiving Festival:” Germany (Late September–October)

Across rural Germany, communities give thanks for the harvest with church services, wheat-crown processions, and folk dances. It’s a quieter, more spiritual version of Munich’s rowdy and commercialized party, Oktoberfest.
Travel tip: Head to smaller towns in the Black Forest or Rhineland for the most authentic traditions.

Samhain

“Summer’s End” in Old Irish: Ireland (October 31–November 1)

This ancient Celtic festival, the forerunner of Halloween, marks the end of harvest and the beginning of winter. Bonfires, storytelling, and folk rituals connect you to Ireland’s pre-Christian, mystical past.
Travel tip: Derry’s “Banks of the Foyle Festival” is Europe’s largest Samhain-inspired Halloween event.

Akimatsuri

“Autumn Festival:” Sapporo, Japan (September)

Odori Park in Sapporo, the capital of Japan’s northern-most island, turns into a gourmet wonderland each September, celebrating Hokkaido’s agricultural riches—think buttery corn, snow crab, cheeses, and sake.
Travel tip: Buy a tasting passport to sample the widest variety of local foods.

Chuseok

“Autumn Eve” / “Korean Thanksgiving:” South Korea (Mid-September on the lunar calendar)

Families gather to honor ancestors with rituals and seasonal dishes like rice cakes (songpyeon). Cities host cultural performances and folk games.
Travel tip: Look for cooking workshops or traditional dance shows open to visitors.

Zhongqiu Jie

“Mid-Autumn Festival:” China (September/October's full moon)

Lanterns glow, loved ones share mooncakes, and dragon dances parade through city streets under the full moon. These symbols of reunion and prosperity bestow a seasonal blessing.
Travel tip: Try sweet and savory mooncakes from different regions—pork-filled Suzhou styles differ wildly from lotus Guangzhou versions.

Fiesta de la Papa

“Potato Festival:” La Merced, Peru (October)

High in the Andes, La Merced celebrates the potato, which is native to Peru, where there is an astonishing variety of different types cultivated. Expect parades, folk music and dancing, and tastings of potatoes you’ve never seen before - prepared every imaginable way.
Travel tip: Don’t forget to visit nearby coffee plantations, in harvest season at the same time.

Pongal

“Overflowing:” Tamil Nadu, India (Mid-January)

Pongal is a four-day thanksgiving for the sun god. Families cook rice dishes in clay pots that bubble over, symbolizing abundance. Villages are alive with music, chalk art, and bull races.
Travel tip: Visit temple courtyards where visitors can see cooking rituals.

Loy Krathong & Yi Peng

“Floating Basket Festival” & “Lantern Festival:” Thailand (November’s full moon)

Two festivals converge: Loy Krathong, where offerings are released to float down rivers, and Yi Peng, when lanterns rise into the night sky. Together, they mark gratitude for the harvest and water spirits.
Travel tip: Chiang Mai’s lantern release is famously magical but crowded — visiting smaller communities allows travelers to experience quieter, more spiritual celebrations.

Auld Lammas Fair

“Loaf Mass” in Old English/Scots: Ballycastle, Northern Ireland (Late August)

Europe’s oldest traditional fair, the Auld Lammas Fair, originated as a pagan harvest thanksgiving and was later reinterpreted as a Christian festival. It has been in operation for over 400 years. Stalls sell honeycomb-textured “yellowman” toffee and dulse seaweed. This coastal town comes alive with traditional horse trading and folk music.
Travel tip: Make sure to try the sticky yellowman toffee unique to the fair.

From Tuscany’s grape presses to Thailand’s lantern-lit rivers, sipping sake in Sapporo to tasting mooncakes in China, harvest festivals reveal the universal joy of giving thanks for the earth’s bounty.

START YOUR AUTUMN TRIP!

Images: Getty

FAQ's About the EU's New Entry System, Launching October, 2025

Tue, 30 Sep 25 17:16:19 +0000

Are you ready for your next trip to Europe? The European Union’s new, automated, digital entry and exit system for non-EU nationals – including citizens of the U.S. and Canada – will be implemented starting October 12, 2025. The EU’s long-delayed new digital border control process is called EES: Entry/Exit System.

Sadly, for nostalgic passport stamp collectors, the new system will eliminate manual stamping. EES replaces the previous system with a digital process that includes the collection of travelers’ biometric data.

That means you will have your facial image and fingerprints taken to record your entry into any of the 29 EU countries that make up the so-called ‘Schengen Area’, and your exit from any of them on your departure.

You cannot opt out of providing biometric data for EES. It is a requirement for non-EU citizens under EU law. If you refuse to provide your biometric data, you will be denied entry into the EU’s Schengen Area.

The Schengen Area is the group of almost all of the European Union countries that have collectively decided to eliminate internal border controls, allowing for free movement for travelers once they clear passport control in the first country of the Schengen Area of their trip. Within the Schengen Area, as before the EES, there are no passport controls.

The new EES applies to visitors on short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period). Years in the making and implementation, EES finally consolidates all Schengen Area member countries’ border control information digitally.

While saying goodbye to the sometimes pretty and nostalgic passport stamps, EES provides a centralized and automated passport control information database that can be simultaneously operated by all the member countries. EES electronic records available to all member countries’ border control officials allow them to track entries, exits, and potential overstays by non-EU citizens.

Officials say EES will enhance security, prevent irregular migration, and standardize data collection across the Schengen Area.

Do Travelers Need to Do Anything?

No pre-registration for the EES is required before your trip to Europe
Make sure your passport is in good condition for digital scanning
Be prepared for your biometric data to be collected on your first entry into an EU country as of October 12, 2025
Allow extra time for border crossing (entry and exit) in EU countries during the rollout phase through Spring, 2026.

EES officials add that, once it's fully implemented, EES will streamline future border crossings as it speeds up and secures travel processes.

Remind Me Again: Which Countries are Part of the EU/ Schengen Area?

Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Czech Republic (Czechia)
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland

Just so you know, Ireland and Cyprus are the only two EU members that are not currently part of the Schengen Area. Ireland has a permanent opt-out, while Cyprus is expected to join in the future.

Even before Brexit, the countries of the U.K.: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, were not part of the Schengen Area, and are not participants in the new EES.

For more information, here’s the EU’s official webpage for the EES.

START YOUR TRIP!

Image: Getty

Riviera Designates World First Solo Cruise Ship

Tue, 30 Sep 25 17:15:55 +0000

Solo travel keeps growing, and now there’s a river ship just for singletons to enjoy cruising together for the whole season! Riviera Travel is launching the first-ever cruise ship dedicated to solo travelers in 2027. Now there’s no need to wait until friends or family can join you on holiday – at any time of the river cruising season.

Lots of cruise lines, ocean and river, offer solo travel promotions and Riviera Travel itself even offers whole solo itineraries – more than any other river cruise line, according to the company. As the UK's largest operator with 4 decades of ultra-premium river, ocean and land travel experience behind it, the company is seeing the rise of solo travel, and it’s putting solos at the wheel of their river cruise vacation planning with this new initiative.

Beginning in June 2027, MS George Eliot will exclusively sail solo departures on the Danube, Rhine and Moselle rivers marking the first time a cruise ship has devoted its entire season to solo guests. There are 4, 7-night-long itineraries on Europe’s most popular routes.

Riviera Travel says its solo river cruises are among its most popular itineraries. So the next, natural step was to designate, not just itineraries to singletons, but a whole ship, calling it and ‘all-new luxury river cruise experience.’

Riviera Travel currently offers more than 20 dedicated solo departures each year, the majority taking place during the spring and fall, with every traveler enjoying a private cabin with no additional single supplement.

By adding a dedicated solo traveler ship to its fleet, Riviera Travel is giving solo travelers the opportunity to choose whether you sail during peak river cruise season or at other times throughout the year.

Travelers onboard MS George Eliot will enjoy Riviera Travel’s signature amenities and experiences tailored to the experiences and needs of solos.

Each guest will enjoy the comfort of your own double cabin— most of which feature a French balcony. The ship features communal spaces in the lounge, bar and sundeck. A welcome dinner and cocktail reception, as well as daily entertainment will let travelers connect with those who have shared interests, facilitating social connections for those who wish.

With no single supplement and an all-inclusive pricing structure that covers excursions, meals, and an all-day drink package, solo travelers can feel like they’re on equal footing with travelers cruising double occupancy.

As one of the more intimate ships in the Riviera fleet and originally designed for 160 guests double occupancy, MS George Eliot will accommodate just 68 solo travelers, creating an exclusive and intimate group.

At the same time, there’s an unprecedented crew to guest ratio of one crew member for every two guests, ensuring solo travelers experience the highest level of personal service. And each cruise includes the expertise of a dedicated cruise director and hotel manager and insightful daily excursions led by local guides.

Riviera’s ships offer a range of amenities, such as a panoramic observation lounge, five-star dining, a spa and wellness area, and a sun deck, creating a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere for travelers exploring Europe’s rivers and landscapes.

START YOUR SOLO TRIP!

Image courtesy of Riviera Travel

Holiday Vacay: Why to Travel for the Holidays and Top Tips to Make it a Triumph

Tue, 30 Sep 25 17:14:57 +0000

The festive season is no longer just about gathering ‘round the hearth and home; it’s increasingly becoming the perfect time to pack a bag and head somewhere new. More travelers are choosing to spend Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s, and other holidays on vacation, whether that means a European Christmas market river cruise, a beach escape in the Caribbean, a snowy celebration on the slopes, or an exotic cultural journey.

And we have some good advice to make your trip during the festive season ring all the right bells.

Why to Vacay During the Holidays

Give Everyone a Break: Shopping, decorating, baking, cleaning, wrapping, hosting, and generally making everyone happy… It’s a LOT of time, mental energy and emotional energy. In many families, the biggest share of the holiday burden falls exhaustingly on just one person. Why not give everyone a holiday this season?
Memories and Experiences, not Stuff: Priorities are shifting away from collecting more things to collecting treasured memories, spending time together where everyone can be relaxed, participating in shared new experiences, establishing new family traditions and building relationships; not stressing over the stove. Converting the holiday budget to travel can create more value for every member of the family, rather than purchasing gifts that the recipient may not even recall a year later.
Maximize Time Off: Between school and work schedules, the holidays may be the easiest time for families and groups to coordinate longer vacations without using extra vacation days or having the kids miss school.
Make Travel Count: Lots of families have members who have to travel to get home for the holidays anyway – why not make that travel pay off with a trip everyone wants? Especially if several family members are already going to have to pack and fly, make it to a vacation destination, not slogging through snow to sleep on a sofa in an overcrowded house or share a room at a sad local hotel.
Cultural Immersion: Traveling during the festive season can let you experience authentic holiday traditions – from European Christmas markets to Mexico’s Día de los Reyes celebrations, giving travelers deeper cultural connections to their own roots, or be enriched by new cultures. Many towns, resorts and even cruise ships are decorated and host special seasonal events and celebrations you’ll only experience once a year.

As the holiday travel trend grows, it offers a joyful blend of festivity and discovery, giving you and yours the gift of time, experiences, and togetherness.

Holiday Travel Tips

Be a People Pleaser: whether it’s an intimate or multi-generational family holiday trip, make sure there’s something in your holiday trip for everyone. Whether it’s the destination, a special meal, a favorite pastime or even rare, one-on-one time, the holidays are about making everyone feel special. Make planning the trip a joint effort and use it to help everyone get excited.
Decide how much of the holidays you want in your holiday: Do you want to travel somewhere you can attend a religious service? Does your cruise offer a festive dinner so you don’t miss your cherished traditions even while the responsibility is on someone else’s… plate? Do you want your holiday to connect you more to your traditions and roots?
Book Well in Advance: The holidays represent some of the busiest travel days of the year. If you have flexibility with school and work schedules, take advantage of better and less expensive options.
Budget: It goes without saying that all travel should start with a budget. An expert travel advisor can help you spend it most wisely and get the biggest bang for your buck. For holiday trips, part of the budget decision-making includes considerations such as: does the trip replace gifts? Who contributes what? Where do we save, and what are we willing to splurge on?
And that brings me to one of the most important tips for planning any travel planning:
Communicate: Who’s paying for what? Are parents paying for the trip, but kids need to use their allowance to buy any souvenirs? Are grandparents covering the accommodations, but each family will take turns hosting and paying for evening dinners together? Will each member of the family be responsible for their own packing and on-site laundry? Who will have to share a room with whom? Are family members with young children expecting other family teens to babysit? Are the teens on board with that?

Don’t let lack of communication and clear parameters spoil the festive spirit: manage expectations and assign tasks so the usual suspects aren’t ‘still’ stuck with all the work, everyone can budget properly, and everyone, young and old, can enjoy the best holiday ever!

START YOUR FESTIVE TRIP!

Image: Getty

By: Lynn Elmhirst, travel journalist and expert

How to get Your Downton Abbey Travel Fix as its “Grand Finale” Hits Theaters

Fri, 12 Sep 25 23:16:28 +0000

“Set-jetting” to locations in Britain means that you don’t have to say goodbye to the beloved characters of Downton Abbey, even if the final film has been released. The clever play on words has been coined by Visit Britain to reflect how popular visiting film and TV set locations is for visitors to the U.K.

They say 87% of travelers to Britain are interested in walking in the footsteps of their favorite on-screen characters, and no wonder! The U.K. is the world capital of location production, and not just of iconic period dramas! From Bond to Bridgerton, Star Wars to Game of Thrones and more, there are screen tourism destinations for fans of just about every film genre in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and England.

Thanks to Visit Britain, members of the travel media got a gala pre-release screening of Downton Abbey: the Grand Finale.

I was expecting - and got a full dose of! - elegant and extravagant period sets and sweeping vistas of iconically English scenes, glamorous art deco costumes, arch dialogue and the wrapping up of plot lines we Downton fans have been following now for over a decade.

What I did not expect was how it felt like catching up with dear old friends over tea (or champagne!) Not just with the characters in the film, but the audience, too. It was like a room full of alumni. We all laughed at every reference to an inside joke or old story (Spoiler alert: Lady Mary sleeps with a house guest and is regretting it. Lady Edith, now an ally, retorts, "What, was he Turkish?") heartwarming on screen and in the theater.

With these “set-jetting” locations full of history, elegance and cinematic allure, you can immerse yourself in the world of the fictional Crawley family.

By: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist and expert.

Highclere Castle

Highclere Castle, located on the border of Hampshire and Berkshire, England, is one of Britain’s most celebrated stately homes and a major draw for Downton Abbey diehards. Built in the 19th century in the Jacobethan style, the castle is set amid 1,000 acres of landscaped parkland designed by Capability Brown. Explore the grand state rooms, filled with art, antiques, and historical treasures, as well as the gardens and woodland walks that surround the estate. The castle also houses exhibitions dedicated to the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, who famously financed Howard Carter’s discovery of ancient Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922, adding another layer of fascination for history lovers.

Highclere’s global fame skyrocketed with its starring role as the primary filming location for Downton Abbey.

Are you a Lady Mary? Carson? Do you fancy yourself as witty as the Dowager Countess? You can channel your inner Downton character walking through the instantly recognizable rooms, including the library, dining room, and iconic staircase, which served as backdrops for the Crawley family’s stories.

Special tours and seasonal events often highlight the connection to the show, making the experience particularly memorable for visitors who wish to immerse themselves in the world of Downton Abbey.

Travel Tip: Because of Viking’s sponsorship of Downton Abbey on PBS in the U.S., the cruise line has a special connection with Highclere and the present Earl and Countess of Carnarvon. Special sailings of Viking cruises in Britain include a pre- or post-cruise extension to Highclere Castle.

Yorkshire

The fictional Crawleys were leaders of the county in Yorkshire, where several locations bring the many seasons of the TV series and all three films to life. A tour here blends aristocratic grandeur with village charm and the British railway heritage that characterized Britain in the years highlighted in Downton.

Start in Ripon and Easingwold, the market towns that you’ll recognize as stand-ins for the fictional village of Downton. Their historic streets, traditional pubs, and classic shopfronts provided the everyday backdrop where servants and townsfolk mingled, giving viewers a glimpse of Edwardian village life. Strolling through these towns, you can almost imagine Lady Sybil slipping into the village hospital or Carson striding to the post office.

Next, head to Harewood House (image: VisitBritain/ Thomas Heaton), just outside Leeds. This magnificent 18th-century estate was the setting for Downton Abbey: The Movie’s royal visit scenes. Visitors can tour Robert Adam’s lavish interiors, admire the art collections, and wander the Capability Brown-designed gardens. The house itself feels like a living extension of the Crawley family’s world.

Finally, take a trip on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway to Pickering Station, whose 1930s ambience perfectly suited the show’s railway departures and arrivals, letting travelers relive those dramatic railway goodbyes and reunions in authentic style.

One-time Bonus: “Lord Grantham” Actor Hugh Bonneville Featured as an Insight Speaker on a Cunard Cruise in the Caribbean

Downton stalwart Hugh Bonneville (above photo courtesy of Cunard) is the Insight Speaker on board the 2,000-guest Queen Elizabeth as part of her Eastern Caribbean voyage departing from Miami on November 27.

Famed for his roles as Lord Grantham in Downton Abbey and also recently the beloved Mr. Brown in the Paddington franchise, the Emmy-nominated actor will offer cruise guests on the Queen Elizabeth an exclusive glimpse behind the curtain.

From the grandeur of Highclere Castle to the marmalade mishaps of Windsor Gardens, Bonneville shares anecdotes, reflections and more during an intimate onboard Q&A for Cunard guests.

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Top Image credit: VisitBritain and Highclere Castle LLP