Travel News Page 271
Regent Seven Seas Cruises® Floats Out First New Ship Class in 10 Years
Regent Seven Seas Cruises®, the world’s leading ultra-luxury cruise line, celebrated a momentous milestone in Seven Seas Prestige’s™ construction journey as the ship floated from dry dock on 27 November, 2025. The first new ship class for Regent in 10 years, Seven Seas Prestige will usher in a new legacy for ultra-luxury cruising. “Seven Seas Prestige touching water for the first time marks an extraordinary moment for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, representing the culmination of years of planning and collaboration with our long-standing partners at Fincantieri,” said Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer for Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “The overwhelming response to this vessel affirms that discerning travelers recognize something truly exceptional is on the horizon; emphasized by the ship’s launch day which became our biggest single booking day for a new ship in our history. From the unprecedented Skyview Regent Suite to every thoughtfully designed detail, Seven Seas Prestige embodies our dedication to redefining ultra-luxury travel.”
Unlock the world’s best-kept secrets with expert-led journeys from Captain’s Choice
Captain’s Choice is known for its carefully researched and flawlessly organised journeys. Several upcoming itineraries in 2026 will be led by expert guides whose insight brings each destination to life, from wine connoisseurs and rally car champions to cultural historians. In February 2026, escape the winter on Captain’s Choice’s recreation of the legendary Kangaroo Route from Sydney to London. Inspired by the original 1947 Qantas journey, this modern adventure combines comfort and discovery aboard a privately chartered Qantas Airbus A330. Travellers are joined by aviation expert and retired Qantas Captain Greg Fitzgerald as well as cultural historian Kenneth Park, an experienced tour guide and the former Curator of Collections at Wesley College Melbourne, whose knowledge and stories bring each stop, from Singapore to Italy, to life.
WorldTicket by GO7 expands IATA BSP network to Armenia, completing its Caucasus coverage
WorldTicket by GO7, which gives travel agents access to 150+ airline partners through its W2 ticket stock, has today gone live in IATA’s Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) in Armenia. This enables IATA-accredited travel agents in the country to sell, issue, and settle W2 tickets in Armenian dram through their existing BSP setup – with instant ticketing and no additional configuration.
Sunrise Airways and Protect Group join forces to offer hassle-free refunds
Protect Group, a leader in ancillary travel products, has today announced a strategic agreement with Sunrise Airways. This partnership now offers the airline’s passengers a simple and reliable way to secure refunds should they not be able to travel. Going forward, Sunrise Airways customers can book their flights with greater peace of mind, knowing they are protected against any unforeseen events thanks to Protect Group’s flagship service, Refund Protect. This will allow all travellers to make their tickets fully refundable for the first time if they are unable to travel. An upgrade that was previously unavailable.
Online Multi-Day Tours emerge as travel’s next big growth opportunity
The multi-day online tour segment is growing rapidly, with an annual growth rate of 26.6% over the last three years, reaching £12.1 billion in revenue in 2024, according to recent research by industry data: . This trend is expected to continue in 2025, positioning multi-day tours as a key driver of growth for the travel experience industry. Adalte, the leading B2B hub for the distribution of multi-day tours and package tours, points out that the main challenge in this sector has historically been the digital breach, i.e. the difficulty of managing and standardising complex tour content compared to unique and more standardised products such as hotels or flights. Multi-day tours require content uniformity, which implies technological aggregation, connectivity and product format standardisation
Etihad Airways Brings Home Three Awards from the World Travel Awards 2025
Etihad won three major World Travel Awards: World’s Leading Airline for Customer Experience, World’s Leading Economy Class, and World’s Leading Airline Business Class Lounge for its Premium Lounge at Zayed International Airport. Overall, the airline was nominated in 13 categories, highlighting its key role in promoting Abu Dhabi tourism globally.
Best Tips for Convenient Vehicle Rental
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Jumeirah Introduces The Maltese Falcon, A Jumeirah Privé Experience
Jumeirah, a global leader in luxury hospitality and a member of Dubai Holding, today announced a landmark partnership – The Maltese Falcon, a Jumeirah Privé Experience. The partnership introduces one of the world’s most celebrated sailing superyachts into the Jumeirah Privé collection, marking the brand’s strategic entry into luxury yachting. The Maltese Falcon experience will be the second offering alongside Jumeirah Thanda Island in the Jumeirah Privé portfolio, which was established to create a curated collection of escapes that combine ultimate privacy and exclusivity with the world-class service and amenities of the brand. Through this partnership, Jumeirah will infuse the onboard experience with the same distinctive and purposeful approach that has defined its properties globally. From signature culinary experiences to wellness expertise and the anticipatory service for which the brand is renowned, every element will be curated to deliver the essence of Jumeirah’s warm and generous hospitality at sea.
Wyndham Grand Debuts Lavish Lakeside Retreat in Udaipur
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has opened the highly anticipated Wyndham Grand Udaipur Fatehsagar Lake, marking the arrival of a breathtaking new landmark in the heart of Rajasthan. Nestled against the majestic Aravalli mountains and set within a sprawling 26-acre estate just moments from Fatehsagar Lake, the resort joins a curated portfolio of 90 Wyndham Grand hotels in sought-after destinations around the world, offering an ideal setting for weddings, celebrations and luxurious stays.
91% of Americans Plan To Travel in 2026, Marriott Bonvoy Survey Reveals
As Americans set their intentions for the new year, a recent survey¹ from hospitality leader Marriott Bonvoy® reveals that 91% of Americans plan to travel in 2026, and nearly half (49%) say they want to travel more than they did in 2025. The findings reflect a broader cultural trend toward moments that carry lasting meaning. A majority may be swapping shopping carts for suitcases in the new year, with two-thirds (67%) saying they’re prioritizing experiences such as travel over material purchases in 2026.
The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami Marks the Return of Modern Coastal Glamour in South Florida
The Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami – the private Atlantic Ocean coastline escape located just minutes from the vibrant energy of Miami – officially reopens its doors today, debuting a striking $100 million transformation, ushering in a bold new era of seaside glamour, where modern coastal sophistication meets timeless elegance. This intimate resort haven is set across seventeen acres of pristine beachfront and blends the oasis of Key Biscayne’s island lifestyle with the fashionable energy of Miami. Guests feel an immediate connection to the sea through the newly refashioned open-air architecture, uninterrupted ocean views, and a palette of sun-washed island tones and natural textures. Led by the global luxury hospitality developers Gencom and acclaimed design studios Hart Howerton, DesignAgency, and Chapi Chapo Design, the inspiring transformation marks the resort’s first comprehensive renewal in nearly twenty-five years, revitalizing every corner of its secluded setting.
World of Hyatt Members Can Now Book Authentic Luxury Safaris with Asilia Africa
Hyatt Hotels Corporation today announced World of Hyatt members can discover 15 luxury safari escapes across East Africa with Asilia Africa on Hyatt’s booking channels through Mr & Mrs Smith. This will offer members access to some of the region’s most iconic landscapes from safari camps that contribute to community-led conservation efforts across Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. “Asilia has shaped what luxury safari travel looks like, blending thoughtful design, warm, genuine hospitality, and a deep love and respect for wild places,” said Laurie Blair, senior vice president, global marketing and loyalty, Hyatt. “We know affluent travelers are increasingly seeking journeys with meaningful, measurable impact. Asilia’s approach combines outstanding safari experiences with long-term investment in the people and ecosystems that are designed to help keep these landscapes viable. That’s why we’re delighted to welcome Asilia to World of Hyatt through Mr & Mrs Smith, connecting members to experiences that inspire adventure, reflection, and connection, while making it even more rewarding.”