SalamAir is accelerating its international expansion, with Saudi Arabia emerging as a core growth market alongside new connections across Africa and Europe. Speaking on the airline’s evolving network strategy, Steven Allen, Chief Commercial Officer at SalamAir, outlined a disciplined, data-driven approach focused on underserved markets, operational reliability and building Muscat into a competitive transit hub. Excerpts:

Saudi Arabia remains a priority

Saudi Arabia continues to play a central role in SalamAir’s expansion, with Abha becoming the airline’s fifth destination in the Kingdom. Demand between Oman and Saudi Arabia is supported by tourism, religious travel, family connections and growing economic ties.

The airline has recorded average passenger growth of around 20% over the past three years, reflecting strong demand across its regional network. SalamAir is also assessing opportunities beyond major hubs, particularly in secondary cities where demand remains strong and affordable connectivity is needed.

Route strategy driven by demand

SalamAir’s route selection focuses on markets where the airline can stimulate new demand while strengthening Oman’s global connectivity. When evaluating destinations such as Abha, Nairobi and Vienna, the airline assesses passenger flows, price sensitivity and economic links, alongside integration into Muscat’s connectivity network. This approach aligns with Oman Vision 2040, which prioritises tourism development, economic diversification and improved international accessibility.

Europe as next growth frontier

The launch of direct flights to Vienna marks SalamAir’s first scheduled connection between Oman and Central Europe and signals the airline’s growing ambitions in the European market. Data indicating strong passenger flows between Oman and Austria via connecting routes gave the airline confidence to launch direct services. Europe is expected to play an increasing role in SalamAir’s network over time, with additional destinations under consideration based on commercial viability and operational readiness.

As the airline expands across multiple regions, maintaining operational performance remains a priority. Network growth is paced according to fleet availability, crew readiness and system capability. SalamAir reported an annual on-time performance of 81.3% in 2025 and continues to publish performance data as part of its transparency commitment. Maintaining reliability while scaling operations is viewed as essential to sustaining customer trust.

Strengthening Muscat as a hub

Muscat is becoming increasingly important to SalamAir’s business model as a hub connecting the GCC, Africa, Asia and the Indian subcontinent. While point-to-point travel accounts for around 60% of traffic, transfer passengers are playing a growing role in supporting route viability and network resilience. Onward traffic represents approximately a quarter of Muscat’s capacity, reflecting steady progress in building connectivity through the airport.

Looking ahead, SalamAir is pursuing disciplined fleet expansion to support network growth and improve operational resilience. Three aircraft are scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2026, with a longer-term goal of reaching 30 aircraft by 2030. The airline has already launched new routes including Port Sudan and plans to introduce services to destinations such as Damascus, Vienna, Medan and Mombasa, with further announcements expected. As SalamAir expands its footprint, the airline continues to focus on cost efficiency, affordable fares and strengthening its position as Oman’s low-cost carrier while supporting tourism and economic development.

The Philippines generated over PHP80 million in sales leads during its stint at last month’s Salon de la Plongée Sous-Marine in Paris.

According to the Department of Tourism (DOT), this year’s leads from the annual Paris dive show rose 43 percent compared to the PHP56 million sales leads secured last year.

During the travel trade show held at the Parc des Expositions from 8th to 11th January,, the Philippine delegation showcased iconic dive sites in the country such as Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Bohol, Anilao, Cebu, Puerto Galera, Dumaguete, Ticao Island and Southern Leyte.

Among the Philippine companies and agencies that participated in the show were Seadoors Liveaboard, Sea Explorers, Solitude Acacia Resort, Ticao Island Resort, Blue Lagoon Dive Resort, El Galleon Resort/Asia Divers, M/Y Resolute, Thalatta Resort, Casalay Boutique Villas and Dive Resort, Atmosphere Resorts & Spa, Magic Resorts Philippines, Abyssworld Philippines, Inc, Peter’s Dive Resort, and the Sogod Bay Scuba Resort.

The event was attended by a diverse array of diving industry professionals, including associations, boats, diving centres, insurance providers, manufacturers, distributors, media, tourism offices, training organizations, dive operators, and travel agents.

Immersive in more ways than one

The Philippine pavilion featured immersive underwater photography panels from 12 DOT-accredited dive establishments to put spotlight on the Philippines’ rich marine biodiversity, sustainability initiatives, and conservation-driven tourism programs.

Southern Leyte’s Sogod Bay Dive Sites took centerstage as the Pavilion’s Featured Destination, showcasing Eastern Visayas’ growing profile as a conservation-oriented dive tourism hub.

According to the Philippine Embassy in Paris, there were an estimated 350,000 scuba divers in France in 2024, ten percent of whom travel abroad for diving with tour operators.

Global travel insurance and assistance provider Zurich Cover‑More announced the appointment of Jon Ford as head of Asia and Tricia Lim as head of commercial operations and delivery in Asia earlier today, 25th February.

These appointments reflect Zurich Cover-More’s commitment to growing the group’s travel business in the Asia region.

These also follow the establishment of Zurich Cover-More as Zurich Group’s global travel business in late 2024 following the latter’s acquisition of AIG’s Travel Guard business.

Who’s who

Currently head of partnerships for Zurich APAC, Jon Ford will retain his existing role while taking on the additional responsibilities of leading the Asia travel division for Zurich Cover-More. 

Based in Singapore, he will work with Zurich APAC chief operating officer Matthew Reilly and Zurich Cover-More head of international Donna Dorairajoo.

With more than 25 years of global business experience, Ford previously held leadership roles across insurance, technology and consulting. 

He will lead Zurich Cover‑More’s sustainable growth agenda and partnership development across key Asian markets.

Ford also served as vice-president and regional head of partnership distribution in the Asia Pacific for Chubb and led strategic regional partnerships for Accenture and Navitaire across Asia Pacific. 

On the other hand, Tricia Lim will work with Jon Ford to grow Zurich Cover-More’s travel business in the Asia region.

She over 20 years’ experience in the insurance and travel industry and has been with Travel Guard in Asia for the past two-plus years.

In her new role, Lim will take on expanded responsibilities, focusing on operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and platform and partnerships delivery across the region. 

She will ensure the maintenance of high standards of customer service and business continuity, and the sustainable scaling of operations for future growth.

Northstar Travel Group is slated to launch its invitational travel marketplace Global Travel Marketplace (GTM) Luxury Asia Pacific from 14th to 15th April at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. 

The event aims to connect the Asia Pacific’s most influential luxury travel advisors with leading global luxury travel suppliers through GTM’s signature 12-minute appointment format focused on fostering meaningful connections in a purposeful environment designed to prioritise business outcomes over footfall. 

GTM Luxury Asia Pacific is an expansion of the successful Global Travel Marketplace (GTM) brand established in 2013, joining the flagship event GTM, as well as GTM West and GTM Luxury. 

It will follow GTM’s proven structured, time-efficient appointment model, combining pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings and rigorous qualification criteria, enabling participants to maximise productivity and strategic reach at the show. 

Every travel advisor invited has a verified record of luxury sales and significant purchasing influence, while suppliers are carefully curated to ensure strategic relevance.

Where the industry meets  

Co-located with The Meetings Show Asia Pacific and the Business Travel Show Asia Pacific, the event also offers access to exclusive networking opportunities, broader industry gatherings and insight-driven content, amplifying its value for luxury travel professionals and partners across sectors.

The launch comes at a pivotal moment for the Asia Pacific luxury travel market, which continues to see strong growth driven by rising affluence, expanding multi-generational wealth and increasing demand for bespoke, experience-led travel. 

At the same time, Singapore’s position as a key international aviation hub and a leading cruise hub in Asia Pacific, together with its role as home to the regional headquarters of many international hotel brands, its strong luxury ecosystem and reputation for hosting world-class business events, make it a natural home for the show’s inaugural edition.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) supported the recently concluded Love on Screen Film Festival SS 2 in Krabi Province.

The event was staged at Chamchuri Lawn, Krabi Maritime Resort, Krabi Province from 21st to 22nd February.

The festival aligned with TAT’s Amazing Location Thailand the Story Continues project, which positions Thailand as an internationally recognised film destination while advancing the Kingdom’s Soft Power strategy. 

The event also supported Krabi’s roadmap towards joining the UNESCO Creative Cities Network as a City of Film.

Where filmmaking changes minds

Organised under three core pillars of film industry development, the art of love and sustainability, the festival presented open-air romantic film screenings, the Krabi International Film Festival short film competition, master classes and film seminars. 

All activities were delivered under a sustainable thinking framework, ensuring environmental responsibility while stimulating the local economy through creative tourism.

The programme also served as a learning platform for youth and aspiring media professionals through expert-led training and industry discussions. 

Masterclasses covered Idea for Content, Basics of Acting, Film 101 and From Footage to Film Look, while seminar sessions explored topics including Jurassic World Rebirth: Why Krabi? and the future relevance of film education. 

The event concluded with screenings and awards for eight shortlisted films, alongside opportunities for local entrepreneurs to showcase products and services, strengthening Krabi’s creative ecosystem.

Why the festival matters

Film tourism remains a strategic driver in attracting quality travellers, extending length of stay and distributing income to local communities. 

Krabi’s diverse natural landscapes which range from coastlines, limestone mountains, mangroves, and waterfalls as well as its cultural heritage have attracted major international productions including Jurassic World: Rebirth, Fast and Furious 9, and Alien: Earth. 

These productions generate travel by film crews and global audiences, creating sustained revenue for hotels, restaurants, transport operators and tourism services.

The Love on Screen Film Festival reflects TAT’s commitment to advancing Thailand’s Soft Power through the Amazing Location Thailand the Story Continues initiative. 

By integrating film tourism with creative, wellness, gastronomy and sustainable tourism under the New Thailand vision, TAT continues to strengthen Thailand’s global image as a world-class film location while generating quality-led growth, inspiring set-jetting travel and delivering tangible benefits to local communities.

Under the Amazing Location Thailand the Story Continues project, TAT is implementing a comprehensive film tourism communications plan to elevate Thailand as a globally recognised film destination. 

The perfect location

The initiative includes producing international promotional content showcasing Thailand’s film locations and Soft Power strengths in wellness, gastronomy and sustainable tourism; collaborating with global media and streaming platforms; and planning engagement at major international film markets and festivals across key global markets.

TAT also supports foreign productions filming in Thailand and organises familiarisation trips and film talks for producers as well as key opinion leaders. 

Through these integrated efforts, TAT reinforces Thailand’s readiness as a premier global film location while stimulating set-jetting travel and expanding quality tourism opportunities nationwide.

During the 2026 Spring Festival, Japan — once a top destination for Chinese outbound tourists —saw its popularity cut in half, while South Korea and Thailand emerged as the most sought-after choices.

In the first week of the Spring Festival travel rush, the busiest outbound flight routes included Shanghai Pudong–Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, Shanghai Pudong–Seoul Incheon, and Qingdao Jiaodong–Seoul Incheon. South Korea and Thailand were locked in a close contest for the top spot in outbound travel.

South Korea benefited from its proximity and dense flight network, particularly between Shandong cities such as Qingdao and Yantai, and Seoul, effectively forming a one-hour travel circle. Meanwhile, Thailand stepped up marketing efforts on top of its visa-free policy, seeking to offset the lingering impact of earlier safety incidents.

Data showed that in the first week of the Spring Festival, passinger traffic between China and Japan dropped about 54% compared with the same period last year, and operated flights decreased by approximately 49%.

Routes with the sharpest year-on-year flight reductions included Shanghai to Osaka, Nagoya and Tokyo; Beijing to Osaka; and Nanjing to Osaka. Chinese travel to Japan was effectively halved. By contrast, trips to South Korea were expected to increase by more than 20%. Media reports citing industry data suggested that Chinese arrivals in South Korea during the holiday could exceed 250,000, up 25% from last year, with total spending projected to surpass USD 330 million.

Thailand also moved aggressively to regain Chinese visitors. According to the Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports, China ranked first among Thailand’s five largest source countries between February 2 and 8, with 569,000 arrivals. Chinese inbound travel to Thailand had recorded growth for more than five consecutive weeks.

Following a safety incident in early 2025, travel from China to Thailand suffered a significant setback, with mass flight and tour cancellations. Chinese tourist arrivals for 2025 dropped 35% to 3.31 million. More recently, Thailand emphasized its visa-free policy to ensure smoother entry for Chinese visitors and introduced targeted marketing campaigns for holidays to encourage Chinese tourists to “rediscover Thailand.”

With a record nine-day statutory holiday, the 2026 Spring Festival fueled a surge in cross-border travel. Southeast Asia, home to large overseas Chinese communities and a strong festive atmosphere, remained a preferred region for Chinese travelers celebrating the Lunar New Year abroad.

According to Tongcheng Travel data, Southeast Asia accounted for half of the top ten most-booked international flight destinations during the Spring Festival holiday, including Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City, and Bali.

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Explora Journeys is putting sport at the centre of ultra‑luxury ocean travel, unveiling a slate of experiences for 2026 that blend elite sporting moments with the brand’s signature “Ocean State of Mind.” World Tennis No. 2 and brand ambassador Jannik Sinner will join EXPLORA III for her Mediterranean Prelude Journey in July, while EXPLORA I returns to Monaco’s Port Hercule in June as a floating sanctuary for the FORMULA 1® LOUIS VUITTON GRAND PRIX DE MONACO 2026.

Jannik Sinner on board EXPLORA III: a new kind of sports immersion

As Global Brand Ambassador, Jannik Sinner personifies the poise, focus and balance at the heart of Explora Journeys’ ‘Ocean State of Mind’ philosophy. This summer, his partnership with the brand becomes more intimate:

• On 24 and 25 July 2026, Sinner will be aboard EXPLORA III during her five‑night Mediterranean Prelude Journey from Genoa to Rome.
• Guests will be invited to an intimate Q&A session, plus a curated series of exclusive engagements that offer rare insight into his career, mindset and training.
• Select guests will have the chance to join coaching sessions with Sinner and his performance team, bringing world‑class tennis preparation into an ocean setting.

The programme also includes an exclusive charity gala dinner on board, with proceeds benefitting both the Jannik Sinner Foundation and the MSC Foundation, adding a philanthropic dimension to the experience.

During the Prelude Journey, EXPLORA III will make her debut along the French and Italian Rivieras, calling at sun‑drenched ports such as Saint‑Tropez and Villefranche‑sur‑Mer, and offering guests a first look at her new culinary and lounge concepts, expanded outdoor decks and refined design.“In Balance”: Jannik Sinner’s Ocean Wellness Programme

Guests on EXPLORA III will also benefit from In Balance: A Jannik Sinner Ocean Wellness Programme, created by Sinner and his team specifically for Explora Journeys. Built around four pillars—Train, Re‑centre, Restore and Renew—the programme includes:

• The ‘Jannik Sinner Method’ signature workout by Fitness Coach Umberto Ferrara, focusing on precision and agility.
• Guided breathwork sessions to support mental clarity and emotional balance.
• Targeted muscle‑release therapy to enhance mobility and recovery.
• A revitalising hot–cold wellness circuit designed to restore equilibrium after exertion.

This layered approach to wellbeing mirrors the demands of top‑level sport while staying rooted in Explora’s calm, restorative onboard environment.

EXPLORA I at the Monaco Grand Prix 2026

From 3 to 8 June 2026, EXPLORA I will return to Monaco’s legendary Port Hercule, just 150 metres from the FORMULA 1® circuit, for the FORMULA 1® LOUIS VUITTON GRAND PRIX DE MONACO 2026. Following a highly praised debut in 2025, the ship will once again serve as an ultra‑elegant, private‑yacht‑inspired base for race weekend.

Guests can expect:

• Front‑row proximity to the race, with privileged vantage points from the ship’s decks and terraces.
• VIP Paddock Club™ access and pit lane walks, bridging the gap between the adrenaline of the paddock and the serenity of the ship.
• Starlit soirées, themed cocktail celebrations, and exclusive meet‑and‑greets with motorsport personalities.
• The ability to retreat to spacious suites with floor‑to‑ceiling windows and private terraces after the day’s racing drama.

Explora Journeys positions EXPLORA I as a “floating sanctuary” during Monaco’s most glamorous weekend, offering a rare combination of trackside energy and ocean‑side calm.

Ships as high-performance stages

As travellers increasingly anchor their trips around world‑class sporting events, Explora Journeys is shaping its fleet as both a front‑row seat to major moments and a stage for personal performance. On board, guests can work on their own goals with:

• Technogym equipment, outdoor sports courts and a running track fleetwide.
• On EXPLORA III, the new Technogym Sand Stone collection, Technogym Reform Pilates equipment and a private training studio for one‑to‑one sessions.
• An expanded Sports Court for padel, pickleball and basketball, plus an extended running track along the decks with uninterrupted sea views.
• A consolidated Ocean Wellness area on Deck 5, bringing spa, fitness and relaxation spaces together for a more seamless wellbeing journey.

This setup allows guests to experience sport in multiple ways: watching elite competition up close, learning directly from top athletes, and pursuing their own fitness milestones in an environment designed for both movement and recovery.

Luxury sports travel, reimagined

By pairing Monaco Grand Prix race access with tennis‑led wellness and coaching on EXPLORA III, Explora Journeys is defining a new niche: luxury sports travel where the event is not just a highlight, but a central thread of the journey. For discerning travellers who see sport as a catalyst for discovery, connection and personal growth, these experiences offer an unusually rich blend of:

• Iconic venues and world‑class competition.
• Direct interaction with athletes and performance teams.
• Time and space to decompress in a refined, ocean‑front setting.

Bookings for the Monaco 2026 programme and the EXPLORA III Prelude Journey with Jannik Sinner are now open via explorajourneys.com or through preferred travel advisors.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) is future‑proofing its fleet in a big way, confirming an agreement with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for three new cruise ships—one each for Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. The new vessels will be delivered between 2036 and 2037, locking in valuable shipyard capacity and supporting the company’s long-term growth strategy across all market segments, from mainstream megaships to ultra-luxury.

New Ships for All Three NCLH Brands

Under the new agreement, Fincantieri will design and construct one ship for each of NCLH’s three brands at its shipyards in Italy. For Norwegian Cruise Line, the vessel will become the fourth ship in its upcoming, as‑yet‑unnamed mega‑ship class, which is set to debut in 2030.

The Oceania Cruises newbuild will be a sister ship to Oceania Sonata, the lead vessel in the new Sonata class launching in 2027, reinforcing Oceania’s premium, destination-focused fleet. Meanwhile, Regent Seven Seas Cruises will receive a sister ship to Seven Seas Prestige, the first in the line’s new Prestige class scheduled to debut in December 2026.

Norwegian’s Biggest Ships Ever

The new Norwegian Cruise Line class is poised to be the largest ever built for the brand, with the first ship expected in 2030. At around 225,000 gross tons and an estimated capacity of approximately 5,100 guests at double occupancy, these ships will rival Royal Caribbean’s Oasis‑class in sheer size and presence.

These next‑generation megaships are expected to offer expanded entertainment, dining, and accommodation options, aligning with Norwegian’s strategy of delivering large, resort‑style experiences at sea. The newly ordered fourth ship in this class, arriving toward the end of the build cycle, will further cement Norwegian’s footprint in the high-capacity, big‑ship segment well into the 2030s.

Sister Ships for Oceania and Regent

On the premium and luxury side, NCLH is also reinforcing its upper-tier brands.

• Oceania Cruises: The newly ordered ship will join the Sonata class as a sister to Oceania Sonata, offering around 1,200–1,400 guest capacity and focusing on elevated culinary and destination immersion experiences. This continues Oceania’s trajectory of introducing modern, mid‑sized ships tailored to longer, port‑intensive itineraries.
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises: The new vessel for Regent will be a sister to Seven Seas Prestige, anchoring the line’s new Prestige class as another ultra‑luxury, all‑suite ship with high space‑to‑guest ratio and inclusive amenities. Regent is known for some of the most luxurious ships at sea, and this expansion keeps the brand competitive in the fast‑growing luxury cruise segment.

17 New Ships on Order Across the Fleet

With this latest agreement, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings now has 17 newbuilds in its pipeline, spread across all three brands. The current orderbook includes:

• Norwegian Cruise Line:
  • Norwegian Luna (2026)
  • Norwegian Aura (2027)
  • Prima‑plus class (2028)
  • New mega‑ship class: 2030, 2032, 2034, 2036, 2037
• Oceania Cruises:
  • Oceania Sonata (2027)
  • Oceania Arietta (2029)
  • Additional Sonata‑class ships: 2032, 2035, 2037
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises:
  • Seven Seas Prestige (2026)
  • Additional Prestige‑class ships: 2030, 2033, 2036

This robust newbuild programme supports an expected 4% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2026 to 2037, reflecting a measured but ambitious expansion strategy.

Why These Orders Matter for Cruisers

Adding new ships is central to NCLH’s growth strategy, enabling the company to introduce new venues, features, and amenities that keep loyal guests returning and attract new cruisers. Across Norwegian, Oceania and Regent, the upcoming ships will allow the group to:

• Expand capacity in key markets and itineraries.
• Refresh onboard experiences with updated design, technology, and sustainability features.
• Offer a broader range of products—from high‑energy megaships to small, ultra‑luxury vessels—tailored to different traveller segments.

While all future newbuild contracts remain subject to financing, which is standard for long‑term shipyard agreements, securing these slots through 2037 ensures NCLH has guaranteed access to limited shipyard capacity in an increasingly competitive environment. With yard schedules needing to balance newbuilds, dry docks, and repairs, locking in construction timelines nearly a decade ahead positions Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings strongly for continued growth and innovation in the global cruise industry.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises®, widely regarded as one of the world’s leading ultra‑luxury cruise lines, has confirmed an order for a fourth Prestige‑Class ship with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, scheduled for delivery in 2036. The new vessel will follow the debut of Seven Seas Prestige™ in December 2026, with sister ships arriving in 2030 and 2033, cementing the Prestige‑Class as Regent’s next‑generation platform for Unrivaled Space at Sea™ well into the 2030s.

A four-ship Prestige-Class for the next decade

The agreement with Fincantieri will see all four Prestige‑Class ships built in Italy, marking Regent’s first new ship class in 10 years. The class launches with Seven Seas Prestige in 2026, followed by additional vessels in 2030, 2033 and now 2036, giving the brand a long runway of new hardware tailored to the ultra‑luxury market.

Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer at Regent Seven Seas Cruises, said the fourth‑ship order “underscores our commitment to leading the ultra‑luxury cruise market for the decade ahead and beyond,” noting that Seven Seas Prestige’s opening sales day in June 2025 was the biggest new‑ship launch day in the line’s history.

Unrivaled space, fewer guests

Prestige‑Class ships are designed around Regent’s hallmark of high space‑to‑guest ratios rather than maximum capacity.

Key stats for Seven Seas Prestige—which will set the template for the class—include:

• Approx. 77,000 gross tons, around 40% larger than previous Regent ships.
• Just 822 guests and 630 crew, delivering some of the highest space‑to‑guest and crew‑to‑guest ratios in the cruise industry.
• All‑balcony, all‑suite accommodation across 12 suite categories, including four all‑new suite types.

This design approach allows for larger suites, more expansive public areas and an overall feeling of residential comfort rather than crowding—central to Regent’s ultra‑luxury positioning.

Skyview Regent Suite: record-breaking ultra-luxury

Seven Seas Prestige Skyview Regent Suite with modern living room, balcony overlooking ocean, and bedroom

At the top of the accommodation pyramid is the Skyview Regent Suite, billed as the largest all‑inclusive, ultra‑luxury cruise ship suite in history.

Highlights include:

• A vast, two‑level footprint with multiple bedrooms and living spaces.
• A wraparound balcony and private indoor wellness features such as a gym and sauna.
• Fares reported from around US$25,000–40,000 per night, aimed at guests seeking the most exclusive way to travel by sea.

Design and culinary innovation on board

Spacious Starlight Atrium with grand sweeping staircases in Regent Seven Seas Prestige

Beyond the suites, Prestige‑Class ships are being crafted with a focus on light, art and culinary choice.

Notable features include:

• The Starlight Atrium, a sophisticated, light‑filled central space with sweeping staircases and curated art.​

• Galileo’s Bar, an art‑inspired lounge designed as a chic social hub.​
• 11 distinct dining experiences, with one additional venue still to be revealed.
• New concepts such as Azure, a mezze‑style Mediterranean restaurant, alongside Regent favourites Chartreuse, Prime 7 and Pacific Rim.

These elements are designed to deepen Regent’s Epicurean Perfection promise, offering guests more variety and a stronger sense of place through cuisine.

All-inclusive ultra-luxury, taken further

The Prestige‑Class ships build on Regent’s already comprehensive all‑inclusive model, which goes far beyond basic drinks and Wi‑Fi. Guests can expect:

• Unlimited shore excursions in every port of call, with some itineraries offering up to 97 included tours per voyage.
• Gourmet cuisine in multiple specialty and al fresco venues.
• Fine wines and premium spirits included throughout the ship.
• Fleetwide Starlink Wi‑Fi, enhancing connectivity at sea.
• Valet laundry, pre‑paid gratuities and 24‑hour in‑suite dining.
• A one‑night pre‑cruise hotel package for guests in Concierge‑level suites and above, often combined with included flights and transfers on select fares.

These inclusions are central to Regent’s “no‑surprises” approach to luxury, where most elements of the holiday are covered in a single fare.

Seven Seas Prestige: inaugural season highlights

Seven Seas Prestige cruise ship sailing at sea

Although the fourth Prestige‑Class ship won’t arrive until 2036, the first‑in‑class Seven Seas Prestige will start setting the standard from December 13, 2026, with a 14‑night festive maiden voyage from Barcelona to Miami.

Her inaugural season features 13 voyages across the Caribbean and Europe, including:

• Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries and Panama Canal transits, with embarkations in Miami, Los Angeles and New York.
• Culture‑rich sailings along the Iberian Peninsula and the coast of France, including multiple overnight stays in cities such as Lisbon, Bordeaux and London.
• Visits to boutique ports like St. Lucia, Cartagena and Bordeaux, with extensive included shore excursion options in each.

Why this matters for ultra-luxury cruising

With strong early demand for Seven Seas Prestige and a full four‑ship orderbook stretching to 2036, Regent is signalling long‑term confidence in the top end of the cruise market. The Prestige‑Class ships are not about bigger waterparks or more cabins; they’re about more space, higher service ratios and deeper inclusions, at a time when affluent travellers are increasingly seeking fewer, better experiences.

If you’re the kind of traveller who values space, service, and not having to think about extras once you’re on board, the evolution of Regent’s Prestige‑Class—and the confirmation of a fourth ship—suggests the coming decade will offer some of the most refined ways yet to see the world by sea.

Azamara is dialling up its Destination Immersion® credentials in North America with the launch of its 2027 Alaska Cruisetours, pairing small-ship Alaska sailings with curated pre- and post-cruise land programs in Western Canada and inland Alaska. Designed for travellers who want more than a classic roundtrip cruise, these bundled itineraries combine 10- and 11-night Alaska voyages with four-, five- and six-night land tours, creating extended holidays that go far beyond the pier.

What Are Azamara’s 2027 Alaska Cruisetours?

Azamara’s Alaska Cruisetours are seamless land-and-sea journeys that wrap hotels, transport, guided touring, and select meals around an Alaska cruise, removing much of the planning hassle for guests. Each 2027 Cruisetour includes hotel stays, transfers, luggage handling, escorted sightseeing, selected meals, and admission fees, so travellers can focus on the scenery rather than the logistics.

The land programs link directly to 10- and 11-night Alaska itineraries aboard Azamara’s small ships, known for longer port calls and late-night stays that allow more time for glacier viewing, local culture, and wildlife encounters. It’s a format aimed at guests who want to dive deeper into the Canadian Rockies and coastal cities before or after sailing the Inside Passage and Alaska’s remote ports.

Highlights: Banff, Lake Louise and Whistler

A standout option in the 2027 line-up is the Banff, Lake Louise & Whistler Cruisetour, which threads together some of Western Canada’s most iconic landscapes. Guests can look forward to:

• Scenic drives through the Canadian Rockies, including time in Banff and at the turquoise waters of Lake Louise.
• A bear viewing experience by Land Rover in the Whistler region, giving guests the chance to spot wildlife amid alpine peaks and dense forest.
• Local wine tastings and regional flavours, offering a relaxed taste of British Columbia’s food and wine scene.
• A guided tour of Vancouver to round off the journey, with highlights such as Stanley Park, waterfront neighbourhoods, and the city’s vibrant downtown.

Other Alaska Cruisetours in the portfolio connect to classic experiences such as luxury dome rail travel and time in Denali National Park, further extending Azamara’s destination-focused approach inland.

Pairing Alaska with Japan and a Transpacific Crossing

For travellers looking to string together an even bigger adventure, select 2027 Alaska Cruisetours can be paired with transpacific sailings from northern Japan. This opens the door to an extended itinerary that might start in Japan—exploring ports such as Tokyo, Hakodate or northern Honshu—before crossing the Pacific and continuing inland through Alaska and Western Canada on a Cruisetour.

This combination is ideal for guests who want to tick off both Asia and Alaska in one extended journey, blending Japanese culture and Pacific crossings with glaciers, mountains, and wildlife in the Last Frontier. It also reflects Azamara’s broader strategy of offering longer, more layered itineraries that appeal to repeat cruisers and seasoned travellers.

Why Choose an Azamara Alaska Cruisetour in 2027?

Azamara’s 2027 Alaska Cruisetours are built around the brand’s hallmark Destination Immersion® philosophy, extending that concept from coastal ports into the Canadian Rockies and Alaska’s interior. With bundled hotels, transfers, and guided touring, these programs are particularly attractive for travellers who value convenience but still want authentic, small-group experiences.

Whether it’s spotting bears near Whistler from the comfort of a Land Rover, riding scenic roads between Banff and Lake Louise, tasting local wines, or capping it all off with glacier cruising and whale watching at sea, the 2027 collection is designed to deliver a richer Alaska story from start to finish. For those planning an Alaska cruise in 2027, adding an Azamara Cruisetour—or pairing it with a transpacific sailing from Japan—offers one of the most immersive ways to experience both the coast and the mountains of North America’s northwest.