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SalamAir maps growth across Saudi, Africa and Europe with low-cost focus
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 airlineโs 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 SalamAirโs expansion, with Abha becoming the airlineโs 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
SalamAirโs route selection focuses on markets where the airline can stimulate new demand while strengthening Omanโs global connectivity. When evaluating destinations such as Abha, Nairobi and Vienna, the airline assesses passenger flows, price sensitivity and economic links, alongside integration into Muscatโs 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 SalamAirโs first scheduled connection between Oman and Central Europe and signals the airlineโs 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 SalamAirโs 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 SalamAirโs 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 Muscatโs 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 Omanโs low-cost carrier while supporting tourism and economic development.
Philippines generates significant sales leads at 2026 Salon de la Plongรฉe Sous-Marine
The Philippines generated over PHP80 million in sales leads during its stint at last monthโs Salon de la Plongรฉe Sous-Marine in Paris.
According to the Department of Tourism (DOT), this yearโs 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, Peterโs 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 Leyteโs Sogod Bay Dive Sites took centerstage as the Pavilionโs Featured Destination, showcasing Eastern Visayasโ 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.
Zurich Cover-More announces two key appointments for its operations in Asia
Global travel insurance and assistance provider Zurich CoverโMore 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-Moreโs commitment to growing the groupโs travel business in the Asia region.
These also follow the establishment of Zurich Cover-More as Zurich Groupโs global travel business in late 2024 following the latterโs acquisition of AIGโs Travel Guard business.
Whoโs 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.ย
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.ย
He will lead Zurich CoverโMoreโs 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.ย
On the other hand, Tricia Lim will work with Jon Ford to grow Zurich Cover-Moreโs travel business in the Asia region.
She over 20 yearsโ 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.ย
She will ensure the maintenance of high standards of customer service and business continuity, and the sustainable scaling of operations for future growth.
Global Travel Marketplace Luxury Asia Pacific to debut in April 2026
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.ย
The event aims to connect the Asia Pacificโs 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.ย
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.ย
It will follow GTMโs 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.ย
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 ย
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.ย
At the same time, Singaporeโs 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 showโs inaugural edition.
Krabi boosts the Amazing Location Thailand campaign with a second run of its Love on Screen film festival
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 TATโs Amazing Location Thailand the Story Continues project, which positions Thailand as an internationally recognised film destination while advancing the Kingdomโs Soft Power strategy.ย
The event also supported Krabiโs 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.ย
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.ย
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.ย
The event concluded with screenings and awards for eight shortlisted films, alongside opportunities for local entrepreneurs to showcase products and services, strengthening Krabiโs 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.ย
Krabiโs 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.ย
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 TATโs commitment to advancing Thailandโs Soft Power through the Amazing Location Thailand the Story Continues initiative.ย
By integrating film tourism with creative, wellness, gastronomy and sustainable tourism under the New Thailand vision, TAT continues to strengthen Thailandโs 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.ย
The perfect location
The initiative includes producing international promotional content showcasing Thailandโs 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.ย
Through these integrated efforts, TAT reinforces Thailandโs readiness as a premier global film location while stimulating set-jetting travel and expanding quality tourism opportunities nationwide.
Experts reveal where Chinese travelers went during the Spring Festival
During the 2026 Spring Festival, Japan โ once a top destination for Chinese outbound tourists โsaw 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 PudongโBangkok Suvarnabhumi, Shanghai PudongโSeoul Incheon, and Qingdao JiaodongโSeoul 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 Thailandโs 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 โrediscover Thailand.โ
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.
Explora Journeys Redefines Luxury Sports Travel with Jannik Sinner and Monaco Grand Prix Experiences
Explora Journeys is putting sport at the centre of ultraโluxury ocean travel, unveiling a slate of experiences for 2026 that blendย elite sporting momentsย with the brandโs signature โOcean State of Mind.โ World Tennis No. 2 and brand ambassadorย Jannik Sinnerย will joinย EXPLORA IIIย for her Mediterranean Prelude Journey in July, whileย EXPLORA Iย returns to Monacoโs Port Hercule in June as a floating sanctuary for theย FORMULA 1ยฎ 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 Journeysโย โOcean State of Mindโย philosophy. This summer, his partnership with the brand becomes more intimate:
- Onย 24 and 25 July 2026, Sinner will be aboardย EXPLORA IIIย during herย fiveโnight Mediterranean Prelude Journeyย from Genoa to Rome.
- Guests will be invited to anย intimate Q&A session, plus a curated series ofย exclusive engagementsย that offer rare insight into his career, mindset and training.
- Select guests will have the chance to joinย coaching sessionsย with Sinner and his performance team, bringing worldโclass tennis preparation into an ocean setting.
The programme also includes anย exclusive charity gala dinnerย on board, with proceeds benefitting both theย Jannik Sinner Foundationย and theย MSC Foundation, adding a philanthropic dimension to the experience.
During the Prelude Journey, EXPLORA III will make her debut along theย French and Italian Rivieras, calling at sunโdrenched ports such asย SaintโTropezย andย VillefrancheโsurโMer, and offering guests a first look at her new culinary and lounge concepts, expanded outdoor decks and refined design.โIn Balanceโ: Jannik Sinnerโs Ocean Wellness Programme
Guests on EXPLORA III will also benefit fromย In Balance: A Jannik Sinner Ocean Wellness Programme, created by Sinner and his team specifically for Explora Journeys. Built around four pillarsโTrain, Reโcentre, Restore and Renewโthe programme includes:
- Theย โJannik Sinner Methodโย signature workout by Fitness Coachย Umberto Ferrara, focusing on precision and agility.
- Guidedย breathworkย sessions to support mental clarity and emotional balance.
- Targetedย muscleโrelease therapyย to enhance mobility and recovery.
- A revitalisingย hotโcold wellness circuitย designed to restore equilibrium after exertion.
This layered approach to wellbeing mirrors the demands of topโlevel sport while staying rooted in Exploraโs calm, restorative onboard environment.
EXPLORA I at the Monaco Grand Prix 2026
Fromย 3 to 8 June 2026,ย EXPLORA Iย will return to Monacoโs legendaryย Port Hercule, justย 150 metres from the FORMULA 1ยฎ circuit, for theย FORMULA 1ยฎ LOUIS VUITTON GRAND PRIX DE MONACO 2026. Following a highly praised debut in 2025, the ship will once again serve as an ultraโelegant, privateโyachtโinspired base for race weekend.
Guests can expect:
- Frontโrow proximityย to the race, with privileged vantage points from the shipโs decks and terraces.
- VIP Paddock Club™ accessย andย pit lane walks, bridging the gap between the adrenaline of the paddock and the serenity of the ship.
- Starlit soirรฉes, themed cocktail celebrations, and exclusive meetโandโgreets with motorsport personalities.
- The ability to retreat to spacious suites with floorโtoโceiling windows and private terraces after the dayโs racing drama.
Explora Journeys positions EXPLORA I as aย โfloating sanctuaryโย during Monacoโs most glamorous weekend, offering a rare combination ofย trackside energy and oceanโside calm.
Ships as high-performance stages
As travellers increasingly anchor their trips around worldโclass sporting events, Explora Journeys is shaping its fleet as both aย frontโrow seat to major momentsย and aย stage for personal performance. On board, guests can work on their own goals with:
- Technogym equipment, outdoor sports courts and a running track fleetwide.
- Onย EXPLORA III, the newย Technogym Sand Stone collection,ย Technogym Reform Pilates equipmentย and aย private training studioย for oneโtoโone sessions.
- An expandedย Sports Courtย for padel, pickleball and basketball, plus anย extended running trackย along the decks with uninterrupted sea views.
- A consolidatedย Ocean Wellnessย 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 bothย movement and recovery.
Luxury sports travel, reimagined
By pairingย Monaco Grand Prix race accessย withย tennisโled wellness and coachingย on EXPLORA III, Explora Journeys is defining a new niche:ย luxury sports travelย 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 worldโclass competition.
- Direct interaction with athletes and performance teams.
- Time and space to decompress in a refined, oceanโfront setting.
Bookings for theย Monaco 2026 programmeย and theย EXPLORA III Prelude Journey with Jannik Sinnerย are now open viaย explorajourneys.comย or through preferred travel advisors.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Orders New Ships for Every Line, Expanding Fleet to 17 Newbuilds
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) is futureโproofing its fleet in a big way, confirming an agreement with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri forย three new cruise shipsโone each for Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. The new vessels will be delivered betweenย 2036 and 2037, locking in valuable shipyard capacity and supporting the companyโs 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 NCLHโs three brands at its shipyards in Italy. Forย Norwegian Cruise Line, the vessel will become theย fourth ship in its upcoming, asโyetโunnamed megaโship class, which is set to debut in 2030.
Theย Oceania Cruisesย newbuild will be aย sister ship to Oceania Sonata, the lead vessel in the new Sonata class launching in 2027, reinforcing Oceaniaโs premium, destination-focused fleet. Meanwhile,ย Regent Seven Seas Cruisesย will receive a sister ship toย Seven Seas Prestige, the first in the lineโs new Prestige class scheduled to debut in December 2026.
Norwegianโs Biggest Ships Ever
The new Norwegian Cruise Line class is poised to be theย largest ever built for the brand, with the first ship expected inย 2030. At aroundย 225,000 gross tonsย and an estimated capacity of approximatelyย 5,100 guests at double occupancy, these ships will rival Royal Caribbeanโs Oasisโclass in sheer size and presence.
These nextโgeneration megaships are expected to offer expanded entertainment, dining, and accommodation options, aligning with Norwegianโs strategy of delivering large, resortโstyle experiences at sea. The newly ordered fourth ship in this class, arriving toward the end of the build cycle, will further cement Norwegianโs footprint in the high-capacity, bigโship 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:ย The newly ordered ship will join theย Sonata classย as a sister toย Oceania Sonata, offering around 1,200โ1,400 guest capacity and focusing on elevated culinary and destination immersion experiences. This continues Oceaniaโs trajectory of introducing modern, midโsized ships tailored to longer, portโintensive itineraries.
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises:ย The new vessel for Regent will be a sister toย Seven Seas Prestige, anchoring the lineโs new Prestige class as another ultraโluxury, allโsuite ship with high spaceโtoโguest 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 fastโgrowing luxury cruise segment.
17 New Ships on Order Across the Fleet
With this latest agreement, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings now hasย 17 newbuildsย in its pipeline, spread across all three brands. The current orderbook includes:
- Norwegian Cruise Line:
- Norwegian Luna (2026)
- Norwegian Aura (2027)
- Primaโplus class (2028)
- New megaโship class: 2030, 2032, 2034, 2036, 2037
- Oceania Cruises:
- Oceania Sonata (2027)
- Oceania Arietta (2029)
- Additional Sonataโclass ships: 2032, 2035, 2037
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises:
- Seven Seas Prestige (2026)
- Additional Prestigeโclass ships: 2030, 2033, 2036
This robust newbuild programme supports an expectedย 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 NCLHโs growth strategy, enabling the company to introduceย new venues, features, and amenitiesย 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 productsโfrom highโenergy megaships to small, ultraโluxury vesselsโtailored to different traveller segments.
While all future newbuild contracts remainย subject to financing, which is standard for longโterm shipyard agreements, securing these slots throughย 2037ย 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 Orders Fourth Prestige-Class Ship, Extending Ultra-Luxury Fleet to 2036
Regent Seven Seas Cruisesยฎ, widely regarded as one of the worldโs leading ultraโluxury cruise lines, has confirmed an order for aย fourth PrestigeโClass shipย with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, scheduled for delivery inย 2036. The new vessel will follow the debut ofย Seven Seas Prestige™ย in December 2026, with sister ships arriving inย 2030ย andย 2033, cementing the PrestigeโClass as Regentโs nextโgeneration platform forย Unrivaled Space at Sea™ย well into the 2030s.
A four-ship Prestige-Class for the next decade
The agreement with Fincantieri will see allย four PrestigeโClass shipsย built in Italy, marking Regentโsย 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 ultraโluxury market.
Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer at Regent Seven Seas Cruises, said the fourthโship orderย โunderscores our commitment to leading the ultraโluxury cruise market for the decade ahead and beyond,โย noting that Seven Seas Prestigeโs opening sales day in June 2025 was theย biggest newโship launch day in the lineโs history.
Unrivaled space, fewer guests
PrestigeโClass ships are designed around Regentโs hallmark of high spaceโtoโguest ratios rather than maximum capacity.
Key stats forย Seven Seas Prestigeโwhich will set the template for the classโinclude:
- Approx. 77,000 gross tons, aroundย 40% largerย than previous Regent ships.
- Justย 822 guestsย andย 630 crew, delivering some of theย highest spaceโtoโguest and crewโtoโguest ratiosย in the cruise industry.
- Allโbalcony, allโsuite accommodation acrossย 12 suite categories, includingย four allโnew suite types.
This design approach allows for larger suites, more expansive public areas and an overall feeling ofย residential comfortย rather than crowdingโcentral to Regentโs ultraโluxury 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 theย Skyview Regent Suite, billed as theย largest allโinclusive, ultraโluxury cruise ship suite in history.
Highlights include:
- A vast, twoโlevel footprint with multiple bedrooms and living spaces.
- A wraparound balcony and private indoor wellness features such as a gym and sauna.
- Fares reported from aroundย US$25,000โ40,000 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, PrestigeโClass ships are being crafted with a focus on light, art and culinary choice.
Notable features include:
- Theย Starlight Atrium, a sophisticated, lightโfilled central space with sweeping staircases and curated art.โ
- Galileoโs Bar, an artโinspired lounge designed as a chic social hub.โ
- 11 distinct dining experiences, with one additional venue still to be revealed.
- New concepts such asย Azure, a mezzeโstyle Mediterranean restaurant, alongside Regent favouritesย Chartreuse,ย Prime 7ย andย Pacific Rim.
These elements are designed to deepen Regentโsย Epicurean Perfectionย promise, offering guests more variety and a stronger sense of place through cuisine.
All-inclusive ultra-luxury, taken further
The PrestigeโClass ships build on Regentโs already comprehensiveย allโinclusiveย model, which goes far beyond basic drinks and WiโFi. Guests can expect:
- Unlimited shore excursionsย in every port of call, with some itineraries offering up toย 97 included tours per voyage.
- Gourmet cuisine in multiple specialty and al fresco venues.
- Fine wines and premium spiritsย included throughout the ship.
- Fleetwideย Starlink WiโFi, enhancing connectivity at sea.
- Valet laundry, preโpaid gratuities and 24โhour inโsuite dining.
- Aย oneโnight preโcruise hotel packageย for guests in Conciergeโlevel suites and above, often combined with included flights and transfers on select fares.
These inclusions are central to Regentโs โnoโsurprisesโ 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 PrestigeโClass ship wonโt arrive until 2036, the firstโinโclassย Seven Seas Prestigeย will start setting the standard fromย December 13, 2026, with aย 14โnight festive maiden voyage from Barcelona to Miami.
Her inaugural season featuresย 13 voyagesย across theย Caribbean and Europe, including:
- Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries andย Panama Canalย transits, with embarkations inย Miami,ย Los Angelesย andย New York.
- Cultureโrich sailings along theย Iberian Peninsula and the coast of France, including multiple overnight stays in cities such as Lisbon, Bordeaux and London.
- Visits to boutique ports likeย 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 fourโship orderbook stretching to 2036, Regent is signalling longโterm confidence in theย top end of the cruise market. The PrestigeโClass ships are not about bigger waterparks or more cabins; theyโre aboutย more space, higher service ratios and deeper inclusions, at a time when affluent travellers are increasingly seekingย fewer, betterย experiences.
If youโre the kind of traveller who values space, service, and not having to think about extras once youโre on board, the evolution of Regentโs PrestigeโClassโand the confirmation of a fourth shipโsuggests the coming decade will offer some of the most refined ways yet to see the world by sea.
Azamara Unveils 2027 Alaska Cruisetours: Deeper Journeys Through the Rockies, Canada and the Last Frontier
Azamara is dialling up its Destination Immersionยฎ credentials in North America with the launch of itsย 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 combineย 10- and 11-night Alaska voyagesย withย four-, five- and six-night land tours, creating extended holidays that go far beyond the pier.
What Are Azamaraโs 2027 Alaska Cruisetours?
Azamaraโs 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 toย 10- and 11-night Alaska itinerariesย aboard Azamaraโs small ships, known for longer port calls and late-night stays that allow more time for glacier viewing, local culture, and wildlife encounters. Itโs 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 Alaskaโs remote ports.
Highlights: Banff, Lake Louise and Whistler
A standout option in the 2027 line-up is theย Banff, Lake Louise & Whistler Cruisetour, which threads together some of Western Canadaโs most iconic landscapes. Guests can look forward to:
- Scenic drives through theย Canadian Rockies, including time in Banff and at the turquoise waters ofย Lake Louise.
- Aย bear viewing experience by Land Roverย 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 Columbiaโs food and wine scene.
- Aย guided tour of Vancouverย to round off the journey, with highlights such as Stanley Park, waterfront neighbourhoods, and the cityโs vibrant downtown.
Other Alaska Cruisetours in the portfolio connect to classic experiences such as luxury dome rail travel and time inย Denali National Park, further extending Azamaraโs destination-focused approach inland.
Pairing Alaska with Japan and a Transpacific Crossing
For travellers looking to string together an even bigger adventure, selectย 2027 Alaska Cruisetours can be paired with transpacific sailings from northern Japan. This opens the door to an extended itinerary that might start in Japanโexploring ports such as Tokyo, Hakodate or northern Honshuโbefore 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 bothย Asia and Alaskaย in one extended journey, blending Japanese culture and Pacific crossings with glaciers, mountains, and wildlife in the Last Frontier. It also reflects Azamaraโs broader strategy of offering longer, more layered itineraries that appeal to repeat cruisers and seasoned travellers.
Why Choose an Azamara Alaska Cruisetour in 2027?
Azamaraโs 2027 Alaska Cruisetours are built around the brandโs hallmark Destination Immersionยฎ philosophy, extending that concept from coastal ports into the Canadian Rockies and Alaskaโs 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 itโs 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 Cruisetourโor pairing it with a transpacific sailing from Japanโoffers one of the most immersive ways to experience both the coast and the mountains of North Americaโs northwest.
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