For MICE professionals, a great deal goes into the planning and execution of a successful event, and the team behind Singapore MICE Forum 2025 certainly pulled it off.

But what is unique to the event’s third live run in the post-COVID period is that this was no longer just a MICE event, but a business event geared towards MICE professionals, one that would help broaden their perspectives and, in turn, lead to the evolution of the way events are done in Singapore and beyond.

SMF 2025 co-chair Adeline Lim shared: “Bringing in professionals from fields outside of the MICE experience was intentional. We’d like people to come and hear the insights shared from the outside. What they do next with the information they received during the forum is entirely up to them.”

Indeed, there is a great deal that MICE professionals could pick up from fields as diverse as sport and sports coverage, even heading straight to food and beverage and hospitality, many of which have interacted with or required the services of events experts.

As the event has drawn to a close, we at Travel Daily Media share with you, our readers, the various key concepts presented throughout the course of SMF 2025.

Lessons from the field

Broaden your horizons and keep an open mind

The beauty of this year’s SMF was how the majority of panellists weren’t from the MICE sector, but came instead from fields as far off as haute couture and comedy productions in order to show professionals a different way of doing things.

Keeping an open mind also means becoming flexible, thus becoming more capable of dealing with evolving situations, especially given the uncertainty of today’s world.

Flexible thinking also trains individuals and organisations to think fast on their feet, especially necessary in the event that they encounter situations wherein they need to come up with solutions on the fly.

While the brand is important, the people behind the brand are more important

When it comes to events, building a recognisable brand that works is the key to ensure audience recall, as well as longevity.

Think about it: the Oscars are one, the Olympics are another; in the contemporary context, we also have the likes of Paris Fashion Week and San Diego Comic-Con.

But people tend to forget that these events weren’t exactly a flash in the pan: they were built up over time by people who dedicated themselves to make them work.

So, why not humanise a brand to make it more approachable, relatable, and memorable?

MICE professionals can make this possible by sharing behind-the-scenes looks at their events on social media or build excitement up prior to an event with talking heads teasing the insights they intend to share onstage.

This enables core audiences to appreciate the amount of effort that goes into bringing an event to life on top of building brand image and recall.

Leverage the power of technology

Love it or hate it, artificial intelligence (AI) is most probably here to stay; so why not get some good use out of it in the context of MICE?

AI’s applications for events are manifold: while admittedly imperfect, the technology can be used to transcribe oral interviews and panel discussions which, at the end of the event, may be condensed into an official summary for dissemination to participants via the official event website or social media accounts.

At major international events like the Macau International Travel Expo and ITB China earlier this year, AI was also put to work for automatic translation: an especially useful addition given the global audience in attendance, many of whom had little to no understanding of the local lingua franca.

Likewise, we are already seeing the extensive use of QR codes for fielding questions for speakers, holding polls throughout the duration of a session and revealing results as they come in, and getting post-event feedback from participants.

Hardware matters when it comes to connectivity

The necessary equipment for staging events now goes beyond microphones, projectors, sound systems, and lighting.

Aside from projection screens on which to flash a speaker’s presentation, today’s events go the extra mile and offer live broadcast studios for podcasters and content creators, enabling them to share their experiences from the floor to their followers in real time.

This aspect was an offshoot of the pandemic and led to the development of hybrid events, further expanding the scope of MICE in the post-pandemic era as they bring events to those who may not be able to attend in person.

On a more mundane level, placing tablets with pre-installed applications or relevant content for the use of event participants also helps in boosting onsite interactivity.

Make the most of your online presence

I have personally noticed, particularly among corporate events in Asia, that related social media accounts tend to seem underutilised.

Most of the time, social media tends to be used for pre-event marketing; hype-building, so to speak.

However, MICE professionals should not discount the ability of their socials to amplify the total impact of their event.

Thanks to app functions like Instagram Live and Facebook Live, organisers have the ability to bring a wider audience base to where the action is currently happening.

At the same time, recordings posted after an event (even immediately after a session) can boost follower engagement on so many different levels, depending on whether these are full-length video footage or more easily digestible snippets or reels.

Also, while they may be temporary, short-form stories posted on social media also give viewers the opportunity to be at an event if only for a fleeting moment; add a poll related to the content, and the event’s engagement stands to grow at a significant rate.

On to the next one…

The post-mortem of any event is the time when both organisers and suppliers can look back and see the minutiae, so to speak, of what just came to pass.

This part of the event brings up participant feedback, and this should always be interpreted in a positive light; a challenge, to be exact, to make the next event better.

Indeed, as the organisers of SMF 2025 put it: the feedback, the notes, and the learnings are all there; what you as organisers, suppliers, or even participants do with all that is entirely up to you.

Just a little over a couple of hours and 200km northeast of Bangkok, the serene rural destination that is Khao Yai is rapidly becoming one of the most desirable places to go in Thailand.

When in Khao Yai, those seeking a getaway to refresh and restore both mind and body would do well to make their way to Mövenpick Resort Khao Yai.

As resort general manager Joseph Beck opines: “I see the destination as more than a place to stay, it’s a gateway to restorative experiences. Khao Yai offers a rare balance of openness, thoughtful comfort, and curated activities, making it ideal for escapes, retreats, and time well spent. Guests enjoy rolling green views, wellness and family-friendly experiences, and environments designed to encourage a slower, more intentional pace.”

This restorative mindset is reflected in the way Movenpick Resort Khao Yai operates: doing things in an extraordinary way to transform simple moments into memorable ones, staying true to place, and delivering hospitality that feels natural, personal, and quietly confident.

Making the ordinary extraordinary

Mövenpick’s long-standing philosophy of doing things in an extraordinary way is expressed at Mövenpick Resort Khao Yai through intention, detail, and consistency in daily operations, rather than grand gestures alone. 

Every choice, from the design of the property’s interior spaces to the delivery of service, the experiences offered to the way guests are treated on the property, is both deliberate and purposeful.

Details are never random at this property; each one has its purpose, and these all work together to help guests feel welcome, comfortable, and even inspired by the place and its people.

As Beck explains: “It starts with experiences that invite curiosity and participation. The Secret Tower safety box challenge, for example, turns a hidden space into a moment of discovery, encouraging guests to engage, solve, and play. It’s not a gimmick; it’s a reminder that hospitality can still surprise, inspiring guests to explore both the resort and its grounds. That same mindset runs through our service approach. Thoughtful touches are embedded into everyday interactions, anticipating needs before they’re asked for, creating small moments of delight for families, and allowing guests the space to slow down without feeling overlooked. Service is warm, human, and observant, not scripted.”

Likewise, Mövenpick’s overarching philosophy is reflected in the way flow and atmosphere were designed in the property: public spaces, for instance, are calm and generous, not crowded or over-programmed as they are elsewhere.

Dining experiences are also crafted along the same lines, with a strong focus on quality, craftsmanship, and authenticity; ensuring that diners truly enjoy quality as opposed to indulgent excess.

Sustainability is also woven into the resort’s very DNA: integrated as a way of life rather than mere compliance with local or global regulations; it speaks of a genuine concern for both the environment and the communities surrounding the property in Khao Yai.

Meeting challenges with grace and style

In contemporary hospitality, perfection is an ideal that all properties strive for and the road towards that particular goal is littered with challenges.

In the case of Mövenpick Resort Khao Yai, one of the key challenges is actually its location.

Beck said: “We are positioned slightly further north in Khao Yai, away from the main tourist clusters and traffic flow. Rather than trying to compete with busier areas, we made a deliberate decision to embrace that distance, and turn it into a strength.”

Indeed, being far removed from the urban sprawl and the chaos common to cities has enabled the resort to offer something truly precious to contemporary travellers: a tranquil, restful space where one may have meaningful encounters and experiences all at their own sweet pace.

As Beck puts it: “Our guests are not here to rush between attractions. They are here to reset, to reconnect, and to choose their own pace, whether that means a full day of activities or doing very little at all.”

As a way of supporting this freedom, the resort has evolved into a destination in its own right and, rather than a feeling of isolation, guests feel that they have retreated into a secluded getaway that accords privacy in a most luxurious setting.

Plus, some of Khao Yai’s most prominent attractions are just a short drive away, and the hotel itself offers a great deal to do within its own premises.

According to Beck: “We have steadily expanded our on-site experiences, particularly for families, with new additions such as Zooniverse, our animal farm, and the Magic Forest children’s activity zone. These experiences allow guests to stay engaged without feeling confined, while still preserving the calm, open atmosphere that defines the resort.”

A meaningful approach to MICE

With regard to functions and events, Mövenpick Resort Khao Yai is well placed as a compelling choice for offsite meetings, conferences, and corporate retreats.

Indeed, one of the things that sets the property apart from the competition is its approach to corporate retreat programmes. 

As Beck explains: “We design experiences that combine structured brainstorming sessions with team-building activities and shared moments outside the meeting room. The natural surroundings allow discussions to continue beyond four walls, whether through outdoor workshops, informal breakouts, or reflective downtime.”

Mövenpick’s strength in this regard lies in providing exactly what business events need, specifically reliable meeting facilities and flexible spaces.

The property’s indoor meeting rooms are practical, adaptable, and supported by the essential technology required for effective offsite sessions, workshops, and strategy meetings.

Even the meals provided for every event reflect the property’s core ethos, and dining venues both indoors and out encourage conversation, connection, and alignment; meals as a shared experience thus get numbered among the most impactful moments of any event on the premises.

Also, thanks to a mix of pool villas and rooms featuring balconies and open views, delegates stay immersed in a calm environment that supports clarity and well-being. 

This results in business events that feel purposeful, balanced, and engaging, making Mövenpick Khao Yai a natural choice for organisations seeking effective retreats in a setting that allows teams to think, connect, and reset.

Beck added: “We are also positioning Mövenpick Khao Yai as a premier MICE destination. Our flexible meeting spaces, and dedicated team allow businesses to host seamless conferences, corporate retreats, and incentive programs, all set against the serenity of nature.”

Coming up next

Throughout this year, Mövenpick Resort Khao Yai’s focus will centre on deepening what it already does well. 

From immersive family adventures and bespoke weddings to pet-friendly stays and signature Dining by Design experiences where meals are shaped around beautiful settings for any occasion, every experience will be thoughtfully crafted to leave a lasting impression.

As Beck concludes: “Mövenpick Khao Yai will continue to raise the standard for experience-led hospitality, where moments feel considered, guests feel genuinely at ease, and every stay invites a deeper connection to the landscape, the people, and the spirit of Thailand.”

Airbus signed agreements with two of Thailand’s leading universities earlier today, 6th February.

In doing so, Airbus expands its Asia-Pacific network of partnerships to further advance the development of the next generation of industry professionals.

The agreements were signed at the Singapore Airshow, where academics from both Kasetsart University and the King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL) met with Airbus representatives to formalise the respective partnerships.

Beyond curriculum co-development, the partnership further  extends to practical immersion. 

This includes annual site visits to various Airbus campuses for a first-hand look at real-world aviation operations, as well as the provision of internship positions, designed to offer students meaningful industry experience.

Valuable experience for the next generation

As part of a three-year partnership, Airbus and the universities will co-develop two courses that introduce students to flight operations support from the unique perspective of an aircraft manufacturer.

Dr Wanchai Yodsudjai, dean of the faculty of engineering at Kasetsart University, said: “Through this collaboration, our students will gain valuable exposure to real-world industry practices, learn directly from global experts, and develop the skills and global perspective needed for their future careers. We believe this partnership will create meaningful opportunities for our students and contribute positively to the long-term development of the engineering and aviation sectors.”

KMITL president Dr Komsan Maleesee likewise remarked: “This partnership with Airbus will strengthen our commitment to bridging education and industry, preparing our students to become future innovators in the global aviation sector.”

Airbus head of human resources in the Asia Pacific Paul Colgnec further enthused: “We’re thrilled to have two new universities join our network of academic partnerships to equip students seeking a career in global aviation with practical skills to succeed. We look forward to working closely with Kasetsart University and KMITL on this exciting journey.”

HBX Group’s MarketHub Asia in Bali shared how the Asia-Pacific (APAC) is entering a decisive new phase of travel growth driven by resilient demand, accelerating technology adoption and rapidly evolving distribution models across the region.

Indeed, MarketHub Asia once again served as a platform for in-depth discussion across a broad range of topics shaping the future of travel in the region from market dynamics and distribution to technology, retail, luxury and partner collaboration.

Speaking to partners from across the travel ecosystem throughout APAC and the Middle East, HBX Group leaders highlighted that while travel has returned at scale, the real opportunity now lies in execution: helping partners convert demand into sustainable growth through smarter distribution, stronger collaboration and technology-enabled personalisation.

The insights shared on stage reflect just part of the conversations taking place throughout the event, as HBX Group and its partners continue to explore how to turn APAC’s growth momentum into sustainable, long-term value across the travel ecosystem.

HBX Group chief distribution officer David Amsellem kicked off the event by saying: “Travel demand in APAC is not just back: it’s evolving fast, The challenge for all of us is how we unlock that momentum in a way that protects choice, drives value and allows partners to grow profitably in an increasingly complex market.”

This year’s MarketHub theme Unlocked reflects that urgency, as HBX Group emphasised that unlocking the region’s full potential depends on bringing together the right technology, the right partners and the right market conditions, and doing so now, while momentum is firmly in place.

APAC momentum backed by data

That market perspective was reinforced by insights shared on stage by Oxford Economics head of tourism analysis in APAC Michael Shoory.

According to Oxford Economics’ latest projections, global inbound travel volumes are expected to grow by more than 60% by 2035, with Asia-Pacific among the fastest-growing regions worldwide.

Shoory highlighted that APAC will continue to gain share of global tourism as rising incomes, improved connectivity and demographic shifts drive demand. 

Around 80 percent of the growth in inbound travel to APAC over the next decade will be driven by intra-regional travel, reinforcing the importance of regional connectivity and efficient distribution models.

Despite ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainty, Shoory noted that consumers continue to prioritise travel in their spending decisions, underlining the sector’s resilience and long-term growth potential.

Considering the retail, wholesale, and luxury tourism sectors

HBX Group leaders also explored how these macro trends are translating into concrete shifts across MEAPAC distribution.

Andrew Boocock, wholesale director for MEAPAC at HBX Group, highlighted that the region is actively driving new travel flows globally, supported by continued investment in infrastructure, connectivity and digital capability across markets such as China, India, Indonesia, South Korea and Vietnam.

Boocock also pointed to MEAPAC’s long-established last-minute booking behaviour, noting that smarter pricing, rebooking tools and improved post-booking support can help businesses reduce avoidable cancellations, protect margins and improve operational efficiency.

From a retail and luxury perspective, MEAPAC retail sales director Stefano Zeni highlighted how technology is reshaping the booking funnel, even for high-touch, complex travel products.

Zeni explained that retail distribution is increasingly shifting towards API-led models, while in luxury travel the winning formula lies in blending advanced technology with human expertise. 

This shift is reflected in traveller preferences: while 81 percent of travellers say price influences destination choice, more than half say luxury experiences matter when planning a trip, particularly among higher-income travellers and in markets such as China, reinforcing the rise of “accessible luxury.”

A paradigm shift is happening

As distribution models evolve, HBX Group noted that hotel partnerships are also undergoing a fundamental shift: moving beyond transactional contracting towards more strategic, value-led collaboration.

According to HBX Group chief sourcing and commercial services officer Xabier Zabala: “Hotel partnerships are moving well beyond transactional models. As growth normalises and complexity increases, the focus is shifting towards fewer but more strategic relationships built on relevance, trust and scale. The future of B2B hotel contracting will be defined by smarter segmentation, closer collaboration and a broader value proposition that goes far beyond simply selling rooms.”

HBX Group also used MarketHub Asia to underline how technology is already operating at scale across its ecosystem.

Group chief information officer Daniel Nordholm explained that over the past year the Group has focused on strengthening platform fundamentals, prioritising speed, connectivity and usability to remove friction between demand, supply and conversion.

In 2025 alone, HBX Group deployed more than 7,000 product updates, roughly one every 75 minutes, whilst maintaining near-continuous platform availability. 

Today, the Group’s technology processes around 8 billion searches per day, supported by advanced security capabilities analysing tens of billions of signals in real time.

Nordholm highlighted that AI is now embedded across core business functions, from customer service and pricing optimisation to personalisation and operational efficiency. 

Rather than adding complexity, HBX Group’s approach is designed to simplify integration and allow partners to innovate faster whilst retaining ownership of their brand and customer relationships.

OTM 2026, Asia’s leading travel trade show, commenced today at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, marking a pivotal moment for India’s burgeoning role in the global tourism industry. The event, recognised by NielsenIQ as the Leading Travel Trade Show in India and Asia for two consecutive years, features over 2,200 exhibitors from more than 60 countries, including 45 National Tourism Organisations. The three-day event is expected to attract over 50,000 travel trade visitors and 1,000 top industry professionals.

The exhibition highlights India’s strategic importance as an outbound travel market, driven by rising disposable incomes and expanding international connectivity. “OTM was created to reflect the reality of global travel today, where India is no longer an emerging opportunity but one of the most sought-after and strategic travel markets globally,” said Sanjiv Agarwal, Chairman and CEO of Fairfest Media.

Key features of OTM 2026 include a robust exhibitor showcase, high-quality buyer access, and structured business engagements with over 50,000 pre-scheduled B2B meetings. The event also hosts the OTM Forum, bringing together policymakers and industry leaders to discuss outbound travel growth and destination competitiveness.

As the Partner Airline, Malaysia Airlines underscores the critical role of aviation in supporting India’s expanding global travel footprint. The event continues to serve as a platform for global destinations to engage with India, reflecting the country’s central role in the global destination strategy

This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.

Holland America Line has unveiled its full 2027–2028 Legendary Voyages collection, showcasing longer, deeply immersive cruises designed for travellers who want to go beyond the standard seven-night sailing and really get under the skin of a destination. These 25‑ to 59‑day itineraries span Alaska, Europe, the South Pacific, the Caribbean, South America and the Amazon, with routes built around history, culture, astronomy and epic sea journeys.

What Makes a Legendary Voyage

Legendary Voyages are extended sailings, typically 25–59 days, focused on one region or narrative rather than a quick highlights reel. Guests enjoy more time in port, including late-night and overnight calls, plus themed onboard programming that brings each itinerary’s story to life.

Onboard, travellers can expect touches usually associated with grand voyages: themed dinners and parties, local cultural performances, a resident classical ensemble, creative workshops, clergy-led religious services, commemorative cruise logs and a Captain’s Gala Dinner. These details are designed to match the scale of the journeys and create a strong connection between ship and shore.​

Headline Itineraries for 2027–2028

Several standout itineraries anchor the new Legendary Voyages lineup:

• 47‑Day Ultimate Mediterranean & Atlantic Passage – Roundtrip from New York, visiting 21 ports across 12 countries with extended time in Civitavecchia (Rome), Alexandria and Istanbul, inspired by Holland America’s early 1920s pleasure cruises.​
• 28‑Day Pan Am 100 Years Legendary Voyage – Roundtrip Miami aboard Zuiderdam, retracing historic Pan Am Clipper routes through the Caribbean, Mexico and Latin America with 18 ports, themed programming and period-inspired touches honouring the golden age of travel.
• 28‑Day Solar Eclipse & Cosmic Port Explorer – Departing 10 July 2027 on Nieuw Statendam, roundtrip from Rotterdam or Dover, combining 13 ports in Europe and North Africa with the rare chance to witness a total solar eclipse at sea off Morocco and visit archeoastronomy sites such as the Alhambra and Montjuïc Observatory.
• 28‑Day Legendary Amazon Explorer – Roundtrip Fort Lauderdale in January 2028 aboard Zuiderdam, delving deep into the Amazon with a route tailored for river exploration and cultural discovery.

South Pacific & Australia-Focused Legendary Voyages

For travellers drawn to the South Pacific and Australasia, the collection includes several long, ocean-spanning journeys. These feature remote islands, UNESCO sites, vibrant coral reefs and extended stays in key ports.

Highlighted sailings include:

• 26‑Day Australia, Coral Sea & Fiji Legendary Voyage – Sailing from Sydney to Auckland on 4 January 2028 aboard Westerdam, calling at 14 ports across Australia’s east coast, Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga, with overnights in Cairns and Lautoka.
• 34‑Day Legendary South Pacific Crossing: Honolulu & Tahiti – Seattle to Sydney on Westerdam, departing 19 September 2027, linking Hawaii, French Polynesia and the South Pacific with an extended trans-ocean experience.
• 35‑Day Legendary South Pacific Crossing: Tahiti & Honolulu – Sydney to Seattle on Westerdam, departing 26 March 2028, reversing the route to create a grand Pacific crossing in the other direction.
• 35‑Day Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas Legendary Voyage – Multiple departures roundtrip from San Diego aboard Zaandam or Koningsdam, combining marquee Pacific isles with remote Marquesas ports.

Onboard Experience: Travel With a Theme

Each Legendary Voyage is built around a clear narrative – from chasing a solar eclipse and following Viking paths to revisiting Pan Am’s aviation heritage or tracing the Amazon’s vast waterways. Onboard enrichment mirrors these themes through destination lectures, cultural programming, music, food and special events that reflect the regions visited.

Across the season, Holland America leans on more than 150 years of seafaring tradition to design routes that prioritise port immersion over speed, enabling guests to explore storied cities, remote islands and iconic natural wonders in greater depth and comfort.

A new era of ultra-luxury ocean travel is on the horizon. Explora Journeys, the European luxury lifestyle brand of the MSC Group, has revealed EXPLORA III — the third of six class-defining ships — promising to elevate the concept of refined exploration at sea. Launching ahead of schedule in July 2026, EXPLORA III will debut on an exclusive Mediterranean Prelude Journey from 24 to 29 July, followed by her official naming ceremony in Barcelona on 1 August 2026.

Redefining the Ocean State of Mind

EXPLORA III is more than a new ship — she’s a floating destination that embodies the brand’s “Ocean State of Mind” philosophy. With a 19.2-metre extension offering more outdoor and indoor space than ever before, this next-generation vessel introduces a new balance of design, wellness, and gastronomy. Her dual-fuel LNG and low-carbon engines reflect Explora Journeys’ sustainable vision — a seamless blend of innovation and environmental care.

Each detail on board has been designed to enhance serenity and spaciousness. From the reimagined atrium lobby framed by marble and Venini chandeliers to the tranquil Conservatory Pool & Bar, EXPLORA III exudes quiet sophistication with generous open-air decks, private cabanas, and one of the industry’s best host-to-guest ratios.

Homes at Sea: Ocean Residences and Penthouses

Guests can choose from 463 oceanfront suites, including an expanded number of Ocean Penthouses and Residences, each designed as a serene retreat with panoramic views and private terraces. Notably, EXPLORA III introduces a second Owner’s Residence, created in collaboration with acclaimed designer Patricia Urquiola. This 280 sqm ocean home features a marble spa bathroom, a private whirlpool, and a wraparound terrace — the epitome of luxury living at sea.

An Inspired Culinary Journey

EXPLORA III expands the brand’s celebrated culinary repertoire with three new dining concepts, alongside guest favourites such as Med Yacht Club, Sakura, and Marble & Co. Grill. Among the new experiences are The Shore Club, The Chef’s Table, and The Cellar — offering immersive encounters with global flavours, storytelling, and fine wines. With 12 stylish bars and lounges, guests can expect everything from elegant aperitifs to al fresco champagne moments beneath the stars.

Ocean Wellness, Reinvented

Wellbeing takes centre stage aboard EXPLORA III. The expanded Ocean Wellness complex now unites spa, fitness, and mindfulness spaces on Deck 5. New innovations include the Sava Sound Pod for immersive audio therapy and a Technogym Sand Stone collection for next-level training. Guests can enjoy outdoor padel and pickleball courts, a sea-view running track, and transformative spa rituals inspired by the tides.

Curated Luxury Retail and Art at Sea

Luxury retail reaches new heights with the introduction of Chopard onboard — alongside the return of Cartier and over 30 artisanal brands in The Journey boutique. Guests will also discover the Galleria d’Arte, a rotating exhibition curated with Clarendon Fine Art, showcasing collectable masterpieces that bring a gallery ambience to the ocean.

A Glimpse Ahead: The Mediterranean Prelude Journey

Ahead of its grand unveiling, Explora Journeys will host a Mediterranean Prelude Voyage from Genoa to Civitavecchia (24–29 July 2026). This limited sailing offers a first-look experience for select guests, featuring intimate encounters with designers, leadership, and officers — a true celebration of craftsmanship, connection, and discovery.

Following this exclusive voyage, EXPLORA III will set sail from Barcelona to Lisbon on 3 August 2026, before exploring Northern Europe, Iceland, and Greenland later in the year — marking her as the first LNG-powered member of the Explora fleet and a defining symbol of the brand’s future.

With EXPLORA III, Explora Journeys continues its sophisticated evolution, offering guests more space, serenity, and sensory indulgence than ever before — proof that the future of luxury ocean travel lies not just in reaching destinations, but in the art of the journey itself.

Sail into this next chapter at ExploraJourneys.com.

The global cruise market is booming, with people of all ages eager to experience life at sea, from family-friendly mega ships to intimate, ultra-luxury voyages. At the same time, demand for small luxury ships and yacht-style cruises is surging, attracting travellers who want a more exclusive, personalised escape. This powerful combination of mass-market growth and high-end luxury trends is driving a wave of new cruise ships and private-style yachts being built every year. To keep up, shipbuilders and cruise lines are racing to add capacity while introducing bold new innovations at sea, from cutting-edge green technologies to ever more spectacular onboard experiences.

Building a mega cruise ship is a multibillion‑dollar story of floating cities, fierce competition, and eye‑watering risk.​

What “mega cruise ship” really means

When people say “mega cruise ship,” they usually mean the newest giants that carry more than 5,000 passengers and feel like full‑scale resorts at sea. These ships stretch to around 1,200 feet long, stack up to 20 decks high, and pack in water parks, theaters, ice rinks, dozens of restaurants, and whole themed “neighborhoods.” They are not just big boats; they are engineered to compete with land‑based resorts and entire holiday destinations.​

The headline price tag

Modern cruise ships in general cost between about $500 million and $1.5 billion to build, depending on their size and complexity. Once you step into true mega‑ship territory (5,000+ passengers), construction usually runs from around $1.2 billion up to roughly $1.5 billion, with the very largest breaking the $2 billion barrier.​

A useful example is Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, currently the world’s largest cruise ship: it cost about $2 billion to build, measures nearly 1,200 feet, weighs around 250,800 gross tons, and can carry roughly 5,600 guests at double occupancy. At that scale, every new feature—like a massive glass dome, multi‑deck water park, or ice arena—adds tens of millions of dollars in extra design, materials, and safety engineering.​

Typical build costs by ship size

Where all that money goes

The bill for a mega cruise ship is split across years of planning and thousands of people. Design and engineering alone can consume roughly 15–20% of the project budget, often in the range of $300–$400 million for a ship at the Icon of the Seas level. That covers everything from the hull form and propulsion system to complex deck layouts, cabin design, and the integration of headline attractions.​

Labor and materials take another huge slice. For a top‑tier mega ship, labor can run into the hundreds of millions of dollars, supporting a workforce of up to 3,000 shipbuilders and specialists over several years. High‑tech propulsion systems, LNG fuel technology, stabilizers, navigation systems, luxury interiors, and thousands of cabins and suites can easily total $600 million or more in materials and equipment alone.​

Why cruise lines spend so much

Spending over a billion dollars on a single ship only makes sense if it can earn that money back over time. Mega ships squeeze value out of every square meter: more cabins, more specialty restaurants, more bars, more retail, and more paid attractions mean more revenue per sailing. Because a giant ship can carry so many guests, cruise lines can spread fixed costs—crew salaries, fuel, port fees, and financing—over thousands of passengers, improving margins when the ship sails full.​

There is also a branding and marketing payoff. The “world’s largest ship” gets free headlines, viral videos, TV coverage, and social media buzz, which helps keep ticket prices high and bookings strong for years. For the cruise line, the ship is

Carnival’s new Cheers! Zero Proof Drink Package is now officially available to book on all 2026 Carnival cruises homeported in Australia and New Zealand – a big win for local cruisers who’ve been asking for more premium non-alcoholic options at sea.​

Cheers! Zero Proof Comes to 2026 Australia Sailings

As of 27 January 2026, Australian guests can pre-purchase the Cheers! Zero Proof Drink Package for any Carnival sailing throughout 2026 via the Carnival website, the HUB app, or by calling customer service. This follows a staggered rollout where the offer first covered only late-2025 departures, then early 2026 sailings, before finally opening up for the full year.​

The bundle is designed as Carnival’s premium non-alcoholic package, sitting above simple soft drink deals and catering to cruisers who want variety and convenience without the alcohol. For many Australians booking family holidays or wellness-focused getaways, it’s a way to lock in most of their drinks spend before they sail.

What’s Included for Aussie Guests

On Australian and New Zealand homeported ships, Cheers! Zero Proof gives guests access to a wide range of non-alcoholic beverages across the bars and dining venues for a flat daily fee. Inclusions feature:

• Sodas featuring Coca-Cola products.​
• Standard fruit juices.​
• Bottled water (around 600ml serves).​
• Zero proof cocktails/mocktails from the bar (18+).​
• Alcohol-free beer and non-alcoholic sparkling wine (18+).​
• Non-alcoholic frozen drinks and classic milkshakes.​
• Popular energy drinks for a mid-afternoon boost.​

For many Aussie cruisers, this means they can enjoy mocktails by the pool, sparkling non-alcoholic wine at dinner, and soft drinks throughout the day without tracking an onboard tab.

Price and How the Package Works

The Cheers! Zero Proof Drink Package is priced from 29.99 per person, per day, and must be purchased for the full duration of your cruise, just like Carnival’s alcoholic packages. A mandatory 20% service charge is added to the package cost at checkout.

Key practical points for Australian cruisers:

• The package covers almost all standard non-alcoholic drinks on board, making it easy to budget upfront.
• You can compare your typical daily drink spend using online cruise drinks calculators to decide if the package offers value for your style of holiday.​
• Unlike the alcoholic Cheers! package, not everyone in your stateroom is required to buy Zero Proof if one person does, giving cabins more flexibility.​

Why This Matters for Cruising in Australia

The arrival of Cheers! Zero Proof across all 2026 sailings signals that Carnival is responding to fast-growing demand for low- and no-alcohol options among Australian travellers. More Aussies are choosing smoke-free, wellness-forward holidays, and having a dedicated non-alcoholic package makes it easier to enjoy that lifestyle without sacrificing the fun or the flavours.

For families, multi-generational groups, and sober-curious travellers departing from Australian ports, this package turns drinks into a predictable, pre-paid part of the cruise – and adds another reason to consider Carnival when planning a 2026 getaway close to home.

The first time you step into the Alilys Future Hotel in Longgang, Shenzhen, you may feel as if you’ve walked into the wrong place.

There is no one at the front desk. Only a vertical screen stands at the entrance, bathing the entire space in cold white light.

Face recognition, identity verification, key card retrieval — check-in is completed in three steps.

From a technical standpoint, there is little to fault. The whole process is as simple as buying a bottle of water from a vending machine.

The same elevator carries office workers during the day and bar-goers at night. Karaoke rooms, mahjong parlors, and late-night food stalls are all housed in the same building. There is no elevator access control, meaning anyone who enters the building can reach the guestroom floors.

Yet Alilys Future Hotel is not an isolated case. In recent years, unmanned hotels have once again become a frequent talking point for both investors and industry insiders, emerging as one of the most discussed topics in hospitality.

Hotel groups such as Jin Jiang, H World, and Dossen have all entered the space, while a new wave of startups is rejoining the race with updated technologies and business models. Amid the renewed hype, the key question remains: how viable is this new chapter for unmanned hotels?

Unmanned hotels are not a new concept. A decade ago, the model went through a full cycle from hype to silence.

Xbed, an unmanned hotel startup founded in 2015 by Chuntian Li, a founding member of 7 Days Inn, once raised substantial funding. But after its peak, the company gradually faded from view, almost perfectly mirroring the rise and fall of that earlier wave.

Looking back, the core narrative of the previous boom is nearly identical to today’s: replacing front desks with technology, supporting multiple properties with minimal staff, cutting costs through standardized modules, and selling an investment story built on “asset-light operations and rapid replication.”

What ultimately drove many projects to exit was a systemic underestimation of operational complexity. Security risks, asset loss, disputes, guest complaints, and equipment maintenance all pushed costs and risks back to a point where human intervention became unavoidable.

Policy and regulatory constraints proved to be the real bottleneck. In the past, self-service check-in systems were required to be paired with manual identity verification, meaning unmanned hotels could only exist in a “partially unmanned” form.

Despite ongoing controversy, unmanned hotels are once again triggering a rapid expansion wave in China’s accommodation market.

From the broader perspective of smart hotels, this sector has entered the fast lane. The global market was valued at around USD 15 billion in 2024 and is expected to surpass USD 50 billion by 2030. China is moving even faster, with the domestic market projected to exceed RMB 300 billion (about USD 43.2 billion) by 2025.

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