Norwegian Cruise Line releases peak number of itineraries for sale
Eager to help customers make up for lost vacation time, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has opened for sale the most itineraries at once in its 55-year history, with sailings from 35 departure ports, including new homeports for the company.
On offer now are cruises to Australia and New Zealand in the Asia-Pacific region as well as to Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, Alaska, the Caribbean through to October 2024, and Hawaii up to December 2025.
Highlights include new-to-brand homeport destinations, Haifa in Israel and La Romana in Dominican Republic, via Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Sky.
Norwegian Epic will make her debut in Haifa come November 2022, offering 11- and-12-day Mediterranean open-jaw sailings to and from Haifa and Civitavecchia in Rome, Italy. This itinerary will also feature 17 hours of port time in Ashdod, Israel allowing guests time to tour Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
Norwegian Sky set off with a series of seven-day roundtrip Southern Caribbean cruises from La Romana, from January 8, 2024 through April 22, 2024, making NCL the only major cruise company sailing the region with no sea days.
Closer to home, Norwegian Spirit will return to Australian and New Zealand waters, offering 12-day itineraries that depart from Sydney and Auckland. More Asian deployments will soon be announced.
“We are proud to be able to provide our guests with an even greater selection of sailings and the best value at sea to help them plan an unforgettable cruise vacation,” said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of NCL.
“So many travellers have been looking to make up for lost time and now we’re providing them with unique itineraries to check off those bucket-list destinations they may have longed for over the last year and a half. These port-rich itineraries allow our guests more time to explore unique destinations like a local and indulge in the cultural experiences around them.”
Malaysia’s on and off Omicron travel ban worries tourism players
Malaysia’s tourism stakeholders have voiced out against the federal government’s decision on December 2 to ban travellers from 26 countries from joining the Langkawi Tourism Bubble.
The announcement came after Omicron variant infections were reported in the affected countries, which include the UK, Australia, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The health ministry said in a statement that the move was part of prevention and control measures to curb any possible spread of Omicron infection.
A day later, however, the government backtracked and announced that only eight countries – South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Malawi – would be imposed with travel bans.
Tourism stakeholders expressed concern that such “flip flop stands” could jeopardise the nascent recovery of Langkawi’s tourism industry.
Anthony Wong, secretary, Malaysian Association of Hotel Owners, said the government’s flip flop decisions on the countries under the travel ban gave confusing signals to the international travel trade and the travel community.
He added: “International travel trade and the travellers will lose confidence in the destination.”
Wong, who is also the managing director of Cottage by the Sea by Frangipani Langkawi, said the property’s year-end holiday bookings from Europe have been affected by the discovery of the Omicron variant, which has also derailed the property’s marketing and promotional efforts.
Some agents from overseas have made cancellations, he shared.
Mint Leong, managing director, Sunflower Holidays, said that while she supported the government’s move to beef up border security amid Omicron’s emergence, she agreed that flip flop decisions would dent international travellers’ confidence in Langkawi and cause them to choose another destination.
She urged the government to take a firm stand and prioritise the health of its citizens.
She said: “If a decision had been made to issue a travel ban on the 26 countries to minimise the risk of the Omicron variant from entering the country through Langkawi, then the government should stick to it. It should not bow to any pressure and overturn its decision within 24 hours.”
Mega Water Sports & Holidays’ director of sales and marketing, Sharmini Violet, emphasised that tourism players in Langkawi are operating under strict safety measures and the destination is ready to continue to welcome international travellers safely.
“I hope the government would not make any rash decisions to close our key winter markets in Scandinavia and other European countries due to the small numbers of Omicron infections recorded in those countries,” she said.
Marriott to establish presence in Nagasaki come 2023
Kyushu Railway Company has signed Marriott International on for the management of its hotel in Nagasaki, Japan, which will be part of a 13-storey mixed-use development and connected to the new Nagasaki Station.
The 200-room Nagasaki Marriott Hotel is expected to open in 2023. It will be the first Marriott International property in Nagasaki, and the ninth hotel under the Marriott Hotels brand to enter Japan.
Karl Hudson, area vice president, Japan, and Guam with Marriott International, said: “This signing further underscores Marriott International’s commitment to expand its presence in Japan and we look forward to providing travelers with more opportunities to create inspiring connections and moments of self-discovery while traveling in Japan.”
Facilities at Nagasaki Marriott Hotel will include several distinct culinary dining outlets, the brand’s signature M Club executive lounge, a fitness centre, and a customisable function room for business or social gatherings.
RedDoorz’s performance inches closer to pre-Covid levels
Indonesia’s massive population, a successful national vaccination drive and easing of Covid-19 restrictions have allowed hotel room demand to spike in the country, bringing RedDoorz’s bookings closer to pre-pandemic levels.
Sharing the company’s business update at a media briefing in Jakarta, Adil Mubarak, vice president of operations, said average room occupancy had risen 20 per cent last year to 57 per cent this year.
He expects the number to rise to 70 per cent next year.
“I feel that Indonesia will be more open in 2022, with the G20 Summit taking place then. I am optimistic about the opportunities in 2022 and it will be a good year for us,” he remarked, adding that RedDoorz will be expanding its brand portfolio and pushing for greater technology innovation to meet higher targets.
The company aims to transact 1.6 million rooms per month, leveraging on its new brands SANS Hotel and Sunerra Hotel.
There are now 23 SANS Hotel properties, up from just three in January 2021, with plans to operate 100 by the end of 2022.
Sunerra Hotel, which was launched in June 2021, will welcome its second property in December, in Indonesia’s Batam.
Adil shed light on a new Urbanview brand, scheduled for launch in January 2022.
Besides leveraging its expanding brand presence, RedDoorz will also boost business through improved traveller confidence by way of its RedDoorz HyginePass certification programme as well as staff training.
Accor Australia partners Year13 to attract new blood
Accor has partnered with Year13, Australia’s largest digital platform for high school leavers, to inspire young residents to explore career opportunities within the hospitality industry.
Activated through a variety of social media, video and editorial content pieces on Year13 channels, the strategic partnership seeks to inspire and support Gen Z to consider meaningful and rewarding careers that fit within their passions.
Accor Pacific senior vice president talent & culture, Sarah Derry, said: “Through our partnership with Year13, we are hoping to lure great young talent to our workforce that will enrich the tourism industry’s future forever. It allows us to harness Year13’s purposeful, influential and trusted connection with young Australians to highlight the many opportunities for collaboration, creativity, and fast-tracked career pathways at Accor. We pride ourselves on our multi-generational workforce and we see Gen Z as a highly impactful generation with an extremely important voice.”
Year13 co-founder, Will Stubley, said: “We are so excited to partner with Accor to inspire Gen Z to enter an industry that is thriving back to life as Australia re-opens.”
To attract young Australians and nurture them into the leaders of tomorrow, Accor has redesigned its talent attraction strategy, launching Work Your Way at Accor earlier this month.
Singapore imposes daily tests on VTL travellers, tightens border further
All travellers entering Singapore on Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTL) must now take daily Covid-19 tests for seven days from the point of arrival, a new measure that will be enforced for four weeks until 11.59 on January 2, 2022.
The decision on December 3 follows an end-November announcement to tighten border controls in an attempt to buffer against the spread of the new Omicron variant.
The new testing requirement will mean that VTL travellers will have to fulfil a pre-departure test, an on-arrival polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, self-administered antigen rapid tests (ART) on days 2, 4, 5 and 6, and supervised ARTs at designated centres on day 3 and day 7 of their visit.
The health ministry requires all VTL travellers to test negative on their self-administered ART before going out for activities.
At the same time, travel restrictions on countries have been extended. Since 11.59 on December 4, all long-term pass holders and short-term visitors with recent travel history to Ghana, Malawi and Nigeria within the last 14 days have been denied entry.
The health ministry will apply the new restrictions for four weeks, and review their necessity after.
Seven countries – Bulgaria, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway and Poland – have been placed in Category 3 on December 6. Travellers from this category must take a Covid-19 test two days before departure for Singapore, an on-arrival test and another before the end of their 10-day stay-home notice at a declared place of accommodation.
Trafalgar crafts bespoke mini group tours for Singapore market
Groups of 12 or more travellers can explore destinations in a safe bubble made possible by Trafalgar’s customised mini group tours, which come complete with a dedicated On-Road Team – including a travel director and driver – trained in physical distancing, hygiene and medical protocols, as well as destination expertise and local knowledge.
Aimed at Singapore residents looking to take advantage of the Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTLs) with families and friends, the private trip can be crafted on a wide array of destinations with little or no surcharge on the original itinerary price.
Travellers can choose from over 300 award-winning group tours offered by Trafalgar, covering destinations such as Spain, Ireland and Hungary.
Trafalgar has updated its vaccination policy, requiring all guests to be fully vaccinated for guests’ peace of mind. In addition, the company’s wellbeing director will ensure that the establishments and locations to be visited comply with local health and safety protocols.
In the event of travel advisory changes, Trafalgar also offers free cancellation and booking changes.
Embark on a Far East adventure with Spectrum of the Seas
Brought to you by Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean International continues to up the ante on exceptional cruising experiences in Asia with the return of Spectrum of the Seas from October 2022 until April 2023.
With Asia’s gradual resumption of international travel and tourism, Spectrum of the Seas soothes wanderlust with itineraries that call at some of the region’s most vibrant destinations.
Options range from two-night quick breaks to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia to the nine-night indulgent retreat to Thailand and Vietnam.
The five-night Klang, Penang & Phuket Cruise, which sets sail on October 26, 2022, offers guests a chance to shop and dine at Malaysia’s capital city Kuala Lumpur, explore heritage streets and a 130-million year old rainforest in Malaysia’s Penang, and embark on soft adventures in Thailand’s Phuket. Port calls last a full day, giving guests plenty of time to make precious travel memories with their loved ones.
Spectrum of the Seas also offer a unique nine-night itinerary that calls at Vietnam’s Nga Trang and Ho Chi Minh City as well as Thailand’s Bangkok. A full-day port call at both Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City allows guests to explore the former’s sandy beaches and turquoise waters, marvel at picturesque boulders overlooking the waters at Hon Chong, and make time for some snorkelling, scuba diving and hiking; as well as take in the old and new faces of vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, with highlights including the War Remnants Museum in District 3 and the 130-year-old Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
Once in Bangkok, Spectrum of the Seas docks overnight, presenting expanded opportunities for guests to rediscover numerous appeals of the popular Asian city. One can have a feast at bustling street-food stalls, explore the city on a nimble tuk tuk, be in awe of world-famous Buddha statues within the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Wat Pho Temple, or simply indulge in retail therapy.
Built to impress
Spectrum of the Seas’ port calls may be a hot draw, but the infrastructure onboard is just as impressive.
Recognised as Asia’s largest and most innovative ship, and one that is built to deliver great vacation experiences, Spectrum of the Seas is a recreation wonderland. Among its many facilities are 2,137 staterooms across 14 guest decks, three whirlpools, a rock-climbing wall, an indoor movie theatre, outdoor movie screen, spa, fitness centre, 19 distinct dining venues, numerous facilities built to entertain children of all ages, and more.
However, six unique features stand out.
Sky Pad – Recognised as Asia’s first virtual reality, bungee trampoline adventure on a cruise ship, Sky Pad transports guests into a zero-gravity zone where they could smash sweets in a sugar-coated world or travel light years into the future.
Star Moment – Live out your Frank Sinatra, Queen or Jacky Cheung dreams at Star Moment. Hit the main stage and perform for a crowd or book a private room for a special singing session with up to 10 closest friends and family. Private room rental comes with F&B package options.
Asian Flavours – Spectrum of the Seas’ collection of dining venues serve up flavours from around the world, but Asian bellies will find themselves right at home with many familiar cuisine.
Sichuan Red weaves culinary magic using authentic Sichuan spices. Highlights here includes Kao Yu simmer pot, which spotlights deep-fried fish served on a bed of tofu, vegetables and potatoes in a spicy aromatic broth; and Royal Sea Cucumber, which comes impeccably plated alongside broccoli and tangy spring onions.
Teppanyaki is a treat for the eyes and palette, as delicious dishes come with impeccable presentation and dazzling displays over a hot plate by expert chefs who elevate cooking to a performance art form. Take a gourmet journey through Japan with jumbo crispy softshell crab, sea scallops and top-quality Wagyu A4 beef.
The Hotpot brings loved ones to the table, where they can cook and enjoy their meal together. Elevating the authentic hot pot experience are stunning views of the ocean.
Showgirl – An original production, the brand new Showgirl is a thrilling multi-sensory experience that uses bar-raising choreography and cutting-edge lighting and video effects to pay homage to the iconic siren of the stage – the showgirl – across the decades.
Ultimate Family Suite – Perfect for multi-generational families looking to bond on a cruise holiday, the Ultimate Family Suite is the largest suite onboard, with capacity for up to 10 guests across two floors. An in-suite slide makes getting from second floor to the first a breeze and is bound to delight all young-at-hearts, while a private cinema doubles up as the family’s very own karaoke stage.
Suite Enclave – The finest cruise holiday can be had onboard Spectrum of the Seas, within Royal Caribbean’s first and exclusive Suite Enclave. Supremely positioned at the forward end of the ship, the Suite Enclave features the exquisite Royal Suite Class Star, Sky and Sea accommodation as well as private restaurants and lounges, a Solarium, The Balcony and The Boutique – all exclusively accessible via a private elevator.
Royal Suite Class Star and Sky guests are extended special perks, such as complimentary Wi-Fi access, priority dining reservations, reserved seating in select entertainment venues, priority boarding and departure at ports of call, and many more.
To learn more about Royal Caribbean adventures, visit Royal Caribbean International.
Sentosa turns Pokémon playground with Eevee invasion
Pokémon fever is about to descend on Sentosa with a range of exciting activities featuring Eevee from December 2021 to February 2022, including two editions of the Eevee Dance Parade, and a digital Eevee Adventure Mission around the holiday island.
The first edition of the Eevee Dance Parade in Sentosa will take place from December 10-12, and December 17-19. Featuring 15 larger-than-life Eevee marching and dancing at Palawan Green, each 30-minute show will take place twice a day on stage at 19.00 and 20.30.
A preview session will be held for Sentosa Islander members on December 9. Additionally, with a minimum spend of S$15 (US$11) from any retail outlet, attraction, hotel, or F&B establishment on Sentosa island, they will stand a chance to register for two free tickets to this session.
The second edition of the show, dubbed Eevee Dance Parade with Evolution Poncho, will take place in January and February 2022. During the parade, each Eevee will don a poncho that represents one of eight Eevee evolutions.
The parade will take place at 20.00 on the following dates: January 29 and 30, as well as February 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20.
To facilitate safe distancing onsite, guests will have to register for an electronic ticket (in the form of a QR code) to the parades through Sentosa’s Telegram chatbot at www.sentosa.com.sg/eeveeadventure.
Registration for the first edition of the Eevee Dance Parade is now open, while registration for the later Eevee Dance Parade with Evolution Poncho will begin on January 14.
Each receipt showing a minimum spend of S$15 from any retail outlet, attraction, hotel, or F&B establishment on Sentosa island will allow guests to register for one free ticket to the Eevee Dance Parade. Guests will need two receipts showing a minimum spend of S$15 each or one receipt showing a spend of S$30 or higher to register for two free tickets. Each Telegram account will be eligible to register for up to two tickets.
All guests must be fully vaccinated or present a valid pre-event testing exemption notice to watch the parades. Children aged 12 and below must be accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent or guardian.
From January 29 to February 20, guests can also participate in a digital Eevee Adventure Hunt to learn more about Pokémon and Eevee while exploring Sentosa island.
To complete the hunt, they must correctly answer questions and fulfil special missions within the game platform. Once all missions have been completed, guests can redeem prizes, including Eevee plushies and more. Limited prizes will be up for grabs daily, on a first-come-first-served basis.
Guests can also snap a photo of a 6m-tall inflatable of Eevee or purchase a range of Pokémon merchandise at a special Pokémon Center pop-up.
Cardamom Tented Camp in Cambodia has witnessed the return of a herd of nine elephants to its conservation area, after an absence of five years, as well as a large group of smooth coated otters.
Evidence of the elephants’ return have been captured inside the 18,000-hectare forest concession, which the camp protects, with help from Wildlife Alliance and the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation (GTAEF).
The group of 15 to 18 otters were spotted by lodge manager Allan Michaud, and they have made Cardamom Tented Camp the centre of their territory.
Guests often see otters, macaque monkeys, kingfishers and hornbills from their boat when they travel to the camp, which is only accessible by river. The camp has created a new 4km trail, a continuation of an existing one, which now allows adventurous guests to take an 8km guided walk through the forest and return via kayak, with rest options at the main ranger station in each direction.
Part of the income collected by Cardamom Tented Camp is used to fund 12 forest rangers who protect the area from loggers, poachers and river sandbank dredgers.