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THE RITZ-CARLTON OʻAHU, TURTLE BAY ANNOUNCES NEW SUMMER PROGRAMMING

The North Shore is safe for swimming, surfing and coastal exploration. The ocean waters are clear and safe. While some communities across the island continue recovery and cleanup efforts, the region’s most beloved attractions–including Hale`iwa, Waimea Valley, the Polynesian Cultural Center, and the region’s famous food trucks–are open and thoughtfully welcoming visitors throughout the Spring and Summer seasons. The resort remains a convenient way to travel to and from all parts of Oahu. “Our community has shown incredible resilience over the past few weeks, and we’re proud to stand alongside our neighbors as the North Shore is restored to its vibrant self,” said Doug Chang. Maintaining your travel plans is a great way to contribute to Oahu’s recovery. By choosing the North Shore for the summer, guests can support local recovery efforts and enjoy the resort as well as the surrounding community. To officially kick off the Spring and Summer seasons, the resort has introduced brand new signature programming, including:New Programming at The Ritz-Carlton O`ahu, Turtle Bay:ADVERTISEMENT”Town & Country” Chef Series: Kicking off on May 23, this new culinary series features the resort’s Executive Chef Daniel Quintero, signature restaurant Alia’s new Chef de Cuisine David Fernandez and Top Chef star Sheldon Simeon, blending Maui’s Wailuku Town gastronomy with the North Shore’s “country” soul. Chef Hui will receive a portion of the proceeds to help farmers affected by the hurricane. Reservations are available here.Sunset Sessions with Local Musicians – Starting on June 5, Sunset Sessions will be the newest series to hit the resort this summer. It will take place every Friday and Sunday at Sunset Bar and benefit Henry Kapono’s On the Rise Program for up and coming Hawaii musicians. The program will bring local musicians from Oahu, and neighboring islands, to perform for Ritz-Carlton guests as well as kamaaina.

Sand in My Boots (4th of July): The resort will host a Fourth of July barbecue at Kuilima Point Lawn on Independence Day. There will be live music, dining stations “Taste of the North Shore”, and an evening drone show. Details, including a charitable component, will be released soon.

The resort continues to offer its hallmark experiences that define the North Shore Lifestyle:The Jamie O’Brien Surf Experience – Summer offers the perfect opportunity for beginners and their families to learn from professionals in the calm, turquoise waters at Turtle Bay.

The Stables. From sunset horseback riding along five miles of secluded coast to pony meet-and greets for children, the resort’s Equestrian Center remains a focal point of the North Shore experience.

Paniolo, a Hawaiian Cowboy Lau: This outdoor show honors Hawaiis cowboy heritage, with a sumptuous meal, which includes a pig roast and fresh salads. Desserts include a variety of desserts, and the evening is topped off by the opportunity to make classic S’mores over a campfire. Guests of any age can also participate in cultural activities such as learning how to throw a rope, weave coconut leaves, and make a lei wristlet.

Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Tours – Take to the skies and get a bird’s eye view of this legendary surfing destination. The pilots will share fascinating information about the history and natural beauty of the region as guests marvel at the stunning coast, lush landscapes and iconic surf breaks.

Wellness & Spa : Nalu Spa is a Hawaiian healing sanctuary, offering oceanfront treatments and a full-service hair salon. A robust wellness program includes everything from sunset yoga classes to HIIT or Pilates classes.

Golf: The resort has the Arnold Palmer Championship Course.

Hawaiian Cultural & Heritage : The resort offers authentic connections to the island with curated cultural programs, including traditional hula workshops and lei-making, and educational experiences on the resort’s onsite Kuilima Farm.

FAQ: North Shore Safety and Travel: Is the North Shore open to visitors following the storms?

Yes. The North Shore is open. All major visitor areas are accessible by road, and the tourism infrastructure, resorts and roads are all operating normally.

Is it safe for me to swim and surf at the North Shore?

The ocean conditions are stable with clear water, allowing for safe swimming, surfing and coastal activities.

Are the major attractions of the North Shore open?

Yes. Yes.

How can visiting local recovery efforts help?

Visitors’ spending helps local businesses, employees and community organizations stabilize the regional economy in recovery.

Are there still areas affected by storm damage?

Several residential areas continue to clean up, but this does not affect travel routes or visitor destinations.

The Ritz-Carlton O’ahu Turtle Bay is located on 57-091 Kamehameha Highway in Kahuku, Hawaii. Visit the website for more information and follow The Ritz-Carlton O’ahu Turtle Bay on Instagram or Facebook.

  

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#LETSGETLOSTWITHWIZZ: WIN A SEAT ON WIZZ AIR’S MYSTERY GETAWAY

Wizz Air’s Let’s Get Lost campaign, London’s local carrier, offers British travellers a chance to experience a holiday unlike any other.A group of 30 selected winners will fly from London Luton Airport to a destination which will remain secret until the arrival. The experience is designed as a way to showcase Wizz Air’s extensive network, with a particular focus on emerging destinations and culturally rich cities that are often overlooked by traditional hotspots. Over four days, the winners will participate in a curated itinerary that will bring the destination alive, from local cuisine and neighbourhood exploration to unique experiences that go beyond the usual tourist trail. The campaign is designed to encourage travellers to consider destinations with strong cultural appeal, while also offering great value. Winners will receive limited guidance on what to bring, in order to preserve the element of surprise. Tag @wizzair in your post and include #LGLLondon. The winners will be chosen at random. Entries open at 3pm BST Monday 20 April, and close at 2pm BST Friday 24 April. The winners will be contacted by phone and have the option of bringing a guest. Flights, accommodations and selected experiences are included. Wizz Air continues to connect UK passengers to a wide range of destinations across Europe and beyond, including a growing number of cities that offer an alternative to traditional holiday destinations.ADVERTISEMENTYvonne Moynihan, Managing Director at Wizz Air UK, said: “Let’s Get Lost is about encouraging people to step outside of their usual travel habits and discover somewhere new. Many destinations on our network offer incredible experiences, but are often overlooked. This campaign aims to bring attention to these places and highlight what makes them worth exploring. The only question left is where will Wizz Air lead you next? Let’s WIZZ!”Wizz Air previously hosted Let’s Get Lost campaign across Europe with flights to destinations like Antalya and Valencia. Each trip was designed to highlight different parts its network and inspire travelers to explore beyond what is obvious.

  

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Scenic Group appoints Shane Lewis-Riley as director of trade sales and partnerships

Scenic Group, encompassing Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises, has announced the appointment of Shane Lewis-Riley as director of trade sales and partnerships.In his new role, Lewis-Riley will lead the trade sales team, working closely with agent partners while also driving new ideas and generating incremental business through strategic partnership opportunities.Lewis-Riley joins Scenic Group at a pivotal time, as the business enters a significant phase of growth. Scenic Group, which is celebrating 40 years of operations, has announced its most ambitious fleet expansion since nearly a decade. Nine new river and ocean vessels are set to launch in 2026-2028. This investment will strengthen the company’s position in European and Asian markets while responding to the increasing demand for small-scale, ultra-luxury experiences. Based in Manchester, Lewis-Riley joins a newly formed UK Leadership Structure designed to support this new stage of growth. He joins newly appointed marketing directors Laura Gerrard (formerly of Merlin Entertainments) and Jane Witherington (formerly with Mamas & Papas). Lewis-Riley has previously held roles with Virgin Voyages, P&O Cruises and long-time digital director Eleni Kessels. Most recently he was director of trade distribution at Titan Travel.ADVERTISEMENTNichola Absalom said: “We are really excited to be building a team that will take the UK business to the next level. Shane’s extensive experience, his strong industry reputation, and his tenacious attitude to driving sales makes him a fantastic add-on. We are seeing a growing demand for alternative niche and personalised cruise experiences. Shane’s experience will be crucial in helping us capitalize on this momentum. I can’t wait for him join an already high performing team as we take the things up another level.” Lewis-Riley said, “I am thrilled to join Scenic Group during such a dynamic period of growth. I’m thrilled to be a part of a team that is already well respected, and to introduce new opportunities and strengthen partnerships. The product is exceptional and there’s a wealth of potential for agent partners to grow their businesses with us”For more information, visit scenic.co.uk / emeraldcruises.co.uk,

  

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TravelNews

Tube strikes set to hit London from April 21, disruption is expected beyond the strike period

Blacklane is a global chauffeur service that operates in more than 500 cities around the world. We offer a range of services to business and leisure travellers that value consistency, certainty and exceptional service. These include airport transfers, city-to-city trips, chauffeurs-by-the-hour, and more. During major disruptions, our guests and clients are not just looking to get to A to B. They are looking for a reliable, high-quality service that will help them stay productive and relieve stress. What is the expected impact of the tube strikes in London between 21 and 24 April?The impact on those who travel to and around London during strike days and the days surrounding them is significant. The impact of the strike is felt before and after it officially begins. Alternative routes are also affected. Travellers should not assume that the service will be normal. In practice, disruptions will last for several days, not just the hours of formal action.

The problem is that everyone makes the same calculation. TfL reports that the tube carries more than four million passengers a day. That’s a lot of trips above ground. The second mistake is to leave arrangements until the last moment, when the most reliable options will already be in high demand. The extra frenzy can make London and its vastness difficult to navigate for those who are unfamiliar with the city, such as leisure travellers needing to travel to or from an airport in London, or international business travelers visiting the city to attend an event.

Airport transfers are particularly vulnerable, as they are often time-critical. There is also very little room for error. The second most important business appointment is for those who are moving between multiple locations in the city. London is one of world’s biggest business cities and the economy doesn’t stop when there is a strike. We also see events affected, but larger events are often rescheduled late due to the logistical challenges a lack tube service can bring for many major venues. London is one of the most connected cities in the world. What happens when a part of the transport system grinds to a stop?

London is open for business but moving with confidence and efficiency becomes more difficult if you don’t plan ahead. The city is built on connectivity, for business, tourism, hospitality and everyday life. When a major part is disrupted the effects are immediate. What does smart planning during a strike look like for business travellers who have time-sensitive schedules?

If the day is important, then the travel plan should be treated as part of the business plan. The travel plan should be considered part of the business strategy if the day is important.

Book the airport transfer as soon as possible if the journey is important. Ideally, you should do this at the same time that you book your flight, confirm the meeting or commit to an event. So, your transport is never a last-minute risk and you can concentrate on the actual reason you are there. You have spoken about the importance of flexibility. Why is an hourly chauffeur model more sensible than a point-to-point trip during a strike disruption?

We recommend a chauffeur-by-the-hour for days with multiple appointments. This will give you complete flexibility and eliminate the need to book a vehicle at the last minute. You can also conduct other calls or meetings on-the go from a comfortable vehicle.

During a strike, schedules can change, meetings can run late, routes may need to be adjusted, and travellers might need to make multiple stops. Hourly chauffeur services provide continuity and flexibility when people need them most. What do you see from your customers during times like this? More anxiety, more last minute changes, or more demand for reliability.

The theme that defines this era is the increased focus on reliability. People are more aware of risk and plan more carefully. Our guests select options that are flexible to accommodate a wide range of unpredictable events. Strikes are often triggered just as cities return to normal business after a holiday. How difficult is this timing for London’s corporate travel and hospitality sectors?

It is a challenge because many industries, including hospitality, rely on the city’s transport system to function ‘normally.’ Disruption causes delays and cancellations. It puts pressure on everything, from hotel reservations and meetings to restaurant bookings and transfers at the airport, and can change behaviour. The economic impact of a conference in London falling on strike days could lead to a business moving to another city. Speakers and attendees, including VIPs, are still required to attend high-profile events and major conferences, despite the transport challenges.

It is very important. The overall experience of London is shaped by the confidence that international visitors have in their ability to navigate around London. If this confidence disappears, London can feel less accessible and less welcoming. We are working with our leisure and corporate partners to ensure that there is no disruption to schedules and that Londoners receive a warm welcome. What does this strike action say about the importance of resilience and contingency plans in urban travel, beyond this specific strike?

Resilience has become a key component of modern travel planning. Disruption has become a standard for both individuals and businesses. Extreme weather events, for example, cause major disruptions around the globe. The more time-sensitive your journey, the more you need a flexible solution that can adapt and support your changing needs while offering 24/7 customer care as standard.

Book early and allow for more travel time than usual. The volume of people travelling above-ground can cause additional traffic problems. You can adjust your plans more confidently if you choose a flexible option. Schedules are unpredictable on strike days. Look for airport transfer companies that offer a meet-and-greet service. London’s terminals can be crowded and with the disruption of transport, it can be difficult to find your destination. A chauffeur who is well-versed in airport routes and exits will be able to navigate them with ease.

When disruptions occur, a chauffeur service offers practicality, certainty, and peace of mind. Premium ground transportation is valued for its reliability, professionalism and comfort when it counts most.

Repeated disruptions can start to erode the confidence in wider infrastructure, leading to people considering reliable, trusted alternatives when they have important meetings, events, and flights to catch. London must always be a welcoming, accessible and easy city to visit.

  

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Cruise.co.uk launches new Florida and Caribbean package

Cruise.co.uk, an online travel specialist, has launched a ‘Florida Thrill and Hero Caribbean Chill” itinerary. The 15-night trip includes a seven-night Caribbean voyage on Royal Caribbean’s upcoming ship Hero of the Seas. It also includes a five-night Orlando stay; two nights in Miami and a complimentary one-day Universal Epic Universe ticket. The cruise includes Perfect Day at Coco Cay, Royal Caribbean’s private Bahamas Island, Costa Maya and Cozumel. Philipsburg, Roatan, and Philipsburg are also included. Prices start at PS2699pp for nine departures between August 2027 and April 2028. All packages include return flights to London and overseas transfers. ADVERTISEMENTTony Andres, managing director at cruise.co.uk said: “This package reflects the increasing demand for holidays which combine iconic destinations with standout experience.” A ‘Florida Thrill & Caribbean Chill package’ is already available with cruise.co.uk. The package includes more than 100 departures with options from multiple cruise lines. For more information, call 0870 990 8888 or visit www.cruise.co.uk.

  

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Celestyal successfully transits Strait of Hormuz, leading safe passage for cruise industry

This pioneering movement established a safe and proven route through the Strait, enabling other cruise operators to follow. The pioneering move established a safe, proven route through the Strait that other cruise operators can follow. On Saturday, April 18th, Celestyal journey, led by Captain Angelos Vasilakos successfully navigated the passage, leading a larger convoy of cruise ships departing the area using the established corridor. Their efforts in navigating complex and sensitive conditions were instrumental in ensuring the safety of all crew and the successful passage of both ships.ADVERTISEMENTCelestyal also recognises the close collaboration with regional authorities and partners, whose support enabled a coordinated and responsible approach for the wider cruise industry.Following their successful transit, both Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey are now repositioning to the Mediterranean, where they will commence the upcoming summer season as planned.Celestyal can confirm that all future sailings currently on sale will operate as scheduled, providing guests and travel partners with confidence and continuity as the company transitions into its Mediterranean deployment.

  

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