​Princess Cruises releases its most expansive Asia deployment ever, bringing together its 2027 and 2028 Southeast Asia and 2028 Japan program in a single, comprehensive reveal. In total, the season features 96 departures across 61 itineraries visiting 55 destinations in nine countries, with now two ships homeporting in Japan, offering guests deeper cultural immersion, access to iconic festivals, and unforgettable journeys across some of the world’s most captivating destinations – on sale now.“This is the most immersive Japan season we’ve ever introduced and one that reflects how our guests want to experience the destination today,” said Jim Berra, Princess Cruises Chief Commercial Officer. “With Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess homeporting in Tokyo for the first time, late‑night stays timed to Japan’s most celebrated summer festivals, and sailings that visit all four main islands during cherry blossom and fall foliage seasons, we’re delivering unprecedented access to the culture, cuisine and traditions that define Japan. Paired with longer, destination‑rich Southeast Asia voyages that connect multiple countries in a single journey, this program offers a depth, scale and authenticity that simply doesn’t exist elsewhere in the region.”What’s New for 2027 and 2028Expanded late-night stays aligned with major summer festivals across JapanNew festival inclusion: Osaka Bon Odori, with dedicated visits by both shipsLargest-Ever Japan Season with Two Ships Homeporting in TokyoThe 2028 Japan season marks a major milestone for the cruise line, featuring 41 destinations in three countries. For the first time, both Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess will homeport in Tokyo for the full season, offering more convenient access closer to the city center.ADVERTISEMENTJapan season highlights include:85 departures across 52 itineraries, ranging from 7-29 daysTwo sister ships, the 2,706-guest Diamond Princess and 2,678 guest Sapphire Princess, both built in JapanSailings visiting all four main islands of Japan, following peak cherry blossom blooms from south to northSix late-night stays in Aomori, Hakodate, Hiroshima, Kochi, Osaka (for Kyoto) and TokushimaAccess to 19 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Mount Fuji (from Shimizu), Himeji-jo Castle (from Osaka), Hiroshima Peace Memorial and Sado Island Gold Mines (from Niigata), Shirakawago Historic Village (from Toyama)Signature 29-day Grand Circle Japan voyages, including fall foliage sailings visiting up to 24 portsFestival-Focused Voyages and Authentic Cultural ImmersionDesigned to immerse guests in Japan’s rich traditions, sailings are timed to coincide with the country’s most celebrated seasonal events, many featuring late-night stays for optimal access. Festival experiences include:Aomori Nebuta FestivalHakodate Minato FestivalKochi Yosakoi Dance FestivalTokushima Awa Odori FestivalOsaka Bon Odori FestivalKumano Fireworks FestivalCultural experiences include:Traditional  

​The Taiwan Tourism Administration (TTA) is highlighting Taiwan’s growing role as Asia’s cruise gateway at Seatrade Cruise Global 2026, promoting the destination under its international tourism brand, “Taiwan – Waves of Wonder,” as a strategic hub for regional cruise itineraries and fly-cruise travel. Building on this brand platform, TTA is also introducing “Taiwan 100 Ways” as a new framework for showcasing the island’s breadth of travel experiences through diverse themes, immersive journeys, and shareable moments.At this year’s event, Taiwan’s booth has been designed in the shape of the Chinese character 門, meaning “door” or “gateway,” symbolizing Taiwan’s role as Asia’s cruise gateway for regional itineraries and fly-cruise programs. Centrally located in the region, Taiwan offers strong geographic positioning for multi-port itineraries, as well as convenient air access for long-haul travelers. TTA notes that Taiwan is served by more than 180 direct flights each week between North America and Taiwan, supported by internationally standardized port facilities that enable efficient operations and smooth passenger access.“Taiwan sits at the heart of Asia, making it an ideal hub for regional itineraries,” said Yu-Hsuan Su, Secretary of International Marketing, International Affairs Division, Taiwan Tourism Administration at Seatrade Cruise Global 2026. “With strong air connectivity, high-standard port infrastructure, and seamless integration between homeport operations and fly-cruise programs, Taiwan offers cruise partners a practical and compelling platform for growth. At the same time, travelers can enjoy truly memorable experiences here, from vibrant cities and diverse cultures to spectacular natural scenery and world-renowned cuisine.”To support cruise line partners, TTA is promoting a set of targeted incentives aimed at increasing port calls and fly-cruise business. International cruise lines bringing overseas passengers to Taiwan may receive subsidies of up to US$15,000 per ship call for port stays over 12 hours, and up to US$7,500 for shorter calls. For fly-cruise development, TTA is also offering incentives of up to US$10 per international passenger arriving in Taiwan as part of a fly-cruise itinerary. These programs are designed to support marketing, route development, and closer air-sea integration with global cruise partners.Alongside its cruise development message, TTA is using Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 to further communicate the evolution of Taiwan’s international tourism identity. Following the launch of “Taiwan – Waves of Wonder” in 2024, the new “Taiwan 100 Ways” concept translates the brand into tangible travel experiences that reflect Taiwan’s defining strengths in Lifestyle and Diversity. Rather than focusing on a single attraction, “Taiwan 100 Ways” emphasizes the many ways travelers can experience Taiwan, from everyday local encounters to culture, cuisine, nature, well  

​Sleep Inn® by Choice Hotels International Inc. one of the world’s largest lodging franchisors, is ushering in a new chapter for the brand with the opening of its first four new construction properties built under the Scenic Dreams® prototype, a next‑generation design that brings together nature-inspired modern aesthetics, operational efficiency and a deeper commitment to guest wellbeing. Signature elements include regionally inspired murals, calming color palettes, expansive windows that invite in natural light, and spaces that encourage both productivity and relaxation. Early results show that the Scenic Dreams investments are resonating with guests and translating into stronger performance. Hotels that have undergone the renovations are seeing a RevPAR premium of +1.71, and among properties that have completed the majority of their upgrades, guest satisfaction has followed suit—finishing 2025 with an average LTR of 8.36, a 0.25‑point increase year over year.The new Sleep Inn & Suites properties opening in Tennessee, Nevada, and Pennsylvania, are a milestone, signaling strong progress for the brand’s new-construction pipeline and offering a compelling blueprint for developers looking to invest in midscale hospitality.Together, the openings highlight Sleep Inn’s evolution as a design-forward, wellness-driven brand—delivering calming, intuitive environments that support rest, productivity, and an elevated everyday stay for guests— while reinforcing its appeal to owners seeking a smart, scalable prototype backed by the power of Choice Hotels. Designed with owners in mind, the Scenic Dreams prototype pairs its design updates with one of low development and operational costs—making it a strong option for developers seeking both visual distinction and long-term efficiency. From restructured building footprints to streamlined back-of-house layouts, the prototype is engineered to help simplify construction, reduce ongoing operating expenses and support strong owner economics.The latest additions to the Sleep Inn portfolio include:Sleep Inn & Suites Ashland City, TN opened in September 2025, marking the first completed new‑construction hotel to debut Sleep Inn’s Scenic Dreams prototype. Located just 30 minutes outside of Nashville along the Cumberland River, the 52‑room property brings the prototype’s refreshed design to life with intuitive layouts and welcoming public spaces designed to help guests unwind. Positioned within easy reach of the greater Nashville area, the hotel also offers convenient access to outdoor recreation along the Cumberland River, as well as nearby parks and marinas—making it well suited for leisure travelers and regional road‑trippers seeking a relaxed stay outside the city..Sleep Inn & Suites Middletown, PA, a dual‑brand new‑construction property, opened in March 2026. Located in central Pennsylvania, the hotel is adjacent to Penn State Harrisburg and offers convenient access to Ha  

​Unique, immersive holidays in Finland and Sweden in the cool of September that take travellers off the beaten track and provide meaningful connections with local people and the beautiful natural environments they call home. Nordic Nights & Natural Colour Discover the Wild in Finland’s Taiga: A Gentle Arctic Adventure, Thursday 10th – Monday 15th September 2026This slow September journey through remote Kuhmo forests and Tulijärvi’s wilderness allows plenty of time to spot wildlife, unwind in saunas and stargaze in dark Arctic skies. Each experience in ECT Travel’s six-day holiday has been carefully chosen to connect travellers with this extraordinary environment.Programme highlightsExperience the timeless ritual of a Finnish smoke sauna.Learn the secrets of aurora hunting in one of the few places in Europe to have a truly dark sky.Observe and photograph European brown brows, wolverines, elk, Finnish caribou, beavers and wolves in pristine wilderness.Join a local guide in her forest home and learn to make a healing resin cream.Take part in a hands-on ‘Rönttönen’ Pie Workshop.Kainuu Rönttönen is a traditional local pastry with a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status granted by the EU, making it a true culinary heritage product and one of Finland’s most treasured regional delicacies.Forage for a supper of wild berries and mushrooms under the guidance of a knowledgeable local expert.Stay in comfortable hotels surrounded by Kainuu wilderness where you wake up to the sound of birds singing and spend the evenings gazing at the stars.Discover Sweden’s Creative HeartCreative Break in Jämtland: Botanical Dyeing & Nuno Felt Workshops in Wild Sweden, Thursday 3rd – Monday 7th September 2026ADVERTISEMENTJämtland, at the heart of Sweden’s wild interior, is a region rich in textile heritage shaped by indigenous Sami influence and craftsmanship dating back to the Viking era. From traditional feltmaking to intricate woven tapestries, the region’s legacy of craft is entwined with its landscape and long winters. ECT Travel’s five-day creative holiday offers travellers the opportunity to explore this history through two hands-on workshops and inspiring visits to cultural landmarks and natural wonders.Programme highlightsLearn the craft of Nuno felting with local artist Åsa Ganell.Take part in a Botanical Print & Dye workshop that begins out in the fields gathering wild flowers and foliage and ends with a self-made print to take home.See the Överhogdal tapestries. Some of Europe’s most remarkable cultural treasures, radiocarbon dating places this series of woven fabrics to the end of Viking age at AD 1040-1170, making them the oldest preserved interior textiles in Europe. Walk the ‘Blomsterstigen’ (the ‘Flower Path’) and encounter plants including the beautiful Fjällglimflower (moss campion or cushion pink) that creates a pink mat over the landscape.These holidays have been designed for travellers who want t  

​Luxury travelers love exploring the world in their own unique way, and as they age, they simply adjust their vacation style and personality to match their stage of life. “But whether they’re 25, 50, 75, or older, they ‘go, go, go,’” says Craig Pavlus, founder and CEO, Pavlus Travel & Cruise, Albuquerque, NM, one of the U.S.’ largest independent travel agencies. “In 2026, our luxury clients can’t wait to experience the world on their own terms. They believe—as do we—that they deserve a fabulous luxury vacation, and we strive to provide that.”Between January and early April 2026, Pavlus’ team members have already booked thousands of luxury vacations for both new and existing clients. One interesting development? “Our Pavlus team is seeing several shifts in luxury travelers’ 2026 booking behavior,” explains Pavlus. “These range from small nuances to broader marketplace trends, but all point to how upscale clients’ vacation preferences are evolving and what matters most to them this year. Here’s a look at a few of those shifts.”Travelers Who’ve Cruised Frequently on One Brand Are Now Not Always So Loyal: Some luxury guests who’ve happily stayed loyal to one cruise brand for years are now, so to speak, jumping ship. Surprisingly, that includes some travelers with high loyalty program status.Among the takeaways? Guests are telling their Pavlus personal travel planner they’re interested in trying a different luxury product—particularly if it includes shore excursions within the cruise fare.Moving Up to Bigger Suites, Plus Little Touches Matter: More guests are considering higher-category suites before booking. Many then do move up to those so they can enjoy more spacious interiors or terraces, dedicated butler service, priority dining, better views, larger showers, and more.But in 2026, “I’m also finding that little things like included laundry services can entice a client to upgrade their stateroom or suite more often than one might expect,” reports one Pavlus travel planner. While priorities vary by guest, even small perks are increasingly influential.ADVERTISEMENTLengthier Vacations, More Back-to-Back Bookings: Pavlus’ personal travel planners are hearing more requests for longer cruise or tour itineraries than in the past. During a recent Viking cruise, one Pavlus team member overheard a guest say: “If I’m traveling overseas, going for anything less than a 14-day cruise is silly.” Others in that guest’s group nodded in agreement.Today, travelers are often looking for longer itineraries—either as a single extended journey or by booking back-to-back cruises, tours, or a combination of both. More robust Grand Voyages or World Cruises also remain popular with Pavlus’ luxury clients, particularly those age 65+ with more time to travel or clients working remotely.Another factor: some clients are asking how higher 2026 jet fuel costs might affect future airfares. Many believe that bookin