Travel News

By Karen Leiva

From a brand-new resort in the Caribbean to exploring the California coast, or cruise ships that take guests to a whole other level, check out what’s new across the globe in travel news.

CALIFORNIA BY SEA

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic’s newest coastal vessel, National Geographic Venture, is ready to set sail. The 50-cabin ship is bound for Baja California, the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. Its first two inaugural voyages are set for December, departing from California with two itineraries: Coastal California By Sea and From Southern California to Baja: Sailing the Pacific Coast. Expect to get close to marine wildlife and explore the shorelines with expert naturalists.

MELIÁ HOTELS INTERNATIONAL EXPANDS

The popular brand, known for luxury and family-friendly offerings, announced its newest resort, The Grand Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real, will open in December in the Dominican Republic. Just 30 minutes from the airport, the resort will have 288 suites, seven bars and restaurants, and wellness facilities, as well as a kid’s club and water park.

ACTIVE CRUISING WITH AMAWATERWAYS

The popular brand, known for luxury and family-friendly offerings, announced its newest resort, The Grand Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real, will open in December in the Dominican Republic. Just 30 minutes from the airport, the resort will have 288 suites, seven bars and restaurants, and wellness facilities, as well as a kid’s club and water park.Travellers exploring some of the world’s best river cruise destinations will stay fit when choosing to sail with AmaWaterways. The leading active river cruise line is expanding its popular Wellness Program across its entire fleet in Europe (with the exception of Portugal sailings) and Southeast Asia in 2019. The Wellness Program includes a host on each ship dedicated to helping guests stay active, and fitness classes, such as stretching or core strengthening, offered on-ship. Off-ship, guests can expect active excursions such as hiking and cycling.

TAKING CRUISERS TO THE EDGE

Celebrity Cruises is transforming the way guests experience cruising with a more-than $500-million fleet makeover. With leading architects, designers, and engineers, the idea is to further elevate the brand’s fleet to the same level as its ultra-luxurious Celebrity Edge. The Edge has been heralded for being an outward-facing ship with staterooms that take guests to the water’s edge, and for its Magic Carpet, the first cantilevered, floating platform at sea that travels 13 stories from the water level to above the top deck.