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WHEN YOU WISH UPON A SPA: Disney reveals new ship indulgences

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Disney Cruise Line has unveiled even more ways for adult guests to escape and indulge aboard its newest ship in summer 2022. In addition to a previously announced Star Wars-themed lounge and fine dining experiences inspired by “Beauty and the Beast,” the Disney Wish will debut a variety of brand-new venues for adults, including the fleet’s first outdoor spa retreat, unique salon and barbershop experiences, and a collection of upscale bars and lounges.

“With the Disney Wish, we wanted to design an experience that allows our grown-up guests to relax, recharge and reconnect in unique ways that only Disney Cruise Line can create,” said Laura Cabo, portfolio creative executive, Walt Disney Imagineering.

“Not only did we infuse more storytelling and enchantment into the adult-exclusive venues, but we added more variety and made them more accessible than ever before. This ship has truly been designed with adults’ vacation needs in mind, and I know our guests are going to return home feeling refreshed after their Disney Wish vacation.”

Outdoor Oasis at Senses Spa

For the first time aboard a Disney ship, Senses Spa will feature a dedicated outdoor relaxation space where guests can unwind in whirlpool spas, rest on plush loungers and find their centre during yoga sessions.

This open-air oasis is a brand-new extension to Disney Cruise Line’s signature Rainforest experience, which has been reimagined for the Disney Wish to provide more ways to relax and rejuvenate. The Rainforest will introduce the fleet’s first ice lounge, allowing guests to combine thermal therapies, which promotes physical wellness and tranquility. It will also include guest-favourite elements like heated ergonomic loungers; sensory spa showers; and sauna, steam, and dry chambers.

Senses Spa will also feature private treatment rooms and lavish spa villas for couples. In addition to a menu of massage, facial and acupuncture therapies, guests will be able to select from a menu of specialized treatments that are customized to their needs, such as pain management and sleep improvement.

Adjacent to the spa, Senses Fitness will offer state-of-the-art exercise and wellness facilities, including a main room with exercise equipment, a dedicated cycle studio and an aerobics room.

Salon and Barbery

The Disney Wish will premiere two brand-new salon experiences — the fleet’s first standalone venues for hairstyling and beauty services that have been uniquely designed with inspiration from classic Walt Disney Animation Studios films.

• At Untangled Salon, adults can let their hair down (and have it styled any way they want) in a light and airy environment that is perfect for pampering. Inspired by Rapunzel — the Disney Princess known for her long, flowing tresses. In addition to haircuts and styling, the menu of services at Untangled Salon will include manicures, pedicures, teeth whitening, and skin treatments.

• Hook’s Barbery will be a unique twist on a traditional European men’s salon, offering cuts, shaves, and nail and skin care. Decked out in dark woods, handsome leather chairs and ornate golden mirrors, the space will brim with narrative details inspired by its namesake, Captain Hook: an inlaid wooden map of Never Land, a hidden pocket watch and — of course — a hook. A trio of seemingly nondescript lanterns will occasionally come to life with lighting and audio effects to signify Tinker Bell jumping from one fixture to another. And not only will Hook’s Barbery provide salon and barber services, it will also boast the ultimate toast to a pirate’s life: a hidden bar. This (not-so-secret) treasure trove of pre-Prohibition bourbons, vintage whisky and port, aged rum and premium spirits will be a liquor enthusiast’s paradise, ideal for low-key hangouts, romantic date nights, hosted tastings, and special evening events.

Enchanting Nightlife

Like every Disney Cruise Line vessel, the Disney Wish will offer a collection of bars and lounges reserved exclusively for adults each evening. But for the first time, these venues will be spread out among the ship’s other core gathering places for a more flexible, free-flow experience that will allow guests — particularly parents — more opportunities to enjoy “me time” throughout their cruise.

Also new is the prevalence of storytelling in these spaces, providing a variety of ways for adults to experience some of their favourite Disney stories in sophisticated ways designed especially for them.

• Keg & Compass is a pub that celebrates the adventure and romance of the sea, designed in the rustic architectural style of a late 1800s Norwegian sailor’s map room. Drawing inspiration from the rich folklore of Norse seafaring, period-style oil paintings will depict tales of the deep and intricate carvings will accentuate porthole frames. Spanning the entire ceiling will be a grand, fantastical map in old maritime style that features, among other references to ocean lore, a homage to Disney characters and stories related to the sea. In addition to such characters as Ursula and Moana (appearing in the geographically accurate locations of their stories), the map will call out important locales related to The Walt Disney Company and, specifically, the design and construction of the Disney Wish. This casual setting is perfect for guests to kick back and watch live sports, news and major broadcast events while sampling a specialized selection of beers, including three custom craft brews available exclusively aboard the Disney Wish, along with an assortment of liquors, wines, and cocktails.

• Nightingale’s is a refined piano bar inspired by Cinderella’s lyrical rendition of “Sing Sweet Nightingale” in the 1950 film, offering an extensive menu of fine wines and hand-crafted cocktails. Classically modern, the predominant design feature will be a glittering chandelier perched above the piano.

• Guests looking for New Orleans-inspired good times can go down to The Bayou, an informal lounge themed to “The Princess and the Frog.” Flourishing with magnolia blossoms, lily pads and a canopy of twinkling fireflies overhead, this space evokes the magical marsh where Tiana and Naveen take refuge in the film. A bronze statue of each character will be prominently displayed, and two gazebos inspired by the city’s iconic wrought iron metalwork structures will provide intimate seating for small groups on either side of the bar. This centrally located venue will offer creative cocktails, specialty coffees and signature beignets in a lively, social atmosphere with live entertainment and musical performances.

More Fun for Adults

As previously announced, the Disney Wish will also feature a first-of-its-kind lounge in a galaxy far, far away and a dedicated pool district on the upper decks exclusively for guests ages 18 and older.

• For the first time on a Disney ship, guests will embark on a space-jumping tour of the Star Wars galaxy at Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge, a high-end bar styled as a luxurious yacht-class spaceship. This richly themed, immersive experience will be reserved for adults every evening, offering interactive tasting experiences and signature beverages inspired by the films.

• At Quiet Cove, guests aged 18 and older will find a secluded adults-only district dedicated to lounging, sipping and soaking. Set away from the bustle of family activities, this peaceful refuge will offer panoramic views of the ocean from a luxurious infinity pool. Other amenities include a whirlpool spa, an open-air bar and a poolside café.

Exquisite Specialty Dining

Adults can savour gourmet meals and exceptional beverages at Palo Steakhouse, Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement and The Rose, an upscale suite of epicurean excellence inspired by the icons of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Beauty and the Beast.”

• Palo Steakhouse is an evolution of the Palo restaurant that Disney cruisers know and love, now combining the relaxed sophistication of authentic Italian dining with the classic refinement of a modern steakhouse in a setting inspired by Cogsworth, the tale’s majordomo-turned-enchanted-clock.

• Enchanté will offer the most luxurious dining experience on board, featuring a gourmet menu crafted by three-Michelin-starred Chef Arnaud Lallement. This romantic and intimate venue will evoke the dazzling spirit of the film’s candelabra maitre d’, Lumiere.

• Inspired by the fateful flower at the heart of the story, The Rose is a chic lounge at the entrance of Palo Steakhouse and Enchanté, an idyllic setting for a pre-dinner aperitif or after-dinner cocktail.

Maiden Voyage and Inaugural Season

The Disney Wish will sail its maiden voyage on June 9, 2022, followed by a season of three- and four-night cruises to Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, from Port Canaveral, Florida.

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ROUND-UP::Aug. 2-6, 2021, 2021

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Mandatory vaccinations, evolving entry regulations in multiple destinations, flight restarts, and a new Sandals resort all made news in the travel industry last week.

NEWS

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Thursday his government was mulling vaccine mandates for federal workers and employees in federally regulated industries, specifically naming the aviation and railway sectors.

Quebec premier Francois Legault says the province will introduce a vaccine passport system that would require residents show proof of vaccination to access certain non-essential services.

Two American carriers, United and Frontier Airlines say they will require staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19, the former by late October or sooner, the latter by Oct. 1. United will dismiss staff who don’t (with some exceptions), Frontier will require frequent tests.

RE-OPENING/RE-START

The government of Portugal has announced a staged plan to lift restrictions, with all current limits being removed by this October. This comes as 55% of the Portuguese population are currently fully vaccinated, with a goal of reaching 80% by October. Restrictions on restaurants and bars have been eased, and sporting events are able to have fans present. A digital vaccination certificate or a negative coronavirus test will be needed to enter hotels, dine indoors on weekends, and visit spas, casinos, and large events.

ENTRY UPDATES

Today (Aug. 9) is the day that vaccinated Americans can once again travel to Canada. The land border remains closed to Canadian going the other way.

Germany now requires people entering the country (over 12) who haven’t been vaccinated or recently recovered from COVID-19 to show a negative test result.

All travellers, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, entering Belize from other countries are now required to present a negative COVID-19 test.

All fully vaccinated travellers, as well as children ages two to 11, are now required to obtain a negative COVID-19 test (rapid antigen or PCR) taken no more than five days prior to the date of arrival to The Bahamas. Unvaccinated travellers ages 12 and older must still obtain a negative PCR test taken no more than five days prior to the date of arrival. (Children under two are exempt from any testing requirements). Inter-island travellers within The Bahamas from Nassau & Paradise Island, Grand Bahama, Bimini, Exuma, Abaco and North and South Eleuthera, including Harbour Island, must follow the same protocols.

AIRAir Transat celebrated the launch of new direct service between Vancouver and Quebec City (photo), becoming the first and only airline to operate the route. Flights will take place on Mondays from Vancouver and on Sundays from Quebec City, until Oct. 25.

Air Canada’s has resumed thrice weekly direct flights from Toronto (YYZ) to Dublin (DUB). The route relaunch coincides with Ireland’s recent announcement welcoming back international travellers as of July 19 without the need to quarantine or test upon arrival, once fully vaccinated.

WestJet celebrated the launch of its new route between Calgary and Amsterdam with the departure of WS20 on Aug. 5. The 787 Dreamliner flight was the airline’s first launch of new service to Europe after more than 18 months and marked a significant milestone in WestJet’s commitment to restoring its global network.

New York-based airline JetBlue will start daily flights between JFK and Heathrow airports on Aug. 11 and add daily trips from JFK to London’s second-biggest airport, Gatwick, on Sept. 29. It plans to add Boston-London flights next year.

BY THE NUMBERS

The grim numbers are in: IATA says last year was officially the worst ever year for air transport (since being recorded in 1950): 1.8 billion passengers flew in 2020, a decrease of 60.2% compared to the 4.5 billion who flew in 2019; industry-wide air travel demand dropped by 65.9% year-on-year; International passenger demand decreased by 75.6%; domestic demand dropped by 48.8%; the number of routes connecting airports was down more than 60%; and total industry passenger revenues fell by 69% to US$189 billion.

DEALS

Clients booking trips with G Adventures through Aug. 31 can save 10% off the price of their trips (excluding international airfare) for travel between Nov. 1 and March 31, 2022. Sample itineraries include “Costa Rica Quest,” “Best of Southern Spain,” and “Classic Peru.”

Crystal Cruises has extended ‘book now’ savings and a $1,000 “As You Wish” shipboard credit until Sept. 1 for Crystal Endeavor’ inaugural Antarctica voyages
Travellers can save up to US$4,500 per guest.

HOTELS

Anaheim, Ca., now has two new AAA Four Diamond hotels, together comprising the first of their rating located outside of Disneyland Resort and doubling the number of properties with the designation to four. New are the JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort and The Westin Anaheim Resort. Both offer rooftop restaurants and bars (JW has four and Westin has seven), pools with cabanas, and close proximity to Disneyland.

Qatar is adding 105 new hotels and hotel apartments to its already extensive portfolio of properties, as the country gears up to host the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. A recent opening is the five-star Banyan Tree Doha, while other upcoming entries include the Pullman Doha West Bay, a five-star Accor property; the JW Marriott West Bay, with an eye-catching and towering exterior; and the Steigenberger Hotel, famed for its exclusive hospitality.

RESORTS

Bookings are now open for Sandals Royal Curaçao, scheduled to open April 14, 2022. Guests can save up to $1,000 with the grand opening offer, available through Nov. 2. The 351-room resort, Sandal’s 16th, is situated on 18 hectares within the Santa Barbara private estate, an exclusive 1,200-hectare protected preserve. Highlights include two new signature suite categories, the Awa Seaside Butler Bungalows and Kurason Island Poolside Butler Bungalows, the brand’s first Dos Awa infinity pool with views overlooking the sea and the rugged mountain landscape, and Sandals’ first-ever floating restaurant and bar, constructed from a 28 m. authentic Dutch ship.

RIU Hotels & Resorts has reopened the Riu Palace Maspalomas in Gran Canaria. Following a five-month refurbishment, the hotel has moved up into the 5-star category and is now an adults-only establishment. With this reopening, all of RIU’s hotels in Spain are operative and all of those in Gran Canaria have been refurbished.

CRUISE

Holland America Line has taken delivery of its new ‘Rotterdam’, officially making it the 11th ship in the fleet. The vessel will remain in non-guest operations until its transatlantic crossing Oct. 20 from Amsterdam to Fort Lauderdale, where it will then begin its maiden season in the Caribbean. The third vessel in the Pinnacle Class series and the seventh ship to bear the name for Holland America Line, Rotterdam will carry 2,668 guests.

Miami has been added by Crystal Cruises as a port of call and a port of embarkation for Crystal Serenity’s Luxury Bahamas Escapes voyages, enabling travellers a US departure point for the cruises.

TOURS

“Freddie Tours” is a new company that offers a guided tour of Montreux, Switzerland, and its rich musical past by following in the footsteps of the Queen frontman Freddie Mercury (1946-1991), who had close links with the region. The one-hour tour includes walking by the façade of the apartment bought by Mercury and includes a visit to the Mountain Studio, located in the Montreux Casino, where Queen recorded six albums. This venue is now called the Queen Studio Experience and is a museum dedicated to the group. The guided tours (available daily and in English) cost CHF29 ($40) and can be scheduled via the Freddie Tours website.

FAMS & INCENTIVES

The all-inclusive Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa is celebrating the return of Canadian flights and travellers to Saint Lucia with up to triple booking bonuses as well as a free stay exclusively for Canadian travel agents as part of its CBAYREWARD$ program. For every seven-night booking made through Aug. 31, agents will earn a Double Bonus up to US$120 for fall travel, Sept. 1 -Dec. 20; a Triple Bonus up to US$180 for winter travel, Dec. 21–April 30, 2022; as well as a one-week free stay for making seven bookings. To qualify, join the CBAYREWARD$ program, make a booking (tour operator or direct), and register new bookings at CBAYRewards.com. Other rewards, including enhanced commissions and a group incentive is also on offer.

EVENTS

For the second consecutive year, The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) will hold its annual conference virtually, reflecting the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Virtual PATA Travel Mart (PTM) 2021 will take place from Sept. 2 to 5 with Leshan, China, once again the featured destination for the event. For more information, visit PATA.org/ptm or email ptm@PATA.org.

DESTINATIONS

Promenade des Anglais, Nice; photo – Atout France

Four new accolades from UNESCO are being counted in France. The city of Nice (photo) was recognized for “outstanding universal value”; Vichy, as one of the great spa towns of Europe; the Cordouan Lighthouse, a masterpiece of maritime navigation; and the Chapitre-Petit Buëche (Auvergne Rhone-Alps)), Grand Ventron (GrandEst)) and Massane (Occitania) nature reserves. In total, France has 49 inscribed sites on the World Heritage list: 42 cultural sites, six natural sites and one complex site.

Jamaica’s first Artisan Village is currently taking shape at Hampden Wharf in Falmouth, Trelawny and is scheduled to open later this year. A US$700-million project financed by the Tourism Enhancement Fund, the new artisan village will be a “one-stop shop” for authentic Jamaican food, music, heritage, and crafts. Dozens of craft vendors and shopkeepers will be onsite selling handcrafted items and gifts, including chocolate, spices, coffee, rum, artwork, clothing and accessories. The facility is the first of a series of similar artisan villages that are planned for development in resort areas across the island.

Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News