Royal Caribbean has announced its next-level lineup of Caribbean adventures for 2027–28, offering travelers year-round opportunities to explore the tropics from Florida. Starting April 2027, the cruise line will feature an array of 2- to 8-night Caribbean vacations, including 7-night voyages on the spectacular Star of the Seas and the newly amplified Harmony of the Seas from Port Canaveral (Orlando). Guests can also enjoy Oasis Class short getaways aboard Utopia of the Seas from Port Canaveral and Wonder of the Seas from Miami.

Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, its newest icon of vacations, will sail 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean adventures from Port Canaveral with stops at the cruise line’s top-rated private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. The upcoming itineraries also mark Royal Caribbean’s grand return to Samaná in the Dominican Republic, where guests can enjoy scenic hikes, whale watching, and relaxing on pristine beaches.

The 2027–28 lineup extends to three Florida homeports, Port Canaveral, Miami, and Tampa, making island-hopping across the Caribbean and The Bahamas easier than ever. Travelers can look forward to visiting exciting destinations such as Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau and Royal Beach Club Cozumel in Mexico. In addition, Royal Caribbean’s much-anticipated Perfect Day Mexico will debut in late 2027, expanding its collection of ultimate beach destinations.

From Port Canaveral, Star of the Seas will continue to deliver world-class family vacations with more than 40 dining and entertainment experiences, including “Back to the Future: The Musical” and the largest waterpark at sea. Utopia of the Seas will cater to travelers seeking weekend escapes with 3- and 4-night voyages featuring stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay and the new Royal Beach Club Paradise Island.

The refreshed Harmony of the Seas, post its 2026 amplification, will sail 7-night adventures to St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and Jamaica, along with visits to Royal Caribbean’s beach clubs. Guests can unwind on the new Caribbean-themed pool deck or enjoy tropical drinks at The Lime & Coconut.

From Miami, Wonder of the Seas will operate short 3- and 4-night getaways to The Bahamas, featuring Perfect Day at CocoCay and access to Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. Meanwhile, Radiance of the Seas from Tampa will offer a mix of 4- to 8-night Western Caribbean itineraries, including visits to Royal Beach Club Cozumel.

With its combination of new destinations, upgraded ships, and beach club experiences, Royal Caribbean continues to redefine the Caribbean cruise experience for travelers seeking unforgettable vacations.

Chef Satyajit Mondal has stepped into a new chapter of his culinary journey as the Cluster Executive Chef of Taj Hotels in Bhutan, where he will lead and oversee the kitchens at Taj Paro Resort & Spa and Taj Gangtey Resort & Spa.

Chef Satyajit’s love for the kitchen began in 2007 during his internship at The Clark Hotels. What started as curiosity soon turned into a lifelong passion for the culinary arts. His early professional years were spent learning the ropes as a commis chef with renowned brands like Radisson, Cosmic Kitchen (Choko La by Hero MotoCorp), The Grand New Delhi, and The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, experiences that helped shape his skill, precision, and creativity.

In 2014, he joined Accor Hotels as a Demi Chef de Partie, marking a key step in his growth as a professional. His career continued to rise through the kitchens of JW Marriott and Marriott Hotels, where he earned appreciation for his leadership, discipline, and ability to innovate with flavour and presentation. His journey eventually led him to become Sous Chef, a role that reflected his growing expertise and vision.

By 2021, Chef Satyajit took on a new challenge at Sheraton Grand Palace Indore as Chef de Cuisine, where he guided his team with creativity, structure, and a deep focus on delivering memorable dining experiences. His leadership style combines hands-on mentorship with an understanding of how local tastes can inspire global flavours.

Before his current role, he headed the kitchens at Le Méridien Paro Riverfront, Bhutan, where he built strong ties with local produce and Bhutanese culinary traditions. Now, as Cluster Executive Chef for Taj Paro Resort & Spa and Taj Gangtey Resort & Spa, he continues to celebrate local ingredients while blending refined techniques and global influences.

Known for his meticulous approach and passion for nurturing teams, Chef Satyajit brings a vision that reflects both artistry and authenticity. With his arrival, Taj Hotels in Bhutan welcome a chef whose focus on innovation, local essence, and culinary excellence promises to elevate every dining experience.

China has announced an extension of its visa-free entry policy for 45 countries until December 31, 2026, while adding Sweden to the list starting November 10, 2025. The initiative aims to attract more international visitors, revive tourism, and enhance foreign engagement in the post-pandemic era.

The extension applies to 32 European countries, along with Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and several South American and Gulf nations, according to a statement released by the Foreign Ministry’s Consular Affairs Department. Under this policy, visitors from eligible countries can enter China for business, tourism, family visits, or transit for up to 30 days without a visa.

Originally set to expire at the end of 2025 for many countries, the programme’s renewal and expansion underscore China’s ongoing efforts to revive its tourism sector, which was severely affected by years of COVID-19 restrictions. The visa-free entry scheme has been a key part of Beijing’s broader strategy to strengthen international ties and encourage people-to-people exchanges.

The United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom remain excluded from the policy.

China is also taking steps to ease tensions and improve cooperation with the European Union (EU), one of its most significant trading partners. Following a meeting between President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump in South Korea last week, Beijing confirmed a one-year suspension of expanded rare earth export controls, which will also extend to the EU.

In a joint statement after discussions in Brussels, both sides agreed to maintain communication and promote the stability of industrial and supply chains, signalling a shared intent to foster smoother economic relations despite ongoing trade challenges.

This renewed visa-free policy, coupled with China’s diplomatic outreach, represents a strategic push to enhance cross-border mobility, economic collaboration, and tourism, further positioning the country as a welcoming destination for global travellers.