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.

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.

Santiburi Koh Samui, the luxury retreat by S Hotels & Resorts, is welcoming the new season with a refreshed edition of its acclaimed 100 Miles Dining Programme at the iconic Sala Thai at Santiburi. A beloved culinary landmark for over three decades, the restaurant continues to celebrate authentic Thai flavours through a five-course menu crafted entirely from ingredients sourced within a 100-mile radius of the resort.

At the heart of this initiative lies a deep respect for local heritage, sustainability, and craftsmanship. Each ingredient is handpicked by the head chef from nearby markets and the resort’s organic garden, ensuring freshness and authenticity in every plate. Supporting local fishermen, farmers, and small-scale producers, the menu features wild-caught seafood and naturally harvested produce, paying homage to the island’s natural bounty.

A highlight of this year’s menu is its tribute to the coconut, sourced exclusively from Koh Phangan’s traditional farms, celebrated for their naturally creamy sweetness. In line with the brand’s sustainability ethos, the programme also supports S Hotels & Resorts’ “Green Button” initiative for every 100 Miles Set Menu ordered, a tree is planted at Chiang Rai’s Singha Park, promoting reforestation and environmental education.

The culinary experience unfolds as a flavourful journey through Thailand’s southern coast. Guests begin with Hor Mok Talay, a delicately spiced coconut custard with fresh Surat Thani seafood, served in a mini coconut shell, a creative ode to Samui’s most iconic fruit. The Samui Lobster Carpaccio, paired with tom yum caviar and crisp peanut cracker, adds a modern twist to classic flavours.

The reimagined Tom Yam Goong, prepared with a fragrant coconut water broth, offers a lighter and more aromatic take on the traditional soup. For the main course, Surf ’n’ Earth pairs slow-cooked, grain-fed beef cheeks from Nakhon Si Thammarat with wild-caught Samui red snapper, balanced with Malindjo leaf mousse and Surat-style yellow crab curry, a bold representation of southern Thai craftsmanship.

The meal concludes on a poetic note with Chocolate Coconut Parfait with Raspberries, a dessert that celebrates the coconut in form and spirit. Inspired by the anatomy of the fruit, it features a chocolate shell encasing a silky coconut parfait, finished with bright raspberries. The chocolate, sourced from a local Samui artisan, highlights Thailand’s growing artisanal cacao culture.

Available exclusively at Sala Thai, the 100 Miles Dining Programme can also be enjoyed as part of a special stay package, which includes daily breakfast, one 100 Miles Dining experience for two, and 20% off the à la carte menu.

For reservations, visit santiburisamui.com/offers/100-miles-culinary-journey or email fb@santiburisamui.com / rsvn@santiburisamui.com.