Disney Cruises Expands to Asia with the Disney Adventure

Disney Cruises Expands to Asia with the Disney Adventure

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on July 5, 2024

Disney Cruise Line is set to expand its magical voyages to Asian waters with the launch of the Disney Adventure. Starting in 2025, this new ship will set sail from Singapore, offering families in the region an unparalleled seaside vacation. The Disney Adventure will be the first Disney Cruise Line ship to homeport in Asia, embarking on three- and four-night itineraries designed to provide an enchanting mix of relaxation and entertainment.

A Unique Disney Experience

The Disney Adventure aims to bring the essence of Disney's storytelling to life, offering immersive experiences that capture the magic of Disney, Pixar, and Marvel. Sharon Siskie, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Disney Cruise Line, expressed excitement about the new venture: “We’re bringing the magic of Disney Cruise Line to Asia for the first time, providing our guests with the unique Disney fun and relaxation that can only be experienced aboard our ships. The Disney Adventure will feature incredible areas that bring Disney, Pixar, and Marvel worlds to life in new ways, inspiring families to create unforgettable memories.”

Exploring the Disney Adventure

The Disney Adventure is designed to be both a journey and a destination, featuring seven themed areas that will transport guests into the heart of Disney magic:

Disney Imagination Garden: The ship’s emotional center, this area is an enchanted valley that serves as a gathering space inspired by Disney adventures from characters like Moana and Mowgli.

Disney Discovery Reef: This area evokes aquatic narratives from "The Little Mermaid," "Lilo & Stitch," "Finding Nemo," and "Luca," offering themed shopping and dining experiences.

San Fransokyo Street: Inspired by "Big Hero 6," this vibrant area features interactive games, activities, shops, cinemas, and more.

Wayfinder Bay: A poolside retreat inspired by "Moana," offering stunning views and a relaxing atmosphere.

Town Square: A whimsical area celebrating Disney royals, filled with shops, lounges, cafes, and restaurants inspired by "Tangled," "Cinderella," "Frozen," "Snow White," and "The Princess and the Frog."

Marvel Landing: A hub for Marvel fans of all ages, featuring attractions and experiences centered around favorite superheroes.

Toy Story Place: An interactive playland with themed food venues and water play areas inspired by Pixar’s "Toy Story."

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The Disney Adventure promises to deliver all the classic hallmarks of a Disney cruise: exceptional dining, world-class entertainment, and outstanding guest service. Families can enjoy a wide range of activities, from exciting attractions and play areas to special entertainment designed for guests of all ages. Dedicated spaces and clubs for kids, tweens, and teens ensure that younger guests have a memorable time, while adults can relax with premium dining, lounge, and spa experiences.

Sarah Fox, Vice President and Regional General Manager, Asia, Disney Cruise Line, highlighted the significance of this expansion: “Consumers in this region have shown such strong affinity for Disney, and we are thrilled to bring an unparalleled Disney Cruise Line vacation to their backyard. By infusing Disney’s signature service with handpicked experiences unique to Asia, guests can look forward to the magic at sea through personalized touches, a selection of global cuisines, and abundant retail offerings carrying a distinct local flavor.”

As part of a collaboration between Disney Cruise Line and the Singapore Tourism Board, the Disney Adventure will embark on three- and four-night trips from the Marina Bay Cruise Centre starting in 2025 and continuing for at least five years. This partnership leverages Singapore’s strategic location, excellent connectivity, and robust port infrastructure, making it a prime cruise hub in Southeast Asia.

The Disney Adventure, a 208,000 gross-ton ship, will accommodate approximately 6,700 passengers and 2,500 crew members. More details about the maiden voyage and onboard experiences will be announced closer to the launch date.


Tirupati Named Asia’s Second Most Affordable Summer Destination by Agoda

Tirupati Named Asia’s Second Most Affordable Summer Destination by Agoda

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 13, 2025

Tirupati has secured the second spot in Agoda’s latest list of Asia’s most affordable summer getaways, standing out for its blend of spiritual depth and budget-friendly travel. According to Agoda, the temple town records an average nightly room rate of just ₹3,211, making it an attractive choice for travellers who want cultural richness without hefty expenses.

The Agoda report, which compares average room rates across popular destinations in nine Asian countries, places Tirupati right after Surabaya in Indonesia and ahead of cities like Hat Yai in Thailand and Dalat in Vietnam. The temple city’s affordability is further highlighted when compared to places such as Nagoya in Japan and Daejeon in South Korea, where average room rates exceed ₹7,800.

“Tirupati stands out as a destination that blends spiritual significance with affordability,” said Gaurav Malik, Country Director – India, Sri Lanka & Nepal at Agoda.“Travellers today are looking for value without compromising on cultural depth or ease of travel. Many cities on this list offer exactly that — with good connectivity, simple visa processes, and rich local experiences. At Agoda, we remain committed to making such meaningful journeys easier and more accessible for everyone.”

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Home to the renowned Venkateswara Temple, Tirupati is not just a centre of devotion but also a showcase of Andhra Pradesh’s vibrant festivals and traditional cuisine. Its appeal lies in offering visitors a profound cultural and spiritual journey at prices that don’t strain the wallet.

The study also reflects a broader trend across the region: tourists are increasingly drawn to destinations that deliver authentic experiences and spiritual enrichment alongside affordability. Cities like Kuching in Malaysia, Iloilo in the Philippines, and Kaohsiung in Taiwan further illustrate this growing preference for meaningful, yet wallet-friendly travel.

With Agoda listing over 5 million properties and 300,000+ travel activities globally, travellers have ample options to explore destinations like Tirupati, making their journeys as enriching as they are economical.


Tourism New Zealand Taps Rajkummar Rao & Patralekhaa for #BeyondTheFilter Campaign

Tourism New Zealand Taps Rajkummar Rao & Patralekhaa for #BeyondTheFilter Campaign

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 13, 2025

Tourism New Zealand has launched its latest brand campaign, #BeyondTheFilter, starring popular Indian actors and real-life couple Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa. The initiative urges Indian travellers to go beyond chasing ‘Instagram-worthy’ shots and instead seek out genuine, emotionally rich experiences across New Zealand’s stunning North Island.

Shot across breathtaking landscapes from the ancient Sanctuary Mountain to Māori cultural hubs like The Haka Shop, the campaign captures the couple’s journey as they immerse themselves in everything from Auckland’s vibrant waters to thrilling adventures in Taupō’s skies. It’s a story of connection — with each other, with local communities, and with nature.

“Travel for us has always been about connection — with each other, with nature, and with people we meet along the way. New Zealand gave us that and so much more, making our time together truly unforgettable,” shared Rajkummar Rao.

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Patralekhaa added, “In a world where we're constantly curating our lives for social media, New Zealand gave us permission to just be present. The experiences were so beautiful and genuine, we found ourselves putting our phones down and simply living in the moment.”

The campaign speaks directly to today’s Indian travellers who increasingly crave deeper, more personal journeys — free from the pressures of social media perfection. Gregg Wafelbakker, Regional Director Asia, Tourism New Zealand, noted, “We’re seeing a strong shift among Indian travellers toward experiences that are personal, present, and emotionally meaningful. Rajkummar and Patralekhaa bring this message to life with their honesty and relatability.”

The #BeyondTheFilter mini-series will roll out in phases on newzealand.com/in and across various digital platforms. It’s an open invitation for travellers to discover moments so genuine they don’t need a screen to be remembered.


Kolkata-Kathmandu Direct Flights Resume After 11 Months with Buddha Air

Kolkata-Kathmandu Direct Flights Resume After 11 Months with Buddha Air

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 13, 2025

After an eleven-month break, Kolkata is set to reconnect with Nepal’s capital via direct air service. Buddha Air, Nepal’s largest private airline, will restart Kolkata-Kathmandu flights on September 1, offering a much-needed air link for tourists, families, and business travellers.

The airline will operate four weekly flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, using a 70-seater ATR 72-500 aircraft. This marks Buddha Air’s return to Kolkata after its earlier operations from May to December 2019, which were suspended due to low passenger load and pandemic-related challenges.

The route had been unserved since October 2024, when Air India withdrew its services. Air India Express had plans to launch flights in March 2025 but delayed the move.

Buddha Air has been flying in Nepal since 1997 and operates a fleet of 16 ATR 72-500 and 2 ATR 42-320 aircraft, conducting 160 flights a day to 15 destinations including Kathmandu, Pokhara, Bharatpur, and Janakpur. Kolkata is now the airline’s second Indian destination after Varanasi.

Industry experts say the new flights will boost cross-border travel. “It is a repeat destination for those with families on both sides of the border as well as those keen on casinos,” said Anil Punjabi, National Committee Member, Travel Agents Federation of India. He added that only a government-issued ID like a Voter ID card is needed to travel to Nepal. However, ₹500 denomination Indian currency notes are not accepted in Nepal, which may pose challenges.

Manav Soni from the Travel Agents Association of India emphasized the importance of operational consistency. “The airline should avoid cancellations as it can erode passenger trust,” he said.

With the growing demand for short-haul international connections and ease of access, Buddha Air’s return is expected to revive tourism, reunite families, and strengthen economic ties between Kolkata and Kathmandu.

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