Marking an exciting new chapter for Carnival Cruise Line, two new ships, Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter, have officially joined its global fleet, setting sail from Sydney and Brisbane. With this expansion, Carnival now operates 29 ships, the largest fleet in its 53-year history, reinforcing its status as Australia’s leading cruise operator.

The official welcome ceremony for Carnival Adventure took place in Sydney, led by Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy. A second celebratory event was held in Brisbane, homeport of Carnival Encounter, before both ships embarked on their maiden voyages.

A Smooth Transition from P&O Australia to Carnival Fun

As part of the transition of P&O Australia into the Carnival brand, the ships previously known as Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter have been redesigned to match Carnival’s signature onboard experiences while retaining some of P&O’s most-loved features. Together with Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa, these ships will host over 500,000 guests from Australia this year.

"Our expansion in Australia is a testament to the enthusiasm for our brand," said Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line. "Doubling our presence in Australia allows us to offer more sailing options and strengthen our ties with the Sydney and Brisbane communities."

Enhanced Digital Experience and Exciting Onboard Offerings

Guests sailing on Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter can now use Carnival’s HubApp, a user-friendly digital platform that allows seamless reservations for dining and excursions, onboard activity browsing, and direct communication with fellow guests.

Both ships will also be integrated into Carnival’s VIFP Club loyalty program, offering exclusive promotions and perks to frequent travelers.

Unmatched Onboard Entertainment and Dining

Passengers can enjoy a blend of P&O’s popular dining and entertainment along with Carnival’s signature experiences:

• Dining Delights: Luke’s Bar & Grill and other specialty restaurants.
  

• Entertainment: Comedy shows, deck parties, and 80s Rock and Glow nights.
  

• Family Fun: Build-A-Bear workshops, Seuss at Sea, and Camp Ocean for kids.
  

With a combination of exceptional hospitality and exciting onboard activities, these ships promise unforgettable cruise experiences for guests departing from Sydney and Brisbane.

For bookings, visit www.carnival.com or contact your preferred travel advisor.

DWP Privé, the highly anticipated event in the world of luxury weddings, is set to unfold at Cinnamon Life – City of Dreams in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from April 9 to 11, 2025. Organized by QnA International, this exclusive invitation-only gathering will bring together the leading names in the global destination wedding industry, setting new benchmarks for luxury celebrations worldwide.

A Premier Event for the Luxury Wedding Industry

Building upon the legacy of the DWP Congress, DWP Privé is a platform designed for elite wedding planners, luxury travel experts, and industry pioneers to network, discuss trends, and explore innovations shaping the future of destination weddings. With the global market projected to exceed $64 billion by 2030, this event presents an unparalleled opportunity to connect with experts, exchange ideas, and redefine luxury wedding experiences.

DWP Privé will host an impressive lineup of industry icons, including:

• Preston Bailey – globally renowned wedding designer
  

• Nadia Duran – luxury event specialist
  

• Sumant Jayakrishnan – celebrated set designer
  

• Elizabeth Solaru – international wedding cake designer
  

• Devika Narain – leading wedding stylist
  

• Funke Bucknor-Obruthe, Cyrielle Mohara, Mahesh Shirodkar, and Kathy Wang, among others
  

These industry leaders will bring their decades of expertise to the forefront, sharing insights into the evolving world of luxury weddings.

Cinnamon Life: The Perfect Host for an Exclusive Event

Cinnamon Life – City of Dreams, Sri Lanka’s first integrated lifestyle resort, serves as the ideal backdrop for an event that blends opulence, exclusivity, and cultural richness. Alessandro Aldo Cabella, Senior Vice President at Cinnamon Life, shared his excitement about hosting the event:

"We are thrilled to host DWP Privé Limited Edition at Cinnamon Life. This is a proud moment for Sri Lanka, as we showcase our country’s unparalleled beauty, warm hospitality, and world-class venues to the global luxury wedding industry. Cinnamon Life embodies elegance and grandeur, making it the perfect setting for this prestigious event."

Sri Lanka: A Rising Star in Destination Weddings

With its pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, Sri Lanka is rapidly gaining recognition as a top wedding destination. The country’s diverse landscapes—ranging from tea plantations and ancient cities to tropical jungles and coastal retreats—offer picturesque settings for dream weddings.

According to Alessandro, the event will further solidify Sri Lanka’s status as a trending wedding destination:

"Sri Lanka’s rich culture and scenic charm make it an irresistible choice for couples seeking unforgettable wedding experiences. The DWP Privé aims to showcase the best of what Sri Lanka has to offer, ensuring its status as a trending destination for 2025."

An Unmissable Experience for Industry Leaders

With limited seats available, DWP Privé is expected to attract top professionals from the wedding, luxury travel, and hospitality sectors, offering them an exclusive opportunity to explore:

• Emerging trends and challenges in the luxury wedding space
  

• Sri Lanka’s growing outbound wedding market
  

• Innovations in wedding planning and execution
  

Sidh NC, Director of QnA International, highlighted the essence of the event:

"The architectural brilliance of Cinnamon Life represents a moonstone—a symbol of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage—while embracing a future-forward vision for the region. This reflects the spirit of DWP Privé, designed to carry forward the legacy of the DWP Congress with a modern and sophisticated twist. Attendees can expect an event that combines luxury, exclusivity, and the finest elements of the destination wedding industry."

As the world of luxury destination weddings continues to evolve, DWP Privé 2025 promises to be a landmark event, shaping the future of opulent wedding celebrations on a global scale.

A catastrophic 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Thailand on March 28, 2025, sending shockwaves through Bangkok’s skyline. Among the most dramatic visuals of the disaster were the city’s famous rooftop infinity pools overflowing, creating waterfall-like cascades from heights of up to 60 stories. Viral videos captured the moment water poured down high-rise buildings, leaving guests scrambling for safety.

How the Tremors Turned Infinity Pools into Waterfalls

As the earthquake shook Bangkok, the movement of seismic waves caused rooftop pools to act like massive liquid pendulums. The water, unable to remain contained, surged over the edges, transforming serene infinity pools into uncontrolled torrents.

“I was in the Sky Bar when everything started to shake. The pool water began rolling like an ocean wave before it simply… went over the edge,” said Emma Sullivan, a tourist at the Lebua State Tower. “People were screaming, trying to grab their belongings before rushing toward stairwells.”

Luxury Hotels Most Affected

Several of Bangkok’s premier hotels saw their rooftop pools emptied within minutes due to the tremors:

• Banyan Tree Bangkok (61st floor infinity pool) – Witnessed dramatic water overflow, captured in viral footage.

• Waldorf Astoria (16th-floor pool deck) – Experienced rapid water loss and structural damage.

• Bangkok Marriott Marquis (9th-floor pool) – Suffered complete pool drainage within moments.

Eyewitness James Chen, who filmed the incident at Banyan Tree, described the chaos: “The water was literally shooting off the edge like a waterfall. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Safety Concerns and Structural Damage

The unexpected flooding created several dangerous situations:

• Slip hazards – Waterlogged rooftop floors increased the risk of falls.

• Crowd panic – Guests rushed towards exits, leading to near-stampedes.

• Electrical dangers – Water seeped into lighting and electrical systems.

• Structural stress – Some buildings suffered internal water damage, with potential long-term consequences.

Preliminary engineering assessments reveal that five major hotels experienced electrical failures, and at least two properties may have sustained structural weakening.

“Water intrusion at these heights can cause progressive damage that isn’t immediately visible,” warned Dr. Suchinda Pattanapong of the Thailand Building Safety Institute. “Saltwater from pools is particularly harmful to concrete reinforcement and electrical systems.”

Tourist Safety Guidelines for Future Earthquakes

In the wake of this disaster, safety experts have issued urgent advice for travelers staying in high-rise hotels:

• Evacuate pool areas immediately at the first sign of tremors.

• Use stairs, not elevators, to exit buildings.

• Stay away from windows and fragile glass structures.

• Keep emergency kits with essentials like passports, medication, and water.

Tourism and Business Impact

The earthquake struck as Bangkok was hosting its annual Motor Show, showcasing Chinese EV brands, creating an unusual contrast between disaster-stricken tourism and ongoing commercial activities. As Thailand begins recovery efforts, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of natural disasters—even in the most luxurious settings.

With cleanup efforts underway, the haunting imagery of Bangkok’s waterfall-like infinity pools will remain a lasting symbol of the earthquake’s force and the urgent need for improved seismic safety in high-rise hospitality.