Royal Caribbean Unveils Legend of the Seas – The Next Icon Class Marvel

By Nishang Narayan

Published on February 23, 2025

Royal Caribbean has unveiled the Legend of the Seas, the highly anticipated third ship in its revolutionary Icon Class. Set to redefine family vacations, Legend of the Seas will first embark on 7-night Western Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona in July 2026, before sailing year-round from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on 6-night Western Caribbean and 8-night Southern Caribbean itineraries starting in November 2026. Every Caribbean sailing will include a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s award-winning private island.

Marking a new era of cruising, Legend of the Seas follows the footsteps of Icon of the Seas (2024) and Star of the Seas (2025), promising an unmatched vacation experience. The ship will feature eight unique neighborhoods, designed to cater to every traveler. Guests can explore more than 40 dining and bar options, enjoy the largest pool at sea, and experience heart-pounding adventures like Crown’s Edge, a thrill ride, skywalk, and ropes course suspended over the ocean. Families can also immerse themselves in Surfside, a dedicated neighborhood designed for young families.

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Speaking about the launch, Michael Bayley, President & CEO of Royal Caribbean International, said, "On the heels of celebrating one year of the record-breaking Icon Class and the memories made by vacationers of all ages on Icon, we are thrilled to announce the name of Royal Caribbean’s third Icon Class vacation. Legend of the Seas is the next bold step in this exciting era, and we look forward to bringing the revolutionary lineup of experiences to more families and adventurers across Europe, the Caribbean, and beyond."

From sun-soaked beaches in the Caribbean to cultural landmarks in France, Italy, and Spain, Legend of the Seas will offer guests unforgettable travel experiences. Caribbean highlights include snorkeling in Aruba, relaxing on the beaches of Jamaica, and exploring the vibrant streets of Curaçao.

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Currently under construction in Turku, Finland, Legend of the Seas will also be Royal Caribbean’s fourth ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainability. With waste heat recovery systems, shore power connection, and other eco-friendly technologies, the ship is a key step toward Royal Caribbean’s goal of launching a net-zero cruise ship by 2035.

Bookings for Legend of the Seas will open soon on Royal Caribbean’s website, with exclusive early access for Crown & Anchor Society loyalty members on February 20.


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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