Seabourn Unveils New "Seabourn Journeys" for 2024 Grand Africa Voyage

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 16, 2024

Seabourn, the leader in ultra-luxury cruising and expedition travel, has introduced a selection of new pre-, mid-, and post-cruise "Seabourn Journeys" available to guests on the 2024 Grand Africa Voyage. These journeys offer in-depth, land-based cruise extensions that go beyond single-day excursions, providing guests with opportunities to immerse themselves in Africa's extraordinary destinations.

The luxurious pre-, post-, and mid-cruise Seabourn Journeys during the Grand Africa Voyage allow guests to further explore Africa's premier destinations. For those interested in joining a safari to see Africa's "Big Five," several mid-cruise Journeys options are available, providing opportunities for guests to stay in unique properties and national parks in Botswana, Namibia, and more. They may also explore sites such as the Kariega Game Reserve (Settlers Drift), Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, and Onguma The Fort. Guests seeking exclusive wine experiences can enjoy gourmet dining and wine tastings at La Residence Wine Estate in Franschhoek during four-day pre- and post-cruise stays.

"Seabourn Journeys allow our guests to create deeper, more immersive experiences of the destinations by extending their travel beyond the first and final ports of calls," said Natalya Leahy, president of Seabourn. "I am very proud of this bespoke collection of offerings and believe our guests will be delighted with these experiences. Whether spotting the 'Big Five' on thrilling game drives, or relaxing in luxurious accommodations, or savoring award-winning wines, every moment is crafted to enhance the voyage and create unforgettable 'Seabourn Moments'."

The new Seabourn Journeys for the Grand Africa Voyage include:

La Residence Wine Experience (4-Day Pre- or Post-Cruise Journey) Cape Town, South Africa | Pre: January 25-28, 2025 | Post: January 28-31, 2025

Guests sailing on shorter segments that either embark or debark in Cape Town on January 28 can enjoy a pre-cruise or post-cruise experience in South Africa's stunning Cape Winelands. Upon arrival in Cape Town, guests are transported to La Residence in the Franschhoek Valley, where they can relax and dine at their leisure in opulent surroundings. The second day features a tour of historic wine estates in Paarl and Boschendal, complete with tastings and a picturesque picnic. On the third day, guests further explore the region's esteemed vineyards and savor gourmet meals paired with local wines. A final morning wine tasting concludes the journey before guests either return home or board the ship.

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Grootbos Private Nature Reserve (4-Day Post-Cruise Journey) Cape Town, South Africa | January 28-31, 2025

Guests debarking their voyage in Cape Town on January 28 can embark on a multi-day post-cruise journey at the renowned Grootbos Private Nature Reserve. Known for its conservation efforts and luxurious accommodations, Grootbos offers a warm welcome and transfer to the Forest Lodge, where guests stay in elegant suites surrounded by stunning landscapes. Activities include exploring the Milkwood Forest, botanical hikes, 4x4 flower safaris, and visits to the ancient Klipgat Cave and Walker Bay Nature Reserve. A private Cape Agulhas tour features wine tastings and a curated picnic in South Africa's southernmost wine region. Guests also enjoy a marine safari to see the "Marine Big Five"—whales, sharks, dolphins, seals, and penguins—guided by marine biologists from Dyer Island Cruises. Each evening, guests dine at Grootbos' unique lodge restaurants before relaxing in the serene wilderness.

Ultimate Botswana Experience (7-Day Mid-Cruise Journey) Durban, South Africa | January 22-28, 2025

After disembarking in Durban, guests fly to Johannesburg and stay at the Sanctuary Mandela Boutique Hotel, Nelson Mandela's former residence. The next day, they travel to Botswana's Sanctuary Baines' Camp, known for its intimate setting and unique construction using recycled cans, offering game drives and mokoro excursions in the Okavango Delta. On the fourth day, guests transfer to the prestigious Chief's Camp in the Moremi Game Reserve, renowned for exceptional game viewing, including the "Big Five" and over 500 bird species. Guests enjoy morning and afternoon game drives, gourmet dining, and optional activities like scenic flights and spa treatments. The Journey concludes with a final morning game drive before flying to Maun and then Cape Town, where they rejoin Seabourn Sojourn to continue their voyage.

Kariega Game Reserve (4-Day Mid-Cruise Journey) Port Elizabeth, South Africa | January 25-28, 2025

Upon reaching Port Elizabeth, guests are transferred to Kariega Game Reserve, a vast 10,000-hectare wilderness known for its diverse wildlife, including the "Big Five", and abundant birdlife. Guests stay at Settlers Drift, a blend of tented safari and 5-star luxury, with private viewing decks overlooking the Bushman's River. Over the next two days, they enjoy exhilarating morning and afternoon game drives, optional activities, and gourmet dining. On the fourth day, after a final game drive and breakfast, guests are transferred to Port Elizabeth Airport for their flight to Cape Town, where they rejoin Seabourn Sojourn to continue their voyage.

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Escape To Etosha: Onguma The Fort (4-Day Mid-Cruise Journey) Cape Town, South Africa | January 29-February 2, 2025

This mid-cruise journey offers a luxurious safari at Onguma The Fort, a magical oasis where guests are treated to breathtaking views of the mesmerizing Namibian sunset. With its prime location overlooking the Etosha Pans, the fort envelops visitors in massive, cool walls adorned with a blend of African, Moroccan, and Indian influences, all while surrounded by diverse wildlife. Highlights include guided game drives to spot the "Big Five" and various antelope species, and opportunities to observe the breathtaking Namibian sunset from the main tower or during a sundowner safari. Visitors can relax in elegant suites with private verandas, indulge in delicious meals, and learn about rhino conservation efforts. After several days of adventure and relaxation, guests fly to Walvis Bay to rejoin Seabourn Sojourn.

The fully escorted Seabourn Journeys have been uniquely curated to give travelers more time in these locations to showcase the very best of the destinations via the experiential excursions they offer over multiple days. Most Seabourn Journey packages include select meals, transportation, and guided experiences for smaller groups ensuring intimate, personalized exposure to the location and its culture. Luxury hotels and lodges have been hand-selected to offer guests accommodations at the finest iconic properties in the best locations that showcase their surroundings and indigenous culture, with transfers between land and sea conveniently timed to the start or finish of scheduled Seabourn cruises.

Departures on most Seabourn Journeys are guaranteed with a minimum of just two guests. In addition, Seabourn offers a wide selection of mid-cruise overland journeys, that can become part of the overall cruise experience.

Departing on November 30, 2024, Seabourn Sojourn will sail roundtrip from Barcelona on a 90-day voyage that includes visits to 42 marquee and off-the-beaten-path destinations and cities in 20 countries, with seven overnight stays. For guests who cannot sail the entire voyage, shorter segments are available, giving guests more flexibility and opportunities to add pre- or post-journeys to extend their experiences. Shorter segments include the following:

  • 27-Day Jewels of Northwest Africa: November 30-December 27, 2024, from Barcelona to Cape Town

  • 17-Day Mozambique Channel Discovery & Zanzibar Nights: December 27, 2024-January 13, 2025, from Cape Town to the Seychelles

  • 59-Day Northwest Africa to The Mozambique Channel: November 30, 2024 - January 28, 2025, from Barcelona to Cape Town

  • 22-Day West African Discovery: January 28 – February 19, 2025, from Cape Town to the Canaries.

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For reservations or more details about Seabourn's Grand Africa voyage, please call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391, visit www.seabourn.com, or contact a professional travel advisor.

About Seabourn:

Seabourn represents the pinnacle of ultra-luxury ocean and expedition travel and operates a suite of seven modern ships. The all-inclusive, boutique ships offer all-suite accommodations with oceanfront views; award-winning dining; complimentary premium spirits and fine wines available at all times; renowned service provided by an industry-leading crew; a relaxed, sociable atmosphere that makes guests feel at home; a pedigree in expedition travel through the Ventures by Seabourn program and two new ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ships, including Seabourn Venture that launched in 2022 and Seabourn Pursuit in 2023. Seabourn takes travelers to every continent on the globe, visiting more than 400 ports including marquee cities and lesser-known


Emirates Marks 40 Years of Connecting India to the World

Emirates Marks 40 Years of Connecting India to the World

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 12, 2025

Emirates celebrates four remarkable decades of connecting India to the world, marking its enduring partnership with the nation since the launch of its first flight on 25 October 1985. Over the years, the airline has evolved into one of India’s most prominent international carriers, offering seamless connectivity through Dubai and redefining global travel for millions.

In its 40-year journey, Emirates has carried over 24 million passengers between Dubai and Mumbai and 15 million passengers between Dubai and Delhi, operating more than 95,000 and 60,000 flights respectively. Across nine Indian gateways, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Thiruvananthapuram, the airline has flown a total of 92 million passengers, reflecting a shared story of growth, progress, and partnership.

Marking the milestone, Mohammad Sarhan, Vice President – India & Nepal, Emirates, said,

“It is an incredible milestone to complete 40 years of serving India, a market that has been a cornerstone of our global operations. We are humbled by the continued trust that Indian travellers have placed in Emirates over the decades. From the very beginning, our promise has been to deliver world-class service, seamless connectivity, and a superior flying experience.”

He further added,

“India has always been an integral part of Emirates’ journey and success. Over the past four decades, our partnership with India has grown from strength to strength, built on mutual trust, respect, and a shared vision of connecting people and opportunities across the world.”

Strengthening Global Connectivity

For generations of Indian travellers, Dubai has served as a gateway to explore the world. Popular onward destinations from Mumbai and Delhi include New York, San Francisco, London, Paris, Toronto, and other major global cities. Emirates’ “Fly Better” philosophy resonates strongly with Indian passengers through its regionally inspired cuisine, culturally relevant in-flight entertainment in nine Indian languages, and live coverage of major sporting events like cricket and golf.

Supporting India’s Trade and Exports

Beyond passenger services, Emirates SkyCargo has been a key player in strengthening India’s global trade network. Since 2020, it has transported over 700,000 tonnes of exports and imports, including pharmaceuticals, perishables, and other essential commodities, helping Indian businesses access global markets efficiently and reliably.

Charting the Path Ahead

Emirates continues to deepen its commitment to India through strategic investments, enhanced fleet, and service upgrades. The introduction of the A380 aircraft to Mumbai in 2014 and Bengaluru in 2022, the rollout of Premium Economy in major Indian cities, and the deployment of the latest A350 aircraft in Ahmedabad and Mumbai highlight the airline’s forward-looking approach.

As Emirates celebrates 40 years of connecting India to the world, it reaffirms its dedication to being a trusted global connector, linking people, cultures, and opportunities while supporting India’s continued journey of progress and prosperity.


SpiceJet expands winter fleet with five new aircraft

SpiceJet expands winter fleet with five new aircraft

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 9, 2025

SpiceJet has expanded its winter schedule with the induction of five new leased aircraft, taking the total additions this season to ten. The latest inclusions comprise a reactivated Boeing 737 MAX, three Boeing 737s, and an Airbus A340 that was introduced earlier.

“These inductions mark another significant step in our fleet and network expansion strategy,” said Debojo Maharshi, Chief Business Officer, SpiceJet. “The response to our new flights has been encouraging, and we remain focused on enhancing operations across both domestic and international markets.”

All five newly added aircraft have entered commercial service, increasing capacity across key routes amid growing passenger demand. The airline said it plans to more than double its operational fleet and triple its available seat kilometres (ASKM) by the end of November.

The expansion reflects SpiceJet’s continued efforts to strengthen its route network and provide additional travel options during the peak season, supporting its strategy to scale up operations and improve connectivity across markets.


Mumbai Airport Launches Winter Schedule 2025 with New Global Routes and Enhanced Passenger Experience

Mumbai Airport Launches Winter Schedule 2025 with New Global Routes and Enhanced Passenger Experience

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 8, 2025

Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has announced its Winter Schedule 2025–26, featuring an expanded network that connects the city to 129 destinations, including 60 international and 69 domestic routes. The schedule, effective from 26 October 2025 to 28 March 2026, marks a significant step in strengthening Mumbai’s position as one of India’s premier global aviation gateways.

The new schedule introduces three new international routes, Copenhagen, Denpasar Bali, and Athens, expanding connectivity for both leisure and business travellers. This development also represents an 18 per cent increase in European operations, supported by new frequencies to London Heathrow, Amsterdam, and Paris, enhancing long-haul accessibility from Mumbai.

With enhanced services across the Asia-Pacific and European sectors, the airport expects a steady rise in daily flight movements and overall passenger traffic during the winter season. Among international airlines, Emirates, Etihad, and British Airways remain the leading operators from CSMIA, while IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa Air dominate domestic operations. Collectively, these airlines will account for nearly 75 per cent of total flight movements throughout the winter schedule.

To ensure a smooth festive travel experience, the airport has expanded several technology-driven facilities such as DigiYatra-enabled e-gates, Self-Baggage Drop (SBD), and Self Check-in kiosks, all aimed at reducing queue times and improving passenger flow during peak travel periods including Christmas, New Year, and school holidays.

With this new schedule, Mumbai International Airport Ltd. (MIAL) reaffirms its commitment to operational excellence, world-class infrastructure, and seamless passenger experiences. The expansion reflects the airport’s continuous effort to connect India’s financial capital with more global destinations while delivering efficient, technology-led travel for millions of passengers each year.

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