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


India’s Longest Glass Skywalk Bridge to Open in Vizag’s Kailasagiri Hills

India’s Longest Glass Skywalk Bridge to Open in Vizag’s Kailasagiri Hills

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 9, 2025

Visakhapatnam is about to add a new landmark to its tourism map with the launch of India’s longest glass skywalk bridge at Kailasagiri Hills. The 55-metre-long structure, perched 862 feet above ground, will offer visitors panoramic views of the Bay of Bengal, the bustling city of Vizag, and the Eastern Ghats.

The new attraction has been designed with both thrill and safety in mind. Built with three layers of 40-mm thick tempered laminated glass imported from Germany, the bridge is supported by 40 tonnes of steel and engineered to handle up to 500 kg per square metre. The project, developed at a cost of INR 7 crore, also takes into account the region’s cyclone-prone climate, with the structure built to withstand wind speeds of up to 250 km/h.

While the bridge can technically accommodate over 100 people, entry will be carefully regulated for safety and visitor experience. Only 40 visitors will be allowed at a time, with each visit lasting between 5 and 10 minutes, ensuring everyone gets a chance to enjoy the walk.

The glass skywalk at Kailasagiri Hills surpasses Kerala’s Vagamon bridge, which measures 38 metres, making it the longest hanging glass bridge in the country. Its location was finalized after a detailed survey to ensure visitors get the most scenic vantage points.

The initiative was developed through a public-private partnership between the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA), SSM Shipping & Logistics, and Bharat Mata Ventures, the creators of the Vagamon bridge. Alongside the glass skywalk, other attractions such as ziplining and sky cycling by RJ Adventures are also being introduced, turning Kailasagiri into a growing adventure hub.

The bridge is expected to be inaugurated soon, with final touches like lighting and safety checks underway. Once opened, it is anticipated to become one of the most popular attractions in the region, drawing tourists from across India and abroad to experience Vizag’s natural beauty from a whole new perspective.


Biggest Setback to Char Dham Yatra Since the 2013 Kedarnath Disaster

Biggest Setback to Char Dham Yatra Since the 2013 Kedarnath Disaster

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 7, 2025

The Char Dham Yatra this year has suffered its worst disruption in more than a decade, second only to the catastrophic Kedarnath floods of 2013. Continuous rains, flash floods, and landslides have brought the annual pilgrimage to a standstill for over 50 days, leaving behind significant human and financial losses.

According to official data, 80 people lost their lives, 114 were injured, and 95 remain missing due to weather-related incidents since April 1. The calamities also destroyed 229 houses and left 1,828 partially damaged, underscoring the widespread impact of the extreme weather conditions.

The pilgrimage to Gangotri and Yamunotri was halted for over 20 days each, while Badrinath and Kedarnath saw shorter suspensions of four days each. Since the yatra began on May 4, more than 40 lakh devotees have visited the four Himalayan shrines. However, from July onwards, heavy rains forced authorities to impose repeated bans on movement, causing a steep decline in pilgrim turnout.

Stakeholders said that excluding the pandemic years, this season may have caused the highest financial losses in recent history. “This has been the most challenging season in recent memory. Many bookings have been cancelled, and there are no new inquiries. September was our last hope, but numbers may fall far below last year’s,” said Sudhir Rana, a travel agency owner.

Among the worst-hit destinations is Gangotri, where the Dharali disaster caused severe damage. “It will take us a long time to recover. Most people are still coming to terms with the magnitude of their losses,” said Rajnikant Semwal, a resident of Mukhba.

The shortened duration of the yatra has worsened matters. With Diwali falling earlier this year, three of the four shrines are expected to close by October, reducing the earning window for locals. “Hotel occupancy rates in July, August, and now early September have plummeted to around 10%. Except for some business in May and June, the season has remained completely dry,” said Rakesh Ranjan, president of the Joshimath Hotel Association.

Echoing these concerns, Brijesh Sati, general secretary of Char Dham Teerth Purohit Mahapanchayat, said, “We had just begun recovering from the Covid-induced losses. This year’s natural disasters have pushed us back further.”

As the season heads towards an early closure, pilgrims, hoteliers, and traders remain uncertain about recovery, with many still grappling with the devastation caused by nature’s fury.


Akasa Air Expands Chennai–Abu Dhabi Connectivity with 6x Weekly Service

Akasa Air Expands Chennai–Abu Dhabi Connectivity with 6x Weekly Service

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 6, 2025

Akasa Air has strengthened its international operations by inaugrated its direct flight from Chennai to Abu Dhabi route with 6x weekly services. The flights, which began on 1st September, are now operating with enhanced frequency to meet growing travel demand.

This new route not only improves connectivity between Chennai and Abu Dhabi but also offers travellers the airline’s signature service at affordable fares. The route functions as a turnaround flight, with inbound and outbound operations at Abu Dhabi International Airport and a ground time of just two hours, ensuring efficiency and convenience.

This inaugral service reflects Akasa Air’s focus on expanding its global footprint and supporting seamless travel between India and the UAE. By offering more flight options, the airline continues to cater to both business and leisure travellers while reinforcing its reputation for reliability and customer-friendly service.

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