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Norwegian orders third Prestige-Class ship

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MIAMI, 12 November 2025: Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd, a leading cruise company operating Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, confirmed this week a newbuild order with Fincantieri to construct a third vessel in the Prestige-Class series for its ultra-luxury brand, Regent Seven Seas Cruises. 

The ship is scheduled for delivery in 2033, marking the continued expansion of the company’s growth strategy in the luxury segment.

Photo credit: Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd

Following the debut of the highly anticipated Seven Seas Prestige in 2026 and a second Prestige Class ship in 2030, the third vessel will build upon the hallmark design and elevated guest experience that have defined the brand’s legacy in all-inclusive, unrivalled cruising.

“This newbuild order continues our measured, strategic expansion within the luxury space, providing guests with yet another way to experience the unrivalled aboard The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet,” said Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd Chief Luxury Officer Jason Montague.

 “It reflects our confidence in the growing demand for Regent’s best-in-class offering and reaffirms our long-standing partnership with Fincantieri, one rooted in craftsmanship and shared pursuit of perfection.”

Regent’s Prestige-Class ships begin a new legacy in ultra-luxury travel, marking Regent’s first new ship class in 10 years, following the success of the line’s Explorer-Class vessels. 

Seven Seas Prestige

Seven Seas Prestige will be 40% larger than previous Regent ships, yet it will accommodate only 10% more guests, delivering more space at sea. At 77,000 tons and carrying just 822 guests with 630 dedicated crew members, the ship offers one of the highest space-to-guest and crew-to-guest ratios in the cruise industry. 

All-balcony suites usher in a new era of ultra-luxury accommodation, featuring 12 distinctive categories, including four all-new suite types. These include the largest all-inclusive, ultra-luxury cruise ship suite in history: the Skyview Regent Suite, as well as the two-level Skyview and Grand Loft Suites. 

Seven Seas Prestige will offer a curated culinary journey across 11 dining experiences, with a brand-new dining venue to be revealed at a later date. 

About Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd operates Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. With a combined fleet of 34 ships and more than 71,000 berths, NCLH offers itineraries to approximately 700 destinations worldwide. NCLH expects to add 14 additional ships across its three brands by 2036, which will increase its fleet’s berth capacity by over 39,200. 

(Source: Globe Newswire)

Agoda powers Archipelago International Flagship Store

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SINGAPORE, 12 November 2025: Digital travel platform Agoda has established a partnership with Archipelago International, Southeast Asia’s largest privately owned hotel management company, to broaden traveller choice and strengthen both brands’ regional presence.

Through this collaboration, 193 of Archipelago International’s properties, including urban business hotels, leisure resorts, and boutique experiences, are now available on the Agoda platform via the newly launched Archipelago Flagship Store. 

From left to right: Mudy Idris, Director of Sales, Archipelago International; Chris Legaspi, Chief Commercial Officer, Archipelago International; John Flood, Chief Executive Officer, Archipelago International; Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply Agoda;  Krishna Rathi, Associate Vice President, Supply, Agoda; and Gede Gunawan, Country Director, Indonesia, Agoda.

This dedicated brand hub will make it easier for travellers to discover and book Indonesian hotels such as ASTON Anyer Beach Hotel, Harper Malioboro, Royal Kamuela Ubud, and The Alana Hotel and Conference.

Indonesia has been growing in popularity, climbing the ranks to become the third most searched market on Agoda in 2025. With Agoda data showing a 21% year-on-year increase in searches for travel to Indonesia, this partnership aims to capture the demand from both domestic and international travellers.  

This rising interest is driven by travellers from South Korea (1) with a 36% growth in searches, followed by Malaysia (2), Singapore (3), Australia (4), and Japan (5). While Bali, Jakarta, and Batam Island remain among the most sought-after destinations, emerging hotspots like Labuan Bajo and Medan are rapidly gaining traction, recording year-on-year increases of 66% and 47% in searches, respectively, on Agoda.

“Indonesia remains an important focus for Agoda’s growth, and this partnership with Archipelago International aligns with that direction. The launch of the Archipelago Flagship Store leverages our technology and scale to better connect our large Asian customer base with their portfolio of trusted properties. We value this collaboration as it reinforces our local offerings and supports our collective success in this dynamic market,” said Agoda Senior Vice President of Supply, Andrew Smith.

Unlike standard listings, Archipelago’s Flagship Store will act as a dedicated hub, showcasing its diverse range of properties to a growing pool of travellers from top origin markets and beyond, aligning with Indonesia’s increasing prominence as one of Agoda’s top-searched destinations. The collaboration leverages Agoda’s multichannel marketing solution to enhance visibility and engagement for the group’s portfolio.

“Agoda’s Flagship Store provides an innovative platform to share our brand story and engage travellers more meaningfully, while leveraging Agoda’s scale and marketing expertise to drive growth and revenue,” said Archipelago International Chief Commercial Officer Chris Legaspi.

It marks the first collaboration between Agoda and Archipelago International, uniting Agoda’s data-driven marketing and distribution capabilities with Archipelago’s strong regional brand presence. The partnership aims to accelerate demand generation, improve conversion across multiple source markets, and empower partners with more effective ways to engage travellers and boost revenue performance.

(Source: Agoda)

Klook steps forward on IPO path

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HONG KONG, 12 November 2025: Klook Technology Limited, a pan-regional experiences platform in the Asia-Pacific, filed a registration statement on Form F-1 with the US Securities and Exchange Commission on Tuesday, relating to the proposed initial public offering of American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”) representing the company’s ordinary shares. 

The company has applied to list the ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “KLK”.

Goldman Sachs (Asia) LLC, JP Morgan Securities LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co LLC will act as underwriters of the IPO. The number of ADSs to be offered and the price range for the proposed offering have not yet been determined.

The proposed offering will be made only through a prospectus. Copies of the preliminary prospectus relating to the proposed offering will be available when available via the three underwriters.

The registration statement on Form F-1 relating to these securities has been filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission but has not yet become effective. These securities may not be sold, nor may offers to buy be accepted, before the time the registration statement becomes effective.

About Klook
Klook is a leading pan-regional experiences platform in the Asia Pacific, purpose-built to digitalise experiences and make them accessible to every traveller. Its mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travellers to discover each destination through a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across international destinations.

(Source: Businesswire)

Finnair to boost Thailand flights in 2026

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SINGAPORE, 11 November 2025: Finnair will schedule a record 25 weekly flights to Thailand during the winter timetable, November 2026 to March 2027, up from 21 flights during the current winter season.

The airline says it will schedule 18 weekly flights from its home base of Helshinki to Bangkok, four more flights than the 14 direct services operating on the direct route during the winter 2025 timetable. 

Krabi is back on the Finnair map for winter 2026. Fly twice a week to the southern Thailand beach destination. Photo credit: Finnair Facebook page: Finnair.

Finnair will also resume direct flights to Krabi in southern Thailand during the winter of 2026, offering two weekly flights from Helsinki to Krabi on Mondays and Thursdays. Direct flights to Krabi were last operated in the winter season of 2021.

“Krabi offers an alternative for Phuket for those looking for a quieter beach holiday,” said Finnair’s Vice President of Network Management, Perttu Jolma. 

In addition to Bangkok and Krabi, Finnair will schedule five weekly direct services from Helsinki to Phuket in the winter timetable 2026/2027, giving the airline a planned 25 flights weekly on routes to three Thailand destinations — Bangkok, Krabi and Phuket.  

However, during the 2025 winter season, the airline will operate the Helsinki-Phuket route daily, starting on 27 November and continuing through to 31 March 2026, using an A350-900 aircraft with 300 seats. Flight time is 12 hours and 35 minutes.

(Winter season 2026 will run from 21 October 2026 to 27 March 2027.)

(Source: Finnair)

Solitude World to liveaboard in the Maldives

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 12 November 2025: Solitude World is expanding its operations to the Maldives with the launch of a new liveaboard vessel, with cruises set to commence in August 2027. 

This milestone marks a significant new chapter in the company’s global growth strategy, bringing its signature blend of comfort, personalised service and diving excellence to one of the world’s most celebrated underwater destinations.

Photo credit: Solitude World. New venture in the Maldives.

Building on its successful ventures in the Philippines, Indonesia and Palau, Solitude World is extending its reach to the Maldives’ pristine atolls and abundant marine life.

“Our expansion into the Maldives represents a natural evolution for Solitude World,” said Founder and Executive Director Kit Chung. “We’ve spent years honing our approach in the Coral Triangle, and now we’re ready to bring that same commitment to excellence and strategic growth to new waters. This move reflects our vision of becoming the go-to brand for divers who demand the very best in both underwater experiences and surface-side comfort.”

Founder and Executive Director Kit Chung.

The new liveaboard, Gaia Joy, will operate under Solitude World management as Solitude Gaia Maldives, joining the company’s growing fleet, which includes the popular Solitude Gaia in Palau. 

Tresya, owner of both vessels, expressed enthusiasm about the brand’s expansion: “Entering the Maldives diving market is an exciting milestone for our portfolio. Through our experience as a shipbuilder, we’ve worked to collaboratively design this new boat to meet operational and safety demands while enhancing the guest experience.”

The launch underscores Solitude World’s ongoing commitment to evolve beyond traditional dive travel, integrating hospitality, adventure and purpose into every guest experience. Solitude Gaia Maldives will feature carefully curated itineraries designed to explore the Maldives’ amazing atolls, from thrilling channel dives to encounters with manta rays, sharks and vibrant coral ecosystems.

Cruise schedules will be released by the end of this year, with cruises commencing from August 2027.

About Solitude World 
Solitude World specialises in liveaboard and resort experiences across the world’s most spectacular diving destinations, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Palau and now, the Maldives.

(Source: Solitude World)

Hilton names SVP brand management APEC

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 12 November 2025: Hilton has announced the appointment of Tal Shefer as senior vice president of Brand Management, Asia Pacific. 

The appointment underscores Hilton’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its brand presence across the Asia Pacific.

Hilton’s senior vice president of Brand Management, Asia Pacific, Tal Shefer.

Shefer oversees Hilton’s brand strategy in the Asia Pacific region, driving growth across the company’s portfolio of brands.

This includes Hilton’s latest push in the luxury and lifestyle segment, where it plans to expand its current portfolio of over 160 trading properties by 50%, to more than 250 in the coming years.

Shefer’s career exemplifies Hilton’s culture of growth and opportunity. He has advanced through a series of leadership roles across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), bringing over two decades of experience and expertise in hotel management and brand operations to his new role.

Most recently, he served as vice president, Brand Operations, EMEA, where he oversaw all managed and franchised hotel openings and transitions, playing a pivotal role in shaping the region’s focused service strategy across multiple brands and markets.

(Source: Hilton)

Lufthansa recruits Sixt for luxury transfers

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Newsdesk
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FRANKFURT, 11 November 2025: Lufthansa and SIXT have entered into a partnership to provide an exclusive Lufthansa First Class limousine service, deploying 40 premium vehicles at Lufthansa’s hubs in Frankfurt and Munich.

For 20 years, Lufthansa has offered its First Class passengers and HON Circle members at its Frankfurt and Munich hubs a highly comfortable and seamless transfer directly to the aircraft and back again upon arrival. 

(Left) Heiko Reitz, Member of the Executive Board of Lufthansa Airlines and Hub Manager Munich, Vinzenz Pflanz, Member of the Executive Board and Chief Business Officer of Sixt SE.

Effective immediately, 40 vehicles of various SIXT models are available at Frankfurt and Munich airports for this premium service. The cars are branded with the respective Lufthansa and SIXT logos, as well as the “Lufthansa Shuttle Service” lettering.  

Lufthansa Airlines Executive Board Member and Hub Manager Munich, Heiko Reitz, said: “We are delighted to have gained a strong partner in SIXT for our First Class Limousine Service. This cooperation enables us to offer our First Class guests and HON Circle members an even wider selection of premium vehicles for this popular service. This allows us to better meet the growing needs of our guests for greater flexibility and more individualised solutions within our premium ground transportation offering.”

Sixt SE Executive Board Member and Chief Business Officer Vinzenz Pflanz added: “SIXT and Lufthansa have enjoyed a trusting partnership for many years in various areas, based on a shared understanding of quality, service and a premium experience. The cooperation for the limousine service is further proof of this trust and our commitment to offering customers maximum comfort and a seamless travel experience.”

(Source: Lufthansa Group)

Centara leaders honoured at IAA Awards 2025

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Your Stories
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BANGKOK, 11 November 2025: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, announces that three of its senior executives have been recognised at the prestigious IAA Awards for Listed Companies 2025, organised by the Investment Analysts Association (IAA). 

The honours reflect Centara’s strong leadership, sound financial management, and commitment to transparency and good governance.

Centara Hotels & Resorts, led by Thirayuth Chirathivat, Chief Executive Officer (middle), Gun Srisompong, Chief Financial Officer (left) and Kirati Kongkathip, Assistant Vice President – Corporate Finance & Asset Management (right), received three esteemed accolades at the IAA Awards for Listed Companies 2025.

The awards presented to Centara executives are as follows:

Outstanding CEO – Thirayuth Chirathivat, Chief Executive Officer

Presented to business leaders who demonstrate exceptional management capability and contribute significantly to the growth of Thailand’s capital market and overall economy.

Best CFO – Gun Srisompong, Chief Financial Officer

Awarded to executives who exemplify excellence in financial management and strategic fiscal leadership.

Outstanding Investor Relations – Kirati Kongkathip, Assistant Vice President – Corporate Finance & Asset Management

Presented for delivering consistent, transparent, and high-quality communication with analysts and institutional investors.

These recognitions underscore Centara’s commitment to upholding strong corporate governance, operational excellence, and financial discipline — key drivers of the company’s sustainable growth and long-term success.

Last year, Centara received two recognitions in the categories of Outstanding CFO and Outstanding Investor Relations. This year’s achievement marks another proud milestone, highlighting the company’s continued pursuit of excellence and leadership in Thailand’s hospitality sector.

The IAA Awards for Listed Companies are among Thailand’s most respected financial recognitions, determined through a nationwide survey of investment analysts and fund managers. The awards celebrate exemplary corporate executives who demonstrate outstanding leadership and integrity in driving their organisations and the Thai capital market forward.

Find out more about Centara at www.CentaraHotelsResorts.com 

About Centara
Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading hotel operator. Its 84 properties span all major Thai destinations plus the Maldives, Vietnam, Laos, Japan, Oman, Qatar and the UAE. Centara’s portfolio comprises six brands – Centara Reserve, The Centara Collection, Centara Grand, Centara, Centara Life and COSI Hotels – ranging from luxury island retreats and upscale family resorts to affordable lifestyle concepts supported by innovative technology.

(Source: Your Stories — Centara Hotels & Resorts)

Pattaya hotel joins BW Signature Collection

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Your Stories
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BANGKOK, 11 November 2025: BWH Hotels, a leading global hospitality enterprise comprising WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts, and SureStay Hotels, announces the opening of Siamese Hotel Pattaya, BW Signature Collection, further expanding its footprint in Pattaya, one of Thailand’s most dynamic and in-demand resort destinations.

Strategically located near the city centre, Siamese Hotel Pattaya, BW Signature Collection offers convenient access to many of Pattaya’s most popular attractions, including Terminal 21 Mall, the interactive Art in Paradise gallery, and Pattaya Beach, which is just 1.2 km away. Whether travelling for business or leisure, guests are perfectly positioned to experience the energy and excitement of this vibrant coastal city.

The hotel features 121 thoughtfully designed guestrooms, each equipped with a private balcony and a full suite of modern in-room amenities that reflect contemporary comfort and convenience. Beyond accommodation, the property offers a well-rounded hospitality experience for all traveller profiles.

Leisure guests can unwind in the hotel’s outdoor swimming pool, enjoy local and international dishes at the onsite restaurant, or relax at the casual café serving light refreshments. For business and event travellers, Siamese Hotel Pattaya, BW Signature Collection features a dedicated meeting room, a fully equipped business centre, and a flexible ballroom space ideal for corporate gatherings, private functions, or celebratory events.

Pattaya continues to thrive as a year-round destination, renowned for its extensive offerings, including beaches, water sports, shopping malls, family attractions, golf courses, and a vibrant nightlife. 

Located just a two-hour drive from Bangkok, and easily accessible via three international airports —Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and U-Tapao — the city is an ideal option for both short weekend escapes and more extended holidays.

The opening of Siamese Hotel Pattaya marks the second BW Signature Collection® property in Thailand and the fourth in Asia, reinforcing the strategic growth of this soft brand in the region. Designed for travellers seeking authentic, locally inspired stays, the BW Signature Collection celebrates distinctive character and individuality, while upholding the globally trusted standards of BWH Hotels.

“We are pleased to introduce Siamese Hotel Pattaya, BW Signature Collection, a hotel that offers both character and quality,” said  BWH Hotels Vice President – APAC, Olivier Berrivin. “The BW Signature Collection brand continues to resonate with both guests and owners by combining locally influenced design with the professional service standards expected from BWH Hotels. We look forward to welcoming travellers from across the region and beyond to experience Pattaya from this exciting new base.”

With this latest addition, BWH Hotels now offers four properties in Pattaya, spanning three of its renowned brands — BW Signature Collection, Best Western Plus, and SureStay Plus — with a combined inventory of more than 500 guestrooms in the city.

To book your stay with BWH Hotels in Asia, please visit bestwesternasia.com and worldhotels.com. 

(Source: Your Stories — BWH Hotels)

Marriott’s City Express arrives in Japan

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Newsdesk
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TOKYO, 11 November 2025: Pacifica Hotels GK has signed a franchise agreement with Marriott International Inc to bring City Express by Marriott to Japan with the conversion of two existing hotels in Osaka. 

Following a complete rebrand, the hotels are expected to re-open in Spring 2026 as City Express by Marriott Osaka Namba South and City Express by Marriott Osaka Shin-Imamiya. Together, these openings are expected to mark the debut of the midscale City Express by Marriott in Asia Pacific, bringing its exciting blend of value, convenience and modern comfort to one of Japan’s most dynamic cities.

City Express by Marriott offers accommodations for value-conscious travellers across urban, suburban and emerging destinations, focusing on quality, simplicity and consistency.

City Express by Marriott Shin-Imamiya will feature 100 rooms in a nine-story standalone property located in Haginochaya, Nishinari-ku, directly adjacent to Shin-Imamiya Station, a major interchange served by the JR Osaka Loop Line, Nankai Main Line, and Osaka Metro. 

Its prime location ensures seamless connectivity across Osaka and the greater Kansai region.

City Express by Marriott Osaka Namba South will feature 143 rooms in a 14-story standalone property located at Hanazono-kita, Nishinari-ku, adjacent to Hanazonochō Station on the Osaka Metro Yotsubashi Line. 

Positioned along National Route 26 and surrounded by low-rise commercial and residential buildings, the hotel provides convenient access to central Osaka via subway and vehicular routes.

Both hotels are situated in retail, residential, and commercial hubs, providing easy access to Osaka’s top attractions, including Abeno Harukas, Tennoji, Namba, Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi, Osaka Dome, and Osaka Castle Park. They are also well connected to Kansai International Airport via the Nankai Main Line, ensuring a smooth and direct arrival experience for travellers.

(Source: Marriott International)

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