World News Guru

Explora Journeys, the luxury small ship brand from the MSC Group, has unveiled its brand-new loyalty program. Named after the company and the ship Explora Club is a compelling entrant in the premium cruise loyalty space. This program brings together like-minded guests who share a vision of discovery, cultural enrichment, and a sense of connection. ​The program is new and somewhat unique, taking pages from other cruise programs. For frequent cruisers accustomed to the perks of programs like Seabourn Club, Oceania’s Oceania Club, or Regent’s Seven Seas Society, Explora Club offers something familiar yet refreshingly elevated. Let’s take a closer look and see why this program may keep guests coming back time and time again. A Tiered Program with Substance Like most programs, the Explora Club will offer tiers. The more you sail and spend the higher your category. As you move up, you will receive new benefits too. Each level unveiling a curated collection of benefits, from priority ...

If you’ve flown through SFO recently, you’ve seen it—United Airlines is everywhere. And that’s no accident. This summer, United will fly nearly 300 daily departures from San Francisco. That’s its biggest SFO schedule since 2019—and more than any other airline in the Bay Area. United isn’t just maintaining its presence. It’s growing aggressively to lock in its position as the Bay Area’s biggest airline. In just four years, United added 11 international and nine domestic destinations from SFO. That includes returning routes to New Orleans, Detroit, and St. Louis. It also includes new flights to San Jose, Costa Rica and Panama City, Panama launching next month. If you’re flying from SFO, odds are you’re flying United. Alaska has slowed down since merging with Virgin America and Hawaiian airlines. Meanwhile, United continues to scale up. “We’re winning more and more Bay Area customers because of our investments in the product, the experience and the places we fly,” said CEO Scott Kirb...

After a grand debate with myself between flying British Airways or Lufthansa First class , in the end I opted for Lufthansa. The opportunity to fly on a 747-8 and visit the First Class terminal outweighed flying British Airways. The 747-8 is among my favorite planes, even if Lufthansa’s First class seat and product isn’t world class. The flight from Sao Paulo to Frankfort was great, and every so short. I have reviewed Lufthansa’s First class serval time, so this post will be a bit shorter. The ground experience at GRU is nothing special. The airline utilizes the same lounge for both First Class and Business class passengers. The Espaco Banco Safra lounge, the former Star Alliance lounge is also a priority pass lounge. Lufthansa will offer first class guests an escort to the lounge and the gate, but priority service is not provided. Meaning first class passengers still must queue for security and passport control. Once on the plane, First Class service is great. The plan was only b...

The UK government is quickly changing the requirement of of their new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) which has required travelers traveling to and through the United Kingdom register their trips and apply for pre-clearance . Now, the UK has confirmed that travelers transiting through the United Kingdom will not need the new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), provided they remain airside and don’t pass through border control. This is valid for the only airports in the UK which are set up for airside transfers, Manchester and London. This clarification addresses a key concern for transit passengers, especially at busy hubs like London Heathrow, where many connect to beyond the UK. Connecting the America’s to Europe and beyond. The ETA requirement is/was a huge headache for British Airways and other airlines which connect passengers beyond London. However, the ETA remains mandatory for nearly all visitors to England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland . Travelers mus...

Celebrity Cruises is setting its sights beyond the open seas, announcing the groundbreaking launch of its first-ever river cruise division. Beginning in 2027, Celebrity River Cruises will bring the brand’s renowned blend of to Europe’s most iconic rivers. As part of this bold expansion, parent company Royal Caribbean Group has placed an initial order for 10 state-of-the-art river cruise ships. Thus marking a significant new chapter in the company’s evolution. “We’re thrilled to announce our entry into the river cruise market through our Celebrity Cruises premium travel brand,” shared Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. “Our guests and travel partners should expect us to do what we do best – innovate and elevate the river cruise experience as we meet the growing demand for intimate, culturally enriching travel experiences.” Celebrity’s entry into river cruising comes at a time when travelers are increasingly seeking small-ship. Travelers want immersive journe...

Five Star Atlas Ocean Voyages (AOV) is out with a last minute special for those looking to visit Antarctica this season. Offering the lowest price I have ever seen nearly all season on their small luxury polar yachts. If you have wanted to visit the white continent but the $12,000+ price tag that is more common on these trips have been holding you back. Now is your opportunity to go and save! In fact, this is such a great price, I can’t even actually publish it. For more details and booking information contact me directly . These prices are only available to Travel Codex readers who book via Scott & Thomas Travel. Atlas Ocean Voyage Antarctica Building a quick name for themselves Atlas now has 3 ships in Antarctica all plying the Drake passage and visiting the Antarctica peninsula with 198 guests. The World Traveller, World Voyager, and World Navigator are sister ships offering similar experiences. The small intimate luxury yachts offers guests an opportunity to get up close an...

When it comes to discovering Europe, few travel experiences can match the charm and convenience of a river cruise. Imagine gliding along the Danube, Rhine, Seine, or Douro, passing historic cities, rolling vineyards, and fairytale castles—all while enjoying the comforts of a luxury floating hotel. Unlike the big ocean ships which can only explore the coastlines, river cruises take you to small towns along Europe’s most famous rivers. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, here’s why a river cruise should be at the top of your European travel list. Effortless Travel with Maximum Comfort One of the biggest advantages of a river cruise is the convenience. Unlike traditional travel, where you constantly pack and unpack, switch hotels, and navigate public transport, a river cruise allows you to settle into your luxurious cabin and wake up in a new destination each day. Living out of a suitcase is NO FUN! Yet on a river cruise you can explore multiple places without ...