Not many tourists visit the true North Pole each year, yet alone ever. The number is less than 1,000. But French luxury expedition cruise line PONANT makes the seemingly impossible, possible. The operator of the world’s only luxury ice-breaker, Le Commandant Charcot, is one of the few cruise lines that make the voyage achievable, and has done so on 11 occasions since launching in 2021.

Signature Travel Network has launched a brand-new hotel booking platform, providing a more seamless experience for travel advisor members of the consortia globally.

As interest in travel to Morocco builds, destination expert By Prior Arrangement under new owner Alastair Fernie is spreading the word to ensure travel advisors are aware of its offering.

Mondrian Gold Coast will launch Australia’s first hotel ‘Beach House’ accommodation offering among room and suite inventory when the five-star property opens its doors in the first half of 2025.

Explora Journeys’ President, Anna Nash, is enthusiastic about the opportunities that lie ahead with the ultra-luxury cruise brand, especially having joined a relatively young brand to “help shape and grow the business” during its infancy, she tells LATTE from her new office in Geneva, Switzerland.

Having officially stepped down after 10 years on the Virtuoso Regional Member Advisory Board and the Global Board last month, Anthony Goldman, Joint Managing Director of Goldman Group shares some thoughts and reflections on the experience with LATTE.

Club Med’s strategy to pursue the premium market with an elevated all-inclusive holiday concept is advancing growth from the Australian and New Zealand market, says Rachael Harding, Regional CEO at Club Med.

In 2024, SmartFlyer and Goldman Group are celebrating nine years of partnership and the formation of SmartFlyer Australia.

When the opportunity arose for luxury cruise expert Megan Catterall to join an expedition voyage with Seabourn through lesser-travelled regions of the Pacific, she was quick to jump at it. And with the voyage aboard the newest purpose-built luxury expedition ship on the market, Seabourn Pursuit, who could blame the LUXE by itravel advisor.

Azamara Cruises’ new CEO will evaluate new-build ships or acquisitions in order to further raise the profile of the boutique cruise line. Speaking exclusively with LATTE this morning from Miami, Dondra Ritzenthaler says Azamara’s parent company, Sycamore Partners, remains very much receptive to the brand’s expansion.

Australian travel industry expert has flagged concerns for “luxewashing” running rampant in the industry as more and more travel companies look at ways to be relevant in the luxury travel and cruise segment.

MSC Cruises appears poised to operate its third World Class ship, World Asia, in Australian waters from as early as 2026/2027, as the world’s third largest cruise line looks to expand its global reach into untapped markets. That scenario hinges on MSC Cruises continuing to increase demand in this market for its fly/cruise program, and expanding brand awareness locally, says a senior executive of the company.