Mexico News
What’s New in Mexico?
One&Only Mandarina, which opened on Nov.1, is a hidden retreat nestled on the Riviera Nayarit coastline that offers an irresistible combination of ultra-luxurious living, natural beauty, and outdoor adventure.
Flanked by jungle-clad mountains and the warm Pacific Ocean, One&Only Mandarina nestles in the heart of an intimate new destination set upon one of the last remaining beachfront jungles in Mexico and offers stunning views at almost every turn.
Guests stay in one of the resort’s 104 stand-alone accommodations, made up of treehouses and cliff-top villas, each of which has been carefully separated to provide maximum privacy and peace. All have stunning ocean, jungle, and mountain views and their own private pool.
Make the most of your escape in one of Mexico’s most awe-inspiring beachfront jungles with extra time to explore and indulge. Book three nights and stay a fourth night at no cost, with delicious daily breakfasts included.
Cruise News
AmaWaterways new solo offer and extended booking deadlines
AmaWaterways announced a new solo traveler offer and the extension of special offers for travel in 2021 and 2022. Guests can book before Dec. 31 and take advantage of savings, including free roundtrip airfare for select 2021 European river cruises.
AmaWaterways’ 2021 offers are now available on a variety of itineraries and ships, including the line’s newest additions, AmaSiena and AmaLucia. Guests may choose complimentary flights with the free roundtrip airfare or the US$2,999 per person upgrade to business class. Guests also have the option of free companion air on an additional selection of 2021 sailings.
Newly announced for solo travelers, AmaWaterways is pleased to offer for a limited time a reduced 25 percent single supplement on spacious balcony staterooms, available on select 2021 sailings through its Solo Travelers Special.
Air News
World’s largest airlines lose US$110 billion
The entire airline industry took a tremendous hit in 2020, with countries worldwide shutting down borders and limiting travel as a response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Massive cancellations of flights to control the spread of the virus led to huge drops in airline passenger revenues and caused staggering losses to the world’s largest airlines.
According to data presented by StockApps.com, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Lufthansa Group, United Airlines, Air France, and the International Airlines Group (British Airways and Iberia) lost US$110 billion in revenue since the beginning of 2020.
Deal of the Week
136-day cruise to 27 countries from US$49,995
Viking’s famous world cruise is back on the agenda for 2021–2022. The cruise line’s 136-day itinerary is one of the longest in the world and visits a diverse range of coasts. Embark on an epic journey on board Viking Star as she cruises across the globe. The itinerary of the Viking World Cruise will visit 56 ports in 27 different countries on six different continents. The voyage includes overnights in 11 cities around the world and visits dozens of the world’s preeminent cities, including Cartagena, Yangon, Singapore, Sydney, Mumbai, Luxor, Istanbul, Rome, and Barcelona.
Engage with local cultures during stays in unique ports. With stops in the Caribbean, the Americas, Australia, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, the breadth of the new world cruise is beyond comparison.
The cruise will depart from Fort Lauderdale on Dec. 24, 2021, with the option to hop aboard from Los Angeles on Jan. 10, 2022.
The route will journey through Central America, across the Panama Canal, up the west coast of North America, down to Hawaii, across the Pacific to New Zealand and Australia, then through Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean before ending in London. Guests may also choose to stay on board for a complimentary additional three days and disembark at the ship’s homeport in Bergen, Norway.
The cruise is aboard the 930-guest Viking Star cruise ship, where every stateroom includes a veranda. As guests journey around the world, the ship’s resident historian will offer onboard lectures and cultural education based on their location.
Bookings for the 2021–2022 Viking World Cruise start at US $49,995 per person, based on double occupancy. The price includes business class international flights, transfers to and from the ship, all gratuities, visa services, luggage shipping, and the Silver Spirits beverage package which includes “virtually all drinks onboard.”
“Book Now” offers that expire on Nov. 30, 2020 include:
- Free business class air + transfers
- US$2,000 per couple shore excursion credit
- US$1,000 per couple shipboard credit
- An additional US$1,000 per couple shore excursion credit for Viking Explorer Club members
- All onboard gratuities and service fees
- Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge
- Free luggage shipping services for embarkation
- Complimentary visa service, Silver Spirits beverage package, Wi-Fi, and more
- Port taxes and fees
Judy Newell, an international travel consultant since 1971, heads Perfect Journeys and specializes in unique travel experiences to destinations around the world. She custom designs journeys that are tailored to suit your interests, physical abilities and budget. Please contact Newell for further information on Travel News topics and around-the-world travel. Cell phone 415 111 8765; Vonage 949 300 3682; email judynewell@perfectjourneys.net.
Sources: Journey Mexico, Travel Agent Central, Insider Travel Report, Viking Ocean Cruises