Viking has announced that its two newest Nile River ships, the Viking Ptah and the Viking Sekhmet, have been successfully “floated out.” The float out signifies a major construction milestone, indicating that the ships have touched water for the first time.

The Viking Ptah and the Viking Sekhmet Set debut in September and November 2026, respectively. The vessels join Viking’s growing fleet of state-of-the-art ships in Egypt and will sail popular the company’s popular 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary.

Torstein Hagen is the Chairman and CEO of Viking

Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking stated “Egypt is truly a phenomenal destination, distinguished by its remarkable history, enduring culture and the singular power of the Nile.”

“With the float out of our two newest ships, we look forward to further expanding our elegant fleet on the Nile and welcoming more curious travelers to experience this extraordinary region in the years to come.”

The Viking Ptah and the Viking Sekhmet

The float out ceremonies for the Viking Ptah and the Viking Sekhmet took place at Massara shipyard in Cairo. The float out marks each ship’s transition into the last stage of construction.

Following the float out, the vessels will be moved to a nearby outfitting dock for final construction and interior build-out.

Viking’s Growing Egypt Fleet

The Viking Ptah and Viking Sekhmet are state-of-the-art ships and join sister ships in Viking’s Egypt fleet, which includes the Viking Osiris, the Viking Aton, the Viking Sobek, the Viking Hathor, the Viking Amun and the Viking Thoth.

Each of these spectacular vessels host 82 guests in 41 staterooms. All of Viking’s dazzling ships feature aspects familiar to Viking guests, such as a space-saving square bow and indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace, plus the company’s signature refined Scandinavian design.

Viking’s state of the art fleet represents the most modern sister ships sailing the Nile River.

Viking’s Pharaohs & Pyramids Itinerary

Viking guests begin their 12-day, Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary with a three-night stay at a first-class hotel in Cairo. In the city guests visit iconic sites such as the Mosque of Muhammad Ali or the Grand Egyptian Museum, the Great Pyramids of Giza, and the necropolis of Sakkara.

Guests then fly on to Luxor, accompanied by a Viking Egyptologist. Guests kick off an eight-day roundtrip voyage on the magnificent Nile River, with visits to the Temples of Luxor and Karnak.

The spectacular sailing features a visit to the tomb of Tutankhamen in the Valley of the Kings as well as excursions to the Dendera Temple complex in Qena, the Temple of Khnum in Esna, the temples at Abu Simbel, and the High Dam in Aswan.

Guests also have the opportunity to visit a vibrant Nubian village, where they can experience a traditional elementary school.

This stunning journey concludes with a flight back to Cairo for one final memorable night in the ancient city!

Be sure to catch up on everything happening with Viking Travel. Come back here often for Viking Travel news and updates.

The post Viking Announces Float Out of the Viking Ptah and the Viking Sekhmet, Set to Debut in Fall 2026 appeared first on Tourist Meets Traveler.

Viking has announced that new dates for its India river voyages in 2027, 2028 and 2029 are available for booking. These dates include voyages on board the Viking Ganges, a new vessel designed specifically for the Brahmaputra River.

The Viking Ganges debuts in 2028 and will join her sister ship, the Viking Brahmaputra, set to begin operations in late 2027.

Both ships will sail between Guwahati and Nimati Ghat in the northeastern state of Assam on Viking’s new 15-day itinerary, Wonders of India. In addition to an eight-day river voyage, the itinerary includes a fully-guided land program.

Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking

Torstein Hagen is the Chairman and CEO of Viking and he said “Since announcing our new river voyages in India, we have seen strong interest from guests eager to explore this remarkable region.”

“By adding a second ship on the Brahmaputra River in 2028 and opening 2029 departure dates now, we look forward to inviting even more curious travelers to explore India in Viking comfort in the years to come.”

The Viking Ganges and the Viking Brahmaputra

The Viking Ganges and the Viking Brahmaputra are sister ships able to host 80 guests in 40 staterooms. Both feature the elegant Scandinavian design for which Viking is known, and all staterooms and suites will have floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors with a veranda.

Wonders of India

The 15-day Wonders of India itinerary is roundtrip from Delhi, with hotel stays in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur that bookend the eight-day Brahmaputra River voyage, sailing east or west. Guests enjoy 13 included tours and up to 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites which highlight India’s cultural treasures.

Viking guests experience the rich history of India’s Golden Triangle, explore Agra’s fabled Taj Mahal, stroll through Old Delhi’s picturesque streets and gaze upon Jaipur’s elaborate Palace of Winds.

Along the Brahmaputra River, guests will see Guwahati’s temple as well as thriving villages, encounter the one-horned rhinos and buffalos of Kaziranga National Park and delight in the cultures of Majuli.

In addition, Viking is offering several new pre and post land extensions for the Wonders of India itinerary.

These include Delhi (two nights), Dubai (three nights; fully guided), Kathmandu (four nights; fully guided) and Cochin & Mumbai (five nights; fully guided).

Booking Details

From now through March 31, 2026, Viking’s North American guests can save up to $5,000 per couple, with a $25 deposit, on Wonders of India.

Call Viking toll free at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or contact a travel advisor for booking details.
Be sure to catch up on everything happening with Viking Travel. Come back here often for Viking Travel news and updates.

The post Viking’s New Ship, Viking Ganges, Doubles Capacity for India River Voyages Through 2029 appeared first on Tourist Meets Traveler.

Viking has announced that the Viking Libra, the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship capable of operating with zero emissions, has been “floated out.”

This major construction milestone marks the first time that the Viking Libra has touched water.

The Viking Libra is scheduled this November 2026 and will spend her inaugural season sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

The Company’s subsequent ocean ship, the Viking Astrea, is also under construction and scheduled for delivery in 2027. It, too, is hydrogen-powered and capable of operating with zero emissions.

Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking

Torstein Hagen is the Chairman and CEO of Viking and he remarked: “The float out of the Viking Libra represents another milestone for Viking and our continued partnership with Fincantieri.”

“From the beginning, our approach to ship design has focused on reducing fuel consumption, and the Viking Libra is our most environmentally friendly vessel yet. Investing in hydrogen was a principled choice for Viking, offering a true zero‑emission solution, and we look forward to welcoming the world’s first hydrogen‑powered cruise ship to our fleet.”

The Viking Libra Float out at Fincantieri’s Ancona Shipyard

The Viking Libra’s float out ceremony took place at Fincantieri’s Ancona Shipyard and is a special milestone because it signals that the ship is near its final stage of construction.

The float out of the Viking Libra began with a ceremonial cord cut that allowed water to flow into the ship’s building dock. During a two-day process the Viking Libra will be fully afloat, and next moved to a nearby outfitting dock for final construction and interior build-out.

Viking’s Newest European River Ship, The Viking Eldir, Joins Its Award-Winning Fleet of Longships

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The Viking Libra Float Out Was Attended by Industry VIP’s

The auspicious ceremony was attended by Karine Hagen, Viking’s Executive Vice President of Product, and Enrico Prunotto, Senior Vice President of Viking’s Ocean Passenger Operations. Also in attendance was Fincantieri’s Gilberto Tobaldi, Director of the Ancona Shipyard.

All of Viking’s ocean ships are classified as small ships, and as such the Viking Libra has a gross tonnage of approximately 54,300 tons, with 499 staterooms that can host 998 guests.

The Viking Libra is considered a sister ship in Viking’s award-winning ocean fleet and has a propulsion system based partially on liquefied hydrogen and fuel cells.

The hybrid propulsion system makes her capable of navigating and operating with zero emissions, allowing her access to environmentally sensitive areas.

The ship’s state-of-the-art propulsion system, enabled by Isotta Fraschini Motori (IFM), Fincantieri’s subsidiary specializing in advanced fuel cell technology, is capable of producing up to six megawatts of power.

Viking Creates Experiences For The Thinking Person

With a clear focus on creating experiences For The Thinking Person, Viking does not try to be all things to all people. This approach resonates with guests and has been influential in Viking’s illustrious industry standing.

Viking was rated #1 for Oceans and #1 for Rivers by Condé Nast Traveler for the fifth consecutive year in the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards and rated a “World’s Best” by Travel + Leisure—no other travel company has simultaneously received these honors.

Additionally, Viking earned eight awards in Cruise Critic’s 2025 Best in Cruise Awards and, for the fifth year in a row scored top rankings from U.S. News & World Report as “Best Luxury Line,” “Best Line for Couples” and “Best Line in the Mediterranean.”

Viking also earned AOL’s Best Cruise Line for 2025 and continues to receive “Recommended” ratings for its ocean ships in Forbes Travel Guide.

Be sure to catch up on everything happening with Viking Travel. Come back here often for Viking Travel news and updates.

The post The Viking Libra, the World’s First Hydrogen – Powered Cruise Ship, Debuts in Fall 2026 appeared first on Tourist Meets Traveler.

Viking has announced that its newest Viking Longship, Viking Eldir, has joined its highly regarded fleet of sister ships. The Viking Eldir was built at Meyer’s Neptun Werft shipyard in Rostock-Warnemünde, Germany.

The 190-guest Viking will sail Viking’s popular itineraries on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers.

Torstein Hagen is the Chairman and CEO of Viking

Torstein Hagen is the Chairman and CEO of Viking and he stated “We are pleased to welcome the Viking Eldir to our growing river fleet.”

“With our exclusive docking locations, we proudly bring our guests closer to destinations along the great rivers of the world. Now, with the addition of our newest Viking Longship, we look forward to inviting even more curious travelers to explore Europe in Viking comfort.”

Torstein Hagen Welcomes the Viking Eldir

The brand new longship hosts 190 guests in 95 staterooms and the Viking Eldir was built specifically to navigate the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers.

Viking’s newest longship features the elegant Scandinavian design and industry-leading innovations Viking is known for.

These distinctive features include Viking’s signature space-saving square bow, three full decks, asymmetric corridor, true two-room suites and an indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace.

All staterooms feature a king-size bed with a soft duvet and goose-down pillows. Other amenities include complimentary programming on a flat-screen LCD TV with an easy-to-use remote, generous closets, abundant USB ports and US/EU outlets, as well as plush robes and slippers to add to your comfort.

Additionally, all bathrooms feature large glass-enclosed showers with easy-to-see controls, premium Freyja® toiletries, anti-fog mirrors and heated floors.

Guests on board the Viking Eldir will sail some of the company’s popular itineraries including Christmas on the Rhine, Rhine Getaway, Grand European Tour, Passage to Eastern Europe, and European Sojourn.

Viking’s New Partnership Makes It The Official Cruise Line of the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions

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Viking’s Growing Fleet Expands With the Viking Eldir

Viking is known as The Thinking Person’s Cruise and under Torstein Hagen’s award-winning oversight, the company remains focused on well-defined, long-term growth plans. This current approach is part of a successful plan that has made Viking a leader in experiential travel.

Viking’s committed orderbook shows that the company expects to take delivery of 22 additional river ships by 2028, 10 additional ocean ships by 2031, and two additional expedition ships by 2031.

When the orders have been fulfilled, Viking will have 112 river ships in 2028 and 25 ocean and expedition ships in 2031.

Be sure to catch up on everything happening with Viking Travel. Come back here often for Viking Travel news and updates.

The post Viking’s Newest European River Ship, The Viking Eldir, Joins Its Award-Winning Fleet of Longships appeared first on Tourist Meets Traveler.

Cruise ship vacations brought quite a lot of news at the end of March, and some of them were rather startling. Still, on the whole, cruise travel remains a viable summer activity for thousands of folks. Read on to find out more.

A Scary San Diego Moment

According to Travel and Tour World, folks awaiting to disembark from Disney’s cruiser, Disney Wonder, on Monday faced delays. That’s because a bomb threat was called in and police had to check out the entire area.

Mostly, people associate bomb threats with airplane flights. But these days, vigilance seems needed for cruise vacations as well. Nothing bad happened or was found. Still, it couldn’t have been a comfortable moment for plenty of travelers.

Fortunately, “The lockdown only caused a minor setback, and by 9:00 AM, the normal operations resumed.”

Sad New Zeland News

Beautiful clean and green New Zealand is a very popular destination. However, for one passenger it ended badly on Wednesday, March 25. People Magazine confirmed that the cruise ship, Anthem of The Seas traveled from Australia to “Waitangi in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand.”

Unfortunately, the police attended the vessel because a passenger had unexpectedly passed away. Of course, those tragedies happen on occasion, but no doubt, it brought a whole mood to the other passengers.

Weather And Insurance Planning

Over on The Travel Scouts, Jason updated on more news. In particular, he focused on upcoming weather predictions. Being on a cruise is wonderful. Until it isn’t! Weather is a huge factor for everyone on board. So, he explained that folks should note the busy season comes with hurricane warnings.

Citing AccuWeather, he noted that so far, there are 16 named storms on the horizon. Actually, “between four and seven hurricanes and between two to four major hurricanes…are also expected…between three to five direct impacts to the US.”

The big takeaway here? Buy your travel insurance the moment you book. Notably, it’s important because once a storm starts tracking the way of a liner, it’s way too late to get cover.

Barcelona Port Fire

The weather warnings video also included mention about a big fire involving a truck at the port of Barcelona. Apparently, a massive truck fire happened at the port. Outlets reported that thick black smoke could be seen for miles. Loads of vehicles were damaged, but fortunately, it seems no fatalities happened.

As far as cruise passengers go, there was some inconvenience as it sent thick black smoke over the docks. The fire damaged 20 vehicles and caused some delays. For example, the MSC Orchestra, Costa Toscana, and MSC Armonia had to sit tight until the emergency was over.

A Bridge Crash

A final travel topic covered in the vlog included a ship running into a bridge. Apparently, the cruise liner is a luxury boat that travels the river. Jason explained that the “A-Rosa Seno cruise ship which departed from Amsterdam collided with a road bridge going into the Rhine River Canal.”

Considering that each year, close to 30 million people take vacations on ships, bad news comes rather infrequently. So, most people just love the adventure, the luxury and the fun of it all. Probably it’s no more dangerous than crossing a street in a busy city. So, start planning your next vacation now.

Did you ever experience a disaster on your ocean adventure? Let us know in the comment section below, and remember to come back here for all our travel news and updates.

The post Cruise News: From San Diego Lockdown To Weather Warnings appeared first on Tourist Meets Traveler.

Disneyland Paris was great, but it’s about to get a lot better as plenty of changes arrived. First, the entertainment center was rebranded from Walt Disney Studios Park to Disney Adventure World.

Most likely, Europe soon sees an uptick in visitors. Read on for more details.

A Change For The Better

Naturally, kids of all ages already know that many of the parks bring an elaborate “behind the scenes” movie set vibe. Well, the latest news suggests a big move away from that to something more immersive.

Grabbing the news front and center, is the expansion involving World of Frozen. According to PRNewswire, the project brings a “new era of immersive storytelling” and stands as a major milestone for the resort.

Betting Big On Immersive Themes

Clearly, Disney bets big on the Arendelle crew as legit crowd baiting. Who can resist the idea of a replica of the North Mountain, a scenic lake, and other attractions that lets folks step right into Anna and Elsa’s story?

Recently, the grand opening for Disney Adventure World went down, and people seemed keen to engage in the concept. So, both upgrades hype interest.

But wait! There’s much more to the story. Josh D’Amaro, the Disney Parks chief, explained more about it. Recently, while at the Paris event, he noted that the goal is to move away from the “studio” look and toward actual adventure.

Night Shows & More

Remember, while people always loved Paris and Disney, the second park seemed a bit at sea as to their brand identity. However, a massive lake called Adventure Bay should pretty much be a standout for the entertainment company. Not just for kids, the Bay will also bring night shows and tons of water-based entertainment.

Disney’s Frozen expansion isn’t limited to Paris. Since the franchise’s debut in 2013, other parks climbed aboard the demand by fans. Other themed parks elsewhere already made the transition. For example, Hong Kong launched World of Frozen in late 2023.

Global Changes

Meanwhile, Japan isn’t being left out and Tokyo DisneySea also adds a Frozen-themed section as part of the larger Fantasy development.

Creating newly themed fantasy lands takes time and loads of creativity. For instance, imagineers spent years figuring out the logistics of it all. Notably, it’s not easy taking a fictional world and then turning it into something with a real-feel to it.

In Demand

When you book your Paris trip, it might be worth placing Disneyland on your itinerary. That’s because you’ll see and experience a village that resembles a genuine Norwegian town.

As to the why? Well, it’s often a planned and saved for trip. Watching the budget for a new experience seems very important when laying out the cash on a theme park visit.

Viewers React

When folks saw the @DPL launch on YouTube, many of them went to the comments section to have their say. One of them penned, “And thus, a new park arises in Europe!!!”

Others more fortunate went there, and rather proudly, a follower admitted, “I was here today!”

Of course, that made other people really wish that they were also there. Well, save up those spare dollars, because it seems that soon, visitors will be lining up at the gates to get in.

What are your thoughts on the changes? Let us know in the comments below, and come back here often for all your travel news and updates.

The post Disneyland Paris: A New Era Of Immersive Adventure Begins appeared first on Tourist Meets Traveler.

The Selati Bridge in Skukuza, Kruger National Park, represents much more than colonial engineering. In fact, it’s also a living monument to the early origins of nature conservation in South Africa. Let’s take a dive into some of the history behind today’s luxury vacation setting on the bridge.

The Early History

Before the famous “Round in Nine” tours carried the first wildlife enthusiasts into the bush, the Selati Railway already existed. Back in the olden days, the railway serviced the demand for transport during the gold rush of the 1890s. So, the line connected a mining town named Leydsdorp to today’s Maputo port in Mozambique.

Well-documented, David Fleminger, who wrote The Selati Railway: A History, explained how it was intended for commercial use. Plus, it eventually extended to Bulawayo in modern-day Zimbabwe.

Conseration Economics

Part of the line ran through what is now known as the Greater Kruger National Park. Notably, it existed long before anyone decided using it to take visitors to the beautiful park was a great idea.

James Stevenson-Hamilton, the first warden of Kruger, started up the tours known as the “Round in Nine” rail tours because he believed it would help bring economic benefits to the conservation effort.

The service that ran between 1923 and 1973 offered a chance to sleep on a train parked overnight on the Selati Bridge. Arguably, it helped the conservation effort become what it is today

If you don’t know, it wasn’t all happy days when preservation of wilderness areas started. Locals wanted hunting. They wanted development, and they wanted farms. With the abundance of natural areas back then, conservation was often laughed at as a waste of time and money.

Revamping The New Luxury Experience

Eventually, the “Round in Nine” tours came to an end. The old railway lines became defunct, but here and there in the area, drivers touring the park can still see the old embankments and piles of ballast.

These drives ended with a stop at the old Selati station which had been preserved in a gesture between SanParks and the South African Railways.

However, in recent years, the old Selati Railway station area near Skukuza was renovated and now forms part of the heritage and tourism redevelopment project.

These days, visitors on the Kruger Shalati Experience enjoy sophistication which closely ties in with the earlier adventures.

The Accommodation

Upmarket and becoming very popular, it brings the feel of deep wilderness blended with nice contemporary African design. The website, Kruger Shalati, for the train accommodation, reveals two lodging options.

For those who love trains, they can book a Carriage Suite with loads of glass-covered views. They sit permanently on the bridge now and the elevation provides amazing game viewing opportunities over the Sabi River.

Meanwhile, other options include the Bridge House Suites. Seven of them sit amid lush gardens next to the bridge. Ideal for honeymooners and families, that’s also popular; notably, a big factor is because kids under 12 can’t stay in the Carriage Suites. Not because folks hate kids, but for their safety.

A wonderful feature of the Carriage Suites lies in the bathtub experience. Imagine watching hippos, elephants, lions, and more while lounging in your tub! You don’t even have to leave your suite.

Other Immersive Opportunities

Meanwhile, other facilities also allow for that immersive experience. There is a swimming pool and from there, you can safely enjoy the water while looking down at crocodiles.

The all-inclusive stays allow for two daily game drives in open vehicles. Because guides are qualified and experienced, folks often get to see the “Big Five” so desired by city dwellers. The rates also include all meals and a range of beverages. Additionally, the fees cover transfers to and from Skukuza Airport.

Above all, the success of the Kruger Shalati Experience honors the efforts of pioneering conservationists who saw that Africa was much more than an opportunity to exploit economic resources.

Did you ever see the old railways or experience the new Bridge accommodation? Let us know in the comments below, and come back here often for all your travel news and updates.

The post Kruger Shalati Experience: Bridging History & Luxury appeared first on Tourist Meets Traveler.

At the moment, it’s unlikely that anyone visits Iran following governmental advice to just stay away from the war zone, right? Wrong! Actually, there’s a traveler there at the moment bringing boots-on-the-ground footage for interested folks. Read on for more details.

Travel Advisories

It’s March 2026, and many governments, including the USA and Australia, want people off visiting Iran. After all, it’s the epicenter of Trump’s Operation Epic Fury and Israel’s Operation Roaring Lion. Western governments label the Middle East situation as “highly volatile” involving “armed conflict, risk of detention, terrorism, and civil unrest.”

Many commercial flights were grounded, and even folks in Dubai had a problem with that. Yet, despite that, on March 13, 2026, Kashmiri vlogger The Umar uploaded another episode of his current travels through Iran. Admittedly, he’s Muslim, dresses in a traditional way, but is he safe?

Boots On The Ground

Umar’s 30-minute video gave folks a rare, boots-on-the-ground look at the country. Obviously, in some way, he challenged those travel warnings. However, he also confirmed that they are very realistic. Basically, he traveled there as part of a trip in transit, rather than a vacation to enjoy desert sunshine.

Notably, his trip through Iran is a race against time given limitations on his transit visa. His final destination meant a long bike ride, and the entire area seems a bit unsafe for travelers.

Some Challenging Moments

Challenges that he met include zones with “no internet.” He also talked about “no phone working, nothing here is working.” And, that’s just the beginning of the issues that any aspiring travelers might face if they disregard those travel alerts.

One of his major obstacles related to paperwork. That’s because Iran gave him a “12-day approval” to cross the country. To make it to his next border, he had to cover roughly “2,500 or 3,000 kilometers” in less than two weeks.

Even under normal circumstances, that could be somewhat fraught with uncertainty. So, he highlighted that it’s “very difficult when the situation is like this.”

A Rather Frightening Journey

Travel from Khorramabad toward Qom and Tehran wasn’t about sightseeing. Actually, it was more about covering the kilometers as fast as possible.

Talking about the long ride, he said, “Frightened, frightened, cover it.” Additionally, he noted, “I have never done such tough riding in Iran these days as I have done today.”

Surreal Normal & Invisible Tension

For outsiders, The Umar’s travels seem very interesting. In some ways, it’s the gap between what you see on your TVs and what he saw on the ground.

As he drove through places, he reminded his followers that media reports claim traders closed up shop. However, some of his video footage revealed busy markets. “What do they show in the media?” he wondered. “Shops are open… such a thing has not been seen yet.”

A Beautful Country

In a way, it’s a pity he couldn’t explore a bit more, because The Umar seemed very interested in the beauty of Iran’s architecture. For instance, he pointed out the “beautifully” built drainage along the highways.

Additionally, he was struck by the cleanliness in places like Qom. “Iran, you will see it everywhere like this,” he said, noting trash cans everywhere and the lack of litter.

Still, the air of tension remains no matter how clean the place is. He talked about “ships,” perhaps meaning aircraft or drones, “roaming very strongly from above.”

Apart from that, he also cautioned anyone about traveling after dark. “I will not prefer to walk in Iran today in the dark,” he said.

The Cost Of Curiosity

Umar’s job as a content creator kept bumping into reality on the ground. Actually, forget about that because he ran into a few problems. In Khorramabad, “famous for its waterfalls,” he repeatedly asked about seeing them. However, locals told him he’d be foolish to try.

Citing some of them, Umar said, “Do not go there in these situations, it is better.” Deciding to listen to them, he focused on getting out of the country rather than dithering around. After all, it seemed a better option.

Testing The Temperature

In Qom, while it’s known for shrines and whatnot, he decided against filming there as well. First, he wanted to check out the temperature of the folks in the city:

I will first see what is the atmosphere of this city, what is the situation… then according to that, we will open the camera.

Later, he confirmed he couldn’t use his camera anyway as locals urged him to just keep it out of sight.

The Civilian Checkpoint

The scariest moment went down at a scenic viewpoint above Khorramabad. At the time, Umar was filming. Then, two guys in “civilian dress” walked up and started grilling him about filming and what the heck he was doing there.

Next, they demanded sight of his passport. Bravely, he refused, telling the random men, “Who are you? At least show me your ID, then I will show my passport.” Well, that didn’t happen either way, but he got out of there fast.

Hyper-Inflation

Umar’s video wrapped up in Qom, where he finally found a hotel. Importantly for him, it had a special place to park his bike. Actually, that bike really is his lifeline to home. He said, “I can adjust in [a bad room], but I cannot adjust in bike parking, compromise… will not walk in it.”

Booking in, he revealed his accommodation included a toothbrush, soap, and a couch. Price-wise, it set him back about 5,000 Indian Rupees (roughly $54.00 USD).

His dinner? Kebab chicken and rice. Well, depending on where you live, that might seem rather costly. Showing his receipt, it turned out that he paid about 15 million Iranian Rials. That’s equivalent to about $11.35 USD. Anyway, The Umar thought it was expensive compared to India and Pakistan.

Final Verdict: Is it Safe?

Umar’s trip mostly backed up government warnings, and he was careful to avoid likely conflict zones. However, he really seemed to like the beauty of the landscapes and the towns. But at the same time, it seemed he’d probably breathe a lot easier once he crosses the border and gets out of there.

In time, he might go back one day, because he said near the end of his video that he plans a return “when the situation is good” so he can “explore every inch of Iran.”

Until then, potential brave or reckless travelers should maybe take note of his advice. He noted that there “will be no one to listen to [you], and no one to save [you]” if things go pear-shaped.

https://youtu.be/NCwNKAoBnXw?si=nTK0NIra65HKtgVY

What are your thoughts about The Umar bike-tripping through Iran right now? Let us know in the comments below, and remember to come back here often for all your travel news and updates.

The post Iran Travel Warning Ignored: The Umar’s Ground Report appeared first on Tourist Meets Traveler.

Luxury travel changes in 2026 and this week, Oceania Cruises revealed their newest business approach that they call “The Joy of Traveling Well.” Read on for more details about how it might suit your previous experiences.

A New Approach To Cruises

It seems that this year, the move takes folks away from opulence, to more meaningful experiences. Not that anyone hates nice things. In a press release shared by PR Newswire, they’re not ditching their motto of “Your World. Your Way.” However, it definitely links up with the general trend that even those with tons of money appreciate authenticity rather than just glam and “excess.”

Notably, like many of us, even the coach class folks, those who can afford nice vacations also look for slower and more immersive ways to explore the world. Citing Jason Montague, chief luxury officer of Oceania Cruises, Travel Pulse wrote:

The launch of The Joy of Traveling Well campaign offers a clear expression of who we are and what sits at the very heart of Oceania Cruises…This brand evolution reflects what our guests have been telling us for years: that true luxury lies in the freedom to explore at your own pace.

How It Works

It seems that the cruise liner company looks at four different aspects of travel. Firstly, it seems that they meet a desire for more time in port with opportunities to really get the real feel of places they visit.

Secondly, to facilitate that, smaller ships can actually get to some of the off the beaten track ports that huge liners simply can’t get to. Plus, with beds for between 670 to 1,250 guests, the experience offers a relaxed vibe and yet they still maintain a lot of elegance.

Food & Hospitality

The next focus by Oceania Cruises relates to the aspect of hospitality that almost everyone knows if they ever sailed on the sea. That involves cuisine. For many folks, the formality of it might be a highlight. But not everyone wants that these days. Instead, they intend to focus on “sincere and personal” rather than stiffly formal.

Another aspect which already becomes more popular with travelers fits with the desire for local culture. So, instead of just observing a place from the deck, your cuisine will reflect the lifestyle of the places you visit.

The Biggest Drawcard For Some Folks

While family cruises definitely seem very popular, not everyone wants to hear kids running around the place. Back in January, the company revealed their recent transition to an adults-only experience. Clearly, that aligns with the “tranquil” and sophisticated atmosphere that people who can pay for it actually want.

Notably, they’re catering to mature travelers with discerning tastes. Of course, that means that peace can be found onboard, and local cultures enjoyed to the fullest.

More Included for Travelers

Just because things might not all be gold-gilded, that doesn’t mean that anyone onboard is going to be slumming it. Oceania Cruises promise to keep their brand of “Your World Included®.”

Guests receive gourmet specialty dining, shipboard gratuities, unlimited Starlink® Wi-Fi, and laundry services as part of the fare. Additionally, their guests can choose either a shore excursion credit or a complimentary wine and beer package to enjoy with their meals.

If the changes make you feel that you might like to enjoy immersion with less glitz and more superior service, then maybe you should start planning a summer vacation right now.

Did you ever sail with Oceania Cruises? Let us know in the comments below, and come back here often for all your travel news and updates.

The post Oceania Cruises Ditches Flash for Substance – ‘Joy of Traveling Well’ appeared first on Tourist Meets Traveler.

The Muraka Resort in the Maldives seems impossibly bizarre but really interesting. That’s because visitors stay underwater, surrounded by fish and other marine life. However, you need deep pockets for a room there as it’s touted for exclusive luxury. Is it worth it? Read on to find out.

An Expensive Destination

Tourists with loads of cash could probably buy an island for themselves. But, who needs that hassle of maintaining a structure that was engineered in Singapore, and then transported by sea to its current destination? Meanwhile, those who watched the 1999 thriller Deep Blue Sea might find the idea of sleeping submerged a bit terrifying rather than relaxing.

Certainly, it seems that if your bank account is large enough, you can book your stay with a difference in the Indian Ocean. Perhaps it appeals to the ultra rich who fly in expensive over-the-top luxury airliners.

We checked out a video to see if it’s worth the money and if it’s all that exclusive.

The Most Expensive Hotel Underwater

Actually, the Maldives isn’t unique in providing underwater accommodation experiences. Some of them are fully submerged, while others have some suites below the waves. They include Atlantis The Palm in Dubai, Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore, and 11 others.

But notably, the Muraka Resort is the most expensive. In a recent YouTube  vlog about it Trek Trendy talked about staying in what he describes as “the world’s most expensive underwater hotel” located in the Maldives.

According to him, the experience of sleeping beneath the ocean with “nothing but glass separating me from the shark swimming outside,” cost him an incredible amount of money.

The Footage

Certainly, the footage seemed genuine and not AI manipulated. Notably, part of his accommodation was above ground, and the rest of it beneath the waves.

In the underwater bit, he showed off a bedroom that looked more like a “walkthrough aquarium” than a hotel room. Inside, he revealed a 180-degree curved acrylic dome that provides “uninterrupted views of vibrant coral reefs and marine life.” And, yes, even the bathroom closet comes with a sea view.

Upstairs, there was a complimentary bottle of champagne, but the “mini bar contained strictly soft drinks.” Notably, “anything stronger will set you back a truly staggering sum.” But underwater, there was a mini bar, unfortunately “completely empty.”

Also the above water area came with an equipped kitchen. However, you can’t start cooking your own food. Instead, you need to hire a professional chef. And that will set you back about $600.

Some Signs of Problems

Interestingly, for such a luxury spot, inside his accommodation, everything wasn’t perfect, despite much of it looking spotless. He noted, “The same cannot be said about the coffee machine where no beans are provided and there’s a rather unpleasant stale milk smell.”

Oh, and he complained about a lack of privacy, noting you better know any traveling companions really, really well. Also, getting there seemed a bit of a strange situation. When you arrive to fly to the island, there isn’t a departure time on the ticket. In fact, you might have to wait a while. Plus, he mentioned some lighting issues and dirty carpets.

The Dining Area & Service

Obviously, not hiring a chef appealed to Trek Trendy, because he checked out the main dining room. It’s some distance from the accommodation, so a buggy took him across. It’s also underwater, so he removed his shoes and started down. Again, the views looked stunning underwater.

Offered some more champagne, he accepted the first glass as a freebie, but the prices for more made his eyes water. Diners could choose starters and the rest. The meal started with “hand selected caviar with fresh crab meat,” or things like “poached Maldivian lobster with chilled asparagus.”

Then you can chow down on some “Australian Wagyu beef” and wrap it up with choices like “chocolate parfait consisting of a white chocolate mousse.” Extra wine would make your lips pucker, but the price seemed shocking.

Freebies & Entertainment Arrangements

Plenty of the usual branded freebies like robes and slippers were on hand, but the slippers seemed particularly plain. Then, they provided boredom-breakers like a TV and PlayStation.

Outside, an infinity pool and a gym are available to residents. And of course, inside the sleeping quarters seemed amazing: except for the cracking of underwater noises. Apart from that, folks can take an after-dinner walk on the private deck to relax and wind down.

If you worry about imminent death after you relax and hit the sack, well, you don’t have to stress too much about ending up as shark dinner. Usefully, they provide an “escape hatch.”

Does It Measure Up To The Hype?

Actually, the gym and the unique bedroom seemed impressive; not to mention the dedicated staff. Certainly, standard resorts pale by comparison in that regard.

So, was it for real? Yes, it was. The video brought a for-real service offered by the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island that seems like a luxury travel dream. Of course, that’s if you don’t mind smelly coffee machines and a lack of drinks in your underwater minibar.

Was it Worth It?

He admitted that it was the “most expensive per night in a hotel” he’d ever experienced. It’s a “crazy price point” that he felt was only rivaled by the Orient Express, though he notes a train is “quite a different experience.”

While the room itself sits at $18,000, “that is not where the cost ends.” When you factor in the $700 seaplane transfer and a $450 dinner, the total climbs to “just under $20,000.”

Despite the “totally outrageous” cost and a few flaws, he concluded that the stay was “truly extraordinary.”

Viewers React

One person who watched the video said in the comments, “Imagine paying $20,000 a night to hear acrylic flexing.”

Here are a few more responses from the discussion:

• The cracking sound would keep me awake all night.
• A strange mixture of unbelievable views and luxury with overlooking simple, fundamental things like the cleaning and coffee beans!
• The fact that almost everything is charged aside makes this insane. There are amazing experiences for less.
• Considering the coffee machine didn’t work, the lighting didn’t work, there were stains everywhere, they charge a fortune for a piece of toast, and don’t even stock the mini-fridge, you were very generous with the verdict.

What are your thoughts? Did you ever experience a luxury underwater stay? Let us know in the comments below, and come back here often for all your travel news and updates.

The post Maldives Muraka Resort: A $20,000 Night Under The Indian Ocean appeared first on Tourist Meets Traveler.