Experience the world aboard a cruise ship for an entire year at an exorbitant cost of $120,000.
Seafaring Sojourn
Experience the world aboard a cruise ship for an entire year at an exorbitant cost of $120,000.
Shelling out $120,000 for leisure seems steep, yet considering it grants you a year on the high seas sans land-related expenditures, along with free laundry services and a captivating view of the world's oceans from a balcony, it starts to seem quite alluring.
Virgin Voyages, a new cruise line, is presenting this enticing opportunity to transform your relocation into a seafaring existence, through its novel all-inclusive annual passage.
The pricing is based on a shared cabin, irrespective of whether it's occupied by one or two individuals, allowing seafarers to explore the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Atlantic, and beyond, on any of Virgin's vessels.
For maritime indulgence at its finest, the Orient Express will launch the globe's largest sailing yacht in the summer of 2026. This colossal vessel, intended for wind-driven voyages, will traverse the Mediterranean, the Adriatic, and the Caribbean.
Landbound Locomotion
Amtrak, the national railroad corporation of the United States, has experienced a resurgence following a substantial $4.5 billion investment in its infrastructure and rolling stock. This number equates to nearly 33 million passengers in fiscal 2024, and Amtrak aims to double its ridership to 66 million travelers annually by 2040.
In Europe, a novel underground railway system characterized by autonomous trains has been inaugurated in the Greek city of Thessaloniki. The construction of this metro has been impeded for decades by various challenges, including the discovery of archaeological riches.
At the premium end of the market, The Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train, U.K., will debut in July 2025. This luxury sleeper train will whisk passengers through Cornwall, the Lake District, and Wales, painting an image of a fancy garden party on wheels.
Few are privy to the allure of the Argo Wilis Panoramic train, which travels between the Indonesian cities of Surabaya and Bandung. Historically, this journey has been acclaimed as one of the most scenic and understated adventures in Southeast Asia, and it remains an affordable alternative.
Lastly, Vietnam has announced grand high-speed rail plans, aiming to link Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh City in the south at an estimated cost of $67 billion. Construction is anticipated to commence in 2027.
Top Cities globally in 2024
Six European cities, such as Rome, Barcelona, and Paris, have ranked among the top 10 destinations worldwide for 2024, according to a new survey by Euromonitor International. Regrettably, London failed to crack the top 10.
The report revealed Bangkok as the globe's busiest city for international travelers in 2024. As the tourist season in Thailand is underway, here are some off-the-beaten-track destinations to evade the crowds.
In 2023, the most-visited city worldwide was Istanbul. Despite being a popular spot, there remain lesser-known gems yet unexplored, such as this panoramic rooftop vista from one of the city's most famous landmarks.
For those planning aerial transportation followed by urban exploration, soft-sided carry-on luggage is recommended to provide a mix of mobility and durability. Our partners at CNN Underscored, a specialized product reviews and recommendations resource, have compiled a list of the top choices available on the market.
Descent to the Ocean Depths
It is larger than the Titanic, as long as a skyscraper, and holds the record for the swiftest Atlantic liner. It's the SS United States, and following a three-decade stint corroding on a Philadelphia pier, it is now embarking on its final voyage – to the marine abyss.
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Despite the high cost, the year-long sea voyage offered by Virgin Voyages is alluring, providing a seafaring existence with free laundry services and breathtaking ocean views. After the announcement of Virgin Voyages' annual passage, luxury train travel company The Britannic Explorer also introduced its premium sleeper train, promising a fancy garden party experience on wheels.
Exploring the understated adventures of Southeast Asia, the Argo Wilis Panoramic train offers an affordable alternative for travellers between Surabaya and Bandung. Meanwhile, Vietnam's high-speed rail plans aim to connect Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, transforming urban transportation and encouraging travel within the country.