BermudAir, a premium carrier based in Bermuda, has decided to alter its business model and offer two seating classes instead of solely business class [5cd38f78]. The airline initially planned to launch with an all-business class configuration but faced supply chain delays, leading to the decision to introduce 'aisle class' and economy class options [5cd38f78]. This move was made in response to guest feedback and the desire for more options and flexibility [5cd38f78]. The retrofitting of the cabin with twin-class seating is scheduled to take place in the fourth quarter, with business class seating expected to be introduced by the end of 2023 [5cd38f78]. Despite some controversy surrounding the decision, BermudAir aims to focus on year-round operations and growth in the United States market [5cd38f78].
Meanwhile, a little-known trick has been shared by a mum to transform economy seats into a comfortable bed on long-haul flights [d0a83bba]. By purchasing a third seat at half price, the row of seats can be turned into a fully flat bed with additional footrests [d0a83bba]. This trick is offered by Air New Zealand and other airlines have similar options [d0a83bba]. It provides more comfort and space for families, especially when traveling with young children [d0a83bba].
Recently, American travel influencers Nate and Kara criticized Air New Zealand's business class seats as 'weird' and 'awkward' [67eec75e]. They described the seats as the most awkward they've ever experienced, with a seating configuration that is different from other airlines [67eec75e]. The seats are positioned on an angle, facing into the aisle and in view of the passenger opposite [67eec75e]. Despite the unusual layout, the couple found the seats to be comfortable once fully reclined [67eec75e]. They praised other aspects of the flight, such as the in-flight entertainment, food, and wine options [67eec75e]. However, they were not convinced by the 'world's most awkward buddy seat,' which primarily functions as a footrest [67eec75e]. This feedback highlights the ongoing evolution of airline seating and the importance of comfort and functionality for passengers [5cd38f78] [67eec75e].
In addition to the evolving airline seating options, the airline industry has seen a rise in the popularity of premium economy [49a691af]. Delta Air Lines was the first US carrier to introduce premium economy in 2017, and since then, other airlines such as Virgin Atlantic, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and EVA Air have followed suit [49a691af]. These airlines offer premium economy with various features such as wider seats, extra legroom, adjustable footrests, and enhanced comfort [49a691af]. Emirates plans to equip 120 aircraft with premium economy seats by 2024, while Singapore Airlines currently has 83 aircraft with premium economy cabins [49a691af]. EVA Air is set to introduce premium economy on its 787-9s in mid-2024 [49a691af]. Premium economy provides a middle ground between business and economy class, offering passengers a more comfortable flying experience [49a691af].
Emirates celebrated the launch of its Premium Economy offering in Brazil with a tour of one of its enhanced four-class A380 aircraft [c8ea358f]. The product is currently available on three of its seven weekly flights and will be offered on all of its daily flights between São Paulo and Dubai starting December 11th [c8ea358f]. The Premium Economy cabin is located at the front of the main deck with 56 seats laid out in a 2-4-2 configuration [c8ea358f]. The experience includes a generous seat pitch and width, in-seat charging points, a side cocktail table, curated in-flight amenities, an inventive menu, and extensive beverage options [c8ea358f]. This expansion of Emirates' Premium Economy offering demonstrates the airline's commitment to providing passengers with a range of seating options and enhanced comfort [c8ea358f].
Emirates has seen a 40% increase in customer demand for plant-based meals, leading the airline to introduce new vegan dishes onboard and in lounges [87f2592f]. The airline currently has over 300 curated plant-based recipes in its 'vegan vault' and served over 450,000 plant-based meals in 2023 [87f2592f]. Vegan meal consumption has grown 40% year on year, with significant increases in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East [87f2592f]. The biggest increase in consumption occurred in Economy Class, and routes to China, Japan, and the Philippines saw notable increases [87f2592f]. Emirates will be launching new vegan main courses, snacks, and desserts later in the year [87f2592f]. Vegan options are available to pre-order onboard and in First Class and can be requested on all Emirates flights up to 24 hours before departure [87f2592f].
Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong’s airline, has partnered with local and international culinary experts to enhance the inflight dining experience on their South Asia, Middle East, and Africa (SAMEA) routes [cd65fea2]. The collaborations include renowned names such as Rosewood Hong Kong, Mak’s Noodles, Veda, Duddell’s, Pirata, and DarkSide [cd65fea2]. The aim is to provide a diverse range of culinary options, including vegetarian and vegan choices, and to offer specialty cocktails for First Class passengers and Cathay Diamond members [cd65fea2]. Cathay Pacific has also collaborated with The Coffee Academics and JING Tea to cater to passengers' beverage preferences [cd65fea2]. The airline's innovative approach reflects its commitment to exceeding passengers' expectations and delivering a memorable journey [cd65fea2].
Crystal Cruises has announced a partnership with global restaurant brand Beefbar to introduce a Beefbar concept to its cruise ships for the first time [73ef1d8d]. The new offering will be added to both Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony this summer, replacing the line's Tastes restaurant [73ef1d8d]. The Beefbar concept will be available for lunch and dinner, offering a variety of items including vegetarian and vegan options, as well as specialty cocktails [73ef1d8d]. The favorite signature dishes of Tastes will continue to be served at Beefbar [73ef1d8d]. Beefbar, known for its selection of prime cuts, has more than 20 locations worldwide and will debut in the U.S. this spring with a location in New York City [73ef1d8d]. More details about the Beefbar menu on Crystal Cruises will be announced soon [73ef1d8d].
Celebrity Cruises offers a variety of dining options on its ships, ranging from complimentary offerings to higher-quality food at an extra cost [f88875f5]. The choices can be confusing, so a food guide is helpful [f88875f5]. The guide lists all the eateries on each ship and provides information on exclusive restaurants and dining privileges for certain cabin categories [f88875f5]. Some of the featured restaurants include Blu, Brunch or Dinner on the Edge, Cafe al Bacio, Cosmopolitan Restaurant, Craft Social, Cyprus, Eden Cafe, Fine Cut Steakhouse, Lawn Club Grill, Le Grande Bistro, Le Petit Chef, Luminae, Mast Grill, Murano, Normandie Restaurant, Oceanview Cafe, Raw on 5, Rooftop Garden Grill, Solarium Cafe, Sushi on Five, The Porch Seafood Restaurant, Tuscan Grill, Tuscan Restaurant, and more [f88875f5]. The main dining room options are also explained, including traditional dining and flexible dining [f88875f5]. The article also answers frequently asked questions about dining on Celebrity Cruises, such as how the main dining room works, whether reservations are needed for specialty restaurants, the meaning of 'a la carte' and 'fixed price,' the cost of room service, how specialty dining packages work, and whether there is an extra charge for lobster [f88875f5]. The article concludes with tips for planning a cruise and choosing the right cabin location [f88875f5].
Disney World offers a wide range of culinary delights, from snacks to gourmet dining experiences [0630dd4e]. The Disney World Dining Plan provides convenience and value, with options like the Quick Service Dining Plan and Disney Dining Plan [0630dd4e]. The plan allows guests to prepay for meals and use credits at various dining locations [0630dd4e]. Iconic treats at Disney World include Mickey-shaped ice cream bars, Dole Whip floats, and Aloha Isle ice cream bars [0630dd4e]. The park also offers savory delights from around the world, such as Mexican cuisine at San Angel Inn Restaurante and global-inspired meals at Yak & Yeti Restaurant [0630dd4e]. For a refined dining experience, guests can visit Victoria & Albert's or Cinderella's Royal Table [0630dd4e].
The MSC Yacht Club is a private section of a cruise ship reserved for ship within a ship or business class passengers [c102adaa]. The Yacht Club offers a unique experience, including separate boarding, suites, menu items, and elevators [c102adaa]. There are 131 suites in the Yacht Club section, some with balconies and some interior rooms [c102adaa]. The author of the review praises the spacious and modern suite they stayed in, highlighting the comfortable bed, amenities, and impressive bathroom [c102adaa]. The Yacht Club has its own restaurant where guests can dine at any time for breakfast, lunch, and dinner [c102adaa]. Yacht Club guests also have access to a pool area, a sun deck, and an outdoor buffet [c102adaa]. The Yacht Club experience includes butler service, priority embarkation and disembarkation, and access to MSC's private island, Ocean Cay [c102adaa]. The author concludes that while the Yacht Club is more expensive than other room categories, it offers a premium experience and good value [c102adaa].
A cruise passenger explains why they prefer the cheapest interior room on a cruise ship. The interior rooms are smaller and don't have windows, but the guest enjoys waking up in total darkness and not being bothered by sunlight. Other guests also prefer interior rooms because they spend little time in the cabin and enjoy meeting others at the buffet for breakfast. However, some guests prefer cabins with windows or balconies to have natural light and a private outdoor space. Balcony cabins are the most expensive, while window cabins offer a compromise between seeing outside and cost. The article includes various opinions from cruise guests on their room preferences. [c030ef5e]