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Immerse in a new spa experience at sea

SINGAPORE, 5 MAY 2022: Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, shared details Wednesday surrounding its elevated spa and fitness offerings for its highly-anticipated Norwegian Prima Class vesselsNorwegian Prima and Viva.

The first two of six ships within this cutting-edge class will feature the cruise industry’s first charcoal sauna at sea and a two-story cascading indoor spa waterfall. The Cruise Line has also incorporated several guest favourites, including thermal experiences and hot-stone loungers.

Award-winning architecture firm Rockwell Group masterfully designed the perfect environment for tranquillity and rejuvenation in Norwegian Prima and Viva’s spa and fitness venues. 

 “The debut of our Prima Class has been all about elevating guest experiences across all the touchpoints that make a perfect holiday at sea, from food and beverage, entertainment, recreational activities and now spa and fitness,” said Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Our latest health and wellness experiences were designed to awaken the senses of our guests like never before, pairing world-class design and architecture with one-of-kind offerings that truly allow our guests to unwind and escape.”

All-New Mandara Spa

Industry’s First Charcoal Sauna at Sea
As part of the ongoing only-found-on-NCL’s Prima Class vacation experiences, such as the world’s first three-level racetrack at sea and dry drop slides, NCL will unveil the industry’s first charcoal sauna.

Derived from Japanese and Korean wellness practices, the charcoal sauna uses a radiant heat system with an outer charcoal layer to reach temperatures between 86-122 degrees Fahrenheit. Guests can recline into relaxation as the sauna helps boost circulation and metabolism while also removing toxins from the body. The sauna also effectively treats muscle stiffness and tension, including relief from backache, headache, and arthritis, by promoting the deep release of connective tissue and muscles.

Thermal Experiences
The charcoal sauna is just one of eight thermal spa offerings available at the elevated Mandara Spa. Guests can also indulge in a series of blissful experiences such as a salt and steam room and a gambit of Brand-first spa experiences, including an Ice Room, Experiential Shower, a Flotation Salt Pool, and an Infrared Sauna.

  • The Ice Room: After unwinding in the sauna or steam bath, guests can cool off in the refreshing Ice Room. The cold air helps to increase blood circulation, invigorate the respiratory tract, and strengthen the immune system. 
  • The Experiential Showers: Multiple water jets and lighting effects help invigorate the body, lower body temperature, and stimulate blood circulation.
  • Floatation Salt Pool: This treatment allows guests to fully relax all of their muscles while floating in warm water. An experience similar to experiencing zero gravity due to the buoyancy of the saltwater. The Floatation Salt Pool is beneficial for easing mental anxiety and muscle tension. 
  • Infrared Sauna: Unlike traditional saunas that use conventional heat to warm the air, infrared saunas utilise infrared lamps to directly warm the body – and at lower temperatures than traditional saunas. This promotes relaxation, better sleep, sore muscle and joint relief, improved blood circulation, and detoxification.

New Services
NCL is also introducing several new services at the spa, including two new beds from the Gharieni Group, the Gharieni Welnamis and the Gharieni Wellmassage5D. The Welnamis bed utilises Binaural Acoustic & Dynamic Stimulation, a computer-controlled acoustic and vibrational therapy that trains the brain to relax and benefit from deep relaxation techniques. Meanwhile, the award-winning Wellmassage5d bed provides a whole-body wellness massage experience utilising eight specially pre-programmed positions and the Brand’s “Signature Treatment” technique.  

Other new service menu items include:

  • Ocean Spa Wave Massage: This unique treatment lets guests relax on a water-filled cushion. The cushion features a therapeutic warm wrap of nutrient-rich sea plants and marine algae, releasing stress and tension from the body. The treatment includes a deep cleansing seaweed mask, aromatherapy essential oils, and scalp and foot massages.
  • Musclease Aroma Spa Ocean Wrap: This wrap contains a warming blend of pine and rosemary essential oils to help guests ease the pains of rheumatism, arthritis, muscular spasms, and fatigue. 
  • Cellutox Aroma Spa Ocean Wrap: Excellent for guests seeking to improve the appearance of cellulite and reduce fluid retention. This treatment contains a detoxifying blend of juniper and lemon essential oils, which decongest and stimulate the body.
  • Zero Gravity Wellness Massage: High-tech meets high touch in this next-generation 75-minute wellness treatment. Producing a zero-gravity effect, the body is suspended on an advanced treatment table that manoeuvres sophisticated massage techniques for the user. Eight table positions enable the effective and precise reach of every muscle group, including intensive work on the back and main muscles, resulting in the release of tension and improved body mechanics.

The spa will also feature a relaxation area featuring 22 hot stone loungers. Guests can also arrange to stay in one of the 28 exclusive spa balcony staterooms onboard Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, providing travellers with premium access to the elevated Mandara Spa and its suite of thermal spa experiences.

First-of-its-Kind Design
At the spa, guests can visit either the Vitality or Salt Floatation Pool, where they can immerse themselves in the tranquil sounds of the two-story cascading indoor spa waterfall. This space also features an impressive marble spiral staircase. Additional design highlights include the relaxation area in the spa and the Pulse Fitness Centre. Both of these spaces are front-facing on the ship, allowing guests to enjoy sweeping 270-degree views of the ocean. This is also the first time that NCL’s fitness centre will be located at the front of the ship.

The gym will also include the all-new Performance Recovery room, an interactive, engaging wellness experience utilising a selection of Hyperice products in workshops, group fitness classes, and services to maximise user benefits. 

Returning Favourites
Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva will also feature enhanced guest-favourite spa and fitness amenities, including the Vitaly Pool, steam sauna, and Finnish sauna. The spa will offer a wide range of services in its 20 treatment rooms, including massage, acupuncture, manicures and pedicures and facials. In the Pulse Fitness Centre, guests will have free access to the state-of-the-art fitness equipment they have come to expect from NCL. Yoga and spin classes will also be available.

About Norwegian Cruise Line
As the innovator in global cruise travel, Norwegian Cruise Line has been breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising for 55 years. The cruise line revolutionised the industry by offering guests the freedom and flexibility to design their ideal vacation on their preferred schedule with no assigned dining and entertainment times and no formal dress codes. Today, its fleet of 17 contemporary ships sail to over 300 of the world’s most desirable destinations, including Great Stirrup Cay, the company’s private island in the Bahamas and its resort destination, Harvest Caye in Belize.

(Your Stories: NCL)

Qantas promotes summer deals

BANGKOK, 5 May 2022: Qantas sells ‘Summer Deals’ economy and business fares for travellers from Thailand to Australia until 22 May.

Economy fares are valid for travel to Australia (Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth) until 29 June, 15 August to 21 September and 24 October to 31 December 2022. Economy class travellers are eligible for a baggage allowance of 30kg and no limitation on the number of pieces.

Business fares are valid for travel to Australia (Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth) from 5 May to 31 December 2022. Business travellers will enjoy a baggage allowance of 40 kg and no limitation on the number of pieces.

Duration of stay cannot exceed 12 months after departure date from Thailand. Economic and business fares include airport taxes, service fees, and other surcharges. You can purchase fares at qantas.com or through preferred travel agents.

Qantas operates flights between Bangkok and Sydney on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday with its Airbus A330 aircraft, with connections to the airline’s domestic, trans-Tasman and international networks.

Economy travellers can experience the Qantas award-winning Recaro seat in a 2-4-2 configuration. Each seat features the Panasonic eX3 inflight entertainment system, with larger seatback touchscreens to use from the moment passengers are seated until landing.

Destination All-in economy fares from:
Sydney THB 19,995
Brisbane (via Sydney) THB 21,220
Melbourne (via Sydney) THB 20,910
Adelaide (via Sydney) THB 21,120
Perth (via Singapore) THB 16,745

Business travellers can enjoy business suites fitted with innovative seats that recline to fully flat beds and direct aisle access for every passenger in a 1-2-1 layout.

Destination All-in business fares from:
Sydney THB 89,495
Brisbane (via Sydney) THB 90,720
Melbourne (via Sydney) THB 90,410
Adelaide (via Sydney) THB 90,620
Perth (via Singapore) THB 71,745

Pre-departure tests are no longer required for all travellers entering Australia. All international travellers entering Australia must meet Qantas vaccination requirements.

Centara delivers points boost

BANGKOK, 5 May 2022: Centara Hotels & Resorts celebrates Centara The1 members’ month with special point transfer rates from The1, and over 27% point value boost from 5 to 31 May 2022.

Centara invites The1 members to transfer their The1 points to CentaraThe1 points with a 1:1 transfer ratio, starting from just 1,000 points. By transferring The1 points, members can enjoy  Centara benefits during May, including redemption for stays across all Centara hotels and resorts in Thailand, the Maldives, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Dubai, Oman, and Qatar. 

Centara is also applying a CentaraThe1 point value boost of over 27%, which means for every 1000 Centara The1 points redeemed by members will be worth THB 150 towards their next Centara holiday. The free 27% points boost is applicable for all online bookings and can be used as pure point, as well as point + cash redemptions.

In addition to points redemption privileges, CentaraThe1 members enjoy special member pricing, lower than any publicly available rates. To take advantage of all CentaraThe1 membership privileges, sign-up or sign in at www.CentaraThe1.com

The1 Members can transfer The1 points to CentaraThe1 via The1 mobile application with the normal transfer rate of 1 The1 point: 0.8 Centara points. The remaining 20% bonus points will be automatically credited to the member’s account within five working days.

(Your Stories: Centara)

More flights head for Clark

MANILA, 5 May 2022: The Department of Tourism (DOT) forecasts a substantial boost in tourist arrivals as more flights serve Clark International Airport following the opening of the new passenger terminal on 2 May.

Two of South Korea’s largest low-cost airlines are among the new air carriers added to operate direct flights from Clark.

Jeju Air will launch its Incheon-CRK-Incheon route every Thursday and Sunday, while Jin Air will fly the same route starting 16 May, five times weekly (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday).

Other foreign flights are moving services to the new passenger terminal, including Singapore-bassed Jetstar and Scoot; Qatar Airways flying from Doha, Qatar; Air Asia out of Kuala Lumpur; and Emirates out of Dubai.

Local airlines Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines have also switched their flights to Clark’s new passenger terminal.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said the opening of the new passenger terminal would be a boost aiding the recovery of the pandemic hit tourism sector.

“Clark was one of the destinations featured recently in the now-concluded World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit. More than just a freeport zone, this place is an emerging tourism hub with great potential to bring huge gains for the tourism industry,” she said in the department’s media statement.

Rapper inspires TG to serve Mango Sticky Rice

BANGKOK, 5 May 2022: Thailand’s famous dessert Mango Sticky Rice has turned into a “trending topic” on Twitter after a not so ‘soft power’ push by Thailand’s teenage rap star Danupha Milli Khanatheerakul. She closed a recent music festival performance by devouring the dessert on stage.

Mango Sticky Rice gained sticky status with more than 1.39 million tweets in just a matter of days. No wonder Thai Thai Airways International decided to jump on the social media band waggon by announcing it is serving the popular dessert throughout May for passengers travelling Royal First Class and Royal Silk Class from Bangkok to European destinations. 

Royal First class passengers travelling from Bangkok to London on TG910 will have the choice of Mango Sticky Rice made from ripe “Nam Dok Mai” mangoes and “Kiew Ngoo” sticky rice from Chiang Rai cooked in sweet coconut milk accompanied by pandan lava cake and traditional Thai desserts (Luk Choob, Thong Yod, Khanom Tien Salad Nga) served with coconut ice-cream.

Royal Silk Class passengers can enjoy Mango Sticky Rice as part of the all-day dining menu service on flights from Bangkok to London, Paris, Brussels, Zurich, Frankfurt, Munich, Copenhagen and Stockholm.

Jetstar Asia rolls up to Clark’s new terminal

SINGAPORE, 4 May 2022: Jetstar Asia’s flight 3K779 rolled up to Clark International Airport’s Terminal II on 2 May, making it the first airline to deliver international passengers to the brand new terminal.

Jetstar Asia currently operates six weekly flights between Singapore and Clark.

The new terminal is located a 15-minute commute away from the current terminal (T1), which will be closed. Passengers are advised to check-in at the airport three hours before departure.

The new terminal can serve up to 8 million passengers per year, doubling Clark Airport’s existing capacity.

Jetstar Asia currently operates services to 15 destinations in Southeast Asia and Australia.

Red Elephant Reps expands sales team

BANGKOK, 4 May 2022: Red Elephant Reps, a hotel and travel representation company headquartered in Bangkok, has expanded its global sales team with the appointment of Nico Steenkamp as director of sales for South Africa.

He will be responsible for executing sales and marketing strategies throughout South Africa to drive growth and provide brand awareness for clients.

Commenting on the new appointment, Red Elephant Reps’ chief executive officer Ian Paul Woods said: “Nico’s extensive knowledge and expertise in hospitality combined with his strong entrepreneurial background will be crucial in helping us to grow within the region.”

Having worked with sales and marketing companies and international hotels throughout South Africa for over 28 years, he has accumulated a wealth of knowledge of the travel industry within South and East Africa and is a familiar face at travel industry workshops and shows across the continent.

Discovery Princess officially named by TV Stars

SINGAPORE, 4 May 2022: In an imaginative ceremony hosted last Friday at the Port of Los Angeles, television stars and show hosts united as godparents and officially named Discovery Princess.

The godparents comprised of fashion designer Randy Fenoli, chef Alex Guarnaschelli, special effects designer and fabricator Adam Savage, and real estate broker and flipper extraordinaire Page Turner.

Standing together at the Retreat Pool on the open deck of Discovery Princess with the ship’s Captain Gennaro Arma, they pronounced, “We name this ship Discovery Princess. May God bless her and all who sail on her.” They then sent a giant Nebuchadnezzar-size bottle of champagne against the ship for the celebratory smash, officially welcoming Discovery Princess into the fleet of Princess Cruises, the world’s leading international cruise line and leader on the west coast.

The “Discover Our World” themed ceremony blended maritime tradition with contemporary elements, celebrating the cruise line’s exclusive, seven-year Discovery at SEA™ program – bringing the spirit of curiosity and exploration to every cruise through branded experiences like Shark Week at Sea, exclusive shore excursions and onboard activities such as the Camp Discovery youth centres and Stargazing at SEA.

“Today is a celebration to remember as our newest ship, Discovery Princess, is officially named by this talented group of experts and personalities – Randy, Alex, Adam, and Page,” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president. “We can think of no more fitting godparents to mark this significant milestone.”

About Discovery Princess

Discovery Princess expands the cruise line’s fleet of MedallionClass ships to 15, offering elegantly appointed accommodations, world-class entertainment, gourmet dining and cocktails, extensive alfresco dining areas and expansive views from the cruise line’s largest balconies at sea in the Sky Suites.

The 3,660-guest Discovery Princess was built at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, and is the sixth and final Royal-Class newbuild sharing all of the spectacular style and luxury of her sister ships – Enchanted Princess® Sky Princess®, Majestic Princess®, Regal Princess® and Royal Princess®.

As part of the leading cruise line on the west coast, Discovery Princess debuted in Los Angeles on 27 March, sailing a series of Mexican Riviera and California Coast voyages from 27 March to 24 April. After the naming ceremony in Los Angeles on 29 April, the ship will head up the Pacific coast to begin a season of seven-day Alaska cruises from Seattle, making her the newest ship sailing in the Alaska region.

With an array of innovative new experiences, guests will enjoy 270-degree sweeping views from the Princess’ largest balconies at sea in the Sky Suites, unwind in ultimate comfort at The Sanctuary and indulge the senses with world-class dining options. Plus, Princess live entertainment presents mesmerizing Broadway-style production shows that can only be seen in the state-of-the-art Princess Theater, including the newest show, Spotlight Bar.

In addition, Discovery Princess delivers Princess MedallionClass Vacations which begin with the Medallion™ wearable, a quarter-sized device that enables everything from expedited contactless boarding to locating loved ones anywhere on the ship, as well as enhanced service like having whatever guests need delivered directly to them, wherever they are on the ship. In addition, guests can share their favourite cruise moments using MedallionNet, the best Wi-Fi at sea, as well as stay connected with friends and family back home, work remotely anywhere on the ship, quickly post content and stream favourite movies and shows.

Discovery Princess also offers signature Princess venues and amenities, including the Piazza, Lotus Spa, The Sanctuary, Movies Under the Stars, Gigi’s Pizzeria, Good Spirits at Sea Bar, Vegas-Style Casino, The Shops of Princess, Camp Discovery Youth & Teen Center and Discovery at SEA™ programs.

For more information about Discovery Princess visit https://www.princess.com/ships-and-experience/ships/xp-discovery-princess/

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available at http://www.princess.com/.

More time for talent search

KUCHING, 4 May 2022: Organisers of the 17th edition of the Borneo Jazz Festival 2022 have extended the submission deadline for the Borneo Jazz Talent Search (BJTS) to 15 May 2022. 

The BJTS platform provides musicians from all over Malaysia, Brunei and Kalimantan with an opportunity to participate and compete in an open category plus categories for Jazz and DJs.

Winners of Borneo Jazz Talent Search 2022 will not only win cash prizes but will also have the opportunity to attend a MasterClass by an international band on 24 June in Miri, Sarawak, and perform during Borneo Jazz Festival Stage on 25 June.

Four prizes will be awarded, first second and third plus best original composition with cash prizes worth more than MYR10,000.

A jury panel comprising renowned international and Malaysian artists will evaluate participants based on originality, creativity, musicality, stage presence and interactivity.

Interested groups must submit a high-quality performance video of the required repertoire and duration, a written solo artist/band profile and a high-resolution photo on or before 15 May.  

On 22 May, the organiser will select winners for three prizes plus one special prize.

For more information on the jazz festival visit: https://jazzborneo.com/

Vietjet reports robust Q1 performance

HO CHI MINH CITY, 4 May 2022: Vietjet Aviation Joint Stock Company says it kicked off 2022 with a great performance in the first quarter of 2022, reporting a leap of 113% in pre-tax profit.

The year-on-year improvement was mainly due to the rapid recovery of passenger transport and robust cargo business, which grew by 76% and 94%, respectively, during the first quarter.

In the first quarter, Vietjet’s consolidated revenue reached USD197 million, while the after-tax profit was USD10.6 million increasing by 12% and 98% YOY, respectively.

Regarding its airline transport business, Vietjet’s revenue for 1Q was USD145 million, helping nail the after-tax profit of the parent company at USD1.7 million.

Vietnam’s aviation and tourism sectors have fully reopened since late last year to meet pent-up travel demand. During the first quarter of 2022, Vietjet resumed its entire domestic network and relaunched scheduled international services. It has operated 20,000 flights carrying more than 3 million passengers on 60 domestic and international routes.

The airline’s flights and passenger uplift in 1Q2022 already passed 50% and 55%, respectively, of the 2021 performance, marking a milestone of strong recovery post-Covid-19 pandemic. Regarding cargo transport, Vietjet has airlifted more than 12,500 tons of cargo in the first quarter of this year.

Vietjet also reports it has deployed the first of two A330s and is expected to add a third A330 later this year. 

The airline also announced its 2021 audited financial statement, with the parent company reporting revenue of USD394 million and an audited post-tax profit increase by 91% over the compiled financial statement due to gains in financial activities.

Meanwhile, Vietjet’s consolidated revenue and after-tax profit in 2021 reached USD556 million and USD3.47 million, respectively. Rising costs from deferred income taxes resulted in a lower consolidated after-tax profit than in the 2021 compiled statements.

As of 31 December 2021, Vietjet’s assets totalled nearly USD2.25 billion. Its debt-to-equity ratio stayed at 0.9 while the liquidity ratio was at 1.6, which were considered good indicators in the aviation industry.

In 2021, Vietjet operated nearly 42,000 flights across its network with more than 5.4 million passengers on board. The airline has reported over 66,000 tons in cargo transport, achieving fast growth with cargo revenue, in particular, rocketing by over 200% YoY.