Shanghai Shopping Festival Shows Latest in Consumer Trends
The 2025 Shanghai Shopping Festival, now being held for the sixth time, is showcasing the latest trends in China’s consumer market, according to officials and company executives at the launch ceremony on May 1. A key focus this year is the “silver economy” — spending conducted by senior citizens. Companies are offering special packages that combine healthcare, elderly care, tourism, financial services and other consumer goods. As Shanghai’s GDP per capita continues to rise, the city’s consumer spending patterns are shifting, with a larger portion of spending expected to be directed toward services. To meet this demand, Shanghai is expanding its offerings in sectors like telecommunications, the internet, education, culture and healthcare. This year’s shopping festival, running…
Royal Caribbean Spotlights New Entertainment and Dining Experiences on Star of The Seas
Royal Caribbean is setting both the stage and the table with a closer look at its all-encompassing lineup of show-stopping entertainment and unmatched dining experiences to shine on Star of the Seas. Debuting in August 2025 from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, the next combination of the best of every vacation is set to bring to life experiences for all ages from top-notch entertainment, including an electrifying ride through time with “Back to the Future: The Musical,” to next-level dining experiences across Lincoln Park Supper Club and three new concepts at the Icon Class signature favourite, AquaDome Market. True to its name, Star will have the boldest entertainment at sea to date with five signature shows across stage, air, water and ice. Guests will be on the edge of their seats…
StarCruises unveils Star Voyager departures from Port Klang, 28 May – 6 June
Marking a grand return to Malaysian waters, the revitalized StarCruises brand proudly announces the arrival of the Star Voyager at Port Klang Cruise Terminal (PKCT) on 28 May, just in time for the school holidays. With over 30 years of cruising excellence across Asia and beyond, StarCruises is set to rekindle the excitement of sea travel for Malaysian vacationers. The first sailing is scheduled to depart on 28 May, with three additional special sailings scheduled on 31 May, 3 June, and 6 June 2025. These 3 Night Cruises offer a captivating itinerary from Port Klang to Medan and Singapore, before returning to Port Klang – perfect for families and holidaymakers…
Ambassador Cruise Introduces ‘Dining Under the Stars’ on Halong and
Lan Ha BaysLeading boutique cruise operator Ambassador Cruise has launched a remarkable dining experience under the starlit skies of UNESCO World Heritage listed bays Halong and Lan Ha. The new ‘Dining Under the Stars’ concept on Ambassador Cruise’s overnight cruises features two menus, crafted by executive chef Nguyen Gia Thien, accompanied by live entertainment on the luxurious vessels’ elegant 360-degree sundecks. Softly-lit, white tablecloth service and an incredible backdrop of myriad limestone karsts silhouetted against the night sky evoke a romantic atmosphere. Guests choose between international and Vietnamese dinner menus; both underpinned by fresh, premium ingredients. As part of the five-course “Heritage By Night” menu, guests select two main courses from five…
Banyan Tree Samui launches speedboat tours to Thailand’s ‘White Lotus’ Islands
In the final captivating scene of The White Lotus, the lead characters of the hit HBO series – or should we say ‘the survivors’, following a cascade of deadly shoot-outs at the ill-fated mythical hotel – are seen departing Koh Samui on a motorboat and sailing into the sunset, and presumably towards some form of redemption; such is the dark humour of this wonderfully popular satirical TV drama. Set-jetting fans of The White Lotus and visitors to the tropical island of Koh Samui can now recreate this voyage among the lush islands and limestone cliffs of Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park courtesy of a luxury hotel, Banyan Tree…
