Travel Guides & Articles

Disney Cruise is coming to Asia! A deep dive into the process to help you get on board!

Published

3 days ago

September 11, 2025

Disney Cruise is coming to Asia in March 2026, and if you, like me, cannot wait to put on your Minnie headbands and sing Elsa’s ‘Let It Go’ loudly enough for the neighbours to hear, then here is the research I have already done. Think of this as your starter kit before you decide to set sail with Mickey and friends.

Disney Cruise Asia promises magical experiences, themed dining, and family fun, making it one of the most unique vacation ideas to book now.(AI generated)

Why Singapore?

The first Asian Disney cruise will sail from Singapore. The city is clean, efficient and already a favourite stopover for travellers. Hong Kong and Japan may have Disneyland, but this cruise brings something different to the region. It is not about roller coasters on land but about Disney magic floating on water.

Booking made easy

You don’t need a travel agent. Booking is simple if you do it directly.

Browse the Disney Cruise Line website, or make it easy with the app.
Pay a deposit to hold your spot.
Pay the rest in as many instalments as you need to until three months before sailing.

This way, you spread out the cost and avoid inflated agent fees. I triple checked the numbers with my calculator because I did not trust my own excitement, and it really does save money. Plus, when you call their customer service, you feel like royalty. I have tested this theory in panic mode and teary mode, and they were calm every time. Fairy godmother energy at its best!

Insider tip: If there is a change in their schedule, or a glitch at any point, a direct booking will get you instant help and a refund!

The visa puzzle(for Indians)

Here is where things get confusing. Singapore visas are easy in theory, but the current system means different regions in India are linked to different authorised agents. Because of the way the system is divided, my paperwork in Bhopal still needs to go through Mumbai. Agencies like Thomas Cook are safe bets, but do not leave this for the last moment. Visas are issued only within 30 days of travel, which gives you a narrow window. If paperwork stresses you out and budget is not your worry, this might be the moment you say yes to a travel agent.

What makes a Disney cruise special

This is where Disney sets itself apart. It is not just a ship, it is a floating theme park mixed with a Broadway stage and a five-star hotel. Based on what has been announced, here is what you can expect.

Entertainment everywhere: Broadway-style musicals, character meet and greets, themed deck parties and fireworks at sea. Yes, actual fireworks.
Thrills on board: Roller coasters at sea, splash zones, water slides and even mini water parks. Kids can go wild while you enjoy some quiet time.
Clubs for kids and teens: Drop them off and let them join supervised activities, art sessions or even Marvel and Star Wars themed games. All of this is included in your fare, no extra charges.
Spaces for adults: While the kids are busy with Mickey, grown-ups get bars, lounges, spas and even adult-only pools. Think quiet cocktails while the little ones are off building lightsabers.
Food with no fine print: Room service is complimentary, dining is included, and you can even have breakfast in bed at no extra cost. On most cruises, that level of service comes with a bill. On Disney, it comes with a smile.
Themed staterooms: Cabins designed to bring Disney stories alive, complete with details that will keep fans happy. You can wake up feeling like a royal without leaving your bed.

The cruise is designed so families can have fun together but also find their own moments apart. That balance is what makes it feel special.

Extend your trip in Singapore

Since you are flying in, give yourself a couple of days to enjoy Singapore before boarding. A short three-day plan could look like this.

Day 1: Stroll through Gardens by the Bay to see the Supertree Grove light up at night, snap photos with the Merlion and walk the Marina Bay Sands promenade. It is touristy, but it feels like the city is showing off its best.
Day 2: For those chasing thrills, Universal Studios on Sentosa Island is the obvious pick. If you prefer something calmer, book tickets for the SEA Aquarium. You can also catch the “Wings of Time” outdoor night show by the beach.
Day 3: Visit the Oceanarium, have dim sum at Din Tai Fung and spend a few hours shopping at VivoCity. It has everything from Sephora to Charles and Keith, and it is where the Sentosa line starts, so the location is perfect.

Food in Singapore deserves its own plan. Hawker centres are the city’s beating heart. Head to Lau Pa Sat for satay skewers grilled on the street, try laksa for a spicy coconut noodle soup and do not miss chicken rice, which is practically a national dish. Carrot cake here is not the sweet cake we know, but a savoury dish made with radish and eggs that is oddly addictive.

For a more polished meal, there is Din Tai Fung for dumplings or Jumbo Seafood for the famous chilli crab. For retail therapy and food in the same stretch, Orchard Road delivers both with ease. And for a desi fix, Little India is full of familiar comfort food, while Annalakshmi offers a wholesome buffet near Clarke Quay. The city is also very vegan and vegetarian-friendly, so you will never be short of choices.

Check the website before you get too comfortable because sailings are already almost fully booked till August 2026. So yes, panic, hurry and start researching before you miss the boat, literally.

Disney cruise in Asia is still six months away, but it is worth planning now. Book directly, sort out the visa puzzle and make time to enjoy Singapore. The cruise promises something no other holiday really offers – a mix of childhood fantasy and adult indulgence. March 2026 might feel far away, but I already have my Minnie headbands ready!

Multiple Landslides Disrupt Traffic and Prompt Travel Advisory

Published

31 minutes ago

September 14, 2025

MANZAR ALAM

KOHIMA- Heavy monsoon rains lashed Nagaland on Sunday, triggering multiple landslides that disrupted traffic along both National Highway-29 (NH-29) and alternative routes, prompting authorities to issue an urgent travel advisory. While no casualties have been reported, officials have cautioned residents and travelers to remain alert as the state braces for more rain in the coming days.

In Peren district, Deputy Commissioner’s office issued a public advisory warning of several landslides along the Mhainamtsi–Pimla road, an alternate route frequently used when NH-29 is blocked. Authorities confirmed that the road is currently impassable, with debris and unstable slopes posing risks of further slides.

Also Read- Fresh Violence Erupts in Churachandpur Day After PM Modi’s Visit; Security Forces Clash with Protesters

Meanwhile, flooding from the Chathe River triggered a major landslide near Pherima village on NH-29, the crucial highway connecting state capital Kohima to the commercial hub of Dimapur. Videos shared on social media showed massive debris covering the highway, stranding vehicles and halting movement of goods.

Emergency teams, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), have been deployed for clearance and restoration work. Officials recalled that this stretch witnessed a deadly landslide in September 2024, which claimed six lives, underscoring the chronic vulnerability of the route.

Also Read- 5.9 Earthquake Jolts Northeast India: Strong Tremors Felt Across Region, No Major Casualties Reported

The Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) reiterated its warnings about landslide-prone zones in the state, urging people to avoid travel on unsafe stretches, monitor official updates, and remain vigilant in hillside villages. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued heavy showers for the next 48 hours, raising the risk of further landslides and flash floods.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s office assured that state resources have been mobilized, and local communities will receive support. Residents in vulnerable areas have been asked to follow NSDMA’s safety guidelines, including avoiding steep slopes, watching for unusual cracks or ground movement, and preparing for possible evacuations.

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Travel Guides & Articles

Calling all thirsty Joburg agents!

Published

51 minutes ago

September 14, 2025

The Editors

Travel agents and ITCs – you are invited to the last Travel News Thirsty event of the year!

No speeches, no presentations. Just networking.

Come join us in Sandton on Wednesday, October 23, from 17h00 to 19h00.

If you are a travel agent, please email rsvp@travelnews.co.za with ‘Thirsty’ in the subject line. Attendance is by invitation only, so it’s essential to RSVP and receive confirmation.

We look forward to seeing you there!

For pics of last year’s Thirsty’s event, click here.

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Travel Guides & Articles

KMP Expressway- travel from Manesar to Palwal to get smoother, 53 km stretch to be repaired soon News24 –

Published

2 hours ago

September 14, 2025

Vaidika Thapa

Repair work on the Manesar to Palwal section of the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway will begin next week. The Haryana State Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) has completed preparations for the project. A total of Rs 48 crore will be spent on repairing this 53 km stretch.

The budget has been approved by the High Power Purchase Committee of the Haryana government. Accidents often occur due to potholes across the roads, illegal cuts and broken railings. Along with the road repairs, all illegal cuts will be closed and the railings will be repaired, Jagran reported.

Although the entire KMP Expressway is in poor condition, the stretch between Manesar and Palwal is in the worst state. The road has sunk at many place and the tar layers have peeled off. There are more than 20 illegal cuts on this section of the expressway. The situation is especially concerning in Nuh district, where vehicles enter the expressway from unauthorised points due to these illegal cuts. As a result, drivers are falling victim to accidents on a daily basis.

Moreover, vehicles cannot maintain the prescribed speed of 120 kilometers per hour anywhere on the expressway due to its poor condition. Large potholes are present along the main carriageway creating problems for commuters especially during night. Furthermore, potholes near the Gurugram border, also add to the risk and inconvenience for commuters on daily basis.

About KMP Expressway

The six-lane Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway in Haryana spans a total length of 135.65 kilometers. It is an access-controlled, six-lane high-speed toll road, featuring elevated sections at road junctions, underpasses for cattle, cars, and tractors, barricading to prevent animal entry, and constant surveillance.

The expressway facilitates smooth transportation of surplus food grains, milk products, fruits, and vegetables from Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Kashmir to other parts of the country. Additionally, it provides faster access to the International Airport for vehicles coming from northern parts of the county.

Also Read: Gaur Chowk underpass update- Greater Noida residents to get traffic relief, set for completion in 6 months

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