We're excited to share that the first round of 2026 UK & Europe Earlybird airfares have arrived and Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific first out of the gate. Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific have also launched discounted Business Class airfares to South Africa.
A question we're asked at this time of the year is whether it is a good time to book flights - particularly as 2026 is still a reasonable way away. These airlines (and Malaysia Airlines) follow the traditional "tactical" approach to specials. They release specials (like the Earlybirds) and when the sale period expires, they revert to more expensive long-term published fares (sometimes the sales extend but this can't be counted on). The preferred strategy is therefore to book these airlines when a sale is on if the sale dates fit with your preferred dates. For more details on how the major airlines approach sales we've refreshed our article: When is the best time to book a UK Europe Business Class airfare.
With the focus on the UK and Europe we've also highlighted European River Cruises and Mediterranean cruises that can be included in an itinerary. We also have access to wholesale cruise fares which can make a package cheaper if we book a cruise and airfare together.
In this edition we cover:
UK & Europe Business Class insights
Uniworld & Seabourn: Venice & The Mediterranean Sea
A Cruise to Remember with Seabourn
Scenic River Cruises 2026
Uniworld Boutique European River Cruises 2026
AmaWaterways 2026 European River Cruises
Seabourn Pursuit & Seabourn Venture Expeditions
Guest Article: Buyer Beware when "Investing" in art on holiday
Unforgettable Journeys, Top Comfort with Silversea
Silversea’s Silver Endeavour Provides Luxury at the Ends of the Earth
Explore Europe with Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Set Sail with Explora Journeys
Embrace Freedom & Flexibility with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Exceptional Savings with Oceania Cruises
The Grandest Destinations with Cunard
Mediterranean Voyages with Holland America
Fly, Stay & Cruise the Kimberley with Ponant
Treasures of the East: Vietnam to China by Luxury Rail
Golden Eagle Luxury Trains 2025 & 2026 Offers
Plan Your Next South Pacific Getaway
UK & Europe Business Class Earlybirds and Insights
Air New Zealand
Outside of its Joint Venture airfares with Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand Earlybird airfares are with a range of partners via Asia, including Turkish Airlines to Istanbul, Finnair to Helsinki, Air France to Paris and British Airways to London. Via North America there are options with United and Virgin Atlantic. We've included a selection on our site and can price up alternatives to meet specific requirements,
Singapore Airlines
Business Class and Premium Economy Earlybird airfares are on sale for travel through late 2025 and as far as 31 August 2026. Booking early should give you the best opportunity to secure these airfares over popular travel periods across the Singapore Airlines network.
Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific technically beat Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand to the punch with their Earlybird Airfares. For an airline of Cathay Pacific's quality, the airfares are very attractive. Our experience so far is that there is practically no availability at the Earlybird level to London and Paris so we have listed prices to cities where we have seen reasonable availability.
Malaysia Airlines
Malaysia Airlines has converted its recent Global Sale into an Earlybird Sale. Discounts on its Business Class airfares to London and Paris are available until 5 September for travel out to 31 May 2026. We expect to see them extend this sale given the other tactical activity in the market.
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways has shown an increased appetite for releasing tactical specials, but they have yet to announce an Earlybird campaign. Their most recent Rolling Special has rolled over to 31 October at levels that are more comparable to Emirates than Singapore Airlines.
Emirates
The current Rolling Special from Emirates is due to expire on 11 September. Emirates is unlikely to specifically participate in the Earlybird Season but if the tactical activity from the other airlines places significant pressure on the Emirates forward bookings they may be forced to react.
Asiana and China Southern
These airlines consistently offer our best lead-in Business Class airfares to the UK & Europe and an onboard experience that our clients speak highly of. For 2026 travel we think that the priority is booking early so that we have the best chance of building the airfare with the lowest booking classes.
Uniworld & Seabourn: Venice & The Mediterranean Sea
Celebrate Uniworld’s 50th anniversary in 2026 with this 15-day collaboration between Uniworld and Seabourn, combining Northern Italy’s waterways with the charm of the Adriatic and Aegean seas. Begin aboard the boutique S.S. La Venezia with access to Venice’s treasures, including private after-hours in St. Mark’s Basilica, before exploring Burano, Chioggia, and the Po Delta. Then step aboard Seabourn Quest to discover Croatia, Montenegro, and the Greek Isles.
Departs 5 July & 30 August 2026. Terms & conditions apply.
A Cruise to Remember with Seabourn
For a limited time, enjoy exclusive savings of up to 15%*, two-category suite upgrades, and shipboard credit on select 2026 sailings with Seabourn.
Featured itineraries include:
South Pacific Discovery: 16 nights from Papeete to Auckland
Greece, Dalmatian Delights & Ephesus: 14 nights from Dubrovnik to Istanbul
Jewels of the British Isles: 14 nights round-trip from London (Dover)
Alaska Glaciers, Fjords & Inside Passage: 14 nights round-trip from Vancouver
Japan’s Coastal Charms – 12 nights from Osaka to Tokyo
Book now to secure these added-value offers. *Terms and conditions apply.
Scenic River Cruises 2026
When you cruise Europe’s rivers with Scenic River Cruises, you’ll enjoy more than a holiday, as they provide an all-inclusive, ultra-luxury experience designed around you.
From world-class dining and premium beverages to personalised butler service and exclusive Scenic Freechoice excursions, everything is taken care of. Each journey is enriched with Scenic Enrich events, immersing you in the culture, history, and flavours of the regions you visit.
We've collated a selection of upcoming itineraries for you to consider, and if any strike inspiration, don't hesitate to contact me to learn more.
Central Europe itineraries:
France itineraries:
Portugal itineraries:
Uniworld Boutique European River Cruises 2026
Uniworld offers European river cruising aboard boutique ships individually designed to reflect the art, culture, and heritage of the destinations you’ll visit, creating an atmosphere as unique as the journey itself.
With award-winning service, world-class cuisine crafted from fresh, local ingredients, and carefully curated excursions that immerse you in the culture, history, and flavours of Europe, every detail is thoughtfully taken care of.
From the Rhine and Danube to the Seine, Rhône and Douro, Uniworld’s all-inclusive voyages ensure that your time on board is as enriching as your adventures ashore.
Explore 2026 itineraries that showcase Europe’s grand waterways and hidden gems with the comfort of knowing you’re travelling with one of the world’s most acclaimed boutique cruise lines.
AmaWaterways 2026 European River Cruises
AmaWaterways is known for innovation, exceptional service, and immersive itineraries, setting a standard for luxury river cruising.
Travel Europe’s most storied rivers, from the Danube and Rhine to the Seine, Rhône and Douro in 2026, and enjoy:
Thoughtfully curated small-group excursions that bring each destination to life.
Locally inspired, regionally sourced cuisine paired with fine wines and beers.
Spacious staterooms – many with twin balconies for indoor-outdoor views.
Wellness activities such as guided bike tours, hikes, and onboard fitness classes.
Drift past castles on the Rhine, discover the culinary treasures of France, or explore Portugal’s sun-drenched Douro Valley. Sail into 2026 with itineraries that blend Europe’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable hospitality.
Seabourn Pursuit & Seabourn Venture Expeditions
Seabourn’s purpose-built expedition ships are setting new standards for small-ship adventure. Launched in 2022, Seabourn Venture was designed and built to PC6 Polar Class standards, equipped with modern hardware and technology that extend her global deployment and capabilities. Her sister ship, Seabourn Pursuit, proudly launched in August 2023 and carries the same state-of-the-art design.
Both ships offer:
Two custom-built submarines for unparalleled underwater exploration
24 Zodiac boats and kayaks for up-close encounters
A 23-person expert expedition team leading wildlife, cultural, and off-the-beaten-path experiences
Blending world-class luxury with advanced expedition capability, Seabourn Pursuit and Seabourn Venture deliver a fully inclusive, yacht-like atmosphere while opening the door to some of the world’s most remote and remarkable destinations.
Buyer beware when buying art on holiday
Travel and collecting art can be closely connected, whether it's an addition to a collection or a reminder of a special holiday. When it comes to value and investment, prices paid overseas or on a cruise ship don't always translate when it comes to resale. In this guest article, art valuer Briar Williams shares her insights.
Unforgettable Journeys, Top Comfort with Silversea
With Silversea Cruises, guests enjoy premium wines and spirits, gourmet cuisine crafted to perfection, and the indulgence of in-suite dining – all included, with no surprise bills at the end of the day.
Every spacious suite features ocean views, with most offering a private teak veranda, and all are complemented by the personalised attention of your own butler.
Silversea’s ships are designed to be intimate enough to dock at the heart of the world’s most fascinating destinations, yet spacious enough to offer expansive suites, refined dining, and superb onboard amenities.
Silversea's cruises in 2026 offer Mediterranean exploration, wildlife spotting in the Galápagos, and voyaging alongside Alaska’s majestic glaciers, delivering an experience where every detail is thoughtfully considered.
Upcoming European cruises in 2026 with Silversea:
Silversea’s Silver Endeavour Provides Luxury at the Ends of the Earth
Designed specifically for polar exploration, Silversea's Silver Endeavour is redefining what it means to experience the most remote corners of the planet in comfort and style. This extraordinary ship sails from pole to pole with the ability to venture deeper into the icy frontiers of the Arctic and Antarctic.
Onboard, guests enjoy:
Unmatched crew-to-guest, zodiac-to-guest, and expert-to-guest levels for highly personalised exploration.
State-of-the-art navigation and equipment to reach the world’s farthest coasts.
Luxurious suites, multiple restaurants, and a wide choice of bars and lounges designed for relaxation after adventurous days ashore.
Silver Endeavour combines the thrill of exploration with hallmark Silversea luxury — making it the most advanced and luxurious expedition ship ever built.
Explore Europe with Regent Seven Seas Cruises
For nearly 30 years, Regent Seven Seas Cruises has delivered unrivalled luxury cruising experiences around the world. With every detail included from fine dining and unlimited shore excursions to gratuities and Wi-Fi, Regent Seven Seas Cruises ensures guests are free to savour every moment of their journey.
Their newest ship, Seven Seas Grandeur, embodies the very best of the Regent heritage: unrivalled space at sea, personalised service, exceptional cuisine, and transformative experiences from the moment you step aboard. Whether it’s exploring Europe’s grand capitals, sun-soaked coastlines, or hidden gems, Regent brings unmatched style and comfort to every voyage.
Upcoming European cruises aboard Seven Seas Grandeur:
Set Sail With Explora Journeys
Rooted in European elegance and designed to feel like your own private yacht, Explora Journeys' ships offer space, sophistication, and privacy. Enjoy spacious oceanfront suites and residences, nine distinct culinary experiences, and ocean-inspired wellness programmes during your experience.
As part of your complimentary inclusions, you receive premium beverages and in-suite dining through to curated entertainment and wellness access. Thoughtfully designed itineraries combine celebrated cities with hidden gems, often allowing longer stays so you can connect more deeply with each destination.
Featured itineraries throughout Europe in 2025 and 2026:
Embrace Freedom & Flexibility With The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
A voyage with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection provides the chance to discover the world’s most beautiful and unexpected hideaways. With the hallmark service of The Ritz-Carlton, these intimate yachts offer a heightened level of care, attention, and personalisation, creating an atmosphere that feels both indulgent and welcoming.
On board, guests enjoy thoughtfully curated itineraries, elegant suites with private terraces, world-class dining, and a relaxed yet refined yachting lifestyle. Ashore, voyages are designed to linger longer in port, allowing for deeper connections to destinations.
Upcoming European cruises to consider:
Exceptional Savings with Oceania Cruises
For a limited time, Oceania Cruises is offering great savings through their Exceptional Savings offer. Enjoy up to NZ$12,900* off select sailings, plus a complimentary Beverage Package and US$250* Shipboard Credit per stateroom.
As part of this offer, you'll also receive all of Oceania’s Your World Included amenities. This offer is available until 17 September 2025. *Terms and conditions apply.
Upcoming cruises with Oceania within the Exceptional Savings offer:
The Grandest Destinations with Cunard
Cunard’s Grandest Destinations special offer provides great fares on beautiful voyages across the world. You'll also receive Cunard's attentive White Star Service and refined touches onboard the Cunard Queens.
We've selected several Mediterranean cruises that are part of this offer for you to consider:
Take advantage of great fares available until 29 September 2025, and discover the grandest destinations on earth in Cunard style.
Mediterranean Voyages with Holland America
With Holland America’s Have It All Early Booking Bonus, you can explore the Mediterranean in comfort and style while enjoying added value such as stateroom upgrades, drinks, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, and shore excursion credit. From ancient ruins to sparkling coastlines, each sailing offers a rich mix of history, culture, and culinary delights, all with the warm service Holland America is known for.
Book by 29 October 2025 to secure your bonus inclusions and upgrade your Mediterranean journey.
Highlighted voyages:
Fly, Stay & Cruise the Kimberley with Ponant
Ponant’s Fly, Stay & Cruise packages make discovering Australia’s wild and remote Kimberley region effortless. With flights, transfers, and a luxury cruise included, you can relax knowing every detail is taken care of. Sail aboard the intimate Le Jacques Cartier or Le Soléal, both designed for comfort and adventure, as you uncover one of the world’s last great frontiers.
Take in towering red cliffs and ancient Aboriginal rock art right through to cascading waterfalls and abundant wildlife – the Kimberley offers a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Ponant’s renowned expedition team, custom Zodiac outings, and all-inclusive service ensure you’ll explore in comfort and style.
Packages include:
Darwin to Broome: 11 nights on Le Jacques Cartier, departing 31 May 2026
Darwin to Broome: 11 nights on Le Soleal, departing 17 July 2026
Broome to Fremantle: 11 nights on Le Soleal, departing 27 July 2026
Broome to Darwin: 11 nights on Le Soleal, departing 5 September 2026
These exclusive packages are available for a limited time and will sell quickly due to high demand.
Treasures of the East: Vietnam to China by Luxury Rail
Embark on a 14-day / 13-night journey from the vibrancy of Vietnam to the imperial grandeur of China aboard two of Asia’s most stylish private trains – the Vietnam Express and the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express. This one-off luxury rail experience, departing 6 April 2026, combines world-class comfort, curated cultural encounters, and breathtaking scenery.
Your adventure begins in Ho Chi Minh City with a speedboat ride to the Cu Chi Tunnels before continuing north to Hoi An, Ninh Binh, and a private cruise on Ha Long Bay. In China, discover Guilin’s emerald waterways, Guangzhou’s historic charm, the artistry of Jingdezhen, and the dramatic Wuyi Mountains. Conclude with two nights in Shanghai, complete with afternoon tea at the Shanghai Tower and a private sunset yacht cruise on the Huangpu River.
Golden Eagle Luxury Trains 2025 & 2026 Offers
Step aboard one of the world’s most elegant trains with Golden Eagle’s curated collection of luxury rail journeys through Europe, Central Asia, and beyond. Each journey combines the vintage glamour of rail travel with modern comforts, curated excursions, and seamless inclusions.
With itineraries ranging from festive Christmas markets to iconic routes linking Istanbul, Paris, Venice, and the Balkans, these rail adventures are perfectly suited for those seeking culture, history, and immersive experiences in style.
Plan Your Next South Pacific Getaway
Enjoy the warm hospitality and vibrant island culture the South Pacific offers for your next escape. Unwind in a private villa, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, or immerse yourself in local traditions with our packages, making it easy to enjoy island life at its best.
With options ranging from family-friendly resorts to luxury overwater bungalows, there's something for every traveller, plus many of these packages offer bonus extras to help you get more out of your time away, such as complimentary meals or spa credits.
Discover more with our South Pacific flyers:
Book now to secure your preferred travel dates and start planning a South Pacific holiday that feels worlds away without being far from home.
Terms and conditions apply. Packages subject to availability at time of booking.
As always, if there's anything else we can assist you with, please do not hesitate to contact us.