As the world of luxury travel continues to evolve, new experiences are emerging that promise to redefine opulence on the move. This summer, the spotlight is on Belmond’s Britannic Explorer, a train journey set to elevate luxury travel across the picturesque landscapes of Great Britain. Launching in July, this train will offer an unparalleled experience with its 18 sleeper suites and itineraries through Cornwall, the Lake District, and Wales.
The Britannic Explorer is more than just a train ride; it’s a three-night journey into the heart of British culture, complete with modern British cuisine curated by Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan. For those willing to indulge, the journey starts at £11,000 ($22,900) per person, based on twin-share accommodation.
Luxury on Rails: The Belmond Experience
Belmond, a name synonymous with luxury travel, offers another exquisite experience with the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. This train, which launched its new Paris-to-Tuscany route in May, provides travelers with a lavish escape from Paris Gare d’Austerlitz to Castello di Casole over three nights. Prices start at £9,350 per person, but for those seeking the ultimate in luxury, the L’Observatoire sleeper carriage is available at an astounding £80,000 ($167,000) a night for double occupancy.
The L’Observatoire, designed by artist JR, features interiors that are a work of art in themselves, complete with a luxury bathroom that adds to the allure of this exclusive journey.
Next-Level Comfort: Journey Beyond
Closer to home, Journey Beyond is set to unveil its “next-level platinum” cabin class on select trains in April next year. The Aurora and Australis suites, available on The Ghan and the Indian Pacific, represent the pinnacle of luxury for the Adelaide-based brand. The Aurora Suite is priced from $7,990 per person, while the slightly larger Australis Suite starts at $11,890 per person for the two-night, three-day Adelaide-to-Darwin trip aboard The Ghan in November 2026.
River Cruising: A Growing Trend
Alongside luxury train travel, river cruising is rapidly gaining popularity. Australian Pacific Touring (APT) has expanded from local bus tours to international cruises, launching the Solara in April and Ostara in June. These ships, nearly identical in design, boast 77 suites across three cabin categories and accommodate 154 passengers and 60 crew members.
The Balcony Suites offer a unique experience with full-length, electric slide-down windows that open onto a French-style deck. An eight-day cruise from Munich to Amsterdam starts from $7,645 per person in a Balcony Suite.
“Choosing APT means you’ll never have to explain a flat white, or ask for the Vegemite while sailing on the Rhine, the Main, or the Danube.”
Expanding Horizons: Viking and Tauck
Viking River Cruises, a leader in the industry since 1997, is expanding its fleet with new ships planned for the Douro River in Portugal and the Nile in Egypt. By the end of 2026, Viking aims to have 10 ships on the Nile, including the Thoth and Amun, each catering to 82 guests and 48 crew.
Meanwhile, Tauck is preparing to debut the MS Serene and its sibling, the MS Lumière, in early 2026. Both ships will offer luxurious amenities, including a large sundeck with a pool and bar area, and The Retreat, a fitness center, massage room, and lounge area with floor-to-ceiling windows. An 11-day cruise on the River Seine is priced from $10,990 per person on the MS Serene.
The Skies Redefined: Cathay Pacific’s Aria Suites
In the realm of air travel, Cathay Pacific is setting new standards with its Aria Suites. These business-class seats, featuring a sliding door for added privacy, create a “cocoon in the sky” atmosphere. Each suite on the refurbished B777-300ERs offers a 53.3-centimeter wide seat that reclines to a fully flat 190.5-centimeter bed, complemented by an ultra-high-definition 60.9-centimeter screen.
Cathay Pacific’s daily flights between Hong Kong and major cities like Sydney, London, and Beijing provide travelers with a luxurious yet competitively priced option, according to Webjet data for 2024.
“Cathay Pacific offers a ‘cocoon in the sky’ vibe in business class.”
As luxury travel continues to innovate, these new offerings from Belmond, Journey Beyond, APT, Viking, Tauck, and Cathay Pacific illustrate a commitment to providing unforgettable experiences. Whether by train, river, or air, travelers can expect to embark on journeys that redefine the meaning of luxury.
