Cruise line leaves passengers stranded with 24 hours' notice

You are just 24 hours away from departing on a short cruise for a long weekend when an email lands.

Sorry. Your cruise is cancelled.

That is what happened to 1800 passengers when P&O Cruises UK cancelled a three-day cruise onboard the Aurora this week: giving booked guests just a day’s notice.

The cruise line said the cancellation of Aurora’s three-day cruise to Zeebrugge was due to a scheduled maintenance delay in dry dock.

The cruise scheduled to depart from Southampton on Monday was cancelled on Easter Sunday.

Guests were unable to speak to the line’s customer services due to the contact centre being closed on Easter Sunday. That's service for you. 

And tough luck if you'd spent big bucks travelling to Southampton. .

“Following a delay to Aurora’s refit, we need to cancel Aurora’s cruise from Southampton to Zeebrugge,” the email said.

P&O Cruises said it will issue full refunds and offer a 20% future cruise credit. No mention of reimbursing for costs already incurred.

“We appreciate how disappointing this is for our guests who were booked to travel," a P&O Cruises spokesperson said, news hub Travel Mole reported.

The ship was in Rotterdam after scheduled refit and maintenance work ran over time.

The Aurora did welcome guests back onboard on Thursday and is now on a 12-night cruise to the Norwegian Fjords. 

Luxury hotel brands offer new experiences in Dubai

Dubai, the always-evolving heartbeat of the United Arab Emirates, has announced the arrival of five major hotels arrivals in 2025
. 

Dubai’s tourism industry continues with the opening of a suite of accommodation options catering to families, luxury travellers, and visitors seeking affordable stopover stays, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) says.

 

The newcomers will be: 

Ciel Dubai Marina

Rising above Dubai Marina, the upcoming Ciel Tower (top image) will be the world’s tallest hotel. Stretching over 80 floors, this architectural gem will house over 1,000 rooms and suites, along with 10 diverse dining options. Guests will enjoy an exclusive Observation Deck on the 81st floor with views of the city, as well as a luxury spa, high-tech fitness centre, and sophisticated guest lounge. 

Mama Shelter

Recently opened, the affordable Mama Shelter brings a playful, design-led brand to Business Bay. Geared towards modern travellers, this lifestyle hotel has four stylish swimming pools, one featuring a semi-submerged bar, an outdoor cinema, and a rooftop DJ lounge. One for the young, or young at heart. Mama Shelter boasts a co-working space with five private ateliers. 

Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab

The brand new Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab is the latest chapter in Jumeirah Group’s ultra-luxury evolution. The property features 386 rooms and suites, 82 luxury residences, an 82-berth superyacht marina, 11 dining experiences and a TALISE spa. Panoramic windows frame views of the Arabian Gulf and the iconic Burj Al Arab, while four sparkling outdoor pools provide leisure oases.

Delano Dubai

The Delano brand's Miami origins give a different accent to the Delano Dubai, which arrives in the UAE with 251 rooms and 84 suites; many designed with secluded balconies, high ceilings, and wellness-driven details. Set along 250 meters of beachfront, the Delano offers views of the Arabian Gulf and guests can unwind at the oceanfront pool, indulge in a range of retail, dining and entertainment options. 

Mandarin Oriental Downtown

Opening in June 2025, Mandarin Oriental Downtown will mark the brand's second hotel in Dubai and third in the UAE. Located in the striking Wasl Tower, this 303-meter skyscraper boasts the region’s tallest ceramic façade. Inside are 259 elegant rooms and suites, along with 224 residences. Guests can enjoy dining at Tasca by José Avillez, unwind in the 25-meter pool, or skip traffic with transport from the hotel’s helipad. 

Superstar British chef to pop up on the Gold Coast

Rock star chef Marco Pierre White is heading to the Gold Coast for a three-day pop up at cultural precinct HOTA, Home of the Arts.

The three-day culinary residency, which follows a,2023 appearance, will run from June 5-7 and will feature talks, dinners, collabs at Palette restaurant. and immersion experiences.

White, who was the youngest-ever recipient of three Michelin stars and has been a star for over four decades, is apparently a big fan of Australia's glitter strip. 

“I'm thrilled to be returning to HOTA for this exclusive Australian residency," said the British chef. 

"There's something truly special about the Gold Coast - the energy, the people, the passion for food. 

"Palette is a restaurant that understands the artistry of cuisine and experience. These events are about more than just cooking, they're about sharing stories, experiences, and creating unforgettable moments together.” 

The visit is being promoted as featuring "an array of extraordinary events that promise to thrill food lovers, aspiring chefs, and anyone who appreciates the theatre of great cuisine".

“We're absolutely thrilled to welcome Marco Pierre White back to HOTA for not just one, but three incredible days of culinary experiences," says Yarmila Alfonzetti, Heads of Arts and Culture, Experience Gold Coast. 

"Bringing together some of the Gold Coast's most exciting chefs alongside one of the world's most legendary culinary figures is a special moment for our city which speaks to HOTA's well-earned position in the culinary arts space.” 

Think intimate dining to outdoor masterclasses and an after-dark experience on the HOTA Outdoor Stage Lawn.

An exclusive five-course dinner will bring together some of the region's highly acclaimed chefs - Tim Stewart (The North Room), Koki Anekawa (Anekawa), pastry maestro Melanie Day, HOTA's own Dayan Hartill-Law, and White. 

For more info and to book tickets, visit the HOTA website: https://hota.com.au/whats-on/live/festivals-and-series/a-series-of-pop-ups-with-marco-pierre-white

African wildlife experiences paired with top-notch wine and food

A lifetime ago I found myself on a slow train between Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha) that stopped in bleak, dusty railway towns like Noupoort and De Aar in South Africa's Karoo desert.

The Karoo semi-desert can be unforgiving country, similar to the Australian outback, but it is also home to Samara Karoo Reserve (www.samara.co.za), one of South Africa’s most diverse safari destinations.

Samara is not only a game reserve - it also invites food and wine lovers to embark on a culinary journey through the heart of the Great Karoo semi-desert, "where sustainable, farm-to-table dining meets the wild beauty of the African bush".

Nestled in 67,000 acres of soulful wilderness, Samara offers big five wildlife encounters paired with an immersive food and wine experience that celebrates the region’s rich culinary heritage, exceptional local produce, and boutique South African wines from the Cape winelands.

And from May 16, Samara will host “Wine in the Wilderness” experiences to coincide with the “Stoep Tasting Wine Weekend” in nearby Graaff-Reinet.

Samara’s cuisine is rooted in the traditional flavours and ingredients of the Karoo, showcasing the area’s farm-to-table culture.

 

Executive chef Vandeline Pienaar uses Karoo lamb , along with indigenous herbs and plants such as spekboom.

Signature dishes include Karoo lamb burger with agave buds and Amagwinya (dumplings) with spekboom salsa.

Guests can enjoy a bush breakfast under the shade of a centuries-old shepherd tree, enjoy a picnic on the mountain plateau, or dining beneath the stars.

Each meal is paired with a curated selection of boutique South African wines, many sourced from family-owned vineyards practicing regenerative viticulture.

For those seeking a unique local flavour of the Karoo, Samara has partnered with Leonista Agave Spirit, South Africa’s award-winning organic agave distillery for a safari tasting; "pairing the bold flavours of Leonista with a wilderness experience".

For The Stoep festivities, Samara offers “Cheetahs and Cultivars” experiences in collaboration with renowned South African winemakers. The first weekend (May 16-18) will see Samara partner with Creation Wines from the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. On the second weekend (May 23-25), Samara will welcome Simonsig Family Vineyards of Stellenbosch.

The reserve offers accommodation in two lodges. The Karoo Lodge is a renovated farmhouse with a veranda while the Manor House has an infinity pool.

All units have air-conditioning, a patio, tea-and-coffee making facilities. All meals and selected drinks are included and guests can join two daily game activities with an experienced game ranger. Port Elizabeth is a 2.5 hour drive and there is a private air strip located 20 minutes' drive from the lodges.

Such unique experiences do not come cheap, but I'd bet they will be truly memorable. I'd certainly be  tempted.

For further info, visit www.samara.co.za

Croissants - but not as you know them

If you think croissants are simple buttery, flaky pastries in the shape of a crescent then you are so yesterday.

While you were not looking, the croissant has gone from humble to haute.

That's why one of Sydney's leading hotels is putting the spotlight on gourmet croissants to coincide with Mother's Day next month. .

Featuring flowers from across the world, Sofitel is launching a limited-edition haute croissant collection as part of its La Haute Croissanterie program. 

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour’s signature Citrus Fleur croissant will feature lemon myrtle and lavender.

Inspired by his mother, who lives near a lavender farm, executive chef Ian Burch has created "a buttery, zesty, flavourful croissant" that features native lemon myrtle for an Australian accent.

One wonders what traditional French pastry chefs, who call on centuries of technique, terroir, and a deep respect for history, think about these fancy faux croissants; these culinary imposters.

You can buy special haute croissants year-around at Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, with new flavours available throughout the year, depending on the season.

The Citrus Fleur will blossom from May 5-11 at Esprit Noir Lobby Bar, while other styles are available year-round.

“I’m proud to bring the Citrus Fleur to Sydney for guests to gift to one-another this Mother’s Day," says Burch (below).

 "Creating the Citrus Fleur was about capturing my memories of the lavender farm my mother lives near in the UK, and inspired by a visit to Bridestowe Lavender Farm in Tasmania.

"My mother has always cherished the calming scent of lavender and I wanted to pair it with a burst of Lemon Myrtle, to bring a fresh, bright flavour profile that is both refined and refreshing.

"It’s a loving tribute to my mother that has resulted in a croissant that feels like a getaway in every bite.”

Travellers and locals alike can indulge in croissants at other Sofitel locations including: Sofitel Le Scribe Paris Opera (The Verbena Breeze), Sofitel Marrakech Palais Imperial (The Zesty Orange Blossom), Sofitel Ambassador Seoul (The Seoul Bom Blush), Sofitel Dubai The Palm (The Floral Saffron), Sofitel Mexico City Reforma (The Dalia Rouge), and Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel and Spa (The Wild Hibiscus).

See sofitel.com, all.com or group.accor.com

Town Square to showcase a taste of South Australia

Locals and visitors can get a bite of the Tasting Australia festival by visiting Adelaide's Town Square food and dink hub. 

Town Square will be open from Friday, May 2, to Sunday, May 11, offering some of South Australia's best eating and drinking experiences.

Based in the heart of Adelaide in Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga and free to enter across all 10 days of this year’s festival, Town Square is home to Dining Galleries presented by Mitolo Family Farms, Seppeltsfield and Never Never bars, Journey Beyond’s The Ghan Experience and a range of food and beverage events. 

Fifteen diverse food style options will be available to festival-goers in the Town Square this year, including eight new vendors:  Athena Greek Eats, Comida Hahndorf, Dolly Bar and Eatery, Francesca’s Pizza and Sandos, Le Cordon Vert, Motherlode Nuggeteria, Kha Nom and Kombi Crew Coffee. 

They will be joined by seven returning favourites: Africola Canteen, Braising Boy, GANG GANG, · Ong Noi Vietnamese Kitchen, Phat Head Dumpling, The Filipino Project and Shmochi by Shibui. 

Four vendors - Dolly, Ong, Braising Boy and The Filipino Project -  are set to be highlighted in a new series of events to the festival: Town Square Perfect Pair. 

Each will offer a signature dish and plant-based option to be paired with a matching wine selected by the festivals drinks curators Meira Harel and Banjo Harris Plane.



South Australian visual art will again feature across Town Square, with pieces from Sair Bean and Miles Dunne appearing in the Dining Galleries and a mural from Hari Koutlakis to take its place along one of the site’s walls.

A variety of local musicians, DJs and other entertainment are also set to play each day and evening, while Nature Play SA will invite children to make flower crowns as part of Mother’s Day celebrations in Town Square on May 11..

South Australian Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison said Town Square would be a celebration of the best of South Australia.

“Tasting Australia presented by Journey Beyond is a joyful showcase of South Australia’s culinary excellence, one with so much to offer locals and visitors to our state,” Bettison said.


“Town Square is its heart - perfect for everything from a casual drink with friends to a special meal to mark a milestone. It’s also a chance to highlight regional venues through elements such as the Canteen series, where chefs and front-of-house teams give city guests a taste of their restaurants."

See tastingaustralia.com.au for more festival information and to purchase entry to ticketed events.