I hinted at a trip. A wild one. I stayed quiet. One airline’s photo policy made that necessary. Official rules? Strict. No snaps. But the trip started. Time to spill. Expect updates. Daily, probably.
Why A Cruise?
Review trips usually mean planes. Just planes. This time, there is water involved. Specifically, a Four Seasons Yacht. I flew from the US to Europe. Then I cruised. The return is… complicated. Let’s call it roundabout.
Why a yacht? I liked the Ritz-Carlton version earlier this year. The luxury hotel-brand cruise market is exploding. It fascinates me. So I’m checking it out. Did I pay full price? Sort of. We sailed in March. The ship delayed. They offered discounts for future bookings. I took one.
The Botswana (that’s the ship name) looks expensive. Really expensive. But the food and drink aren’t included. Most of it. That feels wrong. The reviews? Mixed. Some love it. Some hate it. I’m anxious. Cruising isn’t for everyone. I get it. But I’m going to test most luxury lines next year. Even Explora. I have to see where the industry is heading.
The Flight Path (No Joke)
Normal people fly over the Atlantic. I am normal? Not today. I added detours. To the Middle East. Central Asia. India. Why? Because I can. Here is the outbound chaos:
- Lufthansa: Their new 787 with Allegris business class. I’ve done the A350 version. Is the smaller plane different? Also, their new seats? Finally.
- Turkmenistan Airlines: This is the big one. Europe to India. Via Ashgabat. A dream flight for years. I expect weirdness. Ground and air. I might get in trouble. Please let me not.
- Air India: First class return from India to Europe. An ex-Etihad 777. Suites. The main draw? The new lounge in Delhi. It looks insane. Top of the world list contender. Maybe.
And the return? More delays. More changes.
- Saudia: Europe to Riyadh via Jeddah. Boeing 787 then Airbus A330. I haven’t flown them in years. Rumors say they improved. Time to test.
- Riyadh Air: Back to Europe. Their new 787. This startup has cash. Serious cash. Will it work? I’m betting on yes. Including that flagship lounge in Riyadh.
- The Atlantic Backup: Currently booked on Alaska Airlines 787 back to Seattle. Safe option. But? I want SWISS Senses. First class A350. I need that for my rankings. The puzzle is missing a piece. I’m plotting a heist to get it on.
Stay tuned. I’m excited about Turkmenistan Airlines. Seriously. 😉
A Quick Question
Where do I stay in Riyadh? Just for a night? I need ideas.
– Four Seasons? Central. Safe.
– St. Regis? New. Attached to a mall. Expensive.
– Bab Samhan (Marriott)? Cheap. Cool. But far out?
Suggestions? I’m open. The St. Regis feels too retail. The Four Seasons is practical. Bab Samhan is intriguing if the taxi ride isn’t miserable.
Bottom Line
Review trips are usually predictable. This is not. Almost nothing here is a known quantity. Turkmenistan Airlines is a wildcard. Riyadh Air is a hype monster. Air India’s lounge? A potential adventure. Flying Alaska on anything that isn’t a 73ng… what even is that?
I don’t know what will happen. That’s the best part. Watch this space. Or don’t. But you should.
