Travel Shorts: Fast News By Land, Sea & Air

Posted onAuthorChris Owen

Hawaiian Airlines First To Add Starlink
Buckle up for a connected journey! Hawaiian Airlines, the first major US carrier to do so, just launched free, blazing-fast Starlink Wi-Fi on select flights. Imagine soaring above the Pacific, streaming shows, sending messages, or checking work – all thanks to a powerful network of 5,000+ satellites.

Say goodbye to patchy signals and hello to a whole new flying experience! CEO Peter Ingram says it’s a “game-changer,” and with incredible bandwidth already serving over 30,000 flights, we couldn’t agree more. Get ready to fly with Hawaiian – connectivity heaven awaits!

Gwen Stefani Named Godmother Of Carnival Jubilee

Set your sails for fun – music icon Gwen Stefani is named godmother of Carnival’s newest ship, the Carnival Jubilee! Get ready for an epic Galveston ceremony on February 24th where the triple Grammy winner (plus music royalty status!) brings her energy and style to christen this amazing vessel.

Not just a pretty face, Stefani’s a multi-platinum artist, fashion queen, and Voice coach – talk about powerhouse! Jubilee, a modern marvel with space for 6,500 guests and eco-friendly technology, sets sail with its superstar godmother at the helm. Don’t miss the excitement – part of the ceremony will be streamed live on Carnival’s Facebook page, so join the party wherever you are! This is more than a cruise launch – it’s a celebration of fun, music, and adventure with Gwen Stefani leading the way!

Photo- Windstar Cruises

Bigger ship, bigger adventures: Windstar upgrades Tahiti experience

Windstar Cruises is upping its game in French Polynesia, replacing their smaller “Wind Spirit” with the larger “Star Breeze” (312 guests vs. 148) for year-round sailings. This move, announced last September, officially kicked off with a ceremony in Tahiti attended by dignitaries and travel industry representatives.

The “Star Breeze” offers more onboard options, including diverse dining, a bigger spa and fitness center, and spacious accommodations. Despite the size upgrade, Windstar assures guests they’ll still enjoy intimate access to Tahiti’s hidden gems and pristine beaches thanks to their signature small-ship style.

This change reflects Windstar’s commitment to French Polynesia, a region president Christopher Prelog holds dear. He expects the increased capacity and new experiences to attract more travelers while maintaining the unique Windstar experience.

Egypt & Regional Tensions and Gaza Conflict:

  • Fading optimism for Gaza ceasefire: U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in Israel attempting to broker a truce, but reports suggest pessimism is growing. (Al Jazeera, CBS News)
  • Egyptian warnings against Israeli ground offensive: Egypt has strongly condemned the possibility of an Israeli ground invasion of Rafah in Gaza, warning of “dire consequences.” (Egypt Today, The National)
  • Turkish President Erdogan to visit Egypt: Erdogan is scheduled to visit Egypt on February 14th, marking a significant step in the normalization of relations between the two countries. (Egypt Today)

Additional Egypt Resources: