Hey {{first name | reader}},
Happy Friday! Coffee’s poured and fares are moving - today we’re keeping it simple and useful. Here’s what’s inside:
• Should you buy Aeroplan points in this sale?
• Which luxury cruise fits your style? Four Seasons vs. Ritz-Carlton vs. Aman
• Is Dubai’s most underrated beach resort hiding in plain sight?
Aeroplan points on sale (up to 90% bonus, from ~14 USD per 1000 points)
Air Canada Aeroplan is targeting members with a tiered bonus up to 90% on purchased points, running through Oct 29, 2025. At the top tier, your effective cost is about 19.7 CAD x 1000 (~14 USD) per point. Offers are targeted, so log in to see your specific offer.
Why this can be good value (with a plan):
Aeroplan uses a distance-based award chart by region, so pricing is fairly predictable once you know your route length on many partners, and you can add a stopover for 5,000 points on a one-way, great for stitching two cities into one trip. Aeroplan also partners widely across Star Alliance (United, SWISS, Lufthansa, ANA, EVA, LOT, TAP, etc.), and most awards can be booked online.
Real-world price examples (business class, one-way):
North America ↔ Atlantic (partner): bands commonly price at 60k-70k for mid-distance itineraries; at ~14USD/1000, you’re effectively “paying” $840-$980 + taxes for lie-flat business when seats cooperate. Add a 5k stopover to see a second city en route.
Asia ↔ Europe (partner): many city pairs (e.g., Singapore to Paris, Tokyo to Istanbul) fall in the 5,001–7,000-mile band and price at 80,000 Aeroplan points one-way in business; at ~14USD/1000 that’s about $1,120 + taxes for a lie-flat seat. You can also add a 5,000-point stopover to visit a second city en route (same one-way ticket).
How to book:
Find live space and note the exact price in points first (Aeroplan is partly dynamic on AC/selected partners).
Do the math: points × ~14USD/1000 + taxes vs. cash fare for the same flights.
If the math wins, buy and ticket immediately, don’t stockpile “just because,” especially since this bonus isn’t near the richest we’ve seen. Also note: purchased points can take a few days to post, so there’s real risk the award space disappears before the miles hit your account.
The surge in luxury cruise options
High-end cruises at sea are exploding in popularity - more brands, newer hardware, and yacht-style ships that feel like boutique hotels.
I’ve done two big-ship cruises: one on MSC along Brazil & Uruguay, and another on Carnival from Miami to Cozumel and the Gulf of Mexico. Both were massive, resort-at-sea experiences and I enjoyed them a lot. The “cruise” that really stuck with me, though, was a Nile river sailing in Egypt: a petite, Egyptian-luxury vessel with ~20 rooms and impeccable service. That intimate vibe is much closer to what brands like Aman and Four Seasons are promising, like fewer guests, more space, and a calmer, curated feel. I’d love to try one of these new luxury yachts next.
What’s new & notable:
Four Seasons Yachts: Debuts 2026 with 95 suites (all with terraces), huge space per guest, and design by Prosper Assouline. Expect Mediterranean/Caribbean starts with ultra-residential suites.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: Evrima is sailing; Ilma entered service Oct 2025 (224 suites, all with terraces), followed by Luminara thereafter. This is “hotel-brand at sea,” with inclusive dining and a very high space-to-guest ratio.
Aman at Sea (“Amangati”): Launching 2027 with 47 suites; ultra-private, design-forward itineraries starting in the Mediterranean. Aman luxury, but on water.
Explora Journeys (MSC’s luxury brand): EXPLORA I & II sailing now, super-yacht styling with all-oceanfront suites, Mediterranean/Caribbean/N. Europe, and a culinary program pitched at “relaxed European luxury.”
Silversea (Nova Class): Silver Nova introduced a more open, asymmetrical design and greener tech; a benchmark among traditional luxury lines.
Why this wave matters: With more luxury lines launching and refreshing hardware, you can choose a ship that actually fits your style: party-free and design-led, family-friendly with smart kids’ spaces, or wellness-centric with serious spas. Brand-new ships usually deliver the best layouts, acoustics, and dining, and hotel-brand entrants (Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton) bring familiar service standards for loyalists who want that “favorite hotel” feel at sea.
How to book: You can book through us to layer VIP perks and curation on top, right ship, right cabin, right itinerary, so the trip feels effortless and unforgettable.
Here are some perks we can secure for your Four Seasons Yachts voyage, as an example:
Added onboard credit (same public fare, extra value).
Priority access to in-demand suites & early-release sailings.
VIP handling (personal notes, special requests, seamless fixes).
Easy hotel tie-ins with Four Seasons pre/post stays.
One point of contact from planning to sail day.
Submit your request here!
Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai (Dan & Oskar’s take)
Dan just dropped a new review of what he calls one of Dubai’s most underrated beach resorts: Mandarin Oriental Jumeira. If you prefer modern understated luxury, polished service, and a calm beachfront over flashy vibes, this one’s for you.
Why this one’s special: It’s a true urban beachfront resort, with sand and sea on one side, Dubai skyline (hello, Burj Khalifa) on the other. Rooms lean bright and contemporary, most with balconies; the vibe is calm, design-forward, and service-heavy. On-site dining is a standout, including Tasca by José Avillez (Michelin-starred in Dubai) and the all-day The Bay for breezy, seafront breakfasts.
Dan & Oskar found a few things that might change how you think about beach resorts in Dubai. If you’re into modern, low-key luxury, hit play and see why this property caught their attention.
Good to know (quick facts):
Location: Jumeira 1, direct beach access; quick rides to Downtown if you want malls/museums. It’s also right across the street of a pretty decent mall as well!
Dining: Tasca (Portuguese, Michelin star), The Bay (Mediterranean all-day), plus lounges/bars.
Spa & pools: Full MO-style spa, multiple pools, and a sleek fitness studio.
Who it’s for: Travelers who want a quiet, luxe beach base with high-touch service and top-tier dining, close to the city but blissfully separate from the big-party scene. Families do well here too thanks to the beach and pool setup.
Watch the review: Dan & Oskar’s full walkthrough: “Dubai’s Most UNDERRATED Beach Resort? Mandarin Oriental Jumeira” is here. It’s a great preview of rooms, beach, and the overall feel before you book.
That’s a wrap for Friday. Keep an ear out, there’s a lot more to come in the next few weeks.
Have a fantastic weekend and catch you in the clouds,
Tomi