Aurora boredom goes on
Some 269 passengers are reported to have left the troubled Aurora cruise ship, as it remains stuck in Southampton docks with engine problems. As reported, the ship was supposed to have sailed on 9 January, on a 103-day round-the-world trip. But 10 days after the supposed departure date, despite free drinks for all those booked on to the cruise while the ship sat in dock, the Aurora has still not sailed. The Daily Mail even reports that a 5pm “sailaway” party “came and went, leaving embarrassed P&O officials making yet more excuses and praying she might be on her way by midnight”. The ship was still in Southampton this morning. The newspaper reports that many have made the decision to abandon ship because it will no longer be visiting several destinations including Japan and San Francisco. One passenger is quoted as saying: “We’re packing it in. We wanted to do Japan and had booked seats on the bullet train. They only told us a few hours ago that we weren’t going there any more. They have treated us very well but there is no point going on.” Those who have decided not to go ahead with the cruise will get a refund; those who are going ahead have been offered partial refunds and discounts off future trips. Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad Ltd
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026