Asia Archives - Com Namibia

ASEV Luxe: A New Chapter Opens in Bespoke Travel Across Asia

October 27, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

PONANT

A natural evolution of ASEV Travel’s know-how

Since 1995, ASEV Travel has built its expertise in Asia through a local presence, teams on the ground in the destinations, and a network of trusted partners.

ASEV Luxe is neither a new independent brand nor a rupture with this history. It is the natural evolution of this know-how, anchored in a deep understanding of the terrain, privileged human relationships, and a constant attention to detail.

This new expression is aimed at agencies and tour operators who want to offer their travelers exceptional experiences, with the guarantee of personalized support, a carefully curated selection of services, and an execution mastered from the design of the trip to its on-the-ground realization.

A different idea of luxury

Luxury is not limited to a prestigious address, to prestigious accommodations, or to faultless service. It also reveals itself in rarer moments: an unexpected encounter, a privileged exchange, the discovery of a craft handed down from generation to generation.

This is the vision ASEV Luxe intends to place at the heart of every journey. A luxury that is not measured solely by what one possesses or what one sees, but by what one experiences, what one shares, and what one feels.

Exclusivity then takes on another dimension. It is not only about the private or exceptional nature of a service, but also about the possibility of accessing a destination differently, discovering its subtleties, and living moments that cannot simply be reproduced.

Experiences that tell a story

Behind each ASEV Luxe journey lies a dedicated effort of research and selection carried out by teams who intimately know their destinations. The goal is not merely to assemble high-end offerings, but to identify what makes each place, each encounter, and each experience truly unique.

Artisans, chefs, guardians of traditions, or actors involved in heritage preservation: so many women and men whose journeys and know-how open another door to the destinations.

Each experience is chosen for the story it tells and the place it can occupy in a completely personalized itinerary. The aim is to craft a through-line, where the different stages of the journey respond to one another and gain meaning according to the desires and sensitivities of each traveler.

An approach that prioritizes coherence and depth of the journey rather than the mere multiplication of experiences.

Cambodia — Beyond the temples, stories to discover

If the Angkorian heritage remains essential, Cambodia also reveals a cultural and human richness that deserves to be explored. Intimate encounters, traditional know-how, and locally meaningful initiatives allow approaching the kingdom from a more intimate angle.

Laos — The intimacy of a living heritage

In Laos, travel naturally invites you to slow down. Privileged exchanges with heritage custodians and experiences conceived around the Mekong offer opportunities to approach the country’s traditions, ways of life, and cultural heritage in a different light.

A journey, a story… to write together

ASEV Luxe is therefore a collection of experiences imagined to reveal Southeast Asia in a different way: with more time, more meaning, and a special focus on what makes each trip unique.

And what if we wrote the next chapters of this story together?

ASEV Luxe : un nouveau chapitre s'ouvre dans le voyage sur mesure en Asie

Discover ASEV Luxe
To discover the ASEV Luxe collection of experiences and imagine new tailor-made journeys, agencies and tour operators can contact the ASEV Travel teams.

Walter Pham

[email protected]

https://asev-travel.com/voyages-de-luxe-sur-mesure-en-asie-du-sud-est/

ASEV Luxe brochure

MICE in Asia: Immersion and Networking as the New Playing Field

October 13, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

From Activity to Experience

CroisiEurope

The MICE industry has always sought to create collective moments capable of pulling participants out of their everyday lives. Yet the pursuit of novelty has sometimes led to multiplying activities designed primarily to surprise.

A trend is emerging today: to draw more from the destination itself to build the program. Its inhabitants, its know-how, its local initiatives, and its environment then become the starting point for a moment conceived for the group.

It is not about replacing the major classics of corporate travel, but giving them a new dimension. A visit can become a meeting, a challenge can guide participants to discover a territory in a different way, and an activity can be integrated directly into local life.

The participant is no longer merely a spectator: they take part in the experience.

Bringing Teams into Local Life

This evolution resonates particularly in Asia, where the diversity of cultures and ways of living provides a rich canvas for crafting these itineraries.

In Bali, an orienteering course can lead teams into the heart of a village, with challenges that bring them to meet residents and discover their daily life. In India, a community kitchen invites participants to help prepare meals in a Sikh temple and to meet the people who sustain the place. In other destinations, the same philosophy can be expressed through farming activities, the discovery of a craft, or an activity run directly with a local community.

In all these cases, the activity becomes mainly a pretext to connect with the territory and with those who bring it to life.

The Challenge: Finding the Right Balance

However, immersion does not mean turning every MICE activity into a fully engaged experience. Companies continue to seek pleasure, sociability, and moments of celebration.

The goal is rather to find the right balance between the different phases of the journey. A day can combine cultural discovery, relaxation, and participation in local life. This latter element adds an extra dimension without necessarily becoming the sole guiding thread.

For agencies, this flexibility also allows these formats to be integrated into very different programs, depending on the destination, the group profile, and the voyage’s objectives.

The Key Role of DMCs

This trend is also reshaping the role of DMCs. To offer genuine immersion, it is not enough to pick an activity from a catalog (or ask our friend Chat). Local actors must be known, their environment and culture understood, and formats tailored to a professional group must be built with them.

The work of the receptive partner is then to link two worlds: the expectations of a company and the reality of the destination. They must identify relevant experiences, assess their capacity to host a group, from both logistical and ethical standpoints, and above all preserve their authenticity while meeting the constraints of MICE.

At Shanti Travel, a specialist in MICE in Asia, this on-the-ground knowledge makes it possible to rely on initiatives already rooted locally and adapt them to professional groups. A way to turn the encounter with the destination into a true pillar, rather than a mere add-on.

A Different Way to Build and Market Programs

For agencies, the challenge is to present this proposition in a way that is easy for clients to read. Immersion can be showcased as what gives the trip its personality, without overturning its established codes. Comfort and local experience can coexist perfectly: it is precisely the contrast between the two that can create a richer and more memorable program. To persuade, it’s better to tell what the group will actually live than simply presenting an activity: a meeting, a challenge, a skill being passed on, or a concrete participation. A way to help the client visualize themselves while lending real singularity to the content.

The MICE of tomorrow may not only aim to give teams an experience they’ve never had. It will also aim to let them experience, together, something they could never have experienced anywhere else.

Authentic Experiences to Discover the Soul of Asia

October 13, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

CroisiEurope

Meet Little Wayan in Bali

Meet Little Wayan and discover community-based tourism in Bali. Originating from Bakas, in Klungkung, in eastern Bali, Little Wayan invites you to explore his home village and his vision of tourism that directly benefits the local community.

Thanks to his work as a tour guide, Little Wayan has gained access to opportunities that other residents of his village have not always been able to seize.

Today, he aims to share these opportunities with his community by crafting experiences that showcase local life and contribute to its development.

Choose from several carefully designed experiences at the heart of the village: converse with the elders to discover their stories and traditions, spend a day immersed in daily life, or share a night with a local family for an authentic immersion.

Whatever experience you select, you will discover another side of Bali while directly supporting the growth and well-being of the Bakas community.

Cultural Expedition to Sumba

Sumba Est et Ouest © Khiri Travel by Canva

Embark on a captivating seven-day journey into the heart of Sumba’s rich culture. From your arrival in Tambolaka to the dramatic landscapes of the Kodi district, immerse yourself in the daily life, traditional ceremonies, and the island’s pristine scenery.

Explore quaint villages, discover the art of ikat weaving, renowned for its intricate patterns, and delve into the spirituality of the Marapu belief. Hike to hidden waterfalls, stroll along powder‑white beaches, and uncover the secrets of Sumba’s distinctive architectural heritage.

Your adventure concludes in Waingapu, after a journey filled with encounters, cultural discoveries, and simply breathtaking views.

Night at the Museum

Embark on an exclusive after-hours tour of the National Museum in Luang Prabang, to uncover Laos’ royal secrets just for you.

Housed in the former royal palace, built in 1904 for King Sisavang Vong, the museum traces the history of the Lao monarchy and offers a fascinating voyage through the country’s heritage.

With Khiri Travel, enjoy privileged access to the museum spaces after closing time. Explore the throne room and the royal chapel, and admire emblematic treasures such as the sacred Phra Bang Buddha statue. You’ll also see rooms preserved since the departure of the royal family, the Royal Barge Shelter, and the car collection.

Far from the crowds and within the museum’s special post-closure atmosphere, this exclusive experience provides a privileged encounter with Laos’ royal history and heritage.

For more information about Meet Little Wayan in Bali and Cultural Expedition to Sumba, please contact our team at: [email protected].

For more information about Night at the Museum, please contact our team at: [email protected].

Des expériences authentiques pour découvrir l’âme de l’Asie

For more information, visit khiri.com or contact us at [email protected]. We look forward to meeting you and helping you create enriching journeys across Asia.
>> Khiri Travel Laos in the DESTIMAG Directory

>> Khiri Travel Sri Lanka in the DESTIMAG Directory

ASIA DMC Joins DestiMaG’s DMC Directory

October 11, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

ASIA DMC rejoint l’annuaire des DMC, DestiMaG - © ASIA DMC

Aer Lingus

With thirty years of experience, ASIA DMC has grown into a specialist in designing and organizing travel in Southeast Asia.

Based notably in Hanoi, the French-speaking inbound agency operates through several offices across the continent to support its partners more closely to the destinations.

Its scope now covers five destinations: Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Indonesia.

By joining the DMC directory, DestiMaG, ASIA DMC makes its expertise available to tourism professionals seeking a local partner to build customized programs in Asia.

The agency works notably with travel agencies, tour operators and tourism professionals to design tailor-made itineraries, multi-destination combinations, luxury stays, but also themed journeys around gastronomy, golf or cultural discovery.

A philosophy rooted in authenticity and customization

ASIA DMC’s approach rests on a philosophy branded as FUSION, standing for Famous, Unique, Sustainable, Involved, Original and Natural.

This approach guides program design with the objective of offering experiences that depart from standard itineraries, while prioritizing local discovery, immersion, and personalization.

The agency thus supports its partners in the construction of travel experiences tailored to their clients’ expectations, by combining destination essentials with more confidential and original experiences.

This on-the-ground knowledge enables ASIA DMC to take charge of various aspects of trip organization, from itinerary design to selection of services and on-site coordination.

Tailor-made journeys for different client profiles

ASIA DMC’s offer is addressed to various traveler and group types. The inbound operator designs customized circuits that let guests explore the different regions of each destination through local experiences.

The agency also supports group travel projects, stays for families or couples, honeymoon trips, and programs aimed at individual travelers.

Its expertise extends to MICE and events, with the creation of seminars, motivational trips, team-building and professional events.

For businesses, ASIA DMC develops programs centered on cohesion and experience, in enchanting settings.

The agency also offers a dedicated range for premium stays and golf. In Southeast Asia, it selects properties and courses that combine comfort, cultural discovery, and sporting activity.

Consequently, programs can combine upscale accommodations, golf courses, territorial discovery, and local experiences, especially in natural settings between mountains, rice fields and coastal areas.

30 years of experience and several international distinctions

This expertise is also recognized internationally. In 2025, ASIA DMC received its 22nd distinction at the World Travel Awards, including titles such as Best Incoming Agency in Asia, for the fourth time, Best Incoming Agency in Laos, for the fifth time, and Best Incoming Agency in Cambodia, for the fourth time.

With its regional presence and its team dedicated to the French-speaking market, ASIA DMC aims to provide tourism professionals with a local partner capable of building personalized journeys, from program conception to on-site coordination.

ASIA DMC rejoint l’annuaire des DMC, DestiMaG

Contact Gentiane ROMANET, Commercial Director :

– EMAIL : [email protected]

– TEL. +33 6 76 50 55 75

Asia Adds About Twenty Executives to Its Share Capital

October 5, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Aer Lingus

The ASIA group is taking a new step in its development. After finalizing, in February 2026, a second leveraged buyout alongside the Axio Capital and Siparex funds, the Chantraine family, and the management, the specialist in tailor-made travel and small-group journeys to the Asia-Pacific region is now opening its capital to around twenty executives.

These executives took part in a capital increase and thus became directly involved in the development and creation of the group’s future value. A move that shows ASIA’s intention to durably involve its employees in its project and to reinforce management engagement.

This operation aligns with the strategy pursued since 2018. When announcing the second LBO in January, Guillaume Linton explained to TourMaG that the objective was, in particular, to strengthen the management’s stake in the capital in order to preserve the company’s independence.

Asia: A New Governance

This new step is accompanied by the appointment of Julien Beaufreton, who joined ASIA in 2019 as Chief Administrative and Financial Officer (CAFO), to the position of Deputy Chief Executive Officer. He will oversee finance, human resources, and technology, under the responsibility of Guillaume Linton, President of the ASIA Group.

The steering committee also welcomes Chrystelle Hamel, B2B Sales Director, Anne-Laure Chamorand, Marketing Director, and Maud Paul-Joseph, Director of Software Information Systems projects.

Alongside Guillaume Linton and Julien Beaufreton, they sit on the steering committee with Virginie Gerbault, Production and Partnerships Director, and Thierry Combe, Direct Sales Director, two historic figures of the tour operator.

Created in 1985, ASIA posted more than €70 million in revenue in 2025 and employs 105 staff in France.

Arsenale Group Takes a 33% Stake in SJourney, Expands Its Presence in Asia

October 1, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Arsenale Group prend 33 % de SJourney et entre sur le marché vietnamien - Photo : Arsenale Group

CroisiEurope

Arsenale Group announces a 33% stake in SJourney, a Vietnamese brand specializing in luxury rail travel.

The Italian group thus aims to continue the development of its international network of premium trains and strengthen its presence in the Asian market.

The operation follows the acquisition of Golden Eagle Luxury Trains by Arsenale in 2025.

It is part of the group’s strategy to develop an international offering of luxury rail travel across various destinations.

A New Milestone in SJourney’s Development

As part of this investment, Arsenale becomes a strategic minority shareholder of SJourney.

The group will notably contribute its commercial network and international distribution channels to support the growth and visibility of the Vietnamese brand on foreign markets.

Arsenale also intends to contribute to the development of new itineraries and to a potential expansion of SJourney into other markets. The group will also bring its expertise in evolving onboard service standards and offerings.

For its part, SJourney will preserve its Vietnamese identity and its positioning around experiential rail tourism. The brand offers itineraries that enable travelers to discover the landscapes, cultural heritage and local communities of Vietnam.

The Hanoi–Ho Chi Minh City Axis at the Heart of the Offering

Among the main itineraries proposed by SJourney is notably the link between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. This route traverses Vietnam from north to south and highlights several landscapes and cultural sites of the country.

The partnership also foresees the possibility of granting a license for the Golden Eagle brand. A potential positioning under the name “SJourney by Golden Eagle” remains subject to strategic and operational alignment between the two groups.

Publié par Amelia Brille Rédactrice TourMaG.com
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MSC World Asia: What MSC’s New Ship Will Bring to the French Market

September 27, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Patrick Pourbaix, DGl France de MSC Croisières, veut faire de MSC World Asia un nouvel accélérateur du développement de la compagnie sur le marché français - Photo : LG

Climats du Monde

The MSC World Asia is Asian in name only and only partly in its onboard universe.

For its debut, the third ship of the World class will indeed follow a trajectory that is distinctly French.

Currently under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique, it will be the 20th MSC vessel built in Saint-Nazaire. It is set to be officially christened in Le Havre on November 28 before steering toward Marseille, its home port for its first season.

MSC Cruises will take advantage of this inaugural crossing to host onboard the AllStars, its annual gathering bringing together its most engaged distribution partners. The ship will arrive in Le Havre on November 27 before its christening the following day.

The MSC World Asia will then head to Marseille, where its first season will begin on December 5. It will offer seven-night cruises in the Western Mediterranean, with calls in Barcelona, Genoa, Civitavecchia, Messina and Valletta.

A positioning far from trivial for MSC. “Half of the passengers we book in France depart from Marseille,” noted Patrick Pourbaix, Chief Executive of France at MSC Cruises, during a conference organized at IFTM.

Après Marseille, les Antilles françaises

Le MSC World Asia arrivera au Havre le 27 novembre avant son baptême, organisé le lendemain - Photo : MSC Croisières

But the MSC World Asia’s French history won’t stop at Marseille.

In winter 2027-2028, the vessel will cross the Atlantic to reach the southern Caribbean.

It will then offer 7- and 14-night cruises with embarkations notably in Fort-de-France and Pointe-à-Pitre.

This decision is partly a consequence of the geopolitical situation. Initially slated for the Persian Gulf, the MSC World Asia was redeployed after that programming was abandoned. But it also answers MSC’s success in the French Antilles.

Patrick Pourbaix presents a striking figure: about 10% of the populations of Martinique and Guadeloupe would cruise each year, a rate he estimates ten times higher than in metropolitan France.

MSC now aims to contribute to the formation of a genuine European hub in the Caribbean around the French Antilles, fed by local clientele, metropolitan travelers and several European markets.

MSC sera présent toute l’année aux Antilles

This strategy will extend beyond the World Asia alone. With the MSC Opera, the company will establish a permanent presence in the region.

The vessel, smaller than the World-class units, is expected to offer a complementary itinerary, notably toward the Dominican Republic. MSC also plans packages including flights from the mainland for its summer programming.

The arrival of the World Asia, however, comes after a year of mixed results for MSC in France.

Des réservations plus tardives en 2026

Patrick Pourbaix recognises that the accumulation of geopolitical and economic uncertainties has led the French to postpone their decisions quite significantly. “There has been a huge booking delay,” he notes.

But the executive rejects the idea that this phenomenon pushed MSC to fill its ships with promotions: “It wasn’t a last-minute surge in fares and bargain prices.”

The company, conversely, continues its premiumization strategy. It asserts having achieved its goal of improving its Net Promoter Score (NPS), notably thanks to new services offered through its app, including a chatbot powered by artificial intelligence to respond to passenger requests aboard.

This “premiumization” is also reflected in sales. Patrick Pourbaix states that the average spend per booking continues to rise. And France holds a special place: it is, according to MSC, its leading European market for Yacht Club sales, the premium-luxury space installed aboard its ships.

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DTH Travel Reimagines Multi-Destination Travel in Asia with The Ultimate Asia Adventure by Train

September 27, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Climats du Monde

At a moment when travelers are seeking new ways to explore the world, train travel is taking an increasingly prominent place in itineraries. More than just a means of transport, it turns the journey itself into a true component of travel. The trip thus becomes an experience in its own right, where the way you move matters as much as the destinations.

It is in this spirit that DTH Travel launches “The Ultimate Asia Adventure by Train,” an unprecedented 35-day itinerary spanning seven Asian countries, from Singapore to the temples of Angkor in Cambodia, without flying between the different stages.

Through this new program, DTH Travel asserts its commitment to offering tourism professionals new ways to explore Asia, by envisioning products that invite travelers to rethink the journey and depart from traditional circuits. An approach made possible by its presence in several Asian countries and by its on-site teams, which allow DTH Travel to design and coordinate multi-destination itineraries directly on the ground.

Conceptualized as a grand crossing of Southeast Asia and southwest China, this new program combines day and night trains, Mekong river navigation, and excursions, turning the journey into a true part of the adventure.

From Singapore to the Angkor temples: 7 countries, 35 days and no flights

Over 35 days, “The Ultimate Asia Adventure by Train” lets travellers explore iconic sites and more off-the-beaten-path locations across seven Asian countries: Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, China, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

Gardens by the Bay, Singapour © DTH Travel

The journey begins in Singapore, where skyscrapers, tropical gardens and historic districts set the scene, before gradually tracing the Malay Peninsula up to Kuala Lumpur and Penang. In George Town, Chinese, Malay, Indian and British influences appear in the architecture, temples and street food.

The route continues in Thailand, from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, then toward the northern part of the country and the border with Laos. After the bustle of the capital, the journey takes on a different dimension in Chiang Mai, before reaching the Golden Triangle and Chiang Khong.

From Chiang Khong, the train temporarily gives way to the Mekong. The navigation toward Pakbeng and Luang Prabang offers a pause along the river and the mountain landscapes of Laos.

In Luang Prabang, temples, traditional houses and the surrounding mountains extend this immersion, with a visit to the Kuang Si waterfalls.

The train journey then resumes to reach Kunming, China, gateway to Yunnan. This leg lets travelers discover a region renowned for its landscapes and cultural diversity, including the spectacular Stone Forest, before entering Vietnam via Lao Cai in the north of the country.

In Sapa, mountains and terraced rice fields contrast with the bustle of major cities. The journey then moves on to Hanoi, then Ninh Binh, amid rice paddies and karst formations, before reaching the country’s central region.

From Danang to Hoi An and Quy Nhon, the itinerary alternates heritage sites, landscapes and discoveries along the central coast of Vietnam. In Hoi An, the lanes of the old town and the ancient houses bear witness to the commercial history of this city, before resuming the train to continue south.

The final stretch of the journey leads to Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta. A side trip allows exploring the canals, villages and floating markets that shape the daily life of this region, intimately connected to the river.

An itinerary you can tailor to your wishes

The DTH Travel teams will be at IFTM 2026

On the occasion of the IFTM trade show, the DTH Travel teams will be in Paris from September 15 to 17, 2026, at the Philippines and Thailand stands, to present in greater detail “The Ultimate Asia Adventure by Train,” discuss customization possibilities and present other programs developed by DTH Travel in Asia.

Would you like to learn more about this itinerary, design a tailor-made program, or discover other itineraries offered by DTH Travel in Asia? The teams are already available to discuss and arrange a meeting during the IFTM show.

Find the DTH Travel teams at the IFTM show

Stand of the Philippines (A008)	Stand of Thailand (B044)
Gregor ZAJC General Manager, DTH Travel Philippines Email : [email protected]	Mathilde THRIERR Business Development Manager in charge of the French market, DTH Travel Thailand Email : [email protected]

Contact the DTH Travel teams now to learn more or to schedule an appointment.

DTH Travel réinvente le voyage multi-destinations en Asie avec «The Ultimate Asia Adventure by Train»

www.dth.travel

>> DTH Travel in the DESTIMAG Directory

Orient Voyages: Tours Across Central Asia

September 26, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Climats du Monde

For over 30 years, our agency has guided visitors in discovering Uzbekistan and, more broadly, Central Asia. Throughout the years, we have developed an in-depth knowledge of destinations, tourist infrastructures, local traditions, and the cultural specificities of this region still relatively unknown to the international public.

For the 2027 season, Orient Voyages offers a full range of circuits across Uzbekistan as well as itineraries allowing you to explore several Central Asian countries during a single trip.

From the majestic Samarkand to the desert expanses of the Kyzylkum, passing by the legendary cities of Khiva and Bukhara, each itinerary is an invitation to travel, to discover, and to marvel.

But beyond the exceptional monuments, we also want to unveil another dimension of the country: colorful markets, villages, traditional crafts, gastronomy, desert landscapes, and encounters with the local populations.

The GIR Series Uzbekistan

The GIR series in Uzbekistan is one of our flagship products and has been increasingly successful on the Francophone market for more than five years. These 2-person guaranteed tours are specially designed for travelers who wish to discover all the beauties of Uzbekistan while forming a genuine connection with the local population. Departures are guaranteed with a minimum of two participants, which allows you to book with complete confidence, without worrying about hotel reservations, transfers, guides, or excursions: everything is arranged for you. The itineraries take you into the heart of UNESCO World Heritage sites, while leaving you free time to stroll, photograph, and soak up the unique atmosphere of each city. With the GIR series, you travel light-heartedly, fully enjoying every moment, with no logistical constraints.

GIR 10 days “Jewels of Uzbekistan” is a classic and comprehensive circuit that will introduce you to the four emblematic cities of the country: Khiva, the oasis-city of a thousand legends; Bukhara, the holy city with turquoise domes; Samarkand, the pearl of the Orient and the country’s capital – Tashkent, a modern and vibrant city.

For the 2027 season we are pleased to offer as an option a one-day excursion to Tajikistan’s seven lakes, a true natural jewel for lovers of mountainous scenery and easy hiking. This extension will allow you to discover a wild and pristine facet of Central Asia, complementing the architectural treasures of the Silk Road.

It is an ideal program for a first-time visit to Uzbekistan at a budget-friendly price.

The second GIR program, 11 days “Deserts and Domes,” offers a slightly longer stay, combining the essential visits to historic sites with an unforgettable immersion in the Kyzylkum Desert. During this extraordinary stage, you will have the opportunity to spend a night under a yurt, in a traditional camp among the dunes. This unique experience, both exotic and adventurous, will leave you with an unforgettable memory: the desert’s silence, the starry sky, and a meal shared around the fire.

This circuit is ideal for those who want to combine cultural discovery with gentle adventure, while enjoying a balanced pace and opportunities to relax.

The 2027 departures are already on sale, with a guaranteed departure from two participants.

Program “Discovery of the 5 Stans”

For adventurers and history enthusiasts of Central Asia, we have crafted an exclusive 22-day journey across five countries in the region: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan. This program, titled “The 5 Stans,” is a true odyssey into the heart of Central Asia, ideal for travelers with three weeks of vacation who wish to experience the full richness and diversity of this captivating region in a single trip.

It is an ideal program for those who have three weeks to spare and want to explore the entire region in one voyage.

From the endless steppes of Kazakhstan to the celestial mountains of Kyrgyzstan, from Uzbekistan’s architectural treasures to Turkmenistan’s lunar landscapes, and including Tajikistan’s turquoise lakes, every stop promises powerful emotions and unforgettable encounters.

The program can be undertaken from May to mid-October, for both individuals and groups. Four of the five countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan) are visa-free for citizens of many countries. For Turkmenistan, it is recommended to allow 40 days to prepare the visa, to ensure a smooth entry. Do not hesitate to contact us for more information and to start planning your great adventure across the 5 Stans!

Orient Voyages : Circuits en toute l’Asie Centrale

For any questions about products and rates:

[email protected]

+998 66 232 08 75

Website: www.tour-orient.com

>> Orient Voyages in the DESTIMAG Directory

MSC Cruises: MSC World Europa in the Mediterranean and MSC World Asia in the Caribbean for Winter 2027-2028

September 12, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Le MSC World Asia proposera lors de l’hiver 2027-2028 des croisières de sept et quatorze nuits au départ de Fort-de-France, Pointe-à-Pitre et Bridgetown @MSC

Hurtigruten

The MSC World Europa will not be heading to the Middle East during the 2027-2028 winter season. MSC Cruises has decided to keep its vessel in the Western Mediterranean, where it will offer seven-night itineraries.

The company is thus making a substantial adjustment to its original program. Marseille will be among the embarkation ports for the MSC World Europa, alongside calls planned in Barcelona, Genoa, Civitavecchia, Messina, and Valletta.

This retention strengthens MSC Cruises’ winter offering from France. It also confirms the company’s intention to operate one of its newest ships in the Mediterranean year-round, a vessel that entered service in 2022.

The MSC World Asia will serve the French Antilles

The scope of movement is not limited to the Mediterranean. The MSC World Asia, due to enter service in December 2026, will head to the southern Caribbean for the winter of 2027-2028.

The new vessel will offer seven- and fourteen-night cruises from Fort-de-France, Pointe-à-Pitre, and Bridgetown.

The itineraries may notably include calls in Saint Lucia, Grenada, Saint Martin, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, as well as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

This positioning will give French and Caribbean markets direct access to MSC Cruises’ new flagship. The MSC World Asia will notably incorporate some elements already present on other ships in the World class, to which will be added new attractions such as Cliffhanger, a swing installed above the sea.

Bookings initially made aboard the MSC Meraviglia will be transferred to the MSC World Asia. Customers will be contacted individually if this substitution also affects their itinerary.