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Google announces Maps screenshot analysis, AI itineraries to help you plan trips

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AI overviews invaded Google search last year, and the company has consistently expanded its use of these search summaries. Now, AI Overviews will get some new travel tweaks that might make it worth using. When you search for help with trip planning, AI Overviews can generate a plan with locations, photos, itineraries, and more.

You can easily export the data to Docs or Gmail from the AI Overviews screen. However, it’s only available in English for US users at this time. You can also continue to ignore AI Overviews as Google won’t automatically expand these lengthier AI responses.

Google adds trip planning to AI Overviews.

Credit:
Google

Google adds trip planning to AI Overviews.


Credit:

Google

Google’s longtime price alerts for flights have been popular, so the company is expanding that functionality to hotels, too. When searching for hotels using Google’s tool, you’ll have the option of receiving email alerts if prices drop for a particular set of results. This feature is available globally starting this week on all mobile and desktop browsers.

Google is also pointing to a few previously announced features with a summer travel focus. AI Overviews in Google Lens launched in English late last year, which can be handy when exploring new places. Just open Lens, point the camera at something, and use the search option to ask a question. This feature will be launching soon in Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish in most countries with AI Overview support.

Updated March 27 with details of on-device image processing in Maps.



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Princess Cruises to Deploy Record Number of 2027 Japan Itineraries, Departures

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Princess Cruises is set to break records for its 2027 Japan season, with Diamond and Sapphire Princess operating on 50 one-of-a-kind itineraries featuring 78 departures from the Tokyo region.

Bookings for the cruises, which will operate from March to December 2027, open on August 20, 2025.

Itineraries include nine- to 24-day “Cherry Blossom” sailings, visiting Japan’s four main islands; eight- to 24-day “Festival” cruises, exploring such summer festivals as Aomori Nebuta, Tokushima Awa Odori and Kochi Yosakoi; nine- to 28-day “Circle and Grand Japan” sailings, with calls at Osaka, Hiroshima, Nagasaki and array of other destinations; nine- to 18-day “Okinawa & Taiwan” cruises, visiting Okinawa and Taiwan’s Taipei and Hualien; and nine- to 13-day “Japan Explorer” voyages, with calls at Shimizu (for Mt. Fuji), Kobe (for Kyoto) and Kagoshima. “

“This upcoming 2027 season is more than an expansion – it’s a homecoming,” Princess Cruises President Gus Antorcha.

“Our story in Japan has deepened over time and experience, and in 2027, we return promising unforgettable experiences, including the renowned Cherry Blossoms, seven spectacular festivals and journeys that immerse you in the awe and wonder of this destination.”

Captain Circle Savings of $200 per stateroom are available for bookings made by August 27, 2025.


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MSC Cruises to Offer More Miami Departure Ports and Itinerary Options for Winter 2026-2027

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Published on
August 7, 2025 |

By: TTW News Desk

For Winter 2026-2027, MSC Cruises will provide guests with an increased choice in new itineraries and more departure ports than ever before. Seven ships will sail from multiple homeports on the Caribbean this winter, with a record four of them departing Miami to meet guest demand for warm getaways in a year-round favorite destination. MSC Cruises MSC Cruises focuses on luxury and adventure as well as exotic locations in the Caribbean and more.

Highlights of the 2026-2027 Winter Season
The Winter 2026-2027 season will showcase a diverse range of itineraries, departing from multiple embarkation ports, offering a variety of cruising experiences. Miami, the company’s primary embarkation hub, will see significant expansions, particularly with the deployment of MSC World America, the flagship ship, which will offer seven-night Caribbean sailings. Additionally, MSC Meraviglia will join the fleet, offering 6- and 8-night Caribbean cruises, introducing an expanded list of exciting destinations.

MSC Cruises is also enhancing its offerings with sailings from Port Canaveral, Galveston, and Seattle, further increasing accessibility to tropical paradises in the Caribbean, The Bahamas, and beyond. A major highlight includes exclusive Panama Canal cruises aboard MSC Poesia, which will be available between Seattle and Miami following the ship’s inaugural Alaska season.

Another exciting feature of this season is the opportunity to visit Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the private Bahamian island owned by MSC Cruises. Ocean Cay offers pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a wide array of activities for guests of all ages.

Full Deployment of Ships and Itineraries
MSC World America will be one of the major players in the Winter 2026-2027 season, offering two distinct 7-night Caribbean itineraries. The Western Caribbean cruise will include stops in Isla de Roatan, Honduras; Costa Maya, Mexico; Cozumel, Mexico; and the luxurious Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in The Bahamas. Meanwhile, the Eastern Caribbean itinerary will feature ports of call in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Ocean Cay.

MSC Poesia, renowned for its exceptional service and stunning onboard experiences, will offer a 19-night Eastbound Panama Canal MSC Grand Voyage, embarking on September 28, 2026, from Seattle to Miami. The cruise will visit several captivating destinations, including Los Angeles, Cabo San Lucas, Puntarenas in Costa Rica, and Cartagena, Colombia, before making its way through the historic Panama Canal. The MSC Grand Voyage continues with additional 10- and 11-night Caribbean sailings, covering a variety of fascinating ports in the Caribbean and Latin America, from Jamaica and Aruba to the Cayman Islands and Belize.

For those embarking from Galveston, MSC Seascape will offer a week-long Western Caribbean cruise, visiting Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico. Meanwhile, MSC Seaside will depart from Port Canaveral, providing convenient 3- and 4-night Bahamas cruises to Nassau and Ocean Cay.

MSC Meraviglia will also be offering exciting new sailings. Passengers can choose between a 6-night Caribbean and Bahamas itinerary, including stops at Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, and Ocean Cay, or opt for an extended 8-night cruise visiting destinations such as Philipsburg in St. Maarten, St. Kitts, the US Virgin Islands, and multiple ports in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

From Port Canaveral, MSC Grandiosa will operate 7-night sailings, including both Western and Eastern Caribbean routes. The Western Caribbean itinerary will visit Nassau and Ocean Cay, followed by stops in Cozumel and Costa Maya, while the Eastern Caribbean cruise will feature Nassau, Ocean Cay, and Puerto Plata.

Unique Transatlantic Options
MSC Cruises is also offering a unique transatlantic option in the form of a 14-night Grand Voyage from Barcelona to Port Canaveral aboard MSC Grandiosa, set to depart on October 31, 2026. This special voyage will make stops in Funchal, Portugal, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Miami before reaching its final destination in Florida, giving passengers the opportunity to experience a broad spectrum of cultures and landscapes across the Atlantic.

A Focus on Sustainability and Exclusive Experiences
As part of its commitment to environmental sustainability, MSC Cruises continues to highlight its dedication to responsible cruising with a focus on sustainable practices and eco-friendly initiatives across its fleet. Passengers will also enjoy access to exclusive destinations such as Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, which offers a pristine natural environment and a range of activities that highlight the beauty of the Bahamas.

MSC Cruises remains at the forefront of providing exceptional travel experiences with an emphasis on luxury, exploration, and creating memories that last a lifetime. Whether passengers are seeking a short getaway to The Bahamas or an extended journey through the Caribbean and beyond, the Winter 2026-2027 itineraries offer a wide range of options suited to all tastes and preferences.

A New Era for MSC Cruises
From new itineraries to record sailings from Miami, and less-visited destinations for its expanding fleet, MSC Cruises is gearing up an unforgettable Winter 2026-2027 season. With destinations and experiences recognized as the best in the world, a dedication to sustainability and inclusive access to unique private islands, travelers can explore with confidence knowing they will experience a premium cruise on all voyages. Moving from the beautiful Caribbean on to the historical Panama Canal, MSC Cruises are changing what luxury cruising represents for a new era of adventurers.



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Fresh Tracks Canada Launches New Travel Advisor Portal, FAM Sweepstakes

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by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 11:55 AM ET, Wed August 6, 2025

WHY IT RATES: The Canadian tour operator is offering more personalized support for its travel advisor partners. — Lacey Pfalz, Associate Editor, TravelPulse


Fresh Tracks Canada is thrilled to announce the launch of its new Travel Advisor Resource Portal. This comprehensive portal is designed to support travel professionals in helping their client experience expertly curated Canadian vacations and tours. With this new platform, travel advisors can now explore a wide range of sample trip itineraries, submit inquiries, and access customizable marketing tools — everything they need to serve their clients with confidence and ease.

“The Travel Advisor Resource Portal is a game-changer for our partners. It consolidates all the resources advisors need in one place, making it easier for them to share inspiring destination information and trip guides,” said Tamara Mallin, Director of Strategic  Partnerships at Fresh Tracks Canada. “My biggest priority at Fresh Tracks Canada is to advance our travel advisor business and this portal is one of many pivotal initiatives. Whether it’s helping advisors plan their clients’ dream vacations or providing customizable marketing materials, we’re committed to supporting our travel advisor partners in every way possible.”

Each Travel Advisor who registers for access to the portal by August 31 , 2025, will automatically be entered to win one spot on an exclusive FAM trip to Churchill, Manitoba from November 10-17, 2025. The winner will travel to the heart of polar bear country and stay in specially designed accommodations at the Tundra Buggy Lodge. This one-of-a-kind lodge gives guests the amazing opportunity to wake up and see bears right outside their window, interact with onboard researchers, and marvel at the night sky, away from the lights of town. (Only one valid registration per travel advisor.)

Through the portal, advisors can instantly access detailed itineraries — including the iconic  experiences available through Fresh Tracks Canada’s three distinct travel styles, Canadian Train Vacations, Northern Lights Canada, and Canada Polar Bears — and quickly submit any inquiries to Fresh Tracks Canada’s team of local travel experts. Each sample itinerary can be personalized with service levels, choice of accommodation, extra nights, exclusive tours, and activity level. The portal is also fully equipped with marketing tools, including flyers, maps and travel guides, ensuring advisors can easily promote Fresh Tracks Canada’s unique offerings to their clients, driving engagement and bookings.

To register for the Travel Advisor Resource Portal and learn more about the Tundra Buggy Lodge Give-Away, visit Fresh Tracks Canada Partner Portal.


SOURCE: Fresh Tracks Canada press release.


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