New ultra-luxury capacity lands on the water, the Nile and Grace Bay, while demand patterns shift

Scenic's third discovery yacht, Scenic Ikon, debuts in April 2028 with 270 guests. Unlike the two existing ships, which spend about 70% of their time in polar regions, Ikon will spend about 70% in warm-weather itineraries. That opens the discovery-yacht product to clients who don't want polar trips. Scenic is also growing its Emerald yachts and river ships for India and Southeast Asia.

Closer to hand, A&K Sanctuary launches the 32-suite, 64-guest Nile Seray in November, with a sister vessel due in 2028. It sails 4-night Luxor–Aswan trips with a dining program built around Egyptian cuisine. Advisors selling Egypt can book it for this winter season.

Corinthia has added a 50-suite ultra-luxury hotel with branded residences to the Grace Bay pipeline in Turks & Caicos. The site is the last undeveloped beachfront parcel on the bay. The residences include fully serviced villas, casitas and condos. It also signals Corinthia's push into North America.

Construction is not expected before 2027, so this is pipeline, not inventory. Advisors can flag it to Caribbean clients interested in residences, but there is nothing to book yet.

Marriott says Maldives arrivals are nearly back to normal. They fell when the Middle East crisis disrupted Gulf-hub connections for European and American travelers. The mix has shifted: Indian arrivals reached 76,000 through August, against 112,229 for all of 2025.

A Bulgari Resort is due to open next year, adding top-tier supply. Advisors should plan Maldives demand and availability with this changing source-market mix in mind, and book early for the Bulgari opening.

AmaWaterways has added a 6-day Peru land extension to its Colombia cruise, starting with select April 2027 departures. The upper tier uses Belmond Miraflores Park, Monasterio and the Hiram Bingham train. That gives advisors a clear upsell with independent ultra-luxury content.

Wildfires in the Cusco region are worse than usual, but operators say tourist sites are open and the fires are in remote highlands. Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley are not affected. One active fire is near Calca, and the Cocalmayo hot springs near Santa Teresa are closed.

Advisors with Peru clients, including Belmond and andBeyond itineraries, should expect questions. Monitor conditions and be ready to reassure clients, particularly those on the Peru extension above.

Going reports domestic fares up 15% for Thanksgiving and 16% for Christmas, with international fares flat. Thanksgiving week is one of the best times to find international deals. Skift reports jet fuel is up 102% year over year.

Advisors should push clients to book early and consider overseas holiday trips, where fares are holding.

COMO, an independent luxury brand, has launched five winter programs. They include Ayurveda at Parrot Cay (from Nov 1), a program at Cocoa Island (Dec 8–27) and a women's ski week at COMO Alpina Dolomites (Jan 24–30, 2027). They give advisors dated wellness and experience hooks for winter bookings.