From the Window Seat
Hi everyone! This week in travel has been particularly challenging across all segments due to the impacts of Winter Storm Fern. I chose to highlight some stories that may have missed your desk this week and let me know what you think. Those stories include Diamond Princess specialty dinning options from Princess Cruises, United Airlines expanding its Chicago summer schedule, Four Seasons celebrating its 65th anniversary, and of course the notable change to Southwest Airlines changing its seating and boarding process. From cruising altitude – Travel with Karm
Diamond Princess Specialty Dinning
Enjoy new bites with Princess Cruises on the Diamond Princess. Two new dining venues Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill are now available for reservations on all sailing
Makoto Ocean brings Edomae-style sushi from Chef Makoto Okuwa on Deck 7 of Diamond Princess. The menu features new dishes such as truffle salmon, snow crab temaki, handcrafted Japanese inspired cocktails, and more.
Crown Grill on Deck 5 brings a popular favorite back for cruise guests. The steakhouse features beef and fresh seafood alongside a welcoming atmosphere.
Both packages cost $55 per person and are included in the Princess Premiere package.
The Diamond Princess alongside her sister ship Sapphire Princess will be on Japan cruises in 2026 as well as 2027. In 2027, over 78 departures across 50 unique itineraries vary from a week long to month long voyage marking Princess cruises largest Japan deployment to date.
United Chicago Hub Growth
Flying from Chicago? United may be your carrier of choice. The Chicago based legacy carrier announced that this summer will feature 750 daily departures creating the largest schedule ever flown by an airline in Chicago.
Nonstop service will be to 222 destinations including 47 international destinations to Europe, Asia, and South America as well as 175 destinations across the US.
More than 80 cities will receive increased frequencies to give customers more options such as Boston, Nashville, Los Angeles, Dallas, San Francisco, and Dallas.
To support growing the Chicago hub united plans to hire 2,500 employees before the end of the year. Additionally, to support premium customers united passengers have access to five united club locations as well as a redesigned Polaris lounge.
Four Seasons Anniversary
Four Seasons is celebrating their 65th anniversary in 2026. This anniversary year is focused on growth and value creation across the company.
Across the globe Four Seasons plans to open hotels and resorts that continue to elevate luxury offerings. Over 60 projects are currently in development with some that feature Four Seasons entering new markets for the first time.
Four Seasons yachts feature a new elevated experience of the brand at sea with ports across the mediterranean, Caribbean, and more. Alongside, the Four Seasons Private Jet experience feature new itineraries and destinations to its roster of around the world and regional journeys.
Within the residential business portfolio Four Seasons continues to develop. Currently the company manages 61 properties in 20 countries that deliver the quality of details and personalized service known from Four Seasons.
Southwest Assigned Seating
Say goodbye to setting a timer on when to check-in Southwest assigned seating is here. Southwest now features a new gate and boarding experience featuring 8 boarding groups and a new priority boarding product for purchase.
The eight boarding groups will be based on seat location, fare class, tier status, and rapid rewards card benefits. Up to 9 passengers on the same reservation will be assigned the same boarding group.
To learn more visit southwest.com/customer-enhancements