Where we travelled: The destinations, hotels & ships PAX explored in 2025

From the sun-soaked beaches of Brazil to the ancient wonders of Jordan to the world’s most luxurious cruise ships, 2025 was another remarkable year of travel at PAX.

We sailed on new ships, tested emerging flight routes, attended industry conferences and witnessed firsthand how community tourism can transform lives.

PAX is deeply proud of its On Location reporting. Guided by a commitment to move beyond press releases, our skilled writers crisscross the globe to uncover authentic insights that travel advisors can genuinely put to use.

With PAX, readers enjoy an insider’s view of the newest developments shaping travel and tourism. Each feature aims to transport readers to compelling destinations through engaging storytelling, thoughtful interviews, and original photography and video.

The result is distinctive, exclusive content you won’t find anywhere else.

As the year draws to a close, we're looking back at the places that wow’d us, the stories that moved us and the experiences that reminded us why this industry matters.

Here's where we travelled in 2025.

Valiant Lady – Virgin Voyages 

Virgin Voyages' third annual First Mate Spectacular Soiree kicked off in Miami aboard the Valiant Lady. 

From drag shows to private beach clubs, the adults-only sailing to Key West and Bimini, in the Bahamas, honoured the cruise line's top 100 First Mates (Virgin's term for travel advisors) – including six agents from Canada. 

“Canada is very, very important,” Nirmal Saverimuttu, the cruise line’s CEO, told PAX at the event. Read the story here. Published Jan. 9, 2025.

Rome, Kusadasi & Athens – Viking Saturn (Exclusive)

PAX’s Diane Tierney sailed the 930-guest, adults-only Viking Saturn from Rome to Kusadasi and Athens, experiencing the line's all-inclusive luxury offering. "Within minutes of stepping aboard, Saturn’s soothing atmosphere is like getting a massage," Tierney wrote. Read the story here. Published Jan. 10, 2025.

Costa del Sol & Madrid, Spain – Collete (Exclusive)

Meals inside local homes. The last and grandest Moorish fortress. A masterclass in dancing the flamenco. 

Travel advisors from Ensemble took a deep dive into Spain’s Costa del Sol region, along with Madrid and Segovia, on a Collette tour. 

PAX was invited to tag along and discovered a relaxed, community-driven way to explore some of Spain’s most stunning backdrops. Read the story here. Published Jan. 30, 2025.

Melia Casa Maya – Cancun, Mexico

Mayan dancers, drone shows and fireworks marked the re-opening of 344-room Melia Casa Maya, which completed a $26 million USD renovation. PAX's Kathy Buckworth was there. Read the story here. Published Feb. 10, 2025.

New York City – Sandals "Made of Caribbean" launch

Sandals and Beaches updates, in a New York minute! PAX went one-on-one with Adam Stewart, executive chairman of Sandals Resorts international, in New York City at the hotelier’s “Made of Caribbean” launch. 

At the event, Stewart discussed the expansion of the Beaches brand (there’s five projects in the works!), why Sandals is more than just romance, the opening of a second resort in St. Vincent and the importance of Canadian travel advisors. Watch the interview here. Published March 12, 2025. 

Bordeaux, France – Avalon Waterways

Avalon Waterways officially arrived in Bordeaux with a new itinerary: “Bonjour Bordeaux: Châteaux, Wineries & Charming Villages.” PAX's Jessica Huras sailed the inaugural voyage aboard the newly-updated Artistry II, uncorking the region in style. 

The itinerary sailed the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers with stops in Cadillac-sur-Garonne, Cussac-Fort-Médoc, Blaye, Bourg and Libourne. Read the story here. Published March 31, 2025.

Club Med Buccaneer's Creek

When a facelift is done right, it’s worth the spotlight. PAX visited Martinique to unpack Club Med Buccaneer’s Creek’s €51-million refresh. 

The top-to-bottom refresh brings enhancements to all 291 rooms at the all-inclusive property with modern furniture, fabrics, lighting and bathroom upgrades, as well as a reimagining of the reception and bar areas. Read the story here. Published April 2, 2025.

Iberostar Selection Paraíso Lindo – TTAND's "Leading The Way" Conference

The Travel Agent Next Door (TTAND) hosted its largest conference yet at the Iberostar Selection Paraíso Lindo in Mexico's Riviera Maya, drawing nearly 360 attendees. 

The event helped launch the host agency’s new luxury division. Read the stories here and here. Published in April 2025.

Lyon, France

The 18th edition of Rendez-vous en France touched down in Lyon, attracting 1,950 tourism professionals including 20 tour operators and travel advisors from Canada. PAX's Marjorie Dumoulin-Lafond attended the event at the Halle Tony Garnier. Read the story here. Published April 8, 2025.

Hamburg, Germany

PAX’s Kathy Buckworth travelled to Hamburg, Germany to attend the at the Aircraft Interiors Expo with Air Canada to learn more about the airline’s role as a launch customer for the Airbus Airspace cabin on its A220 fleet, which introduces extra-large luggage bins. 

Air Canada will also add the Airbus A321XLR to its fleet next year. The single-aisle, extra-long-range jet, which combines the efficiency and flexibility of a smaller plane with long-haul range, will launch a brand-new route connecting Montreal with Palma de Mallorca, Spain. Read the story here. Published April 9, 2025.

Miami & Ocean Cay – MSC World America

MSC Cruises went all out for the launch of its new flagship, MSC World America, with a star-studded christening ceremony featuring actress and TV host Drew Barrymore, the ship’s Godmother, and actor Orlando Bloom. 

MSC World America promises a blend of European elegance and American-style cruising. Read the stories here and here. Published April 11, 2025.

Norwegian Aqua

Norwegian Cruise Line's newest ship, Norwegian Aqua, made its U.S. debut in New York, showcasing why being 10 per cent bigger than its sister ships delivers benefits for the 3,571 passengers on board. 

The ship's crowning glory sits? An “Aqua Slidecoaster,” the world's first hybrid waterslide rollercoaster. Read the story here. Published April 14, 2025.

Curaçao – Hyatt Inclusive Collection

PAX's Michele Yeo unpacked Hyatt Inclusive Collection properties in Curaçao: Dreams Curaçao Resort and Spa, the newly-opened adults-only Il Mare beachfront bungalows, the wellness-focused Zoëtry Curaçao Resort & Spa and family-friendly Sunscape. Read the stories here and here. Published in April 2025.

Monaco, Italy, Turkey & Greece – Regent Seven Seas (Exclusive)

PAX joined Regent Seven Seas Cruises on its largest-ever FAM for Canadian travel advisors aboard Seven Seas Splendor on a voyage from Monaco to Salerno (Italy) to Kusadasi (Turkey) to Piraeus (Greece). 

The "Flair, Flavour and Culture" itinerary showcased Regent's all-inclusive, ultra-luxury promise, including an Immersive Overnights program, which guarantees a minimum of two days/one night in each port. Read the story here and watch our video report here. Published in April 2025.

Hyatt Ziva/Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall – Trevello’s “Momentum” conference

Trevello Travel Group held its 2025 national conference in Montego Bay, Jamaica at Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall. 

The Momentum-themed event coincided with the host agency’s expansion into the United States. The conference showcased new initiatives, including a revamped commission program and brand identity. 

Adam Stewart, executive chairman of Sandals Resorts International, also announced a new Beaches property in St. Vincent. Read the stories here, here, here, here and here. Published May 2025.

Antigua and Barbuda – Caribbean Travel Marketplace

PAX's Kathy Buckworth covered the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) conference in Antigua and Barbuda. 

From the host destination to Jamaica to the Cayman Islands to the Bahamas to Saint Lucia to Barbados and beyond, the event was full of destination updates. Read the story here. Published in May 2025.

Athens, Crete, Naxos & Paros – Greece with Globus (Exclusive)

Opa! What’s it like touring Greece with Globus? PAX joined Canadian travel advisors on a Greek Island Adventure, part of the brand's Undiscovered collection. 

The itinerary, bookended by time in Athens, included visits to the islands of Crete, Naxos and Paros, combining coach buses with regional ferries and flights. Read the story here. Published May 22, 2025.

Alaska – Holland America Line (Exclusive)

PAX’s Diane Tierney took Holland America Line’s Alaska shore excursions for a spin on a roundtrip sailing out of Vancouver. 

The seven-day cruise, aboard the Koningsdam, proved that Alaska still knows how to steal the spotlight—regardless of shifting sentiments toward the U.S.—with passengers treated to front-row views of whales, bears, otters, seals and eagles, plus some showstoppers: towering blue glaciers and lush emerald forests. Read the story here. Published May 27, 2025.

Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda – Dominican Republic

Hands up! Club Med celebrated its 75th anniversary at Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda in the Dominican Republic. 

The 92-acre Exclusive Collection resort was chosen to showcase Club Med's upscale side, and appeal for the Ontario market, which has seen 200 per cent growth. Read the story here. Published June 4, 2025.

Orlando, Florida – TRAVELSAVERS “Connected” conference

TRAVELSAVERS' "Connected" conference unfolded at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, welcoming 108 Canadian travel advisors. The event addressed the shifting market landscape amid tariff tensions and latest insights from advisors. 

Robert Townshend, founder and president of Total Advantage Travel & Tours, received the Chairman’s Award. Read the stories here and watch our video report here. Published in June 2025.

Las Vegas – Travel Leaders Network “Edge” conference

"When I look at future sales for 2026, I’m completely blown away,” said Christine James, VP for Canada at Travel Leaders Network, speaking to PAX at this year’s Edge conference at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. 

The event unfolded as Travel Leaders enters a new era of influence, growth and expansion. Read the story here and watch our video report here. Published in June 2025.

Spain & Italy – Crystal Symphony (Exclusive)

Crystal celebrated its 35th anniversary with a special voyage from Spain to Italy aboard the 606-passenger Crystal Symphony. 

The ship has undergone extensive renovations since Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group acquired the brand in 2022. PAX’s Diane Tierney was there. Read the story here. Published June 20, 2025.

Dominican Republic – Punta Cana & Miches

Air Canada Vacations hosted agents in Punta Cana and Miches, exploring new resorts and excursions. 

PAX’s Marjorie Dumoulin-Lafond was there to unpack Zel Punta Cana, Reserva Real Punta Cana, and the renovated Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda, plus three newcomers: Zemi Miches, Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa and Viva Miches by Wyndham resorts. Read the stories here, here and here. Published in June and July 2025.

Nobu Hotel Toronto

Paws up, Toronto! The new Nobu Hotel Toronto treats dogs like royalty. Expect staggering room views – and not just for humans. 

The last word in luxury – and bragging rights – for pets who might also just relish a stay, 45 storeys up, in Toronto's Entertainment District. PAX’s Shinan Govani fetched the scoop. Read the story here. Published July 10, 2025.

Dublin, Ireland – Royal Irish Tours (Exclusive)

Cathedral secrets, stallions & “stouties." PAX got a taste of Dublin, and its countryside, with Royal Irish Tours. 

The 48-hour adventure showcased RIT's "Chauffeur Drive," a premium option that blends the freedom of a road trip with the ease of a private driver, exclusive experiences (like a behind-the-scenes look at St. Patrick’s Cathedral) and some of Ireland's most luxurious hotels, like the Fitzwilliam, Fairmont Carton House and The K Club. Read the story here. Published July 14, 2025.

Celebration Key, Grand Bahama Island (Exclusive)

Shaq! Junkanoo parades! Daytime fireworks! Carnival Cruise Line pulled all the stops to mark the opening of its $600 million-dollar destination Celebration Key, a new cruise port on Grand Bahama Island, built executively for Carnival guests. 

PAX was there to capture the action. Get a firsthand look in our video report, here, which includes an interview with Carnival's President Christine Duffy. Published July 21, 2025.

Grand Velas Los Cabos (Exclusive)

Bubbly laced with strawberry caviar? A personal concierge? Arriving at Grand Velas Los Cabos is like showing up to the soft launch of your upgraded self. PAX stayed at the 307-suite resort on Mexico’s Baja California peninsula and discovered an everything-included world of first-class indulgence. 

The AAA Five Diamond, Forbes Five-Star property is also redefining what’s possible in events. Read the stories here and here. Published in August 2025.

Manila, Cebu & Bohol – The Philippines

Air Canada began direct Vancouver–Manila flights in April, becoming the only Canadian airline serving the Philippines. 

Over the summer, PAX’s Kathy Buckworth visited Manila, Cebu and Bohol, experiencing the capital’s cultural sites, Cebu’s landmarks, and Bohol’s relaxed resort life and natural attractions. Read the story here. Published July 8, 2025.

Turkey & Greece – Crystal Symphony (Exclusive)

Crystal has returned to sea with a promise to deliver “exceptional at sea.” 

PAX joined Canadian travel advisors aboard the newly-refurbished Crystal Symphony to participate in the line’s largest-ever Canadian FAM. 

"It’s great to see Crystal back — and better than ever," said Sheila Edwards, an independent travel advisor with Escapes. Read the stories here and here and watch our video report here. Published in August 2025.

Star of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's second Icon Class ship, Star of the Seas, welcomed PAX's Sandra Sirois aboard for a preview that showcased the 7,500-passenger vessel's entertainment. 

While similar to Icon of the Seas in design, Star differentiates itself through theatrical productions, including Back to the Future and the Torque acrobatics show. Read the story here. Published Aug. 20, 2025.

Sun City, South Africa – Envoyage Worldwide Conference (Exclusive)

PAX attended Envoyage’s 2025 Worldwide conference, “Beyond Every Journey,” in Sun City, South Africa. 

Welcoming over 400 attendees from five countries — including Canada — the event provided advisors with forward-looking strategies on AI, social media marketing, business planning, and more. Flight Centre Travel Group’s Danielle Galloway highlighted Envoyage's growth while Canadian agents won awards. 

Read the stories here, here and here and watch our video report here. Published September 2025.

Montego Bay, Jamaica – JAPEX

PAX’s Jesse Ship attended JAPEX in Montego Bay, themed “Ready, Set, Go,” where tourism leaders highlighted partnership-driven success and Jamaica’s evolution beyond all-inclusives. 

The event underscored expanded Canadian airlift, new hotel developments, and efforts to attract underserved markets, including Quebec, through enhanced connectivity. Read the story here. Published Sept. 23, 2025.

Jordan – G Adventures' GX Summit

PAX attended G Adventures’ third-annual GX summit, which showcased the power of community tourism. 

This year's edition came with a sense of urgency, setting its sights on reviving Jordan’s struggling tourism sector. Eighteen Canadian travel advisors attended, exploring places like Amman, Jerash, Petra, Wadi Rum and Planeterra-supported enterprises. 

Founder Bruce Poon Tip also unveiled new products and initiatives. Read the stories here and here and watch our video report here. Published in September 2025.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

PAX visited Rio de Janeiro with Canadian travel advisors ahead of Air Canada's seasonal Toronto–Rio service launch. 

The trip was based at the Fairmont on Copacabana beach, and activities included visits to Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer and more, along with jeep rides and a Carnival experience. 

Joining us? Air Canada's Edna Ray and Ana Paula De Souza. Read the stories here and here and watch our video report here. Published in October 2025.

New Zealand

Picture this: cycling through golden gorges, hiking across volcanic craters, kayaking wild rivers, and diving deep into Māori culture. 

That was the reality for twelve Canadian travel advisors on an active eight-day adventure across New Zealand’s North Island with G Adventures. 

From Auckland to Rotorua, and beyond, PAX's Sandra Sirois was there to capture the action. Read the stories here and here. Published in November 2025.

Orange County, 1000 Islands & Finger Lakes – New York State

PAX’s Jessica Huras explored New York State's Orange County through the 1000 Islands to the Finger Lakes, discovering how the area is welcoming Canadian travellers. 

With the FIFA World Cup coming to nearby New Jersey in 2026, tourism officials anticipate increased visitation. Read the story here. Published Oct. 29, 2025. 

Club Med Punta Cana 

PAX's Kathy Buckworth headed to Club Med Punta Cana to unpack the property’s extensive renovations. 

The flagship North American resort now features Club Med’s largest water park, new dining and bar concepts and reimagined rooms. Club Med says Canadian sales have doubled since 2019, with Ontario sales tripling. Read the story here. Published Nov. 6, 2025.

Mexico’s Riviera Maya – Air Canada Vacations' 50th Anniversary

Air Canada Vacations marked the big 5-0 in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, inviting some 400 travel partners to a “Celebration Under the Sun.”

Guests were spread across nine unique resorts, with Grand Velas Riviera Maya bringing everyone together for a glamourous finale on the beach featuring Canadian singer Karl Wolf. 

It was a fun and informative experience. Just don’t say the F-Word. Read the stories here and here and watch our video report here. Published in November 2025.

Sint Maarten (Exclusive) 

PAX’s Marjorie Dumoulin-Lafond soaked up rays with Canadian travel advisors in Dutch Sint Maarten, exploring luxurious resorts and rainforest canopies. Read the story here. Published Nov. 12, 2025.

Celebrity Xcel

Celebrity Cruises is Xcel-erating vacations at sea. PAX joined industry pros aboard Celebrity’s fifth Edge-class ship, Celebrity Xcel, for a christening sailing out of Port Everglades, Florida. 

The 1,646-stateroom ship features seven new venues, including the Bazaar, and will sail seven-night Caribbean itineraries before launching Mediterranean voyages in summer 2026. 

Read the story here and watch our video report here. Published in November 2025.

Kissimmee, Florida – Expedition Kissimmee

Gators, glamour and good times at Expedition Kissimmee. Hosted at Margaritaville Resort Orlando, the five-day showcase served everything from airboat adventures with alligators at Wild Florida to bike rides through the town of Celebration. 

Other highlights included a spin on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and sneak peeks at Reunion Resort vacation homes and Gaylord Palms’ ICE! exhibit. Read the stories here and here. Published November 2025. 

Barbados – Air Canada Race

Ready, set, sell. PAX’s Michele Yeo joined Canadian travel advisors in Barbados to compete in the 19th Air Canada Race. 

Inspired by TV’s The Amazing Race, participants tackled challenges across the island, including obstacle courses, cocktail-making competitions, and water taxi rides, while visiting historical sites. It was the first time the event was held in the Caribbean. Read the story here. Published Nov. 23, 2025.

Switzerland, France & Germany (Avalon-ACTA European River Cruise Summit)

Cue the Christmas Markets! PAX joined Canadian travel pros at Avalon Waterways' European River Cruise Summit on the Rhine, an event held in partnership with ACTA. 

The festive conference glided through Switzerland, France and Germany, stopping in Basel, Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Rhine Gorge, Rüdesheim, Koblenz, Frankfurt, Speyer, Freiburg and Colmar. 

And two presidents were on board: Pam Hoffee of Avalon Waterways and Suzanne Acton-Gervais of ACTA. Read our reports here and here and see our video interview here. Published in November 2025.

Bermuda

Bermuda is seeing a 35 per cent increase in Canadian visitors, fuelled by direct BermudAir flights from Toronto, Halifax, and Montreal and rising Canada-U.S. tensions. 

PAX’s Eric Stober flew to the destination to learn more about Crystal Caves, pink sand beaches, and interest in the Bermuda Triangle. New hotel developments include Fairmont Southampton and The Loren’s Elbow Beach Hotel. Read the story here. Published Nov. 26, 2025.

Las Vegas 

Sin City, where gaming meets glamour! PAX’s Sandra Sirois dove into Las Vegas’ adventurous and wellness sides—from Red Rock Canyon Jeep tours and exciting sports games to indulgent spa escapes and more. Read the story here. Published Nov. 26, 2025.

Sun Princess – TDC Campus' Sales Academy at Sea. (Exclusive) 

A vacation setting – but not a vacation! PAX joined TDC Campus’ Sales Academy at Sea aboard the Sun Princess, Princess Cruises’ first Sphere-class vessel that debuted last year. 

Hosting 80 travel advisors (an equal split between English and French speakers), and suppliers, the voyage to Princess Cays, San Juan, and St. Thomas featured daily sales training, partner presentations, and hands-on workshops. See coverage here and here. Published in November and December 2025.

Sandals Dunn's River 

Jamaica rises – and thrives. Just 38 days after Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica, Sandals Dunn’s River welcomed 400 travel pros to showcase the island’s comeback. Sandals and tourism leaders were there to share on-the-ground updates with PAX’s Jesse Ship. Read the story here. Published Dec. 8, 2025. 

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic – Hyatt's Confidant Connect Live

Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection hosted 100 top travel advisors at Secrets Tides Punta Cana for its annual Confidant Connect Live event, where expansion plans were shared. 

The brand’s Canadian bookings have increased 20 per cent year-over-year, PAX’s Kathy Buckworth found. Read the story here. Published Dec. 9, 2025. 

Montego Bay, Ochi Rios, Port Antonio, Kingston – Jamaica

PAX returned to Jamaica to document the island’s post-Hurricane Melissa recovery. 

Touching down in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Port Antonio, and Kingston, the trip coincided with Canadian advisors participating in the Jamaica Tourist Board’s (JTB’s) “One Love Affair Humanitarian FAM.” 

We spoke to Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett and Angella Bennett, the JTB’s regional director for Canada, about what travellers can expect in the coming months. Read the story here and watch our video interview here. Published in December 2025.

Grand Velas Riviera Maya (Exclusive)

You know you’ve upgraded from the standard all-inclusive when tomahawk steak, king crab and caviar hits the table. 

PAX got an exclusive look at first-class all-inclusive luxury at Grand Velas Riviera Maya, which welcomed top partners, including Canadian travel advisors, on a culinary and wellness-focused journey. Read the story here. Published Dec. 16, 2025.

Cayo Santa Maria & Trinidad – Cuba (Exclusive) 

Hola Sun Holidays hosted travel advisors on a week-long FAM in Cuba through Cayo Santa Maria, Trinidad and Topes de Collantes. 

Eric Stober covered for PAX, jumping into property tours, hikes through mountain forests, and UNESCO-heritage cities. Hola Sun bookings are up 188 per cent year-over-year, fuelled by Cuba’s shift toward premium offerings. Read the story here. Published Dec. 17, 2025.

Oceania Allura 

When your clients step aboard Oceania Cruises’ 1,200-guest "Allura" ship, they may be momentarily speechless, wrote PAX's Diane Tierney, who attended the ship's North America christening in Miami. 

With 140 chefs on board, and 12 dining venues, "This is a ship for foodies," said Tierney. Read the story here. Published Dec. 19, 2025. 

Andalucía & Castilla-La Mancha – Spain

PAX’s Jessica Huras goes on a southern Spain adventure through Andalucía and Castilla-La Mancha, unpacking Jaén's olive oil culture, Manchego cheese production, volcanic vineyards at Encomienda de Cervera, Michelin-starred dining, Almagro's theatrical heritage and historic Paradores. 

The tour positioned Spain's interior as an alternative to crowded beach resorts. Read the story here. Published Dec. 19, 2025.

Star Princess

PAX’s Diane Tierney attends the christening of the 4,300-guest Star Princess, Princess’ second Sphere-class vessel, on a voyage from Fort Lauderdale to Nassau to Princess Cays. 

Building on the success of its sister ship, the Sun Princess, the vessel introduces a range of refined upgrades. VIP guests included Matthew and Camila McConaughey and Sheryl Crow. Read the story here. Published Dec. 23, 2025. 

Los Cabos

It’s on: the Beverly Hills-ifcation of Cabo San Lucas. 

Though a hot spot for years – it's a second home for Jennifer Aniston – a fresh glaze of glamour is setting. At least nine fancy-pant hotels are set to open in Los Cabos and a new energy is being driven, in part, by Canadian visitors. 

PAX’s Shinan Govani investigated. Read the story here. Published Dec. 29, 2025.  

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