This week on Inside Travel Talk, hosts Patrick Wiscombe and Mark Faldmo break down major travel headlines shaping how—and where—we travel next. From Delta Air Lines adding Boeing 787 Dreamliners to its fleet, to new cruise ports in the Bahamas, groundbreaking ship designs from Norwegian Cruise Line, and a generous 40% off Princess Cruises offer, this episode delivers insight travelers can actually use. The show also explores new rail routes, answers a listener’s Copenhagen travel question, and highlights timely European travel deals that can save travelers thousands. If you want smarter planning, better value, and inspiration for your next trip, this episode delivers it all.

Little Mermaid Statue in Copenhagen

On This Week’s Episode

• Delta Air Lines adds 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliners to its international fleet
• United Airlines introduces pre-ordered economy meals on longer flights
• Five of the best new and upgraded U.S. train journeys for 2026
• What to do in Copenhagen before a Northern Europe cruise
• Traditional Danish food every traveler should try
• Travel Deal of the Week: Save up to $250 on Delta Vacations to Europe
• New cruise port coming to Mayaguana, Bahamas
• Norwegian Cruise Line reveals its newest Prima Plus-class ship for 2027
• Oceania Cruises transitions to an adults-only cruise policy
• Cruise Deal of the Week: Up to 40% off Princess Cruises plus onboard credits
• Listener cruise question: Iceland, Norway, and Greenland cruise options for 2026

Segment One: Air Travel, Trains, and European City Experiences

Delta’s Dreamliner expansion marks a meaningful upgrade for long-haul travelers. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is known for quieter cabins, better air quality, and improved fuel efficiency. Delta’s plan to add 30 Dreamliners primarily on transatlantic and South American routes means a smoother experience for travelers heading to Europe, Scandinavia, and beyond. Premium cabins also benefit from better layouts, making long flights noticeably more comfortable.

However, air travel isn’t just about planes. Airlines are also refining onboard service. United Airlines now allows economy passengers to pre-order meals on flights over 1,200 miles. This shift improves efficiency while giving travelers more control. Although snacks remain available, full meals now require advance selection, signaling how airlines continue to streamline service.

Rail travel also took center stage, reinforcing the growing appeal of slow travel. New and upgraded routes offer scenic alternatives to flying. Highlights include Rocky Mountaineer’s Canyon Spirit route between Denver and Salt Lake City, luxury private rail experiences with Halloway, upgraded Amtrak Acela-style trains, the revived Mardi Gras route between Mobile and New Orleans, and improved Cascades service between Vancouver and Portland. These journeys focus on experience over speed, appealing to travelers who value scenery and comfort.

Caller Question: What is there to do in Copenhagen?

Copenhagen, one of Europe’s best pre-cruise cities. As a gateway for Baltic and Northern Europe cruises, Denmark’s capital combines walkability, culture, and waterfront beauty. Highlights include Nyhavn’s colorful harbor, Tivoli Gardens, the Little Mermaid statue, royal palaces, and Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping street, Strøget. Copenhagen is easy to explore and pairs perfectly with cruises departing Northern Europe.

Food also plays a key role in the Copenhagen experience. Traditional dishes such as smørrebrød, Danish meatballs, and crispy pork belly introduce travelers to local flavors without pushing comfort zones too far. These culinary moments help travelers connect more deeply with a destination.

Travel Deal of the Week: Delta Vacations European Travel Deals

This week’s featured offer delivers real savings for European travel deals. Delta Vacations is offering up to $250 off vacation packages of three nights or longer. This deal is ideal for European vacations, pre-cruise stays, or city extensions. Travelers can explore destinations like London, Amsterdam, Barcelona, or Copenhagen while enjoying bundled airfare and hotel savings.

Travelers planning Europe trips can explore more options through BluePlanetVacations.com, including guided tours, river cruises, and customizable vacation packages designed for seamless travel.

Segment Two: Cruise News, New Ships & Unbeatable Cruise Deals

Cruise headlines dominated the second half of the show, starting with the Bahamas announcing a new cruise port on Mayaguana Island. Located far southeast of Nassau, this destination remains largely undeveloped, offering pristine beaches and a relaxed atmosphere. The new port will be developed in phases, initially accommodating smaller ships before potentially expanding. This addition could reduce congestion in Nassau while giving cruisers access to a quieter, more authentic Bahamian experience.

Next, Norwegian Cruise Line revealed details about its newest ship arriving in 2027: the Norwegian Aura. This vessel will debut as the first Prima Plus-class ship, approximately 10% larger than its predecessors. Key enhancements include a significantly larger pool deck, expanded adults-only Vibe Beach Club, an enlarged Haven complex, and a multi-deck activity space with waterslides and dry slides. These changes directly address crowding concerns from earlier Prima-class ships.

Oceania Cruises also announced a major policy shift. Moving forward, Oceania will operate as an adults-only cruise line. This aligns with its upscale, culinary-focused brand and mirrors policies from Viking Cruises. Given Oceania’s typical guest demographic, the change formalizes what was already a largely adult environment.

Cruise Deal of the Week: Princess Cruises

This week’s cruise deal stands out as one of the strongest offers of the season. Princess Cruises is offering up to 40% off cruise fares, plus instant savings up to $500 per stateroom. Third and fourth guests can sail free, and balcony or suite guests receive $200 in onboard spending credit. These credits can be used for shore excursions, spa treatments, beverages, and onboard experiences.

Princess Cruises is especially popular for Alaska, Europe, and Northern itineraries. Travelers considering Alaska sailings can explore in-depth guides on BluePlanetVacations.com, including Alaska cruise itineraries, shore excursions, and cruise tour options that combine rail and lodge stays.

Listener Cruise Question: Iceland, Norway & Greenland

A listener asked about cruises visiting Iceland, Norway, and Greenland in 2026. While finding all three destinations on a single itinerary is rare, several excellent options exist.

One standout sailing departs May 31, 2026, aboard Norwegian Star. This 11-day cruise starts in Reykjavik and visits ports in Iceland, Norway, and Scotland before ending near London. Pricing remains competitive, especially given peak-season demand.

Another strong option sails June 27, 2026, round-trip from Southampton with Princess Cruises. This 14-day itinerary includes four ports in Norway and four in Iceland, offering deep destination immersion at a strong value.

For travelers prioritizing Greenland, Celebrity Cruises offers a June 21, 2026 sailing from New York. This 13-day cruise includes Canadian ports, a stop in Greenland, and multiple Iceland destinations. Balcony pricing remains attractive given the itinerary’s uniqueness.

These itineraries highlight why working with an experienced travel advisor matters. Cruise availability, pricing, and promotions change frequently, and expert planning ensures travelers choose the best value and itinerary for their goals.

Conclusion: Smarter Travel Starts Here

This episode of Inside Travel Talk reinforces why informed planning makes every trip better. From upgraded aircraft and evolving airline service to scenic rail journeys and next-generation cruise ships, the travel landscape continues to change rapidly. Meanwhile, destinations like Copenhagen remind travelers that meaningful experiences happen both onboard and ashore.

The Travel Deal of the Week and Cruise Deal of the Week demonstrate how strategic timing and expert guidance can unlock real savings. Whether planning a European getaway, a luxury cruise, or an adventure to Iceland and Norway, travelers benefit most when they understand their options clearly.

Inside Travel Talk continues to serve as a trusted resource for travelers who want more than headlines. The show delivers context, expert insight, and actionable advice designed to help listeners travel confidently and intentionally. For curated vacation planning, exclusive cruise offers, and expert guidance, travelers can explore resources and current deals at BluePlanetVacations.com.