Onboard

I got a sneak peek at the luxurious Tower Suite on Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wish, with Moana-themed décor, walk-in wardrobes and prices from £15,000 per cruise

A tour of a suite costing £30,000 per cruise is likely the closest I’ll come to actually seeing inside. So, when given the opportunity for a sneak peek at Disney Cruise Line’s stunning Tower Suite, tucked away in the funnel of the Disney Wish cruise ship, I jumped at the chance.

The cost varies depending on the itinerary and duration of the cruise, but prices for the suite reportedly start at £15,000. Despite the hefty price tag, it’s regularly booked out.

It’s easy to see why; the luxury begins before guests even set foot in the suite. There’s a dedicated check-in area, a private entrance to the suite, and a lift within the funnel itself for those who’d rather not take the stairs.

Upon entering, it’s immediately apparent that this isn’t your average cruise ship cabin. The suite draws inspiration from the much-loved animated film Moana, with stunning artwork and an eye-catching sculpture welcoming you as you step inside. The main space is a vast open-plan living and dining area, complete with sofas, sideboards, a coffee table, and a large dining table.

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The entire room was practically larger than my own home, and the floor-to-ceiling windows (tinted for privacy) only added to the sense of grandeur. A central island conceals a retractable TV, ensuring unobstructed views of the ship when not in use.

There’s a compact kitchen complete with a well-stocked fridge, and a freezer drawer brimming with Mickey choc ice bars, a beloved treat amongst Disney enthusiasts on its cruises and Florida theme parks. On the subject of food, one of the suite’s greatest advantages is the array of in-room dining possibilities if you’d rather not venture out amongst your fellow passengers.

Those staying in the Tower Suite can request in-suite dinner from the main restaurants during their service hours, and if you fancy the all-inclusive Palo brunch, you can have everything brought to your room as well. (The brunch at Palo steakhouse is an all-you-can-eat affair that’s adults-only, and one I’d thoroughly recommend – just save room for the generously portioned servings!)

The Tower Suite sleeps up to eight guests, and spans two floors with two master bedrooms, a children’s room featuring bunk beds and an additional room that can serve as either another bedroom or a library. Given that cruise ship cabins and suites are notorious for requiring inventive space-saving solutions, visitors to this suite won’t face that challenge.

The bedrooms themselves offer ample space and exceed the size of some hotel rooms I’ve experienced, but the real showstopper was the walk-in wardrobes. Truthfully, I’m not convinced I could fill them even if I packed up my entire wardrobe and gave it my best shot!

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The bathrooms were nothing short of spectacular, featuring plush robes, enormous freestanding tubs and generous showers. They resembled the sort of space you’d stumble upon in an upscale spa, complete with marble finishes, expansive mirrors and naturally, Disney toiletries.

Guests who book the Tower Suite gain access to the Concierge desk and its accompanying benefits; staff can assist with arranging shore excursions, securing restaurant bookings or activities on the ship, plus you’ll have access to exclusive Concierge areas such as a lounge and sun deck. For those who love cruising, one significant advantage of the concierge accommodation is the complimentary bottled water included – which can be rather precious on cruise ships!

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Sadly for me, a sneak peek tour is likely as near as I’ll get to experiencing the Tower Suite, but thankfully the Disney Wish boasts a wide selection of other stunning staterooms with a gentler price point, yet still offering ample space. During my recent voyage on the vessel, I was in a Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with a verandah, and it provided all the room we required – myself, my partner and our little one sharing the quarters.

Of course, whilst a lovely cabin is wonderful on a cruise, it’s equally about what’s on offer throughout the ship – and the Disney Wish certainly delivers on that front. You can read my full review of the Disney Wish here, but standout features included the action-packed schedule of performances, trivia competitions, deck celebrations, live entertainment, West End-calibre productions, and the AquaMouse water slide.

That’s before even mentioning the Star Wars -themed bar, pirates-inspired pub, and the fantastic dining venues including an interactive Frozen meal experience. You can discover more about the Disney Wish and next summer’s itineraries on disneycruiseline.com..

Disney Cruise Line has confirmed the Disney Wish will sail from Southampton for the first time in summer 2027 with European itineraries – and I’ve been onboard to review the incredible ship

Mickey Mouse fans across Britain, it’s time to dust off those iconic ears – because we’re about to welcome an unprecedented wave of Disney enchantment next summer.

In a historic first, the Disney Wish cruise liner will set sail from British shores. Launching from Southampton, the flagship vessel of Disney Cruise Line’s Wish class fleet is confirmed to embark on a series of sun-drenched European voyages throughout summer 2027.

This maiden European adventure will feature sailings ranging from three to 10 nights, departing from the UK, Spain or Italy, with exciting new ports of call including Zadar in Croatia, Trieste close to Venice in Italy, and Hellesylt in Norway.

Having recently experienced the Disney Wish firsthand with my other half and our two year old, I was absolutely thrilled when this announcement dropped – especially since I’ve already been daydreaming about our next voyage. Here’s my guide to the standout features aboard the Disney Wish, and exactly why I’ll be at the front of that virtual queue when bookings launch later this month.

The entertainment

Adults, prepare to unleash your inner child aboard the Wish (whilst, in our experience, your little one also literally unleashes theirs). This isn’t your typical cruise offering a single show, a handful of activities, and then leaving you lounging aimlessly poolside.

Instead, expect an action-packed schedule brimming with spectacular performances, trivia contests, deck celebrations, live musical acts, and two cinemas screening the freshest Disney releases alongside timeless favourites. For those preferring a more relaxed approach, there’s ample poolside real estate – and the onboard spa continuously tempted us throughout our stay.

The ship’s top deck boasts several pools, a feature I particularly appreciate as it prevents overcrowding in one spot. However, being someone who can’t sit idle for more than a couple of minutes, I made a beeline for the AquaMouse water slide.

With its twists, turns and initial surprises, it’s easy to see why it’s dubbed Disney’s first sea attraction – it wouldn’t feel out of place in a theme park!

Deck parties are another must-add to your schedule. On the day of embarkation, Mickey Mouse and his pals host a ‘Sail Away’ party on the top deck that’s well worth attending. Expect lively music, dancing and a grand countdown before the ship’s horn blares out a Disney melody!

One evening is always dedicated to a pirate theme. Dress up, meet characters like Captain Hook, and join in the fun with Mickey and friends at parties featuring spectacular fireworks at sea (Disney Cruise Line is the only cruise company permitted to offer this).

A visit to the theatre promises a fantastic show, whether it’s the charming ‘Seas the Day’ performance, or West End-calibre productions of The Little Mermaid and Aladdin.

The Kids’ Club

Families must give a big cheer for the exceptional kids’ club, known as the Oceaneer Club. Included in the cruise package, it boasts zones inspired by Marvel, Star Wars and the Disney Princesses.

We barely saw our friends’ children all week; they were utterly smitten with the place!

The Oceaneer Club caters to children aged 3 and above, so our toddler was a tad too young but there were open house hours where he could scamper about, including ‘Toddler Time’ which provided a fantastic space for him to burn off some energy.

A handy hint for other parents; the Small World Nursery accommodates babies and toddlers under 3. You’ll need to book and it’s an additional $10 per hour, but it does afford you that much-needed breather if you fancy a trip to the spa or an adults-only bar!

Character encounters

An often overlooked benefit of a Disney cruise is the ease of meeting the characters. Besides the shows, there are plenty of chances to meet your favourites throughout the day, with queues typically lasting around 10-15 minutes.

Characters roam the ship, and you can also join dance parties where they’ll have a little jig with the kids – a truly delightful interaction. For princess fans, it’s worth trying to secure a spot for A Royal Gathering; this is free but fills up fast, offering you the opportunity for meet and greets with the likes of Cinderella, Belle, Moana and Rapunzel.

The food

Disney cruises operate on an all-inclusive basis, and even with my most valiant attempts, I’m fairly certain I didn’t manage to sample every single dining venue on offer. Beyond the Marceline Market eatery featuring a conventional buffet spread, passengers can indulge in pizzas, tacos and barbecue fare at the Festival of Foods street food-inspired zone, or help themselves to the self-serve ice cream stations.

For dinner service, Disney has a ‘rotational dining’ system which eliminates the scramble for bookings; you’re guaranteed a table at each of the ship’s three restaurants. There’s a Frozen-themed venue complete with live entertainment and abundant character meet-and-greets, the sophisticated 1923 which exudes elegance whilst paying homage to legendary Disney pictures, and the Worlds of Marvel restaurant where guests become immersed in an interactive superhero escapade.

Whilst these are all covered in your fare, additional premium options are available for an extra charge. Brunch at the Palo Steakhouse proved to be a genuinely memorable experience for our party.

Reservations are required, but this adults-only establishment truly embodied fine dining, with the cuisine being utterly exquisite. Pastries, pizzas, brunch staples such as Eggs Royale and puddings all feature on the bill of fare.

A cautionary note; it’s unlimited dining and those servings are substantial – I genuinely believed I might never manage another morsel. (This proved incorrect the instant I spotted the Inside Out inspired confectionery shop, where I constructed an ice cream creation that I suspect has left me on a sugar rush ever since).

For those partial to an evening drink, there’s a variety of options. The Bayou lounge offers live music, exquisite cocktails and a relaxed vibe, while Nightingale’s is an adults-only bar.

However, it was the themed bars that kept drawing me back – from the Star Wars-inspired Hyperspace Lounge, where you feel as though you’re journeying through space, to the pirate-themed Keg and Compass pub, where you can enjoy a proper pint.

My verdict

I’ve been thoroughly impressed with the Disney Wish; it truly caters to everyone. It’s a sophisticated ship with ample adults-only areas for those seeking tranquillity, but there’s also plenty of room for families.

The overall atmosphere is fantastic, and it’s definitely one I’ll be keen to book again. Plus, on a personal note, the extra sprinkle of Disney magic worked wonders for us; amidst all the excitement and fun during the day, our two year old actually managed to sleep through the night!

Want to book it for yourself? The Disney Wish will embark on 3, 4 and 5-night European sailings in summer 2027. Bookings open on February 23, 2026. For more details, visit disneycruiseline.com.

TRAIN travel is on the up and what could be more glamorous than a train that travels through the desert with stops to stargaze?

A new luxury train experience is being launched in Saudi Arabia called Dream of the Desert.

Across different journeys, the train will travel through breathtaking Saudi landscapes.

Due to launch in late 2026, the rail experience will carry 66 passengers on each journey and travel across a 807 mile network.

The train will feature 14 carriages with 33 suites, two restaurant cars and a traditional Arabic-inspired lounge.

In the two restaurant cars, there will be a rotating menu that celebrates both local and international chefs.

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One of the restaurants will focus on Saudi flavours and regional ingredients and the other restaurant will use Italian techniques.

Meals are all included as part of the journey, as is the onboard programme and off-train experiences.

Inside, the Italian-built cabins will boast a design that reflects Saudi traditions, such as carved wood, woven textiles and a desert-inspired colour scheme.

According to Globetrender, the interior designer, Aline Asmar d’Amman, said: “The desert’s palette of earthy tones, and sandy browns are balanced with a zest of lavender, oasis green and burnt oranges, infusing each space with a sense of culture and serenity.

“From the reception lounge to the restaurant, the interiors become a continuous meditation on presence and place in motion.”

So far, five different journeys have been announced, which will run between October and May.

Though, there will be two seasonal routes.

The journeys include a two-day return between Riyadh and Jubbah and a longer route that travels to Al Jouf and AlUla.

Each journey is expected to have its own unique experiences – for example, on the Ramadan Nights itinerary passengers will experience a stargazing stop in Qassim.

Then on the Summer Mirage route, passengers will stay entirely on board during the hotter months.

Other experiences include desert camps, guided heritage tours and hosted outdoor meals.

On some routes, accommodation off of the train is included as well.

Prices don’t come cheap though, start at SAR 30,000 (about £6,000) per cabin per night.

The train is being developed by Italy-based Arsenale Group and follows the launch of La Dolce Vita Orient Express in Italy.

The chief executive of the group, Paolo Barletta, also commented that the Dreams of Desert train marks the company’s first overseas luxury train.

In other rail news, here’s the UK train journey that feels like the Hogwarts Express with stunning views along the way.

Plus, one of the UK’s most beautiful train journeys runs right across the beach and it costs less than £20.

A camera mounted on the wingtip of a Ukrainian Air Force Su-25 Frogfoot close air support jet recorded the dramatic demise of the aircraft, after it was reportedly struck by a Russian long-range air-to-air missile. This is not the first time in the Ukrainian conflict that we’ve seen the destruction of a combat jet at such close quarters. However, with the death of the pilot confirmed by Ukrainian authorities, the footage is a sobering reminder of the huge risks faced by aircrew in some of the most lethal airspace in history.

The footage in question was apparently captured by a GoPro or similar camera mounted under the starboard wing of the Su-25, which was flying straight and level when engaged. The first indication that the Frogfoot has been hit is a flash and a shower of sparks, and the suggestion that the cockpit canopy may have been partly torn away. Then, one of its external fuel tanks is seen breaking away. The aircraft starts to cartwheel through the sky, its fuselage clearly ripped open, evidenced by the exposed main landing gear. The wing-mounted camera continues to record the plane breaking up, including the forward fuselage and cockpit, now separated from the fuselage, which is burning fiercely. The wing spirals to the ground, with the sequence ending with a black column of smoke in the near distance.

There is less than 20 seconds from the first signs of impact to the wing lying on the ground, motionless, and an indication of just how quickly the pilot’s fate was sealed. Provided they weren’t killed or incapacitated in the initial impact, there was very little time to activate his Zvezda K-36 ejection seat, if that was even an option, given the catastrophic damage.

The specific Su-25 carried the tactical number ‘21 Blue.’ It was reportedly at the controls of this jet that Ukrainian Air Force pilot Stanislav Rykov, from the 299th Tactical Aviation Brigade, was killed during a sortie on February 7, 2024. Rykov was described as one of the more experienced ground-attack pilots in the force, with 385 combat sorties to his name.

Soon after his death, fellow Ukrainian Air Force pilot Rostyslav Lazarenko posted on Facebook. “My heart was ripped out yesterday.” He added that Rykov “was the best pilot and commander I knew.”

The exact whereabouts of Rykov’s loss were not reported by the Ukrainian side, although a Russian Ministry of Defense briefing stated that a Ukrainian Su-25 was destroyed on the same date, close to the settlement of Novotroitske, in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine.

Exactly why the video only began to circulate in public now is not clear.

Multiple unconfirmed accounts suggest that the weapon responsible for bringing the Su-25 down was an R-37M, a long-range air-to-air missile with the Western codename AA-13 Axehead. The missile is mainly used by Su-35S Flanker multirole fighters and MiG-31BM Foxhound interceptors.

The R-37M is a missile we have examined in detail in the past.

With a range of 124 miles, it flies to the target on a lofted trajectory, controlled by an inertial navigation system with mid-course radio correction, and uses an active radar seeker for its terminal phase attack. It has been a key threat to the Ukrainian Air Force since the start of the full-scale invasion.

Speaking to TWZ before his death in a 2023 flying accident, Ukrainian MiG-29 pilot Andrii “Juice” Pilshchykov said that the R-37M, typically fired from within Russian airspace, was “limiting our capabilities to conduct our missions. Of course, if you’re maneuvering, we are not able to provide an airstrike or something else, so the game is still very, very, very tough in the air and very, very risky. If you’re not aware of the launch of a missile, you’re dead.”

Once again, we don’t know for sure that an R-37M was involved in this incident, but it’s certainly a strong possibility. On the other hand, there is no shortage of other Russian air-to-air missiles and ground-based air defense systems that present a very serious hazard to Ukrainian tactical aviation.

The Su-25 is particularly vulnerable due to the high-risk envelope in which it operates and its performance. This is reflected in the documented losses of 22 examples in Ukrainian hands. That figure is almost certainly higher since it only comprises losses that can be confirmed visually.

Soon after the start of the conflict, Ukrainian Su-25s adopted loft tactics to add extra range to their unguided rockets. By the summer of 2024, stockpiles of unguided rockets were reportedly exhausted, but adding the French-made Hammer rocket-assisted bomb has provided much greater standoff reach and a much harder-hitting weapon specifically adapted for low-altitude launch profiles.

Since the full-scale invasion began, the Su-25 has been heavily utilized by both sides. Confirmed Russian Su-25 losses amount to 41 — the highest for any fixed-wing tactical type.

At least one Russian Su-25 loss has also been filmed from on board, in this case, in dramatic headcam footage from the pilot, who survived. You can see that video below and read more about it here.

Катапультирование из Су-25 глазами лётчика.

While videos like these might look like something from a combat flight sim, they are all too real. This latest one to be released reflects the brutal realities of life — and death — for tactical aviation pilots over and around the frontlines of Ukraine.

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com