Travel Wires

Raffles Hotel (pictured), in Singapore, has reopened following renovations that closed it for two years. The hotel opened in 1887 and was proclaimed a national monument in 1987.

Personal . . . preferences

Cathay Pacific passengers beware: an updated privacy policy means your movements and preferences are being recorded by in-flight entertainment screens and at the airport, and the information and images will be stored indefinitely. The policy, introduced last week, collects “information such as previous travel arrangements, feedback about your experiences, details of lost luggage and other claims, your use of our in-flight entertainment system and in-flight connectivity, your images captured via CCTV in our airport lounges and aircraft”. Although the airline will do its best to keep the information secure, “no data transmission over the internet … can be guaranteed to be secure from intrusion. While the information could be used to personalise your experience and comply with local laws, your details could also be shared with third-party partners for marketing purposes”. This follows a major data breach last year when 9.4 million Cathay Pacific passengers had their data stolen, including passport numbers.

Revamped Raffles opens

Singapore’s historic Raffles Hotel has reopened following renovations that closed it for two years. The challenge was to retain the 1887 hotel’s colonial aura — it was proclaimed a national monument in 1987 — while providing modern tech and comforts. The revitalised Raffles offers 115 suits with butler and in-room tablets controlling the TV, lights and airconditioning. New restaurants include Le Dame de Pic, in collaboration with chef Anne-Sophie Pic of France’s three-Michelin star Maison Pic.

Best in Europe, best in the world

Avignon in the South of France has been named the year’s most popular cruise destination in the authoritative Cruise Critic website’s annual Cruisers’ Choice awards. It was also named best European river cruise destination.

. . . and breaking it down

Cruise Critic also named the top cruise destinations in 18 world regions. US/Canada: Quebec City. Alaska: Glacier Bay. Asia: Singapore. Australia/New Zealand: Hobart. Baltic/Scandinavia: Flam. Eastern Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda: King’s Wharf, Bermuda. Southern Caribbean: Bonaire. Western Caribbean: Cozumel, Mexico. British Isles/Western Europe: Kirkwall. Eastern Mediterranean: Venice. Western Mediterranean: Villefranche-sur-Mer, France. Hawaii: Honolulu. Mexican Riviera: Huatulco. Panama Canal/ Central America: Fuerte Amador. South America/ Antarctica: Stanley, Falkland Islands. South Pacific: Bora Bora. Best US river line: American Queen. Private island: Disney’s Castaway Cay, Bahamas.