Travel
Sicilia Express Sleeper Train Offers Affordable and Scenic Christmas Travel for Sicilians
TURIN: Homesick Sicilians will have a unique and affordable way to travel home for Christmas this year, thanks to the launch of the Sicilia Express, a special sleeper train connecting northern Italy to the southern island.
Announced by Sicily’s regional president, Renato Schifani, the Sicilia Express is tailored for workers and students wishing to reunite with loved ones during the festive season. The train departs from Turin on December 21, offering an overnight journey to Sicily, and returns to Turin on January 5, ahead of Italy’s Epiphany holiday.
Addressing a Costly Journey
For many Sicilians, particularly younger generations, relocating to northern Italy offers better work and educational opportunities. However, high airfare costs often make travel back home challenging. Return flights between northern cities and Sicily can exceed €700, as reported earlier this month.
The Sicilia Express provides an affordable alternative, with ticket prices starting at €29.90 for standard seating. For passengers seeking additional comfort, sleeper compartments are available for €129.90. Tickets go on sale on December 3 and can be purchased through the FS Treni Turistici Italiani website or train station ticket offices.
A Journey with a Sicilian Flair
This is no ordinary sleeper train. The Sicilia Express promises passengers an immersive experience celebrating Sicilian culture.
According to FS Treni Turistici Italiani, the 18-hour trip will feature masterclasses, artistic performances, and appearances by influencers and prominent Sicilian figures. The train will also offer two dining cars serving traditional Sicilian cuisine, turning the journey into a festive celebration of the island’s heritage.
“The experience on board will be enriched by the presence of well-known personalities narrating the journey to Sicily,” noted the service’s website.
Sicilian Government Support for Travel Costs
The Sicilia Express initiative complements the Sicilian government’s existing subsidy program for domestic flights. To ease the financial burden on residents, the government reimburses 25% of flight costs throughout the year, increasing to 50% during December and January.
An Opportunity to Celebrate and Save
The Sicilia Express is not only a cost-effective option but also a sustainable and scenic alternative to flying. By offering special entertainment and showcasing Sicilian traditions, the service ensures that the journey home is just as memorable as the holiday itself.
With ticket sales beginning soon, the Sicilia Express is set to become a festive lifeline for many Sicilians eager to spend the holidays with their families.
Travel
Rome Braces for Travel Disruptions Following the Death of Pope Francis

Travellers to Rome over the coming weeks should expect significant disruptions and closures at some of the city’s most iconic religious sites following the death of Pope Francis on April 21.
The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, died on Monday after suffering a stroke that led to a coma and subsequent heart failure. His passing has set in motion a series of deeply traditional rituals, including a funeral, public mourning, and the election of a new pope.
Among the immediate impacts is the closure of the Sistine Chapel, which will be used exclusively by the College of Cardinals for the conclave—the secretive process to elect the next pope. The Vatican announced the chapel will close to the public from April 28 and remain inaccessible until several days after the conclave concludes, likely reopening in mid-May.
Other nearby attractions will also see changes. The Vatican Museums will remain open except for April 26, when they will close to honor the Pope’s funeral. However, access to the Sistine Chapel will be suspended, and security will be tight throughout Vatican City. Tours of the Vatican Gardens and the Necropolis of the Via Triumphalis are also suspended due to increased security measures as cardinals travel between the chapel and their accommodations.
St. Peter’s Basilica is currently hosting thousands of mourners, with the late pontiff’s body lying in state until April 25. Public access is possible from 7 a.m. to midnight on April 24, and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on April 25. However, long queues and strict dress codes are in place. Parts of the basilica, including the dome, are closed to visitors, and all guided tours are suspended.
The Pope’s funeral is scheduled for April 26 at St. Peter’s Square and is expected to draw millions. Hotel and flight prices have already begun to climb in anticipation of the influx of visitors, many of whom are traveling to witness what is considered a historic and spiritual milestone.
Following the funeral, attention will turn to the election of the new pope. Tourists and faithful can witness the traditional smoke signals from the Sistine Chapel chimney—black indicating no decision, and white signaling that a new pope has been chosen. Crowds are expected to gather in large numbers in St. Peter’s Square for this moment.
While some visitors may be disappointed by limited access to key religious sites, others are embracing the rare opportunity to witness the Vatican during a pivotal moment in modern Church history.
Travel
Travel Industry Faces Scrutiny Over Website Accessibility Failures
Travel
World’s Largest Cruise Ships Set to Make Waves in 2025
The cruise industry is gearing up for a landmark year in 2025, with several colossal ships preparing to set sail, promising unprecedented scale, luxury, and innovation at sea. With 17 new vessels expected to debut, five stand out as the biggest and most ambitious, redefining what it means to cruise in style.
1. Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas
Leading the fleet is Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, a sister ship to the current record-holder, Icon of the Seas. Weighing in at a staggering 250,800 tonnes—slightly heavier than Icon—this floating city will embark on seven-night cruises from Port Canaveral, Florida, visiting popular Eastern and Western Caribbean destinations, including the cruise line’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
The ship features eight themed neighborhoods, 40 dining and bar venues, multiple pools, waterslides, and even a three-level Family Townhouse. Royal Caribbean has announced that Star of the Seas will begin full operations on August 31, with early “showcase sailings” offering shorter trips starting earlier in the summer.
2. Disney Cruise Line’s Adventure
Disney Cruise Line is launching its largest ship yet, Disney Adventure, in December. At 208,000 tonnes and 342 meters in length, it will carry around 6,000 guests. Based in Singapore, Adventure will offer three- to five-night cruises with no port calls—just immersive Disney entertainment at sea.
This ship will be the first Disney vessel based in Asia and will feature unique attractions such as a rollercoaster at sea, Marvel-themed experiences, and seven different “lands.” It is currently under construction, with a float-out planned for May and a maiden voyage scheduled for December 15.
3. MSC Cruises’ World America
Weighing 205,700 tonnes, World America is the second in MSC’s World-class series, following World Europa. From its Miami base, the ship will alternate seven-night Caribbean routes, including stops in Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic.
The 22-deck ship boasts 19 restaurants, 20 bars, a Family Aventura park with over-water swings, and an onboard waterpark. World America is already completed and will be officially named in Miami on April 9, with Hollywood actress Drew Barrymore as its godmother.
4. Princess Cruises’ Star Princess
Star Princess, a 175,000-tonne vessel, is Princess Cruises’ second Sphere-class ship and the largest ever built in Italy. Slated for delivery in September, it will initially sail Mediterranean routes before heading to the Caribbean and Alaska in 2026. Amenities include pickleball and basketball courts, expanded bars, and new dining experiences.
5. TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff Relax
Already in operation, the 160,000-tonne Mein Schiff Relax entered service in March, focusing on wellness. With a spa, yoga deck, and over 30 dining venues, the ship currently runs Mediterranean cruises and will later shift to the Canary Islands.
Despite their grandeur, such mega-ships face challenges. Port capacity, local tourism limits—like those now enforced in Santorini—and environmental concerns around LNG fuel use are reshaping the future of cruising. With passenger preferences shifting post-pandemic, it remains to be seen whether “bigger is better” will remain the industry’s guiding mantra.
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