NEWS & OFFERS: New British Airways route, Virgin Points Scandi & Arctic cruises and Jet Blue improvements

Virgin Voyages Scandinavian & Arctic cruises

I have written about Virgin Voyages several times on TLFL and took a cruise paid for with Virgin points in 2023. I really enjoy the brand as it’s adults-only and very food-focused. Paying with points feels like a good deal since it covers everything except drinks. Instead of having to wait until they have a special offer, you can now book with points for cruises at any point. However, prices have risen considerably to a minimum of 250,000 points for two people.

If you wanted something different to the usual southern European or Miami cruises, Virgin Voyages has officially announced its first-ever adults-only Scandinavia, Baltic, and Arctic Circle season for Summer 2028. Sailing aboard the recently updated ship Valiant Lady, the collection will feature 15 maiden ports for the cruise line, late-night stays, and an iconic crossing above the Arctic Circle. 

The season runs from 9 July to 4 September 2028, and is based at a brand-new homeport in Amsterdam. Loyalty members gain early booking access on 13 August 2026, and general public sales open on 14 August 2026.

Here are the options:

• Scandinavia & Stockholm Overnight (12 Nights | 19/07/2028 – 31/07/2028): Hits five countries and six new ports. Highlights include an overnight stay in Stockholm, a late evening in Copenhagen, and an excursion opportunity to Berlin via a train from Warnemünde.
• Norwegian Fjords (7 Nights | 31/07/2028 – 07/08/2028): Focuses purely on natural wonders rather than capital cities. Ports include Molde (nestled beneath 222 mountain peaks), Nordfjordeid, Flåm, and Bergen.
• Scandinavia & Hamburg (7 Nights | 07/08/2028 – 14/08/2028): Features late-night departures in Oslo, Copenhagen, and Hamburg, allowing travellers to experience local nightlife and evening dining.
• Arctic Circle & Norwegian Fjords (11 Nights | 14/08/2028 – 25/08/2028): The crown jewel marquee sailing of the season. The ship travels to 71° North, crossing the Arctic Circle. Onboard, Virgin will host an Arctic Circle Crossing Ceremony and a midnight sun deck party under 24-hour daylight. Ports include Tromsø and Honningsvåg.

You can now also use points to offset your onboard bar tab. You can redeem 40,000 Virgin Points for a $300 (£235) Bar Tab credit, which must be applied to your booking at least seven days before setting sail. 

You can find more details here. 

British Airways new route Heathrow to Fuerteventura

British Airways has announced that it will switch its flights to Fuerteventura from Gatwick to Heathrow, with winter seasonal flights starting on 13 December 2026. In 2023, British Airways’ low-cost, short-haul subsidiary, BA Euroflyer, officially reinstated the route after it was suspended during Covid. Operating out of Gatwick Airport, it launched as a twice-weekly winter service on Thursdays and Sundays using Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft. Demand was initially strong enough that a third weekly flight on Wednesdays was introduced in February 2024.

Flights will depart from Heathrow twice per week on Thursdays and Sundays, utilising a 156-seat Airbus A320ceo aircraft. 

Here is the timetable:

BA412 LHR 0705-1130 FUE (Thu)
BA412 LHR 1005-1430 FUE (Sun)

BA413 FUE 1230-1650 LHR (Thu)
BA413 FUE 1540-2000 LHR (Sun)

Unfortunately for such a long flight, although most of these aircraft have wi-fi, many of BA’s A320ceos lack power completely at the seat.

Prices start from £229 return in economy and £578 in Club Europe. Here are the Avios pricing options:

• 53500 Avios + £ 40.00
• 51800 Avios + £ 50.00
• 42500 Avios + £ 80.00
• 39300 Avios + £ 110.00
• 29300 Avios + £ 210.00
• 21500 Avios + £ 280.00

You can check prices and availability on ba.com

JetBlue ups its game with new domestic first and transatlantic improvements

BlueFirst features

JetBlue has unveiled BlueFirst, its first-ever traditional domestic first-class product, alongside stylish new puffer-style Mint amenity kits designed by New York brand Caraa.

The New Mint “Puffer” Amenity Kits

JetBlue have also announced new menus for both domestic and transatlantic flights. The menus are inspired by Crown Shy, the Michelin-starred Manhattan restaurant celebrated for its modern American cuisine, and Birdee, the beloved Brooklyn bakery and all-day café known for its elevated comfort food and pastries. I really enjoyed JetBlue’s food when I flew them, and this also looks very tasty from the sample menus.

Featured menu highlights include:

Breakfast by Birdee

• Strawberries & cream croissant
• Mochi waffle with butter and maple syrup
• Bacon Egg and Cheese (BEC) on Parker House roll with harissa aioli
• Shakshuka with cherry pepper relish and feta

Lunch & Dinner by Crown Shy

• Warm Parker House Roll with olive labne spread
• Crown Shy chicken with citrus marinated thigh and hot sauce vinaigrette
• Pork Katsu with hot cherry glaze and scallions
• Razor Clam chowder with roasted carrots and thyme
• Sweet potato lasagnette with pecorino cream and chervil

Desserts & Additional Offerings

• Chocolate tart with sabayon and port wine syrup
• Strawberry olive oil shortcake with meringue and crème fraiche
• Warm chocolate chip cookie by Birdee