The article provides an exclusive first look at the Disney Destiny's Verandah and Concierge Staterooms, highlighting the luxurious accommodations available on the cruise ship.
Disney's newest cruise ship, the Disney Destiny, is set to debut with themed dining, immersive entertainment, and character experiences, expanding Disney's cruise fleet and global theme park offerings amid record growth in its experiences division.
Careys Manor in the New Forest, Hampshire, offers a unique wellness retreat experience with its SenSpa, featuring treatments like underwater soundbaths. The hotel, set in a historic manor, provides a tranquil escape with amenities such as an indoor pool, hydrotherapy pool, and diverse dining options. Monthly soundbath sessions, led by Aquatic Bodywork practitioner Helena Eflerova, offer immersive relaxation experiences. Additionally, a one-day Wellness Festival is scheduled for January 2025, featuring expert talks and workshops on mental and physical wellbeing.
Royal Caribbean's new Utopia of the Seas cruise ship features a unique dining experience called Royal Railway Utopia Station, where passengers can enjoy a meal on a virtual train ride with simulated scenery and live shows. The experience costs extra and is not included in the cruise fare.
A passenger on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas described the chaos after a man jumped overboard and was later found dead. Despite the tragedy, many passengers continued their vacation activities, seemingly unaware of the death. The ship, which had just departed from Miami for a week-long trip, was stopped for two hours for a rescue mission before resuming its journey.
Wachusett Mountain ski resort in Massachusetts closed for the day due to a power outage, disrupting the second-to-last weekend of the season. The resort plans to reopen for the final weekend, rescheduling events and adjusting operating hours.
Epic has released its 2024-25 season prices, with a noticeable increase compared to the previous season, making it take longer to break even on the passes. The prices for the Epic Pass and the Local Pass have gone up, with the Epic Pass now priced at $982 and the Epic Local Pass at $731. Vail Resorts attributed the price increase to inflation and additional access to different mountains, while Ikon Pass prices for the next season have not yet been released.
Death Valley National Park offers pristine dark skies where visitors can see the Milky Way without a telescope. The park hosts an annual Dark Sky Festival from March 1 to March 3, featuring presentations, workshops, constellation tours, and family activities related to astronomy. The event is free and open to the public, but reservations for camping or lodging are recommended due to high attendance. The festival is a collaboration between the park, scientific institutions, and NASA centers, offering a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of the night sky in a remote and stunning natural setting.
The Aliner Grand Ascape ST, priced at $25,000, is a small and light travel trailer that offers basic amenities for camping. However, despite its affordability and beginner-friendly design, concerns have been raised about its construction quality, including rust on the frame and subpar fit and finish. While the trailer has potential, potential buyers are advised to thoroughly inspect it before purchase.
Harbin's Ice and Snow Festival in China has seen a record-breaking number of visitors this New Year, with 3.05 million people generating 5.91 billion yuan in tourism revenue. The festival, famous for its massive and elaborate ice sculptures, benefits from the frigid local temperatures that keep the sculptures intact. The increase in visitors is attributed to the city's growing popularity on social media and a range of tourist activities, including live performances and theme parks. The festival is expected to run until late March 2024, contributing to a surge in domestic winter tourism and boosting local businesses.
The year 2024 is expected to be an excellent time for viewing the Northern Lights in Michigan's Upper Peninsula due to the solar maximum. The Keweenaw Peninsula, being the northernmost point in Michigan, offers the best chance to witness the aurora borealis with its low light pollution and north-facing Lake Superior shoreline. Five recommended spots for stargazing include McLain State Park, Calumet Waterworks Park, Fitzgerald’s Restaurant & Hotel, Great Sand Bay, Esrey Park, and the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park. These locations provide ideal conditions for observing the Northern Lights, with additional resources and workshops available at the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park.
The Flying Dinosaur rollercoaster at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka broke down mid-ride, leaving 32 passengers dangling upside down at a height of 150ft. The amusement park made an emergency stop and all passengers were safely rescued by staff and taken down via emergency stairs. No injuries were reported. The exact cause of the malfunction is unknown, but the ride was deemed safe after tests. This is not the first incident for the rollercoaster, which has experienced previous emergency stops with passengers on board. Universal Studios Japan attracts over ten million visitors annually.
Durango Casino & Resort, the first casino to open in Las Vegas in two years, caters more to locals than tourists. Located several miles away from the famous Las Vegas Strip, the $780 million property offers table games, slots, restaurants, and a hotel with 200 rooms and suites. With 2,200 slot machines and over 60 table games, Durango provides ample entertainment options. Additionally, guests can enjoy a pool area, multiple dining locations, and a sports bar. Fontainebleau, another resort, is set to open nearby on December 13th.
Royal Caribbean has received the world's largest cruise liner, the Icon of the Seas, from shipbuilder Meyer Turku. The massive ship, with 20 decks and a capacity for 7,600 guests, is nearly 1,200 feet long. It features 2,800 guest cabins, seven pools, a six-slide water park, and a three-story "Ultimate Family Townhouse." The ship will embark on seven-night cruises in the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Miami starting in late January 2024.
Disney's Typhoon Lagoon will close for its annual multi-month refurbishment on November 6, 2023, coinciding with the reopening of Blizzard Beach on the same day. Typhoon Lagoon operates on an alternating schedule with Blizzard Beach and offers popular attractions such as Crush 'n' Gusher and Miss Adventure Falls. Blizzard Beach will remain open while Typhoon Lagoon undergoes maintenance.