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What is the ‘Golden Passport’ that lets you live on a cruise ship forever – Cruises – Travel

You can now retire at sea with a particular variety of passport. A cruise line is permitting passengers to be a half of a everlasting residence-at-sea programme.

Villa Vie Residences launched its Odyssey cruise final October, taking passengers on a journey throughout 425 ports in 147 nations over three and a half years. 

The residential cruise has change into a well-liked alternative for individuals who need to live on a cruise long-term, however now even more passengers can be a part of the journey with the “Golden Passport.”

Villa Vie already offers its passengers the alternative to own, rent or lease life cabins onboard—however the Golden Passport caters specifically to the retired.

The Golden Passport permits people to have a lifetime villa with simply a one-time cost. The package deal additionally contains eating, WiFi, actions, housekeeping and laundry, and residents even have entry to annual medical verify ups.

How a lot is a Golden Passport?

The pricing mannequin varies relying on age, beginning at $99,999 for these aged 90 or above. The most expensive tier prices $399,999 for these between 55 and 60.

Residents are allowed to have household and mates on board by paying a $129 charge per day. Each voyage goes on between three and three and a half years, however residents can keep on the ship for even longer.

Various people have already swapped a retirement home for the residential crusing program on the Odyssey. 

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“Life moves quickly, and the regret most people share is that they didn’t travel the world when they had the chance,” stated Kathy Villalba, CEO of Villa Vie Residences in a press assertion. “The Golden Passport makes that dream possible—and affordable—in a way the cruise and travel industries have never seen before.”

Mike Petterson, Founder of Villa Vie Residences added, “As people retire, one of their biggest fears is outliving their money. With the Golden Passport, that uncertainty disappears—one payment secures a lifetime of adventure.” 

Only California city that won’t be crowded on Labor Day for last-minute travel – USA – Travel

If you haven’t made plans for Labor Day weekend but, don’t fret – there’s nonetheless time to plan a enjoyable vacation.

California has a number of sunny seashores to reside out the ultimate days of summer season, however you might have a exhausting time beating the crowds. A consumer on Reddit not too long ago requested about which spots are the best for travel on Labor Day weekend that will be cheap and never extraordinarily crowded.

They wrote, “I’m new to LA / South Bay and haven’t visited that many places nearby, I’ve been to Santa Barbara and Ventura. I wanted to go for a road trip this labor day weekend and was wondering if there’s any spots you guys would suggest that wouldn’t be insanely expensive or crowded?

“I also get Friday off so can leave Thursday, returning Monday evening so can drive pretty far if needed.”

Several customers responded, saying it’s going to be exhausting to search out an uncrowded spot. One consumer stated, “Everywhere will be crowded on a holiday weekend, sorry.”

But a consumer famous there’s just one city that will be enjoyable on Labor Day. “Cambria is the answer. Stay on Moonstone Beach drive.”

Best California travel spot for Labor Day

Cambria is situated between Los Angeles and San Francisco, about a 4-hour drive from each. The city has a distinctive panorama, often called the “Pines by the Sea.”

The Reddit consumer particularly talked about Moonstone Beach. Go toCambria famous the realm is “famous for its dramatic coastline and breathtaking views.”

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What to do in Cambria

The city has loads of spots to sit down within the sand and look at marine wildlife like otters, whales and dolphins. Visitors may also head out to sea for browsing, boating, and different aquatic adventures.

Moonstone Beach has a one-mile boardwalk that meanders alongside the coast. Cambria additionally has a number of trails for climbing for those that wish to escape to nature.

Downtown Cambria is filled with distinctive outlets and eating places. Emily McNamara with Bon Traveler suggests Hidden Kitchen for breakfast or lunch, Sea Chest Restaurant for oysters and seafood, and Linn’s Restaurant for pie.

Where to remain in Cambria

The small city has a number of inns or lodges to remain in. McNamara suggests the Cambria Beach Lodge, which is a boutique lodge that overlooks the ocean.

White Water Inn can be a good option, with rustic decor situated steps away from Moonstone Beach.

Inside the world’s largest cruise ship that’s officially set to sail from Florida – Cruises – Travel

Royal Caribbean has launched its latest — and one of the largest — cruise ships but, and it is prepared for it is maiden voyage.

The Star of the Seas set sail on a preview voyage from Port Canaveral in Florida on Aug. 16, taking a 4-day trip round the Bahamas and back to Port Canaveral. The ship is second in the cruise line’s Icon Class, which consists of the largest cruise ships ever constructed.

A naming ceremony for the ship passed off on Aug. 20, and the official maiden voyage is scheduled for Aug. 31. It has a 7-evening itinerary, crusing to the japanese and western Caribbean.

Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group, stated in a information release: “The delivery of Star of the Seas marks another bold step forward in Royal Caribbean Group’s journey to reimagine the future of vacations. Star and the Icon Class are a symbol of what’s possible when innovation, imagination and our relentless focus on delivering exceptional experiences come together, ultimately creating unforgettable memories for millions of families and vacationers.

The Star is so big, it consists of eight neighborhoods aboard the ship. The ship was under construction for two years at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland.

“We’re proud to bring this next-generation vacation experience to life with our valued partners at Meyer Turku,” Liberty stated.

“We’re incredibly proud to welcome Star of the Seas to the Royal Caribbean family as we continue to revolutionize how families and adventurers vacation,” stated Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean.

“It’s a true team effort with so many talented individuals coming together to make the new Icon Class vacation a reality, and we’re excited to debut this incredible achievement with a star-studded celebration this August.”

(Image: Royal Caribbean)

US issues travel warning for 8 countries after disease continues to spread – Travel News – Travel

The U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) is the sounding the alarm because the Chikungunya virus continues spreading throughout the globe.

On Aug. 15, the CDC issued warnings for eight countries after the virus spread to Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mayotte, Réunion, Somalia, and Sri Lanka earlier than launching one other warning for the division of Santa Cruz in Bolivia. This is a Level 2 warning for all eight nations.

There has been a main outbreak of Chikungunya in Guangdong Province, China. Health officers reported over 7,000 confirmed instances since June, with the bulk in Foshan metropolis.

The CDC states, “Chikungunya disease is caused by the Chikungunya virus and is spread to humans through mosquito bites. Outbreaks have occurred in countries in Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, and Indian and Pacific Oceans.” 

“If you are pregnant, reconsider travel to the affected areas, particularly if you are close to delivering your baby. Mothers infected around the time of delivery can pass the virus to their baby before or during delivery. Newborns infected in this way or by a mosquito bite are at risk for severe illness, including poor long-term outcomes,” the CDC warns.

What are the signs of chikungunya virus?

“The most common symptoms are fever and joint pain. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash. Most people get better within a week; however, some can have severe joint pain for months to years following acute illness,” the CDC states. Death from the virus is uncommon. 

The (*8*)CDC provides that people at risk for more extreme disease embody newborns contaminated across the time of delivery; older adults (65 years or older); and people with medical circumstances resembling diabetes or coronary heart disease. 

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How are you able to shield towards Chikungunya?

The CDC urges vacationers to forestall mosquito bites by sporting insect repellent, long-sleeved shirts and pants, and staying in locations with air-con. Go to a healthcare supplier instantly if you happen to develop fever, headache, muscle ache, joint swelling and ache, or rash during or after travel.

There is no particular therapy for the virus, although two Chikungunya vaccines, Ixchiq and Vimkunya, have been accredited within the United States. Taking a vaccination is very really helpful if you happen to plan on touring to an space with an outbreak of the virus. 

Europeans share ‘annoying’ traits Americans tend to do abroad

The magnificence of touring lies in studying and adapting to completely different cultures, which broadens your horizon and in the end adjustments the best way you see the world. But this may be tough for some—particularly when you do not have a native to show you the ropes.

On Reddit, a person shared that they had been going to travel to Europe and wished to be “mindful of cultural variations“. In order to be ready and culturally conscious earlier than the trip, they turned to Reddit.

“Are there different issues that Americans generally do that may come off as impolite or thoughtless in Germany, even when unintentional? I’m attempting to keep away from that” the person wrote.

Various customers chimed in and shared their experiences on what to not do whereas touring in Europe.

We rounded up the best items of advice from Reddit to make sure you are all ready earlier than heading to Europe:

Remember that US {dollars} should not accepted

The person defined, “Some people really were shocked by that!” Someone else responded, “Huh? People attempt to pay with USD in Europe? I get border Canadian cities, and possibly Mexico…however in Europe??? Crazy”

Don’t be loud

Various Europeans reiterated this level on the thread—and this remark obtained over 1000 upvotes. One stated, “To add to this: not realizing Sunday is meant to be especially quiet” and one other said, “You read my mind. You can hear an American half way down the tube train. Not all but often. And no it’s not just the accent. It’s volume.” And the following remark stated, “They have zero awareness how loud they are”.

Don’t make pointless small discuss

Some Redditors stated that whereas people are pleasant, additionally they “value their privacy”. “If someone is not that interested into small talk, it is usually nothing personally against you,” the person defined. The subsequent person additionally highlighted this level by writing, “Making too much small talk with people who aren’t interested.” And one other particular person stated, “Don’t ask ‘How are you?’ if i am not your friend or coworker.”

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Don’t evaluate every thing to US

Many Europeans point out this. “Don’t compare everything to the US, that makes you look provincial” one stated. While one other added, “Stop talking about yourself/your country. Every American I hear always makes it about them/their country. Again, no one gives a shit if you see something and then want to compare to how things are in the US.”

Another person chimed in, “Most important is to be aware you’re not in the US, and people don’t want to be there. They won’t appreciate being told how stuff should be done”

Be understanding if somebody is not fluent in English

A person defined, “Most people (at least in bigger or touristy places) can both speak and understand English well enough for normal conversations, but if you run into someone who is not that fluent, then just be understanding about that.”

Royal Caribbean announces ban on-board over environmental concerns – Cruises – Travel

Royal Caribbean is taking a stand towards rubber geese. The cruise line’s Oasis of the Seas, one of the most important cruise ships on this planet, boasts an open-air atrium referred to as ‘Central Park’, which is full of lush greenery. This space has change into fashionable amongst passengers for hiding rubber geese as half of a duck scavenger hunt.

This seemingly innocent exercise is actually threatening the fragile panorama of the plants. An indication within the inexperienced space said, “Please help us protect the plants. This is a duck free zone. Please don’t hide ducks in Central Park” as per a Facebook post.

A touch upon the post notes that this data has been posted on the Royal Caribbean weblog as properly. One passenger wrote, “So sad. My son loves hiding and searching for ducks in Central Park but we also have a strict rule of not touching the plants.” While one other added, “When I was on Oasis in April, I did see people digging in the dirt looking for those little ducks.” 

This rule is no surprise as looking for cruise geese has change into a fashionable pastime amongst youngsters on board, who may dig into a flower mattress in the event that they spot a duck. 

Where else are passengers not allowed to cover geese?

Ducks shouldn’t be hidden in retailers, swimming pools, sizzling tubs, and inexperienced areas like Central Park. Passengers should additionally keep away from hiding the geese in stairwells and anyplace geese might fall overboard into the sea.

Can passengers conceal geese in different areas of the cruise?

Yes, passengers are allowed to cover rubber geese in most different public areas. 

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The architectural innovation of Oasis of the Seas

Oasis of the Seas got here out 15 years in the past, and marked the daybreak of a new period for the cruise line. It was the primary cruise ship to have distinct neighborhoods, an open-air park, and more. 

Royal Caribbean did not simply plant some greenery on the highest deck to create Central Park. Instead, the cruise line needed to utterly restructure the mannequin of a conventional cruise ship.

Royal Caribbean succeeded at building what appeared like a actual oasis on a ship—dotted with winding walkways, hundreds of tropical plants, and eating places and bars. Central Park is maintained with care and diligence by an knowledgeable group of horticulturalists. 

The new rule to ban geese from Central Park is thus an try to guard the inexperienced space which is one of the cruise ship’s most spectacular options. 

Downing horror as two cruise passengers die hours apart at new resort – US News – News

Two American vacationers misplaced their lives in  separate drowning incidents at Carnival Cruise Line’s newly inaugurated personal resort, Celebration Key, simply hours apart.

The tragedies occurred on Friday (August 15) much less than a month after the $600 million Grand Bahama Island resort opened its doorways to friends. The first incident concerned a 79-yr-outdated man who turned unresponsive whereas snorkeling at the seaside round 1.00 PM.

Despite speedy rescue efforts and CPR administered by on-website lifeguards, he was pronounced useless shortly thereafter. Later that afternoon, at roughly 2.30 PM, a 74-yr-outdated lady was discovered unresponsive in a single of the resort’s freshwater lagoons. She was additionally pronounced useless after medical makes an attempt to revive her. It comes as an Amy Bradley cruise ship cameraman reveals ‘creepy’ second he found last footage.

Both victims have been passengers aboard totally different Carnival ships: the Mardi Gras, which had departed from Port Canaveral, Florida, and the Carnival Elation, which had sailed from Jacksonville, Florida.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force has initiated investigations into each incidents, and autopsies are pending to find out the precise causes of demise. Celebration Key, which opened on July 19, is an unique vacation spot for Carnival friends.

The resort boasts a number of sights, together with the world’s largest freshwater lagoon, Starfish Lagoon, and an 11,000-sq.-foot infinity pool at the Pearl Cove Beach Club. It additionally options the Calypso Lagoon, an adults-solely space with the world’s largest swim-up bar, and gives actions such as paddleboarding and a selection of eating choices.

Carnival Cruise Line has expressed its condolences to the households of the deceased and is offering help by its Care Team. The company confirmed that lifeguards and medical personnel responded promptly to each emergencies.

A spokesperson acknowledged: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the guests and their families.” The resort, which might accommodate two ships concurrently, is predicted to host at least one ship per day over the following 12 months.

Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy beforehand described Celebration Key as a vital milestone, highlighting its appeal as a premium seaside vacation spot for friends looking for each leisure and journey

Rare ‘black alert’ issued for popular vacation hotspot as tourists warned to stay away – World News – News

A popular Spanish vacation vacation spot has been hit with two black flags for air pollution by an environmental group, which factors the finger on the inflow of tourists.

The Canary Islands, a favourite amongst many British holidaymakers, is seeing a rise in guests to La Graciosa, as soon as thought of much less spoiled than its bigger counterparts, Tenerife and Lanzarote. However, two of La Graciosa’s seashores have now been flagged for their uncleanliness.

La Graciosa, located simply two kilometers north of Lanzarote throughout the Strait of El Río, has had two of its seashores named by Ecologistas en Accion (Ecologists in Action). This group yearly identifies the dirtiest spots alongside the Spanish coast. The black flags got to Playa de Caleta de Sebo, the island’s most populated space, and Playa de la Francesa, situated barely additional down the coast.

Since 2005, Ecologistas en Acción’s yearly report has spotlighted environmental mismanagement in Spain. The group attributes the environmental points plaguing La Graciosa to tourism, noting that whereas the island solely has 720 residents, it welcomes round 300,000 guests every year.

According to Ecologistas en Acción, the seashore in Caleta de Sebo is poorly maintained, with waste from non-public boats, ferries docking on the port, beachgoers, and eating places contributing to the air pollution drawback. “The increase in the number of boats, waste, and activities pollute the beach,” the group declared.

At Playa de la Francesa, officers have issued warnings about “boats with tourists that come, generating noise, feeding seagulls and fish, and leaving excrement and toilet paper”.

This marks the second consecutive yr the seashore has acquired a black flag designation, having additionally made the listing in 2023.

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The environmental group particularly criticized the catamaran tours arriving on the shoreline, stating they “hold parties, meals, games, and contests with loud music and leaving waste behind on the sand and in the water.”

This development coincides with mounting frustration from residents throughout the Canary Islands and different Spanish vacation locations, who’ve staged demonstrations in opposition to what they understand as extreme tourism.

However, the prospect of protests and a chilly welcome seems inadequate to discourage vacationers from flocking to the Canary Islands.

During June 2025, the archipelago achieved a document-breaking milestone for worldwide customer numbers, based mostly on contemporary statistics from the National Institute of Statistics (INE).

International arrivals climbed to 7.84 million in June, marking a 4% surge in contrast to the equivalent timeframe final yr.

The inflow of tourists additionally boosted expenditure throughout the Islands, with worldwide friends injecting $1.70 billion into the regional financial system in June, representing almost an 8.5% soar from the earlier yr.

United Airlines flight grounded due to woman with ‘extreme diarrhea’ – Weird News – News

A woman who ‘single-handedly’ induced a flight within the US to be canceled has issued a groveling apology to her fellow passengers.

Meghan Reinertsen’s heartfelt confession has gone viral on TikTok after an incident led to the flight being canceled.

She was on her means from Portugal to the United States for a movie premiere when she had to face an embarrassing realization mid-flight.

The actress and author admitted she felt “a disturbance deep, deep” down and needed help.

Meghan confessed to feeling unwell, and suffered from such extreme diarrhea your complete flight had to be canceled.

Meghan recounted the episode during the United Airlines flight the place she knew “something was happening” and she or he “wasn’t prepared to deal with it”.

Meghan, who works as a dwell-in nanny, suffered from such intense diarrhea that specialists had been referred to as in to tackle the scenario.

In a now-viral TikTok video with her 20million followers, Meghan expressed her apologies, assuring these impacted that her ordeal was not “without pain and suffering” on her half. Meghan admitted: “I single-handedly got a flight out of Indianapolis canceled.

“If that flight cancellation modified the trajectory of your life in a actually damaging means, I’m so sorry.” The unfortunate incident began while Meghan was en route from Portugal to the U.S.

She fell asleep on her first flight, hoping for a quick journey to continue her travels. Upon arriving at Newark Airport in New York, Meghan barely managed to navigate through customs.

Yet, the worst was still to come. On her connecting flight, Meghan dashed to the lavatory despite the seatbelt sign being illuminated, in an effort to avoid a public mishap.

She recounted the harrowing experience: “I could not let that occur to me so for the following 20 minutes, I’ve more diarrhea than any human ought to have of their life. I’m full physique sweating, I’m crying, my insides are cramping.”

During the episode, Meghan became nauseous, which led her to urgently signal a flight attendant for help. After vomiting into a bag handed to her by the flight crew, she learned upon exiting the restroom the plane’s subsequent takeoff had been called off due to the chaos she had inadvertently caused.

She confessed the situation was so dire that it necessitated a team of specialist cleaners in hazmat gear to sanitize the area, and she herself was escorted off the aircraft in a wheelchair to the baggage claim.

The actress explained the aftermath: “They canceled that flight as a result of of me. The hazmat group [had] to are available and clean it, as a result of [they didn’t] know if I’d introduced [a disease] back from Portugal.”

Meghan attributes the calamitous occasion to eating a partially uncooked hamburger in Portugal the night earlier than her flight.

Carnival cancels five cruises after shipyard strike causes delays – Cruises – Travel

Five cruises canceled on Carnival Breeze

Carnival Breeze, which sails Western Caribbean cruises yr-spherical from Galveston, Texas, has five cancelled cruises attributable to schedule modifications for the Carnival cruise ship dry docks. 

The five Carnival Breeze cruises now cancelled have been scheduled to depart on Jan. 11, 2027, March 5, 2027, March 13, 2027, March 18, 2027, and March 22, 2027.

“Due to a short-term change in itinerary and dry dock plans (scheduled maintenance) for Carnival Breeze for the specific timeframe referenced above, we are sorry to inform you that the above voyages, including yours, have been cancelled,” the cruise line wrote in an e-mail to the passengers.

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What impacted passengers can do

The cruise line helps passengers get on different cruises, whereas sustaining their cruise fares on related voyages with comparable lodging. Impacted passengers who go for an different cruise can even get onboard credit.

Passengers who don’t wish to reschedule their voyage may have their cruise fares and any pre-bought objects refunded absolutely.

What people are saying

Despite the well timed notices, passengers are naturally displeased with the cancellations. Some add that the cancellations are one of the various methods the cruise line has been letting its passengers down in latest instances.

In June, the cruise line launched a Carnival Rewards loyalty program—which many passengers have deemed as a “money grab”.

Passengers have additionally condemned the high costs for add-ons and the restricted choices on the cruise line’s new unique vacation spot in The Bahamas, Celebration Key. Customers identified that as compared, the cruise line’s competitor Royal Caribbean permits its passengers to get pleasure from limitless food use their cruise beverage packages at CocoCay. 

“If Carnival is making an attempt to up their recreation and compete with Royal, have any of the ‘beards’ been to CocoCay? Almost the whole lot is included, together with drinks since they’ve already been paid for if somebody has the [beverage] bundle,” commented Carol Lee on one of Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald’s Facebook posts.