If you're looking for a Fort Lauderdale hotel close to some great shopping, the AC Hotel Sawgrass Mills is the best option. We had a late flight out of Fort Lauderdale after our cruise, so we booked a day stay here— and it was perfect.
Set to sail this November, the Disney Destiny will bring Disney’s most iconic villains to life with immersive entertainment, themed lounges, and mischievous encounters. See what’s coming aboard Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship.
Just a heads-up—this isn’t a sponsored post. We paid for everything ourselves, and I’m just sharing our honest experience.
If you’re looking for a Fort Lauderdale hotel close to some great shopping, the AC Hotel Sawgrass Mills is the best option. We had a late flight out of Fort Lauderdale after our cruise, so we booked a day stay here— and it was perfect.
I reserved our room through dayuse.com and we took an Uber from the port to the hotel. Check-in was quick and easy—the gentleman at the front desk was friendly and efficient.
We booked a corner king room, which could comfortably sleep four. This accessible space had a large bathroom with accessible benches and a wider hallway to accommodate wheelchairs.
The room itself was modern and well-designed, with a king bed, a pull-out couch, and a long bench perfect for holding luggage.
Instead of a traditional closet, there was an open rack setup that held the Iron, Ironing board, a safe, a beverage fridge, and a single-use coffee machine.
If you need a quick snack or drink, the hotel has a small convenience store in the lobby stocked with beverages and snacks. There is a bar/lounge on the top floor with an outdoor patio that overlooks the area.
The hotel also has a gym, conference spaces, and a business center.
One of the best features of this hotel is its proximity to Sawgrass Mills Mall—one of the largest malls I’ve ever shopped at! Inside, you’ll find familiar stores like Gap, Nike, Hillfiger, Ralph Lauren and J.Crew, while outside, there’s a great selection of higher-end options like Burberry, Gucci, YSL, and Moncler.
We grabbed a bite to eat at the mall, did a little shopping, and then relaxed at the hotel while waiting for our flight. It was the perfect, stress-free way to wrap up our trip.
The hotel isn’t as close to the port as some of the waterfront options, but it’s a great choice if you want to squeeze in some shopping before heading home. Worth noting: this hotel does not have a pool.
Note about Dayuse: The price is the price — it stayed consistent whether we booked a month in advance or last minute. I didn’t notice it fluctuate as our date got closer, which I really liked because we booked last minute, and sometimes you can see an increase when you do.
If you’ve ever thought the villains were more fun than the heroes, the Disney Destiny might just be your dream ship. Disney Cruise Line dropped new details today about the ship’s upcoming experiences — and it’s clear they’re leaning all the way into the darker, more mischievous side of Disney.
Set to sail this November, the Disney Destiny will celebrate both heroes and villains in ways Disney fans have never seen before. While the ship’s theme — Heroes and Villains — was first teased back in August, today’s announcement gives a much deeper look at the “fiendishly fun” adventures guests can expect onboard.
A Grand Entrance Fit for Heroes…and Villains
Image VIA Disney Cruise Line
Your journey into the world of good and evil begins the moment you step into the Grand Hall. Inspired by Marvel Studios’ Black Panther, this elegant space will reflect the duality of the ship’s theme, shifting from bright and optimistic to dark and mysterious throughout the day.
With 360-degree lighting effects, the Grand Hall will react to visiting characters — including an epic arrival from Loki himself. Always the trickster, Loki will be stirring up chaos by popping up in unexpected places, rewriting history, and even challenging guests to a competition to prove their loyalty. (Be prepared to explain the concept of all-you-can-eat soft serve to an Asgardian. He’ll need convincing.)
Wicked Entertainment Everywhere You Look
Image VIA Disney Cruise Line
Beyond the Grand Hall, Disney Destiny will offer guests even more opportunities to rub elbows with iconic villains:
Cruella de Vil will host two brand-new experiences. First, she’ll critique guest fashion on her very own runway (expect blunt honesty). Later, when she hears that terribly inaccurate “Cruella de Vil” song, she might pull you into creating a more “flattering” musical tribute to herself.
Dr. Facilier will be hanging around the Grand Hall, dazzling guests with sleight of hand, fortune telling, and games of chance. Don’t worry — it’s all in good fun (or is it?).
Maleficent will hold court in the Saga entertainment lounge, offering spellbinding encounters and a glittering assembly for those brave enough to approach her.
It’s all part of Disney Cruise Line’s new commitment to making villains not just part of the story, but the stars of the show.
Chic Lounges and Mischievous Pubs
When you’re ready to relax, the Destiny has a few wickedly themed lounges to choose from:
De Vil’s Piano Lounge: Inspired by One Hundred and One Dalmatians and the live-action Cruella movie, this adults-only space drips in red, black, and white glamour. Sip chic cocktails, enjoy live piano music, and embrace your inner fashion icon — or villain.
Cask and Cannon: A pirate-themed pub straight out of Pirates of the Caribbean. Share a round of rum (or two), swap tall tales of high-seas adventure, and check out the pub’s collection of “borrowed” pirate treasures.
Even the AquaMouse attraction — Disney Cruise Line’s signature water coaster — is getting a mischievous twist. On Sing a Silly Song, Mickey and Minnie face off against villains like the Queen of Hearts, Scar, and Chernabog during a splashy, silly, and slightly spooky ride up Villain Mountain.
Fans of the Haunted Mansion will want to visit the Haunted Mansion Parlor, debuting first on the Disney Treasure and then sailing aboard the Disney Destiny. Designed to feel like an eerie first-class drawing room, this ghostly bar serves up chilling cocktails and a new storyline centered on a doomed ship captain, all wrapped in a nostalgic art style and spooky soundtrack.
The Disney Destiny marks another bold step for Disney Cruise Line as it expands its fleet, joining the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and the upcoming Disney Adventure, which will homeport in Singapore.
Princess Cruises is gearing up for the exciting debut of its newest ship, the Star Princess, set to launch on October 4, 2025. As the second ship in the line’s Sphere Class, the Star Princess blends next-generation design with the classic Princess experience, offering guests new features, stunning entertainment, exclusive dining venues, and family-friendly spaces.
Image VIA Princess Cruise Lines
Here’s a full look at what to expect when you step aboard this new ship:
Ship Specifications and Launch Details
Length: 1,133 feet
Beam: 126 feet
Gross Tonnage: 175,500
Guest Capacity: 4,300 passengers
Crew: 1,500
Fuel Type: Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) for greater sustainability
Sister Ship: Sun Princess February 2024
Originally scheduled for an August 2025 launch, construction delays shifted the maiden voyage to October 4, 2025, with the ship sailing an inaugural Mediterranean season before heading to the Caribbean.
Innovative Features
The Star Princess is packed with new, first-of-their-kind spaces for Princess:
The Dome: A stunning glass-enclosed pool area by day, which transforms into a dynamic entertainment venue with aerial performances and live shows at night. Inspired by Santorini’s terraces.
The Sphere: A breathtaking, glass-enclosed Piazza offering 360-degree ocean views at the heart of the ship.
Princess Arena: A next-generation, reconfigurable theater that hosts a variety of dazzling live productions.
Onboard Dining:
Dining aboard Star Princess is a journey in itself, with exciting new venues joining returning favorites:
Image VIA Princess Cruise Lines
The Butcher’s Block by Dario: Legendary butcher Dario Cecchini brings his expertise to sea, offering aged, premium cuts of meat in a lively, rustic setting.
Love by Britto: First introduced on Sun Princess, this specialty restaurant brings a colorful and playful atmosphere to the dining experience. Created in partnership with world-renowned artist Romero Britto, the venue celebrates love, life, and creativity through both its setting and its menu. Guests can enjoy a prix fixe meal curated by Master Chef Rudi Sodamin, designed to be as imaginative as the artwork that surrounds them.
Makoto Ocean: Celebrity chef Makoto Okuwa’s new venue serves beautifully crafted sushi and Japanese dishes with a modern flair.
The Eatery: A relaxed buffet-style restaurant featuring global cuisine with both indoor and outdoor seating options.
The Catch by Rudi: A seafood-forward dining experience by Chef Rudi Sodamin, offering beautifully presented lobster, shrimp, oysters, and his signature Fruits de Mer tower.
Horizons Dining Room: The three-story main dining room with spectacular wake views and an ever-changing menu.
Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria: Serving traditional Italian family recipes.
Crown Grill: A classic Princess steakhouse experience.
Umai Teppanyaki: An interactive dining option where chefs prepare meals right in front of guests.
Image VIA Princess Cruise Lines
Staterooms and Suites
Accommodations on Star Princess offer both innovation and indulgence:
Image VIA Princess Cruise Lines
Sanctuary Collection Suites: Star Princess introduces the Sanctuary Collection, an elevated experience for guests staying in select premium suites. Guests enjoy:
Exclusive access to the Sanctuary Club, a private outdoor relaxation area.Private dining at the Sanctuary Restaurant.Reserved seating in the Princess Arena theater.A complimentary spa treatment.Priority embarkation and disembarkation, plus concierge service.
The Sanctuary Collection creates a ship-within-a-ship feel, offering added privacy and upscale perks.
All-New Cabana Mini-Suites (Deck 9): Unique to Star Princess, these mini-suites include:
An indoor-outdoor cabana that extends the living space.
Access to the exclusive Cabana Deck, an outdoor relaxation zone only for Cabana guests.
Modern decor, luxury bedding, and spacious seating areas.
Sky Suites: Located at the top of the ship, these two-bedroom, two-bathroom suites offer the largest balconies at sea—perfect for families or groups.
Family-Friendly Spaces
Star Princess makes sure there’s plenty for families to love, with spaces that are designed just as much for kids and teens as they are for parents.
Firefly Park is a bright, colorful space made for younger kids, starting at just six months old and going up to about seven years. It’s designed with fun activities, creative play areas, and even offers late-night babysitting if parents want a little time to themselves.
Neon Grove is where tweens can hang out, play video games, get creative, and just chill in a space that’s all their own — perfect for those in-between ages.
The Underground gives teens a stylish spot to meet up, with movie nights, video games, dance parties, and more ways to stay entertained on their terms.
If you heard about Park19 on the Sun Princess, you might know the original version needed a few tweaks. On Star Princess, they’re getting it right from the start. Park19 will open fully ready to go with a sports court for pickleball and basketball, plus a jogging track, a splash pad for kids to cool off, and plenty of shaded areas where families can relax and catch a break from the sun.
Bars and Lounges
Star Princess features a mix of lively and relaxing spots to grab a drink:
Image VIA Princess Cruise Lines
Spellbound by Magic Castle: A magical Victorian-themed bar where real magicians perform mind-bending tricks, all paired with theatrical cocktails.
Crooners: A classic piano bar serving up martinis and live music.
O’Malley’s Irish Pub: An authentic pub experience with traditional snacks, hearty drinks, and nightly entertainment.
Wheelhouse Bar: A cozy lounge with a rich nautical vibe and an excellent whiskey selection.
Bellini’s Cocktail Bar: The place for sparkling cocktails and Italian-inspired drinks located in the Piazza.
Good Spirits at Sea: A destination-focused cocktail experience where bartenders craft drinks inspired by ports of call while telling the story behind each drink.
Entertainment and Shows:
Guests can look forward to a large variety of entertainment every night:
Broadway-style shows at the Princess Arena.
Live aerial performances under The Dome.
Magic acts at Spellbound by Magic Castle.
Live music across several venues, from intimate piano performances to high-energy Irish pub nights.
Inaugural Itineraries:
Maiden Voyage: An 11-day Mediterranean cruise departing Barcelona on October 4, 2025, visiting ports in Italy, Greece, and Turkey.
Transatlantic Crossing: A 14-day sailing from Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale departing October 22, 2025.
Caribbean Season: Starting November 2025, Star Princess will sail Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Fort Lauderdale.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has announced an expansion of Great Stirrup Cay, its exclusive Bahamian private island. Set to debut in 2026, the sweeping enhancements will introduce expanded beaches, a luxurious new pool area, a state-of-the-art pier, upgraded dining, and more.
As cruise lines increasingly focus on creating unforgettable private island experiences, Norwegian’s investment in Great Stirrup Cay is aimed at offering guests more luxury, adventure, and convenience than ever before.
Here’s a look at everything travelers can expect once the upgrades are complete.
New Oceanfront Pool Area
One of the most anticipated additions is a 28,000-square-foot oceanfront pool, designed as a new centerpiece for relaxation and recreation.
IMAGE VIA NCL
The sprawling pool complex will feature swim-up bars, plush lounge chairs, cabanas for rent, and spectacular ocean views. A dedicated kids’ area will also be included, offering families a safe and fun space to splash and play.
IMAGE VIA NCL
A Redesigned Arrival Experience
Norwegian is also introducing a new arrivals area, aimed at providing a more welcoming start to guests’ island day.
IMAGE VIA NCL
Travelers will now be able to relax under a beautiful new pergola, offering shaded seating with views of the coastline. From there, guests can stroll across the new overlook bridge, positioned 40 feet above the ocean, for panoramic views and perfect photo opportunities before setting out to explore the island.
This enhanced entryway is designed to make the first moments on Great Stirrup Cay both memorable and stress-free.
State-of-the-Art Pier and Island Tram
Another major convenience coming in 2026 is the installation of a new state-of-the-art pier.
IMAGE VIA NCL
Once completed, the pier will allow ships to dock directly at the island, eliminating the need for tender boats. Guests will be able to go ashore whenever they’re ready, offering a smoother and faster start to their island experience.
Additionally, a new island tram system will help guests navigate Great Stirrup Cay with ease. Whether heading to the pool, beach, or Silver Cove, the tram will make exploring the expanded island accessible and effortless.
New Recreational Spaces: Horizon Park and Chill Area
Great Stirrup Cay’s transformation will also introduce Horizon Park, a new outdoor space designed for casual fun.
At Horizon Park, guests can enjoy the latest lawn games, providing a relaxed environment for friendly competition. Adjacent to the park, a new chill area will offer shaded spaces for lounging, making it easy for visitors to unwind and soak in the natural beauty of the island.
Both new zones are intended to create a more versatile experience, whether guests want to be active or simply kick back and relax.
Expanded Beaches and Private Retreats
The island’s beaches are being expanded and enhanced, offering more pristine shoreline for sunbathing, swimming, and watersports.
Silver Cove, Great Stirrup Cay’s exclusive retreat, will also grow, adding new luxury villas with upgraded amenities like air-conditioning, private bathrooms, outdoor showers, and personalized service. Guests seeking privacy and premium comforts will have more options than ever before.
IMAGE VIA NCL
Enhanced Dining and Bar Experiences
Food and drink offerings across the island will also be elevated. While favorites like Jumbey Beach Grill and Abaco Taco will remain, new upscale dining options are set to open within Silver Cove, offering more variety and higher-end cuisine.
Bars across the island will see upgrades too, with expanded menus featuring tropical cocktails, frozen drinks, and local flavors, easily accessible from the beach, pool, and dining areas.
More Activities and Adventure
For guests seeking adventure, Great Stirrup Cay’s upgrades will offer even more options:
Expanded snorkeling trails with new underwater features and marine habitats.
Updated WaveRunner tours with improved routes and equipment.
Eco boat tours showcasing the island’s diverse ecosystem.
Popular beach activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, and floating mats will remain available, ensuring there’s something for every pace of vacation.
Accessibility improvements will make Great Stirrup Cay more welcoming to all guests, with better pathways, beach access points, and enhanced transportation.
Sustainability is also a focus, with Norwegian Cruise Line investing in coral reef preservation, waste management improvements, and initiatives to protect the island’s natural landscapes and wildlife.
When Will the New Great Stirrup Cay Be Ready?
All enhancements are scheduled to be completed in 2026, with select features potentially opening in phases beforehand. During construction, Great Stirrup Cay will remain open to guests, ensuring the island continues to be a signature stop on many Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries.
Once completed, the upgraded Great Stirrup Cay will deliver a mix of luxury, convenience, adventure, and sustainability, helping it stand out — as competition among private island destinations continues to grow.
They always say bring extra snacks just in case when you travel — and for passengers stuck on two Delta flights last week, that advice would have made a very long night just a little more bearable.
Imagine this: you’re headed home from Mexico. You’re supposed to connect through Atlanta. But instead, your plane — and another one — get diverted to Montgomery, Alabama. You land at an airport that doesn’t even have customs — meaning legally, you’re not allowed to get off the plane.
That’s exactly what happened to passengers aboard Delta Flights 1828 from Cabo San Lucas and 599 from Mexico City on Wednesday night.
Delta Air Lines Boeing 737-900ER airplane Atlanta Airport
“We ended up in Montgomery, which is not an international airport,” passenger Lauren Forbes told WVCB in a video call from the terminal. “I guess the law is that if there’s no customs at the airport, you are literally stuck on that airplane. So, I just learned that today.”
Delta confirmed that both planes were bound for Atlanta when crews were forced to divert due to severe weather. Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport wasn’t an option either because of storms. One of the pilots even told passengers they were originally aiming for Birmingham but had to make a quick decision: “He was really trying to make it to Birmingham, but we were going to run out of gas,” Forbes said.
Here’s how the night unfolded. Flight 1828 (150 passengers) departed Cabo San Lucas at 5:17 p.m. It landed in Montgomery and reached a gate at 10:34 p.m. Passengers weren’t allowed to leave the plane until 5:23 a.m. the next day.
Flight 599 (147 passengers) left Mexico City at 6:16 p.m. It reached a gate in Montgomery at 10:22 p.m. Those passengers were held onboard until 5:15 a.m.
While they sat trapped for hours overnight, there wasn’t much comfort onboard. Forbes said the crew could only distribute water and cookies.
“So everyone’s very ravenous still, and they just kept changing [the plan],” she explained. At times, passengers tried to sleep, but it wasn’t peaceful. “People would sleep, but then you were woken up by the announcements. And there was a point where people just said, you know, don’t make the announcement if it’s going to be a lie,” Forbes said.
When passengers were finally allowed to disembark, they didn’t even use a jet bridge. The planes were too large. Instead, everyone had to walk down a stairway onto the freezing, dark tarmac, huddling together with hundreds of others in the cold.
“It was freezing, and it was dark, and there were hundreds of us just standing there,” Forbes recalled.
Inside the terminal, the experience didn’t get much better. Passengers were confined to a small area — and even the bathrooms were guarded by police.
“There were police even guarding the bathrooms,” Forbes said.
To make matters worse, while Delta booked them flights from Montgomery to Atlanta, Forbes said her boyfriend had to call customer service himself to book their final leg back to Boston. “We shouldn’t have to be responsible for that,” she said.
Delta issued an apology afterward: “We sincerely apologize to our customers for this experience. We fell short of how we aspire to serve and care for our customers amid thunderstorms in the Southeast U.S. Thursday evening. We are reaching out to each customer with a full refund of their booking,” a Delta spokesperson said.
It’s a travel nightmare few could imagine — stranded for hours, running low on patience (and cookies), freezing on the tarmac, and guarded inside the terminal — all while just trying to get home.
Moral of the story? Bring snacks. Maybe bring a blanket too. And if you’re traveling internationally, hope your pilot doesn’t have to make an unexpected stop where customs isn’t even an option.
Private islands have become increasingly important to cruisers, offering exclusive, curated environments where food, beach chairs, and activities are often included in the price of the cruise. As demand grows for elevated beach day experiences, Carnival Cruise Line is making a significant push to enhance its private island offerings, with major upgrades planned for Isla Tropicale and the highly anticipated launch of Celebration Key.
A New Era for Mahogany Bay
Carnival’s well-loved Mahogany Bay destination in Roatán, Honduras, is getting a major makeover and a new name: Isla Tropicale. Set against the backdrop of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef—the second-largest reef in the world—the island is already known for its lush landscapes, white sand beaches, and activities like snorkeling, wildlife encounters, and aerial rides on the “Magical Flying Beach Chair.”
Now, Carnival has announced plans for a substantial transformation of Isla Tropicale, scheduled for 2026. While full details have yet to be revealed, the upgrades are expected to include expanded beach areas, upgraded dining options, new cabanas, additional pools, and refreshed recreational facilities.
IMAGE via CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES
The move mirrors a broader industry trend, as cruise lines increasingly invest in their private destinations to create loyalty among guests and provide more reasons to book. By refreshing Isla Tropicale, Carnival is aiming to offer guests a more modern, varied, and immersive beach day that extends beyond the traditional sun-and-sand experience.
Celebration Key: Carnival’s Largest Private Destination to Date
While Isla Tropicale’s updates are still on the horizon, Carnival is preparing to unveil a brand-new destination much sooner. Celebration Key, located on the south side of Grand Bahama Island, is scheduled to open in July 2025.
IMAGE via CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES
The 65-acre development will be exclusive to Carnival guests and is designed to cater to a range of vacation styles with five distinct areas, or “portals.”
IMAGE via CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES
Paradise Plaza: A central hub featuring live music, a Bahamian-inspired fountain, and guest services.
Calypso Lagoon: An adult-friendly zone with a massive freshwater lagoon, swim-up bars, and dining spaces.
Starfish Lagoon: A family-focused area with a splash pad, sports courts, and beach villas.
Pearl Cove Beach Club: An adults-only beach club with private cabanas, an infinity pool, and upscale amenities.
Lokono Cove: A vibrant cultural marketplace showcasing Bahamian crafts, art, and music.
IMAGE via CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES
In addition to these distinct experiences, Celebration Key will offer more than 30 dining and bar venues, both complimentary and specialty, along with activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and island tours.
IMAGE via CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES
The facility has been designed to accommodate two of Carnival’s largest ships simultaneously, offering a new level of capacity and variety.
IMAGE via CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES
Carnival Vista is slated to make the inaugural call to Celebration Key on July 19, 2025, marking the start of regular visits to the new destination.
Together, the upgrades to Isla Tropicale and the launch of Celebration Key signal a strategic shift for Carnival Cruise Line. With cruisers increasingly looking for more value, entertainment, and variety on private island days, these investments allow Carnival to compete with other major cruise lines that have similarly transformed their private destinations.
The focus is clear: private islands are no longer just an added perk—they are becoming an essential part of the overall cruise experience. By upgrading Isla Tropicale and creating Celebration Key from the ground up, Carnival is positioning itself to meet—and shape—the evolving expectations of today’s cruise travelers.
Since opening its doors in 1988, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has set the gold standard for luxury at Walt Disney World. With its elegant Victorian theming, next-level dining experiences, and prime location just steps away from Magic Kingdom, the Grand Floridian has long been hailed as the crown jewel of Disney resorts — and often ranked as the number one hotel on property.
Image VIA: Disney Parks
Now, the resort is about to unveil the latest phase of its ongoing transformation: a reimagined lobby that promises to preserve its beloved heritage while refreshing its look for a new generation of guests.
A Tribute to the Golden Age of Travel
The Grand Floridian was originally designed to celebrate the golden age of travel and Florida’s grand seaside resorts. Its Victorian architecture, sweeping verandas, and polished details have made it a symbol of Disney luxury. Throughout the years, Disney has been committed to preserving the resort’s unique character, even as it undergoes updates to enhance the guest experience.
The lobby renovation marks the final chapter in a multi-year refurbishment project that has already seen the debut of updated guest rooms, reimagined dining venues like the newly refreshed Cítricos and Narcoossee’s, the return of 1900 Park Fare, and the continued excellence of the Michelin-starred Victoria & Albert’s.
New Grand Floridian Lobby Bar Coming Soon
One of the most exciting additions to the lobby will be a brand-new lobby bar, a first for the resort’s main atrium. Designed to complement the Grand Floridian’s iconic birdcage motif, the bar will feature intricate woodwork, stained glass, and brass accents that pay homage to the hotel’s Victorian roots.
The bar will be situated near the famous birdcage elevator and guests can expect to find subtle nods to colorful birds throughout the bar’s stained glass and murals, creating a whimsical yet elegant atmosphere perfect for unwinding with a handcrafted beverage.
A Fresh, Garden-Inspired Atmosphere
Beyond the new bar, the lobby itself is being thoughtfully refreshed. Disney Imagineers are carefully balancing the resort’s timeless charm with updated design elements that breathe new life into the space. The goal: to enhance the heart and story of the Grand Floridian while making it even more welcoming for today’s travelers.
The revitalized lobby will feature:
Botanical Accents: Inspired by turn-of-the-century botanical studies, hand-drawn floral patterns will adorn the new carpeting, which will be bordered with Victorian scrollwork.
Inviting Color Palette: garden-like tones will create an airy, fresh feeling, making the space feel both luxurious and relaxed.
Updated Furnishings: Rich finishes, cozy fabrics, and brass accents will blend classic elegance with inviting comfort. Playful design touches inspired by Florida’s natural beauty and Victorian decorating trends will be woven throughout.
Enhanced Front Desk and Staircase Areas: These iconic areas will also receive subtle updates to align with the new, lighter aesthetic while maintaining the grandeur that guests have loved for decades.
What Guests Can Expect
Despite the new look, guests will appreciate that the essence of the Grand Floridian will remain the same — from the soft piano music filling the atrium to the glowing chandeliers and signature floral arrangements. The renovation is designed to preserve what makes the resort so special while adding a layer of refinement that keeps it feeling fresh and vibrant.
While Disney has not announced an exact completion date, the updated lobby and new bar are expected to debut later in 2025.
Universal Orlando is kicking off Volcano Bay Nights this Saturday, offering guests a chance to experience an exclusive nighttime adventure at the popular water park. The limited-capacity event will take place on select Saturday nights this spring — including April 12, 26, and May 3, 10, and 17.
IMAGE VIA Universal Studios
During Volcano Bay Nights, vacationers can enjoy their favorite water attractions with shorter wait times and a relaxed atmosphere under the stars. Popular rides like Krakatau Aqua Coaster, Ko’okiri Body Plunge, and the Kala and Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides will be open throughout the event.
The evening also brings live entertainment, DreamWorks character meet and greets, and fun beach games. Guests can meet beloved characters like Shrek and Fiona, Puss in Boots and Kitty Soft Paws, King Julien and Alex from Madagascar, and Poppy, Branch, and Guy Diamond from Trolls. A live DJ will be spinning tunes on Waturi Beach, setting the scene for limbo contests, hula hoop games, and dancing beneath the park’s iconic 200-foot Krakatau volcano.
Complimentary island treats such as Spicy Island Shrimp and Cheesy Cliffside Seashell Pasta will be offered for guests to snack on, and each event ticket also includes a Volcano Bay Freestyle Souvenir Cup for unlimited Coca-Cola® drink refills throughout the night. Additional specialty food and beverage items will be available for purchase at Kohola Reef Restaurant and Social Club, Dancing Dragons Boat Bar, and Koka Poroka Ice Cream Kona.
Tickets for Volcano Bay Nights are priced at $99.00 plus tax per person, and self-parking is included. Guests can arrive as early as 4:00 p.m. to enjoy the park before the exclusive event officially kicks off at 7:00 p.m. Universal Orlando Passholders receive a 10% discount with a valid Annual or Seasonal Pass and photo ID. Tickets can be purchased by calling 407-224-7554, visiting any theme park front gate, or stopping by Guest Services.
For those wanting an upgraded experience, private cabanas will be available starting at $249.99. Cabanas must be reserved in person at the concierge huts inside Volcano Bay on the day of the event and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Carnival Cruise Line is charting a new course for its future. At a media event aboard Carnival Celebration in PortMiami, President Christine Duffy(pictured) announced the company’s “Innovation Itinerary” — a sweeping five-year plan built around three pillars: sailing the most fun fleet at sea, creating new experiences and destinations, and growing its loyal community of cruisers.
Image VIA Carnival Cruise Line
The updates include new ships, expanded private destinations, a refresh of onboard experiences, and enhancements to the loyalty program that recognize the changing ways people cruise today.
New Ships: A Nod to Carnival’s Past and Future
Carnival will expand its Excel-class lineup with two new ships: Carnival Festivale and Carnival Tropicale. Both names pay homage to early ships that helped define the brand’s reputation for fun vacations at sea.
Image VIA Carnival Cruise Line
Debuting in spring 2027, Carnival Festivale will homeport in Port Canaveral, Florida. Among its highlights:
New Music-Themed Zones: Spread across Decks 6, 7, and 8, two immersive areas will celebrate music as a universal language — one focusing on the creative process through interactive technology and sound experiences, the other capturing the energy of outdoor concerts.
More Family-Friendly Design: Nearly 1,000 interconnecting rooms — about 70% more than previous Excel ships — will cater to the growing number of multigenerational families cruising together. Festivale will also introduce a dedicated space for its Turtles program, serving children as young as six months.
Sunsation Point: Replacing the BOLT rollercoaster found on previous Excel ships, this sprawling, three-deck outdoor zone will feature Carnival Waterworks Ultra, the cruise line’s largest water park to date. Highlights include six water slides (four brand new designs), splash pads for toddlers, treehouse-inspired adventure trails, and nighttime water park parties with DJs and extended hours.
Sunsation Point Aerial Rendering Evening – Image VIA Carnival Cruise Line
Meanwhile, Carnival Tropicale will launch in 2028 with many of Festivale’s features and some unique elements of its own. More details about Tropicale’s design and homeport are expected later.
Further out, Carnival is working on Project Ace, a brand-new class of ships being built by Fincantieri. These ships, arriving in 2029, 2031, and 2033, will each be 230,000 gross tons with over 3,000 cabins — the largest ships ever for Carnival Corporation. Designed to carry up to 8,000 passengers at full capacity, Project Ace will debut new dining venues, entertainment concepts, and outer deck designs, signaling a major evolution for the brand.
Deployment Updates: Bringing Big Ships to Short Cruises
When Carnival Festivale enters service, Mardi Gras will switch to offering shorter cruises from Port Canaveral. The move is part of Carnival’s larger plan to make short cruises (three to five days) more accessible to travelers who can’t commit to a full week at sea.
MardiGras – Image VIA Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival’s short cruise options, already popular among families and first-time cruisers, will expand from almost every U.S. homeport except Baltimore and Seattle. The company also confirmed a return to year-round service in Mobile, Alabama by spring 2027 and is exploring moving a larger Conquest-class ship to Baltimore to replace Carnival Pride — increasing capacity for that important drive market.
Duffy emphasized that about 50% of Americans live within a five-hour drive of a Carnival homeport, making accessibility a key part of their strategy.
Revamped Private Destinations: Introducing the Paradise Collection
Carnival isn’t just expanding at sea. Their private island destinations are getting significant upgrades under a new branding initiative called the Paradise Collection, which will group Carnival’s exclusive and enhanced ports together.
Celebration Key Drone Shot – Image VIA Carnival Cruise Line
Key developments include:
Celebration Key (Grand Bahama Island): Opening July 2025, this first-ever destination designed specifically for Carnival guests will feature beaches, a massive freshwater lagoon, swim-up bars, and family-friendly areas. Over 20 ships from 10 U.S. homeports will visit Celebration Key on over 1,400 sailings.
Half Moon Cay (Bahamas): Consistently rated as one of the best private destinations, Half Moon Cay will expand by summer 2026 with a new pier for larger ships, more beach access, and new guest experiences — all while maintaining the island’s lush, untouched beauty.
Mahogany Bay (Roatan, Honduras): Rebranded as Isla Tropicale, the port will add a new pool with a swim-up bar, cabanas, and an expanded beach area. Carnival plans to further enhance it into a full-day resort experience by 2026.
Isla Tropicale Swim-Up Bar Rendering – Image VIA Carnival Cruise Line
Upgrading the Guest Experience on Existing Ships
Carnival is also turning its attention inward. Existing ships will see phased enhancements modeled on the newer Excel-class designs. These updates will include:
Modernized décor.
New dining concepts developed with Chief Culinary Officer Emeril Lagasse.
Updated entertainment offerings inspired by the experiences coming to Festivale and Tropicale.
Exact plans for ship drydocks and renovations will be announced as schedules are finalized.
RelaxAway Half Moon Cay Nature Pathway – Image VIA Carnival Cruise Line
Loyalty Program Refresh: More Rewards for Frequent Cruisers
Lastly, Carnival’s Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) loyalty program — in place since 2012 — will be getting a major refresh. New benefits designed to add more value for repeat guests will be announced this summer, with changes going into effect in 2026.
Duffy acknowledged the importance of Carnival’s passionate fan base and promised the new program would reflect the company’s growth and the evolving expectations of today’s cruisers.
From bigger ships and enhanced private islands to redesigned family spaces and new loyalty perks, the next five years promise to be some of the most transformative in the company’s history.
Most of us wouldn’t dream of leaving for vacation without double-checking our sunscreen, swimsuits, and chargers. But there’s one item few travelers think to bring — and it could save your life: a portable carbon monoxide monitor.
The tragic death of 14-year-old Miller Gardner, son of former New York Yankees player Brett Gardner, is a heartbreaking reminder of this hidden danger. While vacationing with his family in Costa Rica, Miller was exposed to carbon monoxide from a reported leak, later confirmed by Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Department. Tests showed high levels of carboxyhemoglobin, evidence that carbon monoxide had silently overtaken his system. Reports suggest the leak may have come from a faulty water heater — something almost no guest would ever think to check.
Unfortunately, incidents like this are becoming all too common. Three American women died from carbon monoxide exposure while staying at a Belize beach resort earlier this year. A family of four lost their lives over Christmas while vacationing in New Hampshire. Even at a ski resort in Georgia (the country), twelve people were found dead from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning.
The danger is that carbon monoxide is completely invisible — you can’t smell it, see it, or taste it. Without a working CO detector, there’s no easy way to know you’re being poisoned. Symptoms like headache, nausea, or dizziness often come on quickly and can be mistaken for food poisoning, heat exhaustion, or even jet lag.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, over 150 people die every year from non-fire-related carbon monoxide poisoning in the U.S. alone.
Would You Pack a Carbon Monoxide Monitor for Your Next Trip?
Small, battery-powered carbon monoxide monitors are affordable and easy to pack. Some are even designed specifically for travel, about the size of a deck of cards.
When you think about all the places you sleep while traveling — hotels, rental homes, cabins, houseboats — not all are guaranteed to have properly maintained equipment or even working CO detectors. In fact, regulations around carbon monoxide alarms in vacation properties vary widely from country to country, and even state to state.
A personal CO monitor could alert you within seconds if something’s wrong, giving you precious time to leave the area and call for help.
It’s not about being afraid to travel — it’s about being prepared.
Vacations are meant for adventure, relaxation, and creating memories. Packing a small carbon monoxide monitor is just another way to help make sure those memories are happy ones.
