Haven't heard of New Smyrna Beach? Here's why you should take note
Chances are you'll book clients to Florida on a regular basis whether it's to the parks in Orlando, the buzzy nightlife of Miami or the tropical beach scene of the Keys, but one destination you may have overlooked in the past offers a very different experience in the popular state.
New Smyrna Beach is a laid back seaside surf town north-east of Orlando where, instead of chain restaurants and rollercoaster rides, clients will find 17 miles of white sand beaches, colourful architecture, independent restaurants and a friendly, vibrant community. Whether they are keen to wind down from the high-octane thrills of Orlando, find a contrast to their Miami city beach experience or simply want a more boutique Florida getaway, New Smyrna Beach offers a warm welcome to them all.
You can get more top tips on how to sell New Smyrna Beach in our Florida Selling Guide.
Life's a beach
Beaches have to be one of the top draws for Brits travelling to Florida, and New Smyrna Beach's 17-mile stretch of golden sand, from Ponce de Leon Inlet to Canaveral National Seashore, is one of the best on the Atlantic Coast. As well as a relaxed beach vibe, visitors here can also expect to find a surfer's paradise with offshore rock ledges creating plentiful wave breaks.
The beach isn't the only water-based fun to be had here though. The Intracoastal Waterway or Indian River Lagoon, North America's most diverse estuary system – home to more than 4,000 species of plants, animals, birds and marine life – runs through New Smyrna Beach. Here visitors can try activities such as kayaking, paddle-boarding, fishing, boating and eco-guided river tours.
There are plenty of sports to try on land too. With nine golf courses, tennis courts, yoga classes and an abundance of biking trails, there is something to suit a variety of interests. Visitors can also cycle directly on the beach thanks to the hard-packed white sand and enjoy the thrill of pedalling by the ocean with the salty breeze in their hair.
A fascinating history
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The Sun
28 minutes ago
- The Sun
Tourists defecated in BINS to dodge ‘poo lasagnes' in toilets & floors squelched with wee aboard infamous ‘Poop Cruise'
IT should have been the trip of a lifetime... instead it turned into the ultimate holiday from hell. Passengers went from sipping cocktails on deck and enjoying sumptuous dinners to wading through pools of raw sewage and sleeping in a makeshift tent city outside after a catastrophic power failure left the Carnival Triumph cruise liner floating adrift - with no flushing toilets. 20 20 20 20 In the ultimate final degradation, holidaymakers were even asked to defecate in red plastic bags instead of using the over-flowing loos. It was a huge PR disaster for the luxury Carnival cruise line and led to the ship being known around the world as the 'Poop Cruise'. Passenger Devin Marble tells The Sun none of the passengers were prepared for the horrifying announcement that the toilets were going to stop working. "That was some rough news for sure," he recalls. "And no-one expected the red bags at all. They were adult-sized poopy bags - and those bags aren't very big.' The 13 storey, 9,000ft long luxury liner embarked on a four day trip out of New Orleans throughout the Gulf of Mexico in February 2013. For Devin it was the first time meeting his then wife-to-be's extended family and he wanted to make a good impression. 'It was really important to me to make a good impression on my father-in-law,' he explains. 'I wanted to be the man who can provide, and he feels confident in me, we had just got engaged. I met her uncles, nephews, nieces and all the cousins. I just hoped everyone like me. 'When we landed at the first stop, we had a lot of fun. We went snorkelling, ate some delicious food, and that would have been really awesome to keep replicating for the next three days. "Enjoy each other's time and have great experiences together.' But a day later an electrical fire broke out in the middle of the night and turned the entire trip into a horror movie. At first passengers were panic-stricken thinking the ship was going down. Devin says: 'You know, smoke was probably a big indicator. Hearing 'Alpha Team, Alpha Team' waking you up out of a dead sleep, then the lights are out. "We got out of bed and my brother-in-law and I went looking to see where the smoke was coming from. "Our biggest concern was 'Is this a cruise line or is this the Titanic? What is the problem here?'' The crew soon reassured the passengers that the fire was contained and the ship was seaworthy. 'We certainly thought that they must have more than one engine,' says Devin. 'They described it as the door being shut and it is contained. So we thought they will put the fire out, we are going to be slower with one engine, but we are going to be punting along, but that did not happen.' Foul stench 20 20 20 20 Nobody was prepared for what happened next. The loss of power had left 4,000 passengers and crew with no refrigeration, air conditioning or sanitation. The giant cruise liner was effectively dead in the water and drifted powerlessly for four days in the Gulf of Mexico. As the toilets stopped working, it was left to straight-talking British cruise director Jen Baxter to break the news to passengers to do 'number ones' in the showers and 'number twos' in the red plastic bio-hazard bags. But some continued to use the over-flowing toilets and even did their number twos in waste bins, leading to the entire ship smelling of faeces. The sewage system soon became overwhelmed and began leaking the excrement of thousands of people onto the floors and hallways. Devin recalls: 'It wasn't long at all before we started to smell stuff. "Everyday I would go out looking for a working bathroom. I used to go to the lower decks and the lower you go, the thicker the air gets, the more putrid the smell is. 'It was maybe two days into this when I was walking around barefoot, which you do on a cruise ship, and suddenly I felt the carpet squish, squish - and it doesn't rain inside. "Those moments I won't forget.' Meanwhile crew member Abhi describes seeing what he described as a poop "lasagne" in a bathroom - piles of excrement interspersed with layers of toilet paper - while the cafeteria floors were swimming in urine and faeces. 'Tent city' 20 20 20 With the rancid stench and suffocating heat due to the lack of aircon, passengers dragged their mattresses from their cabins and set up a 'tent city' on the upper decks to escape the smell and soaring temperatures. The lack of refrigeration meant food soon ran low, and instead of five-course dinners the passengers were forced to survive on ham and cheese sandwiches. Devin Marble says: 'It was like more of a camping trip than we planned for. We were never without food, it is just that we went from eating lobster to cold cuts. 'The crew did a really good job of getting us supplies. One of the bigger challenges for me was that these types of crisis situations show people's true colours. It was maybe two days into this when I was walking around barefoot, which you do on a cruise ship, and suddenly I felt the carpet squish, squish - and it doesn't rain inside Devin Marble "So when you see people in line and they are leaving with five plates and you just think to yourself, 'I really hope you have a room full of kids and that is why you are taking five plates'.' In a bid to cheer up the desperate passengers, the crew made a bizarre decision - to open up a free bar for the night. 'This is when people's inhibitions really let loose,' says Devin. 'I think people just allowed themselves to panic. "We heard yelling, we heard disagreements. 'At the time we thought the bar was a great idea. We went and had drinks and played cards. But we weren't panicking. "In hindsight, probably not the best idea. The dehydration, the toilets were out, and alcohol makes you want to go to the toilet.' Cabin fever 20 20 20 20 After days of ruined plans, rationed food and the desperate toilet situation, insanity started to creep in. Passengers made help signs, and drew on robes and bed sheets to document the disaster. And whenever they got internet connection they desperately called relatives and friends, or posted on social media to let the world know of the disaster unfolding at sea. 'We would go right to the edge and hold our phones out to any cruise liners coming by to try to get some of their WiFi,' says Devin. 'We would run around the ship to see if we can get roaming. Our primary goals were to get the message to our families and friends that we were safe, or call my work and tell them I'm not coming in tomorrow.' Help finally arrived on Valentine's Day, February 14. Tug boats ushered the floundering ship from the Gulf to a nearby port in Mobile, Alabama, miles away from the cruise's original docking point. And they sailed straight into a media frenzy. Devin recalls: 'I will never forget when we pulled in, there was a crowd of people, lights, flashbulbs. And when we walked down that ramp there were microphones, cameras, we were hit with a wall of media. 'And I will never forget the smell of a Happy Meal - it was great to see those golden arches. And a clean bathroom.' I will never forget the smell of a Happy Meal - it was great to see those golden arches. And a clean bathroom Devin Marble Some passengers decided to take legal action against the cruise company - but ended up with a steak reminder always to read the small print. Maritime lawyer Frank Spagnoletti, represented a number of passengers who took Carnival Cruise Line to court. 'This was something that was totally preventable, so we definitely had a good chance," he told the Netflix Poop Cruise documentary. "The problem is, you run into the ticket.' Carnival's lawyers insisted that those on board the ship had no right to sue in the wake of the disaster, citing that when people booked their holidays with Carnival Cruise Line, they accepted a clause in the terms and conditions that eerily predicted what unfolded on board. The ticket contract read: "[Carnival] makes absolutely no guarantee for safe passage, a seaworthy vessel, adequate and wholesome food, and sanitary and safe living conditions.' 20 20 20 20 Frank added: "It's amazing. I think if most people actually knew that existed at the time, they probably would never buy a ticket. I certainly wouldn't.' Carnival Triumph passengers received a refund, $500, transportation reimbursements, and a voucher for a free cruise. Despite the ticket clause, in 2015 a Florida judge awarded 27 passengers compensation of between $3000 and $15,000. Since the disaster, Carnival has changed their terms and conditions, removing the caveats about wholesome food, sanitary and safe living conditions, safe passage and a seaworthy vessel. Devin and his family decided not to bother with legal action and just to go back to their lives. 'They gave us a free cruise ticket, but we were like, thanks but no thanks,' he laughs. Carnival Triumph underwent a big refurb and as of 2019, it started sailing under a different name: Carnival Sunrise. It is still operating today around The Bahamas and the Caribbean. Trainwreck: Poop Cruise is streaming on Netflix now. 20
Auto Blog
37 minutes ago
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Amazon is selling a ‘bright' $29 rechargeable flashlight for only $14, and it's an ‘essential tool for anyone'
Autoblog aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. Amazon Prime Day is right around the corner but the retailer is already starting to dole out amazing deals and steals. One of our favorite finds so far is the Phixton Rechargeable LED Flashlight, which is now 52% off. The must-have device is currently available for just $14, and it's the perfect addition to your camping essentials, emergency kit, or a replacement for your old plastic flashlight. Phixton Rechargeable LED Flashlight, $14 (was $29) at Amazon Made of aluminum alloy, this flashlight can be used in all types of weather due to its shockproof and waterproof capabilities. It features five modes — high, middle, low, strobe, and SOS — that can be used during hiking, camping, walking, or during a power outage. The flashlight's focus can also be adjusted by simply pushing or pulling the head of the device. It includes a high-quality LED chip that provides brightness up to 1,000 lumens that can illuminate objects up to 300 meters away. One shopper said, 'I am absolutely blown away by this Phixton Rechargeable Flashlight! The lumens are unbelievably bright, and it lights up everything in its path. One of my favorite features is the adjustable focus — I can easily zero in on wildlife in the trees, making it perfect for nighttime hikes and outdoor adventures. I highly recommend this flashlight — it's an essential tool for anyone who spends time outdoors!' A second reviewer wrote, 'The Phixton Rechargeable Flashlight is absolutely fantastic! It's incredibly bright, durable, and perfect for both personal use and work. Whether I'm using it on the job or at home, it provides excellent visibility and a strong, reliable beam.' Your purchase includes one high-capacity rechargeable battery that provides up to 12 hours of brightness on a full charge. The bottom of the flashlight features a USC charging port that can be used to charge the device and once it's fully powered, the indicator light will turn green. With thousands of five-star ratings, shoppers love this flashlight for its durability and ease of use. A third customer said, 'I love this flashlight! I use it when we walk in the evening. So bright and easy to use. Rechargeable and charge lasts about five to six days for me. Great price too!' Don't wait. Add this $14 rechargeable flashlight to your cart today. It'll become a handy device in just about any situation. About the Author Victoria Garcia View Profile
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Flight attendant reveals disgusting habit passengers do she thinks should 'be illegal'
A flight attendant has warned passengers not to board their flight 'at all' if they do one disgusting thing. Posting on TikTok, cabin crew member Cher (@cherdallas), says she thinks tourists should 'go to prison' for breaking one key etiquette rule on their flight. According to Cher, passengers who don't shower before they get on the plane are the worst kind of traveller. She moans: 'There is zero reason that I should be smelling a stranger's body odour radiating off of their warm body at 5 o'clock in the morning. 'It's always men. Sometimes it's ladies that are having a lady problem that nobody has told them about but usually it's men. Wash yourself. 'You are going to be shoulder to shoulder with strangers. Show up clean or don't come at all.' In the comments, TikTok user 'boreal999' agrees, saying: 'A shower plus clean clothes together will stop the stench. 'If it's transatlantic with a layover, change into a different clean shirt and use a wet paper towel on your torso in the bathroom stall.' However, one person disagrees, arguing: 'Ever had to run 20 minutes to a connecting flight with luggage in tow? You'll sweat, my dear, and there may be an odour.' But body odour isn't the only thing that Cher thinks should be '100 per cent against the law' on planes. She reveals that passengers who play videos or music out loud without earphones are one of her pet peeves. Cher says that forgetting headphones is no one else's problem but the passenger's and they don't need to impact other travellers on the planes. And tourists might find Cher's other pet peeve surprising - as it's aimed at her fellow flight attendants. 'Flight attendants making a bunch of unnecessary announcements,' says Cher. She says she prefers when flight attendants go and 'talk to people individually' on the plane rather than 'blasting their voice' over the PA at 6am. 'Not all announcements are unnecessary,' claims Cher. 'There are basic ones that we are required to make. She moans: 'There is zero reason that I should be smelling a stranger's body odour radiating off of their warm body at 5 o'clock in the morning' 'I simply don't agree with putting on a whole production unless you are on like a super fun afternoon flight. 'I swear like eight times out of 10, the flight attendants that do those crazy announcements are not getting a pulse check from the people onboard.' One person agrees with Cher, writing in the comments: '[I] had one who was not on duty sitting across the aisle having the loudest conversation that I couldn't even block with my noise cancelling headphones. Most of us are trying to sleep!' However, another commenter adds: 'As a solo traveller, I love talking to the crew. I always find it so interesting.'
