Sponsored Video: The Latest Updates On a New Private Island Destination
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Janet Wygert, the newly promoted Senior Vice President of Sales and Trade Marketing for Carnival Cruise Line, shares her passion for the cruise industry and her dedication to travel advisors. She also provides insight into her plans for her 38th year in the Carnival family as she leads her growing trade sales team. Janet chats with Northstar's EVP of Marketing and Partnerships, Mary Pat Sullivan, to share the latest developments, the new Funnel Favs program for advisors and all the latest updates on the new private island destination, Celebration Key.
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CNN
34 minutes ago
- CNN
Europe's biggest airline weighs up increasing bonuses for staff who spot oversize bags
Aviation newsFacebookTweetLink Follow Sign up for Unlocking the World, CNN Travel's weekly newsletter. Get news about destinations, plus the latest in aviation, food and drink, and where to stay. (CNN) – In our latest roundup of travel news: a new unwelcome American visa fee, how airlines fight the 'scourge' of excess baggage, plus a guide to packing everything you need in a backpack. Michael O'Leary, the famously outspoken CEO of Europe's biggest airline, Ryanair, confirmed Monday that its agents who identify and charge for oversize bags get a bonus of around 1.50 euro a bag (or $1.75). The airline is 'aggressive about eliminating the scourge of passengers with excess baggage,' he told RTÉ's Morning Ireland, and 'we're thinking of increasing' the agent commission. O'Leary also declared that the European parliament's recent push for airlines to increase free carry-on baggage allowance has 'no chance of passing into law' due to a lack of space on board aircraft. 'We're flying largely full flights, about half the passengers can bring two bags and the other half can only bring one – because that's all that fits in the plane,' he said. O'Leary is the only airline CEO to have commented on agent commissions. However, a leaked email, widely reported by UK outlets after a scoop by the Jersey Evening Post, is said to reveal that staff at several UK airports receive commissions for spotting outsize bags for budget airline easyJet. When contacted by CNN, airport ground handling company Swissport said, 'We serve our airline customers and apply their policies under terms and conditions for managing their operation.' Easyjet told CNN that its ground handling agents are employed by third parties who manage agent remuneration directly, without oversight by the airline. 'EasyJet is focused on ensuring our ground handling partners apply our policies correctly and consistently in fairness to all our customers,' a spokesperson said. A British budget airline has become unexpectedly famous after a years-old advertisement resurfaced as a TikTok meme, with the audio featuring in more than a million videos to date. The upbeat audio 'Nothing beats a Jet2 holiday' is being used over footage of vacationers in precarious situations. Voice actor Zoë Lister talked to CNN about becoming a viral sensation. US low-fare carriers have been in the headlines too, as Southwest Airlines this week announced a start date for assigned seating, bringing its trademark open-seating policy to an end. If you're vacationing this summer and want to travel light to avoid budget airline baggage fees, our partners at CNN Underscored, a product reviews and recommendations guide owned by CNN, have this guide to packing everything you need in a backpack. In what has been unwelcome news for the US tourism industry, visitors to the United States who require visas to enter will soon need to cough up a new $250 'visa integrity fee.' The idea is that if everything goes smoothly and the visitor leaves the country on time and without trouble, they'll get the money back – except that no refund procedure has yet been unveiled. 'No one knows how it's going to work,' says CNN anchor Richard Quest in this explainer video. With visitor numbers already dropping 'because the perception is the United States is not very welcoming at the moment,' many potential arrivals may decide not to come at all, Quest predicts. The United States has also once again slipped in the Henley Passport Index's global passport power rankings, and is on the verge of dropping out of the top 10 altogether. It's the lowest position ever for the US in the 20-year history of the index, which tracks the number of destinations a nation's citizens can enter without a visa. In happier news, Indian and Chinese travelers are hailing the end of the visa freeze between the world's two most populous nations as diplomatic tensions thaw. Here's how it's all working out. Her boyfriend fell asleep on the train. Then she spent the six-hour journey talking to her future husband. Just chill out. The US debate heats up about European ice-free beverages. They live in paradise. But everyday life is more complicated.
CNN
35 minutes ago
- CNN
Europe's biggest airline weighs up increasing bonuses for staff who spot oversize bags
Aviation newsFacebookTweetLink Follow Sign up for Unlocking the World, CNN Travel's weekly newsletter. Get news about destinations, plus the latest in aviation, food and drink, and where to stay. (CNN) – In our latest roundup of travel news: a new unwelcome American visa fee, how airlines fight the 'scourge' of excess baggage, plus a guide to packing everything you need in a backpack. Michael O'Leary, the famously outspoken CEO of Europe's biggest airline, Ryanair, confirmed Monday that its agents who identify and charge for oversize bags get a bonus of around 1.50 euro a bag (or $1.75). The airline is 'aggressive about eliminating the scourge of passengers with excess baggage,' he told RTÉ's Morning Ireland, and 'we're thinking of increasing' the agent commission. O'Leary also declared that the European parliament's recent push for airlines to increase free carry-on baggage allowance has 'no chance of passing into law' due to a lack of space on board aircraft. 'We're flying largely full flights, about half the passengers can bring two bags and the other half can only bring one – because that's all that fits in the plane,' he said. O'Leary is the only airline CEO to have commented on agent commissions. However, a leaked email, widely reported by UK outlets after a scoop by the Jersey Evening Post, is said to reveal that staff at several UK airports receive commissions for spotting outsize bags for budget airline easyJet. When contacted by CNN, airport ground handling company Swissport said, 'We serve our airline customers and apply their policies under terms and conditions for managing their operation.' Easyjet told CNN that its ground handling agents are employed by third parties who manage agent remuneration directly, without oversight by the airline. 'EasyJet is focused on ensuring our ground handling partners apply our policies correctly and consistently in fairness to all our customers,' a spokesperson said. A British budget airline has become unexpectedly famous after a years-old advertisement resurfaced as a TikTok meme, with the audio featuring in more than a million videos to date. The upbeat audio 'Nothing beats a Jet2 holiday' is being used over footage of vacationers in precarious situations. Voice actor Zoë Lister talked to CNN about becoming a viral sensation. US low-fare carriers have been in the headlines too, as Southwest Airlines this week announced a start date for assigned seating, bringing its trademark open-seating policy to an end. If you're vacationing this summer and want to travel light to avoid budget airline baggage fees, our partners at CNN Underscored, a product reviews and recommendations guide owned by CNN, have this guide to packing everything you need in a backpack. In what has been unwelcome news for the US tourism industry, visitors to the United States who require visas to enter will soon need to cough up a new $250 'visa integrity fee.' The idea is that if everything goes smoothly and the visitor leaves the country on time and without trouble, they'll get the money back – except that no refund procedure has yet been unveiled. 'No one knows how it's going to work,' says CNN anchor Richard Quest in this explainer video. With visitor numbers already dropping 'because the perception is the United States is not very welcoming at the moment,' many potential arrivals may decide not to come at all, Quest predicts. The United States has also once again slipped in the Henley Passport Index's global passport power rankings, and is on the verge of dropping out of the top 10 altogether. It's the lowest position ever for the US in the 20-year history of the index, which tracks the number of destinations a nation's citizens can enter without a visa. In happier news, Indian and Chinese travelers are hailing the end of the visa freeze between the world's two most populous nations as diplomatic tensions thaw. Here's how it's all working out. Her boyfriend fell asleep on the train. Then she spent the six-hour journey talking to her future husband. Just chill out. The US debate heats up about European ice-free beverages. They live in paradise. But everyday life is more complicated.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
How I cruised the Caribbean with my autistic son, and what I learned
What I love most about traveling with my kids is the chance to see the world through their lenses. So, when I had the opportunity to take my four-year-old son with autism on a Carnival Vista cruise to the Southern Caribbean, I knew it would offer a special window into his sensory-seeking soul. I also knew it wouldn't be easy, no matter how much we prepared ahead of time. Cruising with autism – as with any form of travel – comes with its challenges. The effects of shaking up normal routines, processing new environments, and other factors are further nuanced by where your child lies on the spectrum. Note that most mainstream lines support cruises for kids with autism, thanks to accommodations like special training for passenger-facing crew, priority boarding options, and sensory-friendly programming. SAVE UP: Kids sail free on these 8 family cruise lines Carnival also has a partnership with KultureCity, a "sensory inclusive" non-profit organization that lends sensory bags with noise-canceling headphones, strobe glasses to help with light sensitivity, fidget toys, and other autism-friendly accoutrements on a complimentary first-come, first-serve basis. (Just make sure you return the bag at the end of your cruise, to avoid the $50 fee.) Additionally, Carnival provides free Wi-Fi to families with autism. All you need to do is contact Guest Access before your sailing and provide a copy of your child's diagnosis paperwork. For families who need more support, Carnival occasionally hosts Autism on the Seas charter cruises. Regardless of which cruise you choose, preparing ahead of time is key to reducing stress and enjoying the experience. The following list is a mix of personal measures I took on this sailing, plus general tips when planning cruises for kids with autism. 1. Take advantage of the priority boarding option. Long lines and crowds can be overwhelming for kids with autism. You can mitigate this with priority boarding. A perk often reserved for cruisers with loyalty status or those staying in designated suites, priority boarding is offered by some lines as an add-on package. With Carnival's Faster to the Fun (FTTF), for example, families pay one set price per cabin and enjoy a slew of benefits including priority check-in, early bag drop-off, and priority luggage delivery. 2. Alert your cruise line of food sensitivities ahead of time. Is your kiddo sensitive to certain food textures, sides (a la sauces), or ingredients? Let your cruise line know ahead of time. You can typically alert special services of any dietary restrictions or needs weeks prior to embarkation day. Once onboard, touch base with the maitre d' or head waiter to ensure your preferences are noted. You can also request the night before to have meals specially prepared and tailored to your child's needs. 3. Pack familiar comforts to help your child adapt to sleeping in a new place. To tee everyone up for restful nights of sleep, I try to mimic what I can of my son's at-home sleep routine whenever we travel. This involves bringing our Slumperpod toddler bed to help with his sensory needs, his favorite pajamas and bedtime toy, and a white-noise machine with a nightlight that I can use to easily check on him throughout the night. If you're able to, you can also try to prepare your child a few days before you leave, talking about the cabin you'll be sleeping in, and even involving them in the packing process. SWEET DREAMS: I took the SlumberPod toddler bed on a cruise, and now it's my entire personality 4. Bring your own drinks and snacks. Many families don't realize that you can actually bring your own drinks and snacks on board, which can be game-changing on cruises for kids with autism. The limitations on how much you can bring vary by line. Carnival, for example, allows 12 standard cans or cartons per passenger. Pre-packaged, non-perishable foods are also allowed in certain quantities. Having some of my son's favorite and familiar snacks on hand made for smoother transitions between activities and meals. 5. Pack key necessities in your carry-on for boarding. From noise-canceling headphones to sensory toys, anything that helps your child regulate is a must have in your carry-on. This will be the only bag you have until your luggage is delivered to your cabin, which could take hours, if you opt to drop if off at the terminal. Other items to consider packing in your carry-on include snacks, spare outfits, and any medications you might need. 6. Request a quiet safety drill. International maritime law requires all cruise passengers to participate in a safety (muster) drill prior to embarkation. The format of these briefings varies by line and ship, though many involve gathering in a crowd for a brief demo of what to do in the event of an emergency. If your child is sensitive to crowds, you can request a quieter session in advance. This will take place in a separate, more secluded space. BON VOYAGE: 5 boarding tips to help you avoid losing your mind 7. Get to know the kids' club and staff before you drop off your child. If you plan to utilize the kids' club and childcare programming, make time to familiarize yourself with the space and youth staff. Most lines offer kids' club open houses on the first day, while others carve out family hours for parents to join their kids in activities. On our Carnival cruise, I found the family activities to be a great way for me and my son to engage with the space and get to know the camp leaders on a more personal level. (They also generally have low attendance.) After a few sessions, my son was excited to try out the club on his own. You can also ask the staff what times the club tends to be quieter during the day, and request a phone in advance. 8. Review the daily agenda and deck plans to navigate triggering environments. Cruise ships are abuzz with live music, deck parties, and other festivities throughout the day. Simply passing through these loud, overstimulating environments can be distressing for your kiddo with autism. Check your ship's daily agenda and review the deck plans ahead of time, so you know to steer clear of the main pool from 1 to 2 p.m., or the atrium at 4 p.m., for example. Other possible triggers include sailaway, when ships sound their horns as they depart from port, as well as the buffet during peak mealtimes and the casino. NEW PRIVATE ISLAND: 8 secrets to making the most of your day in Carnival Cruise Line's Celebration Key 9. Avoid set dining times and request special seating arrangements. Don't choose a set dining time, where you could be seated at a table with strangers. While some cruisers like the social aspect, it's not the most flexible option on cruises for kids with autism. Go with the option that lets you dine on your own schedule, and consider requesting special seating arrangements. This might include sitting at a corner table or against a window, where you can have a little more space and privacy, and be able to easily slip away in case of an emergency. If cruising Carnival, seek out lower key venues like BlueIguana Cantina for breakfast or a specialty restaurant for lunch. 10. Keep a flexible schedule, and follow your child's lead. Rather than keeping an open schedule when traveling with my son, I find that building in some structure—as long as the plans are flexible—ensures he thrives and everyone has fun. Many kids with autism depend on routines and a sense of predictability. Plan activities during which you can easily pivot or take breaks if necessary, and be strategic about factoring in downtime. This will allow you to more easily follow your child's lead and embrace changes in plans. The 10 things I always do on cruises to help my son with autism thrive originally appeared on More from FamilyVacationist: The best family cruises you can drive to in every U.S. homeport 7 best cruise ship cabins to book if your family needs more space 7 kid-friendly European river cruises for the whole family 101 fresh new family vacation ideas for every age and budget 25 best family resorts and hotels in the U.S. Kids stay free at these 10 all-inclusive family resorts The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. and are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations. If you buy an item through a link in our content, we may earn a commission. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Family cruises with autism: What to pack, prep and expect
