This major cruise line canceled 5 cruises: See the impacted sailing dates
'As we manage a busy dry dock schedule, we must sometimes adjust our sailing schedule to accommodate planned maintenance,' the cruise line told USA TODAY in an emailed statement. 'Affected guests and their travel advisors were informed of this change several weeks ago and we assisted in finding other sailing options. We appreciate their understanding.'
Five sailings were impacted in total. Those include a cruise departing on Jan. 11, 2027, and four back-to-back sailings between March 5 and March 22, 2027. The ship will be sailing from Galveston, Texas, in early 2027, according to CruiseMapper.
Cruise cancellations are relatively rare, but can happen for various reasons, including when a ship needs to go into dry dock or is booked for a full-ship charter, among others.
MSC Cruises confirmed earlier this month that it had scrapped around five months of cruises on its MSC Meraviglia ship, which will spend its winter 2026-2027 season in Miami instead of New York. Norwegian Cruise Line also canceled over four months of cruises on two ships in July, citing 'a fleet redeployment.'
Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Carnival scraps 5 cruises: See which dates were impacted
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Google's New AI Flight Deals Tool Works, but Only if You're an 'Anywhere, Anytime' Traveler
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Yahoo
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This Orlando Resort Is a Hidden Gem for Big Families—Patrick Mahomes Thinks So Too originally appeared on Parade. If you think traveling with 30 family members, ages 8 to 80, and staying under one roof sounds like a vacation nightmare, think again. My family and I did just that when we visited Evermore Orlando Resort, and it was a trip of a lifetime. When we decided to visit the expansive, 1,100-acre resort, we knew it would be a three-night getaway that we wouldn't soon forget. For starters, it was the first time that my immediate family of four, my siblings and their children, my cousins, my aunt and my mom would all vacation together and share the same space. Since none of us live in the Orlando area, we all hopped on direct flights from Chicago, Houston and New York and descended upon Evermore for what would be an unforgettable experience. From the spacious accommodations to the fun-filled activities to the exquisite dining options, it was an epic family vacation that we'll cherish forever. Related: Why You Should Trust Me on Multi-Generational Family Travel As someone who's traveled extensively with extended family, I've reviewed countless properties that cater to multi-generational travelers. From Western-inspired hotels to luxury vacation rentals, I've had the pleasure of staying at places where my husband, two children and our parents can relax, have fun and feel at home. Since my husband and I don't live in the same city as our parents, I value spending quality time with them even more. So, finding properties that work for all of us is always prioritized when it comes to making my family's travel plans. I do my homework and provide thorough research on properties that speak to every age group and offer accessible accommodations. Lastly, I always provide unbiased reviews based on my personal experience. A Quick Overview of Evermore Orlando Resort Following five years of planning and building, the $1.5 billion Evermore Orlando Resort opened to the public in early 2024. Uniquely and thoughtfully designed for big families and gatherings, the property offers flats, villas and houses to accommodate multigenerational groups. Plus, it boasts 8 acres of water and 20 acres of beach for friends and families to enjoy. Additionally, the sprawling property offers a variety of activities and programs for guests of all ages. It's also a sister property to the Conrad Orlando resort—so, guests staying at Evermore can enjoy the luxury hotel's amenities and vice versa. Rooms and Accommodations Evermore Orlando Resort has three different accommodation categories: 206 flats (four bedrooms), 41 villas (two and four bedrooms) and 69 houses (five to 11 bedrooms). No matter which one you choose, they all come with a fully equipped kitchen loaded with appliances, tools, utensils and a large island. 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They participated in just about all the water park activities, including the rope swing, water slide, kayaking, paddleboarding and, of course, swimming. The only thing they didn't do was zip lining. Related: I also hung out at the beach and indulged in a few refreshing beverages while I soaked up the sun. I appreciated that there were plenty of shaded loungers with umbrellas for guests to shield themselves from Florida's blazing rays. If exclusivity is more your speed, guests also have the option to book private cabanas for an elevated beachside experience. In addition to the myriad water activities, Evermore also has an arcade, fitness center, two golf courses and pickleball courts. Boredom is nonexistent at Evermore. Plenty of daily programs, such as a boba tea class, bracelet-making sessions and more, keep kids and adults engaged and entertained. Keep in mind that some are complimentary, while others cost an additional fee. The best part? Families can reach all these activities and amenities on foot, or they can hop into one of the complimentary buggies or trolleys to get around the widespread property. Dining and Culinary Highlights Nothing brings families together like food. At Evermore, my crew never went hungry. Thanks to the fully-equipped kitchen, we prepared many of our meals at home. We all chipped in to buy groceries and had several family members who willingly and lovingly volunteered to throw on their aprons and whip up delicious dishes that satisfied everyone's appetites. Since we were on vacation, we dined out a few times too. We picked up quick bites like burgers, wraps, and pizza from the food hall at The Landing, the property's central hub for dining and entertainment. One night, my husband and kids dined at Twin View, one of Evermore's full-service restaurants. I was pleasantly surprised by the upscale ambiance of the eatery. Frankly, I was expecting something more casual, considering we were at a water park resort. It was a nice change of pace and a good opportunity to reconnect and check in with my immediate family. Not only was the food delicious, but the service was outstanding. I ordered grilled salmon, while my kids and husband all ordered steaks. The desserts were also amazing, with the key lime pie being a tasty standout. While all the meals and dining experiences we had were great, nothing compared to our private dining experience. Guests can book one of Evermore's skilled chefs to prepare a four-course meal inside their home. When I read about this service, I knew that it would be something special for my family and a wonderful way to end our trip—and I was right. We had citrus poached shrimp (appetizer), panzanella salad, seared mahi (entree) and Florida key lime pie (dessert). The kids and a few of the teens chose cheese and pepperoni pizza. Dressed head-to-toe in crisp, elegant white, we savored every bite of our decadent four-course dinner. The evening was pure magic, brimming with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. It was an experience so perfect, it felt like it had been plucked from a dream. What's more, the staff were incredibly friendly, hospitable and displayed the utmost professionalism. Why Families Love Evermore Orlando Resort Evermore is the answer for families who want to create lasting memories with loved ones in a space that's inviting and accommodating for people of all ages. Multigenerational travel is on the rise, and this resort delivers in more ways than one. For example, its proximity to Disney Parks, Universal Theme Parks and SeaWorld is super convenient for amusement enthusiasts and families seeking thrills. It's also just a 10-minute drive to a couple of shopping outlets and Disney Springs. Even though the resort is less than two years old, it's already gaining popularity. In fact, NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his family recently vacationed at the property. I'm no celebrity, but Evermore made me and my family like A-listers. From the impressive accommodations to the plentiful activities to the mouth-watering dining experiences, we felt like royalty with memories that will last an eternity. This Orlando Resort Is a Hidden Gem for Big Families—Patrick Mahomes Thinks So Too first appeared on Parade on Aug 14, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 14, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
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7 Things to Know Before Booking a Vacation Rental Right Now, According to the Pros
7 Things to Know Before Booking a Vacation Rental Right Now, According to the Pros originally appeared on Parade. From cliffside villas with infinity pools to cozy cabins nestled in fairy-tale forests, vacation rentals have transformed the way we travel, offering privacy and that sense of 'living like a local' that hotels just can't give. However, today's rental landscape looks very different from just a few years ago. Unexpected pitfalls hidden in the fine print lurk behind each listing, including expensive fees, tacked-on cleaning prices, hidden reviews and so much more. That's why we reached out to the Customer Care team at WhimStay, a home-booking platform that specializes in last-minute rentals. We asked them the seven things everyone needs to know before booking a rental (based on the thousands of calls and emails they field every day). From decoding listing nuances to knowing when (and how) to reach out to the host, this piece will help you figure out whether you're getting the best bang for your buck. Related: 1. No Neighborhood Info Is a Red Flag If the house photos are gorgeous but there is no mention of the area it's in, including proximity to public transport, restaurants or interesting points (think beaches, lakes, hiking trails, etc.), it's a bit of a red flag, according to Jennifer Courtney, Head of Customer Service at Whimstay. 'If the neighborhood or surrounding area is not mentioned in detail, it's always a good idea to research if you're not familiar with the area,' Courtne said. 'Properties with stunning interior photos look great, but you can't know from photos whether it's noisy or in an inconvenient location.' Courtney recommends using Google Street View to see exactly what's happening near and around the property. She also says it's imperative to read reviews for mentions of noise or safety, and check what's truly within walking distance of coffee shops, grocery stores and local restaurants (especially if the listing touts that!) 2. Reviews Are Important, but Not Necessarily Everything Just like you wouldn't book a hotel (or even a restaurant reservation) without reading all the reviews, you absolutely shouldn't book a vacation rental without doing the same. 'Reviews are everything,' said Daniel Thorpe, Head of Customer Experience at Whimstay. 'Honest feedback—both good and bad—is one of the only ways to make an informed decision that isn't 'spun' to get you to book.' Beyond reviews from past guests, it's also key to see how the host is responding to the feedback, whether positive or not so. 'I always look at how the host responds to previous guest questions and concerns in reviews, because this tells you what your experience will be like if something goes wrong,' Thorpe said. 'A responsive, engaged host can turn a minor hiccup into a non-issue, while an absent host can turn a small problem into a much bigger issue.' 3. Hidden Costs Are Everywhere Beyond cleaning fees and service charges, watch for resort fees, pet fees, linen rentals, and heating or pool fees, which many travelers discover only after booking. 'The biggest 'gotchas' are cleaning or pet fees that weren't prominently displayed and damage deposits that aren't clearly explained,' Courtney said. 'Always look for the total cost breakdown before you book, not just the nightly rate.' Thorpe also says it's imperative, as the guest, to proactively reach out about any fees or costs that are either 1) not listed or 2) vague or confusing. He suggests always asking for a final, all-in price breakdown before you commit, especially if you're booking in peak season. 3. Photos and Videos Are Your Best Friends We live in the day of documenting everything (for better or for worse), and taking photos and videos of everything isn't just meant for family memories. If you spend any time scrolling on TikTok, you're bound to find some videos of guests showing some not-so-glamorous issues that have popped up in their rentals (everything from bubbling sewage to misleading listing photos). 'If you ever run into an issue, document with photos and videos and contact the host in writing right away,' Thorpe said. And, as someone who has booked over 20 rentals in the past 4 years, approach taking photos of the property the way you would with a rental car. Courtney agrees. 'Be sure to document everything upon arrival with photos, including any existing damage or issues,' she said. Related: 4. Vet New Listings Before Taking the Plunge Brand-new rentals can be gems (and oh-so-shiny), but they require an extra bit of vetting before you book. However, according to Courtney, no reviews on a new place don't necessarily mean bad. 'New properties can be great opportunities, especially for unique or recently renovated spaces,' Courtney said. 'There are so many amazing properties without reviews. To me, having no reviews is better than bad reviews.' When booking a new place, there are a few things to keep in mind. To start, look for hosts with good track records managing other properties. Additionally, it never hurts to reach out to the host to get more information on the listing. 'Request live video tours, or ask directly why there aren't reviews yet,' Thorpe said. 'A responsive host who's happy to answer questions about their new property is usually a good sign.' 5. Check-in and Check-Out Times Matter Unlike many hotels, vacation rentals rarely have 24/7 check-in and check-out times. The times for each are carefully set to ensure the rentals have enough time for a proper deep-cleaning before the next wave of visitors. However, many rental travelers—especially ones not familiar with home bookings—treat these times like a suggestion, and that causes countless issues. 'They're so important to plan around, but are often a detail that isn't considered until it's too late. Nothing ruins the start of a vacation like arriving at 2 PM for a 4 PM check-in, or having to rush out at 10 AM when you planned to sleep in,' Courtney said. Thorpe agrees and also suggests reaching out to the host for any flexibility or transparency around these times, too. 'Ask about flexibility with these times, especially if you're flying in or have specific travel constraints. Some hosts are accommodating with timing, but you need to ask ahead of time,' He said. 'Don't just show up expecting flexibility.' 6. Play Close Attention to the Amenities Even though the fancy amenities are often what people cling to, Courtney believes the 'boring' ones are just as, if not more, important. 'The boring stuff is the best stuff! AC and heat can make or break a stay because there's nothing worse than being too hot or cold in your vacation rental,' she said. 'Dishes, utensils, and cooking equipment are huge for people who like to cook, but these basics are often overlooked in favor of flashy features.' For Thorpe, knowing what to look for when looking at the fine print of the amenities is key. 'Quality mattresses and thread count on sheets, reliable Wi-Fi, and adequate parking are the unsexy amenities that determine whether you'll love your stay,' he said. To help you determine if this place will work for you, ask the host to share the actual Wi-Fi speed (Mbps) or even take a screenshot from a speed test. If you're planning to work there, also check for dedicated desks, ergonomic chairs or quiet areas, especially if you'll be hosting or taking meetings. From double-checking the hidden fees to asking for real Wi-Fi speeds, today's travelers need to look past glossy photos and catchy listings in lieu of the real stuff that matters. Although platforms like Whimstay make it easier than ever to find last-minute deals, the rules of smart renting still apply: ask questions, read between the lines and trust your instincts.7 Things to Know Before Booking a Vacation Rental Right Now, According to the Pros first appeared on Parade on Aug 9, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 9, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
