Latest news with #E-ticket
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
14-05-2025
- Business Standard
Group Train Booking? Only confirmed passengers can board, says IRCTC rules
Indians planning to travel by train in the country are likely wondering if tensions with Pakistan will upset their itinerary. One common concern is whether a group can board a train if only some tickets under a single booking (PNR) are confirmed and others remain on a waiting list. Many travellers have such questions, especially during holidays, and are likely unaware of rules for partially confirmed train tickets. Waitlisted E-ticket holders cannot board 'If some tickets under a group PNR are waitlisted at the time of chart preparation, those passengers are not allowed to board. Their tickets get cancelled automatically,' explains Monika Bhatelia, partner at Singhania & Co. According to Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) rules, once a final chart is put out, usually about four hours before a train's departure, any passenger whose status is still on the waitlist will not be allowed to board the train. The system will automatically cancel the 'waitlisted ticket' and initiate a refund process. Key distinction: E-tickets vs. Counter tickets Bhatelia said the rules for train tickets: E-Tickets (booked online): Waitlisted passengers cannot travel. Tickets are cancelled automatically. Counter tickets (booked offline): Waitlisted passengers can travel but without any guaranteed seat or berth. They travel as unreserved passengers. This difference is often missed by passengers, especially those booking tickets on behalf of family or colleagues. No room to split or modify a PNR Travellers hoping to modify a booking or split confirmed and waitlisted passengers into separate PNRs after booking are out of luck. 'Once a group booking is made under a single PNR, it can't be modified or split later. The only option is to cancel the waitlisted tickets and rebook,' Bhatelia adds. Passengers should either book tickets in smaller groups or closely monitor travel status until the final chart is released. When travelling with a partially confirmed ticket, only confirmed ticket holders are legally permitted to travel. For the rest, staying updated and planning early remains the best way to ensure a smooth journey.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Yahoo
I've just been on my first ever cruise holiday, and these are the things that surprised me the most
When it comes to holidays, I've always stood firm in the belief that cruises simply 'aren't for me', opting to take to the skies rather than the seas for my city breaks and summer hols. Well, that was until I was invited onboard MSC's brand new billion dollar cruise ship - and I'm not afraid to admit I was pleasantly surprised. MSC Cruises, a Swiss-Italian cruise line well known for its luxurious European voyages, has just unveiled its flagship MSC World America in Miami, Florida, US, which will take passengers on a tropical voyage around the Caribbean. Last week, I packed my bags and set off to Miami for the ship's naming ceremony, which saw Drew Barrymore be named as the ship's godmother (iconic). I wasn't sure what to expect, asking myself admittedly silly questions such as 'Do they have UK charging ports?' and 'Surely the ship will provide beach towels, right?' Well, I was soon to have all of my questions answered and boy, what a treat I was in for. So, the first thing I didn't consider at all was boarding the ship, which turned out to be very similar to boarding a plane - but much smoother with less tedious queues and no need for the stress of getting all your liquids into a plastic bag. It was only two weeks ago when MSC opened its brand new cruise terminal in PortMiami, with the cruise giants claiming it to be the largest cruise terminal in the world. Thanks to the use of bag drop-off points and biometric face pods for identity checks - which can process up to 36,000 passengers per day - the check-in and security process was incredibly easy, and all I needed was my passport and E-ticket. Arriving onboard was, at first, overwhelming, which isn't surprising considering World America can carry a staggering 6,174 guests and 2,138 crew members. I was taken aback by the sheer size of the entrance alone, which resembles more of a luxury shopping centre than a ship. There are winding staircases, a birds-eye view across all the main decks and what they have to offer - including shops, bars and restaurants - and high ceilings. It's easy to forget you're even on a ship. The World Galleria atrium displays an impressive LED ceiling featuring a range of visuals, including the US flag, scuba divers, and marine life - fitting with the MSC Foundation's new Marine Conservation Centre located on its private island, Ocean Cay, in the Bahamas. This new centre will support the marine research and coral conservation work carried out by the MSC Foundation's flagship Super Coral Programme. Another thing I noticed about the ship's main public areas is how clean it felt - the marble floors sparkled and it had a lovely 'expensive' smell… very Jo Malone-esque. Okay, I'll admit I was a tiny bit sceptical of what my room would look like, first imagining a simplistic box room with barely enough space to squeeze in my suitcase. But I was surprised at how much my cabin - a balcony Aurea room on deck 11 - had to offer for my stay. The balcony was, of course, the highlight, offering gorgeous views of the ocean which was incredibly relaxing to wake up to. The comfortable double bed - which can be split into two singles - had the option of two soft pillows and two firm ones which was a great touch, especially for a picky sleeper like me! My room was equipped with a wardrobe, an ensuite bathroom with a shower, towels (including two beach and pool towels), a hair dryer, a safe for valuables, an interactive TV, a telephone, a stocked mini-bar, easy-to-use air conditioning and a mix of electrical outlets and USB charging ports. Rather than a physical key, all cabins can be accessed using MSC's Cruise Card, which is synced up to your MSC account and allows you to make purchases onboard. Once I'd finally got my bearings, I soon got to grips with World America's layout, which is divided into 'seven districts' and made easy to access with the clever lift system. There's tonnes of entertainment to take your pick from, which includes the first-ever at-sea Dirty Dancing in Concert, hilarious comedy shows, a casino and - one for the Brits - karaoke nights. I noticed how many family-friendly spaces there are, with an entire deck dedicated for those seeking out fun and adventure: this is where you can find the famous Cliffhanger, the only over-water swing ride towering 50 meters over the ocean… and yes, it's much scarier than it looks in the pics. There are three water slides, as well as bumper cars, a LEGO area for the kids and the 'Jaw Drop' spiral slide that takes you down from deck 20 to deck 8. However, it must be noted that certain attractions can only be accessed with an additional fee. There's a fully equipped gym, seven pools and 13 whirlpools, with some being located in 'adult only' zen areas. Heaven. I was initially worried about finding space to sunbathe by the pool, as I've always imagined these areas on cruises to be overwhelmingly busy, but to see thousands of sun loungers, sun beds and seats certainly reassured me. Then there's the MSC Yacht Club, a luxurious 'ship within a ship'. Guests who choose to stay in the Yacht Club are granted keycard-only access to their own pool and lounge spaces, as well as a private restaurant and spacious cabins. Now, the question many ask about cruises… what is the food like? Unfortunately, as a self-confessed foodie, I've long been under the impression that food onboard cruise ships consists of beige and uninspiring buffet spreads. But one of the biggest surprises during my time onboard was how much I actually enjoyed the buffet. Ranging from a huge variety of cooked and continental breakfast options, picky deli bits for lunch, plenty of dinner options that consist of dishes from across the world and mouth-watering desserts, there's something for everyone. There are 19 dining spots in total, including the four main dining rooms that serve a set Italian-style menu, and the vibrant handful of speciality restaurants. Special shout-outs go to the Kaito Teppanyaki & Kaito sushi bar, Paxos Greek restaurant, the ship's very own 'chocolate factory', and of course, the ship's American-style diners and sports bars. When it comes to drinking, there are 20 bars - including a gin bar - lounges and cafes to enjoy all sorts of bevs, including cocktails, mocktails, wines, smoothies, juices, teas and coffees - though drinks packages must be purchased beforehand. And for those who want to indulge in a frozen piña colada (or ten), you must be 21 or over. One of the biggest highlights of my trip was experiencing where the ship can take you - which, during my time onboard, was MSC's private island in the Bahamas, Ocean Cay. This island, which is partially man-made, is just one small part of all the itineraries that World America offers and allows guests to take the time to explore the new Marine Conservation Center, sunbathe, swim in the crystal-clear ocean, and take part in a range of activities, such as wave-running, paddle-boarding and snorkelling. Oh, and I can't not mention the epic beach party they regularly hold for guests! Other areas World America covers in its Caribbean itinerary include the Dominican Republic, Costa Maya in Mexico and San Juan in Puerto Rico. Absolutely. One of the biggest misconceptions I had about cruises was that I'd have little freedom to explore; you know, being trapped in a giant floating hotel and all. But this was disproved just minutes after setting foot onboard. There was never a time when I was bored or struggling to find things to do - whether that was taking some time to read by the pool with a cocktail, conjuring up the courage to go on the Cliffhanger and the waterslides, enjoying one of the many live performance shows, browsing the shops, and even just taking in the views from the outside decks - cruising is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Especially on a ship as magnificent as MSC World America. Sailing only from her home port in Miami, World America is now doing seven-night and 14-night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. With a number of cabins and packages on offer, prices can range from £600pp to over £2,000pp, so if you're a first-time cruiser like me, it's important to do your research and consult a travel advisor to find the best deal. Or you can visit MSC World America's site for more information here.
Yahoo
13-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'We're Going To F--ing Die:' A Woman Freaked Out After Getting Stopped On Universal Orlando's Harry Potter Roller Coaster, But Commenters Explained Why She Didn't Need To Worry
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Roller coasters are designed to give riders the illusion of danger. While they can certainly make you feel in the moment like something terrible might happen, the attractions are designed with numerous safety features in place to prevent anybody from actually getting hurt. This is why a lot of people on TikTok aren't cutting a woman on TikTok much slack for freaking out after riding Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure at Universal's Islands of Adventure. A clip has gone viral from TikTok from a woman who spends nearly a minute and a half in a complete panic because she rode the E-ticket attraction at Universal's Islands of Adventure when her train stopped in the middle of the ride. She seemed quite certain that her death was only seconds away. A lot of the comments aren't exactly kind, asking if she has ever been on a theme park ride in her life before now. This is because being stopped on rides is far from uncommon, and roller coasters are specifically designed to deal with exactly this issue. She's afraid that another train is going to come crashing down, apparently unaware that when there is an error that stops one vehicle on the track, the entire coaster stops. It's called a 'cascade stop.' Comments that are (at least slightly) kinder and more informative include: Girl, you were no where near close to getting hurt You ever been to a theme park? lol this happens daily.. 😂 Rides break down. You were 100% safe. A comp ride seems reasonable. there's really no danger of anything like that happening on a roller coaster 😭 it's an incredibly high tech system and theres about 1000 safety precautions and backup mechanisms in place at all times It's perfectly understandable to perhaps be a little rattled by an unexpected stop of a roller coaster, but most commenters take issue with the level of intensity of the video's complaints. The woman seemed to feel that such a problem should result in full ticket refunds rather than just a free Express Pass to make up for the lost time. The impression here is also that everybody else on the train was equally panicked over the situation. As somebody who spends a lot of time in theme parks, I've been on rides that stopped so often that I rarely notice anymore. My most recent roller coaster stoppage occurred on the Starfall Racers, one of the best rides at Universal's new Epic Universe park. It was only a brief delay and nobody was bothered by it. While problems with roller coasters have led to serious injury and even death in some cases, these issues often arise as a result of structural defects or human error. Safety systems are specifically designed to prevent injury. While it can sometimes be weird to find yourself stopped on a coaster, especially if you're in the dark, it's a fairly normal thing to have happen.
