Latest news with #EveChen
USA Today
27-05-2025
- Business
- USA Today
The Daily Money: Vacationing on a budget
The Daily Money: Vacationing on a budget Good morning! This is Betty Lin-Fisher with today's edition of The Daily Money. Summer travel is around the corner for many travelers, but less may be more when it comes to summer vacations this year, reports my colleague Eve Chen. While travelers are still planning to get away, many are shifting their destinations, trip duration and other factors amid economic uncertainty. An April 28 to May 1 survey of 2,000 U.S. adults commissioned by members-only home-swapping community Kindred found that 90% were 'actively looking' for ways to save on summer travel. What are some ways to save on your summer travel plans? Is that customer service site real? When something is wrong with a product or we have an issue with a company, we're itching to connect with someone from customer service to make it right. But a growing number of scammers are creating fake customer service phone numbers or websites, or even connecting with someone venting on social media to take advantage of the situation. Here are some tips to protect yourself. Could iPhones really cost $3,500? President Donald Trump is threatening a tariff of at least 25% on Apple if iPhones are not manufactured or built in the United States. Experts agree a new tariff could drive iPhone prices higher, but disagree on how much. 📰 Consumer stories you shouldn't miss 📰 About The Daily Money Each weekday, The Daily Money delivers the best consumer and financial news from USA TODAY, breaking down complex events, providing the TLDR version, and explaining how everything from Fed rate changes to bankruptcies impacts you.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Want to see Epic Universe before it opens? Universal expands previews for general public
Universal Orlando's new theme park doesn't open until next month; however, you might be able to get a sneak peek before then. And no, you don't have to be a hotel guest or annual pass holder. Epic Universe has expanded its park previews to include the general public, allowing anyone to explore the theme park before its May opening date. Here's what to know about the previews and how long they will run. Epic Universe officially opens to the public on Thursday, May 22, 2025, ahead of Memorial Day weekend. It will be at Universal's new south campus, about 15 minutes down the road from Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios and Universal Orlando's CityWalk dining, retail and entertainment complex. Yes, Universal is currently offering park previews to guests through Monday, May 19. Originally, Universal Orlando announced that it has extended paid previews of Epic Universe for only on-site hotel guests, Annual Passholders and other select guests. As of April 29, the previews are now open to the general public. They note that capacity is limited and not guaranteed. Tickets are on a first-come, first-served basis. Ticket prices vary by guest type. Annual pass holders and Military Freedom Passholders are eligible for special rates. For additional details, head to the resort's website. Yes, you can. Universal Orlando's website says pass holders and Military Freedom Passhholders change the date of their tickets via phone by calling (866) PASS-4-FUN (7277-4-386) or in-person at the front gate, Guest Services or Universal Vacation Planning Center desks. It's important to note that not all attractions and experiences may be available during the preview. Like the Team Member previews that preceded it, this is a technical rehearsal period that allows the park to fine-tune operations ahead of its grand opening. Express Passes for Epic Universe's preview period will be available for purchase at the resort's Concierge/Guest Services kiosks inside the park. The website notes the Universal Express Pass is subject to availability and does not guarantee admission and separate theme park admission is required. This story has been updated with new information. Contributing: Eve Chen, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Epic Universe open to public for previews. See dates, ticket prices
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Carnival, Royal Caribbean cruises delayed by Cyclone Alfred
Cruise lines are adjusting operations as Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches Queensland, Australia. Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Luminosa ship will be delayed returning to Brisbane, the cruise line told USA TODAY. 'Given its current track, the storm is expected to directly impact the Brisbane area in the coming days and the port is now closed,' a spokesperson said in an emailed statement. The ship departed from Brisbane on Feb. 23 for a cruise that was set to end on Thursday, according to CruiseMapper. Carnival Luminosa will return once it's safe to do so, possibly on Saturday morning, the spokesperson added. 'The Captain is sailing a safe distance from the storm to minimize discomfort for our guests,' the statement said. The vessel's next cruise, which was set to start on Thursday, was canceled. Guests will get a full refund of their fare and any pre-purchased items. Was your cruise itinerary changed?: What to do next Royal Caribbean International's Quantum of the Seas was also delayed due to the storm. 'Guests currently onboard will spend three extra days cruising the South Pacific before returning to Brisbane,' a spokesperson for the line's parent company, Royal Caribbean Group, told USA TODAY in an emailed statement. The ship left from Brisbane on Feb. 28 and was scheduled to return on Friday, according to CruiseMapper. The company did not address a question about the ship's subsequent sailing or whether guests would receive compensation. Cyclone Alfred stalled off Australia's east coast on Thursday as officials shut airports, schools and public transport while residents stockpiled supplies and sandbagged homes against flooding expected when the category-two storm hits. The storm is now likely to make landfall by Saturday morning near Brisbane, Australia's third-most populous city, the Bureau of Meteorology said in its latest update, compared with a prior projection of landfall by early Friday. Brisbane Airport said it would suspend operations around 4 p.m. on Thursday but keep its terminals open for defense operations. Qantas Airways said its international operations from Brisbane would remain suspended until Saturday noon and domestic flights until Sunday morning. Contributing: Eve Chen, USA TODAY; Renju Jose, Reuters Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cyclone Alfred keeps Carnival, Royal Caribbean ships at sea
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Carnival, Royal Caribbean cruises delayed by Cyclone Alfred
Cruise lines are adjusting operations as Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches Queensland, Australia. Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Luminosa ship will be delayed returning to Brisbane, the cruise line told USA TODAY. 'Given its current track, the storm is expected to directly impact the Brisbane area in the coming days and the port is now closed,' a spokesperson said in an emailed statement. The ship departed from Brisbane on Feb. 23 for a cruise that was set to end on Thursday, according to CruiseMapper. Carnival Luminosa will return once it's safe to do so, possibly on Saturday morning, the spokesperson added. 'The Captain is sailing a safe distance from the storm to minimize discomfort for our guests,' the statement said. The vessel's next cruise, which was set to start on Thursday, was canceled. Guests will get a full refund of their fare and any pre-purchased items. Was your cruise itinerary changed?: What to do next Royal Caribbean International's Quantum of the Seas was also delayed due to the storm. 'Guests currently onboard will spend three extra days cruising the South Pacific before returning to Brisbane,' a spokesperson for the line's parent company, Royal Caribbean Group, told USA TODAY in an emailed statement. The ship left from Brisbane on Feb. 28 and was scheduled to return on Friday, according to CruiseMapper. The company did not address a question about the ship's subsequent sailing or whether guests would receive compensation. Cyclone Alfred stalled off Australia's east coast on Thursday as officials shut airports, schools and public transport while residents stockpiled supplies and sandbagged homes against flooding expected when the category-two storm hits. The storm is now likely to make landfall by Saturday morning near Brisbane, Australia's third-most populous city, the Bureau of Meteorology said in its latest update, compared with a prior projection of landfall by early Friday. Brisbane Airport said it would suspend operations around 4 p.m. on Thursday but keep its terminals open for defense operations. Qantas Airways said its international operations from Brisbane would remain suspended until Saturday noon and domestic flights until Sunday morning. Contributing: Eve Chen, USA TODAY; Renju Jose, Reuters Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cyclone Alfred keeps Carnival, Royal Caribbean ships at sea
USA Today
06-03-2025
- Climate
- USA Today
Carnival, Royal Caribbean cruises delayed by Cyclone Alfred
Carnival, Royal Caribbean cruises delayed by Cyclone Alfred Show Caption Hide Caption Queensland braces for impact of Tropical Cyclone Alfred Rain was pouring down in Brisbane, Queensland, as Tropical Cyclone Alfred neared the Australian coast. Cruise lines are adjusting operations as Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches Queensland, Australia. Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Luminosa ship will be delayed returning to Brisbane, the cruise line told USA TODAY. 'Given its current track, the storm is expected to directly impact the Brisbane area in the coming days and the port is now closed,' a spokesperson said in an emailed statement. The ship departed from Brisbane on Feb. 23 for a cruise that was set to end on Thursday, according to CruiseMapper. Carnival Luminosa will return once it's safe to do so, possibly on Saturday morning, the spokesperson added. 'The Captain is sailing a safe distance from the storm to minimize discomfort for our guests,' the statement said. The vessel's next cruise, which was set to start on Thursday, was canceled. Guests will get a full refund of their fare and any pre-purchased items. Was your cruise itinerary changed?: What to do next Royal Caribbean International's Quantum of the Seas was also delayed due to the storm. 'Guests currently onboard will spend three extra days cruising the South Pacific before returning to Brisbane,' a spokesperson for the line's parent company, Royal Caribbean Group, told USA TODAY in an emailed statement. The ship left from Brisbane on Feb. 28 and was scheduled to return on Friday, according to CruiseMapper. The company did not address a question about the ship's subsequent sailing or whether guests would receive compensation. Cyclone Alfred stalled off Australia's east coast on Thursday as officials shut airports, schools and public transport while residents stockpiled supplies and sandbagged homes against flooding expected when the category-two storm hits. The storm is now likely to make landfall by Saturday morning near Brisbane, Australia's third-most populous city, the Bureau of Meteorology said in its latest update, compared with a prior projection of landfall by early Friday. Brisbane Airport said it would suspend operations around 4 p.m. on Thursday but keep its terminals open for defense operations. Qantas Airways said its international operations from Brisbane would remain suspended until Saturday noon and domestic flights until Sunday morning. Contributing: Eve Chen, USA TODAY; Renju Jose, Reuters Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@
