Latest news with #RiverCruises


Time of India
2 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
'Big challenge': Steve Smith warns England's aggressive style won't fly like it did vs India
Steve Smith has sent out a firm warning to England ahead of The Ashes in November (Photo by) Steve Smith has cautioned England's batters ahead of the upcoming Ashes series, suggesting that conditions in Australia will pose a big challenge to their aggressive style of play. The veteran batter highlighted both the strength of Australia's attack and the challenges of adapting to the surfaces down under. 'I think coming down to Australia, particularly for their batters, it's going to be a big challenge. The wickets in the last three-four years have been really tricky,' Smith told Sky Sports Cricket. 'We've obviously got a very experienced bowling lineup with guys that have played over a long period of time and been extremely successful. I'm looking forward to it. I think it's going to be a great series.' Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! The former Australia captain also acknowledged the quality of cricket played by England in recent months, crediting their attacking approach. 'England have a good side at the moment. They are obviously playing a really aggressive brand of cricket,' he remarked. Smith noted that he enjoyed watching their recent battles with India, calling it 'one of the best Test series I've seen in a long time.' Smith, who stepped away from ODI cricket earlier this year, also spoke about Joe Root 's form. The England batter moved to second on the all-time Test run-scorers list during the India series, something Smith said reflected his consistency. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New River Cruises Coming to Egypt: (Take A Look at The Prices) River Cruises Read More Undo 'I think not just in that series (against India) but probably the last two years, he's been incredible. His ability to make big scores - to go from 50 to 100 - which was one thing he got caught in that spot for a while. Now he's just making that count and making huge scores,' Smith said. Poll Will England's aggressive style of play succeed in the upcoming Ashes series? Yes, they will dominate No, they will struggle However, he pointed out one missing piece in Root's record. 'He hasn't scored a hundred in Australia. I think that's been talked about quite a lot. I'm sure that's something he wants to tick off his bucket list as well.' Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!


Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Not Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma - Irfan Pathan names the player who wanted him out of IPL commentary
Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan (Photo by) Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has addressed speculation about his removal from the IPL 2025 broadcast team, revealing that it was Hardik Pandya , not Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma , who had concerns about his on-air criticism. Speaking in an interview with The Lallantop, Pathan clarified the situation and discussed his past support for Pandya while defending his role as a broadcaster. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Pathan explained his approach to cricket commentary and the necessity of constructive criticism in broadcasting. "If I'm criticising you in 7 matches out of 14, I'm still being lenient. That is our job as broadcaster," Pathan stated in the interview. The former cricketer emphasized that there was no personal animosity between him and Pandya, highlighting his history of supporting cricketers from Baroda. "There is no rivalry. All the Baroda players who have come after me — Deepak Hooda, Krunal Pandya or Hardik Pandya — none of them can say that Irfan-Yusuf did not help them," Pathan shared. Pathan recalled a significant incident from 2012 when he had recommended a young Hardik Pandya to Sunrisers Hyderabad, demonstrating his early recognition of Pandya's potential. Poll Do you support Irfan Pathan's approach to constructive criticism in cricket commentary? Yes, it's necessary for improvement No, it should be more positive Not sure He revealed that VVS Laxman later acknowledged missing an opportunity by not following his recommendation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New River Cruises Coming to Indonesia: (Take A Look at The Prices) River Cruises Read More Undo "VVS Laxman admitted on Star Sports, that he was at fault for not listening to me, and not picking Hardik in 2012. If he had picked him then, Hardik would have played for Hyderabad," Pathan disclosed. The former all-rounder also mentioned his support for Pandya during challenging times, particularly when the player faced backlash from Mumbai Indians fans following Rohit Sharma's removal from captaincy before IPL 2024. Pathan defended his stance on cricket criticism while maintaining that it should remain professional and not personal. "There is nothing wrong in criticising the player, if you play, you have to go through that. It happened with Sunil Gavaskar , the great Sachin Tendulkar… they never made anyone feel, they were bigger than the game. But I'm against the derogatory words used against Pandya," he explained. Pathan's comments shed light on the complex relationship between cricket broadcasters and players, highlighting the balance between professional criticism and personal respect in sports commentary. The revelation about his removal from the IPL broadcast team and the subsequent clarification provides insight into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of cricket broadcasting and player relationships. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!


Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
King and Queen of wealth: Top 5 richest couples in the world of Sports Entertainment
Richest couple in Sports Entertainment (Images via Getty) When a sports celebrity meets an entertainment star, the world gets to meet some of the most popular couples in the world of sports entertainment. Many famous people from diverse backgrounds have come together, creating iconic pairings that captivate fans worldwide. From the OG couple of David and Victoria Beckham , to the current favorite of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce , these dazzling duos have had the attention of the public for years. Today, let's dive into the richest couples from the world of sports entertainment, and see who is the crowned king and queen of the domain. 5. Russell Wilson and Ciara Russell Wilson, the star quarterback for the NFL's New York Giants, has been married to R&B singer-songwriter Ciara since 2016. They have three children together, and Wilson is also a stepfather to Ciara's son from her previous relationship with rapper Future. The couple currently has a joint net worth of $200 million. 4. Dwayne Wade and Gabrielle Union Talk about the NBA, and not mention the couple of Dwayne Wade and Gabrielle Union ? Not possible! The two have a love story for the ages, and their love translates into their relationship with each other as well as their daughter. The ex-NBA player and the actress currently have a joint net worth of $210 million. 3. Justin Verlander and Kate Upton MLB pitcher for the San Francisco Giants, Justin Verlander, and actress Kate Upton began dating in 2014, and in 2017, 2 days after Verlander won the World Series with the Houston Astros, the two tied the knot in a private ceremony. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New River Cruises Coming to Bangladesh: (Take A Look at The Prices) River Cruises Read More Undo The couple has a daughter and a son together. Currently, they have a joint net worth of $220 million. 4. David Beckham and Victoria Beckham David and Victoria Beckham are the OGs when it comes to couples in the world of sports entertainment and their love story has been tabloid fodder since the very beginning, when they started dating in 1997. dubbed "Posh and Becks," they got engaged only a year after and got married in 1999. They have 3 sons and a daughter, and the ex-soccer star and the designer diva have a current net worth of $450 million. 5. Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift The current hot favorites in the world of sports entertainment are, of course, Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift. NFL tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs met the musical diva in 2023, and Swift is often dubbed as a lucky charm for the Chiefs. The couple is going strong in their relationship, and their net worth as of now is a staggering $1.67 billion. Also Read: Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift's lovey-dovey moments from New Heights podcast define 'Modern-Day Love Story' Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!


Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
2 drug peddlers get 10 yrs in jail in Ludhiana for possession.
Ludhiana: A local court has sentenced two drug peddlers to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment each for conscious possession of 200 intoxicating injections. Judge special court Harvinder Singh also imposed a fine of Rs. 1 lakh each on the two convicts, and in default of payment of the fine, they will have to undergo further rigorous imprisonment for one year each. On November 9, 2017, the Doraha police had booked Jalandhar residents 32-year-old Som Nath and Vikram Raja, aged about 30 years, under the NDPS Act for possession of intoxicating injections. As per the prosecution, on the day ASI Sajjan Singh, along with other police officials, were present on the Delhi-Ludhiana stretch of the national highway, opposite Rajwant Hospital, Doraha. At about 3pm, they saw two men carrying backpacks coming from the Doraha bus stand side. Upon seeing the police party ahead, they tried to turn back. On suspicion, ASI Sajjan Singh asked them to stop and apprehended them with the assistance of the police party. While one of the accused identified himself as Som Nath, the other person disclosed his identity as Vikram Raja. Police later recovered intoxicant injections from their backpacks. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New River Cruises Coming to South Africa: (Take A Look at The Prices) River Cruises Read More Undo Police later arrested the accused and presented a chargesheet against them in court. During the trial, the accused pleaded false implication. The defence counsels argued that no independent witness was joined by the police at the time of the alleged search and seizure. The court didn't find merit in the contention of the defence. It held that the evidence of official witnesses in this case has been able to withstand in-depth scrutiny, and nothing came to light that may discredit the same. The court also didn't find weight in the defence plea that the accused were falsely implicated. It observed that the accused have not alleged any ill-will or enmity with the police and, therefore, there was no reason for the police authorities to falsely implicate the accused in this case. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.


Telegraph
08-06-2025
- Telegraph
Five essential things to know before you board a TUI River Cruises ship
River cruises are the newest venture for travel giant TUI, which officially entered the sector in August 2021 with the launch of the 155-passenger TUI Maya following an 18-month delay due to the Covid pandemic. The adult-only ship was soon joined by sisters TUI Skyla and TUI Isla, who collectively sail some of Europe's leading waterways. In winter 2024, TUI River Cruises expanded geographically and launched its first Nile River ship: TUI Al Horeya (Arabic for freedom). This inaugural Nile ship proved so popular that a second, TUI Al Bahareya, is due to debut in Egypt towards the end of 2025. Yet regardless of which TUI River Cruises ship you set sail on, you can be sure they have Brits in mind; kettles and Twinings tea bags can be found in every cabin, while shore experiences can be pre-purchased in sterling. Onboard, a fun and sociable vibe prevails: the amiable and talented entertainment team lead quizzes, trivia contests, and Motown Moves sessions. They also perform West End hits, pop classics, and rock and roll anthems and host silent discos and stargazing sessions. Expect local guest acts, too – on my recent TUI Nile River cruise, energetic belly dancers, Egyptian whirling dervishes and traditional Nubian acts all performed on board. What's even better is how much is included in the cost of your river cruise: all entertainment, drinks, meals, gratuities, unlimited internet access, and even a return flight. All you'll need to put your hand in your pocket for are select shore excursions, spa treatments, and shop purchases. This transparency makes the line a great option for anyone looking to explore Europe and Egypt without breaking the bank. 1. Where does TUI River Cruises sail? In Europe, TUI Isla, Skyla and Maya sail the Rhine, with its billowing vineyards and dramatic cliffs, and the Danube, which strings together some of Europe's most majestic cities and sights such as Budapest's Parliament building and the lavish palaces of Vienna. Stops on a Rhine cruise could include Strasbourg, where you can wander the Roman streets and admire the half-timbered houses, Cologne, to sample the city's signature Kölsch beer, and the quaint town of Rudesheim, home to the quirky Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum with its unique collection of automated musical instruments. In addition, TUI Isla offers itineraries on the Main, which meanders out from the east of the Rhine and through the middle of Germany, the Moselle, a must for wine lovers, and the beautiful Belgian and Dutch waterways. Summer 2025 marks the start of sailings along Portugal's Douro River onboard TUI Alma. The line's first new-build river ship will offer seven-night round-trip sailings from Porto calling at Entre-os-Rios, Peso de Regua, Vega de Terron and Barca d'Alva. Yet another new European ship, TUI Ria, is scheduled to launch in summer 2026 and will also sail on the Rhine and Moselle. Egypt also features on the agenda with an unforgettable cruise along the Nile. The group's first Nile ship, TUI Al Horeya, operates a seven-night Legends of the Nile voyage; a round-trip sailing from Luxor that calls at Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. Sister ship, Tui Bahareya, is slated to debut on the Nile in November 2025 and will offer two round-trip routes from Luxor: the Legends of the Nile cruise and a seven-night Ancient Gods and Famous Pharaohs itinerary. Both sailings will take you to Egypt's most famous historic sites, including the Valley of the Kings, Aswan and the Temple of Horus. Two Egyptologists will also be on board to reveal the stories that lie behind the extraordinary temples and tombs. 2. Who does TUI River Cruises appeal to? The line has gone out of its way to attract British passengers with flights (on TUI Airways) offered from a number of UK airports. As TUI River Cruises ships are strictly adults-only, they fit the bill for couples and groups of friends seeking a relaxed and informal sailing. Solo travellers aren't neglected either: each ship has been fitted with a handful of single cabins and those going it alone can meet up with like-minded travellers at mealtimes and social events. All told, you might embark on a river cruise as a single traveller, but you certainly won't end up alone. You'll find plenty of first-time river cruisers on board too. These are typically guests who have travelled with TUI before, be it on a package holiday or an ocean voyage with sister line Marella Cruises, and fancy experimenting on a new type of holiday with a company they feel comfortable with. With absolutely everything included in the fare, TUI River Cruises is also a great option for cost-conscious travellers who want to get away without worrying about extra fees. 3. The fleet TUI Skyla, TUI Isla, TUI Maya (151, 155, and 155 passengers respectively) Sails to: Danube, Rhine. TUI Isla also sails the Dutch & Belgian waterways, Main and Moselle The trio of adult-only vessels share a light and breezy aesthetic, with each ship featuring two restaurants and two bars as well as a wellness area and activity area on the top deck. Cabins span several categories, ranging from singles to suites. TUI Al Horeya (145 passengers) W inter 2024 marked the debut of TUI Al Horeya on the Nile. The freshly refurbished ship features 72 river-facing cabins, the lion's share of which have French balconies. Spacious public spaces include the third-floor Observatory lounge – head here for enlightening lectures and film showings during the day, and cabaret and trivia contests at night – two restaurants, a small gym, and a top deck with an inviting pool, hot tubs, sun loungers and a shaded bar seating area. TUI Alma (123 passengers) Sails to: Douro Meaning 'soul' in Portuguese, TUI Alma – the line's first brand-new ship – will cruise along Portugal's River Douro when it launches in 2025. Expect 62 river-facing staterooms situated across three of the four passenger decks, plus a shallow pool with seating areas, main restaurant and Portuguese-inspired al fresco dining space. TUI Bahareya (136 passengers) Sails to: Nile TUI Bahareya will be the sixth ship to join the fleet when it launches towards the end of 2025. The name means 'belongs to the river' in Arabic and the ship will accommodate 136 passengers in 68 cabins, including standard French balcony cabins and superior cabins. While the real attraction of any Nile cruise lies on dry land, TUI Bahareya will have plenty to keep guests entertained, from an open-air pool to a massage tent and an entertainment area. TUI Ria (190 passengers) Sails to: Rhine, Moselle This will be the largest ship in the fleet when it launches in summer 2026 and the big talking point is the onboard pool that will double as a restaurant: in the evening, the pool floor will rise to close off the water, transforming the space into a secondary dining venue and entertainment area. It will even have a retractable roof, allowing guests to take a dip whatever the weather. In addition, there will be a choice of restaurants, lounges and entertainment spaces. 4. Loyalty scheme None officially, but the line says that it does try to offer repeat guests 'access to things like exclusive offers and events' as a thank you for their loyalty. 5. Access for guests with disabilities Wheelchairs cannot be used on board, so TUI River Cruises says that if you're unable to walk unaided up and down flights of stairs, then a cruise with them may not be suitable for you. It's worth contacting the Assisted Travel Team (0203 451 2688) before booking a cruise if you have specific needs.