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Travel + Leisure
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Travel + Leisure
This Cruise Line Keeps Its Destinations a Secret Until the Night Before—so I Packed These 14 Foolproof Items
As a lifelong solo traveler, keen snorkeler, and beginner sailor, I love an adventure that allows me to dip and dive amongst different landscapes and cultures. So, you can only imagine how enticing a mystery voyage with Variety Cruises was to me. Each year, the private cruise line hosts a mystery cruise where you only find out where you're sailing into on the night prior; last year was the Greek islands, this year: Malta's Valletta to Naples, Italy, with the deep promise of plenty of Sicilian gems that are best reached by small vessels. Since details of the voyage were strictly under wraps, putting together a packing list was a challenge, but as a frequent cruisegoer, I knew that what I brought needed to be versatile and functional; outfits that can be thrown on and off for watersports and boat trips, but still cooling and comfortable for walks around ports and archaeological sites (plus something nice for dinners on board), as well as sturdy closed-toe shoes for potential hikes and pebbly beach strolls. Below are my 14 tried-and-true cruise essentials that fit the bill, even when I didn't know what the itinerary would entail, so if you find yourself booking a mystery cruise, the only mystery will be the undersung coasts you'll dock at next—not what to pack. While Variety Cruises prides itself on its tiny, intimate vibes on board (there's only one restaurant and one bar, and no dress codes or themes) and laidback itineraries—guests are more like a gang of like-minded, low-key adventurers who like a dash of comfort and ease when in transit, but don't go for the over-the-top indulgence of some of Sicily's screen-popularized, moneyed haunts—a decent maxi dress to wear around the fancy yacht never feels out of place. This dress' already-crinkled look meant no stress about wrinkles, and it was nice enough to wear off-ship, too. The sky blue color paired with the red hand-smocked accents feels perfectly Mediterranean glam, and the ease and length of this number is great for dancing, sitting on steps to watch music, and shuffling respectfully through churches on some of the late-night island tours you find yourself on with Variety. Plus, there are on-seam pockets for your phone, sunglasses, and other tiny essentials. The only other type of short dress I'll consider wearing on a cruise is a tighter cut that is still decidedly nautical-elegant. The '90s feel of this sweater dress gem feels classic and smart, simple to dress up for any special night on or off board, but I would particularly choose it for an evening somewhere cosmopolitan like Palermo or Amalfi after a day exploring and boating. Something special from Variety Cruises that you don't get on bigger vessels is the local excursions to tiny villages for a traditional dinner; once or twice during a sail, the team chooses a local taverna or restaurant run by locals in the Ionian or Mediterranean for a culture-rich evening of food and music. When at sea, I, more often than not, like a throw-on outfit to wear over my bathing suit so I can easily get changed when walking across pool decks and walkways. This Petal & Pup romper is made with 100 percent cotton, so it's moisture-wicking, breezy, and easy to hand-wash in your stateroom's bathroom sink if needed. It's particularly ideal for plodding around cities or towns such as the capital city of Valletta or Sicilian marina spot Porto Empedocle, where traditions and merged cultures still make for rather reserved and pared-down atmospheres around places of worship or town squares. $45 at Amazon $55 $39 at REI The best thing about being on a small ship is the access to lesser-trodden routes and the opportunity to hop on even smaller boats to quaint island hubs like Favignana in the Aegadian Islands off southern Sicily's Trapani or Lipari in the Aeolian Isles towards Naples. Often, the Variety Voyager will dock just far enough from land to swim off the deck, with a stack of SUP paddle boards and kayaks ready to go. This privacy and oneness with the deep blue feels very VIP yacht—and this sporty skort is excellent to wear over swimwear with its quick-drying fabric. $98 $49 at REI $98 at I've learned the pink and peeling way just how powerful the Mediterranean rays can be. June through August is roasting hot from Valletta through Naples, with the coastal breeze bringing some relief, but days on or in the water are deceptive to the UVA rays' potency. Now, I run no risks of sunburn during watersports or snorkeling adventures with this UPF 50+ rashguard from Vuori. The stretchy, moisture-wicking fabric was also great for hikes or cycling, or scooting around the likes of Vulcano or Palermo. Subtle pockets for glasses, sunscreen, or waterproof cameras are also nifty. $118 at Onboard the Variety Voyager, everything is air-conditioned, except for the top two decks where you can watch sunrise, practice yoga, sip cocktails, and enjoy dusk as you sail through the changing kaleidoscope of the Mediterranean from port to port. I particularly liked wearing these light-colored Vuori Mushroom Villa Pants to pull on quickly for sunrise or to dress up for barbeques on deck, smartening them up with a simple belt and flats. A simple tank or T-shirt pairs well with these, and the tapered waist with elastic allows for ample pasta sessions without the worry of tight waistbands. They were also ideal for tours to Pompeii or local villages to visit artisan studios or churches, where it's important to cover up. $100 at Zappos $100 at If you're a serious snorkeler with an aversion to flippers and a love for climbing over rocky terrain to get to the best reefs or caves, but also seek a shoe that's supportive enough for light hikes where your feet are likely to get splashed or slightly soiled with mud, moss, sand or pebbles, the Teva Hydratreks are the pair for you. I found them particularly handy when exploring the coves and bays of the Egadi archipelago and the pumice beaches and volcanic terrain of the Aeolian Isles, as well as paddling around the rocky bay in the cruise's start point of Valletta. With cut-out panels for breathability and flexibility, plus maximised surface area, these shoes really let water escape easily, through great engineering underfoot that disperses it evenly. Teva claims that they are built for high-adrenalin activity, with tree-frog and spider-inspired grip and stability. They're pretty stylish, so you can also wear them with your favorite cruise dress or outfit if you want to be comfy. For longer hikes and early morning port runs, I like my Salomon Speedcross Trail Shoes that are robust enough to handle dirt and sand but stay waterproof and breathable. They also have a "grippy connection to the ground and faster mud evacuation," and whilst I hope not to encounter much mud during a Med cruise, sometimes a little adventure off board is just what you need to escape the crowd and touch earth. However, if you're looking for something that looks more street-ready than trail-ready, I recommend the Salomon XT-4 OG Sportstyle Shoes, so they double as a pair of walking sneakers. Naples is also a great place for runs and long walks, though early in the morning or after dusk is more feasible during the summer months. I'm a baseball cap lover, but sometimes they don't provide enough coverage, or match the dress code. This classy small cruise called for sun accessories that were a little more elevated, which is why I brought my Madewell Lantern Straw Hat. This 100 percent raffia delight is entirely packable, so it won't crush or mess up in transit, and the various colors are equally timeless and adaptable to any muted and soft cruising wardrobe. It's a safer bet than a wide-brimmed, wind-unfriendly sun hat and a little more subtle, though it still has some stylish flair that dresses up anything from white shirts to flowy rompers. In my constant bid to move away from baseball caps but not lose hats to the ocean comes my attempt to revive headscarves, which I haven't worn since I was a pre-teen. My go-to Liberty London silk scarf did the trick with its oversized design, but you can achieve the same look for $15 with Amazon's Fonyve Mulberry Silk Scarf. When we docked in Palermo for two days, my headscarf saved my head from sunburn while searching for the perfect arancini. After swimming with a floating dry bag, which also serves as a safety float and spotting device, in the rivers and lakes of Basel, Geneva, Lausanne, and Zurich, I was changed forever. Now, everywhere I travel, I take this Stover Waterproof Backpack (it also comes with a waterproof phone case). It can feel curious at first to trust the bag with all your stuff, but it's incredibly freeing if you're in busy ports, bays, or beaches that make you uncertain about leaving your valuables ashore unattended. I went years winging it with wrinkle-free clothing, but one day I had to accept that not all creases could always be so easily bypassed. I can honestly testify that the Steamery Cirrus 3 travel steamer is head and shoulders above others I've trialled, and I like to minimize the onboard laundry teams' already mammoth workload (plus the hefty ship costs of laundering and pressing) by carrying my own steamer. What I love best about this Scandinavian-designed steamer are features like its auto-shut off, a featured hanging loop, and a long cord length. It also has limescale traps and a steaming pad, and both the steamer and iron functions work very effectively and quickly, too. As a carry-on-only traveler, keeping my toiletries simple and minimal at sea is vital. However, there's always room in my toiletry bag for some aloe vera in case I overdo it in the sun, whether it be from too many hours exploring underwater or sunning during hikes or tours on land. This 100 percent organic aloe vera from Seven Minerals comes in a handy TSA-friendly size and packs on the soothing moisturization when my skin needs it (pro tip: I like to keep it in the fridge in my stateroom for an extra cooling touch). $45 at Amazon $69 at Nordstrom $45 at Saving the most vital packing tip for any Med adventure and my most important cruise essential for last, a high-SPF sunscreen. This lightweight sunscreen face serum from Kiehl's protects your skin from the sun's harmful rays while enriching it with collagen-boosting peptides and other healthy ingredients. Beyond making an exceptional sunscreen, I love Kiehl's because you can also bet to find one at any duty-free store around the world. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
The National
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
How Moroccan filmmaker Seloua El Gouni went from Hollywood assistant to the director's chair
Sitting in a boutique hotel in Valletta, Moroccan filmmaker Seloua El Gouni is feeling inspired. She has just screened her debut feature The Wound at the Mediterrane Film Festival, now in its third year. El Gouni has been to Malta twice before and is impressed by the way its film commission sets out to welcome overseas productions to the island. 'Given the importance that Malta gives to the film industry, we would like to set something here,' she says. Her optimism feels infectious. Just days earlier, The Wound enjoyed its Moroccan premiere at the Casablanca Arab Film Festival, before what she hopes will be a release in cinemas in 2026. The story follows Leila (Oumaima Barid), a young woman living in Casablanca whose relationship with a non-Muslim man leads to friction with her father. The reaction from El Gouni's home crowd 'was surprisingly encouraging and very positive'. The surprise factor came at the after-screening Q&A. 'Men interacted with us more than women. We had notes from them, we had questions from them,' she says. In Malta and in Beirut, when the film had its Mena premiere at the Beirut International Women's Film Festival, it was the opposite: the biggest reactions came from female audience members. Either way, The Wound is a film that touches a nerve with both men and women. After directing two shorts and producing the 2023 documentary Harraga – Those Who Burn Their Lives, El Gouni realised it was time to move into features. She set about working on The Wound, scripted by her producer Taha Benghalem and brothers Brian and Brice Bexter. 'We wanted to make something meaningful,' she says, noting that public discourse in Morocco at the time was centring on 'personal freedoms in terms of relationships, what's accepted what's not accepted'. The screenplay is an amalgam of true stories of women like Leila, and El Gouni says: 'It's basically an alternate reality with very realistic events.' What happens to Leila is shocking, but such events are not confined to Morocco, or the Arab world. 'All over the world, we've heard stories,' she adds, pointing out that during the writing process women were losing agency over their own bodies, as abortion rights were being removed across the US. What The Wound does well is show modern Casablanca, where many young women (like Leila's free-spirited best friend Sophia) live an existence with few restrictions. 'It depends on your lifestyle, depends on who you work with, your entourage, upbringing,' says El Gouni. 'You can be on good terms with your parents and live alone as a woman in Morocco. I myself left home when I was 17, like in any normal European culture.' Equally, your upbringing may still be dangerously ultra-conservative. The Wound is her first feature, but El Gouni has a wealth of filmmaking experience. She was worked on some major English and American films, as a production co-ordinator and production supervisor, such as Men in Black: International, and The Forgiven with Ralph Fiennes. She worked as assistant to the Russo brothers, the filmmakers behind Avengers: Endgame, Infinity War and the upcoming Doomsday, when they made Cherry with Tom Holland. The experience of collaborating on big-budget films was highly useful when it came to making The Wound. 'You really read the script fully, keeping your eyes on the budget,' she says. 'That really helped us into creating something very effective, very efficient, in terms of budget, production value, and then just making sure it happens with the best quality possible.' That included securing the services of Emmy-winning US cinematographer Travis Tips, who made the 2012 awards magnet Beasts of the Southern Wild. Tips' participation indicates the increasingly healthy state of Moroccan cinema. 'Especially for female directors,' El Gouni adds. 'We do have more female directors than ever.' Filmmakers such as Maryam Touzani (The Blue Caftan), Meryem Benm'Barek-Aloïsi (Sofia) and Asmae El Moudir (The Mother of All Lies) show just how vibrant the scene is right now. Still, very few can claim they have a movie by Terrence Malick on their CV. El Gouni was production co-ordinator on The Last Planet, Malick's long-gestating retelling of the life of Jesus. 'It still hasn't come out!' she exclaims. The famously press-shy Malick, director of revered classics such as Badlands and Days of Heaven, has been in the edit with the film since it was shot in 2019. 'I hope it will come out this year,' she adds. With the Hungarian-born Geza Rohrig (Son of Saul) featuring as Jesus and Mark Rylance playing Satan, it is one of the most anticipated films. 'It will be wonderful,' El Gouni promises. And Malick? 'He's very calm, and all the sets are really calm. You don't have that stress of really being on a film set. It's really an experience that I don't think I've had before, but it was really special.' With mentors like Malick, El Gouni is set to go far.
Times
10-07-2025
- Times
Small island, big story: Malta's ancient temples, WWII forts and living history
The country wears its past proudly, but it is the everyday culture, food and warmth that truly shine Capital ideas: Valletta is compact but brimful of heritage spots, diverse dining and buzzing nightlife There are places you pass through and places that stay with you – Malta is firmly in the latter camp. This sun-bleached crossroads, sitting proudly in the middle of the Mediterranean, offers more than history. Here, the past is not a museum piece – it's a living, breathing companion. Militarily speaking, Malta has never been quiet. A speck in the sea, yes, but a stubborn, significant one. It's been coveted, besieged, blockaded and bombed since long before gunpowder. Victory Day here is celebrated on September 8, marking the end of multiple historic sieges. On this island with layers of resistance baked into its stone, it is the Second World War that left the deepest impression. A former British colony, Malta endured more than 3,000 air raids in two years – a brutal battering that earned the entire population the George Cross. Ancient history: the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum is an incredible underground burial complex This isn't abstract history, it's tactile. You can see it in the blackened forts of Valletta, smell it in the diesel musk of old bunkers and feel it in the texture of buildings that somehow withstood all the attacks. To explore these significant times, begin with the Lascaris War Rooms, a honeycomb of underground planning spaces where Allied forces coordinated the 1943 invasion of Sicily. Move to Fort St Elmo, which resisted the Ottomans in 1565 and Luftwaffe bombers in 1942. Today, it houses the National War Museum, home to the George Cross, a wall of medals and other military artefacts. But Malta isn't just a fortress. Beneath the British bunkers lie the baroque palaces of the Knights of St John. And beneath those are the bones of civilisations that existed before the pyramids were even blueprints. You feel it everywhere – it's magical. Fighting talk: battles old and modern are remembered at the National War Museum in Fort St Elmo Malta's prehistoric Unesco-listed sites – Ġgantija, Haġar Qim, Mnajdra, Tarxien – are as alien as they are beautiful. Shaped in spirals and built with stones weighing up to 20 tonnes, they predate Stonehenge and remain mysterious, sacred-feeling places. The Hal Saflieni Hypogeum is the most eerie: a subterranean burial chamber, discovered by accident, with acoustics so perfect a whisper carries like a prayer. Booking in advance is highly recommended. In Valletta, the Grandmaster's Palace, St John's Co-Cathedral, Casa Rocca Piccola and the Saluting Battery all stand as gateways to the past. Then suddenly you're in a wine bar with a jazz trio or eating grilled octopus under fairy lights, and the whole island shifts tone. Follow the leaders: the state rooms and armoury at the Grandmaster's Palace are open to the public With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, the country is a true year-round destination. Even spring and autumn feel like they've been kept secret – the crowds thinner, the light softer, the sea still warm enough for a morning swim. Winter is for coastal walks and long terrace lunches. And when the sun drops, the cities glow like firelit sandstone. For the restless, Malta offers movement without hassle. You can cross the main island by car in under an hour and never grow tired of the journey. Divers will find world-class wrecks, including wartime destroyers and downed bombers. There are more than 120 dive sites across Malta and its smaller sister islands of Gozo and Comino, with exceptional visibility and terrain ranging from natural coral-covered reefs to haunting artificial ones. Whether you're certified or just curious, local dive centres cater to all levels. Hidden depths: Malta offers exceptional diving with caves, reefs and wrecks accessible by shore or boat Above water, Gozo's rolling trails and the Dingli Cliffs offer hikers cinematic views and real solitude. Meanwhile, history buffs could explore Malta for a month and not run out of forts, catacombs, churches and palaces. If all you want is to sit still and admire – try a harbour cruise at sunset, glass in hand . Practicalities are easy too. Malta is three hours from the UK, English is widely spoken and they drive on the left. Accommodation spans boutique hotels, converted palazzos, farmhouse rentals and family resorts. Food is a highlight, with Arabic, Italian and British influences blending into dishes like rabbit stew, lampuki pie and sea bass spiked with citrus and capers. Pastizzi – flaky, ricotta-filled pastries – are an addiction waiting to happen. A fine feast: discover Malta's many gastronomic delights The country is also one of Europe's most LGBTQ+ friendly destinations, scoring top marks for safety and inclusivity. It doesn't just tolerate difference, it thrives on it. So come for the military history, stay for the temples, the terraces, the sea, the wine and the light. Malta has seen a lot, but it's still here – sun-warmed, generous and ready to write its next chapter. To delve deeper, check out the History Undone podcast on YouTube. Hosted by James Hanson, experts imagine how pivotal moments could have played out differently. Two episodes on Malta ask: 'What if the Ottoman Empire had conquered Malta in 1565?' and 'What if the Allies had failed to defend Malta in WWII?'
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Scarlett Johansson Brought 'Jurassic' Cast's Partners and Kids Together for 'Special' Dinner in Malta (Exclusive)
Jonathan Bailey tells PEOPLE that costar Scarlett Johansson organized a "special" dinner in Malta for the Jurassic World Rebirth cast's families The actress and mom of two says, "It was so nice to see everybody's children playing in the square" Bailey adds that Johansson "led the film with such incredible energy, and that's on and off camera"Scarlett Johansson organized a memorable family gathering for the Jurassic World Rebirth cast and crew during production on the dinosaur action film. The actress headlines the epic new movie, which was filmed in places like Malta, Thailand and New York City, with a cast that includes Jonathan Bailey, Mahershala Ali, Rupert Friend, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo and more. Bailey, 37, recalls to PEOPLE a day he won't forget involving a dinner for which Johansson, 40, "brought everyone together" in Malta. "Everyone's family was there at the same time." "We were in a square in Valletta, and it was just really special," he adds. Johansson, who has daughter Rose, 10, with ex-husband Romain Dauriac and son Cosmo, 3, with husband Colin Jost, says, "It was beautiful, and it was so nice to see everybody's children playing in the square. All the partners were there, and it was a wonderful celebration of what we were accomplishing, how much work we'd done. It was kind of the halfway point. It was so nice." Bailey, who praises Johansson as "funny, intelligent, kind," says his costar "led the film with such incredible energy, and that's on and off camera." He adds, "It was so apparent very quickly that it was going to be a knockout summer." is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! Johansson says the entire cast and crew "all laughed a lot" during production as they were "thrown into such extraordinary circumstances physically — it was just insane." A longtime die-hard fan of the Jurassic movies, Johansson hopes families embrace the newest installment. "As a huge fan of the movies, I'm just excited for Jurassic nerds to see it, because I think they'll like it a lot. And I hope that there are other 10-year-olds that have the same experience that I did when I saw the first Jurassic in theaters, where they can just be completely carried away for two hours. It makes you dream." Jurassic World Rebirth is in theaters now. Read the original article on People
Zawya
03-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Qatar Airways lands again in Malta, continues to expand its network and increase global connectivity
Qatar Airways resumes operations today in Malta with four non-stop flights a week between Hamad International Airport (DOH) and Malta International Airport (MLA). The latest addition to the airline's network in Europe affirms its commitment to maintaining global connectivity. Malta is home to Valletta, its capital city declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Mdina, its old capital with more than 4,000 years of history. With 300 days of sun, the country invites travellers to explore its sun-drenched coasts, rich history, and cultural experiences. Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Thierry Antinori, said: 'Qatar Airways remains at the forefront of supporting global connectivity with its resumption of operations in Malta. As the only airline in the Middle East with non-stop services to and from Malta, we deliver convenient travel experiences to our passengers who seek to enjoy the vibrant nature of Malta and its landscape. We welcome global travellers to travel seamlessly and conveniently with the World's Best Airline, through its home and hub, the award-winning Hamad International Airport.' Malta International Airport CEO, Mr. Alan Borg, said: 'The return of Qatar Airways as one of our airline partners is a welcome addition to our schedule, contributing to our efforts to expand our connectivity. A testament to our industry's resilience, we remain committed to facilitating the airline in increasing its operational growth in the region.' Malta Tourism Authority CEO, Mr. Carlo Micallef, said: 'We welcome the resumption of the Qatar Airways direct service between Doha and Malta. Qatar Airways' return signifies a strong recognition of Malta's tourism potential. The new schedule will strengthen Malta's connectivity with a variety of attractive and lucrative tourism source markets, and the Malta Tourism Authority remains fully committed to working in partnership with the airline to maximise business opportunities for Malta whilst ensuring the route's sustained long-term success.' Qatar Airways, a benchmark for excellence in the industry, continues to fly passengers from global markets to its European network of nearly 50 destinations through the world-class Hamad International Airport. Qatar Airways flight to Malta (MLA) Departing every Wednesday and Friday: Doha (DOH) to Malta (MLA) – Flight QR381: Departure 02:05; Arrival 06:45 Malta (MLA) to Doha (DOH) – Flight QR382: Departure 10:15; Arrival 16:20 Departing every Monday and Saturday: Doha (DOH) to Malta (MLA) – Flight QR383: Departure 08:45; Arrival 13:25 Malta (MLA) to Doha (DOH) – Flight QR384: Departure 17:05; Arrival 23:10 © Gulf Times Newspaper 2022 Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
