Thursday, October 31, 2024

Universal Studios Orlando delivers frightful fun at Halloween Horror Nights with 10 haunted houses and five scare zones

Universal Studios Orlando delivers frightful fun at Halloween Horror Nights with 10 haunted houses and five scare zones
The event consists of 10 terrifying haunted houses and five sinister scare zones, as well as a slew of delicious Halloween treats, dazzling live entertainment, and exhilarating rides.

* This article was originally published here

Thursday, October 24, 2024

Monday, October 21, 2024

Delta Airlines first class passenger's bizarre behavior leaves seatmate baffled

Delta Airlines first class passenger's bizarre behavior leaves seatmate baffled
A frequent flyer took to Reddit to reveal the unnamed man sitting next to him was a nightmare seatmate as he detailed all the odd practices he witnessed the passenger do.

* This article was originally published here

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Passengers slam Delta's new cabin design as 'uncomfortable'

Passengers slam Delta's new cabin design as 'uncomfortable'
Frequent flyers have slammed Delta after the airline unveiled a new cabin design, which has been branded 'uncomfortable.' The redesign was announced by the airline Tuesday.

* This article was originally published here

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Revealed: The least-used railway stations in Britain - with the quietest seeing just 34 passengers a year

Revealed: The least-used railway stations in Britain - with the quietest seeing just 34 passengers a year
The list is by everylaststation.co.uk, which analysed data from the Office of Rail & Road to reveal which stations in England, Wales and Scotland are the loneliest.

* This article was originally published here

Monday, October 14, 2024

Sunday, October 13, 2024

I'm an ex-USDA food expert - here's how to avoid stomach bugs when eating on vacation and cruises

I'm an ex-USDA food expert - here's how to avoid stomach bugs when eating on vacation and cruises
Dr Darin Detwiler, a leading food safety expert in the US, told DailyMail.com that norovirus is 'the most common gastrointestinal illness on the high seas.'

* This article was originally published here

Saturday, October 12, 2024

Solar Eclipse Cruises 2026 are Already selling out

Solar Eclipse Cruises 2026 are Already selling out

Witnessing a total solar eclipse is a unique experience. Watching the entire world around you go dark in the middle of the day is a surreal experience. The next total solar eclipse will be Aug 12, 2026. The total solar eclipse will be visible in Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia, and a small area of Portugal. If you want to be to be 100% sure you can catch the total solar eclipse and not worry about traveling somewhere and then suffering from poor weather and cloud cover, your best option is to jump on a ship. Ships can move and get you to the perfect viewing location to ensure you have the best view of the solar eclipse.

Solar eclipse voyages are all the rage and there are some amazing opportunities to catch the next total solar eclipse in 2026. at sea. If you tried in April 2024 and missed out because of clouds, or your an umbraphile and can’t wait to catch the next solar eclipse, now is your opportunity to book your total solar eclipse cruise for you and your family and friends before it’s too late! 

Check out these solar Eclipse cruises for 2026. All are already on sale and many are selling out fast! If you want to experience 18 seconds of totality at sea plan your cruise ship eclipse now! Contact me directly to book for the best deals, myself and colleagues at Scott and Thomas Travel specialize in this type of travel. 

Solar Eclipse Cruises

There are a lot of different options for solar eclipse cruises. Nearly everyone in the business is making solar eclipse cruising possible. What you need to decide is what type of experience do you want. Choose between small ship expedition cruises, luxury cruises, or a large ship cruise. The prices will be determined by length and cruise type.

Expedition Solar Eclipse cruise

If you are looking to experience a small ship expedition, this is the best option for you. Expedition cruises focus on science and learning. Typically you will travel with less than 500 people and more often less than 250! These ships’ main focus is educational seminars and nature. Enjoy lectures from astronomy experts themed treats and drinks stargazing at night. Get up close and personal to wildlife, explore via zodiac and know that nearly everything is included in the cost of your cruise. From daily landings, open bar, wifi and staff gratuities. 

HX Expeditions

HX Expeditions will take you from the Polar Bears of Svalbard to the arctic ice fields along the East Coast of Greenland on a 17 night expedition. I traveled with HX Expeditions in remote Alaska in 2024 and had a great time. Likely one of the most science focused expeditions I have ever experienced

a group of people on a boat in the water

HX is offering up to 25% off their solar expedition and a reduced deposit. Plus everyone who books Via Scott & Thomas travel also receives 90 Euro onboard credit to utilize towards the spa or gift shop. Travel 3 Aug 2026 – 19 Aug 2026. Trip begins in Oslo and ends in Reykevik.

a screenshot of a white sheet

National Geographic – Lindblad Expeditions

The leader in expedition travel is no other than National Geographic. I’ve been on several expeditions, including a Lindblad Svalbard expedition and I know why they are #1. From service to experience guides and expert lecturers there is nothing like a Nat Geo Expedition at sea. 

Most of Lindblad’s solar eclipse cruises are already sold out, and for good reason too. If you want to experience Nat Geo’s solar eclipse, contact me today to secure a room!

a map of the north pole

Nat Geo Arctic Odyssey: Iceland, Greenland, and Canada Aug 9 – 24, 2026 will take guests from Reykjavik Iceland to St John’s, Newfoundland. Sail in the wake of early Viking explorers on a compelling journey that mixes Arctic wildlife and landscapes with a riveting history that comes alive in well-preserved ruins and local communities continuing to thrive on the edge of the Arctic. Start your adventure in Iceland’s remote Westfjords before charting a course for southern Greenland, where you’ll glide into dramatic fjords flanked by towering, jagged mountains; and visit colorful Qaqortoq, the unofficial capital of the region. In Canada, trace wild coastlines, keeping an eye out for polar bears, whales, and migrating birdlife.

Category 1 Room begin at $27,849 per person for a porthole view. All Scott and Thomas Guests receive a $200 per person onboard credit! 

National Geographic Lindblad expedition Iceland’s Wild West Coast to East Greenland is also an Arctic Expedition that will sail through the path of totality. Yet this expedition is so popular the solar eclipse cruise only has 1 room left! This is a category 5 room for $32,725 per person

a map of a route
This sailing is almost 100% sold out!

Swan Hellenic Expeditions

Swan Hellenic is a leader in small ship expeditions. They have amazing deals to Antarctic, Arctic and nearly everywhere in between with two small ships hosting just 150-198 guests. Their 5 star expeditions are not to be missed. Yet Swan Hellenic fans, know their solar eclipse cruises are already 100% sold out!

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Another company newer to expedition travel is out with Solar Eclipse cruises in 2026. Atlas owns several ships that host a max of 198 guests on 5 star luxury expeditions. If you’re looking for a small ship luxury adventure there’s a couple of options still available. 

a map of a cruise ship

Polar Eclipse Quest Aug 11 – 20, 2026. OceanView rooms start at $11,249 (after port fees and taxes) for ocean view rooms or $12,349 for balcony rooms. 

world navigator
Atlas Intimate Luxury yachts

If you want a warmer solar eclipse but still on a small ship. Check out Atlas Mediterranean option. Sailing from Barcelona to Monte Carlo on Aug 11 – 20, 2026. This trip only has 2 rooms left. Both Adventure ocean view staterooms start from $7,849 per person after taxes. 

a map of a country

Scenic Eclipse

It would make zero sense if the Scenic Eclipse luxury yacht was not doing a total eclipse cruise. Like their name suggests, they will be living their best life in the Arctic on a 6 star luxury expedition. The superYacht will take guests from Svalbard (Via Oslo) to Iceland.

a large ship in the water
the Scenic Eclipse spotted on my own trip to Antarctica

The Scenic eclipse cruise is the Wonders of the High Arctic: Greenland & Iceland Solar Eclipse Cruise Aug 4 – 18, 202. Scenic full fare typically starts from $54,140 per person. Yet Scenic is offering a two for 1 special, reducing room costs to just $27,030 per person. Plus if you pay in full you can enjoy free economy airfare or additional discounts. Ask me how! Also note, there are only 2 rooms left on the ship! Don’t delay.

a map of longyearbyen and iceland

Quark Expedition Solar Eclipse

Quark, a leader in expedition travel and a focus on only the polar region, would not miss out on the opportunity to experience a polar solar eclipse. Like many of the other expedition companies they will be doing an Iceland to Greenland Expedition. The solar eclipse cruise will depart Aug 6 – 18, 2026 round trip from Reykjavik Iceland. Rooms start at $21,495 per person. Quark will also have special guests David Baron and Michael Zeiler  onboard providing educational seminars.

Quark Antarctica

a map of the ocean

Luxury Solar Eclipse Cruise Options

For those looking to travel on a smaller ship to experience the solar eclipse but want a more traditional cruise, there are several luxury cruise options that will take you into the path of totality. These ships are typically between 450-900 passengers. These ships off the amenities of the big ships, but on a smaller scale. Think 5 and 6 star cruise lines such as Seabourn, Scenic, Silversea and more. 

Seabourn Solar Eclipse Cruise

Seabourn is taking a unique approach to the solar Eclipse with a 10-Day Spanish Gems & Solar Eclipse round trip from Barcelona on the beautiful 450 passenger Sojourn. Yet for now this cruise is waitlist only. I know the trip is not sold out though because there are back to back options which are not waitlist only. Seabourn ocean view rooms start at $6,299 per person and balcony rooms before at $7,299 per person. 

a map of a country

Or if you have the time and want to experience more of the Mediterranean during the summer of 2026 join a longer 20-Day Mediterranean Magic & Solar Eclipse. Oceanview rooms start at 9,719 and balconies are 11,249 per person. 

a map of a country

SilverSea Cruises

Keep your eyes and ears open as the August 2026 schedule has yet to drop. When they do this post will be updated with both their expedition and small ship luxury options

Azamara Cruises

Azamara is offering three different solar eclipse cruises at reasonable prices. Plus by booking early you can lock in savings of up to save 20% + $300 Onboard Credit, Complimentary WiFi for one device, and a Premium Beverage Package for two when booking a Veranda or higher room category. 

a map of the mediterranean sea

Enjoy an 11-Night Mediterranean cruise: Greece, Turkey & Italy from Athens to Barcelona from Aug 2 – 13, 2026. Interior rooms start at 4,909 per person and balcony rooms from $6709.

Or explore the British Isles on a Fri Aug 7 – 19, 2026 and catch the solar eclipse off the cost of Ireland. Interior rooms start at $5,699, balcony rooms from $8,389

a map of ireland with blue arrows

Finally,  check out the longer Azamara North Atlantic cruise: Iceland, Greenland & Quebec Aug 8 – 26, 2026. Prices from $8,089. Contact me for additional pricing for other room types. Balcony rooms are selling out quickly on all three of these sailings with limited availability. 

a map of the ocean with blue lines and orange dots
Solar Eclipse Gay Cruise

If there’s something the LGBTQ community knows how to do, it’s throw a party. VACAYA vacation is throwing a total eclipse of the heart party at sea. VACAYA’S FIRST MED CRUISE is August 6-15  2026 on the CELEBRITY EQUINOX. BONNIE TYLER will serenade guests with her iconic Total Eclipse of the Heart in concert just after sunset!

a large cruise ship in the watera woman with her arms out

Bottom Line

Solar eclipse cruises are extremely popular for the 2026 cruise season with many companies offering different options to experience totality. If seeking out a total solar eclipse is on your bucket list, contact me ASAP to book your trip. Many cruises are already sold out or have limited rooms remaining. Take your friends, grab your sister or your mother and plan your 2026 today. You will be able to gather on the top decks of the ships, put on your safety glasses, and enjoy the best eclipse theme cruise possible. There are also other options on with Princess cruise lines on the Sun Princess, Holland America and others. 

Read the rest of this article at Solar Eclipse Cruises 2026 are Already selling out.



* This article was originally published here

Friday, October 11, 2024

Uber offers $9 airport ride deal - but there's a catch

Uber offers $9 airport ride deal - but there's a catch
Getting to and from the airport can be stressful and expensive, but Uber has launched a brand new deal that could make the trek cheap and pleasant - with a slight catch.

* This article was originally published here

Monday, October 7, 2024

Bali tourists could face jail for life under strict new law: What Aussies need to know

Bali tourists could face jail for life under strict new law: What Aussies need to know
Aussies could spend up to 20 years in a Bali prison cell if they're found to have broken strict new laws flagged by the Indonesian Department of Immigration.

* This article was originally published here