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☆ This woman has been on 17 cruises in the past year. Here are her 9 tips for first-time, budget, and solo cruisers.
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-29 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

So far, she's been on 17 sailings — 11 with Norwegian Cruise Line and some back-to-back — since she left the US one year ago. If you're a first-time, budget, or solo cruiser, Thomas has nine suggestions for you, from sailing solo to finding the cheapest cruise. Thomas suggests travelers wanting to achieve loyalty status should test two or three companies before settling on a favorite. In 2024, Norwegian Cruise Line introduced solo interior, ocean view, and balcony cabins on top of its existing "studios" designed for single travelers. Norwegian Cruise LineSome cruise companies charge solo travelers a "single supplement" fee to compensate for lost revenue on dual occupancy cabins.

Persons: Shirene Thomas, —, Thomas, Villa Vie's, she's, Brittany Chang, Taylor Rains, she'll, there's, Pieter De Boer, it's, Jason Liberty Organizations: Villa, Service, Cruise Lines International Association, Sea Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Cruise, Cruise Line, Firenze, Business, Facebook, Royal, upcharges, Royal Caribbean, Oasis Class, Seas Locations: Wilmington , North Carolina, Norwegian, CocoCay, —, New Orleans, Barcelona, Florida's Port Canaveral

☆ I've been to 35 all-inclusive resorts. I always watch out for these 7 red flags.
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-02 | by ( Kelly Magyarics | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Read previewYou may already have a trip to an all-inclusive resort on the books, or perhaps you're still browsing. As a travel writer, I've stayed at almost 40 all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, the Maldives, the Caribbean, and more. If you're dining at a restaurant that offers both sit-down and buffet menus, remember that servers sometimes pull food straight from the buffet. Lounge chairs that are all claimed before breakfastAt all-inclusive resorts, I've seen guests wake up early to stake their claim on the best loungers on the beach or pool deck, only to leave for breakfast and return hours later. AdvertisementActivities without safety protocols in placeMost all-inclusive resorts have a ton of water activities available to book.

Persons: —, I've, Kelly Magyarics, bartenders Organizations: Service, Business, buffets, Google Locations: lazing, Mexico, Maldives, Caribbean

☆ Cruises are more expensive than ever. But a deal isn't impossible — if you have restraint
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-31 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Cruise lines were just beginning to reactivate their fleets after a tumultuous pause in operations amid the COVID-19 pandemic (remember that?). For the most part, if you want to pay that little but don't want to hunt for a deal, you're better off sticking with Carnival Cruise Line. Your budget vacation might not be so budget-friendly once onboardMass-market cruise lines have increasingly added pricey pay-to-play amenities to their new ships. The 22-year-old vessel is scheduled for many of the cruise line's cheapest-per-day itineraries this year. Carnival Cruise LineAnd while its mini-golf course, shows, and waterslide are free, you'll have to pay extra for the arcade games or to participate in the "Build-A-Bear Workshop at Sea" or "Deal or No Deal" programs.

Persons: —, Brittany Chang, let's, Tynan Smith, Tyanan Smith, Cruise, Carnival's, Josh Weinstein Organizations: Service, Carnival Corp, Royal Caribbean Group, Business, Cruise, Royal, Holland America, WiFi Locations: Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Firenze

☆ I sailed on a Carnival cruise for the first time and saw why they're so popular for budget vacations
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-11 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Carnival Corp experienced record bookings in the second quarter of 2024. Its latest and 27th ship, Carnival Firenze, is a great budget option. But the food was mediocre, and the enticing upcharges could quickly push guests past their budget. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . Unfortunately, the one craze I can't get fully behind is Carnival, specifically its new 5,245-guest Carnival Firenze ship.

Persons: — Organizations: Carnival Corp, Service, Business

☆ My family's been on over 30 cruises. I hate upcharges, but these 6 things are actually worth paying extra for.
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-19 | by ( Amanda Adler | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Things like Broadway-style shows, multicourse meals, buffets, pool access, and onboard activities are built into the price of a typical sailing. I'm also willing to pay a little more to select a cabin far away from elevators and loud entertainment venues. Room service offers a level of convenience that makes the delivery fee palatableAlthough some room service options remain complimentary, many now come with an extra fee. However, room service often comes with an additional fee. AdvertisementNonetheless, I'm happy to spend extra on premium cocktails, wine-tasting sessions with the onboard sommelier, and other unique drink experiences.

Persons: —, who's, I've, I'm, Amanda Adler, Amanda Adler I'm Organizations: Service, Forbes, Business, Disney Locations: Havana, Norwegian, Alaska, Italy

☆ I've been on more than 30 cruises with my family. Here are my 6 tips for saving money on board.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-24 | by ( Amanda Adler | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

As a budget-conscious, frequent cruiser I've found ways to save money while on these vacations. My family packs smart, takes advantage of included entertainment, and avoids pricey upcharges. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementMy family loves cruising, and we've found it's a fantastic way to explore different destinations while enjoying the amenities and entertainment offered on board. And, after more than 30 cruises as a family, we've also found lots of ways to save money.

Persons: I've, pricey, —, we've Organizations: Service

☆ I worked on cruises for 3 years. Here are 6 things I'd never do on board.
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-17 | by ( Tammy Barr | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Here are six things I'd never do on a cruise after working on them for three years. So, even though I enjoy lobster, I stick with the items without the upcharges. Related storyI prefer to buy as I go and take advantage of happy hour and other drink specials that are available on certain cruise lines. AdvertisementSome cruise lines are better than others at wiping down commonly touched surfaces, but I don't take any chances. Wear my room key around my neckI never walk around the ship with my room key around my neck, and I especially never do this when on land.

Persons: —, it's, I've, norovirus, I'd, Tammy Barr Organizations: Service, Business Locations: Manhattan

☆ Lactose intolerant customers hit Starbucks with $5 mil lawsuit, calling dairy-free upcharges 'discrimination'
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-20 | by ( Natalie Musumeci | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Lactose intolerant customers sue Starbucks for $5 million over "illegal price discrimination." Customers claim in the lawsuit Starbucks has violated the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. Additionally, customers can choose to customize any beverage with a non-dairy milk on the menu for an additional charge." Lactose intolerant customers don't want to pay more for plant-based milk alternatives. The 2022 Starbucks lawsuit, which was filed in Florida, was voluntarily dismissed by the plaintiff, Enica said.

Persons: —, Melissa Wells, Maria Bollinger, Dawn Miller, Shunda Smith —, Bogdan Enica, Enica, Dunkin, they've Organizations: Starbucks, Service, California Unruh Civil, Americano, Dairy, US Justice, PETA Locations: California, Florida, Europe

☆ Airlines Avelo and Breeze, three years after their pandemic debut, prepare for a profitable year
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-02 | by ( Ryan Anastasio | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

The inaugural flight of an Avelo Airlines Boeing 737-800 takes off from Hollywood Burbank Airport to Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa on April 28, 2021. "When you have Goliaths, and you're just David, it's really hard," said Avelo Airlines CEO Andrew Levy. David Neeleman, founder and CEO of Breeze Airways, before boarding the airline's inaugural flight at Tampa International Airport in Tampa, Florida, on May 27, 2021. A Breeze Airways airplane on the tarmac at Tampa International Airport in Tampa, Florida, on May 27, 2021. Operational costsOffering low airfares has made industry-wide cost increases all the more daunting for Avelo and Breeze.

Persons: Charles M, Schulz, Patrick T, Fallon, They've, David, it's, Andrew Levy, Avelo, Levy, David Neeleman, Matt May, Henry Harteveldt, Harteveldt, Connecticut's, Neeleman Organizations: Avelo Airlines Boeing, Hollywood Burbank Airport, Airport, AFP, Getty, U.S, Breeze Airways, Los Angeles International, Avelo, United, Breeze, Southwest Airlines, Tampa International Airport, Bloomberg, Atmosphere Research, New Haven Airport, Wilmington, JetBlue Airways, Azul, Westchester County Airport, Canton Airport, International Airport, Airlines Locations: Hollywood, Sonoma, Santa Rosa, Angeles, Islip, Long, New York City, Delta, Southwest, U.S, Ukraine, Tampa , Florida, Florida, South Carolina, California, Puerto Rico, New, Westchester, Akron, Ohio, Hartford , Connecticut, Charleston , South Carolina, Vegas, Los Angeles, Breeze

☆ The best and worst restaurant chain apps, from Starbucks to McDonald's
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-06 | by ( Nancy Luna | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +11 min

We can order food, earn rewards, and find unique online-only offers. McDonald'sAfter lagging behind rivals for years, the chain's app now has over 57 million active members. That feature has been around since Dunkin's mobile app first launched in August 2012. The chain first began testing mobile ordering in a handful of markets in 2009 before going national in 2011. For example, the Chipotle app gives you uber-specific portion size choices such as "normal," "extra" or "light' servings.

Persons: —, Taco Bell, Dunkin, Taco, Brian Niccol, it's, Wendy's, Burger King, Domino's, They've, I'm, Joe, Chipotle Organizations: Starbucks, Service, Subway Subway, Subway, Restaurant, Taco Bell, Burger, Chipotle Locations: Cava, Burger

☆ Only 6 cars are selling for below their sticker price as dealer markups remain high
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-07 | by ( Alexa St. John | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

The pandemic brought on a supply crunch that's seen vehicles sell for way above their sticker prices. The COVID-19 pandemic brought on a car-supply crunch that normalized dealers selling vehicles well above sticker price. Though massive upcharges are becoming less common, there are still very few vehicles today that car shoppers can find for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. Just a year earlier, cars were going for $39,712 (sticker price) and priced more than 10 percent higher, around $43,717. See the six vehicles listed below sticker price, as well as the next six cars priced the closest to sticker price (albeit above), here:

Persons: iSeeCars.com

☆ Matte car colors in muted earth tones are suddenly taking over — but the trendy paints come at a cost
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-18 | by ( Bethany Biron | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Earthy, muted shades are becoming increasingly popular among car buyers, according to the LA Times. The muted cars are suddenly popping up everywhere, lining freeways and parking lots in unassuming shades of gray, black, brown, tan, and green. "The term 'stealth' comes to mind when we see a car in matte gray or matte black. Derek Joyce, a spokesman for Hyundai Motor North America, told the Los Angeles Times that the muted shades of its Hyundai Santa Cruz model are outselling more traditional hues. The styles are also picking up steam on TikTok, where users are sharing videos of their matte cars, or of transforming old models using the new trendy paints.

☆ The CEO of massage startup Squeeze is borrowing Drybar's playbook to build a self-sufficient franchise model. Here's what it looks like.
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-11 | by ( Alli Hoff Kosik | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Brittany Driscoll is Drybar's former VP of marketing and the current CEO of Squeeze massage studios. When Webb and Landau asked Driscoll to become CEO, Squeeze was born, with Webb still on board as an advisor. Here's how the Squeeze team is doing it. "These are long-lasting partnerships, and we want to make sure we're finding the very best fit for both Squeeze and the franchisees," Driscoll said. It's all seamless and built in so that the operating partner and their team can focus on creating a great experience."

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