DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ The Kremlin has never been richer – thanks to a US strategic partner
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-19 | by ( Nick Paton Walsh | Florence Davey-Attlee | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

It amounts to US strategic partner New Delhi stepping in to replace crude purchases by Western buyers, reduced by sanctions over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the analysis said. The United States led a coalition of countries in late 2022 that agreed to a “price cap,” undertaking not to buy Russian crude above $60 a barrel. Those nations also forbade their shipping companies and insurance firms – key players in global shipping – from facilitating the trade of Russian crude above that price. “The price cap was the real trigger for the creation of the shadow fleet,” said Viktor Katona, head of crude oil analysis at trade research firm Kpler. It will be $150.”India’s complex role in global oil trade is also reflected in the fate of the oil products Russian crude is turned into.

Persons: they’re, ”, David Tannenbaum, Viktor Katona, Tannenbaum, ” Ami Daniel, Vladimir Putin, Howard Shatz, Singh Puri, Rosneft, Daniel, I’m Organizations: CNN, Centre for Research, Energy, Clean, Star, Pole Star, US Treasury, United, Pole Star Global, European Union, RAND, India’s, Petroleum, Natural Gas, CNBC, Nayara, Kremlin Locations: Russia, Ukraine, India, United States, Delhi, Moscow, Laconian Gulf, Greece, Suez, Russian, Kyiv, Vadinar

Maxar Technologies Visual Investigations The $2.8 Billion Hole in U.S. Sanctions on Iran A Times investigation reveals how lax government oversight allowed shadowy oil tankers, covered by American insurance, to fund Iran’s regime. The American Club is one of only 12 major insurers of its kind, and the only one based in the United States. By then, the tankers had transported at least $2.8 billion in crude oil, based on the lowest reported prices of Iranian oil in 2023. The Treasury office has publicly enforced sanctions on the American Club only once in the past 20 years. Ultimately, the office said the American Club did “not appear to have been willful or reckless” and the case was settled.

Persons: Biden, ”, penna gabrielle toyomi, penna selene gabrielle, gabrielle, selene, lisa marianne selene, Samir Madani, Maggie Hassan, Daniel Tadros, “, Mr, Tadros, Shipowners, ” Mr, Madani of TankerTrackers.com, David Tannenbaum Organizations: Maxar, Maxar Technologies, Sanctions, U.S, White, New York Times, Times, Treasury Department, American Club, Treasury, cathay kirin, Copernicus, Planet Labs, Star, American, The Times, Revolutionary Guards Corps, Anadolu Agency, Getty, Club’s, Hamas, Bloomberg, United Against Nuclear, Nuclear, Glory, United, National Iranian Tanker, Labs, Copernicus Sentinel, Club, International Maritime Organization, AIS, Spire Locations: Gulf of Oman, American, U.S, Iran, New York, New Hampshire, United States, Hong Kong, Kharg, Kpler, China, Israel, Yemen, United Against Nuclear Iran, Nuclear Iran, United Arab Emirates, Asaluyeh, Dubai, of Oman, Persian, Oman, Cuba, Sudan, MarineTraffic, SynMax, TankerTrackers.com

☆ China can't use civilian ships to invade Taiwan just yet, but it's getting there, says former US intelligence officer
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-14 | by ( Matthew Loh | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

AdvertisementChina's fleet of civilian ships earmarked for war is unlikely to successfully invade Taiwan until at least 2030. AdvertisementThese civilian ships are mostly used to ferry military assets, particularly for beach landings, in exercises focused along the Taiwan Strait, Dahm added. AdvertisementChina might also use open-deck civilian ships as sea-based landing pads for helicopters, he added. Alternatively, the civilian ships can be used to rapidly transport military resources along China's coast during war, he added. "The PLA is clearly developing required procedures and increasing proficiency using civilian ships for logistics and landing operations," he wrote.

Persons: Michael Dahm, They're, Dahm, —, William Lai Ching Organizations: Service, Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, US, China Maritime Studies Institute, PLA, Trade, People's Liberation Army Locations: Taiwan, Beijing, China, Taiwan Strait

☆ Shipping giant Maersk says Red Sea vessel diversions could extend into second half of 2024
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-14 | by ( Lori Ann Larocco | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Moller-Maersk, the second-largest global ocean carrier, is advising customers to prepare for a Red Sea crisis that could stretch well into the second half of this year. "Unfortunately, we don't see any change in the Red Sea happening anytime soon," Charles van der Steene, regional president for Maersk North America, tells CNBC. After attacks on two U.S.-flagged Maersk vessels on January 24, the Maersk Detroit and Maersk Chesapeake, Maersk Line, Limited — a U.S. subsidiary of Maersk, which operates U.S.-flagged vessels independently — announced it would no longer traverse the Red Sea. The global shipping and logistics company's cautious view of the Red Sea safety conditions comes despite a U.S.-led multinational military operation in the region, Operation Prosperity Guardian. "Our advice to our customers is specifically about building upon the uncertainty by being agile," said van der Steene.

Persons: Ebba, A.P ., Kristian Helgesen, Moller, Charles van der, Good Hope, der Steene, Maersk, van der, van der Steene, van der Steen, Panama hasn't, we're Organizations: A.P, A.P . Moeller, Maersk, Bloomberg, Getty, Maersk North, CNBC, Maersk Detroit, Maersk Chesapeake, Prosperity, U.S, Gaza, Maritime Security Program, VISA, Voluntary Intermodal, U.S ., Intelligence, East, Oceania Locations: Suez, Egypt, Maersk North America, Gulf, Aden, Hangzhou, Maersk, U.S, Good, Asia, Limited's U.S, West Coast, East Coast ., East Coast, Cape Hope, Panama, Ports, Mexico, Pacific Northwest, Los Angeles, Long, China, Australia, New Zealand

☆ A guide to all the confirmed 'Game of Thrones' spinoffs, prequels, and sequels in development at HBO
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-10 | by ( Eve Crosbie | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +13 min

Following on from "House of the Dragon," there are lots more "Game of Thrones" spinoffs in the works. So here's everything we know about all the "Game of Thrones"-related projects that are in development, are rumored to be in development, or returning. "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight""A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight" is in development. I don't want to repeat what happened with GAME OF THRONES itself, where the show gets ahead of the books," he continued. "House of the Dragon" season twoEmma D’Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen in "House of the Dragon."

Persons: George R.R, —, Martin, Kim Renfro, Ser Duncan, King, Laverne, Shirley, Abbott, Costello, Beavis, Butthead, I've, Martin's, Ira Parker, Ryan Condal, Vince Gerardis, Jon Snow, Kit Harington, Martin . Per, Harington, Jon, Eddard, Ned, Stark, Sean Bean, Lyanna Stark, Rhaegar, Targaryen, Emilia Clarke, Dany, Ygritte, Olly, Steve Toussaint, Corlys, Corlys Velaryon, Bruno Heller, it's, Toussaint, Princess Nymeria, Arya Stark's direwolf, Valyrian, Mattson Tomlin, Tomlin, HoD, Emma D’Arcy, Naomi Watts, Jane Goldman, S.J, Clarkson Organizations: HBO, Service, HBO HBO, Entertainment, King Aegon, Hollywood, Free Folk, The New York Times, New York Times, Variety, Aegon Targaryen, Aegon Locations: Westeros, Pentos, Driftmark, Lys, Volantis, Qarth, King's, Essos, Dorne, Imperial China

☆ 2 ocean-tech companies are competing in a multimillion-dollar race to find Amelia Earhart's wreckage. One says it may be near the finish line.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-06 | by ( Katherine Tangalakis-Lippert | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

Read previewThe race is on to find the wreckage of Amelia Earhart's ill-fated final flight. Tony Romeo and his company, Deep Sea Vision, discovered an object of similar size and shape to Amelia Earhart's iconic plane, deep in the Pacific Ocean. Deep Sea VisionRomeo says he may have solved the mystery with his sonar scans. The same aircraft radio receiver used by Amelia Earhart was recreated by Nauticos as they researched Earhart's final transmissions. Deep Sea Vision now leases its equipment to other ocean explorers to continue funding its mission.

Persons: —, Amelia Earhart's, Tony Romeo, Earhart, Fred Noonan, Romeo, he's, we've, there'll, it'll, Lockheed Electra, Nauticos, Jeff Morris, Amelia Earhart, Morris, I'm, David Jourdan, Tony, You'll Organizations: Service, US Air Force, Business, Smithsonian, Lockheed, Lockheed Electra, Coast Guard, Topical Press Agency, Getty Locations: South Carolina, Howland, Hawaii, Australia, Connecticut, Itasca, Howland Island, Norwegian, Kongsberg

☆ I tried the perfect space meal for astronauts, and it was surprisingly flavorful and easy to make
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-04 | by ( Emily Swaim | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Moreover, because of how microgravity affects human metabolism, astronauts need a lot more energy to function than people on Earth. The perfect astronaut meal: space saladNASA astronaut Frank Rubio with tomatoes growing on the International Space Station. How it tastesEmily SwaimI decided to make the meal and determine for myself what this space salad of the future would be like to prepare. Therefore, we can calculate approximately how much nutrition astronauts would earn from eating this space salad. AdvertisementIf you wanted to add meat to your space salad, I'd recommend pairing it with a lighter option such as chicken or tuna.

Persons: —, Frank Rubio, Koichi Wakata, It's, Emily Swaim, Volker Hessel, who's, Lacey Young, Leland Melvin, Hessel Organizations: Service, NASA, Space, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Food Science & Technology, University of Adelaide, Food Systems Laboratory, International, Getty

☆ The world’s best beaches, according to Lonely Planet
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-03 | by ( Maureen O'Hare | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

The dim sum capital of the worldLegacy House: Legacy House's fantastic dim sum set includes steamed spotted garoupa dumplings with salted lemon. Courtesy Legacy House Forum: This three-Michelin-star restaurant, which serves classic Cantonese dim sum dishes, is famed for its impeccable attention to detail. Tai Wai Dining Room Veggie Kingdom: Veggie Kingdom serves high-quality meat-free versions of classic dim sum dishes. Maggie Wong/CNN Spring Moon: In addition to serving delicious, classic dim sum dishes, Spring Moon's cinematic interior is an attraction in its own right. Courtesy Peninsula Hong Kong Hong Kong’s best dim sum Prev NextThis is our essential guide to Hong Kong’s best dim sum: Where to find it and how to eat it, from classic no-frills joints to Michelin-starred adventures.

Persons: Cabo San Juan del Guía, “, ”, Heen, King Heen, Nicholas Wong, Maggie Wong, Emperor, Fook Lam, Hong Kong Hong, Hong, they’ve, Amelia Earhart’s Organizations: CNN, d’Argent, JetBlue, Japan, Port, Royal, Carnival Corporation, MSC Cruise, Cunard Cruise, CDC, Hong Kong, Hong, Golden Valley, Son Locations: Rio, Sarakiniko, Greece, Baltic, Danish, Bornholm, Cabo San Juan, Seychelles, Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima prefecture, Tomonoura, Port of Miami, Hong, Hong Kong, Veggie, Golden, Spain

☆ Self-navigating ships could change the shipping industry. Here are the companies poised to benefit
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-02 | by ( Hakyung Kim | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

Worldwide, the autonomous ships market reached $4.13 billion in 2022, and is forecasted to grow to $10.1 billion in 2032, according to Emergen Research . Avikus said this journey marked the first time autonomous navigation successfully enabled a large vessel to complete a trip over 10,000 kilometers. HiNAS 2.0 deployed a level-three autonomous navigation system, meaning that human intervention is only deployed in an emergency situation. The success of the HiNAS 2.0 and Prism Courage journey marked a foray into greater commercialization and implementation of autonomous ship navigation technology. The company is aiming for its fully autonomous ship technology to reach full-scale commercialization by 2025.

Persons: Patrick Ryan, Covid, Courage, Avikus, Carol Schleif, Rudy Negenborn, — Ryan, Ryan, BMO's, Morgan Stanley, Ravi Shanker, Shanker, Hunt, C.H, Robinson, Negenborn Organizations: Research, American Bureau of Shipping, Hyundai, Yara International ASA, Yara, BMO Family, Delft University of Technology, Moeller, Maersk, Yara International, Mitsui, Mitsui O.S.K, Royce, Shipbuilders, Expeditors International Locations: Covid, Avikus, Freeport, of Mexico, Panama, Korea, Red, Suez, U.S, Danish, American, ADRs, Japan

☆ Houthi attacks in the Red Sea are now wrecking world cruisers' vacation plans
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-31 | by ( Erin Snodgrass | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

The cruise industry is being hit by ongoing Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. Among the cancellations are some 20-day world cruise voyages. AdvertisementEscalating tensions in the Red Sea amid ongoing Houthi attacks have already hobbled global trade and prompted a US military response. Carnival Cruise Lines is the most recent player to confirm schedule changes because of the risks. MSC Cruises cancelled three sailings in April to avoid traversing the Red Sea, a spokesperson for the company told Business Insider.

Persons: —, Princess Cruise Organizations: Service, Cruise, Business, Princess, Carnival, Costa Cruises, United, CNN, Royal, Mediterranean Shipping Company, MSC Cruises, MSC Locations: Red, Iran, Los Angeles, East, Asia, Australia, South Africa, West Coast of Africa, Sydney, Costa, United Arab Emirates, Italy, Royal Caribbean, Europe, Africa

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Europe’s economy failed to expand at the end of 2023, with the stagnation now lasting for more than a year amid higher energy prices, costlier credit and lagging growth in powerhouse Germany. Zero economic growth for the October-to-December period of last year follows a 0.1% contraction in the three months before that, according to figures released Tuesday by EU statistics agency Eurostat. That extends a miserable run of economic blahs: The 20 countries that use the euro currency have not shown significant growth since the third quarter of 2022, when the economy grew 0.5%. With higher shipping costs and delays to products from clothes to keyboard components, concerns are growing of new consumer price spikes if the conflict in Gaza drags on or escalates. The trade disruption could add as much as 0.5% to core inflation, which excludes volatile fuel and food prices, Oxford Economics said.

Persons: ”, Holger Schmieding, Yemen's Houthi Organizations: EU, Eurostat, European Central Bank, Oxford Economics, ECB, Hamas, Oxford Locations: FRANKFURT, Germany, Suez, Asia, Europe, Berenberg, United States, Russia, Ukraine, Red, Africa, Gaza

☆ I worked on cruise ships for 6 years. Here are the 5 best and 5 worst rooms to book for your trip.
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-30 | by ( Sharon Waugh | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Here are what I consider to be the best and worst staterooms to book on a cruise. BEST ROOMS TO BOOK ON A CRUISEOcean-view rooms are only worth it if the windows aren't obstructed. Obstructed ocean-view roomsPartially obstructed ocean-view staterooms have a window that's usually at least a little blocked by a lifeboat. Although many people book these rooms because they're slightly cheaper than ocean-view rooms, the view ends up being more obstructed than expected most of the time. Adjoining rooms with other partiesSome cruise ships have adjoining staterooms with an internal door separating the two neighboring cabins.

Persons: Sharon Waugh, Drake, staterooms, I've, It's, Debbie Ann Powell, Shutterstock Staterooms, Extroverts Organizations: Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal, Cruises, NCL, Port, Disabilities Locations: Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, staterooms

☆ Oil jumps 1% after Houthis attack on fuel tanker in Red Sea
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-29 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

A lone pumpjack located in the middle of a large solar array outside of Bakersfield, Kern County, California. Oil prices jumped 1% on Monday on fuel supply concerns after a missile struck a Trafigura-operated fuel tanker in the Red Sea and as Russian refined products exports are set to fall as several refineries are under repair after drone attacks. Brent crude futures climbed 83 cents to $84.38 a barrel by 2341 GMT after hitting a session-high of $84.80. "Disruptions to supply have been limited, but that changed on Friday after an oil tanker operating on behalf of Trafigura was hit by a missile off the coast of Yemen," ANZ analysts said in a note. "With oil tankers linked to the U.S. and UK now under threat of attack, the market is likely to reprice the risk of disruptions."

Persons: Brent, Trafigura, Yemen's Organizations: . West Texas, Commodities, ANZ, Middle, Organization of, Petroleum Locations: Bakersfield, Kern County , California, Yemen, Middle East, Russia, OPEC

☆ Trafigura assesses Red Sea risks after tanker attacked by Houthis
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-28 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Commodities trader Trafigura said on Saturday it was assessing the security risks of further Red Sea voyages after firefighters put out a blaze on a tanker attacked by Yemen's Houthi group a day earlier. The Houthi attacks have primarily targeted container vessels moving through the Red Sea. A notable exception is QatarEnergy, the world's second largest exporter of liquefied natural gas, which earlier this month stopped sending tankers via the Red Sea, citing security concerns. The Marshall Islands-flagged Marlin Luanda issued a distress call on Friday and reported damage, U.S. Central Command said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. About eight hours after the Marlin Luanda incident, the U.S. military destroyed a Houthi anti-ship missile that was aimed into the Red Sea and ready to launch, Central Command said.

Persons: Trafigura, Yemen's, Trafigura's, Marlin, Carney, Ras Issa Organizations: Djibouti . Commodities, U.S . Navy, Marshall, U.S . Central Command, Indian Navy, British, Houthi, U.S, Central Command, Britain, U.S . Fifth Fleet, British Defence Ministry Locations: Djibouti, U.S, Trafigura, Aden, Gulf, Africa, Gaza, Visakhapatnam, Yemen, United States, Ras, Yemen's

☆ Icon of the Seas: Why Americans Are Obsessed With Big Cruise Ships
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-25 | by ( Henry Wismayer | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +17 min

Love them or loathe them, giant cruise ships are among the most remarkable success stories of the mass tourism age. Rechristened the Mardi Gras, the first Carnival cruise ship sailed out of Miami that March. Cruise ships like the Icon of the Seas will spend the majority of their trip at sea. Eight years later, cruise ships such as the Diamond Princess became early incubators for COVID-19. Cruise Market Watch forecasts there will be 360 cruise ships in service at the end of this year, comprising less than 1% of the global commercial fleet.

Persons: Ted Arison, Arison, Pieter De Boer, Costa, Diamond, Aaron Saunders, We've, Sue Bryant, Z, sass, Emma Le Teace, YouTuber, David Foster Wallace, Harper's, Sarah Knorr, Bryan Comer, Karla Hart, Hart, Saunders, it's, Henry Wismayer Organizations: Port, Passengers, Mardi Gras, Mardi, Gras, Cruise, Royal Caribbean, Costa Concordia, Cruise Lines International Association, Broadway, CivicScience, Royal, Virgin, Business, Transport & Environment, Getty, International Council, Global Cruise, Global Cruise Activist Network, Cruise Market, Royal Caribbean International, New York Times, National Geographic, Financial Times Locations: Port of Miami, Caribbean, Miami, The Port, Tuscany, Italy, Royal Caribbean, TikTok, Panama, Bahamas, Brussels, Netherlands, Douarnenez, Venice, Dubrovnik, Croatia, Amsterdam, Juneau , Alaska, Skagway , Alaska, CocoCay, London

☆ Did syphilis originate in the Americas? Ancient DNA offers some insight
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-24 | by ( Katie Hunt | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

In France, it was named the “Neapolitan disease” after the French army got infected during its invasion of Naples, Italy, in the first documented syphilis epidemic. A complex disease caused by a complex bacteriumWithout treatment, syphilis can cause physical disfigurement, blindness and mental impairment. Others believe T. pallidum bacteria always had a global distribution but perhaps grew in virulence after initially manifesting as a mild disease. Some bones had marks characteristic of infection with T. pallidum — the bacteria effectively eat away at bones, leaving concave lesions. “The modern tools available for extracting DNA from ancient samples, for enriching the treponemal DNA, and obtaining deep sequencing from samples has rapidly increased our understanding of the Treponema.”

Persons: Christopher Columbus, Treponema pallidum, ”, Brenda J, Baker, Jose Filippini It’s, Molly Zuckerman, wasn’t, ” Zuckerman, “, it’s, Columbus, Europe ’, Sheila A, pallidum, Verena Schünemann, Schünemann, Mathew Beale, Beale, ” Lukehart Organizations: CNN, Research, Arizona State University, Bioarchaeology Laboratories, Mississippi State University, University of Washington, University of Zurich’s Institute of Evolutionary, Wellcome Sanger, Columbus Locations: France, Naples, Italy, Europe, Americas, Brazil, New, Laguna, Santa Catarina, Africa, Columbus, Finland, Estonia, Netherlands, Asia, Cambridge, England

☆ I always book the interior cabins on cruises — and it's not because I'm cheap
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-23 | by ( Lauren Mack | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

I'm a frequent cruiser who's been on more than 25 voyages, and I always book interior cabins. Interior cabins on cruises are for anyone who wants to travel smarter. Plus, interior cabins have fun features you don't get in exterior onesLauren MackTechnology has helped make interior cabins feel comfortable instead of claustrophobic. I've enjoyed the one-way window into the ship's corridor in Norweigan Cruise Line's interior cabins. AdvertisementDisney Cruise Lines' interior rooms feature "magic" portholes, where footage featuring surprise character visits is displayed on a porthole-shaped monitor.

Persons: who's, —, I've, Lauren Mack, you've Organizations: Service, Holland America Line's, Lauren Mack Technology, Disney Cruise Lines Locations: New York, Holland, Holland America Line's Rotterdam, Norweigan, Caribbean

☆ Virgin Voyages is the 'cool mom' of cruise lines — and it's only for adults. Here's what to know before booking so you're not disappointed.
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-22 | by ( Lauren Mack | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: 1 min

The unique entertainment is unlike anything you've seen at sea … or on land. Some ships have record stores on them. Lauren MackThe nightly shows are not typical song-and-dance affairs you see on other ships. Instead of trying to understand what the performances are ahead of time, just suspend disbelief, release your inhibitions, and enjoy. Many Virgin Voyages ships also have tattoo parlors, karaoke lounges, and record shops.

Persons: Lauren Mack Organizations: Virgin

☆ These charts show how much traffic has plunged in the Suez and Panama canals — and the potential impact on inflation
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-22 | by ( Aruni Soni | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Read previewThe number of vessels passing through the Suez Canal and Panama Canal have dropped 50% from normal levels, according to Apollo Management's top economist. AdvertisementSuez Canal slowdownAbout 12% of global trade passes through the Suez Canal, according to an estimate from the US Naval Institute. Related stories"Normally, 200 ships travel through the Suez Canal from south to north over a week, but that number has recently declined to 100," Sløk wrote. Suez Canal traffic is down 50% APThe trouble in the Suez Canal has been ratcheting up as Yemen-based Houthi rebels have been launching attacks against ships in the Red Sea, forcing some ships to take longer — and costlier — detours. And although goods inflation has been tumbling, higher shipping costs could send that back up again if they continue to follow recent trends.

Persons: —, Torsten Sløk, Sløk, Thierry Wizman Organizations: Service, Business, US Naval Institute, Apollo, Container, Shipping, Apollo Management, Macquarie Locations: Suez, Panama, Yemen, Red, Shanghai, Rotterdam, Drewry

The plane was registered to an Oakland-based company called Winged Wallabies, Inc., according to Federal Aviation Administration records. He said it was “traumatic” to know the plane he had spent so much time on had crashed with people on board. Like commercial aircraft, all home-built planes are required by the FAA to be inspected annually for air worthiness. Cozy aircraft have the same safety record as commercially built planes of similar size, said aeronautical engineer Marc Zeitlin, who consults with the National Transportation Safety Board on crash investigations involving Cozy aircraft, including this one. “You buy foam, you buy fiberglass, you buy metal parts from all the manufacturers.

Persons: Mark IV, Thane Ostroth, Ostroth, “, I’ll, ” Ostroth, Marc Zeitlin, Zeitlin, ”, Zeitlen, Emma Willmer, John Antczak Organizations: ANGELES, Wallabies, Inc, Federal Aviation Administration, Authorities, Cozy, FAA, National Transportation Safety Board, Burnside Aerospace, San, San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, U.S . Coast Guard, San Mateo County Coroner’s, The National Transportation Safety Board, Associated Press Locations: California, San Francisco, Oakland, Thane, Australia, Michigan, Florida, Ross, San Mateo County, U.S, Los Angeles

☆ Will the Boom in Luxury and Wellness Travel Fizzle?
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-18 | by ( Elaine Glusac | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

After the travel frenzy of 2023, all signs point to increasing interest in far-flung destinations, villa rentals, private jet bookings and personal pilgrimages in 2024. “The lust for luxury is real,” said Jack Ezon, the founder of the high-end travel agency Embark Beyond. “Travel provides the glue that pulls the family close together and unites it around a shared passion,” said Tom Marchant, a co-founder of Black Tomato, which plans pricey bespoke trips. This year, travelers are expected to choose faraway places and board small ships, according to Virtuoso, the consortium of luxury travel agencies. Black Tomato is planning private group treks to untrammeled destinations like the Mitre Peninsula in Argentina’s Patagonia region, priced at more than $60,000 per person.

Persons: ”, Jack Ezon, Tom Marchant Organizations: Consumers, “ Locations: Kimberley, Western Australia, Mitre, Patagonia

☆ Falling Domestic Fares and an A.I. Arms Race: What Travelers Can Expect in 2024
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-18 | by ( Christine Chung | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +21 min

Arms Race: What Travelers Can Expect in 2024 At the start of what promises to be a very busy year, we look ahead at what you’re likely to encounter. With 2023 in the rearview mirror, we look ahead at what travelers will face in 2024. At United Airlines, for example, smarter software can offer rebooking options and issue food and lodging vouchers when a flight is canceled, rather than just rebooking a flight. United Airlines has suspended its flights indefinitely, said Josh Freed, a United spokesman. This year, travelers are expected to choose faraway places and board small ships, according to Virtuoso, the consortium of luxury travel agencies.

Persons: Chanelle, Hayley Berg, ” Ms, Berg, “, Robert W, Mann Jr, ”, Chad Burt, Oren Etzioni, Gilbert Ott, Hopper, Greg Forbes, Delta’s, Neville Pattinson, Mr, Pattinson, biometrics, Laura Lindsay, Joshua Smith, Smith, Laurel Brunvoll, Michael Zeiler, Airbnb, We’ve, Jamie Lane, ‘, ’ ”, Jan Freitag, “ We’ve, David Whiteside, Brian Kelly, Guy, Leigh Rowan, “ There’s, Kelly, Rowan, ” Mr, James Thornton, Sharm el Sheikh, Khaled Ibrahim, Harry Rubenstein, Rubenstein, Eyal Carlin, Josh Freed, Jack Ezon, Tom Marchant, Beth McGroarty Organizations: World Tourism Organization, International Air Transport Association, Analysts, Express Global, ”, airfare, University of Washington, United Airlines, Transportation, Administration, Salt Lake, International Airport, Denver International Airport, Delta Air Lines, U.S . Customs, Border Protection, La Guardia Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, biometrics, Thales, Air, American Airlines, Global, “, —, MidX Studios, LivSmart Studios, Hilton, Hyatt Studios, Accor Hotels, Boston University, Visa, Mastercard, Walmart, Target, Savanti, Chase, Intrepid Travel, Amisol Travel, East Travel Alliance, United, Consumers, Ki’ama, Wellness, Global Wellness Institute Locations: United States, Point.me, Salt, North America, London, Rome, Tokyo, Cancún, Las Vegas, Cayman Islands, Polynesia, Europe, Norway, Denmark, Air Canada, Bergen, Flam, Scandinavia, Italy, France, Malta, Slovenia, Maryland, Spain, Portugal, Britain, Egypt, India, Mexico ; Cape Girardeau, Mo, Niagara Falls, N.Y . Texas, Burnet, Sulphur Springs, New York, Vienna, Marriott, Israel, Jordan, Oman, Oman —, Tunisia, Northern Africa, Sharm, Cairo, Amisol Travel Egypt, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Ramle, Kimberley, Western Australia, Mitre, Patagonia, Ki’ama Bahamas, Bahamas, South Africa, Hudson, Tuxedo Park, N.Y, Malibu , Calif, Mexico

☆ ‘Anything can happen.’ Inside the ‘real-life reality show’ of the nine-month cruise
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-17 | by ( Francesca Street | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +24 min

Welcome aboard Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise, which set sail a month ago and has unexpectedly captured the internet’s imagination. It all started when Fletcher, a 39-year-old photographer from the UK, happened upon a TikTok video from a world cruise passenger. Anthony AntoineIt’s possible to join the Ultimate World Cruise at several points along the journey – there’s no requirement to sign up for the whole nine months. He understands.”So far, while his world cruise dispatches have racked up millions of views, Sebastian has yet to uncover the “hot goss” he promised. Passenger Angie Linderman, 38, also had an emotional path to boarding the world cruise.

Persons: Michael Bayley, –, Beth Anne Fletcher, “ It’s, Fletcher, Fletcher isn’t, she’s, Brooklyn Schwetje, “, ’ ”, Madison’s TikToks, She’d, I’d, ”, I’ve, I’m, We’ve, She’s, Oosthuizen, she’d, TikTokers, Madison Schwetje, ” Fletcher, it’s, Renske Lammerding, ‘, Dad ’ Joe Martucci, Audrey, Joe, Audrey Martucci Joe Martucci, Martucci, Martucci’s, ’, ‘ Dad, Dad ”, “ Hey, ” –, Hunnicut, Jenny Hunnicutt, Anthony McWilliams, Angie Linderman, Jenny Hunnicut, Shannon Marie Lake, boomer, Lake, Julian Mendoza, @cooljul1, Daniele Salvatore Arbisi, @singing.sailor, Stig Nilsen, Salvatore Arbisi soundtracked, Nilsen, seafarer, they’d, Anthony Antoine It’s, influencer Marc Sebastian, Simon & Schuster, Jean, Francois Monier, McWilliams, Marc Sebastian, Sebastian, goss, Anthony Antoine The, “ We’re, “ I’ve, ” McWilliams, ‘ Lean, ” McWilliams ’, he’s, Linderman, ” Linderman, Taj Organizations: CNN, Royal Caribbean, Caribbean, Royal Caribbean International, CNN Travel, Royal, ’, Madison, Housewives, Seas, “ Pirates, Royal Caribbean Cruise, Simon &, Getty, British, Antarctica Locations: Brooklyn, Royal Caribbean, TikTok, Pretoria ”, @iambrandeelake, Lake, Norwegian, Caribbean, Shannon, AFP, Antarctica, “, Machu Picchu, China

☆ Importers Face Surging Shipping Costs, Delays as Red Sea Diversions Pile Up
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-13 | by ( Paul Berger | Costas Paris | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

The Red Sea is one of the most important shipping waterways in the world, but it’s also one of the most dangerous. Here’s how the cargo industry is responding to try and guard against attacks from the Houthis in Yemen. Illustration: Annie ZhaoWestern importers are reporting a steep rise in ocean-shipping rates and weekslong delays as carriers divert ships from the Red Sea to avoid Houthi rebel attacks. Some companies shipping goods on the crucial trade lane are starting to chafe at the rising prices and extra fees that ocean carriers are imposing for the higher cost of routing containerships on longer voyages around the Horn of Africa following drone and missile attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Persons: it’s, Annie Zhao, Houthi Locations: Yemen, of Africa

☆ Global shipping rates set to jump as carriers avoid the Red Sea amid Houthi attacks
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-10 | by ( Lori Ann Larocco | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Freight prices are set to jump Monday, while longer transit times around Africa are disrupting and delaying deliveries of products. British clothing retailer Next recently warned of stock delays as a result of the longer ocean transit. "This creates strong motivations for ocean carrier(s) to increase rate(s) by establishing General Rate Increases (GRIs), Peak Season Surcharge (PSSs), and other contingency or emergency surcharges," the company said. "HLS warned Transpacific freight rates could spike to highs not seen since early 2022, with the Suez Canal route suspended, and the Panama Canal route restricted." Kuehne + Nagel analysts told CNBC that 419 vessels are currently being rerouted due to the Red Sea situation.

Persons: Jon Gold, HLS, Good Hope, Kuehne, Nagel, Franziska Bietke, Mark Rhodes, Rhodes Organizations: Lane Shipping, Ikea, National Retail Federation, CNBC, MSC, U.S ., East, U.S . Shipping Act, Federal Maritime Commission, Kuehne, Logistics, Crane Worldwide Logistics, CNBC PRO Locations: Suez, Ismailia, Egypt, Iran, Red, Africa, Asia, British, West Coast, Panama, U.S . West Coast, East Coast, Gulf of Mexico, South Africa's, Good, Project44, Europe

Search resuls for: "Voyages"

25 mentions found