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☆ A luxury six-month world cruise that sold out in 30 minutes has set sail — see how it compares to Royal Caribbean's Ultimate World Cruise
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-15 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Oceania Cruises' six-month world cruise set sail on January 14. Royal Caribbean's competing nine-month world cruise started at $222 per day versus $270 for Oceania's. Related storiesOceania, which titles itself a "culinary and destination-focused cruise line ," is leaning into the second attribute for this itinerary. Oceania CruisesOver the last month, a competing global vacation has been receiving plenty of attention on TikTok: Royal Caribbean's nine-month Ultimate World Cruise . For seasick-prone travelers, the shorter 2024 world cruise was probably a better idea anyway.

Persons: Royal Caribbean's, — Organizations: Oceania Cruises, Royal, Service, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Oceania Locations: Los Angeles, Hawaii, Islands, Australia, New Zealand, East, Southeast Asia, Europe, Canada, New York City, Yangon, Myanmar, Reykjavik, Iceland, Tokyo, Antarctica, South America

☆ I went on Norwegian's newest luxury and ultra-luxury ships targeting wealthy travelers — see how a $685 per night cruise compares to a $210 per night one
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-14 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

AdvertisementWhen you think of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, you probably think of its giant amusement park-like cruise ships with 10-story-tall slides, go-kart tracks, and many families. Its newest Oceania Vista ship, which debuted in May 2023, is at the higher end of the range with a 1,200-guest capacity. Regent Seven Seas Cruises — the true ultra-luxury optionThe Seven Seas Grandeur's pool was surrounded by several hot tubs. And both vessels — built without loud water slides or arcades — exude a feeling of peace and quiet not often experienced throughout larger family-friendly cruise ships . Brittany Chang/Business InsiderNCLH's mass-market eponymous brand still has more ships in its fleet than Regent Seven Seas and Oceania combined.

Persons: —, NCLH, Brittany Chang, Hermes Birkin, Bulgari, Jacques Pépin, isn't, — they're, I've, Pablo Picasso, Mark Kempa Organizations: Cruise Line Holdings, Regent Seven Seas, Regent Seven, Service, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Norwegian Cruise, Mexico itineraries, Business, Oceania, Culinary Arts, Regent Locations: Oceania, Norwegian, Africa, Asia, Caribbean, Mexico, Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey, New York City, Oceania Vista, Brittany, French, France, Nicaragua, Regent Seven Seas

☆ 5 reasons Royal Caribbean's 9-month Ultimate World Cruise is unlike most around-the-world cruises
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-13 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

AdvertisementTikTok can't get enough of Royal Caribbean's ongoing Ultimate World Cruise , and for good reason: There's been nothing like it before. At 274 nights long, Royal Caribbean's itinerary is over double the length of most world cruises. Royal Caribbean says travelers on this world cruise may be able to visit 11 "wonders of the world." AzamaraBoth Princess Cruises and MSC Cruises have 116-day world cruises scheduled for 2025. The last two — "Middle East and Mediterranean" and "Europe and Beyond" — of Royal Caribbean's world cruise can still be booked .

Persons: TikTok, Royal Caribbean's, Caribbean's, —, Royal, it's, Drake, Azamara, MSC's Magnifica —, Dan Lamont Nine Organizations: Service, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal, Caribbean International, Cruises, MSC Cruises, Seas . Royal Caribbean International Royal Caribbean Locations: Miami, Royal Caribbean, Caribbean, Antarctica, Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Asia, Tokyo, New York, Royal, Oceania, Europe

☆ Boomers Haven't Saved Enough for Retirement; Gen Z Will Have to Pay
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-10 | by ( Ann C. Logue | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +11 min

According to Census Bureau data, 44% of boomers are at retirement age and millions more are soon to join them. And since younger boomers are less financially prepared for retirement than their older boomer siblings, the problem is bound to get worse. AdvertisementAs boomers continue to age out of the workforce, it's going to put strain on the healthcare system, government programs, and the economy. Not all boomers are richIt's undeniable that some boomers will enjoy a cushy retirement. The median retirement account for that age group has only $200,000 — meaning that half of 65- to 74-year-olds have even less saved up.

Persons: —, it's, Rita Choula, Stevie Kuenn, Kuenn, Choula, Caregiving, Gen Organizations: Federal, AARP, Institute, Consumer Finances, Social Security, National Council, Medicare, Pew, National Alliance, American Health Care Association, Department of Homeland Security Locations: —, Chicago, Ohio, America

☆ A 34-year-old part-time influencer became a travel agent as a side hustle and sold $119,000 worth of trips in 8 months. She shares how she got started and makes money.
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-08 | by ( Shriya Bhattacharya | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

She's one of several people using their experience as travel creators to build lucrative businesses; some are becoming certified travel agents like her while others are organizing group trips. Certifications and commissions galoreWhen Cooper first explored the idea of becoming a travel agent in 2018, she was overwhelmed by the process. That's why travel creators don't have to have a lot of followers in order to be successful in this profession. A 'boom' in travel creators becoming agents could be the futureToday, Cooper mentors a few travel creators herself who are interested in getting their agent certifications. However, she thinks it will be a popular side hustle for travel creators since she said brand deals — the main way many influencers earn money — are often an inconsistent source of income.

Persons: —, Tia Cooper, Cooper, she's, they've, Cooper hasn't Organizations: Service, Business, Tourism Ireland, Sofitel, Visit, Travel, BI, Carnival Cruises, Marriott Locations: Instagram, Visit Dubai, Emirates

☆ The most exciting new trains coming in 2024
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-04 | by ( Ben Jones | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +13 min

CNN —Around the world, travelers are flocking back to trains, and demand is increasing across the board for high-speed trains, luxury “land cruises” and long-distance day and night trains. Here are some of the best new trains you’ll be able to take in 2024. Laurie Dieffembacq/Belga/AFP/Getty ImagesLinks between two of Europe’s most visited capitals have traditionally been pretty poor, with no direct trains since the 1990s. Ian Clarke/Alamy Stock PhotoFour continents, 13 countries, and seven luxury trains across 80 days – the ultimate experience for rail travel connoisseurs is due to depart in late 2024. BelmondOne of the world’s greatest luxury train journeys is returning to the rails in 2024 after a four-year gap.

Persons: Laurie Dieffembacq, Dimorestudio, Vita ”, Riva Aquarama, itineraries, Jeroen Berends, Gabriel Bouys, it’s, Jesus Hellin, That’s, Trenitalia, Luigi Ferraris, France –, Railbookers, Ian Clarke, we’ve, ”, Frank Marini, Alex Halada, There’s Organizations: CNN, Orient, Getty, ÖBB, Austrian Federal Railways, SNCF, Eurostar, National, Europa Press, French, Renfe, FS, Rocky Mountaineer, Royal, Orient Express, Oriental, ”, Oriental Express, Austrian Railways, Swiss Locations: Swiss, Venice, Paris, Berlin, AFP, Strasbourg, Frankfurt, Italy, Rome, Matera, Palermo, Sicily, Messina, Europe’s, Istanbul, Split, Brussels, Prague, Europe, Dutch, Dresden, Belgian, Roman, Naples, Madrid, Spain, France, Spanish, Barcelona, Lyon, Marseille, Canada, Central Europe, India, South Africa, Eastern, Vancouver, Malaysia, Singapore, Malaysia’s, Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Penang, Bangkok, Vienna, Innsbruck, Hamburg, Switzerland, Germany, Zürich, Gornergrat Bahn, Zermatt, Gornergrat, Riffelalp

☆ A popular cruise line has a new deal for $50-a-day sailings but there's a catch — travelers have to be very flexible
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-05 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Holland America Line's new standby program offers spontaneous travelers $50-a-day cruises. Holland America Line has a solution for budget-minded travelers who prefer more conventional and less intense itineraries. If a traveler is selected to sail, Holland America will alert them about a week before the embarkation date. According to Rough, this program is a "win-win" for Holland America and travelers living near the embarkation port. If a pre-booked guest has to cancel their vacation a week before sailing, standby travelers can fill this otherwise empty cabin, decreasing lost revenue.

Persons: —, Tynan Smith, David Friedman, Dan Organizations: Holland America, Service, Mexico itineraries, Frontier Airlines, Travelers, Holland America Line, Holland, Cruises, Travel Weekly Locations: Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico, Vancouver, San Diego, Fort Lauderdale , Florida, Holland, Holland America

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (AP) — Federal officials on Tuesday recommended increasing the distance from undersea pipelines that vessels are allowed to anchor in Southern California, citing a 2021 oil spill they said was caused by ships whose anchors were dragged across a pipeline after a storm. The agency's board members recommended that authorities increase the safety margin between ships anchored on their way to and from the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach and undersea pipelines in the area. Political Cartoons View All 1283 ImagesThey also urged vessel traffic services across the country to provide audible and visual alarms to those tasked with keeping watch when anchored vessels near pipelines. The recommendations as well as several others followed a nearly four-hour hearing on the spill, one of the largest in Southern California in recent years. A message was also left for the Port of Long Beach.

Persons: Andrew Ehlers, “, ” Organizations: —, National Transportation Safety, MSC Danit, NTSB, Port, Marine Exchange, U.S . Coast Guard, Surf Locations: HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif, Southern California, Houston, Huntington Beach, Beijing, Los Angeles, Long, Port of Los Angeles, Port of Long Beach, Danit

☆ DeSantis board accuses Disney of controlling previous one with gifts
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-04 | by ( Dawn Chmielewski | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

It found the board was "inverted to serve Disney," which held voting control of the prior board of supervisors. The Central Florida Oversight Board will meet Wednesday to vote whether to accept the report, which was prepared for the board by a group of experts. In what Disney described as retaliation, the Florida legislature in February replaced the old board with a new Central Florida Oversight District, whose five supervisors are handpicked by DeSantis. In April, Disney sued Florida in federal court, claiming DeSantis and his allies of "weaponizing" state government to punish Disney for exercising its free speech rights. The DeSantis-appointed oversight board counter-sued in state court, seeking to void the "backroom deals" favorable to the entertainment giant.

Persons: Octavio Jones, Ron DeSantis, Walt Disney's, Disney, DeSantis, flagrantly, John Classe, Dawn Chmielewski, Ken Li, Lisa Shumaker Organizations: Walt Disney, REUTERS, Walt, Disney, DeSantis, Central, Central Florida Tourism, Florida Oversight, Reuters, American Express, Florida, Thomson Locations: Orlando , Florida, U.S, Florida, Reedy, Central Florida, New York

Travelers are looking to cruises in 2024 because they are still cheaper than land-based alternatives. With occupancy levels approaching pre-pandemic levels, operators plan to hike prices in coming months. "Overall the market is extremely strong, especially the top end of the market in terms of the most high-end luxury cruises," said Bob Levinstein, CEO of cruise marketplace Cruise Compete. Even as travelers have canceled or postponed planned vacations to the Middle East, cruise bookings will still hit record levels in 2024, said Truist Securities analyst Patrick Scholes. Prior to the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel, industry-wide bookings for 2024 were about 25% higher than in 2019 for bookings in 2020.

Persons: Queen Mary, Andrew Kelly, Bob Levinstein, Patrick Scholes, Scholes, Jason Liberty, Josh Weinstein, Atle, Kari Dillon, Dillon, InteleTravel, Dave Spinelli, Ben Harrell, Granth, Marguerita Choy Organizations: Cunard Line, Carnival Corporation & plc, Brooklyn Cruise, REUTERS, Travelers, Truist Securities, Cruise Lines International Association, Royal Caribbean, Liberty ., Holdings, Cruisers, Thomson Locations: Brooklyn, Brooklyn , New York City, U.S, BENGALURU, Israel, Caribbean, Oslo, North Carolina, Florida, InteleTravel, Delray Beach , Florida, Royal Caribbean, Bengaluru, Doyinsola, New York

☆ I traveled to over 7 countries in 2023. Here are 4 of the most affordable cities I visited.
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-04 | by ( Dominique Mills | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

I traveled to over seven countries in 2023, and some places stood out for being budget-friendly. Porto, Portugal, and Chiang Mai, Thailand, offered affordable accommodations and fun activities. Here are the four most affordable places I visited in 2023. Chiang Mai, Thailand, was culture-rich and inexpensiveChiang Mai, Thailand, was inexpensive but beautiful. Dominique MillsNestled in the lush greenery of Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is one of my favorite cities to visit.

Persons: Chiang, —, Dominique Mills, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, Dominique Mills I've Organizations: Service, UNESCO, US Department of State Locations: Porto, Portugal, Chiang Mai, Thailand, Hanoi, Vietnam, Douro, Northern Thailand, Bangkok, Old City, Soi, Prabang, Laos, Luang Prabang, Asia, Vientiane, Indochina

☆ Royal Caribbean Cruises is the best stock to own in the sector, says Oppenheimer's Ari Wald
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-04 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

In this videoShare Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailRoyal Caribbean Cruises is the best stock to own in the sector, says Oppenheimer's Ari WaldAri Wald, Oppenheimer, joins 'Power Lunch' to discuss the technical support for stocks that have doubled this year but still fall below target price.

Persons: Oppenheimer's Ari Wald Ari Wald, Oppenheimer Organizations: Royal Caribbean Cruises

☆ Cruise lines may overbook more sailings as demand heats up — here's what happens when your trip is oversold
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-02 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

AdvertisementA serious issue for travelers could be quietly brewing amid the booming demand for cruises : oversold ships. With this has come an influx of last-minute bookings that may be catching cruise operators off guard, leading to oversold cruises, Scholes said. On Tuesday, an oversold Quantum of the Seas ship left several travelers stranded at the embarkation port in Brisbane, Australia. While hard to predict, Scholes said he "wouldn't be surprised" if there were a handful of oversold cruise incidents next year as well. Statistically, it's still unlikely: Only a handful of the millions of annual cruise travelers have ever been impacted by this.

Persons: —, Patrick Scholes, Scholes, Brittany Chang, itineraries, wouldn't, it's, Raynor Organizations: Royal, Service, Truist Securities, Royal Caribbean Group, Seas, Seas ., Port, Business Locations: Royal Caribbean, Brisbane, Australia, Caribbean, Port of Brisbane

☆ The Startling Economics of the World’s Largest Cruise Ship
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-01 | by ( Spencer Jakab | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

It has been nearly half a century since The Love Boat promised “something for everyone.” These days, it’s actually true. Before the hit TV show helped popularize them, cruises were derided as being for the “newly wed and nearly dead,” and were a lot more expensive than they are today. Those not quite rich enough for their own yacht can still splurge on intimate, luxurious trips or high-octane adventures to places like Antarctica. But most cruisers these days are middle-class Americans or Europeans looking to be fed, pampered and entertained on a floating version of home. The hyper-efficient industry has made that possible by building megaships that resemble floating theme parks, and even its own islands.

Persons: it’s Locations: Antarctica

☆ This 3-year cruise around the world was going to cost passengers less than the average rent in NYC—now it's cancelled
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-30 | by ( Celia Fernandez | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

In March, Life at Sea Cruises announced it was accepting reservations for its three-year cruise around the world. When the cruise was first announced, prices were starting at $29,999 a year/The three-year cruise was initially set to depart from Istanbul, Turkey on November 1. The company had been trying to buy AIDAaura, a 20-year-old ship, which was sold in November to another cruise company. In a statement to the news outlet, Miray Cruises owner Vedat Ugurlu said the cruise wasn't canceled but postponed until May 2024. Representatives for Life at Sea Cruises and Miray Cruises did not immediately respond to CNBC Make It's request for comment.

Persons: Vedat Ugurlu Organizations: CNBC, CNN, Sea Cruises, Miray Cruises, ABC News, Miray, Life Locations: Istanbul, Turkey, Amsterdam

☆ Data from over 4,700 travel influencers shows what hotels, cruises, and other companies offer in partnership deals. Here are 3 key takeaways.
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-30 | by ( Shriya Bhattacharya | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: 1 min

Brand partnerships are a popular income source for many travel creators. Travel marketplace Jerne analyzed partnership data from 4,723 creators and 325 companies. Here are three takeaways, including how often brands expect travel creators to post. Travel is a popular niche within the creator economy, with some influencers earning five figures working with hotels, cruise lines, and tour companies to promote their experiences. Many travel companies offer free services or experiences in exchange for posting or pay creators a set amount.

Organizations: Business

☆ Royal Caribbean overbooked one of its giant cruise ships and left a group of travelers stuck at port
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-30 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Several guests weren't allowed to board a Royal Caribbean cruise because the ship was overbooked. Just hours after arriving at the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal, the couple was sent back home because Royal Caribbean had overbooked its 4,905-guest ship. But if it weren't for this option, Raynor says he would "absolutely not" be inclined to go on another Royal Caribbean cruise. AdvertisementRoyal Caribbean has a history of overbooking its giant cruise shipsRoyal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas. "I know Royal Caribbean generally has a good reputation, but it's certainly left a bad sour taste in our mouths," Raynor said.

Persons: weren't, he's, —, Jai Raynor, Raynor, rebooking, it's Organizations: Royal, Service, Port, Brisbane International Cruise, Business, Royal Caribbean, Caribbean, Seas . Locations: Royal Caribbean, Brisbane, , New Caledonia, Nouméa , New Caledonia . Southern Lightscapes, Australia, Caribbean

☆ 10 best ways to use Chase points for travel
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-29 | by ( Jennifer Yellin | Andrew Kunesh | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +23 min

The Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Preferred cards are currently offering 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months of account opening. These cards earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® points which are some of the most valuable and flexible travel rewards points out there. But before you apply, let’s take a look at some of the best ways to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points for travel. Best ways to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards pointsYou can book KLM business class by transferring Chase points to Air France-KLM Flying Blue. Use the Chase Travel portal to book any flightBook flights on any airline with the Chase Travel portal.

Persons: , you’ve, Air Canada Aeroplan, Chase, Kyle Olsen, —, Holly Johnson, Ziva, Eliyahu Parypa, that’s, that’ll, You’ll, you’ll, United Chase, MileagePlus, Aeroplan, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, it’s, you’re Organizations: CNN, American Express, Chase Sapphire, Chase, Hyatt, United MileagePlus, Air Canada, Chase Travel, KLM, Air France, Blue, CNN, United Airlines, Aer Lingus AerClub Air Canada Aeroplan Air France, KLM Flying Blue British Airways Executive Club Emirates, JetBlue, Singapore Airlines, Rapid, United, Virgin Atlantic Flying, redemptions, you’ll, Southwest Airlines, British Airways, Images British Airways, Oneworld, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways Executive Club, British Airways Executive, Miami . British Airways, British, Air Canada's, Air, Star Alliance, Minneapolis . Air, Midwest, Singapore Airlines ’, Aloha State, Iberia Airlines, Iberia Avios, Sapphire, Virgin Points, All Nippon Airways, All Nippon Airways One, Virgin Atlantic, ANA, Virgin, Virgin Atlantic Virgin Points Delta Air, Virgin Atlantic Virgin, Delta Air Lines, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Ink Locations: United, Japan, Iberia, Mexico, Bay, Jamaica, Cancun, Chicago, New York, United States, Caribbean, Washington, American, Alaska, Atlanta, Miami, Minneapolis, Minneapolis . Air Canada, Newark, Fort Lauderdale, Hawaii, East, Aeroplan, United Airlines, iStockphoto Hawaii, Los Angeles, Kona, Spain, Europe, United Kingdom, Madrid, Barcelona, Boston, Iberia Iberia, San Francisco, Tokyo, Amsterdam, Rome, Paris, Delta

☆ First Cruise: Preparations for a Smooth Sailing
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-29 | by ( Ceylan Yeginsu | More About Ceylan Yeginsu | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

You’ve picked a ship, booked an itinerary and chosen your cabin, but even with the hardest part done, figuring out the ship’s layout and how to get a spot on a popular outing can be daunting. Here’s how to prepare for a smooth first sailing. Familiarize yourself with the ship, even before you boardOcean cruise liners are big, and each ship is unique, so get familiar with deck layouts and features before you board. Most cruise companies have detailed plans and videos on their websites and there are virtual ship tours by cruise enthusiasts on YouTube and social media. “Be sure to pack a carry-on with all of the essentials you might need during that window of time,” said Colleen McDaniel, editor in chief of the cruise news site Cruise Critic, who suggested including “medication, sunscreen, a bathing suit, a phone charger and other essentials that you’ll need as soon as you board.”

Persons: You’ve, you’ve, ”, Mandy Holden, “, it’s, Colleen McDaniel Organizations: YouTube, Cruise Locations: Florida

☆ A passenger was killed after falling off a Royal Caribbean cruise ship
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-29 | by ( Marielle Descalsota | Erin Snodgrass | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

A passenger died after falling off Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas. The cruise ship was traveling from Florida to the Bahamas. AdvertisementA passenger was killed after he fell off a Royal Caribbean cruise ship on Saturday, the cruise line told Business Insider in a statement. Royal Caribbean declined to confirm how the passenger died to BI. Out of respect for them, we won't provide any further comment," Royal Caribbean told BI.

Persons: —, TMZ Organizations: Service, Royal, TMZ, BI, Fox, Fox News, Royal Caribbean, Viking Cruises Locations: Florida, Bahamas, Royal Caribbean, Port Canaveral , Florida, Nassau

☆ Icon of the Seas: World’s biggest cruise ship delivered to Royal Caribbean
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-28 | by ( Karla Cripps | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —The world’s biggest cruise ship is now in the hands of its new owner, with Royal Caribbean accepting delivery of the 1,198-foot Icon of the Seas this week. Royal Caribbean says Icon of the Seas is the cruise line’s first ship that can be powered by liquefied natural gas and will have the first waste-to-energy plant at sea. “Images of Royal Caribbean’s ships have often elicited strong responses,” cruise expert Stewart Chiron told CNN Travel when questioned about the reaction in August. The current “world’s largest cruise ship” title holder is another vessel in the Royal Caribbean fleet, Wonder of the Seas, which made its inaugural voyage in 2022. Slightly smaller than Icon of the Seas, it stretches 1,188 feet in length and has 18 decks to explore.

Persons: That’s, it’s, ”, Jason Liberty, Stewart Chiron, “, Jacopo Prisco Organizations: CNN, Royal, Meyer, Royal Caribbean Group, CNN Travel, Royal Caribbean Locations: Royal Caribbean, Meyer Turku, Turku, Finland, Miami , Florida, Caribbean, “, Cadiz, Spain, Florida, –

Nov 28 (Reuters) - Spending online on Cyber Monday is set to exceed $12 billion, a record, as bargain hunters snap up deals on items including Barbie dolls, Lego sets, headphones and smart watches, according to preliminary estimates from Adobe Digital Insights. The estimate projects U.S. shoppers will spend $12 billion-$12.4 billion on Cyber Monday, the biggest U.S. online shopping day. At the top end, this would represent an 9.7% increase compared to the $11.3 billion spent on Cyber Monday last year. Walmart, eager to capture market share, slashed prices on Sunday night, joining the trend of retailers' early discounts on major shopping days. On Monday, Walmart stepped up discounts on some clothing to 60%, up from the 50% it offered on Black Friday.

Persons: Barbie, Nancy Tengler, Eduardo Munoz, Matthew Katz, Charles Sizemore, Sizemore, Siddharth Cavale, Deborah Sophia, Aishwarya Venogupal, Ananya Mariam Rajesh, David Gregorio, Nick Zieminski, Matthew Lewis, Lincoln Organizations: Adobe Digital, Retailers, Adobe Analytics, Investments, Shoppers, Workers, REUTERS, SSA & Company, Walmart, Sizemore Capital Management, Target, Graphics, Insider Intelligence, Thomson Locations: Scottsdale , Arizona, United States, Robbinsville Township, New Jersey, U.S, New York, Bengaluru

Spending online on Cyber Monday is set to reach as much as $12.4 billion, according to Adobe Digital Insights, which tracks data through Adobe's Experience Cloud service for e-commerce platforms. Last-minute shoppers on Monday could spend $4 billion between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. EST alone, it said. Other firms use different measurements to gauge purchases on Cyber Monday, the biggest online shopping day of the year in the United States. Salesforce, which tracks data flowing through its Commerce Cloud e-commerce service, said online sales on Cyber Monday were up by 4% by 4 p.m. EST, hitting $7 billion by late afternoon. Walmart, eager to capture market share, slashed prices on Sunday night, joining the trend of retailers' early discounts on major shopping days.

Persons: Salesforce, Eduardo Munoz, Brian Yacktman, Charles Sizemore, Sizemore, Siddharth Cavale, Deborah Sophia, Aishwarya Venogupal, Ananya Mariam Rajesh, David Gregorio, Nick Zieminski, Matthew Lewis Organizations: Adobe Digital, Adobe, Commerce, Shoppers, Workers, REUTERS, YCG Investments, Nike, Black, Sizemore Capital Management, Walmart, Amazon, Graphics, Insider Intelligence, Thomson Locations: United States, Robbinsville Township, New Jersey, U.S, New York, Bengaluru

☆ A Three-Year Cruise Is Canceled for Lack of a Ship
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-27 | by ( Victor Mather | More About Victor Mather | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

If you’re going to organize a three-year round-the-world cruise, a good first step is probably to acquire a ship. For months, Life at Sea Cruises has been signing up travelers, taking their money and marketing this unusual offering, which it announced in March. Its website, which was promoting the cruise as of Monday, described the ship, the MV Lara, and promised visits to the Great Wall of China, the Pyramids of Giza, Machu Picchu and the Taj Mahal. Prospective passengers might pause before booking, though, when they see that the voyage was already supposed to set sail on Nov. 1. And they may be more alarmed to learn that the ship, under its original name, the AIDAaura, was acquired in mid-November by Celestyal Cruises, not by Life at Sea.

Persons: Taj Organizations: Sea Cruises, Taj Mahal, Celestyal Cruises Locations: China, Machu Picchu

☆ There's officially a new world's largest cruise ship
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-27 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

The Icon of the Seas officially joined Royal Caribbean's 28-ship fleet on Monday. The 1,198-foot-long, 250,800 gross-ton vessel is now the world's largest cruise ship. AdvertisementSay hello to the new world's largest cruise ship: The Icon of the Seas has officially joined Royal Caribbean's fleet of 28 cruise ships. At 20 decks, 1,198 feet long, and 250,800 gross tons, the Icon of the Seas towers over the average cruise ship. Before this new addition, its 1,188-foot-long, 235,600-gross-ton Wonder of the Seas has held onto the "world's largest cruise ship" title since its debut in 2022.

Persons: —, Meyer, Brittany Chang Organizations: Seas, Royal Caribbean's, Service Locations: Miami, Meyer Turku, Caribbean

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