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☆ This $1,400 luggage is the hottest quiet status symbol for celebrities and wealthy travelers. The more beat up it looks, the better.
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-18 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

If you don't recognize the brand's name, you might know its iconic grooved aluminum luggage. LVMH acquired the now-126-year-old German company in 2016Hugues Bonnet-Masimbert, CEO of Rimowa, told BI that the company's buyers are split evenly between male and female. Brittany Chang/Business InsiderRimowa gave rise to two of the largest hard-shelled luggage trends when it debuted its aluminum luggage in the 1920s and its polycarbonate options eighty years later. (Hugues Bonnet-Masimbert, CEO of Rimowa, told BI that the company is constantly monitoring and improving its quality.) Brittany Chang/Business InsiderJust don't bring your luggage in for repairs when it inevitably gets scuffed up.

Persons: —, John Baptist's, he's, Martha Stewart, Rodger Federer, Billie Eilish, Baptist, John Baptist It's, LVMH, Hugues Bonnet, Brittany Chang, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany, Bernard Arnault's, Rimowa, they've, Tania Antonenkova, Tania Antonenkova Tania Antonenkova, Birkin, she's, Antonenkova, Carter Smith, Smith, doesn't, Haines, Masimbert, Vanessa Garoute, Garoute, Vanessa Garoute Garoute, — she's, you'll, Jane Birkinifying Organizations: Service, Business, York City Locations: Los Angeles, China, Europe, Asia, North America, Germany, Miami, Vegas, France, Rimowa's, York

☆ This is what all of your wealthy adult friends did this summer
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-15 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Adult-only summer camps have been exploding in popularity. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementForget Euro summer — travelers want to return to summer camp. The nostalgic art of sharing bunks and canoeing with new friends is no longer reserved for kids at summer sleepaway camps. Lately, an increasing number of grown-ups have begun flocking to adult-only summer camps, some for as steep as $1,200 a day.

Persons: Social's, — Organizations: Service

☆ I've sailed alone on 8 cruise ships. Here are my top 5 tips for taking a solo cruise.
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-13 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

I've traveled solo on eight cruise ships during my time as a travel reporter with Business Insider. Taking a cruise alone can be freeing and convenient — if you know how to do it right. These are my five top tips for travelers considering a solo cruise. But if you're unsure how to approach a solo cruise trip, you've come to the right place. As a well-practiced solo traveler, these are my top five tips for people interested in doing just that.

Persons: I've, —, you've Organizations: Business, Service

☆ An around-the-world cruise that's stuck at port is kicking off passengers who complain
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-12 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Unfortunately, she was kicked out before she could fulfill her world cruise aspirations. "They didn't just complain, they outright threatened with media unless they get what they want," Mikael Petterson, the founder and CEO of Villa Vie, told BI in an email. "That's how much I had wanted a world cruise." But she was kicked off before Villa Vie Odyssey could set sailOther buyers have begun moving onto the residential cruise ship. So far, Villa Vie has repaid her almost $8,000, with another about $7,400 still pending — still a few thousand short of her $18,600.

Persons: —, Jenny Phenix, — Phenix, Bonny Kelter, Mikael Petterson, Vie, Kelter, Villa Vie, Bonny, Petterson, Phenix, Villa, she's, aren't, Fred Olsen Cruise, Fred Olsen's, Angela, Stephen Theriac, Kathy Villalba, Stephen Theriac Petterson, hasn't Organizations: Service, Business, Residences, Sea Cruises, Villa Vie, Villa, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise, Security Locations: Europe, Asia, Australia, South, North America, Africa, Palm Beach , Florida, Braemar, Norwegian, Florida

☆ I Visited a $600 Adult Summer Camp With a 60,000-Person Waitlist
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-10 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: 1 min

The art of sharing bunks and meeting new friends over arts and crafts is no longer just for kids. Camp Social's three-day camp in late August received about 480 guests. Brittany Chang/Business InsiderA growing number of adults have started seeking out these nostalgic experiences. A spokesperson for Connecticut-based Club Getaway, which offers both family and adult-only camp programs, told BI that bookings for its 2024 season increased 17% compared to the previous year. Similarly, Philippa Girling, the CEO and cofounder of France-based woman-only summer camp Camp Chateau, told BI that the company now has a more than 13,000-person waitlist for its 2025 dates.

Persons: Camp Social's, Brittany Chang, Philippa Girling Organizations: France Locations: Connecticut

☆ A residential around-the-world cruise is delayed again — and waiting buyers won't get free hotels anymore
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-10 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Read previewVilla Vie Residences' highly anticipated residential around-the-world cruise has been delayed yet again from its original May target date, it told waiting customers on Monday. Villa Vie acquired Odyssey, formerly the Fred Olsen Cruise Lines' Braemar vessel, in December. Villa Vie Odyssey is currently docked in Belfast, Ireland. Angela and Stephen TheriacSince May, more than 100 Villa Vie buyers have stayed in the UK in anticipation of the ship's departure. Since the initial delay, Petterson told BI that Villa Vie had paid almost $2 million for its buyers' hotels.

Persons: —, Fred Olsen Cruise, Villa Vie, Lanette Canen Mikael Petterson, Vie, Petterson, Villa, Angela, Stephen Theriac, they've Organizations: Service, Residences, Business, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, Vie, YouTube Locations: Belfast , Northern Ireland, Braemar, Belfast, Ireland

☆ This couple went on one cruise together. Now, they're moving onto a never-ending residential cruise ship.
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-24 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

AdvertisementThat is, until this spring, when Canen and Bodin, both 54, uprooted their lives in Maui, Hawaii, to move onto a new residential cruise ship called Villa Vie Odyssey. AdvertisementThe couple sold their business in MauiBodin told BI that before Villa Vie, the couple had never really considered leaving Maui. "We went pretty much every day for two weeks and spent all day there until they kicked us off," Canen told BI. AdvertisementBefore committing to Odyssey, Canen and Bodin looked into Storylines, which plans to construct its own residential cruise ship, MV Narrative. AdvertisementAre you sailing on a residential cruise ship like Villa Vie or have a tip?

Persons: —, Lanette Canen, Johan Bodin, Canen, Bodin —, we'd, Bodin, Mikael Petterson, Fred Olsen Cruise, Lanette, Villa Vie's, Villa, Maui Bodin, they've, Petterson, Villa Vie, We're, Angela, Stephen Theriac Canen, they'd, Kendra Holmes, they're Organizations: Service, Business, Villa, Residences, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, South Pacific, YouTube, Sea Cruises, Cruises, Victoria Cruises Locations: Maui, Hawaii, Europe, Asia, Australia, South, North America, Africa, Belfast, Ireland, Braemar, Maui —, Italy, Croatia, Slovenia, Sweden, Canary, Norwegian, Villa Vie, Canen, Petterson

☆ Boomer-friendly Silversea's new luxury cruise ship was designed to attract younger guests like me. I'm sold.
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-03 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

I'm new to the brand and younger than its average demographic. Silver Ray first set sail in June. Brittany Chang/Business InsiderIn mid-June, I, 27, attended a complimentary five-night sailing for reporters and travel agents on Silver Ray, the latest of the two Nova-class vessels. The window-lined vessel is bright, and its decor is contemporary and classy without being garish. Think of it as akin to a Loews hotel instead of a dated, distasteful luxury resort that had its glory days in the 1980s.

Persons: Silver Ray, Brittany Chang, Tonet Organizations: Loews

☆ 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've sailed with every Royal Caribbean cruise line — here's how to pick the best one for you
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-27 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Royal Caribbean Group oversees Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea. Here's how the cruise lines compare and how to pick the best one for your needs. Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . The cruise line's parent company, Royal Caribbean Group, oversees three businesses that all target different cruising segments: families (Royal Caribbean International), premium (Celebrity Cruises), and ultra-luxury (Silversea).

Persons: —, You've Organizations: Royal Caribbean Group, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Service, Business

☆ This is what food on a new $675-per-day ultra-luxury cruise ship is like, from endless caviar to a sushi buffet
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-24 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Silversea invited me on a complimentary five-night cruise on its new 728-guest ship, Silver Ray. Food on the ultra-luxury ship includes a complimentary sushi lunch and a $180 tasting menu. AdvertisementThe food on a $675-a-day, ultra-luxury cruise ship is what you'd probably envision: caviar, lobster, and filet mignon. What you might not expect, however, is the cook-it-yourself restaurant, lunchtime sushi buffet, and a $180 tasting menu. In mid-June, ultra-luxury cruise line Silversea launched its 12th ship, Silver Ray.

Persons: Silversea, Silver Ray, Food, —, filet mignon Organizations: Service, Business

☆ I've sailed on two all-inclusive, ultra-luxury cruise ships. These are the 3 reasons I think they're worth the cost.
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-22 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

I sailed on Regent Seven Seas and Silversea's newest ships, Seven Seas Grandeur and Silver Ray. The convenience, all-inclusivity, and suites make ultra-luxury cruise ships worth their hefty cost. Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . You can opt-out at any time by visiting our Preferences page or by clicking "unsubscribe" at the bottom of the email.

Persons: Silver Ray, — Organizations: Regent Seven, Service, Business

☆ Royal Caribbean's latest mega-ship has set sail with new restaurants and amenities that were missing from its predecessor
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-19 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Royal Caribbean's latest mega-ship is now operating short Caribbean itineraries. At 236,860 gross tons, Utopia of the Seas is now the world's second-largest cruise ship. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementStep aside, Icon of the Seas — there's a new giant cruise ship in Florida. Royal Caribbean's new 236,860-gross-ton Utopia of the Seas embarked on its maiden voyage on Friday, marking the launch of the world's second-largest cruise ship.

Persons: —, Michael Bayley Organizations: Service, Seas, Royal Caribbean International Locations: Caribbean, Florida, Port Canaveral , Florida

☆ 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

☆ I sailed on Carnival's new cruise ship. See all of its amenities — and why some are better than its pricier competitors
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-09 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: 1 min

I went on Firenze's four-night cruise about two weeks after its maiden voyage. Carnival Firenze had a mini-golf course scattered around the open-air deck. Norwegian's newer ships, for example, have $10 mini-golf courses and VR arcades that cost $29 for an hour of play. Similarly, Royal Caribbean's new ultra-giant, ultra-popular Icon of the Seas has a $49-per-person ropes course that can be completed in less than a minute. Carnival Firenze also has a mini-golf and ropes course — but they're both free, albeit not as exciting or modern as the cruise line's competitors.

Persons: Brittany Chang Organizations: Firenze, Royal

☆ Secret Lounges for Crew on Silversea's New Silver Ray Cruise Ship
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-07 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Silversea's new Silver Ray cruise ship has 544 crew members to tend to its 728 guests. The ship has 333 crew cabins and 540 beds, which means some have to share their rooms. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementIt takes a village to keep a cruise ship running. On luxury cruise line Silversea's new ship, Silver Ray, guests can dine on free tins of caviar, luxuriate in the complimentary spa, and drink as many fancy cocktails as their hearts desire.

Persons: Ray, —, Silver Ray Organizations: Service, Royal Locations: Royal Caribbean

☆ These 10 amenities make Royal Caribbean Group's new ultra-luxury cruise ship worth its $4,550-a-week price
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-05 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Brittany Chang/Business InsiderRoom service isn't always free on mass-market cruise ships. On Silver Ray, not only are the hot dogs and hamburgers delivered to your suite complimentary — but caviar is, too. Simply call the room service line or ask your butler for caviar, and before you know it, a tin of the expensive fish eggs will be presented at your door. It wasn't the best caviar I've ever had (it's one of Calvisius' cheapest options). But it definitely added the unnecessary, theatrical, and extravagant touch I had been seeking on a $650-a-day cruise.

Persons: Brittany Chang, Silver Ray

☆ I sailed on Silversea's new ultra-luxury cruise ship and was blown away by all the perks you get for $650 a day
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-02 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Silversea invited me on a complimentary five-night cruise on its new 728-guest ship, Silver Ray. See all the amenities wealthy cruisers get on Silver Ray, from caviar room service to butlers. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . Silversea's new 728-guest ship is the cruise to go on when you want to be surrounded by 60-some-year-olds who enjoy Champagne, quiet vacations, and $180, 11-course dinners. In mid-June, the ultra-luxury cruise line's latest and 12th vessel, Silver Ray, set sail on its maiden voyage.

Persons: Silversea, Silver Ray, —, Ray Organizations: butlers, Service

☆ I stayed in a $5,400 suite on Silversea's new ultra-luxury cruise ship — here's why it's worth the cost
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-29 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

I stayed in a Deluxe Veranda suite on Silversea's new ultra-luxury Silver Ray cruise ship. In 2024, the Deluxe Veranda suite starts at $5,400 per person for an eight-day cruise. AdvertisementI regret to report that my new favorite cruise cabin starts at $675 per person per day. In mid-June, ultra-luxury cruise line Silversea's latest ship, Silver Ray, set sail on its maiden voyage, marking the second Nova Class vessel to join the company's now 12-ship fleet. Luckily, my cabin was one of the most luxurious I've ever stayed in, both on land and at sea.

Persons: —, Silver Ray, Silversea Organizations: Service, Nova

☆ I tried to spend as little as possible on Carnival's newest cruise ship. I recommend shelling out for better food and more fun.
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-27 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: 1 min

Besides WiFi, I refused to front for Firenze's up-charged activities and services. Children had a water play area near the waterslides. Brittany Chang/Business InsiderI went on Carnival Firenze for work, which meant I had to cave on the ship's premium WiFi at $85 for all four nights. But over the last few years, cruise giants have added more irresistible pay-to-play amenities to their vessels, all while still luring travelers in with affordable base fares. On Norwegian's newer ships, for example, this means paying $10 for a round of mini-golf or $29 for an hour at the VR arcade.

Persons: Brittany Chang Organizations: WiFi, Firenze

☆ I went on my first Carnival cruise — these are the 2 reasons I might not do it again
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-24 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

I spent four nights on Carnival Cruise Line's new Carnival Firenze cruise ship. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementPeople love to hate Carnival Cruise Line. After sailing on the new Carnival Firenze, I now understand why: The food was as bad as the incessant upselling. Its parent company, Carnival Corp, experienced "record" deposits and high-priced bookings in the first quarter of 2024.

Persons: —, it's Organizations: Service, Carnival Corp

☆ How the cheapest interior and balcony cabins on Carnival's new cruise ship compare — and why the pricier one is worth it
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-22 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: 1 min

Never again will I think of my parents as 'snobby' for wanting the more expensive accommodation (sorry, Mom and Dad). Carnival Firenze is Carnival Cruise Line's 27th ship. After my stint in the ship's interior accommodation, I now understand why balconies are the most popular cabin category. For Firenze's cheapest itinerary in 2024 — a four-night roundtrip voyage from Long Beach, California, to Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico — a dual-occupancy interior cabin starts at $359 per person. That's a $160 difference — and well worth the extra cash.

Persons: Brittany Chang Locations: Long Beach , California, Catalina, Ensenada, Mexico

☆ I toured the most expensive, $17,000-per-person suite on Silversea's new ultra-luxury cruise ship — see inside
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-19 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Silversea Cruises' new Silver Ray embarked on its maiden voyage in mid-June. The ship's most luxurious 1,324-square-foot Otium Suites have amenities like a private hot tub and library. So, as you can imagine, its new ship's most expensive suites are luxurious. Like, really luxurious. Silversea's new Silver Ray departed on its maiden voyage in mid-June.

Persons: Silver Ray, — Organizations: Cruises, Service, Royal Locations: Royal Caribbean

☆ I stayed in Carnival's cheapest, $90-a-day cabin on its new ship. It was ugly and windowless but shockingly spacious.
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-03 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

I booked the cheapest interior cabin for my four-night cruise on Carnival's new Carnival Firenze. It was ugly, dated, and lacked decor, but shockingly spacious. Interior staterooms in Carnival's newest ship start at $90 per person per day in 2024. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . So imagine how grumpy I was when I had to book a windowless interior cabin for my most recent sailing — on my first Carnival cruise, no less.

Persons: —, I'm Organizations: Service Locations: Carnival's, staterooms

☆ Carnival is known for ultra-cheap cruises. I sailed on its new ship — and I'm not sure that's completely true.
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-02 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Carnival Cruise Line is well known for its relatively affordable fares. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementIf you aren't careful, your Carnival cruise could quickly become as expensive as an Oceania one. Peruse any of the "US' most budget-friendly cruise lines" lists, and you're sure to find Carnival somewhere near the top. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers.

Persons: — Organizations: Service, Royal, Business Locations: Oceania, Miami, Royal Caribbean

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