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Earning Membership Rewards pointsAmex Membership Rewards points are some of the most highly valued credit card rewards. For more information, read our supplemental posts comparing American Express Membership Rewards cards and our Membership Rewards transfer partners guide. Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Tips for Membership Rewards membersAmex Membership Rewards points are relatively forgiving, but there are some basic rules you should know. American Express Membership Rewards frequently asked questionsHow do I earn Membership Rewards points?

Persons: Uber, Wiley, Julie Mehretu, Peacock, Uber Cash, You've, It's, Airfare, you'll, Chase, PayPal RiteAid, cardholders, Read, Wells Fargo, Miles, Cardholders, Wells, Amex, You'll Organizations: Business, American Express, American, Express, Hilton, Marriott, Saks, Entertainment, Disney, ESPN, The New York Times, Street, Walmart, TSA, Global, Saks Fifth, U.S, Milk Bar, Chase, Amex, FedEx, Grubhub, Supply, Amex Travel, Resorts, Plusgrade, Air Canada, Etihad, Qantas, Ethiopian Airlines, TAP Portugal, Amazon, PayPal, PayPal RiteAid Saks, Ticketmaster Amex, Ticketmaster, U.S ., Aer Lingus, Air France, KLM, Blue, British Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, Singapore Airlines, Virgin, Marriott . Business, Air, Citi, Capital, Miles, Bilt, Mastercard Locations: Hulu, U.S, AmexTravel.com, Asia Miles, Iberia, Amex, Emirates, Air Canada, Fargo Wells Fargo, Wells

☆ Mass protest on Spanish island Mallorca calls for ‘limits on tourism’
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-22 | by ( Louis Mian | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Thousands of people took to the streets to protest against mass tourism on the island of Mallorca on Sunday as pushback against holidaymakers in Spain continued. ET) according to organizers Menys Turisme, Mas Vida (Less Tourism, More Life), although police put the figure at around 12,000, RTVE reported. Juan Medina/ReutersThe demonstration included around 110 groups and social movements, according to Spanish public broadcaster RTVE. It came amid growing tensions over the impact of tourism on local areas in Spain. In April, a hunger strike was called by locals in the Spanish Canary Islands, protesting against excessive tourism, which protesters said is pricing out locals and leading to environmental damage.

Persons: Jaime Reina, Menys, Mas, RTVE, ”, Juan Medina Organizations: CNN, Palma de Mallorca, AFP, Getty, Tourists, Reuters, RTVE, Spanish National Statistics Institute, Islands Locations: Mallorca, Spain, Palma de, Tourism, El Arenal, Balearic, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera, Barcelona, Canary Islands

Keep reading to see how the Amex Platinum Card and the Amex Business Platinum Card differ, and to decide if either is right for you. Finally, the Amex Platinum Card and the Amex Business Platinum Card come with a Priority Pass membership**. 35% points rebate on the Amex Business PlatinumThis is an incredibly valuable perk that's only available with the Amex Business Platinum Card. Amex Platinum vs. Amex Business Platinum frequently asked questionsWhat are the main differences between the Amex Platinum and Business Platinum cards? The Amex Platinum earns bonus points on travel, while the Business Platinum also offers elevated rewards on certain business expenses.

Persons: Amex, Uber, Wiley, Julie Mehretu, Peacock, Uber Cash, you've, You'll, — you'll, you'll Organizations: American Express, Express, Hilton, Marriott, Saks, Entertainment, Disney, ESPN, The New York Times, Street, American, Walmart, TSA, Global, Saks Fifth, Business, Adobe, Dell, Card, Amex Travel, Delta Sky Club, Delta, Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Sky, Resorts, Fine, United, Amex, —, Hertz, Fine Hotels, Hulu, New York, Paramount, Equinox Locations: Hulu, AmexTravel.com, Europe, Asia, Hong Kong, —

☆ Insider Today: Italian reno nightmare
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-20 | by ( Joi-Marie Mckenzie | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

On the agenda:This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. You are presented with this mapped-out series of days," Travelzoo's senior editor Gabe Saglie told Business Insider. AdvertisementIf you're convinced, one travel planner rounded up the best all-inclusive resorts of 2024. After remodeling a dusty old Italian apartment and sharing the results on social media, they received some unexpected backlash. More of this week's top reads:The Insider Today team: Joi-Marie McKenzie, editor in chief of life, in New York.

Persons: —, she's, Wahoo, Travelzoo's, Gabe Saglie, Terri Peters, Saint, Victoria Craparotta, Flavio Fabiani, Craparotta, Alyssa Powell, Crispin la valiente, Jenny Chang, Rodriguez, didn't, Bradley Carroll, Carroll, Rachel Katzman, Stephen Pasterino, Katzman, Abigail, Kai, Rebecca Zisser, Joi, Marie McKenzie, Jordan Parker Erb, Dan DeFrancesco, Lisa Ryan, Amanda Yen Organizations: Service, Business, Northeast, BI, Netflix, CBS, Samsung, Universal Locations: Saint Vincent, Grenadines, Rome, New York, New York City

Introduction to the American Express® Business Green Rewards CardThe American Express® Business Green Rewards Card is a straightforward travel rewards business card from Amex that earns valuable Membership Rewards points. Amex Business Green Rewards Card OverviewThe American Express® Business Green Rewards Card lacks many benefits associated with other Amex business cards. Amex Business Green Rewards Card RewardsThe American Express® Business Green Rewards Card really flops when it comes to point earning rates on business expenditures. The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express vs. American Express® Business Green Rewards CardThe Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express is a no-fee business credit card from American Express that offers significantly more value for infinitely less financial investment. How We Reviewed the American Express® Business Green Rewards CardThe credit card experts at Business Insider evaluated the American Express® Business Green Rewards Card against other American Express business cards and other top business credit cards.

Persons: Cardholders, it's, that's, Chase Organizations: Business, Express, American Express, Staples, American, Global, Shipping, Chase Locations: AmexTravel.com, Chevron

The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi. Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card DetailsThe Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi is one of those rare store credit cards that you can use at locations other than the merchant printed on its face. How to earn rewards with the Costco Business CardThe Costco Anywhere Business Card isn't captive to Costco stores and Costco.com. Costco Business credit card frequently asked questions (FAQ)What credit score do you need for the Costco Business credit card? Yes, you can use the Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi outside of Costco, as long as the merchant accepts Visa cards.

Persons: You'll, you've, you'll Organizations: Business, Costco, Citi, EV, Costco.com, Chase, Travel, Costco Travel, Citi Entertainment Locations: It's, Costco

Southwest Performance Business Credit Card ReviewChase offers five co-branded Southwest credit cards with varying annual fees and benefits. Southwest Performance Business Credit Card RewardsThe Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card offers many key benefits and features. Southwest Performance Business Card Fees and Other CostsThe Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card charges a $199 annual fee. Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card vs. Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit CardThe Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card is the only other small business credit card in Southwest's current portfolio. Southwest Performance Business Card Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat are the main benefits of the Southwest Performance Business Credit Card?

Persons: Chase, Cardholders, they'll, you'll Organizations: Business, Rewards, Card, eBay, Southwest ®, Rapid, FDIC, Southwest, EarlyBird, TSA, NEXUS, Emergency, Chase Small Business, Chase, Sapphire, Southwest Airlines Locations: rideshare, Southwest, Hawaii, Caribbean, Mexico, Central America

The Q3 2024 bonus categories are gas and EV charging, movies, and ticketed live entertainment events such as concerts and shows. That's why you can think of the Chase Freedom Flex® and Chase Freedom® bonus categories as earning you either 5% back or 5x points. Q3 2024: Chase Freedom Flex® and legacy Chase Freedom® cardholders can activate bonus categories online or through their Chase account until September 14, 2024. Points earned on the Chase Freedom Flex® and the Chase Freedom® can be transferred to certain travel credit cards for significantly higher value. In Q3 2024, the bonus categories are gas and EV charging, movies, and live entertainment.

Persons: cardholders, Chase, takeout, you’ve, Cash, you've Organizations: Business, Citi, Citi Strata Premier, Card, Citi Prestige, EV, Walmart, Freedom, Chase, Chase Travel, PayPal, Foods, Gas, Amazon, Target, Wholesale, eBay, Cable, Department, Chase Travel ℠, Sapphire, United, Hyatt, Marriott, Discover, Restaurants, Citi Prestige ®, JetBlue, Singapore Airlines, Chase Credit, FDIC Locations: United Airlines, drugstores, Chevron

The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: Citi Strata Premier℠ Card, Citi Prestige® Card, Citi Rewards+® Card, Citi® Double Cash Card, Citi Custom Cash℠ Card, AT&T Points Plus® Card. Good Citi Airline Transfer PartnersSome Citi airline transfer partners can provide decent value, but only in certain situations. Citi Airline Transfer Partners That Aren't Great ValueThe rest of the Citi ThankYou airline transfer partners are generally not worth considering, except for extremely niche redemptions. Otherwise, with the Citi Rewards+® Card, Citi ThankYou® Preferred Card, and Citi® Double Cash Card, the ratio is 5:4 (1,000 Citi ThankYou points = 800 Wyndham points). Other Rewards ProgramsIn addition to airline and hotel transfer partners, Citi ThankYou has one retail transfer partner.

Persons: Wyndham, Hilton, Lifemiles, Avianca, Eva, it's, It's, Accor, you'll, Howard Johnson, Travelodge —, you've, nonrefundable — Organizations: Business Insider, Citi, Premier, Card, Citi Prestige, Wyndham Rewards, JetBlue, Air France, KLM, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Citi Transfer, Citi Strata Premier, Citi Prestige ®, Partners, Turkish Airlines Miles, Turkish, Star Alliance, Miles, United Airlines, United, Blue Air France, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Singapore Airlines, Air, Lufthansa, Alaska Airlines, KrisFlyer, Virgin Atlantic Flying, Virgin, Delta, Flying, Ethiopian Airlines, Good Citi, Transfer Partners, Etihad Guest Etihad, Czech Airways, Etihad, Royal Air Maroc, Cathay, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles Cathay, Oneworld, American Airlines, British Airways, Qantas Frequent Flyer, Qantas, Transfer, Aeromexico, Premier Aeromexico, Emirates Skywards, Emirates, Qatar Airways Privilege, Gulf, American, Qatar Airways . Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus Thai Airways, Raffles, Citi Premier, Prestige, Choice, Comfort, Radisson Hotels, Radisson, Wyndham, Vacasa, Sears, CitiTravel.com, EV, Aeromexico Club Premier Air France, Cathay Pacific Asia, JetBlue TrueBlue Qantas Frequent Flyer Qatar Airways Privilege Club Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus Turkish Airlines Miles, Smiles, Atlantic Flying Club Wyndham Rewards, ℠ Locations: Hawaii, Europe, Air Canada, Singapore, Delta, Prague, Seoul, New York, JFK, Casablanca, Cathay Pacific Asia, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Qatar, Fairmont, Sofitel, Clarion , Cambria, Canada, Caribbean, America, Chevron

Introduction tothe Navy Federal Credit Union GO REWARDS® Credit CardThe Navy Federal Credit Union GO REWARDS® Credit Card has no annual fee and earns a decent rewards rate on gas purchases and dining out. Navy Federal Credit Union GO REWARDS® Credit Card RewardsWelcome BonusThe Navy Federal Credit Union GO REWARDS® Credit Card does not offer a welcome bonus. Navy Federal Credit Union GO REWARDS® Credit Card Benefits and FeaturesWhile the Navy Federal Credit Union GO REWARDS® Credit Card doesn't offer many robust perks and benefits, some notable features merit a mention. Navy Federal Credit Union CardsThe Navy Federal Credit Union GO REWARDS® Credit Card, Navy Federal Credit Union cashRewards Credit Card and Navy Federal More Rewards American Express® Card are all no-annual-fee cards, but the welcome bonus and reward structure on each card varies. Navy Federal Credit Union GO REWARDS® Credit Card Frequently Asked QuestionsHow do I earn points with the Navy Federal Credit Union GO REWARDS® Credit Card?

Persons: cardholders, pesky, you'll Organizations: Business Insider, Citi, Navy Federal Credit Union, Navy, Credit, National Guard, Department of Defense, DOD, Federal Credit Union, Visa, Mastercard, The Navy Federal Credit Union, GO, Navy Federal, Card, Walmart, Federal, American, Chase Locations: United States, Chevron

Chase Ultimate Rewards and American Express Membership Rewards are the most popular credit card reward programs. The Amex Platinum Card and Chase Sapphire Preferred earn points in two different programs — American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards®, respectively. American Express Membership Rewards OverviewThis brings us to the American Express Membership Rewards program, which is similar to the Chase Ultimate Rewards with a few key differences. The American Express Membership Rewards program includes the following transfer partners:Amex Membership Rewards Transfer Partners Aer Lingus: 1,000 points = 1,000 milesAeromexico: 1,000 points = 1,600 milesAir Canada: 1,000 points = 1,000 milesAir France-KLM Flying Blue: 1,000 points = 1,000 milesAlitalia: 1,000 points = 1,000 milesANA Mileage Club: 1,000 points = 1,000 milesAsia Miles: 1,000 points = 1,000 milesAvianca: 1,000 points = 1,000 milesBritish Airways: 1,000 points = 1,000 milesDelta SkyMiles: 1,000 points = 1,000 milesEl Al Israel: 1,000 points = 20 milesEmirates: 1,000 points = 1,000 milesEtihad Airways: 1,000 points = 1,000 milesHawaiian Airlines: 1,000 points = 1,000 milesIberia: 1,000 points = 1,000 milesJetBlue: 250 points = 200 milesQantas: 500 points = 500 milesSingapore Airlines: 1,000 points = 1,000 milesVirgin Atlantic: 1,000 points = 1,000 milesChoice Privileges: 1,000 points = 1,000 hotel pointsHilton Honors: 1,000 points = 2,000 hotel pointsMarriott Bonvoy: 1,000 points = 1,000 hotel pointsLike the Chase Ultimate Rewards program, American Express Membership Rewards offers the most bang for your buck when you transfer points to airline and hotel partners. Choosing Between Chase Points and Amex PointsIf you can't decide between Chase Ultimate Rewards and American Express Membership Rewards, there are some serious questions you should be asking yourself.

Persons: Chase, you'll, You've, Holly Johnson, Amex, You'll, Uber, Wiley, Julie Mehretu, Peacock, Uber Cash Organizations: Business, Read, American Express, Chase, Sapphire, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Freedom, Apple, Chase Sapphire, Aer Lingus British Airways Emirates Air France, KLM, Blue, JetBlue Singapore Airlines, Southwest Airlines United, Virgin, Hyatt, Chase Travel, Hotel, FDIC, American, Aer Lingus, Air, Air France, Alitalia, British Airways, El, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Marriott, airfare, Express, Hilton, Saks, Entertainment, Disney, ESPN, The New York Times, Street, Walmart, TSA, Global, Saks Fifth, Southwest Rapid, Delta Air Lines Locations: U.S, airfare, Air Canada, Asia Miles, El Al Israel, Iberia, Hulu, United

Introduction to Credit Card Presale TicketsIf you're swiping a credit card regularly, you probably know its key benefits. Eligible Credit Cards for Presale AccessMajor Credit Cards with Entertainment BenefitsWith most American Express cards, you're eligible to buy presale tickets through the American Express Experiences program. Other credit cards offer higher rewards in certain categories of spending Insider’s Take If you want an easy, no-fuss travel rewards credit card, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great fit. Your Chase credit card isn't the best for presale tickets — though you can sometimes score presale tickets for events at the Chase Center (in other words, this isn't valuable at tons of locations worldwide). FAQsWhich credit cards offer access to event presale tickets?

Persons: Chase, there's, Uber, Wiley, Julie Mehretu, Peacock, Uber Cash, Miles, Taylor, It's, who's, it's Organizations: Business, Business †, Citi Strata Premier, Card, Citi, Citi ®, Mastercard, American Express, Wimbledon, Express, Hilton, Marriott, Saks, Entertainment, Disney, ESPN, The New York Times, Street, American, Walmart, TSA, Global, Saks Fifth, Ticketmaster, Capital, Capital One, Capital One Entertainment, Citi Entertainment, Premier, CitiTravel.com, EV, Citi cardholders, Chase Chase, Chase Travel, Chase, Sapphire, Hotel, FDIC, Garden, Radio Music Hall, Chicago Theater, Mastercard cardholders, Chevron Locations: Coachella, Hulu, presales, Madison, New York City, Los Angeles

☆ Cruises are expensive but they're the best value. My family's cruise cost $3,500 less than a similar trip on land.
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-17 | by ( Amanda Adler | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Read previewAlthough the cost of a cruise is going up, this form of travel is still the best value for a family vacation right now. The average price of a cruise is up more than 40% since 2019, according to Cruise Critic data reviewed by CNBC. Finer fare, similar to what's included on cruise ships, costs even more. Plus, hotel prices are also on the rise, up 40% to 50% compared to 2019. Meanwhile, a three-night sailing on the Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship, can cost $533 a night.

Persons: —, David Bernstein, who's, I've, Amanda Adler, I'm Organizations: Service, CNBC, Business, Prima, Entertainment, Seas, Royal, New Zealand Locations: Norway, Iceland, Caribbean, Europe, New

☆ I've taken over 30 cruises by myself. I was lonely for a few until I realized I'd cracked the code for the perfect getaway.
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-17 | by ( Bradley Carroll | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

I love cruises, but I was hesitant to go on them alone because I thought I'd be lonely. I was lonely at first but less so once I did what I wanted and stopped worrying about socializing. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementI'm in my 60s, and I've been fortunate to take over 30 solo cruises over the last 15 years. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers.

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

☆ Royal Caribbean leans into shorter cruises, more experiences to capture travel demand
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-16 | by ( Seema Mody | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

With consumers getting more selective on how and where they vacation, cruise lines are fighting for Americans' tourist budgets. Royal Caribbean thinks shortening trips and packing the days with activities and exclusive opportunities will keep customers hooked. "I think we are an experience-driven mindset," Royal Caribbean CEO Jason Liberty told CNBC's "Squawk on the Street" this week. This is the second cruise ship Royal Caribbean is bringing to market in the span of six months. "When we look at what our guests are doing when they're not with us, they're going to Orlando, they're going to Vegas, they're going to all-inclusive resorts," Liberty said.

Persons: Jason Liberty, CNBC's, Liberty, they're, Morningstar, Jamie Katz, doesn't, Katz Organizations: Royal, Liberty, Disney Locations: Royal Caribbean, Orlando, Vegas

☆ I've been on over 110 cruises. There's one onboard option I hate and avoid at all costs.
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-16 | by ( Robert L. Willett | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Above all, I can't get behind flexible dining, which also goes by names like "my time dining," "freestyle dining," and "anytime dining." NicolasMcComber/Getty ImagesNorweigan Cruise Line is credited with creating this category of onboard eating, which it calls freestyle dining. I wished we could've just had our desired mealtime locked in, but NCL doesn't do traditional dining. Puzzled, we explained that we didn't need one because we were doing flexible dining. I missed sharing tables with strangers, the standard with traditional dining (unless you have a large group).

Persons: —, They're, PixelsEffect, it's Organizations: Service, Business, NCL, Cruises Locations: Norwegian, Caribbean

☆ Here's what Royal Caribbean CEO says differentiates Utopia of the Seas from other cruises
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-16 | by ( Seema Mody | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailHere's what Royal Caribbean CEO says differentiates Utopia of the Seas from other cruisesRoyal Caribbean CEO Jason Liberty speaks exclusively to CNBC's Seema Mody about why Utopia is important to the company's continued efforts to penetrate the cruise sector and dominate the 3-day sailing market. Liberty also highlights how AI is prominently featured across Royal's newest ship.

Persons: Jason Liberty, Seema Mody Organizations: Royal, Liberty Locations: Royal Caribbean

☆ Jim Cramer says Amazon stock is a buy ahead of its Prime Day event — here's why
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-15 | by ( Paulina Likos | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Amazon is a buy ahead of its annual Prime Day starting Tuesday — even as the stock has rallied hard this year. One potential catalyst for the stock is Amazon's annual Prime Day event and its ripple effects. JPMorgan, for one, said Prime Day will help Amazon "rationalize inventory levels" ahead of higher consumer demand in the second half of the year. They also said Prime Day should be a driver for Amazon's advertising business, particularly on Amazon Prime Video ad spend. As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade.

Persons: Jim Cramer, Andy Jassy, Cramer, Jim Cramer's, Jim, Michael Kappeler Organizations: CNBC, Amazon, Shoppers, Adobe Analytics, JPMorgan, Bank of America, Amazon Prime, Getty Locations: Manhattan

☆ Consumer remains extremely resilient and is 'thirsting' for experiences, says Royal Caribbean CEO
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-15 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailConsumer remains extremely resilient and is 'thirsting' for experiences, says Royal Caribbean CEOJason Liberty, Royal Caribbean Cruises president and CEO, joins 'Squawk on the Street' to discuss how Trump's assassination attempt could impact business, why Royal Caribbean's 'Utopia of the Seas' is important to the brand, and much more.

Persons: Jason Liberty Organizations: Royal, Royal Caribbean Cruises Locations: Royal Caribbean

☆ Japan's next big tourist craze: Disney cruises
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-10 | by ( Shubhangi Goel | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Tokyo Disneyland's owner, Oriental Land, will invest $2 billion to bring Disney cruises to Japan. 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 . AdvertisementTokyo Disneyland's owner is doubling down on the Disney magic with a new investment in cruises. Oriental Land, which owns and operates Disney Resorts in Tokyo, said on Tuesday it will invest $2 billion to launch Disney cruises in Japan.

Persons: — Organizations: Disney, Service, Disney Resorts, Walt Disney Company, Business Locations: Tokyo, Oriental, Japan

☆ 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

☆ I've worked on cruises for nearly 10 years. Here are 7 things I'd never do a ship.
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-09 | by ( Erica Depascale | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Read previewAfter working on various cruise ships all over the world for nearly a decade, I know a lot about their inner workings, from the best onboard activities to the tastiest dining options. But with this knowledge, there are also things I'd now never do on ships. Sergii Kateryniuk/Getty ImagesExcursions booked through the ship come with the guarantee that if your tour runs late, the ship will wait for it to return. Excursions booked through the cruise are the safest option if you're worried about your ship leaving without you. d3sign/Getty ImagesCertain items like irons, steamers, and liquor are usually not permitted on cruise ships, but guests often pack them anyway.

Persons: —, I'd, Sergii Kateryniuk, it's, I've, Irons, they're Organizations: Service, Business

☆ I quit my desk job to work on cruises 10 years ago. It has its drawbacks, but I've seen 79 countries.
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-09 | by ( Erica Depascale | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Crew members come from all over the world, and I've always found a very small percentage of Americans working on board. Some crew members work eight to 12 hours per day, with no days off, for seven months straight. Crew life is a blast, even after workThe crew bar and parties are so much fun. There's usually an onboard bar for crew members, where the drinks are cheap and the parties are so much fun. It's hard to describe my lifestyle to people who have never experienced ship life.

Persons: —, I've, Erica DePascale, Erica, wilder, I'm, Erica DePascale Cruise Organizations: Service, Business, Crew Locations: New York City, Instagram, New York, America, dogsledding, Alaska, Petra, New Zealand

☆ A key part of America’s economy has shifted into reverse
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-07 | by ( Bryan Mena | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Washington CNN —A vast swath of the US economy is showing signs of weakness as unemployment rises to its highest point in more than two years. “When you think of services, a lot of it is driven by the consumer, and consumers are key to where the US economy goes,” James Knightley, chief international economist at ING, told CNN. Consumer spending, which makes up about 70% of the US economy, has already moderated over the past few months, government statistics show, and retailers themselves have said they’ve noticed shoppers across the income spectrum change their purchasing behavior. The bottom 60% of households by income accounted for a larger proportion of spending on health care services. These firms have added 168,000 jobs a month, on average, from April through June, according to fresh Labor Department data released Friday.

Persons: “, ” James Knightley, “ We’re, Knightley, Scott Hamilton, Gallagher, It’s, Tesla, China’s Geely, Laura He, Elon, Jerome Powell, Michael Barr, Michelle Bowman, Austan Goolsbee, Raphael Bostic Organizations: CNN Business, Bell, Washington CNN, Institute, Supply, ING, CNN, Commerce, Service, Labor Department, EV, Volvo, SAIC, Elon Musk’s, Business, Committee, Fed, China’s National Bureau of Statistics, Financial Services, Chicago Fed, Pepsico, Delta Air Lines, ConAgra Brands, US Labor Department, Atlanta Fed, JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, The, New York Mellon, The University of Michigan Locations: Washington, United States, California, Jiangsu, China, Shanghai, Wells Fargo

☆ I've taken 4 Disney cruises without kids. Here's why they're actually the perfect adults-only getaway.
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-04 | by ( Carly Caramanna | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Out of the 15 cruises I've been on, Disney Cruise Line is my favorite company to travel with. Disney cruises offer the perfect getaway for adults without children. AdvertisementAfter taking over 15 cruises on most of the major lines, one stands out as my favorite company to travel with — Disney Cruise Line. Disney cruises combine what I love about the theme parks with relaxation and stellar dining, making them the perfect getaway. I also love that Disney continues to invest in its cruise line.

Persons: I've, —, Disney Organizations: Disney Cruise, Disney, Service, — Disney Cruise, Business

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