Tag: Expect

Why Travelers Can Expect More Turbulence On Future Flights
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Turbulence: the leading cause of spilled ginger ale and awkward armrest grabs for travelers everywhere.

We all know that sudden stomach-dropping panic when your plane starts getting tossed around like a rag doll. It can feel absolutely terrifying.

The good news: Turbulence is mostly all bark and no bite. While the stress can be high, the risk of injury to passengers is low. Travelers can also easily prevent the most serious problems.

The bad news: Turbulence is increasing and will only get worse from here.

What is Turbulence?

Turbulence is a weather phenomenon that causes a plane to shake, jolt, or move in an irregular way.

Different types of turbulence are caused by wind from mountains and irregular terrain, by warm weather unevenly heating the Earth’s surface, and by the friction of cold and warm fronts.

Clear air turbulence is a specific type of turbulence caused by changes in the direction of air streams or invisible rivers of air moving a few miles above the Earth’s surface. This effect is known as wind shear.

Clear air turbulence happens in cloudless clear skies at higher altitudes. Since there are no visible warning signs, it’s the leading cause of unexpected rough skies and roller coaster rides for passengers.

Why Are Flights Getting Bumpier?

There has been a 15% increase in clear air turbulence over the past few decades, according to Dr. Paul Williams, a professor of atmospheric science at the University of Reading.

“At higher altitudes where planes fly, climate change is altering temperature patterns, which creates more wind shear,” he recently told the Wall Street Journal. Other studies confirm that warmer global temperatures in Earth’s upper atmosphere are creating serious wind shear problems at mid-latitudes.

In other words, the air where planes fly is getting warmer, changing the path of jet streams and creating more of the invisible wind shear that can really toss a plane around.

Dr. Williams’ meteorological model predicts that clear air turbulence in the mid-Northern Hemisphere will more than double over the next few decades.

This means popular international US routes like New York to Europe and California to Asia (which mostly fly through the high altitude mid-Northern Hemisphere) can expect bumpier rides.

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Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week

Travelers Shouldn’t Worry

While clear air turbulence can knock your airplane up or down rather suddenly, it will likely end as quickly as it started.

This type of turbulence doesn’t usually last for more than a few thousand feet. Your pilot can maneuver the plane up or down just a bit to get away from the rough skies.

While severe turbulence is on the rise, it’s still nowhere near common. The risk of serious turbulence on a flight is just a few tenths of a percent. Passengers are more likely to experience moderate (1%) or light turbulence (3%).

Injuries from severe turbulence are also incredibly rare.

On average, less than three passengers per year have been seriously injured by turbulence since 2009, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. (Most of the minimal number of these injuries are sustained by unrestrained flight crew.)

All things considered, travelers are actually much more likely to be upgraded to first-class than to be significantly affected by turbulence.

Turbulence detection tools are constantly improving to help pilots predict the unpredictable. For example, United and American Airlines now use a program called SkyPath, which detects vibrations from pilots’ iPads and reports them to other planes nearby in real-time.

How To Prepare For Turbulence

There are plenty of steps travelers can take to easily prepare for turbulence and prevent any serious impact.
- Book flights for earlier in the day with seats towards the front of the plane, 21-year flight attendant and Cruising Altitude author Heather Poole recently advised National Geographic.
- Wear your seatbelt, and not just when the fasten seatbelt sign is on. This applies to adults and children. While airlines don’t require small children to have their own seat, the FAA recommends using a child safety seat for children under 2. This way, everyone will avoid hitting their head on the overhead bins or knocking into the tray table in front of them.
- Keep small items tucked away. Make sure cell phones, water bottles, and other small items that could turn into projectiles are tied down or put away.
- Learn more about the sky. The trickiest parts of turbulence are surprise and helplessness. Travelers can feel more comfortable experiencing turbulence when they know where it’s coming from and remember the strong likelihood that they’ll be just fine.
- Don’t panic. While turbulence can feel scary, it’s more likely to rattle your mind than hurt your body. Screaming, ringing the call button, passing babies across the aisle, or trying to grab your belongings will only make the situation worse. Stay calm and wait for the rough patch to pass.
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May 15, 2023
Turkey Will Be One Of The Busiest Summer Destinations This Year – Here’s What To Expect If You’re Visiting

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After two and a half years of lackluster numbers, resulting from the COVID slump and strict border curbs which discouraged millions of tourists from visiting, Turkey (alternatively called Turkiye) is exploding in popularity like never before.

Having already posted a strong recovery rate last year, it is set to become one of the busiest summer destinations in 2023.

Located at the crossroads of two continents – Europe and Asia – and straddling both the Black and Mediterranean Seas, Turkey is one of the most intriguing countries in the world.

A cultural melting pot where influences range from late Byzantine to Indo-Anatolian, and of course, Ottoman, it has been an object of fascination for Historians and visitors alike for centuries.

Now, it could well shatter its own pre-established tourism records.

If you’re heading to the Turkish Republic this year, this is what you should expect to find:

Turkey Expecting A Record-Breaking Summer

Following a rocky start to the year, which has been marred by the unusually high inflation rate and a tragic earthquake in Eastern Turkey, the country is seemingly back on its feet and ready to compete not only on a European or Middle Eastern but global level.

As reported by Norbert Fiebiq, head of the German Travel Association (DRV), Turkey is ‘very much in demand’, with a ‘huge increase’ in bookings in recent months.

Now that fears over new potential earthquakes have subsided, ‘the turnover is increasing week by week‘.

Germany is one of the biggest and most important markets for the local tourism sector, contributing hundreds of millions of euros every year, but Germans are not the only foreign nationals obsessed with Turkey at the minute.

Upward booking trends were also noted across other nationalities as well, including the U.S.

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When it comes to the United States, 337,000 Americans landed in the sunny hub in the first half of 2022 alone, making it one of the most popular Eastern European and Middle Eastern destinations for U.S. citizens last year.

That number could increase exponentially in 2023 now that new flight routes between the mainland U.S. and Istanbul, the number one tourist destination in Turkey, have been added.

In other words, Turkey will be a lot busier than usual this summer, and you should definitely expect more crowds. But that’s not the only caveat:

What Will Visiting Turkey In Summer 2023 Potentially Feel Like?

It Will Be Busier Than Before

Turkey remained sealed off from the outside world for most of 2020 and 2021, as the national government clamped down hard on COVID and enacted a number of draconian policies aimed at keeping the virus out, such as banning entry to non-vaccinated Americans and implementing a testing regime.

Needless to say, the number of visitors to Turkey plummeted in that period until the local Health Ministry took a U-turn and decided it was time to treat the virus as endemic.

Turkey would eventually lift its remaining border curbs, and demand would naturally surge in response.

Visiting this summer, you are extremely unlikely to have some of the country’s most iconic points of interest, including the ancient Byzantine cathedral-turned-mosque Hagia Sophia and the Greco-Roman ruins in Ephesus, all to yourself, as became customary in the pandemic era.

The crowds are back, and long wait lines are the norm once again as tourists flock to Turkey’s world-famous sights to witness their grandeur firsthand.

When visiting Istanbul in particular, you are advised to book tickets in advance for a number of attractions as ticketing queues could be hours-long.

Price Oscillations

Besides the influx of visitors, you should note Turkey is no longer as cheap as it once was.

While it is still one of the most affordable mainstream destinations out there, inflation is taking its toll on Turkish society and hitting the pockets of budget-conscious tourists harder.

Naturally, any increase in demand amid a limited offer inevitably leads to price escalations, as seen last year across most of Western Europe.

Now, it is still improbable Turkey will follow in the footsteps of competing Mediterranean power Croatia, where prices have truly skyrocketed, as it is neither in the Eurozone nor tied to the Brussels economics, but tourist dollars may not buy as many Turkish liras as it would have been possible three to four years back.

That’s not due to the lira’s appreciation over the dollar also: in fact, the Turkish currency is still at one of its lowest points since records began.

There is another reason behind the local market’s volatile pricing:

The cost of living in Turkey is rising as a result of the crippling inflation (now stationary at 55.18% after reaching dangerous highs of 85.51% last December), the War in Ukraine, which forced thousands of Russians to escape the harsh realities at home into Turkey, impacting the real estate market by pushing prices up and adding pressure to the housing crisis, and the country’s own decade-long economic downturn.

And, Of Course, Politics

Turkey has faced one of its most harrowing tragedies in recent memory this year, when an earthquake struck the Hatay Province claiming the lives of over 41,000 citizens.

As if that weren’t enough to throw the country off-balance, the elections are coming, and they are set to represent one of the most polarizing and defining moments in Turkish History.

On May 14, in the lead-up to summer, Turks will decide whether long-serving President Erdogan remains in power, following his much-criticized economic policies and poor response to the earthquake, or the opposition will take the reins.

The effects of Turkey’s election will be felt across the country for months, and the overall political climate could be tense as current President Erdogan attempts to cling on to power.

Politics don’t tend to affect tourists directly, though they most certainly can: recently, Machu Picchu in Peru was closed down due to widespread civil unrest and political demonstrations that swept the country, while airports also suspended flights and tourism came again to a standstill, even if temporarily.

We’re not saying this will be the case in Turkey – most likely, the elections will take place without greater disturbances – but it doesn’t hurt to have a backup plan in case things do get out of hand, especially when flights are canceled due to strikes or nationwide protests. Much like Paris.

For that reason, ahead of flying, make sure you take out travel insurance covering travel disruption and interruption, as well as illness and other incidents, ahead of boarding your flight.

It may no longer be an official requirement, but it remains one of the best and easiest preventive measures when unforeseen circumstances arise.

Find out more here.

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March 18, 2023
Americans Should Expect Less Travel Disruption Vacationing In Europe This Summer

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If you jet off to Europe last summer immediately after the continent fully reopened for tourism, amid the post-pandemic travel frenzy, you might have realized, much to your dismay, that airports were not prepared for such an unprecedented surge in travel demand.

Back then, last-minute cancelations, long delays, winding queues and severe staff shortages became the norm. After nearly three years of being barred from visiting, almost every American sought entry into Europe, and regardless of any mitigation measures in place, it was downright chaos.

Seeing that the appetite for travel is currently the highest it’s ever been, many predicted summer 2023 would be a mere extension of last year’s woes, but it could be the exact opposite. According to experts, travelers should in fact expect less travel disruption vacationing in Europe in the future:

Europe Is Better Prepared To Deal With Pent-Up Demand

According to ACI Europe, an airports’ organization, the European zone should be able to cope with demand this summer, and the capacity caps that affected operations across major hubs last year, including Frankfurt, Schiphol and Heathrow, will be the exception rather than the rule.

At the peak of the crisis, these airports were forced to cut down the number of flights allowed per hour in order to adapt to the far more limited staffing levels, and the sudden spike in passenger numbers. The move led to a wave of cancellations and other severe disruption between the months of June and August.

Other airports like Dublin International faced extremely long wait times, with passengers who arrived many hours ahead of their flight being held up at security and prevented from boarding as a result of long delays. Things would only improve in the fall, when the peak travel season came to an end.

Luckily, Olivier Jankovec, Director General of ACI Europe, has now reassured potential visitors that airports are more prepared to manage the busy air traffic come summer, as ‘they have reached out to all their operational partners’ to identify both risks and ‘stress points’.

Staffing Levels Are Sufficient

One particular concern is staffing levels, which remained way below the required minimum for such a sharp spike in travel bookings. According to Jankovec, not only airports, but also airlines, ground handlers, border control forces and air traffic control will ramp up their mitigation efforts.

In countries like the U.K., which at the beginning of 2022 was already struggling with a severe shortage of border officers, long customs delays had become all but inevitable. While we are not able to make country-based predictions, Americans traveling to Britain in 2023 may not be as badly affected as their peers who visited in 2022 following mass hiring campaigns.

In Jankovec’s own words, ‘by and large, the aviation system capacity on the ground should cope with demand, and capacity limitations will remain the exception‘. British Airways (BA) Chief Executive Sean Doyle added himself he is ‘confident’ there won’t be a repetition of last summer’s woeful stories.

Doyle notes they have ‘come a long way very quickly’, and that resourcing and operability are ‘in a much better shape than last year’. In actual figures, BA has hired more than 7,500 new staff since launching a major recruitment campaign last year.

Europe Is Nearing A Full Recovery

Other data shared by ACI Europe shows how close Europe is to returning to its pre-pandemic form. In January 2023, passenger traffic was only 11 percent lower than January 2019, with roughly 42 percent of European airports having already recovered their pre-crisis traffic.

The excellent indicators can be attributed to the continent’s resumption of normality and lifting of all border measures, a move which has encouraged American tourists, and all other visiting nationalities, to journey across the pond more. With the exception of Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia – for obvious reasons – all European nations are now open for tourism restriction-free.

Some of Europe’s fastest-recovering tourist destinations this year, in terms of air traffic, include Portugal, Cyprus, Croatia, Malta and Romania. On the other hand, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czech Republic and Germany lag behind at least by 30 percent compared to the pre-COVID years.

Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, was quoted saying ‘with strong travel demand continuing through the traditionally slower winter season in the Northern hemisphere, the stage is set for an even busier spring and summer.’

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March 12, 2023
Here’s What To Expect Visiting Carnival In Rio De Janeiro

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From block parties starting at dawn, samba music echoing the streets, and a wild feast of hedonism, this is Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival. Although over 50 countries celebrate Carnival before Lent, there is none more famous than Carnival in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

More than 80,000 tourists will be flocking to this year’s Carnival celebration, representing an all-time high when compared to the past two years that curbed tourist numbers.

Organizers are faced with heavy planning for throwing one of the biggest parties of the year, but the payoff is an energetic and colorful celebration that will be even bigger and better this year. Residents and Carnival attendees have been starved of the celebrations during the 2-year hiatus, and Eduardo Paes, the Mayor of Rio, has called this year a “carnival of democracy,” a time that is welcomed after a tumultuous political climate.

Visitors can expect over 150 block parties (or blocos) during the main celebration of February 17-25, while samba schools will hit the streets to parade through Carnival’s official venue – Marques de Sapucai Sambadrome. Since the celebration is so large, it can be hard to know what you’re walking into, but here’s what to expect during the month of wild and brightly colored festivities.

The Official Blocos

Blocos is the term used to describe the free and wild parties that take place on the streets, which are considered the heart and soul of Carnival. There are more than 450 official blocos (150 during the official period) that are granted to roam the blocks this year up until late February. Celebrations for Carnival start a few weeks before and continue after the parade ends, so don’t think the parties are only exclusive to the official dates.

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It’s recommended to get to the starting point on time since the parades are on the move, and it might be difficult to locate them if you’re late. Make sure you also keep your valuables and phone at home (if you don’t have a good hiding spot) because petty theft is quite common.

Each bloco has its own flair, whether it be the type of music they play, how people dress up, or the number of people (the smaller ones can be just as fun as the larger events). You’ll find the more family-friendly block parties are the ones that kick off at dawn, while the large, tourist ones take place on the beaches. To get the full experience, you’ll want to head to as many blocos as possible, and you should plan your itinerary in advance since there are different locations spread across the city.

The Unofficial Blocos

While the official blocos are organized events, there are plenty of unofficial groups that are known to organize parties via Whatsapp and Instagram. These parties are spread through word of mouth, so you’ll want to make friends with a local to be kept in the know.

These spontaneous block parties are considered an essential pillar of Carnival, where the playfulness and creativity really shine from the local organizers. Just like the official blocos, they are known to have themes or interesting names, such as one carnival organizer named a bloco “Geleia da Shakira” / Shakira’s Jam – a nod to the recent news about popular singer Shakira catching her ex cheating by how much jam was left.

Sambadrome Parades

Despite being more of an attraction for tourists, you don’t want to miss the Sambadrome parades that take place across five different nights in the official stadium. This is where the best of the best Samba schools compete against each other in a dazzling spectacle of over-the-top costumes and decadent floats. Unlike the block parties, this is a paid event, with the final champion parade being the most expensive (from around US $114), so you’ll want to get your tickets ahead of time.

Carnival Balls

If you’re looking for something more exclusive, the Rio Carnival balls are popular events with a guest list of the rich and famous. The most famous balls are considered the Magic Ball at the Copacabana Palace and the Scala Ball. These over-the-top events come with a theme and dress code and a competition for the most eccentric costume.

The balls are considered a very glamorous and classy event, with tickets ranging from US$600 to US$1200 per person to attend. If you’re not fussed about attending the main balls, you can find some cheaper carnival ball options, which are considered much wilder.

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February 14, 2023
Here’s How Much You Should Expect To Pay For Flights In 2023
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As travel demand has reached levels never seen before over the last year, prices for flights have been quick to catch up. While airports and airlines continue to try to solve their staff-shortage issues, rising ticket fares and travel disruptions have become too familiar. Staff shortages aren’t solely to blame, as rising fuel costs and inflation have also led to increasing ticket prices.

Going into 2023, travelers can expect to pay more for nearly all travel costs, including flights. To help travelers prepare for the upcoming year, expected increases for multiple regions throughout the world are outlined below. Additionally, we’ve put together a few tips for saving money amid rising costs at the end of this article.

Looking at the year ahead, American Express has published its annual Air Monitor Report to explore what prices travelers should expect for flights in 2023. While prices aren’t predicted to rise by extraordinary amounts, some routes will see significant increases. To paint a clearer picture, world regions and expected costs are discussed separately below.

North Americans Can Expect These Flight Costs In 2023

Those living in North America have probably noticed the sharp increase in fares over the course of 2022, as the region led the world in air travel recovery. However, this quick uptake in fares during 2022 actually spells better news for 2023. Prices are still predicted to increase, but the increase will be less drastic than in areas like Europe and Asia.

To show what travelers can expect to pay, we’ll outline the expected increases for Economy and Business class for various routes and provide some concrete examples:

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- North American Regional Flights
  
  Business Class Increase: 3.4%
  
  Economy Class Increase: 2.9%
- North America to South America
  
  Business Class Increase: 4.2%
  
  Economy Class Increase: 6.4%
- North America to Europe
  
  Business Class Increase: 3.0%
  
  Economy Class Increase: 2.4%
- North America to Central America
  
  Business Class Increase: 3.7%
  
  Economy Class Increase: 3.6%
- North America to the Caribbean
  
  Business Class Increase: 2.3%
  
  Economy Class Increase: 5.8%
- North America to Asia
  
  Business Class Increase: 6.1%
  
  Economy Class Increase: 9.5%
North American Ticket Prices: 2022 vs. 2023

Percentages are helpful metrics for understanding how much flights are expected to change next year. Still, real-world examples often paint a clearer picture. For that reason, we’ve outlined a few examples below using real nonstop one-way fares found on 12/18/2022 using Google Flights.

One thing to note is that the fares below reflect pricing around the holiday season, and travelers will likely see drastically different prices depending on the dates chosen. These fares simply give a more concrete example of expected price increases:
- New York to Montego Bay, Jamaica (JFK to MBJ)
  
  2022: $154 Economy, $464 Business
  
  2023: $163 Economy, $475 Business
- New York to Tokyo, Japan (JFK to HND)
  
  2022: $2,161 Economy, $13,587 Business
  
  2023: $2,366 Economy, $14,416 Business
- New York To London, England (JFK to LHR)
  
  2022: $1,063 Economy, $3,730 Business
  
  2023: $1,089 Economy, $3,841 Business
What About Ticket Prices In Europe?

While an international flight is a significant expense, many travelers fly to Europe intending to take regional flights once there. For years, travelers have relied on low-cost carriers in Europe to spend a few weeks checking out multiple European gems. However, travelers should expect these prices to rise as well.

In 2023, economy class fares for flights within Europe are expected to rise 5.5%, while business class fares are expected to rise 6.0%. Luckily, this doesn’t equate to a significant increase for many low-cost flights within the region. Imagine purchasing a one-way ticket from London to Madrid for $50 (they can often be found for less). In that case, you’d only be paying an extra $2.50 in 2023.

How To Save In The Face Of Rising Costs

While there is no one size fits all method for saving on flight costs, these tips are tried and true methods for ensuring you get the cheapest fare possible.
- Utilize Google Flights: Google Flights is the easiest way to search across multiple airlines, research cheap destinations to fly to, and set up alerts to let you know when fares drop.
- Travel In The Off-Season: Not only does traveling in the off-season lower travel costs across the board, you also have the added benefit of crowd-free tourist attractions.
- Check Multiple Sites: Sometimes, it makes sense to book direct, and sometimes it may cost you more. Be sure to check across sites like Kayak, Skyscanner, and CheapOair to make sure you are getting the lowest ticket price.
- Don’t Book On Your Phone: Experts say it is best not to book flights on your mobile phone due to drip pricing. These are the added fees we’ve become all too familiar with, such as adding luggage, picking a seat, or adding in-flight meals. When using a mobile phone, travelers are less likely to compare pricing across sites or carriers.
Regardless of how much flight prices are increasing, travelers are ready to get back out into the world. This year has seen unprecedented travel demand, which is likely to continue into 2023. By preparing for rising costs and utilizing cost-saving tips, travelers can still find good deals and enjoy their vacations, knowing they are getting the best value for their money.

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December 20, 2022
Disney To Launch Newest Cruise Ship – Here’s What Travelers Can Expect

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Disney Cruise Line is finally all set to launch its newest cruise ship, having taken receipt of the vessel during the week. When it comes to travel, few experiences can match the magic, wonder and memories that are provided by a Disney vacation, with fun for all the family all but a guarantee – and the experience is just as magical out on the open seas as it is at a Disney theme park.

Whether a Disneyphile, a cruise lover or simply a wanderlust traveler, the addition of a new ship to Disney’s fleet has something for all types of travelers to get excited about.

Here’s what travelers can expect from Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, including what kind of amenities it will have on board, which destinations it will be sailing to and how the magic of the happiest place on Earth is recreated on the waves.

Disney’s Latest Ship – Information For Travelers

Founded in 1995, Disney Cruise Line might not be the biggest name in the cruise industry, but it might just be the most loved. Sailing a number of different routes, such as along the Pacific Coast, the Caribbean and Europe, Disney Cruise Line currently has four ships in its fleet – Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy – but very soon, its total number of vessels will grow to five.

After years of waiting for the completion of the building process and test sailing events, Disney Cruise Line finally took ownership of their latest mega-ship, Disney Wish, which is the first of several planned Triton class ships for the company. The ship is scheduled to arrive at Port Canaveral on June 20th, before setting sail later on this year – much to the delight of Disney and cruise fans across the country.

As one may expect, Disney touches can be found all over the ship, from subtle motifs to immersive experiences. Each of the ship’s staterooms are “equipped with innovations that ensure the ultimate in comfort and relaxation for Guests of all ages”, and allow guests to relax in the utmost comfort whilst still tastefully carrying on the Disney theme throughout.

On board Wish, guests can expect to receive the royal Disney treatment. Kids both big and small can look forward to the world’s first Frozen-themed theatrical dining experience, where they will be treated to musical numbers by Elsa and Olaf whilst enjoying hearty Norwegian-inspired cuisine, all in honor of celebrating the engagement of Queen Anna and Kristoff. If that doesn’t float your boat, there’s also the Marvel cinematic dining experience, where you can look forward to meeting your favorite superheroes whilst enjoying top-quality cuisine.

The ship is packed full of things to do for people of ages. From Disney’s first attraction at sea, AquaMouse, to six different swimming pools and a specially designed Toy Story zone, Disney has pulled out all the stops for Disney Wish. Kids can enjoy a stellar Kids Club on Disney Wish, giving them the chance to meet their Disney favorites and enjoy a wide range of fun activities.

For adults, there are a series of subtly decorated Disney bars and restaurants to enjoy, including the Star Wars-themed Hyperspace Lounge and the Cinderella-esque Nightingale’s piano bar – though there are also several regular joints to enjoy when it all gets a bit too much. Quiet Cove is an adult-only district, complete with an infinity pool, bar, and cafe, providing the perfect place to slink away and enjoy being at sea.

The ship’s maiden voyage from Florida is scheduled July 14th, and will include a water salute to mark the occasion. Following that, it will leave for regular three and four-night sailings through to Nassau, The Bahamas, and Disney’s own island, Castaway Cay. With flight and hot prices reaching record highs, cruises are a top alternative for travelers – and the Disney Wish will be hard to beat.

Read More:

U.S. Drops Covid Testing Requirement For International Arrivals By Air

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These U.S. Theme Parks Will Be Offering Free Beer This Summer

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

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June 11, 2022
This Is What To Expect On Board The World’s Biggest Cruise Ship
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With the world’s biggest cruise ship having recently set sail with passengers for the very first time – here’s what those waiting to board Wonder of the Seas can expect.

Having reported a few months ago that the ship was due to launch back in March, it has since completed its maiden voyage – sailing around both the Eastern and Western sides of the Caribbean on 7-night cruises.

And, with Wonder of The Seas having recently arrived in Europe – with the ship set to sail in the Mediterranean throughout the summer months – many will be wondering what it is actually like on board this monster-sized vessel.

Well, you are in luck – as throughout this article we will take a look at what the ship offers when it comes to places to ‘wine and dine’, relax, keep fit – as well as the variety of entertainment choices on offer to passengers.

Image: Royal Caribbean

How Big Is Royal Caribbean’s Wonder Of The Seas?

It’s not the first time that one of Royal Caribbean’s fleet has earned the title of the world’s biggest cruise ship – with its Symphony of the Seas having previously held it.

In fact, with Wonder of the Seas now in operation the company now owns the world’s five largest ships – with each of them able to accommodate nearly 7,000 passengers at any one time.

Image: Royal Caribbean

So, how big exactly is Wonder of the Seas?

Measuring in at a mammoth 1,118 feet (362m) in length and weighing in at 236,857 tonnes – Wonder of the Seas spans across 18 decks, making it possible to play host to a maximum capacity of 6,988 passengers.

And, this number does not even include crew members – with the ship also having enough space to accommodate up to 2,300 cruise ship staff.

Image: Royal Caribbean

There’s A New Neighborhood On Board

Royal Caribbean’s newest addition – Wonder of the Seas – features a brand new neighborhood on board, which spans over two of the ship’s decks.

Named the ‘Suite Neighborhood’, passengers are able to stay at one of its 188 suites on offer, as well as sit back and relax at one of the neighborhood’s bars and restaurants or soak up the atmosphere at its freshly designed sun deck and infinity-style plunge pool.

Image: Royal Caribbean

The ship also offers seven other neighborhoods to visit on board – with each providing their own unique options for drinking and dining in – along with a variety of entertainment to enjoy.

What Are The Accommodation Options On Board Wonder Of The Seas?

With nearly 3000 cabins on board Wonder of the Seas – 2,867 to be precise – there are a selection of different rooms that can be booked by cruise-goers.

This includes the following staterooms:
- Interior
- Ocean View
- Balcony
- Virtual Balcony
Image: Royal Caribbean

All rooms offer occupants the chance to connect to WiFi, as well as the opportunity to take advantage of the ship’s room service options and spa-like services.

Where Can You Eat And Drink On Board Wonder Of The Seas?

With 20 different restaurants to choose from, you are certainly not going to find it a difficult task to find somewhere to eat or drink when on board Wonder of the Seas – with the ship offering all types of cuisine.

Image: Royal Caribbean

Whether you’re looking to eat at one of the vessel’s upmarket eateries, or wanting to grab a quick and easy snack on the go – you are not going to be lost for choice for what this ship has to offer.

Those on board can even check out a new addition to the selection of Royal Caribbean’s dining options – the Mason Jar – which offers some of the best when it comes to America’s southern delicacies.

Image: Royal Caribbean

Swim At One Of The Ship’s Four Swimming Pools

Due to its huge size, Wonder of the Seas is able to offer passengers the opportunity to choose from a selection of swimming pools on board.

This includes the ship’s huge pool deck – which boasts a number of slides, as well as a variety of sun loungers and beds to soak up the sun.

Image: Royal Caribbean

What Are The Entertainment Options Available On Board?

For anyone who is fortunate enough to spend time sailing into the sunset on Wonder of the Seas – there is certainly a wide variety of entertainment options for cruise passengers to enjoy.

Image: Royal Caribbean

This includes:
- an ice rink
- a theater – which can accommodate up to 1400 people at any of its shows
- casinos
- spas
- an outdoor aquatic theater
- rock-climbing walls
Image: Royal Caribbean
- a zip line – which is as high as ten of the ship’s decks
- a variety of bars – including some where you are served by robots
- a children’s water park and playground
- a full-size basketball court
- a running track
- a surf-simulator.
And this is just a taste of what you can expect – with the ship also boasting its Central Park, which features in excess of 10,000 plants.

Image: Royal Caribbean

You can check out what else Royal Caribbean’s new monster cruise ship – Wonder of the Seas – has to offer by clicking here.

Royal Caribbean Have Recently Started Construction On Their Next Biggest Ship

A few weeks ago we reported that Royal Caribbean had begun constructing the next addition to its fleet of cruise liners – with Utopia of the Seas set to sail in 2024.

Once built – and in operation – the ship will take over from Wonder of the Seas as being the world’s largest cruise liner.

Read more:

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 In 2022

Royal Caribbean Cruises Welcome Back Self-Service Buffets

The World’s Largest Cruise Ship Is Set To Sail in 2024

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May 12, 2022