Jan 15, 2025 • 8 min read
27.12.2024 - 12:59 / insider.com / Royal Caribbean
Not all cruise ships are created — or operated — equally.
In 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 13 bacterial and viral outbreaks (mostly norovirus) on ships. However, not every floating resort is damned to become a floating petri dish.
Quite the opposite — in 2024, the public health agency awarded perfect sanitation scores to 27 vessels.
Norovirus, also known as the stomach flu, is the most common virus to afflict cruises. Crowded ships provide an ideal setting for the highly contagious bug to spread fast, often through contaminated water, food, surfaces, and people.
Just as quickly, it can ruin your vacation — the four predominant symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain.
To help mitigate these incidents, the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program regularly inspects cruise liners and scores them from zero to 100.
The reviews — which include checking heavily trafficked areas like pools and children's activity centers — are random and unannounced.
Vermin and improperly stored food are big no-nos. In addition to the obvious, inspectors also look behind the scenes for more nuanced details, such as the dishwasher's water temperature and the frequency at which the pool's hair and lint strainer is disinfected.
The CDC has performed 151 inspections in 2024, including repeat inspections on 23 ships. The majority scored above 95, and 27 (listed below) have received perfect marks:
In 2023, 24 vessels racked a perfect score.
Jan 15, 2025 • 8 min read
If the total solar eclipse in April 2024 sparked a newfound enthusiasm for astrotourism, you can look forward to another banner year for celestial activity. In addition to annual occurrences like meteor showers and supermoons, in 2025, you can also look forward to rarer events like total lunar eclipses (aka blood moons) and a solar maximum leading to particularly striking northern lights.
According to the United Nations, global tourism is expected to have surpassed prepandemic levels in 2024. In fact, last year saw the 10 busiest air travel days of all time. And considering that the International Air Transport Association is forecasting a nearly 5 percent increase in departures in 2025, air travel is only going to become more crowded and congested.
Air New Zealand was once again named the safest full-service airline in the world for 2025, holding on to the title for a second straight year.
Alaska Airlines will launch two new flights to Anchorage this summer from the lower 48, making it easier to reach the Last Frontier.
Busy airports are already setting records this year, but there are still a few affordable destinations travelers can seek out in 2025.
Aviation may be one of the safest forms of transportation, but unexpected turbulence can be an uncomfortable or even dangerous experience for airline passengers. While most routes will experience some form of turbulence, a new report reveals that some routes may be more prone to it than others. Within the United States, flights from Albuquerque, NM to Denver, CO reported the highest average turbulence rate. For international flights, travelers from Mendoza, Argentina to Santiago, Chile experienced it the worst. These results and more were part of a study from turbulence tracking company Turbli, which publishes maps and historical data on airline turbulence. The rest of the top ten of their «Most Turbulent Flight Routes» in the U.S. includes:
Delta Air Lines turns 100 years old this year, and to mark the occasion the airline took over the Sphere in Las Vegas on January 7. Inside the immersive venue, Delta paid homage to the company’s history—and gave attendees a glimpse at what’s to come over the next century.
Singapore has the most powerful passport in the world for 2025, claiming the top spot with more easy access than any other country.
This year, the most expensive one-day, one-park Disney World ticket will set you back nearly $200. The price varies per park and date, but if you visit during the week of Christmas, you'll pay $199 per ticket. If you were to visit Disney's Animal Kingdom that same week, you'd pay a little less at only $174.
Are you looking for an out-of-the-ordinary cruise adventure across the globe? Holland America Line has just announced some epic new itineraries you need to book.
Cleveland, Ohio, is undergoing a renaissance. Once an industrial powerhouse, the city has transformed itself and is no long only drawing sports fans. With its cool neighborhoods, excellent museums, and burgeoning food scene, Cleveland offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a history buff, into rock and roll, a foodie, an art lover, or you’re looking for a destination for a reunion or bachelorette, you’re sure to find your niche here. It’s also one of the best cities in the US to explore on foot, so don’t get too hung up on what area to base yourself. That said, if you want to be in the heart of the action, Downtown is the best choice. For a more laid-back experience, Ohio City or Tremont are great options. Here we have gathered some of the best Airbnbs in Cleveland for those looking for a one bedroom studio or apartment, and large options more suitable for families and groups.