Cruise Line Wins ‘Best Beverage Menu’ Award

 

Half Moon Bar is a novel idea for Holland America Line that debuted exclusively on its most current ship, Rotterdam, which debuted in November 2021. The venue is an interactive experience that looks at Holland America Line's history and cruises through the prism of a cocktail. Each drink is accompanied by an intriguing story about its origins, which is beautifully described in the bar menu for guests to peruse.

Half Moon Bar's inventive cocktails attempt to transport customers back in time on a voyage through Holland America Line's history. On the menu are the following drinks:

"The Original" celebrates the line's first ship, Rotterdam I, made with a Dutch gin and a hint of single malt Scotch, ingredients inspired by the building of the ship and Holland America Line's Dutch beginnings.

"De Halve Moon," prepared with Old Duff genever, lemon rosewater shrub, and DDG Bitters, is a homage to the Dutch attitude of discovery and the botanical wonderland Henry Hudson discovered in modern-day New York.

The prohibition cocktail "Three Mile Run" relates the story of Holland America Line's Prohibition-era excursions to nowhere for New Yorkers, where the ship's cocktail bars could be lawfully open. For a Bee's Knees, it's made with lemon, honey, and gin; for a Gold Rush, it's whiskey; and for a Honey Bee, it's rum.

"May She Be Blessed" is a champagne and essence cocktail dedicated to the godmothers who bless the Holland America Line ships.

"Rotterdam VII" is a smoked gin and maraschino cocktail that pays homage to the ship's namesake and its distinctive blend of history and innovation.

The VIBE Vista Awards honor the best in the beverage business for developing, educating, executing, managing, and maintaining successful beverage programs. Entries were judged on positive beverage sales strategies, efficient operational innovations, and training and service programs that produced high quality standards by a panel of Johnson & Wales University beverage faculty, staff, and alumni. The VIBE Conference is the main yearly gathering for adult beverage executives and suppliers from chain and hotel properties.

source holland america line

Celebrity Brand Joins Celebrity Cruise This September

 

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Celebrity Cruises Announces ‘goop at Sea,’ Sailing this September on the Brand-New Ship, Celebrity BeyondSM, as well as an Extension of the goop Partnership, with Founder Gwyneth Paltrow serving as Celebrity Cruises’ Well-Being Advisor. Celebrity Cruises and lifestyle brand goop will go on an exclusive wellness retreat at sea this fall on board the much-anticipated new luxury ship Celebrity Beyond.

‘goop at Sea’ will take place on the Celebrity Beyond 9-night Italian Riviera & France sailing departing from Barcelona on September 24, 2022, and will feature a series of transformative experiences and sessions led by goop’s wellness practitioners, as well as an appearance by Gwyneth Paltrow, the company’s founder and CEO.

A range of goop’s distinctive products, including the GOOPGLOW and GOOPGENES lines, will now be accessible on board Celebrity Beyond, expanding the firms’ cooperation that began in early 2020. Gwyneth Paltrow will continue to serve as Celebrity’s Well-Being Advisor, a role she has held since April 2021.

Paltrow and the goop team will also continue to curate innovative wellness offerings for Celebrity’s ships, including on-demand wellness classes on stateroom TVs, a custom detox smoothie, and fitness tools for guests of AquaClass® staterooms, a fully-immersive next level wellness experience that is taken even further on Beyond with the new Aqua Sky Suites, which feature floor-to-ceiling ocean views, private verandas, luxurious bedding, and other wellness amenities.

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Do You Have a Good Understanding of Scotland?

 

Visitors to Scotland should expect the unexpected. Those who visit Scotland can expect to be amazed by its interesting history, legendary legends, and infinite eccentric experiences. So, in honor of National Tartan Day, here are some interesting facts that can pique the interest of an adventurous traveler planning a trip over the pond…

Scotland is known for its love of myths and tales and has a long history of them, so it’s no wonder that this mythological creature is the country’s adored national animal. The Scottish unicorn is frequently depicted with chains around its body. 

The unicorn was thought to be the most powerful of all animals, and the chains were said to represent the power of Scottish Kings, capable of taming even a unicorn! Learn more about Scotland’s legends and myths.

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What should travelers know about the new U.S. travel requirements?

 

The United States will launch a new travel system on November 8th. Vaccinated foreign air travelers will need to demonstrate full vaccination and take COVID-19 testing The new travel system also adds stricter testing requirements for unvaccinated U.S. travelers.

The United States is about to facilitate the visit of vaccinated international travelers.

The White House announced Friday that a new air travel system will go into effect on November 8, which will allow the entry of fully vaccinated foreign tourists. The system will be in place more than 20 months after the United States began imposing travel restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The White House’s decision will essentially make the U.S. lift its ban on travel to dozens of countries, while at the same time making entry more difficult for the unvaccinated. The new system will allow foreigners to enter only with World Health Organization-approved vaccines and would add testing requirements for unvaccinated Americans.

Here's what we know about the new travel requirements:

What are the entry requirements for foreigners?

From November 8, vaccinated foreign air travelers will be required to demonstrate proof of full vaccination, as well as a negative coronavirus test prior to departure performed within three days of the trip before being able to board a plane in the States. Units.

Airlines will collect personal information, including a phone number and email, from all travelers to the United States for contact tracking. Airlines must have the information on hand for 30 days so that health officials can track travelers who may have been exposed to COVID-19.

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Travelers well vaccinated for non-essential travel

 

The Canadian government on Thursday quietly withdrew its guidelines against all non-essential travel, replacing them with a new adviser who says travelers should be fully vaccinated before leaving the country.

The adjustment comes a few weeks before the reopening of U.S. land borders for vaccinated Canadian tourists and the holiday travel season. Starting Nov. 8, Canadians can cross the United States by land or ferry for tourism purposes or to visit friends and family.

The updated guide says all travelers should take protective measures, such as wearing a mask, and continue to avoid cruise travel outside of Canada. According to the government website, travelers to the United States should "take normal safety precautions."

The previous travel notice was initially issued in March 2020 and told all Canadians to avoid cruises and non-essential travel abroad “until further notice”.

It did not prohibit international travel and many Canadians had already planned to visit the United States before updating the online guide.

Also Thursday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a standardized COVID-19 vaccination test for Canadian travelers. The system supports Canada’s new travel vaccination mandate that requires full vaccination of travelers departing from Canadian airports or trains as of October 30th.

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Sweden reintroduces travel ban for American tourists

 

American tourists hoping to visit Sweden this fall will have to make other arrangements ...   following a decision by the Swedish government.

U.S. tourists hoping to visit Sweden this fall will face disappointment following the Swedish government’s decision to remove the U.S. exemption from its ban on traveling by Covid-19.

As of Sept. 6, the U.S. will be removed from Sweden's list of "safe countries." This means that permanent US residents will not be able to enter Sweden for non-urgent reasons, regardless of the state of vaccination.

The news comes when the Swedish government extended the country's entry ban for non-EU / EEA residents until 31 October. For several months, the U.S. had been one of the groups of countries exempt from the entry ban. But now the US has been removed from the list of exemptions along with Israel, Kosovo, Lebanon, Montenegro and Northern Macedonia.

 Other exemptions from the entry ban are still valid, so U.S. residents will still be able to travel to Sweden to begin a course of study, for certain urgent business or family reasons, or if they have the citizenship of a country. of the EU or a Swedish residence permit.

Driven by an EU recommendation

Sweden made the decision after the EU’s decision to remove the United States from its safe travel list of Covid-19. The United States has experienced a sharp increase in Covid-19 cases driven by the spread of the more contagious Delta variant.

In addition to the epidemiological situation, EU officials said the decision was based on "the reliability of the information and data sources available." He also took into account the fact that the US still prevents non-essential travel from Europe.

While the EU decision was a recommendation and was not binding on its members, it is not surprising that Sweden has chosen to implement it given the situation across the Atlantic.

Can I travel to Sweden if I am vaccinated?

At present, Sweden does not implement any exemption based on vaccination status for travelers outside the EU / EEA. However, the government confirmed that it is evaluating the possibility of exempting more travelers based on the state of vaccination in the future.

Swedish Interior Minister Mikael Damberg said they want to implement this agreement for countries with which Sweden has close relations such as the United Kingdom and the United States, "although the United States is more complex and many states have very different rules ".

Despite this promising news, the government did not give any estimated date on when vaccinated U.S. travelers could visit Sweden.

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As Tet approaches, Vietnam increases the number of flights to the United States and Asia

 

The Vietnam Civil Aviation Administration (CAAV) has consented to 14 weekly flights between Hanoi, HCMC, and Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, and Singapore, as well as ten weekly flights between Bangkok and Phnom Penh.

The services will be provided by Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air 4, Bamboo Airways, and Pacific Airlines.

Vietnam Airlines' regular flights to San Francisco would be increased from two to four times per week.

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Why is Montana the most popular ski and outdoor vacation destination this winter?

 

"Bigger is better" has been the ski industry's credo for years. More terrain, lifts, and hotels are on the way. This year, though, that tactic isn't working out so well, with some of the larger resorts understaffed and unable to handle the crowds, which are spurred by pent-up pandemic demand for travel following missed ski seasons. Resorts and major ski resorts have been hit by a double whammy: a labor shortage and an omicron variant outbreak that is decimating the ranks of the few employees they do have.

Take Advantage of These Travel Tips to Make the Most of Your Vacation

Everyone enjoys taking a break. From time to time, we all need to unwind and recover. Most people prefer to spend that time at home, depending on their preferences or money, while others have been looking forward to that one trip for months. But, how can you make the most of your vacation?

Traveling is unquestionably one of the most enjoyable ways to spend a vacation or holiday. You get to visit amazing places, create lasting memories, and have a great time. It can, however, soon go awry. If you want things to run as smoothly as your imagination suggests, you'll need to plan properly ahead of time. 

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5 Luxury Vacation Ideas for Your Next Trip

 In the pool, a lovely lady is sipping a cocktail. A female model relaxes in a resort pool on a hot summer day.

It's been a long year—when was the last time you gave yourself a genuine treat? Life gets in the way of relaxation all too frequently, so now is the best time to start organizing a luxury holiday.

It's a great opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends, relax, have fun, and travel to new places. Where should you go, though?

There is no shortage of exquisite luxury in the globe, from snow-capped mountains to tropical beaches. To assist you, here are five fantastic luxury vacation spots to consider, suitable for both couples and families.

Lake Tahoe is number one.

Skiing down legendary ski resorts like Heavenly, sipping champagne by the fire, and pampering yourself at a spa? If you're looking for a weekend escape on the west coast, Lake Tahoe is a great option.

In the winter, it's great for skiing and snowboarding, and in the summer, it's great for boating and hiking. There are also several five-star hotels and world-class restaurants to choose from.

Fiji is number two.

Fiji has to be one of the top luxury vacation spots! This little group of Pacific islands is a true tropical paradise, with pristine beaches, exclusive homes with plunge pools, and world-class cuisine and culture.

Plan a trip to Fiji if you want a luxury travel experience unlike any other.

National Park of Zion

One of America's most beautiful natural settings is Zion National Park in Utah. It's noted for its canyons, waterfalls, and cliffs of epic proportions.

You'll want to relax and unwind in your luxury lodgings after a day of hiking and trekking. Visit www.zionwildflower.com/glamping-accommodations/cabins-and-bungalows/ to learn more about Zion Wildflower.

South Africa is number four.

If an African safari is your idea of a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, South Africa is the place to go. Amazing safari lodges are close to both Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Enjoy a sunrise drive around the parks in search of cheetahs, elephants, wildebeest, and other wildlife, then start the day with a great breakfast and a dip in your resort's pool. Perfection!

New Zealand is number five.

If you're a fan of The Lord of the Rings or simply want to be surrounded by natural beauty, the South Island of New Zealand has it all.

Mount Cook, Larnach Castle, and the breathtaking views of Milford Sound are all must-sees on the South Island. New Zealand has lots of luxury to offer, from scrumptious seafood meals to high-end hotels.

It's time to break out the champagne–time it's to start planning your next luxury vacation.

Which luxury holiday option most appeals to you? It's difficult to choose between so many lovely spots on the planet!

Use this tutorial to get started, then conduct some additional study to understand more. Alternatively, speak with a local travel agent to begin planning your vacation.

source hawaiiarmyweekly

60,000 young Europeans will receive free rail passes.

 

As part of the European Commission's DiscoverEU program, 60,950 young people will receive a free travel permit to tour European sites.

60,000 Europeans between the ages of 18 and 20 will be given free rail passes by the Commission. Following the most recent round of applications, which closed in October 2021, successful applicants will travel for up to 30 days between March 2022 and February 2023, either alone or in a group of up to five persons.

Participants will primarily travel by rail, in accordance with the Green Deal, with certain exceptions to allow individuals living on islands to participate.

Vice-President for the European Way of Life, Margaritis Schinas said, “The boom of mobility for young people that represents these 60,000 travel passes offers great opportunities for young people to get pass these difficult times. 2022 starts off to a flying start. This will be the year of young Europeans”.

Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Mariya Gabriel, said, “What a good way to start the European Year of Youth with the announcement of the results for DiscoverEU! We want this year to be a celebration of all young people. We will multiply opportunities for them throughout the year, for example by increasing the number of tickets for DiscoverEU in the next round that will take place in spring 2022.”

Young Europeans born between July 1, 2001, and December 31, 2003 were eligible to apply in the October round. Exceptionally, 19 and 20-year-olds who had their rounds postponed owing to the COVID-19 pandemic might apply. Because the pandemic's progression is unknown, all travelers will be able to make flexible reservations through a new mobile travel pass.

The program has financed 130,000 travel passes since June 2018. The next round of applications will be held in the spring of 2022.