The Bells Are Back At Notre Dame Cathedral In Paris. They’ll Ring For The Post-Fire Reopening

Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is getting its bells back, just in time for the medieval landmark’s reopening following a devastating 2019 fire.

A convoy of trucks bearing eight restored bells — the heaviest of which weighs more than 4 tons — pulled into the huge worksite surrounding the monument Thursday on an island in the Seine River.

They are being blessed in a special ceremony inside the cathedral before being hoisted to hang in its twin towers for the Dec. 8 reopening to the public.

Cathedral Rector Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, wearing a hardhat as he prepared to enter the cathedral and bless the bells, called them ‘’a sign that the cathedral will again resonate, and that its voice will be heard again. A sign of the call to prayer, and a sign of coming together.”

The bells will be raised one by one and tested out, but they won’t ring in full until the day of the reopening, said Philippe Jost, overseeing the massive Notre Dame reconstruction project. He called the bells’ arrival ‘’a very beautiful symbol of the cathedral’s rebirth.’

While construction on the cathedral started in the 12th century, the bronze bells damaged in the fire are from the 21st century. They were built according to historical tradition to replace older bells that had become discordant, to mark the monument’s 850th anniversary.

The cathedral’s roof and spire, which collapsed in the fire, have been replaced, and scaffolding is being gradually removed from the site.

PARIS (AP)

The Ancient Jar Smashed By A 4-Year-Old Is Back On Display At An Israeli Museum After Repair

A rare Bronze-Era jar accidentally smashed by a 4-year-old visiting a museum was back on display Wednesday after restoration experts were able to carefully piece the artifact back together.

Last month, a family from northern Israel was visiting the museum when their youngest son tipped over the jar, which smashed into pieces.

Alex Geller, the boy’s father, said his son — the youngest of three — is exceptionally curious, and that the moment he heard the crash, “please let that not be my child” was the first thought that raced through his head.

The jar has been on display at the Hecht Museum in Haifa for 35 years. It was one of the only containers of its size and from that period still complete when it was discovered.

The Bronze Age jar is one of many artifacts exhibited out in the open, part of the Hecht Museum’s vision of letting visitors explore history without glass barriers, said Inbal Rivlin, the director of the museum, which is associated with Haifa University in northern Israel.

It was likely used to hold wine or oil, and dates back to between 2200 and 1500 B.C.
Rivlin and the museum decided to turn the moment, which captured international attention, into a teaching moment, inviting the Geller family back for a special visit and hands-on activity to illustrate the restoration process.
Rivlin added that the incident provided a welcome distraction from the ongoing war in Gaza. “Well, he’s just a kid. So I think that somehow it touches the heart of the people in Israel and around the world,“ said Rivlin.

Roee Shafir, a restoration expert at the museum, said the repairs would be fairly simple, as the pieces were from a single, complete jar. Archaeologists often face the more daunting task of sifting through piles of shards from multiple objects and trying to piece them together.

Experts used 3D technology, hi-resolution videos, and special glue to painstakingly reconstruct the large jar.

Less than two weeks after it broke, the jar went back on display at the museum. The gluing process left small hairline cracks, and a few pieces are missing, but the jar’s impressive size remains.

The only noticeable difference in the exhibit was a new sign reading “please don’t touch.”

https://apnews.com/author/melanie-lidman

JetBlue Is Launching New Flights From San Juan, Puerto Rico To St Croix This Winter

JetBlue is set to kick off a brand-new route to St Croix in the US Virgin Islands, Caribbean Journal has learned. It’s the newest way to get to the culinary capital of the US Virgin Islands, which is hotter than ever thanks to a renewed tourism branding push and a buzzing gastronomic movement.

The new service is set to launch on Dec. 12, 2024, JetBlue confirmed. Flights will be operating every day of the week.

So what else do you need to know about the low-cost-carrier’s new route?

The King Christian hotel in Christiansted.

The San Juan-St Croix flight takes just 45 minutes (it’s just 94 miles between the two islands, after all). JetBlue is running the service on Airbus A320 aircraft.

And what about cost?

Right now, flights start at about $131.70 round trip, according to an analysis by Caribbean Journal. That is for fares booked in JetBlue’s Blue Basic entry-level fare.

For more, visit https://www.jetblue.com/
https://www.caribjournal.com/

What's New In San Diego This Fall & Winter 2024-25

Arts & Culture

Artist(s): Memo Akten, Katie Ppeyton Hofstader + SOARS

The Getty Foundation’s major arts event, PST ART, returns in September 2024, with several San Diego County museums and institutions participating. The latest edition, PST ART: Art & Science Collide, will explore the connections between art and science through exhibitions on topics like ancient cosmologies, Indigenous sci-fi, environmental justice, and artificial intelligence. These exhibitions are part of a series of interconnected exhibitions across Southern California that aims to spark civic dialogue on urgent issues like climate change, AI, and alternative medicine, offering new research, unforgettable experiences, and fresh insight. Events will include exhibition openings, artist talks, panel discussions, and interactive workshops.

Museums participating include:
The San Diego Museum of Art will present Wonders of Creation: Art, Science, and Innovation in the Islamic World from September 7, 2024, to January 5, 2025. This exhibition explores the intersections of art and science in Islamic culture from the 7th century to the present, featuring over 100 works, including manuscripts, maps, and scientific instruments, alongside contemporary commissions that reflect the enduring spirit of wonder and curiosity.

Oceanside Museum of Art, in collaboration with Orange County Museum of Art and Crystal Cove Conservancy, will present Transformative Currents: Art and Action in the Pacific Ocean from September 7, 2024, to January 5, 2025. This exhibition features works by 20 contemporary artists that explore the environmental and cultural challenges facing the Pacific Ocean, emphasizing the interconnectedness of its ecosystems and the power of art to inspire positive ecological change.

Mingei International Museum will present Blue Gold: The Art and Science of Indigo from September 14, 2024, to March 16, 2025. The exhibition will delve into the complex history and global significance of indigo, exploring its roles in botany, chemistry, and economics, as well as its cultural impact and problematic legacies, while featuring contemporary works by artists like Porfirio Gutiérrez and Laura Kina.

The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) will present For Dear Life: Art, Medicine, and Disability from September 19, 2024, to February 2, 2025. This is the first historical survey of artistic responses to sickness, health, and medicine in the United States. It features works by 80 artists, including Lynn Hershman Leeson, David Hockney, and Simone Leigh, exploring how health issues shape artistic processes and subject matter.

La Jolla Historical Society with additional venues at California Center for the Arts Escondido, San Diego Central Library, and the Mandeville Art Gallery at UC San Diego will present Helen and Newton Harrison: California Work from September 19, 2024, to January 19, 2025. The first to focus exclusively on the Harrisons' California projects, showcases nearly 20 groundbreaking ecological artworks created between the late 1960s and 2000s, including re-staged performance pieces, archival materials, and The Lagoon Cycle, displayed for the first time since its acquisition by the Centre Georges Pompidou in 1997.

UC San Diego Visual Arts, in partnership with Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, will present Embodied Pacific from September 21, 2024, to February 5, 2025. This exhibition features 18 artworks created by artists in collaboration with UC San Diego scientists, spanning three locations, including Birch Aquarium and the Indigenous-run Kosay Kumeyaay Market, and explores the intersection of oceanography and Indigenous knowledge, offering a collective vision for sustaining our oceans during a time of critical change.

Vanguard Culture’s ENVZN24: Urban Art Takeover festival returns for its second year on September 14. ENVZN24 is a one-of-a-kind visual and performing arts festival that will transform urban areas of the Commercial Street corridor in Logan Heights with multi-sensory art interventions by creatives from both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border.

The La Jolla Playhouse has announced its fall lineup, featuring the world premiere of “Velour: A Drag Spectacular,” starring RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Sasha Velour, and directed by Moisés Kaufmanis running now through September 8; The west coast premiere of Pulitzer Prize-winner and New York Times Critic’s Pick “Primary Trust,” created by Eboni Booth, directed by Knud Adams, runs September 24 through October 20; A production of “Your Local Theater Presents: A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, Again,” created by Anna Ouyang Monech and directed by Les Waters, runs November 19 through December 15.

New Hotels & Renovations

Hotel La Jolla has completed a multi-million-dollar property renovation with the introduction of the penthouse level restaurant concept, Sea & Sky, helmed by executive chef Anthony Wells, James Beard Awards 2022 semifinalist for Best Chef. Previously enclosed, the 100-seat dining room and bar area on the property’s 11th floor now feature retractable windowpanes allowing the wafting in of refreshing salt-tinged sea breezes, and a newly enclosed show kitchen allows guests a front row seat to the culinary action.

Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina has completed the next installment of its over $100 million property-wide renovation with a newly transformed lobby and the opening of three onsite dining concepts. Rumorosa presents Cali-Baja cuisine with sweeping views of the marina. Brewery X Harbor Island is the first San Diego location of the Orange County-based brewery and features a menu of wild and whacky named dishes. Along with the refresh of the property’s three pools, Sunglow Cabana Bar offers frozen drinks for all ages.

Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa has unveiled two new on-site eateries following the completion of its $26 million renovation and redevelopment this summer. On its pool deck, guests can visit The Palma Bar & Grill, offering cocktails and light bites. The Trading Post Café & Bar offers a slightly more elevated dining experience on an outdoor patio with menu items made with locally sourced ingredients.

Just in time for its 20th anniversary, the Omni San Diego Hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter has announced the completion of its top-down renovation. This includes a redesigned poolside experience, two new food and beverage concepts, refreshed meeting and event spaces, and reimagined lobby and guest rooms.

Awards & Recognitions

The Outsiders, a hit show during the 2022-2023 season of The La Jolla Playhouse, was named Best Musical at The Tony Awards. The musical, a classical literature adaptation, debuted on the La Jolla Playhouse stage before it was brought into the national spotlight on Broadway. The Outsiders also took home wins for Best Direction of a Musical, Best Lighting Design of a Musical and Best Sound Design of a Musical.

Recently, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) recognized local architect Jennifer Luce with the prestigious Honor Award for Interior Architecture. The Honor Award was given for Luce’s work in transforming the Mingei International Museum.

Several hotels throughout the San Diego region have been selected by readers of Smart Meetings Magazine to be named 2024 Smart Stars. Smart Meetings is a trade publication for event professionals, and each year, they honor some of their readers’ best experiences and favorite meeting partners with a Smart Star award.

Best Incentive Hotel – Rancho Bernardo Inn

Best Ballroom – Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

Best Coastal Hotel – Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina

Best Coastal Hotel – Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina

Best Conference/Convention Center Hotel – Omni San Diego Hotel

Best Historic Hotel – The US Grant, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego

Best Island Hotel – Kona Kai San Diego Resort

Best Outdoor Event Space – Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa

Best Golf Resort – Fairmont Grand Del Mar

For more information on San Diego’s offerings, including exciting vacation packages and valuable coupons for attractions, restaurants and more, visit the San Diego Tourism Authority’s website at www.sandiego.org.

Oceania Cruises Includes Gratuities For All Guests As It Unveils Your World Included New Value Promise

Oceania Cruises®, the world's leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, has unveiled Your World Included™, its new brand value promise that features an updated selection of always included amenities for all guests across the globe, cementing its brand promise, Your World. Your Way.®

As part of Your World Included, all guests will now receive included shipboard gratuities for stateroom attendants, butlers, and dining waitstaff automatically in their cruise fare. Previously, gratuities had been included selectively as travel partner or loyalty club amenities or for guests from certain regions of the world.

Gratuities are in addition to other Your World Included amenities: dining at all gourmet specialty restaurants; sodas, juices, specialty coffees and teas; still and sparkling Vero Water®; unlimited Starlink® WiFi; in-room dining; fruit smoothies, gelato and artisan ice cream; group fitness classes; and laundry services.

The updated inclusions will begin on October 1, 2024, for all new reservations on sailings departing on or after January 1, 2025. The line's current simply MORE™ offering will end on September 30, 2024, meaning that a shore excursion credit and beverage package will no longer be automatically included.

The change has come following guest feedback highlighting that while they enjoyed the simply MORE inclusions, they would rather global guest inclusions focused on what mattered most. At the top of this list was always included gratuities for all guests.  
  
"Oceania Cruises' promise to show our guests Your World. Your Way has been at the heart of our business since we launched more than 20 years ago. The change has come following feedback from guests, highlighting that they would prefer that we include amenities valued by all versus amenities valued by some. Not surprisingly, our guests place the greatest value on our core inclusions such as free specialty dining and free WiFi; including gratuities creates the richest possible array of amenities and benefits for our guests globally," said Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises. "It also gives us a clearly defined position in the cruise sector as the leading ultra-premium line of choice, offering outsized value to our guests."

Based on a 10-day cruise, guests will receive always included amenities valued at more than $1,800 per stateroom when compared to premium cruise lines. This figure is based on average charges made for gratuities, WiFi, non-alcoholic beverage packages, and specialty dining reservations.

"Here at Oceania Cruises, we've always been renowned for our warm and authentic service; it's part of the intangible magic of sailing on board one of our small, luxurious ships. I'm delighted that we are adding in gratuities for all guests, as our dedicated onboard team is working for guests' smiles – not their tip. Making every interaction with our guests count is our service culture mantra," said Del Rio.

The generous suite of always included amenities through the new Your World Included brand value promise in full:

Gourmet Specialty Restaurants: A variety of distinctive, open-seating restaurants, all at no additional charge.

In-Suite and In-Stateroom Dining: Our hot and cold in-room dining selections are sublime and complimentary.

Unlimited WiFi: Starlink® connectivity affords much quicker upload and download speeds.

Sodas, Specialty Coffees & Teas: Whether at a restaurant, lounge or Baristas coffee bar, it's always free.

Still & Sparkling Vero Water®: Unlimited, eco-friendly and great tasting, the gold standard of still and sparkling water.

Juices, Smoothies & Gourmet Ice Cream: Cold-pressed juices, fruit smoothies, homemade gelato and gourmet ice creams are always included.

Group Fitness Classes: Choose from a selection of free classes at Aquamar® Spa + Vitality Center.

Laundry Services: With free launderettes included along with laundry services and pressing for Concierge and Suite levels, you'll always look your finest.

Shipboard Gratuities: Our people make the difference – they work for your smile, not for your tip.

Guests can personalize their vacation experience with extras such as air transportation and transfers, shore excursions, or a beverage package, to be added according to preference.

For additional information on Oceania Cruises' small-ship luxury product, exquisitely crafted cuisine and expertly curated travel experiences, visit OceaniaCruises.com, call 855-OCEANIA, or speak with a professional travel advisor.

A Wish At Rome’s Trevi Fountain Could Soon Cost More Than The Coin You Toss

Seemingly every tourist in Rome knows the key to returning to the Eternal City is to toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain and make a wish. The result: Hoards of visitors packing the Baroque monument any given day, taking selfies and betting on a return trip.

Officials are now considering a plan to manage tourism to one of Rome’s most-visited sites: A 2-euro ($2.25) ticket to access an open-air fountain that has always been free of charge.

The proposal by city’s top tourism official, Alessandro Onorato, comes after the Italian lagoon city of Venice tested a controversial 5-euro daytripper access fee to the city this summer. It must be deliberated by the City Council before it takes effect, but the city’s mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, has already voiced support.

“Two euros is more or less the same amount that people toss into the fountain to make a wish,’’ Onorato told The Associated Press Friday.

Cities across the globe are grappling with how to manage the ever-growing number of tourists, who fuel the economy but can create inconveniences to residents by converging on the same top sites.

“We have to avoid, especially in a fragile art city like Rome, that too many tourists damage the tourist experience, and damage the city,’’ Onorato said. “We need to safeguard two things, that tourists don’t experience chaos and that citizens can continue to live in the center.”

Onorato said he hopes to test the entrance fee, which would be managed through a reservation system and a QR code, in time for the 2025 Jubilee Holy Year, and have the system operational by spring.

Passersby in the piazza overlooking the fountain will not have to pay. The fee would be charged only to those entering the nine stone steps leading up to the fountain’s edge. It would be free to Romans.

Onorato said the system would also help discourage people from eating on the steps overlooking the fountain and feeding pigeons or, worse, from reenacting Anita Ekberg’s plunge into the fountain in Fellini’s “La Dolce Vita,” a frequently repeated offense that carries a fine.

“It would happen less, or maybe it wouldn’t happen at all, because whoever would enter, we would know their names and where they live. It becomes more complicated,’’ he said.

By LEILA EL ZABRI

Travellers Going To Spain, Italy, And Greece Warned Over Two New UK Airport Rules

If you're planning a European jaunt this year, brace yourself for potential delays as a new border control system is set to kick in, possibly extending your travel time.

Come November, travellers will need to factor in extra time to get their biometric details scanned with face and fingerprint recognition becoming the norm at all borders.

The Entry Exit System (EES) is expected to go live across the EU sometime in November, though the exact date remains up in the air.

Just last week, it was revealed that a hefty £10.5 million funding pot will be allocated to ensure the Port of Dover, Folkestone's Eurotunnel, and London's St Pancras Eurostar station are ready for the change, aiming to smooth over any hiccups caused by the tech upgrade.

In a fresh alert, the UK Foreign Office has cautioned that the EES will necessitate all non-EU citizens to digitally record and register their biometric data upon entering the Schengen zone, reports the Manchester Evening News.

The latest update states: "From November 2024, the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) will start for all non-EU nationals, including British nationals, travelling in or out of the Schengen area.

"You will need to have your fingerprints and your photo taken when entering the Schengen area. If you enter the Schengen area through Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or St Pancras International, your fingerprints and photo will be taken before you leave the UK. You will also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo on exit.

"You may experience longer queues at borders when the new system starts."

European countries using the EES

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Czech Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Iceland

Italy

Latvia

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Netherlands

Norway

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

In Cyprus and Ireland, passports will continue to be stamped manually.

By https://www.mirror.co.uk/authors/vita-molyneux/

Caribbean Travel Bargains: JetBlue Has Puerto Rico Fares Starting At $63

The rooftop at the Casablanca hotel in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.

This is what the travel industry calls the “shoulder season.” It’s after Labor Day, summer has come to a close, the kids are back in school and it’s another three months until the Caribbean really heats up for the holidays.

It’s also one of the best times to travel all year in the Caribbean: hotels are uncrowded and far more affordable and you can also find some seriously good deals on flights. That includes JetBlue, which is offering some very attractive fares on its Puerto Rico routes right now.

On a sample itinerary for an Oct. 1-Oct. 8 trip, you can book flights in Jetblue’s Blue Basic class for $63 roundtrip — just $124.60 when including taxes and fees — one of the cheapest flights in the Caribbean right now.

Playa Resaca in Culebra.

It’s also a great way to fly cheaply to some of the harder-to-reach destinations around San Juan, from smaller islands like Culebra and Virgin Gorda to larger destinations such as St Croix and St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands.

You can reach those by jumping on island-hopping airlines like Fly the Whale and Cape Air or, if you want to travel on a luxury carrier, with Tradewind Aviation, which is adding service to Tortola, too.

JetBlue’s decidedly value-centric pricing extends to other source cities, too. Flying from Boston? Flights in the same period are just $222.60 round trip, including taxes and fees, in Blue Basic.

You can fly from Newark to San Juan Oct. 1-8 for just $304.60 round trip, including taxes and fees.

Are you planning a getaway to San Juan? You can put together cheap flights like these with some of San Juan’s great little boutique hotels and come up with an eminently good-value itinerary.

That includes some of our favorites, from the Casablanca hotel in the heart of Old San Juan (rates as low as $111.55 per night next month) to the charming, 22-room Gallery Inn, where you can stay for as low as $133.34 per night.

https://www.caribjournal.com/

Travel Insurance Claims Are On The Rise - Here's What Travelers Need to Know

Following a summer marred with travel disruptions and delays, travel insurance claims have risen 21% over last year. With travel up 8% this fall and trip costs continuing to reach record numbers, protecting your trip expenses with travel insurance is more important than ever.

Leading travel insurance comparison site, Squaremouth, reveals 3 of the top reasons travel insurance claims are denied, and how travelers can give themselves the best chance of getting their claim approved.

You Were Inconvenienced, Not Interrupted

Travelers often think their insurance will pay out because their trip didn't go as smoothly as they planned. However, in order for a traveler to be covered by their travel insurance, their trip must be disrupted by a circumstance listed in their policy. If the disruption is covered and occurred after they purchased a policy, they can be refunded for out-of-pocket trip payments, as well as additional expenses incurred.

Squaremouth Tip: Don't assume you're automatically covered if anything goes wrong. If you have specific concerns, make sure they are covered by your policy. If you realize your policy falls short of your coverage needs, you may be able to cancel the policy for a full or partial refund.

You Didn't Keep Your Receipts

In order to be reimbursed, you must provide proof of the expenses you incurred. Receipts are required to authenticate a claim, whether it's for a cancellation, delay, or medical emergency. Squaremouth Tip: Ask for receipts to document any expenses incurred. If you forget, or if receipts are not available, your bank or credit card statement will usually prove you made the payments you are claiming for.

You Bought the Policy Without Knowing You Were Ineligible

Most travel insurance policies provide coverage for unforeseen medical emergencies, however, many travelers think they can buy travel insurance after they become sick. If a traveler is already sick when they buy their policy, any claim related to that same illness will not be covered.

Squaremouth Tip: Some policies offer Pre-Existing Condition coverage, which can extend benefits to a traveler if their trip is impacted by an illness or injury that existed when they purchased their policy. To get this coverage, you usually must buy a policy within 14-30 days of making your first trip payment. However, even with this coverage, you must be medically able to travel when you buy a policy.

About Squaremouth: Squaremouth.com has insured over 3 million travelers. Using Squaremouth's intuitive quoting and comparison engine, award-winning support team, and verified customer reviews, travelers can save time and money to find the best travel insurance policy for their trip.

Precious Gems Recovered From Dresden’s Jewel Heist Are Back On Display

The Green Vault is a center piece of the Dresden State Art Collections which are among the foremost museums of the world. A total of 15 museums offer a thematic diversity that is exceptional for its kind and the jewel heist made headlines around the world.

In 2019, the spectacular jewel heist made the headlines when thieves stole items that contained more than 4,300 diamonds. According to police, most of the jewels stolen from the museum were recovered in December 2022 and are now back on display in the Green Vault’s spectacular baroque chambers.

According to the Dresden State Art Collections, the jewels are presented exactly as they were returned to the SKD - with damage that is barely visible, although in need of restoration. The baroque jewelry ensemble in the jewelry room is unique in the world. Museums are research institutions and are committed to preserving cultural values. The Dresden State Art Collections therefore never consider only the purely material value of the objects, but first and foremost their cultural value. The returned pieces are major artistic works of Saxon and international jewelry art of the 18th century. The Dresden State Art Collections assume that in principle all damage can be restored. An international commission of experts will meet for this purpose after the jewels have been released.

The collection of precious jewels and extraordinary objets d’art was assembled in the 18th century by Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony and later King of Poland, who created the museum in 1723. After World War II, the treasures were initially confiscated and transported to the Soviet Union but returned in 1958.

With the stolen jewels back on display, the Green Vault has also extended its regular opening hours (daily from 10 am to 6 pm, closed on Tuesdays) so that visitors can tour the museum until 8 pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Timed tickets can be booked online at shop.skd.museum.

Saxony is popular with travelers for a multitude of reasons. The state, in the eastern part of Germany bordering Poland, the Czech Republic and Bavaria to the south, is Germany’s number one cultural destination. It is enriched with modern cities, historic and quaint small towns, low mountain ranges, water landscapes, expansive parks, gardens, as well as friendly, service-oriented hosts. Now, there is yet another reason to travel to this beautiful state: to see these beautiful jewels in their original spot. https://www.skd.museum/en/

Aeromexico Just Added A New Cancun Flight. Now It’s Launching Cartagena Service.

The colonial architecture, the art galleries, the thumping live music. Cartagena, Colombia has been one of the fastest-growing destinations in the Caribbean Basin in recent years, with new hotels, new brands and a host of new flights on major airlines.

Now you can add another airline to the list: Aeromexico, which is adding its first-ever flights to the destination on Colombia’s Caribbean coast.

Beginning next February, Aeromexico will kick off daily flights between Mexico City and Cartagena, with a targeted launch date of Feb. 20 — right before the city’s raucous carnival celebrations begin.

The launch comes after Aeromexico just announced another new route, with flights to Cancun out of the Miami market. That route will begin on Dec. 19.

Aeromexico is flying the service on Boeing 737 MAX planes, with room for 166 passengers.

Cartagena is the carrier’s third destination in Colombia.

https://www.caribjournal.com/

Travelore News: Canada Turning Away More Foreigners

Canada is closing its doors to more visitors and temporary residents by approving fewer visas and turning away more people who reach its borders with official documents, according to government data obtained by Reuters.

The spike in rejections of foreign travellers comes as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government, trailing in polls ahead of an election expected next year, tries to lower the numbers of temporary residents - and possibly permanent immigrants. Migrants have been blamed for the shortage and high prices of housing.

Canadians have prided themselves on embracing newcomers but polls show a growing number say Canada is admitting too many immigrants. That stance is filtering down to border and immigration officers, observers say.

In July, Canada refused entry to 5,853 foreign travellers, who were "allowed to leave," as Canada puts it, and who include students, workers and tourists, the most since at least January 2019, according to border agency data that has not been previously reported.

Border officers turned away 3,727 foreign travellers per month on average through the first seven months of 2024, an increase of 633 people or 20% from a year earlier.

Separately, officers deemed 285 visa-holders inadmissible in July, also the most in any month since at least January 2019, the data showed.

A Canada Border Services Agency spokesperson said changes in findings of inadmissibility can be caused by migration patterns or policy changes and are decided case by case. CBSA did not identify any specific policy changes.

"The CBSA's role, policy, and practice has always been to assess the admissibility of persons coming to Canada. This has not changed," the spokesperson said.

At the same time, Canada's immigration department is approving fewer visas.

The ratio of refused visitor visa applications to approved ones was higher in June than at any point since the height of the pandemic. In January, February, May and June 2024, more applications were refused than approved, according to immigration department data.

The number of approved study and work permits also dropped from multi-year highs in 2023 and 2022, respectively.

"Canadians want a system that is not out of control," Immigration Minister Marc Miller said in August.

Miller's spokesperson said the immigration department was "committed to a fair and non-discriminatory application of immigration policy and procedures" and attributed the drop in study-permit approvals to a cap announced in January. The decline appears to have begun last year, however.

Eight lawyers told Reuters they have heard from clients of greater scrutiny of visa-holders at airports and land border crossings.

British Columbia lawyer Will Tao said he has represented half a dozen visa-holders who border officials disbelieved about the nature of their plans in Canada and suggested they turn back voluntarily or risk deportation. Some did so, not knowing the implications this could have for their visa or travel authorization, including potential cancellation.

Tao sees increased border officer skepticism stemming from a "180-degree" attitude shift on immigration from the government.

The idea that foreigners are entering Canada without meeting requirements, or are causing the country harm, is trickling down from politicians to front-line officials, he added.

'YOUR TEMPORARY RESIDENT VISA IS NO LONGER VALID'

Mohammed Kamil Shaibu was paged while waiting to board a connecting flight from Paris to Toronto last September on his way to a conference in Edmonton.

The Ghanaian was told a Canadian immigration officer wanted to talk to him. He was then quizzed over the phone about his employment, the purpose of his trip and any assistance he had received in filing his tourist visa application.

"I had trouble answering," he said in an interview. "I was so terrified. I don't even know what I said."

Shaibu was told he would not be going to Canada. Instead, he was asked to return to Accra.

"Your temporary-resident visa is no longer valid for travel to Canada," reads an email reviewed by Reuters that Shaibu received that day from the immigration department.

Canada should not grant visas it does not plan to honor, said University of Calgary assistant law professor Gideon Christian.

"Why accept people if, when they come, you're not going to admit them?"

Shaibu says his experience has not soured him on Canada.

"I know Canada is a very nice place made up of very nice and accommodating and hospitable people."

He says he may even try again to visit one day.

Reporting by Anna Mehler Paperny; Editing by Caroline Stauffer and Rod Nickel

Philadelphia Airport Celebrates Its Brigade Of Stress-Busting Therapy Dogs

A pack of four-legged therapists got a break of their own on Monday when they were honored at the airport where they dutifully work to ease stress and calm travelers.

The event at Philadelphia International Airport marked five years since the 23 members of the Wagging Tails Brigade began greeting people and serving as therapy dogs.

Several of them were presented with birthday presents and a customized cake while passersby were invited to eat cupcakes and sign an oversized birthday card.

Members of the brigade and their volunteer human handlers are at the airport for at least two hours a week, impressing people with their tricks and doing what they can to raise the spirits of road-weary passengers. Dogs wear vests asking people to “pet me.”

Alan Gurvitz, a volunteer with Hope, a Labrador retriever, said their goal is to make travel a bit more pleasant.

“I like to refer to the airport as the land of cancellations and delays. So people tend to be very stressed out here,” Gurvitz said.

Jamie and Victoria Hill, on their way to their honeymoon in the Dominican Republic, turned to pet Bella while trying to stay positive after their flight was delayed.

“It’s reminded us of our dog back at home,” Jamie Hill said. “We miss him.”

Back in June, Nancy Mittleman recalled, she was at the airport with her German shepherd Tarik while bad weather snarled air traffic. The two of them spent several hours entertaining stranded children and their parents.

“Soon enough, I had an entire crowd around me,” Mittleman said. “There must have been 10 kids sitting around him and they were talking to each other. And the beauty of it was before that, there were a lot of stressed out parents and a lot of unhappy children.”

Volunteers try to coordinate to have at least one brigade member at the airport to greet travelers, especially on days with significant delays or disruptions.

By TASSANEE VEJPONGSA

Deal Reached With Norfolk Southern To Expand Rail Service In Parts Of Virginia

State officials approved a deal with Norfolk Southern to expand commuter and passenger rail services in southwestern and northern Virginia.

The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority announced that the agreement would extend a passenger rail into the New River Valley, allowing state officials to run passenger trains between Roanoke and Christiansburg on the private rail company’s main rail line, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

With access to the line, state officials said, they could add passenger services to Norfolk Southern’s Cambria Yard station in Christiansburg, which served as a passenger terminal from 1904 to 1979.

Officials with the state authority said they also purchased Norfolk Southern-owned rails in Northern Virginia, which could bolster efforts to increase commuter rail stops between Prince William County and Washington, D.C. Officials said they plan to add train service during the evenings and over weekends.

“We are excited to deliver these benefits as we continue to accelerate results not only in these two regions, but across the entire Commonwealth,” Governor Glenn Youngkin said in a statement.

In a news release, Rail Authority Executive Director DJ Stadtler thanked Norfolk Southern for partnering with the state. “We look forward to finalizing this agreement, which will make passenger rail a viable option for even more Virginians,” Stadtler said.

Oceania Cruises Becomes First Ultra-Premium Line To Sail Out Of Tampa

Oceania Cruises®, the world's leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, is adding a range of new Caribbean and Panama Canal winter sailings in early 2026 departing from Tampa on Florida's west coast. The line's 670-guest Insignia will make history in March 2026 as it becomes the first ultra-premium cruise line to sail from Port Tampa Bay.

Oceania Cruises will journey from the ebullient shimmering Gulf Coast gem of a city on a collection of seven- to 20-night itineraries exploring picturesque Caribbean islands including St. Thomas, St. Kitts, and Tortola; calls in Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Belize City; plus, a daylight transit of the iconic Panama Canal and overnight stay in Panama City. These mesmerizing voyages can be easily accessed by the 41 non-stop flights offered from Tampa International Airport.

Tampa is the perfect match for the world's only true foodie cruise line thanks to its vibrant culinary scene including street food experiences, high-end gourmet dining at venues from a variety of Michelin Guide restaurants, and immersive culinary tours led by local experts.

"Port Tampa Bay represents an exciting new chapter as Oceania Cruises becomes the first ultra-premium cruise line to have dedicated voyages from Tampa, opening the door as a convenient gateway to Florida's west coast and the Gulf of Mexico," said Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises. "This is a natural expansion for our brand, as Tampa echoes the cosmopolitan essence of our beloved hometown of Miami with its diverse mix of international influences and cultures."

"We are thrilled to welcome Oceania Cruises to Port Tampa Bay," said Paul Anderson, President and CEO of Port Tampa Bay. "The arrival of Insignia marks a significant milestone, enhancing Tampa's status as a premier cruise destination. We look forward to welcoming new guests to our beautiful city and gateway, as the increased tourism will create substantial economic opportunities for our region, workers, and businesses."

Shipboard Highlights:

Aboard Insignia, travelers will enjoy Oceania Cruises' relaxed yet refined luxury, its elegant home-away-from-home ambiance, and the line's signature always included gourmet specialty dining experiences.

The stylish and charming Insignia, which accommodates just 670 guests, is served by a dedicated team of 400 attentive crew members. The boutique ship boasts gourmet specialty restaurants Polo Grill, which is a classic American steakhouse, and Italian venue Toscana; spa and fitness classes at Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center; sports deck with putting greens and shuffleboard; an expansive top-of-ship library, plus vibrant lounges and bars, and a casino.

New Insignia Sailings to and from Tampa

Tropical Harmony: February 22 - March 3, 2026, 9 Days from Bridgetown to Tampa: Bridgetown, Oranjestad (Aruba), Montego Bay, Costa Maya, Cozumel, Tampa.

Leeward Isles Serenade*: March 3 - 18, 2026, 15 Days from Tampa to Tampa: Tampa, San Juan (Puerto Rico), St. Thomas, Philipsburg (St. Maarten), St. John's (Antigua), Roseau (Dominica), Basseterre (St. Kitts), Frederiksted (St. Croix), Tortola (British Virgin Islands), Tampa.

*This sailing features exclusive insider tips from Condé Nast Traveler editors who have handpicked their favorite ports on select 2025 and 2026 itineraries and share their invaluable insider knowledge on what to see, eat, and experience.

Their tips for San Juan, Puerto Rico, include buying a custom-made hat in Old San Juan at hidden gem Olé, a highly regarded maker of Panama hats and woven fedoras; and exploring the city's enticing dining scene including Chef Martin Louzao's duo of high-concept restaurants, Cocina Abierta and Oriundo. Be sure to check out his latest venture, Café Caleta, a small tavern with countryside vibes and an enticing international menu. The café spills into a charming cobblestoned street in Old San Juan, a stone's throw away from the city's main cathedral, the Basílica Menor de San Juan Bautista.

Western Caribbean Escape: March 18 - 25, 2026, 7 Days from Tampa to Tampa: Tampa, Cozumel, Belize City, Roatan (Honduras), Costa Maya, Tampa.

Palms & Panama Canal: March 25 - April 4, 2026, 10 Days from Tampa to Panama City: Tampa, Cozumel, Costa Maya, Belize City, Roatan (Honduras), Puerto Limon (Costa Rica), Colon (Panama), Panama Canal Daylight Transit, one overnight stay in Panama City.

Panama Canal Connoisseur: March 25 - April 14, 2026, 20 Days from Tampa to Miami: Tampa, Cozumel, Costa Maya, Belize City, Roatan (Honduras), Puerto Limon (Costa Rica), Colon (Panama), Panama Canal Daylight Transit, one overnight stay in Panama City, Panama Canal Daylight Transit, Cartagena (Colombia), Willemstad (Curacao), Oranjestad (Aruba), Montego Bay, George Town (Grand Cayman), Miami.

Ultimate Value

Oceania Cruises offers guests the ultimate value in ultra-premium cruising thanks to a host of always included amenities, such as dining at all specialty restaurants; unlimited WiFi; butler service for guests in Penthouse Suites and above; in-room dining; juices, still and sparkling Vero Water®, plus coffees and teas.

For additional information on Oceania Cruises' small-ship luxury, exquisitely crafted cuisine, and expertly curated travel experiences, visit OceaniaCruises.com, call 855-OCEANIA, or speak with a professional travel advisor.

About Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises is the world's leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line. The line's eight small, luxurious ships carry a maximum of 1,250 guests and feature The Finest Cuisine at Sea® and destination-rich itineraries that span the globe. Expertly curated travel experiences are available aboard the designer-inspired, small ships, which call on more than 600 marquee and boutique ports in more than 100 countries on seven continents, on voyages that range from seven to more than 200 days. Oceania Cruises has two additional ships on order scheduled for delivery in 2027 and 2028 or 2029[1]. Oceania Cruises is a wholly owned subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH). To learn more, visit www.nclhltd.com.

[1] Delivery for the second Oceania Cruises ship is contractually scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2028, but may be delayed to 2029.

About Port Tampa Bay:

Port Tampa Bay is Florida's largest and most diversified port, handling over 34 million tons of cargo per year, encompassing 5,000 acres. This includes containers, refrigerated cargo, bulk and break-bulk commodities, as well as being a major cruise homeport and a hub for shipbuilding and repair. The Tampa Bay/I-4 Corridor is home to the largest concentration of distribution centers in the State.

SOURCE Oceania Cruises

Explore China's Most Attractive Destinations With Club Med's Premium Resorts In Beidahu, Changbaishan, Guilin, Lijiang, And Yabuli

Club Med, the renowned pioneer of all-inclusive holidays, invites you to experience the beauty and diversity of its five premium resorts in China.

Club Med Yabuli - China’s largest snow domain offers over 50km of slopes, perfect for skiing and snow-trekking

From the enchanting snow-covered mountains of Beidahu, Changbaishan, and Yabuli to the serene and picturesque landscapes of Guilin and the cultural wonders of Lijiang, each resort offers a unique and immersive activities for guests of all ages and are a perfect embodiment of Club Med's commitment to provide extraordinary and all-inclusive family holidays across stunning locales.

Club Med Guilin

Where nature meets art, Guilin captivates with stunning limestone karst mountains and lush greenery. Guests can reconnect with nature and explore arts in the resort's open-air museum, featuring over 100 contemporary sculptures, daily Tai Chi lessons, and a 900sqm indoor playground for family fun.

Club Med Lijiang

Nestled near UNESCO heritage sites, Club Med Lijiang offers a serene blend of nature, local culture, and Naxi heritage. Discover ancient towns, enjoy traditional Yunnan cuisine, and explore a year-round indoor water park, all set against the backdrop of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Club Med Changbaishan

Located in the Changbaishan Biosphere Nature Reserve, this resort is Club Med's first forest hot springs retreat. Explore untouched wilderness, indulge in Ginseng delicacies, and relax in 28 indoor hot springs. Perfect for families, with a focus on wellness and local culture.

Club Med Beidahu

A chalet-inspired retreat in Beidahu mountain nature reserve, ideal for skiers of all levels. Enjoy a long winter sports season amidst breath-taking snow-covered landscapes, with the famous 'rime ice' crystals of Jilin province adding to the magical winter experience.

Club Med Yabuli

China's largest snow domain offers over 50km of slopes, perfect for skiing and snow-trekking. Beyond winter sports, enjoy yoga, swimming, and alpine scenery. Open year-round, Yabuli is a top destination for winter adventures and summer escapes alike.

All five premium resorts in China are designed with families in mind, continuing Club Med's pioneering approach to family-friendly experiences since 1967. Kids aged 4 to 17 enjoy tailored programs in our signature kids clubs, blending education with play. For the youngest guests (4 months to 3 years), Baby Club Med and Petit Club Med offer dedicated care at select resorts (advance booking required). Every detail is crafted to make families feel welcome and enjoy their holidays to the fullest.

SOURCE Club Med

Southwest Airlines Offering Rapid Rewards Members A Limited-Time Promotion To Accelerate To A-List Or A-List Preferred Tier Status

Southwest Airlines Co. announces the return of its limited-time tier acceleration promotion, making it easier for Southwest Rapid Rewards® Members to earn tier status through 2025. Starting today, Rapid Rewards®1 Members have four opportunities to accelerate their way to the highly coveted A-List or A-List Preferred tier status: qualifying flight purchases, qualifying flight purchases with Rapid Rewards points, Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards from Chase purchases, and Rapid Rewards partner spend. Visit Southwest.com® for the full list of terms and conditions.

"We're bringing back this popular promotion to give our Rapid Rewards Members an extra boost to reach our coveted A-List and A-List Preferred tier status faster, so they can take advantage of all the benefits that our Rapid Rewards program has to offer, such as earlier boarding, boosted points, free same-day standby, and same-day change," said Jonathan Clarkson, Vice President & Chief Product Officer at Southwest Airlines. "A-List Preferred Members can enjoy all the same benefits plus free WiFi, and premium drinks."

Earn Double Tier Qualifying Points on Flights

Southwest Rapid Rewards Members who register for this promotion, purchase Southwest® qualifying flights, and travel through Nov. 30, 2024, can earn double tier qualifying points that count toward A-List or A-List Preferred tier status for the remainder of 2024 and through Dec. 31, 2025.6 Southwest Business travelers also benefit by booking through Southwest Business channels (SWABIZ.com, GDS, or SPS) for the individual traveler to earn three times the tier qualifying points per flight for travel through Nov. 30, 2024.

Reward Travel Counts

Southwest Airlines® makes travel even more rewarding by applying reward travel toward tier status segment requirements. Every one-way qualifying flight segment purchased and traveled using Rapid Rewards® points or Rapid Rewards Business points counts as one tier qualifying flight segment when Customers register for this promotion, purchase Southwest qualifying flights, and travel through Nov. 30, 2024.

Earn with Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards from Chase

Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers who register for this promotion can earn their way to tier status faster with credit card spending. From Sept. 1, 2024, through Nov. 30, 2024, Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers can earn 2,000 tier qualifying points for every $5,000 in purchases made with their Rapid Rewards Priority, Premier, and Plus Consumer Credit Cards, as well as Premier, Plus, and Performance Business Credit Cards from Chase. These tier qualifying points are in addition to current tier qualifying points that Cardmembers already earn.

New! Earn with Rapid Rewards Partners

For the first time, Members can earn their way to tier status with qualifying purchases made with Rapid Rewards car rentals, hotel bookings, and other select Rapid Rewards partners. Every base point earned on qualifying purchases made with select Rapid Rewards partners between now and Nov. 30, 2024, counts as one tier qualifying point, up to a maximum of 5,000 total tier qualifying points.

Join Rapid Rewards

The Southwest Rapid Rewards program is designed around a simple concept—to make earning reward flights faster and easier. With Rapid Rewards, every seat is a reward seat, there are no blackout dates, and points don't expire.1 Customers can create an account to become a Rapid Rewards Member at Southwest.com to take advantage of Southwest's award-winning loyalty program benefits.