What's Going on in Travel Today

 

MSC Cruises

Exciting news for Alaska Cruisers for May 2026, MSC Cruises is introducing its first Alaska itineraries, with seven-night sailings on the MSC Poesia from Seattle, running from May to September 2026. Starting May 11, 2026, passengers can explore Alaska's breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, and Native cultural heritage with stops at destinations including Icy Strait Point (Alaska's first Indigenous-owned cruise site), Juneau, Ketchikan, Tracy Arm Fjord, and Victoria, British Columbia.

The MSC Poesia, a mid-sized ship, is designed to navigate Alaska's narrow channels and approach glaciers closely. The cruise line will offer diverse shore excursions, from adventure activities like ATV tours and ziplining to cultural and scenic experiences. This expansion is part of MSC’s growing North American market presence, adding Seattle as its fifth U.S. homeport. MSC also emphasizes sustainability, with plans for the MSC Poesia to connect to shore power in Seattle.

Additionally, MSC Cruises will offer two special itineraries that transit the Panama Canal, providing a unique East-to-West Coast journey between Seattle and Miami. Bookings are now open, inviting travelers to experience this exciting blend of adventure, culture, and luxury.

Princess Senses The Mangrove All-Inclusive Resort Jamaica

Princess Senses The Mangrove, an adults-only luxury resort on Green Island, Jamaica, is set to open on November 1 and is currently taking reservations. This five-star retreat features 401 oceanview suites and 14 overwater villas, each with thoughtful amenities like private balconies, terraces, and select swim-out pool access.

Guests can indulge in a culinary experience across 14 restaurants offering a range of global cuisines, from Jamaican to Italian, Asian, and Mexican. Additionally, the property includes 15 bars, a food truck, a wellness center, multiple pools, an aquatic park, a convention center, sports facilities, and a nightclub.

For romantic stays, the resort offers intimate suites and exclusive Platinum Club suites with butler service. Overwater villas, the resort’s most luxurious option, feature partial glass floors, private infinity pools, and outdoor showers. Designed to provide a blend of sophisticated luxury and authentic Caribbean charm, Princess Senses The Mangrove promises an unforgettable experience for adults seeking a tranquil, upscale getaway.

The Trevi Fountain, Rome

Rome’s iconic Trevi Fountain will undergo a month-long cleaning in November, in preparation for the Jubilee celebrations in 2025, which are expected to draw millions of visitors. The refurbishment will remove accumulated dirt, calcium deposits, and weeds from the fountain, last cleaned extensively in 2014.

While the fountain is drained, visitors can still view the landmark via a newly constructed steel-and-glass walkway, offering a close-up view of the restoration work. However, access will be limited, with only a few visitors allowed on the walkway at a time, likely resulting in queues. Although recent discussions considered charging a fee, there is no mention of a charge for walkway access.

This project is part of a broader initiative to restore Rome’s famous fountains, including the Barcaccia at the Spanish Steps and a historic fountain in the city’s Jewish ghetto.