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Welcome Back to Destination: Luxe Weekly
Buckle up, traveler. This week, the cruise world is throwing curveballs and the theme park scene is heating up after dark. We’re talking brand-new thrills, diva-level drama, and one ship that’s rocking Frankenstein in the club (yes, really). If you’ve ever doubted that travel is anything but a straight-up spectacle, this week proves otherwise
Let’s get into it
The Luxe Lowdown
🎢 Carnival’s Big Splash
Carnival is pulling no punches with its jaw-dropping Carnival Festivale sailings. Think old-school fun colliding with a futuristic twist. Oh, and they’re adding a massive waterpark at sea—because apparently, we weren’t getting wet enough on deck. This isn’t just a pool and a couple of slides—it’s a full-on aqua kingdom meant to rival land-based parks
Families are going to lose their minds, and thrill-seekers? You’re not going to want to get out of the water. Carnival just made “fun ship” mean something a whole lot bolder
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👑 The Diana Ross Drama
Here’s some cruise-world tea: Diana Ross was supposed to be the godmother of Royal Caribbean’s newest stunner. Then? Last-minute cancellation. Cue gasps. Instead, the honor is passing to astronaut Kellie Gerardi—because nothing says “godmother of the seas” like someone who’s literally touched the stars. It’s glamorous, sure, but let’s not pretend it’s not a wild pivot. One day you’re rehearsing “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” and the next, you’re calling NASA
The switch is raising eyebrows across the cruise community, and honestly? It’s giving messy-but-fabulous energy
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🌋 Volcano Bay After Dark
Universal Orlando just announced Volcano Bay Nights, and honestly? I want to be first in line. Imagine tiki torches blazing, DJ beats rolling across glowing waters, and wave pools that don’t shut down when the sun does. It’s not just a waterpark—it’s a full-on after-hours vibe. Drinks in hand, neon lights reflecting off the lagoon, your crew dancing waist-deep in the water—it’s nightlife, but in swim trunks
This is the kind of event that makes you forget traditional clubs even exist. My verdict: book a flight, grab your boldest swimwear, and dive in
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Weekly Travel Tip
Turn Delays into Dollars
Flight delays don’t just mean extra hours of misery at the gate—they can mean money back in your pocket if you play it right. Many premium credit cards cover trip delay expenses like meals, hotels, and even transportation. Case in point: the Amex Platinum. If your flight is delayed 6+ hours (or overnight), you can get reimbursed for up to $500 in expenses. Translation: that airport Chili’s feast and last-minute hotel are on the card company, not you. Pro tip: keep receipts, file the claim fast, and never suffer a delay empty-handed again
Alec Reviews: Carnival Miracle
Sailing on the Carnival Miracle is like stepping into a quirky, theatrical time capsule—and I kind of loved it
Noteworthy: This Spirit-class beauty oozes personality. The themed spaces? Incredible. The nightclub literally features a towering Frankenstein monster lording over the dance floor—spooky chic at sea. And don’t miss the steakhouse tucked into the funnel—because of course Carnival would hide prime cuts in the sky
Room for Improvement: The itinerary I sailed—Long Beach to Catalina Island and Ensenada—wasn’t the most exciting lineup for me personally. Catalina is charming but easy to cover quickly, and Ensenada has a more in-your-face-solicitation vibe that may not wow adventure-seekers. That said, the Miracle herself shines regardless of where she’s sailing, and I’d love to see her paired with routes that show off her full potential
Insider’s Insight: The Miracle hides quiet treasures if you know where to look. Jokers Lounge is a cozy spot to hang out, play a game, or just relax away from the crowds. And then there’s Gatsby’s Garden—a dreamy, tucked-away maze of greenery that feels like your own secret escape at sea. It’s whimsical, unexpected, and the kind of spot most cruisers never stumble upon. Little surprises like these are what make exploring the ship just as fun as the destinations
Bottom line: Carnival Miracle is a ship with a soul—quirky, bold, and worth sailing… just maybe not on her Long Beach run
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See you next week,
– Alec