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By Jennifer Allen Between cooking, cleaning and hosting, the familiar hustle of the holiday season can sometimes feel more hectic than heartwarming. But what if there were a way to embrace the season while leaving the chaos behind? Holiday cruises make all of this possible, offering the perfect getaway that can be tailored to any vibe – blending festive traditions with the excitement of travel. Imagine sipping hot chocolate in the background of the Northern Lights, exploring sun-drenched islands or maybe enjoying a festive dinner on the sea. Whether looking for family-friendly fun, romance for two or peaceful solo travel, holiday cruises deliver a unique celebration unlike any other. Do you want to skip the stress of the season but don’t want to miss out on the holiday cheer? Rest assured, among the most well-known cruise lines, most of them host elaborate holiday festivities that transform their ships into winter wonderlands complete with decorations, entertainment and activities fit for Santa Claus himself. Instead of buying gifts, stressing over what to cook or bake and cleaning over the holidays, Michelle Price of Honest and Truly prefers a holiday cruise for her family. “The ship takes care of everything, from making the beds in the morning to prepping our meals throughout the day. And they have various fun activities to keep us busy,” she says. From towering Christmas trees in the atrium to twinkling lights on every railing, cruises at this time of year are very creative with their festive splendor. Cruises will also complement their aesthetics to match entertainment, including tree-lighting ceremonies, live caroling and holiday movie nights under the stars. Depending on the cruise, you can expect a robust calendar of events with activities like ugly sweater parties, holiday trivia, Santa appearances and even onboard Christmas markets. The holiday wouldn’t feel complete without the food to match, and cruise lines deliver. You can enjoy lavish holiday dinners complete with everything, from the traditional turkey to international Christmas dishes. Some cruises even offer themed buffets with everything, from a turkey carving station to hot and creamy chowders , holiday cocktails, gingerbread-making workshops and seasonal dessert tastings to add fun to the feasts. Cruises cater to various travelers and take the guesswork out of planning a holiday. Unlike a traditional vacation where you are responsible for your own itinerary, cruises do the hard work for you by planning destinations, offering a wide variety of on-board activities and providing varied experiences that appeal to all. A 2024 survey by Expedia Cruises concluded that 82% of travelers who have cruised before say they would do it again. Traveling with the whole family can often feel like an exercise in logistics that leaves you more stressed than you were before your holiday. Holiday cruises simplify this, offering multigenerational activities, family-friendly dining options and flexible accommodations. The Disney Cruise Line, which includes the Very Merrytime Cruises for the holiday season, is popular for offering exciting kid-centric activities like themed crafts, holiday scavenger hunts and character meet-and-greets. These endless options paired with the kids’ or teens’ clubs keep younger travelers entertained while giving their parents peace of mind. When traveling with older family members, consider reaching out to the cruise ahead of time to find out what accessible options they offer. Cruise lines can sometimes accommodate requests that might be better suited for older folks like avoiding stairs or long walks to reach their room. Couples can rediscover their magic on holiday cruises that offer intimate moments and tailored experiences. The Romantic Cruises by Princess Cruises stand out because of their private balcony dining and couples’ activities like wine tastings or cooking classes to make hors d’oeuvres . However, many holiday cruises offer specialty experiences like date-night-worthy restaurants, sunset strolls on the deck and shared excursions that are sure to create lasting memories. For couples looking to rest and relax, holiday cruises can provide serene spaces, spa suites and infinity verandas that are perfect for unwinding together. Cruises provide the perfect atmosphere for singles to mingle and enjoy the holiday season with company. Social events like trivia nights, dance parties and holiday mixers encourage connection and camaraderie. Certain cruises, like the Norwegian Cruise Line and the Virgin Voyages’ Holiday Cruises, cater specifically to solo travelers. These cruises include adult-only entertainment, curated activities and a vibrant nightlife. Rest assured, these cruises provide plenty of holiday entertainment and seasonal activities that ensure you enjoy yourself while staying close to your holiday traditions. With over 323 cruise ships currently in operation serving 36 million passengers this year alone, according to photoAiD , how do you choose if you’re a first-time cruiser ? Start by confirming that the cruise is appropriate for the needs of your traveling group. Often, experiences that are tailored for a specific group, whether kids or couples, will be described in the cruise line’s name – take for instance, the Disney Cruise Line. You can also check out the on-board activities available to make sure that there are plenty of options for your company. Related Articles Travel | California’s sunny Huntington Beach makes a great weekend getaway Travel | Top travel destinations for 2025 include a real-life Land of the Lotus Eaters Travel | New York state highlights can’t-miss holiday sites and attractions Travel | Holiday travel: Tahoe’s Truckee is a magical, cozy winter destination Travel | Election results are impacting travelers’ 2025 international trip plans Next, consider your budget. Holiday cruises make luxury accessible without breaking the bank, with options as low as $300 for shorter voyages. Cruises will often provide all-inclusive packages that bundle accommodations, dining, entertainment and travel into a single cost-effective experience. The Carnival Cruise line remains a favorite for budget-conscious travelers because of its fun festivities and great dining options. However, even high-end experiences, like the MSC Cruises’ Yacht Club, which includes amenities like private pools, lounges and butler services come at a fraction of the cost of traditional luxury resorts. Lastly, ask yourself what holiday vibe you’re going for. Are you dreaming of a sunny tropical Christmas or perhaps frosty landscapes? Either way, with thousands of options in December alone, as cataloged by CruiseBooking.com , there’s a cruise waiting for you. The Norwegian Cruise Line’s Caribbean Cruises stop at destinations like the Great Stirrup Cay, while Hurtigruten’s Arctic Expeditions sail through breathtaking fjords and snowy landscapes. Holiday cruises offer a unique way to celebrate the season that’s a guaranteed hit without breaking the bank. Consider leaving behind the stress of hosting and planning; step aboard a ship where every detail has been curated to bring enjoyment and relaxation. With the holidays calling, will you answer with a ticket to set sail? Jennifer Allen is a retired professional chef and long-time writer. Her writing appears in dozens of publications, and she has two cookbooks, “Keto Soup Cookbook” and “Keto Diabetic Cookbook and Meal Plan.” These days, she’s busy in the kitchen, developing recipes for various publications and traveling, and you can find all her best recipes at Cook What You Love .Amid the ever-present cost-of-living crisis, savvy Aussie mums are getting creative when it comes to saving their dollars — and one clever hack has caught the attention of parents across the country. Melbourne mum-of-three Sarita Holland took to Instagram recently to showcase how she uses White King’s Fabric Stain Remover Powder to remove tough baked on dirt and grease from white clothing. “Is it just my kids that think wearing white socks outside is normal?” She queried on a now viral social media video.“Dirty socks, stained sports clothes, sweat marks are all getting the boot with White King’s Stain Remover Powder . Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today “This powerful powder uses oxygen and enzymes to powerfully remove stains and White Stain Remover Powder contains NO BLEACH so it’s safe for use to brighten those colours too.” The powder, which retails for just $11, has become a firm favourite in her household, among other White King goodies like the Mould and Scum Remover . Unlike other products that can strip colour or damage delicate fabrics, White King’s stain remover is gentle on both coloured and white clothing, leaving your fabrics looking fresh and vibrant without the bleach. As an environmentally friendly product, this stain remover is safe for your clothes, tough on germs , and kinder to the planet, offering mums peace of mind with every wash. Aussie mums and influencers can’t stop raving about White King’s stain-fighting abilities. “ OMG my life would change . I’m off to the shops,” one woman wrote underneath Sarita’s video. “This product is a win-win on coloured and white clothing. If you need a tough product to tackle stains and brighten your clothes give White King Stain Remove Powder a try,” mum and Influencer Monique Popa said. “White King’s new stain remover has been a game changer. An affordable stain remover that’s safe on whites and colours which means I don’t have to spend time separating my washing — who am I to say no?” Jessiika Wilson added. To find out more and to purchase the stain remover, head to the Woolworths website here .
NFL ends investigation into sexual assault allegations against Browns QB Deshaun WatsonAmetek Inc. stock underperforms Tuesday when compared to competitorsThe opening season of the San Pedro Volleyball Indoor Tournament will conclude this Sunday, December 8th, at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium. The final rounds of matches will feature teams competing in the Junior category, followed by COED, and finishing with the Senior divisions. The games will start promptly at 4PM. In the second round of the semi-final matches held on December 1st, the Jr. Female division featured a matchup between Isla Bonita Girls and Island Academy Girls. In the Male division of the same category, the Island Boyz faced off against ACES Boys. In the COED division, the Warriors competed against SPHS, followed by a match between Barbos and SPHS Sharks in the Seniors category. The results of the final games will feature ten teams competing for the championship in their respective categories. In the Jr. Female division, the Island Academy Girls will face the SPHS Jr. Sharks. In the Male category, Rompe Pechitos will take on the Island Boyz. In the COED division, the championship will be contested between the WD 20s and the Warriors. In the Seniors category, SPHS will compete against Wildsets in the female group, while in the male division, the Barbos will aim to win the championship by defeating the Vikings. Erick Santizo, the organizer, President of the San Pedro Volleyball Association , and Sports Coordinator at San Pedro High School (SPHS), is excited about the upcoming volleyball final. This marks the eighth year of organizing the tournament, and he extends his gratitude to all the teams and supporters for their participation in another year of competitions. Santizo invites islanders and volleyball fans to the auditorium at San Pedro High School to cheer on their favorite teams. After the event, the San Pedro Town Council will provide the winners with their medals and trophies. Looking ahead, Santizo is eager to host another tournament in 2025.
O’Shea stands by his planTAMPA, Fla. — Baker Mayfield rubbed both arms with his hands as the story was being related, the one where his timely donation turned around the fortunes of a high school football team that lacked the necessary equipment to start the season. It’s the nearly made-for-Hollywood script of how Space Coast High in Cocoa went from 1-8 a year ago to 10-3 and the first state championship in program history. “I’ve got chills thinking about it,” Mayfield said. Jake Owens had been Space Coast’s head coach from 2012-17 but stepped away for a few years, moving to Kentucky and starting a young family. He returned to his old job to find the program in disrepair. “Obviously, the program was struggling,” Owens said. “I think in those six years they’d only won, like, four games. When I walked in, a struggling program like that, nothing was really being done behind the scenes as far as equipment and stuff goes. It was a lot of older equipment.” Stephanie Starkey, whose son, Jacob, plays linebacker and long snapper for the Vipers, graduated from the University of Oklahoma and had followed Mayfield closely. She knew about the Baker and Emily Mayfield Foundation, and reached out to the couple for help. The Mayfields responded by donating $17,900 for equipment, including 70 Riddell SpeedFlex helmets that retail for nearly $500 each, along with shoulder pads. “There was kind of narrative that we were not going to have a season,” Owens said. “That’s not the case. We were going to play no matter what. But it was in bad shape, and that’s obviously expensive. When the program ended last year, there were only 40-something kids. They didn’t have a need for a lot of equipment. “When I took over in February, there was a huge influx. We had over 70 kids come out. Not only did we have older equipment, but we also didn’t have enough. We were going to make sure we had it one way or another, but it’s expensive and funds are hard to come by in high school.” The team was among the youngest Owens had ever coached. His quarterback was a freshman. Four of the five offensive linemen were sophomores, along with the top receiver. Building a culture of winning is usually the most difficult task for any head coach. But Owens said the players were galvanized by the fact that an NFL quarterback had invested so generously in their future. “We were just floored,” Owens said. “It’s been an incredibly humbling experience to have someone like Baker to reach out and say, ‘Hey, what do you need to get this done?’ I don’t think they know how much of an impact they’ve made. “We knew we had a talented team. We knew if we did things the right way and we built the right culture, I’d won there before. I have an incredible coaching staff. They knew what it takes to win. It’s one of those incredible things that came together like a perfect storm, and Baker and Emily are a big part of that because it took so much stress out of that situation so the focus could be on football.” There is some irony that it was Mayfield who rescued the Vipers. Owens is an unabashed Cincinnati Bengals fan and rooted against Mayfield when he played for the Cleveland Browns. In fact, Owens is a Bengals season ticket holder who still hosts a podcast dedicated to talking about the team. “I will tell you that I have never rooted for another team or another player outside of Cincinnati,” Owens said. “That changed after this year. I’ve become a huge Baker Mayfield fan. He changes people’s lives. “At the end of the day, winning is very important at every level. What Baker has done more than anything is shown our players what it means to pass it along. To pay it forward. That’s going to impact our players. When they get that opportunity, they will remember that. What they’ve shown our boys is you’re never too big to help out.” Mayfield’s play on the field was inspiring as well. Starkey held a few watch parties for Bucs games on Sundays. The Mayfields’ gift ignited a Space Coast team that went 7-3 in the regular season, then advanced past Tradition Prep and Umatilla in the playoffs. “Snake Pit” signs, referencing the team’s home field, started popping up on lawns and in store windows all over town. Last weekend, the Vipers defeated Bell, 21-14, at home to claim the Sunshine State Athletic Association Atlantic 1A championship. The team that didn’t have enough equipment is now being sized for championship rings. “I tell them all the time, don’t forget about the journey it took to get here, and Baker and Emily will always be part of that journey,” Owens said. Standing inside One Buc Place during his weekly news conference Thursday, Mayfield could not stop smiling while thinking about another football team he already had helped win a championship this season. “It’s just a cool story,” he said. “I have an unbelievable platform to be able to give back, and obviously they were in the predicament of probably not having a season. Not just for the varsity. The JV, they didn’t have enough equipment. So, just being able to give back and then seeing that turn around. “All we did was get some helmets. They did the rest. They turned it around, they believed in it, and that’s what football is all about. It’s teaching life lessons, how to handle adversity, how to deal with it and push forward. Congrats to them. It’s pretty special.” ©2024 Tampa Bay Times. Visit tampabay.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Washington — A number of Republican senators have expressed concern about Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's choice to lead the Defense Department, potentially putting his intended nomination at risk. Hegseth, who has been meeting with Senate Republicans on Capitol Hill this week to try to build support ahead of his confirmation hearings, has faced a round of negative stories involving allegations of sexual misconduct, financial mismanagement at veterans' charities , repeated intoxication and infidelity. "Some of these articles are very disturbing. He obviously has a chance to defend himself here, but some of this stuff is, it's going to be difficult," Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina told reporters Tuesday. "Time will tell." Sen. Kevin Cramer, a North Dakota Republican, also said he found the allegations "disturbing" but added, "We all love a good redemption story." Cramer suggested Hegseth's alleged behavior stemmed from alcohol abuse, adding that "almost everything else can come from that one abuse." Republican Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana, who noted he has also read the reporting and is aware of the allegations, said Hegseth will have to address them. "I want to know if they are true and I want to hear his side of the story and he is going to have to address them," he said Tuesday, adding that he wasn't sure if Hegseth's nomination would face headwinds. On Monday, the New Yorker reported that before he became a full-time Fox News host, Hegseth was forced to step down from two nonprofit advocacy groups — Veterans for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America — amid complaints about his alleged behavior that included repeatedly being intoxicated while on the job, leading a hostile work environment and mismanaging the charities' funds. CBS News reported that Jessie Jane Duff, a Marine veteran who served as one of Trump's 2024 campaign executive directors, was among those who pushed to have him ousted from Concerned Veterans for America in 2016. A lawyer for Hegseth has denied the allegations. Sen. Cynthia Lummis, a Wyoming Republican, said Tuesday that the allegations "are a surprise to all of us" and that his ability to be confirmed by the Senate "depends on how he addresses the issues that have been raised." Lummis said the allegations also came as a surprise to Trump. "Some of the earlier issues that were raised about an incident in California, I think were satisfactorily addressed and would not have interfered with his nomination, but some new things that have come to light in the last 12 to 14 hours are things he needs to address," she said. Hegseth, an Army veteran turned Fox News star, was investigated for sexual assault in 2017 in Monterey, California. Authorities declined to file charges in the case, saying none were "supported by proof beyond a reasonable doubt." Hegseth told investigators that the sexual encounter with the woman was consensual and he has denied any wrongdoing. He paid a confidential settlement to the woman out of concern that her accusation could result in his firing from Fox News, his lawyer said after the claims became public in mid-November. But Sen. Tommy Tuberville pushed back on the notion that Trump may have concern about his pick. "I talked to him last night," the Alabama Republican said Tuesday. "I don't think there's any concern. Why would there be?" Asked Monday whether he thought the Senate would confirm him to lead the Pentagon, Hegseth said he was "taking it meeting by meeting." Trump has already had one Cabinet pick withdraw from the process. Former Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida pulled his name from consideration amid scrutiny over allegations of sex trafficking and illicit drug use, which he denies. Alan He contributed to this report. United States Senate Donald Trump Pete Hegseth Defense Department Caitlin Yilek is a politics reporter at CBSNews.com, based in Washington, D.C. She previously worked for the Washington Examiner and The Hill, and was a member of the 2022 Paul Miller Washington Reporting Fellowship with the National Press Foundation.The first official trailer for Disney ’s live-action Snow White movie starring Rachel Zegler has dropped, and many have slammed the feature and its star for the “woke” take on the classic tale. Zegler is no stranger to controversy, after previously defending Taylor Swift online , but also for her anti-Donald Trump social media message after the Presidential election. However, her controversies are now following her as backlash grows following the first look at her new film, which is a live-action modern take on the classic fairytale, which Disney first adapted into a 1937 cartoon. Rachel Zegler was almost cut from Snow White because of controversial comment Rachel Zegler apologizes after anti-Trump post after Disney 'received calls' The first trailer for the film dropped Tuesday showing egler in the titular role, Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen and a look at the CGI dwarves, However, Zeigler’s portrayal of the princess was quickly slammed. The trailer shows Zeigler’s version of Snow White running into the forest after Gadot’s Evil Queen is revealed to want her dead, and she quickly befriends the seven dwarves who promise to keep her safe. However, unlike the original tale, where Snow White was found by the evil queen in disguise and given a poison apple, it appears much more will happen beyond that, as she returns to the castle grounds to fight back against the Queen on behalf of the kingdom. Fans quickly shared their disappointment on social media, with several commenting negatively. “Where the prince oh I forgot yall removed it to be more woke ok,” one person wrote on Instagram . “What has Snow White been turned into a girl boss? No one like that,” another wrote on X. “Another woke Disney dumpster fire. And this actress is insufferable,” another said. “This is a seaming pile of poo Woke Disney trash,” a third shared. Much of the ire is based off Zegler’s past comments where she bashed the original film’s premise and the fact that Snow White found love with a prince who “stalked” her. Don't miss; Hunger Games star savagely defends Taylor Swift against internet trolls [LATEST] Explosive new Hunger Games trailer released after Rachel Zeler controversy [INSIGHT] Rachel Zegler's meteoric rise and scandal-ridden fall explained [UPDATE] However, the revamp of the character isn’t new, as other takes have already made it into theaters over the years that changed the original story. In addition, Disney’s live-action remakes often give the classic princesses more heroic twists to their characters. The 2017 adaptation of Beauty and the Beast famously saw backlash as Emma Watson’s take became an inventor, whereas the original cartoon showed Belle liking to read, but left her father, Maurice, as the inventor.
ESTERO, Fla. (AP) — Kennard Davis' 15 points helped Southern Illinois defeat Florida Tech 81-54 on Wednesday. Davis shot 6 for 13, including 1 for 5 from beyond the arc for the Salukis (3-5). Jarrett Hensley added 14 points while going 6 of 9 (2 for 4 from 3-point range) and he also had six rebounds. Sheridan Sharp finished 5 of 6 from the floor to finish with 12 points. The Panthers were led in scoring by Donovan Brown, who finished with 17 points. Elhadji Thiam added 14 points, six rebounds and two steals for Florida Tech. Max Polk finished with 14 points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
Content oversight and quality assurance provided by Studio 1847 As digital marketing grows more sophisticated, influencer marketing has become an essential strategy for brand success. Ethical practices and fresh approaches are key to standing out. Enter Clark Influence, a global influencer marketing agency aiming to shape Chicago’s market with its commitment to transparency, creativity and responsibility. Redefining the industry with ethics at the core At the heart of Clark Influence’s success is a strong commitment to ethical influencer marketing . Recognizing the complexities of the digital space, the agency has established a comprehensive code of ethics to guide every partnership. This framework aims to promote transparency among influencers, brands and audiences, building trust and credibility — qualities increasingly valued in the influencer marketing industry. From clear content disclosures to carefully selecting influencers whose values align with those of their clients, Clark Influence consistently raises their industry standards. They believe ethical marketing isn’t optional; it’s essential to creating genuine connections. A complete approach to strategy Clark Influence excels by offering a holistic approach that combines data insights with engaging storytelling. Whether crafting a social media campaign for a global insurance brand or tailoring localized strategies for businesses in Chicago, the agency’s skill and expertise shine through. Every campaign is customized to resonate with audiences while communicating a brand’s key message authentically. The agency’s distinction lies in seeing influencers as community leaders rather than merely promotional tools. By elevating their voices in genuine ways, Clark Influence creates campaigns that aim to strengthen both brand reputation and influencer authenticity. A global footprint rooted in creativity With offices in Toronto, Paris and Montreal, and a presence across North America, Europe and the Middle East, Clark Influence blends international expertise with local knowledge. Their influencer marketing agency in Chicago exemplifies this blend, creating campaigns with the goal of standing out while addressing regional nuances. They work to adapt strategies to specific audiences, striving for every campaign to achieve a unique and lasting impact. Image provided by Ascend Agency Recognized excellence Clark Influence’s commitment to excellence has garnered significant recognition. Their creative TikTok campaign for a leading insurance company earned them honors at the prestigious Sabre Awards, showcasing their ability to craft campaigns that deliver real results. Achievements like these highlight their consistent dedication to quality and originality. A vision for growth Looking ahead, Clark Influence has its sights set on expanding its reach into additional global markets, with a specific focus on the U.S. Their Chicago influencer marketing agency hopes to redefine how brands connect with audiences, blending ethical practices with fresh ideas to set new benchmarks in the industry. In addition to expansion, Clark Influence aims to remain a leader in influencer marketing strategies. Embracing emerging trends and new technologies helps them create captivating, engaging campaigns. Building strong connections For brands seeking a dependable and forward-thinking partner, Clark Influence offers a compelling choice. Their focus on crafting tailored campaigns, maintaining transparency and championing creativity may make them a force in the marketing world. As their presence grows in Chicago and beyond, Clark Influence hopes to chart a path for a future in influencer marketing that values authenticity, accountability, and meaningful relationships. Learn more about Clark Influence’s ethical marketing principles by visiting their website , following them on Instagram or connecting with them on LinkedIn . The news and editorial staffs of the Chicago Tribune had no role in this post’s preparation.Election recount reveals winner of competitive sheriff's race in Arizona