Author: Lillian Africano

American Queen and Victory Cruise Lines Announce New Enhancements and Offerings

American Queen Steamboat Company (AQSC) and Victory Cruise Lines (VCL), Hornblower® Family Companies have announcednew enhancements and offerings as the ships look forward to welcoming aboard their guests once again in 2021.  The upgraded offerings and operations will include increased measures made to health and safety protocols, the 2021 Wave Offer, elevated suite amenities and fresh culinary experiences. AQSC and VCL will also kick off the 2021 sailing season debuting two vessels to their fleets, the American Countess and the Ocean Victory, in addition to unveiling expanded Special Edition Voyages.

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Glam Pods Offer Luxury Plus a Socially Distant Vacation

The U.S. glamping industry is projected to reach a revenue of $1 billion by 2024, and WATG has responded by conceptualizing an experience for guests to explore the joys of nature while fully immersing themselves in the comfort of a luxurious yet sustainable glamping pod.

Envisioned for ultra remote locations, Glam Pods are a solution for overnight guest experiences ranging from a residential property’s backyard guest house to an off-the-grid lifestyle. Inspired by the spiraling coil of a shell, these 40-foot pods offer 300 square feet of total floor area, allowing a living space large enough to accommodate a king-size bed, lounge area and private bathroom.

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Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade: 2020 Version   

This year, Macy’s 94th annual Thanksgiving Day Parade will air from 9 a.m. to noon, Thursday, Nov. 26th, on NBC. It will look much like the 2019 parade—on your television set.  
But because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the reality on the ground will be very, very different. This year, all activity will be centered on the Herald Square area in Midtown—and the only way to view the event will be on television. Fewer than 2,000 people will work on the parade. Some segments of the program will be filmed over two days, though most of the action will take place live on Thanksgiving Day.  Typically, the parade’s large balloons are anchored by up to 100 trained handlers and a vehicle; this year the balloons will be anchored by five specially-rigged vehicles. 

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Holiday Spirits (and Wine), To Gift and to Drink

America is drinking more of everything, from the finest champagne to the least expensive chardonnay to the mellowest aged bourbon. Liquor stores report record sales, and even QVC, normally a go-to place for kitchen appliances and clothing for many Americans, has begun offering vintage wines.

With so many recreational opportunities shut down during the pandemics, many of us focus on food—and drink. And with the holidays ahead, planning has already begun, for gift-giving, and also for special celebrations that call for cocktails and spirits.

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Thanksgiving Champagne Pairings: Three Wine Pros Share Their Tips

Thanksgiving will be here before you know it and while the size of your dinner party may look different this year, one thing that will hopefully not change is enjoying a memorable meal with good food, great Champagne with even better friends and family members. Expert Sommeliers and wine pros across the country for your readers this year share tips on perfect pairings for you holiday meal.

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