Category: Lifestyle

The Points Guy 

Skiers and snowboarders, rejoice! The upcoming 2023-2024 season just got a little more exciting: IndyPass announced that with the addition of more than 50 resorts, the coveted pass will resume sales Tuesday morning.

For those who aren’t familiar with it, IndyPass is one of the more affordable passes on the market and works exclusively with independent resorts around the world. Passholders can ski up to 164 days (two days per resort) during the season for less than $400 with the Base Pass option.

With this addition of more than 50 Alpine and Nordic resorts across three continents, the number of participating resorts is now well over 100.

Other perks of the pass? Many of the resorts are grouped geographically, so even if you don’t make it out of a certain region, you can still hit quite a few locations. Also, these independently owned operations often see fewer crowds, shorter lines and plenty of opportunity to maximize time on the slopes.

Related: The best ski resorts in the US for your next trip to the slopes

New passes to go on sale for those on the waitlist

There are a few things to keep in mind before skiers and snowboarders get their hopes up, though.

Limited numbers of the pass will only be available to those registered on the waitlist (which has been open since April), according to the brand’s press release. The list is likely pretty lengthy at this point.

Those who do get the opportunity to purchase a pass will receive a unique code via email (the emails will go out in batches based on the original waitlist sign-up date). Using the code, you can purchase the pass Tuesday at 11 a.m. EDT.

In terms of pricing, here’s what the passes will cost for this special release (slightly different from the original release):

Indy Adult Base Pass: $399 or two payments of $199.50
Indy+ Adult Pass: $499 or two payments of $249.50
Indy Kids Base Pass: $199 or two payments of $99.50
Indy+ Kids Pass: $249 or two payments of $124.50

For the Indy AddOn Pass, exclusively for partner resort passholders:

Indy AddOn Adult Base Pass: $279 or two payments of $139.50
Indy+ AddOn Adult Pass: $379 or two payments of $189.50
Indy Kids AddOn Base Pass: $139 or two payments of $69.50
Indy+ Kids AddOn Pass: $179 or two payments of $89.50

For the Indy XC Pass:

Indy XC Pass Adult Pass: $99 or two payments of $49.50
Indy XC Pass Kids Pass: $49 or two payments of $24.50
Indy XC Pass Adult AddOn Pass: $79 or two payments of $39.50
Indy XC Pass Kids AddOn Pass: $39 or two payments of $19.50

New resorts added across 3 continents

While the full list of new partner resorts will be released along with the passes Tuesday, the brand teased that the list includes additions across the U.S., Canada, Japan and Europe — including the largest ski resort in Austria.

Related: All-inclusive ski resorts in the US where you can hit the slopes this season

If you’re still hoping to snag a pass, hurry over to the waitlist and sign up. Hopefully, you’ll get a chance to ski and ride all over the globe for what we think is a pretty unbeatable price.

Related reading:

The Ikon Pass can still get you unlimited ski access this winter at top resorts
17 of the best ski towns in the US
15 of our favorite ski-friendly resort hotels you can book on points
Best credit cards to use on ski trips
How to choose the best ski mountain for you

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Carscoops 

The Land Rover Defender isn’t just one of the most capable off-roaders on the planet but the latest-generation model has quickly established itself as a status symbol, much like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Mansory is now offering the ultimate upgrade package for those Defender owners wanting to stand out on the street while being willing to sacrifice off-roading abilities.

Mansory’s modified Defender is known simply as the Black Edition and, as the name implies, is finished entirely in black. The tuner has then crafted a dramatic new bodykit for the Defender which starts up front with a dramatically revised grille finished in black and complemented with new air intakes.

Alterations continue with a pronounced splitter and a pair of new LED fog lights. Mansory has also given the updated Defender a handful of orange/bronze accents and created a lightweight carbon fiber hood for it complete with a large Mansory logo. Look towards the roof and you will notice new light clusters.

The sides of the Defender Black Edition are equally as bold as the front. Immediately standing out are a set of aerodisc-inspired black wheels measuring 24×10 inches, and wrapped in 295/30 tires. Evidently, this wheel and tire package would be utterly useless anywhere other than perfectly smooth pavement but as a means of making a statement, they work brilliantly.

A big butt also makes Mansory’s latest creation stand out. A highlight is the split, two-part wing but there is also a new tailgate and a diffuser, complete with the same orange/bronze accents as the front end.

Read: Let Mansory Attack Your Senses With Its Latest Mercedes-AMG G63 4×4²

The interior has also been tastefully modified, not something that can be said about many Mansory projects. Soft Alcantara adorns the seats, door panels, dashboard, and headliner while orange contrast stitching and piping help to add an extra dash of pizazz.

Rounding out the upgrades are a series of changes to the Defender’s 5.0-liter V8 engine so that it now delivers 650 hp and 642 lb-ft (870 Nm). Those figures are enough to send it to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.7 seconds and on to a 155 mph (250 km/h) top speed.

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Carscoops 

When Ford revealed the sixth-generation Bronco, it made a big deal about how capable the SUV would be off-road. Now, it is finally offering warranty protection for owners who choose to take their vehicles off the beaten path.

Ford Protect off-road plans will offer owners of the Bronco and Bronco Sport support if their vehicles suffer minor damage that can commonly be caused by the stresses of off-roading. The plans provide support to drivers whose wheels or tires are damaged.

That will likely be an attractive prospect to many owners, since the wheels and tires are inevitably vulnerable. Bronco Nation reports that prices for new wheels range from $400-$500, and new tires range from $300 to $400 per unit, all of which add up quickly.

Read: Toyota Reverses Course, Will Cover GR86 Engine That Blew Up On Track

Equally compelling will be the windshield protection plan. This is a particular concern for owners of the Bronco, whose upright design makes the glass particularly susceptible to cracks and breaks.

However, Ford’s plans will only cover damage like rock chips and cracks that are less than six inches (15 cm) long. Ford Protect will not pay to replace your windshield completely, which can cost as much as $900, and may require special calibrating from an experienced technician.

In addition, Ford Protect will cover small dents and dings suffered on the trail. Certain plans will pay for the removal of body damage no larger than four inches (10 cm), located in an accessible area.

There is a large list of items not covered by the plan, including damage suffered by misuse or neglect, and Ford says it will only cover vehicles that are less than three years old, and have traveled fewer than 36,000 miles (57,936 km). However, the plans will likely still be a compelling option for owners who want to do a little off-roading.

In all, there are four plans available: TireCARE, TireCARE Plus, TripleCARE, and TripleCARE Plus. Pricing for these plans is not available, and owners are encouraged to talk with their nearest dealer to find out if they’re eligible for this coverage.

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The Points Guy 

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information. Citi is a TPG advertising partner.

Citi® Double Cash Card overview

The Citi Double Cash Card (see rates and fees) is one of the simplest and most rewarding cash-back rewards cards. With up to 2% earnings on all purchases — 1% when you make a purchase and another 1% when you pay it off — it’s difficult to beat this no-annual-fee card. Plus, you can convert your rewards to fully transferable ThankYou points if you also have other select Citi cards. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.

The Citi Double Cash Card is the cash-back card I recommend most to friends and family. If you’re earning less than 2% back on your credit or debit card purchases, you can benefit from how the Citi Double Cash Card earns up to 2% cash back on all purchases (given as 1% when you make a purchase, plus 1% as you pay that purchase off).

You’ll usually need a fair credit score of 580 or higher to get approved for the Citi Double Cash Card. But this card has no annual fee, so it’s a great card to keep in your wallet long-term. [LHR]

You’ll automatically earn cash-back rewards in the form of ThankYou points that you can redeem for statement credits and more. But you’ll unlock higher-value redemption options if you also hold a Citi Premier® Card (see rates and fees) or Citi Prestige® Card (no longer available to new applicants), as you can then convert your rewards to fully transferable ThankYou points.

Let’s take a closer look at this simple yet valuable card.

The information for the Citi Prestige has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Citi Double Cash welcome offer

LUMINOLA/GETTY IMAGES

There is currently no welcome offer for cash-back rewards on the Citi Double Cash.

However, the card offers an introductory 0% annual percentage rate for the first 18 months from account opening for balance transfers. Note that you must transfer a balance within the first four months to be eligible for the introductory 0% APR, and you’ll need to pay a balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5). After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5). After the introductory APR period ends, the variable APR is 19.24% to 29.24% based on your creditworthiness.

Note that you won’t earn cash back on balance transfers, and the introductory APR doesn’t apply to purchases. If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.

Related: Why the Citi Double Cash will always have a place in my wallet

Citi Double Cash benefits

The Citi Double Cash Card doesn’t offer many other standout benefits or perks as a no-annual-fee card. However, it does offer:

A chip-enabled card to use at merchants that support contactless pay
$0 liability on unauthorized charges
Access to Citi Entertainment, which offers special access to purchase tickets to thousands of events
Enrollment in complimentary ID theft protection that monitors your information and alerts you if suspicious activity is found

Note that the Citi Double Cash has a 3% foreign transaction fee. As such, you’ll want to have an alternate card without foreign transaction fees to use when traveling outside the U.S.

Related: What credit score do you need to get the Citi Double Cash Card?

Earning rewards on the Citi Double Cash

PROSTOCK STUDIO/GETTY IMAGES

You’ll earn cash back in the form of ThankYou points with limited transferability when you make purchases with the Citi Double Cash Card. Cardmembers earn 1% cash back when they buy and 1% when they pay for their purchases.

However, Citi Double Cash members should see a banner for a limited-time offer when they log in to the Citi Travel site. With this limited-time offer, Citi Double Cash cardmembers will earn 5% total cash-back rewards — 3% cash back on top of that standard 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay — on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked through the Citi Travel site through Dec. 31, 2024.

Your card account must be current to earn rewards. This means you must pay at least the minimum payment due by the first day of each billing period — although it’s best practice to pay your statement in full whenever possible.

Related: Best 2%-cash-back credit cards

Redeeming rewards on the Citi Double Cash

The Citi Double Cash Card earns ThankYou points with limited transferability. The value you’ll get when redeeming these ThankYou points will vary depending on the redemption you choose. Here’s a look at how to redeem the ThankYou points you earn with the Citi Double Cash Card.

Redeem for cash back

If you want the simplest redemption option that still provides good value, you can redeem for cash-back rewards at a rate of 1 cent per point. You can request this cash back as a statement credit or direct deposit of any amount. Alternatively, you can request a check in the mail if you redeem for at least $5 in cash-back rewards.

Redeem for gift cards

You can also redeem your ThankYou points for gift cards, although the redemption rate will vary depending on the merchant. You’ll usually find the highest redemption rates in the sale section, where I found a $25 Red Lobster gift card on sale for 2,250 points (a redemption rate of 1.11 cents per point).

THANKYOU.COM

Book travel

You can redeem Citi ThankYou points earned with the Citi Double Cash Card toward hotels, flights, rental cars and attractions you book through the Citi Travel portal. In the example searches I did for each type of travel booking, I could get 1 cent per point each when redeeming points from my Citi Double Cash account.

CITI.COM

Shop with points

You can also redeem Citi ThankYou points at the following merchants through the Shop with Points program:

Amazon
Best Buy
BP/Amoco
CVS
Dollar General
Paypal
Shell
Walmart
1-800-Flowers

However, you’ll usually get a redemption rate of less than 1 cent per point when you Shop with Points. As such, we recommend redeeming for a statement credit or direct deposit instead of using Shop for Points.

Donate your points

You can also donate your ThankYou points to various charities, starting at just 1,000 points per donation. However, it will usually be better to get a statement credit or direct deposit and then donate to a charity of your choice if you feel generous.

Transfer your points

As we’ll discuss in the next section, you can also redeem your points by transferring them to other Citi ThankYou Rewards members or travel loyalty programs.

Related: Redeeming Citi ThankYou points for maximum value

Transferring points on the Citi Double Cash

MOMO PRODUCTIONS/GETTY IMAGES

You can transfer points you earn with your Citi Double Cash Card in two primary ways. Firstly, you can transfer up to 100,000 ThankYou points per calendar year to other ThankYou members. However, know that points transferred to other members expire 90 days after they’re received.

You can also transfer Citi ThankYou points to select loyalty partners. If you don’t have the Citi Premier or Citi Prestige card, you’ll only have the option to transfer to four loyalty partners:

Choice Privileges: 1,000 ThankYou points can be converted to 1,500 Choice points
JetBlue TrueBlue: 1,000 ThankYou points can be converted to 800 JetBlue points
Shop Your Way: 1 ThankYou point can be converted to 10 Shop Your Way points
Wyndham Rewards: 1,000 ThankYou points can be converted to 800 Wyndham points

If you also have the Citi Premier or Citi Prestige, you can combine the ThankYou points from your Citi Double Cash Card with the ThankYou points from one of these cards. When you do this, you’ll be able to use your ThankYou points as if you earned them with your Citi Premier or Citi Prestige, including transferring them to all of the standard Citi ThankYou Rewards partners.

Related: 5 of the best Citi ThankYou Rewards redemption sweet spots

Which cards compete with the Citi Double Cash?

The Citi Double Cash Card is a great choice to earn 2% cash back (1% when you make a purchase and another 1% when you pay it off). But, there are three primary situations where a different cash-back rewards card might be better for you:

If you want a welcome offer: The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card (see rates and fees) offers 2% cash rewards on purchases and a $200 cash rewards bonus when you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months. See our Wells Fargo Active Cash review for more details.
If you already have (or plan to get) a Chase Ultimate Rewards card: The Chase Freedom Unlimited and Chase Freedom Flex are worth considering if you already have (or plan to eventually get) a card that earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points. Both cards earn cash-back rewards but offer the opportunity to convert your cash-back rewards to transferable points if you have a Chase Ultimate Rewards card. For more information, read our reviews of the Chase Freedom Unlimited and the Chase Freedom Flex.
If you want a card with bonus categories: If you want a cash-back card that earns bonus rewards on purchases in a variety of categories, check out our post on the best cash-back rewards cards. Look at all the options to find the card with the best mix of bonus categories for you.

Related: How to choose a cash-back credit card

Is the Citi Double Cash worth it?

KSENIYA OVCHINNIKOVA/GETTY IMAGES

The Citi Double Cash is a great choice if you’re looking for simple cash-back rewards without worrying about spending categories.

You can also use the Citi Double Cash as part of a larger Citi credit card strategy. After all, you can get more value from Double Cash rewards when you have a premium Citi ThankYou card and can utilize the full set of Citi ThankYou transfer partners.

Related: Why the Citi Double Cash Card is an integral part of my strategy to beat inflation

Bottom line

If you’re looking for a cash-back credit card where you don’t have to worry about bonus categories, the Citi Double Cash Card may very well be the right card for you.

But even if you do like to maximize bonus categories with other cards, the Citi Double Cash can also serve as an everyday spending card for your non-bonus category purchases. If you have a premium Citi credit card like the Citi Premier, you can unlock more transfer partners for the rewards you earn with your Citi Double Cash Card.

Apply here for the Citi Double Cash Card.

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Carscoops 

Ford had been hopeful that it would be able to sell its factory in Saarlouis, Germany but talks with a potential investor have fallen through and the site is now on course for a thorough makeover.

Unnamed sources assert that Ford had held discussions with a number of Chinese automakers who were said to be interested in purchasing the plant. It is understood that a Chinese company pulled out of a deal at the last minute having originally had plans to sign a binding preliminary agreement by September 30. Companies thought to have been interested in buying Ford’s plant included BYD and Chery Automotive.

The site currently builds the Focus but production of it will end in 2025. Ford didn’t just hold discussions with other car manufacturers but sources have told Bloomberg that it also discussed a potential sale to a German manufacturer of solar panel modules. No less than fifteen possible investors expressed interest in the plant.

The boss of Ford Europe’s passenger car business, Martin Sander, informed workers at the plant that it would look for an alternative plan that would allow it to save 1,000 of the 4,400 jobs at the factory. Ford says this plan would see it convert the site into a technology center but further details about this center are not known at this early stage.

The union representing workers at the site expressed frustration at the news and said it would work to finalize a collective bargaining agreement for those workers who will lose their jobs.

Read: Ford To Build 250,000 EVs Per Year In New German Plant, Starting With VW-Based Explorer

“This will be expensive for Ford,” union representative Joerg Koehlinger said. “We will send a signal so that other companies will be afraid to flatten sites.”

We’ve known of the impending demise of Ford’s Saarlouis plant since mid-2022 when the carmaker announced that its factory in Valencia, Spain had been selected to build future electric vehicles for the European market, rather than the Saarlouis factory.

BYD Seal

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The Points Guy 

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with the latest information.

The best Bahamas cruises take you away from the daily grind, transporting you to theme park-like private islands and beach-lined paradises. Cruise choices include new and jazzed-up ships sailing an array of short and weeklong Bahamas itineraries. Cruising to the Bahamas is so easy you may even be able to go without a passport.

Family-friendly lines, such as Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line, offer cruises focused on the Bahamas all year. So do newcomers Virgin Voyages, with its adults-only sailings, and Margaritaville at Sea, offering short two-night hops and longer cruise-and-stay packages. The winter and early spring seasons bring a handful of itineraries on premium lines like Celebrity Cruises and Holland America.

The only cruise lines that don’t regularly offer Bahamas cruises are the luxury lines. But don’t worry, luxe lovers: Many of the ships we included on our list of the best Bahamas cruises offer suites that come with concierge services, private enclaves or special spa privileges. If a luxury cruise to the Bahamas is your goal, look at the top suite options on a mainstream or premium line.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter.

Whether you’re looking for a quick and cheap getaway or a week at the beach, here are the best Bahamas cruise itineraries to start your search, in order from shortest to longest.

2-night cruises on Margaritaville at Sea Paradise from Palm Beach, Florida

Margaritaville at Sea Paradise. THE MCBRIDE COMPANY

Though cruising is relatively new to the Margaritaville travel and hospitality franchise, cruise line Margaritaville at Sea is essentially a rebranding of the old Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line. Its refurbished ship, Paradise, originally debuted in the 1990s for Costa Cruises.

One Jimmy Buffett-themed makeover later, the ship is a perfect fit for the laid-back vibe of the Bahamas. Grab a drink or a bite to eat from the 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill, try your luck at the Par-A-Dice Casino and enjoy plenty of entertainment, including the musical production, “Tales from Margaritaville: Jimmy’s Ship Show.” There’s a kids club, a teen club, a spa and two pools stocked with beach balls and inflatable parrots.

The two-night cruise itinerary includes one day in Freeport, where you can shop, hit the casino, enjoy water sports or chill on the beach. The ship offers shore excursions, or you can explore independently. Margaritaville at Sea also offers cruise-and-stay itineraries of either four or six nights (including the two nights onboard the ship). These packages let you choose between two partner hotels in Freeport, where you’ll stay two or four nights on land, then hop back on the ship for your return night at sea.

Margaritaville at Sea Paradise carries around 1,300 passengers in an assortment of inside and ocean-view cabins, all around 176 square feet, which is larger than the average for those categories on most mainstream ships. Ten suites with balconies are also available, with 524 square feet of space.

Who should go? Obviously, Parrotheads are gonna want to try this ship, with all its Jimmy Buffett-inspired themes and decor, but it’s also a good trial run for anyone on the fence about cruising. Pricing makes this a great cruise to enjoy an escape without spending a fortune. We found weekday sailings that begin at $99 per person based on double occupancy for an inside cabin.

Related: Best Bahamas cruise tips for first-timers and repeat visitors alike

3- or 4-night cruises on Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas from Miami

Freedom of the Seas docked at Perfect Day at CocoCay. ROYAL CARIBBEAN

This itinerary may be the best overall short Bahamas cruise. Both the three- and four-night cruises have stops at Nassau and Royal Caribbean‘s massive private island — Perfect Day at CocoCay. Those two stops combined give cruisers the opportunity to enjoy water sports, spend some time at the beach and experience a bit of Bahamian culture.

Freedom of the Seas has plenty of onboard fun to occupy travelers of all ages on sea days. It’s loaded with top-deck slides and water features, specialty restaurant choices and more entertainment options than you can take in on a short cruise. Carrying around 4,000 cruise guests, Freedom of the Seas is big enough to impress without being overwhelming.

Plus, logistics for cruising out of Miami are simple enough for even first-time cruisers. From flight choices to pre- or post-cruise hotels, it’s a city that caters to tourists, especially the cruising ones.

Who should go? From first-timers to veteran cruisers, anyone looking for a short but fun-filled hop to the Bahamas should give Freedom of the Seas a look. Families looking for a quick escape will find entertainment and activities for toddlers to teens. The ship is also ideal for family reunions, bachelorette parties and birthday cruises. Couples will love the adults-only Solarium with its extra-large hot tubs looking out over the sea.

Related: Bahamas cruise packing list: What to pack for the islands

3- or 4-night cruises on Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas from Port Canaveral, Florida

An artist’s rendering of Utopia of the Seas. ROYAL CARIBBEAN

When Royal Caribbean’s giant Utopia of the Seas debuts in July 2024, it will offer a bevy of short sailings, including three- and four-night sailings from Port Canaveral, Florida. The 236,860-ton, 5,669-passenger vessel will be the second-largest cruise ship in the world and offer more exciting amenities than any other cruise ship sailing short itineraries in North America.

Why? The newest, biggest ships in the world typically sail longer cruises. Offering short cruises on its humongous Oasis Class ships is new for Royal Caribbean; sister ship Allure of the Seas will test out the concept before Utopia launches.

Families with kids will definitely go bananas over the choices on board the new ship. The top deck alone will feature three separate pool areas, a surfing simulator, a kiddie splash zone, a basketball court, two rock walls, a miniature golf course and even a zip line.

The ship will also boast an extensive selection of restaurants, bars, lounges and shops. Additionally, there will be an indoor skating rink, a spa and a showroom with Broadway-style shows.

Utopia of the Seas’ inaugural voyage is set for July 22, 2024, and will be a four-night cruise to Nassau and the line’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. The second sailing will be a three-night cruise to the Bahamas that departs on July 26, 2024.

Who should go? Short sailings on this new ship will appeal to all sorts of cruisers. Historically, new ships are reserved for longer itineraries, so this is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a snack-size sampling of a brand-new ship without spending the money on a longer sailing.

Families craving a quick getaway where the entire brood is satisfied will not be disappointed. In addition to seemingly endless kid-friendly amenities and top-notch children’s programming, Utopia of the Seas will feature a casino and adults-only spaces.

Related: These 2 cruise lines are building new private destinations in the Bahamas

3- or 4-night cruises on Disney Wish from Port Canaveral, Florida

Disney Wish at Castaway Cay. MATT STROSHANE/DISNEY

Disney waited a decade to build its next new ship, but Disney dreamers had their wish granted in 2022. Even better, the new Disney Wish cruises to the Bahamas. Designed to be the perfect complement to a visit to Orlando’s Disney theme parks, these short cruises visit Nassau and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. The four-night itinerary adds a sea day to enjoy the ship.

Disney Wish is designed to immerse cruisers in the various Disney worlds through technology. An onboard augmented reality game turns the Disney Cruise Line Navigator smartphone app into a virtual spyglass that lets cruisers participate in a fantasy adventure with Disney and Pixar characters. The AquaMouse waterslide combines a splashy tube ride in a two-seater raft with a pre-adventure tale told through screens at the beginning of the ride. Diners at the Worlds of Marvel restaurant take part in an interactive Avengers-themed experience through videos and special effects.

Wish carries 4,000 passengers in cabins and suites designed to simplify cruising with kids. But never fear, adult Disney fans; you’ll also find your spot on board. From the “Star Wars”-themed Hyperspace Lounge to the Quiet Cove adults-only sun deck, Disney manages to cater to grownups as well as kids.

Who should go? This is obviously the best Bahamas cruise for lovers of all things Disney, including “Star Wars” and Marvel fans.

Related: Best shore excursions for Bahamas cruises

3- or 4-night cruises on Celebrity Reflection from Fort Lauderdale

Celebrity Reflection. CELEBRITY CRUISES

Beginning in April 2024, Celebrity Cruises will sail three- and four-night voyages round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, year-round.

The 3,046-passenger Celebrity Reflection will offer a consistent rotation of three-night weekend cruises (departing each Friday and returning each Monday morning) and four-night weekday sailings (departing each Monday and returning each Friday morning).

Itineraries will include stops at Key West in Florida and Nassau and Bimini in the Bahamas.

Celebrity appeals mostly to the 40-plus set sans small children. It’s light on the kid-centric attractions (such as waterslides, go-karts and laser tag) that other big-ship lines include. The line offers instead lots of quiet and relaxing pool and lounge areas. (If you do have kids in tow, you can take advantage of the extensive children’s program, Camp at Sea. It provides supervised activities daily for children ages 3-12 in dedicated spaces.)

Celebrity Reflection is the line’s last and largest Solstice Class cruise ship. The Solstice Class ships feature some of the most stylish outdoor pool decks at sea, with indoor, adults-only pool areas that, notably, are topped with glass panels embedded with solar panels that contribute to the ship’s power grid. You’ll also find large spas, casinos, showrooms and a nice selection of restaurants on board.

This ship also boasts one of the most spectacular suites in the cruising world — the 1,646-square-foot Reflection Suite. It was the first two-bedroom suite on a Celebrity Cruises vessel.

Who should go? This an ideal cruise for older travelers who are new to cruising and want to sample one or frequent cruisers who might prefer a shorter time at sea. Although Celebrity doesn’t draw many families with young children, the shorter Bahamas itineraries are also perfect for multigenerational family groups seeking an affordable cruise that appeals to all ages.

4-night cruises on Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady from Miami

Scarlet Lady. VIRGIN VOYAGES

Virgin Voyages aimed to be a disrupter in the cruise market from the beginning — creating a product designed to please even those who claim they would never set foot on a cruise ship. Yet the itinerary for this four-night Bahamas cruise on Scarlet Lady is fairly ordinary. Ports of call include Key West and a private beach club on the Bahamian island of Bimini.

It’s the ship itself that sets this cruise apart from the pack. You’ll find unique cabins (with balcony hammocks), brash red livery and one-of-a-kind onboard activities, such as tattoo parlors, drag shows and ‘80s-themed fitness classes, to keep its 2,700 sailors (as Virgin calls its passengers) entertained.

Who should go? This is the best Bahamas cruise for the non-cruiser who is either young at heart or young and eager to party aboard this glitzy ship. If you’re easily offended by loud music, round-the-clock partying or sexual innuendo, this is not your Bahamas cruise.

4-day cruises on Norwegian Jade from Miami

Norwegian Jade. MICHEL VERDURE/NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE

Norwegian Cruise Line offers four-day sailings from Miami aboard Norwegian Jade. Ports of call include Key West and Great Stirrup Cay, the line’s private island.

Port diversions consist of touring the Key West Shipwreck Treasures Museum and the Key West Aquarium, shopping along Nassau’s Bay Street and exploring the white-sand beaches and pristine waters on Great Stirrup Cay.

The 2,402-passenger vessel is part of the line’s Jewel class of ships. Though the ship launched in 2006, it received a substantial refurbishment in 2017 that included a cabin remodel, new and expanded dining and a design overhaul.

Norwegian Jewel might not have the extensive top-deck attractions of newer ships, like Norwegian Prima, or as many restaurants and bars. However, passengers will find plenty to occupy their time onboard with scheduled activities, a casino, spa and pool areas.

Who should go? Families, couples and friend groups will appreciate the unstructured nature of a Norwegian cruise. The line’s “freestyle cruising” mantra — cruising without rigid dining schedules, dress codes and formal nights — is perfectly suited for short sailings. With a wide range of eateries and no assigned seating times, passengers have lots of flexibility for their limited time at sea.

Related: Best time to cruise to the Bahamas

5-night cruises on Carnival Sunshine from South Carolina

Carnival Sunshine. CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE

I am a huge lover of five-night sailings. They are long enough to scratch the cruise itch and short enough to account for travel time to and from the port without adding any extra vacation days. Plus, the slightly longer itineraries are less popular with hard partiers who can be disruptive on shorter Bahamas cruises.

Carnival Cruise Line offers 10 different five-night sailings from Charleston, South Carolina, aboard the 3,002-passenger Carnival Sunshine. It’s currently Carnival’s oldest ship (it debuted in 1996 under the name Carnival Destiny). However, in 2013, the line gave it a $200 million bow-to-stern glow-up and renamed it Carnival Sunshine. The overhaul produced a new top-deck WaterWorks water park, a comedy club and several bars, lounges and restaurants.

Depending on which itinerary you choose, you can chill out on the beaches of Bimini, shop Nassau’s iconic straw market or go horseback riding by the shore of Carnival’s private island, Half Moon Cay. Consider a pre- or post-cruise stay in Charleston to take in the city’s historic landmarks, epic dining and charming cobblestone streets.

Who should go? These cruises are the best Bahamas sailings for those who prefer the intimacy of an older ship and don’t care about flashy amenities and onboard attractions on newer vessels. Plus, they’re ideal for travelers who live north of Florida and are looking for a more convenient drive-to departure port.

8-night cruises on Carnival Venezia from New York City

Carnival Venezia. DANNY LEHMAN/CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE

The 4,090-passenger Carnival Venezia is a bit of an outlier in Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet. Originally built for Italy-based Costa Cruises and launched in 2019, it joined the Carnival family in May 2023. (Carnival Corporation is the parent company of both Costa and Carnival.)

The ship was renovated to add many of Carnival’s signature venues. However, many of its Costa-aligned, Italian-themed designs remain, including a real gondola “sailing” down the middle of its main dining room and a pool deck built to look like a Venetian boulevard.

Guests might feel like they’ve been whisked away to Italy thanks to regional touches like the handmade Italian gelato at JavaBlue Cafe and the Italian liqueur-infused concoctions found at many bars.

Two eight-night voyages out of New York City include stops at Freeport, Nassau and Half Moon Cay.

Who should go? This Bahamas cruise is ideal for anyone looking for a different Carnival experience during a weeklong cruise. It’s almost like traveling to Italy and the Bahamas in one trip.

Bottom line

The best Bahamas cruises offer something cruisers can’t quite get enough of — whether it’s beach time or party time. While short sailings are still the most popular Bahamas itineraries, you can find options for almost every cruising style. The key is identifying the cruise that fits your style, preferred activities and vacation budget.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
15 ways cruisers waste money
15 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

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Carscoops 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) believes that as many as 52 million airbag inflators should be recalled in the United States as they contain a safety defect not dissimilar to the infamous airbag inflators manufactured by Takata.

The airbag inflators in question were produced by ARC Automotive and Delphi Automotive between 2000 and 2018. The NHTSA asserts that these inflators could rupture when the vehicle’s airbag is commanded to deploy and that this could cause metal debris to be “forcefully ejected into the passenger compartment of the vehicle.” A report from NHTSA has revealed that at least seven people have been injured and one person has been killed due to the rupturing air bag inflators.

Some twelve different car manufacturers used the airbag inflators in question in their models between 2000 and 2018. These consist of BMW, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Ford, General Motors, Hyundai, Kia, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Tesla, Toyota, and VW Group.

Representatives from NHTSA told a public hearing earlier this week that a recall should be issued for the airbag inflators. Approximately 11 million of them were produced by Delphi while the remaining 41 million inflators were manufactured by ARC. The NTHSA had demanded a voluntary recall in May but ARC rejected it and now, the agency is taking the steps that could allow it to force a recall.

Read: U.S. Wants To Recall 67 Million Airbags, Supplier Disagrees

The NHTSA believes that the ruptures could occur if weld slag of a sufficient size produced by friction during the welding manufacturing process becomes dislodged. If the weld slag does become dislodged then it could block the inflator exit orifice when the airbag deploys, leading to over-pressurization and rupturing the inflator.

Reuters reports that at least 20 million vehicles produced by GM have the suspect inflators. The car manufacturer does not believe the evidence presented by the NHTSA provides the basis for a sweeping recall. Additionally, ARC vice president Stephen Gold says the incidents were “isolated” and “not indicative of a systematic defect.” He added that setting a low threshold involving just seven incidents out of 52 million vehicles “is unprecedented in the history of the NHTSA…and will have deep consequences for the auto industry.”

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Carscoops 

From Chevy’s Multi-Flex tailgate to Ram’s Multi-Function tailgate, and now Ford’s Pro Access tailgate, we are well and truly amid a tailgate war. If Ford has its way, the next front of that war may be fought further forward with the truck bed.

The automaker has filed a bevy of patents in the U.S. relating to truck beds, the latest offering a little extra storage space. The company is looking into “extendable cargo bed side walls having cargo bed access openings.”

The idea is basically to turn the truck bed’s sidewalls into a matchbox that can slide open to reveal extra storage behind the rear wheels. In images published with the United States Patent Office (and first noticed by Ford Authority) we can see what looks like a peg board for holding tools and other goodies.

Read: 2024 Ford F-150 Refresh Brings New Swinging Tailgate, Cheaper Hybrid And More

The 2024 Ford F-150’s Storage Box

While we’re sure that no truck buyer would turn their nose up at extra storage space, it all feels a little elaborate. Especially when you consider that the 2024 F-150 has storage compartments in the same place that are accessible with a simple door. While that’s a little less secure, it’s also a little less complex, and it would be easier to get your tools out of if the system fails.

This may not be the only extra space that this patent provides. In its filing, Ford writes that the brake lights would continue to operate when the sidewalls are in their extended position, which may suggest that this would also provide drivers with extra bed space, though storage compartments appear to be the main feature Ford is concerned with in this document.

The automaker suggests that the extending bed would be best used by an electrified vehicle whose batteries can run an actuator to allow the bed to extend automatically. However, owners will also be able to extend the bed manually. In addition, it includes a tailgate that folds down to allow people easier access to the bed when the bed is extended.

Whether or not this technology makes it into production remains to be seen, but this and other patents suggest that nifty new technologies are coming to the tailgates of Ford trucks in the future.

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Carscoops 

Subaru has remembered that not all of its customers lust after an SUV and whipped up a hotter version of its WRX sedan to keep die-hard rally fans and speed enthusiasts happy. It’s called the WRX TR, and while it doesn’t gain any power over a stock WRX, it does come with some important upgrades that should ensure it’s even better to drive.

The WRX TR has been teased a couple of times lately, but it’s been revealed in full today ahead of its public debut at Subiefest in Florida this weekend. Most of the key changes are under the skin, where the TR is equipped with a Brembo brake setup including red-colored, six-piston calipers at the front, two-piston versions at the back, again in red, larger pads and rotors and a bigger master cylinder. Subaru claims the result isn’t only improved stopping power, but reduced fade in hard use and a superior pedal feel.

The suspension has come in for some work, too. There are stiffer springs, new dampers, and a modified steering rack, plus 245/35 R19 Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires that together promise more grip in all conditions, tighter body control, and improved steering response, all without ruining the ride quality.

Related: Manual-Only 2024 Subaru WRX TR Leaked With Massive STI-Style Wing

Those Bridgestones are wrapped around new satin gray 19-inch wheels and the TR also benefits from 8-way power-adjustable Recaro buckets that use red stitching to add some vibrancy to the otherwise muted gray and black Ultrasuede upholstery. And to make sure you can still wear a helmet while sitting in those seats during track days, and also to reduce the center of gravity and save a few pounds from the curb weight, the TR does without a sunroof.

The American version of the WRX TR also sadly misses out on the big rear wing visible in leaked images of the Australian-market car. What it does get though, is Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist package. Eyesight combines features like adaptive cruise and lane departure and was previously only available on CVT-equipped WRXs, but the TR, along with every other manual WRX, now enjoys the same benefits.

Did we say manual? Yes, we did. While Nissan opted to make its new Nismo Z only available with an automatic transmission, WRX TR buyers get to shift their own gears. Unfortunately, the 2.4-liter, turbocharged boxer motor is rated at the same 271 hp (275 PS) and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) as it is in every other WRX, but at least the chassis mods will help you make more of those horses.

TR prices will be announced later this year and the model will go on sale early in 2024.

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Carscoops 

We gave the Carscoops website a mid-life facelift this year, and we’re pretty pleased with the way it turned out. But if we’re honest, it’s missing one thing, and that’s a live tracker for Tesla Model 3 and Y prices, a bit like financial websites have live market prices. Because those damn Tesla numbers change so often we can barely write fast enough to keep up with them.

The latest round of price updates has chopped the cost of a base, single-motor Model 3 in the U.S. from $40,240 to $38,990, but if you’re eligible for the full $7,500 of tax credits the price falls to just $31,490. You need to add a $1,390 destination and a $250 order fee to that figure, but you’re still talking about an on-the-road price of $33,130, which is seriously tempting.

Elsewhere in the lineup, the Model 3 Long Range gets an identical $1,250 reduction, taking it from $47,240 to $45,990, but the Model 3 Performance benefits from a $2,250 drop, meaning it now comes in at $50,990. Like the single-motor sedan, both of those dual-motor, all-wheel drive variants are cool as far as tax credits are concerned.

Related: Tesla Launches New Base Model Y RWD In The U.S. Priced From $43,990

New base, RWD Model Y announced earlier this week retains $43,990 price

There’s good news for liftback fans, too. Tesla added a new single-motor version of its Model Y to the SUV line earlier this week and that sticks with the same $43,990 price we reported at the time. But the Model Y Long Range drops below $50k following a $2,000 cut that slides to a more affordable $48,490. And that’s before tax credits are factored into the equation. 

That new saving on the Long Range only makes us more sure that it’s the pick of the Model Y line, even if does command a $4,500 premium over the base SUV. Because while the base Model Y is only rated at 260 miles (418 km) of range, which is probably going to translate to not much more than 200 miles (322 km) in real use or cold weather, the Long Range has an EPA range of 330 miles (531 km).

For those who do live in northern states, the AWD LR’s traction advantage could be a big deal, and of interest to all buyers regardless of location, is the fact that there’s also a big gulf in performance between the two cars. While the dual-motor LR can reach 60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.8 seconds, the new base car needs 6.6 seconds. That also compares unfavorably with the new base Model Y unveiled in China last week. Despite also having only one motor and two-wheel drive it can reach 62 mph (100 km/h) in 5.9 seconds.

These latest price cuts arrive on the back of news that Tesla’s Q3 sales fell short of expectations, and are seen by industry watchers as a device to ensure as many cars as possible are delivered in the final quarter of 2023.

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