The Ultra Fast-Dry Towel is lightweight and absorbent, dries up to three times faster than a cotton towel and is treated with an antimicrobial solution that reduces foul smells.
Available in 16 colors, it comes in four sizes: large (58 by 34 inches and weighing 9 ounces, $34.95), medium (34"x28", $24.95), small (28"x16", $19.95) and extra-small (13"x10", $12.95). Shipping/handling cost is extra (example — $8.13 on an extra-small towel shipped to Miami).
Located in a hangar at the former Royal Air Force Ta’ Qali Airfield and showcasing the history of flight in Malta, the Malta Aviation Museum (Ta’ Qali ATD 4000, Malta G.C.; phone +356 2141 6095, www.maltaviationmuseum.com) exhibits a rebuilt Spitfire Mk IX; a Hawker Hurricane IIa; jet and propeller engines; a 1920s flight simulator; ground vehicles; uniforms, and much more.
In Córdoba, Spain, an hour-long sound-and-light show — with light projections on many ponds and fountains — takes place nightly all year long at the Alcázar, or Fortress of the Christian Monarchs (Calle Caballerizas Reales s/n, Córdoba; phone +34 957420151).
In Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the Dubai Tram began running in November 2014. Its 6½-mile route begins at the marina, connecting with the Red Line of the Dubai Metro, and continues for 11 stops along the waterfront. Trains (with up to 405 passengers) run every six minutes from 5:30 a.m. to midnight.
In the Cannaregio sesteri (district) of Venice, Italy, the Jewish Ghetto will celebrate its 500th anniversary in 2016. (The current meaning of “ghetto” originated here.) The Ghetto and its five synagogues are under restoration.
On March 29, the date the Ghetto was created in 1516, there will be an opening ceremony at the opera house Teatro La Fenice (San Marco 4387, Venice; phone +39 041 786677, www.teatrolafenice.it/site/index.php).
For all sailings of the Norwegian Sky in 2016, passengers will receive unlimited alcoholic and soft drinks (excluding drinks costing more than $11), and bottles of wine purchased on board will be priced 20% off.
To accommodate the “Ultimate Beverage Package,” Norwegian Cruise Line (866/234-7350, www.ncl.com) raised cruise fares slightly, though, reportedly, less than the cost of a comparable beverage package.
In an attempt to prevent alcohol being smuggled aboard its ships, and citing behavioral issues and the amount of time it took to inspect boarding passengers’ bottles for alcohol, on June 9 Carnival Cruise Lines (800/764-7419, www.carnival.com) banned most bottled drinks from being taken aboard during embarkation.
Passengers will be allowed up to 12 unopened bottles of water or cans of soda, and passengers over 21 are also allowed one unopened, 750-milliliter bottle of wine or champagne.
Near Kunming in southwestern China’s Yunnan Province, the Old City of Dali — capital of the former kingdom of Dali, which dates back to the eighth and ninth centuries AD — will begin charging a fee of CNY30 (near $4.80) to any traveler who is a member of a tour group. Travelers visiting independently will not be charged the fee.
Visitors to South Australia can get eye to eye with great white sharks, thanks to Adventure Bay Charters (Box 88, Port Lincoln, South Australia, 5606, Australia; phone +61 8 8682 2979, www.adventurebaycharters.com.au).
The Shark Warrior takes up to 27 passengers from Port Lincoln to Neptune Island, where sharks will be lured using sound waves, not bait. Guests can dive into the 6-person shark cage (using a surface-air supply; no scuba certification needed) or watch from the completely enclosed, 6-person Aqua Sub pod with 360-degree views.
On the Eastern Caribbean island of St. Vincent, the oldest botanical gardens in the Western Hemisphere, the Botanical Gardens (New Montrose, Kingstown, St. Vincent & the Grenadines; phone +1 784/533-1657, http://botanical gardens.gov.vc), are celebrating their 250th anniversary in 2015. Special events include a floral competition on Oct. 27 and a nightly light show, held in rotating locations in the park, Dec. 16-24.