Harry Potter coaster winds through a forest
Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, a roller coaster opening June 13 at Universal Orlando Resort's Wizarding World of Harry Potter, will reach speeds of up to 50 mph, travel forward and backward and be set in the Forbidden Forest, which will have 1,200 live trees. Riders will follow the Rubeus Hagrid character, Hogwarts' gamekeeper, on motorcycles or sidecars.
Sky Princess to add La Mer restaurant
A La Mer restaurant by Michelin three-star chef Emmanuel Renaut will open on the 3,660-passenger Sky Princess when the ship launches in October. It will be the line's first French specialty restaurant for North American guests and will carry a $35 cover charge. The menu will feature refreshed French classics. La Mer debuted in 2017 on the Majestic Princess, which sails the Chinese market.
Exclusive access with Mardi Gras cabins
Carnival Cruise Line's upcoming Mardi Gras ship will offer Family Harbor cabins with access to the Family Harbor Lounge and tropics-inspired Havana staterooms with access to an open deck with sun loungers, a Cuba-themed bar and a relaxation pool. More than 70% of ship cabins will have ocean views or balconies, and there will be 300 pairs of connecting rooms for families or groups.
United tool reduces missed connections
United is testing a tool that informs the airline if flights can hold for connecting passengers who are running late. The tool, Dynamic D-0, enables the airline to analyze which flights have enough extra time to hold for connecting customers on incoming flights that arrive behind schedule. It will be rolled out in phases this year. United president Scott Kirby said the tool has already saved thousands of customer connections.
Amtrak launches agent booking tool
Amtrak Vacations launched an online booking tool for travel advisors to book customized rail travel for clients. Advisors can use the booking engine to search and book train routes, sleeper cars, hotels, transfers and tours and activities, all in real time. Amtrak recently held a free webinar for advisors on using the booking engine.
Calif. Canyon Ranch to offer treehouses
Canyon Ranch's third resort will open in Woodside, Calif., this summer. The 16-acre Canyon Ranch Wellness Retreat will have 14 traditional rooms and 24 luxury treehouses with private decks. Amenities will include an indoor/outdoor training zone, indoor saline pool, a nature trail and an outdoor obstacle course. It joins locations in Tucson, Ariz., and Lenox, Mass.