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Major Cruise line scraps entire season

<p>Virgin Voyages has cancelled all of its sailings in Australia and New Zealand for the next year after they were left with "no choice" in the wake of escalating tensions in the Red Sea.</p> <p>The Resilient Lady ship will not return Down Under for its promised second sailing season next summer due to safety concerns following a series of strikes on container ships in the Red Sea. </p> <p>The cruise line revealed on Tuesday that a lengthier alternative return route around Africa was not viable for the company. </p> <p>"On the heels of these recent changes and based on the regional and government advice we have received, we remain very concerned about potential escalations in the Red Sea over the next 12 months," <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">a spokesperson from Virgin Voyages said. </span></p> <p>“This significant and ongoing conflict puts unacceptable risks for safe passage through the region for our Sailors, crew and vessel."</p> <p>“To say that we are disappointed to have come to this tough conclusion is an understatement.</p> <p>“These adjustments are happening now to minimise potential future disruption to our passengers’ holiday plans, knowing there is a high likelihood that changes would need to happen in the future.”</p> <p>The cancellations will impact customers with trips planned in late 2024 and early 2025 on repositioning voyages between Europe and Australia. </p> <p>Virgin Voyages have indicated that a return to Australian waters will remain a possibility, as they continue to look for available options.</p> <p>They also said that if the 2024/25 can go ahead, customers who had previously booked their holiday will be prioritised if they would like to re-book. </p> <p>Currently, impacted customers have the option to re-book a different trip or request a full refund. </p> <p>A few other cruise companies who operate seasonal sailings or world cruises through the Red Sea and Suez Canal have also had to cancel, reposition, or re-route their sailings. </p> <p>MSC have cancelled three repositioning sailings in April, while Cunard, Princess and Seabourn have re-routed their world cruises to avoid the Suez Canal.</p> <p><em>Image: Virgin Voyages</em></p> <p> </p>

Cruising

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“Bed of the future” baffles travellers

<p>People usually don't get confused about how to use a bed, but Virgin Hotel's latest addition has gone viral for just that.</p> <p>The Richard Branson bed, has been named the "hotel bed of the future" and it looks like any other bed, aside from the seat-like nooks attached to the corners. </p> <p>"We're very confused by this thing on the edge of my bed," TikTok user Danielle said in the viral video, which has racked up over 3 million views. </p> <p>"It's not a chair, and it doesn't swivel out," she explained.</p> <p>Danielle then proceeds to come up with a few theories about the feature's function. </p> <p>"It's so you don't bump your knee when you're getting up or going back to bed after going to the bathroom," she said. </p> <p>"Or, we're wondering if it's so you can sit and chat with your friends."</p> <p>Other users were quick to comment and here are a few of their hilarious responses: </p> <p>"That's where you stack your laundry when you don't feel like putting it away," one person wrote. </p> <p>"I thought this was so your dog could have a comfy spot to lay," another commented. </p> <p>"Without getting too graphic … the possibilities are endless," added a third. </p> <div class="embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #323338; font-family: Figtree, Roboto, 'Noto Sans Hebrew', 'Noto Kufi Arabic', 'Noto Sans JP', sans-serif; background-color: #ffffff; outline: none !important;"><iframe class="embedly-embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; border-style: initial; vertical-align: baseline; width: 580px; max-width: 100%; outline: none !important;" title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7296702849298337066&amp;display_name=tiktok&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40danielle_carolan%2Fvideo%2F7296702849298337066%3Fis_from_webapp%3D1%26sender_device%3Dpc%26web_id%3D7142332295764346370&amp;image=https%3A%2F%2Fp19-sign.tiktokcdn-us.com%2Ftos-useast5-p-0068-tx%2F53b6a23d5bbd4af1a1907e2073c2b818_1698896032%7Etplv-dmt-logom%3Atos-useast5-i-0068-tx%2Fo4IRiSlAxEom0dpDDDEQQQFBJAAC3gffEGEA6J.image%3Fx-expires%3D1699570800%26x-signature%3DIMlG9WO44PlRm5CNyVIyayR4AxM%253D&amp;key=59e3ae3acaa649a5a98672932445e203&amp;type=text%2Fhtml&amp;schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> <p>One commenter came to the rescue with the answers everyone was looking for, and confirmed that Danielle's second guess was right, and told her to look up the "Richard Branson lounge bed".</p> <p>The bed itself was patented by Virgin Hotels and features two "cubby holes" which allow three people to sit comfortably on the bed and socialise or do their own thing. </p> <p>"Everybody has a cubby hole where they can sit and talk and still work with devices,"  Virgin Hotels CEO Raul Leal explained when the bed was first introduced in 2015. </p> <p><em>Images: TikTok</em></p>

International Travel

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Virgin Galactic’s use of the ‘Overview Effect’ to promote space tourism is a terrible irony

<p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ariane-moore-1060920">Ariane Moore</a>, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-tasmania-888">University of Tasmania</a></em></p> <p>Virgin Galactic, the space tourism company founded in 2004 by Richard Branson, <a href="https://www.virgingalactic.com/">promotes its flights</a> as offering:</p> <blockquote> <p>A Brand New Perspective: Deepen your connection to Earth and to humanity with the transformational experience known as the Overview Effect.</p> </blockquote> <p>First discussed in 1987 by space philosopher Frank White, the Overview Effect is a result of viewing Earth from space.</p> <p>Expressions of the effect range broadly. Astronauts might experience profound awe and wonder at the perception of Earth as a fragile living being. Some suffer crushing grief when considering the harm humans inflict on nature.</p> <p>While Virgin Galactic promotes access to the Overview Effect as a major drawcard, it is a terrible irony that space tourism is <a href="https://www.thespacereview.com/article/4527/1">enormously damaging</a> for the environment.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Z6d7hyW5FDw?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption><span class="caption">On May 25, Virgin Galactic completed a final test flight before it starts taking paying customers.</span></figcaption></figure> <h2>The Overview Effect</h2> <p>The Overview Effect is not limited to astronauts from the West. Their Chinese and Russian counterparts have described the same profound connection to Earth when witnessing the planet from space.</p> <p>As Soviet Russian cosmonaut Yuri Artyushkin <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Fcns0000086">reported</a>:</p> <blockquote> <p>The feeling of unity is not simply an observation. With it comes a strong sense of compassion and concern for the state of our planet and the effect humans are having on it. It isn’t important in which sea or lake you observe a slick of pollution, or in the forests of which country a fire breaks out, or on which continent a hurricane arises. You are standing guard over the whole of our Earth.</p> </blockquote> <p>Until recently, researching the Overview Effect has required interviews with professional astronauts. Today, commercial space tourism is increasing awareness of the phenomenon, particularly when experienced by celebrities with large platforms.</p> <p>In 2021, Star Trek actor William Shatner completed a suborbital flight with Jeff Bezos’ space tourism company <a href="https://www.blueorigin.com/">Blue Origin</a>. Shatner had anticipated emotions of celebration and joy when viewing “<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/13/science/bezos-shatner-star-trek.html">mother and Earth and comfort</a>” from space. Instead, he <a href="https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/william-shatner-space-boldly-go-excerpt-1235395113/">later wrote</a>, he struggled with “the strongest feelings of grief I have ever encountered”.</p> <p>Shatner attributed his experience to the Overview Effect.</p> <h2>Space flight has a huge environmental impact</h2> <p>Virgin Galactic promotes the Overview Effect on its <a href="https://www.virgingalactic.com/">homepage</a> as an experience exclusive to space flight.</p> <p>However, access is extremely costly. While an eager space tourist consents to parting with US$450,000 to experience a profound connection with Earth, the planet itself has no say in receiving the massive pollution a single trip produces.</p> <p>Rocket emissions impact Earth’s atmosphere, temperatures and the ozone layer at an unprecedented level. A <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2021EF002612">2022 study</a> found space tourism produces black carbon particles that are almost 500 times more efficient at warming the atmosphere than all surface and airline sources of soot combined.</p> <p>After being released into the upper atmosphere, the black carbon particles circulate for <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/27/how-blue-origin-spacex-virgin-galactic-space-race-could-impact-the-atmosphere.html#:%7E:text=Experiencing%20a%20few%20minutes%20of,plane%20continuously%20for%20about%20three">four to five years</a> in a fine layer. This acts as a thin black umbrella <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/27/how-blue-origin-spacex-virgin-galactic-space-race-could-impact-the-atmosphere.html#:%7E:text=Experiencing%20a%20few%20minutes%20of,plane%20continuously%20for%20about%20three">absorbing solar radiation while blocking it from reaching Earth’s surface</a>.</p> <p>A 1.5-hour Virgin Galactic flight generates emissions <a href="https://www.nsr.com/space-com-the-rise-of-space-tourism-could-affect-earths-climate-in-unforeseen-ways-scientists-worry/">equivalent to a ten-hour trans-Atlantic commercial air flight</a>. However, the latter carries hundreds of passengers. With a passenger limit of six, a Virgin Galactic launch <a href="https://theconversation.com/tourisme-spatial-quand-les-plaisirs-de-quelques-uns-polluent-la-planete-de-tous-146552">emits 4.5 tonnes of carbon <em>per person</em></a>. That’s more than twice the Paris Agreement’s recommended annual individual carbon budget.</p> <p>Space tourism rocket launches don’t currently compare to commercial airline flights in number. But the suborbital transportation and space tourism market is expected to be worth <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/outlook-on-the-sub-orbital-transportation-and-space-tourism-global-market-to-2031---featuring-blue-origin-spacex-and-virgin-galactic-among-others-301333701.html">US$2.58 billion by 2031</a>. It’s growing at an annual rate of 17.15%.</p> <p>Virgin Galactic is aiming to launch <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2020/11/06/virgin-galactic-each-spaceport-is-1-billion-annual-revenue-opportunity.html">400 space tourism flights every year</a>.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1SJ1ENmfgmE?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption><span class="caption">In this video on its website, Virgin Galactic uses the Overview Effect to promote its space tourism business.</span></figcaption></figure> <h2>Caring for Earth doesn’t depend on space flight</h2> <p>The desirability of the Overview Effect is not the overwhelming emotions experienced when witnessing Earth from space. As was evident in Shatner’s feelings of immense grief, these emotions are not always pleasant.</p> <p>Instead, researchers, astronauts and space philosophers are interested in the spontaneous and powerful awareness that occurs. Astronauts’ accounts of the moment vary, but a consistent theme emerges: a connection to planet Earth that inspires environmental care.</p> <p>Importantly, such clarity can be achieved without a suborbital space flight.</p> <p><a href="https://www.google.com.au/books/edition/The_Overview_Effect/3a2rz-s3JJsC?hl=en">Frank White argues</a> that, while viewing Earth from space produces the “ultimate” Overview Effect, it might also be had while looking at landscapes from a great height – such as a mountain range. Commercial pilots flying at high altitudes have experienced similar phenomena.</p> <p>And for those considering a Virgin Galactic flight, there are no guarantees. Many astronauts with long careers <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Fcns0000086">report</a> never experiencing the Overview Effect.</p> <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/530799/original/file-20230608-27-brv39q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/530799/original/file-20230608-27-brv39q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=600&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/530799/original/file-20230608-27-brv39q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=600&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/530799/original/file-20230608-27-brv39q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=600&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/530799/original/file-20230608-27-brv39q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=755&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/530799/original/file-20230608-27-brv39q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=755&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/530799/original/file-20230608-27-brv39q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=755&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" alt="View of whole Earth photographed by the orbiting Apollo 17 mission and dubbed 'Blue Marble'" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Being able to see the whole Earth from space was regarded as a transformative moment, but people can have environmental epiphanies without flying into space.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.nasa.gov/content/blue-marble-image-of-the-earth-from-apollo-17">NASA/Apollo 17</a></span></figcaption></figure> <h2>Environmental epiphanies happen on Earth</h2> <p>Spontaneous clarity about the importance of nature can occur while standing on solid ground. “<a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/26506666#:%7E:text=The%20working%20definition%20of%20Environmental,shifts%20in%20a%20meaningful%20manner.">Environmental epiphanies</a>” are well documented and have no connection to specific religious or cultural beliefs.</p> <p>Involving profound emotions and sudden awareness similar to the Overview Effect, environmental epiphanies can be accessed for free in mundane locations – such as reading a book at home.</p> <p>And, like the Overview Effect, environmental epiphanies can lead to lasting change.</p> <p>As space tourism continues to “take off”, misaligned marketing tactics like Virgin Galactic’s promotion of the Overview Effect must be scrutinised.</p> <p>Being launched into space – and the massive pollution the process creates – isn’t necessary for us to want to sustain our Earth.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/206868/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ariane-moore-1060920">Ariane Moore</a>, PhD Candidate in Philosophy, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-tasmania-888">University of Tasmania</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/virgin-galactics-use-of-the-overview-effect-to-promote-space-tourism-is-a-terrible-irony-206868">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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World’s Best Airline crowned for 2023

<p dir="ltr">Air New Zealand has received the top honour from the <a href="https://www.airlineratings.com/news/passenger-news/air-nz-named-airline-of-the-year-for-2023/">AirlineRatings.com Airline Excellence Awards</a>, taking home the coveted title of World’s Best Airline. </p> <p dir="ltr">It’s the seventh time the airline has been commended since 2013, for the likes of its innovative and multi-award-winning SkyNest economy beds, its operational safety, environmental leadership, and staff motivation.</p> <p dir="ltr">Competition was tough for the top five, with five editors looking at everything from major safety and government audits to 12 key factors including “fleet age, passenger reviews, profitability, investment rating, product offerings, and staff relations.”</p> <p dir="ltr">And while Air NZ had taken out second place to two-time-consecutive champ Qatar Airways in 2022, the situation flipped in 2023, with the airline beating out Qatar, Etihad, Korean Airlines, and Singapore for the prestigious win. </p> <p dir="ltr">As AirlineRatings’ Editor-in-Chief Geoffrey Thomas said, “in our objective analysis Air New Zealand came out number one in many key areas although it was a very close scoring for the top five.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Air New Zealand’s commitment to excellence in all facets of its business starts at the top with outstanding governance and one of the best executive teams in aviation through to a workforce that is delivering consistently to the airline’s strategy and customer promise.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Like all airlines across the globe Air New Zealand has faced severe disruptions during and after the pandemic and this year huge challenges from storms and cyclones. The airline has responded well.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Our editorial team was impressed by the airline’s commitment to the economy passenger and on long haul offers more comfort options than any other airline.”</p> <p dir="ltr">In response to the win, Air NZ’s CEO Greg Foran shared that the airline owed its success to the 12,000 members of staff “who wake up each morning to connect Kiwis with each other and the world.” </p> <p dir="ltr">He remarked that “it is a sign that we have got our swing back”, and like with many other airlines around the world, “we understand that our fantastic team faces difficulties in providing the service we strive for and that our customers expect. We’re working hard to address these challenges. </p> <p dir="ltr">“There is no doubt that we have more work to do to tackle customer concerns like wait times, on-time departures and arrivals, lost baggage, and refunds. We want to thank our customers for their patience and support as we work towards delivering the greatest flying experience on Earth.” </p> <p dir="ltr">Just missing out on the top five were Australia’s own Qantas and Virgin - coming in at sixth and seventh place respectively - although both airlines snagged number one positions in other categories. </p> <p dir="ltr">Qantas took out Best Lounges with its network of over 51 lounges across Australia and the rest of the world. Meanwhile, Virgin Australia/VirginAtlantic took home the title of Best Cabin Crew - in what marked their fifth victory in the category.</p> <p dir="ltr">And for anyone wondering how the rest of world’s top 25 premium airlines stacked up, here’s the complete list: Air New Zealand, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Korean Air, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Virgin Australia/Virgin Atlantic, EVA Air, Cathay Pacific Airways, Emirates, Lufthansa / Swiss, SAS, TAP Portugal, All Nippon Airways, Delta Air Lines, Air Canada, British Airways, Jet Blue, JAL, Vietnam Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Hawaiian, KLM, Alaska Airlines, and United Airlines.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty</em></p> <p> </p>

International Travel

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“I am the woman who took Harry’s virginity”

<p>Speaking out for the first time in an exclusive interview with <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/fabulous/21277348/woman-took-prince-harry-virginity/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Sun</em></a> on Sunday, the “older” woman detailed in Prince Harry’s memoir Spare has come forward to confirm that it was she who took the young royal’s virginity in a field behind a busy pub in Wiltshire in July 2001.</p> <p>Forty-year-old Sasha Walpole – who is two years older than Prince Harry – told the publication: “I am the woman who took Harry’s virginity. It was ­literally wham-bam between two friends.”</p> <p><em>The Sun</em> went on to report that Mrs Walpole admitted that the encounter occurred after she and Harry had consumed 10 shots of tequila, Baileys and sambuca.</p> <p>“The sex was passionate and sparky because we shouldn’t have been doing it,” she said. “One thing just quickly led to another. We ended up on the floor.”</p> <p>The one-off encounter took place in a meadow behind the car park of the historic Vine Tree Inn in Norton, Wiltshire, in July 2001.</p> <p>Mrs Walpole and Prince Harry reportedly knew each other from when she was employed as a stable girl at Highgrove, the country retreat of the then Prince Charles. The evening in question was actually the occasion of Mrs Walpole’s 19th birthday, which was being celebrated at the pub – and the pair became intimate in the meadow after leaving the party.</p> <p>Afterwards Harry hid in a red phone box to avoid being seen, before one of Ms Walpole’s friends delivered a protection officer to the young prince in her blue Ford Fiesta.</p> <p>Mrs Walpole, now a married mum of two, said: “We went outside and both climbed a three-bar fence to the field. We were quite drunk at this point. I gave Harry a cigarette. I lit mine and then his.</p> <p>“We finished our cigarettes – Marlboro Lights – and it just happened. He started to kiss me. He was wearing boxers. There was no chatting, no words. It was exciting that it was happening. It was exciting that it was happening like the way it was. We were away for 15 minutes but the sex was about five ­minutes.</p> <p>“We didn’t set out to do it and it wasn’t premeditated. He was young. We had been purely friends and it was a little bit naughty, in the sense that it shouldn’t have been happening.</p> <p>“It wasn’t ‘Prince Harry’ to me. It was Harry, my friend – and something that got a little bit out of control. It just so happened that he was a prince.</p> <p>“Afterwards I did grab his bum and gave him a slap. It was with one hand. He had a lovely peachy bum – but he was young.”</p> <p>Mrs Walpole agreed to speak to <em>The Sun</em> after being left shocked by Harry’s disclosures in his book, and also went on to explain why she came forward.</p> <p>“No one warned me about the night being included in the book – and Harry, or his people, could have found me to tell me if they had wanted to do so,” she said. “I lead a peaceful life – I didn’t invite this.”</p> <p>“I don’t understand why he went into such detail. He could have said he lost his virginity and left it at that. But he described how it happened, in a field behind a pub.</p> <p>“That’s fine if you’re not the other person involved. But if you’re me, then you suddenly feel as if your world is getting a little bit smaller. He has done this to my privacy.</p> <p>“I was going to keep my head down and not talk about it. If it wasn’t in the book, none of this wouldn’t be happening.</p> <p>“I can sit quietly and hope it goes away, but then it is like a ticking timebomb, and you’re looking over your shoulder.”</p> <p>To listen to the entire interview with <em>The Sun</em>, <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/fabulous/21277348/woman-took-prince-harry-virginity/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">head here</a>. </p> <p><em>Image: The Sun</em></p> <p> </p>

News

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Adults only cruise coming to Australia and New Zealand

<p dir="ltr">Sir Richard Branson’s award-winning cruise line is set to hit Australia and New Zealand’s shores in 2023.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Resilient Lady</em> hit the high seas in 2021 and is the newest ship in Virgin Voyages that is offering an “adults only” cruise.</p> <p dir="ltr">Aussies will be given the chance to sail the high seas from Athens to Sydney in a gorgeous 44-night trip. </p> <p dir="ltr">Included are also three itineraries: “Ancient Athens to Modern Dubai”, “Dubai Delights to Singapore Sights”, and “Singapore, Bali and Australia”.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Resilient Lady </em>will arrive at Station Pier in Port Melbourne, with sailors given the opportunity to experience the “exclusively adult voyages”.</p> <p dir="ltr">The journey will begin from Melbourne to Hobart and Burnie in Tasmania, along with Sydney. </p> <p dir="ltr">She’s also set her sights on New Zealand with itineraries that include ports of call in Picton, Napier, Tauranga, Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin.</p> <p dir="ltr">Passengers will be able to enjoy a delicious chef-driven culinary delicacy at six signature restaurants and food from more than 14 other eateries.</p> <p dir="ltr">They can also get involved in HIIT exercise sessions and bungee classes to fuel the day, or dance the time away with jaw-dropping festival-like entertainment.</p> <p dir="ltr">Spend the day around the pool to achieve that sun-kissed look, and lose those luxurious hours at the mermaid hideaway that is Redemption Spa. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Australia and New Zealand are without question the most beautiful countries in the world, and we knew that these destinations, paired with the Virgin Voyages experience, will make it the most incredible holiday for our Sailors,” Fellow Australian and Virgin Voyages’ President and Chief Experience Officer, Nirmal Saverimuttu said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The Virgin brand is known and adored by Australians and New Zealanders, and we are committed to delivering a holiday experience you will love and memories that will last a lifetime.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson described it as an exciting milestone for the brand.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Australia has a very special place in my heart, and we can’t wait for Australians and New Zealanders to meet our Resilient Lady and experience all that she has to offer in true Virgin style,” Sir Richard said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“For more than 50 years, Virgin companies have been innovating and making industries better for our customers. Virgin Voyages is very much charting its own path, offering a fresh perspective on cruise travel with all the elements of the Virgin experience that people love.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Resilient Lady will sail through Australia and New Zealand from December 11, 2023 - March 27, 2024. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Virgin Voyages</em></p>

Cruising

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Scrumptious mocktail: Virgin Mojito

<p><strong>Prep time</strong>: 5 min</p> <p><strong>Ingredients:</strong></p> <ul> <li>1 lime cut into wedges</li> <li>1 tbs maple syrup </li> <li>10 mint leaves</li> <li>2 cups mineral water with lemon and lime (or citrus mineral water of your choosing)</li> <li>Ice</li> </ul> <p>Method: </p> <ol> <li>Place lime wedges into a tumblr or glass persevering one for decoration </li> <li>Add maple syrup into the glass</li> <li>With a muddling stick start to muddle the mixture to release the juice from the limes <div class="layoutArea"></div> </li> <li>Tear the mint leaves and them add them to the glass, pressing down again for a few seconds to release the flavours.</li> <li>Add ice cubs then pour mineral water over the top </li> <li>Add one level spoon of Life-space skin probiotics + skin rebalance and stir until dissolved</li> <li>Stir well to integrate the lime, maple syrup and mint together </li> <li>Decorate with lime wedge and a sprig of mint</li> </ol> <p><em>Recipe supplied by </em><em>Life-Space Probiotics + Skin range, visit:<span> </span><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.lifespaceprobiotics.com/collections/skin-health" target="_blank" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="4">www.lifespaceprobiotics.com</a></em></p>

Food & Wine

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Cruising company launches its first literature-themed voyage

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A literature-themed cruise is being offered by Marella Cruises for book lovers to enjoy 16 days at sea. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The all-inclusive cruise across the Atlantic leaves from </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Montego Bay, Jamaica in April 2022, and sails over 16 days to the port of Dubrovnik in Croatia. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This tailor-made experience will allow guests to attend guest talks and interactive workshops with authors and entertainers to satisfy any book lover. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Guests will also be treated to the usual Marella Cruises experience, with all-inclusive food and drink spots, evening entertainment including game shows and quizzes and daytime activities like dance classes and yoga.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Managing Director of Marella Cruises, Chris Hackney, says he hopes the new themed cruise will be as successful as ones run in the past. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It offers something different for guests onboard on a cruise where there are not as many days ashore as some of our other itineraries,” he said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Authors and entertainers joining the cruise include Sarah Cruddas, famous for her knowledge of Space exploration, Tony Strange, known for his comic entertainment and impressions, and crime novelist Barbara Nadel.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The panelists will all share stories and run a series of workshops to guests onboard at no extra cost. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After a difficult year from the pandemic, Marella Cruises will begin its Spanish sailings from September, before heading into Montego Bay where it will port for the winter before commencing the literary cruise. </span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image credit: Shutterstock</span></em></p>

Cruising

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Virgin Australia gets a lifeline but will it be enough?

<p>With commercial airline fleets grounded due to lack of demand, the Australian government will pay the nation’s two biggest airlines, Qantas and Virgin Australia, $A165 million to ensure they keep flying critical metropolitan and regional routes over the next two months.</p> <p>This measure comes on top of a <a href="https://minister.infrastructure.gov.au/mccormack/media-release/additional-new-support-critical-regional-aviation-services-through-covid-19">A$198 million assistance package</a> for regional airlines and the waiver of A$715 million in fees and charges for domestic airlines.</p> <p>It’s particularly important for the cash-strapped Virgin Australia. The company this week asked the Australian Stock Exchange to <a href="https://www.businessnewsaus.com.au/articles/virgin-suspended-from-asx.html">suspend trading of its shares</a> after the federal government rebuffed its request for a $A1.4 billion loan.</p> <p>Without a significant cash injection, <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-17/coronavirus-airline-support-package-qantas-rex/12064316">industry experts</a> say, the airline will collapse within six months. Prior to the government’s latest announcement there were reports it <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/apr/14/virgin-australia-considers-going-into-administration-as-labor-calls-for-government-rescue">could go into administration</a> within weeks.</p> <p>Virgin Australia is 90% owned by five international companies – Etihad Airways, Singapore Airlines, China’s Nanshan Group and HNA, and Richard Branson’s Virgin Group. Facing their own difficulties, they have signalled they will not inject further capital.</p> <p>This funding package gives the airline more time to find <a href="https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/private-equity-investors-circle-over-virgin-20200415-p54jwd">other investors</a>. But its longer-term future remains up in the air.</p> <p><strong>Desperately seeking $1.4 billion</strong></p> <p>While the US government has agreed to provide <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/14/business/coronavirus-airlines-bailout-treasury-department.html">US$50 billion</a> in loans and grants to its ten biggest domestic airlines, with the option to take equity stakes, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said this week the Australian government was “not in the business of owning an airline”.</p> <p>Having two major airlines had served Australia well, <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-16/virgin-australia-disspears-from-skies-which-airline-coronavirus/12151072">he said</a>, but “our approach has been sector-wide support”.</p> <p>Complicating that type of support has been disagreement between Virgin Australia and Qantas.</p> <p>Qantas chief Alan Joyce has argued for “<a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-24/qantas-boss-comments-unhelpful-says-accc-boss/12085672">survival of the fittest</a>” and against assistance to “badly managed” businesses. His airline did not need government support, Joyce said this week. But if the government loaned Virgin Australia A$1.4 billion, <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-16/virgin-australia-disspears-from-skies-which-airline-coronavirus/12151072">he wanted A$4.2 billion</a>.</p> <p><strong>To bail or not to bail</strong></p> <p>The federal government’s dilemma is whether it is better to bail out Virgin Australia or allow commercial forces to rule, as it has done in the past.</p> <p>Its interest in sector-wide support reflects the fact the entire domestic aviation industry is hurting.</p> <p>Freight and logistics, aircraft maintenance and repair, flight training and simulation, component manufacturing and research and design operations are all bundled together into a tightly bound sector.</p> <p>All up, the industry’s five subsectors – domestic commercial aviation, international commercial aviation, general aviation, freight transport and aviation support infrastructure – have provided employment for about <a href="http://www.australianindustrystandards.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Aviation-Key-Findings-Paper2018V4Web.pdf">90,000 Australians across 1,900 businesses</a>. So it’s not just the 10,000 people employed by Virgin Australia the government needs to think about.</p> <p><strong>Systems shocks are nothing new</strong></p> <p>History is also a factor. The global aviation industry is no stranger to “system shocks”. These have included the Global Financial Crisis of 2008, the SARS outbreak in 2003, the World Trade Centre attacks in 2001, the Asian Financial Crisis in 1997 and the oil shocks of the 1970s.</p> <p>Typically the sector has “bounced back” within a year.</p> <p>The last big shakeup of the Australian airline industry was in 2001. Just days after the September 11 terrorist attacks, Ansett Airlines – flying since 1935 – went into administration.</p> <p>After Ansett’s collapse, Virgin Blue (established in 2000) saw explosive growth and former Ansett employees helped create regional operator Rex in 2002.</p> <p>So from the rubble of failure new enterprises and forms of aviation business can grow, just as Virgin Australia has taken Ansett’s place as the nation’s second major domestic carrier.</p> <p>Of course, the extent of the crisis is somewhat different this time.</p> <p>With domestic travel restrictions likely in place for at least six months, and international flight restrictions set to continue even longer, the sector will be changed forever.</p> <p>But history shows Australia can support two major airlines. We have extensive domestic aviation routes that will enable an early recovery compared with airlines in other parts of the world that rely on international routes.</p> <p><em>Written by Stephen Fankhauser and Mat Ebbatson. Republished with permission of <a href="https://theconversation.com/virgin-australia-gets-a-lifeline-but-will-it-be-enough-136399">The Conversation.</a></em></p> <p> </p>

Retirement Life

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Virgin Australia flight diverts after part of wing comes loose mid-flight

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A passenger on board a Virgin Australia flight has described the shocking moment the lower flat on the plane’s left hand wing came loose and started blowing in the wind.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The flight took off from Brisbane Airport for Melbourne just before 6pm and was diverted mid-air back to Brisbane due to an “engineering issue”. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Bill Mauger was travelling with his wife and noticed the issue soon after take-off. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"As we were starting to get some altitude I looked over to the wing and it looked like there was something caught in it. It looked as though there was a bit of cardboard," he said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"I thought that is a bit weird. But then I took a bit of a closer look and it was actually part of the wing peeling away.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"It was quite a large chunk of wing flapping in the breeze."</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When Bill tried to alert the flight attendant, he was shut down quickly.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"I was waving to get her attention and she said, 'Yes, we've seen it, the captain is dealing with it.' She shut the conversation right down," Bill said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Virgin Australia spoke to </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/virgin-australia-flight-diverts-back-to-brisbane-after-wing-piece-comes-loose/aa934c7c-a3b4-4643-8b48-ff26108eb56b"><span style="font-weight: 400;">9 News</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, explaining that the plane wing’s issue was an “engineering issue” and not a “safety issue”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"This was not a safety issue, however the Captain made the decision to conduct an air return so the aircraft could be inspected by our engineers as a precautionary measure," the Virgin Australia spokesperson said.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Photo credit: </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/virgin-australia-flight-diverts-back-to-brisbane-after-wing-piece-comes-loose/aa934c7c-a3b4-4643-8b48-ff26108eb56b"><span style="font-weight: 400;">9news.com.au</span></a></em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Woman bombarded with sexual messages from strangers while flying

<p>A Cambridge University graduate has been sent sexually charged messages from strangers on a Virgin Atlantic flight.</p> <p>Jessica Van Meir was targeted by other passengers using the plane’s chat system which allows other passengers to communicate on board.</p> <p>The messages said “you tidy babe” and another message from an unknown passenger called “dirty mike” said “welcome to hell”.</p> <p>Van Meir shared images of the messages on Twitter.</p> <p>“I was on a Virgin Atlantic flight, and I unexpectedly received these sexually harassing messages on my screen,” she wrote.</p> <p>“I was in 55C. The flight attendants were helpful and dealt with it swiftly. Have any other women had this happen to them?”</p> <p>She added: “Virgin Atlantic, you should probably take measures to prevent this from happening by flagging specific language and putting in place a reporting function on the chat to report abusive users.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"> <p dir="ltr">Yesterday I was on a <a href="https://twitter.com/VirginAtlantic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VirginAtlantic</a> flight, and I unexpectedly received these sexually harassing messages on my screen (I was in 55C).<br />The flight attendants were helpful &amp; dealt with it swiftly.<br /><br />Have any other women had this happen to them?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/metoo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#metoo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cyberharassment?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cyberharassment</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SCFGallagher?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SCFGallagher</a> <a href="https://t.co/7tbVkRhpQp">pic.twitter.com/7tbVkRhpQp</a></p> — Jessica Van Meir (@jessicavanmeir) <a href="https://twitter.com/jessicavanmeir/status/1180963813199421441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">6 October 2019</a></blockquote> <p>After this incident, Virgin has now said it will review the system to avoid passengers from sending unsolicited messages.</p> <p>A spokesperson said: “We were extremely concerned to hear of the incident reported on-board one of our flights and are investigating as a matter of urgency.</p> <p>“We want all of our customers to have the best possible experience when they fly with us and have zero tolerance for any disruptive or inappropriate behaviour.</p> <p>“We’re grateful to our cabin crew who supported our customer following this incident and would like to apologise for the distress caused.</p> <p>“We are now reviewing our entertainment systems to ensure this does not happen again.”</p>

International Travel

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Sister’s 30-year prank war gets a helping hand from Virgin Australia

<p>Many siblings find odd ways to pass the time and for grown-up Kiwi sisters Angela and Mari, they’ve passed the time for 30 years with a prank war.</p> <p>However, as the prank war has been going on for a long time, it’s easy for ideas to quickly run out. Angela realised that her sister was going on a flight to Tonga and decided to enlist the help of Virgin Australia for the ultimate sisterly prank.</p> <p>She reached out to the airline via Facebook and they were more than happy to get involved.</p> <p>"We find the stupidest things funny, which is why this game started," Angela told the airline.</p> <p>The prank involves their dad’s 40th birthday present, which is an odd-looking miniature “The Bearded Man” toy.</p> <p>The pranks initially started off small and quickly escalated.</p> <p>"We would hide it, and the other one would find it ... [we] couriered them, posted them, [hid it] under the pillow, planted him in the [car] sun visor."</p> <p>After messaging Virgin Australia, Angela left it up to the crew to decide what happened.</p> <p>The video has a very sweet ending, with both sisters ending up surprised. Watch the video below!</p> <p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fvirginaustralia%2Fvideos%2F2589086831178008%2F&amp;show_text=0&amp;width=380" width="380" height="476" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>

International Travel

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Drunk man fined $2000 for groping and shoving trolley at flight attendant

<p>A Wellington man has been fined $2,000 after groping a flight attendant and shoving a service trolley at her multiple times.</p> <p>Christopher Campbell of Karori, Wellington was convicted for breaching Civil Aviation rules on Wednesday after the Wellington District Court determined that he behaved in a way that interfered with a flight crew member’s duties on a Virgin Australia flight.</p> <p>The incident – which took place on July 9 last year on a trip from Brisbane to Wellington – began at boarding when Campbell, who had been drinking, initially refused to show his boarding pass.</p> <p>During the flight safety briefing, he yelled, clapped his hands loudly and attempted to grab a flight attendant’s whistle. While dinner was served, Campbell was talking loudly, clapping his hands and pulling the seat in front of him.</p> <p>A judge said when Campbell called a crew member over for assistance, he laughed and did not ask for anything but touched her bottom as she walked away.</p> <p>The cabin crew supervisor gave Campbell a warning, leading him to apologise. Later, Campbell approached the attendant and tried to hug her, which she refused.</p> <p>Towards the end of the flight, Campbell stood at the end of a service trolley where an attendant was collecting rubbish. He shoved the cart into the attendant about five times, hitting her in the stomach and pushing the trolley over her toes.</p> <p> “This incident left the flight attendant shaken and in tears,” said Judge Jan Kelly, as the<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&amp;objectid=12258455" target="_blank"><em>New Zealand Herald</em></a><span> </span>reported.</p> <p>“She also suffered a sore stomach following the incident. She was extremely upset and was unable to continue with her duties.”</p> <p>Campbell also refused to put on his seatbelt for landing until he was told that the plane would not land unless he complied.</p> <p>“As a result of your disruptive behaviour, the captain was required to leave the flight deck at one stage to check the flight crew were coping,” Judge Kelly said.</p> <p>According to a summary given to the court, Campbell told investigators from the Civil Aviation Authority that he did not remember some of the flight. The court was also told that Campbell had been drinking before and during the flight.</p> <p>The 48-year-old man was fined $2,000 and ordered to pay court costs. While the maximum penalty for the infringement was a fine of $5,000, Campbell received the full discount for pleading guilty at the earliest opportunity.</p>

Domestic Travel

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The more you eat, the further you fly

<p>The more you dine out, the more points you will be able to save up for flights and upgrades under a new initiative by the Qantas Frequent Flyer program.</p> <p>As of Thursday, travellers can receive rewards by making reservations at select restaurants around the world.</p> <p>Members of the loyalty program will be able to earn 100 points per person for every booking made in one of the 18,000 restaurants across 12 countries.</p> <p>The new point system, which was launched in partnership with restaurant booking platform Quandoo, came after Qantas ended its agreement with Dimmi and Rockpool Dining Group restaurants.</p> <p>“We know how much our frequent flyers like to dine out, so rewarding them with Qantas Points for eating at their favourite local restaurant or somewhere special while they are on holiday is going to be a real drawcard,” said Qantas Loyalty CEO Olivia Wirth.</p> <p>“Food and wine constantly rank as some of the top interests for our members … the ability to now earn points for booking restaurants overseas is a great addition to people’s travel experience and helps get them closer to their dream trip.”</p> <p>Frequent Flyers can start earning points by booking through the platform on August 15.</p> <p>The announcement follows the airline’s rewards program overhaul in June, when the airline unveiled that it will make more reward seats available while increasing<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="http://www.travelweekly.com.au/article/qantas-unveils-tasty-frequent-flyer-change/" target="_blank">the number of points required to upgrade to a premium cabin</a>.</p> <p>Qantas said the changes represented the biggest transformation that the Frequent Flyer program has seen in its 32-year-history.</p> <p>The loyalty program overhaul, which affects its 12.7 million members, will be rolled out over the next 12 months.</p> <p>Qantas’ collaboration with Quandoo came after Virgin Australia<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/velocity-opentable/" target="_blank">ended its restaurant booking partnership with OpenTable in July</a>. Members of the airline’s Velocity Frequent Flyer program are no longer able to earn 300 points for every table booking made on the OpenTable platform.</p>

Travel Tips

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Miraculous find of missing airport cat after 2 days

<p>A cat who went missing on a flight to Cairns has been found safe and sound after a wild adventure from start to finish. </p> <p>Cookie was set to fly with Virgin Australia to Cairns, Queensland on Sunday - however once the plane landed, there was no sight of the beloved pet. </p> <p>Owners Jack and Jessica Thomas are planning to move overseas and were sending Cookie along with their dog to live with family members across states. </p> <p>Several frantic phone calls eventually led to the couple finding out their feline had never made it to Cairns, they told 9News on Monday. </p> <p>At the time, Mr Thomas said he was left “frustrated” by the situation. </p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7829500/7c16e510-bcf7-11e9-9fd7-3f64e46623c4-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/34802d63c76746b1930fb7fe7c2f6f3b" /></p> <p><em>Jessica and Jack Thomas were left feeling "frustrated" over their missing cat, Cookie. Image: 9News.</em></p> <p>“Nobody seems to be able to give us any answers as to how it happened.”</p> <p>“I just want my cat back,” a tearful Ms Thomas said. </p> <p>Thankfully, after 24 hours of distress for the family, the story can finally have a happy ending. </p> <p>“We are pleased to have found Cookie safe and sound after an extensive search and we look forward to reuniting him with his owners,” a Virgin spokesperson said in a statement, as reported by<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/cat-miraculously-found-alive-after-missing-flight-054815568.html" target="_blank">Yahoo News. </a></p> <p>“We will continue to investigate how this incident occurred and we will review and update our processes accordingly.”</p> <p>Mr and Mrs Thomas took to social media and contacted news organisations in an attempt to spread the word about Cookie, who they feared could be anywhere in the country.</p> <p>However, the cat was reportedly found in the airport. </p> <p>Virgin Australia<span> </span>staff did not comment on the state of the missing feline.</p>

Home & Garden

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"I was a virgin until I was 23": Elton John gets candidly honest about sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll

<p>Legendary music star Elton John has gotten very candid and honest about his journey in the new film <em>Rocketman</em>, which is a biopic about his life and path to stardom.</p> <p>The new film stars Taron Egerton as Elton and <em>Bodyguard<span> </span></em>and<em><span> </span>Game of Thrones s</em>t<em>ar</em> Richard Madden as his manager and lover, John Reid.</p> <p>In a new interview, Elton has revealed that he was a virgin until he was 23 – and this is played out in the film. </p> <p>“If I am telling my story, it has to be honest,” the now 72-year-old singer told the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/elton-john-reveals-didnt-joyous-16180367" target="_blank"><em>Mirror</em></a>.</p> <p>“I was a virgin until then. I was desperate to be loved and desperate to have a tactile relationship.</p> <p>“When they tear their clothes off in the movie, that was how it happened. It was in San Francisco.”</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx7FGRcD_4j/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx7FGRcD_4j/" target="_blank">Many people have been asking me how I felt after watching the musical fantasy film #Rocketman. Check out the article in today’s Observer Magazine to hear it straight from the horse’s mouth. Here’s the link: https://www.theguardian.com/global/2019/may/26/elton-john-in-my-own-words-exclusive-my-life-and-making-rocketman?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other @rocketmanmovie @obsmagazine</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/eltonjohn/" target="_blank"> Elton John</a> (@eltonjohn) on May 26, 2019 at 3:54am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Elton has also said that he wanted the film to celebrate gay lovemaking.</p> <p>“I’m so glad it’s in there because I am a gay man and I didn’t want to airbrush it under the carpet,” he said.</p> <p>“This is who I am and I was so joyous. When he is lying in my arms and I’m sitting back with a smile, I’m thinking, ‘Ah, I’m normal, I’ve had sex.’</p> <p>“When I grew up, my father told me if I masturbated, I’d go blind. At 13 years of age, I started to have glasses and I went, ‘Oh my God! This is coming true!’” he laughed.</p> <p>Elton added: “I’m proud<span> </span><em>Rocketman</em><span> </span>is the first major studio film with a gay love sex scene in it. If I’d left it out, I’d have felt I was cheating people.</p> <p>“If they don’t like it, I understand, but it’s part of who I am. That night was a very, very important part.”</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BxxgK0Nj3cK/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BxxgK0Nj3cK/" target="_blank">Happy Birthday, Bernie! 🎂 Your friendship changed my life and this month, the world can see it told in the #Rocketman 🚀 movie. Have an amazing day, I love you @bernietaupinofficial. 🚀 @rocketmanmovie</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/eltonjohn/" target="_blank"> Elton John</a> (@eltonjohn) on May 22, 2019 at 10:38am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Elton believes that he was saved by his partner of 25 years, David Furnish, 56, as well as their two children, Zachary, 8, and Elijah, 6.</p> <p>“There are still parts of being a performer which will lead to the dark side. But it doesn’t last long because I have David and I’ve my children. When my children are around, I never feel dark. I would never have thought I would be in a relationship for 25 years. I couldn’t last with any relationship because drugs came into it.”</p> <p>The film is set in the late 1960s and early 1970s and begins with Elton in rehab. The storyline is told in flashbacks and the singer-songwriter has been sober for almost 29 years.</p> <p>Elton explained: “Even though I was in a terrible state and I was doing a lot of drugs, I still kept working, I still kept making records and still kept touring and the music kept me alive. If I had stopped, I wouldn’t be here. It’s ­difficult to watch because I thought, ‘God, I don’t want to go back there.’”</p> <p><em>Rocketman</em> is in cinemas from this Thursday.</p>

Music

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Why Virgin's major rule change is confusing a lot of people

<p>It’s a game changer announcement that is the first of its kind for airlines worldwide – but it has triggered an unexpected response.</p> <p>Virgin Atlantic says from now on, its female flight hostesses will no longer be required to wear make-up while working.</p> <p>That’s not the only rule they are adjusting in 2019 – female flight attendants will now be supplied with pants as a part of their standard uniform, in addition to the famously worn red skirts. Before this announcement, hostesses had to specifically request to wear pants.</p> <p>This new move by Virgin is a bold one in an industry that has a large focus on the appearance of female crew.</p> <p>The UK-based airline founded by Richard Branson declared the change came after following feedback from staff.</p> <p>“We want our uniform to truly reflect who we are as individuals while maintaining that famous Virgin Atlantic style,” Mark Anderson, the airline’s executive vice president for customers, said.</p> <p>“We have been listening to the views of our people and as a result have announced some changes to our styling and grooming policy that support this.”</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7824340/gettyimages-145603619.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/ac5a2a7cef6c409297370c7cce26d648" /></p> <p>Despite the “forward-thinking” move that has been congratulated by some for their “small but symbolic step” towards ridding sexism from plane cabins, others have not been so supportive.</p> <p>People were surprised by the fact there was a make-up rule to begin with, and that the rule had not been removed before.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">How crazy, were they actually "required" to wear makeup before this?</p> — Marcus Wolford (@mvmntcoach) <a href="https://twitter.com/mvmntcoach/status/1102640430489919488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2019</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">What, so in 2018 they WERE? unbelievable</p> — Cristiane Breining (@CristianeBrein1) <a href="https://twitter.com/CristianeBrein1/status/1102648973427396608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2019</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">Unbelievable that this was a requirement</p> — Mary Conway (@eightmjc) <a href="https://twitter.com/eightmjc/status/1102608273834950656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2019</a></blockquote> <p>Strict rules govern that make-up and grooming of cabin crew is expected across the airline industry and not only women are expected to adhere to appearance standards.</p> <p>Qantas requires female cabin crew to wear mascara and lip colour at the bare minimum, as well as only having minimal hairstyles – bun or ponytail, both siting low.</p> <p>British Airways female crew are required to wear lipstick and blush as a minimum and to cover “obvious blemishes … wherever possible".</p> <p>Emirates’ Imaging and Grooming Department demands a specific shade of “E<span>mirates red” lipstick for female flight attendants to wear.</span></p> <p>Many airlines require male flight attendants to wear a small amount of tinted moisturiser and to maintain their facial hair.</p> <p>Do you think airline rules regarding make-up are exaggerated? Let us know in the comments below. </p>

Travel Tips

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Richard Branson is building a luxury cruise ship for adults only

<p>Virgin Voyages, the cruise line launched by Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson, has released renderings of its new adult-only cruise ship.</p> <p>The <em>Scarlet Lady</em> will have an 18-year-old age requirement and will feature a nightclub, a thermal spa, two restaurants, athletic clubs and a barbershop.</p> <p>The interior and exterior have been conceptualised by some of the world’s most successful design firms, including Tom Dixon Design Studio of London, Roman and Williams of New York and Concrete Amsterdam.</p> <p>“Our design partners together with our internal design team have dreamed up eye-catching, intimate and alluring spaces that we can’t wait to see come to life,” said Tom McAlpin, President and Chief Executive Officer for Virgin Voyages, in a statement to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com.au" target="_blank"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Business Insider</span></strong></em></a>.</p> <p>There will also be an exclusive outdoor lounge called Richard’s Roof-deck for suite guests.</p> <p>Inside the ship, guests can choose between two restaurants, Pink Agave and Test Kitchen.</p> <p>The ship will have an outdoor athletic club for guests who are interested in joining a boxing class or running track. The indoor gym will offer group fitness classes, yoga and stationary bicycles.</p> <p>There will also be a thermal spa called Redemption that will have a hydrotherapy pool, mud room, salt room, cold plunge rooms, quartz beds and other spa treatments.</p> <p>For those looking for furthering pampering, there will also be a nail salon, a barbershop and a hair salon.</p> <p>The ship is expected to arrive in Port Miami in 2020 for its maiden journey.</p> <p>It will hold 2,700 passengers and 1,150 crew members.</p> <p>Scroll through the gallery above to see inside the luxury cruise line.</p> <p><em>Photo: Virgin Voyages </em></p>

Cruising

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The pantry staple experts say you should eat every day

<p><span>A new study has found that three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) a day can prevent chronic disease and cancer.</span></p> <p><span>Brown University associate professor of medicine Dr Mary Flynn also found that three serves of EVOO with a plant-based diet can also help with weight loss.</span></p> <p><span>Dr Flynn, a specialist in breast and prostate cancer, studied the impact of a plant-based EVOO diet on prostate cancer and found that it was “extremely effective” at improving biomarkers for cancer and cardiovascular disease.</span></p> <p><span>The diet includes three tablespoons of EVOO a day to account for four to five servings of health fats that include nuts, olive and avocado.</span></p> <p><span>It also includes six to seven serves of wholegrain starch, minimum of four servings of vegetables, up to three servings of fruit, up to two optional servings of dairy and eggs, and 350g maximum of meat, poultry or seafood per week.</span></p> <p><span>The diet recommends for the red meat to be entirely eliminated, but if not, recommends no more than 170g a month.</span></p> <p><span>The diet removes cured meats, vegetable oils and margarine and mayonnaise with vegetable seed oils – saying they have an increased cancer risk.</span></p> <p><span>Dr Flynn compared the EVOO plant-based diet with the diet recommended by the Prostate Cancer Foundation.</span></p> <p><span>The Prostate Cancer Foundation diet recommends decreasing carbohydrates, sugar, high fat food, charred meats, while allowing vegetable oil, margarine and salad dressings but no EVOO.</span></p> <p><span>Men followed the two diets for eights weeks and then picked the one they wanted to follow for six months.</span></p> <p><span>Dr Flynn’s results showed that people with diets, including daily EVOO consumption, had lower rates of most chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancers, arthritis and type 2 diabetes.</span></p> <p><span>“Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for prostate cancer patients,” Dr Flynn said.</span></p> <p><span>“A plant-based EVOO diet improves insulin function and lowers fasting insulin and glucose levels, protects against weight gain and reduces the risk of various cancers.</span></p> <p><span>“EVOO has been shown to decrease a number of risk factors for chronic diseases including inflammation, blood pressure, body weight, blood levels of insulin and glucose, oxidation and blood coagulation,” Dr Flynn said.</span></p> <p><span>“The diet isn’t just for cancer patients or prevention, it’s for everyone wanting to live a healthy life and prevent the risk of disease,” Dr Flynn said.</span></p>

Caring

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Why this airline is set to "vanish" overnight

<p>It’s one of the world’s most beloved airlines – but today the airline has taken its last flight ever.</p> <p>Ranked as one of the US’s favourite airlines, Virgin America is no more after being taken over by Alaska Air as part of a $US2.6 billion deal.</p> <p>Today, all check-in counters, kiosks, signs and gate areas branded as Virgin America will be removed from 29 airports around the US and Mexico.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media"> <div style="padding: 8px;"> <div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"> <div style="background: url(data:image/png; base64,ivborw0kggoaaaansuheugaaacwaaaascamaaaapwqozaaaabgdbtueaalgpc/xhbqaaaafzukdcak7ohokaaaamuexurczmzpf399fx1+bm5mzy9amaaadisurbvdjlvzxbesmgces5/p8/t9furvcrmu73jwlzosgsiizurcjo/ad+eqjjb4hv8bft+idpqocx1wjosbfhh2xssxeiyn3uli/6mnree07uiwjev8ueowds88ly97kqytlijkktuybbruayvh5wohixmpi5we58ek028czwyuqdlkpg1bkb4nnm+veanfhqn1k4+gpt6ugqcvu2h2ovuif/gwufyy8owepdyzsa3avcqpvovvzzz2vtnn2wu8qzvjddeto90gsy9mvlqtgysy231mxry6i2ggqjrty0l8fxcxfcbbhwrsyyaaaaaelftksuqmcc); display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bh_DstVg4nC/" target="_blank">A post shared by Brendan Hooley (@socalgecko)</a> on Apr 25, 2018 at 12:36am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The two final flights bearing the Virgin America name were Virgin America Flight 1182 which departed San Francisco at 9.30pm, and Virgin America Flight 1948 which took off for Los Angeles at 9.32pm local time.</p> <p>The airline had a big celebration for those on-board the last flights.</p> <p>“We’re planning to delight our guests flying on these last two flights with a few surprises,” Alaska Airlines said.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Today we say goodbye to Virgin America. Starting tomorrow, signage will be removed and operations will be moved to a unified passenger experience including one gate area, check-in counter and reservation system under <a href="https://twitter.com/AlaskaAir?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlaskaAir</a>. <a href="https://t.co/QaMApHspUu">pic.twitter.com/QaMApHspUu</a></p> — Orlando International Airport (@MCO) <a href="https://twitter.com/MCO/status/988900486932770816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2018</a></blockquote> <p>Super fans of the airlines have also planned their own celebrations.</p> <p>“We’ll be having a get-together in the gate area before the flight,” frequent flyer Nate Vallier, who owns an airline IT company, told <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/flights/todayinthesky/2018/04/24/virgin-america-alaska-airlines-merger/546812002/" target="_blank">USA Today</a>.</strong></em></span></p> <p>“We’ll have posters, memorabilia and other swag to hand out and, after the flight, we’ll be gathering in the Alaska Airlines lounge in LAX to toast to the sunset of the Virgin America brand.”</p> <p>Most airlines are in the news because of customer complaints, but not Virgin. The airline had a 7/10 rating on Skytrax and was famous for its safety video.</p> <p> </p>

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