Travel Archives

Chasing History: A Photographer’s Cross-Country Quest to Document SpaceX’s First Booster Catch

By FMN Staff October 19, 2024SpaceX, Starship, Travel

For Richard Gallagher, a tenacious photographer from Merritt Island, Florida, the pursuit of documenting rocket launches has always been more than just a hobby—it’s a calling. So, when SpaceX announced that their fifth integrated test flight (IFT-5) would attempt the first-ever catch of the Super Heavy Booster, Richard knew this was a moment in history he had to capture. The only problem? The launch site was nearly 1400 miles away, and the drive there would be anything but easy.

Carnival Vista Passengers Get A Big Surprise…And It’s Not A Good One

By Mark Stone FMN September 5, 2024Cruise Ships, Florida News, Travel

The Carnival Vista Photo: Carnival Cruise Lines

So you’ve planned that long awaited cruise vacation down to the last detail. You’ve talked to travel agents, shopped around for your best deal, researched cruise lines and destinations on the internet, figured out your arrival dates, booked your flights, arranged your transfers to the port, and even finagled early boarding on your ship of choice. Now all you want to do is put on your favorite swim suit and pair of flip-flops, grab a drink, and kick back by the pool. Whew! We made it on board! Let the vacation begin!

Florida Roadside Attractions: The Space Shuttle External Tank

By Charles Boyer FMN August 17, 2024Another Roadside Attraction, Entertainment / Recreation, Travel

The Space Shuttle Test Article, parked near a dock in Green Cove Springs, Florida
Photo: Charles Boyer / FMN

Roughly thirty minutes west of Saint Augustine and I-95 in Florida, a Space Shuttle relic sits abandoned in Green Cove Springs near a dock on the Saint Johns River. While not technically a “Florida roadside attraction”, many view it as a pretty neat thing to see…after all, it is NASA history.

Disney Argues Disney+ Subscription Means “No Lawsuits, Just Magic!” in Lawsuit Over Allergy Tragedy

By Mark Stone FMN August 16, 2024Entertainment / Recreation, Florida News, Travel

Photo of Disney Springs Shopping area — Photo: Disney Parks

ORLANDO, FL — Imagine subscribing to Disney+ to catch up on The Mandalorian, and suddenly finding out that you’re also signing away your right to sue Disney—even if something terrible happens at one of their parks. That’s exactly what Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. is arguing in response to a lawsuit that claims their negligence led to a tragic death at Disney Springs.

Florida Roadside Attractions: World War II Watch Tower In Ormond-By-The-Sea

By Charles Boyer FMN August 14, 2024Another Roadside Attraction, Entertainment / Recreation, Travel

Roadside Attractions: A summer thunderstorm approaches the beach and the WWII Watch Tower on August 13. 2024
Photo: Charles Boyer / Florida Media Now — A summer thunderstorm approaches the beach and the WWII Watch Tower on August 13. 2024
Photo: Charles Boyer / Florida Media Now

For the adventurer, Florida is full of lesser known beaches, parks, and roadside attractions. Only a few minutes off of I-95, a lonely tower sits on the beach in a residential part of Ormond-By-The-Sea as a lingering artifact of the Second World War. The Watch Tower, as it is called, is the last of its kind in Florida, and one of the few left from the over 15,200 similar structures on American coastlines.

Top Caribbean Destinations for Floridians: A Comprehensive Guide

By FMN Staff August 7, 2024Travel

Shoal Bay Beach, Anguilla
Photo: Creative Commons

Winter Is Coming: Time To Start Planning Your Getaway

Even though the current weather is hot, humid and with a decent chance of a tropical disturbance on the horizon, it’s never too early for Floridians to start dreaming about a vacation in the winter months. While many of us enjoy the relative convenience and comfort of a cruise originating from one of Florida’s many ports, others may prefer to go directly to a destination so they can unpack, unwind and not worry about traveling again until it’s time to head back home.

The Caribbean offers a range of beautiful destinations just a short flight away from the Sunshine State’s major airports. Each island has its own unique charm, from pristine beaches to vibrant local culture to restaurants where you can have a great meal you’ll never forget.

Visiting Orlando’s Theme Parks? Take a Side Trip To Natural Wonders Of Florida’s Springs

By FMN Staff August 1, 2024Entertainment / Recreation, Florida Wildlife, Travel

Three Sisters Spring
Photo: Three Sisters Spring website

When one thinks of Florida, images of sun-soaked beaches and theme parks often come to mind. However, nestled within the state’s lush landscapes are a series of natural wonders that offer a refreshing escape from the bustling city life. Florida’s springs, with their crystal-clear waters and serene environments, provide a perfect retreat for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Located just a short drive from Orlando, these springs promise a rejuvenating experience. Here’s a guide to some of the most captivating springs you can visit, each with its own unique charm.

Utopia of the Seas Arrives at Port Canaveral

By Mark Stone FMN July 11, 2024Cruise Ships, Florida News, Travel

Utopia of the Seas arrived at her new home port of Port Canaveral, Florida on July 11, 2024. Photo: Royal Carribean

This morning, the arrival of the world’s second-largest cruise ship and Royal Caribbean International’s newest vessel, Utopia of the Seas, was celebrated with fanfare and excitement as it docked at Port Canaveral. Observers say the ship could redefine luxury and innovation in the cruising industry, bringing with it a host of technology, features, and amenities that elevate the cruising experience to new heights.

Royal Caribbean Names Pop Star Meghan Trainor “Godmother” of New Port Canaveral-Based Megaship

By Charles Boyer FMN July 5, 2024Cruise Ships, Travel

Meghan Trainor
Publicity photo via Facebook

Royal Caribbean has started promoting the arrival of the world’s second-largest cruise ship, Utopia of the Seas, to its new home in Port Canaveral. It all kicks off with an online contest for fans of pop singer Meghan Trainor to join her and a small group of other fans on the ship’s initial cruise before it enters into regular service later this month.

Hurricane Beryl Disrupts Florida-Based Cruise Lines

By Mark Stone FMN July 4, 2024Cruise Ships, Florida News, Travel

Disney Cruise Lines boards passengers in Port Canaveral, FL. Photo: Mark Stone/FMN

Those who plan to cruise over the 4th of July holiday weekend and into next week might not get what they signed up for. Hurricane Beryl, the first major storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, has wreaked havoc on Florida-based cruise lines, forcing significant itinerary changes and posing operational challenges.

Clothing Optional…But Bring Your Sunscreen

By FMN Staff May 23, 2024Cruise Ships, Entertainment / Recreation, Travel

AI image of a waiter on a nude cruise ship

With everything going on in the world, no doubt 2024 will be a bizarre year. 2025 may start out even stranger. While stories like this are normally just a wee bit out of FMN’s wheelhouse, we found this one curious enough to take a look at. It’s not exactly “The Love Boat”, but…..

One of The World’s Largest Cruise Ships Conducts Sea Trials

By Charles Boyer FMN May 16, 2024Cruise Ships, Entertainment / Recreation, Travel

Utopia of the Seas
Photo: Royal Caribbean

Utopia of the Seas is set to carry passengers for the first time July 19 from Port Canaveral, Florida

When you think of a big ship, the first thing that comes to mind for many people is one of the US Navy’s massive aircraft carriers. Truly a floating air base with a full-length flight deck for aircraft to take off and land, aircraft carriers are indeed huge. Typically 1,092 feet (332.85 meters) long and with a beam of 134 feet (40.84 meters) , they are formidable symbols of naval power worldwide. At the same time, they’re not the only huge ships on the ocean, and in a few weeks, one of the largest afloat will call Port Canaveral home.

Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Utopia of the Seas, is roughly the same size, and even a bit longer from bow to stern than an aircraft carrier: at 1,188 feet (362 meters) long, 211 feet (64 meters), it is also a huge ship, one devoted to giving its passengers the ultimate vacation experience. While the Utopia is huge, she is edged out slightly by RC’s Icon of the Seas, it is only only 8 feet longer and therefore carries the title of “World’s largest.”