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by Phil Cappelli Last updated: 11:35 AM ET, Wed December 17, 2025 MSC Cruises has unveiled new summer 2026 itineraries in the Eastern Mediterranean with seven-night sailings visiting destinations, including Turkey, Greece, and Italy aboard MSC Lirica and MSC Divina. Beginning April 4, 2026, MSC Lirica will offer journeys from Venice-Marghera, Italy, to destinations across the Eastern Mediterranean, including Kotor, Montenegro; Syros, Greece; and Ancona, Italy. The trip also includes an overnight stay in Mykonos, Greece.MSC Divina will depart from Civitavecchia, Italy, on April 24, 2026, and visit Mykonos; Kusadasi, Turkey; Marmaris, Turkey; and Naples, Italy.Guests who are interested in experiencing…

MoEngage, a customer engagement platform used by consumer brands across 75 countries, has announced a Series F follow-on transaction just over a month after securing $100 million, with a majority of the latest funding providing liquidity to investors and employees through secondary transactions. In the latest raise, where $180 million traded hands altogether, about $123 million was secondary, including a $15 million employee tender that provided liquidity to 259 current and former employees, while the remaining $57 million was raised as primary capital and went into the business. The round was led by ChrysCapital and Dragon Funds, with participation from…

Ocean Signature Resorts has announced the opening of its flagship property, Ocean Allure Costa Mujeres. Located just north of Cancun, the 599-suite, adults-only five-star luxury resort blends contemporary architecture, destination-driven design and intuitive hospitality. Surrounded by mangroves, tropical jungle, stunning white sand beaches and crystalline turquoise waters, the retreat remains convenient to downtown Cancun and easy access to Isla Mujeres via ferry. “With Ocean Allure Costa Mujeres, we set out to create a destination where the beauty of the Caribbean and the spirit of effortless luxury meet,” said Markus Haack, Senior Vice President of Marketing & Sales, Ocean Signature Resorts…

Google is expanding its push into consumer finance in India with the launch of a UPI-linked credit card, betting on a country of more than 1.4 billion people where fewer than 50 million currently hold a credit card. On Wednesday, Google entered India’s growing co-branded credit card market with the launch of Flex by Google Pay, partnering with private lender Axis Bank to expand access to credit in the country’s UPI-driven payments ecosystem. India’s rapid adoption of digital payments through the government-backed Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has transformed how consumers pay but has not translated into broad access to credit.…

Full-service luxury villa rental company, Rental Escapes has revealed a list of its six top luxury rentals for 2026.The curated list based on booking data, expert insights and 2025 travel trends showcase a variety of properties that include villas for multigenerational travel, beachfront and ski getaways and those offering the best views. “The luxury villa market continues to rise each year, and we are excited to share our list of top villa rentals for 2026 as discerning travelers plan for the year ahead,” said Willie Fernandez, chief sales and marketing officer in a statement.He added, “Whether its relaxing on the…

Amazon is in early discussions to invest as much as $10 billion in OpenAI in a deal that would see the AI lab using the e-commerce giant’s AI chips, CNBC reported. If it materializes, the deal would value OpenAI at more than $500 billion, Bloomberg reported, citing an anonymous source. The Information was first to report on the story. Amazon has been looking to diversify its bets in the AI race, which has so far seen it partner up with and invest $8 billion in Anthropic, a rival to OpenAI. The e-commerce giant earlier this month also unveiled the latest…

Even the most dedicated doomscrollers smile once in a while. Here’s a look back at some of the Associated Press stories that captured attention around the world and provided moments of brightness throughout 2025:Art and intrigueThe brazen heist at the world’s most visited museum in November wasn’t just a whodunit, it was a “who wore it.” Hours after thieves snatched the French crown jewels from the Louvre, an AP photographer snapped a picture of a sharply-dressed young man striding past police. Who was this mysterious “Fedora Man?” A 15-year-old boy who favors elegant clothing inspired by history and fictional detectives.“I…

Carnival Cruise Line has announced its 2027-2028 deployment plans which include Carnival Firenze and Carnival Splendor’s new itineraries.“This deployment brings together flexibility, variety and distinctive cruise experiences for our guests from iconic cities around the world,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line in a statement. She added, “Carnival Firenze, arriving in New York for the first time to replace Carnival Venezia, brings our Fun Italian Style to the market in a fresh way. Combined with Carnival Splendor’s exciting sailings that include visits to Singapore, these additions showcase how we continue to grow our lineup in meaningful ways.”In addition…

Underwater autonomous vessels and robots could play a substantial role in defense operations, but submersibles have historically had trouble communicating across large distances unless they rose to the surface. But coming up to transmit poses the very obvious risk of being exposed. Skana Robotics thinks it’s made a breakthrough with underwater communications using AI — but not the large language models the industry touts today. Tel Aviv-based Skana has developed a new capability for its fleet management software system, SeaSphere, that allows groups of vessels to communicate with each other underwater across long distances using AI. The system allows vessels…

Southwest Airlines announced it has entered into a partnership with Turkish Airlines.Beginning in early 2026, the union will offer travelers access to convenient one-ticket, transatlantic journeys between the United States and Istanbul, Turkey. Currently, Turkish Airlines flies to more than 350 destinations in 132 countries from its global hub at Istanbul Airport. That includes 10 airports in the U.S. that are currently served by Southwest.Through this new partnership, international travelers will be able to connect through those shared gateway airports. Tickets will be made available next year through Turkish Airlines, travel advisors and travel websites. “Both Southwest and Turkish Airlines…