Travel briefs: Aquaman now a wax figure; best airlines for families

Aquaman debuts in Orlando

Aquaman now has a home on dry land in Florida. A replica of the DC Comics superhero, as portrayed on the big screen by Jason Momoa, now stands in Madame Tussauds Orlando, the wax-figure attraction on International Drive. Aquaman is the star of the final scene of the Justice League: A Call for Heroes exhibit that debuted earlier this year. Visitors can grasp the character’s trident to activate special effects including a swelling soundtrack, splashy projections and a light misting of water. The costume is textured, and, as with all Tussauds figures, it’s OK for guests to touch them. The special effects trigger easily — a graze of the finger onto the trident, really — although using two hands makes for a better photo. This enables visitors to help defeat supervillain Lex Luthor. The exhibit opened with Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman already in action.

Orlando Sentinel

Millennials get insurance

More travelers are expected to buy travel insurance in 2019, especially younger travelers ages 25 to 44. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection’s annual State of Travel Insurance report projects that travel insurance sales to Americans will increase by about 4 percent in 2019. The research found that Americans traveled less in 2018 than 2017, from 3.0 to 2.9 trips per year. But they’re spending more money on extensive trips or due to the rising costs of airfare and gas, and thus are drawn to buy travel insurance. Thirty-three percent of millennials with children are planning to purchase travel insurance in 2019, while 29 percent of boomers plan to buy less. Younger travelers prefer tech-driven and customizable insurance, with 43 percent saying they’d buy more travel insurance if it could be customized.

TravelPulse

Drinks are on the house

MSC Cruises is offering unlimited drinks and free Wi-Fi worth more than $550 per person. The All-In deal applies to 2019-2020 cruises in the Caribbean, Canada and New England. The unlimited drink package includes Heineken draft beer on all cruises, as well as bottled Miller Lite on Caribbean cruises from Miami; select house wines by the glass, house spirits and cocktails; nonalcoholic cocktails, soft drinks and juices; bottled water; and hot drinks. The free Wi-Fi includes the standard internet package, which varies by ship. Prices vary. For example, the seven-night Caribbean, Cuba and Antilles cruise departing Miami on May 11 starts at $686 per person double, including taxes and fees. Book by March 31 (1-877-665-4655; msccruisesusa.com).

Washington Post

Best airlines for families

Managing young children in small spaces at 30,000 feet can be a challenge. According to the Points Guy’s recent report Best Airlines for Family Travel, some airlines are more family-friendly. TPG examined the 10 largest U.S. airlines, looking at 10 different criteria relevant for traveling families. Southwest Airlines came out on top. Its coveted Southwest Companion Pass, no extra fees and family boarding policy nudged the airline to the top of TPG’s picks for family travel. Its extensive — and expanding — domestic route and award program are a bonus. When considering seat comfort, snacks and entertainment, JetBlue offers a better onboard experience than Southwest and is consistently a top pick for families, the report determined. Its less than stellar on-time arrival ranking bumped it down just shy of the top spot.

FamilyTravel.com