By GERRY BARKER
'Splash Magazines Worldwide

At first glance, Mackinac Island may seem unremarkable.

Located between Michigan's Upper and Lower Penisulas on Lake Huron, it's less than four square miles in size, and eight miles in circumference. It has a total year-round population of about 500.

But don't let its size fool you -- its natural beauty, rich history and attractions draw over 1.2 million visitors a year. Before we get to why, you should know "Mackinac" is actually pronounced "MACK-in-awe," from the Native Ojibwe language.

So what is it about this place that bring people here in droves? Let's take a closer look, starting with how to get here.  READ MORE.

(Press Release) MIAMI, FL – June 12, 2025 - Virgin Voyages has long set out to deliver a different kind of cruise experience, one built on emotional connection, self-discovery and the spirit of the sea. That vision has come to life visually in the form of the mermaids: symbolic figures at the helm of each Lady Ship. Now, the brand is giving those icons voice and dimension with The Mermaids: A Virgin Voyages Tale, a fully AI-generated cinematic series developed in collaboration with creative agency Native Foreign.

(Press Release) MIAMI, June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Regent Seven Seas Cruises®, the world's leading ultra luxury cruise line, has once again raised the bar with the reveal of the Skyview Regent Suite — the largest all-inclusive, ultra luxury cruise ship suite in history. Stunning renderings and an immersive fly-through video showcase this extraordinary two-level suite, which will sit atop the brand's newest ship, Seven Seas Prestige™.

(Press Release) ​BARCELONA, June 11, 2025 – Carnival Valor returned to service today after a comprehensive dry dock, with significant upgrades that elevate guest comfort and add new features, including a new WaterWorks aqua park and a Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge. The ship welcomed its first guests aboard in Barcelona, marking the debut of its enhancements, and will now sail home to New Orleans on a special Carnival Journeys transatlantic voyage.

(Press Release) Los Angeles (June 10, 2025) – Viking® (www.viking.com) (NYSE: VIK) today announced that 14 new ocean itineraries exploring the Mediterranean, United Kingdom, Ireland and Scandinavia in 2026 and 2027 are now open for booking. Ranging from 15 to 36 days, each of the new voyages combines two or more of Viking’s most popular itineraries to allow for more in-depth exploration.

(Press Release) MIAMI, June 9, 2025 – Carnival Cruise Line today unveiled Funnel Faves, a new campaign built around the core belief that travel advisors are at the heart of great vacations. The new campaign’s launch coincides with the recent appointment of Janet Wygert as Carnival’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Trade Marketing. Funnel Faves will kick off with a set of unique initiatives that show gratitude for travel advisor partners by providing elevated support and unique opportunities designed to foster business growth. 

(Press Release) PORT CANAVERAL, Fla., June 7, 2025 – Carnival Cruise Line is commemorating 35 years of fun cruises from Central Florida with a special celebration aboard its popular Mardi Gras. As the first major cruise line to sail from Port Canaveral in 1990, Carnival has grown its operations over the years to homeport more ships than any other cruise line and embark more than 1.2 million guests from the port annually.