Chicago has two major commercial airports: Chicago-O’Hare and Chicago-Midway. The former serves as a major hub for American Airlines and United Airlines, while Southwest Airlines has a large presence at Chicago-Midway.
With plenty of flyers traveling through the city on a daily basis, there are a number of airport lounges available to those who want a quiet space to relax before their flight.
Find out which airport lounges are available to travelers at Chicago-O’Hare, plus the latest information about a new, first-ever airport lounge at Chicago-Midway.
About Chicago’s airport lounges
Chicago-O’Hare
Depending on how you access a lounge and with which airline you’re flying, there are several lounges at Chicago-O’Hare worth exploring. The airport has lounges in Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 5.
Your best bet to get into a lounge here will be if you’re flying with United or American or if you hold elite status in one of these airlines’ loyalty programs. A small number of international airlines also have lounges in Terminal 5.
You may get access to lounges depending on your elite status level with an airline, even if traveling in economy class.
Chicago-Midway
Chicago-Midway doesn’t currently have any lounge options, but it will be opening its first-ever lounge in late 2024. Called “The Club MDW,” it will part of the network of lounges dubbed “The Club” be accessible to Priority Pass members.
If you want to purchase Priority Pass membership, an annual pass for unlimited lounge visits costs $469. Cheaper memberships are available but only allow a limited number of visits per year.
Chicago-O’Hare Terminal 1: United Clubs and Polaris Lounge
Terminal 1 is primarily used by United Airlines and select partners. It has four lounges for passengers traveling on United and partner carriers. Here are the lounges available at Chicago-O’Hare Terminal 1.
United Club
Three locations: near gate B6 (Concourse B), gate B18 (Concourse B) and gate C10 (Concourse C).
Open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
Must present a boarding pass to enter.
Open to United Club members, one-time pass holders, United and Star Alliance premium cabin passengers and eligible elite status holders (including Star Alliance Gold) on eligible international flights. Virgin Australia Velocity Gold, Platinum and VIP members plus Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge members, all of whom must be traveling from Chicago-O’Hare on United, can also visit United Club locations. Access is also available to certain United credit cardholders.
United Clubs offer hot and cold buffet meals and drinks from an open bar. Work stations, free Wi-Fi, seats with power outlets and Illy coffee machines come standard.
Polaris Lounge
Located near gate C18 (Concourse C).
Open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
Must present a boarding pass to enter.
Open to United Polaris and Star Alliance premium cabin passengers as well as eligible elite status holders (including Star Alliance Gold flyers on non-United flights) on international flights. Star Alliance Gold members who are traveling domestically on United cannot use the Polaris Lounge, but may access the United Club instead.
Polaris Lounges have a more substantial buffet of hot and cold food items, an a la carte menu in a sit-down restaurant, an upgraded bar with complimentary drink selections, lounge areas, showers and nap rooms.
🤓Nerdy Tip
United Club members can bring a spouse and child under 21 or up to two guests. The United Club℠ Infinite Card comes with lounge membership that can be used when flying United or a Star Alliance partner.
Chicago-O’Hare Terminal 2: United Club
Terminal 2 is used by United Airlines as well as a handful of other airlines like Alaska Airlines and JetBlue Airways. Here is information on the sole lounge at Chicago-O’Hare’s Terminal 2:
United Club
Located near gate F9 (Concourse F).
Open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
Must present a boarding pass to enter.
Open to United Club members, one-time pass holders, Star Alliance premium cabin passengers and eligible elite status holders (including Star Alliance Gold) on eligible international flights. Virgin Australia Velocity Gold, Platinum and VIP members plus Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge members, all of whom must be traveling from Chicago-O’Hare on United, can visit United Club locations.
United Clubs offer hot and cold buffet meals and drinks from an open bar. Work stations, free Wi-Fi, seats with power outlets and Illy coffee machines come standard.
Cards with United Club access
United℠ Explorer Card
on Chase’s website
United Club℠ Infinite Card
on Chase’s website
United℠ Business Card
on Chase’s website
United Club℠ Business Card
Details
Annual fee:$0 intro for the first year, then $95):
Lounge access: Two one-time United Club passes after account opening and each year for your cardmember anniversary.
Annual fee:$525.
Lounge access: Primary cardholders get a United Club membership.
Annual fee:$99.
Lounge access: Two one-time United Club passes after account opening and each year for your cardmember anniversary.
Annual fee:$450.
Lounge access: Primary cardholders get a United Club membership.
Still not sure?
Chicago-O’Hare Terminal 3: American Admirals Clubs and Flagship Lounge
Terminal 3 is primarily used by American Airlines and some of its partner carriers. Here are the details for the lounges located at Chicago-O’Hare Terminal 3.
American Airlines Admirals Club
Three locations: near gate G8 (Concourse G), between gates H6 and K6 (Concourse H/K) and near gate L1 (Concourse L).
Open daily from 6:15 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. (Concourse H/K lounge is open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
Must present a boarding pass to enter.
American’s Admirals Clubs offer buffet snacks and an open bar. Some include pop-up stations with avocado toast in the morning and made-to-order guacamole in the evening.
Work stations, seats with power outlets and lounge areas are also available. If you’d like to take advantage of the Club’s shower facilities, you’ll need to head to the location between the H and K Concourses.
American Airlines Flagship Lounge
Located between gates H6 and K6 (Concourse H/K).
Open daily from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Must present an eligible boarding pass to enter.
Open to ConciergeKey travelers, eligible AAdvantage and Oneworld elite status members on international flights and premium cabin passengers on eligible international, premium transcontinental and long-haul Hawaiian island flights. One-day passholders can also enter for $150 per person or 15,000 AAdvantage miles. Also eligible to enter are Alaska Airlines MVP Gold and MVP Gold 75K members on eligible flights.
American’s Flagship Lounges are a step up from the Admirals Club and have expansive buffets with hot and cold items, self-service bars, a range of snacks, work stations, showers, seats with power outlets and premium Champagne and wine.
Chicago-O’Hare Terminal 5: Delta Sky Club and international airline lounges
Since Delta moved its operations to Terminal 5, it joins a few other domestic carriers as well as most other international airlines operating from Chicago-O’Hare.
🤓Nerdy Tip
It’s not easy for travelers departing from Terminals 1, 2 or 3 to access these lounges since they must leave the secure area, take a train and re-clear security. If you’re connecting through O’Hare with a flight leaving from Terminal 5, a free shuttle within security is available after showing an eligible boarding pass.
That said, these four Chicago-O’Hare airport lounges are best suited for passengers departing from Terminal 5.
Delta Sky Club
Located between gates M11 and M14 (Concourse M).
Open from 4:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day except Saturday when hours are 4:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Must present a boarding pass to enter.
Open to Delta Sky Club members, Delta One passengers, premium cabin passengers traveling internationally on a SkyTeam flight and Medallion members (except Silver) flying internationally in a premium cabin. Non-Delta members with SkyTeam Elite Plus status traveling on an international itinerary also receive access, as do those who hold The Platinum Card® from American Express, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card or select Centurion cards from American Express. Travelers may only access the lounge up to three hours prior to their flight. Anyone holding a basic economy ticket will not receive access. Terms apply.
The Sky Club offers a buffet of hot and cold food items, an open bar (including a dedicated wine bar), work stations with power outlets, an interesting collection of artwork and plentiful seating overlooking the Delta gates.
Cards with Delta SkyClub access
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Annual fee
Still not sure?
British Airways Lounge
Located between gates M11 and M12 (Concourse M).
Open from 12:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Must present a boarding pass to enter.
This lounge is open to premium cabin and eligible Oneworld elite status members on international British Airways or Oneworld flights.
In the lounge, a range of self-service snacks and an open bar are available, although there is limited seating given its small size.
SAS Lounge
Located near gates M19 and M20 (Concourse M).
Opening hours vary based on flight schedule.
Must present a boarding pass to enter.
This lounge is accessible to SAS passengers and eligible elite status passengers on other Star Alliance flights from the terminal.
While compact, the lounge has a decent spread of snacks, self-pour refreshments including alcohol and work stations with power outlets.
Swissport Lounge
Located near gate M13 (Concourse M).
Open from 7 a.m. to 12:30 a.m (7 a.m. to 9 p.m. for Priority Pass members).
Must present a boarding pass to enter.
This lounge is available to Priority Pass members and eligible customers with access via their airline. If you have access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, you also have Priority Pass membership, giving access to this lounge.
The lounge offers visitors a buffet of snacks, an open bar and seating although power outlets can be hard to find. This is not one of the most attractive lounges at the airport, but it is the only Priority Pass option.
Chicago-Midway: The Club at MDW
Opening in late 2024, this new Priority Pass-accessible lounge will be available near the Central Market between Concourses A and B.
This will become the first Chicago-Midway airport lounge.
10 complimentary Priority Pass lounge visits per year. Enrollment required.
Terms apply.
Eight free Priority Pass lounge visits per year.
Learn more
For Midway passengers without a qualifying card or Prioriy Pass membership, a day pass can also be purchased for those with a boarding pass for $50.
Chicago airport lounges recapped
Chicago-O’Hare has several lounge options across United, American, Delta and international airlines. Chicago-Midway, meanwhile, will be opening an airline-agnostic lounge for Priority Pass members in late 2024.
As it currently stands, travelers need to rely on their airline ticket, elite status or lounge membership to give them access to a Chicago airport lounge.
The information related to United Club℠ Business Card has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:
Hosting a successful Thanksgiving on a budget starts with smart shopping strategies and a manageable guest list.
November 1, 2023
Every November, family and friends gather to reflect on what they’re grateful for and indulge in a home-cooked meal. But with food costs steadily increasing, Thanksgiving can easily be one of the most stressful and costly holidays of the year.
The good news? You don’t have to break the bank to host a holiday dinner that leaves your guests full and impressed. Here are some tips for hosting Thanksgiving on a budget without compromising on the warmth and joy of the holiday season.
1. Get a head start on planning
It’s never too early to start preparing for the holidays, especially if you’ve volunteered to host. Haley and Justin Brown-Woods, financial coaches and hosts of the Price of Avocado Toast podcast, recommend thinking about what type of Thanksgiving you’d like to create. Will it be casual or elegant? A full, traditional meal or just heavy appetizers?
Most importantly: How big will the celebration be? Having a rough idea of how many people you’ll be hosting will provide a better sense of how much food and drink you’ll need, which can help you set a realistic budget.
One tip: If you’ve previously hosted Thanksgiving, review bank statements from those years to approximate your expenses for this year’s dinner.
2. Keep your guest list in check
The more, the merrier, right? Not necessarily. Too many Thanksgiving guests mean more mouths to feed—and more money spent. “One of the first steps we’d suggest when doing Thanksgiving on a budget is being modest in who you invite,” Haley says. More guests can mean you might need to plan for considerations like dietary restrictions or picky kids. To keep it simple, invite only close family members or just your immediate household.
“As you add to the list of guests, you need to ask yourself how much more of each dish you’ll need to make,” Haley says. “Boiling a few extra potatoes is wildly different from making an entire new casserole pan of dressing. Do you plan on giving out leftovers to all? Do you have disposable containers to send it all home in? Ask yourself what kind of post-meal situation you’re comfortable with and then build around that.”
3. Commit to a budget and build your savings fund
Once you’ve figured out the guest list and your overall style, determine a budget for food, decorations, and other expenses based on how many guests you plan to invite. Then, pad your final budget to cover any unexpected costs that might pop up.
Try to keep your budget limited to the essentials. “You do not need to buy or serve everything,” Haley says. “Potatoes don’t need to be curated into four styles, and you don’t need every extra casserole you saw on social media.”
Having a rough estimate for expenses is the first step toward building your holiday fund. To help your savings go even further, consider opening a high-yield online savings account to take advantage of the compound interest it earns every month.
Start saving with no minimum balance
Discover Bank, Member FDIC
“We suggest having a sinking fund in a high-yield savings account built specifically for holidays that you can add to each month and then pull from when needed,” Justin says. “This could be for things like groceries, gifts, excursions, or any other expenses that come with the holiday season. When we save in advance for our goals, not only do we feel empowered, but we spend more intentionally because we recognize the work and planning that went into getting to that point.” Not to mention, you’ll experience lower overall stress if you come out of the holidays without considerable debt to pay back in the new year.
4. Take inventory of what you have
One simple trick to ensuring a successful Thanksgiving dinner on a budget? Figure out what you already have at home to reduce unnecessary expenses. Pantry staples, like sugar and flour, can last for many months, and there’s no need to buy them brand new just for one dinner. If you’re missing a certain-sized pot or baking tray, consider borrowing cookware from a guest before the big day. Thrift stores are also an inexpensive place to find what you need to help keep your Thanksgiving spending under control.
5. Shop with a budget-first mindset
Haley recommends several money-saving tips when shopping for Thanksgiving dinner on a budget.
“Buy off-brand when possible,” Haley says. “You don’t need name-brand condensed soup for a green bean casserole. Your guests will still love whatever is made. The flavors meld together anyway, so cut costs as much as possible.”
Another tip: To curb spending, buy certain items ahead of time to avoid last-minute and unnecessary purchases. “Start stocking up on the nonperishables months in advance,” Haley adds. “You’ll be tempted to buy straight from the Thanksgiving display if you shop too close to the holiday. And you know what else is on that display? Decor, extra desserts, favors, and other stuff you absolutely do not need.”
6. Save money on the decor
You don’t need to spend a fortune to enhance the Thanksgiving mood. Decorating for Thanksgiving on a budget is a chance for you to exercise creativity and maybe even enlist the help of guests for a night of crafting. Instead of buying that fancy centerpiece you saw online, use it as inspiration to create a centerpiece with decorations you already own or can thrift on the cheap.
Better yet: Take a minimalist approach to your Thanksgiving decorations.
“As far as decor, less is more,” Haley says. “A comforting table setting, maybe one from years past, is just enough. Sometimes we forget that ‘more’ can really mean ‘busy,’ which detracts from the connection we crave on this holiday.”
7. Consider hosting dinner potluck-style
Want to really limit the stress and spending? Offer to host a potluck Thanksgiving or “Friendsgiving” dinner. As the host, you can still cook the main entrees like the turkey, but a potluck allows you to delegate smaller side dishes to your guests—especially if you can’t trim down your guest list.
Justin says: “We are big fans of potluck style. If your extended family is so close that you can’t avoid the invites, consider asking all to contribute meaningfully, in alignment with their budget. Find spaces where folks can contribute, and then ask if that works or if they’d like to adjust. An example could be, ‘Hey, we’re so excited to have you for Thanksgiving. We’re asking everyone to contribute a dish so the meal is easier on all. Would you be comfortable bringing that famous dish you make?’”
Granted, there are certain circumstances where guests may not be able to contribute. For example, family members visiting from out of town might not be able to bring a home-cooked dish or have time to visit the store before dinner. If traveling guests offer, feel free to accept their contribution. Otherwise, it’s probably best not to ask.
Don’t let hosting duties stress you out
Most importantly, Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and loved ones to reflect on all they’re grateful for and to enjoy each other’s company. Hosting should be fun—not gray hair-inducing, and it’s important to remember that who you invite is more important than how much you spend on the tablecloths.
“Remind yourself of what your values for the holiday are,” Haley says. “If feeding people is a value, then how can we do that comfortably, without breaking the bank? If connecting with loved ones matters more, maybe you can save on the meal in some capacity. Value-based spending is key to enjoying your money and your life, so identify the value and then spend intentionally within that framework.”
Ready to raise your hand to host this year’s Thanksgiving on a budget? Check out the features of a Discover® Online Savings Account to see how it can support your holiday savings efforts today.
Articles may contain information from third-parties. The inclusion of such information does not imply an affiliation with the bank or bank sponsorship, endorsement, or verification regarding the third-party or information.
This article originally appeared on The Avocado Toast Budget.
This post is sponsored by Credit.com.
Here at the ATB, we are all about budgeting in a way that works for you and finding realistic ways to feel more confident with your money.
Now that 2020 is (finally) over, here are ways that you can start to take hold of your finances and build confidence with your money in 2021.
Write down your short, medium and long term financial goals
I’m a big believer that you don’t need to stress over how to maximize the value of every dollar you come across.
Much of personal finance is behavioral and relies on us finding value in how we navigate our money!
Because of this, I found it incredibly helpful to sit down and brainstorm short, medium and long-term financial goals to decide what I wanted my money to do for me.
Write down your short, medium and long term financial goals
Here’s how I break it up:
Short-term goals – less than two years
Medium-term goals – 2 – 10 years
Long-term goals – 10+ years
Feel free to dream big!
We want to make realistic and attainable goals, but we also want to allow ourselves to dream about what we really want our lives to look like, and how our money plays a role in that.
Get to know your credit score
Wanna know a secret? I avoided my credit score for the longest time.
Turns out, once I finally faced my credit score, I became more empowered to understand how my credit score affects my finances and what I could do to change it.
While free resources can give you a ballpark estimate of your credit score, that score isn’t very useful and certainly isn’t what creditors see!
Knowing your true score, and seeing your credit reports from all three major credit bureaus, gives you security and control over how to navigate your credit score going forward.
While it can be daunting, credit plays an important role in our lives from renting, to car insurance, to mortgages, to career opportunities and more.
That’s why it’s important that you stay informed of what your credit actually looks like that’s why I signed up for ExtraCredit’s free trial!
Set up automatic savings
Automating your savings is LIFE CHANGING.
Setting up automatic savings is often referred to as “paying yourself first” because you are prioritizing saving money for Future You.
There are tons of different savings goals that you can put this money toward, but the important part right now is to set up automatic savings so you can set it and forget it.
Trust me—you miss that money a lot less if you never see it in your account in the first place.
If you have automatic deposits at work, it’s super easy to add a savings account and have a certain % or dollar amount go into that account every month without it EVER hitting your checking.
In my opinion, this is the best way to go. Out of sight, out of mind.
You’re way less likely to touch this money, and you’ll be shocked at how much it grows over time!
If this isn’t an option for you, you’re not out of luck. You can set up automatic savings transfers into your savings account from your checking account through your bank.
Find a budget that works for you
Here at the ATB, we are all about budgeting in a way that makes sense for you and your life.
Budgeting doesn’t have to be stressful and restrictive. It should actually be freeing and allow you to feel more confident and in control of your money!
There’s no one right way to budget, and there are TONS of different types of budgets depending on your income and financial goals.
Personally, I use a zero-based budget which allows me to track and decide where every single dollar I have is going.
If you have big savings goals, low income or high debt, I definitely recommend checking out a zero-based budget.
Learn how to increase your credit score
Your credit score has a bigger impact on your life than just determining your eligibility for loans.
Credit can impact your ability to rent, job opportunities, car insurance rates and more.
Once you know what your credit score is, it’s important to understand what makes up your credit score, and what steps you can take to increase it.
There are five factors that influence your credit score:
Payment History
Amounts Owed
Length of Credit History
New Credit
Credit Mix
Payment History makes up 35% of your credit score, so it is the most important factor.
ExtraCredit gives you the ability to report rent and utility payments, adding new tradelines to your credit profile. Adding payment history to your credit file.
And if you need help working to repair your credit, you can also use the Restore It feature to get an exclusive discount from a leading credit repair company. Remember: your best credit score is an accurate one.
Understanding how to increase your credit can take a lot of stress out of your finances and help you feel more in control of your credit future.
Make a debt payoff plan
I paid off $20k in CC debt in less than a year, and in order to do that, I needed a concrete plan of how I was going to tackle my debt.
Prior to that point, I had just been throwing a little bit here and there, hoping that my balance would eventually decrease.
Shockingly, that never happened.
Once I decided to use the debt avalanche to tackle my credit card debt, I was able to calculate how much extra money I could throw at my debt every month in order to make progress toward my debt free goal.
With this method, I paid the minimum payments on all of my debt except for the one with the highest interest.
With the highest interest debt, I put any extra money I had toward paying that down.
This gave my money more of a purpose than just throwing extra money here and there at my different debts.
It was also reassuring and motivating to see the loan amount decrease drastically as I threw the extra money I had towards it.
Whether you’re already a resident of Pensacola, FL, or considering it as your new home, a plethora of attractions await you. From seeking the perfect rental apartment to finding your dream home to buy in Pensacola, you have many diverse options. With many engaging activities and dining establishments, newcomers might find the choices overwhelming. To simplify your transition, Redfin has curated a list of must-try experiences, exceptional dining venues, and unique activities recommended by locals. Get started on your Pensacola bucket list today.
1. Visit the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk
Experience the lively charm of Pensacola Beach Boardwalk, where stunning views, delightful shops, and delectable dining converge. Stroll along the inviting promenade, bask in the sun-soaked ambiance, and indulge in an array of coastal treasures.
“One of the areas in Pensacola Beach that I love is near the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk,” shares travel blogger Wayne Kask of Always On The Shore. “You can park at Quietwater Beach, which is just a tiny stretch of beach on the Sound Side. From here, walk on over to the boardwalk which is filled with restaurants, shops, bars, and entertainment. Grab a seat on the deck at Flounder’s Chowder House and try their Free Range Gulf Fish, while you enjoy the views and listen to live music.”
If you are planning to spend a day at the beach, Tricia Vines photography provides a great way to capture your memories with a beautiful photoshoot on Penscola’s sandy white beaches.
2. Discover the Rich History of Fort Pickens
Step into a bygone era at Fort Pickens in Pensacola, FL. Uncover the layers of history within its weathered walls as you explore the well-preserved grounds of this coastal fortress. From intriguing architecture to tales of military significance, Fort Pickens offers a fascinating journey through time.
“Going to visit Fort Pickens is an absolute must,” says owner of Riptide Media Jimmy Warr. “Seeing a historic, Civil War era fort still standing is something to behold. As the nation’s oldest city, Pensacola has so many things to offer the avid history buff.”
3. Enjoy Brunch at The Fish House
“Enjoy a leisurely Sunday brunch with friends at The Fish House, where fresh fish and sushi are highlights of the menu, and the Smoked Salmon Avocado Toast is a favorite,” states travel writer Gemma Arnold of TopFlight-Travel.com. “Be sure to arrive just before 11am to snag a table, as reservations aren’t accepted. The deck is perfect for relaxing with drinks into the afternoon.”
4. Discover the Gulf Coast’s Hidden Depths
“Exploring the depths of Pensacola’s underwater wonders is an adventure like no other,” says Taylor Kulik of H2O Below Dive Charters. “ As a seasoned multi-passenger Dive Charter boat in the region, we’ve been navigating these waters for nearly two decades. From novices to seasoned divers, our excursions cater to all levels, inviting you to discover the Gulf Coast’s finest diving spots.”
5. Craft sand castles by the shore
Participate in the joy of sculpting sand castles at the beach. Let your imagination run wild as you shape turrets, moats, and more. Whether young or young at heart, this timeless activity promises smiles and cherished memories along the shore. “This unique activity showcases our beautiful Gulf Coast while guiding you through the process of making bigger and better sand sculptures,” shares Janel Hawkines, owner of SandCastle University.
6. Stroll down the tree-lined Historic Palafox Street
Visit Palafox Street in Pensacola and learn why this street is known to locals as the gateway to their city with its interesting architecture, unique shopping, and delightful dining opportunities,” states Emerald Coast Connected staff writer June Scroggin. “Part of the charm is the prevalence of art here. A must-do is visiting Blue Morning Gallery, a local art co-operative, the gallery features original works of art in all types of media.”
7. Attend the Pensacola Seafood Festival
“Our #1 Must-Do in Pensacola is the Pensacola Seafood Festival,” says Executive Director Bridget Middleton. “In its 46th year, this three-day festival boasts hundreds of vendors serving delicious seafood, artists and craftspeople from around the US; a children’s area, local restaurants serving their best dishes at ‘Gulf to Table’ and cooking demonstrations from some of the area’s greatest chefs. To top it off, there is live music on the Main Stage all weekend and entry to the festival is free.”
8. Dine at George Bistro
Indulge in this restaurant’s amazing flavors in the heart of Pensacola. Experience an unforgettable evening of exceptional dining. “My absolute favorite restaurant in Pensacola is Geroge Bistro,” shares local blogger Sarah Ritchie of Genuine Sunshine Blog. “Everything I’ve tried on their menu is incredible. Make a reservation in advance because it does book up. My favorites are the Alfredo Pappardelle and the Short Ribs + Mushroom Ravioli, but their Filet Mignon is also delicious. They also do an amazing brunch—you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Also great service and delightful cocktails and coffees.”
Pensacola bucket list: the bottom line
Discover essential Pensacola experiences for your bucket list. From the vibrancy of Pensacola Beach to the serenity of historic forts, and the dynamic allure of downtown exploration, each adventure contributes to Pensacola’s distinct charm. Whether you’re a resident or visitor, these cherished memories will stay with you for a lifetime.
A new lender has entered the mortgage space, but this one’s a little unique, and its offerings are too.
You see, they’re a “marketplace lender,” otherwise known as a peer-to-peer lender, meaning everyday investors can provide funds to borrowers seeking mortgages.
The lender in question, San Francisco-based Social Finance, or “SoFi” for short, says individuals and institutional investors have the ability to “create positive social impact on the communities they care about while earning compelling rates of return.”
In other words, you can be the mortgage lender and make some money in the process. Oh yeah, and earn some good karma if you think peer-to-peer lending is an act of goodwill.
Anyway, the company has already doled out over $1 billion in student loans and now has its sights set on the mortgage market, which some seem to think has become too restrictive. Just ask Ben Bernanke…
The idea here is to target early-stage professionals (recent graduates) who need help financing their home purchases (they also offer refinancing). They are known as “HENRYs,” or High Earners, Not Rich Yet.
Basically, they have the income, but they may not have the savings for a down payment yet, thanks to student loan debt and a lack of earnings history.
SoFi Offers Interest-Only and 10% Down Mortgages with No MI
Aside from appealing to Millennials
And being a tech-driven mortgage disruptor
SoFi also offers specialty home loans you won’t find everywhere else
Like interest-only products and low-down payment mortgages without MI
I dug into their website and found some interesting stuff. For one, they offer interest-only mortgages, which are considered non-QM and somewhat harder to come by these days.
Additionally, they offer loans with as little as 10% down without mortgage insurance, which again is slightly unconventional but probably just collected via a higher interest rate.
Still, they offer IO mortgages with loan amounts as high as $3 million, meaning they’re a jumbo peer-to-peer non-QM mortgage lender.
Per their website, they currently offer a 5/1 ARM with a 10-year interest-only option, a 7/1 ARM, and a 30-year fixed.
SoFi Home Improvement Loans
They also offer home renovation loans
With online approval to funding in just 7 days on average
The loans are unsecured so your home equity isn’t involved
SoFi doesn’t charge any closing costs and payments are fixed
The company also recently launched a line of home improvement loans for those looking to do renovations on an existing property.
They do not charge origination fees or other closing costs, nor do they charge for a home appraisal.
Additionally, you can borrow up to $100,000 without any home equity. To that end, they are more like personal loans than they are HELOCs.
Borrowers can take out amounts ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 depending on their needs.
At last glance, rates ranged from 6.58% APR to 13.62%, assuming you use autopay to make monthly payments.
And terms varied from just three years to seven years and potentially longer.
They advertise fixed rates, but you might have the option of a variable rate as well.
SoFi Mortgage Rates Seem Pretty Competitive
They seem to offer pretty attractive mortgage rates
Relative to the competition
And because SoFi doesn’t charge origination fees
The rates might even be cheaper than they look
I took a look at SoFi mortgage rates on June 1st, 2018 and they appeared to be fairly competitive relative to what else is out there.
The assumptions were for an 80% loan-to-value ratio, which means 20% down payment or 20% in existing home equity. If you’re putting down less or have less equity, expect a higher interest rate.
Additionally, the 5/1 ARM assumes a 75% LTV, so you need at least 25% equity or down payment.
Sample mortgage rates from June 1st, 2018 were as follows:
– 4.375% for the 5/1 ARM with an interest-only option
– 3.875% for the 7/1 ARM
– 4.125% for the 15-year fixed
– 4.25% for the 30-year fixed
They seem pretty close to what traditional lenders are offering these days, though keep in mind that SoFi doesn’t charge loan origination fees, similar to Eave, so you need to factor in the lower fees as well, which can be a game-changer.
SoFi’s Loan Underwriting Is Supposedly Quick and Easy
SoFi is attempting to speed up the home loan process
By banking on technology
They say they can close a mortgage in less than 21 days
Versus the industry average of 30-45 days
Are you an ambitious professional? If so, you might be the right fit for SoFi. Even more intriguing than their product offerings is their underwriting process.
SoFi claims that they can fund a mortgage in less than 21 days, as opposed to the industry average of 30-45 days. And they promise not to ask for “useless details.”
Part of their speediness be related to the fact that they use AVMs instead of appraisals for loan approval, which can certainly save some time. However, they eventually conduct an in-person appraisal as well.
They also ask applicants to apply and upload documents online, which allows them to complete loan approvals complete with automated valuations in less than 48 hours.
SoFi Cares Where You Went to School and What You Majored In
Because of their student loan background
SoFi cares where you went to school
And what you studied while you were there
This is probably a means to keep defaults low by only going after applicants with bright futures
Of course, there is a major caveat. In order to qualify for a SoFi mortgage, you need to have graduated from a selection of Title IV accredited universities or graduate programs.
This might have something to do with the fact that they were a student loan lender before jumping into mortgages.
Not sure which schools/degrees qualify, but I think the expectation is that even if you aren’t making much money now, you’re expected to be in the near future.
I went through the beginning of the loan application process online and noticed that only certain degrees were listed. It’s unclear if it’s an exhaustive list, but they certainly take schooling seriously.
However, SoFi refers to their debt-to-income limits “flexible,” so you might be okay if income is a little light as long as you went to Stanford.
They also determine loan eligibility by credit history and employment status, and require that applicants be at least the age of majority in their state. So I take that to mean no child doctors. Sorry Doogie.
At the moment, SoFi mortgages are only available in California, DC, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington on owner-occupied properties, but they’re expected to reach other states soon.
For the record, if you want to become an investor in SoFi mortgages, you need to be an accredited investor, which generally means you need to have a net worth of over $1 million (excluding your primary residence) or make $200k per year.
So no, not every Tom, Dick, and Harry can become an individual mortgage lender, but those with money can.
It’ll be interesting to see if P2P lending gets more popular in the mortgage world as prospective homeowners look beyond traditional banks and lenders for financing. Stay tuned.
SoFi Is Offering Free Avocado Toast to Mortgage Customers
Back in 2017 they ran an avocado toast promotion
To make it really clear who they were targeting
Young prospective home buyers
It was a play on Millennials love for the culinary treat
This just in…in a bid to be the silliest mortgage lender out there, and perhaps appeal to disgruntled Millennials, SoFi is offering free avocado toast to customers who take out a purchase mortgage with the company in July 2017.
While it’s hardly a reason to buy a home, or take out a mortgage with SoFi specifically, it is kind of funny.
The back story is that Millennials have been accused of wasting all their money on trendy foodie things like avocado toast, dashing their hopes of homeownership.
To combat this myth, or perhaps reinforce it, SoFi is giving away a month’s worth of avocado toast to its customers for a limited time, delivered straight to their new door.
Curious how much a month’s worth is? Apparently three shipments of bread and avocados. Oh, and you get to select gluten-free or regular bread, but you have to toast it yourself…
Learning how to manage your money is a huge part of “adulting,” but it’s not something most of us were taught in school. Luckily, TikTok is here to bring you up to speed. If you’ve been sleeping on TikTok like I have, let me fill you in. There’s an entire subgenre of TikTok dedicated to … [Read more…]
Editor’s note: TPG’s Erica Silverstein accepted a free trip from Oceania Cruises to attend the unveiling of Vista. The opinions expressed below are entirely hers and weren’t subject to review by the line.
“Is this a luxury cruise ship?” That was the question on everyone’s lips during the maiden sailing of Oceania Cruises’ Vista, the first new Allura-class vessel to debut for the upscale cruise brand.
We gawked at the beautifully designed public spaces, with their detail-oriented accents, eye-catching light fixtures and highly textured materials. (Yes, I petted the walls of the elevators and stroked every chair.) We luxuriated in enormous standard cabin bathrooms and sumptuous Tranquility Beds. We dined on exquisite freshly made pasta, perfectly cooked fish and decadent desserts. We ordered smoked, bubbled, herbed and ice-balled cocktails at the ship’s craft cocktail bar and took photos of each creative concoction.
Vista is clearly a ship for travelers who love to explore new destinations, prioritize fine dining and premium beverages and immerse themselves in chic surroundings. However, in the cruise space, this ship is clearly in the upscale category and not true luxury.
Then again, when you’re curled up on a circular day bed, drink in hand, on a resort-style pool deck in the Mediterranean, Vista might just provide all the luxury you need.
Overview of Vista
Vista debuted in May 2023, the first new ship for Oceania Cruises in a decade and the flagship of the line’s new Allura class. It carries 1,200 passengers in cabins and suites that all have either a true balcony or a French veranda (meaning you can open doors to the fresh air but can’t step outside).
The ship’s target demographic is well-off, mature couples who are looking for destination-focused itineraries on a ship with elevated dining. For a small, 67,000-ton ship, Vista wows with eight restaurants, plus a bakery and private dining rooms for wine-paired meals. It also stands out for its expanded Culinary Center, for cooking classes and demos, and Artist Loft, where passengers can get crafty under the tutelage of resident artists.
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Fans of the line will appreciate that Vista is modeled from sister ships Marina and Riviera, and the layout is strikingly similar.
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Vista is not an all-inclusive ship, but it’s more inclusive than lines such as Celebrity Cruises or Holland America. Its fares cover all dining (except for private, wine-paired dinners), fitness classes, nonalcoholic beverages and in-port shuttles. Its booking promotions may offer additional inclusions, like free Wi-Fi, airfare, excursions, beverage package or shipboard credit.
What I loved about Vista
Dining choice
Some people love to return again and again to their favorite restaurants; others prefer to try a new venue every time. I fall into the latter category, so I loved that I could eat at a different restaurant each night of my cruise on Vista.
I could get dolled up and go to a steakhouse or Italian restaurant, or I could play it casual and eat on the buffet’s outdoor terrace or at the pizzeria. I could enjoy a multi-course sit-down lunch or take my pick of eight burgers at the grill. Vista also had plenty of options for between-meal grazing – a quiche from the Bakery, a scone at Horizons’ afternoon tea, or a cookie from the Concierge Lounge.
Not only did Vista’s large selection of eateries keep my meals interesting, but there wasn’t a bad option in the bunch. Sure, sometimes I didn’t order the right dish, but I enjoyed every meal I ate on board.
Design
Vista will wow you with its gorgeous looks from the moment you step on board. The atrium gives a knockout first impression with its stunning floor-to-ceiling sculpture with a changing light display.
The bold center archway of the Grand Dining Room will immediately catch your eye, as will the ceiling design of the intimate Privee dining room. Each specialty restaurant has been designed with care, from the brick oven-inspired ceilings of Ember to the pagoda-style floor lamps in Red Ginger.
The noteworthy Grand Lounge sports geometric chandeliers and glass shelves of vases and glass sculptures, while the faux wood paneling on the pool deck sets it apart from any cruise ship Lido you’ve ever seen. The glam settings make you feel like you’re a movie star and add to the decadent feeling of being on vacation.
Cocktails and mixology program
The new mixology program on Vista is one of its standout features. I happily ordered cocktail after craft cocktail at the Founders Bar in the name of research, trying drinks with smoke bubbles on top, frozen fruit balls in their center and unique ingredients (like tea) in their centers. The concept turns your standard pre-dinner drink into a playful and exciting event. It also makes a ship carrying mainly retirees feel hip and trendy.
Vista also carries a line of nonalcoholic “liquors” to make zero-proof cocktails that taste like the real deal, as well as nonalcoholic beer. It’s a fabulous option for sober cruisers or travelers who need to rest their livers after a lively evening. Unfortunately, not all bars carry nonalcoholic cocktails. On my cruise, I found them on the menu at the new Aquamar restaurant and Horizons observation lounge.
What I didn’t love about Vista
Nightlife
I failed to find anything serious to critique about Vista, so what I didn’t love about the ship is more about my personality than any real failing of the cruise line.
Evenings on Vista do not offer a variety of pursuits. You can go to a bar, with or without music. You can try your luck at the casino. You can attend the one show each evening, but only if your dinner time allows for it. That’s pretty much it.
My cruise did not offer karaoke night, evening trivia and games, or a pool deck party. I missed the two special-guest acts, a pianist and a guitarist, and the song-and-dance performances by the onboard cast failed to impress. The ship didn’t offer any secondary shows at night — no comedians or musical acts you came to listen to and not talk over.
To be fair, small-ship upscale cruising isn’t about nightlife, and most travelers on Oceania are perfectly content with a long dinner, an evening dancing or drinking in Horizons and an early bedtime. The library does have some board games you can borrow, so consider that as an alternative activity.
Service
One should never judge a ship’s service based on its first sailings when the crew is still getting used to each other and the layout and procedures of a new ship. I mention service solely to answer the question of why Vista isn’t considered a luxury ship.
In terms of hardware, Vista is one fine ship, which rivals the vessels belonging to luxury lines like Silversea Cruises and Seabourn, even nipping at the heels of over-the-top sister line Regent Seven Seas Cruises. It’s in the “software,” so to speak, where the line relegates itself to the upscale sector. And that’s fine.
In addition to not offering truly all-inclusive fares, Vista doesn’t offer the personal, often fawning service you find on true luxury lines. I barely met my room steward. No one offered to carry my plate at the buffet. The chefs weren’t offering to make me dishes off-menu, and on occasion, I had to work to flag down a waiter to bring me a drink. Personally, I’m fine with this level of service, but it does not put Vista in competition with ultra-luxury ships.
The few service issues will improve over time. But Vista, by nature, will never offer the crew-to-guest ratio or over-the-top service levels you’d expect to find on a more expensive cruise line.
Vista cabins and suites
Vista has only eight major cabin and suite types, making cabin selection a relatively straightforward process. Its three main non-suite cabin types – French Veranda, Veranda and Concierge Level staterooms – have identical interior layouts, so you’re really only choosing between perks and exterior space.
New and noteworthy on Vista are Oceania’s first dedicated solo cabins, 270-square-foot balcony cabins with a twin bed, smaller bathroom and slightly narrower design than a regular veranda room. They’re Concierge Level rooms, so solo travelers get extra benefits, such as access to the Concierge Lounge and Aquamar Spa Terrace.
My cabin was a regular Concierge Level room with a private veranda. At 291 square feet, it was the same size as a Veranda room, but with a slightly nicer interior design. (French Veranda rooms are identical to Veranda rooms in design, but where the Veranda cabins have a private balcony, French Veranda rooms have floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to a railing; you can get fresh air but you can’t step out.)
I was very happy in my Concierge Level room on Vista. Oceania’s Tranquility Beds are some of the best in the business, and I loved falling asleep between a snuggly duvet and 1,000-thread-count sheets. Even better, the bed is flanked by three-drawer nightstands, 100V plugs and USB ports and reading lights.
Storage is decent with a two-door closet, two deep drawers in the desk, two coat hooks on the wall and a few additional shelves. It was the perfect amount of space for me, but I could see how a couple might fight over the drawer space.
The room had a mostly forgettable love seat, other than it looked nice and pulled out into an extra bed. The oval marble table was a perfect size for room service breakfast.
The highlight of the room, in my opinion, was the spacious, marble-tiled bathroom. Here, there was storage in spades: two glass shelves in the large shower, one large drawer and shelf space in the vanity and a corner unit with four deep drawers and three shelves in a mirrored cabinet. The shower had a rain head and a wand on an adjustable mount. The large no-fog mirror lit up at the touch of a button, perfect for putting on makeup.
I also appreciated the comfortable, padded balcony furniture. Standard balconies on Vista come with two upright chairs and a round drinks table, but the cushions made the seating comfier than the mesh-and-metal versions you find on many big-ship cruise lines.
Other thoughtful touches in the room include an electronic thermometer and do not disturb sign touchpad, quiet-close drawers, wooden hangers and carafes of Vero water, plus reusable water bottles to take on tour (to reduce single-use plastic water bottles). The mini fridge was stocked with soft drinks, though my cabin attendant didn’t seem to notice that I was drinking exclusively club soda. You’ll also find the requisite safe and hair dryer (neither of which I used), an umbrella and a shoehorn.
Concierge Level rooms come with extra perks, most of which are useful but not necessary. You get access to the lovely Aquamar Spa Terrace, with its hot tubs, day beds and thalassotherapy pool. You also get access to the Concierge Lounge on Deck 9; I don’t know why you’d want to watch TV in this windowless lounge, but I appreciated the 24/7 drinks and snacks and access to a concierge.
Other amenities include a welcome bottle of Champagne, pashmina-style cashmere lap blankets for use in your cabin and a tote bag. Perks include priority embarkation, lunch and dinner room service from the Grand Dining Room menu (I totally missed this one), priority specialty restaurant reservations, and complimentary laundry (up to three bags), pressing (on embarkation day) and shoeshine service.
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Penthouse Suite on Vista. ERICA SILVERSTEIN/THE POINTS GUY
For those with an urge to splurge, Oceania has four additional suite categories, each with butler service and access to an Executive Lounge. The Penthouse Suites are simply an expanded version of the balcony rooms, with additional closet and seating areas. The Oceania Suites have a full living and dining room, a separate guest or TV room, large balcony, guest bathroom and marble-clad master bath and dressing area. They are mostly found on Deck 12, but two on Deck 11 aft have wraparound corner balconies.
The eight Vista Suites, which I didn’t see, are even bigger than the Oceania Suites and located at the front of the ship, so they have extra-long wraparound balconies. The three Owner’s Suites span the entire aft width of the ship, with two balconies, and are designed by Ralph Lauren Home. A light-filled grand foyer opens onto the living, dining and bar area on one side and the enormous master bedroom with king-sized bed, walk-in closet and generous bathroom with soaking tub and ocean-view shower.
Vista restaurants and bars
Oceania prides itself on being a foodie cruise line, and Vista carries on the line’s tradition with six major dining venues included in the cruise fare, over-the-top extra-fee wine-paired private dinners and a new mixology program that goes above and beyond what its competitors are offering.
It’s hard not to nitpick a line that brags it has “the finest cuisine at sea” (and has even trademarked that tagline). Each meal may not be the best you’ve ever had on a cruise ship, but each meal you have will be solid, with plenty of choice of both where to dine and what to select from the menu. Vista is certainly a ship foodies will appreciate.
Restaurants
I made a point to try every restaurant on board during my weeklong cruise, and it actually took some scheduling to make it happen. It’s a good thing most of Vista’s sailings are 10 days or longer, so you have ample time to sample all the dining venues and even make repeat visits to your favorites.
You are allowed to make at least one advance reservation for each of Vista’s four specialty restaurants — possibly more depending on the length of the cruise and the type of cabin or suite you book. Once on board, you can ask if there’s walk-in availability for additional meals.
The Grand Dining Room is perhaps the most gorgeous main restaurant I’ve ever seen on a cruise ship. The design, with white archways in the center of the room, is also functional; it separates the giant venue into nooks, so it doesn’t have that hotel ballroom feel.
At breakfast, you can order everything from grilled lamb chops and broiled kippers to omelets, pancakes and lighter fare, such as yogurt parfaits. The highlight of the lunch menu is the “Taste of the World” sampler platter themed around a different country each day.
The dinner menu makes three suggestions for themed meals: selections from Jacques Pepin’s namesake French restaurant on Vista’s sister ships, global cuisine and Aquamar Vitality cuisine (ie lighter dishes). Don’t miss the creative Humphry Slocombe ice cream for dessert, with flavors like Elvis the Fat Years and Harvey Milk & Honey Graham.
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Terrace Cafe on Oceania’s Vista. ERICA SILVERSTEIN/THE POINTS GUY
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The Terrace Café is Vista’s buffet venue with indoor and outdoor seating. The stunning wall mosaics set the tone for the sophisticated spread you can sample here. Think daily sushi, an array of fine cheeses, made-to-order omelets, pasta and steaks and premium ice cream (including one Humphry Slocombe flavor at lunch and dinner). The vegetarian options weren’t always the best at the Terrace Café, though it often had gluten-free pasta.
On either side of the Terrace Café are several new and returning casual dining venues that should not be overlooked.
Waves Grill has always been one of my favorite grill venues at sea. Midday, it serves sandwiches, hot dogs, grilled entrees (mahi mahi, cajun chicken) and a huge selection of burgers, including Wagyu, veggie and salmon, in addition to the classic cheeseburger.
In the morning, it offers a downsized breakfast buffet with made-to-order omelets. At night, it transforms into a pizzeria with Italian-style pizza, a burrata menu (do not miss the burrata and tartufo dish) and a sinful Nutella pizza dessert. Pro tip: You can place an order at Waves and ask for your dish to be delivered to your table at the Terrace Café, so you don’t have to choose between the options.
Past Oceania cruisers might wonder where Waves’ famous smoothies and power bowls got to. The answer is Vista’s new “healthy” dining venue, Aquamar, set up on the opposite side of the Terrace Café from the Waves Grill.
In the morning, don’t miss Aquamar’s selection of avocado toast or its freshly made juices, unusual lattes and smoothies. (You haven’t lived until you’ve spiked your morning OJ with turmeric and cayenne pepper.) Energy bowls, banana pancakes and omelets round out the breakfast menu.
The lunch menu at Aquamar is vast. You can order poke-style bowls or compose your own, do a breakfast repeat with omelets and avocado toast, or order sandwiches from around the world, including tuna tacos, falafel pita, a Mexican chicken wrap or an Impossible burger. Wash it all down with a nonalcoholic cocktail that will have you convinced you’re drinking the real thing.
All the previously mentioned restaurants allow you to dine at will, but Vista has four reservations-required dinner spots that are the stars of the show. Three return from sister ships Marina and Riviera, while one is new, replacing French restaurant Jacques.
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Ember restaurant on Oceania’s Vista. ERICA SILVERSTEIN/THE POINTS GUY
The new entrant to Oceania’s food scene is Ember, serving inventive American fare. Though the venue is one of Vista’s signature restaurants, it has a more casual vibe than the others, and meals here don’t take quite as long. Consensus on my sailing is the standout dishes are the spinach and artichoke dip, lobster mac and cheese (with an actual hunk of lobster-in-the-shell on top) and the triple chocolate brownie sundae.
On the opposite end of the spectrum is Polo Grill, Vista’s fanciest restaurant, where dinners can take hours. It’s a classic steakhouse in a dimly lit setting with an enormous menu where protein is the star.
While it was perhaps not my favorite dining venue on board, the salmon I ordered was cooked perfectly, so moist and tender that I raved about it for the rest of the cruise. Folks at my table ordered everything from filet mignon to a whole Maine lobster, and everyone was satisfied with their choices.
Also, you may be understandably tempted to order the Polo Quartet of four desserts to finish your meal. I will save you the trouble by telling you the key lime pie is hands down the best of the bunch, and you should order the full-size version and skip the tasting plate.
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Polo Grill on Oceania’s Vista. ERICA SILVERSTEIN/THE POINTS GUY
Toscana is Oceania’s long-standing Italian restaurant, but on Vista, it’s newly enhanced with dishes created by the ship’s godmother, Italian food star Giada De Laurentiis. If you enjoy veal, this is your spot; nearly half of the secondi menu consists of veal dishes (you can also order lamb and roast suckling pig here). I tried Giada’s branzino and wasn’t wowed.
Whatever you order, make sure to order at least one pasta dish with Toscana’s incredible ship-made pasta. You can’t go wrong with Giada’s lemon spaghetti or the pesto gnocchi. If you need to skip dessert at one specialty restaurant, this is where I’d pass … unless you are a die-hard tiramisu fan.
The final specialty restaurant is Red Ginger, a pan-Asian dining experience. Perhaps it’s because I love Asian food, but I have a hard time choosing what to eat at Red Ginger because everything looks so good. You could make a meal on appetizers alone.
To start, try the sushi, duck and watermelon salad or summer rolls. For your main, consider the miso-glazed sea bass, lobster pad thai, bulgogi ribeye steak or red curry chicken. You might think dessert is a non-starter, but the caramel tapioca was tasty, and the soft ice cream with Japanese togarashi is a fun mix of sweet and spicy.
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Red Ginger on Oceania’s Vista. ERICA SILVERSTEIN/THE POINTS GUY
Vista also offers multiple options for intimate or private wine-pairing lunches and dinners on board. They include a wine-pairing lunch at Ember and wine-themed dinners in private dining rooms attached to Toscana and Polo Grill. Hidden between those two restaurants is Privee, another intimate dining room where two special dinners are held: Odyssey (described as a “gustatory journey for the senses”) and the Dom Perignon Experience that pairs special Champagnes with equally special dishes.
But the food options don’t end with the restaurants. The Bakery by Baristas was a popular spot for daily beignets, quiches and pastries. Afternoon tea in Horizons is an Oceania specialty, with your choice of Twinings tea, scones with jam and clotted cream, tea sandwiches and cakes and petits fours all wheeled around in glass carts by formally dressed waiters.
Bars
Vista’s bars are hopping before and after dinner because there’s not much else to do on board at night.
The Martini Bar is the most happening lounge, located near the Grand Dining Room, several specialty restaurants and the casino. A pianist performs here on and off throughout the evening. You can find all your standard mixed drinks here, as well as a special martini menu. At peak times, you might not be able to find a seat.
On the other side of the casino is the Founders Bar, a new concept for Oceania, dedicated to creative craft cocktails. If you like your drinks topped with smoke bubbles, frozen balls of fruit or sprigs of herb or dried fruit slices, this is your spot. Seating is limited, but you can request your drink be delivered around the corner to the Grand Lounge, a stunning scenery area where a classical string quartet plays in the evening.
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Founder Bars on Oceania’s Vista. ERICA SILVERSTEIN/THE POINTS GUY
Be careful — it’s so fun trying out all the crazy concoctions that you might bust your drink budget if you haven’t upgraded to the premium beverage package.
Horizons is the observation lounge at the top of the ship, looking forward. We heard rave reviews of the live band here and some choice words about the resident DJ, but if you want to watch the sunset or get your groove on after deck, Horizons is the bar for you.
Baristas is the coffee bar by day and aperitif bar by night. Get your daytime caffeine fix with Illy espresso, macchiatos, cremas and more, including coffees spiked with booze. After 6 p.m., you’ll find an Italian-influenced list of aperitifs and digestifs (amaretto, Campari, limoncello), as well as wines and cocktails (such as an Aperol spritz or negroni).
The pool bar serves all the daiquiris and coladas you can drink while lounging on Vista’s gorgeous, resort-style pool deck. You can also order drinks at any of the restaurants. Aquamar has a lovely menu of nonalcoholic cocktails, fresh juices, lattes and smoothies.
Vista is also introducing new immersive cocktail experiences for the cruise line, which unfortunately had not yet debuted on my sailing. These will include a customizable Bubbly Bar in Baristas, a Bloody Mary Bar at lunch in the Terrace Café, a Macallan whisky and chocolate pairing, and cocktail-making seminars pairing Brugal 1888 rum with ice cream or tea.
Vista activities and shows
An Oceania cruise is a destination-focused trip, so onboard activities are kept to a minimum. You’ll find trivia contests, spa seminars, casino tournaments and technology classes at the LYNC Digital Center, such as travel photography and photo editing for social media.
Where Oceania excels in onboard activities are with cooking classes and demos in the Culinary Center and art classes at the Artist Loft. Oceania brings on real chefs and working artists to lead the workshops. Sign up as soon as you get on board because these popular classes fill up quickly.
I tried a “drip technique” painting class where we decorated glass plates, and it was a far cry from the watercolor or needlepoint classes you might find on other ships. The two-part class explored a unique technique, and even though I’m not experienced in crafting and my plate looked pretty bad after the first class, the artist knew what he was doing, and my final product was surprisingly good. It’s also a fun way to socialize with other passengers and the artists in residence.
Vista’s culinary center is three times larger than the versions found on sister ships Marina and Riviera. In addition to the test kitchen with 24 individual cooking stations, a second room can be arranged for lectures or even dinners. Classes are themed, often related to the ship’s destination, and yes, you can eat what you cook. They do cost extra; fees start at $79.
On a warm, sunny day, Oceania’s gorgeous resort-style pool deck is the place to be with padded loungers and day beds, a main pool with a wading area around it and a couple of hot tubs. Sporty types should head to the ship’s topmost half decks for an outdoor running track, shuffleboard, croquet/bocce, pickleball, mini-golf and a golf-driving cage.
The Aquamar Spa on Deck 15 offers a barber shop, salon, fitness center with aerobics studio and sauna and steam rooms in the men’s and women’s locker rooms. Concierge Level and suite guests receive complimentary access to the Aquamar Spa Terrace at the front of the ship, with two hot tubs and a thalassotherapy pool.
If it’s cool and rainy, consider decamping to the nook- and book-filled library, where you can borrow games, settle in with your laptop or peruse guidebooks. Baristas is right around the corner. The ship also has the requisite shops selling fine jewelry and logo items.
In the evenings, you can find a singer-pianist in Martinis, a string quartet in the Grand Lounge and a band followed by a DJ in Horizons. I heard great things about Vista’s Music Station Band, but somehow I was always eating dinner when they were performing.
Each night, there’s a show in the Vista Lounge, either a guest performer or a typical cruise ship song and dance show by the onboard performers. One of the new shows on Vista was choreographed by Britt Stewart, a professional dancer who’s worked with “Dancing with the Stars.”
Vista itineraries and pricing
Vista will spend its summers in the Mediterranean and winters in the Caribbean. In fall 2023, the ship will also visit Canada and New England and transit the Panama Canal twice. Cruises range in length from seven to 90 days, but most are one to three weeks in length.
Cruise-only prices start from $1,799 for a French Veranda cabin or $2,049 for the lowest-category balcony room on a seven-night Caribbean cruise. Alternatively, you can choose Oceania’s more inclusive and expensive OLife fares; these start from $2,599 for the French Veranda cabin or $2,849 for a regular balcony room.
The current OLife promotion runs through June 30 and includes round-trip airfare and transfers, plus your choice of four shore excursions, a beverage package or $400 onboard credit per cabin. Starting in July, the line will offer a set of included perks, without the need to choose, but the actual inclusions may change during promotional periods.
What to know before you go
Required documents
The travel documents you need for your Vista cruise are determined by your itinerary and homeports. For most cruises, you will need a passport that is valid for six months after your trip ends. For round-trip sailings out of U.S. homeports, a birth certificate and government photo ID will suffice. It’s up to each passenger to determine if any of the ports of call require additional visas.
When you finish checking in online for your cruise, Oceania will email you a boarding pass that you should print out and bring with you to the terminal.
Gratuities
Crew gratuities are added to your onboard bill and amount to $18 per person, per day, in Concierge-class rooms and below, or $23 per person, per day, in upper-level suites. Gratuities can be prepaid. You are always welcome to tip above the auto-gratuity for exceptional service. All tour guides should be tipped in cash at the end of a tour.
A 20% gratuity is added to onboard bar and spa bills.
Wi-Fi
Vista is one of the first Oceania cruise ships to use Starlink high-speed internet. I can attest to the speed of Oceania’s premium plan after attending a 90-minute Zoom meeting with only the slightest of lag.
Every cabin comes with one free Wi-Fi login (for one device at a time), or you can pay to add additional devices or for the premium plan that accommodates music and video streaming.
Carry-on drinks policy
Passengers can bring up to six bottles of wine per cabin for consumption in their room. If you wish to drink your own wine in a restaurant or public area of the ship, you will need to pay a $25 per bottle corkage fee.
Smoking policy
Vista offers designated areas on the Deck 12 pool deck (forward, starboard corner) and in the smoking lounge on Deck 14 forward, outside Horizons. The latter is a gorgeous space with forest-green walls, but it is entirely indoors. This policy applies to e-cigarettes, pipes and cigars, in addition to regular cigarettes.
Smoking is forbidden everywhere else on board, including in cabins and on private balconies. Passengers who are caught in violation of the smoking policy will be disembarked at the next port of call and may also be required to pay additional fees to cover costs for cleaning or replacing damaged furniture or decking.
Laundry
Vista has complimentary self-service launderettes on decks 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11. Each is outfitted with a detergent dispenser, washers and dryers, an ironing board and a seating area with a TV if you choose to wait for your load to finish. You can walk away while your load runs, but set a timer because folks will remove your clothes if you don’t pick them up in a timely fashion.
Alternatively, you can pay to send out your clothes to have them washed and/or pressed.
Electrical outlets
Vista’s cabins and suites offer electrical outlets and USB ports on both sides of the bed and by the desk. You’ll find both U.S. 110V and European 220V outlets. Americans may want to bring an adapter for charging devices in public rooms where the outlets are all European-style.
Currency
The onboard currency is the U.S. dollar. The reception desk can change dollars for the local currency.
Drinking age
You must be 21+ to drink alcohol onboard all Oceania cruises. When the ship is in international waters, young adults ages 18 to 20 may purchase and drink beer or wine (as well as the House Select beverage package).
Dress code
Oceania does not have a complicated dress code with specific attire required on certain evenings. Instead, the line suggests “elegant casual resort wear” for evenings and requests that guests do not wear casual jeans, shorts, T-shirts, baseball caps, casual sandals or sneakers in the restaurants after 6 p.m.
For casual dining, choose the Pizzeria or Terrace Café for your evening meal. Shorts and baseball caps are allowed; athletic wear is not.
Elegant casual resort wear translates into date-night dresses (but not full-on cocktail attire), skirts and blouses or dressy pants and tops for women, and collared shirts and slacks for men. Jackets and ties are not required.
During the day, casual attire is fine, but please don’t wear swimwear, bathrobes or pajamas in public areas. You’ll need footwear if you leave the pool deck.
Bottom line
Vista is an elegant mid-size cruise ship that’s the perfect home base for travelers who appreciate dining variety, enjoy interesting cocktails and fine wines and wish to explore the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.
Cabins and suites are thoughtfully designed, though, for longer voyages, you might need to take advantage of onboard launderettes as cabin storage might be tight.
Vista offers a high-end experience on a beautifully designed ship, but you’ll have a choice in how you spend your vacation budget rather than paying upfront for all-inclusive fares.
New Zealand has long been on my bucket list, so when the opportunity to spend a night in Auckland presented itself, I jumped on it.
Although I would have liked to stay longer than 24 hours, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Park Hyatt Auckland. Given the property’s modern feel and its relatively cheap cost in points, I’ll absolutely be returning.
Booking
There aren’t that many Park Hyatts in the world; fewer than 50 are either open or being built. The Park Hyatt Auckland is a great deal when it comes to these top luxury properties.
As a World of Hyatt Category 5 hotel, a night here can cost as few as 17,000 Hyatt points at off-peak times. I spent 20,000 points for a standard night. The room I booked would have cost just over $400 in cash.
If you have Globalist elite status with Hyatt, you might get upgraded when you visit, as I did. Although the hotel was almost fully booked, I was able to score an upgrade to the best-available room, which featured a harbor view and a balcony.
🤓Nerdy Tip
The Park Hyatt Auckland levies additional charges on payments made with credit or debit cards. In this case, I would have paid a 2% surcharge if I hadn’t used points to book.
Location
The Park Hyatt Auckland is centrally located on the city’s famous harbor. Several shops, boats, cafes and more are within walking distance, making it a great option for those without a car.
Accommodation
My room was ready when I arrived at the hotel just after noon, a few hours before standard check-in time. It looked to be among the first they’d cleaned, and I was thrilled not to have to wait around in the lobby, even though it looked very sleek.
The room included state-of-the-art features such as automated window shades and external screens on the balcony. And the view was incredible.
The room featured one large king bed, a separate table with a chair, and a seating area.
There was also a paid minibar at the entrance, though I didn’t partake.
The large balcony had a nice table with a couple of chairs, though the low height meant staring through the fencing, which was awkward.
Inside the walk-in closet were a pair of robes and slippers, which I used while in the room.
However, the most remarkable feature was the bathroom, which was separated into two distinct areas.
The first area was a stand-alone powder room with its own sink and a toilet, while the main bathroom featured a huge soaking tub, two marble sinks and a shower.
Toiletries in the bathroom were by Citron and Vetiver. I don’t often use hotel toiletries, as I find the quality pretty low (even at really nice hotels), but these smelled nice and were good enough to detangle my hair.
I spent the majority of my time in Auckland in the room, catching up on work, so I deeply appreciated the chocolate bar left on the bed.
A few minutes after I arrived, I was also surprised with a welcome amenity of Pavlovas with cream and lemon curd. It also included two additional bottles of water.
I’m not ashamed to say these freebies constituted my dinner for the evening, especially since the Park Hyatt Auckland doesn’t have its own executive lounge.
Food and beverage
Globalist members and their guests receive complimentary breakfast at Hyatt hotels, either in the club lounge or the hotel’s restaurant. As there was no club lounge, instead I enjoyed breakfast at Onemata, the hotel’s signature restaurant.
Globalist members are entitled to both the breakfast buffet and an entree from the menu, as well as hot drinks.
Breakfast hours vary based on the day:
Monday to Friday: 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
I’ll admit, I went a little wild.
The buffet wasn’t huge, but it included high-quality items such as:
Smashed avocados.
Burrata with tomatoes.
Cold cuts.
Fresh fruits.
Chocolate milk.
When was the last time your local breakfast buffet came with kiwifruit, a caprese salad, avocado toast and locally produced chocolate milk? I rate this one a 10 out of 10.
I also ordered eggs Benedict from the main menu, but didn’t end up eating much of it. I blame the chocolate milk.
The hotel also has a few other dining options, including a lobby bar and a quick-service spot:
The Living Room: Open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The Pantry: Open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., or 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., depending on the day of the week.
Captain’s Bar: Open 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. or midnight, depending on the day of the week.
The Living Room, which is essentially a lobby bar, looked like a great place to take in the view over drinks.
Otherwise, Onemata is also open for lunch and dinner.
Amenities
Pool
The pool area isn’t huge, as you’d see at a resort hotel, but that’s expected given that you’re in the middle of a city. What it lacks in size, it makes up for with its great view.
The pool area is open from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Gym
For those looking to get in a workout, the hotel gym is open 24 hours and has a wide range of equipment, including treadmills, free weights and resistance machines.
How to get to the Park Hyatt Auckland
New Zealand is an interesting beast when it comes to flights. It’s decently connected to the U.S. with nonstop flights operated by Air New Zealand, United Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and more.
If you’re looking to travel with points or miles, one solid option is using Virgin Atlantic points to fly on Air New Zealand. A one-way business class flight from the U.S. to Auckland costs 62,500 Virgin points. Although these seats can be hard to find, Virgin Atlantic points are easy to earn compared with other airline award currencies. They’re transfer partners with the following points programs at a 1:1 ratio:
The Park Hyatt Auckland is located about 13 miles from Auckland’s airport. Trains from the airport into the city stop a little over a half-mile from the hotel, but I opted to take a rideshare since I had luggage with me. The ride took about half an hour and cost around $35.
If you’re looking to stay at the Park Hyatt Auckland
I spent just over 24 hours at the Park Hyatt Auckland, and I was very impressed overall. Although I didn’t manage to snag a suite upgrade, the modern amenities and generous breakfast made it well worth my while.
Coupled with the incredible location and reasonable cost in points, this is one property I’ll be happy to revisit.
(Top photo courtesy of Hyatt)
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Saving for a comfortable retirement doesn’t have to mean a radical lifestyle makeover.
December 11, 2017
How much should millennials save for retirement (especially without giving up beloved treats, like avocado toast at your favorite brunch spot)? That’s the $1 million question and, if you’re a millennial, you’re probably looking for a hint so you can get your finances into shape.
Ultimately, how millennials should save for retirement depends on their income, debt, long-term financial goals and what options they have for stashing money away for the future. Even if it seems way too far off to worry about, numbers don’t lie: The earlier you start saving, the smaller are the amounts you have to sock away at any one time, and the more you will ultimately have when it comes time to kick back in retirement.
Still, 46 percent of millennials say they can’t afford to invest for the future, including by putting money into a retirement account, according to a Bankrate survey. Another survey, also conducted by Bankrate, found that millennials are not saving any money at all (or they’re not saving more than 10 percent of their income).
If you’re struggling to find the cash to save and running into obstacles to millennials saving for retirement, don’t fret. With simple changes, it’s possible to get your savings on track without committing to a total lifestyle makeover (you can still order that avocado toast this weekend). Here’s how:
1. Strike a balance between student debt and savings
Student loan debt is one of the biggest obstacles to millennials saving for retirement. The average student loan debt for graduates from the class of 2018 was $29,200, according to Bankrate. That’s a 2 percent increase from the year prior.
The interest rate on your loans is a huge factor when deciding how much should millennials save for retirement, says Michael Lux, an Indianapolis-based attorney and the founder of a website dedicated to student loan education, strategy and borrower advocacy.
“If you have a student loan with a 3.00% interest rate, it makes sense to invest in retirement rather than aggressively paying down the debt,” Lux says. “However, if you have high interest rates on your student loans, money used to pay down the debt will go much further than many investments.” So if your loans carry a higher rate than what your investments are earning before taxes, you may get more bang for your buck by accelerating your debt payoff.
While you can’t wave a magic wand to get rid of your loans, you can sometimes find a way to make them less taxing on your wallet. Consolidating or refinancing your loans at a lower rate could offer savings by potentially reducing your monthly payment or interest rate. If you’re able to lower your payment without stretching out the loan term, you could use the extra money to start compounding your savings for retirement.
2. Track your spending
Keeping tabs on spending can go a long way toward overcoming the obstacles to millennials saving for retirement.
Kevin Michels, CFP®, says having a clear understanding of your cash flow can help you find the money to save.
Using a financial app can take the hassle out of tracking your spending. These apps link with your checking and credit card accounts to record your purchases so you can see at a glance where your dollars and cents are going.
Michels says once you understand what your current financial picture looks like, you can aim to improve it. This can help answer the question of how much should millennials save for retirement.
“Can you cut out unnecessary expenses or increase your income with a side hustle?” he says, suggesting gigs like freelancing, moonlighting as a ride-sharing driver or hiring out your services via online marketplaces that connect consumers with people willing to lend a hand with everyday tasks. “Figure out exactly how much you can add in surplus each month to go toward saving for retirement.”
Once you’ve added income where you can, and if you feel like you still want to trim your expenses, taking a closer look at your discretionary spending might reveal some easy ways to save on everyday expenses. If you pay for a monthly gym membership, for example, perhaps you could change up your workout routine and start running or do yoga at home instead. If you go out to eat regularly with friends, consider swapping a night out for a potluck dinner or an at-home Sunday brunch—avocado toast and all—to save cash. Finding money for retirement doesn’t mean giving up fun completely. You may just need some new ways to approach it. This could help eliminate obstacles to millennials saving for retirement.
3. Cash in on your employer’s retirement plan
Figuring out how millennials should save for retirement begins with understanding the options. If you have access to a retirement plan at work, that’s a great place to start, says Jake Serfas, lead financial strategist at a financial planning firm in Washington, D.C.
“A 401(k) offered through your employer can be your biggest tool in terms of saving money and preparing for retirement,” he says. Contributions to a 401(k) are deducted from your taxable income, potentially reducing your tax liability for the year. And you can use a 401(k) to grow your retirement savings faster if your employer offers a matching contribution. Not capitalizing on your employer’s 401(k) plan is actually a common retirement savings mistake.
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So how much should millennials save for retirement in their employer’s plan? Serfas says you should at least be saving enough to get the match, if there is one. Matching formulas can vary, but one common match is dollar-for-dollar on the first 6 percent of employee contributions. When you don’t chip in enough to get the match, you’re leaving money on the table.
But what if you don’t have a 401(k) at work? In that case, you could open an IRA. A Discover IRA CD, for instance, offers competitive rates at fixed terms. Both 401(k)s and IRAs offer millennials a tax-advantaged way to save for retirement.
4. Don’t be afraid to start small
Getting past the obstacles to millennials saving for retirement sometimes means having to work on a small scale to achieve your big-picture goal.
Michael Banks, founder of a personal finance and investing blog, says to answer the question of how much should millennials save for retirement, you need to have the right perspective.
“There’s no minimum amount required to start saving for retirement,” Banks says. “Even $20 a month is good, if you invest it in the right places.” Banks suggests micro savings apps, which allow you to invest your spare change in various diversified investments. Banks says the convenience of being able to track your investments from a mobile device may be especially appealing to on-the-go millennials.
“The amount you’re saving isn’t what’s important,” Banks says. “What matters most is saving consistently, early and often.”
If you’re starting your retirement plan from scratch, the Discover IRA Savings Account might be a good option. With no minimum balance to open, this account allows flexible contributions to fit any budget.
Set goals to avoid obstacles to millennials saving for retirement
The question of how millennials should save for retirement doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. Setting goals based on where you are financially can help you reach your retirement savings objective. Making small changes can help you keep the ball moving toward your ultimate goal of a comfortable retirement without feeling overwhelmed.
Articles may contain information from third-parties. The inclusion of such information does not imply an affiliation with the bank or bank sponsorship, endorsement, or verification regarding the third-party or information.
It’s not just avocado toast. A new anecdotal report from the WSJ reveals that Millennials who are buying homes are increasingly choosing adjustable-rate mortgages to get the job done. While the data isnât definitive by any stretch, John Walsh, the chairman of a large mortgage lender by the name of Total Mortgage Services, told the… Read More »Millennials Seem to Like Adjustable Rate Mortgages
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