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    high expectations

    Texas predicted to be No. 1 destination tourists will hit for the eclipse

    Amber Heckler
    Feb 22, 2024 | 10:30 am
    Solar eclipse

    Everyone will have their eyes on the sky on April 8.

    Photo by Jongsun Lee on Unsplash

    Texas, prepare for the eclipse onslaught: A new study predicts that the Lone Star State will be the top destination for eclipse tourists, with more than a million visitors expected to travel here to catch the total solar eclipse on April 8.

    According to a model developed by the Great American Eclipse team, Texas is anticipated to see 1.08 million tourists — the highest number out of 48 continental states (Alaska and Hawaii excluded).

    For context: The report predicts between 931,000 and 3.73 million people will travel from some part of the United States to an area inside the path of totality on eclipse day.

    Nearly 31 million people in the U.S. already live inside the eclipse's path of totality, Great American Eclipse says, with more than 12.78 million residing in Texas.

    Their findings show that people who live near the eclipse's path are more likely have an interest in witnessing the solar spectacle; and those who do travel will simply go to the spot that's nearest to them on the path of totality.

    Texas' eclipse tourism estimates far outweigh the remaining 14 states with areas along the eclipse's path. Indiana (No. 2) is expected to see between 131,000 to 522,000 out-of-state visitors, followed closely behind by Ohio (No. 3) with an estimated 125,000-500,000 tourists.

    Great American EclipseTexans should prepare to see a lot of tourists on April 8.greatamericaneclipse.com

    Texas cities within the eclipse path

    The report suggests the Hill Country and Central Texas area will have the highest influx of tourists. Kerrville is expected to see a high influx of travelers due to its close proximity to the eclipse path's center. San Antonio is also highlighted on the destination list.

    The entire Dallas-Fort Worth area — which consists of approximately 7 million people — is also within the path of totality.

    "Our model does not predict a particularly large visitation to Dallas because other destinations may be closer, but expect these numbers to be greatly exceeded for Dallas simply because of the large numbers of people who will host relatives and friends for the eclipse," the report says.

    Great American EclipseKerrville is nearly in the center of the eclipse's path of totality.greatamericaneclipse.com

    If Texans are looking to get away from the top tourist-heavy cities, they should head to more rural parts of the state.

    "While visitation estimates are lower for the Uvalde and Eagle Pass areas, we expect additional eclipse chasers because of the superior weather odds," the report says. "A bonus in rural Texas will be a spectacular night sky."

    The report used U.S. Census data, ArcGIS software, and a "digital road network" of the country to determine eclipse destination points inside the path of totality and the shortest drive paths to a destination. The study also factored a state's typical weather patterns to determine the likelihood of higher visitation.

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    out to sea

    Carnival opens 2028 bookings for showstopping new ship's Caribbean cruises

    Amber Heckler
    Sep 11, 2026 | 2:30 pm
    Carnival Tropicale begins sailing in 2028
    Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line
    Carnival Tropicale will begin sailing from Galveston to destinations in the Caribbean, The Bahamas, and Mexico in 2028.

    The Carnival Tropicale, Carnival's newest cruise ship that will set sail from Galveston, is now accepting reservations for its maiden voyages to destinations throughout The Bahamas, the Caribbean, and Mexico, beginning in 2028.

    Carnival Tropicale is the fifth and final Excel-class ship that will be offered from the cruise line, and it will be able to accommodate over 6,000 passengers. It is named after MS Tropicale, Carnival's original "Fun Ship" from 1982, but the new luxury liner promises showstopping experiences inspired by Las Vegas' "golden era of show business."

    Four-to-eight-day cruises are now available to book with departure dates as early as April 15, 2028. Six destinations in Carnival's Paradise Collection are on the itinerary, including Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico; Isla Tropicale in Roatan, Honduras; and Nassau, Bahamas. Eight-day cruises will include stops at Celebration Key and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, two private islands owned by Carnival.

    "From innovative attractions and dining to unforgettable destinations throughout the Caribbean, The Bahamas, and Mexico, Carnival Tropicale will bring an exciting new vacation option to Texas when she debuts in 2028," said Ben Clement, EVP of maritime and new builds at Carnival Cruise Line, in a release.

    These are the cruise options passengers can book on the Carnival Tropicale starting in 2028:

    • 6-Day Western Caribbean Cruise to Cozumel and Isla Tropical, Roatan – 26 dates from April 15, 2028 to April 29, 2029
    • 8-Day The Bahamas Cruise to Nassau and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay – 26 dates from April 29, 2028 to May 6, 2029
    • 8-Day The Bahamas Cruise to Celebration Key and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay – April 21-29
    • 5-Day Western Caribbean Cruise to Cozumel and Progreso, Yucatán – December 23-28 and December 28-January 1, 2029
    • 4-Day Western Caribbean Cruise to Cozumel – January 2-6, 2029

    Major attractions on the new Carnival Tropicale include Sunsation Point, a top deck "family fun" entertainment zone, and Carnival WaterWorks Ultra, an all-ages water park with six waterslides and splash pads for kids.

    Other family-friendly attractions include multiple sport courts — including a redesigned Fairway 66 Mini Golf course inspired by Route 66 — a Treehouse Adventure Trail, new arcade spaces, and to-be-announced "new entertainment experiences and exclusive spaces."

    Carnival Tropicale Grand Central Atrium A rendering of the Grand Central Atrium. Courtesy of Carnival

    Carnival Tropicale will also feature three new dining concepts that highlight "flavors from around the world," including one in partnership with famous chef Emeril Lagasse.

    "Guests will be able to enjoy Uku Lei Lei, offering Hawaiian-inspired cuisine with Asian influences; Fetaccine, blending Greek and Italian flavors; and Emeril's Coastal Seafood, showcasing seafood dishes inspired by America's coastlines and created in partnership with Carnival's Chief Culinary Officer Chef Emeril Lagasse."

    Carnival Tropicale cruises departing from Galveston can be booked on the Carnival website. Rates vary depending on the duration of the trip and accommodation preference.

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