nostalgic

Marella Cruises, TUI UK’s ocean cruise line, has announced the return of its hugely popular music-themed cruise, setting sail in April 2027. The adults-only sailing promises the ultimate retro music showdown at sea and is on sale now

It’s time to leave the kids behind and relive two iconic decades in music aboard the ‘Electric Sunsets 80s vs 90s’ themed voyage.

Marella Cruises, TUI UK’s ocean cruise line, has announced the return of its hugely popular music-themed cruise, setting sail in April 2027. The adults-only sailing promises the ultimate retro music showdown at sea and is on sale now.

Now in its sixth year, the Electric Sunsets concept celebrates two of the most influential decades in pop culture, bringing guests an immersive experience packed with nostalgia, entertainment, and star-studded performances. The headline acts for the 2027 voyage will be announced early next year, with organisers promising a line-up of top artists from both eras.

While this year’s acts will be different, last year the star-studded lineup featured Irish pop group B*Witched, UK R&B pop group The Honeyz, the iconic DJ SASH! and Ibiza in Symphony – a 10-piece orchestra.

The three-night sailing aboard Marella Discovery will depart Palma on Wednesday, 28 April 2027, calling at Valencia and Ibiza before returning to Palma on Saturday, 1 May 2027. Guests can expect themed parties, live performances, and 80s vs 90s-inspired events across the ship.

Chris Hackney, CEO of Marella Cruises, said: “We’re thrilled to announce the return of our 2027 themed cruise. The battle of 80s vs 90s music remains one of our most anticipated experiences, appealing to both loyal guests and newcomers. Customer feedback shows these eras bring back real nostalgia — and the chance to see top stars perform onboard makes it even more special.”

For those looking to extend their getaway, a limited number of cruise-and-stay packages will be available, featuring hotels in Majorca such as Alua Soul Mallorca Resort, Astoria Playa Hotel, and Hotel Son Matias Beach.

As with all Marella Cruises sailings, the trip is all-inclusive, covering flights, transfers, tips, and service charges. Prices for Electric Sunsets 80s vs 90s start from £799 per person, available to book from Thursday, 30 October 2025.

If you’re a cruise fanatic, then it’s not just the cruise ship and destinations that will likely peak your interest. The real cruise nerds enjoy ticking off different ports across the world.

Recent research from the travel experts at AllClear Travel Insurance has highlighted the world’s top 10 most beautiful cruise ports, examining factors such as how quickly they capture passengers’ attention with their incredible views.

The good news is that there are heaps of cruise lines that sail there too including P&O Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises to name a few. (Not to mention next year brings new cruise ships for passengers to enjoy ). Check out our full picture rundown of the best.

A legendary nostalgic broadcaster will be ‘shutting down five music channels in the UK’ amid the quick rise of streaming services

Nostalgic broadcaster MTV will reportedly be closing all of its iconic music channels around the globe, minus the USA, following huge cuts amid a company merger. In the UK, MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV and Live HD will no longer be available to watch after decades on air.

MTV has reportedly finalised a deal between Paramount Global and Skydance Media. Over the summer, it was revealed MTV UK, which started in the 90s and helped launch the careers of Emma Willis and Kelly Brook, became the latest casualty of social media and streaming.

At the time, bosses said it “will still have a presence” but accepted MTV UK wouldn’t continue making original music content.

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And now, it was reported in The Sun that the music channels will be pulled from air on December 31. The main MTV channel will not be affected.

One insider said it was a ‘dark day for the music industry’ as they told the publication: “MTV was once an industry powerhouse but now is a total shell of its former self. All channels bar the main MTV station are being axed — but even that only airs reality TV shows like Geordie Shore.”

The source claimed the changes were due to the rise of streaming.

Earlier this summer, a spokesman said: “MTV UK is sunsetting local series Gonzo and Fresh Out UK, ­beginning this month. We are deeply grateful to our hosts, Jack Saunders and Becca Dudley, the talented artists who have been a part of these series, as well as the teams who brought them to life.

“Fans can continue to enjoy global music shows like the MTV VMAs, STANS and Ozzy Osbourne: No Escape From Now on MTV and Paramount+, alongside digital music content on our MTV UK social channels.”

Earlier this year, Sky performed a shake up its channel offerings as POP Max was removed from all platforms.

The broadcaster previously carried POP Max and POP Max +1 on Sky Q and Sky+HD, as well as POP Max HD on Sky Glass and Sky Stream.

The channel had already vanished from Freeview last year. Originally launched in 2008 as Kix, the channel underwent a rebranding to POP in 2017.

Sky broke the news on its website, noting that while other POP-branded channels will stay, some will change positions due to the closures.

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If you’re struggling to find the perfect beach spot for summer 2025, look no further

With more than 1,000 beaches across the UK, choosing the ideal spot for a summer day can be challenging. However, one travel enthusiast’s recommendation may help you narrow down that list.

The TikTok creator, dubbed Lotteboo, joked that the stunning location had left her ‘flabbers truly gasted’ after a short trip earlier in the year. Featuring golden sands and a nostalgic pier, this spot is just under three hours from central London, making it the perfect choice for a day trip.

Speaking on the social media platform, she said: “The sun is shining, and do you know what that makes me want to do as a basic British girl? Go to the seaside and have f***ing ice cream. ‘Which seaside?’, I hear you ask.

“There are so many to choose from, we’re an island, after all. ‘Don’t say Cornwall, it’s too far away,’ Southwold. We’ll go to Southwold – a sandy beach with colourful, albeit very overpriced, beach huts dotted along the sand. Check.”

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Southwold is a quaint seaside town in Suffolk on the east coast of the UK. It not only boasts a golden sandy beach but an array of quintessentially British independent shops, cafes, and restaurants, too.

During her time in Southwold, Lotteboo also enjoyed the coastline’s ‘nostalgic’ pier filled with various arcade games suitable for all ages. She then visited the town’s lighthouse, which visitors can view from the inside if they wish.

“A nostalgic pier filled with arcade games and cute little plaques with love notes on. Check,” she continued. “A town filled with independent shops, gorgeous bakeries and its own brewery that you can do a tour of, and little galleries to browse at your own leisure. Check.”

She then joked: “If I am going to the seaside, I want a flipping lighthouse and a promenade. For me to wander like a Victorian lady who has been sent to the seaside for a change of scenery after declaring she might kill her husband.”

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If you’re keen to visit Southwold without a car, the nearest train stations are located in Darsham and Halesworth. These are roughly 10 miles away from Southwold, but bus services are available at each location.

However, the creator added: “If you live in London – I don’t know why I always say that I don’t even live in London – but if you do live in London, it is a bit spicy, but you can probably do it in a day. Like, I think the drive is about two hours [and] 40 minutes.

“So, you are going to be tired, but you are also going to be refreshed. So, maybe just do it!” Lotteboo’s video quickly garnered several comments from fans, many of whom appreciated her recommendation.

Among them, one person wrote: “I’m not great with heights but I went up the lighthouse. Great views.” Meanwhile, another added: “Looks lovely there, thanks,” as someone else wrote: “We are lucky that you share all these wonderful things to see and do.”

What do you think? Let us know in the comment section below.

A POPULAR burger branch has finally reopened its doors after nearly two years – and locals couldn’t be happier to see it back.

Wimpy has returned to Tufton Street in Ashford, Kent, after shutting in late 2023 when the previous franchisee stepped down following 30 years in charge.

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The iconic burger spot was originally expected to reopen at the start of 2024, but a series of delays, including unforeseen issues before Christmas, left customers fearing the restaurant might never return.

Now, to the delight of fans, the branch is back in business, with customers already queuing up for their fix of Wimpy classics.

The company, famous for menu staples like the Bender in a Bun and thick shakes, confirmed: “Wimpy Ashford is now open under new ownership with a fresh team and great vibe.

“We will still be serving your favourite Wimpy burgers, chips and thick shakes.”

News of the reopening has spread quickly among locals, with many taking to social media to share their excitement and memories of the eatery.

Several residents said the restaurant had been a regular haunt in their youth, and they were eager to return with their own children.

One customer wrote: “So glad Wimpy is back! Nothing beats a proper burger and chips with that classic taste. We’ve really missed it.”

Another added: “Ashford just hasn’t been the same without it. It’s not just the food, it’s the memories that come with it.”

Wimpy, once a major player on the UK’s fast-food scene, has been undergoing a gradual revival in recent years, with several branches refurbished or reopened under new management.

The Ashford branch’s relaunch is seen as a positive step for the town centre, which has faced a number of retail closures in recent years.

The new owners say they’re committed to maintaining the traditional feel of the restaurant while bringing in modern touches to enhance the customer experience.

Early visitors have already praised the updated décor and friendly atmosphere, saying it retains the charm of the old Wimpy while feeling fresh and inviting.

Staff say they’ve been overwhelmed by the warm welcome and steady flow of diners since opening, and hope to build on that momentum in the months ahead.

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