Postcards Summer 2024 US | Page 16

IN THE KNOW
Travel talk
Apartments in Masdar City , United Arab Emirates

THE UAE BREAKING NEW GROUND

The world ’ s first zero-carbon , zero-waste city will be powered entirely by renewable energy
Avalon Waterways adds Bordeaux itineraries The river cruise company is expanding its French offering to include Bordeaux . The Bonjour Bordeaux route can be incorporated into a wider French cruising itinerary , taking in UNESCO-listed medieval villages and sumptuous restaurants , punctuated with stops at worldclass wineries along the way . One- , two- and three-week itineraries are available to book now .
Puerto Rico on a high Thanks to a record-breaking year in 2023 , the Caribbean island has ramped up tourism by more than 18 % above the 2022 figure , benefiting the island ’ s overall economy enormously . Reporting a 98 % satisfaction score among travelers , the U . S . territory utilizes its vibrant Latin culture , hidden lagoons , white-sand beaches and fast-growing food scene to attract travelers to the island .

Masdar City , in Abu Dhabi , United Arab Emirates , is making impressive strides in sustainable urban innovation and is hoping to serve as a rival to California ’ s Silicon Valley . The project has been spearheaded by Masdar ( the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company ), a renewable energy company , and the Mubadala Development Company , a state-owned firm that is aiming to attract the best and brightest working in clean technology and renewable energy . The project is hoping to
achieve a number of firsts : its eco-friendly buildings aim to reduce energy and water consumption by at least 40 %, and currently under construction are three net zero energy buildings , which will produce as much energy as they consume . The city utilizes the UAE ’ s desert surrounds to amp up solar energy production and will prepare for a future where water may be in short supply . The city was due to open to residents and investors by 2016 , but this has been delayed until 2030 .
Allure of the Seas set for revamp An extensive modernization project has been announced by Royal Caribbean , poised to transform the Allure of the Seas cruise ship . Its refurbishment was interrupted by the pandemic , but now the vessel is set for a 58-day stay in a dry dock and a roughly $ 165m upgrade investment .
images : alamy
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