Free Republic

Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ship is the world’s largest. The Hero of the Seas, set to launch late next summer, includes a record-breaking water park, the most pools at sea, 28 dining options, a multi-level family treehouse, and a kinetic sculpture, just for kicks. Billed by Royal Caribbean as “the most unstoppable, incredible, revolutionary family vacation ever,” the high-stimulation vessel, which appears to have been designed by an eleven-year-old child high on cocaine, will officially open for bookings on Thursday, April 2. The Hero of the Seas belongs to Royal Caribbean’s Icon class, the cruise line’s newest generation of ships,...

Former Vice President Mike Pence and his wife, Karen, have put their Washington, DC, days behind them and are living in a $1.93 million Indiana home they purchased last month. Property records reveal that Pence, 62, bought a seven-bedroom, 7½-bathroom house in the upscale location of Carmel — known as the luxury pinnacle in his state of Indiana. And it appears he offered more than the asking price, as it was initially listed for $1.8 million. The home was first listed on April 1 and the former VP placed an offer a week later. The sale closed on May 25.

CAMP ECHO, Iraq, Sept. 30, 2008 – Although most would rather be at home, soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team here are enjoying the comforts and amenities of life at their temporary home away from home. Army Sgt. Leif Wood (left) and Army Spc. Thomas Anderson find a way to play football in the desert heat by playing a video game at the Morale, Welfare and Recreation facility at Camp Echo, Iraq, Sept. 24, 2008. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Rodney Foliente, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available....

WASHINGTON - Ask for a pillow and blanket to help get through a long flight and you may be out of luck. Or you may be able to buy a "comfort package" from Air Canada for $2. Like to check your luggage curbside? That could cost up to $3 a bag. Airlines are starting to charge for many services that once were free — such as assigned seating, paper tickets and blankets. Air travelers who don't fly often may be in for some unpleasant surprises when they reach the airport this summer. "They're going to be confused and they're going...