Been There – Norwegian Viva

Been There – Norwegian Viva is a mug for the second ship in Norwegian Cruise Line’s groundbreaking Prima Class, which made its debut in 2023 as a luxurious and innovative addition to the fleet. Measuring approximately 965 feet in length and weighing an impressive 142,500 gross tons, Viva can accommodate up to 3,100 guests at double occupancy. With a sleek, modern design and a focus on wide-open spaces, the Norwegian Viva has been crafted to provide a more intimate and upscale cruising experience compared to traditional mega-ships.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – South Dakota

Discovery Series Ornament – South Dakota was spotted in stores recently!

South Dakota, located in the Midwestern region of the United States, has a rich history dating back to Native American tribes like the Lakota Sioux, who inhabited the area for thousands of years before European exploration. The territory was part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 and became the 40th state on November 2, 1889, formed from the western half of the Dakota Territory during a period of rapid western expansion and settlement.… Read more

Been There – Qingdao

Been There – Qingdao is a mug for a city with a history of international influences and cultural transformations. Originally a small fishing village, the city was dramatically changed in 1897 when German colonial forces seized the territory, establishing a concession and significantly developing the area’s infrastructure. The Germans built many distinctive buildings and introduced modern urban planning, including the famous brewery that would become Tsingtao Beer. In 1914, Japan took control of the city during World War I, further altering its landscape and governance.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Iowa

Discovery Series Ornament – Iowa is here!

Iowa’s history traces back to Indigenous tribes like the Sauk, Fox, and Ioway, who inhabited the land for thousands of years before European settlers arrived. In 1838, Iowa became a territory, and on December 28, 1846, it was admitted to the Union as the 29th state. The region quickly developed as an agricultural powerhouse, with settlers transforming the vast prairie lands into fertile farmlands that would become the backbone of the state’s economy.

Here are some of Iowa’s symbols and landmarks according to the design of the ornament:

– The tractor symbolizes Iowa’s deep agricultural roots and innovative spirit.… Read more

You Are Here – Belfort

A friend sent the photos of the You Are Here – Belfort mug to me, and I am excited to share them with you! With this new release, France has more YAH mugs than any other European country now.

Founded in the 13th century, Belfort has a legacy deeply intertwined with its strategic location in the Franche-Comté region. The city was originally established as a defensive stronghold, strategically positioned at the intersection of important trade routes between Germany and France. During the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871, Belfort gained particular fame under the leadership of Colonel Pierre Denfert-Rochereau, who heroically defended the city against a prolonged Prussian siege, earning it the nickname “the unconquered city”.… Read more

Discovery Series – Las Vegas

We reviewed the ornament earlier this year; here’s the bigger version of the mug: Discovery Series – Las Vegas.

Las Vegas began as a small railroad town in 1905, founded on land auctioned by the San Pedro, Los Angeles, and Salt Lake Railroad. Initially a modest settlement in the Mojave Desert, the city experienced a dramatic transformation with the construction of the Hoover Dam in the 1930s, which brought thousands of workers to the area. The pivotal moment came in 1941 when mobster Bugsy Siegel opened the Flamingo Hotel, effectively launching the modern Las Vegas Strip and establishing the city’s reputation as a gambling and entertainment destination.… Read more

Been There – Kanazawa

Been There – Kanazawa is a mug for a city located in Ishikawa Prefecture on the western coast of Japan. The city flourished under the powerful Maeda clan, who ruled the Kaga Domain for nearly 300 years, transforming Kanazawa into a significant cultural and economic center. Despite being spared from major bombings during World War II, the city preserved much of its traditional architecture and cultural traditions, making it one of Japan’s most well-preserved historical cities.

Places to visit in Kanazawa:

Kenroku-en is widely considered one of Japan’s three most beautiful landscape gardens.… Read more

Discovery Series – Queens

Discovery Series – Queens finalizes the mini collection of five New York City boroughs.

Queens is a vibrant and historically rich borough of New York City, located on the western edge of Long Island. Established in 1683 and named after Catherine of Braganza, the Queen consort of King Charles II of England, Queens has grown to become the largest borough by area and the second-most populous district in New York City. As of 2020, Queens boasts a population of approximately 2.3 million people, making it the most ethnically diverse urban area in the world, with over 48% of its residents born outside the United States.… Read more

Discovery Series – Massachusetts

Discovery Series – Massachusetts is a mug for “the Bay State” boasting a colorful design. We’ve reviewed the following symbols and landmarks of Massachusetts in the post about the ornament: lobster roll, Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge, Mayflower, Black-Capped Chickadee, and Cranberries. The full-sized mug has more to offer:

Cape Cod is a legendary destination that captures the essence of New England’s coastal beauty, with its distinctive curved shape extending into the Atlantic Ocean. The region is renowned for its picturesque towns, historic lighthouses, and pristine beaches that attract millions of visitors each year.… Read more

Been There – Utopia of the Seas

Been There – Utopia of the Seas is a mug for the ship that represents the pinnacle of engineering and luxury. Launched in 2022, this massive vessel is part of the Oasis-class cruise ships and stands as the world’s largest passenger ship, measuring an impressive 1,188 feet long and weighing over 235,000 gross tons. At the time of its construction, the ship could accommodate approximately 6,988 passengers and 2,300 crew members, making it a floating city that redefines maritime travel.

Giovanni’s Italian Restaurant offers passengers an authentic and sophisticated dining experience aboard the Utopia of the Seas.… Read more

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