Been There – Norwegian Epic

Been There – Norwegian Epic is a mug for one of Norwegian Cruise Line’s most ambitious ships. Built at the STX Europe shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, Norwegian Epic was originally envisioned as the first of a new F3-class, but cost overruns and design changes led to it being the only one of its kind. Launched in 2010, this massive vessel boasts a gross tonnage of approximately 155,873 GT and a length of 1,081 feet, making it one of the largest ships in NCL’s fleet.… Read more

Been There – Hefei

Been There – Hefei is the mug for the capital of Anhui Province, which has a rich history dating back over 2,000 years. It was a strategic military and administrative center during the Three Kingdoms period, notably linked to the famous general Zhang Liao’s victory at the Battle of Hefei. Over the centuries, the city evolved under various dynasties, serving as a hub of commerce and culture. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Hefei became known for its scholars and officials, contributing to China’s intellectual and political landscape.… Read more

You Are Here – Al Madinah

After a short break, I am back to exploring unique Starbucks mugs from around the world! This time we’re looking at the design of the recently released You Are Here – Al Madinah. Also known as Medina, it is one of Islam’s holiest cities that holds deep historical significance as the place where Prophet Muhammad and his followers migrated in 622 CE, an event known as the Hijra, marking the beginning of the Islamic calendar. It became the first Islamic state and the site where many key revelations of the Quran were received, shaping the foundations of Islamic governance and community life.… Read more

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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

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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

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