In a nutshell: If you're tired of gaming PCs that look like they were ripped straight out of a Transformers movie, complete with flashy, angled designs, you'll want to check out this stunning build by a Danish woodworking wizard. Modder "Modfoller" has crafted a minimalist ATX gaming rig, aptly named "The Scandinavian," that seamlessly blends into your furniture at least until you power it up. At first glance, The Scandinavian could easily be mistaken for a sleek oak side table or cabinet something you'd expect to find in a tastefully decorated living room. But lift the lid, and you'll uncover a fully functional gaming PC, complete with a Core i7-11700K processor and an Nvidia RTX 3070 GPU. While the hardware may not be the newest on the market, the RTX 3070 still packs a punch, delivering excellent performance for 1080p gaming."The title "The Scandinavian" alludes to my inspiration for the build. Not only am I from Denmark, but the clean and simplistic design is strongly inspired by the "golden age" of Danish, Scandinavian, and Nordic furniture design from the 1930s to the 1970s. The case is made to resemble a side table or similar small piece of furniture," notes the creator on his blog.Indeed, the unassuming exterior offers no hint that this is a fully functional computer. The only giveaway is the subtle power button on the front, which emits a soft white glow when the system is powered on.Aluminum mesh panels on the sides ensure proper airflow in and out of the case. At the back, discreetly positioned ports handle power, display connections, and peripherals, maintaining the build's clean aesthetic.While the exterior exudes organic warmth, the internals lean toward an industrial design. The creator repurposed components from a budget Chieftec case, adapting them to mount the motherboard, GPU, and cooling system seamlessly.As for cooling, despite relying solely on air, Modfoller carefully engineered the setup to keep the PC quiet and cool under load. The system features two 140mm intake fans, along with two 80mm and an additional 140mm fan for exhaust, ensuring efficient heat dissipation. // Related StoriesThe case itself involved a significant amount of craftsmanship. The creator meticulously cut all the oak pieces from a single shelf, ensuring consistency in grain and tone. Each piece was carefully measured, sawed, sanded, and assembled using wood glue and dowels. To achieve the luxurious, furniture-grade finish, he hand-rounded the edges with files and rasps, creating a smooth, polished appearance.The finishing touch was a hand-applied beeswax coating, which gives the wood its rich, glowing look. For the legs, there are two options: traditional oak furniture legs for a freestanding side-table aesthetic, or simple rubber feet if you prefer to place it directly on a desktop surface.

Something to look forward to: Since introducing its first gimbal-based projector in 2023, Chinese manufacturer JMGO has released several iterations of its N series, incorporating sensor-assisted movement and other advanced features. At CES 2025 next week, the company plans to showcase its latest flagship projector to Western markets and unveil a compact laser TV. JMGO's latest high-end projectors will appear at a CES 2025 exhibit next week. These RGB triple laser devices boast a range of advanced features that enhance image quality, motion clarity, contrast, and overall versatility.The top-end N3 Ultra Max projector is already available in China for around $1,600, but the company recently confirmed plans for a U.S. debut. Powered by JMGO's MALC 3.0 triple laser technology, the device supports a 5000:1 contrast ratio, AI-assisted HDR 10, and projection at 4,600 CVIA lumens. At a distance of 2.3 meters, it can spread an image over 120 inches.The standout feature of the N series is its unique gimbal design, which enables 360-degree horizontal rotation and up to 160-degree vertical rotation (depending on the model). This design allows users to easily adjust the image position, whether projecting on a wall or ceiling.Additionally, JMGO's projectors can automatically detect and avoid objects like framed pictures or light switches. If a person walks in front of the projector, it can selectively halt playback to protect their eyes. The N3 Ultra Max also comes with a motion-sensing remote control for manual image positioning.The gimbal base includes a USB 3.0 port and two HDMI 2.1 ports (one with eARC) that support 4K resolution at refresh rates of up to 240Hz. Users can also insert memory cards with up to 120GB capacity. The U.S. variant will likely support Netflix and other Google TV streaming apps over Wi-Fi 6. // Related StoriesPricing and shipping details for Western markets are still unclear. However, the N3 Ultra Max may surpass the $2,639 price of the globally available N1S Ultra, another high-end model in the series. The N1S Ultra offers a 1,600:1 contrast ratio, 3D Blu-ray support, and 180-inch projection capabilities at 2,800 ISO lumens. This model will also be part of JMGO's CES showcase.The O2S Ultra 4K, which JMGO calls the world's smallest laser TV, will also makes its debut at CES. The ultra-short throw TV can project a 100-inch Dolby Vision screen from just 5.75 inches away. JMGO plans to begin shipping the device in the fourth quarter of 2025.CES 2025 will run from January 7 to January 10 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.Masthead credit: smzdm.com

In context: Hyundai is kicking off 2025 on a high note, as several of its electric vehicles now qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. This is the first time that the company has been eligible since the act passed in 2022, marking a big win as the US accelerates its transition to electric vehicles. Five models have made the cut to receive the tax credit incentive. These include the popular Hyundai Ioniq 5 crossover SUV, the new Ioniq 9 three-row electric SUV, the Kia EV9, and 2025 EV6 models, as well as the Electrified GV70 from Hyundai's luxury brand Genesis.With these new models, there are now a total of 25 EVs across 10 brands that qualify for the federal credit, as reported by Electrek.The qualification should serve as a major boost for Hyundai since it had to play catch up after being left out of the credit initially. The company was aware of the difference $7,500 would make it fast-tracked the construction of its Georgia plant in just two years to start US production and meet the requirements laid out in the Inflation Reduction Act.The first EV off the line at the new facility was the upgraded 2025 Ioniq 5, which boasts more range, new tech features, and improved styling over the prior model. It even comes with a built-in port for Tesla's Supercharger network. The Ioniq 9 three-row followed shortly after as Hyundai ramped up mass production.On the pricing front, the base 2025 Ioniq 5 SE with rear-wheel drive starts at $42,500, offering a range of up to 245 miles. For $46,550, buyers can opt for the long-range version, which extends the range to 318 miles per charge. // Related StoriesAs an added bonus, Hyundai is providing a free adapter to enable access to Tesla's Supercharger network for anyone purchasing or leasing one of its 2025 EVs. Owners of older Hyundai EV models from 2024 or earlier can also request the adapter.While this is undoubtedly positive news for Hyundai, a potential challenge looms on the horizon. Reports suggest that Donald Trump's incoming administration may consider eliminating the EV tax credit entirely. However, for now, Hyundai is riding a wave of momentum.Together with Kia, Hyundai sold over 112,500 EVs in the U.S. through November of last year. With the added incentive of the federal tax credit, these numbers are poised to climb even higher in 2025.

Over the course of the past few months, numerous outlets have reported on Samsung and Apples plans to make slim phones. Naturally, one would think that an innovation tax is imminent, but it seems these skinny phones wont deliver a price shock.In Apples case, the alleged iPhone 17 Air will replace the iPhone Plus model, which apparently had an unexpectedly low sales run. Apple has, therefore, to fill the Plus gap with an Air model this year, without making any big changes to the pricing structure.Recommended VideosThe Plus model was stuck in the middle, so its identity was ambiguous and its sales were the worst. By changing it to a slim model, they were able to adopt a pricing policy at the Plus level, an industry insider was quoted as saying by Sisa Journal.Alleged render of the iPhone 17 Air. Front Page TechAs far as Samsung goes, the Korean electronics giant apparently decided to throw its hat into the ring in the wake of Apples strategy shift. The Galaxy S25 Slims very purpose is to respond to Apples Air product, so the price will not be set high, adds the report.Please enable Javascript to view this contentAs far as the pricing goes, there is little clarity on just how much Samsungs Galaxy S25 Slim is going to cost. Notably, as per the source cited in the Korean outlet, the upcoming device will be cheaper than the flagship Ultra model.RelatedIf the murmurs turn out to be true, the iPhone 17 Air and the Galaxy S25 Slim could fall in the $900 price bracket. Both phones are expected to arrive in the latter half of 2025, but Samsung could beat Apple to the market by a few weeks.This is what the Galaxy S25 series phones could look like. Digital TrendsSamsungs svelte phone will reportedly offer a 6.7-inch display, while its cross-section profile could fall between 6mm and 6.9mm. It could, however, surprise buyers with a fairly powerful camera setup (200MP main + 50MP wide + 50 zoom), but there is no clarity regarding the silicon situation.As far as the iPhone 17 Air goes, it may not quite deliver a hardware knockout, save for a trimmed waistline. Rumors suggest it will only offer a single rear camera, a smaller battery, and a titanium-aluminum chassis.Apple will reportedly serve a new battery that encases the cell kit inside a metal shell and embraces a technique called electrically induced adhesive debonding that eases repair and replacement.Editors Recommendations

Table of ContentsTable of Contents10. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (TBD)9. The Running Man (November 7)8. Avatar: Fire and Ash (December 19)7. Mission: Impossible The Final Reckoning (May 21)6. Thunderbolts* (May 2)5. The Fantastic Four: First Steps (July 25)4. 28 Years Later (June 20)3. Wicked: For Good (November 21)2. Superman (July 11)1. Frankenstein (TBD)Well, 2025 is finally here, and with it comes a new wave of exciting and highly anticipated movies. Last year was a solid one for movies, with a string of expected hits ( the lame Deadpool & Wolverine did boffo business, as everyone knew it would) and a few unexpected winners (looking at you, Wicked). However, 2025 has a slate of truly inspired films, promising 12 months of exhilarating and gripping entertainment for cinema lovers.From auteur-driven remakes like Guillermo del TorosFrankensteinThe Running Man to the final chapters of revered franchises likeMission: Impossible The Final Reckoning to the continuations of a few recent hits likeWicked: For Good, theres a wealth of anticipated 2025 movies. Narrowly missing the cut are Maggie Gyllenhaals The Bride!, Gareth EdwardsJurassic World Rebirth, and Dougal WilsonsPaddington in Peru, which says a lot about the quality of the films that actually made the list.Recommended VideosNetflixTheKnives Out series will return for the third entry,Wake Up Dead Man. We know Daniel Craig will be back as Benoit Blanc, the infallible detective who has so far solved the mystery of Harlan Thrombys (Christopher Plummer) death and Miles Brons (Edward Norton) guilt. Joining Craig is an all-star cast, including Oscar nominees Glenn Close, Jeremy Renner, Josh Brolin, and Thomas Haden Church, plus Andrew Scott, Mila Kunis, Challengersstar Josh OConnor, Kerry Washington, and Cailee Spaeny.As was the case with Glass Onion, details are still under wraps. However, we at least know OConnor and Brolin will play priests and Kunis will play a police detective. Netflix has not revealed when Benoit Blanc will return, but chances are the streamer will want to give it a flashy awards season-friendly date. Glass Onion premiered on November 24, so look for a November date forWake Up Dead Man.Paramount PicturesFew actors exploded in such a notable way as Glen Powell. Following a scene-stealing supporting turn in 2022sTop Gun: Maverick, Powell became a legitimate box office draw withAnyone but You and Twisters. His critically acclaimed turn in Richard Linklaters Hit Man made him a Golden Globe nominee, and his slate of upcoming projects is full.In 2025, Powell will headline Edgar Wrights flashy remake ofThe Running Man. The second adaptation of the eponymous Stephen King novel, following the 1987 film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, The Running Man follows a group of people competing in a reality show where they are chased by murderous hunters for the chance to win money. Dystopian movies are very hit-or-miss, but with such a lethal combination as Powell and Wright, The Running Man is a potential hit that should inject some much-needed adrenaline into 2025s holiday period.20th Century StudiosAs the saying goes, Never bet against James Cameron. The director will return in 2025 with the third installment in his Avatar series, subtitledFire and Ash. Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaa, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, and Kate Winslet will reprise their roles from previous movies, joined by other returning figures, plus a few new faces.Although the plot is unknown, numerous hints point to the introduction of a new clan possibly related to fire. More details will surely come out throughout next year in preparation for the films ultimate debut on December 19.Avatar: Fire and AshParamount PicturesAfter almost 30 years and seven movies, Tom Cruise is apparently ready to say goodbye to Ethan Hunt. The 62-year-old actor will reprise his role as the IMFs greatest agent in Mission: Impossible The Final Reckoning, the eighth entry in the saga and a direct sequel to 2023sMission: Impossible Dead Reckoning. Series staples Ving Rhames and Simon Pegg will also be back, as will Hayley Atwell, who joined the franchise in Dead Reckoning.Although the actual plot of the movie remains a secret, the seventh film left several lingering threads that will surely be addressed here. The Entity and its main liaison, the assassin Gabriel (Esai Morales), will also be back, hinting that Ethans ultimate confrontation will bring him face-to-face with his past. Its unclear if this will indeed be the last chapter of this saga, but one thing is for certain: as long as Tom Cruise is around, moreMission: Impossible films will always be a possibility.Marvel StudiosAfter only releasing one movie in 2024, Marvel Studios is back in full swing in 2025 with three major releases. The second will be Thunderbolts*, which will bring together many of the MCUs greatest antiheroes, including Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), John Walker (Wyatt Russell), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), and Red Guardian (David Harbour), under the dubious guidance of Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus).The details of the plot remain unclear other than a shadowy female figure reuniting a group of antiheroes with questionable track records and morals to carry out dangerous missions for the American government. If Thunderbolts*Marvel StudiosFollowingThunderbolts*, the MCU will enter Phase Six with The Fantastic Four: First Steps. After years of speculation and endless fan-casting, Pedro Pascal, Oscar nominee Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach will step into the boots of Marvels First Family. Like pretty much every movie on this list, plot details are still a secret, but a few details have emerged since the casting was announced.We know the film wont be an origin story and will be set in the 1960s in a retrofuturistic version of Earth. Ralph Ineson will play Galactus, with Julia Garner as his herald, Silver Surfer. Having the team fight one of their most powerful enemies on their first outing is certainly a bold choice, but considering that nemesis Doctor Doom is busy elsewhere, its the most logical choice. The Fantastic Four: First Steps might just be the most anticipated film in Marvels 2025 slate, thanks to its spot-on casting and the promise of finally seeing a worthwhile version of Marvels First Family.SonyPerhaps no movie genre is as consistent as horror. Any given year has a remarkably strong slate of horror movies, and 2025 is no exception. However, perhaps the most anticipated horror offering of 2025 is28 Years Later, the long-awaited sequel to 2007s 28 Weeks Later, which is itself a sequel of the 2002 sleeper hit 28 Days Later. Oscar-winner Danny Boyle is back in the directors chair, with Oscar nominee Alex Garland back as the screenwriter.Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes will lead the cast, which is confirmed to include the series original protagonist, Jim, played by Oscar winner Cillian Murphy. The plot will follow a survivor from a small, secluded island community who ventures outside on a mission in the Rage Virus-ravaged Earth and discovers dark secrets. Thanks to its eerie and impactful teaser trailer,28 Years Later quickly became the hottest horror ticket of 2025. The return of Boyle, Garland, and Murphy also hints at positive things for this unexpectedly successful horror trilogy.Universal PicturesNo movies success was more surprising in 2024 thanWicked. The musical, based on the hit Broadway play, has grossed over $400 million domestically, although its international numbers are somewhat disappointing. Oscar nominee Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande star as Elphaba and Glinda in this prequel to The Wizard of Oz, which focuses on the rise of the Wicked Witch of the West.Wickeds overwhelming critical and commercial success domestically instantly makes its sequel one of the hottest projects of 2025. Furthermore, if Wicked does well during the upcoming awards season, thenWicked: For Good might have a chance at reaching a $1 billion next November. It wont be an easy battle, especially considering the musicals second act is far weaker. However, Wicked already defied expectations (and gravity), meaning its sequel can soar even higher. For now, its already one of the most anticipated movies of next year.Warner Bros. Pictures/DCJames Gunn will officially launch his DC Universe on the big screen withSuperman. David Corenswet will play the Man of Steel, opposite Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. Multiple other DC characters will appear, but Gunn has promised the story will remain firmly focused on Supes and Lois and will start in the middle of the action.The official trailer forSuperman broke records, and its currently the most-watched ever for both DC and Warner Bros., hinting that the excitement for the film is real. After over a decade of turmoil, this film promises to be a new dawn for DC and a more faithful take on the Last Son of Krypton. Superman will face heavy competition, though, as bothJurassic World Rebirth andThe Fantastic Four: First Steps premiere in the same month, but if the anticipation is real, the Man of Steel will fly high.NetflixThe most anticipated movie of 2025 is, without a doubt, Guillermo del Toros remake of the Gothic classic Frankenstein. Oscar Isaac will star as Victor Frankenstein, with Jacob Elordi as the monster. Modern horror icon Mia Goth (MaXXXine) will also star, joined by two-time Oscar winner Christoph Waltz, Felix Kammerer, and Lars Mikkelsen.Del Toro has already cemented himself as a modern auteur whose name is enough to drive the conversation and generate interest. Adding a property like Frankenstein and a stellar cast to the mix only makes this project even more exciting. Netflix will release the film, and while no release date has been confirmed, its highly likely that the studio will have Frankenstein as an awards season play. Then again, the streamer might also want to capitalize on the spooky season and send the film to October. Only time will tell, but the fact remains that Guillermo del TorosFrankenstein is the most promising project of 2025.Editors Recommendations7 most anticipated horror movies of 2025, ranked

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsHow to cloud stream your Xbox games using Game Pass Ultimate on PC, mobile, or tabletHow to cloud stream your Xbox games using Game Pass Ultimate on TV or VRThere are plenty of benefits to upgrading to Game Pass Ultimate over the other tiers, but one of the most enticing is the ability to take advantage of cloud streaming. Previously, Ultimate members were limited to only streaming select titles from the game catalog, but Xbox has expanded this feature to finally allow players to stream games they own as well -- even if they aren't part of Game Pass Ultimate. There are some caveats, though, so let's talk about how you can stream your Xbox games and what limitations there are.Recommended VideosDifficultyEasyDuration10 minutesFor now, Xbox cloud streaming is only available on PCs, smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs. Console support is expected to come in 2025. If you have a compatible device, here's how it works on anything with a web browser.Stream Your Own GameStep 1: Open a supported browser, such as Google Chrome, Safari, or Edge.Step 2: Go to https://xbox.com/play.RelatedStep 3: Use your Game Pass Ultimate account to sign in.Step 4: Select Stream your own game and look through the list of available options.Step 5: Connect either an Xbox controller or other supported controller on your device.Step 6: Wait for the connection to establish and start playing.MicrosoftCloud streaming Xbox games can also be done on your smart TV or VR headset for full immersion. Here's how that process works.Step 1: Download the Xbox app on your TV or the Xbox Cloud Gaming app on your headset.Step 2: Open the app and sign in with your Game Pass Ultimate account.Step 3: Select Stream your own game and look through the list of available options.Step 4: Connect a controller to your TV or headset.Step 5: Wait for the connection to establish and start playing.Because Xbox cloud streaming is still in beta, you won't be able to stream every game in your library. For now, only 50 titles are supported, but more will be added over time. Here are all the currently supported games:Animal Well*Assassins Creed Mirage *Avatar: Frontiers of PandoraBalatroBaldurs Gate 3Banishers: Ghosts of New EdenCall of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022)The Casting of Frank StoneCyberpunk 2077Dragon Quest III HD-2D RemakeDredgeDying Light 2 Stay HumanFarming Simulator 25Fear the SpotlightFinal Fantasy XIV OnlineFinal FantasyFinal Fantasy IIFinal Fantasy IIIFinal Fantasy IVFinal Fantasy VFinal Fantasy VIHadesHarry Potter: Quidditch ChampionsHigh On LifeHitman World of AssassinationHogwarts LegacyHouse Flipper 2Kena: Bridge of SpiritsLego Harry Potter CollectionLife is Strange: Double ExposureMetro ExodusMortal Kombat 1NBA 2K25PGA Tour 2K23PhasmophobiaPrince of Persia: The Lost CrownRust Console Edition7 Days to DieStar Wars OutlawsStrayThe Crew MotorfestThe Outlast TrialsThe Plucky SquireThe Witcher 3: Wild HuntTom Clancys The Division 2TopSpin 2K25UndertaleVisions of ManaWarhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2WWE 2K24Editors Recommendations

Growing up, marriage was never a thing that felt like it was for me. I wanted kids, but worried about what people and my parents would think if I was a single mom.I'm now in my late 60s and my companion is my fluffy dog Poppy. I've had a great life as a travel writer exploring the world. I've been to more places than most people have ever dreamed of visiting.On my travels, I'd often look at children's clothes and wish I had someone to buy them for. Sometimes I did, but it was always for a friend's child, not mine.Now in my late 60s, I have very few relatives but have never stopped wishing I could be surrounded by a loving caring family.I never got married Coming from a background where my parents argued, and with an older sister who got married to escape, I never saw marriage as the warm, loving environment that it can be. Besides, with no end of handsome boyfriends, each one providing stimulus of one kind or another, I never felt the need for a family or to get married.When I did meet "the" person that I felt I wanted to spend the rest of my life with, the relationship sadly didn't work out.As I grew older and my biological clock began ticking, my wish to become a mom became even greater but I never had the courage to have a child without being in a permanent relationship. I also came from a Jewish background, with parents who wouldn't have approved, and were unlikely to support me. I was also very conscious that I wasn't in a sufficiently good financial position to support a child and give them aAs time went by, I hoped to meet and form a relationship with someone who had children and anticipated that I could become a part of their family. Sadly, it never happened.I wish I had a family of my ownOver the years to fill in for my loss at not having my own, I've looked after friends' children, babysitting and even temporarily moving into their homes so that the parents could go on a trip alone. However, when those children have gone on to have their own families, I was always their parents' friend, rather than part of their family.As I've grown older, I've realized that having a warm loving family is a wonderful thing. My parents weren't close to their siblings, and I was unused to large family get-togethers. I travelled a lot while my contemporaries got married and had children. Their families spent time together, and it was only natural for them to act as babysitters. As their children got older and married, their families expanded. On occasion, I'd be invited to a family get-together where there would be in-laws and children, but I'd always be the odd one out.Now-a-days my friends are grandparents, and although they have passed their babysitting days, they are part of a family unit, spending time with their children and grandchildren.I have cousins with families but as I am not part of the immediate family, I may be invited to a one-to-one meal but rarely a family get-together. When I go out with friends who have children and grandchildren, the conversation is often centered around their families, their children, and the latest achievements of their grandchildren. I can't say I don't have a tinge of envy. The author's dog keeps her company. Courtesy of the author My compensation lies elsewhere. While I don't have grandchildren, I do have a white, fluffy dog. Poppy is a reliable friend, very sociable, accompanying me whenever and where-ever she can. And thank heavens for other single people like me. On important occasions I'll celebrate with friends but as a singleton it's unlikely to be with family, except for my companion, Poppy.

Emirates is calling out social media platforms for not acting quicker to remove a video showing a fake plane crash.A video has been circulating depicting a fake Emirates jet crash in Abu Dhabi."We urge all audiences to always check and refer to official sources," Emirates said.Emirates has called out social media platforms for not acting quicker to remove a video showing a fake plane crash.The video, which appears to be computer-generated, shows a fake Emirates plane crash in Abu Dhabi.In a statement posted on X, Emirates said: "We are aware of a video circulating on social media depicting an Emirates plane crash. Emirates confirms it is fabricated content and untrue."The airline said it was in contact with "various social media platforms" in an effort to get the video taken down or "make clear that it is digitally created footage to avoid false and alarming information from circulating.""Unfortunately the platforms' responses to such content review requests are not quick enough, therefore necessitating this statement," it continued.Emirates also urged people to check and refer to official sources.The video was still available to view on some platforms at the time of writing.Business Insider has contacted Emirates for comment.It comes as the airline announced its first Airbus A350 aircraft had officially entered commercial service, operating a flight from Dubai to Edinburgh.Adnan Kazim, the airline's deputy president and chief commercial officer, said the flight marked a "pivotal" moment for the company and that it underscored "the strategic importance of the UK within our global network."The aircraft is the first of 65 A350s Emirates has ordered from Airbus.

2025-01-04T15:34:02Z Read in app Angle down iconAn icon in the shape of an angle pointing down. I've gone on cruises with all different lines and have had some of the same experiences across the board. Amanda Adler This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now.Have an account? There are still things I hate about cruises, even after more than 50 sailings.Cruises can require lots of planning and limited port time, which kills spontaneity.Loyalty programs can make it hard for those of us without status to make reservations.After more than 50 sailings, it's clear that I love cruises and keep coming back for more.However, even as a cruise enthusiast, there are still some things that drive me nuts about this form of travel.From pricey upcharges for specialty dining to limited port time, here are my top gripes with modern cruising. Trying to get poolside lounge chairs and seats at crowded events can feel like an Olympic sport.I've often seen people sitting on floors just so they could participate in popular onboard events, like trivia. Amanda Adler Although it's understandable that cruises are limited by space and can only provide so much seating in each venue, the lack of chairs in many ships' most popular areas continues to be a source of frustration for me.On every cruise I've been on, you've got to get up pretty early in the morning if you want a deck chair by the pool.Passengers stake their claim on loungers with towels and personal items often before sunrise meaning that if you snooze, you lose your opportunity to soak up the sun.Finding a seat can also prove challenging at popular onboard events, like trivia, where I've often seen participants resort to sitting on the floor. Planning is often required if you want to make the most of your trip.Sometimes we're worried about missing out on shows or special meals. Amanda Adler Gaining access to other in-demand cruise activities can be an equally daunting task.Although I enjoy the Broadway-style shows found on most modern cruise ships, these incredible performances naturally draw big crowds.To manage them, many cruises require travelers to reserve their seats weeks before a ship departs if you miss the booking window, you could be out of luck. I've found spots can fill up quickly for popular shows.A similar process is common for specialty dining venues at sea. In many cases, coveted extra-cost eateries have run out of reservations long before I boarded the ship.Whenever I did snag a sought-after reservation, I hated having to plan the rest of my day around one meal.On cruises, I prefer a more laid-back spontaneity, and having to book things so far in advance spoils my sense of freedom. Loyalty programs can create a system of "haves" and "have-nots."It's hard to get certain perks unless you're a frequent cruiser with a particular line. Amanda Adler One way to secure early access to the popular bookings I mentioned above is to earn status.Major lines have loyalty programs that reward repeat cruisers with perks, including the ability to book offerings earlier than other travelers.Unfortunately, this can create an unbalanced system and make it tough to want to experiment with different cruise lines.Even as a seasoned cruiser, I don't have amazing loyalty perks with most lines because I've sailed with so many different ones.My highest status level is with Disney Cruise Line, so I tend to book its ships whenever possible so I can have a leg up in securing my top choice of port adventures, dining options, and more.I'd love to branch out and try other cruise lines, but the barrier to entry for a first-timer can be steep. Cruises offer limited time in each port, which can make some experiences feel rushed.I feel like we didn't get to spend enough time in some incredible ports. Amanda Adler There's nothing I love more than leisurely days spent soaking up the culture of the place I'm visiting.From sipping coffee and people-watching at a caf to wandering through a town center, I adore taking in a destination's simple pleasures as much as its major tourist attractions. However, this type of unhurried exploration is rarely possible on a cruise. When I set off to explore a port, I know I must be back on the ship at a certain time. That deadline looms over my head throughout my visit.Time is of the essence when you're only docked for a few hours, and I feel pressured to make the most of my limited sightseeing time.Although this frenetic pace is not my ideal way to see a new city, I've learned to embrace it somewhat and treat my cruise stops as a sampler a highlight reel of what that locale has to offer.This helps me determine which cities I want to come back to in the future to explore more thoroughly. CruiseCruisesTravel More... Close iconTwo crossed lines that form an 'X'. It indicates a way to close an interaction, or dismiss a notification.