HERE
Plymouth hosts holiday shows
Enjoy a one-man performance of “A Christmas Carol,” a concert by the award-winning band Lúnasa, and holiday-themed Irish songs and dance performances at The Spire Center for Performing Arts in Plymouth this coming week. Neil McGarry offers a joyous and witty rendition of Charles Dickens’s holiday classic, “A Christmas Carol,” Dec. 14, in a show that has captured audiences from Boston to Prague. The Irish band Lúnasa, which has performed more than 2,000 shows worldwide, is joined by singer Dave Curley on Dec. 18 for an Irish Solstice Celebration that honors the ancient Celtic harvest festival. The group called Christmas with the Celts offers ancient Irish Christmas carols and lively Irish dance numbers paired with modern contemporary songs during a show that draws top musicians from Ireland, with Patrick D’Arcy from Dublin and Fiachra O’Regan from Connemara, on Dec. 20 (with shows at 3 and 6 p.m.). Tickets start at $22. 508-746-4488, www.spirecenter.org
THERE
Spacious new suites on a luxury ship
Gather a group of close friends or your favorite family members and book the new Royal Duplex Suite on MSC Cruises’ latest flagship, the MSC World Asia, which launches Dec. 4, 2026, for a seven-day Mediterranean cruise. The lavish 570-square-foot suite spans two decks and has two bedrooms, a large living room, four interactive TVs, two marble bathrooms (one of which has a bathtub), and 188 square feet of private balcony space with a hot tub. It sleeps up to six guests. Not quite what you need? The ship will offer six other categories of suites from the simple 161-square-foot interior suite with its queen-size bed and bathroom (shower only) to the super-luxurious multi-room owner suite, a 1,614-square-foot offering that comes with a large private terrace with a hot tub and outdoor dining area. The MSC Yacht Club is essentially a private hotel and club within the ship that offers extra perks and private facilities for club guests, including 24-hour butler and concierge services, a private lounge and restaurant, priority embarkation/disembarkation, and access to the spa’s thermal area (with sauna, steam, and cold rooms) and exclusive small-group excursions. The Asian-themed ship will feature seven onboard “districts,” each with its own atmosphere and vibe, and more than 40 bars, lounges, and restaurants, including a British pub, Mexican cantina, sushi restaurant, and steakhouse. Kids will love experiencing “the longest dry slide at sea,” dropping 266 feet and 12 decks in seconds, and the Doremi kids’ club that welcomes babies up to 17-year-olds. Rates start at $3,370 for the Royal Duplex Suite and range from $788 for an interior suite to $6,537.50 for the MSC Yacht Club Owner’s Suite. www.msccruisesusa.com
EVERYWHERE
A heated massage pad like no other
If you’re looking for a special, last-minute holiday gift, consider the StretchPad Massage Mat by HYDRAGUN, a company that makes high-end wellness and recovery products. This powerful and well-built device is nothing like the seasonal massagers you find at this time of year. The heated massage mat has 22 air chambers that are programmed to deliver seven different stretching and massage routines, targeting three different areas of your body: neck, back, and hips. Unroll the lightweight massage mat (it weighs just 9 pounds, 12 ounces), plug it into the wall outlet, and lie down on the mat with the built-in bolster behind your knees. Then use the controller to choose time (10, 20, or 30 minutes), intensity level (three settings), and target area. The simple but robust device pulsates, squeezes, kneads, and rolls you from one side to another by delivering air to different chambers throughout the massager, helping relieve stiffness and loosen tight and sore muscles. It’s a fantastic device for post-workout, or after a long travel day or hours spent in an office chair — or just because. It rolls up into a compact and manageable bundle for travel. $454 through Dec. 25; $499 thereafter. www.hydragun.com
Stay connected to your phone
Don’t risk losing or misplacing your phone during holiday travel. The Case Clinger, made by Smartish, lets you attach your phone to a crossbody sling or a simple cord that hangs from your neck so you can keep your phone within close reach while freeing your hands to juggle luggage, airline tickets, kids, and more. It works with any phone with a protective case that covers the charging port. To use, remove your phone case, slip the D-ring insert through the charging port opening on your phone case, put your phone back in the case, and then attach the sling or cord to the D-ring. Your phone remains firmly connected to Case Clinger, and the insert won’t interfere with the charging port, so you can still recharge while on the go. The Crossbody Sling has a thin but sturdy .75-inch strap with a quick-release magnetic clip so you can easily slip it off. The Rope Strap is an adjustable braided rope lanyard with a clip on one end that attaches to the D-ring — or hook it to your set of keys for safekeeping. Currently $14.99 for Rope Strap, $39.99 for Crossbody Sling. https://smartish.com
KARI BODNARCHUK
Kari Bodnarchuk can be reached at travelwriter@karib.us.