News, Tips & Bargains

St. Louis Does Yearlong Riff on Miles Davis

The late trumpeter and jazz innovator Miles Davis (1926-1991) is the subject of scores of events in the St. Louis area this year to mark the 75th anniversary of his birth in nearby Alton, Ill. Two highlights are this month.

On May 13 the Missouri History Museum in St. Louis opens an 11-month-long exhibit, “Miles: A Miles Davis Retrospective.” It includes his trumpet, lead sheets and scores, clothing, photos and 100 selections of music and interviews. Adult admission $5. Open daily; hours vary. Tel. (314) 746-4599, https://www.mohistory.org.

The “Miles Davis Arts Festival,” including a three-day conference on his life and work, tours of the Davis family home and a jazz concert, will take place over Memorial Day weekend in East St. Louis, Ill. Tel. (618) 875-6808. For information on other Davis events, visit https://www.miles2001.com.

Financing a Cruise on the Installment Plan

It’s not the first cruise line to “float” passengers a loan, but it’s the biggest: Industry giant Carnival Cruise Lines will let you finance your trip over 24 months. Interest rates start at 9.9% APR.

Available for cruises departing on or after June 21, the financing is offered through MasterCard and Virginia-based Capital One Financial Corp. It can be arranged at the same time as the cruise booking, directly or through travel agents (although borrowers must call to process the application). Tel. (800) CARNIVAL.

Carrying about 2 million passengers per year, Florida-based Carnival is the world’s largest cruise line. Smaller rival Princess Cruises, based in Los Angeles, began a cruise financing program in 1997.

Nonstop L.A.-Acapulco Flights to Begin July 9

For the first time in four years, there will be nonstop flights between Los Angeles and Acapulco. The four-times-per-week service by AeroMexico is scheduled to begin July 9.

Delta Airlines quit operating nonstops between the two cities four years ago, an AeroMexico spokeswoman said. Since then, fliers from L.A. have had to connect via Mexico City, Guadalajara or Phoenix.

The new nonstop flights will operate Thursdays through Sundays. Round-trip fares are expected to start at about $360. Tel. (800) 237-6639, https://www.aeromexico.com.

Traveler’s Note ...

Breaking with the typical practice in the industry, Delta Air Lines is making its online fares available for booking through travel agents, not just directly by customers.