A pedestrian died after being struck by a vehicle in Inver Grove Heights over the weekend.

Inver Grove Heights police and fire and M Health Fairview EMS responded about 5:30 p.m. Saturday to Upper 55th Street and Blaine Avenue on a report of a crash, according to the police department. First responders found the pedestrian in the street and provided medical aid.

The person, whose name hasn’t been released, was transported to Regions Hospital and pronounced dead.

The driver “is cooperating with authorities and showed no signs of impairment,” police said in a statement. Inver Grove Heights police are investigating with assistance from the Minnesota State Patrol.

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Eric Ramsay has more than one job to do at West Bromwich Albion.

After two years at Minnesota United, the Welshman last week took over as head coach of the underperforming English club at midseason. His primary objective is to improve West Brom’s results on the field and avoid dreaded relegation from the country’s second-tier league to its third.

Ramsay is also doing so behalf of MLS. No pressure, coach.

Minnesota United head coach Eric Ramsay watches game action in the first half of a MLS game against the Los Angeles Galaxy at Allianz Field in St. Paul on Saturday, Mar. 22, 2025. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)

The North American league has lacked a track record of coaches having success in moves to Europe; the latest example ended in stunning whiplash.

Wilfred Nancy had earned deep respect in his four years with the Columbus Crew, winning the 2023 MLS Cup and reaching two other finals. The 48-year-old Frenchman, who won MLS coach of the year in 2024, was hired at Celtic in early December, but was sacked by the Scotland’s top club in early January. He had lost six times across eight matches.

In 2016, Bob Bradley became the first American coach in the English Premier League with Swansea City, but the former MLS and U.S. men’s national team coach’s stint in the EPL lasted only 11 games.

In 2022, Jesse Marsch took over at Leeds United after stints in MLS, Austria and Germany. The Racine, Wis., native lasted less than one calendar year before being fired midseason. Leeds finished the season relegated from the Premier League to the Championship, where Ramsay currently resides with West Brom.

During his introductory press conference last week, Ramsay was asked by a local reporter about the “completely different” task at West Brom compared to what he faced in Minnesota and MLS.

“It’s completely understandable,” Ramsay said about the question. “But I know what MLS has meant for me or my coaching journey.

Then Ramsay ticked through some of his coaching experiences, including at his hometown club, Shrewsbury Town, which is mere miles from West Brom’s home stadium, The Hawthorns. He also mentioned stints as an assistant coach at Manchester United, with Chelsea’s Under-23 team and at two of Swansea’s youth squads. He has also been an assistant for the Wales national team.

“I know very well the demands from a playing perspective, and I feel like the experience around the Championship that I’ve complemented with two years (at Minnesota) in a very demanding setting as a head coach,” Ramsay said. “It could not have prepared me better for this. And I’ve said repeatedly that I wouldn’t be sat in this chair if I didn’t feel like I’d done everything to make sure that I was prepared, that I would have taken that risk in that sense.

“So I feel very comfortable with the depth of experience I’ve gotten. I think if it was analyzed very carefully, you’d see that amounts to a really good grounding for this league.”

A previous question posed Ramsay last week centered on underestimating “the toughness” of MLS.

“It’s a top 10 league” in the world, Ramsay replied. “It’s growing very quickly. The level is high. You see that with the outs from the league, you see it with the ins. (Players leaving and entering MLS in the transfer market.) It’s changing very rapidly. It’s uniquely demanding league.”

Ramsay, who was the youngest coach in MLS at age 34, cited the multicultural demands in the Loons locker room, with more than 20 different nationalities on last year’s roster, the travel demands across four time zones in the U.S. and Canada and a spectrum of different climates to play in.

When Ramsay took over West Brom, the club had 31 points in 26 matches and sat in 18th place. That was 10 points from the top six clubs, which advance to a playoff, while also being seven points clear from the bottom three teams, which are relegated to the lower tier, League One.

On Friday, Ramsay lost his West Brom debut, 3-2 at home to second-place Middlesbrough. His team was down 2-0, including an own goal, but battled back to make it 2-2 before Middlesbrough scored the winner in the 90th minute.

With other results, that loss sank West Brom to 19th and only four points above the relegation zone. On Tuesday, West Brom hosts Norwich — a club in tone of the regulation spots.

Soccer fans in the U.S. will be following that match and checking in for West Brom’s remaining 19 games into early May, to see if Ramsay can become a success story for MLS.

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ROME, Italy (AP) — U.S. Vice President JD Vance will lead an American delegation to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy and attend the opening ceremony, the White House said Saturday.

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Vance will be joined by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, second lady Usha Vance, U.S. Ambassador Tilman Fertitta and a group of Olympic gold medalists, the White House said in a statement.

The Milan Cortina Games kick off on Feb. 6. The opening ceremony’s Parade of Nations will feature athletes led by the national flagbearers not only in Milan’sSan Siro stadium, which will be packed with 60,000 spectators, but also, for the first time in Olympic history, in three other locations: the mountain venues of Cortina, Predazzo and Livigno.

U.S. President Donald Trump isn’t on the list of members of the delegation.

The athletes in the Olympic delegation include Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson and Monique Lamoureux-Morando, twin sisters who were members of the ice hockey team that won in 2018. Figure skater Evan Lysacek and Apolo Ohno, who won gold twice in short track speed skating, will also join.

On Oceania Cruises’ new flagship, the spot occupied by the library on her older sister is now The Crêperie on Deck 14, trading the quiet rustle of pages for the alluring aroma of vanilla and caramelized sugar. Celebrity Cruises’ brightest and shiniest answers with a different kind of reinvention: At the aft of Deck 5, the boundary between ship and shore dissolves entirely at The Bazaar, reshaping a once-underactivated space in ways that sensorially redefine the Edge‑class experience.

Whether discovering tasty nooks or cultural crannies, few joys rival boarding a brand‑new ship. With several fresh vessels already welcoming guests and more set to debut in 2026, a wave of new hardware beckons, promising surprises for ocean‑bound travelers drawn to uncharted pleasures. From splashy stage productions to novel dining concepts, these ships brim with reasons to climb aboard.

The new year boasts a boatload of inaugural seasons. The unusually high swell of newbuilds earning their sea legs in 2026 has industry experts projecting that between 30% and 40% of the 21.7 million Americans expected to cruise over the next 12 months will do so on debuting or recently refurbished vessels.

If you’re tempted to join these ocean‑bound early adopters, this roundup of the nautically new should easily float your boat.

Premium/Upper-premium classes

We’ll start with a deep dive into two buoyant beauties from the premium and upper‑premium classes — the middle tiers in the familiar “good‑better‑best” framework that, in cruising, typically aligns with mainstream, premium and luxury. “Typically” is the operative word as the new Caribbean‑bound flagships mentioned earlier are already nudging the definition of “best” forward.

Bridging premium and luxury in several key areas, the latest and greatest from Oceania and Celebrity showcase two distinct interpretations of modern cruising — one boutique and culinary‑driven, the other big‑ship and theatrical.

Oceania Allura — Oceania Cruises (oceaniacruises.com): While Oceania prepares to open bookings Jan. 21 for its next flagship, Sonata, arriving in August 2027, the upper-premium line is already in the spotlight thanks to the just‑out Allura — a 1,200‑guest ship that doubles down on the space and polish that define the brand. The design leans contemporary without tipping into flash: bright lounges trimmed in marble, a Grand Dining Room framed by floor‑to‑ceiling windows and a pool deck that feels more European seaside than megaship resort.

A banoffee crêpe pairs well with a flat white on the Oceania Allura. (Photo by David Dickstein)

Allura expands the line’s culinary footprint with 11 dining venues, including the new Crêperie, which replaces the library found on Vista. The concept adds French crêpes, Belgian and bubble waffles and gelato sundaes to the morning rotation, while refreshed menus at French-accented Jacques and expanded Japanese‑Peruvian dishes at Red Ginger broaden the global mix. Oceania’s hallmark 1:10 chef‑to‑guest ratio remains intact, and the Grand Dining Room’s over-the-top brunch returns with caviar, crab legs and regional specialties that shift with the itinerary, be it to the Caribbean out of Miami or the Mediterranean, for starters.

Creative and enrichment spaces give Allura a sense of purpose on sea days. The Culinary Center features 24 individual workstations for hands‑on classes, while the Artist Loft hosts rotating instructors for drawing, painting and mixed‑media workshops. Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center’s nutrition consultations add to a lineup that leans toward learning and immersion. On port days, small-group outings led by onboard chefs — called Culinary Discovery Tours — involve market visits, vineyard tastings and regional cooking classes that tie directly back to the ship’s culinary program.

Evenings onboard stay intentionally low‑key, with polished lounges, well‑paced entertainment and a bar program built around classics rather than theatrics. It’s a ship designed for travelers who want their days ashore rich and their nights onboard unhurried.

“Oceania Allura is our most innovative and luxurious ship to date,” said Jason Montague, chief luxury officer of Oceania Cruises at the recent christening ceremony in Miami. “She represents our bold vision for an entirely new generation of luxury travel experiences.”

Guests soak in the hot tub overlooking Xcel’s Pool Club. (Photo by David Dickstein)

Celebrity Xcel – Celebrity Cruises (celebritycruises.com): The most culturally expressive ship in the Edge‑series lineup is built around light, space and a deeper sense of place. Floor‑to‑ceiling windows brighten nearly every public room, and the ship’s open‑concept Grand Plaza — three soaring decks anchored by the Martini Bar — sets the tone for a design that feels both expansive and intimate. The guest capacity of 3,246 feels delightfully low considering the mind-blowing variety of venues, including nine superb specialty restaurants (love a good steakhouse at sea) and seven that are winners even without an upcharge.

The headline addition is The Bazaar, a three‑deck aft space inspired by ports on the itinerary. It’s a high‑energy, high‑design venue that replaces Eden on her sister ships, trading ethereal performance art for something more grounded in local culture — indigenous menus, steel‑pan bands, Carnival‑style dancers and goods by local artisans that bring the shore aboard.

Cultural delights await guests at The Bazaar on Xcel. (Photo by David Dickstein)

“The Bazaar is a transformative space that literally changes daily to immerse guests in the destinations they visit longer than their stay in port by bringing them onboard so guests can continue to enjoy the sights, sounds and flavors of that destination even after we set sail,” said Celebrity President Laura Hodges Bethge following Xcel’s christening in Fort Lauderdale. “This is just one example of how we’re elevating what’s possible at sea.”

Life is a cabaret at The Club on Celebrity Xcel. (Photo by David Dickstein)

The fifth ship in Celebrity’s popular Edge series offers several more new spaces and experiences, from an elevated Pool Club with valet service and private cabanas to the Attic at The Club, a late‑night lounge with a playful, adults‑only vibe. The Xcel even has Galaga, the star-fighting, fixed-shooter game that took countless quarters from this arcade lover back in the early ‘80s. What a blast, literally.

The Retreat Pool on Celebrity Xcel offers in-water lounging. (Photo by David Dickstein)

Suites face the sea with beds angled toward the horizon, and the ship’s tri‑fuel‑capable engine marks a step toward cleaner operations. Whether she’s sailing the Caribbean or shifting to Europe and North Africa, Xcel feels like a ship designed to meet travelers where they are now — seeking culture, connection and a little spectacle along the way.

Rounding out the premium and upper-premium picture:

Star Seeker and Star Explorer — Windstar Cruises (windstarcruises.com): With the 224‑guest Star Seeker recently christened, next December it’s Star Explorer’s turn. Both all‑suite yachts introduce a sleeker, more contemporary edge, with nearly every cabin offering a private veranda or floor‑to‑ceiling infinity window. Expanded wellness spaces and upgraded adventure amenities push the brand’s boutique style forward, as does the new “MediterrAsian” specialty restaurant, Basil + Bamboo. After debut seasons in the Caribbean and Mediterranean, the upper-premium ships will fan out to Alaska, Japan and other marquee regions.

Disney Adventure — Disney Cruise Line (disneycruise.com): Co‑captains Mickey and Minnie are looking toward a March roundtrip maiden voyage from Singapore. As Disney’s first Asia‑based ship and its largest yet, Adventure debuts with themed zones, family‑forward entertainment and the brand’s first roller coaster at sea. Designed for year‑round Southeast Asia itineraries, the 6,700‑passenger ship brings a full‑scale Disney resort experience to one of the world’s fastest‑growing cruise markets.

Viking Libra and Viking Mira — Viking Ocean Cruises (vikingcruises.com): Viking expands its upper-premium ocean fleet in 2026 with two 930‑guest sister ships that continue the line’s serene Scandinavian design and all‑veranda layout. Viking Mira debuts in June with Mediterranean sailings between Rome and Barcelona, while Viking Libra follows in December with a season of Greek Isles roundtrips from Athens.

Star Princess — Princess Cruises (princess.com): After an October maiden voyage, the newest Sphere‑class ship continues her inaugural season in the Caribbean before shifting to Alaska for the summer. The 4,300-passenger megaship features a striking outward‑facing Sphere that expands the Piazza with sweeping ocean views.

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Mainstream class

Norwegian Luna — Norwegian Cruise Line (ncl.com): Beginning in April, the second Prima‑Plus-class ship will sail from Miami to Caribbean ports including Great Stirrup Cay, where NCL will debut the nearly six‑acre Great Tides Waterpark with 19 waterslides, cliffside jumps, a dynamic river and swim‑up bars. Fleet firsts on the 3,571-guest Luna include the hybrid Aqua Slidecoaster, an expanded Vibe Beach Club and two highly anticipated shows: “Rocket Man: A Celebration of Elton John,” a hit-filled tribute to the legendary icon; and “HIKO,” a mixed-reality show that sounds like a blend of Cirque du Soleil and sci-fi. Luna’s transatlantic, 13-night maiden voyage departs Civitavecchia (Rome) on March 10.

Carnival Encounter and Carnival Adventure — Carnival Cruise Line (carnival.com): Carnival enters 2026 with two former P&O Australia ships that joined the fleet in 2025 and were updated with Carnival’s signature dining, entertainment and casual, high‑energy atmosphere. For their inaugural seasons as 2,600-guest Fun Ships, both vessels are operating short Caribbean and Bahamas cruises from Florida.

Legend of the Seas — Royal Caribbean International (royalcaribbean.com): Royal Caribbean’s third Icon‑Class ship, launches in July with a 7‑night Western Mediterranean maiden voyage in August from Barcelona. The 5,628‑guest ship delivers the line’s biggest thrills – the largest waterpark at sea, seven pools, 28 dining options and new entertainment including “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”

MSC World Asia — MSC Cruises (msccruises.com): Launching next December, the new 6,762-passenger flagship brings an Asia‑inspired twist to the Mediterranean with seven‑night itineraries and standout design moments, including a 39‑foot stainless‑steel dragon above the World Promenade. It blends returning favorites with fresh concepts — a record‑setting dry slide, a Pan‑Asian street‑food venue, redesigned family zones, an all‑American sports bar and the most expansive MSC Yacht Club yet.

Luxury/Ultra-luxury classes

Seven Seas Prestige — Regent Seven Seas Cruises (rssc.com): Arriving in late 2026, Regent’s first Prestige‑Class ship carries 822 guests with one of the highest space ratios at sea. The design leans grand and architectural, debuting such new venues as the Starlight Atrium and Galileo’s Bar alongside refreshed takes on Regent’s signature restaurants. With expanded suite categories and next‑generation environmental tech, Prestige marks the ultra-luxury line’s first new class in 10 years.

Explora III — Explora Journeys (explorajourneys.com): The newbuild debuts in August, carrying about 922 guests in all‑suite accommodations and introducing the line’s first LNG‑powered design. She extends the brand’s focus on space, calm and oceanfront living with multiple pools, six restaurants and a wellness program shaped around relaxed, resort‑style sailing.