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6 things I wish I knew before setting foot on a cruise ship that all first-timers should keep in mind

✇Business Insider
By: Joey Hadden
Left: The author on the top deck of a cruise ship with wind in her hair Right: The same cruise ship deck seen at night with colorful lights
The reporter's first cruise was a seven-day voyage aboard Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

  • If I could take my first cruise again, I'd pick up a case of water on my way to the port.
  • I'd pack a bar of laundry soap.
  • And I'd leave my formal dress at home.

The closest thing I'd seen to a cruise ship was the Staten Island ferry.

That changed in April 2022, when I left my home in NYC to take my first cruise. I flew to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for a seven-night voyage on one of the largest cruise ships in the world, Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas. We sailed to Roatán, Honduras; Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico; and Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas.

I had a good time, but some things would've made my trip easier, cheaper, and more comfortable. Here's what I think all first-time cruisers should know before setting sail.

Some cruise ship cabins, like those at the front of the ship, can be rockier than others.
Inside a cruise ship cabin there's a bed in front of a window showing the front of the ship
The reporter's room was at the front of the ship.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Before booking, I should have researched how a cabin's location can affect how much motion you feel while the ship is moving.

My ocean-view cabin was at the front of the ship, and I felt more movement than I expected. As a first-time cruiser, I found it uncomfortably rocky. Shaky nights made it tough to sleep.

Several seasoned cruisers on the voyage told me that the front of the ship was one of the worst places to feel motion. Higher decks in the middle of the ship felt calmer and more stable.

If you are as prone to motion sickness as I am, I suggest choosing a room in the middle of the ship.

The restaurants included in the cruise rate had a variety of high-quality dishes, so splurging on specialty restaurants wasn't necessary.
Shrimp, rice, tomatoes, asparagus on a white plate

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

One of the most distinctive things about cruising is that most meals, snacks, and drinks are included in the cruise rate.

However, on Wonder of the Seas and many other mega-ships, more than a dozen restaurants with specialty offerings, such as sushi, are not included and incur additional charges, either as a one-time fee or per dish. I paid $40 to $60 for each specialty meal. 

I reserved all specialty restaurants before my trip, but I found myself wishing I hadn't booked so many once I realized the included restaurants offered a wide range of delicious food.

There were multiple buffets, and the main dining room served a three-course meal with changing menu items each night.

These included options that satisfied every craving. One of the best meals I had was in the main dining room.

Since I booked so many specialty restaurants, I didn't have time to try all the buffets or eat in the main dining room more than once. If I had known they'd be so satisfying, I would've saved money and eaten more of the included meals instead.

Formal nights weren't enforced, so don't waste luggage space on nice outfits if you don't want to participate.
A formal night onboard Wonder of the seas cruise ship

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I have an aversion to dressing up, but I knew my cruise included formal nights, so I brought one nice dress. After the first formal night, however, I learned that the dress code wasn't strictly enforced. I noticed people wore a variety of outfits, from suits and evening gowns to T-shirts and track pants.

I was happy to relax my look on the other two formal nights, but the dress felt like a waste of the limited space in my carry-on suitcase. If I had known it wasn't necessary, I would've left it at home and brought multiple other articles in its place.

Though it was a Caribbean cruise, I got chilly on the top decks, so bring some warm clothing.
The author wearing pants and a sweater on the top deck of a cruise ship

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

My favorite times to be on the top decks of the ship were early in the morning and late at night, when there weren't as many crowds. These were also the coldest, windiest parts of the day.

Instead of my shiny, poofy, formal dress, I should've brought another pair of pants and another sweater to keep me warm. Since I didn't, I ended up wearing the same pants and sweater nearly every morning and evening.

Laundry on board can be expensive, so consider bringing a bar of laundry soap to save money.
side by side photos of a full (L) and mostly-empty closet on a cruise ship

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Since I brought only a carry-on luggage, I hoped to get some laundry done on board, but then I saw the pricing sheet.

Living in New York City, most of the apartments I've rented haven't had in-unit laundry, so I'm used to paying to have my clothes washed. But rather than pricing by weight, as local New York laundromats do, Royal Caribbean charged for each article of clothing. Each shirt was $4, and a dress cost $9. Most surprisingly, washing just one pair of underwear would have cost $2.

I thought this would add up fast, so I didn't do any laundry on my trip. In hindsight, I should have brought a bar of laundry soap to hand-wash a few things. 

I would've brought my own case of water if I knew it was allowed.
A case of water bottles in the author's stateroom on the world's largest cruise ship

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

To ensure I stayed hydrated throughout my trip, I opted for the water bottle package while booking trip extras like restaurant reservations and excursions. For $16, Royal Caribbean delivered a case of 24 water bottles to my cabin. It seemed expensive for a pack of water, but I thought this was just part of the price of cruising.

When I was boarding the ship, though, I noticed people carrying their own cases of water. That's when I realized Royal Caribbean allows guests to bring their own nonalcoholic beverages.

If I had known this, I would've brought my own water and saved a few bucks.

If I had known these details before my cruise, I could have had a better time while saving some money. Hopefully, my findings will help other first-time cruisers.
The author at a port in front of the world's largest cruise ship
The author poses at a port in front of the world's largest cruise ship

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

While I enjoyed parts of my cruise, some of this knowledge could've made my trip much more comfortable.

On my next cruise, I'll remember what I learned about cabin locations, formal nights, and cool, windy mornings sailing in the Caribbean Sea.

Read the original article on Business Insider

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De Tom Cruise a Pedro Sánchez: el eterno mito del hombre que no sabe (o no puede) bailar

✇El País
By: Marita Alonso

Si la escritora Vicki Baum estaba en lo cierto al decir que uno de los atajos hacia la felicidad es el baile, muchos hombres agradecerán saber que no es necesario que esa danza sea especialmente memorable. De ser así, ese trayecto se volvería mucho más complicado. ¿Por qué hay tantos hombres que temen bailar? ¿Y por qué a tantas mujeres a las que un mal baile les genera verdadero rechazo? En Sorry I Don’t Dance: Why Men Refuse to Move (Perdona, pero yo no bailo: por qué los hombres se niegan a mover el esqueleto) (Oxford University Press), Maxine Leeds Craig se pregunta precisamente cómo, tras haber estado asociada la masculinidad durante un tiempo con la gracia, la danza y el movimiento, en la actualidad se considera el baile y la masculinidad se han vuelto incompatibles. “La razón por la que tantos hombres evitan bailar tiene que ver con cómo se percibe su sexualidad. Evitar parecer gay es central a la hora de representar la masculinidad normativa. El miedo a parecer homosexuales les limita a la hora de andar y de gesticular. Determina cómo bailan y evita que algunos bailen jamás”, asegura. En muchísimas películas estadounidenses, especialmente adolescentes, hay una escena primordial en la que el protagonista es pillado en su habitación haciendo algo que considera humillante e íntimo: bailar al ritmo de su canción favorita.

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© Warner Bros. TV (Getty Images)

Tom Cruise, superestrella global, reinterpretando el célebre baile de 'Risky Business' en el programa estadounidense de Jennifer Hudson. No gustó a todo el mundo.
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Dal flop-capolavoro di Tom Cruise al nuovo Ragione e Sentimento: i film da vedere ora

✇Il Fatto Quotidiano
By: Francesco Di Brigida

Si può misurare il valore di un film esclusivamente dal suo incasso? Commercialmente è di sicuro un indicatore fondamentale, ma guai, in ogni caso, considerarlo l’unico. Ci sono film altamente preziosi per contributo artistico e pregnanza dei messaggi, che però vengono snobbati dal pubblico, quindi esclusi da grandi incassi. Prendiamo Digger, che purtroppo è entrato a far parte di questo controverso pantheon. Flopparono, in ordine sparso, anche cult e capolavori storici come Fight Club, Il Mago di Oz, Le Ali della Libertà, La Cosa, Blade Runner e Citizen Kane. Il flop del momento diretto dal Premio Oscar Alejandro González Iñárritu, prodotto con 125 milioni di dollari, finora ne ha incassati solo 41 mln, risultato matematicamente tragico, sì, ma c’è di più.

Con la vicenda del petroliere miliardario artefice del disastro ambientale definitivo a coronamento dei cambiamenti climatici, Tom Cruise offre la sua performance più ricca e sublime, e insieme al Presidente Usa fittizio e gravemente ammalato di John Goodman sarà probabilmente in lizza agli Oscar 2027. A parte cast luminoso su carta e perfetto in scena, il regista utilizza uno schema da metateatro che parte dal suo Birdman e va su lungo un’iperbole narrativa che fino al culmine non smette di puntarci il dito. Digger ci dice in maniera sobria e spietata che il disastro è una nostra responsabilità. Colpa di certe élite di potere economico e politico, ma anche nostra perché negli anni abbiamo sorseggiato qualsiasi frottola. Film urticante anche per le coscienze di tanti critici. Non a caso l’ascesa di Digger, audace vecchietto gattaro più egoista di uno Scrooge, cavalca la sua “bomba” come uno Stranamore di Kubrik, e ascende come un Kane di Welles. Ma questo nuovo riccone sventola l’antica pala del nonno per fare la morale sullo scavare per il petrolio, con l’ipocrisia del suo nomignolo Digger (scavatore in inglese). Paradossale l’insuccesso economico del film rientra in un periodo storico oggettivamente preoccupante dove anche il popolo si spaventa, e il pubblico latita perché forse di moniti da aggiungere alla propria paura non ne vuol sentire. Audacemente controversa e tragicamente autorionica la realtà di fatto: il film è di un messicano, mentre lo interpreta da mattatore assoluto un illustre statunitense che fa parte di una setta. Viva il Maestro Iñárritu, viva Digger e viva pure l’Arte di Cruise!

Tornando in Italia c’è un’altra opera controversa e importante, anche per l’ottimo cast. L’estranea di Paolo Strippoli ha un ritmo e una struttura narrativa decisamente horror. Ma non è esattamente questo. Chiamamola un non-horror questa crescente tragedia famigliare che vede una ricca madre di famiglia ricattata da una donna luciferina in vari momenti difficilissimi. Ricorda per tensione e temperatura il primo Omen e Rosemary’s Baby. Grazie a una sapiente opera di comunicazione è stato spinto come drammatico, perché l’horror in Italia è sempre considerato di serie B, ma in fondo è servito a renderlo rappresentante italiano per la corsa alla nomination Oscar per il Miglior film straniero. Strada ancora lunghissima che forse sarebbe stata più adatta a Gioia mia di Margherita Spampinato. Ma conta poco. Il nuovo lavoro dell’autore barese ci distende su un’ascesa nel Male attraverso tentazioni di vita o di morte. Ha il bell’ardire di soppesare continuamente la nostra anima con quella della madre ricattata – una matura Jasmine Trinca – da una Valeria Bruni Tedeschi inedita, sottilmente diabolica, come l’insospettabile Bene ricercato nel danno minore. L’estranea, come Digger, è uno di quei film che fanno parlare e discutere a fine visione.

Con Primetime invece scendiamo negli inferi morali di una tivù americana sfacciata e a caccia di spettacolarità senza freno. Dietro alla morale dello smascherare predatori sessuali pedofili in diretta televisiva, il giornalista senza scrupoli di Robert Pattinson divora odiens e tappe in carriera, ma il prezzo da pagare per l’ambizione sarà sorprendente e altissimo. Qui in reference potrebbe aiutarvi Nightcrawler, ma il viaggio tra i riflettori più oscuri del successo televisivo ordito da Lance Oppenheim e prodotto da A24 graffia subdolo quanto i suoi personaggi, mostrandoci nuovi nessi perversi tra predatori e giustizieri. Istant movie feroce e sfidante.

Prima dell’ultimo titolo alleggeriamo in ironia il nostro cammino, stavolta, con il film bonus Street Fighter, di Kitao Sakurai. Ennesima messa in scena cineamatografica del celebre videogioco del 1987, ma forse stavolta si è imbroccata la strada giusta. Siam sempre sul livello di un “film di menare”, si dice in gergo nerd, quindi non aspettatevi illuminazioni particolari. I personaggi delle primissime versioni dei videogame originali prendono vita in una storia organica e sensata, seppur sviluppata con troppi dialoghi deliranti e anabolizzati di testosterone da far sorridere, ma fa parte di questo gioco. Soprattutto può essere nostalgico amarcord per gli ex-ragazzi oggi quarantenni e cinquantenni del pubblico, che quel gioco lo conobbero bene fuori casa tra sale giochi in lire e gettoni, e al computer di fronte alla televisione catodica, caricandolo su cassetta. Forse suonerà come arabo per i lettori millenial, ma googolate pure. Intrattenimento scacciapensieri, coloratissimo e allegramente pacchiano e muscolare. Tra i protagonisti anche il rapper 50 Cent, nei panni di Mike, il simil-Tyson elettronico dei suoi anni più gloriosi.

Chiudiamo con uno sguardo a Ragione e Sentimento, altra ennesima versione da grande schermo, davvero pregiata e moderna nella sua rappresentazione del romanzo originale di Jane Austen. Riuscendo in un miracolo simile a quello del Piccole Donne di Greta Gerwig, l’opera seconda di Georgia Oakley aggiunge un pizzico di vibrazioni emotive tra le due donne complici e sorelle interpetate da Daisy Edgar-Jones e Esmé Creed-Miles. Di entrambe sentiremo parlare molto, perchè sono attrici prodigiose. Ma pure il resto del cast è monumentale nel lavoro fatto, insieme a una magnifica messa in scena che potremmo sentire nominata divere volte ai prossimi Oscar. Consigliatissimo anche agli uomini per capire meglio le signore. Esce in sala il 25 ottobre. #PEACE

L'articolo Dal flop-capolavoro di Tom Cruise al nuovo Ragione e Sentimento: i film da vedere ora proviene da Il Fatto Quotidiano.

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I took my first Disney cruise without kids and loved it. There are 3 things I'd do differently next time.

✇Business Insider
By: Conz Preti
Woman posting with cruise ship
The author took her first cruise trip on the Disney Wish.

Courtesy of the author

  • My friend and I have 7 kids between us, including 3 sets of twins. We took a Disney cruise alone.
  • I loved the adults-only spaces, trivia games, spa treatments, and relaxing on Disney's private island.
  • I'm already planning another Disney cruise with my kids, though I might prefer going without them.

"You've never been on a cruise?" my friend basically yelled at me while we were planning an adults-only trip away from our kids. She insisted that cruising with her grandparents as an adult was one of the best trips she's ever taken.

So, despite being a little terrified of being aboard essentially a floating skyscraper with thousands of people, I agreed to a Disney cruise for just the two of us.

Honestly, it was so much fun that I'm already planning another Disney cruise with my kids — though I'm not sure I want to give up the adults-only version.

It was such an easy getaway

My family is known for taking really elaborate vacations. One time we stayed on a remote island near Sicily, which is an active volcano. It took us three flights and a long ferry ride to get there, but it was totally worth it to see the lava at night.

This trip was different. We took a flight from Boston to Orlando, boarded the Disney Wish, and after that, we didn't have to think about anything. We have seven kids between the two of us (including three sets of twins), and the ease of the Disney cruise was exactly what we both needed.

There were activities nonstop, and you could join any of them at any point. I took a quick class to learn how to draw Ursula, we participated in so many trivia games with other adults, and stopped to take photos with characters — who are all over the boat all the time — to send home to our kids.

I really liked that almost everything was included

Part of its ease was that most everything was included, so there were few extra costs. For example, all meals at the themed restaurants were part of the package, and we could order as many dishes as we wanted. Non-alcoholic beverages are also included, and you get room service 24/7.

I especially liked the buffet-style meals at Marceline Market because I could mix in some healthy options (there were plenty) with some of my faves, like the fried hash browns for lunch or the Mickey-shaped churro waffles (which were highly recommended by the whole staff).

Woman at bar
The author really enjoyed the dirty martini for $14.

Courtesy of the author

Of course, there are fancier options, like the Italian restaurant Palo, for which we couldn't get a reservation during our trip. That said, we spent plenty of time at the Keg & Compass pub because on the first night I discovered their vodka dirty martini, which was hands down the best one I've ever had (yes, including fancy New York restaurants). Cocktail prices varied from bar to bar, but this martini was $14, which seemed super reasonable to me.

Visiting Castaway Cay was key

Disney cruises in the Caribbean stop at Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. And for me, it was a key stop.

While I've been on a lot of boats growing up — my dad loves fishing — I still get seasick a lot. And while I was surprised by how little the cruise ship rocked, I could still feel it a little bit. So getting off the boat and having my feet on the sand was necessary for me.

Woman sunbathing
The author really enjoyed the adult-only section of Castaway Cay.

Courtesy of the author

I also love the ocean, and the Caribbean water is the perfect mix of temperature, color, and soft sand. My favorite moment was drinking a frozen piña colada with my friend while taking in some sunshine.

I appreciated that the island has an adults-only section called Serenity Bay, which was quieter and more relaxed than the family beach. There's a restaurant off the beach, too, so we were able to eat lunch between dips in the water.

The schedule was packed

While there were nonstop activities on the boat, I was often torn between wanting to do two or more overlapping things. For example, there was bingo one night happening at the same time as trivia. Given the option, I would've done both, because who doesn't love a bingo night? There was another day when you could make your own friendship bracelets, but I had already booked a facial, and that craft didn't repeat during our stay.

Because our main goal was to spend time together and relax, I felt I didn't do many of the interesting activities the boat offered. But I also get that that's the point; there's something for everyone at any given time of the day.

We didn't book things in advance

Being a newbie worked against me when booking extra activities. I wanted to surprise my friend with a couple's massage so we could destress, and I also wanted a facial.

By the time I went to book spa treatments (about a week before we boarded), there were very few time slots available. Next time, as soon as I book my trip, I'll be adding all the extras I want to maximize availability.

That said, we ended up getting our massage on embarkation day, which turned out to be the perfect way to smoothly transition from the chaos of mom life to vacation mode. And at $399 for both of us, it wasn't that much more expensive than the massages I get back in Maine. I booked my facial for 8 a.m., which felt a little early, but again was the only available time. If I were to do it again, I'd book the facial in the afternoon so as not to cut into pool time.

I overpacked and didn't have room for souvenirs

When I tell you I packed and unpacked my bag about 10 times before boarding, I'm not exaggerating. The Disney cruise hosted a pirate night and a Halloween party, and I wanted to be prepared for both. I also didn't know what to expect to want to wear on a cruise, so I overpacked by a ton.

Woman posing with Daisy Duck
The author purchased a cruise-themed shirt that got so many compliments.

Courtesy of the author

This left me with very little room for souvenirs, which I still bought, but had to carry an extra tote bag back home. All the shops on the boat have different themes and therefore offer different stuff. I bought a Mickey-cruise-themed men's shirt that got so many compliments on the day I wore it. I also bought my kids pens and small keychain stuffies with their favorite characters.

We weren't the only adults without kids

My friend, who has more cruise experience than I do, insisted it wouldn't be weird for us to be on a Disney cruise without kids. And she was right. We weren't the only ones enjoying the adults-only areas, which included an ample pool deck with a jacuzzi, a small pool, a dedicated bar, and a coffee shop. There were also adults-only activities, like dance parties and trivia. And obviously, all the bars were for 21+.

Photo of a trivia paper
The author loved all the music trivia.

Courtesy of the author

While we only stayed at the adults-only pool deck, we could still hear the movies blasting for the family-friendly pool deck, which at times made it hard to relax. That said, when "Frozen" came on, both my friend and I were singing along (and probably annoying other adult guests).

We met a couple who were older than us who were on their 41st cruise. They found me adorable, being so excited about my first experience on board. They told me to get ready to become a cruise person, and they weren't wrong.

I had such a great time that I'm already planning when to take another Disney cruise, this time with my whole family. Disney Cruise Lines just announced a new ship called Believe, which will feature an "Encanto" stage show — which just happens to be my kids favorite Disney movie.

I cannot wait to see my kids' eyes go wide when they see how many things they can do, and for them to be ready to take a photo with their favorite Disney character, Daisy Duck.

Read the original article on Business Insider

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How a cruise ship navigates Greenland's icebergs and extreme Arctic conditions

✇Business Insider
By: Sarah Andersen · Reem Makhoul

We went aboard a cruise ship navigating some of the world's most dangerous waters. In the Arctic, drifting icebergs, sea ice, sudden storms and fierce winds make sailing unpredictable. Yet every year, around 100,000 cruise passengers travel to Greenland to explore its remote coastline and experience one of the world's last great wildernesses.

Read the original article on Business Insider

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Joel Abadal, Brad Pitt’s stunt double: ‘I’m very professional, but I was freaking out. Mr Pitt right in front of me!’

✇El País - English
By: Anxo F. Couceiro

Brad Pitt’s recent visit to Spain revealed his affinity for the local culture. The actor greeted crowds outside the Hotel María Cristina in San Sebastián; he viewed the abstract works sculpted by Eduardo Chillida; he denied knowing or having had an affair with Makoke Giaever, a Spanish TV personality; and he made a surprise appearance at a christening in Madrid’s Santa Bárbara Church to meet the family of his girlfriend, Inés de Ramón.

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© Scott Garfield (EL PAÍS)

Joel Abadal and Brad Pitt during the shoot of 'Heart of the Beast.'
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371 days, 220 ports, and 62 countries…

✇The European Times
By: Gaston de Persigny
Exactly one month ago, the world’s longest cruise set sailed from Rome. The world’s longest continuous scheduled cruise—that is precisely what *Explorations by Norwegian* offers. The *Regatta*, a ship with 348 cabins, departed from Rome; over the course of 371 days, it will circumnavigate the globe, visiting 220 ports across 62 countries. Although the first […]

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Tom Cruise vs. the world: Actor faces jokes about his age, his Oscar bid, and his return to the media spotlight

✇El País - English
By: Jaime Lorite Chinchón

Although Tom Cruise has maintained his star status on the big screen, the 64-year-old has avoided giving interviews to mainstream media for the past 20 years. Instead, he has focused on being an actor exclusively associated with his roles, someone who only generates conversation for his spectacular stunts in the sequels to Mission Impossible, done without doubles, or for his commitment to the seventh art, to theaters, and to Hollywood.

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© Stuart C. Wilson (Getty Images)

Tom Cruise, at the London premiere of 'Digger' on September 22.
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Alejandro G. Iñárritu: ‘Tom Cruise loved this film because it freed him from the handsome, strong man that he is’

✇El País - English
By: María Porcel Estepa

Digger is like a mango. It’s an acidic film, but also a bit sweet; outwardly it seems one thing but inside it contains surprises, and it needs time to ripen. Like a mango, its flavor can’t be explained. In fact, it’s better not to even try, says its director, Alejandro González Iñárritu: “The only way to know what a mango tastes like is to put it in your mouth. And you have to put this film in your eyes to understand it, because if I explain it to you, you won’t get it.”

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© Mario Guzmán (EFE)

Director Alejandro G. Iñárritu and actor Tom Cruise at the premiere of 'Digger' in Mexico City on September 25.
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From Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke to Naomi Watts and Billy Crudup: 31 Hollywood couples who fell in love on set

✇El País - English
By: Carlos Megía

© Stefania D'Alessandro (WireImage)

Who are they? Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem.

What film brought them together? 'Jamón, jamón' (1992), directed by Bigas Luna. But their romance did not truly begin until 15 years later, during the filming of 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona,' with Woody Allen and Scarlett Johansson as unlikely witnesses.

What happened next? The second chance worked. They married in 2010 and are now parents of two children.

And now? They are sharing the screen once again in 'Bunker,' which has just premiered at the Venice Film Festival.

© Dave Benett (Getty Images)

Who are they? Penélope Cruz and Tom Cruise.

What film brought them together? 'Vanilla Sky' (2001), the Hollywood remake of Alejandro Amenábar's 'Abre los ojos.' (Open Your Eyes).

What happened next? The two embarked on a relationship that lasted about three years before ending in 2004.

Why did they split? A combination of intense media scrutiny, conflicting schedules and religious differences. Cruise is a devoted member of the Church of Scientology, while Cruz did not share his commitment to the faith.

© Mehdi Taamallah (FilmMagic)

Who are they? Penélope Cruz and Matthew McConaughey.

What film brought them together? The adventure movie 'Sahara' (2005), where they met shortly after Cruz's relationship with Tom Cruise had ended.

What happened next? Their on-screen chemistry quickly turned into a real-life romance.

How long did it last? Just over a year. They split in 2006, citing the distance between them and the demands of their respective careers as the main reasons for the breakup.

© Matt Turner (Getty Images)

Who are they? Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman.

What film brought them together? 'Days of Thunder' (1990), in which they played a race-car driver and a doctor who fall in love.

What happened next? They married later that year, adopted two children and became one of Hollywood's most famous couples. Their marriage lasted a decade before they separated in 2001 and finalized their divorce later that year.

Why did they split? Kidman later spoke about living in the shadow of her husband's fame. Media reports and subsequent accounts also pointed to several factors behind the breakup, including the couple's demanding careers and Cruise's deep involvement with the Church of Scientology.

© Pablo Cuadra (Getty Images)

Who are they? Zendaya and Tom Holland.

What film brought them together? 'Spider-Man: Homecoming' (2017), in which they played Peter Parker and MJ.

What happened next? The chemistry between their characters eventually carried over into real life, though they did not publicly confirm their relationship until 2021.

And then? They got engaged in 2025 and married in a secret ceremony this year, with no wedding photos or details of the bride's dress leaked so far. They have also reunited on screen in the latest Spider-Man film, which has become another major box-office success.

© MJ Kim (Getty Images)

Who are they? Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

What film brought them together? 'Mr. & Mrs. Smith' (2005), in which they played a married pair of assassins unaware of each other's true identity.

What happened next? Pitt separated from Jennifer Aniston and began a relationship with Jolie. Together they built one of Hollywood's most famous families, raising six children, three biological and three adopted.

And then? They married in 2014 but split two years later, setting off a long and bitter legal battle that was finally resolved years later. Many of their children have since distanced themselves from their father, with several choosing to drop the Pitt surname.

© Kevin.Mazur (WireImage)

Who are they? Brad Pitt and Gwyneth Paltrow.

What film brought them together? 'Se7en' (1995), David Fincher's thriller in which Paltrow played the wife of the detective portrayed by Pitt.

What happened next? Paltrow has said it was close to love at first sight. The couple became one of Hollywood's most glamorous pairings and even got engaged.

Why did they split? Their careers were just taking off and, by their own account, they were too young for such a serious commitment. They ended their relationship in 1997. Nearly three decades later, Paltrow still speaks warmly of Pitt and considers him a good friend.

© Bob Penn (Bob Penn)

Who are they? Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.

What film brought them together? 'Cleopatra' (1963), in which Taylor played the Egyptian queen and Burton portrayed Mark Antony.

What happened next? Their off-screen romance proved every bit as dramatic as the film itself. Both were married when the relationship began, sparking one of Hollywood's most notorious scandals. They divorced their respective spouses and married in 1964.

And then? After a decade together, they divorced in 1974, remarried the following year and divorced again in 1976. Their relationship was defined by passion, volatility and an enduring professional bond. Over the years, they appeared together in more than a 11 films.

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Who are they? Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams.

What film brought them together? 'The Notebook' (2004), in which they played Noah and Allie, lovers separated by circumstance who eventually reunite in one of the most beloved screen romances of the 21st century.

What happened next? Despite reportedly clashing during filming, complete with arguments and tensions on set, the two eventually grew close. As the saying goes, there's a fine line between love and hate, and they crossed it in the opposite direction.

And then? They began dating in 2005, became one of Hollywood's most popular young couples and ultimately ended their relationship in 2007.

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Who are they? Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes.

What film brought them together? 'The Place Beyond the Pines' (2012), in which they played former lovers who reconnect after he discovers he is the father of her child.

What happened next? They began dating during filming and, more than a decade later, are still together. They married in secret, have two daughters and have built one of Hollywood's most enduring and private relationships, rarely appearing together in public.

© George Pimentel (WireImage)

Who are they? Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart.

What film brought them together? 'Twilight' (2008), the defining young-adult phenomenon of its generation, in which they played star-crossed teenage lovers Edward Cullen and Bella Swan.

What happened next? They were together for more than four years before photographs emerged of Stewart kissing director Rupert Sanders, triggering a crisis that ultimately ended the relationship. The couple briefly reconciled, but split for good in 2013.

© John Nacion (Variety via Getty Images)

Who are they? Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds.

What film brought them together? 'Green Lantern' (2011), a superhero blockbuster that may have disappointed at the box office but proved far more successful as a matchmaker.

What happened next? They began dating shortly after filming, married in 2012 and have since become one of Hollywood's most enduring couples. They have four children and are famous for turning social media into a friendly battleground of marital teasing and one-upmanship.

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Who are they? Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander.

What film brought them together? 'The Light Between Oceans,' which began filming in 2014. They played a married couple living in a lighthouse whose lives are transformed after they find a baby.

What happened next? They married in a small, private ceremony in Ibiza in 2017 and have two children. More than a decade after meeting, they are still together and continue to keep their family life largely out of the spotlight.

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Who are they? Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart.

What film brought them together? 'To Have and Have Not' (1944), which marked Bacall's film debut at the age of 19.

What happened next? Neither their age gap, he was 44, nor Bogart's marriage prevented them from falling in love during filming. Bogart eventually divorced his wife, and the two married in 1945. They remained together until his death in 1957 and had two children.

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Who are they? Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell.

What series brought them together? 'The Americans,' in which they played Philip and Elizabeth Jennings, a married couple of Soviet spies living undercover in the United States.

What happened next? The chemistry between Philip and Elizabeth did not stay on screen. Rhys and Russell began a relationship in 2013 and have a son together, though they have never married.

What's the twist? Rhys had actually tried to ask Russell out years earlier, but she turned him down the first time around.

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Who are they? Rachel Weisz and Daniel Craig.

What film brought them together? 'Dream House' (2011), in which they played a married couple.

What happened next? The two had known each other for years, but their relationship began during filming. They married later that year in a private ceremony in New York attended by just four guests. They are still together and have a daughter

© Jeff Kravitz (FilmMagic)

Who are they? Kit Harington and Rose Leslie.

What series brought them together? 'Game of Thrones,' in which they played Jon Snow and Ygritte, lovers destined for one of the show's most tragic romances.

What happened next? Their on-screen relationship blossomed into a real-life one. They married in Scotland in 2018 at Leslie's family castle and have two children together.

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Who are they? Jesse Plemons and Kirsten Dunst.

What series brought them together? 'Fargo,' whose second season cast them as a married couple caught up in a criminal conspiracy.

What happened next? They got engaged a year after they started dating and have two children together. They eventually married in 2022 and later reunited on screen in 'The Power of the Dog,' earning Oscar nominations for their performances.

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Who are they? Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson.

What film brought them together? 'Volunteers' (1985), in which they starred together after first meeting a few years earlier on the television series 'Bosom Buddies.'

What happened next? That second collaboration cemented a relationship that has endured ever since. They married in 1988, have two children and are considered one of Hollywood's longest-lasting and most stable couples.

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Who are they? Ewan McGregor and Mary Elizabeth Winstead.

What series brought them together? 'Fargo.' In the third season, filmed in 2016, McGregor played twin brothers, while Winstead portrayed the fiancée of one of them.

What happened next? Both were in relationships when they fell in love. Winstead was married to director Riley Stearns, while McGregor had been married to Eve Mavrakis for 22 years and had four daughters with her. They ended their respective marriages, welcomed a son in 2021 and married in 2022.

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Who are they? Michelle Williams and Heath Ledger.

What film brought them together? 'Brokeback Mountain' (2005). Their co-star Jake Gyllenhaal has said that there were already “sparks” between them during the very first table read.

What happened next? They shared a brief but intense romance. Within months of meeting, they were engaged and expecting their only child together, a daughter named Matilda. After three years, they announced their separation in September 2007, just a few months before the death of Ledger, who would go on to earn acclaim for his portrayal of the Joker in 'The Dark Knight.'

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Who are they? Leighton Meester and Adam Brody.

What film brought them together? 'The Oranges' (2011), a largely forgettable comedy that paired two of the biggest stars of 2000s television.

What happened next? Brody was in a relationship at the time, so their connection did not develop immediately. Two years later, they got together, married in 2014 and are now parents of two children.

© Steve Granitz (FilmMagic)

Who are they? Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck.

What film brought them together? 'Gigli,' a film widely regarded as one of Hollywood's most notorious flops and a major box-office failure.

What happened next? Perhaps the better question is: what didn't happen? Lopez divorced her second husband, dancer Cris Judd, to be with Affleck. The media frenzy surrounding the couple was so intense that they became known simply as “Bennifer.” They got engaged, called off their wedding just days before it was due to take place and eventually went their separate ways, moving on with Marc Anthony and Jennifer Garner, respectively.

And then? Nearly two decades later, in 2021, they reunited and finally made it down the aisle. But their second chance lasted less than three years. The question now is whether there will ever be a third.

© Sylvain Gaboury (FilmMagic)

Who are they? Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner.

What film brought them together? 'Daredevil' (2003), although they had first met a couple of years earlier while filming 'Pearl Harbor.'

What happened next? Both were in relationships during the making of 'Daredevil.' Garner was married to actor Scott Foley, while Affleck was engaged to Jennifer Lopez. Their romance began later, and they married in 2005.

And then? They had three children and remained together for a decade before announcing their separation in 2015. Despite the breakup, they have maintained a close friendship, and Garner has publicly supported Affleck through his struggles with alcoholism.

© Gregg DeGuire (WireImage)

Who are they? Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke.

What film brought them together? 'Gattaca' (1997), now considered a classic of 1990s science fiction.

What happened next? They became one of Hollywood's coolest couples and had two children, Maya, now a successful actress in her own right, and Levon.

And then? They announced their separation in 2003 amid persistent rumors that Hawke had been unfaithful with the family's nanny. The actor denied those claims and later described the episode as “humiliating.”

© Kevin Mazur (Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)

Who are they? Naomi Watts and Billy Crudup.

What series brought them together? The psychological thriller 'Gypsy,' which failed to earn a second season renewal from Netflix.

What happened next? The marriage they portrayed on screen eventually became a reality off screen. In 2023, they made their relationship official with an intimate civil wedding in New York, and a year later they said “I do” again in Mexico.

And then? Together they have raised the two children from Watts's previous relationship with actor Liev Schreiber. Their younger child, Kai, 17, took her first steps as a model this autumn, appearing alongside her mother in a campaign for the fashion label Simkhai.

© Mike Marsland (Mike Marsland/WireImage)

Who are they? Jason Momoa and Adria Arjona.

What film brought them together? 'Sweet Girl' (2021), in which they played a married couple.

What happened next? Their relationship appears to have begun during or after filming, although at the time Momoa was coming to the end of his relationship with Lisa Bonet, with whom he had spent nearly 17 years and shares two children.

And then? The split was not made public until 2022, and their divorce was finalized in 2024. That same year, Momoa confirmed his relationship with Arjona.

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Who are they? Macaulay Culkin and Brenda Song.

What film brought them together? 'Changeland,' a low-budget comedy.

What happened next? The former child star and the Disney Channel actress traveled to Thailand to do the film's director a favor, only to stay for weeks as their romance began to blossom.

And then? They are now parents of two sons and have become one of Hollywood's most unexpectedly enduring, beloved and closely watched couples.

© Mike Marsland (WireImage)

Who are they? Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield.

What film brought them together? 'The Amazing Spider-Man' (2012). Like the characters they played on screen, Peter Parker and Gwen Stacy, they fell in love.

What happened next? They were together for four years and went on to star in a second Spider-Man film before eventually going their separate ways. Today, Stone has a daughter with director Dave McCary, while Garfield is in a relationship with actress Monica Barbaro.

© Allen Berezovsky (Getty Images)

Who are they? Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth.

What film brought them together? 'The Last Song' (2010), a teen romance that marked Cyrus's bid to move beyond her Hannah Montana image.

What happened next? What followed was a decade-long on-again, off-again relationship, marked by breakups and reconciliations. They eventually married, just days after losing their home in a wildfire.

And then? The marriage did not last. Amid speculation about infidelity and other strains on the relationship, the couple divorced. Cyrus later released the global hit 'Flowers,' a song widely interpreted as containing references to Hemsworth, and one that earned her the first Grammy Award of her career.

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Who are they? Natalia Dyer and Charlie Heaton.

What series brought them together? 'Stranger Things,' in which they play Nancy Wheeler and Jonathan Byers, two teenagers who fall in love while trying to protect their younger siblings from the forces of evil.

What happened next? They met while filming the first season, when their characters were not yet a couple, and rumors of a romance began circulating the following year.

And then? They made their relationship red-carpet official in 2017. Nearly a decade later, reports of a possible split have surfaced in several media outlets, though neither actor has confirmed them.
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