Another Queen to set sail

Cunard’s newest ship, the Queen Victoria, has sold out its first two trips and an around-the-world cruise before even starting its career. And that’s not all that’s making tongues wag. On Monday, the ocean liner will be christened by Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. The next day, the ocean liner, whose unique touches include fencing classes, a two-story library and private theater boxes, sets out on its maiden voyage, a 10-day European round trip out of Southampton, England. On Jan. 30, the ship calls on Los Angeles during its world cruise. (800) 728-6273, www.cunard.com.

-- Jane Engle

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Ski for free

Stop what you are doing right now. After a six-year hiatus, free early-season skiing and riding returns to Crested Butte. Yes, free. The southern Colorado resort (see Page 9) welcomes skiers to check out its slopes at no charge until Dec. 15. Sure, there isn’t much natural snow on them right now. Sure, not many trails are open. But early-season conditions are the same at other mountains -- and they charge for lift passes. (800) 810-7669, www.skicb.com.

-- Benoit Lebourgeois

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Keeping warm

For women who seek comfort from the cold, not in it, there’s a new sweater-like wrap that will take the chill off. The Shoul is a U-shaped shawl made to drape around your shoulders. It’s made by Casual Essentials of Westlake Village of soft acrylic and comes in one size. We found it surprisingly warm, considering its light weight. It’s washable and easy to stash in your carry-on. Cost: $39 from (800) 407-4917, www.theshoul.com.

-- Vani Rangachar

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For the holidays

Hear sleigh bells ring as you glide through a snowy meadow overlooking Lake Tahoe, or along a frozen path outside Salzburg, Austria, or through the chilly countryside near Levi, Finland, on a holiday sleigh ride. The winter wonderland tours are among holiday-themed activities suggested on the website Viator.com, which specializes in providing destination activities in 75 countries. Among the other suggestions: a four-day holiday tour in Germany that visits the Christmas market in Leipzig and the Bavarian city of Bamberg; a New York City holiday lights tour; and a journey to a Finland reindeer farm. Info: www.viator.com.

-- Rosemary McClure

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Like a flash

Can European trains, already among the world’s speediest, get much faster? Well, yes, they can, starting Monday. That’s when a 22-mile-long tunnel under the Swiss Alps opens for passenger traffic. The Lotschberg Base Tunnel will cut travel times by more than an hour from the village of Zermatt to the cities of Bern, Basel and Zurich, and you’ll be able to get from Bern to Milan, Italy, in less than three hours. Trains will go up to 124 mph. Information: Rail Europe, (888) 382-7245, www.raileurope.com.

-- Jane Engle