The Road Less Sailed: 6 Top Caribbean Destinations You Should Discover Written by David Swanson - January 29, 2025 When the season’s first blizzard lands, it’s easy to lump the entire Caribbean into one tantalizing stew: sun, sea, sand. Who needs anything more? Leave it to the former editor of Caribbean Travel & Life magazine to put us...
Read More »Introducing The Bazaar: A Transformational Experience on Celebrity XcelA transformational experience awaits on Celebrity Xcel. Introducing The Bazaar, a brand-new multi-level, multi-sensory space unlike anything else at sea. This new experience will be the epicenter of excitement on board, extending guests’ time on shore in unconventional ways. The Bazaar invites guests to immerse themselves in the...
Read More »Experience the Magic of the HolidaysA Festive WelcomeUpon boarding, you are immediately immersed in the holiday spirit. The ships are adorned with twinkling lights, reflecting off the river and casting a warm, golden glow. The crew greets you with cheerful smiles and holiday cheer. Every area of the ship is meticulously decorated with delicate wreaths, festive...
Read More »Sustainable CruisingAs travelers, we can play a crucial role in ensuring that our adventures on the water are as eco-friendly as possible. Here's how the cruising industry is embracing sustainability and what you can do to minimize your environmental footprint while enjoying a cruise. Eco-Friendly Practices in the Cruising IndustryEnergy EfficiencyCruise lines are investing in energy-efficient technologies...
Read More »Tips for First-Time CruisersChoose Your Cruise Line Wisely: Different cruise lines cater to different demographics and interests, so it's important to choose a line that suits your preferences.Don’t Over Pack: Space is often limited in cruise cabins, so pack with space efficiency in mind and remember that most cruises offer laundry facilities on board.Arrive a Day...
Read More »The Art of Venice: Luxury, Culture, and Cuisine with UniworldIn many ways, Italy is synonymous with quality, with luxury, with the enjoyment of life’s most beautiful qualities. It’s why we look to its artists for inspiration, its countryside farms for great food, or its ateliers for fine clothing. As the epicenter of the Renaissance, Italy, and...
Read More »Discover the Magic of Travel with Princess CruisesWhen you sail with Princess Cruises, you're not just going on a vacation; you're embarking on a journey to uncover what you love most about travel. Whether you're exploring iconic destinations, enjoying world-class cuisine, trying new activities, or relaxing with loved ones, Princess creates experiences that leave a lasting...
Read More »Three Rivers, One Journey – AmaWaterways’ Europe’s Rivers & Castles Cruise Embark on a journey where luxury meets history aboard AmaWaterways' 7-night Europe's Rivers & Castles river cruise. You are invited to explore Europe's most enchanting landscapes and storied landmarks on a meticulously curated itinerary, all while indulging in the unparalleled luxury and service that define AmaWaterways. This...
Read More »The Benefits of Traveling with Trafalgar Traveling is one of life’s greatest joys, offering opportunities to explore new cultures, savor unique cuisines, and create lifelong memories. If you’re planning your next adventure, consider the many benefits of guided travel with Trafalgar. With decades of experience, Trafalgar has carefully curated itineraries, and exclusive access to unforgettable experiences, making...
Read More »A Field Guide to Cruising Alaska: My Top Highlights in the 49th State Alaska is unlike anywhere else on Earth—a realm of wild beauty where nature’s grandeur is displayed daily. During my Holland America cruisetour through this untamed wilderness, I witnessed glaciers, incredible wildlife, and dramatic landscapes. I was also treated to an unbelievable show—the Northern Lights...
Read More »Discovering Ireland's Luxury: The CIE Tours Irish Supreme Experience Ireland beckons with its enchanting landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality. For those seeking the ultimate Irish adventure, CIE Tours' Irish Supreme offers a meticulously planned, 9-day luxury journey through Ireland's most iconic destinations. This exceptional tour combines opulent accommodations, authentic experiences, and exploration of Ireland's cultural treasures....
Read More »Silversea Returns to Antarctica with Three Ships and up to 80 Landing Sites We are delighted to be back exploring the legendary white landscape of Antarctica. Three of our ships — Silver Endeavour, Silver Cloud, and Silver Wind — are currently undertaking a program of 34 voyages in the austral summer as part of one of the...
Read More »Experience an extraordinary journey with Scenic Eclipse as we reveal Antarctica's untouched beautyHow to visit AntarcticaThe ultimate way to experience an extraordinary journey to Antarctica is by ship in ultra-luxury. Scenic’s Discovery Yachts are specially designed for the journey, featuring state-of-the-art technology and a Polar Class 6-rating. Allowing Scenic Eclipse to effortlessly seamlessly navigate the Antarctic waters,...
Read More »The World’s First Discovery Yachts™ Embark on an extraordinary journey with Scenic Eclipse, where 6-star ultra-luxury cruising meets state-of-the-art innovation. Our carefully curated worldwide collection of voyages spans all seven continents, allowing you to explore the planet’s most remote and remarkable destinations in unrivaled style and sophistication. From the breathtaking polar landscapes of Antarctica and the Arctic to...
Read More »Discovering Ireland's Luxury: The CIE Tours Irish Supreme Experience Ireland beckons with its enchanting landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality. For those seeking the ultimate Irish adventure, CIE Tours' Irish Supreme offers a meticulously planned, 9-day luxury journey through Ireland's most iconic destinations. This exceptional tour combines opulent accommodations, authentic experiences, and exploration of Ireland's cultural treasures....
Read More »Understanding the history of Puerto Rico provides a richer context for the people you’ll meet and places you’ll discover while exploring the Island. For example, before the Spanish labeled the Island Puerto Rico (literally, “Rich Port,”) the place was known as Borinquen, which comes from the word Borikén or “Land of the Valiant and Noble Lord,” which was the...
Read More »Luxury Tourism and Sustainability: A Perfect Balance in the Dominican Republic The Dominican Republic, a Caribbean gem known for its pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture, has become a leading destination for luxury tourism. Yet, as the world increasingly emphasizes sustainable travel, the country has risen to the challenge of blending opulence with environmental and social...
Read More »Once every 25 years, the epicenter of the Catholic faith becomes an even greater pilgrimage destination for the world’s faithful, with a Holy Year. Jubilees have been part of Church tradition since the 1300’s, held at 25-year intervals so that every generation can participate in at least one Holy Year. Jubilee 2025 is celebrated throughout Rome, the...
Read More »There’s magic in the word ‘Tahiti.’ It conjures up visions of the ultimate tropical escape and sailing serenely through pristine, jewel-toned waters that kiss the undeveloped, palm-lined shores and reflect dramatic peaks. Part of one of the most remote and romanticized regions of the world, the mere mention of Tahiti evokes fantasies of cruising through an...
Read More »Travelers are looking for more than sun and sand from their all-inclusive vacations – and Sandals and Beaches Resorts has its finger on the pulse of your island holiday fantasies. Their parent company, Sandals Resorts International, has revealed the most in-demand practices and innovations that are transforming Caribbean vacations – and where they’re already being implemented...
Read More »Chinese New Year is celebrated in over a dozen countries, but Hong Kong’s festivities make it one of the most exciting, colorful, flavorful places in the world to ring in the Lunar New Year. Our friends at the Hong Kong Tourism Board have shared the top 10 festive Chinese New Year activities, but don’t take our...
Read More »Silversea Returns to Antarctica with Three Ships and up to 80 Landing Sites We are delighted to be back exploring the legendary white landscape of Antarctica. Three of our ships — Silver Endeavour, Silver Cloud, and Silver Wind — are currently undertaking a program of 34 voyages in the austral summer as part of one of the...
Read More »The Sun-Kissed Mexican CaribbeanCancún is where the modern world meets ancient history. Visitors can marvel at the wonders of the Cancún Interactive Aquarium, where children can engage with marine life through exhibits and touch pools. Couples can stroll hand-in-hand along the coral sands of Playa Delfines, known for its breathtaking sunsets. The nearby Underwater Museum of Art...
Read More »Here are five must-visit spots that promise unforgettable experiences.Vieques, Puerto RicoNestled just off the mainland of Puerto Rico, Vieques is known for its pristine beaches. The island is famous for Mosquito Bay, the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world, where the waters glow with a magical blue light. Vieques' wildlife refuge is home to hiking trails...
Read More »While three days won’t allow you to see it all, it’s enough to experience what makes the island so special.Day 1: Ok, but first, the beach!Start your trip by easing into vacation mode with a visit to the beach. After settling into your accommodations, head to Isla Verde Beach, close to San Juan, where golden sands...
Read More »From the vibrant spices of Mexican cuisine to the fresh and bold flavors found throughout the Caribbean, every sun-drenched paradise offers a special dish that captures the heart and soul of its people.Along the Mexican Riviera Maya, cochinita pibil is a culinary treasure. This traditional dish from the Yucatán features pork marinated in achiote and citrus, wrapped in banana...
Read More »Viking® believes in offering you extraordinarily well-designed voyages that bring you closer to the cultures of the world. Its intimate vessels sail into the heart of your destination—where new discoveries are just a short walk from your ship.One of the best ways to immerse yourself in new cultures is to explore the world by river. That...
Read More »Welcome to Wave Season! Wave after wave of promotions, offers and perks that make booking your next – or your first! - cruise irresistible. Cruise lines compete to outdo each other during Wave, and that gives you the opportunity to save money, get some extra perks to spoil yourself – or sail into new cruise horizons! Navigating...
Read More »Don’t let this happen to you! I know a family who recently missed their holiday – and lost nearly everything they’d spent on their vacation – all because of a completely avoidable travel document snafu. It happens more often than you think – but it shouldn’t happen to you. Here’s the sad story: For their first trip...
Read More »The coldest weeks of the year inspire dreams of lush blooms and garden idylls, which just happen to be the calling card of the essential English lifestyle. Plan a trip around one of Britain’s dazzling flower shows and visit iconic gardens at stately country homes. 2025’s Flourishing Flower Show CalendarGet your horticulture on at one of Britain’s...
Read More »Beginning in May, 2025, Disneyland is inviting the world to ‘Celebrate Happy’ as it marks 7 decades of making joy. Anniversary celebrations continue through summer 2026, with new festivals, décor, food and beverages, collectibles and events just for the milestone celebrations in Anaheim, California. You’ll find family fun across two theme parks, Downtown Disney District and three...
Read More »Discover the Best of Turkey with Exotik Journeys: A Small Group Travel Experience Like No OtherWhen it comes to travel, few destinations offer the sheer variety, history, and beauty that Turkey does. From ancient ruins to vibrant bazaars, fairy-tale landscapes to azure coastlines, Turkey is a land of wonders. Exotik Journeys' "The Best of Turkey –...
Read More »MSC Cruises and the MSC Foundation are sharing some good news for the world’s seas coming from the Super Coral Program at the cruise line’s private island in The Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. The Super Coral Program, working with off-site university partners since 2020, is dedicated to reversing the shocking worldwide decline in coral populations. New...
Read More »It feels like we could all use some good news right now – and luckily, this year, travel has provided us with lots of reasons to feel hopeful and uplifted and that doing something we love – travel – can also be doing something good. The world of travel is showing us that not only can...
Read More »Queenstown, New Zealand, is once again pioneering an exciting new travel trend. It’s already on the map for global travelers as the birthplace and “Home of Bungee Jumping” and the “Adventure Capital of the World.” Now, Queenstown is at the leading edge of finding ways to continue to offer its signature, adrenaline – and power–fueled –...
Read More »Want to improve your memory, problem-solving skills and ability to focus? A recent study aboard a Transatlantic Crossing on the Queen Mary 2® found that even a few days at sea gives cruise travelers measurable and surprising cognitive benefits – in addition to relaxation. For over 180 years, British luxury cruise line Cunard® has been sailing the...
Read More »Restored to its former glory and beyond, Notre Dame de Paris has risen from the ashes of a 2019 fire that many feared meant the end of an era for one of the most joyous historic cathedrals in Europe. The December 7, 2024 reopening ceremony and resumption of Masses felt like a Christmas gift to the...
Read More »Nothing gets you in the holiday spirit like a Christmas market cruise on the Rhine from Switzerland, through France, and Germany, to the Netherlands, in the cradle of so many of our Christmas traditions. It’s a multi-sensory travel experience, from the sights of festive decorations and booths at the markets, twinkling lights and decorations, the scent...
Read More »December 7, 1941, is remembered annually for the attack on Hawai’i’s Pearl Harbor that drew the USA into World War 2. But September 2, 1945, is just as important in American history. That date in 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the war, with the formal Japanese surrender ceremony aboard the USS Missouri...
Read More »Sandals is introducing its first-ever four-bedroom butler villas, brand new ‘Skypool Suites’ with rooftop terraces, more guest-favorite ‘Rondovals,’ as well as re-imagined beachfront and bluff view rooms across adults-only, ‘luxury-included’ Sandals resorts throughout the Caribbean. Now available for booking, these new, ‘suite’ experiences are part of ‘Sandals 2.0,’ and encourage visiting amongst friends, and bringing the tropical...
Read More »Three cheers to the yachting lifestyle! Emerald Cruises’ yachts are warm-weather cruising on a whole different scale: small! With only 100 guests, you feel like you’re aboard your own private yacht – that’s designed to make you feel immediately at home as you spend lazy days chasing the sun… and relaxing with something cold in your...
Read More »The Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train, is a new way to indulge in slow travel in the lap of luxury. Debuting in the summer of 2025, it’s the first modern luxury sleeper train to allow you to discover some of the UK’s most spectacular natural landscapes and hidden gems on its three inaugural, three-day routes. Timeless Routes...
Read More »Rosewood Exuma opens in 2028, bringing Rosewood’s elevated experiential travel and authenticity to the Exumas. The pristine archipelago of 365 islands in the Bahamas is the destination of the latest addition to Rosewood’s Caribbean portfolio. The private island resort offers next-generation luxury while honoring the character of the Exumas. Rosewood Exuma Within the Exumas, there’s a 124-acre private...
Read More »Beginning January 8, 2025, American and Canadian travelers to the United Kingdom will be required to apply - in advance of your trip - for the UK’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). The digital application process opens November 27, 2024 for anyone planning to arrive in Britain from January 8, 2025 and onwards. The British government has...
Read More »The Riverside Mozart is the ultimate floating luxury boutique hotel on the river – as you can see in the video, it’s about double the size of almost all other river cruise ships in Europe, but there aren’t double the guests. That’s a game-changer! To me, it felt more like sailing on a luxury, small ocean ship...
Read More »The holidays are just around the corner, and nothing gets you into the spirit of the season like a pre-Christmas trip to Europe, where so many of our favorite festive traditions originated. Europe’s Christmas markets, many of which have been around since the Middle Ages, are magical places to embrace the holiday spirit and celebrate in the...
Read More »Is Antarctica on your travel bucket list? The White Continent is the ultimate expedition cruising destination: literally at the end of the earth, and able to be reached only by ship, with its epic scenery of glaciers, icebergs, and surprisingly rich wildlife, including several varieties of penguins, elephant seals, whales and more, Antarctica has remained just...
Read More »If the world seems noisier and more chaotic than ever to you – you’re not alone. As life gets more stressful, online searches for ‘quiet travel’ have shot up like your blood pressure. One of the first places savvy travelers look to disconnect and rediscover tranquillity in nature is Costa Rica. The Central American country’s famous way...
Read More »On safari in Africa, it’s the ‘Big 5’ signature species. But on the other side of the world, in another extraordinary landscape, the can’t miss, iconic wildlife is summed up on the ‘Bis 15’ list. Many are found nowhere else on earth other than in the Galapagos islands. Their unparalleled biodiversity famously inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution....
Read More »There’s the North Pole… and there’s the “North Pole of Inaccessibility.” Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot has done something no ship of any kind has ever done before. In the 21st century, it’s hard to imagine there’s a place on earth humans have never been, but close to the end of the 2024 Arctic cruise/ sailing season,...
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