Here a Ship, There a Ship, Everywhere a New Ship

August, 2023 may go down in the cruise travel history books, with the launch of an exceptional number of new, ground-breaking ships that inspire us to take to the seas – and give us a glimpse into the direction cruise travel, design, and experiences are heading.  Five new ships sailed to sea in the first couple of weeks of the month,...

New Ships Debut on Two Sensational Rivers: France’s Rhone and the Nile

More and more travelers are tuning in to the charms of river cruising through the hearts of some of the world’s most fabulous destinations. Two new ships have just debuted that will make exploring France’s fabled Rhone River and Egypt’s legendary Nile even more appealing.  VIKING ATON With the August, 2023 launch of the Viking Aton, the ocean, expedition and river cruise...

You Can Join the Biggest Search for Scotland's Loch Ness Monster in Half a Century

Scotland’s most famous legend… may not remain a mystery for much longer. A new Loch Ness Centre at the famous lake in the Scottish Highlands is promising to unleash the biggest search for “Nessie” in over half a century. And visitors can join in the quest!  Nessie may be the biggest attraction in the Scottish Highlands that no one can prove they’ve...

Can’t-Miss Events this Fall that Celebrate Celestial Wonders

What’s the fastest-disappearing natural phenomenon? Dark skies. As cities expand, the night skies are flooded with light, dimming our views of the complex, mystical wonders of the heavens that inspired our ancestors.  We are still fascinated by the night skies, and many of us take time on vacation to spend our evenings outdoors gazing up into the darkness and its mysteries.  Luckily,...

Ports of Call You Can't Miss in the Eastern Mediterranean’s Newest Cruise Hub

The Mediterranean is full of ancient maritime cultures, but some seaside countries are just recently becoming popular cruise destinations. One up-and-coming cruise hub in the eastern end of this historic sea offers the best of Mediterranean, modern European, and Middle Eastern cultures and lifestyles. Not to mention the spiritual attractions of the home of Jewish, Christian and Islamic faiths.  And the...

Now You Can Cruise on the Tennessee River

Those who love – or would like to try – river cruising close to home can rejoice: there’s a new river to sail on.  In the summer of 2023, American Cruise Lines launched a new river route that explores the charming towns of America’s Tennessee Valley.  The cruise line, which operates a 17-vessel fleet of river and small ships, has dedicated three...

Explore Egypt from These 3 Four Seasons Hotels

History, culture, the romance of travel and 21st century diversity all await you in the ancient destination of Egypt – home to the only remaining entry on the list of the original Seven Wonders of the World, not to mention other archaeological and architectural marvels, markets and local cuisine and lifestyle.  And you can explore Egypt’s antique wonders and modern life...

Four Places You Can Try the Newest Tropical Resort Trend

The latest craze at tropical resorts will really ‘float your boat.’ Swim up bars have become standard at many of your favorite resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico, and floating trays are the newest way to serve guests who love to hang out in the pool.  Maybe one of the best things about floating trays is that, while swim-up bars are...

Where do Expedition Cruises Sail? And Where Will You be Able to Go Next?

Many people have heard about luxury expedition cruises to the Antarctic. But there’s a whole world of expedition cruising out there you may never have heard of.  Cruise/ travel journalist and expert Lynn Elmhirst sat down with ultra-luxury cruise line Seabourn’s director of expedition development Jen Martin to dispel the myth that expedition cruises only go to Antarctica.  WATCH VIDEO ABOVE  Jen is the...

Everyone In the Village Shares Equally

Today we visited a Apappilattoq, an Inuit settlement nestled at the base of a soaring mountain fjord. Our first glimpse into the lives of the people in Apappilattoq was in the Church, listening to a choir of ten voices, singing acapella, in Greenlandic. Here are the gentle words delivered by a slightly older man before their last song. "We wish for peace...

The Group of Seven

Before we all fell off the cliff together, three plus years ago, I learned about Quark Expeditions South Greenland itinerary. No other expedition company had an experience with the intense focus of the beautiful fjords of South Greenland. This felt like a knock it-out of-park experience, thus the planning and dreaming began. Over time, my enthusiasm spread, and we became a...

Crystal’s River and Ocean Ships are Sailing Again, and Here’s Where You Can Find Them

All of the former Crystal Cruises’ ships have now found new homes. The original cruise line is no more, but those who love the ships can still sail aboard favorite river, ocean, expedition and yacht vessels with their new lines. In some cases, their new owners even managed to bring back their original crew so your next cruise… will feel like...

Michelin Stars to Ocean Shores: The New Hong Kong Hotels You Need on Your Radar

While travel was closed, Hong Kong’s hoteliers kept building. When you travel to the dynamic city today, you’ll discover a whole slate of new hotels that have added to its reputation for having one of the most glamorous and diverse hospitality scenes in the world. Ask us about a stay at one of the new hotels in skyscrapers with harbor views...

Is a Luxury Expedition Cruise Right for You? An Expert Explains

Luxury expedition cruising is one of the fastest-growing trends in cruising - but who really sails on these voyages? And more importantly, are they right for you? Maybe it's time to dispel some myths about expedition cruising - one of the fastest-growing cruise styles today, with new ships launching every year.  I sat down with Seabourn's Jen Martin, who leads the...

2 New Ultra-Luxury Belmond Hotel Spas that will Make You Rush There to Relax

Belmond’s ultra-luxury hotels, resorts and rail experiences have become beacons of how to live your best life abroad. Two of its properties are adding spas in collaboration with luxe French beauty brands that will make it even more difficult to leave these oases of pampering and relaxation to return to the real world after your vacation. Taormina, Italy: Pop-up Treetop Spa...

Accessible Travel is Taking a Giant Leap with this New Airplane Seat for Wheelchairs

Wheelchair users and those who travel with passengers with reduced mobility know the challenges of flying – and how often things go wrong. But now there’s great news about an airplane seat that will let wheelchair users stay in their wheelchairs for their flights.  Aviation industry experts say that the number of mobility assistance requests at airports doubled in the last...

Top Travel Activities that Boost Your Wellbeing

The newest data reveals exactly what activities you do when you travel have the biggest and best impact on your mental wellbeing. Let’s talk first about the importance of booking that escape – no matter what you plan on doing. You know you need to get away. But if you haven’t traveled on holiday in a while, take note: new research reinforces studies...

Hyatt Launches a New, Luxury All-Inclusive Resort Brand That’s Adults-Only

Luxury yacht transfer to a romantic island resort? Check. Butler service? Check. Terrace whirlpools and fully stocked in-room bars? Check. That’s just a taste of what the new “Impressions by Secrets” is offering couples at the first of Hyatt’s new adults-only, luxury, all-inclusive resorts in Mexico’s iconic Isla Mujeres off the coast of Cancun. With a recent new focus on luxury, all-inclusive...