Mountain City's Travel Blog

Small-ship cruise line Windstar has christened the first newbuild ship to join its fleet. Star Seeker represents a new class of ships and a new era for the small-ship cruise line, which is already looking forward to the ship’s twin, Star Explorer, to expand its fleet even more. Star Seeker’s Debut in 2026Star Seeker is home to just 224 guests and...

Travel beyond ‘the boot’ to Italy’s inspiring islands. With thousands of miles of Mediterranean coastline, some of the best Italian destinations are floating dramatically offshore, from the world-famous to others that feel like secrets shared over a late-night glass of local wine. Travel like someone in the know, island-hopping in Italy with insider info and tips. Sicily Epic, cinematic, and deeply delicious. Famous...

'Tis the season for cruise travelers to save! Wave Season is that time of year when cruise lines roll out wave after wave of promotions, perks, and irresistible offers. They’re all competing to capture your attention… which means you get the chance to save, spoil yourself a little, and maybe even try a whole new style of cruising. Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/travel...

Oceania Cruises has joined an exclusive cruising club, announcing that it’s joining the ranks of cruise lines banning kids. You may be surprised which – and how few - cruise lines are truly adults only. If you’ve done any luxury, especially small-ship cruising, you’re likely used to NOT seeing many children. That’s certainly about to be true on Oceania Cruises. Oceania Cruises...

The immersive, state-of-the-art culinary theaters feature the ‘Epicurean Passport Series,’ chef-hosted dining, and destination-inspired shore excursions. Epicurean Enrichment Studios debuts in spring 2026 exclusively on board 2 of the ultra-luxury cruise line’s fleet of ships: Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Voyager.  The Epicurean Enrichment Studio was inspired by the phenomenal success of the Culinary Arts Kitchen on board Regent’s newer,...

During the shortest days and longest nights of the year, ultra-luxury cruise line Seabourn is shining a spotlight on ways it gives guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the primal allure of the night, as part of the growing ‘noctourism’ trend of exploring destinations after dark and connecting with destinations in new and meaningful ways. Select sailings feature experiences from...

Expedition cruises are a fast-growing, life-changing way to see the world in a different way. Atlas Ocean Voyages, with its fleet of small, yacht-like ships that also have polar capabilities, has expanded the definition of expedition cruising in new directions with ‘Epicurean Expeditions.’The ‘classic’ expedition cruise is polar: Antarctica or increasingly, the Arctic. Other remote maritime destinations that have natural or...

You might say it’s a tale of two ships – all wrapped into one! Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours made waves recently with its announcement of its new class of Discovery Yacht. We’ve sailed aboard the existing Scenic Eclipse in both Antarctica and in the Med – literally ‘polar extremes’ in cruising! Here’s a tour of the ship from both cruising...

Royal Caribbean and Celebrity cruise guests are getting a private beach escape on one of Greece’s most famous – and famously busy - islands. The new Royal Beach Club Santorini is set to open in summer 2026. It’s the first Royal Beach Club in Europe, and one part of the Ultimate Santorini Day that also includes tours of the island’s...

It sails 21 rivers, 5 oceans, and all 7 continents with more ships than any other single cruise line in the world. And now, with the naming of nine new ships in one fell swoop, Viking has marked another milestone: the inauguration of its 100th ship! During a simultaneous ceremony that spanned six countries, the river, ocean and expedition cruise line...

Scenic Group has announced the launch of Scenic Ikon, a new class of ‘Discovery Yachts’- and the opening of bookings at special pre-release pricing. Scenic Ikon joins the luxury cruise line’s ocean fleet – currently Scenic Eclipse I and II - in polar waters and its primary base of the Mediterranean, beginning in spring of 2028. Three years in development, Scenic Ikon...

You’ll have a bright lip for your stylish ship! Holland America Line’s new ‘Blend Bar’ onboard experience allows guests to design their own customized lipstick or gloss – the first aboard any cruise ship. So you’ll have the perfect shade to reflect your cruise vacation mood. The exclusive, hands-on lipstick lab is guided by an expert beauty consultant and offers a...

“Set-jetting” to locations in Britain means that you don’t have to say goodbye to the beloved characters of Downton Abbey, even if the final film has been released. The clever play on words has been coined by Visit Britain to reflect how popular visiting film and TV set locations is for visitors to the U.K. They say 87% of travelers to...

Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas has launched in a glittering ceremony. The line’s latest Icon-class ship’s christening event lit up Port Canaveral, Florida. You might say it was ‘written in the stars,’ as the mega-ship’s godmother, research astronaut Kellie Gerardi, named the ship and set it on its inaugural voyage. The ages-old tradition of bestowing safekeeping on a ship, its...

They say ’50 is the new 30!’ And now there’s a new brand of travel experiences - designed just for this new generation of travelers - with maturity, busy lives, high expectations, established tastes and as active as ever. Upscale guided travel company Tauck is tapping into the energy of travelers in their 40s and 50s looking for flexibility, soft...

Private, after-hours Scenic Enrich cultural events, just for guests of Scenic ocean and river cruises, take a luxury voyage to next-level privilege. Here are my experiences of three Scenic Enrich events from recent ocean and river journeys. By: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist and expert. Travel in any way makes us feel special and takes us out of our ordinary lives. A...

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has revealed the Skyview Regent Suite on the upcoming Seven Seas Prestige… and it’s the biggest – and the priciest – suite in cruise ship history! Fares for the nearly 8,800-square-foot, 2-level suite start at (!) $25,000 – per night! Regent welcomes the 822-guest Seven Seas Prestige in late 2026. The new ship marks the ultra-luxury, all-inclusive...

If you’re thinking about an Arctic expedition cruise to experience extraordinary land and seascapes, iconic wildlife sightings, and Inuit cultural immersion… add to that list Quark Expedition's onboard Arctic fine dining experience -  a gastronomic tour de force that will open your eyes – and your palate – to an entirely new perspective on the flavors of the far north....

“Bigger and bolder than anything” Royal Caribbean has done yet. That’s how the cruise line is describing Perfect Day Mexico, with never-seen-before attractions. Plus, Royal Caribbean has revealed more destination experiences on the way as it doubles down on Perfect Day and Royal Beach Club private island and beach resort cruise destinations. They’ll let cruise vacationers experience the best of Royal...

MSC World America has launched! The secret to the success of this new mega-ship is right there in the name - the first MSC Cruises ship designed specifically for the cruising tastes of North Americans. That means you! But MSC Cruises is not turning its back on its European roots. Instead, the cruise line says it’s delivering the best of both...