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Hit the Holiday Weekend with this Travel-Inspired, Rum-Infused Salad Recipe from Antigua and Barbuda

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst)

It’s officially summer, and the big holiday weekend of the season spells festive get-togethers and celebrations in the sun and the heat. Well, you can take a cue from a year-round hot-weather destination and spice up your summer salad with a salad recipe from Antigua and Barbuda that hits the spot this hot holiday weekend.

This distinctly tropical salad is simple yet oh so delicious and refreshing – and adults only! It features a large watermelon and is infused with Antigua’s signature Cavalier Rum; yes, rum! The secret is letting the sliced watermelon marinate in the rum for up to two days, ensuring the ultimate sweet flavour that will amp up your festivities and set a high note for the holiday weekend.

This twist on a watermelon recipe comes courtesy of Rodrick Beazer, the Executive Sous Chef of Curtain Bluff Resort in Antigua and Barbuda, the twin-island nation in the heart of the Caribbean Sea.

Antigua and Barbuda offer upscale island travelers not one, but two uniquely distinct experiences. Both islands enjoy ideal temperatures year-round, a rich history, vibrant culture, exhilarating excursions, award-winning resorts, mouth-watering cuisine and 365 stunning pink and white-sand beaches - one for everyday of the year!

The largest of the Leeward Islands, Antigua, comprises 108-square miles with rich history and spectacular topography that provides a variety of popular sightseeing opportunities. Nelson’s Dockyard, the only remaining example of a Georgian fort, a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site, is perhaps the most renowned landmark. Antigua’s tourism events calendar includes the prestigious Antigua Sailing Week, Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, and the annual Antigua Carnival; dubbed the ‘Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival.’

Barbuda, Antigua’s smaller sister island, is an off-the-radar celebrity hideaway. The island lies 27 miles north-east of Antigua and is just a 15-minute plane ride away. Barbuda is known for its untouched 17-mile stretch of pink sand beach and as the home of the largest Frigate Bird Sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Cavalier Rum-Infused Local Watermelon Salad

INGREDIENTS:

Start with a large watermelon; seedless watermelon is best for this recipe

1 cup Cavalier rum

½ cup toasted sliced almonds

1 bowl of fresh island greens

½ cup local goat cheese

2 sprigs kale

MAKE-AHEAD INSTRUCTIONS:

To infuse the watermelon:

1. Cut the watermelon in half, horizontally. Place half side down on a clean, dry surface. Then slice a portion off the round top and then each side, making it a square or rectangle. Slice into approximately 1-inch slices.

2. Place sliced (and seeded, if you aren't using seedless) watermelon into vacuum / sealable plastic bag(s). Pour in the Cavalier Rum.

3. Place vacuum bag into chamber vacuum sealer and pull a full, 100% vacuum on the fruit. You can also do this carefully without a vacuum sealer carefully by hand pressing out all the air.

4. The fruit can marinate in the rum in the refrigerator for up to two days. (After two days, juices will start to expel from the fruit, surrounding the fruit in the vacuum pouch. The fruit is usable, but the texture isn’t as perfect.)

To Serve:

1. Remove watermelon from the pouch. Top with goat cheese, almond slices, and kale. Garnish with greens and serve!

Chef Beazer says that the rum-infused salad is a perfect side dish for barbequed fish - especially salmon - or chicken. He suggests pairing it with a light rosé or pinot noir wine to accentuate the sweetness of the watermelon.

Until you can make your next – or first! – trip to Antigua and Barbuda, we know this salad recipe will be your travel-inspired star of your sizzling summer entertainment!

Start your Tropical Trip!

Salad image and recipe courtesy of Antigua and Barbuda.

Why Belfast is the Best Place to Experience the Legend of the Titanic

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Wed, 31 May 23 16:16:30 +0000

Wait, Belfast? Part of the legend of the Titanic? The most famously-doomed passenger ship tale of all time? Wasn’t she a British ship, sailing from Southampton to New York, that struck an iceberg and capsized over a century ago? How did Ireland play a part – and how could Belfast keep the ‘Ship of Dreams’ alive for us today?

Glad you asked.

Belfast has an integral place in Titanic lore, and is perhaps the primary destination today – with the possible exception of an undersea expedition to the final resting place of the legendary ship herself on the ocean floor in the North Atlantic – to immerse yourself in the fateful story of the Titanic.

That story ended on April 15, 1912, when over 1500 passengers and crew members of an estimated 2224 souls aboard the British luxury liner Titanic famously perished in the icy waters off the coast of Canada. The brand-new ship, the largest ship afloat at the time, was touted as ‘unsinkable,’ full of extraordinary luxuries and groundbreaking bells and whistles. The Titanic was on her inaugural voyage – carrying immigrants to the U.S. and Canada as well as a who’s who of English and American high society on board. It remains the deadliest peacetime sinking of a passenger ship.

On both sides of the Atlantic, the tragedy played out over days of sensational press. It shocked nations and rocked dynasties that lost scions of business and aristocratic heirs. The saturation media coverage cemented the Titanic’s legend and laid the foundation for generations of creative works weaving tales and amplifying the myth of the ship and the people on board.

But that story began in the shipyards of Belfast, where the Titanic was born.

And for anyone fascinated by the Titanic’s tale, Belfast carries the torch for the doomed liner, with a Belfast Titanic Society, Titanic tours, attractions, exhibitions, events and experiences, as well as three key places to relive memories of the world’s most famous passenger ship:

Titanic Belfast in the Titanic Quarter

Where shipyards once opened up onto the sea in Belfast, a large-scale waterfront regeneration project, called the Titanic Quarter in honor of the city’s most famous product, now stands. The cornerstone of the Titanic Quarter is Titanic Belfast, a visitor attraction that opened in 2012 for the 100^th anniversary of the ship’s sinking.

The Titanic Belfast stands on the site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard where the RMS Titanic was built between 1909 and 1912.

The spectacular, avant-garde building clad in aluminum shards was meant to evoke the shape of ships’ prows and stands 126 feet high – the same height as the Titanic’s hull. But its nickname has become ‘the Iceberg’ for its resemblance to a sharp and craggy chunk of ice – recalling the cause of the Titanic’s destruction.

Inside, you’ll discover historic and state-of-the-art exhibits immersing you in the booming city of Belfast at the start of the 20^th century, original drawings, scale models, shipyard artifacts and interactive media displays recount the construction of the Titanic, including a giant scaffold and gantry and small cars taking you through a recreation of the shipyard.

You’ll progress through fascinating displays about the launch and fit-out of the ship, and you can walk across a replica of the Titanic’s wooden decks, sit on benches, and experience a computer-generated tour of the ship, from the engine room to the dining salons and even the bridge.

Further exhibits follow the maiden voyage and disastrous collision with an iceberg and the Titanic’s sinking. The iceberg is evoked by a wall of 400 replica life-jackets, on which an image of the sinking ship is projected. In a gallery devoted to the aftermath of the disaster, another emotional display: a full-size replica of one of the ship’s under-utilized lifeboats. For those with a family connection to the disaster, you can search passenger and crew lists for their names.

The final galleries allow you to explore myths, legends and pop culture that grew up around the Titanic – suitably accompanied by the famous Celine Dion song from the blockbuster film.

And you can see the Titanic as she rests now 12,000 feet below the surface of the Titanic, presented in collaboration with Dr. Robert Ballard, the wreck’s discoverer.

The Titanic Hotel in the Former Harland & Wolff Shipbuilders’ Headquarters

Next door to the Titanic Belfast, in the historic building where the RMS Titanic was designed, masterminded, and her construction supervised, is a half-hotel, half-museum, with an original collection of over 500 artworks, artefacts and photographs transporting the viewer back to the shipbuilder’s heyday and 'Golden Age of Ocean Travel.’

Many of the luxury Titanic Hotel’s 119 rooms have iconic views over Titanic Belfast and ‘nautical personality’ with streamlined Art Deco furniture, hanging ship’s lanterns, riveted panels and maritime artwork.

The heritage building also preserves and celebrates the restored Victorian Drawing Offices, with their three-story high barrel-vaulted ceilings. They are the only surviving examples of this type of shipyard architecture in the world (pictured, top.)

Drawing Office Two’s dramatic space was where many of the world’s most famous ocean liners, including the Titanic, were designed. It is now dedicated to drinks and dining. Villeroy & Boch tiles encircling the main bar are the same pattern as those used for the Titanic's swimming pool and First Class bathrooms. The fine, restored plasterwork in this room was also crafted by the same skilled craftsmen who worked on the great liners.

The Titanic Memorial Garden at Belfast City Hall

Funded by contributions from the public, shipyard workers and victims’ families, the Titanic Memorial in Belfast is the only memorial in the world that commemorates all of the victims of the sinking of the ship: passengers and crew alike.

It was dedicated in 1920, less than a decade after the ship’s fateful and incomplete maiden voyage, and includes an allegorical representation of the disaster in the form of a female figure depicting Fate holding a laurel wreath over the head of a drowned sailor being held above the waves by a pair of mermaids.

On the centenary of the disaster, a surrounding Titanic memorial garden was opened, and it’s the location where annual remembrance ceremonies have been held that keep the ship that sailed so majestically out of Belfast’s shipyards alive for residents and visitors to the city today.

Start Your Ireland Trip!

By Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist

Images courtesy of Tourism Ireland

Upgrades and Celebrations Mark the 50th Anniversary of Australia’s Architectural Icon: the Sydney Opera House

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Wed, 31 May 23 16:12:49 +0000

In 2023, the iconic Sydney Opera House celebrates a half-century of symbolizing not just a city, but a country and even a continent. It may even be the most famous building in the southern hemisphere.

This icon of modern design evoking giant stylized, sail-shaped shells occupies Bennelong point projecting out into Sydney Harbour. It dominates the skyline and has gripped the world’s imagination ever since its debut in 1973.

Completely unprecedented when it won the contest for a design for a performing arts center on Sydney’s waterfront, the design concept was believed by observers from the outset to represent a masterpiece and breakthrough in modern architecture.

No wonder its construction went years and over 1000 per cent over budget as the architect and builders had to invent ways to achieve the daring design. Their solutions to the challenges they faced reshaped modern architecture – and put Sydney on the world map as a cultural trend-setter, risk-taker, and innovator.

The Sydney Opera House paved the way for the immensely complex geometries of some unique styles of modern architecture. It was one of the first examples of the use of computer-aided design to formulate complex shapes represented by the stylized shells/ sails.

The shells themselves were a six-year construction problem – solved by a ‘eureka’ realization of the application of spherical geometry. It led to re-designing the sails so that, if all of the 14 shells of the Sydney Opera House were combined, they would form a perfect – and perfectly solid – sphere. Concrete ribs holding up pre-cast concrete sections could be built on site, along with concrete sections of that sphere. Those prefabricated, repetitive forms represented a breakthrough in 20^th century architecture.

They also permitted uniform tiling, and those, too, were one-of-a-kind. Inspired by Japanese ceramic bowls, the glossy tiles seem white at a distance but incorporate pale steel blue and cream tones and do not create reflective glare. Over one million custom tiles in chevron shapes and curved to conform to the spherical sections of the shells they would have to adhere to, were manufactured on site. They were even designed to be self-cleaning by rainfall to reduce maintenance.

The 22-story building’s interiors have some remarkable secrets, too. The Sydney Opera House Grand Organ, the largest mechanical tracker action organ in the world, rises almost 50 feet, weighs over 37 tonnes, and incorporates over 10,000 pipes.

When the Sydney Opera House was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the organization described it as “one of the indisputable masterpieces of human creativity, not only in the 20th century but in the history of humankind.” Experts cite unparalleled design and construction; extraordinary engineering achievements, technological innovation and its status as a world-famous icon of architecture as why a now-50-year old building still stands tall in our imaginations today.

It inspired and informed generations of architects to come. Techniques developed to make the Sydney Opera House design a reality made the works of current ‘star-chitect’ Frank Gehry and the ‘blobitecture’ style possible, along with most modern reinforced concrete structures.

A 50th Birthday Makeover and Year-Long Party

Leading up to the 2023 half-century milestone, the Sydney Opera House has undergone a $300-million decade of renewal.

Those 10,000 organ pipes have been cleaned by hand, and restorative cleaning wasn’t all that has transformed the icon of architecture.

“Long –awaited” renovations of the building’s acoustics, functionality and accessibility were delayed by the pandemic, but miraculously, the concert hall reopened just as travel resumed to Australia – on the cusp of the Sydney Opera House’s 50^th anniversary year.

Between the giddy joy of post-pandemic resumption of public musical performances and travel and a milestone in the life of a building that shaped the skyline and the national identity, celebrations at the Sydney Opera House throughout 2023 are incredible.

Major Australian and international artists will be part of a celebration of contemporary culture via more than 230 performances, events and experiences that will be presented on the Opera House’s famous sails, inside its theaters, on the Forecourt and online. Free outdoor concerts, community events, First Nations storytelling, tours, public art, exhibitions, and special resident company collaborations will encourage hundreds of thousands of people – locals and visitors from around the world – to experience the wonder of the Sydney Opera House.

Even those who have no ear for music will be enthralled by events like Vivid Sydney, an annual light, technology and creativity event running late May through mid-June. In the 50^th year of the Sydney Opera House, vibrant paintings of the natural world by acclaimed Australian artist John Olsen will illuminate those iconic sails as they act like giant, curved, harborfront projection screens during the Lighting of the Sails for Vivid Sydney.

Revamped Opera House tours will reveal unforgettable past performances and special historic moments. The tour will feature a new film in the Opera House’s purpose-built venue that boasts state-of-the-art technology including 270-degree visuals and surround sound, as well as heritage-inspired interiors.

There’s never been a better time to discover – or rediscover - the breathtaking, era-defining Sydney Opera House.

Start Your Australia Trip!

Image: Getty

Oceania Cruises Christens 1st New Ship in a Decade and Introduces new Wine, Spirits and Culinary Experiences

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Fri, 12 May 23 21:29:45 +0000

Oceania Cruises has officially welcomed the 1200-guest Oceania Vista in a glittering event in Malta. She’s the cruise line’s first new ship in more than ten years, and the first of its new, Allura-class of ships.

In a ceremony that included centuries-old blessings on the ship and the souls who will sail upon her, Italian-American chef, author, restaurateur and Emmy award-winning food personality Giada De Laurentiis christened the Vista with the traditional breaking of a bottle of champagne against the ship’s hull.

If you have sailed with Oceania before, you’ll know that the cruise line prides itself especially on its culinary experiences, making a chef the perfect godmother of the new Vista.

De Laurentiis will create two signature dishes to be served in Toscana, Oceania Cruises' authentic Italian specialty restaurant, as well as The Grand Dining Room, the luxurious grand dame of the line's culinary venues.

Those are just two of the 11 culinary venues on board the Vista – which introduces three all-new restaurants: Aquamar Kitchen, offering an array of wellness-inspired dishes with a hint of indulgence; The Bakery at Baristas, serving tempting freshly baked pastries; and a new signature restaurant, Ember.

The ship’s 11 restaurants are complemented by 8 bars, lounges and entertainment venues.

Paired with its emphasis on cuisine, Oceania elevates wine and spirits experiences fleet-wide, and on the Vista, it is also introducing The Casino Mixology Bar, a new concept for the line, focused entirely on the art of the cocktail.

Vista bar venues feature the latest cocktail-crafting trends and techniques such as flavored smoke bubbles, an extensive selection of low- and no-sugar wines, and zero-proof cocktails, plus Negronis aged in wooden barrels and specialty beverage carts like the Bubbly Bar and Ultimate Bloody Mary Bar.

In honor of the arrival of the Vista and across the entire fleet, Oceania Cruises will debut a series of rum and whisky programs in 2023. The experiences will feature a collection of The Macallan's via The Macallan Diamond Bar Cart, a flight program, chocolate pairings and more. For fans of rum, Brugal 1888 Doblemente Añejado Rum will be featured in a new Tea at Sea mixology class and a wide selection of newly crafted ice cream cocktails.

On the wine side, guests will also be able to partake in pairing experiences including a Moët & Chandon Champagne three-course pairing, sommelier-guided lunches with wine pairings, and the signature Oceania Cruises Dom Pérignon experience alongside a six-course tasting menu.

You may never want to go home! And, in fact, the Oceania Vista was designed to feel a lot like home at sea – but even better.

1200 guests stay in 600- all-veranda staterooms, and Oceania says the standard staterooms are “the most spacious” at sea at 290 square feet. There are new Concierge Level veranda staterooms for solo travelers, even. And the ship was designed for “residential-style luxury.”

There are two crew members for every three guests onboard, for elevated service levels.

Where You Can Sail on the New Vista

Following her inaugural in Malta, Vista is sailing a sold out summer season in the Mediterranean.

But you may still be able to sail on Oceania’s first Allura-class ship in her inaugural year.

In September, she will sail to Canada and New England before heading south for a series of winter itineraries exploring Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean from her homeport of Miami.

Vista's 2024 summer season will see her sail a series of Grand Voyages in the eastern Mediterranean, Aegean and Adriatic Seas, visiting an intriguing array of iconic cities and smaller boutique ports throughout Italy, Turkey, Greece and the Holy Lands.

You can also plan ahead to be one of the first guests onboard the Vista’s upcoming new sister ship, another 1,200-guest newbuild, Allura, scheduled to set sail in 2025.

Start Your Cruise Trip!

Images courtesy of Oceania Cruises

For the First Time Ever, a Luxury Cruise Will Sail Around the Entire Continent of Africa

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Fri, 12 May 23 21:29:14 +0000

It's the kind of voyage books and films and history are made of - and that travel dream will be a reality for 450 curious travelers in 2024. For the first time ever, an ultra-luxury cruise line will sail around the entire continent of Africa.

It's a 90-day, 17,000-mile exotic adventure visiting 44 marquee and off-the-beaten path ports and cities throughout 26 fascinating and unique countries. Immersion into ancient and recent history, exotic and wildly different landscapes, cultures, wildlife and lifestyles await the modern-day explorers sailing on this epic, all-African voyage.

The Seabourn Sojourn will depart Barcelona on November 30, 2024 on a small-ship, luxury cruise line's first-ever 'Grand Africa Voyage.'

Natural Wonders and Diverse Cultures

Imagine a single cruise calling in ports and destinations including Mediterranean gems like Alexandria, Cairo, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem; luscious, tropical paradises such as the Seychelles and Bom Bom Island; lands with breathtaking, diverse landscapes and wildlife such as Kenya, Madagascar and Zanzibar; and culturally rich destinations including Cape Town, Morocco and Mozambique.

In addition to renowned destinations, guests will discover African destinations off the beaten path, such as Luanda, the “Paris” of Africa, and Cape Verde, the “Gateway to the West.”

Once-in-a-lifetime Travel Experiences from Ship to Shore

Coastal cruising along breathtaking natural and urban scenery is just one facet of the ultra-luxury African circumnavigation.

Guests can explore Africa’s natural beauty via safari, hikes, scuba, snorkeling and other enriching cultural experiences, such as a visit to a camel milk farm, botanical gardens, living archaeological museums, and more.

In addition, guests can opt to take several multi-day journeys offering in-depth opportunities to explore treasured sites on land that cannot be accessed on single-day excursions from the ship, including a gorilla sanctuary, Victoria Falls and more.

Imagine a single, pan-Africa voyage that encompasses all these diverse experiences:

Alexandria (Cairo), Egypt– Guests get a glimpse into Egypt’s rich past and present while spending an evening inCairo, Egypt’s second-largest city and epicenter of cultural and historical significance, offering a fascinating blend of ancient landmarks, stunning architecture, and vibrant markets. Guests will have the option to join an excursion to see the Pyramids at Giza.
Safaga (Luxor), Egypt - Located on the Egyptian side of the Red Sea, Safaga is the gateway to some of Egypt's most memorable destinations: Luxor, Karnak and Thebes. Luxor has often been called the world's greatest open-air museum, and the number and preservation of the monuments in the area are unparalleled anywhere else in the world.
Mombasa, Kenya– Guests can experience Kenya’s wildlife up close in Mombasa with overnight Seabourn Journeys, including Tsavo National Park Safaris, a Masai Mara National Reserve Safari and a Rwanda Gorilla Trek. Mombasa, a vibrant coastal city with beautiful beaches, warm climate, rich history and local cuisine, has a blend of African, Arabic, and European cultures.
Cape Town, South Africa – Known as the “Mother City” of South Africa, Cape Town is a cosmopolitan metropolis of breathtaking natural beauty, with iconic landmarks such as Table Mountain, pristine beaches, and a rich cultural heritage that reflects its unique blend of African, European, and Asian influences. It’s also a hub for adventure tourism, offering a range of thrilling outdoor activities to enjoy, including catamaran sailing, kayaking and more.
Seabourn Signature Moment: private beach BBQ on Bom Bom Island, Sao Tome & Principe – One of Seabourn's most beloved traditions and Signature Moments is an ultra-luxury, private beach BBQ. On the Grand Africa Voyage, it takes place on Bom Bom Island, an enchanting destination of natural beauty and tranquility with pristine beaches, lush tropical forests, and crystal-clear waters.
Casablanca, Morocco – Guests spend an evening in Casablanca, the vibrant economic hub of Morocco. With its bustling souks, stunning architecture, and vibrant nightlife, it offers visitors a unique and authentic taste of Moroccan life, steeped in history, culture, and tradition.

Start Your Africa Trip!

Images courtesy of Seabourn

Avant-Garde Design and Luxury Lifestyle at the New St. Regis Resort in Exclusive Riviera Maya Enclave

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Mon, 01 May 23 19:14:30 +0000

A new, ultra-luxury resort brings St. Regis glamor and hospitality to a new, exclusive development at a 600+acre nature reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site on one of Mexico's most popular beach destinations. The St. Regis Kanai Resort was inspired by the Sian Ka'an Reserve, from its avant-garde architecture to its upscale interiors.

If you hadn't heard of Kanai yet, you're not alone. It's a new and exclusive oasis on the Riviera Maya carefully permitting only 4 top luxury hotels occupying less than 10% of its hundreds of acres of jungle and mangrove reserve, with sea frontage of two miles of undisturbed white sand beach.

The resort is a short drive from both Cancun and Playa Del Carmen and offers a gateway to the biodiversity of its natural parks and the mysticism of its cenotes, the vivid blues of its ocean and the cultural richness of its archaeological sites.

From its design and ecological harmony to signature St. Regis Butler Service, the St. Regis Kanai seems set to redefine hospitality on Mexico's Riviera Maya and provide a glamorous hideaway for travelers looking for a bespoke beach escape.

Avant-Garde Architecture and Inspired Design

The resort features an exceptional circular exterior design inspired by the constellation Pleiades, resulting in unrivaled ocean views from nearly every vantage point.

Designed with a minimal construction footprint aimed at protecting the natural reserve, The St. Regis Kanai Resort is suspended above a mangrove forest with the different elements of the hotel connected by elevated walkways. Guests of the resort are immediately transported into the magic of Kanai with a multi-story open air water installation leading into the main lobby. Floor-to-ceiling panoramic views of the mangroves give way to lush gardens and an expansive outdoor lawn with direct access to 2 miles of white sand beach.

Drawing inspiration from ancient Mayan artistic and ceremonial manifestations, the hotel's sophisticated aesthetic features a rich palette of limestone, walnut, and layered textiles. Elegant décor and contemporary interiors are accented with bespoke elements including custom furniture and artwork from local artisans. The Mayan Calendar is recreated through textiles within the public areas and guestrooms, with elements inspired by ceremonial Mayan garments.

Guestrooms and suites offer ocean views and a private terrace or plunge pool and feature design elements and rich materials evoking the surrounding elements from the mangrove trees and nearby cenotes to the stars above. Guestrooms feature custom hanging mirrors, bedside tables, ceramic light pendants, and intricate walnut wood-carved headboards.

All guests have access to the St. Regis Signature Butler Service.

Peak Culinary Experiences

The resort invites guests and locals to embark on unique gastronomic journeys with eight culinary venues:

The hotel's signature restaurant TORO by Chef Richard Sandoval is a bar and restaurant with a Latin-inspired menu led by the esteemed chef.
Chaya features a menu that uniquely combines local ingredients and regional touches of Riviera Maya with culinary elements rooted in Eastern Mediterranean history.
Located along the beautiful beachfront, Riviera blends the South of France with the Mayan Riviera.
A tea and chocolate salon, The Library is a back drop to experience St. Regis's signature ritual of afternoon tea and enjoy a tasting of Mexican chocolate.
The intimate St. Regis Bar, designed to feature views of the night sky, offers the Kanai Mary, a local take on the brand's signature Bloody Mary cocktail, which incorporates ingredients from the ancient Maya diet including corn, peppers and cucumber. The space also features an expansive mural inspired by Maya astronomer-priests who looked to the heavens for guidance.
Jack's Club is a hidden speakeasy.
Pik Nik is a grab-and-go deli, and
The Beach Club is available for light bites while relaxing seaside.

Honoring a signature tradition among St. Regis properties around the world, The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya will mark the transition from day to night with a celebratory champagne sabreing each evening.

Escapist Spa

The St. Regis Spa features eight treatment suites and a standalone salon. Connecting guests with nature, the space brings the lush outdoors inside with treatments inspired by ancient practices and featuring local ingredients.

Signature treatments include the Secret Garden ritual, allowing guests to hand select ingredients from the hotel's garden to personalize a body scrub and mask, as well as a Celestial Energy treatment that is inspired by Mayan cosmology and uses herbal cleansing, hot stones energized under the moon and stars and aromatherapy based on the phase of the moon.

Guests can work out in the exclusive Athletic Club, featuring a range of cardio and strength equipment as well as an outdoor yoga platform.

The Beach Club offers glamorous seaside lounging while offering access to a selection of water sports, and a pool and beach experience that includes Adult and Family pools, where cabanas offer complete privacy.

Family Traditions and Exploration

From a day poolside in a Family Cabana taking part in sport activities on the beach, your whole family will enjoy their beach vacation. St. Regis Family Traditions program offers the Tortuga Children's Club, with activities tailored to help younger guests discover the magic of Riviera Maya.

Located less than half a mile from an undisturbed coral reef, part of the second largest system in the world, the resort is also an ideal launching pad for underwater exploration.

Celebrations and Bespoke Events

Looking for an original, unforgettable place for a wedding, vow renewal or other special occasion? The St. Regis Kanai Resort has indoor and outdoor event space across six venues. From the expansive Astor Ballroom to the 7,300 sq. ft. Great Lawn, the resort can accommodate up to 600 guests with grace and style.

Start Your Luxury Resort Trip!

Images courtesy of St. Regis / Marriott Bonvoy

How These Hotels in Japan are Celebrating Cherry Blossom Season

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Wed, 19 Apr 23 01:59:49 +0000

Early spring in Japan spells ‘sakura,’ or cherry blossom season, when the entire country is awash in the lacy, pale pink blooms on millions of cherry trees lining rivers, avenues, mountainsides and park walks. A culture obsessed with seasonality values perhaps cherry blossom season the most, and this may be the best time to immerse yourself in Japanese traditions.

Sakura season has been celebrated for centuries in Japan, and the ancient ritual of 'hanami,' (literally meaning flower-viewing) parties and picnics still take place today – although with some modern twists that include portable karaoke machines. Organized by friends, schools, colleagues and communities to celebrate the breathtaking beauty of the delicate flower buds that bloom in clouds of pink all over the country, hanami parties take place under the delicate blossoms.

Delicate fruit tree blossoms are among the first blooms following winter, and traditionally heralded new life and new beginnings. The season was also symbolic of the ephemeral nature of life, as cherry blossoms bloom for only a short period before simply being blown away by the spring breezes.

Sakura season is a must-see natural and cultural phenomenon, and a number of hotels in Japan make it easy for visitors to the Land of the Rising Sun to feel part of the celebrations. Here are a few examples of hotels in the Marriott Bonvoy family of hotel chains making the most of this short and beloved season in major cities on Japan’s Honshu (main) island this year.

TOKYO

Guests staying at The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon can explore picturesque Shiba Park, where about 200 sakura trees blossom every spring. During cherry blossom season this year, this boutique luxury hotel, with 206 rooms offering breathtaking glimpses of the Tokyo skyline, is presenting a Sakura Package featuring an exclusive, welcome cherry blossom sweet and an Aromatized Sakura Martini beautifully designed with sakura flowers, served at the hotel’s Lobby Bar.

The Westin Tokyo is located near the banks of the Meguro River, which flows through Tokyo and is lined by about 800 sakura trees. It is one of the best spots in Tokyo to view the sakura blossoms. Guests can dine on Sakura French Toast at The Lounge, or taste a Sakura and Cranberry Butter Sandwich at The Westin Deli, or head outdoors for a hanami picnic under the trees. Back in the hotel, sakura-inspired cocktail and mocktail selections await guests at The Bar and The Compass Rose.

YOKOHAMA

South of Tokyo in Yokohama, Sakura-dori or 'Cherry Blossom Avenue', about five to ten minutes' walk from The Westin Yokohama, is one of the city's most famous hanami spots with over a hundred sakura trees lining the street. The hotel is offering a seasonal Sakura Afternoon Tea as well as sakura-themed dinner courses at its signature Japanese restaurant, Kissui-sen. A Sakura Bento Box lunch is also available for guests who wish to explore the city and plan their own hanami picnics, in a perfect, private celebration of the season.

OSAKA

The entrance of W Osaka, Japan's first W hotel, is inspired by the beauty of the gorgeous sakura trees in Osaka, Japan. This spring, the hotel is presenting pink sakura-themed cocktails at Living Room, the social hub of the hotel, where guests can sip their curated cocktails with live DJs. MYDO, the hotel's signature teppanyaki restaurant is serving multi-course 'kappo' or table d'hôte menus showcasing the finest and freshest ingredients of springtime, accompanied by blush-pink rosé wines in honor of the delicate pink cherry blossoms.

The glamorous The St. Regis Osaka is one of the city's most iconic luxury hotels, and may also be one of the most romantic places to enjoy sakura season in Osaka. The hotel is offering a Japanese 'Hanafuda' themed cocktail using a variety of strawberries at renowned The St. Regis Bar. Guests can celebrate spring with seasonal specialties such as Sakura anpan red bean paste bread, an elegant Sakura sandwich, made with buttercream sandwiched between sablé cookies at La Boulangerie.

KYOTO

The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto sits on the banks of the picturesque Kamo River, one of the most beautiful places in the ancient Japanese capital, where guests can take a stroll and enjoy the sight of the trees in full bloom. To celebrate the arrival of spring, the hotel is presenting two seasonal cocktails, Thousand Gold with the delicate characters of lychee, apple and sakura leaves, and Sakura Across, with a profile of brandy, cocoa, caramel and spicy chai tea complementing the delicate flavors of sakura leaves and finished with tonic water.

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa, is adjacent to the city's historic Nijo Castle grounds with its 300 sakura trees celebrated in an annual Sakura Festival featuring evening illuminations and colorful projection mappings over the castle's spectacular gate. The hotel offers fragrant afternoon teas in collaboration with Paris-based perfume brand ELLA K during Sakura season. The brand’s aromatic talents are expressed in 6 kinds of savoury treats and 7 kinds of sweet delights served to guests overlooking a courtyard garden with flowing Sakura trees.

Start your Japan Trip!

Top image of people enjoying 'hanami' in boats on the river with Tokyo Tower in the background: Getty

Map: Marriott Bonvoy

The Wine Region You Can’t Miss on a Danube River Cruise in Hungary

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Wed, 19 Apr 23 01:59:49 +0000

King Louis XIV of France called it the ‘wine of kings, the king of wines,’ but remarkably, this Hungarian wine remains under the radar for many wine lovers today. For over a thousand years, Tokaj wines were served to royalty, and now, they are a treasure for modern travelers to Hungary to discover.

A perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in Hungary’s Tokaj wines may be before or after a Danube river cruise beginning or ending in Budapest. The wine region is a couple of hours east of Hungary’s capital, and makes a perfect oenophiles’ pre- or post-cruise extension of your cruise.

Tokaj is a town in the north-east part of the country, but the name represents the entire region of over two dozen villages, about 13,000 acres of vineyards, and hundreds of small wineries.

You mention the city of Bordeaux and everyone immediately thinks of its eponymous wines. But not nearly as many think ‘wine’ when they hear the name Tokaj.

Yet Tokaj claims to be the first defined wine region in the world, dating back to 1737 when a royal declaration listed 22 villages that were permitted to use the Tokaj name for their wines.

Tokaj wines owe their fame to a ‘friendly’ fungus, botrytis, highly valued for centuries by winemakers who call it ‘noble rot.’ Under the right climate and local weather conditions, it works away on wine grapes, shriveling them up. That concentrates the juice remaining, leaving a sweet-tart flavor and a new range of aromas including peach, honey and orange.

Grapes with ‘noble rot’ are the heart of Tokaj wines – the world’s first botrytized wines. Bordeaux’ Sauternes, for example, have not been around nearly as long as Tokaj.

Two white wine grapes native to Hungary account for nearly all the vines in Tokaj, and both furmint and Hárslevelű grapes have one very important quality: they attract the friendly botrytis fungus.

With uniquely local grapes that attract botrytis, a unique microclimate with humidity from two rivers that converge in the town of Tokaj providing ideal conditions to grow the fungus, long and dry autumns that allow the grapes to dry out and concentrate, and ancient volcanic minerals lending unique terrain and flavor to the grapes, Tokaj was blessed with perfect conditions to be a legendary wine region.

Winemakers kept refining their Tokaj wines, also carving a vast system of wine caves out of the rock and hillsides beginning in the 1400’s that offered the ideal temperature, humidity and growth of the mold highly valued by winemakers for ageing wine.

While Tokaj wine production waned behind the Iron Curtain, a 'Tokaj Revolution' followed the reopening of Eastern Europe three decades ago. Today, the ‘wine of kings, the king of wines’ has been restored to its full glory, with small winemakers still relying on the same local grapes, conditions, ancient caves and traditional methods to produce new vintages of the world’s oldest designated and botrytized wine.

But the secret isn’t fully out yet, even after the Tokaj wine region Historic Cultural Landscape was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002.

Unique, historic wines you can taste in intimate wineries dotting stunning hillside landscapes in a designated wine region that still remains off the beaten path for many wine travelers – that should put a journey to Tokaj on the top of any wine lover’s list.

Start Your Wine Trip!

By: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist.

Image: Getty

What Exactly is a Luxury Expedition Cruise? An Expert Dispels Myths About One of the Hottest Trends in Cruising

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Wed, 19 Apr 23 01:59:49 +0000

What’s the real difference between a luxury, small ship cruise and a luxury expedition cruise? Many cruise travelers don't know what they’re missing.

So cruise travel journalist Lynn Elmhirst sat down with Seabourn’s Jen Martin to discuss why – even if you’ve already sailed to Antarctic with Seabourn, for example, you might want to go again with one of their new expedition ships.

Jen’s full title is Director, Product Development, Expeditions at Seabourn. That means she leads the team creating ultra-luxury cruise line Seabourn’s expedition cruise experiences, so if there’s anyone who knows what makes expedition cruising special, it’s Jen!

At last! In this video, we clear up any confusion about what expedition cruising is all about. Is it a different style of cruising? A different kind of ship? Different destinations? Different cruisers? All of the above?

We also discuss why expedition cruising is becoming one of the fastest-growing niches of cruise travel, especially in the luxury realm, as it marries a growing number of travelers’ priorities to travel to remote and special places, without sacrificing the exquisite comforts and service of true luxury travel – and that checks a growing number of travelers’ boxes. Maybe even yours!

Those who already love Seabourn’s style of ultra-luxury cruising will want the opportunity to hear from a Seabourn exec who’s helping the cruise line define what expedition cruising means – and where the cruise line is headed.

Seabourn launched its first luxury, small expedition ship, the Seabourn Venture, last year, and her sister ship, the Seabourn Pursuit, will join her soon. Both were purpose built for exploration and appointed with features and amenities to enrich and enlighten guests on board, on shore, and even beneath the waves. Think submarines, zodiacs, kayaks and more.

If you’ve never sailed Seabourn or an expedition cruise before, this is your opportunity to learn why they have such devoted fans.

Start Your Expedition Cruise!

Video and story by: Lynn Elmhirst

Featured image courtesy of Seabourn

This is How One River Cruise Line is Marking the 80th Anniversary of D-Day, From London to Paris

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Mon, 27 Mar 23 15:45:30 +0000

2024 marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings of Allied troops in France to liberate Europe from Nazi occupation. For travelers with family members who served in Normandy, as well as those keen to immerse themselves in history, one river cruise line has created an itinerary to commemorate the milestone with perspectives from both sides of the Channel.

I've made a river cruise pilgrimage to Normandy and visited the American, British and Canadian D-Day Landing Beaches. It was not in an anniversary year, even, and walking on the actual beaches where history was made at such immense human cost was one of the most moving experiences I've ever had on my cruise travels.

In 2024, Viking will offer combination river cruise and land tours that take travelers to iconic locations in London, Normandy, and Paris associated with the Liberation of Europe, World War 2, and Operation Overlord.

The 'Paris & D-Day 80th Anniversary' river cruises sail France's Seine river between Paris and where the Seine meets the English Channel in Normandy. To tie in what was happening in Europe to the bigger historic picture, guests also cross to England, where the D-Day invasion was masterminded.

80 years following D-Day, almost no veterans remain. Trips like this give travelers the opportunity to carry the torch on behalf of those who contributed directly to freedom by walking in their footsteps, learning first-hand the successes, devastating losses, immense challenges overcome to win the war and lay the foundation for peace.

From London...

Guests booked on Viking’s new Paris & D-Day 80^th Anniversary voyage begin their journey in London to visit historic World War II sites—including the Churchill War Rooms, where the D-Day landings were prepared in England, and Bletchley Park, the home of the legendary World War II codebreakers.

You'll also have the opportunity to learn about Britain’s Special Forces and more during a visit to the Imperial War Museum London and experience Gunwharf Quays, the D-Day Museum and Southwick House—where Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower planned Operation Overlord.

Photo: Lynn Elmhirst: The Pointe du Hoc Monument on the cliff 100 feet above America's D-Day Omaha Beach scaled by US Army Rangers

To Paris and Normandy's Landing Beaches

After four days in England, guests continue on to Paris to embark on their Viking 'Longship' for the cruise portion of the trip, sailing north from Paris on the Seine towards Normandy and the French coast facing England.

Viking's Scandinavia-inspired 'Longships' on the Seine river are built specifically for this route, enabling the ships to navigate into the heart of Paris, to Viking's exclusive docking location at the Port de Grenelle, just a short walk from the iconic Eiffel Tower. You'll be among fewer than 170 guests on board, with plenty of space to soak in one of the greatest pleasures of river cruising: the sail away through the heart of Paris and into the French countryside along the Seine in the Aquavit Terrace, in lounges and chairs on the top deck, and if you choose a balcony, from your stateroom.

Sailing north from Paris en route to Normandy, guests have a chance to explore delightful French ports of call along the way. You'll have a chance to visit Giverny, site of the beautiful gardens and charming farmhouse where Claude Monet lived and worked and trace the footsteps of Joan of Arc in Rouen.

Photo: Lynn Elmhirst at Britain's D-Day Gold Beach

Once in Normandy, excursions take guests to some of the key sites of the D-Day Landings and the battles inland that followed. You'll have a chance to pay your respects at Normandy’s American Military Cemetery and walk the hallowed ground of the Allies' Landing Beaches, where massive shell holes, armaments, fortifications and more remain, 80 years later.

Start Your Seine River Cruise

By: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist and expert.

Top Image: Viking

Ventures by Seabourn Give Guests a New Point of View on Luxury Cruises in Alaska

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Mon, 27 Mar 23 15:45:19 +0000

A cruise to Alaska is all about Nature. ‘Ventures by Seabourn’ let you cruise in the lap of luxury – and also get up close and personal with the dramatic scenery and spectacular wildlife of the waters of America’s Last Frontier.

Cruising may be the best way to experience Alaska. Seabourn’s ultra-luxury small ships take you closer and into more remote ports that larger ships can’t access. The ultra-luxury cruise line has also developed a program to allow active cruise travelers to get even more immersed in the best of Alaska.

Seabourn has introduced expedition ships to its fleet, but Ventures by Seabourn are available on its existing fleet of 6-star, small luxury ships that sail from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, and from Asia to Alaska.

In some places, like Alaska, Ventures by Seabourn let you combine ultra-luxury cruising with expedition-style flair. It’s like living your best life - two ways: in thermal layers by day among the elements, and in sequins at night, enjoying sumptuous dining, service and the social life on board.

While others see Alaska from the rail of their ship alone, Seabourn guests can dive right in – figuratively, that is!

In hand-picked locations during the cruise, guests can opt into kayak, zodiac, hiking or catamaran excursions operated by Seabourn’s world-class expedition team including a marine biologist, ornithologist, geologist, historian, photographer, kayak guide and naturalist experts on bears, whales and other local wildlife.

Their expertise enriches your cruise during lectures and on deck conversations during scenic cruising, and provides in-the-moment customization of Ventures. In an Alaskan fjord, you never know what calving glaciers, humpback whales, or rafts of otters you may encounter, and the expedition team is able to help you make the most of every moment.

(Seabourn guests kayaking in waters with a humpback whale)

Access is the ultimate luxury, and Ventures by Seabourn give you that intimacy with Nature that makes a cruise to Alaska magical.

Misty Fjords

As the name suggests, Rudyerd Bay, also known as Misty Fjords, is often shrouded in mist rising up from the dense emerald forests and green waters. The nearly 3-million acre National Monument was carved by glaciers that created the vertical granite cliffs that rise 3000 feet above the sea and descend another 1000 feet below. It’s an ecosystem home to mountain goats, black bears, wolves, sea lions, bald eagles porpoises, orca, humpback whales and more.

The narrow far end of the fjord is not accessible by ship, but your zodiac captain can take you there. Only a privileged few can claim to have seen this marvelous tribute to nature's majesty.

(Seabourn guests kayaking in Misty Fjord)

A Ventures kayaking adventure at the end of Misty Fjord lets you power your journey, embarking from the ship, the beach, or zodiac, depending on conditions. A kayak guide ensures you make the most of every moment on the water.

Alternatively, your Ventures expedition from the luxury of your ship can be by catamaran. You’ll board a restroom-equippped sightseeing vessel with an outdoor viewing deck and learn about the natural and human history of this remote and beautiful wilderness area through interpretation provided by local guides and the Expedition team.

Along the way, you’ll stop to view a Tlingit Pictograph, and see New Eddystone Rock -- an immense volcanic spire rising from the emerald sea and visit a bird rookery, feel the mist of glistening waterfalls, and watch for seals, eagles and other wildlife. You also get to enjoy an Alaska-inspired, warming meal while on board.

Inian Islands

As the gatekeepers to the northern entrance of the fabled Inside Passage, the remote Inian Islands stand between Cross Sound and Icy Strait, exposed to the high energy seas of the Pacific Ocean. Tidal currents surging through the narrow channels separating the islands can be severe. Nicknames like ‘The Laundry Chute’ justify their notorious reputations.

Seabourn’s Expedition Team takes you by zodiac to explore the Inian Islands and Cross Sound. The latter is one of the main gateways for humpback whales to enter the sheltered waters of Alaska. The Zodiac allows you to get close to all the highlights of this incredibly beautiful environment that is densely populated by all the wildlife you've come to see -- Steller sea lions, humpback whales, horned and tufted puffins, sea otters, harbor seals, bald eagles and an abundance of other birdlife.

There's no other way to reach this area other than by sea, so you can treasure every moment of your zodiac journey.

Get even closer kayaking in this wildlife-rich area and its biologically diverse waters off the ship, the beach or zodiac. You’ll glide at eye level with puffins landing in the water, and if you’re lucky, see migratory humpback whales pass through here on their annual trek between Alaska and the South Pacific.

Ventures by Seabourn zodiac expedition in Alaska

Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm

A short distance south from Alaska's capital of Juneau, where Holkham Bay cuts into the coastline under a dramatic back-drop of high snow-capped peaks and the verdant Tongass National Forest, lies the entrance to Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness. From Holkam Bay, the waterway is bisected into Tracy Arm to the north and Endicott Arm to the south. Each arm terminates at a stunning blue river of ice: North and South Sawyer glaciers in Tracy Arm and Dawes glacier in Endicott Arm. It is hard to imagine that thousands of years ago these now-distant glaciers joined in Holkham Bay, more than thirty miles from their present locations. Extremely active, the glaciers calve frequently, filling their fjords with icebergs, some three stories in height.

Brown and black bears, wolves, deer, mountain goats, seals and many seabirds frequent this vast wilderness region. Designated as a wilderness area in 1980, Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness covers an area of 653,179 acres (264,000 hectares) -- and one fifth of its area is covered by ice.

Imagine experiencing the North/ South Sawyer Glacier or Endicott Arm by zodiac, or even closer to sea level and under your own steam by kayak.

Ventures by Seabourn also lets you undertake a 35-mile glacier exploration to Tracy Arm Fjord or Endicott Arm Fjord, depending on conditions and the captain’s discretion that day, by deluxe, waterjet-powered catamaran.

Your ship glides to a brief stop in the Inside Passage, allowing you to board the catamaran right from the ship. The cat captain guides the vessel up to a plunging waterfall and makes frequent stops for you to view wildlife -- keep an eye out for bald eagles, harbor seals, mountain goats and bears.

The catamaran's maneuverability gets you close to the majestic Sawyer Glacier (Tracy Arm) or Dawes Glacier (Endicott Arm) among mystical blue icebergs.

Even if you’ve cruised to Alaska before, Ventures by Seabourn give you a new perspective on its majestic marine wilderness along with the ultra-luxury onboard lifestyle many cruise travelers already know and love.

Start Your Alaska Cruise!

By: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist and expert.

Images: Seabourn

Top Food & Drink Trends Coming Soon to Your Next Cruise

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Fri, 10 Mar 23 20:45:57 +0000

If you’re like most people, dining and drinks are top factors when choosing a cruise. Cuisine is one of the cruise lines most important and expensive offerings, with the six leading cruise lines spending $2 billion on food and beverage supplies – every year!

No wonder, when cruise lines serve up ever-more imaginative culinary programs every year to keep up with cruise travelers’ growing tastes. Gone are the days when a lobster tail served in the main dining room on formal night and a festive service of flaming Baked Alaska as a special goodbye dessert on the final evening of your sailing provide cruise diners with culinary awe to write home about – or post to social media.

More specialty restaurants, more celebrity and celebrated chef partnerships and branded-restaurants, interactive onboard culinary experiences and culinary demonstrations, more local flavors and hands-on local gastronomic, wine, spirits and food producer visits – the foodie fun of cruising just keeps growing.

Recently, one cruise industry survey of cruise food, beverage and hotel operations managers, as well as companies who provide the incredible amounts of culinary supplies needed to keep ship food and beverage programs literally afloat! – revealed some of the latest trends for the next year in three ‘priority sectors’ of cuisine at sea.

How many of these do you want – or even expect? - to see on your next cruise?

(Author Tasting Olive Oil on an AmaWaterways shore excursion during a Rhone River cruise, France)

FOOD – More Sustainable Dining

You might predict that “Instagrammable” dining experiences top savvy cruise food professionals’ lists, but that was not the case.

• The top culinary priority was sourcing and serving local cuisine that reflects your cruise itinerary, with 61% of survey respondents identifying that cruise food trend;

• Over one-third of respondents named sourcing sustainable seafood (with per-person seafood consumption on board ships doubling since 1961!)

• One-quarter said providing cruise guests with meat substitutes was a priority; and

• 22% said they were trying to get closer to zero-waste food preparation and food service.

DRINKS – More nutrition, Less tipsy

Tippling tastes are changing, and cruise companies and their providers are staying on top of trends.

• Half of respondents cited offering low- to no- alcohol beverages in ship’s bars, lounges and dining rooms;

• 37% said sourcing and providing craft spirits was important;

• And the same number said providing health supplement drinks was an increasingly important trend meet their ships’ guests’ tastes and lifestyles.

TECH – Convenience is king

While unparalleled service remains a touchstone of the cruise lifestyle, guests are increasingly looking to cruise lines for the conveniences provided by technology in their food and drink experiences onboard. We are seeing that larger ships have been relying on technology more to increase convenience, reduce lineups and speed up service, while small and luxury ships continue to keep staff-to-guest ratios high and favor the personal touch of human servers.

Still, it’s worth noting that:

• Nearly two-thirds of cruise food and beverage pros said they see the need for more ordering and menu apps; and

• Over one-third saw a continuing need for contactless ordering capabilities.

Start Your Culinary Cruise Trip!

By: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise / travel journalist and expert

Top Image: Regent Seven Seas Cruises' Culinary Arts Kitchen, courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

2nd Image: Lynn Elmhirst

The 7 Most Beautiful Beaches in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Fri, 10 Mar 23 20:45:49 +0000

Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula is the most popular travel destination in the country, home to the legendary Riviera Maya and hot spots like Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen and Tulum, plus the island of Cozumel, a popular Western Caribbean cruise port of call.

Whether you're looking for all inclusives and high energy, or laid back, off-the-beaten track exploration, the cultural and gastronomic hub of Mexico's southeast, picturesque towns and jungle environments, the mystique of 18 archeological sites and four historic 'Magical Towns' and a hundred intriguing cenotes or natural pools, chances are, your holiday will also involve beach time. Lots of beach time.

The state has almost 250 miles of some of the highest rated beaches in the country. These 7 consistently rank in the top spots for the most beautiful beaches in Yucatan:

Celestun: A natural and eco-tourism paradise, Celestun is home to exceptional landscapes where beaches dotted with abundant coconut palms and mangroves are an ideal setting for outdoor activities. This area is part of the World Heritage Special Reserve of the Ría Celestun biosphere, which is home to approximately 400 species of migratory birds that arrive between December to March, making for an incomparable natural spectacle.

Telchac: An hour away from the capital city Merida lies the peace and quiet of the port of Telchac. Its calm waters are perfect for swimming in complete tranquility. Here, you can also visit the Museum of the Sea, which exhibits species of marine fossils, snails, shells and more.

Xtampu & X'Cambo: Not far from Telchac is the beautiful Rosada Lagoon, with its unforgettable vivid pink color. It comprises part of Xtampu’s lagoon, where — in addition to taking spectacular photos — you can learn about the process of salt extraction. While in the area, you can also immerse yourself in ancient Mayan culture by visiting the archaeological zone of X'Cambo, one of the few ruins close to the coast, which is believed to have been an ancient fishing port that supplied the main Mayan cities with food.

Cancunito: Located in Río Lagartos — a three hours drive from the capital and very close to Las Coloradas, famous for its large pink pools — Cancunito stands out as one of Yucatan’s most spectacular virgin beaches. With its fantastic natural setting, this tropical paradise has abundant mangroves as well as coastal dunes. It's part of an ecosystem where species such as Hawksbill, White, and Loggerhead sea turtles arrive to spawn.

San Felipe: Half an hour away from Cancunito lies the small fishing and tourist port of San Felipe, where you’ll find rustic wooden houses in a mix of cheerful colors. Enjoy a day at the town beach with its white sands, turquoise waters and tranquility are a relaxing escape. San Felipe has become one of the most popular spots in Yucatán for nature lovers who come for its vibrant natural surroundings.

Río Lagartos: A small traditional fishing port that today is one of the best kept “secrets” in the Yucatan Peninsula, the town lies right at the entrance to the well-known Ría Lagartos Reserve Natural Park, where you can explore a fascinating environment that’s home to crocodiles, sea turtles and hundreds of species of birds, including flamingos and pelicans.

El Cuyo: At the northeastern tip of Yucatan, El Cuyo is just three hours from the state capital. This little paradise is one of the most unique corners of the state, lying right at the end of the Costa Esmeralda. Its main claim to fame is being the place where the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea meet. The mix of currents and winds make the area ideal for sports such as sailing and kitesurfing.

Start Your Mexican Beach Vacation!

Images courtesy of Yucatan's Ministry of Tourism

Social Media Safety Tips for Spring Break and Beyond

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Fri, 10 Mar 23 20:45:43 +0000

Spring Break is high season for family travel, and with every member of the family more digitally connected than ever at home and away, that means posting about good times on vacation. Not so fast, warns one insurance company, which is advising travelers of the risks of ‘over-sharing.’

A new survey commissioned by the Allstate insurance company revealed that almost one-third of social media users post content about their vacation plans online. That’s before AND during, not just afterwards, and that’s the trouble.

According to the insurance provider, “sharing that you’re away could expose your home to a break-in.” It points out that announcing in a public place for friends – and the not-so-friendly – to see that your home is empty, exposes you to risk.

In addition, people who, in an excess of enthusiasm, post photos of tickets and even passports, may end up providing unsavory characters with enough information for identity theft.

That’s the last kind of souvenir you want of your holiday!

I know – you would never post something unwise on social media. The survey shows that the proportion who post before or during their travels is highest among those 18-34 years of age, at 46%. But those with children still rank above the average one-third at 36%, and among those going away for Spring Break, 45% admit they plan on posting to social media before and during their trips.

So – on Spring Break vacations and anytime you take a trip, think before you post. And here are some social media safety tips:

Hold off on posting that selfie until you return from your vacation. This includes sharing details on social media before and during your trip. Your friends and family will be just as envious of your trip if you post pics after you return home.
Check the privacy and security settings of your social media accounts, and review who has access to your personal information. Even if you have set rigid privacy settings for your social media accounts, it's still possible for others to view what you post through the accounts of friends and followers.
Review pictures you’ve previously posted on your profiles and remove any information someone might use to find your home address. Look carefully! Sometimes that information isn’t written on a document, but can be found in the background of photos.
And avoid posting photos with geotagging as it can reveal your location in real time; turn off geolocation data on your phone.
Review social media posting ground rules with young people traveling with you.

One more thought: if you’re vacationing right, you’re having the time of your life. Why waste any of those precious moments on social media?

Start Your Trip!

By: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist and expert

Image: Getty

American Cruise Lines Marks a Half-Century in Service; Charting New U.S. River and Coastal Waters in 2023

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Thu, 23 Feb 23 22:12:40 +0000

American Cruise Lines is the oldest U.S. cruise line exclusively sailing along the rivers, waterways and coasts of America, with 2023 marking a half-century of operations.

The cruise line visits only domestic ports of call along both the U.S. East and West Coasts, Alaska to Florida, and the major rivers in-between, from the Hudson to the Mississippi to the Columbia and Snake. Mississippi itineraries also explore along the Ohio, Cumberland, and Tennessee Rivers.

As American Cruise Lines celebrates its 50^th anniversary, it also marks a time of great expansion for the company that introduced the modern concept of river cruise ships to U.S. waters.

The company has announced 3 new small ships, 10 new itineraries, and 21 new ports for the 2023-2024 season, exploring 35 states along 50+ itineraries, including over 11 itineraries on the Mississippi River alone.

6^th ‘Modern Riverboat’

American Cruise Lines’ 6th ‘modern riverboat’ debuts on the Mississippi River in April. American Serenade is the 175-passenger sister ship to 2022’s American Symphony.

2 New ‘Coastal Cats’

The cruise line is also introducing two new ‘Coastal Cats.’ American Eagle and American Glory also carry just over 100 guests, and will launch in August and October respectively, sailing East Coast voyages.

They are the first 2 ships in the line’s Project Blue fleet of a dozen identical sister ships.

Project Blue

American Cruise Lines has designed a versatile, hybrid catamaran specifically for coastal cruising. With shallow drafts and stability, they are sized for New England harbors, the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, and are equally at home in the waters of Alaska’s Inside Passage.

Project Blue ships will allow American Cruise Lines to introduce new, small-ship itineraries around America’s coasts, lakes, rivers, bays and waterways that combine expedition-like adventure and river cruising luxury.

Forward observation and lounge areas inside and outside are balanced by ‘adventure decks’ aft, equipped with kayaks, tenders and other active exploration equipment for the voyage.

And, uniquely for such small ships, Project Blue Coastal Cats will also offer guests two dining venues and even room service.

Some ‘Firsts’ in New Itineraries

American Cruise Lines is introducing 10 new itineraries in its 2023-24 season, exploring 21 new ports of call

from San Francisco, CA, to Sag Harbor, NY, to Key West, FL, including with the new Project Blue Coastal Cats.

New cruises include:

· the company’s first-ever California cruise, a round-trip San Francisco Bay Cruise which highlights Napa and wine country;

· a new National Parks & Legendary Rivers itinerary which includes a cruise on the Columbia & Snake Rivers and an exploration through 3 National Parks—Glacier, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton; and

· a Tennessee Rivers cruise between Chattanooga & Nashville, TN.

In 2024, American will also offer adventurous new cruises in Florida and the Keys as well as several new itineraries highlighting coastal New England and Maine.

Cruising Experience

Whether river or coastal cruising on this cruise line, all of the staterooms on its ships and riverboats are water view and nearly all have private, furnished balconies, accessed by full-sized sliding glass doors.

Guests can look forward to onboard fine cuisine, wine & beer with both lunch and dinner, and a festive cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres each evening. Most ships also offer alternative casual dining, breakfast room service, and Wifi as well as onboard enrichment and entertainment.

Start Your River or Coastal Cruise!

By: Lynn Elmhirst, Cruise / Travel journalist and expert

Images courtesy of American Cruise Lines

Sailing Into Beautiful St. Barths

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Thu, 23 Feb 23 22:12:15 +0000

In a world of over-exposure, St. Barthelemy retains its luxe mystique as one of the most exclusive, most chic islands in the Caribbean. Off the beaten track, and with French flair, this tiny island has an outsized reputation and appeal for those in the know.

Maybe it’s partly because of its (several) names. The French Caribbean island’s long and formal name is hardly ever used, in favor of its nickname, whispered among the high-end travelers and yachters who gather in this chic island destination.

So is it St. Barts? St. Barth? Or St. Barths? However you spell it, add it to your list of bucket list tropical islands.

But how to arrive – especially in style? With no direct flights from mainland North America, you have to really want to travel to St. Barths – and the very best way is by sea.

St. Barths is famously a yachting destination, with one of the most scenic sail-ins in the Caribbean.

So the top two ways to travel to St. Barths are by private yacht or luxury, small-ship cruise. You’ll want to spend every moment of your sail-in at the rail, taking in the lush green hills, sparkling azure waters – and the luxe flotilla of very sleek marine hardware and chic yachters sailing all around you.

Only yachts and smaller ships can dock in St. Barths, adding to its exclusive allure. That makes it a favorite port of call for the luxury, small-ship cruise lines on their ‘yachtsman’s’ itineraries of less-accessible, more exclusive cruise destinations. That’s why experienced cruise port collectors rejoice when they see ‘Gustavia’ on a Caribbean cruise itinerary.

Gustavia is the capital of St. Barths but you’re right, it is not a French name. It dates, like the town’s harbor fort, from the 17^th century when the island was in Swedish hands.

Today, St. Barths has very French – and very exclusive character.

The island is less than 10 square miles and has only about 10,000 residents, so ‘intimate’ is baked in. With French street signs, luxury boutiques, seaside restaurants, and French spoken (or English with a charming French accent), plus picturesque beaches and island colonial architecture, St. Barths feels like a cross between St. Tropez and the tropics. You stroll off your small cruise ship and wind your way past luxury yachts, yachters and yacht crew, into a uniquely French Caribbean island experience you simply can’t experience anywhere else.

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Article and video by: Lynn Elmhirst, Cruise/ Travel journalist and expert.

4 Ways to Fall in Love with Caviar on a Seabourn Cruise

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Fri, 10 Feb 23 18:47:20 +0000

If you ask past guests what they remember most about their Seabourn cruise, chances are that caviar will come up. Complimentary caviar has been a signature of Seabourn since its earliest days, and the delicacy has become woven into the tapestry of the luxury Seabourn lifestyle and some of the most memorable moments of any Seabourn cruise.

Here are some of the ways you’ll fall in love with caviar on your next Seabourn cruise:

Complimentary Caviar Service

Whenever and wherever the urge for a formal service of caviar strikes you while you’re on board a Seabourn cruise, one call or word to a staff member is all it will take for your desires to be answered – along with your beverage of choice to accompany the caviar, of course.

Perhaps with mimosas and your smoked salmon for breakfast?

With pre-dinner vodka in a lounge?

A steward will deliver a silver platter of caviar in a server on ice, toast points and all the traditional accompaniments, including sour cream and crumbled boiled egg yolks, to your side, along with starched linen napkins, serving plates and napkins.

(Photo: Lynn Elmhirst)

You may notice from this picture of caviar service in a lounge in the evening that Seabourn pays attention to every detail: dedicated caviar aficionados know that silver flatware should never touch caviar – it may taint the delicate flavor of the exalted sturgeon roe. Seabourn serves its caviar with mother-of-pearl spoons that neither absorb nor transfer flavor that could overwhelm your caviar.

Caviar In-Suite Dining

One of the great delights of Seabourn style at sea is in-suite dining. In addition to being able to order a meal from the dining room menu to be served course by course on a white linen-covered table in your suite, complimentary caviar service can also be ordered to your suite.

Along with your breakfast order? Certainly.

As a late-night snack while you watch a film? Why not.

(Photo: Lynn Elmhirst - Vanessa Lee, publisher of Cruise & Travel Lifestyles magazine and Lynn Elmhirst enjoying caviar on Lynn's veranda on a Seabourn cruise.)

For me, maybe the ultimate indulgence is lounging on your suite veranda in the sun, sipping champagne and nibbling caviar from mother-of-pearl spoons as you listen to the waves lapping against the side of the ship. The fresh, salty sea air enhances the flavor of this luxe seafood treat.

Caviar on Deck

So much is caviar part of the Seabourn lifestyle, the cruise line has crafted whole experiences around it. Like other ‘Seabourn moments’ that surprise and delight you with the effort and thoughtfulness of the crew to put a smile on guests’ faces, Caviar on Deck parties pop up seemingly out of nowhere during your Seabourn cruise.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE TO GET A TASTE OF A SEABOURN 'CAVIAR ON DECK' PARTY

Seemingly out of nowhere, the top deck is transformed into a party, with masses of ice displays of caviar and both champagne and vodka, whichever caviar chaser you prefer! Chefs and some of the ship’s officers, your favorite bartenders and servers are all there, where you mingle with your fellow guests in delight at this little pop up Seabourn moment.

It really highlights one of the best things about small-ship cruising – that you really get to know and spend time with your fellow guests, and ship’s officers and crew members, and create new friendships you can toast at events like Caviar on Deck.

In tropical climates, Seabourn may present a variation on Caviar on Deck: Caviar in the Pool, where a surfboard in the pool becomes a serving surface and everyone just wades on in – even in full uniform!

Caviar in the Surf

Caviar in the Pool is clearly inspired by one of the most famous and celebrated Seabourn moments of all: Caviar in the Surf.

It’s an exclusively Seabourn event that in one fell swoop, manages to define what makes Seabourn so special: luxury delivered in an unexpected twist by warm, endearing staff, many who have become guests’ friends, going to enormous lengths to delight.

For over a decade, Seabourn cruises in the Caribbean have called at Carambola Beach in St. Kitts, and cruises in Southeast Asia have called at Ko Kood in Thailand, for private beach parties, served up with Seabourn cuisine, beverage and service.

(Photo: Seabourn)

The pinnacle of one of your best cruise shore calls ever is Caviar in the Surf: with ship’s officers and members of the culinary and beverage teams standing waist-up in the sea, serving caviar and all the trimmings off of surfboards, along with champagne and cruise memories of a lifetime!

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Video and article by: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist and expert

Europe's Most Romantic Cities, Ranked in Time for Valentine's Day Travel Planning

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Fri, 10 Feb 23 18:47:13 +0000

Planning a romantic escape with your sweetheart to Europe? This new list of the continent’s most romantic cities may help you narrow down your list – or add a few unexpected entries.

A European yacht-charter company has analyzed data showing how many ‘romantic’ hotel and restaurants per capita can be found in a list of European capital cities to determine which best set the scene for love.

The list may surprise you – it turns out, some of Europe’s smaller capitals have higher per capita numbers of intimate hotels and restaurants, that can make them ideal for a romantic getaway.

For example, maybe you guessed that Paris would top the list of most romantic cities. In fact, the City of Light is not even number two. The capital of France comes in at number three on the list, with 648 restaurants and 253 hotels per million people. For lovers who are also foodies, Paris also distinguishes itself with the highest number of Michelin-star restaurants, with nearly 90 in total, nine of which have been awarded three stars.

Of course, fine dining isn’t always the most romantic thing to do in Paris with your sweetheart; a stroll along the Seine under the city’s evening lights, sharing a crepe purchased from a street vendor, may end up being one of your most memorable evenings anywhere.

Top place for highest number of romantic hotels restaurants in a European capital city goes to a current continental hot spot: Lisbon, Portugal with 1,077 romantic restaurants and 278 hotels per million residents.

The capital of the tiny, exclusive principality of Monaco comes in second. Monte Carlo has the highest number of restaurants per million residents in the entire list: 1472 romantic restaurants per million residents and 164 hotels per million. Of course, Monte Carlo doesn’t have even close to one million residents. In fact, it has fewer than 40,000 inhabitants, and in absolute numbers, it has just 54 total romantic restaurants and six intimate hotels.

Monte Carlo packs above its weight in romance, though: in less than one square mile, couples can pack in the romance of drives along the Corniche overlooking the azure waves of the Mediterranean, and stroll along the harbor front where billionaires’ yachts glide in and out of town.

WATCH VIDEO ABOVE: 5 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT MONACO

The rest of the list boasts a number of other, smaller, and more off-the-radar European capitals, too, highlighting the attraction of the path less trodden for a romantic getaway. What’s more, your escape with your sweetheart may be more romantic in smaller cities with fewer people and especially fewer tourists as Europe approaches the busy high season.

Here’s the possibly surprising list of the top ten most romantic European capitals by the number of romantic hotels and restaurants per million inhabitants:

Lisbon, Portugal
Monte Carlo, Monaco
Paris, France
San Marino, Italy
Rome, Italy
Andorra la Vella, Andorra
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Athens, Greece
Prague, Czech Republic
Reykjavik, Iceland

Ask us to help you plan the romantic getaway of your dreams!

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Video and article by Lynn Elmhirst, Cruise/ Travel journalist and expert

This Alpine Resort Has the World's Highest Snow Maze

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Wed, 01 Feb 23 19:33:27 +0000

Move over corn mazes! The winter version of the classic fall countryside activity is the snow maze. And one ski resort has laid claim to the highest alpine snow maze in the world.

Colorado’s Copper Mountain snow maze opened mid-January, and with a base elevation of over 9700 feet, the snow maze’s location on the mountain next to one of its lifts puts it in record-breaking territory.

The 2500-acre alpine resort about 75 miles west of Denver has already been blessed with over 140 inches of snow this season.

Even so, the snow used to build the 8000-square foot snow maze was farmed. It was brought in from Rosi’s Run, part of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team Speed Center, a training venue the Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team uses to train on in the early season.

A local business that designs snow and ice sculptures around the Rockies designed the maze and built it in just 10 days. In addition to forming precision-carved walls with perfectly straight lines and crisp corners, Snice Carvings added some artistic flare in the form of whimsical designs carved into the snow walls that quickly rise up around a participant once they enter.

You may have tried corn mazes, but as you can see, there’s no peeking through (or over!) the walls of this maze! Especially since anyone 3 and older is welcome to try their wits against the maze. Don’t fear getting lost, though. Parents can access a map with the solution on Copper Mountain’s website, or, as the resort suggests, in a maze emergency, you can call the Ski Patrol for a rescue.

Can you see the solution to the maze in the top image of the maze from above? Do you think you could solve it from within?

That’s just one of the ways to celebrate the winter off your skis or boards at Copper Mountain. The maze is right next to the resort’s tubing hill, with 5, family-friendly runs that lets you hit the hill a whole different way.

Copper Mountain’s year-round Rocky Mountain coaster is one of the longest alpine coasters in North America. It lets you cruise down 5800 feet of track at speeds of up to 25 miles an hour through the forest with spectacular views.

Plus, there’s ice skating, shopping, dining and all kinds of après-ski activities in pedestrian villages that let you change gears and connect with family and friends on and off the hills.

Start Your Winter Sports Trip!

Images courtesy Copper Mountain

Top 10 New Ships to Watch for in 2023

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Wed, 01 Feb 23 19:32:34 +0000

The New Year comes with the anticipation of another exciting 12 months of new ship inaugurals, which will introduce design, technology, cruise lifestyle and environmental innovations that will shape the future of how we cruise.

In 2023, $11 billion worth of new ocean ships alone will debut around the world, adding close to 40,000 new berths to the global cruise fleet.

Here's our top 10 list of 2023's new ships we think will really 'float your boat!'

1. Explora I

The luxury, small-ship new cruise line by MSC, Explora Journeys is scheduled to launch in the summer with the inauguration of Explora I, the first of 6 identical sister ships sailing out over the next few years. Explora I holds less than 1000 guests, and stands out for having an incredible array of options for the small-ship concept: 18 food and beverage venues including 5 restaurants, 3 outdoor pools, another under a retractable roof.

Other, established cruise lines are also getting all-new designs in the form of the first of their new classes of ships:

2. Icon of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas will be the first of its Icon class of ships - and the world’s new largest cruise ship, breaking the cruise line’s own record. Icon of the Seas will be home to 7600 guests and will have 8 ‘neighborhoods,’ 5 of which will be all-new creations. In addition to its phenomenal size, Icon is also noteworthy as the first ship for Royal Caribbean powered by more eco-friendly liquefied natural gas (LNG.)

3. Silver Nova

Silversea’s Silver Nova is breaking new ground for the ultra-luxury cruise line. Powered by LNG and batteries at sea, it will use hydrogen-based fuel cells for power in port in a big environmental step forward for cruising. In a first for the cruise line, Silver Nova will have an asymmetrical design that maximizes sea-facing exposure for guests, as well as all-new outdoor spaces with a re-imagined, outward-facing pool deck; an al fresco dining area; and a sky bar that offers panoramic views from the ship’s aft.

We’re also pretty excited about these new sister ships joining some of our favorite fleets:

4. Seven Seas Grandeur

Seven Seas Grandeur is the third and final of Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ three-ship Explorer class, joining Seven Seas Explorer and Seven Seas Splendor in 2023. While the three ships have a lot in common, we can’t wait to see how the final ship in the series will match its sisters in glamorous design, appointments and art.

5. Seabourn Pursuit

Expedition small-ship Seabourn Pursuit will join Seabourn Venture, which was inaugurated in 2022. The new ship literally doubles down on the ultra-luxury cruise line’s commitment to expedition cruising, combining adventure and Seabourn’s signature ultra-luxury style of cruising in remote waters of the world ranging from the Arctic to the Antarctic.

6. Scenic Eclipse II

Another addition to the increasingly popular small-ship expedition cruise trend is the Scenic Eclipse II, identical sister ship to the Scenic Eclipse (on the right, below), complete with both submarine and helicopter touring off the ship.

7. Emerald Sakara

Scenic’s more-budget conscious sister cruise line Emerald Cruises debuts ocean-going yacht Emerald Sakara, also nearly identical to her predecessor Emerald Azzurra (on the left, above), which expanded Emerald from exclusively river cruising into ocean cruises.

8. Viking Saturn

Viking hits a milestone in 2023, launching its 10^th ocean-going vessel, the 930-guest Viking Saturn. Like its virtually identical sister ships, Viking Saturn boasts the cruise line’s signature Scandinavian style and amenities that translate across its river, ocean and expedition fleets (pictured, top and here below.)

9. Celebrity Ascent

Celebrity Cruises’ fourth Edge-class ship, Celebrity Ascent, sets sail this year. While all the Edge-Class ships have much in common, particularly the stand-out ‘Magic Carpet’, the orange, cantilevered venue that slides up and down the side of all Edge-class ships, Ascent will be longer than her predecessors and also feature new and redesigned spaces to look forward to.

10. MSC Euribia

MSC Euribia is the third of MSC Cruises’ Meraviglia-Plus series of ships – and its second LNG (liquefied natural gas) ship. In keeping with its move to more eco-friendly fuel and a host of other sustainability innovations, MSC Euribia will also feature environmental-themed hull art to remind us of the company’s commitment to sustainability.

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By: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist

Images courtesy of their respective cruise lines.

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4 Ways to Fall in Love with Caviar on a Seabourn Cruise

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Europe's Most Romantic Cities, Ranked in Time for Valentine's Day Travel Planning

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This Alpine Resort Has the World's Highest Snow Maze

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Top 10 New Ships to Watch for in 2023

1. Explora I

Other, established cruise lines are also getting all-new designs in the form of the first of their new classes of ships:

2. Icon of the Seas

3. Silver Nova

We’re also pretty excited about these new sister ships joining some of our favorite fleets:

4. Seven Seas Grandeur

5. Seabourn Pursuit

6. Scenic Eclipse II

7. Emerald Sakara

8. Viking Saturn

9. Celebrity Ascent

6^th ‘Modern Riverboat’