Uplift Adventures Feed

Holland America Launching Year-Round Cruises in Europe

Tue, 02 Jun 26 19:54:14 +0000

The seasons for cruise and travel are changing – even disappearing altogether! Holland America Line has become the latest cruise line to expand to year-round sailing in Europe, joining the likes of Viking and Windstar to make the coasts of the Mediterranean and beyond a destination for all seasons.

From festive Scandinavian cities to European Christmas markets, Lapland and a more relaxed Mediterranean, new Holland America Line winter voyages bring the season to life with an extended 2027-2028 season sailing through early spring. These itineraries showcase Europe at a different pace, with access to seasonal experiences, regional traditions and a greater mix of destinations across the region With more overnights and late-night stays, the new deployment offers deeper, more immersive ways to explore throughout the year.

The expanded season includes a dozen cruises aboard Nieuw Statendam across the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. The new itineraries add more than 70 additional port days year-over-year, giving guests more time in port along with extended stays and fewer crowds.

The deployment also includes two additional voyages aboard Zuiderdam, further expanding options for guests exploring Europe during the winter season.

Christmas Market Cruises Bring Europe’s Holiday Traditions to Life

Nieuw Statendam’s holiday sailings are designed to immerse guests in Europe at one of its most atmospheric times of year, when city squares glow with lights, markets fill with local artisans and the pace of travel invites deeper exploration. With overnights and extended stays built into each itinerary, guests have the time to experience the traditions, cuisine and rhythms that define the season.

A 13-day Baltic and Scandinavian Christmas Markets: Stockholm cruise sails roundtrip from Rotterdam or Dover, calling at Kiel, the gateway to Hamburg’s well-known Christmas markets, as well as Tallinn and Copenhagen. Overnight stays in Helsinki and Stockholm give guests time to explore festive city centers after dark, when markets and cultural traditions are in full swing. The Helsinki call also offers access to Lapland in the Arctic Circle, referred to by many as the home of Santa Claus.
A second 15-day holiday sailing spans the Christmas season, featuring overnights in Hamburg and Copenhagen. The itinerary also includes a call to Aarhus and scenic cruising of the Elbe River, along with exploration of southern Norway, with calls to Oslo, Kristiansand, Bergen and Stavanger.

Mediterranean Voyages Offer a More Relaxed Way to Explore

Beyond the holiday season, Nieuw Statendam’s winter and early spring sailings shift south to the Mediterranean, where guests can experience the region at a slower pace. With mild temperatures and a rich mix of seasonal experiences, destinations feel local and approachable, offering a fresh perspective on some of Europe’s most-visited cities.

The itineraries span the Western and Eastern Mediterranean as well as the Canary Islands, connecting cultural capitals and coastal towns across Spain, France, Italy and Greece. Voyages include ports such as Valencia, Marseille and Livorno, and Naples for access to Pompeii. Farther east, sailings explore destinations including Mykonos, Rhodes and Kusadasi, along with overnight calls in sought-after destinations allowing for more time ashore.

With a mix of seven- to 14-day voyages, guests can choose shorter, region-focused sailings or combine itineraries for a more expansive journey.

Longer Collectors’ Voyages span up to 24 days and can also be sailed back-to-back, allowing guests to experience a broader mix of the region. Sailings highlight the Mediterranean in a season when the pace is slower, the atmosphere is more intimate and each destination offers a more authentic connection.

Whether you want to escape hot weather, avoid crowds during school holidays, or enjoy seasonal local holiday celebrations, formerly ‘off season’ cruises are increasingly the perfect solution. With all the benefits of cruising: packing once and having your floating hotel bring you into the heart of multiple destinations, and having all the details looked after so all you have to do is be on vacation!

START YOUR TRIP!

Images: Holland America Line

Star Clippers’ 'Celebrate the Holiday Season at Sea' Special Offer

Tue, 02 Jun 26 19:54:14 +0000

Discover the romance of tall ship sailing with Star Clippers for memorable Christmas and New Year's holidays. Trade winter weather for warm breezes, uncrowded natural beauty and the romance of true tall ship sailing with Star Clippers’ collection of holiday sailings for the 2026-2027 winter season. From Caribbean island hopping to tropical escapes along the coastlines of Costa Rica and Panama, Star Clippers offers a relaxed and intimate way to spend Christmas and ring in the New Year aboard authentic sailing vessels.

The company’s three true clipper ships – Royal Clipper, Star Clipper and Star Flyer – will sail a variety of festive itineraries throughout December and early January, combining beachside celebrations, local holiday traditions and the unique atmosphere that only a sailing ship can provide. Guests can expect open-air deck parties, holiday dinners, island excursions, and the unforgettable sight of giant white sails unfurled against warm Caribbean skies.

Special Offer Details

Book by June 30, 2026, and
Get a USD 400 / CAD 500 per stateroom air or cruise fare credit and a bottle of Champagne!
Applies to select Christmas and New Year’s 2026-2027 Star Clippers sailings

Featured Holiday Sailings

7-night Windward Islands Christmas Cruise aboard 227-guest Royal Clipper, departing round-trip from Barbados on December 19, 2026.

Recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest five-masted full-rigged sailing ship in service, the Royal Clipper will call on ports throughout the Grenadines and Windward Islands. On December 21, the charming four-masted Star Flyer joins the Royal Clipper to sail alongside each other towards Cabrits, where guests can visit orchid-festooned rainforests, waterfalls, and a bubbling lake. In St. Lucia, travelers can enjoy peaceful beaches, water sports, or cultural discoveries. A morning visit to St. Kitts allows guests to shop in colorful Basseterre, play golf, and tour old plantation houses. Guests can celebrate Christmas Day surrounded by the turquoise waters of Martinique while enjoying the spacious teak decks and elegant onboard atmosphere that define the Star Clippers experience.

Rates begin at $2,080 (CAD $2,560) per person, double occupancy.

7-night Leeward Islands Christmas Cruise offers a festive Caribbean escape departing round-trip from St. Maarten on December 19, 2026.

Carrying just 166 guests, Star Flyer recreates the golden age of sailing while offering modern comforts and relaxed luxury. The itinerary includes stops in St. Barts, Dominica, Guadeloupe, and Martinique, blending French Caribbean charm with secluded beaches and colorful island culture. Chic boutiques and waterfront cafes lure the guests in St. Barts’ Gustavia while Antigua’s Falmouth Harbor evokes the ancient presence of Admiral Nelson, with marinas, old inns, venerable pubs and convivial crowds of sun-tanned yacht crews - the epicenter of the Caribbean yachting world. Evenings onboard feature sunset cocktails beneath the ship’s towering sails.

Fares start at $2,010 (CAD $2,480).

7-night Panama-to-Costa Rica Christmas sailing departs on December 19, 2026.

Guests aboard the 166-passenger Star Clipper will visit destinations such as Isla Tortuga and the Pearl Islands, areas known for their lush rainforests, quiet beaches, and wildlife-rich waters. In Costa Rica’s Isla Tortuga, travelers can kayak through calm bays, snorkel among tropical fish or unwind on white-sand beaches shaded by palms. In Panama’s Pearl Islands, considered among the best deep-sea fishing grounds in the world, guests may spot dolphins and exotic birdlife while exploring secluded coves and untouched shorelines.

Prices start at $2,010 (CAD $2,480).

In addition to holiday-specific departures, Star Clippers will also offer the same sailings for New Year’s:

Royal Clipper’s Grenadine Islands New Year’s Cruise sails round-trip from Barbados on December 26, 2026 (US $2,280 / CAD $2,760);
Star Flyer’s Treasure Islands New Year’s Cruise departs from St. Maarten the same day (US $2,210 / CAD $2,680); and
Star Clipper sails out of Panama on December 26 for a Central American New Year’s (US $2,210 / CAD $2,680).

All itineraries feature festive onboard celebrations, island beach gatherings and relaxed sailing through some of the Caribbean’s most picturesque waters.

More About Star Clippers

For more than 35 years, Star Clippers has been introducing travelers to the thrill of modern tall-ship sailing to remote ports in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Central America. Its fleet of three authentic clipper ships—Star Clipper, Star Flyer, and Royal Clipper—offers a unique alternative to conventional cruising, combining the romance of the golden age of sailing with modern amenities and exceptional service. Carrying just 166 to 227 guests, the ships feature expansive teak decks, open-air dining, and a relaxed onboard atmosphere.

Unlike traditional mega-ships, Star Clippers vessels are designed to deliver an authentic sailing experience with fewer passengers, open bridge policies, and itineraries focused on smaller ports and hidden harbors. Guests can climb the mast platform, help raise the sails, enjoy complimentary watersports directly from the marina platform, and experience the simple pleasures of sailing powered by the wind whenever possible.

*** Images courtesy of Star Clippers

*** Terms & Conditions apply; ask us for full offer, itinerary, date, and pricing details.

Do You Know Your Mediterranean A, B… Seas?

Tue, 02 Jun 26 19:54:14 +0000

When is the Med… not just the Med? The Mediterranean Sea and its iconic coastal towns, yacht harbors, fishing villages, beaches, cliffs, and cultural touchpoints are on nearly everyone’s list of favorite escapes. But – pop quiz - did you know that the Mediterranean isn’t just one sea?

In reality, it’s a collection of smaller seas that developed independently and were named before the full region was charted by ancient navigators. Ultimately, they were stitched together by ancient trade routes, empire-building, mythology, culture, cuisines, and coastlines. Travel across the Med, and you’re not cruising a single body of water. You’re crossing distinct maritime worlds, each with its own personality, history - even color palette and weather!

How many Mediterranean ‘seas within a sea’ can you name? How many could you point out on a map? There are at least a dozen! Here are the 5 most famous and noteworthy:

1. The Adriatic Sea

Tucked between Italy and the Balkan coast, the Adriatic Sea may be the Mediterranean’s most elegant subsea. Venetian merchants once ruled these waters, leaving behind a trail of bell towers, marble squares and fortified ports from Venice to Dubrovnik. The Adriatic is narrower and calmer than the rest of the Mediterranean, making it ideal for yacht cruising and smaller-ship itineraries. Its eastern coastline, especially along Croatia and Montenegro, is deeply indented with coves, islands, and medieval stone towns.

(Venice Image: Lynn Elmhirst)

2. The Aegean Sea

South and to the east: the unmistakably Greek Aegean Sea (pictured, top, Getty Images). By cruise ship, yacht or ferry, go island-hopping and discover civilizations that shaped the Western world. The Aegean is scattered with thousands of islands, though only a fraction are inhabited. Santorini is the one everyone pictures first, but smaller islands reveal how diverse the Aegean really is. The sea itself tends toward striking cobalt blues against the stark whites of villages under blazing sun.

3. The Ligurian Sea

South of France, another “sea within the Mediterranean Sea” has a glamorous reputation more famous than its name. Did you know the Italian Riviera and the Côte d’Azur are technically on the Ligurian Sea? This is the heart of the chic ‘Mediterranean’ lifestyle, where villages evolved into playgrounds for aristocrats, artists and billionaires. Portofino, Monaco, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez all front these waters. Behind the polished marinas, the Ligurian coast is breathtakingly vertical, with rocky cliffs, terraced hillsides, fishing villages and some of Europe’s most dramatic coastal rail routes. This is also where Mediterranean beach culture as we know it was born.

(Monaco Image: Lynn Elmhirst)

4. The Tyrrhenian Sea

The Tyrrhenian Sea, off Italy’s western coast, is the heart of the cinematic Mediterranean. Rome, Naples, Capri, Sicily, Sardinia, and the Amalfi Coast all face the sea where ancient Greeks and Romans battled. Volcanoes still shape the horizon, and underwater archaeology continues to uncover shipwrecks from empires that once dominated the known world. Travelers crossing the Tyrrhenian quickly understand how deeply Italy’s identity is tied to the sea — from seafood markets in Naples to Stromboli’s volcanic silhouette rising from the water at night.

(Sardinia Image: Getty)

5. The Balearic Sea

Then there’s the Balearic Sea around the Spanish islands of Mallorca/ Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera. Your first thoughts may go to Ibiza’s famous party culture, but explore beyond: Menorca preserves quiet coves and prehistoric stone sites; Mallorca combines mountain villages with sophisticated food culture; Ibiza, despite its nightlife fame, has become a serious wellness and luxury destination. All infused with Spanish island culture.

(Mallorca Image: Getty)

Remembering the mosaic of the Mediterranean’s seas is the clue to why we love to return to its shores again and again. From the Straits of Gibraltar on its Western gateway, to Biblical shores at the Eastern end, the Mediterranean reveals worlds of travel appeal.

START YOUR TRIP!

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

Images as noted

When Your Overwater Bungalow Sails with You in Tahiti: Paul Gauguin Cruises' Room Tour

Tue, 02 Jun 26 19:54:14 +0000

It’s a tropical vacation fantasy: staying in an overwater bungalow over breathtaking, warm, turquoise waters in the legendary and romantic South Pacific. But what if your overwater bungalow floats with you to a new, incredible destination every day?

That’s one of the best reasons to experience the Islands of Tahiti and French Polynesia with Paul Gauguin Cruises.

The Paul Gauguin IS your floating overwater bungalow in the fabled South Seas. With mesmerizing early morning sail-ins and romantic sunset sailaways from the emerald green cliffs and picturesque lagoons of places you’ve visited in your dreams: Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea and beyond.

From an overwater bungalow, you gaze out onto the incredible seas of Polynesia. From your veranda aboard the Paul Gauguin, you gaze onto the thatched roofs, palm-dappled untouched beaches, steep jungles, and vivid colors of the islands and their surrounding seas.

WATCH THE VIDEO: Room Tour aboard the Paul Gauguin.

For over a quarter of a century, the Paul Gauguin has called French Polynesia home. Designed in every respect specifically to sail into the quiet coves and shallow lagoons of the islands of the South Pacific, she is part of the seascape and culture of Tahiti and French Polynesian travel.

Like a cherished heritage inn, she has undergone frequent refurbishments that have maintained her jewel-box charms and quality appointments, with tasteful nods to modern tastes and comforts.

A voyage aboard feels like you’ve traveled not only to the other side of the Pacific, but also to another time: of gracious, slow travel, of voyages of discovery in pristine places, of having time and space and silence to think and appreciate the company of the people you’re traveling with.

It’s a haven of escapism, tropical nature, French Polynesian history, culture, and nautical heritage.

Is there any more evocative holiday that celebrates the romance of exotic travel more than a vacation in an overwater bungalow in the South Pacific? Having sailed aboard the Paul Gauguin in my own, floating overwater bungalow… I think there is.

START YOUR TRIP!

By: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist and expert

Cunard Unveils Historic ‘Four Queens’ Voyages and Limited Time Savings

Tue, 02 Jun 26 19:54:14 +0000

Plus, with Cunard's new Signature Packages, bundle wifi, drinks, specialty dining, and save more!

Cunard’s 2028 program of sailings presents 190 extraordinary voyages in 36 countries, including a historic Four Queens Celebration in May 2028 with 2 unique ways to experience all four Cunard ‘Queens’ ships!

BOOKINGS ARE NOW OPEN – PLUS SAVINGS!

Book by June 30, 2026, and get a 10% discount on these new voyages
Book by September 9, 2026, to get up to USD 600 onboard credit

Cunard's New Signature Packages: Bundle and Save!

Cunard is now offering two new packages bundling amenities. Ask us for pricing for Cunard’s:

Signature Package and
Premium Signature Package

Bundling essential extras with savings of up to 30% compared to on-board pricing.

Both packages include:

Wi-Fi,
drinks and
dining credit for specialty restaurants,

Creating an effortless way for you to make the most of your time at sea. 

4 QUEENS, 2 WAYS

Reunion at Sea

A landmark moment will take place in Liverpool in Spring 2028. In an historic first, all four Cunard Queens meet in Liverpool on May 16, 2028, offering guests the rare opportunity to be part of history during one of the Four Queens Celebration voyages.

4 Queens Cruise

Cunard is debuting another all-time first: experience the elegance of all four Cunard Queens in one single journey. Cunard's ‘Queen-to-Queen’ voyages, a collection of back-to-back sailings, allow guests to combine voyages on board two, three or four Queens in one extended luxury adventure.

The four-Queen 40-night voyage from Southampton to Civitavecchia (for Rome), from April 16, 2028, to May 26, 2028, takes in the Norwegian Fjords, explores Europe's best ports, and joins the landmark Four Queens Celebration in Liverpool.

Additional program highlights include iconic Transatlantic Crossings, Independence Day celebrations in Boston, a variety of itineraries to Europe from Southampton, and four fleet maiden calls for Queen Victoria, including Aberdeen in Scotland, Olbia and Taranto in Italy, and Måløy in Norway.

Queen Mary 2

The world's only ocean liner, Queen Mary 2, offers her signature Cunard experience on iconic Transatlantic Crossings, including her first-ever eastbound crossing from New York to Liverpool for the Four Queens Celebration.

Beyond the Atlantic, Cunard's flagship will offer voyages around the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Canada, and the Caribbean.

Highlights include an overnight stay in Boston for Independence Day celebrations, a return to Gaspé, Canada, for the first time in 11 years, a North Cape voyage in Norway, and an overnight stay in Tromsø, Norway, during a Northern Lights voyage.

Queen Victoria

Sailing round-trip from Southampton, Queen Victoria's 2028 program focuses on immersive European itineraries.

Travel north to Scandinavia and Northern Europe, where overnight stays in Stockholm, Reykjavík, Oslo, and Copenhagen provide extended time ashore, while late evening departures within the Arctic Circle offer exceptional opportunities to witness the spectacular Northern Lights.

For warmer escapes, Queen Victoria will call at Mediterranean destinations for the first time in more than a decade, including Albania, Cyprus, Turkey, and Tunisia, alongside maiden fleet visits to Olbia and Taranto in Italy.

Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth will spend summer 2028 exploring the Mediterranean. From Croatia and Montenegro to Greece, guests can discover sun-washed coastlines, turquoise waters, and cultures shaped by centuries of history, cuisine, and tradition.

Highlights include a maiden visit to Bari, the capital of Puglia, Italy, and an overnight stay in Istanbul, with a chance to see the city's historic landmarks, including the Hagia Sophia illuminated after dark.

Queen Anne

Cunard's newest ship, Queen Anne, will begin her 2028 season in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, including a spectacular overnight stay in Liverpool for the Four Queens Celebration.

Sailing from Southampton, she will offer a variety of seven-night round-trip voyages alternating between Norway's dramatic fjords and sunlit escapes to France, Spain and Portugal, including a maiden call to Le Verdon, the gateway to Bordeaux's renowned wine region.

Guests can enjoy overnight stays in Oslo, Copenhagen and Lisbon, as well as late-evening departures from La Palma and La Rochelle. Longer voyages include Arctic explorations and extended Canary Islands itineraries.

More About Cunard

Cunard is a luxury British cruise line renowned for creating unforgettable experiences around the world. Cunard has been a leading operator of passenger ships since 1840.

The Cunard experience is built on fine dining, hand-selected entertainment, and outstanding White Star service. From a partnership with a two-Michelin-starred chef to inspiring guest speakers to world-class theatre productions, every detail has been meticulously crafted to make the experience unforgettable. A pioneer in transatlantic journeys and round-the-world voyages, destinations sailed to also include Europe, the Caribbean, Alaska, the Far East, and Australia.

There are currently four Cunard ships: Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria, and the new ship, Queen Anne, which entered service in May 2024.

*** Images courtesy of Cunard

*** Terms & Conditions apply; ask for full offer, itinerary, date and pricing details.

Paul Gauguin Tahiti and Ponant Global Expedition Cruises: 30% Early Booking Savings!

Tue, 02 Jun 26 19:54:14 +0000

From paradise in the South Pacific to the wonders of the world from pole to pole, book a Paul Gauguin Cruise or a Ponant expedition voyage early, and save up to 30%. Give yourself the treat of anticipation as well as savings!

Paul Gauguin Cruises: Save up to 30%

Explore paradise with French Polynesia’s destination expert and enjoy Bonus Savings of up to 30% on the widest variety of all-inclusive journeys in the region when you book now.

Paul Gauguin Cruises operates the 330-guest m/s Paul Gauguin, providing a luxury cruise experience tailored to the unparalleled wonders of French Polynesia and the South Pacific. The islands have been home for the Paul Gauguin for more than 25 years, and the line’s expertise in revealing them with artful authenticity is unmatched.

In 2019, Paul Gauguin Cruises joined PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP, a designer of inspiring voyages on board small exploration ships. 

Ponant: Save up to 30%

As the world leader in small-ship exploration, Ponant invites travelers to embark on all-inclusive journeys to breathtaking destinations, from the icy wonders of the Antarctic Peninsula and the majestic glaciers of Spitsbergen to the sun-kissed Greek Islands and serene Norwegian fjords.

By booking early, you can benefit from the best rates thanks to the PONANT Bonus: up to a 30% discount on the advertised rate of your stateroom or suite. This promotion decreases with occupancy, so the earlier you book, the more you save!

Ponant’s “Explore to Inspire” mission is centered around exploration to better understand, learn, share and protect. The cruise line has been committed to responsible tourism and purposeful voyages of exploration for over 35 years. Aboard a fleet of 14 French-flagged small ships, fitted with the latest environmental technologies, the journey of exploration is always elegant, authentic, and inspiring.

Ponant ships embody French sophistication in refined exploration, infused with the vibrant art de vivre of the company’s French heritage. Guests enjoy elegantly appointed staterooms and suites with private balconies, wellness centers, complimentary Wi-Fi, and gourmet dining curated by Ponant’s chefs in collaboration with Ducasse Conseil, blending flavors from local destinations with timeless favorites.

Ask for a complete list of applicable sailings aboard Paul Gauguin Cruises and Ponant.

Act now to secure your top choice of itineraries and dates!

*** Top Image courtesy of Paul Gauguin Cruises

Bottom image: Ponant's Commandant Charcot in Quebec, Canada, by Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist

*** Terms & Conditions apply; ask us for full offer, itinerary and pricing details.

Keeping Time: Why a Timepiece is Still the Best Souvenir of Switzerland

Tue, 02 Jun 26 19:54:14 +0000

For more than 400 years, Switzerland has been the world’s watchmaking and time-keeping capital. And unlike many luxury industries in other countries that outsourced production decades ago, the most respected Swiss watch brands are still made in Switzerland — often by hand, often in the same valleys and communities where the craft was born.

That makes a Swiss watch or clock not only an investment in precision timekeeping and prestigious personal style, but also a truly authentic and heirloom-quality memento of a visit to Switzerland.

Now, when it comes to souvenir shopping, I'm firmly in the ‘consumables’ camp: something you can eat or drink or share when you get home. But something useful that also represents timeless craftsmanship and will last forever? That is the kind of souvenir I can get behind. Especially when it's wearable every day!

I know we are bombarded with opportunities to treat ourselves to luxurious Swiss timepieces at every turn: from chic boutiques in shopping centers, on cruise ships, and in airports, to online. But here’s why: actually going to Switzerland and immersing yourself in its horological history and culture – then buying that statement watch from the source! – will give you a lot more satisfaction – and something to talk about! - than a simple store transaction.

The Birth of a ‘Quiet’ Luxury Industry

The story of Swiss watchmaking began almost accidentally in the 16th century. Mechanical clocks and then portable timepieces had been developed in the late mediaeval period in other European countries.

It was when Protestant reformer John Calvin banned the display of jewelry and luxurious ‘excess’ in Geneva that local goldsmiths and jewelers quickly pivoted to an alternative product to save their businesses. Useful and practical watches were the perfect workaround to the restrictions.

Inadvertently, Calvin’s ‘sumptuary laws’ ended up launching Switzerland as the grandfather of the industrialization, precision, artistry, and global standardization of watchmaking. And set the country on the road towards being the undisputed home of the most luxurious and prestigious timekeeping brands.

By the 1700s, watchmaking had spread into the Swiss Jura Mountains, where long winters kept farming families indoors for months at a time. Tiny workshops producing gears, springs, enamel dials, and cases emerged across western Switzerland. Entire villages specialized in microscopic components assembled elsewhere into finished timepieces.

The geography mattered. Swiss watchmaking evolved in relative isolation, encouraging highly specialized expertise and obsessive precision. By the 19th century, Swiss makers dominated international exhibitions and world timing competitions. Railroads, shipping, science, and later aviation and sporting events all required increasingly accurate timekeeping — and Switzerland set the global benchmark.

Watch This!

Made-in-Switzerland marques remain global cultural touchpoints and symbols of success, as much as luxury products such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, Omega, Breitling, and TAG Heuer. Even disruptor Swatch has populist Swiss chic.

A trip to Switzerland lets you actually see how mechanical watches are still made in ‘factory towns’ that are pilgrimage sites for timekeeping fans.

In Switzerland’s ‘Watch Valley’ — the informal name for Switzerland’s watchmaking corridor — you’ll find factory tours and museum experiences tied to legendary brands. Don’t miss the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva that traces five centuries of horology. Or the UNESCO-listed town of La Chaux-de-Fonds, where urban planning itself reflects the watch industry, with streets and workshops designed to maximize natural light for microscopic watch assembly.

Time Travel

In an era when luxury branding and souvenirs are often disconnected from manufacturing reality, Swiss watches remain the real deal. A ‘Swiss Made’ label carries strict requirements including movement manufacturing, assembly, and inspection inside Switzerland.

You know that treating yourself to a Swiss mechanical watch is not about telling time in an era when your phone has taken over that role. Instead, Swiss watches purchased at their source represent an indelible sense of place alongside engineering, heritage, craftsmanship, and increasingly, permanence in a disposable age.

START YOUR TRIP!

Image: Getty

HX Expeditions’ 130th Anniversary ‘Summer of Celebrations:’ Up to 25% Off and More

Tue, 02 Jun 26 19:54:14 +0000

HX Expeditions is marking 130 years of pioneering expedition cruising with a “Summer of Celebrations” bringing together special anniversary offers. Celebrate HX’s legacy as the original expedition cruise company, founded in 1896, and experience the destinations it has explored for more than a century!

2 HX Expedition Offers

130th Anniversary Offer (through Aug 31, 2026): Up to 25% off or complimentary suite upgrade on select 2026–2028 sailings
Antarctica Air Credit (May 11–June 30, 2026): Up to $1,000 off round-trip Premium Economy and Business Class flights

In addition to special offers, guests sailing in 2026 can expect a series of limited-edition onboard experiences, from anniversary cocktails and curated dining to surprise moments and commemorative keepsakes, all designed to mark the milestone year.

130th Anniversary Offer Details:

Up to 25% Off or Free Suite Upgrade
Available for new bookings made May 1 – August 31, 2026; valid on select departures from 2026-2028
Available on new bookings made between May 1 and August 31, 2026, the campaign applies to select departures from 2026 through early 2028 across Alaska, Antarctica, Galápagos, Greenland, Iceland, the Northwest Passage and Arctic Canada, Norway, and Svalbard (discounts vary by destination).

The offer includes a range of standout voyages, including:

Antarctica (Cabins from USD $9,561 | Suites from $13,613) – Includes HX’s top-selling 12-day Highlights of Antarctica itinerary. As the #1 operator in Antarctica, more travelers trust HX with their Antarctic journey than any other company.
Alaska (Cabins from $5,299 | Suites from $8,285) – Showcasing two new itineraries launching this summer: Alaska’s Inside Passage: Fjords of the Great Land and Alaska’s Inside Passage: Where the Mountains Meet the Sea, both designed to go deeper into the region with inaugural calls to Klawock and Valdez.
Greenland (Cabins from $8,392 | Suites from $11,936) – Featuring summer sailings such as Grand Greenland – Mythical Lands of the North, with highlights including HX’s Culinary Ambassador program and the new Tide to Table experience, connecting guests with local fishing traditions and community life in Ilulissat.

Additional sailings span Svalbard, the Northwest Passage, the Galápagos Islands, and more.

Designed to give travelers added flexibility and value, the anniversary offer reinforces HX’s focus on immersive, small-ship expeditions.

Antarctica Air Credit Offer Details

Available for new bookings made May 11 – June 30, 2026

Get up to USD 1,000 per person in air credit on round-trip Premium Economy and Business Class flights for all Antarctica departures. The offer applies to new bookings and is available on routes from all major gateway cities in the United States and Canada.

More About HX Expeditions

HX Expeditions, the world's first and longest-running expedition cruise company, has been guiding curious travelers on mindful adventures since 1896. With headquarters in London and a global team of just under 1,000 professionals, HX operates a fleet of five modern ships, offering voyages to over 250 destinations across more than 30 countries. Renowned for its pole-to-pole expeditions, HX combines sustainability, science, and education to create transformative travel experiences.

Pioneering in sustainability, HX was the first cruise company to eliminate heavy fuel oils, ban single-use unnecessary plastics in its operations, and launch hybrid expedition ships. The company also supports scientific research by donating over 1,900 free cabin nights to onboard scientists and runs the HX Foundation, which provides grants to community projects focused on education and marine conservation.

***Antarctica Image by Ted Gatlin, courtesy of HX Expeditions:

***Terms & Conditions apply; ask us for full offer, date, itinerary, and pricing details.

Why Travelers are Following the Trail of South Africa’s Oldest Vineyards

Fri, 15 May 26 22:23:27 +0000

For wine travelers, South Africa’s Old Vine Project has transformed a tasting trip through the Cape winelands into a journey through living wine history.

Across the Western Cape, the tell-tale shapes of gnarled old bush vines — some planted decades ago — are now among the country’s most compelling travel experiences. Visitors in the know increasingly come not just to taste wine, but to stand among vineyards that survived turbulent decades of drought, shifting wine fashions, and the global race toward high-yield commercial wine production.

The Champion of South Africa’s Old Vines

At the center of this movement is Rosa Kruger, the South African viticulturist widely credited with helping save the country’s heritage vineyards.

I had the privilege of meeting Rosa at an event hosted by the Wines of South Africa, where she recounted her quest to rediscover, document, and preserve the country’s oldest vines. A tasting confirmed they were worth the effort – and visiting those wineries nurturing and making wine from these small and precious vineyards should be on every oenophile’s list of travel goals.

In the early 2000s, Kruger began traveling through the Cape searching for forgotten old vineyards. At the time, many were at risk of being uprooted because older vines naturally produce lower yields and were often seen as economically inefficient. Kruger believed exactly the opposite: that these mature vineyards represented some of South Africa’s greatest wine treasures.

The Old Vine Project

Her work eventually led to the formal launch of the Old Vine Project (OVP) in 2016. The project’s mission is to identify, preserve, and promote vineyards older than 35 years while creating financial incentives for growers to keep them alive rather than replacing them with younger, higher-yielding vines better suited to mass, commercial wine production.

The result has been transformative — not only for South African wine, but for wine travel.

South Africa did not invent the idea of old vines. European wine regions have revered ancient vineyards for centuries, and wineries in France, Spain, Portugal, and Italy long marketed “old vine” wines. Spain and Portugal, in particular, still have vineyards significantly older than many in South Africa.

What South Africa has done — arguably more influentially — has been to turn old vines from romantic wine marketing into a globally respected preservation movement.

Groundbreaking Initiative Preserving Ancient Vineyards

South Africa debuted the first nationally organized certification and preservation movement dedicated specifically to identifying, registering, protecting and commercially promoting old vineyards across an entire wine-producing country.

Before the South African model, “old vine” was often vague marketing language with no formal definition. One producer’s old vines might be 20 years old; another’s 80. The Old Vine Project introduced traceable vineyard records and a formal “Certified Heritage Vineyards” seal for vineyards older than 35 years, helping establish credibility and authenticity.

Global Impact

The idea resonated far beyond the Cape winelands.

For decades, many growers saw old vines as liabilities because they yield fewer grapes. The Old Vine Project helped flip that thinking. Lower yields could mean greater concentration, texture, and personality — wines distinctive enough to command premium prices and inspire wine lovers to travel halfway around the world to taste them.

Its impact can now be seen in the Old World and the New World, where wineries are embracing, codifying, and preserving their own oldest vines.

Kruger herself has become one of the most respected figures in global wine. In 2022, she became the first South African inducted into Decanter’s Hall of Fame.

Redefining Regional Wines and Wine Travel

The movement reshaped South Africa’s wine identity. For years, the country was associated with inexpensive bulk wine. The rediscovery of old Chenin Blanc, Cinsault, Semillon, Palomino, and Grenache vineyards helped fuel a premium wine renaissance centered on authenticity, terroir, and heritage.

In the glass, old vines often deliver wines with extraordinary texture, concentration, and sense of place.

For visitors planning a Cape winelands itinerary, the Old Vine Project has created a heritage wine route through some of South Africa’s most compelling vineyard landscapes: a quest that is part wine tasting, part road trip, part treasure hunt.

START YOUR TRIP!

Story and event images: Lynn Elmhirst, travel journalist and expert

Top image: Getty

Opera by the Sea: Where World-Class Music Meets the Waterfront

Fri, 15 May 26 22:23:27 +0000

The world’s waterfronts are undergoing incredible transformations, from no-go industrial sites to revitalized centers of urban lifestyle and community living. Increasingly, the centerpiece of that renaissance… is a landmark, architectural marvel music hall.

Often labeled ‘opera houses,’ these venues are the opposite of stuffy, formal halls that host exclusively traditional performances. Sitting directly on the water, these new icons of modern culture embrace the ebb and flow of the waves they overlook: relaxed and connected to the city around them. Ferries arrive nearby. Locals keep waterfront promenades bustling. Visitors come for the architecture as much as the performances that embrace modern, accessible and widely-interpreted versions of anything and everything musical.

And make the most of exceptional technology and acoustics.

These four venues have become defining landmarks not only because of what happens inside, but because of where they are built.

Sydney: The Harbor Landmark That Started it All

Few buildings are more recognizable worldwide than the Sydney Opera House. Its sail-like roofline rising above Sydney Harbour has become one of the defining images of Australia.

Since its opening in 1973, it has become one of the world’s busiest performing arts venues, hosting opera, symphony concerts, theater, comedy, and contemporary music.

Sitting beside the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the opera house is woven into the daily rhythm of the harbor. Travelers can arrive by ferry, walk the waterfront before a performance, or simply enjoy the outdoor restaurants overlooking the water.

Architectural tours are hugely popular, and many visitors experience the building without attending a formal performance at all. Projections on the exterior reflect cultural touchpoints, from Olympics, to indigenous culture, to ecofriendly themes.

Oslo: An Opera House for the People

The Oslo Opera House helped transform Oslo’s waterfront when it opened in 2008.

Built directly on the edge of the Oslofjord, the white marble structure appears to rise from the water. Its most unusual feature is the roof, which slopes to ground level so visitors can walk all over it.

That decision changed how people interact with the building. Locals use it as a public gathering place as much as a cultural venue. In summer, people picnic there and watch the sunset over the fjord. In winter, the stark white architecture stands out dramatically against dark Nordic skies.

Inside, the opera house is home to the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet. The warm wood interiors create a striking contrast with the minimalist exterior.

The building also reflects modern Oslo itself — a city where outdoor life and contemporary culture live side by side. Visitors can spend the afternoon kayaking or using the city’s floating saunas before attending an evening ballet or concert.

Hamburg: A Concert Hall Above the Port

The Elbphilharmonie Hamburg quickly became Hamburg’s modern symbol when it debuted in 2017. (pictured, top)

Built above a historic brick warehouse in the city’s harbor district, the glass structure resembles waves rising over the River Elbe, transforming the city’s waterfront.

The venue is known for exceptional acoustics, with seating designed to bring audiences unusually close to performers. Programming extends beyond classical music to jazz, contemporary concerts, and international productions.

Even visitors without tickets often head to the public Plaza observation level for panoramic views across Hamburg’s port, bridges, and canals. Unlike many grand concert halls, the Elbphilharmonie feels connected to the working harbor around it rather than separated from it.

Reykjavik: Music on the Edge of the Arctic

The Harpa Concert Hall opened in 2011 on Reykjavik’s waterfront and quickly became one of Iceland’s defining modern buildings.

Its geometric glass exterior was inspired by Iceland’s volcanic basalt formations and changing northern light. Depending on the weather and season, the building shifts dramatically in color and mood. The image of Harpa will remain one of your lingering memories of Iceland’s capital.

Harpa is home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, but its programming reflects Iceland’s broader music culture as well, hosting everything from classical concerts to electronic and indie music festivals.

The location gives the venue much of its character. Fishing boats and whale-watching tours still depart from the nearby harbor, while mountains and ocean frame the city in every direction. In winter, concertgoers can leave an evening performance to freezing sea air and, if conditions cooperate, the possibility of the Northern Lights overhead.

‘Wave’ of the Future

More major cities are using waterfront concert halls and opera houses as cultural anchors for redeveloped harbor districts. Keep your eyes on the horizon for these:

Korea:
The Busan Opera House is designed by the same architects behind Oslo’s opera house. It’s rising directly on Busan’s waterfront and is scheduled to open in 2027. Like Oslo, it’s designed as a public waterfront space as much as a performance venue, with a walkable roof and harbor views. It will be Busan’s first major opera house and part of a huge redevelopment of the city’s former industrial port area.
Spain:
Another ambitious project is the planned Palacio de la Opera on the Costa del Sol waterfront, set to begin construction soon. Málaga has spent the last two decades reinventing itself as a serious cultural destination — adding museums, galleries, and performance venues beyond its traditional beach-tourism image. The proposed opera house sits near the port and includes a large waterfront auditorium and cultural complex.
China:
Shenzhen has proposed an enormous new waterfront opera complex overlooking Shenzhen Bay, designed by architect Jean Nouvel. Plans include multiple performance halls and architecture explicitly inspired by the movement of water and sails. Once completed, it will be one of the world’s largest waterfront performing arts complexes.

A new generation of modern waterfront concert halls increasingly behaves more like public squares with every kind of music under the sun inside, rather than traditional elite cultural institutions.

START YOUR TRIP!

Top images: Getty

Bottom image: Lynn Elmhirst, travel journalist and expert

Orient Express Launches World’s Largest Sailed Cruise Ship

Fri, 15 May 26 22:23:27 +0000

The Golden Age of Sail is returning – with a 21st century twist! Storied travel company Orient Express made its first appearance at Seatrade, just ahead of the debut its first cruise ship: a 720-foot, 100-guest solid-sail ship that marries exquisite French hospitality, design and craftsmanship with next-generation, eco-friendly maritime innovation.

Orient Express Corinthian isn’t just a first for the ultra-luxury travel company known since the 19th century for its exquisite trains and hotels. It’s a first for cruising itself.

The ship’s christening in France at the end of April came as a result of 10 years of research and development on the part of French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique.

Credit: Maxime Castric

The remarkable, ‘solid sail’ construction is a “concrete, technical response to the decarbonisation challenges facing maritime transport” according to the shipyard’s CEO.

It’s not about re-living the past. It’s about the future.

A Technological Feat Under Sail

OE Corinthian is the first cruise ship equipped with the “SolidSail” wind propulsion system, developed by the shipyard drawing on expertise gained in offshore racing. Her three rigs, each rising to over 320 feet, are fully automated and capable of delivering 100% wind-powered propulsion.

Rotating through 360 degrees, they maintain optimal trim on any point of sail, whatever the wind direction. With carbon masts that can tilt to 70 degrees, the ship can clear the world's great bridges, so the world is this ship’s oyster in terms of destination access.

In sea trials, in 20 knots of wind, this vessel made 12 knots under sail alone. A first for a ship of this size.

And when the ship is sailing under wind power, it’s not consuming any fuel at all. Therefore, zero emissions. What about when there’s no wind?

The solid sails are complemented by hybrid liquefied natural gas (LNG) propulsion and numerous energy efficiency features, earning her the best EEDI (Energy Efficiency Design Index) rating in her class, far ahead of any other vessel of comparable size.

In addition to this ‘what’s old is new again’ sailing technology, the OE Corinthian employs next-generation technology to advance other eco-friendly features:

An AI-assisted detection system continuously monitors for marine mammals and objects in the water to reduce collision risk.
Dynamic positioning preserves the seabed by doing away with the need to anchor.

All-Inclusive, French Hospitality and the Finest Craftsmanship

Orient Express Corinthian’s interiors draw on the golden age of travel, the age of the Orient Express train and the great ocean liners, with contemporary updates, undertaken by 2000 French artisans.

Credit: Alice Mesguich

The ship accommodates 54 suites, ranging from 45 to 230 m2, across four decks. Each suite features a panoramic window and high ceilings. Interior finishes include leather, precious wood veneers, and marbles.

Credit: Alice Mesguich

A dedicated butler attends each cabin.

Five restaurants and private dining rooms are placed under the culinary direction of multi- Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno.

Eight bars, including an Art Deco speakeasy, a 115-seat cabaret, and a recording studio, complete the offering.

Credit: Alice Mesguich

The Guerlain spa, a swimming lane, a pool, and a marina are at passengers' disposal throughout the voyage.

All is offered on a fully inclusive basis.

Itineraries

Following the christening, Orient Express Corinthian embarked on her inaugural Mediterranean season.

From May to October 2026, she sails the Mediterranean and the Adriatic, before crossing the Atlantic in autumn to winter in the Caribbean.

In 2027, a new collection of itineraries extends her range to the eastern Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

Each route leads to carefully chosen ports of call, storied harbours and quieter shores alike, where culture, craftsmanship and landscape compose an open invitation.

Itineraries of one to four nights offer a freedom of pace: each passage can be combined with another to build an entirely bespoke voyage.

Two of a Kind

OE Corinthian is the first of two ships planned for Orient Express. The Orient Express Olympian launches in 2027.

START YOUR TRIP!

Images courtesy of Orient Express; credits as noted.

Top image credit: Macha Kontchakova — Frontline Studio and Jean-Marie Liot

Top Souvenirs from a Springtime Trip to the Netherlands

Fri, 15 May 26 22:23:27 +0000

Tulip season in the Netherlands is a feast for the senses: ribbons of technicolor flowers beside canals, market squares bursting with spring blooms, and river cruise ships gliding through landscapes that look suspiciously filtered (even when they’re not!)

You’re going to love your trip so much that you will want to savor the moments for as long as possible.

Emerald river cruise ship docked in Willemstad, the Netherlands

I don’t believe in souvenirs that collect dust or worse! End up in landfills. Here are some mementos that fulfill the saying, “If you ain’t Dutch, you ain’t much.’ Many you’ll consume or share with loved ones, and others you’ll get lots of use from for years to come.

Cheese, Please!

Cheese may be the most delicious example. Markets in towns with name-sake cheeses like Gouda and Edam have been trading wheels for centuries, and a spring cruise often includes excursions where travelers can sample cheeses still made on family farms. Aged Gouda is the superstar!

Tip: Vacuum-packed wedges travel well. Don’t forget to check the import regulations about bringing food into your home country.

A Blooming Gift

Then there are tulips themselves, the official symbol of the country. Cut flowers are perishable, of course. But the Netherlands produces billions of spring flower bulbs annually, and you can shop for exotic varieties at gardens, flower farms, and markets – even the airport on your way home!

Tip: Many countries regulate the import of agricultural products like tulip bulbs. Check your local laws and also look for ‘export ready’ tulips with certification they will pass inspection. OR, if Keukenhof, famous as being the largest spring flower garden in the world, is on your agenda, you can order bulbs from Dutch growers there, and they will be shipped to your home, customs cleared.

Then you can look out your window every spring, see the tulips, and remember your trip to the Netherlands!

A Room with Blue

Like the cities of Gouda and Edam whose names have lent themselves to their most famous product, the city of Delft is known for its porcelain – or that one-of-a-kind color of Delft blue. Iconic Royal Delft has symbolized Dutch craftsmanship since the 17th century. Originally inspired by Chinese porcelain brought to Europe by trading ships, Delftware evolved into something unmistakably Dutch: windmills, canal houses, floral motifs, all painted in cobalt blue on creamy white ceramics.

You may not be able to resist the Dutch canal house figurines you can collect and line up as a street scene. But practical Delft items, from Christmas ornaments, to tea and coffee services, to a tulip vase that brings two Dutch symbols together, all marry beauty and utility in iconic blue and white.

Tip: beware of fakes. You’ll see all kinds of blue and white ceramics in the Netherlands. But for the quality of porcelain and artisanal hand-painting, nothing matches real, Royal Delft.

Clogged Up

Traditional wooden clogs – or klomps - remain a beloved symbol of Dutch culture. Clogs began as practical footwear for Dutch farmers, fishermen, and laborers at windmills. Over time, they became a cheerful national symbol, painted with regional designs. But clogs are not just folklore or crafts. Today, they’re still worn by farmers and millers and are legally certified safety footwear!

Tip: Instead of wooden folk art, fuzzy clog slippers in the Netherlands’ national colors, orange, yellow, or red, make a cozy, lightweight, unapologetically kitschy, and completely charming souvenir that will warm your feet and your heart every winter’s day you put them on!

There’s No Wafel like Stroopwafels

No visit to the Netherlands is complete without eating – and bringing home – stroopwafels: thin waffle cookies sandwiching a layer of spiced caramel filling. Fresh, warm, market stroopwafels are life-changing. If you’re wondering what every passenger on your river cruise ship is carrying in a thin, paper sleeve, now you know!

Tip: Follow the Dutch and re-create that just-cooked gooey-ness! Balance your souvenir stroopwafels out of the tin over a hot cup of coffee so the steam softens the filling.

START YOUR TRIP!

Story and images: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist and expert.

Fall Fam Jam at Beaches Resorts: Free Night’s Stay and More for Families

Fri, 15 May 26 22:23:27 +0000

Make fall family time at Beaches Resorts’! The all-inclusive family resort company has launched Fall Fam Jam seasonal offer, featuring a lively lineup of complimentary, toddler-friendly programming designed especially for families traveling with little ones. Plus special offers parents will love, too!

Offer available until October 31, 2026 on stays of five nights or longer at Beaches Turks and Caicos and Beaches Negril.

ASK US FOR MORE DETAILS!

At both resorts: Beaches Turks and Caicos and Beaches Negril, Fall Fam Jam includes two complimentary Caribbean Adventures with Sesame Street® experiences—a Character Breakfast and Sunrise Yoga with beloved Sesame Street friends—along with a spa credit so parents can enjoy some well-deserved relaxation.

At Beaches Negril, families receive even more value with one complimentary night on stays of six nights or longer.

Plan Ahead! Beaches Fall Fam Jam Travel Windows are already scheduled, so you can look forward to fall family travel in advance:

August 23 – October 31, 2026
August 23 – October 31, 2027
August 23 – October 31, 2028

From splash-filled playtime and hands-on creative activities to joyful moments shared together, the seasonal event invites families to slow down, connect, and experience the magic of the Caribbean in a way that feels perfectly your own.

As a requirement to receive the offer, travel advisors must register the booking within 72 hours at: https://www.beaches.com/beaches-fall-fam-jam-registration/

More About Beaches Resorts

Beaches Resorts is the Caribbean playground where families can live their best island life. With all-inclusive family resorts in Turks and Caicos and Jamaica, and soon-to-come locations in Barbados, The Bahamas, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Beaches offers fun-forward family all-inclusive vacations – from a dynamic selection of restaurants and vibrant food trucks to all-you-can-enjoy water sports, live shows, and epic water parks.

Kids discover magic with Caribbean Adventures with Sesame Street, Kids Camps, and hangouts for teens, while parents enjoy peace of mind with certified nannies, engaging programming, and multi-bedroom villas perfect for bringing generations together.

As an Advanced Certified Autism Center (CAC) through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), Beaches staff are specially trained to understand and cater to the unique needs of neurodivergent guests, so that every member of the family finds joy, connection, and memories made to last a lifetime.

*** Images courtesy of Beaches Resorts

*** Terms & Conditions apply: ask us for full offer, pricing and date availability.

Save up to 15% on Summer Seabourn Voyages

Fri, 15 May 26 22:23:27 +0000

Luxury cruise and expedition line Seabourn has launched The Exploration Event, offering you savings of up to 15 percent on select summer ocean and expedition voyages ranging from seven to 82 days between 2026 and 2028.

The Exploration Event spans destinations worldwide, from Alaska and the Mediterranean to the Arctic, Northern Europe, and Australia.

Every sailing included in “The Exploration Event” features Seabourn’s signature onboard experience, with highly personalized service, ocean-front suites, complimentary premium spirits and fine wines, and curated culinary experiences.

Savings Plus Shipboard Credit

Seabourn is also offering a separate shipboard credit promotion of up to USD 1,000 per suite on select 2026-2028 winter voyages sailing October through March to Japan, the Caribbean, South America, and Antarctica.

Use your onboard credit on onboard and shoreside experiences, and it may be applied toward shore excursions, spa treatments, boutique purchases, reserve wine selections, Stream Wi-Fi powered by Starlink, and other destination-focused experiences, including private guided tours and culinary exploration.

Select Ocean and Expedition Summer Voyages for ‘The Exploration Event:’

Alaska

Explore southern Alaska’s fjords, glaciers, and wildlife on a voyage designed to reach places larger ships cannot. Optional Ventures by Seabourn experiences, led by the Expedition Team, include Zodiac cruises, kayaking, hiking, and enrichment focused on the region’s landscapes and ecosystems. Destinations include Hubbard Glacier, the Inian Islands, Icy Strait Point, and Haines.

July 9, 2027 – Seabourn Encore – 7-Day Glaciers & Alaska Inside Passage

The Mediterranean

Sailing from Istanbul to Venice, this eastern Mediterranean journey connects historic cities and island cultures, with calls in Çanakkale, Patmos, Santorini, Kotor, Hvar, and Koper. Each destination offers opportunities for exploration rooted in history, architecture, cuisine, and more.

May 29, 2027 – Seabourn Ovation – 15-Day Hidden Gems of Turkey, Greece, Croatia & Slovenia

Northern Europe

Experience Norway’s coastline during the height of summer, with extended daylight illuminating fjords, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and communities above the Arctic Circle. The voyage continues to Amsterdam before returning to Dover.

June 19, 2027 – Seabourn Quest – 14-Day Midsummer in the Land of the Midnight Sun

Australia

Explore remote stretches of the Kimberley coast, where tidal movements and local conditions shape each day’s itinerary. Zodiac cruises and nature walks bring guests close to dramatic landscapes, wildlife, and ancient rock art.

July 1, 2027 – Seabourn Pursuit – 10-Day Kimberley Expedition: Waterfalls & Wanjinas

Arctic

An expedition voyage along Iceland and southern Greenland highlights dramatic fjords, Norse history, and Inuit culture, guided by Seabourn’s Expedition Team of experts and the Southern Greenland Experience.

July 3, 2027 – Seabourn Venture – 14-Day Southeast Greenland and Iceland

Select Winter Voyages with the shipboard credit offer:

Japan

Sail Japan as winter transitions toward spring, with calls in smaller ports and culturally focused experiences including regional festivals and forest bathing, plus a visit to Busan, South Korea.

February 27, 2027 – Seabourn Encore – 14-Day Sea of Japan & Plum Blossoms

South Pacific

An extended World Cruise segment crossing the South Pacific and the Equator, with island calls, cultural encounters, and a journey from Australia to California via Hawaii.

April 15, 2027 – Seabourn Quest – 27-Day World Cruise: South Pacific Explorer & Hawaii

Caribbean

Island hop through the eastern Caribbean with stops in St. Barthélemy, Montserrat, St. Kitts, Dominica, and Jost Van Dyke on a roundtrip voyage from Miami. In Carambola Beach, guests will enjoy the line’s “Caviar in the Surf” signature event, where uniformed Seabourn team members plunge into the water and serve chilled champagne and caviar from a surfboard bar.

November 23, 2027 – Seabourn Quest – 11-Day Leeward Islands & Dominica Dreams

Antarctica

Spend five full days exploring Antarctica with Zodiac landings and guided shore walks led by the Expedition Team. Soak in breathtaking views of the towering icebergs and enjoy wildlife viewings of penguin colonies, seals and whales.

February 20, 2027 – Seabourn Venture – 11-Day The Great White Continent

South America

Explore the remote Falkland Islands and South American coastline, with wildlife encounters and cultural experiences from Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro.

March 22, 2027 – Seabourn Venture – 15-Day Wild Falkland Islands & South America

Ask us for a complete list of applicable sailings, benefits, and combinable promotions for The Exploration Event.

More About Seabourn:

Seabourn represents the pinnacle of luxury ocean and expedition travel and operates a suite of six modern ships. The all-inclusive, boutique ships offer all-suite accommodations with oceanfront views; award-winning dining; complimentary premium spirits and fine wines available at all times; renowned service provided by an industry-leading crew; a relaxed, sociable atmosphere that makes guests feel at home; a pedigree in expedition travel through the Ventures by Seabourn program and two new ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ships, including Seabourn Venture that launched in 2022 and Seabourn Pursuit in 2023. Seabourn takes travelers to every continent on the globe, visiting more than 400 ports, including marquee cities and lesser-known ports and hideaways. Guests of Seabourn experience extraordinary offerings and programs, including partnerships with leading entertainers, dining, personal health and wellbeing, and engaging speakers.

Seabourn at a glance:

Intimate ships with a private yacht-like atmosphere
All ocean-front suites are luxuriously appointed, most with a private veranda
Intuitive, personalized service provided by a team passionate about exceeding guests' expectations
Complimentary premium spirits and fine wines available on board at all times
Complimentary caviar throughout your voyage
World-class dining and culinary experiences
All dining venues are complimentary, dine where, when, and with whom you wish
Welcome Champagne and complimentary in-suite bar stocked with your preferences
Tipping is neither required nor expected
Seabourn Conversations, connecting with visionary experts
Curated voyages to all seven continents, delivering award-winning, authentic experiences
‘Ventures by Seabourn’, optional shore excursions, enhance and extend your experience in select destinations**^
Complimentary entertainment experiences, offering a variety of shows and live music
Complimentary Wi-Fi packages with unlimited minutes powered by SpaceX's Starlink
Complimentary Signature Events: Marina Day, ‘Caviar in the Surf’, Evening at Ephesus, Shopping with the Chef, Caviar on the Ice, Polar Plunge, and more
Committed to environmental stewardship and sustainability

*Seabourn Encore, Seabourn Ovation, Seabourn Venture, Seabourn Pursuit

**Optional programs, for additional charge

^Available on Seabourn Quest, Seabourn Encore, Seabourn Ovation

Images courtesy of Seabourn

Terms & Conditions apply; ask us for offer, itinerary,

Winter Olympics in the South of France? Mais Oui!

Wed, 18 Feb 26 20:41:42 +0000

The next 2030 Winter Olympics will be the only Games where you can watch skiing in the morning and sip local Provencal rosé by the Mediterranean in the afternoon. Inspired by the images coming from the Winter Games, and wondering why you aren’t in Europe in the stands? It’s not too early to plan ahead for the next Games – especially with the charm and the contrast of peak winter sports and the French Riviera lifestyle.

The French Alps, including the Côte d'Azur, centered around Nice, will host the 2030 Winter Olympics from February 1–17, 2030. Paralympics follow from March 1–10, 2030.

Wait – How Can This Work?

Hosting the Winter Olympics in the Côte d’Azur / French Riviera is possible because the event is actually a joint endeavor between the coast and nearby regions of the Alps: the "French Alps 2030".

Believe it or not, even with a Mediterranean backdrop, the Games are actually able to take advantage of a lot of existing winter sports infrastructure. So it’s not going to be one of the infamous international sports events that require massive funding of facilities that have little purpose in the future.

The iconic coastal city of Nice is the central hub of the Games, but it will host just indoor "ice" events, including figure skating, speed skating, hockey and curling. Nice’s Allianz Riviera soccer stadium will be temporarily transformed into a massive ice rink, as the French are calling it, a “palace of hockey” seating over 30,000 for one of the most-viewed and hotly-contested team sports. The Palais Nikaia will see curling teams compete, and a 5000-seat new arena is being built for figure skating and short-track.

In the meantime, the "snow" events will be held in the nearby Southern and Northern Alps in four zones that take advantage of their existing alpine sports infrastructure:

The Briançonnais zone is located in the Southern Alps and will host freestyle skiing and snowboarding.

The Savoie zone is already home to world-class resorts like Courchevel (pictured) and Méribel, and will be the site of the alpine skiing, ski jumping, and bobsleigh/luge competitions.

And finally, the Haute-Savoie zone to the north is where biathlon and cross-country skiing events will take place.

Meanwhile, in Nice, a new Nice Airport TGV (High Speed Train) station is under construction to make it easy for visitors to arrive from all corners of the world and get around easily during the Games. Afterwards, of course, it will remain a legacy benefitting all visitors to the South of France.

Historic First:

The closing ceremony for the 2030 Games is planned for Nice’s picturesque Promenade des Anglais (pictured, top), offering a historic first: a Winter Olympic finale with the Mediterranean Sea as the backdrop instead of a traditional stadium.

Winter on the Côte d’Azur

Not to mention the incredible charms of the French Riviera lifestyle – even in the winter! The 2030 Winter Games will also shine a spotlight on a beloved travel destination that’s not often considered a four-season option – but it should be!

Cool temperatures encourage you to get cozy while walking along the scenic coastline promenades, where pine trees meet palm trees year-round.

Winter is when the mimosa blooms – the iconic, cheerful, sunshine-yellow and unmistakably-scented symbol of the season in the South of France.

It’s also a culinary peak time of the year. Winter is the season for the French citrus harvest and even the ‘black diamonds’ of southern French cuisine: truffles! Markets and restaurants celebrate the seasonal ingredients, and you’ll attend the next competition of the Winter Games, replete with some of the best French cuisine of your life.

The first-ever opportunity to experience the highest levels of winter sport and storied French Riviera lifestyle, all in the same unforgettable trip, is a travel opportunity of a lifetime.

START YOUR TRIP!

By: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist and expert

From Samba to Snow! Carnival Around the World

Wed, 18 Feb 26 20:41:27 +0000

When you start to see Easter candy on the shelves, you know it’s time for… Carnival! It’s one of the biggest celebrations – that looks wildly different! - in countries around the world.

While always colorful, Carnival is celebrated with such intensely localized traditions that it’s easy to forget that all the Carnivals have the same medieval roots. Christians prepared themselves for the most solemn holy day of Easter by spending the preceding 40 days – called “Lent” – fasting, praying, giving alms and in contemplation of the upcoming miraculous holiday.

That meant that the last couple of days before the beginning of Lent, households rid themselves of anything tempting or forbidden during the time of pious restrictions.

“Carnival” comes from the Latin “carne vale” or “farewell to meat,” and Carnival became a final indulgence before the privations of Lent. On the Christian calendar, Lent begins on “Ash Wednesday.” So Tuesday was your last chance. The French expression “Mardi Gras” means “Fat Tuesday” – time to eat all the rich food in the house before Lent so it wouldn’t go to waste.

Over time, Carnival or Mardi Gras evolved into wild celebrations of dance, drink, disguises, food and music.

And as Christianity spread around the world, Carnival evolved into wildly different expressions of local culture, cuisine, climate… and even resistance.

Here are some of the world’s most different – and irresistible - Carnivals to inspire you to travel and celebrate in February!

VENICE

The Venice Carnival is one of the world’s most iconic and is uniquely symbolized by masks and historic costumes, even today. Here, Carnival isn’t loud; it’s theatrical and dramatic. The city’s lagoon-softened light, historic palazzi and gliding gondolas provide the perfect backdrop for a festival built on concealment and social inversion.

Historically, Venetian masks allowed nobles and commoners to all appear anonymous and mingle freely, gambling and gossiping beyond class constraints before returning to the usual strict social order on the first day of Lent.

Today, the tradition endures in the form of exquisitely crafted masks, silk capes, and full 18th-century costumes that transform St. Mark’s Square into a living panorama every Carnival season. Rather than parades and public parties, Venice offers moments: a masked figure gliding over a bridge at dawn, candlelit balls in Renaissance palaces, or quiet promenades along misty canals.

RIO DE JANEIRO

If Venice whispers, Rio roars. Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is a full-throttle experience, driven by samba, sweat, and spectacle. Born from Afro-Brazilian traditions and shaped in working-class neighborhoods, Rio’s Carnival is both celebration and competition. The centerpiece is the Sambadrome, where elite samba schools spend all year preparing elaborate floats, choreography, and politically charged themes for a single night of emotional release, competition in the Sambadrome and chaos on the streets.

Rio’s Carnival blocos—street parties—spill through neighborhoods, inviting anyone with a pulse to join. Fueled by caipirinhas made with a local sugarcane spirit, cachaca, even if you’ve never danced the samba before, you’ll discover the rhythm within you to join in Rio’s spirit of Carnival.

NEW ORLEANS

In NOLA, Carnival goes by a different name. Mardi Gras celebrations here have become legendary, making the birthplace of jazz one of the top Carnival destinations every February.

“Krewes,” some centuries old, plan extravagant parades with military precision, while the streets erupt in beads, music, and color. New Orleans’ Mardi Gras symbols are legendary: purple-green-and-gold beads tossed from ornate floats, masked krewe royalty like Rex and Zulu, hand-decorated coconuts, jazz bands on street corners, and the ever-present slice of king cake hiding its tiny baby inside.

Mardi Gras here isn’t just European Christian. It’s deeply rooted in the cultures that blended in this historic port city: French, African, Caribbean, and American South traditions into something unmistakably local. It’s a festival that belongs to the city’s people as much as its visitors—and one where tradition matters as much as the party.

QUEBEC CITY

Quebec City flips the Carnival script entirely by celebrating the coldest days of an unforgiving Canadian winter. The Québec Winter Carnival, held deep in February, proves that pre-Lenten revelry doesn’t require heat—just heart (and layers). Its cheerful snowman mascot, Bonhomme, presides over ice palaces, night parades, canoe races across the frozen St. Lawrence River, and plenty of caribou (a spiced maple liquor, not the animal).

This is Carnival as resilience and French Canadian culture: a celebration of endurance, community, and winter cheer. Where other Carnivals strip down, Quebec bundles up—and finds just as much joy.

TRINIDAD

Few places embody Carnival’s original spirit of liberation as powerfully as Trinidad. Emerging from the aftermath of slavery and colonial rule, Trinidad Carnival is rooted in resistance and self-expression.

Carnival in Port of Spain grew out of emancipation, when formerly enslaved Africans claimed the streets after 1834 and transformed an elite European masquerade into a bold expression of freedom and identity. Traditions like J’ouvert, steel pan music, and satirical mas characters remain acts of cultural resistance—celebrating liberation through rhythm, costume, and unapologetic public joy.

J’ouvert—held before dawn—sees revelers covered in mud, paint, or oil, reclaiming the streets to the beat of steel pan and soca. Later come the dazzling masquerade bands, where costume, movement, and music merge into something ecstatic and a declaration of identity, joy, and survival.

ONE FESTIVAL, MANY FORMS

From Venetian masks to Caribbean mud, from samba drums to snow palaces, Carnival proves that a shared ritual can take on endlessly diverse faces. Wherever you find it, Carnival invites participants to join in the spirit and rituals of a united community.

START YOUR TRIP!

Images: Getty

Polynesian Pearls: The Most Romantic Souvenir from the World’s Most Romantic Travel Destination

Wed, 18 Feb 26 20:41:15 +0000

Inky, luminous, and subtly sophisticated. There’s a reason Tahitian “black pearls” are among the most sought-after additions to a jewelry box and a coveted memento of what may be the most exotic and romantic escape. Entire honeymoons are designed around visiting exotic lagoons, choosing an heirloom piece of jewelry and returning home with an iridescent miracle of nature in a velvet box.

A Pearl of a Gem

Unlike mineral gems, pearls are organic, marine miracles, created individually inside oysters. If an irritant, like a grain of sand, somehow ends up inside an oyster, to protect itself, the oyster coats the irritant with layers of nacre, slowly transforming it into something luminous and magically iridescent.

Tahitian pearls(often called “black pearls,” though they’re rarely pure black) come from the black-lip oyster, Pinctada margaritifera. These oysters thrive in the warm, pristine lagoons of islands such as Bora Bora, Rangiroa and Taha'a.

From Natural Treasure to Coveted Statement Piece

Long before the modern era of pearl cultivation, natural pearls were treasured throughout the Pacific, found rarely and randomly in wild oysters harvested for food.

European explorers arriving in the 18th and 19th centuries quickly recognized their value. By the early 20th century, overharvesting wild oysters nearly depleted local populations.

The turning point came in the 1960s and ’70s, when Japanese pearl cultivation techniques were successfully adapted for local oysters. Pearl farming became a cornerstone industry across the Tuamotu and Gambier archipelagos. Today, Tahitian pearls are one of French Polynesia’s most important exports—and one of its most elegant ambassadors.

Their value lies in three things: rarity, size, and color.

Tahitian pearls are saltwater cultured, often larger than other types of pearls, displaying natural dark body colors with luminous overtones: peacock green, aubergine, silver, blue, even hints of rose. That depth of color is not chemical dyes; it’s biology and environment working together.

In an era of mass-produced mementos, Tahitian pearls remain natural, deeply tied to place, and a true heirloom treasure.

5 Tips for Shopping for Tahitian Pearls in French Polynesia

As a symbol of love, elegance and travel sophistication, pearls are investments you want to cherish for a lifetime and pass along as heirlooms. You want to shop wisely.

Walk through Papeete’s municipal market, browse high-end boutiques in Bora Bora, or visit a working pearl farm on Rangiroa, and you’ll see the range—from simple single-pearl pendants perfect for daily wear to dramatic strands worthy of black-tie evenings back home.

1. Grading basics

Four factors matter most:

Luster (the glow): The sharper and brighter the reflection, the more valuable the pearl.
Surface quality: Fewer visible blemishes generally mean higher value.
Shape: A perfectly round shape is rare and most expensive. Near-round and baroque shapes can offer excellent value.
Size: Larger pearls command higher prices—but only if luster and surface are strong.

Experts suggest that if you must prioritize one thing, prioritize luster. A slightly smaller pearl with exceptional glow will outshine a larger dull one.

2. Black is the new black… or is it?

True Tahitian pearls display natural dark body colors with complex overtones. If a pearl looks flat, jet-black, and inexpensive, it may be dyed freshwater. Ask directly: Is the color natural? Reputable jewelers will say yes—and put it on your receipt.

3. Look at the drill hole

Ask to see the pearl closely. Around the drill hole, color should be consistent. Heavy dye often pools at the edges in treated pearls (less common in certified Tahitian pieces, but still worth checking).

4. Compare in natural light

Boutique lighting flatters everything. Step near a window. The pearl should still glow, not look chalky.

5. Ask for documentation

French Polynesia has strict export regulations for Tahitian pearls. Your purchase should come with:

A detailed receipt listing pearl type and size
Disclosure of any treatments (Tahitian pearls are generally not dyed)
Certification for buying higher-value pieces

Are they worth the price?

Tahitian pearls are among the most valuable cultured pearls in the world because of their rarity, natural dark colors, and the time required to grow them—often 18 to 24 months.

Prices can range from a few hundred dollars for a modest pendant to several thousand for exceptional, round, high-luster pieces. The key question is not just price—it’s whether the pearl has strong luster, pleasing color, and craftsmanship to match.

If it does, you’re not just buying jewelry. You’re buying a natural, marine treasure.

Perhaps that’s why Tahiti's “black” pearls endure as Polynesia’s most meaningful souvenir: subtle, luminous, and forever linked to water, time, and your memories of the lagoons and shifting tides of your trip to a once-in-a-lifetime destination steeped in romance.

START YOUR TRIP!

By: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/travel journalist

Images: Getty

Atlas Ocean Voyages’ New Ship ‘Sails’ Into the Future of Luxury Expedition Cruising

Wed, 18 Feb 26 20:40:56 +0000

The romance of sailing cruise ships is back, and the new generation of sailing cruise ships has a modern and eco-friendly twist. The latest cruise line to announce it’s building a sailing yacht is Atlas Ocean Voyages, whose new ship – a luxury, expedition sailing yacht – is set to embark on the seas in late 2028.

If you’re imagining historic-looking tall ships, think again. The line’s new Atlas-class vessel is an eco-friendly exploration yacht with hybrid propulsion, including wind power enabled by three carbon masts and solid sails.

When conditions at sea and with the wind permit, these elements will enhance operational efficiency and enable zero-emission cruising, allowing for a silent presence on the water. The new ship is equipped with dual-fuel engines and electric-hybrid propulsion, featuring a large marine battery system that enables high speeds even in light wind conditions, enhancing the sailing experience with virtually silent operation.

Atlas Adventurer is engineered to sail in any waters of the world, including polar destinations, equipped with zero-speed fin stabilizers, two vertical fin stabilizers, a reinforced hull, and Ice Class 1B (Polar Category C) capability.

Accommodating up to 400 guests, supported by a crew of 275, the Atlas-class sailing yacht will also expand the cruise line’s onboard guest experience, including all-suite accommodations across every category, increased space and amenities, and a broader range of dining, wellness, and social offerings, while maintaining the boutique hospitality that defines Atlas Ocean Voyages.

The vessel will include seven dining venues, featuring specialty restaurants and a new culinary studio for hands-on learning and destination-inspired programming. It will also have five lounges, a cocktail bar and social spaces, along with two outdoor bars. Guests will find an expanded fitness and wellness center, a large swimming pool, and purpose-built expedition capabilities, including Zodiacs, luxury motorboats, and a marina platform with an ocean pool for water-based exploration.

“With Atlas Adventurer, we are introducing a new generation of luxury expedition sailing yachts. This vessel serves as a bridge between the wind mastery of the 15th century and the solid sails and electric propulsion of the 21st century,” said Mario Ferreira, Chairman, Founder and Owner of Mystic Invest Holding, Atlas’ parent company.

“The yacht is designed to comply with future zero- emission port regulations and can navigate silently, allowing access to some of the most exclusive and restricted small ports around the world.”

Inaugural Season

Beginning in late 2028, Atlas Adventurer will explore destinations across Asia, including Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines, and Africa, including Seychelles, Madagascar, Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique and South Africa, further extending the line’s global reach while continuing to redefine luxury expedition cruising to remote destinations around the world.

Atlas Adventurer will join the cruise line’s existing fleet of 3 ships that are designed to explore some of the world’s most remote and captivating destinations.

START YOUR TRIP!

Renderings courtesy of Atlas Ocean Voyages.

VIDEO: Scenic or Emerald? Which of These Sister Yacht Cruises is Best for You?

Wed, 03 Sep 25 18:17:14 +0000

Small ship cruising is bigger than ever, and one company specializes in yachts under two brands: Scenic and Emerald. But which is best for you? It is, you might say, like choosing between diamonds and, well, emeralds! They’re both gems, but which jewel-box yacht suits your personal travel taste and style best? Here's my comparison to help you choose.

Quick sidebar: recently, we were filming aboard the Scenic Eclipse on the French Riviera and were thrilled when her sister, the Emerald ship, sailed up alongside. It’s always touching when sister ships meet! We got our drone up in the air to capture this meaningful moment – and the exquisite lines of these sister ships side by side!

WATCH VIDEO ABOVE: Scenic Eclipse and Emerald yachts meet in Saint Tropez on the French Riviera

STYLE:

Even from the video, a couple of quick differences between Scenic and Emerald yachts stand out:

Sleek, Contemporary architecture and reflecting design, and completely opposite. Scenic’s gleaming and dramatic black hull and gold lettering contrast with Emerald Yachts’ all-white and chrome classic high-end yacht. Sailing into small harbours of high-end private yachts, Emerald ships fit right in.

Inside and out, both have a lot of mirrored and highly reflecting surfaces.

Scenic’s interiors make dramatic use of black glass and back-lit marble like a contemporary luxe private club, while Emerald yachts are the polar opposite, with lots of bright, shiny white, chrome with hits of cheerful pops of color.

Both are very modern in style, but Scenic’s dramatic design feels more formal, while Emerald’s has more of a relaxed, breezy, tropical feel.

FUNCTION:

It’s evident in the video that Emerald yachts are slightly smaller than Scenic Eclipse, with a corresponding difference in the total number of guests:

Scenic Eclipse can host up to 228 guests – still a very small ship! While Emerald yachts are home to just 128 guests – that’s 50 fewer staterooms!

But even more than size, Scenic and Emerald yachts differ in how they can operate:

Emerald yachts were conceived and designed as warm-water yachts, just as you imagine if I say ‘yachting:’ island hopping in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, with some exotic warm-water cruising to add flavor for ‘port collector’ cruisers. They are ideally suited to sail into smaller, off-the-beaten-track ports where big cruise ships can’t go, with the captain following good weather to let guests explore and experience the best of a warm water region.

Scenic Eclipse I and II are called by the cruise line ‘Discovery Yachts,’ and while they are elegantly at home in warm-water cruising destinations (like the Mediterranean, where we were able to film Scenic and Emerald sister yachts at anchor off the French Riviera), Scenic Eclipse are also among the most fully-enabled luxury expedition yachts at sea, with:

Ice-class hulls to allow them to sail in polar, Antarctic and Arctic waters

Stabilizers that smooth out rough seas so guests can explore some of the most remote regions of the world in comfort, regardless of heavy seas

EXPERIENCE:

Scenic Eclipse’s expedition toys and teams on expedition (as opposed to luxury yacht) sailings set her apart from her Emerald yacht sisters:

2 helicopters for heli-touring
Submersibles to explore beneath the waves
Zodiacs, kayaks and other nautical exploration tools that get guests onto the water or onto remote shores where there’s no port infrastructure
Expedition teams supplementing the hotel staff onboard: experts in outdoor adventure and history, geology, nature and more, to guide guests in their explorations and provide them with information and insights into the land, sea and wildlife they experience from the ship.
Marinas and marina toys: Both Emerald and Scenic yachts have marinas: decks at water level off the aft of the ship, allowing guests to get right out onto the water, either in a secluded, warm-water cove for a refreshing swim, a dive with a seabob underwater, or a paddleboard… or for Scenic Eclipse guests in the Antarctic: even a polar plunge!
Restaurants: Scenic Eclipse’s nearly-double the number of guests and proportionately greater size give these yachts the space to offer up to 10 dining experiences, from Asian to French to Italian, continental cuisine, in suite dining and more, while guests on Emerald yachts have up to 3 dining experiences, which do not include in suite dining except for top suites. Both yachts have alfresco dining to enjoy eating outdoors on pleasant days.
Butlers: as a ‘luxury’ cruise line – whereas the company classifies Emerald as ‘premium,’ Scenic’s guest experience includes all-suite accommodation, where everyone gets the luxe experience of a butler.

INCLUSIONS:

Overall, Scenic is classified as ‘luxury all-inclusive’, and Emerald as ‘premium ’, with fewer inclusions, allowing guests to choose which features and amenities you wish to pay for to enhance your cruise holiday.

Currently, Emerald fares include: “all port charges, all meals on board with accompanying beverages, complimentary Wi-Fi, and all gratuities on board and onshore. You’ll also benefit from a first-class English-speaking crew and enjoy tours led by knowledgeable, local guides.”

Scenic’s included beverages are throughout the ship – up to 9 lounges - and include your in-suite mini bar.

For shore excursions, Scenic offers a selection of included ‘Scenic Freechoice’ shore excursions, as well as ‘Scenic Enrich’ exclusive experiences, usually an evening on shore in a privately booked venue, while Emerald offers at least 1’ included shore excursion in every port.

THE BOTTOM LINE:

Like choosing jewelry, it comes down to your taste, style… and what priorities you have.

Do you want the luxury expedition cruise of a lifetime? Ultra-luxury all-inclusive? You’ll want to look at Scenic Eclipse itineraries. But if you’re looking for a relaxed, warm-water, traditional yacht experience where you choose the amenities and excursions you want to pay for… then an Emerald Yacht might be your ideal choice.

A qualified travel expert can help match you to your perfect, next Scenic Eclipse or Emerald Yacht cruise.

START YOUR TRIP!

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

Is This the Largest, Most Expensive Cruise Ship Suite Ever?

Wed, 03 Sep 25 18:17:03 +0000

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 cruise line’s first new ship class in a decade, so it’s pulling out all the stops. The new class of ship is 40% larger, but with only 10% more guests. And, with 630 crew for 822 guests, a 1:1.3 crew-to-guest ratio, stellar service.

That approach of reaching for the stars applies especially to its top suite.

When we say top, we mean that literally. The Skyview Regent Suite will crown the new ship, with all of its vast space dominating the top of the ship. If you were designing the biggest, most luxurious cruise ship suite, what would you include?

Panoramic ocean views and 3700 square feet of wraparound balcony (pictured, top)
A main bedroom suite with a handcrafted Italian bed occupying almost the whole 2nd floor (pictured above) and a second bedroom on the 1st floor
Vast walk-in closet
2 ½ bathrooms (main bedroom bath pictured bottom)
Living room
Formal, in-suite dining area and a glass-enclosed, ocean-facing bar
Floating natural stone staircase AND a private in-suite elevator
Personal gym and sauna

Check.

Reflecting Regent’s signature glamorous style, there’s a focus on custom-designed furniture, clean architectural lines including skylights and ocean-focused design, rich materials like leather sculptural wall elements, and a neutral palette enhanced by pops of color and luxe details.

Lifting the Hood

The eye-popping fare that starts at $25,000 a night includes:

dedicated butler service,
in-suite caviar service and
the nice touch of welcome bottles of Dom Pérignon Champagne and Remy Martin Louis XIII Cognac,
daily spa treatments,
private fitness sessions,
a private car and driver at every port of call,
unlimited laundry, dry cleaning and shoeshine service,
personalized stationary (to write notes you can send to new friends on the ship, inviting them for drinks or dinner in your suite, no doubt!) – plus, of course,
designer bath amenities, a curated pillow and linen menu, suite fragrance collection… It’s hard to imagine a more refined accommodation anywhere, land or sea!

How the Other Half Lives – in Luxury!

We can’t all book the Skyview Regent Suite. Luckily, it’s one of 12 categories of suites onboard Seven Seas Prestige, so there are plenty of options to be among the first to experience this hotly anticipated new addition to the world’s ultra-luxury fleet of cruise ships.

Regardless of suite category, all guests on the Seven Seas Prestige will enjoy Regent’s signature hospitality, including

unlimited shore excursions,
gourmet cuisine at 11 specialty and al fresco experiences — including the new Mediterranean mezze-style venue, Azure
unlimited fine wines and spirits served in multiple lounges and bars, including Galileo’s Bar in the ship’s dramatic Skylight Atrium
unlimited high-speed Starlink WiFi,
world-class entertainment,
valet laundry,
pre-paid gratuities, and the cruise line’s
personalized service from 630 crew members; a 1:1.3 ratio of crew-to-guest.

Inaugural Season

The Regent Seven Seas Prestige sails 13 voyages across the Caribbean and Europe, including 2 transatlantic crossings, for her inaugural season beginning in December 2026.

START YOUR TRIP!

Images courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Head for the Hills! Mexico's Coolest Mountain Towns This Summer

Wed, 03 Sep 25 18:16:48 +0000

Don’t fight the heat on holiday in Mexico this summer – escape it altogether! While Mexico’s coastal hotspots heat up for the summer, savvy travelers are moving up — literally — to uncover the breezy mountain escapes of the Pacific state of Nayarit.

Away from the beach crowds and humid shorelines, these mountainous Magical Towns ("Pueblo Magico"), plus one volcanic lagoon, offer fresh air, cool climates, and immersive cultural experiences that make for the perfect summer hideout.

With average temperatures in the comfortable low 70s, these highland havens offer a natural alternative to crowded beaches and sticky heat. Each town is rich with local culture, surrounded by impressive landscapes, and filled with welcoming residents eager to share their traditions, from hand-pressed tortillas and heritage crafts to sacred petroglyphs and ancient architecture.

Jala: The Original Magic in the Mountains

Perched at the foot of the mystical active volcano El Ceboruco, Jala (pictured above) was the first town in Nayarit to earn the “Pueblo Magico” title. Known for its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and enormous cliffs, Jala comes alive in the rainy season when the surrounding hills burst into lush shades of green. Visitors flock to hike the volcano’s slopes, wander historic neighborhoods, and sample traditional dishes like corn cookies, torrejas, and tostadas with pork leg.

The town’s deep connection to maize is everywhere. Not only does it produce some of the world’s largest corn cobs (some clocking in at 17 inches), but it also honors this legacy with the Elote Fair in August.

Spanish heritage lives on in landmarks like the Basilica, a pink-stoned former Convent featuring a Virgin Mary with indigenous features and attire, a rare blending of Catholic and native iconography. Beneath the convent, tunnels and crypts hold centuries of stories, from friars to plague victims. The nearby Museum of Sacred Art is the first of its kind in Nayarit.

Accommodations range from cozy hostels to sophisticated stays like Nukari Quinta Boutique, a lovingly restored 18th-century mansion offering gourmet dining, spa rituals, and panoramic rooftop views of the volcano. Nature lovers can also venture out to Salto de Jomulco or bike and camp along the volcanic valley.

Compostela: A Colonial City with Cool Forests and Hot Springs

Founded in 1530, Compostela (pictured above) is one of the oldest colonial towns in the region and an ideal summer retreat thanks to its blend of coastal breeze and mountainous cool. Spend a day exploring centuries-old landmarks like the Parish of Santiago Apóstol, soaking in natural hot springs, or sampling local chicken and fish dishes like “pollo al Ixtlan” and pescado zarandeado at the local market.

Nature lovers will find bliss in the nearby forested areas, perfect for camping and cycling. The Alta Vista archaeological site showcases mysterious petroglyphs.

Amatlan de Canas: A Hidden Jewel of Rivers, Spas, and Chocolate

Just a winding mountain road away lies one of Nayarit’s newest Magical Towns and a sanctuary for wellness seekers and adventure travelers. This quiet village (pictured also, top) is known for its rugged beauty, ancient temples, and artisanal chocolate workshops. Its crown jewel is El Manto, a natural spa with crystal-clear waterfalls enclosed by towering rock walls.

The area offers a rare blend of relaxation and excitement. Visitors can tour abandoned mining towns, embark on hiking and biking trails, or dip into one of many local hot springs. Traditional dishes like tomato-braised tongue and birria are comfort foods on cool nights, all accessible from nearby resorts.

Santa Maria del Oro: Where Stillness Meets the Sky

Centered around a mesmerizing lagoon nestled in the crater of an extinct volcano, this destination is where heat and hustle disappear, replaced by ever-changing hues of turquoise and cobalt across the water.

Boutique hotels blend into the volcanic landscape, while waterfront restaurants serve specialties like fish chicharron and marinated seafood platters. Activities on the lagoon include paddleboarding, kayaking, and slow boat rides to hidden alcoves. For thrill-seekers, Arcadia Park Adventure nearby offers zip-lining and rappelling among pines and waterfalls. But the real magic is in the silence, a rare and restorative gift in a busy world.

START YOUR TRIP!

Images courtesy of Visit Nayarit

VIDEO: Meet the Local Chef Bringing Greenland Fine Dining to Arctic Cruises

Wed, 03 Sep 25 18:16:38 +0000

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.

Quark Expeditions specializes in bucket list polar expedition cruising, and in the Arctic, it partners with Igapall, a Greenlandic collective of the next generation of Inuit chefs, to bring a fine-dining version of Arctic cuisine to guests onboard its expedition cruises.

I recently had the privilege of being invited with other media, to experience their ‘Tundra to Table’ dining program for the first time on land at the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto during an exhibit of Arctic art.

On the menu: a 5-course dinner made with Arctic ingredients and sensibilities… that would easily have held its own against any top-shelf, white napkin dining experience on any luxury cruise ship – or any city – in the world.

Prior to the dinner, I was able to meet with Chef Miki Siegstad, one of the founders of Igapall, and one of the collective’s chefs who designed and prepared the Tundra to Table dinner for us that evening.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE to meet Miki, hear his and Igapall’s inspiration, vision and philosophy of cuisine… as well as his introduction to each of the courses in our extraordinary Arctic gastronomic adventure: from a delicate, unexpectedly colorful seafood soup, to spoon-tender reindeer served with leeks and chanterelles, an exquisitely scented Arctic char course, an unexpected, playful rabbit comfort food dish, and a dessert inspired by Christmas family gatherings!

Plus, later in the video, I talk with Quark’s head of sustainability as she explains how the cruise line’s collaboration with Igapall and the Tundra to Table program contributes to Quark’s goals to benefit Arctic communities as they provide their guests once-in-a-lifetime Arctic memories.

As for our land-based Tundra-to-Table dinner, it could have been a tough crowd: a group of jaded, worldly foodie and travel media types who are hard to impress. Many of us have traveled to Greenland or the Canadian Arctic and have already tasted things like raw seal meat, almost a staple of Arctic expedition experiences. But they had us all onboard – and awed - with the very first bite!

START YOUR ARCTIC TRIP!

By: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist and expert

Orient Express Launches New Golf Luxury Rail Itineraries in Italy

Wed, 03 Sep 25 18:16:10 +0000

La Dolce Vita, Orient Express’ luxury Italian rail experience, is a special partner of the 2025 Italian Open, and to coincide with the event, it’s launching new golf/rail itineraries in Italy, designed for golf enthusiasts – and luxury train lovers, of course!

Combine world-class golf courses with elegant travel aboard the Orient Express, the first Italian-made luxury train. La Dolce Vita debuted in the spring of 2025.

Its new golf itineraries were developed in collaboration with the Italian Golf Federation, launching in October, 2025, and highlighting Italy's premier golf experiences.

These Golf/ Rail Italian odysseys are selling out fast!

Ask us about the next available departures and pricing, and lock in your tee times and train journey!

La Dolce Vita Meets the Greens in 2 New Itineraries:

Northern Greens

Duration: 4 days, 3 nights

Golfing excellence meets the timeless elegance and charm of train travel.

For true connoisseurs, Northern Greens is an invitation to experience every swing in style, immersed in the beauty of Italy’s most prestigious courses—Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, host of the 2023 Ryder Cup, Franciacorta Golf Club, Royal Park I Roveri, and Antognolla Golf Club.

Italian Swing

Duration: 4 days, 3 nights

Designed for true golf lovers, this exclusive itinerary invites you to experience every swing in style, playing on Italy’s most iconic courses — Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, San Domenico Golf Club, The Club at Castiglion del Bosco, and Antognolla Golf Club — surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and exceptional atmospheres.

Both Itineraries Feature:

Luxury Golf Meets Rail Travel - La Dolce Vita Style
Unparalleled golf by day, where your train becomes a traveling salon, with every detail meticulously crafted to offer a bespoke experience, where time slows down and the journey becomes a work of art.
The train's interiors are a salute to the Italian design golden age and embody the spirit of mid-century glamour, an homage to La Dolce Vita and the cultural pulse of 1960s Italy.
Onboard, guests are treated to menus composed by chef Heinz Beck, inspired by the regions they traverse. The whole experience is distinguished by its high level of service, while stops at select destinations allow passengers to explore the unique cultural and historical aspects of each region. La Dolce Vita Orient Express invites travelers to rediscover Italy, slowly, elegantly and with remarkable attention to detail.
The golf itineraries feature curated masterclasses, exclusive events, and refined accommodations.
Professional Golfer:
You’re accompanied by a renowned professional golfer throughout the journey, who will offer bespoke technical sessions and casual guidance.
An Unforgettable Journey for Non-Golfing Partners, too:
Each stop will feature curated experiences catering to non-golfers as well.

Image courtesy of Orient Express/ Accor

Terms & Conditions apply: ask us for full itinerary, date, and pricing details.

Special Airfares for Travelers to Explore More in Japan - and Why You'll Want To

Wed, 03 Sep 25 18:15:59 +0000

There’s more than sushi and Mount Fuji in Japan! Travel to the poetically-nicknamed Land of the Rising Sun has never been more popular, but too many visitors never get beyond the country’s big three destinations of Tokyo, Osaka and ancient Kyoto.

Of course, you’ll want to savor the skyscrapers, cutting-edge technology, anime, gaming, neon nightlife and street foods of Tokyo and Osaka, Japan’s two biggest cities. Not to mention the ancient temples, tea ceremonies and cultural heart of Japan in Kyoto.

Japan was isolated from the rest of Asia and the world for so long it developed a truly one-of-a-kind culture – one that modernized in the 20th century in an equally unique way. From urban to rural, seaside to mountain top, tropical to almost Nordic, all of the 47 prefectures or states of the nearly 2000-mile long archipelago on the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’ have breathtaking sights, flavors, products, crafts and authentic traditional and modern lifestyle experiences you’ll never have anywhere else, and you’ll never forget.

The Japan National Tourism Organization, along with Japan’s two major international airlines, want to help visitors immerse themselves more in this fascinating country. Recently, ANA and JAL airlines have been offering special fare programs for international visitors with inbound flights to Japan to book domestic flights inside Japan to explore. Your travel advisor can help you plan your ideal Japanese adventure.

Here’s a list of Japan’s 43 other states, and a sampling of what extraordinary experiences they hold for the traveler willing to get out of the big three destinations:

Hokkaido – Japan’s largest and northern-most prefecture and outdoor playground with legendary powder snow in winter, milky-blue volcanic mineral waters of Shirogane Blue Pond, and famous snow monkeys.
Aomori – Northern apple country with a festival with giant illuminated floats, an Edo-era castle, and artisanal lacquerware.
Iwate – Rugged coastal park, limestone formations, hearty mountain noodles, cast-iron kettles, and thousands of drummers dancing through a summer festival.
Miyagi – A coastal prefecture of scenic pine islets, oysters, a vivid emerald volcanic lake with alpine ridges, and an edamame Zunda shake.
Akita – Forest hot springs with thatched-roof inns, fierce festival carved faces, fine sake, char-grilled rice logs, and faithful Akita dogs.
Yamagata – An ancient hot spring town with gas lamps and riverside inns, cherry orchards, treats and wine, lacquer chopsticks and quiet mountain temples.
Fukushima – Samurai heritage and culture, thatched post towns, ‘five-colored’ volcanic ponds, and resilient rural hospitality.
Ibaraki – Garden vistas, a seaside park and coastal breezes, a bronze Buddha that’s one of the world’s largest statues, fermented soybeans and plum liqueur.
Tochigi – Shrines in ancient cedar forests and cedar crafts, river and canyon-side hot spring resorts, UNESCO shrine, dramatic falls, and gyoza dumplings that draw crowds.
Gunma – Mountain onsen country where steaming streets meet alpine trails with open-air baths amid forests and snow, cool-climate sake, miso-glazed buns and wish-granting figurines.
Saitama – Edo-style warehouses, river canyons, a world-class rail museum, bold retro silk textiles, craft brew and char-grilled eel.
Chiba – Temple town heritage, long surfing beaches, peanut snacks, and Narita airport gateway convenience.
Kanagawa – Bayside modernity of port city Yokohama meets temple towns and volcanic hot springs and lakes wth Mount Fuji views and steamed dumplings.
Niigata – Snowy rice heartland with sake breweries and windswept coasts, gold mining heritage, and charcoal-grilled rice crackers in endless flavors.
Toyama – A deep bay for sushi-grade seafood backed by dramatic peaks, open-air trolleys through sheer canyon gorges, sleek glassware, and firefly squid glowing in the bay.
Ishikawa – Gold-leaf arts and crafts, samurai streets, and gardens in slow-paced Kanazawa, a firm sand beach you can drive on.
Fukui – Sea cliffs, temples, Japan’s beloved dinosaur museum, hand-forged blades from a storied smithing town, and sweet winter crab prized throughout the country.
Yamanashi – Classic views of Mount Fuji, thick noodles in pumpkin-miso broth, Japan’s signature white wine from native grapes, gems and jewelry.
Nagano – Japan’s black alpine moated castle, soba noodle culture, famous lacquerware, snow-monkey steam baths, and a royal mountain retreat town.
Gifu – Timber towns, mountain rivers, night cormorant fishing, thatched UNESCO hamlets, washi paper umbrellas, and marbled local wagyu beef grilled or as sushi.
Shizuoka – Green-tea terraces and tastings and sweets, hills rolling toward pine sea views of Fuji’s southern slopes.
Aichi – Industrial innovation meets Nagoya castle and comfort foods like pork cutlet in rich miso sauce, warm local sake in the pub, famous ceramics and quiet beaches.
Mie – Sacred shrines, pearl divers and jewelry, and soulful coastal cuisine like noodles in inky sauce.
Shiga – Lake country where castle towns ring Japan’s largest freshwater mirror, fermented sushi, historic canal rides, and Japanese beef jerky.
Hyogo – Port bustle, white-castle pride, carbonated hot-spring legend and world-famous, melt-in-your-mouth Kobe beef.
Nara – Ancient capital with a cherry-blossom-covered mountainsides, colossal bronze Buddha, herds of tiny deer, deer sweets and souvenirs, and persimmon-leaf-wrapped sushi.
Wakayama – Pilgrim paths and retreats, citrus groves, pickled plums, plum liqueur, and ocean-carved shrines.
Tottori – Wind-shaped dunes on the Sea of Japan, sand sculpture museum, pear sparkling cider, cakes and gummies, forest hiking, superb snow crab.
Shimane – Mythic shrines, silver mines, and quiet castle towns, basalt cliffs and sea pillars, washi paper making, and mini sacred ropes.
Okayama – Top-ranked garden with teahouses, unglazed, flame-marked ceramics, Momotaro folklore and sweets, peach liqueur, rural cycling and canal walks.
Hiroshima – Atomic bomb UNESCO peace park, ‘floating’ vermilion island shrines, maple leaf-shaped cakes with bean filling, and savory okonomiyaki pancakes.
Yamaguchi – White-walled samurai residences, pottery kilns, pufferfish cuisine, and photogenic, five-arch wooden bridge and Japan’s largest limestone cave.
Tokushima – August dance festival, citrus zest, one of the world’s strongest whirlpools, and indigo-blue textiles.
Kagawa – Famous udon noodles you can make yourself, olive groves and products.
Ehime – Hilltop castle with sea-to-mountain views, oranges, fried fish cakes, and Japan’s oldest hot springs.
Kochi – Ocean-going history, yuzu citrus orchards and cuisine, bonito fish tataki, and a famously clear river for paddling.
Fukuoka – Lively yatai open-air food stalls, sake, sochu and ramen noodles, beaches, hand-painted clay dolls, and a gateway to Korea and China
Saga – Quiet fields hiding historic and world-class porcelain kilns where you can paint your own, ancient moats, buttery wagyu beef and award-winning breweries.
Nagasaki – Cosmopolitan port with historic foreign merchant enclave, island churches, and cuisine with early international influences.
Kumamoto – One of the world’s largest volcanic calderas, a stone castle and rustic forest baths, a lovable bear mascot and horse sashimi.
Oita – Eight hot spring areas with colorful ‘hells,’ sand-bath beach scenes, bath salt souvenirs, tempura chicken with local citrus splash.
Miyazaki – Laid-back surf vibe, mythic gorges, and phoenix-themed myths and souvenirs, sweet potato shochu.
Kagoshima – Volcano views, ancient cedar forests, island hopping adventures, black pork, orange-glowing pottery and carved black ceramics.
Okinawa – Subtropical beaches and coral reefs, a proud indigenous identity, drumming and dances, guardian lion-dogs, stir-fried bitter melon with tofu and pork.

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Images: Getty

Record-Breaking Art Installation Celebrates One of Jamaica's National Symbols

Wed, 03 Sep 25 18:15:41 +0000

A 46-foot hummingbird sculpture has taken flight in Montego Bay, Jamaica. It’s the world’s largest – and celebrates the Caribbean country’s one-of-a-kind national bird, the streamer-tail hummingbird, found only in Jamaica.

While hummingbirds are found in many countries in North and South America, the streamer-tail, which is also affectionately known as the Doctor Bird for the resemblance of its long tail to the coattails of a 19th-century doctor’s frock coat, is found only in Jamaica.

In local folklore, the Doctor Bird was considered magical, with the power to deliver messages between the human and the spirit world. With shimmering colors that reflect the vibrancy of the country, the streamer-tail hummingbird is a source of national pride.

“This bird is a symbol of flight and resilience,” says hotelier Christopher Issa, who commissioned the work for his award-winning S Hotel Montego Bay. “Like Jamaica, it’s small but powerful. We wanted something super special — a landmark that inspires locals, intrigues visitors, and celebrates what’s unique to this island.”

Acclaimed Jamaican sculptor Scheed Cole brought the vision of a supersized streamer-tail hummingbird flying off the facade of the hotel to life. Built in eight massive sections and large enough to hold ten people inside, the sculpture is constructed of fibreglass, foam and sheet metal. The project pushed creative and engineering boundaries in Jamaica, built in eight massive sections entirely outdoors over three months.

Cole also created the dynamic welcome sign at Sangster International Airport and saw the project as a personal mission. “Every major work I do is to prove what’s possible here in Jamaica, and this sculpture shows we can create world-class public art right at home.”

The sculpture is already drawing visitors, photographers and locals alike. The gleaming installation captures the Doctor Bird mid-flight with outstretched wings, iridescent plumage, and a hypnotic ribbon-like tail, and is visible from far along the coastline.

There's Mo' to Mo' Bay

The giant hummingbird is more than an art installation. It’s a bold symbol of Jamaican pride and a symbol of the cultural revival of Mo’ Bay’s ‘Hip Strip.’

Gloucester Avenue, now renamed Jimmy Cliff Boulevard, runs parallel to the shoreline and is a famous destination for visitors with its shops, bars, restaurants and beach access close to the city’s resort area. Jimmy Cliff was Jamaica’s legendary reggae singer, songwriter, and actor, best known internationally for hits like "Many Rivers to Cross" and his starring role in the classic Jamaican film The Harder They Come. The 2019 re-designation of the street in honor of Jimmy Cliff was itself a move to re-imagine the area and the city.

The record-breaking Doctor Bird installation is part of S Hotel’s commitment to a broader cultural revival of Montego Bay and Jimmy Cliff Boulevard. It has also inaugurated the S Hotel Art Walk, a vibrant mural series celebrating Jamaican music legends, and has themed hotel floors honoring icons like Bob Marley, Usain Bolt and Louise Bennett.

If it’s been a while – or never, since you’ve visited Montego Bay, now’s the ideal time to plan your own ‘flight’ to join the Doctor Bird in discovering this seaside Jamaican city as it reinvents itself.

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Images courtesy of S Hotel Montego Bay

Top image: The sculptor putting the finishing touches on his work.