If you’ve followed the construction of new ships with as much fascination as we do, you’ll know that there’s a whole lot of steel to see for Star Seeker (check out the “finished” look of Star Seeker, which debuts in December 2025. Its sister ship, Star Explorer, launches a year later) and yet – there’s […]
Star Seeker Update: We’re Completing the Steel Work Read More »
If you had a chance to take a cruise without knowing exactly where you were heading, would you? Chris Prelog, president of Windstar Cruises, is betting that at least some of us are up for the challenge. In an entirely new twist for Windstar’s annual President’s Cruise, an eight day voyage departing on April 19,
Windstar Reveals Details of its First-Ever President’s Mystery Cruise Read More »
Today, active volcanoes are carefully monitored and eruptions can be predicted well in advance, allowing people in places like Iceland and Italy to live, for the most part, without fear. Travelers can also, as I did, enjoy both an inner journey, as they contemplate these lands and their histories, and the actual journey, as they visit and see them for themselves.
Dispatch from Iceland: Volcano Travel Read More »
For sure, Iceland is blessed with gorgeous natural beauty. Maintaining that palatial beauty is critical, and Iceland is seriously committed to environmental and sustainable plans and policies to keep those scenic wonders intact.
Iceland’s Absolutely Gorgeous. It Works Hard to Maintain It Read More »
For sure, Windstar’s announcement that it is acquiring two vessels – the 224-guest Star Seeker and Star Explorer, which debut respectively in December 2025 and 2026 – has generated a ton of excitement. We plan to keep you updated with new developments on a regular basis, so keep checking in. And don’t be shy. Please
I was at a writers’ retreat last month in New Orleans with some friends — travel journalists and editors — whom you might call extremely experienced when it comes to trip planning. One pal had booked a cruise on a large ship and was facing issues. She told us she doesn’t even want to go
Here’s Why Travel Advisors Might Just Be Your Best Friend Read More »
It’s a mild August evening at the historic Liotrivi estate in Monemvasia, Greece, and our group is transfixed by traditional Greek dancers twirling and winding through the patch of olive trees where we’ve just eaten dinner, a king’s feast of fresh olives, tomatoes, feta cheese, sausage, bread, tzatziki and wine. The trill of the bouzouki,
For Mother’s Day, Celebrate with a Family Trip Read More »
Like many of the islands in Greece’s Dodecanese, a group of 12 islands, Pátmos’ appeal lies in its whitewashed villages infused with lush, ancient olive groves roamed by goats, picturesque tavernas and a series of beautiful sun-drenched beaches. What’s different? This hideaway for famous celebrities and royalty is an intimate place, uncrowded and not yet discovered by larger cruise vessels.
Plan Your Port: Greece’s Pátmos Read More »
We all expected that Star Breeze’s cruise in February, as it began sailing year-round in French Polynesia, would be something special. The ship, replacing Wind Spirit as the line’s 12-month designate in the region, would begin its homeporting there with an 11-night trip around the Society and Tuamotu Islands, featuring some of Earth’s most beautiful
In Tahiti, a Magical Mystery Cruise on Star Breeze Read More »
In a festive celebration tinged with just a hint of sentimentality, Captain Belinda Bennett, who has served at the helm of Wind Spirit throughout its most recent year-round series of seasons in French Polynesia (the ship has served the region for ten years), handed over the ceremonial French Polynesian flag to Star Breeze Captain Terry
In Tahiti, Windstar’s Wind Spirit Hands Over the Year-Round Reins to Star Breeze Read More »
This mantra came across my Facebook feed, on one of the last days of 2023, and it caught my attention. I don’t necessarily agree that all travel goals need to be focused on absolutely new destinations because there’s a lot to be said for re-engaging with places you’ve already seen, whether it’s in a new
We Ask, You Answer: What Are Your Travel Goals in 2024? Read More »
Iceland is one of my favorite places in the world, and over the past 30 years I have cruised, explored on land, and combined cruises with land tours. Every time I’ve visited I’ve discovered new surprises, from fabulous cosmopolitan bookshops to Michelin-starred restaurants, and from spectacular sea-snow-mountain vistas to lava rock canyons that you travel
Our Travel Guide: A Cruise Around Iceland Read More »
Once a center for ancient Greek religious life, the Sacred Rock of the Acropolis is now one of Athens’ most famous historical sites. From celebrating festivals of the gods of old to housing royalty throughout the ages, the Acropolis has remained standing proudly above the city. Even more exciting, you can see it in person.
The History of the Acropolis Read More »
If you visit Istanbul, you’ll find it hard to miss the extraordinary mosques of the Ottoman Empire, the most famous of which is the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, better known as the Blue Mosque. Built when the Ottoman empire was at its peak, the Blue Mosque is an architectural masterpiece, from its multiple decorated minarets to its
What to Know About Visiting the Blue Mosque Read More »
Southeast Alaska is known for its unparalleled views, rustic local charm and unique national forests. According to the Forest Service, the Tongass National Forest is the largest in the United States and the largest intact temperate rainforest in the world. As you journey through some of the 17 million acres of the Tongass National Forest, you can enjoy the
15 Animals Found in the Tongass National Forest Read More »
Do you dream of touring the world? Sampling delicious food on the beach? Immersing yourself in diverse cultures? A world cruise is one of the best ways to experience the adventure of exploring on a global scale. Our comprehensive world cruise guide contains everything you need to know about booking your next voyage. In This
World Cruises: A Complete Guide Read More »
