Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Launches 2nd Ultra-Luxury Superyacht
The first and only luxury hotel company to take to the sea has welcomed Ilma, its second newbuild, ultra-luxury ‘superyacht’. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s latest small ship is host to fewer than 500 guests in its 224 ‘airy and intuitive’ suites, all with private terraces providing direct access to the sea. The Ilma also offers guests world-class dining curated by MICHELIN-starred restaurant chefs, a sweeping pool deck offering spectacular views at sea, new itineraries, bespoke amenities, among the highest guest-to-staff ratio,...
New Small-Ship Ultra-Luxury Cruise Line Launches 2nd Ship; Explora III and IV On the Way
During a spectacular naming ceremony in Civitavecchia – the port for Rome, Italy – Explora Journeys launched Explora II. The September, 2024 event marked the debut of the second of six ships by the lifestyle ocean travel brand of the MSC Group. Explora Journeys promises guests the opportunity to experience an “Ocean State of Mind,” connecting you with both the sea and the growing cruise line’s curated destinations. The traditional maritime ceremony featured the symbolic cutting of a ribbon to break...
VIDEO TOUR: Panorama Suite on Scenic Eclipse During an Antarctic Expedition Cruise
One of the most remarkable things about sailing aboard the Scenic Eclipse in the Antarctic is the contrast between the wild remoteness just outside… and feeling like you’re a guest at a chic boutique hotel in any stylish urban hot spot in the world. One minute, you’re in a zodiac heading towards a colony of penguins on an ice and snow-covered hill at the edge of an iceberg-filled sea… and the next minute, you’re sipping a bespoke cocktail made with ice fished...
Another Mystery of Egypt's Pyramids Revealed
The only surviving ancient Wonder of the world is still sharing new secrets – thousands of years after construction. No wonder experiencing Egypt’s pyramids is one of the bucket list trips of all time for so many travelers. The ancient Egyptian pyramids we can all picture are located on the Giza plateau in Cairo, which is home to three main pyramids that served as pharaohs’ tombs: the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops), the Pyramid of Khafre (Chephren), and the Pyramid of Menkaure....
For the 1st Time, New Show at Las Vegas’ Fountains of Bellagio Choreographed by Guest
It’s one of the most iconic and elegant landmarks of Sin City, and for the first time in its 25-year history, the iconic Fountains of Bellagio has a new show – it’s 40th – and one that’s been choreographed by a guest! Inspired by the villages of Europe, the Bellagio, which is operated by MGM Resorts International, overlooks a Mediterranean-blue, 8 ½-acre lake where guests flock daily at scheduled showtimes to gaze on the sight of fountains performing a magnificent aquatic...
Reservations Open as Windstar’s New Ship Set to Mark Cruise Line’s Return to Alaska
Windstar Cruises’ brand-new ship debuts in early 2026, and reservations have opened for Star Seeker’s inaugural season in Alaska, Japan and the Caribbean. The small ship cruise line last sailed in Japan and Alaska in 2023. Star Seeker is currently under construction in Europe and is scheduled to debut at the end of 2025 and join Windstar’s 6-ship fleet in January 2026. Star Seeker will sail in Alaska from May through August on 7-, 10-, and 11-day cruises between Juneau, or Seward,...
Hotels Showing Puppy Love on International Dog Day
Being a dog lover is a 24/7/365 thing, but the annual International Dog Day on August 26 gives everyone – including hotel companies – an opportunity to recognize the canine companions in our lives. More hotels than ever are pup-friendly, and for International Dog Day, a couple of hotel companies are creating tail-wagging fun and rolling out the red carpet for dogs and their owners on the move. Fairmont Hotels’ Paw-some Pampering Fairmont Hotels & Resorts are renowned for their pet-friendly policies....
This Overwater Pickleball Court is Causing a ‘Racket’
The pickleball craze continues! Not content to dominate community parks around North America, the sociable, ‘tennis light’ paddle sport is taking root in holiday destinations – not just on land resorts and hotels, but also at sea, and, in the latest twist, overwater! Pickleball on the Rivers of EuropeAmaWaterways made waves when it became the first river cruise line to introduce a full-sized pickleball court (pictured, below). That’s courtesy of the extraordinary (for river cruise ships) size of the AmaMagna, the...
New Experiences in Australia that Connect You to Indigenous Culture
A new selection of activities for visitors to Australia allows you to experience the country’s history and nature, with the added richness of Aboriginal culture. Australia’s Aboriginal people are the island continent's original inhabitants, with a history that dates back over 65,000 years. That makes them one of the world’s oldest continuous cultures. A revival of Australian indigenous cultural practices, oral traditions, spiritual beliefs and recognition of their deep and historic connection to the land means visitors to Australia can enrich...
Famous Hotel Chain Opens its First All-Inclusive Resort
Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort, has opened its doors to guests. The newest resort for Marriott Hotels is more proof of two growing travel trends: multi-generational family vacations and redefining the increasingly popular all-inclusive holiday. There are 600 Marriott Hotels around the world, and this marks the first all-inclusive in the namesake chain of hotels that’s part of the mega hospitality company Marriott Bonvoy. Citing research that says over half of parents are planning trips that include both grandparents and children, Marriott...