by Ana
  • Few European ports offer a more rewarding introduction than Lisbon. Before boarding Azamara Onward for a 14-day trans-Atlantic crossing, the city revealed itself in full autumn charm. We were welcomed by a cool November day, golden-hued hills, the tiled facades of buildings, and the silhouettes of ancient fortifications. I’d stayed downtown on previous …

  • Having lived 40 years in South Florida, surrounded by some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, I considered myself a connoisseur of coastal living. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that just 50 miles offshore, there was a little sliver of paradise in the Bahamas called Resorts World Bimini that made …

  • I’m strolling down Ninth Avenue in New York City, on my way to meet a Brilliant Lady.  I refer, of course, to Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady, the newest in the line’s four-ship fleet, which arrived in New York last week for its “MerMaiden” voyage to Bermuda. The 17-deck ship was welcomed to the …

  • The locals will tell you Portugal is nine months of heaven and three months of hell. But aboard Riviera Rose, gliding through the Douro Valley, I can only think: If this is hell, then pass the sunscreen and top up my vinho verde. With July temperatures hovering around 86 degrees F, the warm …

  • Onboard Royal Caribbean’s new Star of the Seas, guests can explore over 20 bars and lounges, offering a wide range of cocktails and mocktails in vibrant settings. Some are along the Royal Promenade, while others are poolside or located within high-energy music, comedy, and dance clubs. I spoke with Ed Eiswirth, Senior Director …

  • The voyage began in Reykjavík, Iceland, where guests boarded Atlas Ocean Voyages’ World Voyager. The crew assisted with embarkation, provided an orientation, and welcomed travelers onboard. At sea, the schedule included enrichment talks on Arctic geography, wildlife, and history, as well as time for deck observation. Meals offered a variety of options, including …

  • From the moment I stepped onto the gangplank, I could feel it: This wasn’t just a port facility — it was a portal into Istanbul’s story. With the Bosphorus shimmering at my side and the Galata Tower rising over the historic neighborhood of Karaköy just steps away, I felt as though I was …