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Two New Ships, Two Ways to Cruise: There Really is a Cruise Out There for Everyone

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Wed, 15 Apr 26 11:23:50 +0000

Two very different new ships—one an intimate, design-forward superyacht, the other a high-energy floating resort—are sending a strong message. Whether you’re a cruise lover or a cruise newbie, there’s a cruise style and ship that’s perfect for you.

The recent, back-to-back debut of Emerald Cruises’ newest intimate, modern yacht and Norwegian Cruise Line’s latest Caribbean mega-ship shows just how wide that spectrum has become—and why first-time cruisers, in particular, have never had more options to ‘dip your toes’ into cruising waters.

Emerald Kaia and the Rise of Yacht-Style Cruising

At one end, yacht-style cruising is booming! Fewer guests, more space, and a strong connection to the destination. The new Emerald Kaia is home to just 128 guests, a scale that feels closer to a private club than a cruise ship.

What that size delivers is not just intimacy, but a different rhythm of travel in the warm-water destinations she’s designed to sail. Days unfold at a slower, more immersive pace.

Whether you sail the Emerald Kaia on the Adriatic coast between Venice and Dubrovnik or island-hopping through the Seychelles, the ship’s design leans into that philosophy: expansive outdoor decks, seamless indoor-outdoor living, and suites filled with natural light.

The latest Emerald Cruises yacht includes a reimagined observation deck, larger suites, and more flexible interconnecting accommodations for groups. The onboard experience leans further into immersive, contemporary luxury: more varied dining venues, stronger indoor-outdoor flow, and a purpose-built wellness deck that integrates spa, fitness, and relaxation into a single, cohesive experience that opens onto the sea.

Relaxing at Sea: Dining and Design Re-imagined aboard Emerald Kaia

It’s easy yachting luxury rather than traditional cruising formality. Dining is designed to feel interactive and varied—an open kitchen concept that brings guests closer to the culinary process, relaxed Mediterranean-style poolside dining, and small-scale, highly curated private dining inspired by regional cuisines.

Wellness, too, is no longer a side offering but a central pillar. The dedicated wellness deck integrates spa treatments, salt therapy, cold plunges, and fitness spaces in a way that feels holistic.

Even the accommodations reflect changing travel habits. The introduction of interconnecting suites speaks to a growing segment of travelers who want to share experiences—families or groups of friends—without sacrificing privacy.

Norwegian Luna, A Ship That’s Its Own Destination

At the other end of the spectrum: a ship designed to deliver around-the-clock variety, energy, and choice on a much larger scale.

The new Norwegian Luna brings more than 3,500 guests together in a floating playground of options. But unlike older-generation mega-ships that could feel overwhelming, the modern approach is about letting guests shape their own experience—whether that means adrenaline, entertainment, or quiet escape.

With Norwegian Luna, what’s new isn’t just the hardware—it’s the way a large ship is organized around choice and personalization. The ship introduces next-level attractions like a hybrid rollercoaster-style waterslide, immersive game zones, and outdoor activity spaces designed for all ages, alongside more segmented experiences that let different travelers coexist without overlap.

There’s a clear evolution toward multi-generational travel, with purpose-built zones for families, teens, and adults—including elevated “ship-within-a-ship” suites in the Haven for those seeking privacy. Add in a broader range of dining and entertainment, and the innovation here is about flexibility: a large ship that doesn’t feel one-size-fits-all, but instead lets guests design their own version of the cruise experience.

The Ultimate Vehicle for Multi-generational Travel

For active travelers and families, the appeal is immediate. Attractions blur the line between cruise ship and theme park, while expansive outdoor spaces offer room to move and play.

Alongside the high-energy attractions are adult-only entertainment venues, private retreat areas, and a “ship-within-a-ship” suite complex that offers a more exclusive, insulated experience for those who want it.

Dining follows the same logic of abundance and choice, with a wide range of global cuisines and multiple venues that allow guests to curate their own culinary journey rather than follow a fixed schedule.

Beyond the Ship: The Rise of Curated Destinations

And then there’s the destination. The Norwegian Luna is focused on Caribbean itineraries out of Miami and New York, anchored by private island experiences—Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas and Harvest Caye in Belize, Norwegian’s private beach resort. Complete with beach clubs, waterparks, and curated shore amenities, these exclusive spaces are designed to extend the Luna’s lifestyle ashore.

The Big Takeaway: A Cruise Style for Every Traveler

So what ties these two very different ships together? Choice.

Options for experienced cruise travelers to try something new – and a way for new-to-cruise travelers to find the voyage that’s exactly right for you.

START YOUR TRIP!

Images: Emerald Cruises/ Scenic Group and Norwegian Cruise Line

Up To 40% Off Emerald, Scenic River Cruises During Their “Insider Sale” – Plus Solo Offer

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Wed, 15 Apr 26 11:23:38 +0000

Only until April 19, enjoy savings of up to 40% off select full-fare, Emerald, and Scenic European river cruises of 7 nights or longer – plus solo travelers can sail with no single supplement!

Available for a limited time, the Insider Sale spans select 2026 European sailings with Scenic’s Truly All-Inclusive journeys and Emerald’s contemporary luxury river experiences.

Eligible river cruise departures span both Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises & Tours, sailing April through August, as well as November 2026, covering some of Europe’s most iconic waterways, including the Rhine, Main, Danube, and Rhone.

By focusing on longer, more immersive journeys, the Insider Sale unlocks meaningful savings on itineraries that allow travelers to experience Europe at a deeper pace, with more time in destination and fewer transitions between cities.

REMIND YOUR TRAVEL ADVISOR TO USE THE PROMO CODE ‘INSIDER’ WHEN BOOKING YOUR CRUISE TO GET FULL SAVINGS!

Secure your space on some of the most in-demand itineraries during peak travel months.

Solo Travelers Save, Too!

In addition, the Insider Sale extends a dedicated offering for solo travelers. Guests traveling independently can enjoy No Single Supplement on select 7+ night sailings.

Featured Sailings for Emerald Cruises & Tours Include:

Jewels of the Rhine – 7 nights
Rhine Castles & Moselle River – 10 nights
Legendary Rhine & Moselle – 7 nights
Danube Explorer & Budapest – 9 nights
Danube Explorer – 7 nights
Sensations of Southern France – 7 nights

Featured Sailings for Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours Include:

Gems of the Danube – 7 nights
Jewels of Europe – 14 nights
Beautiful Bordeaux – 10 nights
Rhine Highlights – 7 nights
Danube in Depth – 9 nights
Spectacular South of France – 9 nights

Book early! Limited availability remains on these extended departures.

*** Images: Scenic Group

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

Windstar Cruises Offers All-Inclusive Upgrade on Worldwide Voyages

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Wed, 15 Apr 26 11:23:30 +0000

For a limited time only, get free Wi-Fi, gratuities, and beverages on global Windstar sailings through June 2027. Book by June 30, 2026, for this can’t-miss offer on a wide range of itineraries, from winter sailings in the Mediterranean to far-reaching journeys in Tahiti and Alaska.

Windstar Offer Details:

Get a value of more than USD 1,300 on a seven-day voyage for two guests with these complimentary inclusions:

Wi-Fi,
gratuities and
select unlimited cocktails, wine by the glass, and beer.

It’s a value of up to USD 1300 on a 7-day voyage for 2 guests.

Why Cruise the Windstar Way?

With yachts carrying just 148 to 342 guests, Windstar feels closer to a private yacht than a traditional cruise, with access to smaller ports, city centers, and hidden harbors that larger ships cannot reach.

That access translates into more time in port, more flexibility, and a more personalized connection to each destination. Guests might find themselves paddleboarding straight from the yacht’s Marina, joining a market visit with a local chef, or staying late in port with an evening ashore.

As the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation, Windstar also brings on board food and wine experiences that reflect the destinations guests are exploring. It is a style of travel built around going beyond the crowds, beyond the guidebook, and beyond the expected.

Where Does Windstar Sail?

With voyages spanning multiple continents and a range of travel styles, the All-Inclusive offer is designed to appeal to both first-time Windstar guests and returning travelers. The promotion applies across all regions in Windstar’s global portfolio within the travel window, with a small number of exclusions including select specialty sailings such as the Grand Prix, Eclipse, and Mystery cruises.

This offer includes regions and itineraries, including:

Europe and the Mediterranean (Year-Round): Windstar continues to expand its presence in Europe, including the debut of Star Explorer launching in December 2026. Alongside peak-season sailings, winter itineraries offer a quieter, more local perspective on iconic destinations. Voyages like Europe’s Winter Riviera (with extended stays in Nice, Florence, and Barcelona) and Southern Spain Winter Escapes (which pairs Andalusian culture with food-focused experiences) invite guests to experience the region without the crowds. Across the Mediterranean, Windstar combines headline destinations with smaller ports often missed on larger ships, creating a more enjoyable way to experience one of the world’s most traveled regions. Treasure Troves of Corsica & Sardinia weaves together vineyard-covered hillsides and secluded harbors, while Treasures of Southern Spain & Morocco pairs Spanish coastal cities with time in Tangier’s medina.
South Pacific: Year-round voyages in French Polynesia highlight Windstar’s long-standing presence in Tahiti and the broader region. With its small ships, guests can go deeper on voyages like Maori Storytellers & French Polynesian Treasures (which includes the Cook Islands and extended time in Raiatea and Bora Bora) and Far Flung French Polynesia & Marquesas Magic (which reaches the remote Marquesas).
Greece: Windstar’s Greek itineraries include well-known sites and smaller ports with a more local perspective, plus time in neighboring destinations. Postcards from Northern Greece highlights lesser-visited destinations across Greece and western Turkey, while Enchanting Greece & the Amalfi Coast combines Windstar-favorite stops (Monemvasia, Gythion) with Pompeii and Taormina in Italy.
Canary Islands: Windstar’s small ships bring a different perspective to the Canary Islands, with access to smaller ports and a more relaxed pace across the archipelago. On sailings like Colorful Canary Islands, guests have time to explore each island beyond the usual stops.
Alaska: Windstar’s small ships offer closer access to glaciers, wildlife, and remote wilderness areas. Itineraries like Scenic Alaska and Alaskan Splendors bring guests face-to-face with dramatic landscapes, from glacier-carved fjords to coastal forests, with opportunities to experience local seafood and regional traditions along the way.

ASK US TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR NEXT WINDSTAR CRUISE

AND ENJOY THESE LIMITED-TIME INCLUSIONS!

More About Windstar Cruises:        

For four decades, Windstar Cruises has been reimagining small-ship cruising. From its origins with motor sailing yachts, Windstar has grown into a diverse fleet of four Star Class all-suite yachts—including its newest addition of Star Seeker in December 2025—and three Wind Class sailing yachts, offering voyages that are both intimate and inspiring. Its highly anticipated yacht, Star Explorer, is set to debut in December 2026, expanding the fleet to eight yachts accommodating 150-350 guests. Windstar’s legendary Wind Class sailing yachts are also undergoing a meticulous two-phase redesign to be completed by 2027.

Windstar yachts sail to more than 330 ports across Europe, the Caribbean, Costa Rica and the Panama Canal, Alaska, Canada and New England, Japan, the South Pacific, and Asia. Unlike most cruise lines, Windstar sails year-round in the Mediterranean and Tahiti, offering different destination experiences seasonally. Each Windstar voyage is designed to immerse guests in authentic cultural experiences, all while delivering the comfort, service, and style that define the Windstar difference. 

Windstar Cruises is proud to be part of the Xanterra Travel Collection, a distinguished group of global hospitality and travel companies with a legacy spanning over a hundred years. Xanterra operates iconic national parks, including Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Glacier, and Death Valley. The Xanterra Travel Collection is owned by The Anschutz Corporation, the ultimate owner of the Broadmoor, Sea Island, and entertainment giant AEG, Anschutz Entertainment Group. 

*** Images courtesy of Windstar

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

River to Ocean Onboard a Single Ship: Windstar’s New Way to Cruise

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Wed, 15 Apr 26 11:23:24 +0000

If you love river cruising and you love ocean cruising… then there’s a new cruise style on the horizon for you. Beginning December 2026, Windstar’s newest ship, Star Explorer, will offer new river-to-ocean cruises combining the best of both experiences.

No changing ships. Your floating boutique hotel seamlessly transitions from a river cruise to an ocean voyage, and your trip continues from an intimate river experience into equally compelling coastlines.

Purpose-built for river-to-ocean travel, the 224-guest, all-suite yacht can navigate waterways that are too small for larger ocean ships and reach coastal destinations that traditional river vessels can’t access.

Even if you’ve already sailed aboard the world’s iconic rivers, this new way of cruising offers the next frontier. Think cultural connections, the opportunity to immerse yourself in less-traveled ports, and authentic maritime exploration.

Where Does Star Explorer Sail on Her River-to-Ocean Voyages?

Star Explorer’s 2027 itineraries showcase exactly what makes this concept so appealing: sailings that bring guests into city centers by river, then continue on to coastlines, islands, and unexpected ports beyond.

Impressionist France (10 nights) – Ideal for Seine veterans ready to go further, this trip from Bordeaux to London / HMS Belfast pairs the Seine and the Thames with overnights in Bordeaux, St. Malo, and Paris/Rouen, plus access to the D-Day beaches.
Connoisseur’s Delight: Northern Spain & Portugal (8 nights) – Perfect for travelers who have sailed the Rhône and are ready to expand their wine-focused journeys, this voyage extends from France into Spain and Portugal, pairing Bordeaux’s Garonne and Gironde rivers with culinary discoveries along the Spanish coast and time in Portugal’s Douro region.
Moroccan Markets & Iberian Icons (8 nights) –Journey into Seville via the Guadalquivir, continuing on to a broader mix of Iberian and Moroccan destinations.
Ireland Circumnavigation (10 nights) – Craving wild and dramatic landscapes? This sailing includes a call at Cork City Quay on the River Lee, then continues along Ireland’s rugged coastline of cliffs and castles.

Other River-Meets-Ocean Inspired Windstar Cruises

Beyond Star Explorer, Windstar offers travelers more ways to experience small-ship cruising across Europe and beyond.
French Feast: Normandy, Brittany & Aquitaine – A natural extension for Seine cruisers, this culinary-focused itinerary blends Bordeaux and Rouen/Paris with nearby coastal regions.
British Isles Medley This sailing from Paris/Rouen to Leith includes small-ship-only ports like Swansea and Fort William.
Quick Getaways: St. Malo Getaway A natural add-on for Thames and Seine cruisers, this round-trip from London / HMS Belfast includes visits to St. Malo and Brittany.
Quick Getaways: Belgium: A Sweet Getaway River cruisers seeking a shorter escape will love this 3-day trip that combines London and Antwerp via the Scheldt, offering Belgian charm, historic streets, and culinary pleasures.
Ancient Wonders of Vietnam & Angkor Wat Ideal for Mekong cruisers interested in a new Southeast Asia option, this journey sails through Halong Bay and along the Saigon River into Ho Chi Minh City, then continues to Bangkok via the Chao Phraya River, with inland stops like Angkor Wat and Phnom Penh.

Growing Windstar Fleet

Star Explorer will be the 8^th yacht-sized ship in the Windstar fleet. Over four decades, Windstar has grown into a diverse fleet of four Star Class all-suite vessels and three Wind Class sailing yachts, accommodating 150-350 guests. In addition to the arrival of Star Explorer, Windstar’s legendary Wind Class sailing yachts are also undergoing a two-phase redesign to be completed by 2027.

START YOUR TRIP!

Image courtesy of Windstar Cruises

Save Up To 30% and More for Holland America Line’s Anniversary Sale

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Wed, 15 Apr 26 11:23:19 +0000

For 153 years, Holland America Line has been inviting guests to join this storied cruise line on the seas. Only for April, it’s saying ‘thank you’ with a month-long Anniversary Sale featuring discounts, onboard credits, reduced deposits, and free fares for kids.

Holland America Line’s Anniversary Sale Details

Get:

Up to 30% off cruise-only fares
onboard credits up to USD 400 per stateroom,
50% reduced deposits, and
free third and fourth kids when traveling in the same stateroom—making it the perfect time to book a cruise vacation.
Book by: April 30, 2026
Travel: departures from April 2026 through Spring 2027
Cruise durations: 4 to 69-day cruises

Sailings across all Holland America Line regions are part of the offer:

Alaska cruises and Cruisetours,
Caribbean,
Canada/New England,
Northern Europe,
Mediterranean,
Australia/New Zealand,
South America/Antarctica,
the Pacific Coast,
Hawaii,
Tahiti,
Panama Canal,
Mexico and Asia.

Collectors’ Voyages, which combine two back-to-back, non-repeating itineraries, are also included in the sale.

Anniversary Sale Combines with ‘Have It All’ Premium Fare

The Anniversary Sale is combinable with Holland America Line’s popular “Have it All” premium fare. When booking with Have It All, in addition to the Anniversary Sale fare discounts, onboard credit, free third and fourth kids, and reduced deposits, guests also receive four high-value amenities: shore excursions, a Signature Beverage Package, specialty dining, and a Wi-Fi Surf Package.

Spend Your Onboard Credit Good on Dining, Shore Excursions, and More

When you get up to $400 per stateroom onboard credit (depending on stateroom category and length of cruise) during HAL’s Anniversary Sale, you can use it for a variety of amenities, including specialty dining, spa services, shore excursions, gift shop purchases, beverages, photography, and more.

3rd or 4th Guests – Kids Sail Free on Select Cruises

Whether it’s exploring the glaciers of Alaska or soaking up the sun in the Caribbean on a multigenerational family cruise, third and fourth guests ages 18 and under can cruise for free on select departures when traveling in the same stateroom. This makes a family getaway even more affordable.

ASK US HOW TO TAKE MAXIMUM ADVANTAGE OF THIS SALE!

Hundreds of cruises and Alaska Cruisetours on all ships are included in the Anniversary Sale. Example departures and per person, double occupancy starting fares:

7-day Alaska Explorer on Noordam, May 3, 2026, starting at $103 per person per day.
7-day Canada & New England: UNESCO Sites & Quebecois Nights on Zuiderdam, May 2, 2026, starting at $79 per person per day.
9-day Southern Caribbean on Nieuw Amsterdam, Oct. 30, 2026, starting at $89 per person per day.
10-day Signature Denali Alaska Cruisetour on Nieuw Amsterdam, May 31, 2026, starting at $100 per person per day.
7-Day Eastern Caribbean Holiday: San Juan & St. Thomas on Eurodam, December 19, 2026, starting at $143 per person per day.
35-day Voyage of the Vikings: Solar Eclipse on Zuiderdam, July 18, 2026, starting at $240 per person per day.

Taxes and fees are included in the fare. The Anniversary Sale is not valid on cruises of three days or less or Grand Voyages.

More About Holland America Line

Holland America Line has been exploring the world for more than 150 years with expertly crafted itineraries, extraordinary service, and genuine connections to the destinations. Offering a perfectly-sized ship experience, its fleet of 11 vessels visits nearly 400 ports in 114 countries around the world and has shared the thrill of Alaska for more than 75 years — longer than any other cruise line. Savor the Journey isn’t just their tagline; it’s a reinforcement that the cruise line provides experiences too good to hurry through, connecting travelers to the world and each other. Award-winning enrichment programming, entertainment, and cuisine that brings each locale on board, including a revolutionary Global Fresh Fish Program, put Holland America Line at the forefront of premium cruising. Holland America Line is part of Carnival Corporation, the world’s largest cruise company.

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

*** Image courtesy of Holland America Line

The April Fools of Cruise Travel Destinations

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Sun, 29 Mar 26 19:58:53 +0000

Cruise travel is easier than ever. But it seems world geography is not! Some destinations remain stubbornly — and even hilariously — confused by travelers, media, and even governments. The result is a mix of comedy, branding opportunity, and unsuspecting travelers finding themselves in the wrong place.

In some cases, people simply don’t know the difference, and it’s a case of mistaken identity and some embarrassing social media posts. Others are tiny spelling errors that have landed travelers on the opposite side of the world from where they expected to be. There are port cities, cruise countries, and even regions that regularly get confused.

Admit it: even an intelligent and savvy cruise traveler like you gets some of these destinations mixed up!

So what better time than April Fools to run through the hit parade of trickster cruise travel destinations?

Australia or Austria?

Australia and Austria are as different as two countries can be. And in different hemispheres!

Australia is a young, vast, sun-drenched country defined by distance—beaches, reef systems, and cities like Sydney that feel plugged into the Pacific. It’s long-haul, laid-back, and larger-than-life surrounded by a vast coastline that's some of the best cruising in the world, from expeditions to the Kimberly to sophisticated Sydney.

Old World Austria is compact, landlocked, and classically European—Alpine peaks, imperial history, and cultural heavyweights like Vienna and Salzburg. Its cruising action is focused on the Danube River that flows through the country.

Yet their confusion is so persistent that Austria’s tourism board leaned into it with the now-famous line: “No Kangaroos in Austria!”

Sweden or Switzerland?

This is possibly the most politely awkward confusion in global travel.

So common, in fact, that Visit Sweden launched an entire campaign to address it—complete with a straight-faced “negotiation” video proposing a formal division of national identities.

The messaging is brilliantly deadpan:

Switzerland has banks; Sweden has sandbanks

Switzerland has yodelling; Sweden has a silent nature

The Swiss keep the watches; the Swedes offer the luxury of forgetting about time

It’s funny because it’s true. The confusion shows up in headlines, speeches, and travel plans more often than any half-experienced traveler would like to admit. A cruise to Nordic Sweden is MUCH different from a Rhine River cruise embarking or disembarking from Basel, Switzerland!

Grenada or Granada?

“Tomayto”, “Tomahto.” Grenayda, Granahda. Two destinations thousands of miles apart, and cultural worlds apart.

Grenada is a Caribbean island nation where there’s nutmeg in the air, rainforest spilling into the sea, and long, languid afternoons on Grand Anse. It’s called the “Spice Island” for a reason.

Granada, on the other hand, is a city in Spain: Moorish palaces, tapas culture, and the architectural marvel of the Alhambra rising above the city like a mirage.

One is barefoot, the other is baroque.

Dominica or Dominican Republic?

This is less a mix-up and more a recurring travel identity crisis. They’re both countries, and both in the Caribbean. But that’s where the similarity ends.

Dominica (dom-in-EE-ka) is volcanic, rainforest-thick, and defiantly underdeveloped. You go here to hike, to soak in hot springs, to earn your cocktail off the beaten track. You have to work a little harder to vacation in Dominica. You won’t find direct flights from North America. Instead, you connect on Island Hopper Airlines through regional hubs like Barbados, San Juan, and St. Lucia.

The Dominican Republic is a hub. It’s one of the Caribbean’s largest countries and most popular beach resort destinations —built for sun-seeking travelers, with resort areas like Puerto Plata and Punta Cana, and a rich colonial history in Santo Domingo. All-inclusive resorts line the country’s beaches, and airlines and packaged tour operators serve the country well.

Slovakia or Slovenia?

Here’s a quick test: can you place these two Central European countries on a map?

Slovakia and Slovenia don’t just sound similar—they both fly under the radar of popular European travel destinations, so they’ve gotten used to handling the non-stop cases of mistaken identity.

Embassies have long reported receiving each other’s diplomatic pouches. Invitations to official events have arrived in the wrong capital. Trade documents, cultural exchanges, even the occasional VIP correspondence—misaddressed, misrouted, and then, very politely, forwarded along. The postal services of the two countries meet regularly to exchange misaddressed mail!

Meanwhile, the destinations themselves couldn’t be more distinct. Slovakia leans into its Danube River culture, castles, and Carpathian drama; Slovenia into alpine lakes and storybook perfection—hello, Lake Bled.

Baltics or Balkans?

This one is a classic travel-writer slip—and a reminder that “similar-sounding” regions are not all created equal.

The Baltics are the three countries on northeastern Europe’s Baltic Sea coast: Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. They share a common history shaped by Northern and Eastern Europe and are today known for compact capitals, medieval old towns, and a blend of Nordic and Eastern European influences. Cool, composed, and increasingly design-forward. Think Tallinn’s medieval perfection, Riga’s Art Nouveau swagger.

The Balkans refer to a broader region in southeastern Europe that includes countries such as Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia. The region is culturally diverse, shaped by Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian histories, and ranges from Adriatic coastlines to inland mountains. Sunshine and history weave through a tangle of cultures that stretch across southeastern Europe, from Adriatic coastlines to inland capitals shaped by empires.

Same opening syllable. Entirely different narratives.

The Moral of the Story

It always happens to someone else you can laugh at - until it’s you landing in the wrong country. Even the most seasoned travelers can be tripped up by a familiar-sounding place and a hastily confirmed booking.

Work with an expert travel advisor, and always double-check your travel documents.

Happy April Fool’s Day… and

START YOUR TRIP (TO THE RIGHT DESTINATION!)

By: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise travel journalist and expert

Images: Getty

Discovering the Future of Wellness Travel in Sweden

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Sun, 29 Mar 26 19:45:24 +0000

Recently in Sweden, I experienced ancient wellness practices intertwined with new science and artistic sensibilities. In many ways, Sweden wrote the book on wellness as a way of life and a travel destination. And my stays at two sister hotels in Stockholm proved the country is in the vanguard of redefining wellness travel again.

In case you missed it, in 2025, Sweden became the first country where doctors can prescribe travel for wellness. The global leader in quality of life, renowned for its thousands-year-old sauna culture, is an inspiration for wellness lifestyle – and a beacon for wellness travelers… and now this:

The “Swedish Prescription”

In a wellness ‘first,’ Sweden has become the first country where patients can download a medical referral form to take to their physician for wellness travel to the country!

The Swedish Prescription isn’t a marketing gimmick. The program is rooted in deeply-held Swedish beliefs and practices, like

‘fika:’ social rituals of connecting with loved ones;
‘lagom,’ or achieving balance, moderation, and sustainability in your way of life;
love of getting outdoors, no matter what the weather, and of course,
sauna and thermal hot/cold practices,

all of which combine to create meaningful and scientifically supported health benefits.

Hagastrand and Hotel J: Beyond the Spa Hotel

All that said, why would anyone go to Sweden in the winter, far enough north that the sun rises after 8 am and sets mid-afternoon?

I went to spend a week immersed in the wellness experiences at 2 of Stockholm's Nobis Hospitality Group hotels: Hagastrand and Hotel J.

The company has set a new gold standard for wellness travel, following a three-year renovation program, masterminded by Alla Sokolova, its Head of Wellness.

“I think every human being has an innate wish to be in their best form,” she explained to me. Her vision for the wellness program at the hotels is for a stay there to be part of a “never-ending learning journey” to help create winning conditions for guests to achieve their maximum performance, their best selves.

HAGASTRAND SPA AND HOTEL

When it re-opened in Fall, 2025 as part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, Hagastrand Spa and Hotel was already billing itself as a “new social wellness destination” in Sweden’s capital. A post-modern building attached to a historic military barracks in the quiet, seaside location of Stockholm’s Royal Park, Hagastrand re-launched with a 27,000 square foot, cutting-edge wellness center with some practices that are the first of their kind.

If you’re imagining a clinical, white-jacketed, James Bond-style European health retreat, think again. Instead, Hagastrand offers warmth, along with a masterful and welcoming blend of ancient practices and advanced therapies, including modern technologies that deliver wellness experiences to guests in one-of-a-kind ways, all under one roof.

There’s also a focus on music, “a universal language” that “everyone can relate to,” Alla adds.

“Tuning our bodies and our minds,” as she puts it.

Hagastrand’s facilities incorporate both traditional Nordic and international wellness practices, as well as sensory design and the newer concept of ‘biohacking.’

Along with treatment rooms and private suites you expect to find in a spa or wellness center, Hagastrand’s includes:

Underwater therapeutic music in its 18-meter indoor pool;
A Thermal center, with multiple saunas, including herbal and hammam, and also:
- Sweden’s first "Event Sauna," one of the few in the world, for up to 60 guests. As an ‘event,’ one of Hagastrand’s trained sauna masters invites guests in the wellness center to join them in a paced series of rituals where the sauna master employs herbs, music, infused ice, and spoken word to lead guests through a wellness journey that changes every time.
- Scandinavia's largest snow room for cryotherapy
Experience showers, red light therapy, and neuro-acoustic massage loungers.
Gongs, handmade in Italy, including a giant (as tall as a person) gong at the end of the pool played by hand by sauna masters, and
- in the ‘Gongmatic’ room (pictured, top), a ‘self-playing’ gong – also the first in the Nordic countries – which plays in timed performances as guests lie on warm ceramic lounge beds. The audio art installation immerses guests in vibrations and invites them to embark on a meditative journey.
Cardi suit – like a giant diving dry suit with hands and feet, except that a therapist fills this suit with carbon dioxide. The therapy increases blood flow to the cells, resulting in improved oxygen delivery, performance, and rest. Cardi suits are already used extensively by high-performance athletes, but are rarely available to the wellness-seeking public – including me!

The state-of-the-art wellness experiences flow harmoniously with the new versions of familiar practices and are woven seamlessly into a hotel stay that includes warmly Nordic accommodations, stylish bars, and a fine dining restaurant (no restricted, seaweed smoothie diet here unless you wish!) that even drew a member of the Swedish Royal Family while we were dining one evening.

HOTEL J

Sister property Hotel J draws inspiration from its location on the Stockholm archipelago in a Newport, Rhode Island-type neighborhood of illustrious and historic seaside homes.

The nautical and natural themes run deep, from stunning water views and terraces overlooking the sea, extensive gardens that are not just visual but also harvested for wellness herbs and botanicals, and, of course, its wellness offering.

Hotel J’s Sauna by the Sea is a ritual all the more memorable for its location in the Panorama Sauna perched on rocks rising from the waves. The sauna itself is on the second story, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing the perfect vantage point over the sea to become part of your herbal-infused sauna ritual. And a cold plunge into a wintery sea is just steps out the door to conclude your authentic Swedish sauna!

But we also got off property, accompanied by ‘nature therapist’ Lisen Sundgren, who took us on a Swedish interpretation of that famous Japanese wellness practice, ‘forest bathing.’ During a walk in a nature reserve next door in the twilight, where dimming sight helped sharpen our other senses as we were guided to literally feel, hear, and smell the woods. We ended up on a rocky lookout over the sea and the lights of Stockholm on the opposite side of the archipelago, sipping her homemade Swedish rosehip soup and communing by the mystical twinkles of lamp light.

SANCTUM

From the primal forest… to a wellness rave!

In another ‘first,’ Hagastrand and Hotel J’s parent company has introduced ‘Sanctum’ to the Nordics as part of its wellness experience offering. We were invited to the launch party at the Nobis Hospitality Group’s event space at the Stockholm Opera House.

Sanctum hosts these ‘wellness raves’ around the world for a growing community drawn to the euphoric release of its hour-long, high-intensity, music-led 55-minute sessions that combine HIIT, Kundalini yoga, breathwork, and meditation. Ours in Stockholm was candle-lit in the awe-inspiring historic surroundings… in complete silence, with sound healing, music, and guidance delivered through headphones.

***

Embracing the widest interpretations of wellness lived through ancient traditions, Nature, technology, art, and the most welcoming Scandinavian culture and lifestyle… these Swedish hotels are setting the stage for a new global approach to wellness travel.

The Nobis Hospitality Group’s founder gives all the credit for the hotels’ pioneering wellness journeys to Head of Wellness Alla Sokolova – a risk, but a calculated one, with a simple foundation of beauty and hospitality.

“Everybody today is talking about longevity and all these things, and sometimes it's too much,” Alessandro Catenacci, owner and CEO of the family-owned Nobis Hospitality Group, told me.

“I hate the word ‘trend.’”

He acknowledges that the groundbreaking wellness offerings of the two hotels are “a new thing for us,” but “things are not so complicated usually if you do it in the right way.” He points out that wellness practices are a natural way of life for Swedes.

“We are a sauna family.

“And this is very important because you, you can't go on doing things if you don't like that. I love it, really.”

Hagastrand and Hotel J may be on the leading edge. But advanced wellness experiences for travel are no longer a novel trend.

As more travelers intentionally incorporate their wellness practices from home into their travels to new destinations, and expand their wellness horizons while traveling, wellness hospitality will take the lead from Hagastrand and Hotel J in helping us discover the destinations’ best experiences to hone our mental, physical, and spiritual health.

START YOUR TRIP!

Images and story by: Lynn Elmhirst, travel journalist and expert

Free Pre-Cruise Hotel and Transfers on Select 2026 Greece Star Clippers Sailings

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Sun, 29 Mar 26 19:45:10 +0000

The Greek Islands remain one of the world’s most captivating sailing destinations. Star Clippers’ 2026 Greece sailings invite travelers to experience this timeless region the way it was meant to be explored—under sail aboard a traditional tall ship, gliding between islands and arriving directly into the heart of historic ports.

Reserve select 2026 Greece sailings by April 30, 2026, and receive one complimentary pre- or post-cruise hotel night in Athens with breakfast and a complimentary transfer between the hotel and ship (or reverse) to allow you to explore the Greek capital before or after your voyage.

Cruising Under Sail

Unlike conventional cruise ships, Star Clippers’ authentic sailing vessels travel under wind power whenever possible, bringing guests closer to the maritime traditions of the Mediterranean. With expansive teak decks, open-air lounging spaces, and a relaxed yacht-like atmosphere, the company’s ships offer an intimate way to explore the Greek Islands and smaller ports often inaccessible to larger vessels.

The special promotion applies to select 2026 Greece itineraries aboard the 166-guest Star Flyer, sailing round-trip from Athens (Piraeus). Each itinerary highlights different island regions of the Aegean, combining scenic sailing passages with stops in picturesque harbors and historic coastal towns.

Featured Sailings Include:

Northern Cyclades (July 11 and August 1), a seven-night voyage that explores some of the most celebrated islands of the Aegean. Sailing round-trip from Athens, the itinerary includes visits to iconic destinations such as Mykonos, known for its whitewashed architecture and vibrant waterfront; Amorgos, home to the dramatic cliff-side Monastery of Hozoviotissa; and Sifnos, an island celebrated for its culinary traditions and charming harbor villages.
Fares start at USD 2,410 per person, double, including port charges.
Southern Cyclades itinerary (July 18 and August 8), offering a blend of legendary islands and dramatic volcanic landscapes. Guests can experience Santorini’s famous caldera views, explore the medieval Old Town of Rhodes, and enjoy relaxed sailing between the islands with time on deck as the ship moves under wind power through the Aegean Sea. The voyage also includes a stop in Hydra, where cars are banned, and transportation is primarily by foot or donkey, preserving the island’s timeless character.
Fares start at USD 2,410
Sporades Highlights seven-night itinerary (July 25 and August 15) focuses on the lush islands of the northern Aegean, including Skiathos and Skopelos, where pine forests meet turquoise waters and traditional villages along the hillsides with views of the sea. Guests also visit Poros, a charming harbor town just off the Peloponnese coast known for its neoclassical architecture and relaxed waterfront cafés.
Fares start at USD 2,410

The Magic of Cruising on a Sailing Ship

Each voyage combines the romance of traditional sailing with modern comforts. When the wind fills the 56,000 square feet of sails, guests can hear the snap of canvas while enjoying sweeping views of the Aegean from the ship’s open decks—an experience that evokes the golden age of sailing while delivering the amenities expected by today’s travelers. Guests are invited to learn about sailing from the crew, climb the crow’s nest, help hoist the sails, or simply watch as the crew manages lines and rigging — a hands-on experience no conventional cruise can offer.

During the week-long itineraries, days may include stops for swimming, exploring historic harbors, browsing local markets, and enjoying Greek cuisine ashore. Evenings aboard ship are relaxed and convivial, often featuring open-air dining, cocktails under the stars, and live piano music in the lounge.

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. The company operates three of the world’s largest and tallest sailing vessels: Star Clipper and Star Flyer are traditional clipper ships with modern amenities carrying 166 guests each, while the 227-guest Royal Clipper holds the Guinness World Record as the largest and only five-masted, fully-rigged sailing ship in service today. All three ships have expansive teak decks, swimming pools, informal dining, convivial tropical bars on deck, and piano lounges.

*** Images courtesy of Star Clippers

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

Save up to 35% on HX Expeditions’ 130th Anniversary Offer

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Sun, 29 Mar 26 19:44:52 +0000

HX Expeditions, the world's first and longest-running expedition cruise company, is launching a 130th anniversary offer to commemorate more than a century of exploration, science, and seeing the world differently.

Offer Details

Booking window: March 24- April 30, 2026
Travel window: April 20, 2026 – March 31, 2028
Save up to 35% on an expedition cruise OR
Get a free upgrade to a suite on Antarctic voyages.
All discounts are capacity-controlled and subject to availability.

LET US HELP YOU PLAN YOUR HX EXPEDITION CRUISE AND SAVE!

Specific Discounts:

Antarctica: Up to 25% off | Cabins from $9,512 pp; Suites from $13,613 pp
Galápagos: Up to 30% off | Cabins from $6,751 pp; Suites from $8,847 pp
Alaska: Up to 35% off | Cabins from $3,636 pp; Suites from $5,950 pp
Greenland: Up to 15% off | Cabins from $8,801 pp; Suites from $12,367 pp

The offer includes an additional 5% off on Alaska sailings, including itineraries launching this summer, with the offer available upon request

the new 10-day Alaska’s Inside Passage: Fjords of the Great Land (from US $3,636) and
13-day Alaska’s Inside Passage: Where the Mountains Meet the Sea (from US $5,120)

With HX’s Adventure is All-inclusive promise, each voyage includes:

Daily landings, guided activities, and immersive excursions
Programming led by the expert HX Expedition Team
All meals, select beverages, and onboard amenities
Special 130 years cocktail (2026 sailings only)
Limited‑edition 130‑Year Ocean Bottle (2026 only)
Exclusive 130th Anniversary badge (2026 sailings only)
Access to science, culture, and wildlife content inspired by HX’s 130‑year legacy of exploration and research

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 oil, ban unnecessary single-use plastics in its operations, and launch hybrid cruise ships.

The company also supports scientific research, donating over 1,900 free cruise nights to onboard scientists, and runs the HX Foundation, providing grants to community projects focused on education and marine conservation.

*** Images: HX Expeditions

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

Celebrity River Cruises Reveals Experiential Approach to Shore Excursions

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Sun, 29 Mar 26 19:44:41 +0000

The hotly anticipated new river cruise line has shared how it’s planning to offer its guests a new way to experience the river communities of Europe when it debuts in 2027. Four curated categories of exclusive and included shore excursions reveal how guests will river cruise, Celebrity-style.

Local insiders lead the Storyteller Series and Skillmaster Series, while the Keys to the City Series gives guests the tech-driven power to explore on their own with insights curated to their own interests and passions. Available once per sailing, the Celebrity Takeover Series delivers one-of-a-kind, bespoke experiences.

The shore excursions are available across all 2027 and 2028 Celebrity River Cruises itineraries, and pre- and post-cruise stays in Prague, Budapest, and Amsterdam.

Storyteller Series: Included locally led experiences that go beyond what guidebooks can capture

Celebrity River Cruises' Storyteller Series offers experiences guided by residents, artists, and cultural insiders who call each destination home. Guests can choose from multiple included experiences at each port, each balancing iconic landmarks with hosts’ personal favorites and hidden stories only locals know. Here are a couple of examples:

Amsterdam

A canal captain will share Amsterdam's centuries-long relationship with water, showing guests an unseen side of the city’s iconic waterways. Guests will cruise hidden passages, through the eyes of someone with deep family ties to the region, as they admire the city’s oldest building, Oude Kerk, board a legendary Dutch trading ship, and learn about modern canal engineering.

Prague

Guests who enjoy discovering a city through food and drink will be led through the city’s rich brewing traditions by a local brewer. From the brewer’s unique perspective, guests will explore historic breweries like the bustling U Vejvodu Tavern, as well as beer-infused artisanal shops. Taking a journey that blends history and hospitality into every pour, the brewer will show guests how centuries-old recipes shaped the city’s culture of connection and celebration.

Skillmaster Series: Included, hands-on experiences invite guests to actively participate in local culture

Guests craft, cook, and create alongside the artisans and makers who shape each destination's cultural identity in shore excursions like these:

Budapest

A local Mamika (grandmother) will lead aspiring culinarians through generations-old Hungarian recipes from her own home kitchen. After selecting ingredients at the local Central Market Hall, guests will uncover dishes that bring Budapest’s soul to the table through Mamika’s treasured family recipes and cooking secrets.

Amsterdam

A local artist leads a painting class that immerses guests in Van Gogh's imagination. After exploring the famed painter’s works at the iconic Van Gogh Museum, guests will discover the settings that influenced some of his greatest pieces while learning some of the techniques he used to turn emotion into color and movement into meaning.

Keys to the City Series: Included independent digital discovery tools with complimentary behind-the-scenes access and stationed local hosts

Through an innovative digital platform, guests access curated route maps tailored to specific interests such as art, history, food, and architecture.

Interactive maps, audio guides, and video content lead guests off the beaten tourist path to interest-led locations, where stationed local hosts provide behind-the-scenes access and exclusive experiences at working studios and craft sites, creating moments of surprise and delight. For example:

Bratislava

Architecture enthusiasts will follow their curiosity to St. Martin’s Cathedral, hearing from a local historian who brings its coronation past to life, before hiking to Bratislava Castle to see how the fortress has watched centuries of change, then pausing beneath the modern span of the UFO Bridge with an architect who explains its bold vision.

Uncover the city’s authentic Slovak flavors from raising a glass in a traditional Slovak pub while a generational brewer pours his stories into every craft drop, to tasting delicate sweets in a family-run pastry shop where the baker shares recipes passed down through decades. Guests will curate their adventure, shaping their own path to uncover the stories of cities exactly as they choose.

Celebrity Takeover Series: Included one-of-a-kind experiences for bucket list memories

Once per sailing, these exclusive, bespoke experiences transform must-see European attractions and unassuming plazas into elevated private events available only to Celebrity River Cruises guests. Celebrity says these are “indulgent bucket-list experiences” designed to be the defining memory of your river cruise

Pre- and Post-Cruise Stays the Celebrity Way

Celebrity River Cruises guests can extend their journey with multi-day pre- and post-cruise stays that carry the same locally-led, small-group discovery philosophy as every sailing.

Available in Prague and Budapest beginning in 2027, and also Amsterdam in 2028, each stay includes daily small-group tours with local hosts, premium hotel accommodations, dedicated concierge service for dining reservations and private experiences, daily breakfast, and airport transfers.

The result is a seamless, end-to-end journey from arrival to departure with no gap between the onboard Celebrity River Cruises experience and the destination discovery that defines it.

Bookings for 2027 and 2028 pre- and post-cruise stays in Summer 2026 open, and all other destination experiences will open for booking in 2027. Celebrity River Cruises sailings are on sale now.

START YOUR TRIP!

Images: Celebrity River Cruises

Why is it Called ‘Easter’ Island?

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Sun, 29 Mar 26 19:44:32 +0000

You likely already know that’s a trick question. This tiny dot in the eastern South Pacific Ocean, but technically a territory of Chile, is actually properly called Rapa Nui.

The world over, Easter Island has been synonymous with exotic mysteries of an impossibly distant, long-lost civilization and mind-boggling human endeavor.

It may be the most remote inhabited island on the planet. Only a few thousand people live on this remnant of oceanic volcanoes sticking out of the sea, and that's the first miracle itself. The closest inhabited island is 1300 miles away (Pitcairn Island with only 50 people), and the nearest continental point is Chile, over 2000 miles away. Local tales say a 2-canoe Polynesian expedition around AD 700 was the start of Rapa Nui's extraordinary story.

Today, Easter Island is on the map as one of the corners of the millions of square miles of the Pacific Ocean known as Polynesia – the other corners for easy reference are Hawai’I and New Zealand. And it’s on the map of global travelers who want to come face to face with the island's nearly 1000 moai at its UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Monuments to the Past

These stately, solemn statues were carved during a 500-year period in the island's history, beginning a thousand years ago. The moai share artistic characteristics with Polynesian carvings, confirming the origin tale of the Rapa Nui people. Chiseled with only stone tools out of volcanic rock in the 'quarry' of an extinct volcano, each statue took a team of half a dozen artisans about a year to complete. The largest is over 30 feet long and weighs 90 tons. They were an incredible feat of creativity, production, and organization.

You probably think of them as 'Easter Island heads'. But the moai actually have torsos, and some even have complete lower bodies; they were just buried up to their necks over the centuries by shifting sands.

These monumental statues represented deceased ancestors. And only about a quarter were originally installed; others were left in the quarry or remained en route to their intended locations. All but 7 faced inland, the spirits of the deceased 'watching over' the living and their lands. The 7 facing the sea stood as wayfinders for seafarers.

Many moai were toppled after the mysterious collapse of the Rapa Nui society in the 19th century. In recent decades, local and international efforts have restored and re-mounted a number of moai. This dot on a map in Chilean Polynesia still seems as awe-inspiring and as full of hidden secrets as when explorers first arrived.

Timing is Everything

Which brings us to: Why is it called Easter Island? The Dutch explorer who was the island's first-recorded European visitor arrived on Easter Sunday in 1722 – he came upon it while searching for another island. (He must have been pretty lost!) So 'Easter Island' it was dubbed, and its current official Spanish name in Chile is still Isla de Pascua, while its Polynesian name is Rapa Nui, in the local language: the 'naval of the world'.

There's more to Rapa Nui than the silent witness of the moai to the island's past. Visitors experience the local version of Polynesian culture, explore pink-sand beaches, caverns, and dive sites, cycle, hike, or ride horses across prairies and volcanic hillsides, and even surf on those waves so distant from other shores.

How to get there? You can fly from both Chile and Tahiti, participate in tour packages offered by expedition and exotic travel experts, arrive by small or expedition cruise ship, or by private yacht.

There may be nowhere else in the world where a traveler can feel the greatness of human achievement and small in the face of a culture so far across the waves.

START YOUR TRIP!

By: Lynn Elmhirst, travel journalist and expert.

Images: Getty

100 Years After Monet: Giverny Exhibit Celebrates Impressionism’s Origins

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Fri, 13 Mar 26 17:30:35 +0000

2026 marks a century after the passing of beloved Impressionist artist, Claude Monet. The museum devoted to his work in Giverny, the community north of Paris that has become synonymous with Monet and the water lilies and gardens he immortalized on canvas, presents a retrospective exhibition.

From March 27 to July 5, 2026, the Musée des Impression Giverny hosts "Monet in Giverny. Before the Water Lilies 1883- 1890.” The new exhibition explores the life and work of Monet before the works that have come to define him and Impressionism, and also feature on the walls of many a girl’s college dorm room!

Claude Monet (1840-1926) Self-portrait in a beret, 1886
Private collection
© All rights reserved/ Roy Fox Fine Art Photography

Through dozens of paintings from other collections gathered together in their place of origin for the event, the exhibit traces the journey of the struggling artist as he found his footing – and fresh artistic inspiration - in his new home in Normandy. You can see Impressionism take shape through works painted not in studios but outdoors in the sunshine, which experiment with light, color, and the perception of landscape. This was when Monet was developing the groundwork for Impressionism – even as he laid the groundwork for his cherished gardens that became the basis of masterpieces we remember him by today.

Claude Monet (1840-1926) The Seine near Giverny, 1885

Paris, Musée Marmottan Monet, legs de Michel Monet, 1966, inv. 5175

© Musée Marmottan Monet / Studio Christian Baraja SLB

Claude Monet (1840-1926) Haystacks at Giverny, the Setting Sun 1888-1889

Saitama, The Museum of Modern Art, inv. 0-0023

© Saitama, The Museum of Modern Art

“Before the Water Lilies” features Monet’s interpretations of landscapes, poppies, poplars, and banks of the Seine River, as well as ordinary yet idyllic perspectives of the pastoral Norman countryside, such as the haystacks that became an early signature for the artist. In 1890, Monet acquired his home in Giverny, enabling him to begin transforming the gardens, eventually including the pond with the bridge and water lilies that became the focus of his most famous masterworks.

In addition to the temporary exhibition, pay a pilgrimage to Claude Monet and Impressionism in more places in Normandy and Paris.

Normandy

Giverny: At the Fondation Claude Monet, you can walk through the painter’s flower gardens and Japanese-inspired water lily pond still just as he painted them (pictured, above. Image: Getty). The artist lived here, championing Impressionism, from 1883 until his death in 1926.

Honfleur: The idyllic and historic harbor, with colorful buildings circling it and reflected in the water, was a key location for the development of Impressionism. Monet’s mentor, Eugène Boudin, painted the harbor and encouraged young artists to paint outdoors rather than in studios. His harbor painting is an early Impressionist treasure and part of the collections at Musee Eugene Boudin.

Rouen: This historic Norman town’s cathedral became a repeated subject for Monet. By painting the same subject again and again as the weather and light changed, Monet demonstrated the core idea of Impressionism — that color, shadow, and atmosphere transform our perception of a place from moment to moment. Standing in the cathedral square today, travelers can see the exact view Monet studied so obsessively.

Paris:

Musee de l’Orangerie: Here, eight monumental water lily murals (pictured, top) fill two oval rooms with soft, overhead, natural light, designed specifically according to Monet’s instructions when he donated them to the nation as a symbol of peace following the First World War. The paintings were designed to surround viewers in a continuous panorama of water, reflections, and sky, creating what Monet envisioned as a peaceful, immersive environment rather than a traditional gallery experience.

Musée d'Orsay: nearby, this museum completes the story of Impressionism with one of the world’s greatest collections of works by Monet and his contemporaries, including Renoir, Degas, Pissarro, and others.

Unpack Once, Immerse Yourself in Impressionism on a Seine River Cruise

Do a deep dive into Impressionism and its roots on a Seine River cruise round trip from Paris to Normandy, which takes you to Giverny and other Impressionist landmarks.

START YOUR TRIP!

Images as credited, courtesy of Musee des Impressionismes Giverny: “Monet in Giverny. Before the Water Lilies 1883- 1890”

Top Image: Getty

By: Lynn Elmhirst, travel journalist and expert

2 for 1 Fares; Free Air for Century Cruises’ Yangtze River China Cruise Tours

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Fri, 13 Mar 26 17:30:30 +0000

Get 2 for 1 pricing on all of Century Cruises’ river tours – plus, for select suite categories, you can also get free air! Offer expires June 30, 2026. Don’t wait to book to get your best choice of dates and availability.

ASK US TO HELP YOU PLAN THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME TO CHINA

Discover the beauty of Chinese landscapes, culture, history, and craftsmanship on one of Century Cruises’ Yangtze River tours, with a variety of land tour extensions to different destinations.

On board, watch the scenery in comfort and elegance. Century Cruises’ Yangtze River fleet of ships features a Grand Atrium Lobby in every vessel. This spacious, open area serves as the vessel's heart. It features high ceilings, elegant décor, and abundant natural light.

Shipboard: Enjoy

the largest standard cabins among all Yangtze River fleets,
with quality beddings, superb services, immaculate style, and twice-daily housekeeping,
daily meals with themed flavors,
24-hour dining,
all-inclusive, unlimited wine and cocktails during meals, and
Luggage porterage is included at the main embarkation and debarkation ports.

And on shore:

included hotels for land tour portions and many meals,
professional guide services, and
wireless earphones for commentary.

ASK US ABOUT CENTURY CRUISES’ YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE TOUR ITINERARIES

4- to 19-Day Itineraries
From USD 799 to 7499 per person
Built around 4-5-day Yangtze River Cruises

Example Itinerary: Dream of China & Yangtze River Cruise 19-Days Luxury Tour

19 Days, 17 Nights, Beijing - Hong Kong

Beijing

Tiananmen Square
Forbidden City
Temple of Heaven
Peking Duck dinner
Great Wall
Summer Palace
Old town of Beijing and rickshaw ride

Xi'an

Terracotta Warriors
Tang Dynasty Dance Show

Chongqing

Panda visit

Yangtze River Cruise

Fengdu Ghost City
Three Gorges
Three Gorges Dam

Shanghai

Futuristic cityscape
Nanjing Road
Bund
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town
Evening illuminated cruise

Guilin

Stunning karst topography
Bamboo raft ride on the Li River
Reed Flute underground cave
Tea plantation

Hong Kong via high-speed train

Victoria Peak panoramic view of the city
Victoria Harbor
Kowloon Peninsula
Peak Tram
Stanley Market

More About Century Cruises:

Century Cruises is a leading luxury river cruise brand based in China’s Yangtze River region, renowned for its elegant design, exceptional service, and deep cultural experiences. As one of Asia’s most respected cruise operators, the company combines Eastern hospitality with global sophistication, offering guests a refined and immersive travel experience.

Building upon its success in China, Century Cruises is actively expanding its international presence with three new European river ships and five upcoming Nile River vessels.

Together with its North American executive and sales and marketing team and headquarters in Florida, these initiatives reflect the brand’s firm commitment to global growth and excellence.

With its award-winning fleet and expanding international network, Century Cruises continues to redefine the global standard for luxury river cruising —connecting cultures, people, and stories across continents.

Images courtesy of Century Cruises

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

Astonishing Facts About China's Terracotta Warriors

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Fri, 13 Mar 26 17:30:22 +0000

You never forget the moment you come face-to-face with one of the thousands of Terracotta Warriors underground in Xi’an, China. As ancient wonders of the world go, these may make the strongest impression even on an experienced traveler like me.

I think it’s because, unlike the vast, mystical monuments like Egypt’s pyramids or Machu Picchu, the warriors are so… personal. On a human scale, individually, even if the archaeological site is breathtakingly vast. And you also feel like you are looking at recognizable fellow people – not mythological gods or legendary beasts - eye to eye. With a quick change of clothes, he could be the guy sitting beside you on the plane!

In 1974, farmers digging a well accidentally uncovered the location of a vast clay army guarding the underground tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang.

Today, the site, known as the Terracotta Army, is among the most astonishing historical attractions in the world. Millions of travelers explore the enormous excavation halls each year, contemplating the silent ranks of soldiers who have been standing guard since before 200 BCE.

Think about it. They’ve been here for over 2200 years! That means they are:

about the same age as the pyramids of Giza in Egypt,
more than two centuries older than the Colosseum in Rome,
nearly 1,700 years older than Machu Picchu in Peru, and
had been standing at attention for a millennium before Mexico’s Chichen Itza was built.

And that’s not even the most extraordinary fact about the largest burial site on earth!

Every Warrior Has a Different Face

Look closely, and you’ll realize: no two warriors look exactly alike. Rather than a burial installation, it feels like a busy airport or stadium lineup!

Astonishingly, ancient craftsmen achieved this incredible individuality using a modular system of sculpted features—ears, noses, brows, moustaches, and hairstyles—that could be combined in different ways to create unique faces. (Like an early Mr. Potato Head!) Some warriors look youthful, and others, much more weathered; some are clean-shaven, others wear thick beards; some have stern, and others rather friendly expressions.

The result feels uncannily lifelike.

The Warriors Are Surprisingly Tall

Many statues stand between 5'9" and 6'5" (175–195 cm) tall—considerably taller than the average height of people during the Qin dynasty, but very familiar to us today.

They Were Originally Fully Armed

But they didn’t really feel like ordinary people – instead, robust and fierce warriors. Excavations uncovered thousands of genuine bronze weapons among the soldiers—swords, lances, crossbows, arrowheads, and spear tips. Many remain astonishingly sharp even after more than 2,000 years underground.

Some blades had a chromium-rich coating that protected them from corrosion, with technological sophistication centuries ahead of its time.

In other words, the emperor’s afterlife army wasn’t ceremonial – it was battle-ready.

The Army Once Blazed With Color

The statues we see today appear in shades of clay, but originally, they were brilliantly pigmented in reds, greens, purples, blues, and flesh tones, then coated in lacquer.

Unfortunately, exposure to air after excavation almost immediately caused the lacquer to crack and flake. Within minutes, many figures lost the vivid hues they had worn for two millennia.

Today, archaeologists use advanced preservation techniques to stabilize pigment on newly uncovered warriors.

They’re One Part of a Vast Underground World That Has Yet to be Fully Revealed

So far, more than 8,000 warriors, along with hundreds of horses and chariots, have been identified. But the Terracotta Warriors represent just a single section of an immense burial complex.

The mausoleum stretches roughly 56 square kilometers – 22 square miles or 14,000 acres! Archaeologists believe it includes palaces, government offices, stables, acrobats, musicians, and entire landscapes recreated underground.

Remarkably, the central tomb itself has never been opened.

And large sections of the complex remain untouched as scientists wait for better conservation methods before opening additional pits.

Which means the Terracotta Army is still revealing its secrets.

START YOUR TRIP!

By: Lynn Elmhirst, travel journalist and expert

Images: Getty

Savings for Solo Travelers on Tauck River and Land Journeys

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Fri, 13 Mar 26 17:30:09 +0000

Tauck has announced that it’s reducing the single supplement or eliminating it entirely on dozens of 2026 land and river journeys, making this the best time for solo travelers to book their next trip. The single supplement is waived entirely on Category 1 river cruise staterooms and reduced across dozens of other river and even land tours.

Solo River Cruise Travel Savings in Europe

On Europe’s rivers, Tauck will again waive the single supplement on all Category 1 riverboat cabins, eliminating it entirely on every departure of each Tauck river cruise itinerary—more than 250 departures in total in 2026!

These solo-friendly sailings will include a new itinerary, Bordeaux, Paris & The Seine, which sails aboard the newly launched ms Serene.

In addition, Tauck will reduce the single supplement by USD 1,000 on certain other cabin categories (typically Categories 4 and 5) on select European river cruise departures in 2026.

Solo Land Touring Savings Worldwide

Solo travelers exploring the world on Tauck land itineraries will also enjoy meaningful savings in 2026, with single supplements reduced by up to $600 on 105 departures of 37 itineraries spanning North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.

In North America, Tauck will reduce the single supplement by up to $300 on 34 departures of 12 itineraries, including journeys to iconic national parks, cultural capitals, and scenic regions across the U.S. and Canada, such as the newly introduced A Week in… Nova Scotia.

On European land itineraries, solo travelers will enjoy savings of up to $400 on 52 departures of 18 itineraries, with destinations ranging from Italy and France to Spain, Great Britain, Scandinavia and Central Europe.

Elsewhere in the world, the single supplement will be reduced by $600 on seven departures of seven Tauck global journeys in Asia, Africa and Latin America — the highest savings offered across Tauck's land portfolio, reflecting the company's commitment to making these bucket-list destinations more accessible to solo travelers.

ASK US TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR NEXT SOLO TAUCK TRIP!

Travel Value Beyond Savings

In addition to single supplement savings, solo travelers benefit from the sense of ease, confidence and connection they feel from the very beginning of a Tauck river cruise or land tour.

Every detail is thoughtfully taken care of — from hotel and restaurant reservations to sightseeing and transportation — with guests supported and welcomed by the expertise of Tauck Directors or the camaraderie that naturally develops within the group. It allows guests to relax, explore and fully immerse themselves in the journey.

More About Tauck

Founded in 1925, Tauck has been family-owned for four generations. The company is a world leader in upscale guided travel, with more than 170 land tours, safaris, river cruises, small-ship ocean cruises, and family travel adventures to 65+ countries and all seven continents.

Tauck was named “Best Tour Operator” in 2025, and in each of the last 28 years, has been honored in the “World’s Best Awards,” and has been named to the Best River Cruise Lines list for13 consecutive years, most recently in 2025.

*** Images courtesy of Tauck

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

New Viking Cruises on the Mississippi Open for Booking

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Wed, 04 Mar 26 02:17:18 +0000

Viking is expanding its river cruises in North America with the launch of two new itineraries on the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, celebrating the history, culture and culinary traditions of the region. Both are now open for booking for 2027 sailings.

DON’T WAIT FOR THESE CAPACITY-LIMITED CRUISES TO FILL UP!

LET US HELP YOU BOOK YOUR 2027 VIKING CRUISE CLOSE TO HOME!

NEW 15-day Bayous, Blues & Bluegrass itinerary, which operates between New Orleans and Louisville, featuring ports of call along the Mississippi and Ohio rivers.
Explore the rich heritage of the American South, birthplace of some of the country’s most beloved culinary and musical traditions. Along the Mississippi River, grand homes preserve the South’s past. Step into Civil War history at Vicksburg and feel the rhythm of the blues in Greenville. Further north, sample smoky barbecue in Tennessee and discover Kentucky’s legacy of craftsmanship, from the powerful Louisville Slugger to smooth bourbon.
NEW 8-day Mississippi & Ohio River Explorer itinerary sails between Memphis and Louisville for a shorter option.
Sail on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers as they wind past scenic wetlands, quaint towns and storied cities. Classic American musical genres—the blues, rock ‘n’ roll and bluegrass—arose along these waterways. Discover the legacies of icons such as B. B. King and Elvis Presley in Memphis, Tennessee. In Kentucky, Louisville’s baseball museum preserves the spirit of America’s favorite pastime while its bourbon distilleries honor generations of craftsmanship.

These 2 new itineraries join Viking’s existing cruises on the Mississippi:

Mississippi River Odyssey (22 days; New Orleans – St. Paul) – Revel in the charm of “America’s Great River” as you set sail along the Mississippi. Admire the historic mansions and grand homes atop its bluffs, and delve into America’s Civil War history. Delight in the region’s famed Southern cuisine and sample Memphis’s renowned barbecue, alongside artisan beers. Birthplace of American music—blues, jazz and soul—the Mississippi celebrates its musical heritage in the towns and cities that line its legendary shores
Mississippi Delta Explorer (8 days; New Orleans – Memphis) – Discover Darrow, the gateway to the grand homes of the Lower Mississippi and explore the fascinating towns along the banks of the Mississippi that preserve the memory of the American South’s early history. Learn about Natchez’s French and Acadian heritage and pay your respects at the Vicksburg battlefield. Savor delicious Cajun and Creole cuisine, as well as Memphis’s famous barbecue, as you celebrate musical legends in the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll.
Heartland of America (8 days; St. Louis – St. Paul) – Journey along the Upper Mississippi while you hear stories of intrepid pioneers and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Walk in the footsteps of famed writer Mark Twain and learn about the Norwegian migration to the Midwest. Enjoy the view as your ship navigates through the river’s intricate lock system and experience the region’s many cultural treasures—from ragtime, polka and Norwegian folk music to Wisconsin cheese, craft beer and hearty stews.
New Orleans & Southern Charms (8 days; New Orleans roundtrip) – The Lower Mississippi is rich with charm, history and hospitality. Explore historic estates and visit notable Civil War sites. Sample the bustling French-flavored port cities of New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Sway to the tempos of Dixieland jazz, gospel and blues. Savor gourmet Cajun and Creole cuisine, as well as traditional Southern fare. Join us, and see why local Cajuns say, “Laissez les bons temps rouler” (Let the good times roll).

Your Ship: The Viking Mississippi

Hosting 386 guests in 193 all-outside staterooms, the state-of-the-art Viking Mississippi is inspired by Viking's award-winning river and ocean ships and features elegant Scandinavian design, as well as public spaces that are familiar to guests but reimagined for Mississippi River voyages.

The ship’s cutting-edge design, expansive windows and comfortable amenities make the Viking Mississippi the first truly modern ship in the region.

More About Viking

Viking is a global leader in experiential travel with a fleet of more than 100 ships, exploring 21 rivers, five oceans and all seven continents. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences For The Thinking Person™. Viking has more than 450 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers and #1 for Oceans five years in a row and is also rated a “World’s Best” - no other travel company has simultaneously received such honors by both publications.

*** Images courtesy of Viking

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

Savings for Solo Travelers on Tauck River and Land Journeys

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Wed, 04 Mar 26 02:16:41 +0000

Solo River Cruise Travel Savings in Europe

These solo-friendly sailings will include a new itinerary, Bordeaux, Paris & The Seine, which sails aboard the newly launched ms Serene.

In addition, Tauck will reduce the single supplement by USD 1,000 on certain other cabin categories (typically Categories 4 and 5) on select European river cruise departures in 2026.

Solo Land Touring Savings Worldwide

ASK US TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR NEXT SOLO TAUCK TRIP!

Travel Value Beyond Savings

In addition to single supplement savings, solo travelers benefit from the sense of ease, confidence and connection they feel from the very beginning of a Tauck river cruise or land tour.

Every detail is thoughtfully taken care of — from hotel and restaurant reservations to sightseeing and transportation— with guests supported and welcomed through the expertise of Tauck Directors or the camaraderie that naturally develops within the group. It allows guests to relax, explore and fully immerse yourselves in the journey.

More About Tauck

Founded in 1925, Tauck has been family owned for four generations. The company is a world leader in upscale guided travel, with more than 170 land tours, safaris, river cruises, small ship ocean cruises and family travel adventures to 65+ countries and all seven continents.

*** Images courtesy of Tauck

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

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

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Thu, 19 Feb 26 14:32:02 +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.

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

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Thu, 19 Feb 26 14:31:40 +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

From Samba to Snow! Carnival Around the World

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Thu, 19 Feb 26 14:31:32 +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