Celebrate Jane Austen's 250th Birthday in Britain
If the famous line, "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife,” makes you smile affectionately and fantasize about the green pastures, elegant architecture, style and social intrigues of Regency Britain, you are not alone. For two centuries, Jane Austen’s witty, observant and kind novels have delighted readers and inspired travelers to discover the world of the author and her cast of beloved characters. This ground-breaking female author’s books still among the most-read English-language classics. And they are also among the most-adapted into film and television, engaging fans who may not even realize they are immersed in the world of Jane Austen. The 1995 BBC adaptation of Pride... more
Amsterdam at 750: Still the City of the Future
In 1275, no one could ever have imagined that a simple dam on the Amstel River would become a city that pioneered so many elements of modern life in the 21st century. As Amsterdam marks ¾ of a millennium, travel lovers with 20/20 hindsight can celebrate the European capital’s contributions to shaping our world today, as well as what continues to make it a beacon for visitors. The Dutch capital marks its official start by that 13th-century document granting it city rights and allowing local residents to build a dam to manage the flow of the Amstel river without paying tolls. This pivotal moment was the foundation of transforming a tiny fishing village into a thriving urban center. And it didn’t take... more
VIDEO: Incredible Tulip Time Scenes from an Emerald River Cruise in the Netherlands
Windmills and tulips and river cruising, oh my! Springtime serves up the most iconic sights and moments of Dutch culture – and a river cruise may be the best way to experience them all. Our Emerald river cruise sailed round trip from Amsterdam, navigating the Netherlands’ vast network of inland waterways, canals and rivers through countryside, picturesque villages and dynamic cities. We dipped into Belgium, then swung up again to complete our circuitous route back in Amsterdam. It was a celebration of spring and a hit parade of the most charming elements of Dutch culture. Windmills tie with tulips as the symbol of the country, and one of our shore excursions was to Zaanse Schans, a living museum along the river, where several... more
Norwegian Aqua has Arrived!
Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship has arrived in North America ahead of its christening – and its Aqua Slidecoaster, the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide, is already going viral. The latest attraction at sea features a high-speed powered launch that propels adventurous guests through one of two different courses across three decks. With dual slides, guests can have two unique experiences on this first-of-its-kind attraction. WATCH THE AQUA SLIDECOASTER VIDEO HERE! The new Norwegian Aqua is 10 percent bigger in size and capacity than her sister ships Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva. Norwegian Aqua offers activities bow-to-stern for everyone. For the guests who prefer to kick back and relax, the adults-only Vibe Beach Club provides even more space with outdoor loungers and cabanas... more
RIU Resort-Supported Eco Project Reports Triumph for Turtles
Over 150,000 hatchlings of endangered loggerhead sea turtles were released during the latest nesting season from hatcheries in the Atlantic archipelago of Cape Verde, including one in front of RIU’s hotels. What’s more, local eco organizations also reported successes in helping mitigate the negative effects of climate change on the critical turtle population. The country of Cape Verde (also called Cabo Verde) is made up of 10 volcanic islands in the central Atlantic Ocean, about 500 miles west of the coast of Africa. A maritime hub in seafaring days, the country is now a growing holiday destination. Culturally, it’s a melting pot of African, Brazilian and Portuguese cultural influences. The islands of Cape Verde enjoy year-round sunshine, consistently pleasantly warm weather,... more
Big Changes at the World's Most Popular Museum!
More people visit the Louvre in Paris than any other museum in the world. The French President has announced a sweeping renovation plan for the iconic institution, to the tune of about 800 million euros over the next decade. It’s hard to believe that the last time the Louvre had a makeover was over 30 years ago! That’s when I.M. Pei’s glass pyramid was added to the courtyard to serve as the museum’s main entrance. Remember when that contemporary glass pyramid in the courtyard of the 16th-century royal palace in the heart of historic Paris was controversial? Now, next to the Eiffel Tower, it’s the most iconic view of Paris. But when that pyramid entrance was opened in 1989, it was designed for... more
World First! Viking Announces First Hydrogen-Powered Cruise Ship with Zero Emissions
Cruising just took a giant step towards becoming a lot cleaner and better for the environment and seas we love to sail. Viking and its shipbuilder, Fincantieri, have revealed they’re building the first-ever cruise ship powered by hydrogen, developed by a Fincantieri subsidiary specializing in advanced fuel cell technology. That will allow the ship to operate with zero – yes, zero – emissions. The ship has already been named the Viking Libra, and will be delivered, not years from now, but in 2026. Zero emissions capabilities by 2026. That’s music to the ears of people who love to cruise but who also want to protect the world we explore.Zero emissions will also allow the new ship to access even the most environmentally sensitive... more
When is the Jamaican Rum You're Drinking Not Jamaican?
It’s only champagne if it’s from Champagne. Ham from Parma is equally exclusive. And now, some rum producers in Jamaica are causing quite a ‘stir’– working to tighten rules that identify varieties of the Caribbean’s most famous spirit by ‘appellation’ or geographic origin. Champagne, Parma ham, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and many other foods, wine and spirits work to get these designations to protect the authenticity, heritage and production methods of a uniquely-produced regional food or drink. The appellation or GI (Geographical Indication) label verifies to buyers that the product has guaranteed qualities, characteristics and even reputation inherent to that specified region, even if made by different producers within the destination. For travelers, tasting and buying products with an appellation ensures you’ve got... more
A Whole New River Cruise Destination as AmaWaterways Launches 1st Colombia Ship
AmaWaterways has debuted the AmaMagdalena, the first-ever major river cruise line ship to navigate Colombia’s Magdalena River. The launch opens a completely new cruise destination for fans of river cruising looking to add to their collection of exotic river cruises beyond Europe. With the launch, you can now cruise on AmaWaterways or other river cruise lines on the Amazon in South America, as well as Africa’s Nile and Chobe rivers, the Ganges in India, the Mekong in Vietnam, and more. About the AmaMagdalenaThe AmaMagdalena was custom-designed for river cruising on Colombia’s Magdalena River, including her intimate size, for just 60 guests. The cruise line collaborated with Colombian designers, craftspeople and woodwork specialists to bring the heart and soul of the region onboard. The... more
What's the Castle Capital of the World... Outside Europe?
Castles top the list of sights we want to discover when we travel. They let us walk in the very footsteps of history, where battles were won and lost and epoch-changing events took place. Castles were inhabited by history-makers and doers of deeds that became the basis for fairytales and legends that defined the romance of centuries past. As defensive fortifications, they were often extraordinary structures built in extreme landscapes, and we marvel at the ingenuity and craftsmanship that managed to perch massive castles on hilltops, the edges of cliffs, on remote islands and in other impossible places. As I describe castles, you are probably picturing Europe – those turreted, stone buildings that are central to fairytales and fantasy fiction.But Europe is... more
Cruise to the Total Solar Eclipse in 2026!
On August 12, 2026, we are in for a rare and remarkable celestial event – a total solar eclipse - and a cruise may be the best place for you to experience it. This will be the first total solar eclipse visible from Europe this millennium! When you combine an extraordinary natural spectacle that may be best viewed at sea, with the popularity of European holidays, in the warm summer months… that’s a recipe for a must-book vacation of a lifetime. Highlights of the August 12, 2026, Total Solar Eclipse This eclipse presents a rare opportunity for observers in Europe and beyond to experience the awe-inspiring phenomenon of totality. Path of Totality: The eclipse will begin at sunrise over the Arctic Ocean, crossing... more
VIDEO: See it here first: MSC World America Inaugural Cruise Ship Tour
MSC World America has launched! The secret to the success of this new mega-ship is right there in the name - the first MSC Cruises ship designed specifically for the cruising tastes of North Americans. That means you! But MSC Cruises is not turning its back on its European roots. Instead, the cruise line says it’s delivering the best of both the Old World and the New World on the 6700-guest MSC World America.It’s not just a new ship for North American families. Just days before the inauguration of MSC World America, MSC also cut the ribbon for a brand new, state-of-the-art cruise terminal, as magnificent and proud as the other mega-ship cruise lines next door in Port Miami. Alongside exquisite, global-travel-themed,... more
Four Seasons Yachts Picks "Celebrity" Captain for Inaugural Ship
Four Seasons Yachts is set to debut in January 2026, and when its first small-ship, ultra-luxury vessel takes to the seas, it will be helmed by a very familiar figure. One might even say, a “Celebrity.” Captain Kate McCue has moved from Celebrity Cruises to the new cruise line. Even cruise aficionados who have never sailed on Celebrity have likely heard about ‘Captain Kate.’ She made history in 2015 as the first American woman to captain a mega-ton cruise ship, and in her time at Celebrity, has become something of a social media superstar, posting about her life at sea (with her cat, who sadly passed away recently, gaining its own avid following.) During Captain Kate’s decade with Celebrity Cruises, she... more
Slainte! This City in Scotland Celebrates 850th Anniversary
Scotland’s so-called ‘Second City’ takes center stage in 2025 as it celebrates its 850th birthday. If you’ve only been to Edinburgh, it’s time to put Glasgow on the top of your Scottish travel list and discover its history and the thriving, vivid, cultural hub of modern Scotland on the River Clyde that’s even a UNESCO City of Music. Far bigger than Edinburgh, Glasgow’s size exploded during the Industrial Revolution, which led to its reputation being compared negatively to Edinburgh’s perennial medieval and almost fairytale charms. But Glasgow has thousand-year-old origins, too. Glasgow's name comes from the Scottish Gaelic ‘Glaschu’, meaning ‘dear green hollow,’ reflecting its early pastoral setting along the River Clyde. The city traces its roots to the 6th century when its... more
Why Your Next Flight Could Come With A Train Ticket
Planes, trains… and sustainability. Adoption of ‘integrated intermodal travel’ is speeding faster than a locomotive around the world, especially in Europe and Asia, and it could mean the next time you book a flight, your journey - and ticket - will include a leg on a train or even a bus. The key to ‘integrated intermodal travel’ is the ‘integrated’ part. It involves seamlessly switching between modes of transport in a way that’s efficient and cost-effective, typically with pre-arranged connections and schedules that minimize the time spent in transit. In fact, more and more intermodal travel even adds points to your airline loyalty program’s bottom line!What’s ‘Driving’ Integrated Intermodal Travel? Switching between modes in an organized, pre-arranged way is usually more:Sustainable,Time-effective, and evenCost-effectiveTrains have... more
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