Ready, Set, Sail!
Is it just me, or do you feel like everyone you know is posting photos, videos and more to social media from cruises — especially in Europe — recently? Given my pregnant status, I wasn’t able to cruise this summer into fall, and all the posts were making me envious. Working on this issue, our annual Cruising Issue, also stirred up those feelings, but, thankfully, I’ve taken several recent cruises about which I could reminisce. One such recollection for me came from a November 2022 Viking River Cruise in France, which I review in this issue and where my photo this month was taken. My husband, Scott, and I are on the Sun Deck of Viking Fjorygn with the Eiffel Tower in the background. I’m definitely dreaming of hopping on a Mediterranean cruise this spring! Have you cruised lately?
I recently joined a Virtuoso press conference where they touched on some of the more recent travel trends. As travelers still continue to seek next-level stimulation and travel that takes them out of their comfort zone, Virtuoso noticed a 70 percent increase in culinary travel. And forget farm to table; it’s neighborhood to table these days, with a focus on the hyper-local. Which destinations did these travelers rank as some of the best spots for the “where to dine” question? No. 1 was Europe, followed by cruising at No. 2. Cruising definitely meets the needs and wants of modern travelers. For food- and drink-focused travelers, turn to pages 31 and 38 for more on mixology from Windstar Cruises and cuisine from MSC Cruises. Looking for cultural immersion? Terry Ward brings us some of the best cruises for immersive experiences on page 46, and Kelly Magyarics gives us a glimpse of cruising trends for 2024 on page 40.
Of course, that’s only the beginning of what’s on offer in our Cruising Issue. Sail with us around the world to Hong Kong, Orlando, the Bahamas, Houston, Mykonos, Zagreb, Alaska, Madagascar, the Hawai‘ian Islands and more. Learn more about how to help following the recent devastating fires on Maui in the Hawai‘i article on page 72. You’ll also hear from the best cruise lines around the globe, including AmaWaterways, Seabourn Cruise Line, Virgin Voyages, National Geographic Expeditions and others.
Next month, fly away with us for our annual Aviation Issue. Until then, bon voyage!