The World's Greatest Vacations |

Uniworld to celebrate 50th anniversary with president’s cruise on the new Emilie

2026-01-26

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises will operate a special president’s cruise this year to celebrate the cruise line’s 50th anniversary. The cruise, scheduled to depart on Oct. 23, will be hosted by president and CEO Ellen Bettridge on the line’s Vienna & Capital Cities of the Danube itinerary onboard the new Emilie. “Traveling with our incredible […]

Planning Season Begins: The Most Sought-After Luxury Journeys for 2026

2026-01-26

Richard Shane Founder and CEO The World’s Greatest Vacations Where Vision Turns Into Intention January isn’t just a time for reflection—it’s when the most discerning travelers begin to plan. With the year stretching wide ahead, luxury travelers shift from dreaming to decision-making, mapping out journeys that feel meaningful, ambitious, and perfectly timed. Planning season […]

Windstar expands fleet with first newbuild since the ’80s

2026-01-19

Windstar Cruises on Jan. 15 christened its first newbuild in nearly 40 years, marking a critical expansion of the small-ship line. The Star Seeker, equipped to carry 224 passengers, is now grouped with Windstar’s Star-class ships that don’t feature sail propulsion (Star Breeze, Star Pride and Star Legend). On Dec. 28, the ship embarked on […]

Sun Without the Spectacle: Refined Winter Escapes for Travelers Who Value Space

2026-01-19

Richard Shane Founder and CEO The World’s Greatest Vacations Warmth, Without the Noise For luxury travelers, winter sun no longer means crowded beaches, high-energy scenes, or over-programmed resorts. Increasingly, it means something quieter—destinations where warmth is paired with space, privacy, and understated elegance. These refined winter escapes are chosen not for buzz, but for […]

Mitsui Ocean Cruises Offers an Update at CruiseWorld 2025

2026-01-12

Ken Shapiro, Editorial Director, Northstar Travel Group, talks with Joe Maloney, Head of North American Sales, Mitsui Ocean Cruises, Japan Director, about their luxury cruise brand and the recent purchase of two ships from Seabourn. Clients who travel on these ships will experience superior service with a taste of Japan in everything from food to […]

A serene luxury destination in January, showcasing open space, refined architecture, and a calm atmosphere free of crowds.

Quiet Season, Elevated Experience: Why January Is the Smartest Month to Travel in Luxury

2026-01-12

Richard Shane Founder and CEO The World’s Greatest Vacations When the World Slows Down, Luxury Steps Forward January is one of travel’s best-kept secrets. While much of the world resets after the holidays, savvy luxury travelers see something else entirely: opportunity. Fewer crowds, heightened service, and a more authentic connection to place transform familiar […]

Airlines have added flights in San Juan and elsewhere in the Caribbean to get stranded travelers home. Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks/Shutterstock

After Eastern Caribbean airspace closure, the industry assists stranded travelers

2026-01-05

With the FAA closing airspace in the Eastern Caribbean on Jan. 3 because of the U.S. military operation in Venezuela, travel advisors scrambled to accommodate clients with canceled flights during a busy period of Caribbean travel. Airspace reopened on Jan. 4, but many travelers were unable to return to the U.S. right away due to […]

Luxury travelers overlooking a serene landscape at sunrise, symbolizing a thoughtful and intentional start to the new year.

New Year, New Perspective: Where Luxury Travelers Are Going to Start 2026 Right

2026-01-05

Richard Shane Founder and CEO The World’s Greatest Vacations Journeys Chosen for Meaning, Momentum, and Clarity January marks a quiet but powerful shift in how luxury travelers think about travel. The celebrations are over. The pace slows. And in that pause, intention takes center stage. Rather than chasing spectacle, many high-end travelers are choosing […]

A luxury beachfront resort bathed in golden holiday light, offering a refined warm-weather escape during the festive season.

Winter Sun, Elevated: Luxury Warm-Weather Escapes for the Festive Season

2025-12-29

Richard Shane Founder and CEO The World’s Greatest Vacations Trading Snowfall for Sunlight—Without Sacrificing Sophistication For a growing segment of luxury travelers, the festive season no longer means cold weather, heavy coats, or crowded ski towns. Instead, Christmas and New Year have become an opportunity to escape winter entirely—embracing warmth, light, and open-air elegance […]

A luxury yacht or boutique cruise ship at sea during New Year’s Eve, with fireworks illuminating the coastline under a night sky.

Ring in the New Year at Sea: The World’s Most Exclusive New Year’s Eve Voyages

2025-12-22

Richard Shane Founder and CEO The World’s Greatest Vacations A Refined Way to Welcome the Year Ahead For travelers who believe the New Year deserves more than crowded city streets and overbooked galas, the open sea offers something infinitely more compelling. New Year’s Eve voyages—designed for intimacy, elegance, and unforgettable settings—are redefining how luxury […]