The island of Dominica (not to be confused with the Dominican Republic) has become a favorite destination for yachting enthusiasts, prized for its largely undeveloped natural landscape and the friendly harbors in Roseau and Portsmouth. As the youngest of the Lesser Antilles, Dominica is home to the Boiling Lake, one of the largest natural hot … Read more

American Airlines is preparing for a busy year with expanded service, updated routes, and enhancements to its AAdvantage program and onboard experience. The carrier announced 18 new routes for summer 2019, including seasonal service to Glacier National Park. While many Montana flights operate via regional partners from smaller cities, American is also increasing seasonal long-haul … Read more

The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes has announced a $30 million renovation and redesign that refreshes its guestrooms, pool area and club lounge. Scheduled to debut in February, the hotel’s 582 guestrooms are being reimagined with nature-inspired design that reflects the resort’s 500 acres of lush landscape. The refreshed rooms emphasize soft, calming color palettes and … Read more

ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: I arrived at Aloft Delray Beach late in the evening after an outdoor, COVID-conscious dinner. Despite the hour, the front desk staff greeted us warmly, making it feel like they had been expecting us. My sister and I took a moment to explore the lively lobby, which features neon signage and lights around a … Read more

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE is a well-established cruise operator with a fleet of 14 ships visiting more than 400 ports across all seven continents. Rather than building mega-ships, the line focuses on medium-sized vessels that recall the elegance of classic ocean liners with their sleek navy-blue hulls. Holland America has deliberately avoided onboard amusement-park features like … Read more

Alaska is part of the United States, but anyone who has explored its wild landscapes—by cruise, backpacking, climbing or fly fishing—knows it feels like another world. Gigantic mountains, glacier-strewn waterways and abundant wildlife create an environment that often seems larger than life, especially compared to the Lower 48. Many visitors see Alaska from a distance, … Read more

EMBARKATION/DISEMBARKATION: I recently sailed on a pre-inaugural voyage of Celebrity’s newest ship, Celebrity Ascent, and brought my skeptical husband along. He had long dismissed cruising, imagining crowded pools and cramped staterooms. Experiencing the ship in person changed that perspective. Celebrity Ascent is the latest addition to Celebrity’s Edge Series, joining Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex and … Read more

Maui has long been known as Hawai‘i’s priciest island, whether you’re buying groceries or booking a sunset cruise. A recent survey by CheapHotels.org confirms that Maui also commands the highest lodging rates among Hawaiian destinations. The study compared the lowest available double-room rates at 16 destinations across the islands for the period of December 23–28. … Read more

Arrival/Check-In: After an early-morning flight from Philadelphia to Chicago, I was eager to check in at The James Chicago and freshen up. The light-filled lobby felt welcoming, and both my colleague and I were checked into our rooms quickly and ready well before typical check-in time. The lobby stretches long with seating on the right … Read more

A multi-retail and dining complex called 50 Norman opened last fall in Brooklyn’s Greenpoint neighborhood. Designed by Japanese architect Jo Nagasaka, the 3,500-square-foot space brings three Tokyo-based brands to New York City for the first time. CIBONE (pronounced “cee-bo-nay”) showcases a curated selection of lifestyle and artisanal goods that highlight both classic and contemporary Japanese … Read more