Publisher’s Letter

GREETINGS, CRUISERS! WE HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS ISSUE OF Porthole Cruise Magazine, which features cover-to-cover cruise excitement. From ship to shore, if you’re looking for some exotic destination inspiration, flip through this issue’s Asia Extravaganza photo essay. Discover the spectacular sites captured by our intrepid photographer, as he sailed aboard three different Asia cruises in three weeks, taking us along on his journey through Cambodia, Vietnam, and China.

Then, from Sydney to San Francisco, Vancouver to Vienna, we tip our hats to 15 of the world’s most LGBT-friendly cruise ports that boast dynamic gay communities full of awesome art, great cuisine, and cool attractions worthy of a visit by any traveler.

In this issue, we also pay tribute to Montreal as the city celebrates its 375th anniversary of its founding this year. So read on for some summertime highlights, including numerous free events, plus, take a look at the recently renovated cruise terminal, which debuted with a fresh facelift in May.

Get a glimpse of another fresh face in cruising: Seabourn Encore, which the ship’s hospitality designer, Adam D. Tihany, said he wanted to be “softer and sexier, with more colors and curves.” The line’s first new ship in five years certainly delivers on that promise.

Which cruise lines and ships do you tip your hat to? Be sure to vote in this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards, now in its 19th year. We always look forward to hearing about your favorites, so don’t delay! Plus, your ballot is your entry to win a chic getaway at the legendary Betsy Hotel South Beach. Good luck!