Publisher’s Letter
THE FEELING THAT TRAVEL CONJURES WHEN YOU REALIZE IT HAS CHANGED YOU IS WHY WE KEEP THE JOURNEYS GOING.
AS A FORMER CRUISE DIRECTOR AND MAGICIAN, I OFTEN PERFORMED MAGIC via illusions. But after a recent journey to Africa, I realized that sometimes what you see — as unbelievable as it is — aren’t illusions. Sometimes it’s the real deal. Such is the magic of Africa that’s displayed in real time when you’re on safari. Don’t blink. You might miss it. That feeling of Africa — its warm and inviting people, amazing landscapes as far as the eye can see, and its wildlife that instantly makes you aware of your place in the world — is the feeling that travel conjures when, upon your return home, you realize it has changed you. It’s why we keep the journeys going. Read about my bucket list safari adventure in this issue, as well as plenty of other travel experiences that you may be inspired to add to your list. For example, a first-time river cruiser sets sail for Europe aboard Avalon Visionary and discovers a new world that she says “is what movie sets are made of.” We also explore the luxury cruise world aboard Silversea Cruises’ new Silver Muse, which takes pampering to another level. Discover the difference of the line’s largest and first newbuild in eight years. If your favorite type of cruise is one that brings out the kid in you, we’ll introduce all the fun characters you’ll meet on today’s cruise ships. From Mickey and friends aboard Disney Cruise Line to Cat in the Hat on Carnival Cruise Line to Shrek and Fiona on Royal Caribbean International, you never know who you’ll run into on deck. And if wellness is on your radar, check out our tips for embarking on a healthier lifestyle in this issue’s Vitamin Sea department. You’ll soon discover that today’s cruise ships offer more options than you might’ve known to kick off a new regimen to benefit your mind, body, and soul. No matter what type of travel transports you, we hope this issue of Porthole Cruise Magazine inspires an upcoming cruise adventure. For now, I bid you smooth sailings!