Publisher’s Letter
AS WE FONDLY SAY FAREWELL TO 2017, WE ALSO LOOK FORWARD TO 2018 AND ALL THAT NEXT YEAR WILL BRING TO THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF CRUISING.
ON BEHALF OF EVERYONE AT PORTHOLE CRUISE MAGAZINE, I’D LIKE TO send our very best to those in the Caribbean who have lost so much in the wake of this year’s hurricanes. As a destination that is near and dear to the cruise industry, we look forward to a quick recovery, islands rebuilding even stronger than before, and cruisers soon returning to their favorite ports of call. In fact, Porthole is working closely with the islands to assist in their restoration efforts, and we will continue to keep you up-to-date on the progress. You can also visit Porthole.com/ PortholeForHope to see how you can donate to various relief funds to help your favorite ports return to cruise mode.
As 2017 comes to a close, I also look back at the exciting things that happened this year for cruising. From new ships that debuted to new destinations that opened up to cruisers to exciting announcements about what else is to come, we’ve loved sharing all of these exciting happenings in the pages of Porthole Cruise Magazine.
For example, in this issue we get a look at MSC Meraviglia, the first in a new generation of ships for MSC Cruises, as she shows off her Mediterranean style. After sailing the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, the ship will head to North America in 2019, joining
MSC Divina and MSC Seaside, the latter of which debuts in Miami in December of this year. If cruising the British Isles is on your bucket list, check out the feature story about a Princess Cruises’ itinerary that showcases the region’s host of storied sites to explore. From Stonehenge and the Tower of London to Ireland’s Trinity College to Scotland’s Edinburgh Castle, there is no shortage of history on this seafaring journey.
Another travel writer explains why a Star Clippers’ cruise makes for a perfect girls getaway for three friends to hit the beach in Thailand, while another recounts his time in Martinique and reports back about what cruisers should look forward to when visiting this picturesque island. Then, in keeping up with the ever-growing trend of theme cruises, one writer proves that there really is something for everyone, as she recounts not one, but three theme cruises she sailed — a President’s Cruise with Windstar Cruises, a Photo Expedition with Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic, and a Star Trek cruise aboard Norwegian Pearl.
Also worth noting is that this issue is all about you, the readers of Porthole Cruise Magazine, who voted in record numbers this year for your favorite cruise lines and ships — not to mention the very cover of this issue! So be sure to turn to page 34 as we reveal the winners of Porthole’s 19th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards.
As we fondly say farewell to 2017, we also look forward to 2018 and all that next year will bring to the wonderful world of cruising. Of course, we’re also planning some new departments and exciting features for the magazine that we can’t wait to share with you. For now, I bid you smooth sailings and a happy new year!