Publisher’s Letter

Diamonds can be your best friend wherever you travel – but it’s the destinations that are the real treasures.

I WAS LOOKING OVER THIS ISSUE before we publish, and of course my eyes were caught by our expert shopper, Elizabeth Martinez, and her guide to buying duty-free diamonds in the Caribbean (p. 16). Diamonds tend to catch the eye. They sparkle like the sun-kissed tropical sea. And, like the memories of a bucket-list vacation, they last forever.

But as bright as diamonds bought as keepsakes of a Caribbean vacation might be, it’s the holiday that they commemorate that shines brightest of all. This issue presents a virtual gemstudded tiara of brilliant, once-in-a-lifetime trips. Dreaming of a genuine island paradise? Splash down with Richard Varr in the waterfalls of Grenada (p. 20). Longing for a personalized return to Alaska? Check out John Roberts’ story on S.S. Legacy in Glacier Bay (p. 38). Looking forward to the ultra-high-tech sustainable cruise of the future? Look up our own managing editor’s eyeopening report on the simply astounding ecocatamarans of Sunreef Yachts (p. 50). Or have you always yearned to explore the remote polar zones in shipboard luxury? Then Theresa Christine’s guide to preparing for an Arctic or Antarctic voyage (p. 24) is bound to ignite your imagination.

Wherever you go, however you get there, keep your eyes open. There’s something fantastic there, waiting to be discovered.

Happy travels. May you find vacation treasure!

Memories of a bucket-list vacation last forever.