Publisher’s Letter

IT’S HARD TO BELIEVE THAT FOR THOSE WHO’VE NEVER BEEN on a cruise (imagine that!) some stigmas still exist about what a “cruise” is. So in each issue, we happily debunk cruise myths, and show just how diverse a cruise experience can be — it all depends on what type of travel style is right for you. We strive for an editorial balance that mixes big ships and small ships, popular destinations and remote locales. We like to mix it up, and we think you should, too! From the rivers to the oceans, from the vastest sea to the narrowest canal, if you can travel there by water, you’ll read about it in Porthole Cruise Magazine. For example, this issue features a paddlewheeler ( American Empress), a small coastal cruiser ( Victory I), and not one, not two, but three different ways to experience a Viking Cruise. Also, check out our roundup of family adventures in Alaska for all ages and adrenaline levels, and discover a variety of special services at sea and how they’re bringing the world of cruising to all travelers. We also love the personal narrative, “Homeward Bound,” which follows in the footsteps of Ben Lyons, a former chief officer aboard Queen Mary 2, who chose his old home as the mode of transportation as he travels back from Europe to New York City. And if you’re setting sail from New Orleans or South Florida anytime soon, we have some travel tips for enjoying your time on shore pre- or post-cruise. There are so many things to love about cruising, and we’re sure you agree. I hope that this issue — and every issue — brings forth even more than you knew about cruising while inspiring your next journey. And wherever that journey may be, I bid you smooth sailings!

FROM THE RIVERS TO THE OCEANS, FROM THE VASTEST SEA TO THE NARROWEST CANAL, IF YOU CAN TRAVEL THERE BY WATER, YOU’LL READ ABOUT IT IN Porthole Cruise Magazine