SWEATER WEATHER AND SUNNIER TOMORROWS

THERE’S NOTHING BETTER THAN THE FEELING OF BEING ON the top deck of a ship with a cold wind blowing, the signal flags snapping out drum rolls overhead, and just leaning against the rail while bundled up in my favorite sweater.

It’s the perfect balance between adventuring on the high seas like Horatio Hornblower or Admiral Nelson, and snuggling into a cozy evening at home like — well, like all the people you’ve never heard of because they’re too comfortable for adventures. On a ship, you can even sip on a hot buttered rum.

I was thinking about my sweater after reading the holiday gift guide by one of my favorite writers, Judi Cuervo. She’s found a sweater that’s bound to become somebody’s new favorite, and plenty of other great ideas for the holidays and beyond, starting on page 24.

Of course, the greatest gift of all is a new, mind-blowing adventure, like a cruise to Antarctica ( literally, the ends of the Earth) to see a total eclipse (which can feel like a brand new beginning). We let you know what to expect on page 48.

You could make a celebration on a brand new cruise ship, like Celebrity Apex, with astounding amenities and all-new experiences, which we review on page 34.

Or you could mark the end of the old year and look toward the beginning of a better tomorrow on a holiday cruise right here on America’s great rivers. We run through some of the most festive options on page 40.

You can toast the holidays at home with the best Basque wines (discover them on page 20) or plan an off-the-beaten-path exploration of the fantastic ecological wonderland of Langkawi, Malaysia (see what you might find on page 54).

Whatever floats your boat — or sails your ship — I think this issue of Porthole Cruise and Travel will have something that sparks your delight.

Wherever you go and however you get there, stay warm and travel with our best wishes!

What adventure are you looking forward to next?