I vacationed on one of the world's largest cruise ships and learned that drink packages aren't worth the hype

I've lived in Paris for over two years and have visited many times before since my husband grew up in France.

Norway’s status as one of the world’s most attractive cruise destinations continues with the release of record-breaking visitor figures.

This is an as-told-to story based on a conversation with David Purcell, 78, a retired attorney. It has been edited for length and clarity. Purcell was among the dozens of people who signed up for a three-year cruise with Life at Sea — an around-the-world journey that was canceled two weeks before its departure. He and 77 other would-be passengers who have not received refunds are asking the US Attorney in Southern Florida to open a criminal fraud investigation into Miray Cruises, the parent company of Life at Sea.

Today, there are lots of ways to see the world in one go. Self-serving, globe-traversing plane tickets where you pick your stops along the way and stay in each as long as you want. Months-long cruises that ply well-trodden coastlines of countries both massive and miniscule. Few, however, promise to be as extraordinary, informative and indulgent as the White Desert World tour, just announced for departure in January 2025 (for those with very deep pockets).

Can small be beautiful when it comes to cruise ships? Regent Seven Seas launched the Grandeur in December, a luxury cruise ship designed for just 746 people. Yet many are focused on the coming ‘city at sea,’ Royal Caribbean’s 20-deck, 248,663 gross tonnage behemoth Icon of the Sean, which can carry up to 7,600 passengers, along with 2,350 crew.

The Seven Seas just got a bit more crowded: Nine new world cruises have recently set sail, joining Royal Caribbean's ongoing Ultimate World Cruise in a quest to travel around the world in 2024.

Luxury cruise expert Mundy Cruising has launched an extraordinary programme, The Ultimate Luxury Cruise, which combines iconic destinations, amazing travel experiences and superlative accommodations to create a 105-day journey, departing Tokyo on 14th April 2025 and finishing in Dubrovnik on 26th July 2025. Customer research at the top end of the market by Mundy Cruising has revealed a range of travel trends and priorities for its discerning client base, including longer trips, slow travel, iconic experiences, bucket list destinations and a desire to return to gentler (and arguably Pre-Covid) times.

It’s a new year, but when it comes to world-class food and drink, it’s still the same ol’ London. Meaning there's no Shoreditch—err...shortage of options across this perennially dynamic cityscape. With literally thousands of restaurants and bars worth exploring, there’s obviously no way we can include everything on one measly list. So the task here is to highlight some places that are doing something especially awesome this winter season. Whether you’re in town for a short stay, or a longtime local, check out what’s on below and you’re certain to be satisfied.

Some of the world's wealthiest and most powerful people are landing in Davos, as the Swiss ski resort gets ready to host the World Economic Forum.

From the heart of Italy's truffle-rich landscapes to the olive trees of Greece, the globe offers a culinary tapestry that transforms gifting into a refined experience. Elevate your senses with the delicate sweetness of French macarons from Ladurée or indulge in the rare pleasure of Spanish acorn-fed ham, Jamón Ibérico. Here are ten gourmet food gift suggestions for Valentine’s Day 2024.

From the the exotic cacao blends of South America to the velvety richness of Belgian pralines, chocolate making is a serious work of art. Elevate your Valentine's Day celebration with one of these ten finest, most luxurious boxes of chocolates the world has to offer.

A highly anticipated newcomer towers along the hustle, bustle, and traffic of Miami's busy coast. And for good reason: PortMiami's newest 1,198-foot-long resident was recently crowned the world's largest cruise ship.