Cameron Tempest

London feels like my second home, and truly the perfect place to spend a few days before or after setting sail from Southampton or Portsmouth. For me, London means heritage, discovery, and inspiration—there’s an energy here unlike anywhere else. Every street feels like the beginning of a new story, whether I’m wandering through Mayfair’s boutique hotels or getting lost in Bloomsbury’s leafy squares. I love how the city effortlessly blends contemporary design with historic grandeur. There’s always a new rooftop view, a classic art gallery to explore. London is the capital where adventures begin (and end), making it an ideal haven for cruise travelers craving comfort, culture, and style.

Explora Journeys delivers a cruise experience so refined and unique, it has truly become my gold standard for luxury at sea. Their balance of celebrated destinations and charming hidden gems makes every journey one of a kind, but it’s the warm service, exquisite accommodations, and especially the outstanding dining that made this Istanbul to Athens voyage unforgettable.

There’s something magical about kicking off a Danube adventure with a stay at Kimpton BEM Budapest, followed by a river cruise aboard Amawaterways. The hotel’s boutique style and warm hospitality set the tone for a seamless and exciting trip—right from the heart of the city. I loved how local culture and landscapes unfolded day by day, carried along by AmaWaterways’ exceptional service.

Sailing out of Southampton on Celebrity Cruises was the perfect way to dive into Norway’s wild Arctic landscapes and unique coastal culture. Our late August trip meant we had more daylight to explore, and the scenery changed constantly—just breathtaking. The ship itself was seriously comfortable and made relaxing between adventures really easy. Norway’s northern towns felt peaceful but still full of life. This cruise struck such a great balance between outdoor adventure and cozy downtime onboard. I came home feeling refreshed and already plotting another trip back.

I’ve seen countless travelers show up to Oktoberfest and make the same mistakes, floating on the surface of an experience that has so much more to offer. They drink the beer, eat a pretzel, and leave, thinking they’ve “done” the Wiesn. But they miss the soul of it. This guide is built on everything I’ve learned from more trips to Munich than I can count, designed to take you past the tourist clichés and into the heart of the world’s greatest folk festival.

Recently named the World’s Most Livable City, Vienna is a magical place that effortlessly balances its imperial history with modern design, classical music and delicious pastries. It’s easily one of our favorite destinations because of the ultra-walkable city center and endless cultural gems. We also love the one-of-a-kind coffee houses and different scenes for different seasons: wine taverns and strolls in beautiful parks during the warmer months and twinkling Christmas markets and hearty Austrian cuisine for the festive period. Let our guide give you an inside peek at the best of Vienna!

London is a vibrant, bustling city with true international charm. It is home to people from all over the world and showcases this in its wide range of amazing restaurants. But did you know there is also incredible shopping in London? A plethora of shops await the pickiest shoppers, from luxury fashion designers to local British perfumeries dating back to the 1800s.

There is something romantic and historic about traveling city-to-city in Europe by sleeper train. It's also efficient, sustainable and comfortable. The experience might just be a highlight of your trip. We're living in a true renaissance for overnight train lovers, as low-cost carriers recently threatened to eliminate sleepers entirely. Now, new routes are flourishing, classic city pairs are back and train operators are investing in state-of-the-art train cars with smart amenities and modern touches. Driven by a loyal fan base and an important focus on sustainability, you'll find getting from capital to capital super easy, and a perfect addition to your European journey.

When most people think of Disney, standing in long lines in the sweltering heat comes to mind. Disney Cruise Lines (DCL) is a refreshing escape. With five Disney themed ships, and a ton of itineraries to choose from, it appeals to not only families, but also many couples and single travelers.