Judy Tudor

Cruising is the rare way to see the world that lets the destination come to you, but only a small handful of cruise lines have committed to making the experience adults-only. This comparison looks at two of them, built for the same kind of traveler in completely different ways. We have sailed dozens of times across mainstream, premium, and luxury lines, and what we have learned is that the ship matters as much as the itinerary, sometimes more. The right ship can turn a week at sea into one of the best vacations you ever take, and the wrong one can do the opposite.

Kyoto rewards travelers who slow down. The pace is deliberate, the details are considered, and the city has a way of making a five-day trip feel like real time well-spent rather than a rushed checklist of temples. We had a memorable visit there with family, splitting our stay between two of the city’s best luxury hotels, and the choice of where to base ourselves shaped the trip more than we expected. That contrast is what makes a comparison piece on these two properties worth writing.

Stepping aboard felt less like a cruise and more like entering a chic, private residence, where the true luxury was the absence of crowds and the promise of exceptional cuisine. We found the Oceania Vista defines the traveler's "sweet spot," offering a sanctuary of wellness-inspired dining and exclusive hideaways like the breathtaking Aquamar Spa Terrace without the expense of the ultra-luxury brands. To us, this was refined travel, a floating villa where we could exhale, unwind, and let the world come to us.

Since I (Glenn) first visited Athens as a teenager, the city has both evolved and remained wonderfully unchanged. Now, returning years later, the ancient monuments still command the skyline, the Aegean light still bathes everything in gold, and, most importantly, the warmth of the Greek people remains as genuine as I remembered. However, the city has made remarkable strides in accessibility while preserving its essential character. What makes Athens truly special is that you can stand where Socrates once taught, dine overlooking 2,500-year-old temples, and experience a modern city that honors its past, all while being welcomed with Greek hospitality that makes every visitor feel at home.

Our past trips to Spain gave us a sense of familiarity, but Madrid offered a completely new and deeply personal immersion that expanded our understanding of the country. It's a city where the history feels tangible in the grand boulevards and the quiet side streets alike. You may wonder how easy it might be to navigate, but the city exceeded every expectation, revealing a Spain that is both timeless and effortlessly modern and surprisingly accessible. It’s the perfect city to remind you that travel isn’t just about where you go, it’s about how a place makes you feel.

Kyoto is a place that is rightfully at the top of most visitors’ bucket lists, and honestly, it should be. It’s a place where ancient traditions aren’t just preserved. They’re a living, breathing part of daily life. For us, what makes Kyoto so special is how it so beautifully balances its rich history and natural beauty with a forward-thinking commitment to hospitality and accessibility. It’s a city where luxury and convenience blend effortlessly, making it the perfect destination for anyone who values a refined and seamless travel experience.

Having been to Tokyo over 20 times, we have seen the city both constantly change and stay the same. It is a dynamic metropolis that constantly reinvents itself, yet its deep-rooted traditions and commitment to hospitality remain as strong as ever. Tokyo excels in providing a luxurious and accessible travel experience, a testament to its famous omotenashi (hospitality) and a sophisticated, well-designed infrastructure for all. From modern, accessible hotels to seamless public transportation and attractions that have been thoughtfully adapted, Tokyo is a destination where luxury and convenience blend effortlessly, making it a perfect choice for discerning travelers.

We had a wonderful time on the Norwegian Aqua, a beautiful ship that elevates the cruising experience with its spacious and modern design. The specialty dining was a highlight, and the stunning thermal suite was the best we’ve ever seen at sea. The crew was always friendly, and the ship’s robust accessibility features made navigating the ship a breeze. This cruise was a good blend of enjoyable activities, relaxing spaces, and great dining, perfect for anyone looking to escape and de-stress.

Indian safaris offer a unique and compelling experience for luxury travelers, especially when compared to their African counterparts. While Africa is renowned for its “Big Five” animals, India’s wildlife reserves provide a different, yet equally thrilling set of highlights. India offers a chance to see leopards, lions, and bears, but with the added excitement of tracking the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger, considered the largest cat in the world and unique to Asia. The beauty of an Indian safari is that it can be seamlessly combined with exploring a country rich in history, culture, and cuisine, creating a truly holistic and unforgettable luxury journey. And while accessibility was not perfect, as a full-time wheelchair user, I can attest that with the right planning, it was an amazing adventure.

We’ve been to Dubai a half dozen times, and every trip still feels like something special. It’s a city that turns the impossible into reality, with sleek skyscrapers, spotless streets, and a level of comfort and safety that’s hard to match. What really stands out is how thoughtfully it’s designed for everyone: step-free access, easy transportation, and hotels and attractions that make getting around a breeze. Combine that with warm Arabian hospitality and jaw-dropping experiences at every turn, and you’ve got a place where luxury travel feels effortless and welcoming for all.

Having been on most major cruise lines and experiencing everything from classic ships to modern luxury, we wanted to share our thoughts on two standout but very different luxury cruise options: The Retreat on Celebrity’s Edge-class ships versus the new ultra-luxury Explora Journeys. To start, it’s important to know that Explora Journeys is a true luxury cruise line, designed to compete with the very best in the world. Meanwhile, Celebrity Cruises is a premium cruise line, known for modern ships and great service; with The Retreat, they’ve created an exclusive enclave that elevates the luxury experience to something on par with standalone luxury cruise lines. They both provide a heightened, suite-focused getaway, but they go about it with a unique set of features and services. Here’s how they stack up.

Staying at The Beekman felt like stepping into another era. The moment I entered the historic 1881 building and looked up at the sweeping nine-story atrium, it was as if I had stepped into a long-lost New York. The interiors blended rich vintage charm with modern luxury, creating a warm, elegant atmosphere. I loved having two incredible dining options right in the hotel: Tom Colicchio’s Temple Court and Daniel Boulud's Le Gratin. Plus, the location was perfect — tucked downtown, close to the Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade Center and so much of what makes New York City unforgettable.

Glenn and I returned to historic Istanbul in Spring 2023 and found the city still as vibrant and wonderful as previous visits. During this trip to Istanbul, we stayed in three different luxury properties and did a thorough site inspection of another one, getting to experience different areas of Istanbul.

The Los Angeles / Beverly Hills area has many amazing luxury hotels to pick from, and we have tried many of them. On a recent visit, these three properties stood out for their customer service.

In September 2023, Glenn and I went on back-to-back cruises with a five-day cruise on Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady and an nine-day cruise on the Celebrity Solstice. We loved both cruises for different reasons and are sharing all the details with you.

My family and I had the pleasure of staying at the Four Seasons Tokyo at Otemachi in June 2023 and experienced a peaceful sanctuary that connects you to the city of Tokyo and the history of Japan from every angle of the hotel. All while being surrounded by the exceptional service that you would expect from a Four Seasons hotel.

Many visitors to Bangkok only stay for a couple of days until heading south to the beaches or north to Chiang Mai and/or Chiang Rai. What people are missing is a Bangkok vacation. This vibrant city comes with a vast collection of luxury hotel options, amazing food choices (ranging from street food to Michelin-starred restaurants) and numerous new luxury malls. For culture, the palaces and temples bring a historical perspective from the only Southeast Asian country never to be colonized by any European countries. Last but not least, the Thai people are some of the most authentic and warm individuals who will endear you to return to the Big Mango time and time again.

Las Vegas is central to everything you might want to do. Within a 4-hour drive radius, you have beaches, skiing, mountains, deserts and the Grand Canyon. And in the middle of all that scenic nature is Las Vegas itself - world-class dining, shopping, spas and entertainment, along with over 150,000 hotel rooms to accommodate every taste. Las Vegas is an amazing home base for your adventures!

Istanbul is truly a city that has everything: a diverse history, rich culture, foodie paradise and passionate people that will leave you longing to return to Istanbul again and again to discover more of what it has to offer. This guide will show you how you can experience all of the above in affordable luxury and show you why Istanbul should be near the top of your bucket list.

Agra, India is well-known for being the home of the famous Taj Mahal. As part of the popular Golden Triangle tourist circuit of India, many visitors come to see the Taj Mahal and then leave without seeing the any other local sites. While Agra has fewer attractions than the other two Golden Triangle cities, Agra also has a different feel and culture that makes slowing down and experiencing it worthwhile.

The Maldives truly transports you to your own private island resort. Everywhere you look are crystal clear waters and reefs to explore. From the moment you arrive, you are surrounded by authentic and exceptional service. Every evening ends with a painted sunset sky and you are lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves. Maldives is THE destination for the perfect honeymoon, milestone birthday, anniversary or ultimate beach and water adventure.

Delhi is the capital of India, comprised of New Delhi and Old Delhi. New Delhi is a contemporary city with a wide variety of dining, shopping and modern architecture that you would expect in a major world city. Old Delhi is traditional, hectic and filled with ancient culture and history. You have the best of both experiences within one city with amazing food and sights around every corner. Most travelers make the mistake of only using Delhi as a gateway to other parts of India, causing them to miss out on a very underrated experience. Explore Delhi with me!

Jaipur is called the Pink City due to the color of its buildings in the main part of the city. This vibrant city is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site on its own, but also contains two separate UNESCO sites: Amer Fort and Jantar Mantar. Jaipur is also close to several wildlife preserves and is one of the three cities that make up the Golden Triangle of India.