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Luxor (Courtesy Boat Bike Tours) (Press Release) FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Boat Bike Tours will set out on a bold new adventure in 2026 with a first-of-its-kind tour of Egypt and the Nile River. With special permission, guests will travel the country in a way no others have, leaving behind popular tourist routes to e-bike through a pristine Red Sea resort, among the Nile’s fertile farmlands, small villages and immense monuments, and to the Great Pyramids outside Cairo. Off their bikes, they’ll enjoy the comforts of deluxe hotels and an all-suite ship. The 13-day tour starts at €5,299 per person based on double occupancy with discounts available for a limited time on the first two departures, Feb. 5 and 19, 2026. For more information, visit https://www.boatbiketours.com/tours/egypt-the-nile-a-journey-to-ancient-wonders/.
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My Wanderlust column for the November issue of Aqua Pinecrest magazine spotlights Palm Springs. Read about it HERE.
-- Gerry Barker (Press Release) PALM SPRINGS, CA (October 27, 2025) – Modernism Week announced the schedule of its highly anticipated February festival, running from February 12 to 22, 2026, in the Palm Springs area of Southern California. This iconic celebration spotlights midcentury and modern architecture, art, interior and landscape design, and vintage culture. The 11-day event will offer more than 450 unique experiences, including the renowned Palm Springs Modernism Show, tours of iconic architectural homes, and vibrant evening events. The programming provides a perfect blend of education and entertainment for enthusiasts of architecture and design. Festival highlights include access to the legendary gardens of the Kaufmann Desert House, a range of engaging architectural tours aboard open-air double-decker buses, walking and biking excursions, tours of the historic Annenberg Estate at Sunnylands, retro-themed parties, and captivating talks by world-class speakers. The event schedule may be previewed on the website now and tickets go on sale November 1, 2025, at 12 p.m. PDT at modernismweek.com. All events are open to the public. Courtesy MSC Cruises (Press Release) Geneva, Switzerland – October 29, 2025 – Work has begun on the upgrade of MSC Cruises’ MSC Magnifica, marking the start of an extensive enhancement program that underscores the cruise line’s ongoing investment in enhancing the guest experience across its fleet. MSC Magnifica has been in service since 2010 and is the first of two Musica Class ships due to enter dry dock at Palumbo Malta Shipyard in Malta. Courtesy Azamara Cruises (Press Release) MIAMI, October 29, 2025: Azamara Cruises, the small-ship cruise line celebrated for its Destination Immersion® and Extended Destination Days, is excited to unveil its highly anticipated Winter 2027/2028 itineraries. Spanning from October 16, 2027, to April 28, 2028, this new season of 87 cruises continues Azamara’s commitment to more late nights and overnights. Offering more than 150 late nights and 60 overnights across its four-ship fleet, these itineraries are designed to allow travelers to savor destinations after the crowds have gone, providing authentic local experiences and memorable moments that extend well beyond daylight hours. Editor's Note: Big news announced today by American Cruise Lines -- 10 new ships that will bring American’s U.S.-flagged fleet to 30 ships by 2028. -- the largest domestic cruise fleet ever. Also notable: Guests aboard American Pioneer 's inaugural voyage Oct. 31st will be able to see next week’s SpaceX launch from the ship. ACL Patriot Class ship (ACL) (Press Release) Guilford, CT—October 27, 2025--American Cruise Lines is pleased to announce 10 new ships for the U.S. market beginning with American Pioneer debuting in Florida on October 31st. American Pioneer is the 2nd new Patriot Class ship the company has launched this year. The balance of the order will be delivered over the next 3 years, underscoring the company’s commitment to the development and modernization of the U.S. market. All American’s new boats will continue to sail domestically, operating itineraries across the Line’s growing portfolio, including the Mississippi River, Alaska, and the East Coast. The new ships will also accelerate American’s expansion into new niche markets such as the Great Lakes, the Arkansas River, and National Parks cruises. Star Explorer (Windstar) (Press Release) MIAMI, FL, October 27, 2025 – Windstar Cruises is charting new territory in 2027 with the debut of Star Explorer, the second of two new all-suite yachts being added to the fleet. Hosting just 224 guests, this sleek new ship will sail year-round in Europe. Now open for booking, her first full season of Europe cruises runs through March 2028, featuring an irresistible lineup of classic journeys and new itineraries. From Circumnavigating Ireland to discovering the Seven Gems of the Baltic, Star Explorer is all about immersive, port-intensive experiences with longer stays and overnight visits in the heart of Europe’s most captivating cities. (Press Release) Palm Beach Gardens, Florida (October 27, 2025) - Ship&Play, the trusted leader in luxury luggage shipping and the team behind ShipSticks — the leading name in golf club and sports equipment shipping -- is proud to announce its first-ever cruise partnerships with Azamara Cruises, Emerald Cruises & Tours and Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, delivering a seamless, door-to-stateroom travel experience for guests. Starting with fall 2025 itineraries on November 1st for Azamara Cruises and on November 15th for Emerald Cruises & Tours and Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, cruise passengers can now ship their luggage from home directly to their suite and return it home again — skipping airport baggage claim, customs delays, and long check-in lines. From left, Jill Malcolm, Guy Hermelin, and Virginia Wark, all of Key West, Fla., are met with cheers after being named the top three winners at the 42nd annual Headdress Ball at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater in Key West, Thursday night, Oct. 23, 2025. Hermelin captured First Place with “Astraea the Magnificent Dream Dragon.” Wark earned Second for “Sandworm Escape.” And Malcolm took Third Place for her creation “Bookish Bride.” The event, themed “Bedtime Stories and Magical Monsters,” is part of Fantasy Fest which continues through Sunday. (Mark Hedden/Florida Keys News Bureau) (Press Release) KEY WEST, Fla. (Oct. 24, 2025) — Outrageous headwear. Towering creations. Magnificent Masks. And larger-than-life personalities rocked center stage in Key West, Florida Thursday night. The over-the-top evening was all part of the 42nd Annual Headdress Ball — a signature event during Fantasy Fest that challenges competitors to unleash their creative prowess with show-stopping designs...from the shoulders up! The contestants transformed Key Wests’ Coffee Butler Amphitheater into a dazzling spectacle as they competed for a five-thousand-dollar grand prize — and a coveted title. The theme? “Bedtime Stories and Magical Monsters.” And the creations from contestants were nothing short of pure theatrical magic. The crowd went wild as contestants brought their high-energy performances to life, with longtime host Randy Roberts at the helm. Their jaw-dropping head-dresses ranged from fantastical dream-world beasts to intricate mechanical designs. But they didn’t stop there...many contestants got decked out in full-body costumes, which added to the evening’s dramatic flair. The elaborate event raises funds to support year-round efforts to promote Key West as destination where everyone feels welcome. And if you’re having a case of serious FOMO, there’s still time to take in Fantasy Fest which continues through Sunday, Oct. 26, with the Captain Morgan Masquerade March on Friday and Saturday night’s wildly popular grand finale — the Deep Eddy Vodka Fantasy Fest Parade; which packs the streets and rooftops of Key West’s famed Duval Street. New lounge at Pierre’s Restaurant (Press Release) A vibey new lounge and menu await curious foodies at Pierre’s Restaurant in Islamorada. The upscale French-fusion restaurant has unveiled a beautifully refurbished lounge and an updated menu of shareable coastal-inspired dishes, inviting guests to relax and savor in an intimate, sophisticated setting. Located on the Florida Bay in the heart of the Florida Keys, Pierre’s is renowned for its French-fusion cuisine, romantic waterfront dining, and breathtaking sunset views. The newly reimagined lounge offers guests a cozy, yet polished atmosphere where laid-back island charm meets modern sophistication. With warm wooden ceilings, plush velvet couches, and granite cocktail tables, it’s the perfect place to unwind with handcrafted cocktails and delectable small bites. To match the setting, a fresh lineup of small plates is now being offered, including truffle-topped Oyster Rockefeller, ahi tuna with crispy beet chips, slow-braised lamb with zucchini tzatziki, and more! |
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November 2025
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