April Cover Battle Switzerland or Florence? Which to choose for our April cover image? We opted for an approachable, springtime image of Zürich rather than an up-close image of a Florence statue. What did you think? I adored the April cover — especially the way the green leaves bordered the cover image. It framed it so nicely, and it really felt like the cover and the issue welcomed me into the spring/summer travel season, beckoning me to enjoy the beautiful scenery and pleasant weather of destinations around the globe. Great cover! Helen Leighton, Memphis, Tenn. At Your Service After reading your April Cruising column, I had to write a letter to second the writers’ sentiments about the Silversea Cruises experience. It is, without a doubt, an “ultra-luxurious cruising experience of a more relaxed sort.” I’ve been on three cruises with the line and haven’t one single complaint. At all times, the experience was 5-star, simply exquisite, especially the butler service. I can’t wait for my next cruise. Martin Jackson, Dallas, Texas On the Waterfront Thanks for including the April update on Boston’s Seaport District. For years I traveled to Boston bimonthly for business and always thought to myself how underused the waterfront area was. It’s been many years since I’ve visited, as I changed jobs and now experience different U.S. cities regularly; but Boston remains one of my favorites, and I’m glad to learn of all the development. Even more of a reason to return! Tyson Stocker, San Diego, Calif. Merger Musings Global Traveler’s Globility Board comprises vetted subscribers who serve as a focus group for our questions about the world of travel. We asked for their thoughts on the upcoming Marriott/Starwood hotel and Alaska Airlines/Virgin America airline mergers. One member shares his thoughts. In the sense that it makes Alaska Airlines stronger and more likely to remain viable, it’s a good thing. Service standards will likely, over time, meet Alaska’s current levels. The fleet rationalization process will be interesting to watch, too. For the hotels, Marriott is a better fit than the Chinese insurance company that was also interested. But I think Starwood will be surely assimilated, which won’t be entirely good for hotel rates or loyalty program benefits. Mike Russo, Colorado Springs, Colo. Americans May Soon Need Visas to Enter Europe In the April 19 issue of eFlyer USA, we reported on the European Commission’s consideration of suspending visa waivers for travelers from the United States and Canada, with a final decision set for July 12. We asked: Will new visa requirements affect your travel to Europe? Should the United States waive visa restrictions for travelers from Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Poland and Romania in order to avoid changes? If this were to happen, I would definitely curtail my travel to Europe. I have several upcoming trips in the planning stages, a couple of which include multiple countries. If the visa waivers were suspended, I would definitely rethink those travel plans and find other places to visit. In fact, I would probably spend a lot more time within the United States exploring many destinations in my own country and on my bucket list. I have been saving those for a time when my mobility is a little more challenged and I don’t want to travel as far from home. In my estimation, Europe is always more expensive for me to visit factoring in items like airfare and exchange rates (even when favorable). The hassle and expense of obtaining visas for multiple countries on a single trip would be burdensome, annoying and off-putting. I am indifferent on waiving visa requirements for citizens of Poland, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania. Kathleen Voigt, Kingston, Mass. Business Travelers Reject Rentals, Taxis In the April 26 issue of eFlyer USA, we reported new statistics on business traveler behavior, showing Uber and Lyft gaining more favor as they replace car rentals and taxis. We asked: Do you regularly choose Uber or Lyft when traveling for business? Uber changed the way I travel for business, leisure and at home. Streamlining the experience changed the game — how much more efficient I am by managing the entire transportation process from calling my ride to tracking my progress to paying and tipping, all at the push of a button. While I don’t believe ridesharing services will ever overtake car rental companies, they could easily eliminate taxi companies. Cabs should find ways to up their game to compete. Devon Debour, New York, N.Y.